Central Today Issue 63

Issue 63 | May/June 2011

Rugby rules Colin Meads on the state of our national game and looking ahead to the Rugby World Cup

News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Information | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 1174-9520

The effects of plastic on the environment are already well documented...but what about the effects of plastic on our bodies?

Research is showing that under special circumstances, certain chemicals from plastic bottles and containers are able to leach into the water (or food) held within. One such culprit is a toxic chemical known as Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical with estrogen mimicking effects that is linked to obesity, diabetes, breast cancer and hyperactivity. Another two common toxic chemicals present in plastic bottles are antimony and phthalates.

Make a change for the better. Buy stainless steel BPA-free SafeBottles and reduce the impact of plastic on the environment and our bodies.

For more information and to see the full range of SafeBottles, please visit www.safebottles.co.nz or call our friendly team on 0800 777 444 or text SAFE to 244.

Have you ever asked yourself...

Is there more cancer around these days? Why are there more pregnancy issues, infertility, or miscarriages? Why do more kids have ADHD now? Is male sexual dysfunction more prevalent now? What damage are we doing to our planet by using plastic? What’s causing the early onset of female puberty? Read on and you may find the answers...

What is BPA (Bisphenol A)?

BPA is widely used to make polycarbonate plastics such as those in baby bottles, water bottles and compact disc cases and is an ingredient in the resins used to line food cans. The chemical has been shown to leach into food or water. To see a complete definition of BPA, please go to www. safebottles.co.nz. The following is a direct quote from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). As you will see they acknowledge that BPA and other chemicals do leach into food and liquid. However, they also say that it’s not proven to be harmful and doesn’t cause cancer.

“In some circumstances, chemicals in food packaging can migrate into the food product and vice versa, depending on the nature of the packaging and the food contained within.”

Food Standards Australia New Zealand “the most toxic chemical known to man.”

Dr Frederick Vom Saal

The facts on BPA The following are quotes relating to BPA and chemicals found in plastic water bottles. To see the full quote and source, please visit our website, www.safebottles.co.nz In men the oestrogen mimicking effects of BPA have been known to block some of the more important effects that testosterone has on sexual functioning. Those who were exposed to BPA were four times more likely than those who were not exposed to report some sort of sexual dysfunction. Associate Professor of Department of Reproductive Sciences - Yale

But even though PETE (used in many plastic bottles) doesn’t contain BPA (as seen on 60 Minutes 9/6/2010), it does contain other chemicals called phthalates - which are also believed to be endocrine disruptors. Mindfood.com Like BPA, these chemicals leach into the water more quickly when the plastic is heated, so don’t leave these water bottles in a hot car or out in the sun. A potentially deadly toxin is being absorbed into bottled mineral

water from their plastic containers.

And the longer the water is stored, the levels of poison increase, research reveals.

There are enough warning signs to show the need to act sooner rather than later. There are growing concerns about bottled water in particular in plastic bottles. The safest option is stainless steel. Breastchek.co.nz

Jo Knowsley

Our findings suggest that exposure to low-dose BPA may have widespread effects on brain structure and function. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to classify BPA as safe, basing its ruling only on the findings of two industry-funded studies.

There are over 200 independent scientists, not in conflict financially with this chemical (BPA), saying we find it relating to obesity, prostate cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, brain disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, liver disease, ovarian disease, disease of the uterus, low sperm count for men and the list goes on. David Gutierrez Natural News After years of insisting Bisphenol-A (BPA) posed no threat to the health of babies, six larger manufacturers of baby bottles have announced they will stop shipping new baby bottles made with the chemical. Mike Adams, Natural News A 2007 review of 700 studies involving BPA, published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology, found that infants and foetuses were the most vulnerable to adverse effects from this toxic substance. C W Randolph, MD The researchers indicated that such damage is a possible predictor of reproductive diseases in women, including fibroids, endometriosis, cystic ovaries and cancers. Earlier studies linked low dose BPA to female reproductive-tract disorders, as well as early-stage prostate and breast cancer and decreased sperm counts in animals. Andreas Moritz In 2004, one researcher counted up all of the studies done to date on just BPA. Of 104 studies done by independent researchers, 94 found adverse effects.

Donna Jackson Nakazawa

The latest study showed that women with a history of miscarriages were found to have higher levels of BPA in their bodies. The women who had miscarriages were found to have BPA levels on average about three times higher than women who had successfully given birth. David Steinman

The National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health concluded that there is “some concern” that BPA may cause problems in foetuses, babies and children, including breast or prostate cancer early onset of female puberty, attention deficit disorder and other problems of the reproductive and neurological systems. David Gutierrez Bisphenol A is such a dangerous chemical that I have no doubt it will one day be banned from all food and beverage products. Frederick vom Saal The following are countries which have taken action against BPA - Canada, Denmark, Belgium and France - so far.

Those with the most BPA in their urine had nearly three times the risk of heart disease more than twice the risk of diabetes, as well as signs of liver damage.

Unfortunately, the levels of BPA that were associated with disease are within the EPA’s industry-friendly levels of safety.” Byron Richards The following research is by world expert Dr William Shotyk - who has vowed never to drink bottled water again - “I don’t want to shock people but here’s what I know: Antimony is being continuously released into bottled drinking water. The water in PET bottles is contaminated”.

Antimony finds its way into water by ‘leaching’ from the plastic in the same way that water absorbs flavour from a tea bag. Jo Knowsley If you have a baby that you are formula feeding, you are likely to be exposing your child to BPA through the formula itself, which is almost assuredly packaged in a BPA-lined can. Aaron Turpen In most countries, BPA is legal in food storage including baby bottles, containers and so forth. Very few companies are using BPA-free containers for anything. Aaron Turpen To see each of the quotes in full and the source please go to www.safebottles.co.nz

Call 0800 777 444, text SAFE to 244 or go to our website www.safebottles.co.nz to order your SafeBottle today P.S. There’s an iron-clad, lifetime money-back guarantee on all bottles.

18/8 food grade quality stainless steel

BPA-free, toxin-free and eco-friendly

Gary Collins Managing Director

I Fits most cup holders I FDA approved I Fits ice cubes I Doesn’t retain or leach flavours I Dishwasher safe

I Various sizes and colours available I Designed to last I 100% recyclable I No plastic liner I Free sports lid www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 3

Issue 63 | April/May

2011

Rugby Rules al game state of our nation Colin Meads on the rld Cup Wo by Rug the to and looking ahead

| ISSN 1174-952 0 t | Retail | Solutions Export | Transpor | Sustainability | | Finance | Property on | Success | Profiles Personalities | Informati s | Interviews | News | Initiative

Central Today

Issue 63

17,429

News

ABC circulation as at 30/06/10

www.centraltoday.co.nz Head office Academy House 818 Colombo Street PO Box 1879 Christchurch

6 Boosting small businesses Making quick cash available to further the growth of local companies 7 Garden City blues Doing business with Christchurch is the best way the North Island can help its southern connection along the road to recovery

managing director Gary Collins General manager Rebecca Harris

7 Past due Paying the bills, taking care of your obligations

administration Kylie Moore admin manager Kelly Clarke Rebecca McQueen Kimberley Wells Hanna Broadhurst sales & advertising Robert Cochrane John Somerville Graeme Tall Steve Dando Janet Campbell Miranda Hearn Grant Williams Jane Watson

6 Eastern horizons Cashing in on Chinese connections

sales executives

newsroom Jonathon Taylor Marie Sherry Bridget Gourlay Kate McKone

8 Kiwifruit’s global appeal Zespri’s golden ambitions 9 Cover story Colin Meads discusses the state of our national game as the World Rugby Cup looms on the horizon

Get the Competitive Edge 10 Hardening up Has the PC era led us to become cry-babies, afraid of challenge and commercial competition?

editor

Phone: 03 961 5050 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: editor@academy.net.nz

production Carolynne Brown Production assistant Melanie Stanbury designers CJ McKay Hayley Brocket Ryan Carter Ian Knott Kirsty Opie Camilla Josephs Phone: 03 961 5050 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: production@academy.net.nz

11 Double acts Two heads are better than one but double does not mean trouble.

Teaming up can bring big advantages 12 Quality competition Put the focus on value and find out what you can provide better than anyone else

Features 13 Events diary Events, courses and seminars coming your way 13 Making websites work Beef up your website to meet and exceed expectations and you’ll reap the results in business growth 14 Lifestyles Top drops, delightful destinations, beautiful baubles and a licence to ride 15 Products 4U A selection of products with the focus on empowerment

Disclaimer: This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services.

A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication.

Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice.

Contents Copyright 2011 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved.

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4 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Business 16 Manawatu Business Development The Manawatu Defence Hub is booming as a prime supplier to the New Zealand military. Engineering innovation is also happening — leading the way are Food Machinery Australasia, Profab Central Engineering and Coachwork Central 20 Agribusiness Apperleys Roundwood and Timber, a well established name in the rural arena, is gaining extra attention for its new range of barns 22 Business Development New Plymouth’s Independent Technology provides specialist engineering solutions to the oil and gas industry. Eastcoast Rentals leads the way for those wanting to hire or buy forklifts 28 Initiatives Waste not, want not — the Cairns Group has made its name by providings total waste management solutions. Precision Gears supplies what its name states, offering gearbox customers a range of high-quality products 32 Export Independent Stevedoring is at the forefront of solutions for import and export activity. Reaman Industries ensures clean water is in plentiful supply here and in the Pacific Islands, while Hunter Filling Systems continues to break through export barriers.

38 Transport and Motoring Waikato transport company Slater 2010 has a new name and focus on continuing to improve services. Central Diesel Service offers a comprehensive ‘bumper-to-bumper’ service, while Coombes Johnston BMW excels at meeting customner needs.

46 Engineering/Projects Structural steel specialist Taranaki Engineering is a world-class fabricator while Complete Engineering and Hydraulics specialises in water-based technology. Downer is on time and on target with its major revamp of Rotorua’s sewerage system

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Across the country, nearly 400 staff work in the 37 owner operated Office Products Depot outlets. This means the company has been New Zealand owned and operated from when it started until today.

convenience through a variety of methods.

Office Products Depot caters to the needs of its customers by supporting orders placed by phone, e-mail, fax, standard mail or online via its website.

CEO Dianne McAteer puts the company’s growth and longevity down to a focus on customer service.

Each customer has their own unique login details and lists of regularly shopped products. Orders are picked, packed and dispatched with most deliveries arriving on the customer’s door step the next day. For those customers in a hurry or who like to browse the shelves, some locations feature showrooms and retail space so they can shop when it suits them.

“Our customer service is second to none and that’s something we’ve put a lot of time and effort into. We really invest in our people.

Last year our staff went on 350 training days all up – both in classroom learning and online. We have our own programme, which is quite unusual; businesses often rely on outsourced training.”

Kiwis serving Kiwis.

That’s what Office Products Depot has been about for the last 20 years. And while its branding may be changing, this key principle is staying the same.

The specialised training also creates a company culture, even though the employees live and work across the country.

“Because of our company culture, when we get together at our yearly conferences or at road shows, everyone feels part of a bigger group. This makes it easier to interact and share ideas.”

Stock and service A typical request from a company works like this. A business will discuss its needs and budget with the local Office Products Depot account manager.

The account manager will ask pertinent questions to figure out the product and service needs relevant to that customer. As you would expect, lawyers need different office supplies to manufacturers.

Once a range of products has been identified, pricing is negotiated based on the volume and frequency of the customer’s ordering behaviour and an account is set up.

The customer can then place orders at their

Another bonus for Office Products Depot customers is the smorgasbord of options.

Not only does it have 5000 items in its catalogue, but it has access to 100,000.

“We will look really hard for anything our customers need. If it’s obsolete, if it’s rare – we will go the extra mile to source it,” McAteer explains.

That’s why with its recent re-branding, Office Products Depot has chosen the slogans ‘Your Office Supply Heroes’ and ‘No one loves your office like we do,’ and a new heart shaped logo. It wanted to show in its branding how committed it is to customer service and its passion for its product selection.

While it has survived the recession successfully and is proud of its many staff, customers and outlets around the country, Office Products Depot isn’t resting on its laurels.

“We would like to take on some bigger clients,” McAteer says. “We have really upgraded our capabilities, and can support large corporate companies. But we’re still proud to support SMEs. They are the heartland of this country.”

• 5000 items, overnight delivery and 100 percent Kiwi owned and operated.

Office Products Depot 37 Outlets Nationwide 0800 Office www.opd.co.nz

www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 5

News

Eastern

horizons

By Bridget Gourlay

For the past few years, ‘China’ has been the buzzword in the business community. How can we sell dairy, wine and kiwifruit to the growing middle class market in the world’s most populated country?

But it’s not just our products we’re trying to sell. It is expected the number of international departures from China will double in five years, from 50 million to 100 million travellers. The Chinese are keen to see the world, and for the past few decades it has become common to see many exploring New Zealand.

they are excited about the Chinese market.

From young people in their 20s having a go at bungy jumping, to the middle aged taking in mountain scenery, the Chinese have been coming to New Zealand in greater and greater numbers for a holiday.

Until this April however, there hasn’t been a direct flight between the two countries. In the past, Chinese tourists flew through Hong Kong, Singapore or Australia to get to New Zealand.

Soon a direct connection flying three times a week between Auckland and Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong (formerly known as Canton) province will open.

Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler says the China visitor market is critical to New Zealand as the growth in the number of Chinese with the means and inclination to travel internationally is booming.

“Attracting visitors from southern China specifically to holiday in New Zealand has always been challenging due to a lack of

“Rotorua’s proximity to Auckland, together with our combined geothermal and Maori cultural appeal for first time visitors, means Rotorua is expected to be welcoming a high proportion of these visitors.” airline capacity.

Guangdong region is a power house of Chinese industry; it has the third highest GDP per capita.

“It is a mature market in terms of travel selections and travel style expectations and New Zealand as a distinct holiday destination has a lot to offer. With the move to establish direct services from Guangdong that make it easier for travellers from across China to visit New Zealand, there is significant potential for us to attract longer staying visitors and to

grow China into our third

largest tourism

market.” The new Guangzhou to Auckland route will initially be served by an A330-300 aircraft, containing 284 seats and running three times a week.

Just because planes will be flying into Auckland Airport doesn’t mean tourists will be spending all their time there. The central North Island region, with its beaches, lakes, skifields and small town charm, will also be a huge draw.

For example, Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing general manager Don Gunn says

Auckland Airport chief executive Simon Moutter says not just tourism will benefit. “The additional visitors and longer stays typically generated by direct air services translates into more dollars for the visitor economy.

“More importantly, we know that increased air links drive much broader economic activity… (and) help deepen the strong business links between New Zealand and China, which will in turn lead to even more opportunities and help drive demand for more air services.”

Moutter says China Southern Airline’s decision to fly directly to Auckland will have an annual economic impact of at least $75 million.

Boosting small businesses

By Melinda Collins

Small businesses; they’re an integral part of the greater Waikato economy. The owners of such businesses throughout the region now stand to benefit from a new government initiative, giving them access to hundreds of thousands of dollars funding and advice to help them grow and innovate.

Opportunity Hamilton and Waikato Innovation Park have been made regional partners to provide the scheme to private owned businesses employing fewer than 50 staff, helping companies access up to $5000 each year towards their training costs.

Retraction

Opportunity Hamilton business development manager Adrian Dixon and Waikato Innovation Park’s Peter Maxwell will work with regional businesses to provide access to funding, advice and support geared at business growth.

“This is very much a regional initiative and our goal is to make it relevant and beneficial to everybody. We will be working closely with each community to ensure this happens,” Dixon says.

Opportunity Hamilton, formerly the Business Development Centre, has more than 20 years experience helping thousands of people Other assistance available through the business start and grow businesses, through business development programme includes connecting coaching, training and high impact support programmes. A more recent focus has been businesses with experts, research partners helping businesses relocate and set up and companies with complementary skills, companies in Hamilton and marketing the city commercialisation and advice on protecting as an ideal business location. intellectual property.

Business owners must first demonstrate a desire to innovate and grow their business to be eligible. “Part of the assessment is talking

In the December-January 2011 issue of Central Today, the feature article on Te Mata Quarry (pages 56-58) contained an image from the RedBull Powder Company website. The quarry blasting image, on page 57, was used without the express permission of the RedBull Powder Company. Central Today apologises sincerely to both the RedBull Powder Company and Te Mata Quarry for any inconvenience or embarrassment this may have caused.

6 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

through their business, getting a feel for where it’s at, identifying their skill gaps and executing a strategy to close their skill gaps with the appropriate training programme. Depending on a business size and aspirations, regional partners can tailor funding and support to meet their needs,” Dixon says.

National pool Research and development funding support from a national pool of $75 million is available through Waikato Innovation Park’s TechNZ arm.

The investments focus on growing commercial business through the creational and commercialisation of innovative technology.

“Grants can be used for a range of R&D activity including new product development, enlisting domestic or off-shore expertise and internships for students,” Maxwell says.

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“These R&D investment are made in the expectation that supported businesses will become more successful, ideally looking at developing or growing their export markets, and make a contribution to job creation and New Zealand’s economy. Ultimately they are giving something back to New Zealand.”

The funding scheme will replace NZTE’s Enterprise Training Programme, giving greater flexibility in training and development options for businesses, Dixon says. Businesses, scientists and students are among those already benefiting from the grants with about $1 million in funding granted in the last two years throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. “This is really a way of enabling New Zealand companies to up their game and become more competitive internationally.”

For more information on how you can benefit from the funding scheme visit www.opportunityhamilton.co.nz or www.innovationwaikato.co.nz

News

Garden city

By Bridget Gourlay

North Islanders have all seen the scenes of devastation in Christchurch since the February 22 earthquake and want to play their part in helping the city recover.

BusinessNZ chief executive Phil O’Reilly says a strong Canterbury emerging from the recent earthquakes is crucial for the whole country, not just the region itself. “The Government’s commitment to Canterbury is good to see and so too is the support of the private sector.

“Many New Zealanders recognise that this could be any of us, and there is a real human side to this, but there is also a commercial realism. New Zealand needs Canterbury to be strong and to have a thriving business community. And our larger firms are happy to support this knowing that by supporting business they are helping to retain jobs, keep families together and assist to get the economy back on its feet.”

O’Reilly stresses the best way to aid Christchurch’s economic activity is to buy things from there. “In the midst of this unfolding tragedy we have seen the courage and resilience of Christchurch people and the genuine desire for businesses to help. Industry associations will help co-ordinate those efforts and promote the fact that Christchurch is open for business,” O’Reilly says.

“The Affiliated Industries Group believes the quickest way to help Christchurch get back to normality is to buy things from there. People and enterprises elsewhere can help greatly simply by doing business with Christchurch firms.”

The website www.mychristchurchbusiness isopen.co.nz shows which businesses are open and also provides important information about new locations and contact details.

It’s easy to think that the city is at a standstill following February’s devastating quake, but most businesses are doing their best to get up and going. That means many are operating from temporary premises in suburban areas, or

from manufacturing lines and offices set up in unaffected garages and living rooms.

