Canterbury Today Magazine Issue #115

Issue 115 | November/December 2012

High flyer How accessman A is giving our city a lift All aboard the blunder bus Some small errors can be quite costly, so here are a few tips to ensure you get things right the first time round

Business calls Q&A with 2degrees chief Mike Cleary

Giving customers what they want How IKEA leads the way

Our economy Business confidence is up, but challenges still lie ahead

Hundreds of dollars worth of Reader Rewards in this issue!

See page 4 for details

News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 1174-9520 Scan to go directly to

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Issue 115 November / December 2012

In this issue Viewpoints

Features

In Business

6 Working life Dealing with difficult task masters

11 Can house prices be controlled?

37 Rebuilding Christchurch

6 Business development

Olly Newland on how to slow down rapidly rising rent and property prices

The road to recovery, rebuild with confidence using concrete, Leighs Construction and Hamilton Hindin Greene get to work in the CBD, energy audit grants to promote a green rebuild, Hush Interiors, Briscoes bounces back into Salisbury St, Cadigan Construction and getting straightened out with Shepherd and Kime

Developing products to deliver value

7 Governance Looking towards Christchurch’s new future Canterbury Today

Issue 115

7 Politics

13,739

Labour Party leader David Shearer on the need to be hiring, not firing

ABC circulation as at 30/06/12

8 Management

www.canterburytoday.co.nz HEAD OFFICE

Essential management skills for this day and age

12 Going beyond customer satisfaction You need to positively delight your customers if you want to earn their loyalty

12 Tackling time management If you want to be an effective manager you need to manage your most precious resource – your time

60 Initiatives Buy New Zealand Made’s mission to keep it local, Hot Tubs Omarama’s high country oasis, Bodyfix Gym, getting serious about safety with the Glove Upc ampaign and the art of a craft with CSB Huntsman’s Boats

8 Productivity

14 Protecting yourself in the cloud

Why your business won’t grow until you learn to delegate

Cloud technology and remote access raise new security issues for company data

Aeromarine Industries, Gary Lee Electrical, Tyrepower, Adgraphix, The Top Hi Fi Shop and the Harbour Co-op

Gary Collins

9 Technology

19 Cover story

GENERAL MANAGER

83 Goods and services

Is your website getting lost in the crowd?

How Accessman is literally lifting much of the city to new heights

Ken Wills Furniture and Homewares, Fashion Focus, Pot Pourri, Pandect Mobility Solutions, Weathermaster Roofing, South Island Forklifts and Royal Wolf containers

Academy House 47B Birmingham Drive Middleton PO Box 1879 Christchurch

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Rebecca Harris

OPERATIONS MANAGER Di Barclay

ADMINISTRATION Kylie Moore ADMIN MANAGER Kelly Clarke Lucy Neill Rachel Cooper Judy Slater Stacey Coy

SALES & ADVERTISING Miranda Telfer SALES EXECUTIVES Rob Cochrane George Ziegler Grant Williams Melissa Sinclair Anthony Patrickson Kent Caddick Peter Black Melissa Kala Aoife Dunne Mogens Petersen Clive Greenwood Verne Williams

NEWSROOM Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Karen Pasco JOURNALISTS Davina Richards Melinda Collins Marie Sherry Phone: Fax: Email:

03 961 5050 0800 555 054 editor@academy.net.nz

PRODUCTION Ian Knott PRODUCTION MANAGER Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Betman DESIGNERS Jenna Day Jarred Shakespeare Janelle Pike Phone:

03 940 4732

Fax: Email:

0800 555 054 production@academy.net.nz

10 Public relations How to solve customer problems the first time they call

10 Events diary This is where you find out what’s on near you

Reader rewards in this issue…

• Grab yourself a free sample of Canidae pet food on page 17 • Get a free consultation with a Zeald eBusiness consultant on page 27 • Free energy advice worth $5,000 from Energyfirst on page 51 • Save thousands in renovation costs at the Canterbury Home Show on page 59 • Tone up with Bodyfix Gym’s $1 a day membership until December 24 on page 67 • Get half a case of wine with Myjobspace on page 82 • Eat at Kudos Café on Cup Day and receive a complimentary glass of bubbles on page 97 • Call Comteq Solutions to arrange a free business consultation on page 98 • Buy two SafeBottles and get a third free on page 102 • Get 10 percent off your Omarama stay at the Sierra Motels on page 105 • Save $50 with Colourama on page 119

22 Business calls Q&A with 2degrees chief Mike Cleary

24 All aboard the blunder bus Some small errors can be quite costly, so here are a few tips to ensure you get things right the first time round

26 Giving customers what they want And here IKEA leads the way

28 Our economy

70 Focus

96 Hospitality Unlimited luxury at Peppers Clearwater, Café Kudos, Breads of Europe, Castle Rock Café, The Turf & One Good Horse, Tub desserts, Haka Tours, Robbies Riccarton, The Edesia restaurant, Total Food Equipment and the week Canterbury comes out to play at the races - Cup Week

113 Agribusiness The art and craft behind every packet of Heartand Potato Chips

Business confidence is up, but challenges still lie ahead

30 Making it her way How Jo Seagar forged her path from a love of good food

30

32 Lifestyles Cool coffee machines, designer forms, pleated purses, a timepiece of distinction, a little peeler, a go-go gadget and a laptop with some serious attitude

34 Hot spots A few perfect places to fling yourself into spring with good food and great wine

19

Cover photo taken by Paul Terry

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B&D Doors commits to Christchurch’s future

A unique dealer network B&D Doors (NZ) Ltd. is getting ready to celebrate.

The doors are about to officially open on our new premises in Hornby, cementing our long term commitment to the region, our business and our people, with a 10 year lease term – and the move has gone well.

Our Bromley premises were damaged in the February 2011 earthquake and sustained further damage from aftershocks, which eventually resulted in part of the factory being red stickered, prompting a long search for a suitable alternative site.

Despite the challenges, production was impacted for just a short period in February 2011. The team rallied quickly and since then we have remained open and manufacturing thanks to the dedication of our people.

Not only have we retained our workforce, we have also launched two new products and been recognised by a key customer - David Reid Homes - as its supplier of the year for the way we communicated in the aftermath of the earthquake.

The new premises are a significant step forward, and will help B&D as we gear up for the Christchurch rebuild and hopefully help contribute towards the resurgence of the region after what has been a trying and often difficult period.

Whilst relocating it was critical we remained focussed on our core business which is supplying product to our valued customers, to ensure this we set up “Project Commitment” in order to formalise the moving processes involved.

The name “Project Commitment” was chosen as it signifies the commitment from our board, the company and our people to staying in Christchurch. It also highlights what has been required over the months in order to make this transition successful.

B&D Doors’ close relationship with its 70 authorised Dominator and Garador dealers across New Zealand ensures customers receive the highest level of service and support possible.

Recognition must be given to the numerous local businesses that have worked so closely with us during the preparation stage, the actual move and who continue to do so during the final stages of Project Commitment.

Our move across town would not have gone so smoothly without the huge dedication from a large number of people.

“Our product is at the top end of the quality range, and our ability to provide national coverage through a qualified and robust dealer network makes us a valuable supply partner where market reputation is vital.” he says. “Our links with our loyal dealers have been one of our strengths.”

B&D Doors itself has 90 employees, 70 of which are based in Christchurch, and are New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of sectional and roller garage doors and supplier of automatic openers servicing the commercial, industrial and residential markets.

Along with a comprehensive range of sectional doors, products include the popular Roll-A-Door, Therma Tech II - New Zealand’s premium insulated sectional garage door - and Flex-A-Door®, designed to replace out-dated tilt doors.

NZ country manager Tim Dalzell says B&D is proud to be a New Zealand business.

“B&D invented the roller door in Australia and it’s a big name over there. It has even been on a series of iconic Australian postage stamps,” he says. “Here in New Zealand it is our two brands, Dominator and Garador, that consumers will be most familiar with. B&D is the supporting arm.”

Dalzell says the success of the company is heavily reliant on its dealer network.

B&D is the only major garage door company in New Zealand that can offer an installation option from its quality dealer network from Kaitaia to Bluff.

Dalzell says the installation and backup service is equally as important as the product for the end consumer.

“We understand that the product is not just the garage door. Service is just as important to our customers, and our dealer network delivers an excellent customer experience.

That sets us apart.”

B&D authorised Dominator & Garador dealers undergo extensive training in all aspects of the products, including installation and maintenance procedures. In addition, they attend yearly conferences to update their product knowledge and review their customer service performance.

Visit us online to find out more about our business and Project Commitment, our products and our brands – www.bnd.co.nz

Viewpoint | Working Life/Business Development

Dealing with difficult task masters

Developing products to deliver value

Dr Mary Casey is a conflict resolution specialist and founder and CEO of the Casey Centre, a leading integrated health and education service

Maintaining a professional working relationship with your boss is important, so how do you address their behaviour without it souring?

Every boss is different and so you need specific strategies to most effectively deal with them.

Instead of trying to change someone, the best course of action is to enact strategies that focus on dealing with their behaviour, rather than trying to change their personalities.

The micromanager Does your boss want a meeting with you several times a week, be cc’d in every email, and check your work on an hourly basis? While this behaviour can be annoying initially, eventually it can make you doubt your own abilities.

Micromanaging has nothing to do with your work quality – it’s about your boss. Develop a strategy to find a good balance between the micromanaging and your freedom. Suggest a dedicated meeting time and create a list of successful projects you’ve worked on to prove your work quality. Be honest - let your boss know you feel they’re monitoring your work too closely.

The non-communicator They come and go without telling you, don’t give staff an opportunity to contact them when they need them and never give performance feedback.

Observe if they use the same behaviour with all staff. If so, it is not something to take personally. Communicate through notes or emails, and set deadlines for responses – such as “please respond by Tuesday, and if I don’t hear from you I assume the proposed action is okay”. As these bosses are emotionally withdrawn, it may be hard to communicate with them, so ask open-ended questions.

The drama queen This type of boss seeks drama in the workplace, or tends to worry or panic over every incident. It’s important not to give them the attention they crave. Remain calm and, if possible, ignore over-the-top behaviour.

Gossip mongerWhat do you do when your boss is the source of office gossip and conversations eventually lead to discussing people? Work on constantly changing the subject from people to positive things. Let your boss know in the first few minutes of gossiping that you’re not interested. You can do this simply by refraining from commenting.

The slave driver A master delegator, this type of boss ensures staff work well into the night, with no mention of time in lieu. When another employee leaves, you may also suddenly find yourself doing their job, too. Set the boundaries of what your hours are; work within these hours and within your scope.

A good idea is to check with your boss that your job description is the same.

The detractor Does your manager shift the blame to you or other staff whenever results fail to come in or something goes wrong? Do they take credit for good results you have achieved on your own? This type of boss is not just insecure but a master manipulator.

The best way to deal with this situation is to put your concerns in writing. It’s important that you outline the issue and the outcome.

You may write something like “I’d like to say exactly what occurred so that you know why I’m upset”. They will more often than not agree with you. They will also be careful of blaming you or taking due credit away.

The bully If someone uses their physical presence to intimidate, shout at people around other staff, or is not open to hearing or taking on suggestions or ideas, then they’re a classic bully. Stand up to them and you may find they back down. Ask them not to yell or interrupt. When a situation gets heated, use their first name and ask them if they can outline exactly what the problem is.

The bottom line In some instances, be prepared to leave if necessary. An employer’s habits won’t change overnight, but if after many attempts to improve fail, it may be best to move on. Weigh up whether the effects on your health, your emotional state and your personal life are worth staying in the job for.

Can you sell?

If so, we want you !

6 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Jonathan Prince is the managing director of Motovated Design and Analysis. For further information visit www.motovated.co.nz

The design process is a tough thing to get right. Many companies would like to develop a new product but few really understand what it takes to develop a successful product, the right way to go about it or the real costs in behind it.

The result is often a project that, if you’re lucky, gets to market simply well over budget. If you’re not lucky, gets to market very late. Or if you’re particularly unlucky gets to market over budget, late and, low and behold, it doesn’t actually meet the customer’s need! Sound familiar?

Interestingly enough, the scenario that gets targeted the most is the cost overruns as this is the easiest to measure and the most tangible. It is however, the least of a company’s worries in terms of return on investment.

It’s a tough market out there and your competitors are working just as hard to get their product to market and no doubt they see the same opportunities you do too. All products have a finite life in the market and in this day and age, that life span is only getting shorter.

If a product is late to market, it doesn’t extend the life of the product; it simply reduces the ability of that product to generate a return. And this impacts it in the most profitable years. Product adoption speed doesn’t necessarily change and neither does the product’s twilight. It’s the number of profitable years that get impacted.

When developing a product, companies really need to focus on utilising a robust development process that: • Identifies the core product requirements early • Ensures the product targets the ‘latent’ or underlying need of the customer • Gets that product to market as quickly as possible.

This brings me to my next point of really understanding the latent, or unmet,

customer need and developing your product to target that need to set it apart from the competition.

Many companies are notorious for just jumping right into designing a product without the upfront market research and analysis that’s required to ensure their product will hit the mark.

We’ve all been there... someone high up in the company, rightly or wrongly, perceives a need.

Without any real market research, the ‘urgent’ project gets thrust in front of the engineering team. Everyone else puts their five cents in and the project morphs into an uncontrollable beast.

Budgets go out the window, estimated timeframes are long since passed, the engineers have their heads buried in their hands and management says ‘what a waste of money that was’.

If companies are to survive and prosper I’m a firm believer we must innovate to create ‘value added’ product that commands a premium and sets itself apart from the competition.

However, to do this without incurring unsustainable costs requires a well thought out and well executed process. Too often companies cut these simple corners only to find that it bears a huge cost.

If you’ve been struggling with your product development costs or are looking to start developing product and not sure how to take the first step, you can save yourself a lot of unnecessary heartache by setting up a robust development process before you go any further.

About the author: Jonathan has an impressive track-record in product design.

His experience stems from working for some of the leading design companies in NZ, including Tait Radio Communications, Formway, Intercad and InFact. Jonathan is passionate about NZ innovation and has a strong focus on business development, process and sustainable design.

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Viewpoints | Governance/Politics

Looking towards Christchurch's new future

We need to be hiring, not firing David Shearer is the MP for Mt Albert and leader of the Labour Party

Bob Stewart is a business recovery team leader at Recover Canterbury, part of a team of experienced and skilled business recovery coordinators helping earthquake-impacted businesses get back on their feet.

To find out more visit www.recovercanterbury.co.nz

The statistics show that most of us love it, some of us like it and, as with any announcement of this scale, some aren’t keen on it at all.

What am I speaking about? The Christchurch Central Recovery Plan. One hundred days in the making, the plan gives us a glimpse of our city of the future.

One of the most commonly used words to describe the plan is bold – and it is. The plan outlines some dramatic changes for the face and feel of our city, with the low-rise, compact, precinct-driven, green city ticking the boxes for many.

We know businesses will be impacted by the plan; for some it will be positive and for others it will bring new challenges.

Recover Canterbury has been working closely with the Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) to help businesses affected by the plan work out what to do next. For many businesses it involves proactively communicating with their landlord or, if they own the property, with the CCDU directly.

When it comes to fit-out we’ve talked to businesses about the importance of understanding the provisions of their lease around the ownership of the fit-out, as well as knowing its value in dollar terms. And one vital piece of advice is to keep your business partners and stakeholders, such as financiers, in the know.

We encourage businesses to speak to us to help them navigate their way through what the new plan means for them.

For some businesses the renewed set of challenges around planning for the future of our city, and their business, is weighing heavily on their shoulders. For others it’s the continuing cashflow battle. In a recent Recover Canterbury business survey of 274 small to medium businesses, 57 percent of respondents reported cashflow as a key issue.

While even before the quakes cashflow was often singled out as a major business issue, today’s environment provides a new twist, with challenges such as capital spend on recovery, insurance pay-outs (or lack

of them), drastically increasing costs and severely fluctuating trade sales having major cashflow implications.

What we believe is surprising, is the number of small to medium businesses we are talking with that don’t truly understand cashflow - how it works and what it means for their business. If you look at a business in the context of the well-worn food pyramid, cashflow is the business equivalent of your whole grains and veges. If this base isn’t right it’s not good for your business’ health.

But no matter whether it’s cashflow, the new Recovery Plan, other business issues or personal hassles, we know that an increasing number of business owners and managers are starting to fray around the edges.

An increasing number of Cantabrians are seeking out emotional support, be it through their local doctor, a workplace support programme, or one of the many free workshops available (a recent stress and resiliency workshop held by Southern Cross was booked out).

Business owners are not immune to soaring stress and anxiety levels. Of theowners that have contacted Recover Canterbury for support since the beginning of this year, more than 45 percent cited stress and fatigue as a major issue.

Thanks to funding from the Ministry of Business owner, Innovation and Employment, Recover Canterbury can help those businesses with a free business resiliency and stress management programme, delivered by the experts at EAP and Workplace Support and individually tailored to each business.

Ensuring owners get the help they need is what the team at Recover Canterbury is here to do. We’re passionate about it because we know that our city needs our local businesses to stick around for what’s looking like a rosy future. According to the Recover Canterbury survey, more than 74 percent of businesses are optimistic about the future and more than 54 percent of businesses report a swing towards improved sales. On top of that spring has sprung, summer is on the way and, with Christmas spending just around the corner and the construction activity in the city growing, we should be looking to the future with a smile.

In 1881, a group of South Island farmers and businessmen established Summit Wool Spinners in Oamaru. For more than a century it forged a proud heritage of local skills and expertise in blending, spinning, yarn-making and exporting.

It grew into a high-tech international business; one of North Otago’s biggest employers. But in June this year, 50 jobs were lost at Summit Wool Spinners’ Oamaru plant.

That’s 50 households down an income.

This is happening too often. Seventy jobs were lost at Onehunga’s Norman Ellison Carpets in June. Seventy-one at Wiri engineering firm Flotech the same month.

Fifty-five were lost at Wellington’s Gould’s Fine Foods in July. Some of those staff had been loyal employees for more than 20 years.

There are lots of reasons why businesses falter or fail. But these weren’t fragile startups, or badly run. They were once very productive businesses.

The Government blames it on Europe. But our major trading partners, Australia and China, haven’t been in recession at all. In the last three years New Zealand’s GDP has grown just 0.4 percent a year. The other non-European OECD countries have grown twice as fast as that. And in the same period Australia’s GDP grew 2.8 percent per year.

We’re falling behind.

Meanwhile we’re losing 50,000 good people a year to Australia because our wages are so low.

I listened to a speech recently by Professor Göran Roos, a world leader in innovation and intellectual capital. His research shows that each job in manufacturing generates between two to five jobs in the rest of the economy.

Flip that on its head and – given the right conditions – a few clusters of vibrant startups could help turn the tide in New Zealand. That’s what Labour wants to facilitate, and we have a plan for how to achieve it.

Roos' research also revealed the countries that have recovered best from the global financial crisis are all focused on high valueadded export-oriented manufacturing. By manufacturing, I mean ultra-modern, clean, green, high-tech, precise: biotech, nanotech, cognitive science and ICT. What this all adds up to is the need for change. We need to modernise our economy and get some dynamism back into our productive business and export sectors. We need more of our own capital: this means a universal savings scheme.

We need to fix the tax system so we promote growth in exports instead of penalising it: this means a capital gains tax, and investing in science and innovation R&D. Our private sector spend on R&D is one third of the OECD average. Growing this will mean new products and ideas to take to the rest of the world.

We need to take the hard decisions and steadily raise the retirement age to 67. It’s essential that we provide for older New Zealanders and are fair to younger New Zealanders.

The Government also blames it on the earthquakes. They were devastating, but economically the rebuild of Canterbury now presents a source of growth.

Labour is thrifty. We ran budget surpluses for nine years, leaving the incoming National government with among the lowest government debt in the world.

We have tried to shield ourselves from declining living standards by borrowing money and selling assets. Consequently, our overseas liabilities from personal borrowing are among the highest in the world.

A modern economy like this will put a higher value on innovation, talent, skills, education and training, because these will enable New Zealanders to take advantage of the job opportunities of a 21st century economy. So we’ll invest in skills and education all the way through from early childhood to post-doctoral.

The IMF says our currency is persistently overvalued – currently by about 15 percent.

Labour is totally committed to Reserve Bank independence, and to a low inflation target.

Then we’ll see innovative exporters like Summit Wool Spinners hiring, not firing.

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$450 for training of all your team + promotion of your website Reserve your place now info@childconnection.org.nz Visit our website and complete our contact form www.childconnection.og.nz

During 3 hours workshop we will teach you: 1) Games that children play between themselves 2) Massage skills that relaxes children 3) Homework for parents www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 7

Viewpoints | Management/Productivity

Essential management skills

Share the burden

Kevin Vincent is a director of business improvement consultants Vincent and Nugent Limited www.vincentnugent.co.nz

Managing is specific work and as such requires specific skills. Peter Drucker in his work ‘Management: tasks, responsibilities, practices’ stated these as:

able to convey the understanding. Listening is a prerequisite to effective communication.

• Making effective decisions

Synonyms for “controls” are measurement and information. Controls are the goals, they focus on results. The goals are developed following the setting of the strategy. Goals must be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely).

• Communications within and without the organisation • The proper use of controls and measurements • The proper use of analytical tools, that is, of the management sciences.

Drucker said “No manager is likely to master all these skills. But every manager needs to understand what they are, what they can do for him."

Today, with many more sophisticated ways to communicate, we must ensure messages are understood and misunderstandings are minimised. Face to face remains best.

What you measure is generally what you get and the measures must be what are actually important and no more. To achieve this I recommend (and use) the Kaplan and Norton measurement tool, ‘The Balanced Score Card’ or BSC.

Kaplan and Norton state, “Think of the balanced scorecard as the dials and indicators in an aeroplane cockpit. For the complex task of navigating and flying an I believe decision making is the most aeroplane, pilots need detailed information important skill. Decisions are the major output about many aspects of the flight as of any manager. Effective decision making can reliance on one instrument can be fatal. be made simpler if a logical and sequenced Similarly, the complexity of managing an process is followed. organisation today requires that managers I recall reading about this comprehensive be able to view performance in several process called PROACT a few years ago. areas simultaneously.”

Drucker’s writings on management skills hold as true today as when he first wrote them in 1973.

The PROACT approach (outlined in the book Smart Choices) helps you see both the tangible and non-tangible aspects of the situation more clearly and to translate all pertinent facts, feelings, opinions, beliefs and advice in to the best possible decision.

PROACT stands for: • Problem statement • Objectives • Alternatives • Consequences • Trade-offs.

The method consists of examining each element separately using them to clarify your thoughts progressively.

Communication has traditionally been a “top down” process from managers to employees but it has to be both ways to be effective. The manager and employee both need to listen to hear, listen to understand, and listen to be

The BSC considers four key perspectives, these being financial, customer, learning and growth (your people) and internal processes (your efficiency).

Management science tells us that “business” is a system where people willingly contribute their knowledge, skills, commitment and dedication to the enterprise. Management science, as in the field of business analytics, has improved significantly over the last few years, providing business users with better insights, particularly from operational data stored in transactional systems.

Today’s skilled manager should familiarise themselves with these analytics tools to improve the results of a business process along one or more dimensions (e.g., profit, time to market). Analytics are now regularly used in multiple areas, including sales, marketing, and supply chain optimisation.

Robyn Pearce is a time management expert, helping people turn time challenges into high productivity. Visit www.gettingagrip.com

If you’ve got the desire to build a big business, if you see yourself as a budding entrepreneur, and you’ve never read ‘The E-myth’ by Michael Gerber, rush out and get it immediately.

One of the key points Gerber makes is that being self-employed is not the same as being a business owner. If you’re good at what you do and decide, based on that skill, to go into your own business, all you’ve done is buy yourself a job.

A business owner, on the other hand, isn’t wedded to the service or product that’s provided. They see themselves as separate from what the company does and if they’ve done their job well, the company can not only operate quite well without them, but is also an entity that can be sold.

Not sure what you can delegate? Don’t know if you can afford it? Try writing down a list of all the regular tasks you do in a week and estimate the amount of time spent on each activity.

Now, pretend you’re paying someone a wage appropriate to each task and put a dollar value beside each item, based on the ‘guestimated’ hours spent. For example, bookkeeping might be worth $35 per hour. If you’ve spent two hours this week doing the books you’d put $70 beside that one. If, on the other hand, you’ve done data entry, that may be worth $15 per hour. You’ve taken 30 minutes, so $7.50 goes in the column.

Now, ask yourself: “What is my hourly rate when I’m engaged in income-generating work? If I were able to free up some of these other tasks, would I be able to do more of my work, and if so, what income could I generate?”

If it’s higher than the value of the miscellany of tasks you’ve spent your days ploughing through, you’re doing the wrong work and you’re underpaying yourself. Find a parttimer or contractor until you can afford to pay more wages and keep your focus on your work.

Or if someone else could do the work far more efficiently than you, leaving you free

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to focus on the work you’re best at – find them.

Every start-up business goes through this soul-searching. The need almost always comes before we have the money to pay for help, but if we don’t take that step we’ll never have the money to pay anyone, including ourselves!

Taking time As I talk to business people in all industries and at all levels it seems that interruptions are the single biggest issue.

We’ve come out of the dark ages where managers never communicated anything to their underlings, through the development of open communication and empowerment, to the point where many people feel they have to be available all day.

Open plan layouts compound the problem.

It’s easy to communicate with your team, problems can be shared rapidly, expensive floor space is saved and internal partitioning is relatively inexpensive. But they create another whole raft of problems, headed by interruptions. Open and free communication is great – but not that great! However, there are ways to minimise the down side.

How much more work would you get done if you had one uninterrupted hour a day? Does this sound good?

It’s easy to achieve. Create a company culture of Red Time. Translated, this means that everyone gets an hour a day when no one is allowed to interrupt. Colleagues take your calls, no interruptions are allowed from either internal or external sources, and you can concentrate on the ‘real’ work, or the ‘thinking’ work, impossible to do when fifty thousand people keep interrupting you.

As more and more people in a company adopt the idea it becomes easier to implement, for others start to experience the benefits.

A basic rule for Red Time is you must be meticulous about quickly returning calls and attending to people’s problems when you’re done.

If you have a lot of concentration work, try two blocks – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. And look for a time that impacts as little as possible on other people.

Viewpoints | HR/Technology

Help! Where is my website?

Getting your head in the game

Suzanne Carter is the business development manager for website design and development company Limelight Online Ltd. To find out more visit www.limelightonline.co.nz

Karen Degen is the owner of Set Free with EFT, a company that changes mindsets to create business success. Email karen@setfree.co.nz or visit www.setfree.co.nz

Presenteeism is the act of being at work but not really ‘there’. When employees are physically present but mentally absent the loss of productivity costs New Zealand businesses a minimum of $4 billion each year.

Mercola, states “I have long maintained that your emotional state plays a role in nearly every physical disease, from heart disease, to depression, to arthritis and cancer. If your thoughts and emotions play such a significant role in modifying your biology and your health (and I believe they do) then treating your emotions becomes an essential part of optimal health.”

New Zealand Treasury assesses the costs associated with absenteeism, presenteeism, working less and not working at all due to poor physical and emotional health. In its November 2010 paper it estimated the cost of lost hours at somewhere between $4 billion and $11.5 billion. Absenteeism accounted for just three percent of that figure, compared to 55 percent for presenteeism!

If emotional (leading to physical) ill health is costing New Zealand businesses between $4 billion and $11.5 billion per annum, it makes sense for companies to address this issue. Unfortunately taking a day off for physical ill health is still met with annoyance by many employers, let alone taking a mental health day.

Of the remainder, not working accounted for 23 percent and working less making up 19 percent of the estimated cost. This research shows that presenteeism is vastly more detrimental than staff being absent.

According to a Ministry of Health survey, New Zealand has one of the highest prevalences of anxiety, mood and substance abuse disorders in the world. Studies have found that emotional health issues diminish productivity far more than physical health issues. The two however, may be inextricably linked.

Many medical professionals are convinced that unresolved emotional issues are a major contributor to many illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stress related illness accounts for approximately 85 percent of all illness and disease. Dr Bruce Lipton, a cellular biologist and former professor of anatomy is convinced that figure is over 95 percent.

Stress is a complicated cascade of physical and biochemical responses to emotional stimuli. “As we think our thoughts and feel our feelings, our bodies respond with a complex array of shifts. Each thought or feeling unleashes a particular cascade of biochemicals in our organs. Each experience triggers genetic changes in our cells. Thoughts and feelings turn sets of genes on and off in complex relationships,” says Dr Dawson Church in his book The Genie in Your Genes.

New York Times best selling author and world leader in disease prevention, Dr Joseph

Even in the mental health industry this is not an acceptable reason for being absent.

A psychiatric nurse who has worked within the Canterbury District Health Board for over 20 years stated in an interview “If I said I was taking a ‘mental health day’ they would see me as weak and a slacker”.