Some industries have been hit harder than others. For example, ManufacturingNZ and Export NZ director Catherine Beard says most large manufacturers are located outside the CBD and have been relatively unaffected, getting back into production within days of the earthquake.

“In the service sector, ICT-based businesses will be more mobile and faster to return to normal operations, while those without offsite back up records will find the going harder.

“Tourism, retail and education businesses are likely to be harder hit than manufacturers, particularly if they were based in the CBD. In the wider Canterbury region, the agricultural sector is largely business as usual.”

BusinessNZ is co-ordinating relief and recovery contributions from businesses.

If you would like to help email QuakeRecovery@businessnz.org.nz or call (04) 496 6554.

Paying the bills Paying your business’ bills is not just a goodwill gesture; it is about meeting your obligations in a trade relationship. In New Zealand, we are falling short on fulfilling this obligation.

Image: worradmu/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In a recent report released by leading credit reporting and debt collection company, Dun & Bradstreet, it was that revealed New Zealand firms took on average 43.9 days to settle their trade accounts in the December quarter — a figure which remains two weeks above the standard 30 day payment term.

The latest business payments research from Dun & Bradstreet which examined the millions of current accounts receivable records contained on its database revealed that an additional four percent of New Zealand businesses failed to pay their trade credit accounts during the December quarter 2010 compared to the prior year.

Denied access “Payments days are still significantly above the standard 30 day term, which means businesses are being denied access to their funds for around two weeks longer than they should be,” Dun & Bradstreet general manager John Scott says. “New Zealand firms need to recognise the value of their accounts receivable as it is typically the largest liquid asset on an organisation’s books — mismanagement of this crucial asset has the potential to bring a business to its knees.”

Nine of the fourteen sectors examined by Dun & Bradstreet experienced a deterioration in

Image: ntwowe/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

their payment times compared to the previous quarter and the report noted that larger firms (200–499 people and 500-plus employees) are consistently slower payers than smaller businesses.

as it can draw more and more businesses into the late payment cycle, making it increasingly difficult for firms to escape the pressures associated with slowing paying customers.”

North Island based businesses were slower to pay than South Island based firms and of the three major cities, Auckland was the slowest to pay during the December quarter, taking 45.2 days to pay accounts. The fastest payment business group was the agricultural sector followed by the mining sector and the fishing industry was the most improved group on its payment times.

He says it is important for commercial organisations to recognise that businesses are not run on charitable basis and businesses need to make sure they are creditor number one not 21 and the terms and conditions are sound.

Commenting on the serious potential financial implications of delayed bill payments Scott says, “A four percent increase in the number of entities paying their accounts late has the potential to inflict cash flow difficulties on a number of large firms. This is a worrying trend

“Getting the money you are owed is the most important thing you should be doing. People have to prioritise this as a key function of their business’ operation and not just after the fact. Take emotion and sentiment out of the equation, it is a business transaction.”

For more information on Dun & Bradstreet visit www.dnb.co.nz www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 7

News

Kiwifruit’s global appeal

By Bridget Gourlay

When Isabel Fraser brought Chinese gooseberry seeds, now known as kiwifruit, to New Zealand in 1904 she probably thought growing them would be a fun project that would hopefully yield a delicious treat.

Little did she know it would spark an industry for New Zealand that just over a century later would bring in $1 billion a year.

Kiwifruit has been a staple of the New Zealand diet for several decades. When Isabelle Fraser brought the seeds from China she gave them to an orchardist friend who gave them to his brother. The seeds grew well. Really well.

By 1920, sixteen years after they first arrived, kiwifruit was planted in Auckland, Hastings, Wanagnui and Tauranga. In 1953 they were exported to England and then the USA. In the past few decades we have been enthusiastically exporting the delicious and tangy fruit — now renamed kiwifruit after us — to countries around the world.

Easy as 1,2,3 Zespri wants to double New Zealand’s revenue in the next 15 years. An ambitious task, but something Rob Craig, one of Zespri’s directors of innovation, says is “very achievable”.

Europe remains our biggest market, with kiwifruit being found in supermarkets across the continent. Japan is the highest paying market. But the Chinese one has the most potential. Paradoxically, we are exporting kiwifruit back to the folks who we got it from.

1904 — Isabel Fraser, a headmistress, brings kiwifruit seeds back to New Zealand from her sister’s mission station in China’s Yangtze Valley. Isabel gives the seeds to orchardist Thomas Allison, who gives them to his brother Alexander. They are called “yang tao” in Chinese and “Chinese gooseberry” in English.

1910 — New Zealand’s first kiwifruit vines are recorded as bearing fruit on Alexander Allison’s property.

1920 — Chinese gooseberry plants are offered for sale by a number of nurserymen.

Plantings are recorded in Auckland, Fielding, Wanganui and Tauranga.

Timeline

1924 — Auckland nurseryman Hayward Wright develops the green-fleshed kiwifruit variety that has become the most commonly grown around the world.

1934 — Jim MacLoughlin plants his first seven acres of Chinese gooseberries on his property in the Bay of Plenty region.

1952 — Jim MacLoughlin and Grahame Bayliss export the first commercial shipment, 13 tonnes of Chinese Gooseberries to England.

1959 — The brown furry fruit is remamed kiwifruit.

The first exports to the USA arrive in California.

1991 — The gold variety is developed on HortResearcher’s orchard in Te Puke.

1994 — Creation of the first 100 percent organic packhouse, for the rising demand and supply of organic kiwifruit.

2008 — New Zealand production of Zespri kiwifruit exceeds 100 million trays.

2010 — Zespri releases three new varieties.

8 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

And Craig says they can’t get enough of the delicious fruit. “The Asian market — in particular the middle classes in China — is growing. We are marketing and promoting heavily to their growing wealth.”

2011, arriving in markets up to three weeks ahead of existing gold, with the other new gold variety delivering exports hopefully all the way through to spring.

Growing Gold

China isn’t the only growing Asian market Zespri has its eye on. A free trade agreement with South Korea is being discussed by diplomats and it could be worth almost $34 million to New Zealand kiwifruit growers — approximately $12,000 per grower.

Gold kiwifruit is driving the big money being forecasted. Created by horticultural scientists in 1991, Zespri gold kiwifruit doesn’t have the sour taste that some people dislike — and the Chinese market loves it.

“They are especially enjoying our gold variety, because of their sweet palate,” Craig says.

New varieties of kiwifruit are being created all the time. Two gold ones called G3 and G9 have just been launched, as well as a new early sweet green variety called G14.

“These three new varieties have created real excitement in the industry, with enormous export potential,” Craig says.

Zespri chief executive Lain Jager says consumers in Europe, Japan and elsewhere in Asia want gold kiwifruit all year round, driving Zespri’s 12-month supply strategy.

“Right now, New Zealand can meet demand for gold kiwifruit for 20 weeks of the year, with the rest being met from offshore supply,” Jager says.

“Today’s decisions are about taking that towards 30 weeks, delivering a potential 50 percent efficiency gain in our marketing and distribution network from New Zealand, with the balance of demand to be met by our gold kiwifruit growers in the northern hemisphere as that business develops in the future.”

Mr Jager says the early-season varieties of gold are expected to be exported in March

Free trade

Last year Zespri exported almost 6.5 million trays of kiwifruit to Korea, worth approximately NZD $112 million to the industry. In the last five years Zespri has spent more than NZD $30 million on successful advertising and promotion activities in Korea.

In October 2009, New Zealand and Malaysia signed a free trade deal, to the delight of Zespri.

While kiwifruit isn’t a traditional part of Malaysian cuisine, strong advertising to health conscious Malaysians paid off with kiwifruit volumes growing over 80 percent in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, sales of the sweeter gold kiwifruit skyrocketed by more than 100 percent.

And Japan remains solidly the “big-payer, gold plated market,” according to Rob Craig.

Taiwan is also strong. India is the “gem for the future”.

Big plans. Big markets. Zespri is passionate about the big taste of kiwifruit and how well it’s going to perform in the future. In another few decades Kiwi travellers might be able to eat their favourite home-grown fruit in any country in the world.

Rugby

News Profile | Sir Colin Meads

RULES

By Melinda Collins

If the classic Kiwi bloke had a face, it’s Sir Colin Meads. It is not however, this title or any other he dwells on. “Just stick with Colin,” he replies in his gruff voice. He’s felt that way ever since he accepted his knighthood in 2009.

We like ‘em tough in our little corner of the world. At 1.92cm tall and tipping the scales at 100kg, Meads was no bigger than his fellow rugby comrades — it was in recognition of an overall physical presence that he scored the nickname Pinetree. But then it was suggested by a rugby writer in 1969 that his legs were “the greatest since Betty Grable’s”.

Holy grail of rugby Talking about pressure; we are quickly heading up to Rugby World Cup and with just one cup win under our rugby belts, it is a big deal. “We’ve gone in favourites in most of the World Cups and got knocked over somewhere along the line and that’s been frustrating for New Zealand. I think we’ve got to get above that and hope that we can carry it right through.

“The great hope is that New Zealand wins, obviously. This is the big one.”

So should we have a plan B, or is it about trusting plan A and our ability to execute it? “Plan B? They get carried away with these things; you’ve got to play according to what Meads played 133 games for the All Blacks your opposition is doing and whether between 1957 and 1971. In his 55 test matches that means changing your game, well he scored seven tries and was captain on four that’s just it. I think we’re very good occasions. However, Meads’ career was never in all departments now and we’ll be a about the stats. better equipped side for whatever the opposition throw at us.”

Meads epitomised mind over matter; the strength of character and force of will that So just what opposition should we distinguished him as the player he was and the be keeping an eye on? “I always say player he is remembered as.

South Africa is a huge threat to us.

It is perhaps best outlined by recounting when he broke his arm mid-game and played on.

It was in South Africa, 1970. “I went to the sideline,” Meads says. “The doc said it was a pinched nerve. I knew it was more than that but I wasn’t leaving the bloody game for a pinched nerve.”

I’m not convinced the explanation demolishes the legend of the toughest bloke in rugby. “I was quite upset about it and I wanted to get back out there and sock it to them sort of thing.”

At the end of the match Meads was heard muttering, “at least we won the bloody game”.

Meads’ time was before rugby went pro.

So are they just as hard?

It’s not comparable, Meads says. “I think they’re just as hard. They play a different game now and they put in some huge tackles and that’s hard on the players, both sides. The halfbacks and first-five-eights all have to be part of the machine that puts players on the ground.

“It’s a lot harder game than what we used to play.”

Quite simply, the game has evolved in the professional era. “We used to relax after every game we played, whether we were on tour or not, and not worry about the next game until the next day. The All Blacks were just never allowed to relax and that was the problem.

“That’s what professional rugby does, puts pressure on people and I guess you could say, it can be too much pressure.”

They might not have had a good season last year, but they are the ones that are going to worry us the most, along with Australia. Australia has a very young team and on the day they can be quite brilliant.”

It’s not just the World Cups we have to work hard at. He says it’s easy to get overconfident when we’re playing weaker teams; the secret is to play our best every time. “We can’t take the lesser teams lightly. We’ve got to make sure we come out all guns firing for every game.”

In 1999 he was named New Zealand’s Player of the Century and the International Rugby Hall of Fame rated him “the most famous forward in world rugby throughout the 1960s”.

For many New Zealanders Meads symbolises a bygone era of New Zealand society and rugby.

So how is he filling his days now? “I’m retired, sort of. Well, I’m meant to be retired.”

The day after we talk he’s heading to Wales as the guest of the Welsh Rugby Union, he’s there for a couple of weeks. “I do quite a bit of public speaking around New Zealand. Here, there and everywhere; whenever someone requests me to speak at a function for them.”

When he’s not out motivating people with his public speaking, he’s out in the garden.

“I’m trying to be a top gardener, but you go away for a few days you’ve got to

get somebody to water your garden, its worse than having pets,” he laughs.

I’d have just loved to have played in a World Cup like they have these days.

It’s been a long and fascinating journey, so what’s been the best part?

“It would have been a tremendous thrill and that’s one of the greatest things that’s happened to rugby.”

“The best part has been the comradeship.

With rugby in those days we had huge friendships, not only with your own team, but the players you played against. That was the greatest part of our rugby careers.

“We never had World Cups and these sorts of things the modern player has and

But the greatest day was when he was selected as one of the famed ABs. “The wife might get a bit upset that I don’t say it was our wedding day or something like that,” he laughs. “But the greatest day of my life was the day I became an All Black.” www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 9

News Special | Get the Competitive Edge

Time to

harden up

By Kate Pierson

Tough love can be a hard pill to swallow, particularly when you’re on the receiving end of it.

Because whether it’s a bumped knee or bruised ego you’re nursing, most of us still have an inner child that is a big fan of being coddled.

Admittedly, cosseting has an addictive quality, particularly if you’re the one being indulged, but has the mollycoddling gone too far in New Zealand? Has all this societal spoiling led us to become little cry babies, afraid of a challenge and commercial competition?

Many would argue, yes, there isn’t nearly enough personal or professional rough and tumble going on in society today. And there’s a widespread concern that as a nation we’ve become too precious and too indoctrinated by the PC police.

get the competitive edge

When we look at New Zealand’s success in the global competitiveness scale, the truth is there for all to see and it isn’t pretty. In the 2010 IMD Swiss Business School’s Annual World Competitiveness Survey, New Zealand was at spot 20, behind its Australasian counterpart, the Land Down Under and replaced at number 15 by the Middle Eastern Emirate of Qatar.

And as much as we may be in denial about dragging our feet across the financial floor, it could be that the solution is staring back at us in the mirror. Perhaps it is we who need to change and it really is high time we removed the kid gloves, binned the bandaids, ditched the ‘woe is me’ attitude and swallowed a big glass of ‘harden up’.

It might be banned in schools, but perhaps it is time we gave ourselves a kick in the business behind and engaged in a good old fashioned game of business bullrush.

But, is that actually the case? Are we the problem or is it more complex than just giving ourselves a professional makeover?

2025 Taskforce chairman Dr Don Brash has some interesting thoughts on the matter.

The 2025 Taskforce reports annually on its progress towards achieving this salary goal but it recognises the challenge is huge. In order for the income gap to close, New Zealand’s per capita gross domestic product must grow slightly more than two percent per annum faster than Australia’s for 15 years.

the paper revealed that New Zealand’s private economy labour productivity is only 57 percent of Australia’s. Lifting labour productivity depends on improving the drivers of labour productivity; entrepreneurship, innovation, skills and talent, investment and natural resources.

Of New Zealand’s need to up the ante, Dr Brash comments, “My starting point is that there is nothing wrong with New Zealand workers or business people. Traditionally New Zealanders are entrepreneurial and work long hours by international and OECD standards.

We really need to look beyond the individual businesses and people.”

The New Zealand Institute also met in December 2010 to review a list of major issues facing the country and agreed which are the top ten issues that, if resolved, would make the greatest contribution to the country’s long term success.

Dr Brash believes New Zealand businesses are inhibited by obstacles preventing their expansion and these restraints are associated with interest rates, taxation and exchange regulations. “It really is hard to blame the characteristics of the New Zealand people,” he concludes.

Upon the release of the IMD World Competitiveness Survey results in 2010, The 2025 Taskforce was a part of the Confidence and Supply agreement between BusinessNZ chief executive Phill O’Reilly also made the point that a part of New Zealand’s the National and ACT parties reached decline on the competition scale comes immediately after the 2008 election. A down to the volatility of the world economy. response to the need for New Zealand to “These results also relate to high government gain some momentum on the financial front, the 2025 Taskforce is committed to the debt and people out of work, which impacts monumental task of closing the income gap productivity, weak capital markets and export performance,” he explained. with Australia by 2025.

According to the 2025 Taskforce, New Zealanders’ incomes were roughly equal to Australians in 1974. Since then, the salary chasm has progressively worsened to a point where in 2008, Australian per capita GDP was 35 percent more than New Zealand.

10 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

This list of issues included probing questions such as; Can New Zealand develop the depth of business and public sector skills required to deliver success for our exporters and local businesses?; can New Zealand accelerate the growth of export sectors?, and, perhaps most importantly, can New Zealand develop and retain a capable, resilient population that works together?

It would seem that final question has hit the nail on the head, so to speak. New Zealand needs to work as a whole to get more aggressive on the commercial playing field and work as an interactive nation to help our economy fulfil its potential.

Sure, Australia has left us for dust and taken a quantum leap forward, but it’s time to act on our goals to make chase. “If the country can be mobilised to resolve the ‘Top 10’ issues then the future for New Zealanders as a whole In a late 2010 discussion paper released by the will be more assured,” New Zealand Institute New Zealand Institute, it concluded economic Director Rick Boven says. “Efforts on many prosperity is a worthwhile goal for New other important issues facing New Zealand will Zealand and the main driver of GDP per capita not stop and nor should they. But to build the is labour productivity. Titled Internationalisation foundation for long term success we should Success will Drive New Zealand’s Prosperity, focus on the vital few.”

News Special | Get the Competitive Edge

Henry Ford, who knew a thing or two about business, summed it up best:

“Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.”

Double

By Bridget Gourlay

get the competitive edge

‘Two heads are better than one,’ or so the old saying goes. It’s a maxim based on the tried and true formula that many hands make light work and, in businesess, makes plenty of sense, as the power of two lots of resources, minds and manpower can create opportunities, lower costs or provide better customer service. Bridget Gourlay talks to businesses about why they teamed up and what it achieved.

Stewarts Electrical Supplies and J.A. Russell Ltd are both family owned businesses. One, Stewarts Electrical, had branches all over the central North Island. The other, J.A. Russell, had branches everywhere in the country except the central and lower North Island. Wellington was the one place the companies didn’t cover between the two of them. It was also the place to be to compete for national contracts.

It made sense for the two companies to join up and get into the Wellington market together. But, stresses Stewarts Electrical Supplies general manager Ken Burden, it was a decision built on mutual trust and respect.

acts

The companies have opened four branches in Wellington in two recession-hit years. Burden says the JV has worked well.

“There are so many benefits. Financially, the requirement for capital is halved. Also there’s a greater pooling of ideas. Our board is made of members of both companies and we end up extracting the best out of both,” Burden says.

However, he does have advice for anyone else considering a JV. “Be 100 percent comfortable with the people you’re going into business with. Document what you will do, have a clear set of guidelines and have a formalised structure of review.”

Lowered cost In Wellington, the EMA central and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce amalgamated in the middle of 2010 and since then feel they have managed to provide a better service for less money.

How? Well, the amalgamation of the two entities created a diversification and improvement of the existing services for members. And the economies of working co-operatively also enabled lower subscription costs when accessing the offerings of both the chamber and EMA. The advisory services available stem from EMAC and the network services — meaning the chamber and members can utilise services at a good price point without ongoing overheads. Enhanced member to member relationships and the professional possibilities that evolve from these internal connections are also a significant benefit of the amalgamation.

“We’d known each other for over 25 years through Powerbase. We hadn’t been competing against each other, and we had collaborated on things over the years. There was a strong relationship between families, and those were the factors that made us know “Straight away the merger increased the that a joint venture (JV) would be a good idea.” membership numbers and that in itself

Do ➤ Have the same vision ➤ Be 100 percent comfortable with who you are teaming with ➤ Document the strategy, desired outcome etc

increased the impact we can have within the region,” president Jo Bransgrove says.

“We feel very excited about the opportunities going forward and we have had good feedback overall. The merger also means we can share costs and provide more efficient and a much wider range of services with more depth.”

Double the skills In 2008, Christchurch advertising agency HCA joined forces with E2, a website/online company. Neil Cameron of HCA and Gary Lee of E2 had lunch together and decided they saw the same future for advertising — one where the mainstream media and the web would be intricately linked. They were right. After all, it’s 2011 and the internet is just as ubiquitous and as effective as a billboard.

They couldn’t see the difference between creating ads for websites and ads for TV and didn’t see why their clients should go to different places either. “We decided there was a fit. We saw a big value add to both of our sets of customers,” Cameron explains.

The merge has worked perfectly. Clients can get a full advertising campaign — billboards created, websites made, e-newsletters set up in a ‘one-stop shop’. E2 takes care of the science behind data mining and Google adword campaigns which are now a standard part of the advertising mix.

Try it So if teaming up will give you a business advantage, go for it. See if a problem shared really is a problem halved. Although deciding to work together is only part of the process.

Like all things, time and dedication is what will yield results.

Don’t ➤ Team up with a company you don’t know well or have reservations about

➤ Have a clear set of guidelines

➤ Team up with a company with lower or different standards to you

➤ Have a formalised structure of review

➤ Only have verbal outlines, or decisions by handshake

➤ Do your research. Will teaming up reduce costs and improve service?

➤ Have an unclear desired outcome. www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 11

News Special | Get the Competitive Edge

Quality

competition

By Melinda Collins

get the competitive edge

The corporate colossus; it brings to bear vast financial means and diversified holdings portfolios, can win any price war, establish new consumer territory at will and saturate a market with cheap, accessible products.

In comparison, you’re small and don’t stand a chance — right? Well, if you’re competing on price you won’t be able to.

As a small business, trying to play the low price game is a losing strategy, yet it is the exact strategy many small business owners attempt to launch off with.

Maximising profit margins and not succumbing to the temptation of price slashing might be a much better way to go.

You get what you pay for ‘You get what you pay for,’ is a commonly held truism and perception is reality when it comes to marketing your business’ products and services. A flourishing business focuses its strategy on quality and quality, by its very nature, has a high price tag. When people see high quality, they expect a high price. Likewise, when people see a high price, they associate it with quality.

When they see quality and a low price, they assume something is wrong. Likewise, if you proceed to tout the benefits of your product or service, your high quality and your superiority to your competitors then slap a low price on it, your customers will also assume something is wrong.

12 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Focus on value not price…

The key is to find out what you can provide better than anyone else.

Contrast that with using a high price to differentiate yourself in a crowded marketplace, causing you to stand out and rather than people assuming something is wrong, have them assuming you are really good because you are expensive. But always make sure to have the quality to back up the price.

Premium product People do buy high priced goods. They even buy the highest priced goods. Other brands have successfully positioned themselves in the high end of the price spectrum — it’s not always a negative. To some, it’s a positive.

This is not just a business to consumer phenomenon; plenty of companies that sell to other businesses have also taken this approach as a way to gain a market leadership position.

All over the place smart players are positioning themselves as the premium player in the space and charging a premium price for the privilege.

Focus on value not price The key is to find out what you can provide better than anyone else. Make your value worthy of a higher price and then find the right customers who will recognise the value they are getting and be willing to pay for it.

Rather than asking yourself how you can beat your competitors on price, ask how you can

provide your customers more value. Combining other complimentary services as part of a bundle, adding in additional accessories, delivery and pickup can increase your perceived value.

There are plenty of people that will drive out of their way and stand in endless lines just to save a few bucks, but are these the people that you want as your customers? Do you really want the ones that are always complaining about price and trying to haggle you down and will switch to someone else as soon as they hold a sale?

Quality, service and experience Low price and high quality are incompatible competitive advantages — quite simply, they clash. Quality costs money; hence the intuitive connection between quality and price. Most small businesses cannot invest in good quality and service and sustain a low price advantage.

So, rather than trying to compete on price, small businesses should compete on quality and service for a niche of customers seeking a level of quality or service the big guys are unable to provide. Focus sales and marketing strategies on finding that niche market, accentuate how you are different from your competitors and how worthwhile your value is for them.

Events | Diary

Viewpoint | Internet innovation

business | events ▲ Tuesday, May 3

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Simply Monitor Your Business Health — Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce Discover ways to gauge how your business is doing, including profit and loss versus balance sheet and cash flow. Learn about the essential checks to ensure data is reliable, key numbers and ratios, and ways to present data to make it more meaningful. Visit www.hawkesbaychamber.co.nz for more information.

Wednesday, May 4

How to Write a Cashflow Forecast and Collect What’s Owed — National Bank, Wanganui Get started on preparing a cashflow forecast with tips on how to establish efficient systems and procedures. To register www.businessresourcecentre.co.nz

Tuesday, May 10

Re-engaging with Your Employees — Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce This Napier seminar will be presented by Ria Slingerland and Louise Parsons from Dale Carnegie NZ. It will look at the importance of employee engagement and deliver key tools in help you do so. Visit www.hawkesbaychamber.co.nz

Wednesday, May 11

Employer and KiwiSaver Workshop — Inland Revenue, Hamilton For people new to employing staff, covering keeping wage records, manual and electronic PAYE calculations and due dates. The Department of Labour will also discuss the 90-day trial period, employment agreements and minimum leave entitlements. Email advisory.hamilton@ird.govt.nz or phone 07 959 6328 to register.

Wednesday, May 11

Introduction to Business Seminar — Inland Revenue, Palmerston North Free seminar covering income tax, expenses, GST and business structures. Email Denise Wright on advisory.palmerstonnorth@ird.govt.nz to book a seat.

Tuesday, May 17

Basic GST Seminar — Inland Revenue, New Plymouth For people going into or new to business, this workshop covers the fundamentals of GST. Learn about record keeping, income and expenses, and the preparation of GST returns manually and online. To register email robert.richards@ird.govt.nz

Tuesday, May 17

Global Expansion: Are You Ready? — Export New Zealand, Tauranga Find out if you have the ability to supply a global market, using a step-bystep process with accompanying checklists. Email Tracy Donovan, tracy@ exportnewzealand.org.nz, or call 07 571 0600

Wednesday, May 18

Business After 5 — FMG Rural Financial Service This networking event is being hosted by the Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce in association with FMG, a provider of specialist risk and insurance advice to businesses across New Zealand. You can meet local, like minded business people and discuss with FMG how it can best work with you and your business.

Visit www.hawkesbaychamber.co.nz or www.fmg.co.nz

Thursday, May 19

Smart Marketing: The Internet is Your Friend — National Bank, Hamilton This workshop covers aspects such as social media, web jargon, online communication, websites and databases. Designed to give business owners a clearer understanding of the opportunities the internet can present. To register visit www.businessresourcecentre.co.nz

Tuesday, May 24

IR3 Completion Workshop — Inland Revenue, Napier An event for self-employed people that need to complete an IR3 individual tax return. Learn about deductible expenses, tax credits, tax calculation and different types of income. The workshop will also cover record keeping, filing options and due dates. Email Steven Fox at advisory.napier@ird.govt.nz to register.

Tuesday, June 7

How to Have Effective Meetings — Tauranga Chamber of Commerce Time is money and nothing wastes time like a badly organised and run meeting.

So why not learn how to run a meeting that matter? For more information and booking details visit www.tauranga.org.nz or contact Richie Wellsbury at training@tauranga.org.nz or (07) 577 8951

Tuesday, June 14

Introduction to Business Seminar — Inland Revenue, Taupo Whether you’re starting a business afresh, have recently created a company or just want to refresh you knowledge, this free seminar can help. Learn about working smarter with IRD online services, business structures, income tax, expenses you can claim, GST and more. Email Ian Bushett at advisory.rotorua@ird.govt.nz

Thursday, June 28

Confident Public Speaking— Tauranga Chamber of Commerce Designed and delivered by Zest Training, this course aims to build confidence and skills in the area of public speaking. The fact that it’s often stated that public speaking is the greatest fear of many people means this is a course for almost everyone.

For more information and booking details visit www.tauranga.org.nz or contact Richie Wellsbury, training@tauranga.org.nz or (07) 577 8951

Wednesday, June 29 Business After Five Function — Training For You Training For You develops products and services for vocational, workplace and corporate clients. Denise Scott-Lister and her team invite you to attend this Business After 5 to learn about how a leading training provider can aid your business. Register

by June 27 either by phoning 3450080 or email bronnie@wanganuichamber.co.nz

If you have events you would like featured in the Events Diary, email newsroom@academy.net.nz at least two months before the date of the event.

Or, if you have held an event and would like to supply photos for the Been Seen section (along with 100 words about the event and a caption for each image), send to newsroom@academy.net.nz

Image: Danil

o Rizzuti / Fre

eDigitalPhot

os.net

Why don’t some websites work?

By Suzanne Carter

Most people using the internet to find a product or service are pretty impatient. If your website doesn’t meet their expectations or they can’t easily find what they are looking for these potential customers will leave and visit your competitors’ sites instead.

This is why it is vital that your website works because if it doesn’t, the impact on your business can be substantial.

One of the main reasons why some websites don’t work is due to their design. Just as a shabby shop front will not encourage people to step inside, poor design will not encourage visitors to your site to stay and do what you want them to do e.g. purchase a product, make an enquiry, submit a quote request, sign up for your newsletter and so on.

A website may have a strong initial impact but if it looks cluttered, has a number of different graphical elements, inconsistent font styling, a variety of font sizes and a lack of white space it will be difficult for your potential customer to focus and find what they are looking for.

Is your navigation menu intuitive? Visitors need to be able to find their way around your website very quickly and very easily. Don’t hide important pages within sub menus. These pages should be prominent.

Also, make it easy for people to find their way back to your home page. Your logo should link to the home page and also ‘home’ should be located at the beginning of your menu.

Have you looked at the content of your website recently? Are there any spelling or grammatical mistakes? Content should be clear and easy to read so use short and concise phrases and sentences. Come to the point quickly and break up your text by using headers, sub headers, visual elements and lists with bullet points.

Another major reason why some websites don’t work is because they cannot be found on search engines. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is critical to website success and your business and should be part and parcel of your whole website development project.

We all know that it only takes a few seconds to create a first impression. Chances are that by making a few small fixes to your website, you’ll be well on your way to making sure your first impression is a great one.

Having a clear and strong call to action on your website is essential as it can turn visitors into customers.

Put simply, you need to show visitors the information they want, tell them what you want them to do and make it easy for them to do it. For example, if you want them to make a reservation then have a clear ‘Book Now’ button.

Never make it difficult for people to contact you. Your contact details should be on your ‘contact us’ page and should be clearly visible on the menu. It is best to have a number of different ways for people to get in touch with you whether it is via an online form, email or telephone.

Suzanne Carter is the Business Development Manager for Limelight Online Ltd, a website design and development company. Suzanne has over 15 years website industry experience and with that comes a passion for working with clients to enhance their business through the internet. www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 13

Lifestyles | For You

lifestyles

get what it takes for stylish living…

destination Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Bet you didn’t see that coming! But if you’ve been to London, done Paris and are looking for something a bit more exotic for your holiday snaps, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan won’t let you down.

World Expeditions offers a two week tour which explores these ancient countries, taking tourists along the Silk Road. Visiting the

cities built and destroyed by infamous figures such as Gengis Khan and Timur Lane will open your eyes to the rich history of Central Asia. Plenty of bazaars, museums, mosques, tombs, palaces and medressas fill the itinerary of this life-changing trip.

RRP: $3990 (not including flights) www.worldexpeditions.co.nz

on the move

top drop

lighting

boy’s toy

Vespa Belladonna RV150

Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir

Living Light Candles

7n1 Grooming Kit

Imagine your next dinner party lit up by a bowl of floating candles as the centrepiece.

Like to be clean shaven during the week and then rock a bit of designer stubble in the weekend?

Living Light Candles offers a beautiful, hand-crafted range, all made by a group of artisans in Takaka. As if the flickering light wasn’t entrancing enough, the candles release soft fragrances as they burn, making them perfect for a bath, a massage or to create a romantic mood.

Whatever your preference, the 7n1 grooming kit from Philips is the answer.

Embrace your inner Italian. Speed off for a gelato with a doe-eyed bambini on the back of one of these classic red retro scooters.

Or, more grounded in reality, use it to zip to work for a fraction of the price and hassle of a car.

It may be brand new, but looks just as funky as the old-school type it is modelled on. Combining the ease and speed of a car with the affordability of biking, scooters are the perfect run around, especially for office commuters who are tired of spending $60 to fill up and then nearly the same amount on parking.

On a scooter, parking is a breeze (and free) and a couple of weeks of petrol sets you back $8-10.

RRP: $4400 plus on road costs Available: Stockists in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch www.retroscooter.co.nz

Few things in life are better than a good red wine and a hearty meal. And as autumn approaches, now’s the time to think about what to serve at your next dinner party. Look no further than the award-winning Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir.

The 2009 vintage took out the overall award at 2010’s prestigious Air New Zealand wine awards, hailed by the chair of judges Steve Smith as “the finest example of the finest red wine variety in this country”.

He went onto say, “Wild flowers, thyme and black fruits on the nose, nothing restrained but there are a few hidden earth and savoury bits hiding in the corner, with briary dry forest on the palate and black cherry and vivid fruit notes”.

And at an affordable price it’s well worth a taste… if you can stop there!

RRP: $39.99 Available: Wine shops in general and specifically from www.peregrinewines.co.nz

14 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

RRP: $23 for a box of three Available: Selected stockists around the country and www.livinglightcandles.co.nz

With “micro-blade technology” the company claims it will give you more precision than ever before to create the exact look you have in mind. The blades are made from hardened Inox steel, making them sharper than titanium.

RRP: $119.95 Available: From stockists around the country

Products | For You

products

empowerment … it’s all about getting a grip on the right power source …

By Kate Pierson

We’re all about empowering our peeps. And while we can’t guarantee our products will give you girls the age inhibiting qualities of Botox, or that the busty babe you boys have been scoping out will think you’re the best thing since silicon, what we can promise is that you’ll feel like the best thing since sliced bread when you gear up with these babies.

power play Boys: The power driver If you’re seeking a power game, then TaylorMade’s new beast, the R11, is just the business. In a massive deviation from the traditional, the white crown and black face deliver ultimate contrast to aid alignment at address. An adjustable sole plate and hosel, along with movable weights, allows you to tailor the club to your swing, meaning membership to the elusive 300 club might be one swing away.

Available: From February, at a golf store near you.

RRP: $ 699

Girls: Te Moata Women are amazing and I’m not just saying that because I am one.

It’s hard work being perfect (I should know), as is being everything to everyone. To learn the art of how to make the most of those small morsels of time we have to ourselves, Te Moata is a sanctuary for people and for nature. Hosting multiple annual meditation retreats, Te Moata is your little slice of sanity where you can recharge and empower your mind, body and soul.

Available: www.temoata.org RRP: POA

power moves Boys: Range Rover Sport

Girls: BMW Z4 Convertible

Just call it ‘The Beast’. It’s got more attitude than your teenage daughter; more ferocity than your wife when you’re late home and more brawn than an action hero on steroids.

The Range Rover Sport is much more than a mode of transport; it’s masculinity at its finest.

She’s hotter than the Sahara and got curves like Beyonce.

Available: Archibalds — The home of Range Rover www.archibalds.co.nz

Available: Jeff Gray BMW, www.jeffgraybmw.co.nz

RRP: From $137, 990 plus on-road costs.

RRP: From $93,900 plus on-road costs.

Just call her perfection because she purrs like a kitten, but has the speed of a Cheetah. The BMW Z4 is heaven on wheels.

magic mojo Boys: The Power Tie Let this style stud-muffin doing the talking.

When you wear it, men will want to be you, women will want to be on you and the execs will want to hire you.

The power tie; the greatest gift to man.

Available: Working Style, www.workingstyle.com RRP: $129

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www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 15

Manawatu Business Development | Defence Supply Chain

Hub first line in servicing defence force In the Solomon Islands and Afghanistan, keeping the peace. In Christchurch after the earthquake, keeping people away from dangerous buildings. New Zealand’s defence force is a stellar group of individuals who work hard in Aotearoa and overseas. They need the best equipment and training to do their important jobs properly.

And that’s where the Manawatu Defence Hub steps in.

Established in 1997, the Hub’s primary goal is enhancing relationships between its members and defence establishments both in New Zealand and overseas.

The Manawatu Defence Hub (MDH) acts as a one-stop centre for expertise in supply and procurement for Defence Services in New Zealand. Its members are a group of likeminded businesses experienced in the supply of products and services to Defence and other security, public service and civilian agencies, including the police, fire service, Corrections department and Civil Defence.

Affiliation with the Hub provides focus for action, advice and information, and identifies supply and business development opportunities for Defence Hub Members. The Hub has over 50 members from the wider Manawatu/ Horowhenua/Wanganui region covering munitions, textiles, engineering, construction, IT, travel and facilities management, to name a few.

The MDH has regular bimonthly meetings.

Some of these meetings have, over the past year, been hosted by the New Zealand Army at Linton Camp, by RNZAF at Base Ohakea and occasionally at members’ premises.

“Last year the Hub has also visited JLSO, now the Defence Shared Services, at Trentham where several members were given the opportunity to present to high ranking military personal and senior civilian staff, where they outlined their skills and capabilities,” the Hub’s facilitator Robin Wood says.

“This event was a great success and certainly lifted the profile of the Hub and its members.”

Among other activities has been participation in the Defence Review 2009. For this, the Hub originally gave a written submission in the public consultation process, but was then subsequently invited to present in person at one of the series of the public meetings held throughout New Zealand.

After this, the MDH was invited to host a meeting which was attended by representatives from approximately 25 local businesses and chaired by former MP Hugh

Templeton, together with a panel of two others from the Ministry of Defence.

“This meeting proved to be extremely constructive with the views and concerns of the local business community being acknowledged and noted,” Wood says.

Vision Manawatu works extremely closely with the Hub. CEO Elaine O’Reilly says the region has a strong tradition of innovation and can-do attitude to manufacturing.

“In a sizeable but close-knit community like this, the option of pooling resources and finding innovative ways to make things happen is part of the resilience that has served Manawatu well during some difficult times.”

O’Reilly says Vision Manawatu and the Hub both work with many businesses, who are “the wealth creators of our region and New Zealand.”

She says her team feel it is a privilege to work practically to support business development, often done through assisting the business principle or owner to develop their skill set and enhance their management tool kit.

The future It is becoming more and more apparent that Palmerston North is becoming the defence capital of New Zealand, Robin Wood says.

Major development is being undertaken at Ohakea Air Base for its role as the base for the helicopter squadron with its new NH-90 & A109LUH replacement craft.

There is also a great deal of activity at Linton Military Camp. “All this activity results in opportunities for industry and business in the region and the activities of the MDH are there to promote and take full advantage of these opportunities.”