Such is the culture within our own mental health system that she was reluctanct to speak publicly on this subject and wished to remain un-named.

Taking emotional health days may not be the answer however, addressing emotional health certainly is. Many employers allow staff to visit a doctor during work hours.

Visiting an emotional health professional is not looked upon as favourably and may attract derogatory comments.

One step businesses could take towards addressing this problem is looking at the workplace culture in terms of attitude towards health, in particular emotional health. Many businesses still have the culture that staff should keep their stress or emotional issues to themselves, be strong and not let the team down. Unless the workplace culture changes, no progress can be made to lessen the impact of presenteeism.

Despite the appalling statistics, most employers don’t need studies to tell them that psychologically healthy people make better decisions and have better interpersonal behaviour. Basically, for colleagues and for customers, they are nicer people to be around.

If you want your website to bring you new business it needs to do well in the search engines. That’s a given.

However, even if time, money and consideration is given to your website in the hope it will do well in the search engines, it doesn’t automatically follow that you will achieve high rankings.

Google’s aim is to ensure that when people are searching, they are given the most relevant websites according to their search terms. As such, they are constantly making changes to their algorithms. Some are subtle and not very noticeable, while others are more significant in the impact they can have on a website’s visibility.

You may have heard mention during the last 18 months or so about Google’s Panda and Penguin updates. Essentially these updates are designed to ensure low quality sites are not visible to searchers using Google.

Many websites have been negatively impacted by these changes and their search engine rankings have dropped considerably.

• Overuse of particular words on a page which signals an over-optimised page.

If you have noticed a drop in your rankings, or your website doesn’t seem to be moving from page 28 of search results, take a good hard look at your site and do what you can to improve things.

Where to start?

Google actually provides two powerful and free tools that I highly recommend you utilise. The first is Google Webmaster Tools which can help you analyse why your website is not appearing in search results. This tool offers helpful tips and following the recommendations should increase your website’s chances in Google.

The other tool is Google Analytics, which when installed on your website, analyses the site traffic to provide powerful information. It can, for example, tell you which pages visitors are not staying on. This can signal a page with poor quality and irrelevant content. It is all about the user experience which is what Google cares about, so if your visitor is not staying on a page long enough to read it, then Google picks up on that.

Also, a full review of your content is important.

All content should be well written and well laid out, as this makes it easier for visitors • A low amount of good quality, original and to read what you have to say. Consider adding relevant content a blog to your website as this will ensure that you are adding new content to your • Low or poor quality inbound links to website regularly - search engines love this! a page or website. Inbound links or backlinks as they are also known are links Do make sure that your blog content follows the same guidelines as the rest of the content to your site from another on your site.

• Un-natural links. These are artificial links Take extra care to make sure that content is mainly intended to manipulate a page’s not duplicated across the site and don’t copy ranking and can include purchased links or links created by scrapers and spammers content from another site. If you like what another site is saying, then use their content that attach themselves to your site under for inspiration, but don’t copy it word for word. the radar and potentially link your site This will not only potentially penalise your site, to another in a bad neighbourhood of but their site too. the internet What makes a website vulnerable?

• Low visit times on a page or website. This is also referred to the bounce rate i.e. visitors are not staying long enough on a page to engage with/read your content • A high amount of duplicate content i.e. content that is repeated between pages • A high amount of irrelevant adverts particularly above the fold (the top half of your page)

Clean up your internal linking structure and make an effort to ensure all visitors to your website get a great user experience. Do be prepared for the fact that this could mean a redesign for your website.

As a business owner you really can’t afford to let your site stand still.

Don’t let your competitors get the better of you online. This should be your daily mantra.

Become a Room Sponsor Today We are in the communities where you do business. Help the hundreds of Kiwi families who walk through our doors every year by sponsoring a bedroom or communal area for 12 months. Whether it is the Ward family in Ashburton, the Haigs in Dunedin or the Win family in Hokitika - your support of the House will directly impact people within your very own community.

For more information, please contact Meri Manuel on (03) 377 3311 or email meri@rmhsi.org.nz.

Ronald McDonald House South Island provides free accommodation and support to families who must leave their community and travel to Christchurch for their child’s hospital treatment. www.rmhsi.org.nz www.facebook.com/ronaldmcdonaldhousesouthisland

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 9

Viewpoints | Public Relations

News | Events Diary

Getting it right the first time

By Lisa Wall One of the best things any business can do for itself is to answer customers’ questions and fix their problems the first time they call. First call resolution, or FCR, simply means getting it right for customers the first time.

The bottom line is - if you can get it right the first time, you will increase your customer satisfaction levels, decrease operational costs and have more repeat business. Sounds good, but how do you do this?

How do you improve FCR? It is not a simple fix and it can require adjustments at all levels of the business, yet it is achievable.

There are many things that can impact on your customer satisfaction levels or FCR. Your customers might struggle to be happy with your service if you have any of the following challenges:

• Encourage and reward

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24

• Ensure the correct information is at their staff’s fingertips

ExportNZ Canterbury Breakfast – Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce

• Keep staff turnover to less than five percent.

Information In most organisations, small and large, information lies around on individual PCs or hidden deep in folders that are difficult to find. A high level of FCR needs to be backed up by a central knowledge base which is at customer services’ finger tips. They need to be able to access it and contribute to it. This knowledge base should: • Be a centralised database • Support different types of media files such as PDF, video, and audio • Have one owner accountable for its organisation and logic

• An excess of product information which changes all the time

• Be obvious, logical and fast to find what you need.

• Staff can’t find the right information when and where they need it

Communication channels

• An inadequate self-service option.

What are the common variables to these issues? There are four variables: staff, managers, information and communication channels, and they all need to be working together effectively to continually satisfy customers.

Staff You need to hire excellent people. A good customer service person needs to: • Have above average listening and communication skills • Be able to move on after a difficult customer • Be able to follow procedures • Understand your products in depth • Be able to troubleshoot e.g. know what information to give to whom to solve problems and know when to escalate a query • Enjoy learning new things • Be able to contribute to the product/service information • Be able to tweak their own performance for small improvements.

Managers It is the manager’s role to empower their staff to great performance levels. They need to: • Support and train their staff • Analyse staff performance

What’s happening on the business and entertainment front

• Empower their staff with the ability to DO (solve customer queries)

• High staff turnover and inexperienced staff

• Many different communication channels but no processes or time to support them

Events diary

Communication channels are important because if customers can engage with you, their communication channel of choice, they will feel more comfortable. It’s a bad experience dealing with an online company which only uses email as its communication channel. Sometimes talking to someone just gets a faster result. This is not to say that selfservice options, social media and email don’t have their place. The important factors for a strong performing communication channel are: • Customers must be able to rely on the stated frequency and speed of the response • Customers should be able to select their preferred response channel • If you use telephone only, there must be an informed and helpful person to answer • It must be supported and reviewed for effectiveness and operational efficiency.

All of the points above are integral components of offering great customer service. Staff, managers, information and communication channels must work seamlessly. It is not an easy task to obtain 90 percent and above customer satisfaction rates.

It might seem like common sense however, if you start digging in your organisation you might be surprised what you will find.

Lisa Wall is the in-house marketing expert at Cackle Telecommunications. If you have any questions or are interested in learning where to start improving your customer satisfaction levels, contact Cackle on 0508 222 553 and ask for Lisa.

Christchurch Gas & Plumbing Services Ltd.

Your Gas & Plumbing Specialists!

Gas - Plumbing - Drainage Commercial & Domestic - New Builds - Maintenance & Repairs Ph: 03 379 5881 | Fax: 03 379 5883 | E: sales@gasfires.co.nz | 33b Coleridge Street, Chch 10 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The ExportNZ Canterbury Breakfast series features presentations from internationally successful New Zealand business exporters, with regional and industry expertise.

Attend this breakfast for the opportunity to network with other exporters and to educate and learn about growing business in the international market place. For more information go to www.cecc.org.nz

THURSDAY OCTOBER 25 The 21st Culverden Christmas Country Fete Every year, on the last Thursday of October, cars loaded with eager participants travel to North Canterbury with one destination in mind, Wynyard, a hill country sheep and beef property at the base of the Lowry Peaks range, east of Culverden. The Fête has 200 stalls selling jewellery, books, Christmas goodies, designer clothing, art, plants and much more for the 6,000 people who visit.

It is a unique shopping spree like no other and considered the largest event of its kind in New Zealand. For more information go to www.thefete.co.nz

TUESDAY OCTOBER 30 – 31 Effective Workplace Communication – Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Attend these two half-day workshops that will enable you to develop core communication skills and to be more effective in managing relationships in the workplace. Take your listening skills to a whole new level; learn the key skills of rapport and how this impacts on your ability to influence others. For more information go to www.cecc.org.nz

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31 Kitchen Design Seminar – Home Ideas Centre Learn from Zhaine Northcott, a well-known, award-winning, New Zealand kitchen designer, the best tips for designing a kitchen. Topics to be covered will range from the design and installation aspects through to doors, appliances, cost savings, colours and styles. For more information go to www.homeideas.co.nz

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9 – 18 Show Me Shorts Film Festival The seventh annual Show Me Shorts Film Festival is a competitive film festival screening the 40 best short films made in New Zealand and around the world, in cinemas nationwide every November. The shorts are divided into six themed sessions that each run for about 80 minutes. All of the films are between two and 20 minutes long and made within the last two years. For more information go to www.showmeshorts.co.nz

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10 The Big Grill BBQ and Music Festival This November the Taste Events Company brings you the new BBQ and music festival, The Big Grill, being held on the stunning historic grounds of Riccarton House. Local well-known and loved chefs will serve various styled barbeque foods, which will

then be washed down by a selection of expertly matched local and international craft beers. For more information go to www.feastofcanterbury.co.nz

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14 - 16 Canterbury A&P Show Celebrating 150 years in 2012, the Canterbury A&P Show is three full days of livestock, entertainment and attractions, indoor and outdoor exhibits, feature marquees and pavilions. All the very best of rural life combined with live music, competitions from gourmet oils to wines, top Kiwi chefs and excellent food. It’s where the country comes to town in a spectacular mix of colour, excitement and competition. For more information go to www.theshow.co.nz

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 30 Fight for Christchurch This is a night not to be missed with fastpaced boxing action, entertainment, singing, fashion, fine wine and food. With a red carpet entrance, it is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and swept away with the glitz and glam that the night offers. This event is a perfect option for your corporate Christmas functions, end of year work shout or fundraising opportunity for your sports team or community group. For more information go to www.fightforchristchurch.co.nz

TUESDAY DECEMBER 4 Managing your Debt Recovery – Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Most businesses struggle with slow paying customers. Implementing good systems helps avoid accruing too many bad debts however, at what point do you decide what your options are when payment isn’t forthcoming? This workshop will cover what the alternatives are to insolvency, and what insolvency involves. Learn how to become effective at managing your debtors, cover your business against bad debts, assess the risks and how to mitigate them and deal with the impact of insolvency on your business. For more information go to www.cecc.org.nz

THURSDAY DECEMBER 6 Table Top Expo – Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce By being involved in a Table Top Expo you have a great opportunity to gain insight into customers’ needs and business operations, make business contacts, create genuine leads and enjoy showcasing your products and services in a very cost-effective way. This expo is the ideal opportunity for anyone looking to promote their products and services to the business community, and anybody with a new business wishing to make their mark on the industry. For more information go to www.cecc.org.nz

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 Riccarton Park Christmas at the Races If you are organising a Christmas party for friends, family or workmates this festive season – then Riccarton Park Christmas at the races has the perfect solution for you.

Simply reserve a prime spot on-course and Riccarton Park will take care of the rest. There is a superb selection of hospitality packages available to suit any group’s size, style and budget. For more information go to www.theraces.co.nz

News | Property

Can house prices be controlled?

By Olly Newland

It’s clear that house prices and rents are rising. The media run stories of astounding prices being achieved for what are sometimes old houses in less than mediocre condition.

Various talking heads have been asked “what should be done?” but have had no real solution other than saying more land should be made available. I’m sorry to tell you this, but they are all dreaming.

Let me tell you that more land may be the long term solution, but it will take many years for any benefits to be felt. What are needed are more dramatic moves that will get results without distorting the market.

For starters, a suggested capital gains tax, as some are clamouring for, will have the totally wrong effect. It would drive prices up even further. If such a tax were to be introduced it would result in a mass withdrawal of property off the market.

Think about it. If you have a property that you are considering selling, would you rush it onto the market if you were going to be slugged with tax? Of course not. After all, if you don’t sell you don’t pay tax. It’s a no-brainer.

Worse still, those pushing a capital gains tax want to exempt private homes. Well, that’s even sillier, because private home sales make up the vast majority of the market.

Under that system we will end up with mums and dads flogging off their houses for tax-free gain… leaving house prices to continue to rise.

Look overseas if you want proof positive.

Some of the countries that have capital gains taxes have suffered the worst property crashes. Such a tax does nothing to stop price rises.

Twelve months ago I predicted the coming current rise in property prices and told everyone the reasons why. That some sort of ‘mini bubble’ was forming has become obvious.

“

Twelve months ago I predicted the coming current rise in property prices and told everyone the reasons why. That some sort of ‘mini bubble’ was forming has become obvious.

”

The reasons for the current situation are: 1. The extortionate costs of council charges when building or subdividing 2. Escalating costs of raw materials 3. The loss of tens of thousands of houses because of the leaky homes scandal 4. The loss of thousands of houses from the Christchurch earthquake disaster

5. Slow but steady immigration and increase in population 6. The removal of tax breaks (small as they were) in the 2011 budget was a colossal blunder and I said so at the time. It wasn’t so much the money, it was the message.

The authorities openly stated that they wanted to discourage investment in

Olly Newland

Property Consultant Impartial, expert guidance

For an obligation-free session with Olly, call: 0800 66 22 80

property. Well, they succeeded didn’t they? It discouraged many buyers from going into the market to provide rental accommodation.

7. We have GST on every new house or renovation. Think about it: A newly built $500,000 house carries a GST content of $75,000! So why build? Next door could be a second hand house for sale, GST-free and often loaded with extras 8. The ongoing effect of historically low interest rates cannot be overstated. So long as these low rates exist they have the effect of providing a hefty wage rise to the mortgage home owners as well as allowing borrowers to borrow even more. These low rates are likely to fall even further which will add more fuel to the fire. The worry that interest rates will rise sharply has so far proven to be an empty threat.

scandalously too expensive and make up a disproportionate part of building costs 4. Give first home buyers a grant towards any low cost home. This would only apply to newly built homes and that, along with the GST rebate would give a big boost to builders to provide low cost homes. There’s the nub of the problem: Builders cannot make a profit on cheap houses. Radical thinking is required to solve that conundrum

5. Give encouragement to investors to provide more affordable rental accommodation.

For those who provide long term accommodation, remove some of the more onerous restrictions of the Residential Tenancy Act. The emphasis is on long term.

If tenants could rent for years, free from the threat of eviction, able to call their house or flat a “home”, a lot of pressure Well, some might say it’s easy to criticise, but would come off the rental market. In what can be done? other countries you can lease a home for years if not decades. Think about it: If you Here are a few ideas: could rent back your own home (the one you live in) for, say, 30 years and use the 1. First home buyers should be given a GST money for business or similar would that rebate on new built houses of up to (say) not be attractive? Such a move would take $500,000. First time buyers only and not a lot of pressure off people who currently repeatable. That would be a good start for think they need to buy or face eviction at those who are trying to get on the property relatively short notice. ladder. Australia has something similar and stamp duty is rebated for first home With more than 45 years in the buyers. It’s the same general idea and property game, Olly Newland provides it works a consulting and mentoring service for 2. Reinstate the building depreciation people committed to making serious deduction allowances — thereby send out progress with property investments.

Whether it be buying, selling, holding or the message that being a property owner troubleshooting. If you’re interested in is no longer a sin knowing more, visit Olly’s webpage at 3. Shake up the costs involved through www.ollynewland.co.nz council and water charges. They are

Get skilled advice on residential and commercial property investment from Olly Newland, reknowned property expert, author & Authorised Financial Advisor.

Purchasing, selling & managing property.

‘No problems - only solutions.’

Personal, One-to-one, Confidential

www.ollynewland.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 11

News | Business Tips

Going beyond customer satisfaction

By Stephen Lynch

At some point you will have to deal with an upset customer. Your business execution challenge is to handle each situation in a way that leaves the customer thinking you are a great company to deal with, and if you handle the issue really well – hopefully they will become a passionate advocate for your brand.

Many customers don’t even bother to complain. They simply leave and buy from your competitors. Research suggests up to 80 percent of customers who leave a business and buy from a competitor were in fact “satisfied” with the original company.

So obviously “customer satisfaction” is not enough. Satisfaction is merely table stakes.

It does not prevent a customer from leaving.

You need to positively delight your customers if you want to earn their loyalty.

Counter intuitively, studies have shown that your ability to effectively deal with customer complaints provides a great opportunity to turn dissatisfied customers into an active promoters of your business.

Here are our recommendations for handling customer complaints: Listen carefully to what the customer has to say and let them finish Don’t get defensive. The customer is not attacking you personally; they have a problem and are upset. Repeat back what you are hearing to show that you have listened to them.

Ask questions in a caring, concerned manner The more information you can get from the customer, the better you will understand their perspective. Ask questions to clarify the problem. Ask questions to show that you care.

Put yourself in their shoes Your goal is to solve their problem, not to argue with them to prove that the company is right and they are wrong. They may indeed be wrong, but the customer needs to feel that you are on their side, and that you empathise with them.

Apologise without blaming When a customer senses that you are sincerely sorry, it usually diffuses the situation. Don’t blame another person or department, or make excuses. Just say, “I’m sorry about that.”

Ask the customer, “What would be an acceptable solution to you?”

Whether or not the customer knows what a good solution would be, propose one or more solutions to alleviate their pain.

Become a partner with the customer in solving the problem.

to handle and only add to the customer’s frustration. The customer fears that some manager who does not empathise with their situation will make a decision against them based on some “company policy”.

Solve the problem, or find someone who can solve it. Quickly!

Give your clientfacing team members the authority to take an agreed range of remedial actions quickly and decisively – on the spot. You want the customer to say “Wow – thank you”.

Research indicates that customers prefer the person they are speaking with to be able to solve their problem. Therefore, managers must delegate the authority and accountability for problem solving to staff working at the customer interface.

When complaints are moved up the chain of command, they become more expensive

Suggestion Book a meeting with your front line team this week to discuss customer complaint scenarios and agree what remedial actions can be taken by the team member in each scenario.

Tackling time management

By Stephen Lynch

You sit down and begin to work on your most important priority for the day. Then the phone rings, someone knocks on your door, a new message alert flashes on your screen.

Unfortunately, studies show that we get interrupted, (or allow ourselves to be distracted), every eight minutes on average.

That’s 73 times a day!

As the late American writer and management guru Peter Drucker said, “If you cannot manage yourself for effectiveness, you cannot expect to manage others”. In essence, if you want to be an effective manager you need to learn how to manage your most precious resource – your time.

A typical interruption time of five minutes – equates to about four hours - or 50 percent of your productive day being wasted by interruptions. Even worse, it prevents us from getting into that highly productive state called “flow”. After every interruption,

it can take 20 minutes to get back to the level of concentration you were at prior to the disruption.

It is easy to see why business execution is still the number one challenge for business leaders. Here are some key time management tips to improve your business execution effectiveness: Close the door • An “open door policy” can severely reduce your productivity if you do not set some boundaries • Close your door, or use a “do-not-disturb” sign for at least two hours per day • Let people know what times of the day you are available for them to drop in • Ask people for a brief overview of what they want to discuss. If it is going to take more than five minutes, book it in your calendar.

Booking time in your calendar lets your people know that while you are busy right now, you view their issue as important.

(Bonus: chances are, they will learn to solve the issue themselves in the meantime) • Beware of “reverse delegation”. Train your people to use the GROW method. If they have a problem, they must come to you presenting the options, along with their recommended solution

12 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Reduce phone call and email interruptions • Stop living your life in reactive mode.

Plan your day. Turn off email alerts - and schedule specific times to read and reply to email. Turn off your phone for two hours per day while you complete your number one priority for the day • Ask for your phone calls to be held (with exceptions only for family or key customers). Then check phone messages and return your calls at a specific time every day • If you must answer a phone call when you are in the middle of a task, let the caller know that you are busy, and schedule a return call later that day.

• Only invite those who absolutely need to attend • Create an agenda and a meeting timeframe that ensures you make the best use of everyone’s valuable time • Send the agenda out to attendees with sufficient time for them to come prepared to discuss the topics on the agenda.

Consider using business execution software to run more effective meetings. It keeps everyone focused on the key issues that are being discussed, and you can “add tasks” in real time to make sure action items committed to during the meeting actually get carried out.

Run more effective meetings

Stephen Lynch, chief operating officer of Global Operations at RESULTS.com

• Ask yourself; do you really need this meeting at all? What is the purpose?

Information kindly provided by RESULTS.com: www.results.com

News | Business Tips

Is your head in the clouds?

If so, then it might be time to come back down to earth

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national marketing manager Josh Byers.

Given the vulnerability infrastructure has to the whims of mother nature and wide spread systemic failure (remember when India lost power across virtually the whole country?), it’s making more and more sense for companies to be careful about their “cloud” offerings, and for businesses to make sure they are storing their info in an economical and safe way.

However, the cloud just got clever.

In response to the ensuing burgeoning business need for sophisticated data protection and other document services, Konica Minolta is partnering with Vocus Communications, an ASX-listed company, to host a New Zealand-based cloud service specialising in document management.

Vocus will host the cloud, which retains all Konica Minolta customer data onshore. It’s innovative in that it provides a safer means of storage previously unachievable with international clouds, which invite greater risk of data loss.

Konica Minolta’s Software as a Service (SAAS) is also the first in the country to specialise in document management processes such as workflows and version control, and to include habit-forming techniques within them which intuitively store, locate and file papers frequently needed in everyday business.

Konica Minolta’s SAAS Document Management solution secures more than just data, explains national marketing manager Josh Byers. “This SAAS means that you can enjoy all the benefits of document management software without having to purchase it upfront, maintain it or buy block packages of storage. You only pay for directly what you use, and reap all the advantages of an international cloud without the safety risks associated with foreign hosts.”

Konica Minolta’s SAAS offering will also be extending to include the Kofax Capture and Transformation software named SAAS Capture. SAAS Capture extracts data from documents and then validates that data before outputting both the data and the document image to a line of business system.

SAAS Capture can be used wherever documents are used as source of data entry, including the automated processing of invoices, orders, applications and claims. The New Zealand-based cloud storage aspect of its new offering has allowed the addition of payroll document validation, which for security reasons cannot be undertaken through international clouds.

Konica Minolta’s Software Solutions channel manager Greg Twiname explains the reasoning behind the addition of SAAS Capture into the Konica Minolta service portfolio.

“SAAS Capture also provides an excellent means of automated codifying of documents (via metadata) for storage into Konica Minolta’s SAAS Document Management solution. This means that documents can be correctly named, routed to appropriate folders, easily located and retrieved, and that policies for security, retention and disposal can be enforced.”

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News | The Cloud

Protecting yourself in the cloud Cloud technology and remote access raises new security issues for companies Many New Zealand companies may be exposed to serious IT breaches because they fail to update their remote access systems after employees leave.

environment, including cloud and mobile technology.

“It’s not just technology. The way we are working is changing too, with more and more employees requiring secure remote access to a company’s network, whether its because they’re working from home or are on the road a lot.

IT and telecommunications service integration company, Lume Ltd managing director Richard Cheesman says independent audits by his company have revealed a worrying frequency in the number of companies with this vulnerability.

“We find that many ex-employees and suppliers can still access the networks of companies – either via virtual private networks (VPN) or through the ‘cloud – long after their association has ended.

“Most New Zealand companies, being relatively small, don’t have dedicated IT governance or a policy and procedures manual that is kept up to date with fundamental changes in the business

He says updating remote access security protocols should be a part of a business policies and procedures manual and somebody within the company should be given direct responsibility for ensuring it happens.

“It is also likely, particularly with employees, that their mobile phones, tablet computers and even home PCs have automatic exchange access to company email. That access should be removed when they leave.

“In the past we had physical security. Now the ‘heart’ of a company’s operations are virtual, which brings with it a whole new way of having to think and act about these things.

“If we can’t see it or touch it, we tend to neglect it and this can be extremely dangerous.

“For example, what’s to prevent a disgruntled employee or supplier sending defamatory or

nasty emails to all your customers? What’s to prevent them ordering supplies if you have a credit account (as) it’s easy to change the destination address?”

Cheeseman says Lume was established because of the growing gap in IT governance.

“Due to the growth of increasingly complex, cross platform technologies, the need for multiple suppliers and diverse IT and telecommunications platforms, more and

more companyies are finding themselves bewildered and overwhelmed.

“Managed service integration means we take the role of an internal IT manager to manage the various technology functions of the company, because we have the necessary expertise to help companies make good strategic decisions about their technology. We carry out management and oversight of the whole IT and telecommunications environment.”

Bringing your busy spaces alive The modern home is no longer simply an abode providing shelter from the ravages of Mother Nature. It needs to be a functional space that is liveable, but also aesthetically pleasing and this means it has to be well designed, wellmade and properly fitted out.

And in today’s home arguably the most used and abused spaces are the kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, as they bear the brunt of the worst punishment modern families can inflict.

The Cranford St showroom carries what can only be called a vast array of products. The range includes baths, shower units, kitchen sinks, vanities, toilets and tapware.

But if they are well designed, with good fittings and appliances then what a difference they can make to day-to-day life!

And because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, an equally wide array of styles are at hand to ensure your personality and home’s character can be catered for.

It is here where expert advice can make all the difference and one of the best places to get this very thing is Edward Gibbon Plumbing Plus. If you want advice on how to create that great kitchen, bathroom or laundry in your home – these are the people to see.

As with many Christchurch companies, the last couple of years have been anything but smooth sailing for the independently-owned business.

Edward Gibbon was forced from its high profile premises in central Christchurch due to the February 22, 2011 earthquake, so now operates from two city locations; a showroom, trade and DIY outlet on Cranford St and a trade and DIY outlet in Kingsley St in Sydenham.

And because functionality is every bit as important as looks when it comes to these hard-working hubs of your home, there are ‘wet areas’ where you can see for yourself just how potent that showerhead will be. Or check out how hot your potential new heater or hot water system might be in the home heating section.

As you’d expect a wide range of wellknow brands manufactured both here and offshore are at hand – so there’s a world of choice at your fingertips. So no matter what you have in store for your new, old or renovated home – let Edward Gibbon help you bring your busiest spaces alive.

14 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

293 Cranford St Showroom & Trade T (03) 366 7137 E showch@edwardgibbon.co.nz

75 Kingsley St Trade & DIY T (03) 366-7199

Hours: Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5pm / Saturdays from 8am to 4pm

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News | New Moves

Aon cements itself in Christchurch Aon New Zealand has become one of the first companies to open doors on a new office space in Christchurch since the February 2011 earthquake.

Aon New Zealand CEO Geoff Blampied says the new building’s opening cements its commitment to the Canterbury region and is a positive step forward for everyone involved.

The newly built Aon House, officially opened

by Prime Minister John Key, has been constructed to the new seismic code which requires a substantial increase in a buildings ability to withstand earthquakes.

The entire second floor of the new 2,000sqm facility is available for new tenants, which will provide other companies the space to also get back to business in Christchurch and start rebuilding the local economy.

Since the February 2011 quake, more than 50 Aon staff have maintained operations from a temporary office space after their office in the BNZ Building in Cathedral Square was rendered uninhabitable and was condemned.

“Remaining in Christchurch with the opening of our new offices allows us to continue this good work in the region, provide jobs to our staff and deliver our customers consistently excellent advice whenever they need it.”

“This is more than an office space, it shows our people and all those who have helped us get here that we are in this for the long haul and gives us the security and resources to get on with our work, which is helping others rebuild.”

Getting in the zone Christchurch’s quite literally changed business landscape has seen companies of all shapes and sizes relocate to blur traditional zoning demarcation lines.

At the same time designated industrial areas have benefitted as the demand for hot business spots has risen. A good example is the Izone Southern Business Hub in Rolleston.

Being more than 180ha makes Izone the largest industrial park in New Zealand and already home to the likes of The Warehouse, Westland Milk Products, Solid Energy and PGG Wrightson.

FMI director Warren Lewis says in some ways it is a South Island homecoming for the company which was founded in Timaru in 1909. FMI is now headquartered in Auckland and employs more than 250 people throughout Australasia.

Increasing freight costs were making it uneconomic to service the company’s traditional South Island customers, Lewis says. In order for FMI to retain its traditional customers and prepare for when the building industry bounces back, the company realised it needed a plant in the South Island.

“We chose Izone because of its location next to State Highway One and because we were able to buy enough land to allow us, in the future, to double in size. It’s also pretty special to be in a well constructed business park with views of the Southern Alps and a local workforce nearby.”

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One of the newest residents is New Zealand’s most high-tech glass processing plant, Fairview Metal Industries Group (FMI).

The 2,400m² manufacturing plant represents a $10 million investment by FMI - an Australasian window and door designer and distributer which markets its products under two brand names – Fairview and Elite.

Selwyn MP Amy Adams launches stage 6 of the Rolleston izone development

FMI imports glass through the Port of Lyttelton because there are no New Zealand manufacturers. The glass is prepared on an Italian-designed table and cut by an automated glass cutter. The latest Finnish technology is used to strengthen the glass and then, in a New Zealand first, another Italian-designed machine makes ‘warm edge’ insulated glass which is more efficient than the traditional ‘cold edge’ glass.

“By using the latest technology we will be producing the most thermally efficient insulated glass in the country at a higher volume than our competitors with fewer overheads.”

The business park is owned by Selwyn District Council and managed by Hughes Developments Limited.

Its director, Robin Hughes, says a strength of the industrial park has been its attractiveness to businesses involved in agriculture and warehousing/logistics.

16 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“For warehousing and logistics operations, Izone’s location next to both State Highway One and the intersection of the Southern and Midland rail lines is ideal. “We are also within ready distance of the Port of Lyttelton and Christchurch International Airport.

“Our other attraction is that in addition to selling land, Izone tailors design-and-build packages that meet business needs, including lease options,” Mr Hughes says.

More than 35 companies within the manufacturing, distribution and agricultural sectors, have already made Izone their home, a list that is growing quickly.

“Izone combines the skills and resources of both the public and private sectors. The result is a commercially driven project backed by the financial strength of a progressive and forward thinking local authority. Izone’s success is part of the reason Selwyn ranks consistently among the country’s fastest growing regions,” he says.

What makes up Canidae dog food?

Let’s start with the ingredients. On the back of your pet food (or any food) the ingredients listed are in order of weight ie; there is more of the first ingredient than the second and so on. This normally means that the first 5 ingredients usually make up the majority of the final product. These are the most important.

What’s not in Canidae

A chicken by-product is normally everything but the chicken.

Which isn’t a bad thing, but this makes up a large part of their protein. And protein is the most important ingredient. So you really want top quality meat as your protein.

Long-term daily administration may result in a compromised immune system, muscle wasting, and destruction of the friendly bacteria living in the intestines that aid the digestion of food and assimilation of nutrients.

Some other companies will try and make up their protein with vegetable protein. Again, while this isn’t bad for them, most of the vegetable protein passes straight through them as dogs aren’t able to digest it.

Colouring agents provide a “rich and meaty” look to modify the appearance of highly processed foods and make them appealing to pet owners.

It’s imperative to check you current pet food to see if any of the above are included. However sometimes it’s very hard to identify as they can often disguise them.

What’s in Canidae

At last, one of the best pet foods in the world is available in New Zealand. And best of all we deliver anywhere free.

Canidae includes 4 human grade meats. Other “leading” brands might include one meat (not human grade) and if you’re “lucky” a by-product.

To give you an extreme example that all proteins are not equal, but will both show on the Guaranteed Analysis; fingernails are 100% protein, but they don’t really help our diet.

• NO Artificial Colours and Dyes

that’s because they do extensive research as this is their business. We will become a household name, it will take a lot of time and a lot of energy, but we are all dedicated pet lovers here, so pet health is our passion. If you really want to give your pet the best call us on 0800 101 729. We also offer a money back guarantee. If you aren’t happy with the food or any part of our service we will refund you in full and ask what we can do to make you happy. So far we haven’t refused any request.

• Four Human Grade Meals Chicken, Turkey, Lamb and Fish. Chicken Meal - Defined by Association American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as being “ground or otherwise reduced in particle size”, meal serves as a concentrated source of amino acids that is low in ash (minerals), moisture and fat. Chicken meal is far superior to just chicken. It takes up to 7kgs of chicken to make just 1kg of Chicken Meal. This is because all the moisture has been removed first leaving an extremely pure protein.

• NO Antibiotics or steroids

• NO Chemical additives or artificial preservatives Chemical antioxidants, such as ethoxyquin, BHT or BHA, that were designed to extend the shelf life and reduce fat spoilage (rancidity) of pet foods may cause allergic reactions and affect liver and kidney functions.

• NO Wheat, Soy or corn

• Whole Grain Brown Rice Grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, these whole grains supply complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and B vitamins and beneficial fiber to maintain a healthy digestive tract and promote normal stools. The healthful oils in rice bran contain important phytonutrients, including heart-healthy oryzanols.

These may cause allergies in some dogs and cats.

• Flax Seed Meal

Even though two products may say they contain 21% protein, one product could contain top quality protein and may extend the life of your dog, the other brand that uses cheap by-products or vegetable protein could cause protein deficiencies as the dog wasn’t able to digest it.

• NO Artificial Flavours

Protein deficiencies result in slow growth, deformed boned, chronic ear and skin infections, epilepsy, cancer, spinning or tail chasing, aggression, timidity, excessive shedding crooked whiskers, gastrointestinal upsets, poor appetite and an impaired ability to heal from wounds. Excess protein can cause obesity and brittle bones.

• NO Poultry by-products

A rich source of linoleic and omega-3 fatty acids as well as essential amino acids. Flax is a good source of magnesium, phosphorous and copper, and a very good source of dietary fiber, thiamin and manganese. It also contains vitamins including B group and E. Flax is a recommended source for lignans, an important phytonutrient with powerful antioxidant properties.

Your choice is either believe the marketing hype of the big multi national corporations, or believe the independent research. Many of Canidaes best clients in NZ are breeders,

Call now for a free sample

Flavour enhancers are produced by the enzymatic liquefaction or hydrolysis of animal tissue. Those made with phosphoric acid are appealing to cats because they “tingle” on the tongue.

Ground, rendered, cleaned slaughtered poultry carcass parts such as necks, feet, lymph nodes, undeveloped eggs and intestines (and a small amount of feathers). The quality is inconsistent between batches. Note: By product meals are often derived from 4-D meat sources - defined as food animals that have been rejected for human consumption because they were presented to the meat packing plant as “Dead, Dying, Disabled or Diseased”.

NZ’s Best and most cost effective petfood

Why should you buy Canidae?

Why are these petfoods questionable?*

It’s been said that the potential life span of some dogs could be as great as 27 years. However more dogs than ever before are dying from cancer. This is either due to environmental issues or their diet. Unfortunately environmental issues are largely out of our control, but what we can control is their diet.

Beneful

Did you know that most large multinational corporations that supply much of the pet food in New Zealand spend more on advertising than on their ingredients.

Use of chicken by-product meal, fish meal, dried egg product and fish oil.

Do you know that the best diet you can give your dog is a home cooked diet? We can have dozens of home cooked diets available on our website, free of charge, or if you prefer we can post these to you free of charge. However we also realise most people don’t have the time to do this all the time.

Where we can help is we have one of the best pet foods available in the world, now it’s available in NZ. Instead of taking my word for it, you need to understand why Candiae is so good, and potentially why your current pet food may be harming your dog.

Unfortunately this topic is more complex than it appears.

You’re probably thinking, “Surely if my vet sells me my current pet food or it’s available in supermarkets, it must be ok”. The real answer is no! I’ve managed to condense years of research and knowledge into 4 pages. If you want more info I have included some independent publications and websites where you can find more information. I recommend you do this, because why should you believe me more than the flashy ads on TV or your Vet, who (in most cases) gets paid from these companies?

Read on to learn more.

• Naturally Preserved Herbal Formulation • Omega 6 & 3 Fatty acids • Essential Vitamins and Amino Acid Chelated Minerals • Guaranteed Viable Micro-Organisms

Corn as 1st ingredient, use of chicken by-product meal and animal digest.

Eukanuba

Iams Use of chicken by-product meal, fish meal, dried egg product and fish oil.

Pedigree Use of corn as 1st ingredient, chicken by-product meal, meat meal, meat & bone meal, animal fat, BHA/BHT and natural poultry flavour.

Pro Plan Use of poultry by-product meal, animal fat, fish meal, animal digest and dried egg product.

Purina Dog Chow Use of corn as 1st ingredient, poultry by-product meal, animal fat, animal digest and artificial flavour/colour.

Frank and Stein Collins

If you’d like to learn more, or to order, call free 0800 101 729 or visit our website www.canidae.co.nz

Royal Canin Use of dried egg powder and non-specific fish oil.

Science Diet

Is it really more expensive?

Use of chicken by-product meal, animal fat and dried egg product.

Amount to feed a 13.6kg dog:

Solid Gold

Canidae

1 & 1/4 cups per day

Use of non-specific ocean fish, beef meal & recent “dry dog formula changes” which are cost based (see website “News and Announcements”). Some changes are made positive however.

Beneful

2 & 1/8 cups per day

Science Diet

2 cups per day

Nature’s Recipe Use of Menadione.

0800 101 729 • www.canidae.co.nz *According to the World Dog Journal. The confidential Dog report.

Iams

1 & 3/4 cups per day

Purina One

1 & 3/4 cups per day

Purina Pro Plan

1 & 3/4 cups per day

Eukanuba

1 & 1/2 cups per day

Nutro Natural Choice

1 & 1/2 cups per day

You need to feed 20% - 70% more of these other brands.

Cover Story | Accessman

High flyer The Garden City is heading straight for a building boom; new plans, new buildings and new spaces are all on the cards. Workers and their tools are becoming a customary part of the visual landscape, so much so that we barely blink an eye except to give a cursory groan and perhaps an expletive or two, if said construction gets in our way.

However, not often do we think of the “who” and the “what” that transforms an empty space into a new building, or rubble into a piece of art. So here we take an in-depth look into one Christchurch-born and bred company that is giving much of the city a literal lift to new heights.

Uplifting character The company, Accessman, is New Zealand’s leading specialist hire-company that supplies Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) for much of the building industry. Within Christchurch’s current climate it is doing its part to bring back, not just infrastructure, but character into the shaken city.

One recent project that certainly lifted the spirits of many a Cantabrian, involved a photographic installation, “A homage to lost spaces”, at the quake-damaged Cranmer Courts.

The much-loved historic building had been put under a demolition order by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA); but a young artist, 27-year-old Mike Hewson, hoped to prolong the building’s life with his unique photographic display.

He was sharing a studio, with his brother Andrew in the now condemned buildings when the February 2011, 6.3 magnitude, quake hit. They and the various other artists including Tony de Lautour, Sam Harrison and David Marshall were forced to flee.

In June this year, Mike, a qualified engineer turned practicing artist, decided to pay homage to what had been lost. He used the help of Accessman to lift a series of photographs onto the walls and windows of the building, turning the former Christchurch Normal School, which was opened in 1876, into a huge canvas of his art.

With the help of Accessman, Mike covered an area of between 120sqm and 130sqm with the mixed media images on plywood. The photos depicted many of the artists inside the building, before the earthquake becoming a visual memory of what had once been.

Mike was in Western Australia planning the Cranmer Courts project and was recommended by a friend at SCAPE (organisers of the Christchurch Public Arts Biennale), who mentioned that Accessman had been very generous in donating equipment on hire to other public arts projects around the city since the February 2010 earthquake.

layout, surrounding terrain and damage to the building made it very difficult to safely access the exterior of the building where the artwork was to be installed. With the possibility of further earthquakes, it was important the access method positioned Mike out from the face of the building, with the base of the platform configured in a safe location away from the structure. The only applicable piece of equipment for this job was the largest available ‘knuckle boom’ EWP. “The project had a very aggressive schedule which only allowed a four day window to install the work. There were also obvious risks with installing the work on the earthquakedamaged structure, given the potential for other violent aftershocks. As a result it was essential that I had top-quality and wellmaintained equipment in order to tackle the project; Accessman met this requirement with flying colours.”

The staff at Accessman had kindly visited the project site in Christchurch while Mike was still in Western Australia to check the equipment they were recommending was suitable for the job. In this case they provided the Nifty HR21 all-terrain EWP. “The EWP arrived in great condition and performed perfectly for the duration of the project. It was a great piece of kit. I absolutely couldn’t have done the job without it. The work was installed in a manner similar to wall papering, hence I required hand access to every area of the installation area. Some of these locations were both a long distance vertically and horizontally from exterior of the building, making it almost impossible to access safely using any other means.

“The EWP enabled me to very rapidly negotiate the face the building and manoeuvre around the base of the building to reach the other faces of the work. The work cage of the platform also enabled me to easily carry up and down the equipment that I required to install the work.

“It was a huge project for me to pull off and the feedback from around the world has been very positive. Many thanks to the people at Accessman; I am very grateful for their support of the arts and I look forward to working with them on new projects for Christchurch city in the future.”

“

As my project was a self-funded initiative, it relied in part on the generous support of other parties. I was very grateful that Accessman were able to support the project with exactly the right equipment for the job

”

The end project resulted in a beautiful, nostalgic representation of history meets present day reality. The rawness of the “As my project was a self-funded initiative, it relied in part on the generous support of other damaged building, combined with the simple yet pristine, strategically placed parties. I was very grateful that Accessman photography, drew much admiration from were able to support the project with exactly the Christchurch public. the right equipment for the job,” Mike says.

The Cranmer Courts suffered significant damage in the earthquakes. The building

Continued on page 20 > www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 19

Cover Story | Accessman Continued from page 19 >

“

Accessman goes to great lengths to ensure customers don’t simply get “what they want, but what they need. We promise to provide only the best for our customers with our range of good quality machines that are well-maintained and serviced regularly.

Ten reasons to hire from Accessman 1) You are hiring quality machines Accessman machines undergo regular maintenance and are serviced and checked thoroughly every six-months to obtain safety clearance certificates. Accessman machines are also checked to ensure they are in top condition for the customer.

2) Helping you work at height is all it does Accessman is a specialist in access equipment; it understands the issues and challenges that you face and they know the best way to get the job done quickly.

3) Help when you need it Accessman understands that sometimes you need to work around the clock to get your job done; so it provides a 24/7 breakdown and call out service to keep you mobile.

4) Availability Accessman has one of the largest range of access equipment in New Zealand; so when you need a job done, it will have a machine for it.

5) Your safety is their first priority Accessman’s crew is passionate about ensuring that you have the knowledge and resources to safely use their machines. Safety harnesses are provided free of charge.

6) Expert advice Accessman has been servicing the access hire industry for more than 15 years; so you know that you are dealing with an experienced company that knows how to achieve results.

7) Free training is provided with every hire To ensure you have the know-how to work safely and efficiently, Accessman provides a free operational and safety induction upon delivery.

8) Minimal downtime guaranteed The Accessman crew includes service technicians and truck drivers; so in the unlikely event of a breakdown they can quickly respond. Should the service technicians be unable to fix a breakdown onsite, they will immediately swap it for a functioning machine to ensure you have minimal downtime guaranteed.

9) Local knowledge All Accessman branches are run by local people from your area, they know the environments and conditions in which you need to work so they can provide advice specific to your requirements.

10) There are no hidden charges An Accessman quote is exactly that; it is not an estimate – what it quotes, is what you pay. Accessman rates also include all environmental charges, so you know what it will cost before you begin.

20 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

An uplifting history Accessman has a long history in the Christchurch community and has played a large role within the construction industry – that of machine supplier to many well-known construction companies in the region.

Like so many successful businesses in New Zealand it started from humble beginnings.

Back in 1994, the current managing director and founder of the company, Ross Pickersgill recognised a gap in the market.

“At the time the construction industry was in need of a new way to increase profitability… and I was sick of scrambling about on scaffolds.” His answer to the problem was the purchase of his first machine – a scissor lift.

“It was a new concept at the time, with only half a dozen scissor lifts in Christchurch at that stage,” he says.

The scissor lift made working at heights safe, and it helped companies to increase their productivity by removing the need to continually build scaffolding. This lift combined with Ross’ astute business plan has led to the growth of one of New Zealand’s leading Elevated Work Platform hire companies. “It was about developing the market, challenging and educating the industry around the economic benefits and productivity these machines provide.”

Ross’ hard work, combined with a clear goal and determination to just keep on going, has certainly paid off. Today the Accessman Group has a fleet of some 350 machines, making it one of the largest specialised equipment hire companies in the South Island.

Accessman has spread, with branches and franchises from as far afield as Wellington to Southland, truly making its mark in the industry not just here in Christchurch but across New Zealand.

Its stature in the industry as a go-to-company has been recognised by numerous awards. In

”

2010 and 2011 it was named the Specialist Hire Company Branch of the Year. This award is part of the Hire Industry Association of New Zealand’s hire excellence awards and is a sure stamp of industry approval.

Receiving such an accolade is no easy achievement as companies from all over the country undergo a tough judging process based on a written nomination, customer testimonials, a health and safety inspection, site visits and a mystery shopper. But Ross says it’s certainly a privilege to receive the awards. “It gives us credibility and is one step further in recognising success.”

Unlocking to success Ross is rather modest about his success - he simply attributes it to good luck. “Success is a lot to do with timing and having the right people in the right places. Often you are faced with a leap or leave decision – we decided to leap.”

He lets out another secret to success – having local knowledge. It is a business imperative that not only do you know your business, but know just how it applies to the area – something Accessman makes a priority.

All its branches are run by locals to ensure vital local knowledge is on hand. “They know the environments and conditions in which the customers need to work, giving them the ability to provide specific advice to each situation.”

Ross says Accessman endeavours to provide its clients with the equipment that will enable them to get the job done exactly as they want, whether it’s for a piece of art, a concert or a multi-storey apartment complex.

“Accessman goes to great lengths to ensure customers don’t simply get “what they want but what they need. We promise to provide only the best for our customers with our range of good quality machines that are wellmaintained and serviced regularly.”

Cover Story | Accessman

“

It will be a period of stablisation and reconstruction in the city.” And Accessman will do its utmost to be a part of this evolving environment. There have been significant additions to the fleet during the past 12 months and given the continued demand we will no doubt see further shipments arriving.

Safety a priority Those who are a little wary of heights need not fear, as Accessman ticks all the boxes when it comes to safety. Not only does it follow safety guidelines to the letter, but because of its excellent track-record it plays an advisory role within the Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ), developing the Codes of Practice for the operation of elevated work platforms, such as Scissor Lifts & Cherry Pickers.

For their efforts in the safety arena, Accessman is also an accredited Gold Card trainer, giving it the license to train industry users to gain a national OSH standardised qualification – the Silvercard Operator Licence, which indicates the holder is more than competent to operate access equipment safely.

Facing challenges While Accessman is currently in full business flight, Ross says the journey here was certainly not turbulence free. There are, of course, the challenges of the “everyday norm of running a business”.

In today’s climate he says one of the biggest challenges is finding the right people for the job. “It is a challenge to find suitable

Win with Accessman Be sure to check out the next issue of Canterbury Today, due out in November, because Accessman will be offering a couple of fantastic prizes in its very own competition. So make sure you grab a copy and get in to win…

”

candidates, there are not many around who are of the right quality. But he says his solution is to ensure his staff are well looked after by the company, ensuring a loyal and well-experienced employee base who ensure clients receive the best of Accessman service.

And then of course there was the recession and the ongoing challenges this continues to pose for many in business. Ross is once again pragmatic in his response, saying the key to survival was to simply keep plodding onwards. “The recession did knock us around a bit. Not many were hiring but we hunkered down, cut down on expenses and went into survival mode.”

Of course, he reluctantly admits that while the earthquakes were certainly devastating, as the demolition continues and the rebuild begins to get underway, business has grown.

Ross points out the new CBD plan holds potential for the future shape of the city – something Accessman will undoubtedly be a part of. His promise to Christchurch is that within these tough times, as the city looks to rebuild, he and his team will provide the finest machines to ensure top-quality work is done.

“It will be a period of stablisation and reconstruction in the city,” he says. And Accessman will do its utmost to be a part of this evolving environment. There have been significant additions to the fleet during the past 12 months and given the continued demand we will no doubt see further shipments arriving."

Accessman T 0800 2 GET HIGH (0800 243 844) E info@accessman.co.nz — Advertising Feature

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 21

News | Q&A

Business calls Q & A with 2degrees business chief sales officer Mike Cleary

By Corazon Miller

For many years New Zealand mobile customers were caught between a rock and hard place, under what was considered a mobile telecommunications duopoly between Vodafone and Telecom.

The lack of competition meant prices barely budged as the two corporate giants remained unchallenged, and consumers were left with little choice.

However, in recent years a new kid has joined the block – 2degrees – and is doing what it can to give the market a little shake-up.

We talk to the 2degrees business chief sales officer Mike Cleary about just how 2degrees has broken into the market.

What challenges have you faced entering New Zealand’s telecommunications duopoly?

“We have been open to challenges coming into the market, which has been dominated

by Telecom and Vodafone. People have traditionally been tied into long-term plans which prohibited them from changing over; moving to us in the middle of the plan was costly. The freedom of movement was seen more readily in the prepaid and consumer markets.

“But we assist with payback periods if customers want to make the savings by going over to 2degrees. 2degrees is prepared to assist customers in this regard and help them make the change.”

Starting out with 2degrees business what was your vision for it?

“We took the time to build up the business side. 2degrees has been in the market for three years now, but we took the time to deliberately develop the business side. It took two years.

“Since we launched we have been trying to connect with businesses to offer them a compelling proposition that is fantastic value, with excellent customer service based in New Zealand and a solid network.

“These are three key factors that people want. We believe we have delivered.”

What kind of innovative strategies have you put in place?

“We believe if you pay, you should get the full benefit. For example we have what is called ‘Carry over minutes’; it’s the one thing we have over our competitors. People pay for a plan with a certain amount of minutes, but our competitors take these away at the end of the month. We don’t; we allow customers to carry them over. People can then build a stockpile of minutes. It is a hell of a lot fairer.

“Shared data is another business innovation unique to 2degrees. Businesses are now more mobile centric, looking to increase productivity. They often have mobiles and tablets; 2 degrees shared data can be shared across employees or devices.

Separate plans are not needed as the data can be shared with up to five employees or devices.

“There is also the $149 plan, which lets you talk as much as you like without having to worry about the cost. Customers with other competitors can pay $300 one month, $400 the next, $200 the next – it jumps all over the show. With this plan you know. People are buying certainty. It revolutionises the way business users use phones.”

How has the recession impacted the growth of 2degrees?

“Lots of businesses are struggling, but we go in and offer a good deal. We offer a high quality product at a reduced price – New Zealanders have given our entry into the market a warm reception. We are the new kid on the block between Telecom and Vodafone; we are turning the market on its head and people like it and get it.

“While some businesses are certainly struggling we can decrease cost and boost productivity.

“Growth has been phenomenal over the past year. Thousands have connected to 2degrees, from one man bands, to smallto-medium sized enterprises and large corporates. It has also just been listed by the New Zealand Government as one of its approved suppliers.

“We have gone past one million customers in three years.”

Why do you think people have been drawn to you?

“People on 2degrees get a good deal; we decrease the amount of jargon and red tape and we keep it simple and transparent. We are a reliable network and we are a brand that has resonated with New Zealanders.”

22 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“

What potential savings can customers make by going over to 2degrees?

Since we launched we have been trying to connect with businesses to offer them a compelling proposition that is fantastic value, with excellent customer service based in New Zealand and a solid network.

”

- 2degrees chief sales officer Mike Cleary

“Businesses can make huge savings, it is hard to give it a dollar figure, but our analysis has shown that companies on average see a 25 percent value on savings.”

Where does your coverage extend to?

“We cover up to 97 percent of the population – we don’t reach the more isolated areas, but we are on par with Vodafone.”

What about broadband? Why is it more expensive out of main centres?

“Our broadband is reliant on where our network towers are. Because we have an agreement with Vodafone in other areas where we have use of their towers, we are not able to offer as good pricing in some areas. But as we increase our infrastructure we will increase this offering to others.”

Where to for the future?

“We want to do more of the same; we are delighted with our progress to date.”

The battle

against plastic

By Bridget Gourlay

In 2000, Dianne Collins was diagnosed with cancer. She was only 61. Her son, Gary, began to research the issue, looking for answers. What caused cancer and how it could be stopped were questions that began to plague his mind.

In Gary’s research, the same word kept coming up in all the information he read.

A chemical called Bisphenol A (BPA) was increasingly being questioned by reputable doctors and researchers and was being reported in mainstream health magazines.

The problem with BPA is it behaves similarly to estrogen. When enough of this accumulates in the body there can be negative health effects – that’s why BPA has been linked to obesity, diabetes, breast cancer and hyperactivity.

Gary’s mum died in 2001. But he couldn’t forget about the issues he’d come across.

“I discovered many possible causes of cancer that I’d never heard of before, and whether it’s a conspiracy, or simply ignorance by us, the general public, I feel it’s time people became aware of some of these issues.”

While BPA exists only in some plastic bottles, our standard day to day plastic bottles can leak out other toxic chemicals such as phthalates and antimony when scratched or heated.

The more Gary read about plastic bottles, the more the self-described ‘non-greenie’ came across uncomfortable facts about the environmental problems these drink bottles cause.

Plastic bottles are a petroleum product and use 151 billion litres of oil to produce each year. That’s enough to run 500,000 cars per year. In New Zealand, 78 percent of the time these bottles are not recycled and they go to landfills, where 700 years later they start to decompose.

A significant amount of the world’s plastic winds up at sea. There’s an area estimated to be the size of Texas (some say twice the size) in the Pacific Ocean known as the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’, a floating mass of plastic rubbish.

A lot of this plastic that ends up at sea gets eaten by hungry animals thinking it’s food. Many researches and environmental organisations list plastic as the number one threat to our marine environment.

All of this research inspired Gary to act. As the CEO of several successful New Zealand businesses, he turned his entrepreneurial eye to a solution that would stop people from using the chemical ridden and environmentally devastating plastic bottles.

The culmination of his research, and arguably one answer in the fight against cancer and environmental harm are SafeBottles. These BPA- free bottles are made from high quality stainless steel. Unlike aluminium, the inside isn’t coated with an epoxy lining, which becomes dangerous if scratched.

In fact, all commercial hospitality cooking is made in stainless steel for this reason.

And because they are stainless steel they can be re-used again and again – no more plastic clogging up our landfills or killing our vulnerable sea creatures.

SafeBottles come in 500, 750 and 1000 ml varieties and are designed in an assortment of colours. SafeBottles can use a custommade design, making them the perfect choice for a sports team or organisation.

Within a typical CBD, it’s easy to count how many free water fountains there are – usually about three, all within parks. However, corner dairies and supermarkets selling plastic drink bottles are ubiquitous – there’s one on every street. Gary’s grand vision for SafeBottles involves free water at petrol stations. He hopes thirsty customers would bring their SafeBottles with them, re-fill and drive away without buying a plastic bottle while they bought their petrol. This might cut down on the 168 plastic bottles the average Kiwi buys a year.

and the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand 2005.

How often is the bottled water industry in NZ regulated?

Bottled water has far fewer health and safety standards to which it must conform to than municipal supplies. Bottled water simply has to comply to the Food Act 1981. It is also regulated as a packaged food product

by Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

Its regulations are nothing like the three separate organisations required to ensure our tap water is safe.

For more information contact SafeBottles: T 0800 777 444, E service@safebottles.co.nz www.safebottles.co.nz

Plastic facts What percentage of plastics used in New Zealand are recycled?

The figure is growing - in 2000 26,702 tonnes of plastic was recycled. Two years later the figure had increased to 30,190 tonnes.

Still, from our 242,000 tonnes of annual production, a shocking 190,000 tonnes is still being sent to New Zealand landfills every year - just 52,000 tonnes being recycled.

How many plastic bottles are made and/or consumed in NZ? In 2003, 125,955 tonnes of plastic packaging were produced in New Zealand. The average New Zealander uses about 31kg of plastic packaging each year. Globally each year we drink 30 billion throwaway bottles of water that’s 2.7 million tonnes of plastic.

How often is our tap water regulated?

Three organisations are concerned with the provision of safe and wholesome drinkingwater to any community in New Zealand, one at the local level, one regional and one with a national perspective.

Locally, the supply is owned by a local authority such as a district or city council, who extracts the water, runs the treatment plant to remove contaminants and pipes the water to your door. Under the Drinking-Water Standards for New Zealand 2005 (which applies to private and public water supplies, but not bottled water!), they are expected to test the water regularly to ensure it is safe.

The Ministry of Health, through the provision of standards, guidelines and other tools, has a national function to ensure regulations are in place. It works at the regional level through District Health Boards (DHBs). Each DHB is expected to oversee the local authorities and ensure, through auditing measures, that the local bodies are maintaining appropriate water quality.

Underlying the standards and processes is the Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2007

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 23

News | Learnings

All aboard the blunder bus

By Davina Richards

When starting out or running a small business, small errors can be costly. To avoid the dreaded ride on the blunder bus, here are a few tips to ensure you get things right the first time round.