Vision Manawatu Level 3, 26 Broadway Avenue T (06) 350 1830 F (06) 350 1829 E info@visionmanawatu.org.nz www.visionmanawatu.org.nz

— Advertising Feature

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16 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Tata Steel is proud to be associated with the Manawatu specialist engineering & manufacturing sectors

Manawatu Business Development | Engineering Innovation Arriving on site… a French fry blancher for Talley’s Frozen Foods

On site at Juice Products NZ with the 18,000 litres/hour evaporator

Fresh look at innovation and design

With its ability to call on additional resources and expertise from other Manawatu engineering businesses, FMA can develop entire innovative processes, machinery and services for its customers worldwide.

FMA’s key strengths are that it has the technology to provide full design and drawing packages using the latest CAD software available. FMA can do it all – from designing, to manufacturing, installing, managing the risk and fully commissioning the process.

With more than 200 machines on offer, and with this technology growing further by the day, it can offer its clients purpose designed and built machinery to suit their individual applications, processes or specifications.

Owner Alan Jones says the company specialises in several markets of industry solutions. “If you have an issue in your existing plant or factory, there is a high chance we have a cost competitive solution for you or at least an option to follow through on.

“Our attitude at FMA is to provide the client with the best possible resources to reduce the size of any given problem. After observing an organisation’s current systems, we can then envisage a new system and end result.

Projects requested by us are provided with full project management to provide the client with the best solution.”

Juice Products NZ Ltd Concentrate Plant Juice Products NZ needed an 18,000 litres per hour evaporator and thermal plant with pasteurisers and chillers. FMA installed, commissioned, designed and built this for them. FMA also managed the installations of the onsite thermal process, evaporator and all associated stainless steel pumping pipe-work.

FMA is no stranger to doing business offshore.

With the Government telling Kiwi businesses everyday that the best way to ensure strong growth within New Zealand is to increase exports, FMA works with Project Link to keep updated with offshore opportunities. FMA currently conducts 40 percent of its business outside of its New Zealand based processors. It is continually exploring offshore opportunities in the Australasian markets and seeking new business within this region.

“At FMA employees have the opportunity to work in a challenging but rewarding environment with a team of hard working engineers, who challenge the conventional as we strive to provide a service or product that is better than the last,” Jones says.

Food Machinery Australasia Ltd 43-47 Malden Street PO Box 5209 Palmerston North T (06) 3530330/0275517360 F (06) 3530783 www.foodmachineryaustraliasia.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Recent projects

Food Machinery Australasia (FMA), in association with its fabrication company, Weld Fabrication Engineering Ltd, has been manufacturing, processing, drying, peeling, conveying, washing and handling equipment for fruit, vegetable, meat, poultry and fish industries now for more than 23 years.

This project had an extremely tight time frame which meant that FMA had to manage many variables to gain a favourable outcome. It needed to identify various aspects within the project window to minimise potential lost time opportunities during manufacturing and installation. One way of doing this was by dividing the work teams into two groups so as the staff could work shifts.

La Bonne Cuisine Spiral conveyor FMA has designed and is in the process of manufacturing a 304 stainless steel 510 metre long spiral chilling conveyor for La Bonne Cuisine.

The 510 metre long twin spiral accumulation unit has infeed conveyors, merge loading conveyors, unloading conveyors, and single lane conveyors to provide infeed to an x-ray machine.

The twin spiral accumulation unit allows for four hour retention time and 6000 individual pots or containers per hour. This project is currently in FMA’s Palmerston North factory under manufacture, with installation and commission scheduled for April 2011.

••• FMA has also designed, built and installed other machinery for iconic Kiwi food companies. This includes:

 A continuous fully automated high speed servo guillotine, for cut length frozen cheese product for Fonterra NZ Ltd

 A frozen vegetable bulk feed

conveyor network for Heinz Watties NZ Ltd

 A semi-automated wine barrel

handling system with pick’n’place automation for Montana Wines

 A 20,000 kg/hr potato processing line for Talley’s Frozen Foods Ltd

 A 1000 kg/hr value added potato line relocation for Talley’s Frozen Foods Ltd

 A 10,000 kg/hr PWT French fry

dryer for Talley’s Frozen Foods Ltd.

www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 17

Manawatu Business Development | Engineering Innovation

Making waves

“… now we’re much bigger, much more commercial. We’re moving out of the public sector and working on commercial boats …”

Profab’s vessels

CARL FERGUSON Profab Central Engineering

 Range from 6 to 32 metres for commercial and  Built private applications  Are custom-built a design but can  Follow be personally specified eight weeks  Available from receipt of negotiated deposit with the balance due on hand-over

Since the dawn of civilisation we’ve used the sea — for food, to travel and now play. Be it Polynesian wakas, the ships of the Vikings or today’s super yachts, for millennia we have used boats. While technology has advanced, boats are still as popular and as vital as ever. That’s where Profab Central Engineering steps in.

Started 14 years ago by owner Carl Ferguson, the company originally focused on projects for the dairy industry. During a slow period,

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the team decided to build a boat. “It all just snowballed from there,” he says.

“We started off with making smaller, trailer boats. But now we’re much bigger, much more commercial. We’re moving out of the public sector and working on more commercial boats, usually for fishermen.”

Profab Central Engineering’s boating divisions started out with its brand called the Oceanraider series, designed in either pleasure-craft or commercial specification, and built to New Zealand Marine Survey Standard.

In the last 10 years Profab has built more than 50 boats ranging from six metres to 32 metres.

Its boats can be supplied fully customised to the owner’s specifications and lay out.

Specialising in:

“This is what sets us apart. Our boats are custom-built, not mass produced, as we don’t build until someone has bought a boat.

“We follow our generic design, but everything is different and everything’s all personalised.

“I liken it to an architecturally-designed house as opposed to a kit-set built one,” Ferguson says.

There are a number of other factors that make Profab Central Engineering stand out.

“Firstly, we are very efficient. Everything from the boat-build to communicating with the customer is done quickly and professionally,” Ferguson says.

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Point of difference

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Manawatu Business Development | Engineering Innovation

“We are aiming to construct bigger boats — we want to try and tackle the 30 metre plus market.

We see our future in making high value, high end vessels.”

CARL FERGUSON, Profab Central Engineering

“Secondly there’s the team. We are small but competent and we all work in a great environment. The small team means we have lower overheads than our competitors and also that we have nowhere to hide, there’s no bureaucracy in getting hold of us.”

Profab Central Engineering’s vessels are generally available eight weeks from receipt of negotiated deposit with the balance being due upon hand-over. Construction time will vary according to a customer’s specifications and vessel requirements.

The Profab Central Engineering team has just launched the Black Pearl, a 31.5 metre luxury super yacht.

The christening and official handover took place on Auckland’s viaduct on January 22.

A common theme in the speeches and discussions was the high standard of finish and quality throughout the vessel.

Currently, the team at Profab Central Engineering is busy working on three boats, one mussel harvester and two crayfishing vessels. This is a trend Ferguson would like to see more of in the future.

“Our boats are custom-built, not mass produced … I liken it to an architecturally-designed house as opposed to a kit-set built one.”

… proud suppliers to

Profab Engineering Call in and talk to… Danny Bassi, Sales Director

PO Box 58396 Botany 2163 150 Harris Rd, East Tamaki, Auckland Phone: 09-273 9180 Fax: 09-273 9185 Mobile: 027 573 9180 Email: danny@marinedirect.co.nz

CARL FERGUSON

Profab Central Engineering “We are aiming to construct bigger boats — we want to try and tackle the 30 metre-plus market.

“We see our future in making high value, high end vessels.”

Profab Central Engineering Limited 1 Bounty Place PO Box 4506 Palmerston North 4442 T (06) 354 9595 F (06) 354 6571 E info@profabengineering.co.nz www.profabengineering.co.nz

uto nteriors ltd • • • •

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www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 19

Manawatu Business Development | Engineering Innovation

Agribusiness | Apperleys Roundwood and Timber

The wood workers Apperley’s Roundwood and Timber in the Waikato offers a comprehensive timber treatment service, as well as selling products to meet every rural fencing, building and residential landscaping requirement.

Coachwork credentials Coachwork Central is responsible for building the longest coach in New Zealand and looks set to get bigger and better yet.

Coachwork Central Ltd started trading in 1993, concentrating predominantly on bus and coach refurbishment work and commercial body building. In 1998 strong market pressure for a specialist coach-building company turned the company focus to manufacturing high quality coaches, co-owner Neil Alexander says.

“The local coach building company closed down after the 1988 sharemarket crash. We started up in the same building with a small staff repairing and refurbishing coaches before being asked to build a lightweight coach from scratch,” he says. “Since then we’ve gone from strength to strength.”

After more than 18 years in the bus and coach building industry, the company has developed a strong reputation for specialist design and build projects and enjoys the challenges of unique, one-off projects.

Apperley’s Roundwood and Timber was formed in 1975 by John and Yvonne Apperley, who opened a timber treatment plant on the company’s present site at 38 Kawhia Road, Otorohanga. The plant treated timber for sale, as well as undertaking contract treating for farmers who brought their own material to the plant.

Apperley’s Roundwood and Timber has built a reputation for top-quality products and service…

In 1991 the Apperleys’ three sons, Peter, Graham and Kevin, became partners, taking full responsibility for the company after John’s retirement a number of years ago.

More than 100 years of combined industry experience in staff with key roles at Coachwork Central allows the company to explore potential builds and help realise a customer’s dream vehicle. Whether restoring an icon, rekindling an old passion or creating a new one then talking to Coachwork Central is the best way to start the process.

Coachwork Central 7 Moa Street Palmerston North T (06) 356 7139 E coachworkcentral@xtra.co.nz www.coachworkcentral.co.nz

With a strong focus on customer needs and specialist requirements, this capability is complemented by a flexible manufacturing philosophy. “We are small and flexible, so we can work quickly without any corporate restraints. Our facilities and experience enable us to meet the needs and expectations of all customers,” Alexander says.

Being based in Palmerston North is also a drawcard. “We can source 50 percent of what’s required to build a coach within a five kilometre radius, unlike those in larger cities.

We use local suppliers and subcontractors wherever possible.”

With some exciting projects in the works, including a new product line developed for light weight charter buses, the future looks bright. “The entire bus building industry is looking buoyant. We can attribute at least five new build projects to the Rugby World Cup. Last year people were holding back.

“The industry is really looking up with fleet replacement programmes kicking in.”

— Advertising Feature

Complete

In 1996 a branch was opened at 274 Rickit Road, Te Awamutu, which operates today as a full retail yard, as well as a manufacturing site for Apperley’s range of trellis fencing and screens, farm and residential timber gates, barbecue tables and raised garden boxes.

farming community throughout the greater Waikato and northern King Country regions.

Total timber treatment

Apperley’s Roundwood and Timber also offers a firewood service using its timber waste products.

Apperley’s Roundwood and Timber’s main operation in Otorohanga involves a complete timber treatment and processing service for logs delivered direct from the forest. “We have a full peeling operation and treatment operation on site,” Graham Apperley says.

Apperley’s is registered to treat all hazard classes, from H1 to H6, with H6 involving the highest concentration of chemical for salt water immersion. “From that yard we also offer contract processing services. Customers can bring their own roundwood in.

However, its comprehensive list of products is also ideal for residential landscaping and includes retaining walls, fencing, barbecue tables and trellis.

“Because we process our own roundwood, any waste product we have after they’ve cut up the logs is processed for firewood. Kevin runs the processing side of the operation and he has two firewood machines, which completely eliminates our waste products. We offer a delivery service or people can come and pick their own firewood up.”

Commitment to quality

As an independent family-owned business, Apperley’s Roundwood and Timber has built a reputation for providing top-quality products Apperley’s stocks a full range of sawn and service, with the help of its dedicated timbers and is oriented towards servicing the team of employees.

“We can treat their roundwood and any sawn timber they bring in,” Apperley says.

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“PermaPine Limited are proud to be a supplier of quality roundwood poles and treated timber products to Apperleys Roundwood & Timber Limited.”

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20 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

• 33 White Road, RD1, Reporoa 3081 • Ph 07 333 8523 • Fax 07 333 8766 • www.permapine.co.nz

Agribusiness | Apperleys Roundwood and Timber

It only uses suppliers who also have a reputation for supplying quality products, including the sawn timber that Apperley’s purchases.

“We use them because their quality is what we expect,” Apperley says.

“We’ve always stood by our reputation for the product and the quality and service we provide.

“We offer better quality products – that’s one thing we really emphasise. If you buy cheap, you get cheap.

“If a farmer wants to put up a fence or a building they only want to do the job once. They don’t want to go back and do repairs.

“We offer a product that’s going to stand the test of time.”

Apperley’s Roundwood and Timber Limited PO Box 153 Otorohanga 3840 T (07) 873 8223 F (07) 873 8223 E apperley’s@xtra.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Design-build sheds New zealaNd wood products limited

Apperley’s Rural Barns is a new business formed last year to meet the demand for custom-designed barns and sheds in the central North Island.

Apperley’s Rural Barns is a subsidiary of Apperley’s Roundwood and Timber Limited and operates out of Otorohanga.

Co-owner Graham Apperley says the new business undertakes the design and build of any type of farm building required, including barns, sheds and covered yards.

“Over the years we’ve been getting more and more of our customers asking us if we do barns or sheds,” Apperley says.

“We decided to look into it and a local builder, Eric Carter of Rural Builders Limited, approached us.

“He had a number of years experience at building sheds and he was keen to come in and work with us. That service is offered under our banner but Eric runs the whole thing from design to completion.”

Apperley’s Rural Barns began operating last September and has already built a number of sheds ranging in size from 95sqm to 300sqm, with various others in the planning stage.

“Rather than having set shed designs, the farmer comes to us and we’ll ask him what he wants and design it for him,” Apperley says.

“We can give farmers exactly what they want and that’s a huge advantage.”

Congratulations to Apperleys Roundwood & Timber Ltd on their 20th anniversary ‘NZ Wood Products proudly supports King Country’

www.nzwoodproducts.co.nz

Pryda is pleased to provide Apperleys Roundwood with their timber connecting solutions For further information contact

Pryda on

0800 88 22 44 or view our website www.pryda.nz www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 21

Business Development | Independent Technology

Fuel industry solutions Independent Technology in New Plymouth provides a vast range of specialist engineering solutions to New Zealand’s oil and gas industry.

“We’re a flat-structured company giving our engineers exposure to a wide variety of work,” Kim Gilkison says. “Cross discipline interaction creates a flow of information and a good company-wide understanding of projects.”

Independent Technology Limited (ITL) was formed 25 years ago. Directors Andrew Smith, Graham Gilkison, Alan Hooker, Kim Gilkison and Ryan McDonald all work in the business. In fact, you can’t be a shareholder unless you do work in the company.

The team at ITL likes to excel and aims to provide a high level of effective solutions for every task.

With a staff of about 70, ITL provides engineering services to local and international industry. Its focus is mainly oil and gas, although the company does have clients in many industries from dairy through to technical design of super yacht components.

ITL has undertaken a MEG reclamation unit for the Kupe project.

Skill and technical excellence puts ITL at the forefront of industrial process plant construction. Staff take projects from the initial feasibility study, design, procurement and project management through to construction and commissioning service.

ITL provides engineering services to local and international industry.

Specialist design services ITL process design engineers provide design for offshore and onshore premises, hydrocarbon and gas compression facilities.

These places are designed for crude oil separation and handling, condensate stabilisation, gas dehydration, NGL recovery and LPG fractionisation.

ITL’s civil and structural design includes pipe supports and racks, equipment support structures and skids, conveyor and material handling systems and lifting equipment.

ITL also undertakes mechanical and piping design, instrument, electrical and control design and facility control systems, as well as protective systems, fire and gas systems, field instrumentation and electrical systems.

Gilkison says ITL works primarily in the production cycle of the oil and gas industry.

“Once the exploration companies have found the oil and gas we find ways to produce it,” she says. “Development of onshore wells is becoming increasingly economic and there are new production stations planned and under construction. It’s specialised work — we design and build the facilities including any associated pipelines.”

ITL’s general engineering design work includes chemical processing systems and industrial heating and cooling systems, along with boiler and burner systems, pipeline instrumentation and the preparation of design specifications and workpacks.

The company provides purpose-built gas processing equipment, working closely with fabricators. “We are lucky to have a very skilled group of fabricators locally. Quality control and time and cost management are made easier because of their capabilities.”

ITL has specialist knowledge of compression work and has designed compression units for both onshore and offshore applications.

Sizing and design are extremely important, not only for optimisation of production, but also safety.

Providing a complete solution in the design and manufacture of

Proud to be associated with Independent Technology Ltd

Switchboards, MCC and control panels.

Are proud to have been suppliers of explosion protected equipment to

Independent Technology Limited

and congratulate them on achieving 25 years in business.

Proud supplier to ITL

22 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

.

t a va lv e

PO Box 11-078 Ellerslie Auckland

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not just products… solutions!

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Offices & Pipe Yard 207 Connett Rd East, New Plymouth Phone: (06) 755 4152 • Fax: (06) 755 4153 Email: sales@pipesnzltd.co.nz Mobile: (0272) 554 163 • AH: (0272) 554 163 www.pipesnz.co.nz

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Business Development | Independent Technology ITL’s civil and structural design includes pipe supports and racks, equipment support structures and skids, conveyor and material handling systems and lifting equipment

“We’re able to do highly technical vibration and pulsation studies. That’s a niche area we’re very good at,” Gilkison says.

A large part of ITL’s workload involves providing follow-up service, or engineering support, to the projects it has completed. “One of the facilities we support is the Vector Kapuni gas treatment plant. Engineering support for existing stations is interesting and often challenging as the needs of the plant change. Safety is critical and always the first consideration.” The engineering support service is provided for both Kapuni and Vector Transmission.

ITL built the Cheal production station in 2007.

“We are the engineering support for now sole owner of Cheal, Tag Oil . It’s typical for us to stay involved with these sites after they’re up and running. Our emphasis is on providing effective solutions and ongoing support,” Gilkison says.

Working with the community Last year was a wonderful year for ITL. The previous year they won the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and found the experience to be very positive. The feeling of being part of the community gave rise to a decision to put something back into the community with ITL becoming involved in the first Kinetic Art festival for Taranaki.

“Kinetika is a fusion of art and engineering and is a perfect fit for a design company like ITL,” Gilkison says. “We are always challenging the boundaries and thought this would be a way to showcase what the engineering world could achieve.”

ITL provided seed money and worked with ET (Engineering Taranaki) and TACT (Taranaki Arts Community Trust) to create the festival.

public vote. His design of the Soma Cube was built by Superior Stainless and is a magnificent example of engineering and art.”

“It was a success and we were really proud to have two of our engineers with entries.

James McKillop was the ultimate winner by

Another achievement was supporting the Festival of Lights that is run by the New Plymouth District Council.

“The council wanted a stage in the lake.

We thought it was a great idea and agreed to fund it. The icing on the cake was watching another of our engineers, Sandy Service, perform on it.”

Feature continues on next page >>

People. Products. Performance.

Providing knowledgeable support, professional services and innovative products and solutions to customers.