Get it right online So you’re about to start your own small business or you’ve been operating for a while and there’s one thing missing – a website.

With a plethora of ideas and designs available, creating a distinguished web design that reflects your business in the right way can be tricky and what you may like may not be liked by online users. To design an effective and successful website you need to understand what the common mistakes are.

It might be obvious, or maybe not, but when it comes to web design one vital thing to remember is to keep it simple. Entering a website which is too fussy and complicated is a great disadvantage to your business.

Usability allows quick access, allowing you to move in and out of web pages and do it without restrictions. Like any internet user, you want information on demand and a click away at all times. Creating a website that is cosmetically sophisticated needs to be toned down; apply the “less is more” axiom to get the most out of your website.

Web design mistakes are easy to make, but it’s up to you to avoid those problems which is detrimental to the success of your business.

• Keep the design simple – unnecessary funky font, styles, colours, scrolling text or flashing icons does not make for a professional business set-up • Easy navigation is essential. Don’t turn people off by turning them away • Up-date your website religiously, no one likes to reach a dead end or realise they’re viewing something that’s last year’s news • Make it clear what your business is about and what you can provide on the home page • Don’t clutter your homepage with too much text – abide by the ‘s’ word simple.

• Allow important information such as contact details to be clear to online users – sometimes it’s all they were searching for • Avoid drop-down menu’s – users should be able to view information straight away • Make links visible and maintain a contrasting colour • Keep the message and tone of your information the same – continuity • Use SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) to enable you to drive traffic towards your website through internet search results.

Running before you’ve learnt to walk An easy mistake to make is trying to break into a new market before you’ve done your homework.

It’s a risky business when it comes to improving the growth of your business by seeking a new market to explore. But before you find yourself dreaming of green fields and gold, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s

market research which will enable you to make a smooth transition from one small step to one big step.

Okay, so you're not quite the do-it-yourself type and having someone to do the work for you may seem like a good idea, but some things in life shouldn't come with a price tag.

If you already own a successful business you should be aware of how you got there.

Remember those days of focused planning, targeting, looking for potential customers, making contacts and all that time spent on each and every step?

It’s the same approach if you want to find a secure place for your product, service or company in a competitive environment. If it all pays off this new branch of opportunity can transform and catapult you in to a thriving business.

Use demographic surveys to find out more about potential customers. It bodes well to recognise trends and prepare for unexpected changes in the market – so keep up to date to avoid surprises.

Make use of the internet; generate traffic to your website to put your product or service on the map. It also makes sense to make use of the business contacts you already have; network online and offline.

Research how other businesses or companies, especially competing ones, distribute their information and learn from their strategies. If you want to guarantee an increase in product sales and an influx of new customers, do your homework.

New clients don’t grow on trees and you’ll soon realise that market research essentially becomes the backbone to having a successful business.

Old vs. new It has never been more obvious when it comes to PC technology that what you own is going to be old news and old technology within the next year. The question is - is buying second hand, replacing components or trying to build a new computer out of old parts worth your money, time and effort?

We’re thinking… no.

Some of us try to take the supposed ‘inexpensive’ route of upgrading computer systems by undertaking a DIY job, but for most, this can be a more costly option.

Ever listened to someone who told you he can find you replacement hard drives and graphic cards that are dirt cheap? Then you smiled and said “sweet deal” and off he goes? You then return to your desk where you carefully unscrew and remove parts hoping you’ll remember where to put them all back again.

And at the end of it all you only find an anti-climax. Your computer is on but the components you bought on the cheap don’t work because on an old PC, maximum speed is not possible. Your so-called mechanical awareness and knowledge has left you feeling deflated.

24 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Why waste hundreds of dollars on materials that aren’t guaranteed to work and as a result pay out hundreds of dollars to get it fixed – for the same price as buying a brand spanking new PC. So unless you are a technician by trade, DIY jobs and buying components cheaply equals epic fail and a small bank haemorrhage.

Image and voice Being in charge of a company’s brand – shaping and influencing the reputation of a company, client or product is a challenging role to undertake. The best thing to remember is to stay level-headed and not run around like a headless chicken at the height of stress.

You have to live and breathe through the lines that bond communication – and thorough planning and marketing is needed to lock in the desired message you want listeners to hear and the image you want the public or important figures to see.

A typical day in a life of any business owner can bring unexpected changes that challenge you to problem solve and force you to think on your feet. A company relies on the need to make the right decisions when dealing with relationships relating to management, employees, consumers and media channels.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew Sometimes it’s just too easy to push human resource (HR) issues to the back of your list of priorities. But to keep work life in smooth flow, taking care of your HR is taking care of professional and sound business.

Divert some of your attention to how business is run behind closed doors; if documents are not up to date and not signed on the dotted line, there’s going to be a staircase of difficulties to climb when you approach legal issues.

OKay so it’s easier said than done when it comes to letting an employee go who lacks effort, enthusiasm and promotes nothing but poor performance. But if a lawyer comes-aknockin’ and informs you that you are being sued for wrongful dismissal, you’re going to wish you had paid closer attention to vital protocol you should have adhered to all along.

Policies, contracts, employee handbooks, recordkeeping should always be up to date if you are going to back yourself up in a legal situation. Obviously no one likes to see their business struggle to the end of unprofitability.

Be on top of your HR to avoid costly mistakes: • Understand the rules and regulations of the New Zealand Employment Act

Juggling 10 balls in one hand can sometimes take you off course, but being systematic and careful in your approach will aid you to hit targets successfully.

• Document new employees and set aside time to make sure all legal paperwork is accurate, is understood by both parties, and the ink is dry

• Communication comes in all forms – whether it be online, over the phone, in print, or speech, make sure all the information is accurate, consistent and effective in the way you communicate it

• Identify and abide by the laws and regulations to ensure a smooth running business. Beware of changes and always inform employees if it directly affects them

• Be loud and clear so there is no confusion or misguided information • Have a plan, set targets and work to deadlines • If you’ve achieved your goal, don’t forget about it. Manage it – assess the results and how you came to achieve it • Where there’s a positive result there is usually something negative to balance it out. It may be a crisis that requires you to keep a cool head and be timely when you recognise it. Be level-headed and try to avoid any aggression, or getting on the defensive side, it goes against the idea of creating a positive image • Mistakes are inevitable, how you recover from them is the key skill.

• You can’t protect yourself or your business without insurance cover – it’s the one thing that will protect you from legal claims put forward from past/current and potential employees and employmentrelated allegations • Don’t rush in to hiring – take the time to consider all candidates and their key skills.

Someone who is ‘nice’ but only puts in little effort might not be best for business and could potentially be a headache if you have to get rid of them • Monitor the progress of employees and inform them if they are underachieving in certain areas of work. Making them aware of their weak points gives them a chance to improve. And don’t forget to give a bit of praise when necessary – appreciation goes a long way.

MAKE MONEY EVERY TIME SOMEONE MAKES A PHONE CALL OR USES THE INTERNET In your personal and business life you have used at least two of the services you could be earning money from right now if you owned a Telcoinabox Franchise.

Telcoinabox is the pioneer of franchising in the telecommunication industry. We provide everything you need to become a profitable & successful business.

We have tried and tested systems, training and support paving the way for you to build a successful recurring revenue and profitable business.

As a Telcoinabox Franchise you can now market your own brand and offer customers 10% to 40% savings.

Call 0800 783 526 today to find out about our next training session. Bring this ad with you and let us tick all the boxes to your satisfaction. * Dealers and re-sellers welcome.

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Name and market your own branded telecommunications business Have multiple ways to increase your profit margins Recieve assistance in building an effective business plan

rch u h c t Chris

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Recieve professional product, business and sales training Recieve a custom website with product catalogue Offer a complete range of data, voice and mobile products people know and trust Have a web-based world-class billing, provisioning and customer relationship managment system Recieve monthly residual revenues (for the life of the customer contract) Keep No stock, No store front and No territories Have a dedicated account manager and operational support Have minimum start-up costs

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telcoinabox.co.nz/CHCH Level 4, 15 Huron Street, Takapuna Auckland 0622

News | Insights

Giving customers what they want - how IKEA leads the way

IKEA is an iconic Swedish company that sells modern and contemporary designer furniture and accessories, such as beds, coffee tables, vanities, lamps, frames and now its even started selling plants.

But IKEA is much more than just a retailer.

It sells its customers an experience, an experience which remains consistent in all the 325 shops now established around the globe.

IKEA’s success is not only demonstrable by the number of successful stores it runs; it is also reflected in their bottom line, with a turnover of 26 billion Euros in 2011.

So, why is IKEA so successful? What is it that they do that others don’t or can’t? It is only a furniture shop after all. Well, not quite.

IKEA’s strategy is well defined and clever, and taps into all the areas of the business.

Firstly, IKEA starts with clever designs which combine cost effective materials and cut costing solutions, without altering the quality and affordable price. The distribution and retail costs are also managed effectively in order to keep prices low.

Ingvar Kamprad, the company’s founder, invented the flat pack/self-assembly concept back in 1953 in order to reduce breakage, shipping and inventory costs. Combined with the self-service solution in 1963, Ingvar created an innovative business model many companies could only dream of.

Add to that the addition of free catalogues

Another happy customer

<

Massey executive MBA student Delphine Ducaruge, recently undertook a study tour around Scandinavia to visit and understand the business models of some of the most successful local companies. She tells us what she learnt from one of Sweden’s largest companies: IKEA.

in 1951 and the restaurants in 1960, you quickly understand that Ingmar didn’t think mainstream. It may be surprising to learn that the IKEA concept, as it is today, was designed back in the 50’s and 60’s, rather than by a marketing guru in the 21st Century!

The real strength of IKEA is the concept which builds a relationship with the consumer.

Everything is made to make the customer’s life easier, while allowing IKEA to sell as much as possible.

measure dimensions of whatever they want.

Customers might want to shop in peace, so can check-in their children at the playground where a trained teacher will take care of them during your visit. Worried about leaving your children with strangers? Fear no more, you are given a free pager in case your child needs you.

As a customer, you then start your visit in the first part of the shop, the showroom. If you have a sore ankle you can borrow one of the wheelchairs. You can’t get lost, as there The experience at IKEA engages customers are big arrows on the floor to indicate the and empowers them to take control of their shopping adventure. As customers arrive, they way to go. The shop is designed in a oneway layout IKEA calls the “long natural way”. grab a little notebook and a pencil to take notes, and pick up a tape-measure in order to It encourages customers to visit the entire

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Contact Wayne Burnell Cell: 021 281 5549 Email: burnelltsp@xtra.co.nz 26 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

News | Insights

low it’s heartbreaking when you live in New Zealand and can only take 23kg home.

After the market area, is the self-serve furniture warehouse, with massive commercial trolleys for your convenience, which is where you grab your flat pack items. You then go and pay wondering how you ended up buying so many items. It’s not your fault. How could you have resisted?

Still hungry? A shop by the exit sells a range of Swedish products from chocolate to salmon.

You don’t have to like this concept. You don’t have to like furniture. You don’t have to like the food. You don’t have to like yellow and blue (logo). But you can’t dislike and deny the creativity, the ingenuity, the thinking outside of the box aspect of IKEA.

<

IKEA concept center in Delf, Holland

shop when traditional shops allow you to go straight to what you’re after.

Unlike most furniture retailer, the IKEA showroom displays are based on spaces.

These spaces are effectively “imitation homes” with walls. As you sit in the lounge and look around, you are able to visualise how the products would look in your own space. In short, you see everything you would find in a home (with the only exception being the price tags) and you want to buy it all.

The showroom has different spaces, of different sizes and different styles, for different taste and needs. These spaces show you how you could use the furniture and inspire you to dream of a better place. In

between the spaces, the furniture is displayed by group styles: couches, coffee tables, beds, kitchens, etc and you can try them.

By the time you get out of the showroom, you’re starving. Well, how convenient. Here is the restaurant! Once you’ve finished eating (in what feels like someone's dining room), you go downstairs to the market area.

Be prepared to spend a decent amount of time in there. The market area is where everything that is not furniture is displayed and packaged ready to be bought. There are things you didn’t even know existed or that you needed! You grab what you need: frames, lights, textiles, eating and cooking accessories. The choice is huge, the price so

IKEA takes care of customers and guests.

During a presentation one of my classmates was cold but didn’t say anything, she just looked cold. Out of the blue, a staff member, in charge of making sure things were going smoothly, came and gave her a blanket.

She later explained that during previous uses of the room they had noticed the room tends to be cold and came up with the solution to have a basket full of blankets by the entrance. Who gives blankets to their cold guests? What a brilliant idea! We were all highly impressed at both the attention to detail and the practical solution.

IKEA has a culture of inventiveness and progressive thinking. Since the first day it started, Ingvar and his team have continued to come up with cutting edge ideas. From

ingenious designs, the invention of the flat pack, through the showroom layout and market area concepts, through to the restaurant, Ingvar has always thought differently. He doesn’t look around and observe what others do. He looks around and sees what his customers’ needs are.

And he satisfies those needs in creative and practical ways.

IKEA has a philosophy of regularly engaging with customers on a personal level. It is not by staying in their comfy corporate seats that management can understand the changes of the customers’ needs, so at IKEA the low profile of the managers is amazing.

It’s part of the IKEA mentality. Everyone at management level (yes everyone) does a week per year on the floor. They talk to customers, help them and guide them. From these conversations they truly understand the changes in the market and can help determine the strategic direction the company needs to take and how to help their customers better. Recently they came up with the 1 Euro breakfast and are now starting to build hotels near their stores. IKEA’s vision is “a better everyday life for the many people”. It communicates this vision all around the world. It is not perfect English however, they may do this on purpose to sound cute and unthreatening. Perhaps, another clever IKEA strategy?

Photos by Delphine Ducaruge

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 27

News | The Economy

Business optimism increases, but challenges still lie ahead A survey of a sub-set of Canterbury small businesses severely impacted by the earthquake, shows optimism is on the increase and sales are trending up, but they are still facing some weighty issues. These businesses identified as being particularly adversely affected by the earthquake, continue to face challenges with respect to cashflow, marketing, fatigue and rebuilding issues.

The Recover Canterbury survey questioned businesses which had received support from Recover Canterbury or the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust. These were businesses that were generally quite badly affected by the earthquake and met the criteria for Recover Canterbury support.

Some 274 businesses responded to the survey, which included businesses from a range of industries, with the largest sector groups being retail and manufacturing. The survey aimed to ascertain the current state of businesses which have received support in Canterbury and identify the key issues and challenges facing them and by inference, provide some insight into the needs of similar businesses in the immediate future.

Recover Canterbury operations manager Bridget Frame says there is a growing but fragile optimism among these businesses, with 74 percent of them feeling positive about the future. Trade is generally picking up, although many businesses are struggling to get back to pre-quake levels.

The survey asked about the key problems or issues facing businesses, and not surprisingly cashflow topped the list, with more than 57 percent of businesses naming cashflow as one of the top three issues they are facing.

“Challenges with cashflow were related to other issues within the business, such as increased operating costs, sales volumes, debtor management, tax obligations and reducing margins. The businesses surveyed are also telling us that delays in insurance pay-outs and the capital spent on individual

recovery efforts are also impacting cashflows,” she says.

“Cashflow is a complex issue and there is no magic bullet to fix it. What’s required is an in-depth look at the business, and identifying changes that can be made to its operations to get the cash flowing.”

Some of the issues identified by businesses however, have positive implications for the future, such as issues around managing sustainable growth and staff shortages.

The survey also confirmed a growing concern about the condition of the business building stock in the city, with 34 percent of businesses stating their building either needs to be demolished, or still needs repairs that will cause major disruption at some stage in the future.

“Businesses need to start planning for this period of disruption now so that when the time comes they know how they are going to trade their way through it. Issues around building location have been one of the main elements of recovery planning that we work on with businesses and our focus on this issue will continue.”

She says the results of the survey will play a part in influencing the focus of Recover Canterbury until April 2013, when the organisation will finish operating.

“Having these statistics is of enormous value to our team as it helps us identify categories of businesses that may be facing the greatest challenges and therefore influences the proactive work we do in the business community. It also helps us to ensure that we have the services and resources in place to help businesses with some of the key issues they are facing.

28 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“This survey shows that business owners are feeling more positive about the future and that for many their business is heading in the right direction, but it also clearly shows that there are still some challenges ahead.

“The Recover Canterbury team is working closely with other business support organisations, such as the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and the Canterbury Development Corporation, to provide targeted support and advice to our business community. The common aim of these agencies is to help businesses to work through the challenges ahead and play an active role in the Christchurch of the future.”

Recovery Canterbury Business Survey – key results Growing optimism Businesses were asked to rate their optimism three months after the February earthquake and to rate their optimism today.

• Seventy four percent of businesses feel optimistic about their business today, compared with only 26.8 percent reporting feeling optimistic in mid-2011 • 14.8 percent of businesses are still feeling pessimistic, compared with 58.5 percent in mid-2011 • The level of business optimism increases with the business size – the bigger the business (in terms of employees), the more optimistic they are.

Positive growth in trade sales • 79.4 percent of businesses reported a swing towards improved sales • 50.9 percent of businesses reported that trade is either the same or improved, when compared to before the February 2011 earthquake. This is compared to just 8.9 percent in mid-2011 • 38.7 percent of businesses are still reporting that trade is down, compared to before the February 2011 earthquake.

Key issues facing business • Businesses were asked to list up to three key issues they are currently facing. Key results are: cashflow (57.5 percent), loss of markets/sales (40.7 percent), mental tiredness (38.1 percent), building/location (29.9 percent), insurance/legal (26.1 percent), managing sustainable growth (21.3 percent), marketing strategies (20.9 percent), finance/funding (20.1 percent) • Cashflow was clearly the key issue currently facing businesses. The overwhelming driver for cashflow issues was reduced sales volumes in 62.9 percent of instances. Increased operating costs accounted for 25.3 percent of cashflow issues, with customers being slow to pay (22.8 percent) and capital spend on recovery (21.6 percent). Some 13.7 percent of respondent businesses state that insurance payments not received is causing cashflow issues for them.

News | Interview

Making it

her way

By Corazon Miller

Her first memory of cooking was standing by her mother’s side in a Hawke’s Bay kitchen back in the 1950s, helping pour fragrant vanilla essence into a fluffy white pavlova mixture.

The little Jo would watch as her mother beat the whites into soft, perfect white peaks of the long-time Kiwi favourite. This image, paired with the taste of rubber as she would gleefully lick the batter off the rubber spatula, make up some of Jo Seager's earliest culinary memories.

These days Jo has gone back to her country girl roots, living and running a successful café and cookery school in the inland Canterbury town of Oxford. Jo has made a life from her love of good food, turning it into a vocation and a way of giving to others.

This mother of two and grandmother of “one and a half” has graced our TV screens with her cheerful personality, waving whisks and pulling magical creations out of ovens. She has adorned many a bookshelf with the colourful pages of her easily made delectable food and has done the hard yards as a patron for Hospice New Zealand.

“

We have it easy with all the produce we have around us. We are the luckiest country in the world and I count my blessings every day that I get to be here in New Zealand.

”

30 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Jo modestly attributes her success to “being in the right place at the right time”. But as you chat with this successful business woman, it is evident that Jo’s journey to success was so much more than luck – it was the sheer ability to recognise an opportunity, take a chance and make the leap.

Looking right at home in the ambient setting of her little café Seagars at Oxford, adorned in one of her trademark black skivvies with a row of white pearls, Jo chats a mile a minute, painting a rather descriptive and, let’s be honest, tummy teasing tale of goodness.

Finding her own path Jo says fame was never something she had aimed for. “A life as a chef and TV personality was never anything I had imagined. I had a good career as a nurse [first], I enjoyed it. I never dreamed of being on telly, but being a chef and sharing my knowledge is a passion.”

Even though her early memories of being an avid mummy’s helper in the kitchen would have seemed to have led Jo straight into a career as a chef, cooking was not to be the first cobblestone paving her path.

Instead her career began in New Zealand when she trained as a nurse before heading off on her big OE to London. She began by working as nurse on the British Heart research team, which travelled around in an ambulance investigating men and heart disease.

Having learnt a lot about nutrition and health through her work, she built on this by travelling around places like Morocco, nurturing a taste for a fantastic variety of food.

It soon became evident that a change in career was calling, so Jo decided to go to the Cordon Bleu School in London and then onto the gastronomic capital of the world, Paris, studying at the La Varenne chef’s school.

Home sweet home But like many worldly adventures, there comes a time to head home, so Jo and a nursing friend of hers headed back to Auckland where they opened up a restaurant called Harleys, which Jo ran for five years.

“It was a huge success,” Jo says. “It got best restaurant in 1981 and 1982. It was around the time that Metro magazine started.

It was a time of the foodie boom, it was all happening.”

While running the restaurant Jo met her husband of 20 years, Ross. They married and added to their family with one baby girl and one boy. In and around growing a family, even after Jo stopped working at Harleys, she continued to dabble in the industry, writing columns for North and South, writing cookbooks and teaching classes.

News | Interview

“

I feel Italian in my heart, I know I’m not, but I just love the Italian hospitality.

Everyone comes into the home and gathers around the table. They have a philosophy of food born out of frugality. Using what they grow to feed everyone.

It’s a full-on life, but Jo says she never tires of the kitchen. “I love cooking, though not so much the clean up.” Cheekily she adds, “Which is why I love having the staff around me to do the cleaning.

“I do have a good hubby, I do all the cooking, but he is of the mindset; why have a dog and bark yourself,” she jokes. But, Jo adds hastily, her husband is a great help, “He is great with the cleaning and the tidying, he even did the bathing of the babies when the kids where small, while I cooked.

“I’m living the dream.”

On screen Luckily for us Jo was, and still is, just as passionate about sharing her knowledge. She isn’t one of those chefs who never share. “I just loved the teaching aspect. I thought TV would be a good medium with a wider reach and larger audience.”

And so began an era of Jo waving her whisk on screen, showing us just how it should be done. But despite her polished on-screen presence, she says things in the kitchen aren’t always as smooth as they seem. “I’ve set fire to things while working for TV.”

Test-tasting success Despite having numerous cookbooks full of her recipes, Jo says making things work isn’t always as simple as it seems. “It takes a lot of time to get it right. I just add a little bit here and there till I know exactly how it will work.

“Sometimes I just had one or two too many pinot noirs and I ended up with something just a little char-grilled.”

Jo’s own inspiration was the late American chef, author and TV personality, Julia Child.

“I’ve met her and I love her. What I love about Julia Child is that she knows and understands food – you can read her cookbooks and just taste it.”

In Jo’s own kitchen she likes to keep it easy. “I like it simple – no more than five ingredients.

In my own cook books I don’t like to have my recipes go over the cookbook page.”

She points out cooking doesn’t have to be an extravagant affair. If given a choice she would much rather have the classic, yet simple Italian cuisine than pretentious French fine-dining.

get to go to Italy every year. I have to pinch myself while I am in Italy, and say yes I am at work, I’m not dreaming.”

”

Of course, in her travels Jo has had her fair share of “fine-dining”, tasting the likes of caviar, but she says nothing can beat the taste of simplicity done well.

“Crayfish with butter, a little bit of salt and pepper… BBQ lamb eaten in the highcountry with your best mate and some crunchy bread that is soft and fluffy in the middle, with a little bit of chutney on the side… scallops, I just love scallops… anything kaimoana – I just love seafood.”

And the list goes on. “Ooohhh… nothing beats crushing fresh raspberries on the roof of your mouth on Christmas day with icing sugar and cream – nothing can beat that feeling.”

Healthy titbits It all sounds so decadent, but her philosophy on healthy eating is anything but.

“Moderation - eat a little bit of what you want.”

“Italian cuisine is quite simple; it can be just six tomatoes and some basil. Whereas the French cuisine that I learnt while I was in Paris It is also about eating local, Jo says. is all about the cream and the camembert and Something she says the Italians have had in But as much as Jo loved the TV aspect of their country forever. “It is called peasant. the six quail breasts – it is food for the rich.” things she says there was one aspect she The Italians know how to make do with the Jo casually admits she does have a love affair ingredients that are all around them." didn’t enjoy so much. “People often ask me why I’m not on the telly more. I do have a lot with the Italians. “I feel Italian in my heart, Local simplicity is something she tries to of things that I have filmed that haven’t made I know I’m not, but I just love the Italian exercise in her own picturesque Seagars at hospitality.

Everyone comes into the home it on the telly, but that is because I am not Oxford café, where everything they serve and gathers around the table. They have a prepared to relinquish my independence to is homemade from many local ingredients. do the advertorial work,” she says. “I stand by philosophy of food born out of frugality. Using Even the divine, creamy coffee plays what they grow to feed everyone.” my guns - I don’t want to be branded.” the part of moderator, with its perfectly Simple food is what Jo says the Italians do Another on-screen trend she’s not a fan of is portioned cup that is not too big, not too best. “It’s about doing less things better. The the recent fad of “master chefs” that seem small, and a decadent, small melt-in-yourItalians know that they do it best with just a to adorn our screens on a nightly basis. “I’m mouth portion of fudge. little fresh basil, tomato mozzarella and with a over the drama queen nature of the cooking Healthy eating is something we as New bit of drizzle of green olive oil. It’s one of the shows,” she says.

Zealander’s should be able to do well, Jo simplest dishes you can make to impress.”

Instead Jo loves to watch foodie programmes says. “We have it easy with all the produce that showcase the adventure that being a chef Her love for Italy is what led Jo to take a group we have around us. We are the luckiest of students to get an authentic glimpse of the country in the world and I count my can be. “I love the shows that travel and try real deal, whilst simultaneously raising money blessings every day that I get to be here in new things, like the street food in Dubai; it is for her other passion; Hospice New Zealand. “I New Zealand.” cool to try something new.”

Some of the best advice Jo offers for those who like to potter around in the kitchen is precision. “Shoddy measurements give you shoddy results. A cup is a metric cup not an old cup with a crack in the side. The oven temperature needs to be checked with an oven thermometer,” she says.

“Salt and pepper and spice is also important, they aren’t bad things they are out there to make food taste better.”

To get a taste of Jo’s cooking or to take one of her classes go to www.joseagar.com

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 31

News | Lifestyles

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Small change Pleat Coin Purse With so many unique designs from bags, purses, clothing to jewellery, there’s something for everyone. Felt has produced this colourful and quirky purse just in time for summer. Made from designer Japanese Kokka fabric and lined with beautiful patterned fabric, it’s big enough to fit all your coins, cards and lippy. You’ll feel bare without it.

Want this purse in another fabric design? Felt can custommake a design to suit your creative mind.

RRP: $25 Go to: www.craftmeup.felt.co.nz

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Girard-Perregaux Opera Three watch

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Tech happy

Man time What comes in a 43mm platinum case, plays either Tchaikovsky or Mozart every hour, and comes with a 50hr reserve? The GirardPerregaux Opera Three watch is one of the most expensive watches you can buy. With its Swiss mechanism, inbuilt miniature music box, 18k white gold, black alligator strap and sapphire crystals – you still can’t see why, at this price, it doesn’t come with a house! The music can even be adjusted to play on demand. It’s a little beauty at a big cost. But will just be a pleasure to own for those watch collectors.

Apple Macbook Pro with Retina Display Another stunning piece of computer technology, this sleek design pushes the boundaries of high performance and flawless high-resolution quality.

Light as air and compact with features, the release of the Macbook Pro with Retina Display promises 5.1 million mega pixels which is 3 million pixels more than a HD television. Expect sharp and crisp screen resolution without losing quality or colour. You’re guaranteed portability, high-performance, and top quality for this flashy piece of art. They say it’s the most advanced Mac ever produced in the history of Mac manufacturing. Take full advantage.

RRP: $972,000 Available from: www.partridgejewellers.com

RRP: $4,499 Inc GST Available from: Apple’s online store and authorised retailers

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Art for your floor Super Shag rug

Go-go gadget

Prone to getting lost? If you somehow find yourself in the middle of a jungle, dressed in a suit, and wandering like a lost soul trying to get back to civilisation, just look to your faithful cufflinks and follow the arrow. You’ll be able to find your way back in no time. Simple, stylish, it’s every adventurers golden compass. Don’t leave the house without it.

Retro seventies style is back and it’s back big. If you want to wiggle your toes in to something that is soft, warm and pure 100 percent New Zealand wool, look no further than to the Super Shag rug. It ticks all the vital boxes; quality, luxury and distinction.

This modern textured design holds its durability and impressive 70s interior design flair. Undeniably this rug can brighten up any part of your home. You wouldn’t even be blamed for framing it on your living room wall showcasing the best wool in the world.

RRP: $42

RRP:$9.87 per metre

Available from: www.thecheekishop.co.nz

For more information go to: www.trenzseater.com

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Compass cufflinks

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The perfect peeler Acrobat Ceramic Blade Peeler Has life in the kitchen become a tad dull? Well, with this little number you can grab a handful while you peel the spuds. This item has form and function and is the ultimate tool for your kitchen needs. Made from moulded plastic for that extra grip, this swinging acrobat shaped peeler smoothly does it when it comes to those fruits and veg.

The easy to use tool includes a sharp ceramic blade with doesn’t rust; Bonus!

RRP: $24.90 Go to: www.funkygifts.co.nz

32 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

News | Lifestyles

<

Caffeine injector Presso Espresso coffee maker This sexy little number is guaranteed to push all the right taste bud buttons. To get the drops of coffee magic flowing a bit of manual ‘pumpage’ with the arms is required.

But the results are well worth it and arguably better than coffee made with more expensive machines. Just add hot water, pump then sit back and relax with an extraordinary cup of coffee. Did I mention it uses no electricity? At this price you can’t go wrong.

RRP: $249 Go to: www.homeespressomachines.co.nz

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Fine forms Anna Korver sculpters

There’s a corner in everyone’s home which lacks that little something and before you know it, five years has passed and that empty space still sits unused. A sculpture might just be the thing to bring new sense of interpretation of essence. Anna Korver is an established New Zealand artist and using the method of direct carving on natural materials.

She expresses her concepts of femininity and the link between humankind and the surrounding environment.

RRP: From $2500 - $3500 Go to: www.annakorver.co.nz

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Life’s A Beach Contemporary framed print Available in either white or black frame, this quintessential ‘Kiwiana style’ framed print just evokes the feeling of summer ahead. Beautifully packaged in bubble wrap, Kiwiana wrapping paper and safely protected inside a cardboard sleeve for save delivery. It’s an ideal corporate and conference gift, or for rewarding prompt paying customers and referrals to your business, a wedding present, or as a treat for your home this Christmas.

The size is 435 mm x 445 mm and discounts are available when purchased in larger quantities.

RRP: $120 Available from: David Kerr Greatscapes Collection www.davidkerrphotography.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 33

News | Hotspots

Meet the Lone Goat

Sleep in luxury at Grasmere Lodge

This vineyard situated on Burnham School Road, established by the Giesen Brothers has been producing outstanding wine for nearly three decades and has over the years been awarded various accolades.

Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, Grasmere Lodge is at the heart of an operational grand pastoral station surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.

Set idyllically with the Canterbury hills at its back the lodge promises a whole other world of peacefulness and serenity.

Built in 1858 the original limestone homestead is, today, the centre of the lodge, promising a luxurious stay with topclass personalised service.

Choose from a lodge room with a view of the lake, to a chalet suit overlooking the mountains or stay in the Riverview Cottage.

To find out more visit: www.grasmere.co.nz, or email, retreat@grasmere.co.nz

Give the team at Lone Goat and call and arrange your own winery and vineyard tour; meet Ella the goat, a mischievous madam who is also the inspiration behind this vineyard’s unique name.

Stop on by and taste Lone Goat’s special pinot noirs, chardonnays, rieslings, sauvignon blancs and dessert wines.

For more information visit: www.lonegoat.co.nz, or email info@lonegoat.co.nz

Taste some Stromboli Olives Stromboli Olives’ unique olive grove, set in the middle of a grand Canterbury Estate, offers tastings of its delicious range of olive oil.

The Store @ Tai Tapu The Store @ Tai Tapu is located just five minutes out of Lincoln and Halswell in a gorgeous picturesque rural setting. This unique little store sells a range of gourmet and practical groceries, a wine and beer selection and all other sorts of gifts and goodies, perfect for a quick shop on your way through the Selwyn District.

Its perfectly ripened olives are handpicked and cold pressed into a premium Canterbury oil at the company’s own mill press. The resulting oil has an exceptional purity of flavour and clarity of colour, which ensures the natural health-giving properties of the oil are protected.

For more information visit: www.thestoretaitapu.co.nz

So make sure to drop on by and get a unique true oil-tasting experience.

To find out more visit: www. stromboliolives.co.nz, or email stromboliolives@xtra.co.nz

Dine on traditional Italian with a twist at Monkey Spices At Monkey Spices you will enjoy a traditional Italian cuisine with an oriental twist. Its team promises a fresh

and flavoursome experience which will make you want to come back; enjoy a Napoli style stone fired pizza or pasta, eat a plateful of rib-eye steak and chicken fillet and tidy it all up with a deliciously sweet, classic Italian dessert.

Sweet deals at The Raspberry Café Set on 27 acres of land, full of raspberries and strawberries, is a classic bungalow style café, well-known in the region as The Raspberry Café. Its mission statement is to provide all guests with good, homemade, delicious and satisfying food in an environment that is comfortable and peaceful.

Only thirty minutes from Christchurch, this boutique little café is an oasis in the country that serves fresh homemade food and great coffee in a unique garden setting, making it the ideal place to stop by on your way through the Selwyn District.

To find out more visit: www. raspberrycafe.co.nz, or email theraspberrycafe@xtra.co.nz

Visit: www.monkeyspices.co.nz

Sip on some wines Sandihurst Winery This unique winery in the Selwyn District has been built on a genuine love of wine, talent, tenaciousness and the investment of great care in every facet of the wine making – which is reflected in the fabulous taste of its wine.

Bask in the sun at Langdale Vineyard Restaurant Stop at this attractive country restaurant nestled among the vineyards. Its sheltered gardens, full of roses and lavender, create the gorgeous surrounds of this restaurant and function venue. People can come in and enjoy the beautiful garden setting while dining on lunches and sipping wine from the comprehensive local wine list.

Its seasonal menus also feature a range of local produce from boutique producers around the area.

So take time out and enjoy; sample a vineyard Mediterranean platter, with a

The Sandihurst cellar door is open for winetastings, lively debate and sales from Monday to Sunday; so drop on by and have a taste.

To find out more visit: www. sandihurstwines.co.nz, or email info@sandihurstwines.co.nz

Selwyn food and wine trail

selection of dips, spreads, cold meats and cheeses, or one of the delightful vineyard mains, like the hot smoked Akaroa salmon fillet served with chermoula marinated prawns on a tomato and coriander salad. It simply can’t get better than that.

For more information visit: www.langdalerestaurant.com, or email: langdalerestaurant@gmail.com

34 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Selwyn’s fertile plains are bounded by two great rivers, the Rakaia and the Waimakariri, the majestic Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. This picturesque district is situated right at Christchurch’s door; take the time and step out into its clean fresh air, gaze at its stunning natural scenery and walk further afield to visit the many artisan producers, restaurants, cafes, wineries and quality accommodation that this pretty little area offers.

From the award-winning cheeses to fresh local produce and a range of boutique sumptuous wines the Selwyn Food and Wine Trail offers many a visitor a look

at the region’s rural treasures. Here we profile but a small sample of the little gems to be found along this trail.

For a full map and listing go to: www.wineandfoodtrail.co.nz/ selwyn-region/

Rebuilding Christchurch | The Road to Recovery

First things first – getting the groundwork sorted The blueprint designed to put the heart back into the Garden City’s CBD is out, around and getting talked about.

Yes, the plans for our city’s future are undeniably pretty, with the proposed “green” frame around a small compact inner-city core including a state-of-the-art stadium, metro sports facility, a performing arts precinct and a new convention centre.

While this grand plan is the master goal, there are logistical issues that need more urgent attention. Fact is, unless there is a solid infrastructure in place, the grandest plans in the world will come to nothing.

So the five year schedule for the rebuild of Christchurch’s earthquake-damaged roads and underground services was released in early September by the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Gerry Brownlee and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.

The plan includes a map setting out indicative timeframes for infrastructure repairs in different areas of the city. The work has been prioritised based on a range of factors, with the aim being to first fix the worst-affected areas that impact on the most people.

“This work is one piece of a much bigger and complex city-wide recovery programme,” Brownlee says. “But it is highly significant as underground services need to be rebuilt and future-proofed so that the city’s recovery is founded on a secure infrastructure base.

“It will take another four years to rebuild Christchurch’s horizontal infrastructure and deciding what comes first is not easy. We’ve used a robust model to prioritise the work and that’s what we’re launching. Of course, things might change as work progresses, but residents can now have a good idea of when we’ll be working in their neighbourhood.”

Mayor Parker says the works schedule underpins confidence in the city’s recovery and reinvestment in the South Island’s largest city.

“People will begin to see a more resilient and forward-looking city emerging from the legacy of the earthquakes,” he says. “The schedule we are launching gives certainty for the future; but we have already made good progress on the rebuild and work has been ongoing for more than a year now.

“Already, we’ve completed 187 projects worth $73 million including: rebuilding 39km of wastewater pipe – that’s about the distance from central Christchurch to Dunsandel – and laying 92,000 square metres, or 13 rugby fields, of road pavement.”

SCIRT, the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team, is a partnership that has been formed to deliver the infrastructure rebuild. The New Zealand Government and Christchurch City Council are leading and funding the rebuild, which is being delivered

in partnership with five key construction contractors.

Details of projects set to begin construction in the next six months are also available on the SCIRT website and will be updated quarterly.

The schedule of works released today will be reviewed quarterly and updated as SCIRT teams learn more about what is required and respond to information from on-going investigations.

Information can be found online at www. strongerchristchurch.govt.nz about the programme of works and about the hundreds of separate projects to repair or rebuild core services that have already been completed or are underway.

Even if residents live in an area where work is not scheduled to begin for some time, they may still see SCIRT teams carrying out

temporary repairs to core services. In some cases, urgent rebuilding is already underway in some places where other work is not scheduled for some years. This is because these projects were instigated before SCIRT took responsibility for the infrastructure rebuild.

Up to 150 SCIRT worksites will be active as the rebuild of infrastructure hits its peak in coming months, with projects sequenced to minimise impacts on traffic.

The community will continue to be informed about the infrastructure rebuild through face-to-face briefings, local information displays, letterbox drops, online information, and advertising. There may also be the opportunity for people to influence decision making when planning is underway for above-ground elements on local streets and parks.

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 37

Rebuilding Christchurch | The Road to Recovery

Investing in our future New unit will facilitate CBD investment Invest Christchurch is a new investment facilitation service operating within the Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA).

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the unit’s initial focus will be the local and national investor, business and development communities, with an international investment marketing campaign set to be launched in the fourth quarter of this year.

“Invest Christchurch will be professionally staffed by a team of investment facilitators with backgrounds in finance, investment, property development and government administration,” Brownlee says.

The service will start small and grow based on investor demand. It will facilitate investment proposals in a number of ways. These include: • Providing comprehensive one-on-one briefings on the detail of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan and the opportunities it creates for the private sector

• Working with potential investors to identify opportunities in Christchurch that might support their investment mandates and strategies • Providing relevant information on the seismic and geotechnical characteristics of central city blocks of interest to investors, and associated building requirements • Facilitating relationships between existing land owners and investors, and interested investors, businesses and developersExploring and promoting private sector investment in the New Zealand Government and Christchurch City Council’s central city anchor projects • Streamlining land acquisition processes for projects under the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011 • Removing bureaucratic roadblocks for investors and facilitating relevant consent processes.

“Invest Christchurch is required to assign an initial investment facilitator to all interested investors, businesses and developers within 24 hours of them making contact,” he says.

Interested parties can contact Invest Christchurch on (03) 352 0636 or email investchristchurch@ccdu.govt.nz

Taunton Engineering www.tauntonengineering.co.nz

Contact us today!

Email: info@tauntonengineering.co.nz Ph: (03) 381 5089 or 0800TAUNTON Fax: (03) 389 7078 19 Taurus Place, Bromley, Christchurch

Structural Steel Fabrication & Installation for the Christchurch Rebuild.

Taunton Engineering will continue to be a key player in structural steel fabrication and installation for the Christchurch rebuild. “We’ve got the skills and capacity to take on various structural steel jobs and have already worked with several major construction companies on rebuild projects.”

The Christchurch based structural and architectural metalwork specialist was recently contracted to strengthen the roof structure at Cowles Stadium Christchurch which was an important project for the eastern side of the city. As well as acting as an emergency centre, Cowles hosts various sports competitions and will alleviate the shortage of indoor courts across the city. The metalwork has been upgraded all through the place with stringent quality controls ensuring it is a safe place to be.

Prior to this Taunton fabricated structural columns for the new AMI Stadium. In addition to this the manufacture and fitting of stainless and galvanised handrails, an aluminium wheelchair aisle and cable ramps were also required.

Taunton was previously contracted to fabricate and help install steel framing for the walkway roofs of the new classroom blocks at Canterbury University. “This was another fast-track project and our first with a strict deadline as a direct result of the earthquakes.”

In the initial response phase Taunton did a lot of earthquake remediation. “Our mobile units worked closely with structural engineers to secure dangerous buildings all over Christchurch.

This included fixing concrete tilt slabs,

38 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

tensioning cross bracing of roofs and bracing walls in danger of collapse. “ This work has led to other larger projects, including seismic retrofits of existing commercial buildings and will lead to new portal frame building fabrication and erection, once things start getting signed off -work that will continue for some time.

Taunton’s skilled workshop staff includes fabricators, certified welders, fitters, sheet metal workers and machinists. “The workshop team is complemented by qualified site engineers with various Site Safe certifications which enables us to work on sites throughout New Zealand”.

The company’s structural capabilities extend to frames, crane rails, staircases, ladders and walkways.

Taunton has the bases covered in terms of design, metal fabrication, installations and project management. “We have several large workshops available and extensive quality controls in place ensuring efficient production with quality assured.”

The company also carries out general engineering work, making everything from digger buckets, road cabinets and safety barriers to signs, skips, fences and gates.

Structural steel projects are expected to be Taunton’s core business going forward. “With the skill and capability we have within the operation we want Taunton to be the name people think of first when looking for a structural steel fabrication and installation specialist”.

Rebuilding Christchurch | The Road to Recovery visitor attractions and services throughout central Christchurch. The Convention Centre will be an iconic building and change the way people think about convention centres.

It will be able to accommodate several events at one time, initially with space for up to 2000 people in total.

Performing arts precinct A new Performing Arts Precinct is proposed to offer facilities for music and the performing arts. It could include a centre featuring two auditoria of 1500 and 500 seats respectively, and could also include a permanent home for the Court Theatre, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the Music Centre of Christchurch. It will be located at the northern end of the Core, and be complemented by many other arts and cultural projects elsewhere in the city.

Metro sports facility The new Metro Sports Facility will be a top-class venue and centre of excellence, accessible to people of all ages, abilities and skills. Providing aquatic and indoor sports facilities, it will cater for the day-to-day needs of the recreational, educational and highperformance sporting communities. It will be capable of hosting national and international events.

The grand plan Impressive projects anchor a compact, green city Facilities for high performance sports, health and innovation, and a new convention centre are some of the highlights of the new central Christchurch, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says.

The Recovery Plan showcases the new city, providing for the replacement of the key facilities a city like Christchurch requires. Christchurch will be divided into precincts of health, arts and entertainment, retail, and the justice and emergency sectors.

“I anticipate a light, airy, college-campus style feel for the home of numerous innovative Christchurch companies and public sector agencies,” Brownlee says.

At the southern end of the frame area and close to another anchor project – the hospital and health precinct – will be a new metro sports facility. This aquatic and indoor arena will be capable of playing host to national and international events. It will offer highperformance training and sports medicine facilities alongside retail and entertainment activity complementary to sport.

Convention centre precinct A world-class convention centre will be developed to attract new and exciting events to the city. The Precinct will contain a number of buildings that will reactivate surrounding streets and public spaces. It will support retail and hospitality activities within the Core, and

Stadium The stadium will be a multipurpose, largescale venue that can host international events and concerts. Its proposed location is next to the southeast corner of the Core.

It will be well-connected to main transport routes and within easy walking distance of the central city.

An important key to the city’s commercial regeneration will be a new convention centre, which will cater for up to 2,000 people and complement other large centres proposed in After reviewing the thousands of ideas Auckland and Queenstown. The centre will offered through Christchurch City Council’s be a catalyst for hotel investment and will award winning Share An Idea consultation process, the Christchurch City Council produced connect the Square to the Avon River Precinct, which will ensure visitors enjoy the uniquely a draft Recovery Plan in December 2011.

CERA’s Christchurch Central Development Unit green beauty the central city has to offer.

(CCDU) took this work and tailored the new “The plan and its implementation are being city design. watched by the rest of the world, which has Mr Brownlee says the Recovery Plan contains also been supportive of Christchurch in its time of need,” he says a blueprint for a smaller, greener central city that will set Christchurch apart from any other urban centre.

Within a large L-shaped green space the city’s new form will take shape. The low density, open space eastern frame will run from Kilmore Street to Saint Asaph Street, encapsulating an entire block-width of land between Madras and Manchester Streets. It’s expected new urban living apartments will be developed along the edge of this space.

Landmarks of the future

Te Puna Ahurea cultural centre

A world-class cultural centre is proposed for the central city as a focal point for cultural celebration and diversity. It will reflect and celebrate Ngai Tahu and Maori culture “This innovation is the most significant change and acknowledge Christchurch’s place and connections within the Pacific region. from the draft Recovery Plan, and is likely to enhance the economic value of the area and The earthquake memorial promote denser central city development,” Brownlee says.

The memorial will be a place where people can reflect and honour those who died or The southern part of the frame, from Madras were injured. It will have local, national and Street to Hagley Avenue, encapsulating the international significance. entire block-width of land between Tuam and Saint Asaph Streets will develop into Because it is such a significant project, it a campus-style area, with a walkway and should begin early, not be rushed, and involve cycleway. Sited between the hospital and the community. The Ministry of Culture and the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Heritage, Christchurch City Council, and Ngai Technology (CPIT) site, this area will be Tahu, will work together to identify the site ideally suited to the health, innovation and and begin the community consultation and design process. education sectors. www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 39

A CUTTING EDGE APPROACH TO FUTURE CONCRETE BUILDINGS As the rebuild of Christchurch gains clarity, with the Central City Recovery Plan grabbing recent headlines, the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) has launched the Concrete Futures initiative.

Offering a range of resources, the initiative seeks to demonstrate how “damage resistant design” using concrete systems can help to ensure a new multi-storey building stock that offers enhanced levels of safety and damage minimisation in seismically prone regions.

Key amongst Concrete Futures’ resources is a series of short films featuring New Zealand case studies, including the Southern Cross Endoscopy Building in Christchurch, Christchurch Women’s Hospital, and the Alan MacDiarmid Building at Victoria University in Wellington.

Tours of these cutting edge buildings are accompanied by commentary from some of our leading structural engineers.

Recently completed research at the University of Canterbury is also examined.

DAMAGE RESISTANT DESIGN Damage resistant design represents a new design philosophy gaining acceptance by structural engineers the world over.

Modern approaches to seismic design have generally emphasised ductile building behaviour during earthquakes that prevents building collapse and loss of life, but at the expense of controlled damage. Following severe shaking this damage can potentially render the building beyond economic repair.

The limitations of this approach have become evident in the aftermath of the 22 February 2012 earthquake, with many modern concrete buildings performing well, but requiring demolition.

Damage resistant design using concrete systems offers a means to design buildings that go beyond “life safety” to also allow for “building survivability”.

Damage resistant design is an increasingly affordable option for the next generation of New Zealand buildings through the use of PREcast Seismic Structural System (PRESSS), base isolation and non-tearing joints (slotted beams).

Alan MacDiarmid Building, Wellington

40 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

PRECAST SEISMIC STRUCTURAL SYSTEM (PRESSS) Pushing earthquake engineering into new territory is a damage resistant design system based around precast concrete structural elements. Referred to as PRESSS, this seismic design solution was developed at the University of California in San Diego during the 1990s under the leadership of New Zealand structural engineer Nigel Priestley.

Key to PRESSS is its use of un-bonded post tensioning cables within a precast wall, beam and column structure, which along with specially designed ductile joints, allow for a controlled rocking mechanism that returns the building to upright vertical position without significant structural damage, even after a major seismic event.

PRESSS offers enhanced performance during a seismic event and in turn minimal repair requirements, as well as being efficient and economical to construct through the use of precast concrete.

Southern Cross Hospital Endoscopy Building, Christchurch The theoretical principles of PRESSS performance during a seismic event were verified by the September 2010 and February 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, with this 5 storey medical facility emerging structurally unscathed and available for immediate reoccupation.

BASE ISOLATION Base isolator bearings were pioneered by Dr Bill Robinson in New Zealand during the 1970s, and have enjoyed widespread adoption as a damage resistant seismic design solution for new and retro-fitted concrete buildings.

Base isolation works by separating (“isolating”) the structure from the ground, and therefore the lateral forces of an earthquake. There are two types of base isolation – elastomeric and sliding – both of which are designed to take the weight of the building and let the foundations move sideways during an earthquake.

Flexible elastomeric bearings consist of layers of bonded rubber and steel with a central lead core. The lead core softens when under pressure, absorbing energy that would otherwise be transferred to the building. With a sliding system there is no energy absorption, just deflection through the bearing.

With both types of base isolation, building movement during an earthquake is greatly reduced, meaning less risk of damage or injury.

Christchurch Women’s Hospital This base isolated building is an essential services facility, selected to provide on-going recovery immediately following a major natural disaster. Testament to base isolation is that the hospital remained fully operational following both the recent earthquakes.

NON-TEARING JOINTS (SLOTTED BEAMS) Researchers at the University of Canterbury have developed an inexpensive detail, based on the original Japanese “slotted beam” concept, and in so doing have improved the way reinforced concrete buildings may perform in earthquakes.

Tests at the university have found that creating a slot about three-quarters of the way up a beam / column joint reduces damage to the building and increases performance during an earthquake.

The slotted beam allows the building to flex and prevents the concrete beams from increasing in length, lessening damage to the frame and floors, and resulting in a much safer building. The technique is subtle, inexpensive and simple to incorporate into building designs.

Image: C. Muir, University of Canterbury

Future Building Programme, University of Canterbury It is anticipated that as an example of damage resistant design using concrete systems the “slotted beam” may be included in the New Zealand Concrete Structures Standard, and utilised in rebuilding Christchurch, as well as in the retrofit of existing buildings.

To request a free copy

CCANZ

of the CCANZ Concrete Futures DVD, email admin@ccanz.org.nz or call 04 499 7760

Postal Address: P O Box 448, Wellington 6140, New Zealand Phone: 64 4 499 8820 | Fax: 64 4 499 7760 Email: admin@ccanz.org.nz | Web: www.ccanz.org.nz

For more information, and to view the films online, visit www.ccanz.org.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 41

Rebuilding Christchurch | Concrete Building Solutions

Quality assurance in ready-mixed concrete

By Rob Gaimster - Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) With a period of intense construction anticipated across residential, commercial and civil sectors in Canterbury during the coming years, it is crucial that building materials and products can be relied upon.

As the shadow of leaky buildings still looms over the wider construction industry, issues of material and product performance must be addressed to ensure confidence amongst architects, designers, engineers, builders and their clients.

In terms of quality, New Zealand consumers of ready-mixed concrete can take comfort in the knowledge that concrete produced and supplied by a plant certified under the worldclass New Zealand Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NZRMCA) Plant Audit Scheme meets high quality standards.

The NZRMCA was formed nearly half a century ago in 1963, and continues to grow in

For a time the Ministry of Works ran a similar scheme, however when the iconic Government department was dismantled in the 1980s, the audit scheme remained the only scheme in operation.

The audit scheme background The audit scheme is available to NZRMCA members, and most avail themselves of the opportunity. It is audited to ISO 9001 by Bureau Veritas Quality International (BVQI).

Full details of the scheme can be found on an independent website: www.rmcplantaudit.org.nz The audit scheme operates to audit NZRMCA member’s ready-mixed concrete plants as defined in NZS3104 Concrete Production.

The audit scheme is of great convenience to the specifiers and purchasers of concrete.

It provides a rigorous audit of the quality systems in place at a ready-mixed concrete plant.

When using concrete from non-audit scheme plants, the purchaser is responsible for the implementation of the audit process required

by NZS3104 to ensure compliance with NZ Building Code.

The audit scheme plant audit committee comprises five or more professional engineers and registered engineering associates from organisations such as IPENZ, all with extensive experience in concrete production.

Images kindly provided courtesy of Firth Industries

Ready mixed concrete certified under the NZRMCA Plant Audit Scheme will play a crucial role in ensuring a resilient built environment for a re-emerging Christchurch CBD.

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Audited ready-mixed concrete

size. Today, 46 companies control about 185 ready-mixed concrete plants throughout New Zealand. Quality control was the prime reason for the formation of the NZRMCA, and in turn the creation of the audit scheme.

The audit process The establishment and monitoring of the production of a ready mixed plant are requirements for the supply of structural concrete for compliance with NZS3109 Concrete Construction and NZS3104, and in turn the NZ Building Code.

NZS3104 is the standard used by the plant audit committee to audit a ready-mixed plant. Compliance with NZS3104 also requires compliance with a number of other standards, such as NZS3112 Methods of Test for Concrete.

Plants report quality performance data to the plant audit committee annually and are subject to a detailed annual review of data, together with an onsite audit every second year. Site audits may also be carried out at any time.

Among performance criteria audited are:

Members of the NZRMCA are free to elect to use another authority to classify their plants, • Mean concrete strengths and coefficients of and award an audit certificate. Other such variation authorities work outside the jurisdiction and • Aggregate quality by testing and monitoring ISO Certification of the NZRMCA audit scheme.

• Weigh scale calibration and accuracy

Rebuild with confidence

• Mixer efficiency tests

The benefits of concrete are well documented.

It doesn’t rot for example, is inherently fire resistant, is largely maintenance free, extremely durable and in passive solar design affords a significant degree of thermal comfort.

• Laboratory equipment calibration

Holcim Cement - Local Knowledge, Global expertise Helping build a stronger Christchurch

• Production and testing record keeping • Technician training • Plant operator performance • Effectiveness of plant engineer’s monitoring of quality controls.

In addition to the above, the frequency of testing within each quarter must be submitted to the plant audit committee.

Failure to maintain testing requirements can result in the withdrawal of an audit certificate.

Performance standards of all plants in the scheme are under regular review. Certificates of Audit are issued for a period not exceeding 12 months. The current status of plants is updated on the PAS website.

Cement. Aggregates. Concrete.

Bradford Precast Limited are proud to support Concrete Building Solutions www.bradfords.co.nz | P. 03 308 9039 42 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Where plants fail to meet the criteria, their audit certificate is removed and noted on the plant list. It is necessary for such plants to resubmit to an initial reassessment with at least 30 results indicating compliance with NZS3104.

When concrete’s unique attributes are coupled with a world-class product assurance scheme, such as the audit scheme, consumers of New Zealand’s ready mixed concrete can take great confidence in their building material.

CCANZ PO Box 448 Wellington 6140 New Zealand T (04) 499 8820 F (04) 499 7760 E admin@ccanz.org.nz

— Advertising Feature

Rebuilding Christchurch | Concrete Building Solutions

Concrete association seeks to inform and inspire Concrete – the silent work horse of the New Zealand construction industry has a strong and enduring relationship with Canterbury.

As we move forward to tackle the challenges posed by the rebuild, the significant role concrete can play in providing comfortable, stylish and strong homes at affordable prices must be part of everyone’s thinking.

The connection is strengthened further by the University of Canterbury having produced world renowned structural engineers, such as the late Professors Bob Park and Tom Paulay, whose material of choice was concrete.

Coming Home to Concrete illustrates how we have the opportunity to enhance our residential building stock by utilising the many benefits of concrete, and in turn help achieve durable and healthy homes.

In addition, some of New Zealand’s most celebrated architects, particularly the Christchurch based Sir Miles Warren, have chosen concrete to express their vision.

The campaign also communicates the recent changes to the New Zealand Building Code stemming from the Canterbury earthquakes.

Specifically, it is now mandatory for all residential concrete slabs, on “good ground”, to be reinforced with Grade 500E ductile mesh, as well as all perimeter foundations being required to be tied to the concrete slab with reinforcing steel.

As rebuilding work gathers pace there is little doubt this relationship will endure.

Quintessentially Cantabrian, concrete will play a key role in ensuring a modern and resilient built environment across the region.

Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) By blending technical and marketing disciplines, the Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) will be supporting decision makers throughout reconstruction.

CCANZ is the umbrella trade association for the wider New Zealand concrete industry, and is currently engaged in a range of activities designed to inform and inspire the Canterbury rebuild across commercial, residential and civil areas of construction.

Key amongst these activities is Coming Home to Concrete, a campaign showcasing the many benefits of concrete houses, and the pilot ArchEng student workshop.

Coming home to concrete Designed to raise awareness of the advantages of residential concrete construction, from floor slabs through to fully concrete houses, CCANZ recently launched the Coming Home to Concrete campaign.

Central to Coming Home to Concrete is a short film fronted by Kevin Milne that highlights the candid views of homeowners, architects and builders, during interviews structured around the attributes of concrete.