24 Hour Service Instrumentation | Hydraulics Pneumatics | Filtration Injection Skids High Pressure Systems Test Packs | Pressure Testing Gauge Calibration Ram/Cylinders Rebuilds Hoses, Couplings & Fittings

www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 23

Business Development | Independent Technology

The team at ITL likes to excel and aims to provide a high level of effective solutions for every task.

ITL has completed a large number of significant oil and gas projects in Taranaki and can best be judged by the wide variety of projects which have made use of its engineering skill, modern technology, enthusiasm and hard work.

Operations manager Kim Gilkison says the Tag Sidewinder project, along with the development of well sites for Kea Petroleum, are two projects of interest at the moment.

The Sidewinder project is in the design stage now and will be up and running later in the year. Sidewinder is a 30mmscfd production station with oil loadout and export pipelines.

“Most of our projects currently require a high degree of technical engineering and skill, but to the average person would mean nothing.

We are into good solid engineering and for us it is a great place to be,” Gilkison says.

Successful projects ITL has extensive experience in the design and construction of oil and gas pipelines. Areas of expertise ensure that the pipeline can be managed entirely in-house from conception, through route selection, land liaison, detailed design and assistance with interconnections.

ITL is at the forefront of industrial process plant construction

ITL specialises in providing skid-mounted process equipment to the oil and gas industrial sectors. With complete in-house capabilities, ITL can efficiently customise a solution to the client’s needs.

Its many skid-mounted process equipment projects include the gas supply plant for the Karratha Power Station, a MEG reclamation unit for the Kupe project, and a high-pressure production separator at Turangi.

ITL can design and certify custom lifting frames to meet both New Zealand and international requirements and carry out retrospective certification on existing equipment imported into New Zealand.

ITL’s unparalleled design expertise extends beyond the oil and gas sector to the competitive marine industry, with the company skilled at designing components for international super yachts.

Engineers and designers with considerable innovative experience in this industry are proud of their ability to design and manufacture custom mechanisms of any complexity to owner specifications.

These designs include toy doors, swimming pools, helicopter decks, defence stations and gangways.

ITL engineers have exposure to a wide variety of work.

Its many successful pipeline projects include Cheal pipelines for Austral Pacific, the Kaimiro

development for Greymouth Petroleum, and the steam and condensate pipelines for Kapuni Energy.

Egmont Insulation & Sheetmetal Ltd

Privately Owned & Operated (est. 1985)

ALL TYPES OF WORK UNDERTAKEN MAINTENANCE AND CONTRACTS

Kevin Hatcher

Ph: 06 278 8197 Mobile 027 4453 842

24 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

PO Box 553 6 Tannahill St Hawera 4640

– Pipe Work Specialist – Maintenance – Design and Build – Fabrication – Architectural to Petrochemical 36 Norman Street, Waitara 4320 Telephone 06 754 8602 Facsimile 06 754 4078 Email engineering@warnerconstruction.co.nz www.warnerconstruction.co.nz

Warner Construction Ltd are pleased to be associated with Independent Technology Ltd

Business Development | Independent Technology The team at ITL likes to excel and aims to provide a high level of effective solutions for every task.

Tippett Rotating Swivel www.tippettswivels.co.nz Ph / Fax: 09 - 266 0709 Mobile: 021 - 246 0060 tippettswivel@xtra.co.nz Proud to be associated with Independent Technology Ltd A new base Although ITL has been at its present location for 22 years, it is now preparing to move from its current site in Bell Block, New Plymouth, to new premises in Devon Street East, which is almost double the size. The building, a former RSA, has a long history in New Plymouth.

“We feel part of the community because of this history and have appreciated the positive feedback we have had about our new location from staff and clients,” operations manager Kim Gilkison says.

ITL is in the process of renovating the new building. The building will offer better access for customers and more room to expand the business. One of the key factors for the new location was good parking.

“This will only improve our service. It is centrally located and has room for expansion. I think we will need it,” she says.

Across the ditch ITL has also recently established an office in Brisbane, where it employs two staff.

“We’ve been concentrating on the coal seam gas work in Queensland. We have traditionally supplied the Australian market with gas processing skidded equipment and many pressure vessels in Australia have been designed by ITL,” Gilkison says.

growth for the last eight years. Finding the right people in a tight labour market is always difficult, and for engineering we are back in that tight market.

“During the downturn we took the opportunity to employ some very able people and are now enjoying the benefits of that decision.”

Gilkison believes ITL’s success is due to the people it employs and the fact they are very good at what they do.

“We work with our clients. We enjoy a good relationship with our supply line, subcontractors and fabricators. We’re a local company so we really like to support local industry.”

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“With expansion in this market and with the booming CSG market, a base in Brisbane made sense. We’ve recently been involved in a pilot plant for a water treatment facility in central Queensland, which has been very interesting.

We find the opportunities over there and do most of the work in New Plymouth. It’s good for everyone.”

Growth and success Gilkison says while there was a downturn in the oil and gas industry about 18 months ago, ITL’s marine section was kept busy.

“We have been designing components for a super yacht for the last three years. The designs are state of the art and we can’t wait to see the boat completed, so we can show the world what we have done.”

Gilkison says the oil and gas industry is an energetic market, with plenty of exploration taking place. The market place is busy again. It is a healthy market with many smaller projects rather than one big one, which is good for long term sustainability.

“We are always looking for people to join our team. We’ve been in a period of positive

Energy Sector Piping and Mechanical Work P 06 755 9236 F 06 755 0540 W energyworks.net.nz

PO Box 346 231 Connett Road East Bell Block, New Plymouth

www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 25

Business Development | Eastcoast Rentals

Getting a lift on the competition

Whether you need a forklift to buy, repair, or hire, Eastcoast Rentals has you covered.

Started in 2002, Eastcoast Rentals has gone from strength to strength. In the past nine years it has made a name for itself, supplying forklifts as north as Auckland and as far south as Invercargill.

The team of nine experienced staff are all dedicated to providing timely and efficient service. And its new ability to both sell and service forklifts has made its service even better, Deane Sullivan says.

“We’re now a one-stop shop when it comes to forklift trucks. Eastcoast Rentals’ commitment to our clients has meant that rarely does a client have to look

to another supplier for their material handling requirements. We pride ourselves on being able to supply the correct equipment to the correct specification first time for all businesses needs.”

Sullivan says Eastcoast Rentals believes firmly in safe practices and ensures its staff members are properly equipped, trained, hold all appropriate licenses and are always up to date on all client requirements.

And with the company’s expansion has come a complete revamp of procedures, brand new vehicles, a brand new logo and new colours.

Range Eastcoast Rentals uses the Nissan range of forklifts, a comprehensive range which covers all units under 7.0 capacity. The company has an extensive collection of spare parts, meaning if something goes wrong it can be fixed quickly, reducing downtime for its clients. The Nissan models were manufactured at three sites in the USA, Spain and Japan.

Eastcoast Rentals is currently operating a comprehensive fleet management programme that can supply all required information for its customers’ KPIs. Since 2005 the company has had a firm policy of purchasing low emission LPG units.

“As pressure to reduce emissions continues to rise, Eastcoast Rentals and Nissan are at the forefront of this advance in the forklift industry,” Sullivan says.

“This has become a major consideration for clients when they are choosing to lease or purchase a forklift. Quite simply, it saves money, is better for the environment and better for the staff’s health as well. It’s a winwin situation.”

As of February 2011, the Department of Labour (DoL), has visited all forklift companies in New Zealand outlining the dangers of carbon monoxide in the workplace.

Eastcoast Rentals has welcomed this new initiative by the DoL to make business aware of the dangers and from this has developed a new preventative maintenance programme for all of its own and its customers’ internal combustion forklifts. From March 1, 2011, all petrol/LPG and diesel forklifts are being tested at each servicing interval to ensure the safest working environment for staff, and to keep business owners informed if there are any concerning readings from the testing.

This ensures problems are diagnosed quickly and Eastcoast Rentals is able to advise on the best way to mitigate the risks of carbon monoxide.

“We will not offer our clients’ technology that we cannot guarantee offers benefits without risk.”

Deane Sullivan Eastcoast Rentals

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Business Development | Eastcoast Rentals

Staff and service

“Our aim is to get it right — first time, every time,” Sullivan says. “Our entire team is focused on understanding the clients’ requirements on a daily basis.

We all work with the client to provide as much information as possible to assist them in getting maximum productivity from the equipment that has been supplied.”

If there’s a breakdown, Eastcoast Rentals will always act in the best interests of clients and get the equipment back up and operational as soon as it can. If that’s not possible, a replacement unit will be provided as close as possible to the required specification.

Eastcoast Rentals keeps abreast with all new technology being offered to the materials handling industry. “We research each new product and evaluate each one on benefits and associated risks to both the supplier and customer. If we can see evidence of benefits to our customers we will normally trial these in one of our most demanding sites. These trials can sometimes take years to complete,” Sullivan says. “We will not offer our clients’ technology that we cannot guarantee offers benefits without risk.”

Sullivan’s plans for the future are simple. He wants Eastcoast Rentals to carry on supplying quality products via good customer service.

Eastcoast Rentals Ltd Cnr Ellison and Hastings Sts Hawke’s Bay T (06) 876 9835 F (06) 876 2412 E deane@ecrl.co.nz

One of the most important facets of leasing contracts is the continuity of supply, service and advice.

The ability to make quick decisions in pressure situations is imperative, Sullivan believes, which is why his staff has the ability to make and undertake the necessary repairs and changes as they occur.

flexibility to all clients both large and small.

“We are always fine tuning our business as clients requirements change. It’s this flexibility and speed in changing systems that sets us apart from our competitors.”

3/275 Jellicoe Street Te Puke T (07) 573 8464 F (07) 573 8468 E evan@ecrl.co.nz www.ecrl.co.nz — Advertising Feature

“All clients have the assurance these are the correct ones, because we have an open communication policy within Eastcoast Rentals. Daily management meetings are held in relation to topics of the day and weekly toolbox meetings to ensure the entire company is focused on client requirements.

Issues are discussed and a plan formulated to resolve them as they occur.”

The company puts a strong focus on customer service, as it believes it would never have been so successful over the last nine years without it. Firstly, a staff member is always available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and this is not just service staff. Management are also available to support all contracts at all times.

“When something needs doing our company gets it done on time, every time. We have an extensive in house service facility focused on the support of our customer’s fleet,” Sullivan says.

Partnership focused Eastcoast Rentals believes that once a client has agreed to buy or hire its forklifts, this is only the start of the process. From this point it prides itself on a very detailed specification check that includes sourcing all the information possible from the client and actually understanding what their expectations are from the equipment to be supplied.

Sullivan personally has more than 20 years experience in the materials handling industry.

He oversees all aspects of the business, understanding every part in detail as he has been hands-on in every division.

The business is undergoing processes that will ensure this knowledge is passed onto the operational managers to ensure seamless support through out the business for its customers.

“At Eastcoast Rentals we believe in a professional ‘can do’ attitude. Our business focus and all our systems are designed to give

“Our aim is to get it right — first time, every time.”

Deane Sullivan Eastcoast Rentals

Commercial Transport Leasing Telephone: 06 8795 996 Mobile Phone Numbers: Peter: 021 273 1424; Gary: 027 573 5698 P O Box 2564, Stortford Lodge Hastings, Hawke’s Bay 4153

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Initiatives | Cairns Group

C

airns Group

provides total waste management services in Palmerston North and throughout the Manawatu and Horowhenua regions.

The group’s underlying philosophy is that waste is a resource that should be recycled or reused wherever possible.

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Making waste work Sometimes, when Ash Cairns looks out the window of his office at all the numerous trucks and bins labelled Cairns Bins, he reflects on the company’s origins.

“It’s hard to believe what we’ve got now. In 1980 it was just me driving around in one of those old Bedford trucks with a split down the middle of the windscreen,” he remembers.

Thirty years ago, after returning home to Palmerston North from driving trucks in Australia, Ash Cairns bought a couple of old trucks and a rubbish collection business. His business then was largely collections from dairies and small workshops, where he would pick up rubbish in boxes and 44-gallon drums and run it to the Awapuni dump.

In 1981 he hired Maria O’Connor to do the accounts. She has been with the company ever since, and is now in charge of day-to-day operations as the office manager.

“Maria and I built up the company together.

Basically, she did the inside work and I did the outside. She’s an extremely switched on and organised lady,” Cairns enthuses.

From the mid-1980s, the company “just expanded and expanded.” From two drivers in 1982, it became a business offering skips, wheelie-bins and more than 1000 commercial bins by the late 90s.

Today the Cairns Group provides total waste management services in Palmerston North and throughout the Manawatu and Horowhenua regions. Its different companies rent and sell bins and skips, transport and dispose waste (including hazardous), and design and build specialised bins. There are also public transfer stations in Feilding and Palmerston North.

Cubico, a company which collects, transfers and disposes of waste for the dairy industry was established in 2001.

The group’s underlying philosophy is that most waste is, in effect, a resource that should be recycled or reused wherever possible.

Engineering excellence In 1985 Cairns Group started up an engineering division, to create the products and systems needed to expand the business. Lou Southee was the first employee, and is still with the business today. Working alongside him is Rob Potts, who has been with the company for five years. The group also employs two other

engineers. “They may be blokes working from a humble workshop, but they are some of the top specialised waste equipment engineers in the country,” Cairns says.

“They understand all the specialised hydraulics and electrics. It’s very complicated, and as technology improves, as more things get hooked into computers, it is important that those blokes stay on top of everything.”

Cairns Engineering manufactures a full range of bins and skips for hire, and specialises in custom-manufacturing bins to suit any requirements. Standard bins and skips don’t suit all storage and waste management requirements, which is why the experienced engineering team can custom-build bins to any size and specifications. Customers can also have their bins painted or sign-written to suit.

Another branch of the company, Cairns Transport, specialises in long-distance waste-transport. With fully-equipped vehicles for moving bins and hired skips, as well as commercial freight, Cairns Transport’s in-house team delivers the most cost-effective waste management services in the region, assuring quality service and on-time pickup and delivery.

28 NORTH STREET, PALMERSTON NORTH T 06 357 0979 F 06 357 0970 www.mlgroup.co.nz

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integrity competence leadership innovative thinking 28 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Initiatives | Cairns Group

“Everything is going as well as we anticipated. Right now we are in the process of fine-tuning our systems. We will add another, secondary processing line soon. Again, the RDT blokes are doing the drawings.”

ASH CAIRNS, THE CAIRNS GROUP Reduce and reuse Up until two years ago, the Cairns Group’s collection and haulage operation was putting all the waste it collected into the Tararua District Council (TDC) landfill site.

Cairns knew this would not last. The TDC had signalled a closure date of November 30, 2010.

This meant that the only other option was a landfill owned by competitors who could then dictate the group’s disposal cost. Cairns also knew that it was far better for both the budget and the environment to divert and recover more and dump less.

The original plan was to build a simple sorting centre at the PN transfer station site, but the more the idea was discussed, the bigger it became.

It was obvious to the minds at Cairns Group that something sophisticated was needed, so they contacted Brisbane-based company, Recycling Design Technologies (RDT) which has designed high-tech large materials recovery facilities around the world. The team designed one for Cairns. He was impressed and the project got under way.

The huge facility was built in 2010 and opened its doors in December last year.

“The mechanical sorting line is doing very well,” Cairns says.

“Everything is going as well as we anticipated.

Right now we are in the process of fine-tuning our systems. We will add another, secondary processing line soon. Again, the RDT blokes are doing the drawings.”

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Any rubbish that cannot be recovered and recycled is taken to a landfill in Waipukurau.

But the majority — up to 75 percent — can be used again. The Cairns Group recently signed a partnership agreement with the Palmerston North City Council with a view to promoting the city’s two waste recovery centres as an opportunity for the total municipal waste stream to be sorted prior to end-disposal.

waste stream to be sorted and recovered at the Cairns Group facility.

“Our competitive edge comes not only from our being able to sort but also from our low pricing. We sort it and take it to be re-used, which can be up to 55 percent cheaper than just dumping it in the landfill. ”You can get money back for recycling steel, cardboard and plastic and while you pay to get rid of materials such as waste wood and greenwaste, it is a lot less than you have to pay for dumping it as rubbish at a landfill.

“Governments are getting harder on simply just dumping rubbish into landfills, and more supportive of recycling,” Cairns says.

Smaller domestic materials will go to the council’s own Awapuni centre — while there is now the capacity for the entire ‘large materials’ Feature continues on next page >>

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Now, when the Cairns Group receives waste, it is sorted at the materials recovery facility. For example, the wood goes to local companies to use in a number of different ways and the plastic is sent to China where it is re-used.

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Initiatives | Cairns Group

An important goal for the future is to invest more in technology, so that more information and knowledge is stored electronically rather than cranially.

ASH CAIRNS, THE CAIRNS GROUP

station). “We pride ourselves in providing clean and tidy facilities at all times. The unloading areas have lots of room to make it easy for even the worst ‘trailer-backers’ to get in and unload,” Cairns says.

Medical waste In the early 1990s, Cairns Group expanded into the collection and cartage to disposal sites of medical and chemical waste. MediChem Central manages medical waste collections from places like hospitals, doctors’ clinics and retirement homes.

MediChem operates a purpose-built vehicle which collects material from the Manawatu, Tararua and Palmerston North districts.

“The levy here is presently just ten dollars a tonne, but that’s just going to keep escalating, it’s certainly not going to go away and will undoubtedly increase,” Cairns says.

Another bit of smart thinking was building the large facility in 2010, when the building industry was being hit by the recession. Cairns Group managed to get the best team to build a Apart from waste collected from medical and high quality building quickly and professionally. scientific facilities, the company often gets “When the Government increases the waste calls from people with potentially harmful jars levy, this only adds to the cost of dumping Transfer stations of paint or other chemicals in their homes or and not to the cost of recovery and reuse The Cairns Group runs two transfer stations buildings they need to dispose of safely. operations like ours.” where the public can drop off general waste Cubico is a business that Cairns and a friend Cairns says the company is probably a bit and recyclables. bought six years ago. Originally the operation ahead of its time; perhaps not by recognising To help divert as much waste as possible was established to handle waste water from this eventuality — but certainly by doing from landfill, the company runs these transfer the Levin Meats plant — spreading it onto something about it in a regional city. stations seven days a week, offering separate consented farmland.

“I could see that the continued, existing use areas for dropping off recyclables, green waste In 2006 Cubico purchased the whey-spreading of landfills was not future-proof. I hope other and general waste. operation at Fonterra Longburn, Palmerston businesses will see this too. As the cost of North. This is an operation that operates six straight, unsorted landfill disposal goes up, the One is in Feilding and the other in Palmerston North at Matthews Avenue (next to the railway truck and trailer units and spreads enormous benefits of not dumping will also increase”. quantities of whey over a concentrated period from September to December. This wheyspreading operation is testament to the Cairns Proud supplier of quality Group’s philosophy that waste is actually a products and services to resource and should be recycled or reused wherever possible. In this case the whey is being reused as a fertiliser.

CAIRNS GROUP Bridgestone Firestone Commercial 594 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North Phone 06 355 0566.

Cubico also provides specialised haulage for Fonterra of materials such as liquid stock food, water and sterilisation materials. With extensive knowledge and experience with

discharge consent management, Cubico can assist new applicants, as well as ensuring its client’s current consents are compliant.