The film features concrete’s ability, through its thermal mass, to deliver a warm home, closely followed by such properties as robustness, seismic performance, fire resistance, and a growing appreciation of the aesthetic and acoustic gains achievable with concrete.

Along with the short-film, the Coming Home to Concrete initiative provides a range of reader-friendly print and web-based resources to help all those involved with residential construction make informed choices that optimise concrete’s potential.

Campaign material is available via the Coming Home to Concrete website: www.cominghometoconcrete.co.nz

ArchEng student workshop Another area CCANZ is proactive in is the tertiary education space. Engaging with today’s students will help build long-term relationships with tomorrow’s professionals.

The Coming Home to Concrete initiative offers a range of resources to help everyone building or renovating better understand the advantages of concrete homes.

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The aggregates that form the bulk of concrete in the region are sourced from the Waimakariri and other regional waterways, while the cement that binds the mix is also a local South Island product.

CCANZ recently organised the inaugural ArchEng workshop, an initiative designed to encourage aspiring construction specialists to work together to incorporate the best insights and latest technology into a building design.

Bringing together five architecture students from Victoria University and five engineering students from the University of Canterbury, the workshop created a relaxed and collaborative environment.

Faced with a brief to develop a preliminary design for an inner city Wellington cultural centre with concrete as the primary building material, the students worked in crossdisciplinary teams of two.

The workshop ran over three days, and included site visits to inspirational concrete buildings in Wellington. These were the Alan MacDiarmid Building which utilises the Precast Seismic Structural System (PRESSS), and the Meridian Building, New Zealand’s first 5-star Green Star building.

The site visits were guided by practicing engineers and architects who were involved in the design and build at each site.

While the teams were ultimately competing for first prize, the workshop created plenty

New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering Inc. The New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) was formed in April 1968, and has made a significant impact on attitudes and practices for earthquake engineering through study projects, seminars, conferences, and publication of The Bulletin.

Proposals for a Resilient City: Christchurch Design Ideas Competition was run in April 2012 by the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering, in association with New Zealand Institute of Architects and the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects.

Winner: Entry 011 – Melanie Pau The winning entry was an excellent example of a scheme that addressed regeneration of the built and social fabric in Christchurch Central city on an urban scale. The scheme consisted of ‘a greenway that passes through

44 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

the industrial southern half of the central city as a mechanism to create a dense, vibrant and populated city centre.’ The judges were impressed by a strong concept for inclusive community regeneration, with plenty of well thought-out detail in the variety of housing typologies that could be developed along the greenway.

The NZSEE 2013 Conference will be held in Wellington, round about the end of April 2013. Watch out for further details and updates.

of opportunity for networking. The judging panel included representatives from BRANZ and the Ministry of Building Innovation and Employment, both organisations keen on increasing productivity and communication in the building industry.

The ArchEng workshop was a success, with feedback from all participants extremely positive. It is anticipated that the workshop will become an annual event as CCANZ continues to foster cross-disciplinary contact between early career professionals for better concrete outcomes.

To view a short film of the workshop visit YouTube (www.youtube.com) and search for CCANZ ArchEng student workshop.

Canterbury of tomorrow The sustainable built environment that emerges across Canterbury over the coming years will undoubtedly represent the future in terms of design and material selection - but it will also acknowledge the past.

As the rebuild process picks up momentum CCANZ will continue to implement a programme of initiatives to demonstrate the benefits of concrete construction.

To read pub practic lications abou t quarterl e manuals an d y Bulleti ns prov technic iding al about th information e Darfie Christch ld and urch e sequen arthquake ce go to www .nzsee public .org.nz/ ations /

Rebuilding Christchurch | Westende House - Leighs Construction

Leaping to the forefront of CBD development The Canterbury earthquakes have created an environment with plenty of challenges and Leighs Construction is proving a leader in its field.

A leading ‘new generation’ construction company

Sixteen years later through hard work and determination, Leighs Construction finds itself a very successful and well-respected commercial construction company at the leading edge of its field.

Managing director Anthony Leighs says the success has been delivered by a team of people who operate within a culture focused solely on the successful completion of challenging construction projects.

And he is the first to admit that the catastrophic Canterbury earthquakes have played their own part in propelling his firm forwards.

“It has been a phenomenal period, during which our staff has doubled and we have forged a number of very strong relationships with big property owners in Christchurch,” Leighs says.

First came the stabilisation and propping up of structures, then came the demolition of several of those unable to be saved, and now Leighs is playing a leading role in the rebuild of Christchurch.

Even before the earthquakes though, Leighs Construction was on course to achieve its aim of becoming one of New Zealand’s leading construction companies. With a wealth of knowledge and accumulated expertise it had already delivered major projects throughout New Zealand and overseas.

He firmly believes the new era of building demands increasing intelligence and innovation and takes pride in having led the firm in adopting the professionalism operating within New Zealand’s top tier companies. This has won it significant government and defence contracts, plus high level domestic and international work, with repeat business resulting.

Leighs’ goals straddle every facet, from improvements and innovations in service and information technology to advances in delivery.

Leighs Construction is continually looking to evolve and grow, relishing complex and challenging projects. “We want to meet our clients’ changing needs and to deliver better design and construction solutions,” Anthony says.

Leighs Construction was involved in the innovative Re:START container mall in Christchurch.

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Established in 1995 by a young, ambitious Anthony Leighs, the company began quietly, following its own philosophy and intent on filling a role as a new generation construction firm.

“We’ve always challenged the status quo, and been constantly thinking of ‘what could be’, and we haven’t wanted to be constrained by what everyone else was doing or what has been done in the past, but have been keen to step outside the norm and look for new solutions.”

Award winning success Anthony Leighs’ abilities have been recognised by the industry and he was joint winner of the NZIOB Supreme Award and Innovation Award 2005 and winner of the NZIOB Young Achiever in 2002. He is chairman of the New Zealand Registered Master Builders’ Federation, and is deputy chairman of the Building Research Advisory Council (BRAC).

> Westende House is built to 133 percent of the current Christchurch code.

While construction remains at the core of the business, the company also has a focus on project delivery and leadership.

Individuals are recognised for their skills and communication channels are open.

The highest calibre staff are attracted to the company, liaising directly with clients and consultants to understand their needs.

“It is our intention to always be a step ahead of the market and to become the ‘builder of Christchurch’.”

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 45

Rebuilding Christchurch | Westende House - Leighs Construction New Westende House replaces ‘poster child’ building Just 24 weeks after piling began on the site of the former Westende Jewellers - the ‘poster child building’ of the September 4, 2010, earthquake - a brand new Westende House has appeared.

Leighs Construction was awarded the contract to construct the new two-level $3.3m building; one of the first major rebuilds within the Christchurch CBD.

KPI Rothschild directors Shaun Stockman and Dean Marshall had to have the new building redesigned twice. Originally it was designed to the building code at the time, but when the new code came in following the February 22, 2011 earthquake, it was redesigned.

The directors decided to opt for a higher level code than required and what was built

by Leighs Construction is an IL3 building, the same as the Wellington code 4.0. The building’s strength is in fact, 133 percent of the current Christchurch code.

“

There are two upper floor tenancies, one of about 158 square metres and the other at 212 square metres, while the ground floor offers four tenancies.

Honey Software, a website and marketing company has taken one of the spaces, and Immigration New Zealand is occupying another. There are currently two vacant ground floor spaces, one of which is the prime corner site.

Shaun Stockman says the area is beginning to liven up again, with Cathedral Junction being repaired, the new Pacific Tower hotel open, and New Regent St due for repair

by Christmas.

Westende House The new Westende House in central Christchurch, built by Leighs Construction.

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The 100 year old Christchurch sharebroking firm Hamilton Hindin Greene, and project management specialists RCP (which is heavily involved in the Christchurch rebuild), are among the new tenants in the 800 square-metre building, owned by KPI Rothschild Property Group Ltd.

Contemporary and of a “timeless design”, the building was designed by Andrew Evans of Intrados Architects and was completed in July.

It is constructed of concrete with Hebel panels over some portions to give depth. It features an attractive copper trim detail.

• Leighs Construction was awarded the contract to construct the new two-level $3.3m building

Anthony Leighs, says Westende House is a great example of a developer taking a positive step early on and making real progress for the city.

• The new building’s strength is 133 percent of the current Christchurch code

“We applauded the foresight and leadership of KPI Rothschild Property Group Ltd for progressing things and getting the ball rolling. It was another chance too for us to be involved in the inner city rebuild and we were thrilled to be playing a key role.”

• Westende House has several tenants, including Hamilton Hindin Greene, RCP, Honey Software and Immigration New Zealand • The construction of Westende House is a major step forward for the city’s rebuild <

The award-winning Les Mills Gym in Cashel St.

We applauded the foresight and leadership of KPI Rothschild Property Group Ltd for progressing things and getting the ball rolling. It was another chance too for us to be involved in the inner city rebuild and we were thrilled to be playing a key role.

- Anthony Leighs, managing director of Leighs Construction Ltd

• The new building is owned by KPI Rothschild Property Group.

” <

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• The severely damaged Westende Jewellers building in central Christchurch was an iconic image shown around the world after the September 2010 earthquake

The Ballantynes extension was built by Leighs Construction.

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46 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

leighsconstruction.co.nz

Rebuilding Christchurch | Westende House - Leighs Construction

New retail projects Leighs Construction was half way through a $6m upgrade of the Kaiapoi New World supermarket when the premise was destroyed by the September 4, 2010, earthquake.

Leighs carried out the contract for the new $12 million replacement supermarket, and before any work could begin substantial ground remediation was required, a stone column system being chosen consisting of the installation through low frequency vibration of 499 columns to a depth of eight metres.

From the Cashel Mall Re:Start and Ballantynes, to the rebuild of Les Mills in Cashel St, Canterbury-based Leighs Construction Ltd has completed a range of innovative projects in the past two years.

The dust from the February 22, 2011 earthquake had hardly settled before city business leaders were vowing to re-establish the heart of the retail and commercial sector.

Leighs Construction adopted a highly pro-active role in the process, working alongside property owners and businesses as they planned to re-open retail stores and hospitality venues by late October last year.

Leighs completes major projects in Christchurch rebuild

In a short few months Re:Start was up and open and at the same time Ballantynes department store was transformed; a huge task with Leighs’ contractors working long hours to achieve the result on time.

Re:Start was the first initiative to get business operating again within the central city and involves the unique 27-container shop precinct near Ballantynes..

Award-winning project Les Mills Gym in Cashel St won for Leighs Construction Ltd the New Zealand Master Builders’ Commercial Project Awards Tourism and Leisure Project of 2010. The exciting fourstorey 3,875 square metre premises opened in October 2009, surpassing anything of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Initially people believed Re:Start, using new containers, would be temporary and crude, but the architecturally-led project has turned out to be very cool and admired by Christchurch people,” Anthony Leighs says.

Its target was for 40 percent lower water and energy consumption compared to the existing Les Mills gyms. To achieve it, the build incorporated some of the latest environmentally sustainable design features, including a façade to maximise thermal and acoustic performance through the combined effect of pre-finished fibre cement exterior cladding, double glazing and multi-cell polycarbonate interior cladding.

The doors to the new 2,400sqm state-of-the-art supermarket opened last December.

Briscoes’ new Salisbury St premise opened in July, after Leighs Construction successfully placed beams on piles to provide a suspended liquefaction-proof concrete slab floor and completed the building a month earlier than originally planned.

Damaged in the earthquakes, the building was repaired by Leighs Construction, and by the end of March this year members were back enjoying the sophisticated facilities.

Before the earthquakes, Leighs had won and completed several significant government and defence contracts, plus high-level domestic and international work, including a $35 million contract for a Meadow Mushrooms compost plant, Hallenstein Glassons buildings and the New Zealand Embassy in Dili, East Timor.

Leighs Construction PO Box 11191 Sockburn Christchurch 8443 T (03) 341 6905 E mail@leighsconstruction.com www.leighsconstruction.com <

Leighs Construction built the new $12 million Kaiapoi New World.

— Advertising Feature

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 47

Rebuilding Christchurch | Hamilton Hindin Greene

Back in

the zone

One of the first companies to step back into Christchurch’s inner city red zone is one of the city’s oldest.

Sharebroking and investment portfolio management company Hamilton Hindin Greene has opened its doors on the corner of Manchester and Worcester Streets in one of the first new buildings to be completed in the red zone.

It sits on the site of the old Westende Jewellers shop destroyed in the September earthquake and which had become the feature background for many media reports on the city’s shakes in the following months.

It sits rather forlornly as one of the few buildings in the block, but reassuringly the design has taken into account the new building codes and staff and clients can feel safe in a building built to 133 percent of the new earthquake code, which is 188 percent of the old code and twice the legal minimum.

Hamilton Hindin Greene’s chief executive officer Ian Perry says they do feel safe, although a little lonely with empty inner city lots all around them. “There’s very little else open around here and not many places close by to go for lunch. The bonus for both us and our clients is that there is plenty of parking at the moment.

On February 21, 2011 Hamilton Hindin Greene began its first day in its new premises in the

• A general newsletter several times a year • Company research into stock markets, share prices and market trends

Its desire to return to the CBD saw the company reject offers of long term lease contracts for buildings outside the CBD. It secured a short term lease on a property on Lincoln Road, but when the building was issued with a demolition notice, the business faced another move. Fortunately the lease on the new site has allowed Hamilton Hindin Greene to return to the CBD as part of the new Christchurch inner city, and now it’s back to business.

Hamilton Hindin Greene provides share trading services, investment advice and investment portfolio management. It assists clients in share trading, buying shares and selling shares; offers investment services and management for shares, stocks, UK pension transfers, IPO, asset sales, KiwiSaver, fixed interest and managed funds.

“We are committed to providing clients with the best financial services in New Zealand and the best investment advice “With four hotels and New Regent Street based on each individual’s requirements, going to re-open in the vicinity, our expectation is that the area will again flourish, be they looking for growth or high yield investments,” Ian Perry says. with a focus on hospitality and retail.”

Entry into the area is limited to Gloucester Street from the east, but Hamilton Hindin Greene’s decision to relocate to the brand new building reflects the company’s determination to be a part of the CBD; a determination which has been sorely tested over the last few years.

Hamilton Hindin Greene services include:

BDO Building in Victoria Street, following its move from Hereford Street. The following day would be its last as the devastating earthquake struck.

“As a firm we still believe in the personal approach and each client always has access to a director or advisor. We have not forgotten the small investor and are happy to execute smaller orders.

“Our financial advisors are proactive and will contact clients on individual stocks which we consider warrant specific action at the time.”

• Daily/weekly stock market reports, financial and investment news.

• All of these are free of charge to clients.

The company’s fixed interest dealings include government stock, company debt and finance company debentures. Recommendations and advice on the various investments are available. Comprehensive research on New Zealand companies is undertaken and a research report on most New Zealand and many Australian companies is available on request.

An OverView client will benefit from consistent monitoring and proactive advice on their investments. A Hamilton Hindin Greene adviser will oversee the management and administration of the portfolio, with the aim of increasing its returns to meet the client’s long term goals.

Investment portfolio management service

OverView also provides the client with the peace of mind that all their investments are safely held in one central point and saves considerable time at the end of the financial year by providing a consolidated tax report for each portfolio.

Clients finding the ongoing administration of their investments a burden should consider Hamilton Hindin Greene’s premium portfolio service, OverView.

OverView quality reporting provides clients with quarterly reports on all their investments, along with a detailed Global Economic commentary.

CHRISTCHURCH office equipment and supplies sales - rent, lease or buy servicing and maintenance

Christchurch Office Products Depot Ltd locally owned and operated P. 033661791 | F. 033661792 | E: office@chchopd.co.nz, 6 bath street, Christchurch

Unit 2, 242 Ferry Road, P.O. Box 45, Christchurch 8140 T. 03 377 6776 F. 03 377 6777

Visit us at www.sbm.co.nz Southern Business Machines is proud to support Hamilton Hindan Green with all their printing needs

After the February earthquake HHG decided to move their technology infrastructure to a safer Cloud environment.

Chelmer provided a quick & seamless transfer to their independent Cloud and continue to provide excellent support.

Ian Perry, CEO, HHG Read more at www.Chelmer.co.nz

48 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Rebuilding Christchurch | Hamilton Hindin Greene The team Hamilton Hindin Greene is a team of highly experienced sharebrokers, authorised financial and investment advisors and managers based in Christchurch. Each member of the sharebroking company is committed to giving the best finance and investment service to every client.

David Hayes Client Adviser 03 379 8420

03 353 0799

Grant Williamson Director 03 353 0796

James Smalley Client Adviser 03 353 0794

Hamilton Hindin Greene is proud of the history of the firm which is an amalgamation of five stockbroking practices spanning more than 100 years of private sharebroking in Canterbury.

Frank Graham & Son

Richard Boulton Director

History

Frank Graham Snr and Frank Graham Jnr entered stockbroking as a sideline to their Associate Adviser ship chartering and insurance agency business and were foundation members of 03 379 8420 the Stock Exchange of Canterbury in 1900.

Following the death of Frank Graham Snr in 1915 his son took over the firm. Frank Graham Jnr was still a member of the Exchange and actively trading at the time of his death in 1953, aged 78. Frank Graham Jnr dominated the Christchurch Stock Exchange Ian Perry for 30 years as New Zealand’s longest serving Chief Executive Officer chairman – from 1911 until 1934 and again from 1939 until 1946.

03 353 0791 Grant Davies

Paula Reay Settlements Manager 03 379 8420

Donna Moore

Griffiths Shand Lewis and Riley In 1966 Frank Graham & Son merged with Griffiths Shand and traded under the name of Griffiths Shand Lewis & Riley, the Partners being Mr J H Griffiths, Mr H J Shand , Mr A L Lewis and Mr R J Riley. Jim Griffiths, Jack Shand and Jim Riley were all appointed chairman of Christchurch Stock Exchange during their careers.

Hamilton Hindin Greene In 1978 Griffiths Shand & Riley and Hamilton Hindin Greene & Co merged to form Christchurch’s largest broking firm under the name of Hamilton Hindin Greene. Hamilton Hindin Greene & Co had begun its life as Hamilton & Hamilton in the early 1920s with the Partnership of Mr E H S Hamilton and Mr G Hamilton. In 1962 Hamilton & Hamilton amalgamated with J B Hindin and this partnership was joined by J M T Greene, with the firm’s name changing to Hamilton Hindin Greene. In 2006, Hamilton Hindin Greene became a limited liability company trading as Hamilton Hindin Greene Limited.

Hamilton Hindin Greene Level 1 184 Manchester Street Christchurch Central T (03) 379 8420 E enquiries@hhg.co.nz www.hhg.co.n

— Advertising Feature

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Call Michael on 0274 222 858. www.webvolume.co.nz | C: 0274 222 858 | E: Michael@webvolume.co.nz

Proud to provide professional business support to Hamilton Hindin Greene Specialising in MYOB and Xero training and support For business advice you can count on contact Craig Burrowes at craig@walkerdavey.co.nz or Mike Ansett at mike@walkerdavey.co.nz or phone 03 3791620

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 49

& WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE SAFETY OF YOUR STAFF, CONTRACTORS AND THE PUBLIC With more than 20 years’ experience in the construction sector we are well aware of the needs of the industry. This means we realise how important the safety of your best asset – your staff – is to you and your company’s future.

So, as a local company servicing Cantabrians in the re-build of Christchurch, we are committed to the safety of your staff.

And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.

Our extensive construction knowledge ensures we understand local compliance issues and we realise how critical your deadlines are and will GUARANTEE TO BE ON TIME – check out our Secure Guarantee.

By using Securefence you can rest assured that your objectives of safety, cost and meeting deadlines are of paramount importance.

All our equipment is rigorously tested to the highest of standards and we have kilometres of top quality secure fencing available!

Whether you need fencing for your construction site, or for your public or private event, we can provide a quote within 24 hours.

We have experienced installers that can erect secure fences from your site plans, or install from your directions on site.

Secureguarantee • We guarantee to beat any written quote by 10% • We guarantee to be on time or your first week is free • We guarantee to return all quotes within 24 hours otherwise we will waiver the installation charges

P: 0800 66 00 22 | F: 0800 55 50 54 | www.securefence.co.nz 47b Birmingham Drive, Middleton, PO Box 1879, Christchurch 8140, NZ

Rebuilding Christchurch | Christchurch Agency for Energy

Grants for energy audits promote green rebuild With nearly 90 percent of the Christchurch central business district floor space soon to be empty, it’s a blank slate the Christchurch Agency for Energy (CAfE) says is an ideal canvas for creating an energy efficient city.

CAfE acting chief executive, Merv Altments says developers now have the opportunity to build buildings that are energy efficient and use renewable energy resources.

CAfE is the official energy agency for Christchurch and is committed to developing Christchurch as an energy-smart city. Through its Energyfirst programme, which was developed in collaboration with EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), it

For developers there is even a bigger incentive to bring in the energy efficiency experts from the beginning; there is funding to do so.

Under the Energyfirst programme, developers can access an energy design grant of up to $5,000 that will enable an energy efficiency design expert to review building concept plans.

Altments says buildings over 3,000sqm may be eligible for additional energy modelling funding as part of the review.

“Developers stand to lose out if they don’t take advantage of this grant,” he says.

“Buildings that are not future proofed are vulnerable to increased power costs and the environmental and social impacts of fuel poverty and energy affordability. You don’t want to be dependent on an unreliable or expensive energy source.

“When you sit down with an architect to design the building, think about energy efficiency right up front so that you design a building that is orientated correctly, flows through the building are worked out and window treatments, such as louvers, are in place before the plans are even drawn up.”

With support from the Energyfirst programme, developers can have the system in place from the beginning rather than having to work backwards to adapt energy efficiency

technology to suit the space. It’s more expensive to retro-fit energy efficiency measures into an existing building.

Altments says energy efficiency in a building can be as simple as using sunlight through passive or active solar technology, calibrating a thermostat correctly, or motion sensors that turn off lights in unoccupied areas and low volatile organic compound paints for a healthier environment.

CAfE is aiming to support one new building a week to become energy efficient from its concept. “That means five hundred buildings over the next ten years, but when you think how many buildings have to be replaced that’s not an unreasonable expectation.”

He says the benefits of an energy efficient building are substantial.

“Not only do you have lower operating costs, but they hold their value, offer attractive and pleasant sites for tenants and contribute to a healthier environment.”

Director of Strategic Energy Glenn Seymour says correctly siting and insulating a building, using natural lighting and then optimising heating and cooling loads, can result in a building using 40 percent less energy than a typical building.

“Developers planning buildings over 5,000 sqm have up to $15,000 available in grants to ensure their buildings are as energy efficient as possible. That funding will go towards an energy audit, energy modelling and costbenefit analyses that will show the savings that can be made.”

CAfE acting chief executive, Merv Altments

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“As the rebuild gets underway, building developers have the chance at design level to incorporate the most up to date technology and support opportunities for the use of renewable power. As a city we’ve said we want to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions and promote green technologies,” he says. “The easiest way to do this is to embed energy efficiency into the design of a new building.”

believes it can make an immediate impact on creating energy efficiency that will form the base for an energy efficient city environment with a focus on using renewable energy.

Developers are able to choose an expert from a list CAfE finalised following an expressions of interest process. If the application meets the criteria, the consultant will meet the developer and architect quickly to ensure there are no hold ups or delays in getting the Christchurch rebuild moving. A report at the end of the process will show recommendations that offer renewable energy and energy saving opportunities.

Apply online at: www.cafe.gen.nz/energyfirst

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 51

Rebuilding Christchurch | Hush Interiors

The inside word A strong emphasis on customer service combined with more than 50 years industry knowledge is proving to be a key factor behind the growing reputation of Hush Interiors, as the company becomes increasingly recognised for building award winning suspended ceilings.

With the support of a skilled team of 28 employees, the business is well placed to deliver the highest standards that its growing list of clients demands.

A personal touch Hush Interiors continues to experience growth year on year, with an impressive list of high profile fit out projects continually being added to the company’s repertoire.

However the founders are careful to remain in control of the company, and do not want that growth to be detrimental to their reputation for strong customer service. From the outset, Hush Interiors was established to be owner-operated, and to provide a more personal relationship with their clients – an attribute that the corporate world can be at risk of losing.

“Whilst we continue to experience growth, we are careful that we are still very much in control of the business, and remain heavily involved in each and every project,” says Hogg.

“We have always been adamant that we did not want to be engulfed in the somewhat impersonal corporate world, and we pride ourselves on that fact. The opportunities for growth are huge – you can grow and grow, but your standards have to remain the same.”

Both Hogg and Matthews have extensive backgrounds in the building industry, with more than 50 years combined experience between them. When dealing with Hush Interiors, the client is working directly with the owners – there is no middle man.

“We are very passionate about what we do,” Hogg says. “Our goal is to see a high quality ceiling finished to the highest standards, and always on time. We have worked on a number of award winning buildings, which is testament to the quality of our work.”

Award winning projects The last five years have proven to be extremely successful for Hush Interiors. The company has built an impressive list of clients and secured a number of high profile projects that have put it in the spotlight.

An example is the stunning Air New Zealand regional lounge at Christchurch Airport, which saw Hush Interiors take out the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI). The award recognises workmanship in the application of design, fixing, finishing and innovative use of materials.

P. 03 379 6301 | www.hushinteriors.co.nz

52 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Award winning Air New Zealand regional lounge at Christchurch Airport

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Established in 2007, Hush Interiors is the brain child of Keith Hogg and business partner Paul Matthews. Specialising in high quality ceiling installations, wall partitioning systems and specialist interior products such as thermal insulation, the Christchurch-based company has grown quickly during the last five years to become renowned for its consistency, reliability and superior finishes.

“Being judged by our industry peers is the highest compliment, and is a direct indication of the quality of our work,” Hogg says.

Hush Interiors has also worked on the likes of Christchurch’s Show Place Business Park (Lot 3), which was awarded the Canterbury Registered Master Builders Commercial Project of the Year in 2009, Archibalds Audi Showroom and the New Zealand ITC Innovation Institute at the University of Canterbury.

While based in Christchurch, the company takes on jobs all over New Zealand. “We are currently working on a large residential house down in Queenstown at the moment, and have worked on a number of sites in the North Island as well,” says Hogg.

Current projects include Ryman Healthcare’s new Lady Isaac Rest Home, two large office blocks in Johns Road, developments on

» Suspended Ceilings » Metal Ceiling & Wall Battens » Drywall Partitioning » Access Floors » Acoustic Wall & Ceilings » Pin Boards

Moorhouse Avenue, Cranford Street and a number of other large commercial buildings.

Rebuilding Christchurch Getting Christchurch businesses back up on their feet has been a major focus for Hush Interiors over the last 18 months. Repairing earthquake damaged suspended ceilings and helping to set up relocated businesses all over Canterbury has seen the company become heavily involved in the rebuild.

This includes installing new ceilings in likes of South City New World, and Harvey Norman in Northwood.

Non-structural components, such as suspended ceilings, were a major contributing factor in terms of building damage following the February 2011 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, says Hogg.

Rebuilding Christchurch | Hush Interiors Hush Interiors fast facts • Established by Keith Hogg and Paul Matthews in 2007, with 50 years combined industry experience between them • Hush Interiors specialises in high quality ceiling installations, wall partitioning systems and specialist interior products such as thermal insulation and autex acoustics

Office fit-out, seismically designed.

• The company continues to experience growth year on year, but is careful to ensure that standards remain the same and their reputation for exceptional customer service is not impacted.

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Sound scape panel ceiling. First time used in New Zealand at Cavell Leitch Law fit-out, Hazeldean Business Park

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• The company has worked on a number of high profile buildings such as the Air New Zealand Regional Lounge at Christchurch Airport. Their work on this project saw Hush Interiors take out the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries

It was now “more important than ever” to ensure that ceilings are designed to meet tougher earthquake standards, he adds.

For this reason, Hush Interiors is encouraging increased seismic loading on all new ceiling installations.

“It is all about taking the standard a little bit higher beyond the requirements.”

Hush Interiors was recently involved in a draft Recovery Project Report prepared by the University of Canterbury, which recommends that all ceilings be designed as a category P3, rather than P7. The company has gone on to adopt this as standard practice for the seismic design of its ceiling systems, significantly reducing the risk of severe damage or collapse.

Consistent approach Meeting unmoveable deadlines, providing a reliable service and being proactive in

The same approach is taken on any new project, whether it is a small residential fit out or working on a large, high profile commercial building.

“Despite the company’s continual growth, our commitment to clients remains unchanged,” says Hogg.

“We have been around long enough now that we have a loyal client base, and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”

Hush Interiors has also built solid relationships with key suppliers such as fibre and textile manufacturer Autex, along with acoustic ceiling and wall panel manufacturer Asona. This enables the client to be certain that they are getting the highest quality products for the job.