Today the company operates a fleet of specialised truck and trailer tanker units which have been adapted to allow both line-haulage and in-paddock spreading services. A number of the vehicles have high-capacity pumping equipment, to allow self-loading and unloading into bulk liquid storage facilities.

Future goals Ash Cairns is in the process of handing over the reins of the company. Fourteen months ago, he hired a CEO, Philip Grey.

“I’m an 80s and 90s businessman, while Phil is very much of the next generation.

“I am used to doing business on a handshake, and I get frustrated with all the ‘process’ involved with actually getting things done these days. It makes sense to take a step back and allow Phil the front-line role.”

An important goal for the future is to invest more in technology, so that more information and knowledge is stored electronically rather than cranially.

“We’re talking about getting more out of the IT system. There’s so much knowledge locked up inside Maria’s head and my own that we need to pass on, we need to get the company to the point where someone other than Maria and I can run it.”

Cairns Group Ltd Head office & central transfer station 12 Mathews Avenue Palmerston North T 0800 CAIRNS BINS T (06) 358 2111 www.cairnsgroup.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Initiatives | Precision Gears

Getting in gear

Above: A cyanide press gearbox by Precision Gears in Rotorua.

Precision Gears in Roturua has many competitive advantages within the gearbox industry and is able to offer customers a large range of high-quality products. The company’s been providing precision gear products and custom power transmissions nationwide since its formation in 1979.

Its core business today is still gear manufacture, with gear design undertaken through leading UTS software, a specialist programme incorporating American Gear Manufacturers’ Association technical data.

Manufacturing for industry provides challenges as diverse as the products being produced, with Precision Gears growing and adapting to the needs of its varied customers.

Innovative designs and improvements have evolved to provide cost-effective alternatives to existing designs or OEM solutions.

Precision Gears provides its services to clients throughout the country, with its largest client being New Zealand Steel at Glenbrook.

“A point of difference is we manufacture spiral beval gears, which are a right-angle gear drive.

I believe we’ve got the only machine in the country that can make them and are a ‘go to’ company for these types of gears,” he says.

“In the engineering field we’re precision engineers, as opposed to general engineers.

We train our own apprentices and have two or three of them in our team at any time.”

Another strength of Precision Gears is its ability Pan Pac and Norske Skog, has been the core of to redesign gear drives to improve efficiency its business and has proved the reliability of its and meet customers’ requirements. design and manufacture.

“We’re specialists in pulp and paper and we have a consultant engineering available to Quality products cover worldwide,” says Butler. “We also have Precision Gears is ISO 9001: 2008 accredited access to an international supplier network and first gained accreditation in 1997. “ISO for specialist drives, such as large drives for accreditation enables us to work to a constant turbines and kilns. We can source a new standard all the time and we strive for best gearbox for those products, and we also practice,” Butler says. have a specialist cooling system design for “It’s about creating a structure so everything gearboxes, which is our own design.” is done the same each time. That’s being Precision Gears’ association with the pulp refined all the time — it’s a constant auditing and paper industry, and large clients such as and refining process. We’re always looking to Carter Holt Harvey, Winstone Pulp International, get better.”

Precision Gears takes pride in providing high-quality products to its customers for more than 30 years.

“We operate a 24/7 emergency service and we’re always available. A lot of our work is about relationships. We work hard with every client and look after them and they look after us.”

Precision Gears Limited 111 Tallyho Street Rotorua T (07) 348 7533 F (07) 346 2236 www.gears.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The company designs gears, gearboxes and couplings to incorporate improvements and the product to achieve longer life and easier use.

Specialised drives and gears are designed and built for New Zealand’s mineral and coal production sector, while the company also designs and builds special drive needs for pumps, agitators, clarifiers and waste systems for the water treatment industry.

Precision Gears’ gear cutting facilities are extensive and include spur, helical, internal and external gears, worm and wheel, beval, spiral beval rack and pinion and planetary sets.

In-house gear grinding facilities are available to achieve a high-specification finish if required.

All gear manufacturing is done on site at the company’s large modern workshop at 111 Tallyho Street, Rotorua.

Superior gear service Managing director Peter Butler says Precision Gears stands out from its competitors in a number of areas.

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Ph: 07 348 7533 Email: rotorua@gears.co.nz www.gears.co.nz www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 31

Export | Independent Stevedoring

Delivering the critical link Achieving customer satisfaction to the point of being loyal is understandably a key component, and challenge, of any business venture.

People do not aim to buy products per se; it is the associated value and benefits that accompany the purchase which are considered to be of utmost importance.

Applying this concept has led Tauranga-based company Independent Stevedoring Limited (ISL), to become the successful and renowned operation it is today.

Established during 1996, the stevedoring and logistics consultancy has expanded from a close-knit group of 16 staff members to its current headcount of 85.

Specialising in a wide range of cargo, terminal operations and added-value commodities, the firm offers a 24-hour, seven days a week service to its import and export customers.

Key values are highlighted under stability, reliability and flexibility. Turning ships around in minimal time and to the highest quality are crucial to its success.

Such aspects have direct benefits for customers, and as a result ISL has gained a reputation for developing innovative solutions.

“The culture in this company is superb, we have very good communication with our customers and we understand their needs,” says managing director Donald Howard.

This is not to say that ISL is limited to a select range of services, with further growth and projects on the horizon.

As a key supplier, ISL handles a wide variety of cargo for major customers including Port Tauranga Container Terminal, Swire Shipping, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Dominion Salt.

Managing a multitude of high profile, largescale projects requires the utmost efficiency, Howard says. “One of the most important things is being timely. Dispatch is critical, in a sense that having a (US) $12,000 to $20,000 a day ship sitting alongside a berth can get costly.

We are constantly questioning how we do it and asking if there is room for improvement.”

“It is fantastic in the sense that our customers want to talk about us and sing our praises, but then we haven’t taken advantage of that as we want to look after their business as if it was our own.”

Productivity is consistently tracked to gauge where the company is sitting within the marketplace, alongside utilising new technologies and equipment.

Niche operation

ISL puts a strong emphasis on its people — a key value which saw the introduction of a significant company arrangement, whereby the employees are also shareholders. This was put in place to give staff real ownership of the business, allowing them to reap the rewards.

A high focus on value-added products, such as sawn timber and steel, has created a relatively niche market.

“We are currently one of the more boutique stevedoring and logistics companies, whereby we put a heavy emphasis on our existing customers and only take on board what we can manage,” Howard says. “We don’t want to increase our output at their expense, and we want to manage what we are aiming for.”

Unique structure

“You hear a lot about businesses saying how important the people are, and we are a little bit unique in the fact that we wanted to get them involved in a subsidiary company,” Howard says.

Timeline 1996 — Independent Stevedoring Limited (ISL) established in the wake of the port and labour industry reforms during the 1990s 1997 — First contract loading onions onto the MV Cape Cod bound for Europe.

Staff numbers reach 16 2000 — Moved to new premises within Mount Maunganui Wharves after outgrowing initial site 2001 — Handling more than 340 vessels a year at New Zealand’s largest port 2007 — Quadrant Pacific Limited buys a 50 percent stake in ISL 2011 — Staff headcount reaches 85, with plans for future growth

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• Full range of workwear overalls • Shirts and Trousers • • Industrial Towels, Tea Towels and Wipes • Dust Control Mats • • First Aid Kits • Washroom Products and Sanitary Service •

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Independent Stevedoring Limited (ISL)

Export | Independent Stevedoring

“They understand the reality that we are only as good as our last job, and we need to have that customer base to maintain the business.”

Loyalty of staff members is as crucial to a company as retaining customers, and during the economic downturn ISL proved to stand in good stead.

Being able to maintain an entire workforce through a somewhat turbulent time will be a particular high point in the company’s history.

Company growth Since its conception nearly 14 years ago, ISL has gained an international reputation for handling heavy lift and project cargo.

This includes delicate yachts, launches and industrial plants.

A major coup saw the company unloading Dennis Conner’s yacht Stars and Stripes and America One upon arrival for the 1999/2000 America’s Cup.

The ISL motto:

“There is no such thing as a problem — only solutions”.

ISL’s first contract involved loading onions onto the MV Cape Cod bound for Europe in early 1997, closely followed by contracts for forestry products and bulk fertiliser imports.

In 2001 the firm was handling more than 340 vessels a year, operating from New Zealand’s largest port.

New ideas A major change in 2007 saw Quadrant Pacific Limited, jointly owned by Swire Shipping and the Ahrenkiel Shipping Group, buying a 50 percent stake in ISL. This “dovetailed” in with the organisation’s already well-established involvement with the company, Howard says.

A more competitive industry created more pressure on shipping lines, challenging the company to routinely come up with new ideas.

An increase in exports and a move towards containerisation, whereby products such as logs are put into containers rather than individual units, were other major changes impacting operations.

The company’s answer to any challenge was to turn it into an opportunity, maintaining

the motto that “there is no such thing as a problem — only solutions”.

Independent Stevedoring Limited Wharf Rd Mt Maunganui T (07) 547 4546 www.independentstevedoring.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 33 6478 Central Today Art 10x2.indd 1

14/01/11 11:05 AM

Export | Reaman Industries

Crucial role in enhancing environments In a world where clean water is becoming a more and more finite resource, the way we manage ours in New Zealand is crucial to both our economic and environmental future. Combining good environmental practice with low costs is a challenge. But that’s what Reaman Industries has been doing for more than 20 years.

With a long list of major infrastructure projects completed for public and private clients, both in New Zealand and overseas, it’s easy to see why accountant David Sorensen says he’s proud to work for Reamans.

“When I came to work for Phil Read in 2009, I thought we were in the right industry at the right time. We are playing a positive role helping to clean up and enhance the environments of our country and islands of the South Pacific.

Association er and Waste recognises the at W fic ci Pa The which award (top) t in Samoa which innovation projec ed et tewater pl m co ve). The was recently e award (abo eted by Reamans th ed pt om pl pr ant was com 2 million treatment pl d is part of a US$10-1 lation an cu ti 10 re 20 e il sewag in Apr opment Bank Asian Devel project for Apia. ent and treatm

“Working here gives us the opportunity to help make our country and those islands better places to live in and to visit. Personally, it makes me feel good about going to work in morning,” Sorensen says.

best pumps and pumping systems. Later the company commenced manufacturing motor control centres, which manage the operating of water and wastewater treatment plants. The centres automate water systems operations and, when coupled with other innovative technologies including telemetry (SCADA), enable the systems to be remotely operated, including from Reamans’ Napier office.

In 1991 Read participated in a trade mission to the Cook Islands sponsored by Napier City Council. There he saw raw sewage being pumped into pits dug in backyards. Looking for a solution lead to a further change of direction for his company, into designing, building and most recently operating, wastewater treatment plants.

To date Reamans has built eight plants for local government and corporate clients in New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands.

All have been completed on time and within budget, and are performing to expectations.

Reamans is currently preparing to upgrade the Kaikoura treatment plant with new aeration technology imported from Germany, a first for New Zealand, and has a number of other projects here and abroad at various stages of development.

R&D innovation

Reamans values research and development and undertakes it constantly here and around the world. Read regularly travels to participate Reamans was started 30 years ago by Phil Read who remains an active managing director in major international forums on wastewater, and to meet with and gather information from with a hands-on attitude. It was initially a his extensive international contacts.

New Zealand agency for many of the world’s

Give us a call

06 843 3155

and talk to us about the future!

Reaman Industries Ltd 36 Carnegie Road, Onekawa, Napier 4110 l Phone 06 843 3155 l www.reaman.co.nz 34 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

The company currently has three trial plants of various types of equipment at sites around New Zealand. These include an aerobic granular sludge plant which the company built in 2008 at a cost of over $200,000, attached to the Rotorua City wastewater treatment plant.

This plant has the capacity to treat wastewater from 250 homes or 1000 people. It started operating in January 2009 and is now being operated as a joint trial with the Advanced Water Management Centre of the University of Queensland. Late last year the university ended its own trial of the same technology and has committed more than $400,000 to the Rotorua trial during this year and next.

Reamans decided to attempt to develop this technology to commercial viablilty because, if proven, it offers major savings in construction and operating costs. and should offer the opportunity to undertake major upgrades of existing plants at minimal cost.

Sorensen believes the competence of the Reamans design and build team sets it apart from its competitors, along with Read’s willingness to innovate and his ability to find and pick up on new technology.

“Phil has a constant hunger for new knowledge and technology; for example the German aeration technology he brought back from Europe last year which we are now installing at Kaikoura,” Sorensen says. “Phil is ahead of his time. Several years ago he saw in the US local grinder sewage pump technology, an alternative to septic tanks, and recognised its potential.”

Export | Reaman Industries

Dairy expansion Small pumps located outside a house or small group of houses or in other appropriate locations grinds waste into paste then send it to a treatment plant, under low pressure.

“Phil brought the technology to New Zealand 12 years ago and it has been widely accepted,” Sorensen says.

In 2010 the company was twice recognised for innovation. Sorensen believes Phil Read “hides his light” so he entered the company in the innovation category of the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

The company was selected as a finalist last October, then in the same month won an innovation award from the Pacific Water and Waste Association for a recently completed project in Samoa.

The dairy industry is the backbone of New Zealand’s rural economy, and sufficient clean water is its lifeblood.

Reaman Industries recognises this and two significant areas of concern:  High levels of non-compliance with effluent discharge standards  Water demand approaching (and in some areas exceeding) available natural supply.

Investigation showed the best way to deliver a solution was a complete turn-key wastewater treatment package.

Reamans have teamed with ISD, manufacturers of separator equipment, and irrigation specialist Waterforce to offer a broad range of complete solutions to the dairy industry.

“We can no longer believe that fresh water is an infinite resource in this country.

There are areas in Hawkes Bay and elsewhere where all available irrigable supply has been allocated and, in some places, overallocated. We must turn our attention to making the best possible use of the available resource, including re-use again and again,” Sorensen says.

“Our team believes there’s no such thing as wastewater. All wastewater can become completely re-useable if that is what the farmer requires, producing valuable by-products in the process.

“Dairying still has considerable progress to make in dealing with its wastewater, and there are very significant financial and other benefits to be gained by individual farm businesses taking the necessary steps to do

so — achieving regulatory compliance is a negative concept — think instead for example of reduced water and electricity costs.

“Think of adequate water available when you need it and in the quantity you need, now and in the future. Think of higher land values from a cleaner environment, as just some of the positive reasons to save and reuse this valuable resource”.

Sorensen says this expansion into dairying reflects Reaman Industries’ ongoing commitment to designing and building innovative, environmentally friendly and low-cost solutions for wastewater treatment in this country.

With its track record in other sectors, it’s easy to see why soon the Reaman team will be recognised by the dairy industry too.

Environmental focus Reaman Industries is committed to minimising the environmental impact and promoting sustainable development. Read believes there is no waste in wastewater; it can all be reused.

The company environmental policy includes a commitment to meeting or exceeding Resource Management Act conditions, achieving ISO14001 standard certification and using sustainable alternatives.

But just because Reamans Industries has gone green it doesn’t mean its products are more expensive to build or to operate. Quite the opposite. Reaman plants are generally smaller, so occupy less land area, cost less to build and are less expensive to operate than competitors’ offerings. This is particularly relevant in high deprivation communities,

to sludge treatment plants for wineries, to wastewater infrastructure for resorts and communities in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands where Reaman Industries’ innovation and skills have made a difference.

In April 2010, Reamans completed construction of a wastewater treatment plant for the Samoa Waste Water Authority (SWA), which it is now where it is essential to minimise the costs of operating for SWA under a five-year contract. construction and especially on-going operation, The system is part of a US$10-12 million Asian because of the impact, particularly of the latter, Development Bank sewage reticulation and on annual rates charged to residents. treatment project for Apia.

Major projects The list of satisfied Reamans clients covers a range of successful companies. Projects encompass a $762,000 contract for a BP service centre beside the Auckland motorway,

CRL -

The company puts winning the US $6.6 million contract down to how efficient energy-wise its proposal was. The small footprint plant can be doubled in capacity without major modification.

The Reaman team designed the plant at its factory in Onekawa, Napier. The equipment was sourced internationally and from within New Zealand including from several associates in Napier and Hastings, who then worked with the Reamans team in Apia to build and commission the plant.

Since completion the plant has worked well and its client is extremely satisfied.

Reaman Industries Limited 36 Carnegie Road Onekawa, Napier 4110 T (06) 843 3155 F (06) 843 3667 E info@reaman.co.nz www.reaman.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Hastings 4122 New Zealand

“We are a General Engineering Company established in 2000 and servicing the Hawkes Bay area, with 10 experienced Engineers on our team. We currently have two trucks set up for onsite welding and also have a fully equipped workshop.”

• Heavy Machinery Repairs & Maintenance • • Fabrication of New Plant • Portable Line Boring Services • • Factory & Plant Maintenance & Repairs • Certified Welding to 4711 Standards • • Site Work & Plant Overhauls • 400 amp Mobile Welder/Generator • • Full Workshop Facilities including Machine Fabrication & Overhauls • contact:

John Foot 06 8430904 021 843 090

workshop:

Reaman Industries are specialists in providing off-the-shelf and customised solutions to meet a wide range of pumping applications.

From planning to implementation, they can help, as well as providing 24/7 quality after sales service. Reamans stock a comprehensive range of Grundfos pumps and pumping solutions and work closely with us to bring you the quality and service you expect.

We are proud to have been associated with Reaman Industries for more than 25 years

10 Dunlop road, onekawa, napier

www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 35

Export | Hunter Filling Systems

Tapping into making tip-top filling systems For New Zealand businesses to break the barrier into the export market they must have several things — a competitive edge, commercial viability and a product or technology that will successfully rival its opposition.

Hunter Filling Systems has all of these professional qualities pegged and is enjoying a healthy marketshare in the global sales arena. Established in 1963 the company originally had the title of its founder — John R Hunter Ltd when managing director and major shareholder Niall Fuller bought into the business more than ten years ago.

“I saw that it was a niche market and had a lot of potential for growth. The business was well established by name and in its product range,” he says.

As an engineering based manufacturing company located in Hamilton, the company employs 20 highly skilled technical staff who specialise in the design and production of liquid filling systems and associated packaging equipment for the New Zealand, Australian, American and south east Asian markets.

Hunter Filling’s systems are designed to handle a wide range of liquid and semi-liquid products including foodstuffs, dairy products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, detergents, home car products, motor oils and a wide range of chemicals and solvents.

At Hunter Filling Systems, a wide range of single and multiple head fillers to suit most small to medium sized operations are produced. Machine components manufactured by the company must meet strict hygiene standards, which are applied to all product contact parts. All filling system parts are manufactured at a very high standard and built to stand the test of time.

The Hunter Filler range includes various single and multiple head volumetric and gravimetric fillers capable of accurately metering quantities from 0.5ml to 200 litres or more.

… filling systems for liquid and semi-liquid products …

Products currently packed by Hunter Fillers include butter, processed cheese, honey, cooking oils, shampoos and conditioners, nail varnishes, detergents, bleaches, motor oils and veterinary and ethical supplies.