• A significant portion of building damage following the February 22 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks can be attributed to non-structural components, such as suspended ceilings • The level of seismic demand on the ceiling system should be calculated in accordance with NZS 1170.5:2004 – Section 8, Requirements for Parts and Components. This classifies building parts under seven categories, ranging from P1 to P7 • Currently light suspended ceilings are included in the least important category P7, which only requires design to the lowest level of seismic demand – a one in 25 earthquake • Hush Interiors is now encouraging the installation of P3 earthquake loadings, which are designed to withstand a 1 in 500 event.

Earthquake damaged ceiling in threestoried office.

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“Currently light suspended ceilings are included in the least important category P7, which only requires design to the lowest level of seismic demand – a one in 25 earthquake.

We are now encouraging the installation of P3 earthquake loadings, which are designed to withstand a one in 500 event.

solving any problems as they arise are key attributes the team at Hush Interiors strive to maintain.

Systems: seismic design

Hush Interiors 41 Sandyford Street Christchurch T (03) 379 6301 M 027 444 1870 E keith.hogg@hushint.co.nz — Advertising Feature

When asked what it is that has got the company to where it is today, Hogg simply states “passion”.

“At the end of the day, it is our passion for suspended ceilings and interiors that drives us along.”

Proud suppliers of Pink Batts products’ Gib Board & Leading MDF distributors.

Wishing Hush Interiors all the very best in their future endeavours.

PO Box 5316, Papanui, Christchurch Phone: 03 327 7609 | Fax: 03 327 7608

Rothbury are pleased to work with the great people at Hush Interiors, with their commercial insurance requirements.

Ph: 0800 683 557 Web: www.rothbury.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 53

Rebuilding Christchurch | Briscoes - Salisbury Street

Briscoes bounces back into action Briscoes Homeware is leading the rebuild of Christchurch’s central city with the opening of its new state-of-the-art store in Salisbury Street on August 1.

Exciting new city store The brand new Briscoes store is the central city’s first fully rebuilt large-scale retail store, following last year’s February earthquake.

After trading on the site since 1969, the former store was deemed unsafe following the quake and was demolished late last year.

Staff were redeployed within the business in Christchurch.

But Briscoes stood steadfast in its belief in central Christchurch, determined to rebuild bigger and better on the iconic site.

The new 3300-square-metre store features up-to-the-minute retail design, with improved car parking. Former staff, including 10 new employees, are now happily back working on Salisbury Street again.

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Christchurch’s new central city Briscoes in Salisbury Street.

Leading earthquake safety design

Store manager Jeremy Lowe says the store’s opening on August 1 was a huge success and exceeded everyone’s expectations. “It was extremely busy - it blew us away,” he says.

Quake-weary Cantabrians can shop confidently at the new Briscoes store in Salisbury Street in the knowledge that the single-storey building features state-ofthe-art seismic design by Zoran Rakovic, director of Christchurch engineering firm Xona Consultants.

Briscoes Salisbury St fast facts: • Briscoes Homeware's new Salisbury Street store opened on August 1 • The new store replaces Briscoes’ previous store, which was demolished after the earthquakes • Briscoes has had a store at 195 Salisbury Street since 1969 • The new 3300-square-metre store is built to high earthquake standards • It is the first fully rebuilt large-scale retail store to open in the CBD • Customers are flocking to the new store and are excited about its rebuild.

“The customers’ reactions were incredible.

What people had been through really shone through. Some of our customers were really quite emotional about it - that there was a building going up in the central city.”

Briscoes leads CBD rebuild Briscoes chief operating officer Pete Burilin says the decision to rebuild on the central Christchurch site shows the company’s confidence that the battered city will continue to recover.

The store is built on 175 piles, driven down around eight metres into a stable layer of gravel, and supporting a floor slab suspended above the ground. In the event of an earthquake, liquefaction would fill the voids beneath the slab, leaving the store unaffected.

“The Salisbury Street store has always been one of our top performing stores in the country, and we have faith it will continue to be a busy store,” he says.

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The face of Briscoes, Tammy Wells, with Salisbury Street store manager Jeremy Lowe.

“Briscoes is a well-known brand in Christchurch, and the fact that we are reinvesting and rebuilding here will hopefully spur other retailers and businesses into joining us. We believe Christchurch’s central city has a solid future, and we’re proud to be back.”

Jeremy Lowe, who has worked at the Salisbury Street site since 1993, says rebuilding the store shows Canterbury, and the whole of New Zealand, that Christchurch can rebuild and carry on.

“We’ve seen a lot of destruction here; now’s the time for positivity and moving forward.

We’re all really excited to be a part of that.”

John Coll, on behalf of building owner Lichfield Holdings Ltd, sees the opening as a strong step towards the Christchurch recovery. “And hopefully this belief in the centre of town will pave the way for other businesses.”

We are a design led manufacturer with over 20 years experience in the retail fixtures industry.

Proud to support Briscoes - Salisbury Street

Briscoes Homeware 195 Salisbury Street Christchurch www.briscoes.co.nz

www.retaildimension.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

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54 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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Rebuilding Christchurch | Cadigan Construction

New company already making its mark

Why choose Cadigan?

Cadigan Construction Limited is a young company with a big future.

The Christchurch business was only formed a year ago by operations manager Shaun Cadigan, who previously worked in the construction industry for eight years in both Christchurch and Western Australia.

Shaun has managed numerous large projects and crews and is extremely positive and practical, with a wealth of building knowledge. He heads a staff of 10 fulltime and several part-time employees, primarily undertaking residential work and light commercial repairs. His team consists of five qualified builders and five qualified painters.

New builds, repairs and painting Cadigan Construction can take care of all your residential building needs, including new homes and alterations, decks and landscaping, fences and retaining walls.

Contracts manager Paul Thoroughgood says while the company is already doing commercial repairs, it has plans to expand further into this area in partnership with a couple of project management companies.

It operates on a foundation of honesty, integrity and hard work and is already developing a positive reputation within the building industry. Staff take great care to listen to their customers and work together to determine the ideal solution to every problem.

Cadigan Construction has the skills and experience to undertake any new home build, from a small low-budget house to a large high-spec home. It is also busy doing alterations and repairs, as well as installing new kitchens and bathrooms and work for a number of insurance companies.

The company has a highly qualified team of painters and decorators with a combined experience totalling more than 70 years. It can provide a top-quality finish for interiors, exteriors, commercial premises, plastering and wallpapering.

“We’re here for the long term,” Thoroughgood says. “We’re not here to make quick money and leave. We want to build a sustainable, long-term business.”

The Cadigan Construction team prides itself on offering customers high-quality professional workmanship on all jobs.

The business is customer focused and offers honesty, integrity and reliability in order to ensure each project is a smooth transition from stress to solution.

Cadigan Construction can take care of all your residential building needs, including new homes and alterations, decks and landscaping, fences and retaining walls, as well as painting.

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Paul Thoroughgood, left, and Shaun Cadigan, of Cadigan Construction.

“We pride ourselves on being transparent, trustworthy and hardworking and our experienced professionals work with a solutions-based approach,” operations manager Shaun Cadigan says.

“We are easy to deal with and we know how important it is to work with our clients, not only to achieve the high quality results that you expect, but also to establish excellent professional relationships.”

Cadigan Construction fast facts: Cadigan Construction can take care of all your construction needs, including: • New Homes • Alterations • Decks and landscaping • Fences • Retaining walls • Light commercial.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 55

Rebuilding Christchurch | Cadigan Construction

Opting out a simple process Paul says opting out is easy and straight forward on the Earthquake Commission website. The Cadigan Construction website has a link directly to the EQC opt out information and form.

Once the completed form is received by the EQC opt-out team, they will contact the home owner within 15 working days.

“A meeting is arranged between the home owner, the contractor and EQC opt-out team member, and all three will go through the scope of works. They will agree on what has to be repaired; the contractor quotes the price to the home owner who then forwards this to EQC,” he says.

Opt out with Cadigan Construction

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Work in progress by Cadigan Construction.

And after the job is completed - a new deck.

“We’ve opted out on our own houses and have a number of clients who want to opt out as well.”

finish, including obtaining the necessary permits, working with suppliers and coordinating other trades.

Cadigan contracts manager Paul Thoroughgood says opting out gives home owners more choices and enables them to choose their own contractor to undertake repairs.

Opting out of the Fletchers-EQR repair programme gives home owners the freedom to choose their own contractor and control the time when the repairs will be undertaken. They also have the opportunity to renovate their home or undertake additional work at their own cost, while having their earthquake damage repaired.

“We feel it gives us a bit more control with the owner. Sometimes there’s not much flexibility when Fletchers come in,” Paul says.

Cadigan Construction made an informed decision not to be registered as an approved Fletchers Construction earthquake repairer.

“We wanted to have a bit more control in the process,” Paul says.

The team at Cadigan Construction aims to make the opt-out process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. They are experienced in project management and will take care of all work, from start to

Cadigan Construction is urging Cantabrians to consider opting out of the Fletchers Construction-EQC earthquake repair scheme.

56 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“When people want to do their extra alterations it’s easier, and people are starting to realise they’ve got a few more options now. A lot of people ring us after Fletchers has become involved, but it’s too late by then. Once you’re in the Fletchers system it’s too late to get out of it. People need to come to us as soon as possible.”

“More people are realising that it’s better to deal directly with the contractor, and it’s also much less frustrating for us.”

If more earthquake damage is found once repairs are underway, work will be temporarily halted until EQC comes back to assess the extra damage, and this additional damage is then added to the repair plan.

Cadigan Construction will invoice the customer toward the end of the month; this can be either a progress invoice or a final invoice if the job is complete. The customer then forwards the invoice to the EQC opt-out team.

Cadigan does not expect payment from the customer until EQC have paid them.

“We’re really keen to have a transparent process, where people know what’s going to happen,” Paul says.

Rebuilding Christchurch | Cadigan Construction

Rebuilding Christchurch | Streamline Spouting Systems

Spouting off Leaky spouting can look quite harmless – just an annoying overflow of water. But the reality is the damage may not be so obvious. Old or leaky spouting can damage your property, causing you expensive repair and building costs.

Based in Christchurch, Streamline Spouting Systems is leading the way with spouting in the South Island. Whether you’re building a new home, need your existing spouting repaired, or just wanting spouting cleaned, they’re the people to call.

“

In their words…

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A remodelled kitchen by Cadigan Construction.

Business support Cadigan Construction has surrounded itself with like-minded businesses that have helped the company grow. Cadigan has worked closely with Mobile Office Business throughout its first year of business.

Paul Thoroughgood says Shaun New from Mobile Office Business has offered an invaluable service in helping the business establish its financial and tax systems.

New spends four hours a week onsite, helping Cadigan Construction with advice on issues such as cashflow and invoicing.

Another business that works closely with Cadigan Construction is Sillifant Plasterers and Fixers, which does most of Cadigan’s plastering.

A&P Show Cadigan Construction staff will be available to talk to at the Canterbury A&P Show from November 14-16.

The company will have a stand set up inside the Trade Pavilion, with staff onsite at all times to talk to customers about their building, repairs and insurance issues.

Our rental property was extensively damaged during the Christchurch earthquakes. Cadigan Construction Ltd was employed by our insurance company as the primary contractors to manage the repair of our property.

“From the opening site meeting until the conclusion of the project the communication was excellent. Paul and Shaun listened to our concerns and provided us with options and ideas.

“When we made changes to the plans and expanded the scope of the project they were accommodating and helpful.

The standard of workmanship was high and their attention to detail was excellent.

“Throughout the repair we felt that the integrity of the guys from Cadigan Construction Ltd was beyond question and they always had our best interests at heart. We have no hesitation in recommending Cadigan Construction and we will be using their services again in the future.

Paul and Sandra O’Brien, Christchurch

Cadigan Construction Limited PO Box 33475 Barrington Christchurch 8244 T (03) 943 4403 www.cadiganconstruction.co.nz

”

— Advertising Feature

Owner-operator Danie has extensive professional experience with and expertise in, all facets of spouting. In addition to its main customer base in Christchurch and Canterbury, Streamline Spouting Systems has completed work throughout the South Island.

Spouting services Streamline Spouting Systems can take care of any task related to external spouting, guttering, and gutters. Its range of services includes:

Installation Streamline Spouting Systems can complete full installation of your entire new or replacement spouting system for almost any building. In addition, they can install snow protection systems and a variety of leaf guards that will increase the ongoing efficiency and durability of your spouting.

• Fleet Servicing • Environmentally Aware • 4wd Servicing At Summit Fleet Servicing we understand the importance of keeping your vehicles on the road so we offer a complete service from regular WOF/COF inspections and servicing right through to complex vehicle repairs.

Auto Electrical Repairs Exhaust Repairs Batteries Paint and Panel Brake and Clutch Repairs Suspension Inspection and Repairs Cooling Systems Tyres Engine Tuning Wheel Alignments 89 Montreal Street, Christchurch P: 03 982 1763 | F: 03 379 2452 E: alistair@summitfs.co.nz W: www.summit4wd.co.nz

Spouting 2 U Streamline now offers its Spouting 2 U service for builders, homeowners, DIY specialists and roofers, where it will deliver high quality continuous spouting on site for a fee and supply all the necessary attachments required for you to complete its installation. You can order it and request a preferred delivery date and Streamline Spouting Systems will do their best to have it on site and ready for you.

Free quotes It offers free quotes up front on all jobs. With the experienced Danie as owner-operator, the same person who takes your order and quotes your job is the person who actually completes the work. This ensures no surprises or miscommunication for customers, and means what you order is exactly what you receive.

Quality workmanship that’s guaranteed

Repair

Strealine Spouting Systems prides itself on its workmanship, and equally importantly, on its excellent customer service. Danie has personally worked on more than 4,000 houses throughout the South Island, and he and his team are well trained in health and safety and are members of HAZARDCO. It offers a 10 year guarantee on workmanship, and pass the warranties of their products onto its customers.

Suffering from spouting leaks, corrosion, broken sections, loose fittings or any other spouting failures or defects? Call Streamline Spouting Systems – no job is too big or small.

They can often even correct minor roof problems and if they can’t, they’ll give you advice on contacting a roofing specialist.

Streamline Spouting Systems 106 Foremans Road Islington Christchurch T (03) 344 5744 www.streamlinespoutingsystems.co.nz

Cleaning gutters Blocked gutters are a leading cause of spouting problems and Streamline has the specialist equipment and knowledge required to make short work of clogged spouting and downpipes.

— Advertising Feature

Insurance jobs It is an approved contractor for the majority of insurance companies and can help to smooth and speed you through the claims process in the event of damage to your spouting system through extreme weather or accident. Most claims involving Streamline Spouting Systems are approved within 24 hours.

ONE STOP SERVICING & REPAIRS

door, Streamline Spouting Systems has the expertise to get the job done right first time.

Waterblasting

For all of your

Longrun, Metal Tile and Rainwater Solutions nationwide

It has waterblasting equipment to assist not just in spouting work, but also to provide wash-down services for exterior surfaces such as walls, fences, paths, and more.

Downpipes Streamline can supply and install new and replacement downpipes in a variety of materials including Coloursteel, PVC, and copper.

No job is too big or too small - whether you need a complete, brand new spouting system installed on your new house, or have an annoying little leak over your back

Proud to support Streamline Spouting

(03) 349 7350 0800 ROOF NZ

www.metalcraftroofing.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 57

Focus | Shepherd & Kime

Getting straightened out Shepherd and Kime has been repairing Christchurch cars for more than 40 years.

The panel and paint repair company was formed in 1966 by panel beaters Gary Shepherd and Errol Kime, who quickly earned a reputation for high-quality collision repair work.

Leading collision repair business

This work includes panel beating, spray painting, chassis straightening, wheel alignment and balancing, and rust repairs and removal.

Gerard Kime says a large part of Shepherd and Kime’s workload involves insurance work, with the company a preferred repairer for most of New Zealand’s major vehicle insurers.

The company’s team of skilled technicians have many years’ experience in the panel and paint industry and work hard to get every vehicle operating as soon as possible. <

Today the business is owned by Gerard Kime and Dave Kennedy, who operate two branches in the city - in Antigua Street, Addington, and in Sheffield Crescent, Burnside.

Prior to last year’s February earthquake they operated three sites, with their Tuam Street premises closing afterwards due to earthquake damage. With almost 30 staff employed across both branches, Shepherd and Kime offers a full range of collision repair services for accidents ranging from trolley damage in a car park to major collision repairs and full body sprays.

Shepherd and Kime’s services include: • Panel beating • Spray painting • Paintless dent removal • Chassis straightening • 3D measuring <

Shepherd and Kime has a history of offering great collision repair service since 1966.

• Rust repairs and proofing • Fibreglass repairs • Plastic welding • Wheel alignment and balancing • Air conditioning • Electrical • Mechanical • Audio repairs • Glass replacement • Graphics and decals • Undersealing • Grooming • Towing.

<

Shepherd and Kime’s large site in Antigua Street, Christchurch.

BURNSIDE RADIATORS

CAR VAN AND UTE PARTS SPECIALIST

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524 WAIRAKEI ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH

FREE RADIATOR CHECKS WHILE YOU WAIT

Specialists in: • Alloy Wheel Repairs • Steel Wheel Repairs • Custom Billet Alloys • Custom Steel Wheels • Speedway Wheels • General Engineering Including Alloy Welding

PH. 03 339 0900 E. elitewhellco@xtra.co.nz www.elitewheelcompany.co.nz

58 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“

Shepherd and Kime - The best for panel and paint.

Proud Suppliers to Shepherd & Kime Collision Repairers

A key to Shepherd and Kime’s longterm success is its philosophy to work alongside the customer and ensure they remain involved in the repair process.

”

Focus | Shepherd & Kime

Developing strong relationships A key to Shepherd and Kime’s long-term success is its philosophy to work alongside the customer and ensure they remain involved in the repair process.

Shepherd and Kime offers you: • Quality repairs • Competitive rates

Owners Gerard Kime and Dave Kennedy are committed to providing great service and believe it’s their attention to service that makes the difference for their customers.

• Guaranteed workmanship

Kime says all staff work together to minimise customers’ concerns and make the repair process as easy as possible. “We offer a fast turn around, with the job done right the first time,” he says. “We’ve developed a pretty good name around town.”

• Free loan vehicles

• Quick turn around • Pick up and delivery

• Service that makes the process easy • Free quotes.

Shepherd and Kime is a member of the New Zealand Collision Repair Association and the Motor Trade Association.

AUTOGLASS SPECIALISTS LTD Shepherd and Kime Ltd 137 Antigua Street Addington Christchurch.

T (03) 366 8256 E antigua@shepherdandkime.co.nz Shepherd and Kime 2008 Ltd 35 Sheffield Crescent Burnside Christchurch T (03) 348 4448 E sheffield@sandk.co.nz www.shepherdandkime.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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•

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Prestige and Classic car specialist’s with 35yrs experience in the Autoglass Industry

CAR | FWD | TRUCK

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 59

Initiatives | Xeroing in

Xeroing in A Hawke’s Bay surfer with some sharp ideas has made accounting a simple task for small business owners worldwide. Xero founder Rod Drury talks about how, with the right attitude, staff and strategy, truly remarkable things can happen.

Rapturous applause in recognition of an outstanding performance is enough to flatter any artist. When the management team at Xero received just that from the 400 shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting this year, it was indeed an indication of the solidarity and devotion the financial backers of this publicly-listed New Zealand company have developed.

When he passed School Certificate, Drury says he became the highest qualified member of his family. On holidays to Wellington he was introduced to an institution called university and it was then he made his decision to attend Victoria. There is no doubt his choice to go on to further education puzzled his parents, but as it turned out, it was definitely a move in the right direction.

Funnily enough the company has not yet made a profit, but the outstanding growth that has been achieved in the company’s short life and the strategies for future expansion had this congregation exalting its praises.

After completing his Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (BCA) majoring in Accounting from Victoria University, he took

It has much to do with the pragmatic, wily and personable man-at-the-helm, chief executive Rod Drury – an “ordinary bloke” from the Hawke’s Bay, who has the knack, know-how and entrepreneurship to take an idea and turn it into gold.

Drury was enamoured with computers at Napier Boy’s High School. As a teenager he could already see the potential in this new technology. His computer teacher Bob McCaw, father of one of the first TradeMe investors Phil McCaw, inspired the boys to delve into this new world which allowed schoolboys to become computer wizards.

Bob started a scheme where parents could invest $50 towards an Apple II which allowed those students to then take the computers home. It was in his Napier home where Drury would take the first tentative steps in learning his trade. “The magic of computing is like an assault on your brain. With computing you’re always solving a problem. Doing a project built more confidence and things got bigger and bigger and bigger,” he says.

60 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“

by Karen Pasco

IT, bright business graduates with a little bit of technology knowledge, in that company.”

The company was sold in 1999 for $7.5m and still runs today as Intergen with Stewart still at the helm and more than 300 employees – something Drury is extremely proud of. The company’s success, he believes, was somewhat down to its location. “I think Wellington is good for that - being a government town where budgets have to be spent. It’s a great place to build services.”

I think Wellington is good for that - being a government town where budgets have to be spent. It’s a great place to build services.

up his first job at Ernst and Young. He says it was the place he learnt his foundation skills and started thinking about more efficient business systems. Once this apprenticeship was over, he knew he wanted to work in software development. “There were no software development companies to work for – so we just had to start our own. We created the jobs we wanted.”

The business partnership was with Tony Stewart and the company they developed was Glazier Systems – a software development and consultancy company. This new business didn’t just provide Drury with the job he wanted; it was also a platform for others.

“There’s a lot of people who got their start in

”

His next well-publicised project saw him develop AfterMail, email software that allowed users to capture, archive, retain and preserve as well as search for email. It was bought by California-based Quest Software for a multi-million dollar sum. “It was designed to be built up and sold quite quickly. The great thing about it was that it won the best exchange product at Microsoft TechEd proving it was world class technology, developed in New Zealand.”

It was in 2006 that he and fellow Xero founder Hamish Watson (who worked as the virtual CFO with him in AfterMail) launched Xero, an accounting software company which gives small business a real-time on-line accounting,

Initiatives | Xeroing in

invoicing, billing and bank system. A year later the company was listed on the New Zealand stock exchange. A brave move for a start-up business, but an essential one Drury insists all other New Zealand business owners should consider.

The need to boost the coffers in order to develop Xero in an industry where the slightest delay can cost was one of the catalysts for listing on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Another was that with a huge capital input also comes the ability to put in to place long term plans. “We wanted to be a global business from day one. The only way we could do that is if we had some big venture capital.”

Drury knew he had to ensure the story of Xero was heard loud and clear to all potential backers. A business story, he says, is important for any company either looking to be, or which are, publicly listed.

It helps gain momentum so people intending to invest know the full background and successes. It is also important for those who have invested, so they are continually updated on the company’s performance.

“Forty Two Below and Icebreaker have those stories. People like a good story, so what we’re doing makes a lot of sense. We have a real track record and passion for what we’re doing, so we need to tell the story so we can build more confidence in the market.”

Thus far this story includes a proven business model with strong growth prospects, growing market opportunity, compelling product offering, credible and capable management team, experienced board of directors and clear reasons for raising money.

Xero’s directors are a striking array of likeminded visionaries – TradeMe founder Sam Morgan, MYOB co-founder Craig Winkler, Works Infrastructure former chief executive Graham Shaw, and Xero chairman Sam Knowles who established Kiwi Bank. With this heavy-weight band of brothers at the top, there is no doubt big things are yet to happen.

Drury is obviously a good story teller. In total the company has raised more than $85 million in growth capital during the past five years (subsequent capital raisings since the initial IPO include $29m in March 2009, $4m from key US investor Peter Thiel in October 2010 and $35m in February 2012) with its corporate profile and credibility greatly enhanced. The company also has an employee share scheme which provides an incentive for long term motivation and performance.

With a publicly listed company comes the extra scrutiny. “It does get quite personal, but when you actually look at it, it’s my job to get out there and tell the story. You develop a thick skin.”

A question frequently posed is ‘when are you selling it?’ For Drury he sees this venture as an opportunity, to not only take the company through its infancy, but also to see it develop through its teenage years to adulthood.

“I could sell Xero but that’s not the goal any more. In the early parts of your career you want to earn some money. Now that I’ve built something that is really interesting, that is good for people, the thrill is in building a global team. There are 260 people all over the world now working for the company.”

Not content with just running his own show, Drury has held directorships on various boards. There was a stint as independent director on the TradeMe board, and he’s a

director of the New Zealand Stock Exchange and a member of Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Commerce Advisory Board.

Having the insight into how other organisations and institutions operate has definitely contributed to the way he developed his own businesses, he says. “As a CEO it’s good to do director roles at some time. I definitely recommend that CEOs look to do board roles and be active ‘sea level’ executives.”

There are also other interests. The Pacific Fibre project which would have seen New Zealand leap into a world of faster internet, opening up a multitude of small business opportunities, is one he says is not necessarily “dead in the water”.

“I’m still talking to government about it,” he says. The project had planned to build a 13,000km fibre-optic cable between Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles at a cost of around $400 million however failed to find the financial backers to fund it.

Currently New Zealand’s only broadband cable link is provided by the Southern Cross Cable Network, a venture in which Telecom has a 50 percent shareholding.

He says that despite commentators saying the current cable has great capacity, the capping that goes on is ultimately costing New Zealand businesses. “Because of our involvement with Pacific Fibre we are experts on this now, and we can see the potential a network like this could offer.”

“

It does get quite personal, but when you actually look at it, it’s my job to get out there and tell the story. You develop a thick skin.

He believes government now needs to step up and work alongside technology entrepreneurs to ensure projects like this get off the ground. Drury says a chief technology officer, who would endeavour to look at ways the country could grasp opportunities and gain a competitive advantage over other countries, needs to be created. “It would be real game changing stuff.”

He still describes himself as an ordinary bloke and commuting between Wellington and his home in Hawke’s Bay is one way that Drury keeps the balance between home and work.

“It provides me with the best of both worlds.

I’ve tried with Xero to get it right. I really enjoy work, but I love to get out in the sea and have a surf, barbecues at night, spend time with the family. It also makes me really enjoy work more and the city.”

The shareholder applause at the AGM could have been because of the company’s latest

”

growth. Despite taking five years, from 2006 to 2011, to build up the first 50,000 Xero customers, in the past 10 months that number has doubled. It could have been because of the business’s increase in committed monthly revenue which has grown to $34.5m, compared to full year revenue to the end of March of just more than $19m.

It could have been because of the announcement that the company is considering a dual listing on the Australian Stock Exchange to make it easier for its Aussie partners and customers to invest. Or maybe, just maybe, it is because the message Drury delivers is one of confidence and optimism, full of passion and hope about the business he continues to build.

“We don’t have any doubt we’re going to be successful. You make sure you’re managing strategic risk, hire great people around you and control systems – it’s not rocket science.”

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 61

Initiatives | Buy New Zealand Made

Nurturing

home-grown success Why buying local is the best thing you can do for our economy

Buying local is a concept which has been bandied about since the establishment of a globalised marketplace.

But with the Buy New Zealand Made campaign about to reach its quarter century milestone, the buy local message runs deep in our little corner of the South Pacific. Buy New Zealand Made is a lifestyle.

Established in 1988, the Buy New Zealand madecampaign’s emphasis has shifted over the years, but the basic aim of encouraging consumers and organisations to buy New Zealand goods and services wherever possible has remained the same. Quite simply, the Buy New Zealand campaign is about encouraging people to buy and sell New Zealand made products. Not just in New Zealand either, we’re talking about exporting; taking our great products and brands to the world.

When you buy a New Zealand produced product, you’re helping to create jobs and promote growth. We can be proud of the quality of our products.

The concept is an easy one to sell. Kiwis love New Zealand made products and most prefer to buy them too. So join the campaign and show pride in Aotearoa. You’re not only buying great, high-quality products, you’re promoting growth and job opportunities within your country.

Membership benefits

Connect and exchange

Double your brand power

Join Buy NZ Made and automatically gain access to networking opportunities with over 1000 manufacturers and retailers.

You’ll also gain exposure to customers who go to the Buy NZ Made website specifically looking for NZ made goods… all available in one handy marketplace.

The iconic ‘kiwi in the triangle’ logo is a great marketing tool for businesses.

It provides a unique selling point and adds value to your own brand. Basically, if your product carries the kiwi trademark, your customers can be certain they’re buying local.

Drive traffic Gain traffic to your website and sell goods online by linking your profile page on buynz. org.nz to your website’s shopping cart.

Join up Membership and the licence to use the ‘kiwi in the triangle’ logo is open to anyone who manufactures or sells NZ made products and services. Shoppers can join up too, just by signing up at buynz.org.nz

Join up as a retailer Membership is open to retailers who sell NZ Made products for the small cost of $50 (+GST) per year. Retailers can advertise the kiwi in the triangle logo instore and on their website, but labelling products with the logo is restricted to manufacturers of the product themselves.

Join up online today.