Some of the more interesting products they have filled throughout the past 12 months include sea monkeys, colloidal silver, cheesecakes, flare igniters, pavalova, prophy paste, methadone, hair proteins, malt extract, Goji juice, bath glee and meal worm bedding.

A list of the features clients can expect from using a Hunter filler includes accuracy, cleanliness and fast filling. These features will often increase the efficiency of an entire

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packaging line significantly even though downstream activities like capping, labelling and packing may still be performed manually.

Fully automatic single and multiple head piston fillers are available to further increase efficiency and production.

With regard to Hunter Filling’s ongoing success Fuller says the company’s 48 year history speaks for itself and this in part kept the business stable during the economic hardship that wreaked havoc the world over. “We rode out the quiet times by keeping our team busy because we knew it would bounce back, so we concentrated on building up our stock levels,” he says.

“One of our strongest qualities is also our staff.

The majority of our employees have worked for us for 10 years or more and our foreman has been with us over 40 years. We are also keen on adding to the engineering skills

in the company, so we are training up two engineering apprentices.”

Fuller says referral work and actively participating in international tradeshows also keeps the company’s business networks open and interactive.

“We’re also starting to move our developing market focus towards powder filling applications where previously they were mostly liquid,” Fuller says of the’ future.

Hunter Filling Systems Ltd 13 Norris Ave PO Box 10037 Te Rapa Hamilton T (07) 849 3924 E niall@hunterfillers.com www.hunterfillers.com — Advertising Feature

TCS is an industrial automation company with 25 years experience specialising in: PLC Software Engineering | Management Database Integration HMI Development | Industrial Communications | Materials Handling Automation Product Tracking ( RFID, Barcode, Vision) | Rockwell Automation / Allen Bradley TCS provides innovative solutions for industrial, agricultural, environmental and recreational applications.

20 Fisher Cres, Mt. Wellington, Auckland T: +64 (0) 95741094 • F: +64 (0) 95741099 E: info_nz@festo.com

36 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

phone: +64 7 849 7729 | fax: +64 7 849 2548 email: sales@tcs-nz.co.nz website: www.tcs-nz.co.nz

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Imagine having dry, meat-flavoured cookies for dinner every day. While our pets may never have complained, it is only logical to think that having too much of the same thing ruins the joy a meal should bring.

FAQs 1.

Won’t feeding a Topper with normal food cause my pet to put on weight since he is eating more than his usual?

Canino Toppers help provide a more satisfying meal for your dog, and encourages your dog to finish up the kibble. Canino Toppers is an all-natural topper made only with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It provides nutrients in the best form available, with high digestibility. If you have been feeding your pet a dry diet exclusively, we encourage you to transition your pet by decreasing the amount of kibble slowly. Canino Toppers should make up an approximate 10% of the entire meal.

2.

If I’m feeding lamb and rice kibble, can I still mix it with Beef and Potato topper?

Canino Toppers is all about providing a healthy variety to nutrition.

Containing only fresh, whole ingredients of the best quality, our products strive to turn each mealtime into an event worth looking forward to. With bite-sized morsels of human grade real meat and vegetables, Canino Toppers can be mixed into your dog’s kibbles for a different texture and taste whenever you think your furry best friend deserves a better meal.

Believing that the best way to ensure our dogs gets the best nutrients is from consuming an assortment of proteins, Canino Toppers can be fed by rotating between the meat, poultry and fish varieties. This means your dogs receive everything they need for a pleasurable and healthy meal experience.

We think it’s really wonderful that you are able to be your dog’s veryown chef, but unfortunately, not every one can afford the time. What’s great about Canino Toppers is that we use the same natural and fresh ingredients, cooked perfectly, and served straight from the can. It is hassle-free, and can provide an extra source of protein on top of the original diet. It is convenient, economical, and adds variety to life!

There can never be too much of a good thing; treat your best friend to a hearty serving of prized Mackerel and Lobster. Turn that boring meal into a fancy occasion with DEEP SEA TREASURES, because every day should be a special day.

The connoisseurs love Canino’s freshly caught Tuna from the ocean, which is why they prefer eating it on its own. Simmered in simple gravy, BIG COAST TUNA is a wonderful addition to an everyday meal.

It’s difficult not to love a healthy and tasty meal of Tuna and Chicken, especially when they are freshly farmed and quaranteed of good quality. FISH AND FOWL is low-fat and nutritious perfect as a daily topper for your dog’s dry diet.

Give your dog something to howl about - a deeply satisfying TUNA AND BEEF JUMBO. The firmness of the choice cuts add extra bite to a simple dish. Mixed with kibble, this topper is a hot favorite.

should I switch to using a 3. Why topper instead of feeding an occasional canned food?

Unless your dog is allergic to a certain type of protein, Canino Toppers complement all dry diets. Providing your dog with different types of proteins in a single meal ensures that your dog receives nutrients in different forms, which is a good thing. Apart from being extremely convenient, Canino Toppers are created to give you and your dog more variety in life so each mealtime is worth looking forward to.

I cook my dog’s meals myself at home, why should I still feed Canino Toppers?

Sometimes, a Shrimp cocktail just isn’t enough. Pile the succulent OCEAN ENSEMBLE on top of his usual dry food and watch your doggie smacks his lips with appreciation. Bon Appetite!

Most canned foods are designed to be complete meals, with added vitamins and minerals. In our efforts to keep nutrition simple and natural, you’ll find that “what you see is what you get” with Canino Toppers, which means there are no by-products or unnecessary vitamins. Our raw ingredients come in fresh every day, with no preliminary processing.

That’s because we believe in feeding our pets the best, naturally.

4.

Puppies have different nutrient needs from the adults; can I feed them Canino?

Unlike complete meals, Canino Toppers act as a topping to make your dog’s meals more satisfying.

Imagine the usual dry diet as a plain pizza and Canino Toppers as your ‘pepperoni’. A good quality kibble will properly nourish your puppy for its life stage, while Canino Toppers provides the fresh proteins that will make your dog a happy healthy one.

Perfect for staving off that meat craving, HOMESTYLE GOULASH is deliciously flavourful. Quality cuts of Beef combined with bite-sized Sweet Potatoes ensure your dog has a growlingly good time at dinner.

Ditch the “Chicken or Beef” dilemma and have them both! Pair the versatile Chicken chunks with the robust taste of gently cooked Beef for a delightful combo.

ROOS AND MOOS always hits the spot.

For the delicate palate, this all-vegetable topper is light and chock-full of vitamins. With the colourful salad steamed and then simmered in gravy, GARDEN FIESTA can be used on its own or served with your dog’s usual dry or wet diet.

Nothing beats the wholesome taste of tender Chicken, accompanied with soft-stewed Carrots and a thick, delicious gravy. CHICKEN STEW POT PIE is like a doggie cuddle on a cold day - heartwarming and comforting.

$39.95 + free delivery incl gst | Box of 24 Servings For more detailed information call on 0800 101 729 level 3, 818 Colombo St, PO Box 1879, Christchurch. Fax 03 961 5112 - Email: info@canidae.co.nz - Web: www.canidae.co.nz www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 37

Transport and Motoring | Slater 2010 Limited

A family affair Waikato transport company Slater 2010 Limited has a new name and a new determination to continue improving its services.

The family business was formed in 1984 as Colin Slater Contractor Limited and was purchased late last year by Bronwyn Slater, who renamed it Slater 2010.

The company employs a loyal team of more than 30 qualified operators and drivers, and boasts an extensive modern and reliable plant and equipment, as well as a purpose-built site at 7 Mahuta Station Road, Huntly.

Slater 2010 is managed by Bronwyn and her son Kris, who works as the transport and operations manager. Kris has his own trucking company and is an experienced transport operator. Being brought up in the industry, his knowledge and experience gives him the expertise to provide clients with a quality and efficient service — delivering earthmoving and transport projects to the highest standards.

Bronwyn’s youngest son Troy works as a key long-haul driver, while daughter Sheena has a marketing business and does all of the company’s marketing, advertising and promotional work.

“It really is a family business,” Bronwyn Slater says. “I think people today like the family

business scenario, which is seen as honest and reliable.”

Slater 2010 is primarily in the business of bulk haulage across the lower North Island.

The company has the knowledge and expertise to successfully complete any project, from residential homes and commercial buildings to reinstatement works, subdivision and infrastructure, contouring, or environmental and rehabilitation works.

The company supplies and delivers coal, ash, palm kernel, lime, metal, sand and pumice, and carting everything from top soil and roading aggregates to stock feed and demolition materials. It also has trucks available for carting maize silage.

Whether a project requires drainage by laser or a 20-tonne mulcher-rock breaker, carpark development, road prep and grading, landscaping and contouring, or crossings and footpaths, Slater 2010 meets your requirements with professionalism and a quality result.

Core transport services

power pluS proudly supports Slater 2010 Ltd. We’re also proud as punch to deliver locals the best knowledge and expert skills in business, agribusiness, asset finance and private banking, so if you want to chat, call your local BNZ Partner.

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38 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz 24/01/11 12:59 PM

Slater 2010 has a fleet of 22 truck and trailers, involving 2008/2009 Mitsubishi trucks and 2008/2009 Transfleet trailers, and including eight-wheeler truck and trailer units that are permitted to cart 52-tonne gross for specific jobs, six-wheeler truck and trailer units, and six wheelers fitted with hoist beepers and all compliance requirements.

Slater 2010’s trucks are all fitted with GPS units to monitor speed regulations, and all truck and trailer units are fitted with automated covers to prevent spillage and mitigate dust from contaminating the road and the environment.

These excavators are fitted with ROPS cabs and have the option to fit scales to their buckets to use as back-up loading machines if there are any unexpected breakdowns. All loaders are fitted with load-rite scales and reversing sensors and beepers.

M: 0274 460 359 F: 07 828 9985 AH: 07 828 9982 E: powerplus@xtra.co.nz 37 James Road, RD1 Huntly

BNZ6639 Partners Slater Ad_02.indd 1

Modern trucks and machinery

The company also has a fleet of excavators comprising of 2006/2007 Komatsu diggers from 13 to 20 tonne, as well as dozers and loaders.

Rural

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e l e c t r i c a l

The company has a strong history within the rural industry. This involves extensive experience in farmworks, from mining, stick raking, ripping, farm drainage and underpasses, to large-scale contouring and topsoil spreading, silage pit and oxidation pond excavation, farm race construction and cow shed excavations.

Slater 2010’s extensive modern and reliable plant and equipment is well maintained by the company’s highly qualified mechanics and fully equipped mobile service vehicles.

Transport and Motoring | Slater 2010 Limited

“… communication between staff and management is a priority to a successful working relationship this is key to completing contracts and day works jobs on time and beyond minimum standards …”

Bronwyn Slater

Above: Bronwyn Slater, who purchased Colin Slater Contractor Limited last year and has renamed it Slater 2010 Limited.

Below: Bronwyn and her family, sons Kris and Troy and daughter Sheena, who help operate the family business.

Success and growth Slater 2010 has managed to maintain its position within the competitive transport market through the recent economic recession.

“We’ve managed to keep a level playing field last year with the recession, mainly due to the coal supply,” Slater says.

“We’re in a very competitive field, but our point of difference is probably our location, because we’re a preferred supplier to Genesis and Solid Energy.

Significant contracts

required and have comprehensive policies and procedures in place, along with strong health and safety standards, and are proactive in the field of environmental management.

Slater 2010 Limited has a number of major transport contracts and enjoys close relationships with some of New Zealand’s largest energy providers.

Owner Bronwyn Slater says her company is a leader in the earthworks and transport industry. It is contracted to Genesis Energy to dispose of ash from its power station, as well as to Solid Energy to transport coal to the Huntly Power Station.

“I believe the communication between staff and management is a priority to a successful working relationship, and this is the key ingredient to completing contracts and day works jobs on time and well beyond the minimum standards required,” Slater says.

“We also have specific management skills, systems and experience which ensures deadlines and targets are met and 100 percent compliance with consent conditions is achieved.”

“We designed and built those and Solid Energy saw it as a proactive way of protecting the environment,” Slater says.

Slater 2010 values the credibility it has built within its North Waikato community.

From small one-off projects to large contracts, the company is committed to forming ongoing professional relationships.

Proudly assisting SLater 2010 LIMIteD with all their legal requirements

We offer legal services for:

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Bronwyn Slater believes the success of her company is due largely to its reliability throughout the years and its high level of service.

Small to Medium Enterprises Businesses Property Sales and Purchases Commercial Disputes Shareholder Disputes Trusts & Estates Relationship Property

Level 3, Sentinel House, 586 Victoria St | PO Box 1108, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240 P. 07 838 9949 | F. 07 838 1661 | E. david@nielsenlaw.co.nz | www.nielsenlaw.co.nz

Slater would like the company to experience further growth in the future and has some firm ideas about how the company will move forward. “We’re running with a tag line now of ‘around the corner or around the country’. We will go anywhere.”

Slater 2010 Limited PO Box 37 Huntly 3740 T (07) 828 4767 F (07) 828 4739 slater@xtra.co.nz www.slatercartage.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Complete Engineering & Hydraulics

Deadlines, targets

Slater 2010 has maintained this coal contract with Solid Energy for 10 years and recently gained an award from the energy company for the automated covers it developed to keep the coal covered on the road.

Slater 2010’s management and team are very familiar with the strict rules and regulations

“We’re also close to the quarry that’s supplying metal to the roading works in the Waikato.”

“That’s the main advantage for our customers.

We have a really good team and we’re really well known even through the name change that we’ve gone through.”

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Transfeet Equipment is proud to support Slater 2010 Limited TransfleeT equipmenT lTd 15 Mana Pl, Wiri ✦ PO Box 76-065 ✦ Manukau City ✦ Auckland Phone (09) 262 3176 ✦ Fax (09) 262 3267

www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 39

Transport and Motoring | Central Diesel Services

Giving big rigs the once-over Central Diesel Services in Mt Maunganui offers a comprehensive “bumper-tobumper” service for all heavy transport vehicles, while specialising in Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Sterling trucks, which are all part of the Daimler Trucks group.

Central Diesel Services Limited (CDSL), was formed in 1995 by Bert and Debbie Hayden, as a full service dealer for Cummins Engines, along with an American-sourced truck.

In October 2006 CDSL merged with TRT Mt Maunganui to become the parts and service dealer for the Bay of Plenty supporting Mercedes Benz heavy commercial, Freightliner, Sterling, Iveco trucks and Cummins engines.

With an extensive range of vehicles combined with new models and state-of-the-art engines being released all the time, Daimler and its dealers are providing unparalleled return on investment results for the customer.

Bert Hayden says the merger with TRT gave CDSL the security of having some additional partners, as well as providing the opportunity to expand its services.

Cummins engines

“We gained the truck franchises along with BPW axles and suspension including the Jost product range. We then added the Detroit engine franchise, as it is also part of the Daimler Group.”

Along with the merge of the two companies, CDSL undertook a major revamp of its Hull Road site, with its facilities today including a full service and repair workshop, an engineering workshop and a very comprehensive parts department.

The workshop contains six mechanical repair bays, an engine overhaul room, two drive-through 22-metre servicing pits and an on-site brake roller testing unit.

The site also features a large new parts department with a modern showroom and warehouse.

“The term “bumper-to-bumper service” means when a customer brings their vehicle to us we can repair/rebuild the engine, transmission or diffs. We can also repair the deck or alloy bin. Our staff are highly trained in electronic diagnostic and repair work.”

Central Diesel Services’ commitment to customer services has been recognised

by Mercedes-Benz.

CDSL offers a “bumperto-bumper” service for all customers

The team at CDSL is dedicated to working in partnership with its customers, offering outstanding service and support within the transport industry.

Focus on Daimler product

“Cummins Engines are also a very big part of our business as they are an engine option in the Freightliner product,” Hayden says. “We’re a full parts and service dealer for Cummins, which allows us to undertake engine repairs on any make of truck, machine or earthmoving equipment that has a Cummins engine fitted, unlike most other Cummins dealers which are limited to their franchise vehicles only.”

Because of this, Central Diesel Services Ltd carries the most comprehensive supply of parts within the Bay of Plenty region, working closely with Cummins Rotorua.

CDSL operates a large parts department, with its experienced staff of five having access to the latest technology in the trucking industry.

The company is linked directly to its franchise suppliers for product information and ordering.

It stocks an extensive range of parts covering our franchise agencies; Mercedes Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Detroit and Cummins.

It also stocks BPW, Jost, Hendrickson, Spicer, Nelson Exhaust, Dana Eaton, Roadranger, Meritor Rockwell and Fleetguard filters.

CDSL was the first BPW axles and suspension service agent in New Zealand and hopes to expand that agency during the next few years.

Strict dealer requirements Quality is the key component of Central Diesel Services Limite’s service, with the company and its staff undertaking rigorous audits and training to ensure they maintain the highest possible dealer standards.

Bert says the company’s primary focus is on providing unrivalled product support for its Daimler truck product range.

Owner Bert Hayden says the truck franchises that CDSL represents demand an extremely high level of quality from the company.

This commitment to customer service has been “Daimler is very strict on procedures and policies, as well as our presentation, right recognised by Mercedes Benz NZ and CDSL customers, with the company receiving awards down to the colour of our building, the signage and the uniforms we wear,” he says. for Service Manager of the Year 2009, Parts Manager of the Year 2009 and again in 2010.

“We’re audited every three months by The entire Daimler product range represents about 35 percent of the heavy commercial vehicle sales each year and provides a solid platform for CDSL to feel confident about its future as a dealer.

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Ph 07 574 6712

Mercedes NZ to measure our programmes and help us with any areas of improvement.

Cummins and Detroit are also undertaking annual audits now and we had our first audits with them this year.”

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Transport and Motoring | Central Diesel Services

Hayden says a lot of respect goes with being a dealer for these international brands.

“Not just anyone can be a dealer for them moving forward. The criteria of training is that each technician has to be qualified in that particular vehicle model or engine. There’s ongoing training online and in the classroom at all times. It’s a big investment for us as a dealer and quality assurance is a big part of what these audits are about.”

Customers can be assured of the quality at the end of the job because of the requirements CDSL has to meet with Mercedes, in particular.

These procedures and practices are in place right through the business.

Customer benefits CDSL is centrally located at the entrance to the Port of Tauranga in Mt Maunganui, which Hayden says is a big advantage. “We have vehicles coming to the port from all over. A big percentage of our work comes from the central North Island logging, fertiliser, bulk and general freight industries. We also service a good mix of local and major national carriers.”

Offering a complete service and repair solution is one of CDSL’s major advantages.

The company operates from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 7.30am to 12pm on Saturday, with its 14 technicians working split shifts. CDSL offers a 24/7 callout service for mechanical problems and spare parts, and is also part of the nationwide Daimler callout programme.

The company currently employs a total of 28 staff and is working hard to improve its quality control and quality assurance in the future.

“It’s all about providing the best possible

service to our customers, which keeps them buying our products,” says Hayden.

The team at CDSL is dedicated to working in partnership with its customers, offering outstanding service and support within the transport industry

Central Diesel Services Limited 70 Hull Road Mt Maunganui T (07) 574 8407 F (07) 574 8409 www.CDSL.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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If you want to continue getting reliability and performance insist on genuine parts only.

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www.mercedes-benz.co.nz www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 41

Transport and Motoring | Coombes Johnston BMW

Mighty fine example of meeting customers’ needs There is a common misconception that bigger is better when it comes to business, but that is not always the case. In a commercial capacity, it is often the smallest who are the mightiest because a more compact organisation can get back to basics and work on what really counts when meeting customers’ needs.

mt maunganui

What matters in business isn’t necessarily the number of you staff you employ, or the number of square metres your office or building premises take up. Good business is about the professional principles of integrity, efficiency and uncompromised service.

Located in Hamilton and Mount Maunganui, Coombes Johnston BMW is the organisational epitome of these principles.

The only authorised BMW dealership in the central North Island covering the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions including Rotorua and Taupo, Coombes Johnston is all about luxury BMW cars.

The dealership

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42 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Coombes Johnston’s geographic location reaches across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, King Country, Taupo and Rotorua, but managing director Richard Johnston says from a service perspective, the company has clients far and wide.

Transport and Motoring | Coombes Johnston BMW

“I know of clients who pass by other dealerships to get to us,” he says of the company’s diverse client base.

“The pick up and delivery execution we offer provides the best opportunity for us to have strong relationships with our clients.

exacting standards set by BMW and comes with a certified, full BMW dealership history.

New BMWs carry a comprehensive factory guaranteed warranty with 24 months scheduled servicing.

“A business of our size also means we can offer a more intimate service than a larger dealership in a metropolitan area where client relationships can be less personal.

The Coombes Johnson dealerships are also authorised to perform factory approved servicing and are able to keep clients’ new or pre-owned vehicles in pristine condition utilising the latest technology by factory trained staff.

“Our clients like the fact that I am accessible and all our staff are interactive with them.”

The BMW X3

In addition to full sales, parts and services for new BMWs, the company also offers the next best thing to a new BMW — a pre-owned Premium Selection BMW that has been rigorously checked to meet the

Total Trade Supplies is proud to be the primary tool supplier to Coombes Johnson BMW

In early 2011, the company welcomed a new addition to its extensive fleet with the launch of the all new BMW X3 – already hailed as the “Off-Roader of the Year” and the SUV category favourite as voted by readers of Germany’s Off Road magazine.

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The vote for the “Off–Roader of the Year” ranks among the most important and traditional reader polls in Germany. Dating back as far as 1982, readers of Off Road magazine have been invited annually to choose their favourite all-wheel-drive vehicles on the German car market. This year the selection was made from a line-up of 101 models in eight categories.

Even prior to its official release, the BMW X3 shared the same accolade of its predecessor which was also voted “Off-Roader of the Year” twice in succession.

A recent Off-Road reader poll also acknowledged that outstanding rankings on two other BMW X models were achieved; the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe was runner-up in the “Crossover” category while the new BMW X5 came third among the “Luxury Off-Roaders”.

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www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 43

Transport and Motoring | Coombes Johnston BMW

Needless to say, these multiple successes are testament to how appealing the BMW X models are and how the reputation of these luxury vehicles has continued to evolve since they emerged in 1999 with the unveiling of the first generation BMW X5. Closely followed by both the first BMW X3, the BMW X5 found its calling in the Sports Activity Vehicle segment.

The arrival of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system coincided with the release of the BMW X5 and its electronically controlled drive distribution not only made for surefooted traction and maximum stability on slippery surfaces, but superior dynamics on the road as well, creating a unique rendition of driving pleasure.

The BMW X3 joins a segment that is already inhabited by premium carmakers but has been

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“This car (BMW X3) is fantastic in terms of its drive and innovation.”

Richard Johnston Coombes Johnston managing director

built to hold its own. Thank to its systematically honed qualities, the BMW X3 sets benchmarks within this field — a fact reflected in it being voted “Off-Roader of the Year”.

“This car is fantastic in terms of its drive and innovation,” Johnston says. “There has been no compromise on drive or comfort. We see

it suiting males or females 35 years plus. The BMW X3 is for somebody wanting something agile, flexible and spacious.”

The engines available for this Sports Activity Vehicle deliver superior performance and thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, ensure exemplarily low fuel consumption and

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emission figures as well. The engine portfolio comprises two diesel engines with output of 135 kW and 190 kW respectively and features an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. All new suspension technology brings with it a tangible improvement in agility and ride comfort compared with the predecessor model.

With a luggage capacity that can be extended from 550 to 1,600 litres and a folding, 40:20:40-split rear seat backrest, the new BMW X3 boasts the greatest available space and flexibility in its segment. The BMW X3 also comes with a choice of innovative equipment features, driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive that is unique among the competition. The BMW X3 is the only model in its class that has a Head-Up Display and allows for in-car internet use.

Coombes Johnston BMW PO Box 10069 Hamilton 3241 T (07) 846 8888 F (07) 846 8889 E jacqui.gage-brown@ coombesjohnstonbmw.co.nz www.coombesjohnstonbmw.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 45

Engineering/Projects | Taranaki Engineering

Structural

steel expertise Taranaki Engineering is a structural steel specialist capable of fabricating world-class commercial and infrastructure projects.

Taranaki Engineering — based in Bell Block, New Plymouth — was formed by director Murray Dick 13 years ago. It employs about 50 staff today.

The company specialises in structural steel fabrication and erection. The workshop is strategically located in an industrial centre close to a heavy haul route and the Port of Taranaki.

The company is focused on fabrication and pipe work, precision machining and plant maintenance, projects and site services.

“We’re very skilled and experienced. We get inquiries from all over the world,” Dick says.

The team at Taranaki Engineering produce high quality work. The structural fabrication and pipe spooling division has developed an international reputation for quality and innovation, undertaking work in carbon, stainless and alloy steels to exacting standards.

construction and installation of structural steel and pipe work.

Taranaki Engineering provides a comprehensive precision machining service to customers. The 1000sq m machine shop is equipped with modern large-capacity equipment including three gantry cranes capable of dealing with workloads of up to 10 tonnes, a 200-tonne brake press, a 13mm plate guillotine and CNC profile cutters.

Taranaki Engineering has been involved with numerous large projects in recent years, including the new Beachcroft pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Southwestern Motorway (SH20) between Seacliff Road and Beachcroft Avenue.

The projects and site services division operates independently and is engaged in on-site

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These services encompass the complete spectrum of customer requirement, material procurement, site supervision, construction, installation and sub contracts.

Significant projects

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taranaki engineering proud ltd 46 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Dick says the fabrication was a big project for Taranaki Engineering, which has been asked to submit an entry to Steel Construction New Zealand’s 2011 awards for excellence in steel construction.

“The logistics of the Beachcroft Bridge were unique, in that we had 80,000 vehicles going underneath on State Highway 20,” he says.

“The bridge was built in three sections. We transported them from New Plymouth and joined them together on site, along with The 3.5m-wide cable-stayed bridge was built weld testing and painting. We then used a to replace the existing bridge, which was too low to provide adequate clearance for traffic on 150-tonne crane in one big lift in the middle of the night and installed it.” the widened motorway below.

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The steel superstructure is supported by stay cables which transfer loads to 33m-high steel pylons, which are inclined 10 degrees to the west to give a distinctive appearance.

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50 Corbett Rd. Bell Block Plymouth Phone: 06 755 9039 Fax: 06 755 2099 Web: www.easysteel.co.nz Freephone: 0800 EASYSTEEL

Engineering/Projects | Taranaki Engineering

Engineering/Projects | Complete Engineering and Hydraulics

Performance under pressure Using water power dates back to Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, where irrigation has been used since the 6th millennium BC. While the concept has developed to be known now as hydraulics, it still requires hard work, dedication and expertise to facilitate its use in modern mechanics.

Since Craig Garmonsway opened the doors to Complete Engineering and Hydraulics in 1998, him and his team of engineers have serviced all manner of hydraulic applications and now specialise in prototype manufacture.

“I always had a keen interest in owning my own business,” Garmonsway says. Complete Engineering and Hydraulics started with myself and two machines; it’s grown from there.”

Today Complete Engineering and Hydraulics offers a hydraulic design service ranging from component specification to complete hydraulic system design, fabrication, installation and commissioning. The company has CNC machining capabilities, with perhaps the biggest lathe in Hamilton, precision machining, fabrication and welding expertise, as well as having the facilities for large production runs.

“We do pretty much everything and anything with a hydraulic ram.”

That everything and anything includes ram size. Complete Engineering makes and repairs any size ram, from a tiny boat ram to a 12 inch rubbish contactor ram. “Size is not an issue for us.”

Taranaki Engineering also completed 1500 tonnes of structural steel for the Kupe gas project. “We were the main structural steel suppliers and it was a $20 million project.

It involved all the pipe racks, pipe supports, ladders and hand rails.”

Taranaki Engineering was awarded a worldclass Harm Free award for site safety from Origin Energy and Technic for the Kupe project.

“It was an enormous achievement to get that project as we were bidding against huge international companies. We were awarded the project because of our high standards and attention to detail,” Dick says.

Taranaki Engineering fabricated and erected all of the structural steel associated with the pipe racks and supports for the Pohokura Gas Production Station, and is currently completing work on the McKee Production Station in Taranaki.

“One other job that we just completed was the Hunua 4 project, which was a joint venture between Taranaki Engineering and Fletcher construction. The client was Watercare NZ and the project consisted of running a 1900mm diameter underground pipeline from Onehunga to the other side of the Manukau harbour.

Watercare NZ was very happy and has decided

The clientele is diverse, ranging from farm and earthmoving equipment through to industrial customers. While it’s a competitive industry, Complete Engineering competes well. “We carry a large stock of steel, hydraulic cylinder tube and bar, so we don’t get caught out. If a repair comes in we can get straight onto it.”

Relationships

Taranaki Engineering completed 1500 tonnes of structural steel for the Kupe gas project.

to include Taranaki Engineering in any more underground pipe line work that they have.”

Dick says Taranaki Engineering operates its own quality control department, as well as a detailed draughting department that provides detailed drawings to each client. “We pride ourselves on being innovative,” he says.

Taranaki Engineering Limited 216 De Havilland Drive Bell Block, New Plymouth T (06) 755 2222 F (06) 755 2022 www.taranakieng.co.nz

That expansive inventory includes the full range of Fletchers specialised steel stocks. Close relationships with Seal Imports and Pirtek, both located across the road, allows Complete Engineering access to the biggest stock of seals in the country and one of the largest inventories of hydraulic hoses and equipment.

Technical ability and expertise has allowed Complete Engineering and Hydraulics to grow into a well-established and respected company within the industry. Nobody is fazed by complexity and they all welcome a challenge, he adds, and clients see the team as the solution provider.

With a combination of experience, quality and innovative solutions, Complete Engineering offers a total solution in the repair and manufacture of hydraulic cylinders.

The team at Complete Engineering has completed more than 10,000 individual projects in their many years of operation — a level of experience which means your project will proceed smoothly and efficiently.

Complete Engineering and Hydraulics PO Box 5686 Frankton Hamilton T (07) 847 1514 E info@completehydraulics.co.nz www.completehydraulics.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Metalcraft Roofing New Plymouth is happy to be associated with Taranaki Engineering Proud Ltd www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 47

Engineering/Projects | Downer: Rotorua Sewerage Project

Sewerage system overhaul on time, on budget Downer in the Bay of Plenty is halfway through a major overhaul of Rotorua’s sewerage system, with the project progressing on time and on budget.

The $10.5 million sewerage scheme construction programme is aimed at improving and preserving water quality in three of the Rotorua district’s most popular lakes.

Two-stage sewerage project The contract with the Bay of Plenty branch of Downer involves construction of two major sewerage schemes to replace septic tanks throughout a number of lakeside communities.

The first portion of the scheme involves the supply and installation of 10.6 kilometres of polyethylene pressure reticulation pipeline, a transfer pump station, 7.8km of rising main, the installation and connection of 280 low-pressure grinder pump systems, and about 10kms of discharge line and pressure laterals.

Downer contracts manager Dave Burns says the first part of the scheme was completed in November.

lv e A P E va t hou a nd was s e t up.

The second stage is about a third finished and should be completed

by Christmas.

“There are 280 properties to connect in the first portion of the scheme, with 380 in the second portion,” Burns says. “Everything is running on time and there have been minimal problems.”

Do wner sta f f und er ta king a con ne ct ion to a grind er pump in the R oto rua se we ra ge projec t.

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Second stage The second portion involves the supply and installation of 19.4km of pressure sewer main, 14.5km of pressure sewer laterals and discharge lines, 7.9km of transfer rising mains, three pumping stations and 380 low-pressure grinder pump stations.

The new sewerage schemes are funded by a combination of sources, including contributions from individual property owners, the Ministry for the Environment, Environment Bay of Plenty and Rotorua District Council general rates.

Downer is one of New Zealand’s largest and most experienced infrastructure contractors and has employed personnel mainly from the Rotorua and Tauranga bases, which is great news for local employment.

Significant contract

Burns says the Rotorua sewerage contract is a The projects are part of the district’s wider $100 million programme to improve lake water typical-sized project for Downer, although it is a new scheme for the Rotorua District Council.

Downer Bay of Plenty area manager Nick Hibberd says the Rotorua sewerage project is a high-profile contract for the company.

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“This project is at the top end of our work scale. It’s the first large sewerage project (let as a total scheme) out of three schemes that the council (RDC) is trying to deliver,” he says.

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“It’s crucial that the first one goes well. The other two projects will go out to tender and we hope to be involved in those as well.”

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quality by progressively replacing septic tanks with reticulated sewerage schemes connected to the city’s main sewer line and wastewater treatment plant.

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48 | May/June 2011 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Hibberd says the project has involved Downer working closely with the community and dealing with a large number of home owners and holiday makers in the district.

“We’re going through a lot of people’s properties and logistically it’s quite a challenge for the guys out in the field.”

Engineering/Projects | Downer: Rotorua Sewerage Project

Test ing is under take n of a transfer main in the R otoru a sewe rage projec t . . .

The Rotorua sewerage project being undertaken by Downer involves a new low-pressure grinder pump system that is leading the wastewater industry.

New sewerage technology The lakeside sewerage scheme project for the Rotorua District Council includes installation of the new technology grinder pump systems at individual properties, and connecting existing plumbing to the new schemes.

Downer contracts manager Dave Burns says the low-pressure grinder pump system will be one that is used increasingly in the future. The system is already being used in Christchurch due to problems with ground movement following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Canterbury last September and the February 22 earthquake.

“The idea of the scheme in Rotorua is to clean up the lakes, taking all the houses off septic tanks and putting them into a low-pressure grnding sytem that Rotorua hasn’t used before,” Burns says.

Cost-effective system Communities in the lakeside communities sewerage scheme programme generally have difficult topography and high groundwater levels on lakeside properties. This means high costs for laying pipes because of the extensive use of dewatering equipment and disturbance of properties from open trench excavations.

This was highlighted during construction of a conventional gravity system at Mourea/Okawa Bay. As a result, the Rotorua District Council investigated other sewer servicing options that would be preferable to conventional gravity systems. The evaluation process revealed that low-pressure grinder pump systems are the best alternative because of cost and environmental considerations.

“The main advantage is that if everyone’s system is connected to the drainage system there should be no waste product going into the lake. The majority of the septic tanks in Rotorua are old and they start leaking and cracking and waste ends up in the lake. That won’t happen any more.”

e s s ur -p r e w o l p A um de r p grin e m is e d s yst ll i ns t a g n i e b to a c e nt a . j d a h o us e o ru a t o R

Successful construction project

“The benefits of the scheme are that you can lay the pipe following the ground contours, while not having to go too deep with excavation,” says Burns.

Burns says the Rotorua project has gone extremely well, with the council pleased with its progress. He believed the council has received little negative feedback about the work being done. “The number of complaints has been very low and Downer has been very proactive in handling any issues.”

“It’s one of the schemes that is going to be used more and more. Those houses in the Rotorua project are now going onto a pump system. When the tank gets full it flows down the pipe to the pumping station and to a wastewater treatment plant,” he says.

Burns says Downer has undertaken a lot of drilling of pipes, rather than cutting, resulting in minimal disturbance to residents’ properties.

“We’ve been working with the council to re-engineer solutions to get away from deep excavation where possible. We’ve gone back

to drilling, rather than open cutting. It’s not new but to be able to do it in projects with the council is quite an achievement,” he says.

“If you open a back garden to put a pipe in you’re always going to leave a scar, but we’ve

drilled the pipe in. It’s worked well and the house owners are very happy because they’ve had minimal disruption.

“The council is happy because they’re getting minimal complaints.”

Feature continues on next page >>

Downer

Pleased to support Rotorua Sewerage Downer EDI Works Limited (Downer) is a leading provider of Engineering and Infrastructure Management services to customers operating in market sectors including Minerals & Metals, Oil & Gas, Power, Road & Rail Infrastructure, Telecommunications and Water.

T 07 578 0087 58 Taurikura Drive, Tauriko, New Zealand www.centraltoday.co.nz May/June 2011 | 49

Engineering/Projects | Downer: Rotorua Sewerage Project

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Significant projects Area manager Nick Hibberd says in addition to the Rotorua sewerage project, Downer is also working on a large Southern Pipeline contract in Tauranga.

The Southern Pipeline project is designed to help meet the future wastewater needs of Tauranga City.

The Southern Pipeline will be a large capacity wastewater trunk main of about one metre in diameter that will run between Maleme Street and the wastewater treatment plant.

Downer in Gisborne is also beginning a three-year project worth almost $15 million

“We also have a lot of maintenance projects, which is really our base work. We do that with the New Zealand Transport Agency and local councils.”

Expertise and experience Downer employs 355 staff throughout the Bay of Plenty and East Coast area, with offices located in Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, Whakatane, Opotiki and Gisborne.

“In terms of work, we cover everything from roading and rail maintenance to roading construction, parks and reserves open-space management, mowing, winter maintenance, traffic management, sealing and asphalt.”

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Hibberd believes Downer’s size and history dating back to 1870 are a huge advantage over other infrastructure contractors.

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“We have the ability to manage large-scale events such as the Civil Defense snowstorm that closed SH 5 between Taupo and Napier at the end of 2009.

“Some of the other contractors are good at what they do but can’t always get the additional resources necessary to cope with such disasters.”

Downer PO Box 3219, Greerton Tauranga 3112 T (07) 578 0087 F (07) 577 5117

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Hibberd says the $100 million project has been split into a number of phases, with the first phase completed last year by another contractor. “We’re doing the next phase, which is $13 million and was started in November.

It involves putting in a big sewer pipe from a pump station in Maleme Street to Memorial Park, which is close to the centre of the city.

It’s a 60-week programme that will finish before Christmas this year.”

“These are the big contracts that we’ve got on,” Hibberd says.

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The project, being undertaken by Tauranga City Council, involves the development of a new trunk main to transport wastewater from southern parts of Tauranga to the Te Maunga Wastewater Treatment Plant.

at the Port of Gisborne, which will involve reconstruction of the log yard pavements.

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Downer’s Bay of Plenty/East Coast branch is currently involved in two other major contracts, which demonstrate the company’s versatility and strengths.

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