Proudly supporting & Promoting Canterbury Business 204 St Asaph Street PO Box 2051 Christchurch P. 03 377 3729 F. 03 377 3270 www.bishopinteriors.co.nz Supporting NZ Made | Personalised Service | Commercial, Hospitality and Education Furniture

62 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

bishop interiors

Initiatives | Buy New Zealand Made

Quarter century campaign Next year Buy NZ Made celebrates 25 years of campaign history.

Here’s a timeline overview of how the campaign has developed during this time: November 1988 The Buy NZ Made message gains momentum with the launch of the campaign by the NZ Council of Trade Unions and the NZ Manufacturers Federation, with principal sponsor Printpac-UEB 1988 Buy NZ Made is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of NZ Manufacturers Federation and licenses use of the kiwi in a triangle trademarks and logos. Manufacturing members may use the logo on their goods that qualify, under the Fair Trading Act, to be labelled as Made in New Zealand 1988/89 TV advertising run to promote the campaign 1990 Buy NZ Made lobbies Government to influence state sector purchasing practices December 1990 The Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce write to the heads of all government departments asking them to ensure that local producers are given full and fair opportunity to compete for their business 1990 A new television commercial was run with production costs funded by the Government, featuring Dame Kiri Te Kanawa 1991 The NZ Industrial Supplies Office is established in the Ministry of Commerce to improve information for government buyers

» » » »

»

about domestic industry capability and the availability of domestic products and services.

1992 Mandatory country of origin labelling is applied to clothing and footwear and use of the kiwi logo continues to grow March 1992 The first Kiwi Pride Festival was held. It had strong support from 2,000 retailers and generated more than 20 newspaper features and 30-40 radio and television items. A steam locomotive was repainted with the World War II slogan and ran rides for the public around Auckland.

Festivals ran again in 1993 and 1994 1994 TV ads feature cartoon Kenny the Kiwi, encouraging people to Buy NZ Made and Keep Your Country Working 1999 The Buy NZ Made campaign had changed its emphasis from encouraging New Zealand consumers to buy locally made goods in preference to imported ones, to specifically promoting members products, adding value to their companies by increasing sales May 2001 The Employers and Manufacturers Federation merge to become BusinessNZ, which takes ownership of the Buy NZ Made Campaign 2001-2005 Promotions run included newspaper advertising supplements, sponsorships and the Great New Zealand Christmas Stocking campaign where shoppers who purchased NZ made goods could go in the draw for a stocking filled with goods donated by members

Made in Nelson Solid brass construction.

Equal low and equal high pressure models.

Safety from temperature fluctuations when your system is set up for equal pressures.

Still servicing all mixers made since 1956.

Standard Control 105 A Kiwi (New Zealand) icon and firm favourite in many homes and institution, the Topliss Standard Control is a practical, low cost system of uncompromising quality. The large easy grip control makes it simple and safe to use for all the family, with a safety stop fitted.

31 March 2005 Prime Minister Helen Clark launches the Retail Membership category 2005 Following the General Election, the Labour Party and the Green Party sign a co-operation agreement that includes a Buy Kiwi Made programme being part of the broader programme of achieving sustainable development of the NZ economy.

2006 A blue and gold designer logo is introduced to support the fashion industry 2007 The Buy Kiwi Made media campaign is developed by the Ministry of Economic Development in consultation with representatives of Business NZ, Buy NZ Made, NZ Council of Trade Unions, NZ Retailers Association, two independent advisers, and representatives of the minister and the Government spokesperson for Buy Kiwi Made 2007 A bi-lingual red and black version is launched to coincide with Maori language week. A New Zealand Grown logo is also introduced in to apply to nonmanufactured produce 2008 Buy NZ Made relaunches its website which now includes a member directory listing and a portal for members to order stationery online and download the artwork.

2008 Buy Kiwi Made launches its well known Oliver Driver advertising campaign, breathing life back into NZ Manufacturing

2008 Buy Kiwi made organised stands at Trade shows to exhibit NZ Made Products. Buy NZ Made continues to support its members at trade shows today 2009 The site getnzmade.co.nz which was partly government funded is launched for those looking to purchase New Zealand made goods online 2009 A nationwide competition is launched through the Buy Kiwi Made campaign encouraging consumers where shoppers who purchased NZ made goods could go in the draw for a prize packs filled with goods donated by members. Entry boxes could be found in most major retail stores in New Zealand 2010 The Cottage Industry Membership category class is implemented to help small business 2011 The black & silver 2011 logo is created especially for the Rugby World Cup 2011 Buy NZ Made launches lovechristchurchmade.org.nz an online directory website to help Christchurch businesses get on their feet Sept 2011 The buynz.org.nz website is revamped with a focus on helping members sell their goods online, drive traffic and increase networks, relationship building and interaction and includes the integration of ‘getnzmade’.

Are you concerned about chemicals?

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Ultra Control 125 Clean, sharp, modern styling with the strength and durability of a solid metal lever makes this the ideal choice for the modern bathroom.

Discrete, easy to read dial and super smooth action with a safety mechanism that protects from accidentally turning on through hot.

Buying from a Christchurch owned and operated chemical manufacturer strengthens our local economy. Change to buying from ECOCHEM to make a win-win change to your business ASAP!

Classic Control 115 Forged in solid brass, polished and finished in chrome or gold, these classic lever style controls exude old world charm yet perform with totally modern efficiency.

Available from all good plumbing stores visit our website www.topliss.co.nz

ECOCHEM has an ISO14001 Certified Environmental Management System

Phone: 03 377 1892 • www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 63

Initiatives | Buy New Zealand Made

Manufacturer case study: Citrus Magic Ltd successful sales team marketing throughout NZ and Fiji.

What do you love most about living in ChCh?

“After years on the road living in motels I decided I needed to make somewhere my home-base, I chose Christchurch and purchased my first home. That was 11 years ago. Six years ago the opportunity came up for me to purchase the company. I am passionate about the product so the decision was an easy one. ‘One Cleaner for All Your Cleaning Chores!’ The only cleaner I market!”

“With the devastating earthquakes I get asked all the time why I stay, especially as I’m a Northland girl with no family here. And it’s easy - the people! Sure it has been tough; you go through the different emotions as your life was changed on Feb 22nd. All my daily routines had gone; I had to make new ones which wasn’t easy.

Describe a typical day?

It’s all well and good to extol the virtues of such a campaign, so let’s look at how Buy New Zealand Made looks in practice. Citrus Magic Ltd owner Sheree Hayward joined the Buy New Zealand campaign in 2009. So what does New Zealand Made mean to her and how has the campaign helped her?

Tell us a bit about your background?

“Eighteen years ago I was employed by Citrus Based Cleaner as a door to door salesperson marketing the product throughout New Zealand. This was a new company and a new product. No-one had heard of Citrus Concentrate. After 12 months, I was promoted to general manager and helped build up a

“Top priority at the start of my day is my trim latte. I have an office close to the city so I head there every morning with my 15 year old Jack Russell Jag. Jag has also travelled with me marketing Citrus Based Cleaner around New Zealand. She has been all around New Zealand a few times. She knows the product better than most I think.

“Each morning I make a call to my rural rep Brett. Brett has been employed with Citrus Based Cleaner for more than 10 years. He is very experienced and a loyal staff member.

We chat about his day ahead and he sets his goals.

“I am in sole charge, so my day is filled with all errands needed to run a company; customer service, orders, accounts and marketing. I have distributors in Nelson, Hawkes Bay and North Shore, so keeping in contact with them is important to ensure they are on track with their targets.

“At around 5-5.30pm I head to see the amazing team at Les Mills. I find it is a great stress release and keeps my body and mind in shape. A perfect way to end a busy day!”

Cox Industries Limited

based CLEANER

Made Campaign

Email: sales@coxindustries.co.nz

www.coxindustries.co.nz

Best piece of business advice?

“First of all you have to be passionate and understand your product. Get really good advice and know your market. Find your point of difference and sell it.”

Best and worst things about owning your own business?

“The best part is you are the core responsibility of making it work. You have flexibility you may not otherwise get as an employee. You can get excited about the successes. You are accountable for making yourself and your team motivated to achieve goals.

“However, the worst things are that sick days are very few and long holidays don’t exist, especially for small business. You have to be always ahead of the market or you can get left behind. There is pressure as usually you have financial investment, and of course time. A positive and optimistic mind is needed everyday.”

To become part of the NZ Made campaign and use the iconic logo, simply join up online. There are two options of manufacturing membership: Cottage Industry (for companies with an annual turnover of less than 200,000k), and Manufacturing Members. Cottage Industry only costs $75 +GST per year and Manufacturing memberships start from $150 + GST. What does ‘NZ Made’ mean to you?

“I love ‘NZ Made’. I think every Kiwi is passionate about ‘our’ products that are made in New Zealand. I display the logo on my product and website. And every tradeshow I attend I have large Buy NZ Made signs for everyone to see.”

How has being part of the NZ Made Campaign helped you?

“The NZ Made team is always friendly and helpful. I exhibit at trade-shows throughout the country and they help me organise these. They are top of my list for being the best marketing decision I made when I purchased the company. Everyone recognises the kiwi logos.”

So what is your Citrus Based Cleaner?

“Citrus Based Cleaner is a pleasantly scented, ready to use concentrated cleaner and degreaser that has been specially designed to work equally well in a wide range of cleaning chores. Natural orange extracts, alongside biodegradable surfactants, detergents, dirt suspending agents, water softeners and builders, combine to produce a formidable cleaner for everyday applications. Visit citrusbasedcleaner.co.nz.”

*100% Biodegradable

THE STAGE IS SET!

One cleaner is all you need!

Stage Sections, Choir Risers, Grandstands, Audience Seating, Drama Suite Modules, Drapes, Steps, Lecterns, Trolleys, Ramps etc.

are proud supporters of the Buy New Zealand

“I live in city so my life revolved around the city and it is devastating to see it like it is, but the people are strong and resilient; they keep me here. Christchurch will be built better and stronger and I want to be part of watching it grow.”

Join up as a manufacturer

New Zealands most Versatile Cleaner Ask about our new Heavy Duty Product Phone now for WINTER SPECIALS!

FREEPHONE TO ORDER:

0800 424878 www.citrusbasedcleaner.co.nz

64 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Top quality, NZ made products, designed to be easy to handle and store. Guaranteed to perform.

Currently installed in many schools, universities & performance venues.

Choir Chorus Risers

Design • Manufacture • Sales • Hire Services Stage, Steps & Lectern

Email: stages@stronglite.co.nz Phone 07 825 2933. Mobile 027 473 4443

Initiatives | Buy New Zealand Made

Retail case study: Vintage Kids Christchurch based retailer Vintage Kids has been with the campaign since 2010. Owner and founder Carolyn Eyre-Walker is living her dream and supporting New Zealand designers in the process.

So how has the Buy New Zealand Made campaign strengthened her brand and what does New Zealand Made mean to her?

Tell us a bit about your background. What led you to launching Vintage Kids?

“I have had a life-long love of vintage and antiques. As a child I was always the one rabbiting through grandma’s cupboards and saving my pocket money to buy ‘treasures’ at local garage sales.

“When I came back from England (the vintage mecca) I decided it was time to realise that dream of having my own store, one filled with history, the type of shop that changed every time you visited. I have three young children and decided to start with an online business: vintage for children and grow from there.”

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

“I love my job as each day is different. My working day is normally split, as being online we are open 24 hours. We get many local and international queries day or night. A large part of my day is on the computer, answering emails, liaising with customers and suppliers, sourcing and loading gorgeous new products to have online.

Buy NZ Made fast facts • Established in 1988 • Is a great marketing tool bringing significant benefits to businesses • Is a wholly owned subsidiary of Business New Zealand • Lobbies Government to influence state sector purchasing practices (through Business NZ)

“We have started reupholstering antique furniture, so I spend part of the week collecting furniture, searching for beautiful fabrics and meeting with our upholsterer who is an absolute gem of a craftsman.

“The people! Two years ago I probably would have said the lifestyle, but given the changes since September 2010, I now love Christchurch for its community spirit and the way people care so much more than they ever used to.”

“I finish at 3pm to collect the children, then What is your best piece of advice for people will generally be back online a few evenings a wanting to start their own retail business? week to keep in touch.

“Stay true to your business’s core values.

“We also have just opened a ‘pop-up’ shop Decide what your identity is, make sure you in Christchurch that is open 9-12am on believe in it and love your product. Work hard Tuesdays and Thursdays, which I just love, as and always be ready for the curve-balls.” it’s great to see everything on display and to What does ‘NZ Made’ mean to you? meet our customers.”

Which NZ designers, artists or creative people do you currently like?

“New Zealand has the most amazing depth of talent for a small country. I am in awe of some of the incredible abilities of some of our cottage industry suppliers who have found something they are good at, believe it, make it and are consistently professional in all they do.

“The tip of the iceberg are designers such as Limited Vintage, Locket, Lulu’s Closet, One Button, Art Divine and Reborn.”

What do you love most about living in Christchurch?

“It makes me feel good buying New Zealand made. New Zealand Made is a huge part of our business ethos. For me it means buying a product that supports the designer, the maker and the local economy.

“It also means buying something personal and significant, and quite often unique; so much nicer than the mass produced items.

“At Vintage Kids you will find a range of fabulous artists, designer and vintage ‘magpie’ collections. They pride themselves on hunting out the best of NZ talent to offer limited edition and one-off pieces. Visit vintagekids.co.nz and follow them at facebook.com/VintageKidsNZ.”

• Owns the trademark of the iconic Kiwi in the Triangle logo, encouraging people to Buy NZ Made • Has a website which includes a member directory listing and a portal for members to order logo labeling merchandise and download the artwork • Allows members to adapt the Kiwi in the Triangle logo colours to suit their own branding • Kiwi in the Triangle logo is recognized by 95 percent of Kiwis • Developed lovechristchurchmade.org. nz, an online directory website to help Christchurch businesses get on their feet • buynz.org.nz website with a focus on helping members sell their goods online, drive traffic and increase networks, relationship building and interaction.

Buy New Zealand Made Level 6, Lumley House 3-7 Hunter Street Wellington T (04) 496 6557 www.buynz.org.nz

— Advertising Feature

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 65

Initiatives | Haka Tours

Doing tourism

differently

Independent travellers have voted Christchurch based Haka Tours as the Visitor Activity Supreme Winner in the 2012 Rankers Traveller Voted Awards, beating off competition from 4000 other tourism businesses.

Together Ryan and Steve designed and developed a set of New Zealand tours that would blow any adventure seeker’s mind. The first tour commenced in June 2007 and Haka has barely had time to look back since.

A keen and experienced traveller, Ryan’s love for his country and adrenalin led him to a vision: the creation of some incredibly awesome adventure tours immersing travellers in the real New Zealand.

When Ryan does look back it is with a sense of “how did I get here?” but the answer is definitely not by chance.

And so Haka Tours was born.

Based in Manchester, Ryan quickly moved up the corporate ladder as was being groomed for higher places. However, in 2004 that all changed.

After completing a Bachelor of Science with honours in Industrial Psychology from the University of Canterbury, Ryan initially headed Following his quest, Ryan met Taranaki boy Steve Latham, a scuba dive instructor who overseas to play semi-professional rugby in Scotland. had been travelling around New Zealand all his life. With his combined love of nature and When a recurring Achilles injury curtailed his people, and perhaps his slightly off-the-wall playing career, he embarked on what at the attitude, Steve was the perfect man for the time seemed like his destiny, a high flying job of Haka head tour guide. corporate job with the Bank of Scotland.

“While I was in charge of around 25 bank managers I really wanted autonomy and ownership and I wasn’t going to get that working for someone else,” he says.

Combining his love for travelling (he has visited more than 50 countries) and adrenaline adventure pursuits, he sat down and wrote a business plan for a travel business and the seed for Haka Tours was sown.

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Established in 2006, Haka Tours is the brainchild of Shirley Boys’ High School old boy Ryan Sanders, who found himself wanting to escape the dull working life of corporate banking.

Ryan Sanders owner of Haka Tours.

Ryan knew there was only one place for him to put the plan into practice and that was New Zealand, specifically his hometown of Christchurch.

you shouldn’t be in it. Day dream about your business, have a sense of childlike wonderment about it, then visualize it happening.”

Right from the start Haka Tours was going to do it its own way and not conform to “industry rules”. Rather than dictating to their potential customers, Haka Tours allows customers to create their own tours.

Ryan says he is continually evaluating his own management style and where he and others fit into the business.

“Over 70 percent of our tour members are solo travellers and it’s a great way of making new friends.

year’s category win, shows Haka Tours is on track with its customers. The company is also making the industry leaders sit up and take note with Ryan being named the winner of the prestigious New Zealand Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award in 2010. The award was part of the New Zealand Tourism Awards programme managed by the NZ Tourism Industry Association.

“You have got to be honest about what you are not good at and recruit to fill those roles. I Ryan says the concept is more a “road trip mean I could never be a tour driver, and often with your mates” than a “tiring coach ride that is what happens in a business. A person with 50 strangers”. who is good in one field, say a tour bus driver, will set up a business from that point of view “Our tours are made up of like-minded travellers from all corners of the world. Having and has difficulty in really understanding the other roles needed to make the business work an average size of 8-12, with a maximum of as a whole.”

16, it allows us to make the tour personal, flexible and unforgettable.

This year’s Rankers Supreme award and last

“We are the only tour company that offers travellers the chance to pre-book adventure activities. Select from bungy, skydiving, rafting, dolphin swimming, surfing, skiing, hot air balloon rides... you name it, we got it.

Haka Tours is certainly not mainstream and neither is Ryan’s approach to business.

“Many business texts will say don’t get too emotional about a business. I say if you are not emotional about your business

With the 2010 opening of Haka Tours own backpackers accommodation in Christchurch (Haka Lodge in Linwood Avenue), Ryan is signalling the future direction of the company and is putting together a combined shared business model to make it happen.

If Ryan Sanders' first business plan for a foray into the travel business is anything to go by, watch this space.

Donna and Peter at Chateau Franz enjoy hosting Haka Tours for their Franz Josef stopover.

Haka Tours 518 Linwood Ave Christchurch T (03) 980 4252 Skype: haka999 E info@hakatours.com www.hakatours.com

0800 728 372

Check us out at www.chateaufranz.co.nz & our Facebook page.

Come stay at Christchurch’s premium, bunk-free backpackers Posh Dorms: $28, Privates: $70. Call 03 980 4252, www.hakalodge.com - Haka Lodge

66 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Initiatives | Bodyfix Gym

Give your body a fix A healthy diet and exercise is the closest formula we have to a fountain of youth. So, while the fads have come and gone, the gym has remained the staple diet for any successful health and fitness programme.

However Bodyfix Gym is flipping the traditional gym model on its head, owners’ Moana Williams and Kirsten Gullery say.

“We are providing an awesome social environment. Don’t be fooled though, it’s not all about fun; we push our members hard and encourage them to reach their goals. Ultimately we want them to get the most out of their workouts.

“What really sets us apart is our group exercise classes. Our fantastic group of instructors are well skilled in designing classes that are packed with intensity, good music and fun.”

But it’s not just better because they say it is. Truth is, the benefits one can reap from group training are huge, ranging from increased motivation and determination, through to the increase in ability and fitness which comes naturally from some healthy competition.

While Bodyfix classes are always evolving and expanding to meet demand, the range currently includes 10 resistance and/or cardio based workouts plus 15 of the popular spin classes every week, held in a custom designed room.

• Full Accounting Service • Accounting Software-Training & Support

$1/DAY TO MELT THE WINTER WEIGHT AWAY BEFORE XMAS* It’s really easy to get started at Bodyfix and if you join today you will pay just $1/day until the 24th December 2012*. *Offer expires 24th December 2012.

Must be paid in full on joining. Valid for new members only. Not valid for outside hours access.

Established a little more than a year ago, Bodyfix Gym came about through a group of experienced instructors, some who’ve been teaching group exercise for 10-20 years. From instructors to membership sales, personal training and administration, the skill set was strong and diverse.

But it was the shared passion, enthusiasm and vision of Moana and Kirsten which drove the establishment of Bodyfix. “We wanted to create our own place that had a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, with a strong social aspect, where everyone knew each other and everyone felt welcome.”

Hidden within the Tuam Street industrial area, Bodyfix was initially established solely to provide group exercise classes.

“We decided however, that if we had the experience, why not open it up not only to provide group exercise classes, but also a cardio and weights facility, where we could have the best personal trainers helping and educating our members.”

It is a vibrant and fresh space, where fun is encouraged as much as reaching goals.

“We are dedicated to helping everyone feel welcome and making sure our members get the most out of their workouts.

“We have designed our group exercise class timetable to promote variety and each class provides a body changing, heart pumping, motivating workout. Our cardio and weights facility has the latest and most up to date equipment to make the workout experience pleasurable plus the best personal trainers to help members reach any specific goals they may have or just to provide that extra motivation.”

The Bodyfix goal is to create an experience for everyone who uses the gym and one

• Audit and Assurance Services that appeals to all ages. “We take pride in ensuring we maintain the highest standards of customer service; one that creates a family culture and atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.”

• Business Consulting

Knowing their members on an individual basis enables the team a greater ability to encourage and motivate them, while giving them more accountability for their own workouts. “Only a small proportion of society exercises on a regular basis and unfortunately as a consequence the levels of obesity in our country are increasing. Basically the people of NZ are getting bigger and we want to help combat that by encouraging people to work out regularly.”

“We believe the health and wellbeing of Christchurch during the rebuild is reliant on its occupants maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one that incorporates a good balance of work, play and exercise, and we at Bodyfix want to be a strong part of helping people achieve that balance.”

It’s really easy to get started at Bodyfix and if you join today you will pay just $1/day until Xmas.

Bodyfix Gym 450 Tuam Street Christchurch T (03) 389 9892 E info@mybodyfix.co.nz www.mybodyfix.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Our business law team are pleased to be legal advisers to Bodyfix Gym

Partner - Clare O’Neill

Phone: 03 379 9940 E: cavell@cavell.co.nz

The team at Marriotts Chartered Accountants are pleased to be associated with Bodyfix Gym

Doug Allcock, Director 2nd Floor, 137 Victoria Street T. 03 379 0829 E. doug@marriotts.co.nz W. www.marriotts.co.nz

Ground Floor, 6 Hazeldean Road, Addington, Christchurch

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 67

Initiatives | Glove Up

Serious about safety The Glove Up campaign is more than an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of solvent use; it is a tribute to a son, a father and a person who left the world far too soon. It is also an opportunity to prevent more unnecessary deaths.

Jason Gibson passed away on November 12, 2003 at just 29 years of age, from acute promyelocytic leukemia. For more than two years Jason’s mother Annette, and his wife Sonia, researched the cause of his death.

Thanks to this research, ACC classed Jason’s death as “industrial death through solvents”.

Ever since this tragic event, Jason’s parents, Tony and Annette have made it their mission to educate New Zealand on the risk of industrial solvents. This mission has culminated in the Glove Up campaign, designed to raise awareness of the health risks of solvent use.

Today 1000 people die of emissions every year in New Zealand and a further 1700 people die every year from work related diseases. This, on average, means 50 people every week are dying unnecessarily. “With the proper education I feel this number can reduce dramatically – awareness is the key,” Tony says.

“We have the ability to cut the cancer risk by half just through awareness and education. I absolutely believe this campaign can save lives.”

“ Glove Up campaign When there is no cure, prevention is essential. Key to the Gibson’s campaign is clearer identification of toxic solvents on product packaging. “We can’t ban chemicals but we can identify and make sure the people who are using them can protect themselves against long-term exposure,” Tony says.

“We have to isolate, minimise and eliminate.”

He wants the Glove Up symbol, which shows a gloved hand protecting the circle of blood, to be printed on the label of every chemical that has a cancer rating of one, two or three.

“While some companies and industries are making big moves to protect their employees from solvent exposure, there is still a long way to go.

“We’ve got to get awareness out there. If we can get our symbol out there we could cut the cancer risk by 50 percent – I really believe that.”

We have the ability to cut the cancer risk by half just through awareness and education. I absolutely believe this campaign can save lives - Tony Gibson

Strength in numbers

”

Resene has played an important role in the campaign. The company supplies Environmental Choice products. Waterbourne and low in VOC, these products are much friendlier to earth and skin than the more traditional solvent borne paints that were once commonplace. Resene also supplies Glove Up stickers to increase awareness of the campaign. “Resene is a fantastic company; we wouldn’t use another product,” Tony says.

Sports Bar | Bands & Events Club Nellies Restaurant: Lunch, Dinner, Desserts & Coffee, Kids Menu | Functions | Conferences Weddings | Liquorland Just 10 minutes drive south from Dunedin city centre and 15 minutes from Dunedin Airport.

· Training · Consulting & Audits · Safety Products · Updates and Information Proudly Supporting Glove Up

Phone 03 489 5062 | 6 Gordon Road, Mosgiel

Visit www.sitesafe.org.nz or call us on (04) 499 2509 for more information

68 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

While employers are legally responsible for taking all possible measures to prevent their staff from being exposed to solvents, Tony says there are several easy ways to help prevent exposure: • Investigate whether a solvent can be substituted for a less harmful one or whether the job can be done differently to minimise or eliminate exposure • Where possible, control exposure by employing mechanical/automated handling methods • Isolate the area in which the solvent is used and improve ventilation • Prevent or minimise entry to highsolvent areas by posting signs • Use personal protective equipment specific to the solvent/chemical you are using, including protective clothing to cover all exposed parts of the body and personal clothing, as well as gloves, eye protection and suitable respirators.

Protective equipment supplier Lynn River has also been a strong support network for Tony and Annette. “These are high quality products and the company is run by an incredibly passionate guy.”

“Collision Repairs have also been a strong supporter of what we are trying to achieve and the association has encouraged their members to change to waterborne products The campaign has been self-funded by Tony and Annette however, Hotel Taieri has played where possible. And that is evident with a great percentage of their members changing an important role in funding the campaign. to waterborne products giving their work “The owners knew Jason personally and they have done an incredible job of helping us fund place a safer environment to work in.” this campaign.”

Site Safe also provides protective products and training. “They have been integral to this campaign,” Tony explains. “They are passionate about workplace safety because they recognise its importance to life.

Assisting the construction industry with cost effective health and safety solutions, services and products:

Risk reduction

Glove Up T (03) 344 5421 M 027) 345 739 E enquiry@gloveup.co.nz www.gloveup.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Lynn River is proud to support the Glove Up campaign.

Contact us for all your glove and safety gear needs: Phone: 0800 10 45 68 E. info@lynnriver.co.nz or visit us at www.lynnriver.co.nz

Initiatives | CSB Huntsman Boats

The art of a craft CSB Huntsman Boats’ new Huntsman Explorer SD7 fishing boat is already winning awards due to its economical diesel engine, hardtop canopy and spacious, practical cockpit and deck area.

Unique new 7m fishing boat The Huntsman Explorer SD7 was launched at the New Zealand Boat Show in Auckland in May, where it won the all-purpose 6-7 metres category.

“The general styling of the boat and the diesel engine make it quite unique. The big plus is the diesel and it out performs the outboard version,” Robinson says.

• The new Explorer SD7, a 7m hardtop with inboard diesel engine • The spacious and comfortable 5.85m Sotalia • The 7m Crusader, which handles offshore white-water conditions effortlessly • The 6.2m Series 6000 is extremely versatile and is ideal for skiing, fishing, commuting or cruising • The 5.5m Dorado is the epitome of the ideal family boat • The 5m La-Plata offers superior performance within a compact package.

Sotalia model a big seller CSB Huntsman Boats generally releases a new boat every year. Last year’s model, the Sotalia, has proven extremely popular and is now CSB Huntsman Boats’ biggest seller.

The 5.8-metre Sotalia features a large wellappointed cockpit and cabin room. It’s hull design ensures a dry, quiet and smooth ride.

“The Sotalia is a good size and you can get a couple of families in there comfortably.

It’s built for rough water handling. It’s very specialised with a big internal useable area.

It’s also very economical to run.”

An industry leader CSB Huntsman Boats designs and manufactures all of its own craft from its manufacturing facilities in Christchurch.

The company was formed in 1992 by Robinson, who has worked hard to grow

it into the highly regarded boat-building business it is today, with dealers located in Christchurch, Timaru, Tauranga and Auckland. It also has a dealer in Sydney and Brisbane and is focused on growing the Australian market.

CSB Huntsman Boats are renowned for their smooth quiet ride, lower horsepower requirements compared to other designs, modern appearance and unique practical features.

The company is continually improving its existing designs, as well as working to launch new models every year. “We have a very loyal customer base,” Robinson says.

“People come to us because of the quality and standard of the boats and their finish, the general performance of the boats and the price. We’re well priced and offer a very good package.”

The new Huntsman SD7 fishing boat from CSB Huntsman Boats.

Beneficial merger with signage company CSB Huntsman Boats has recently merged with Art Fetiche Studios, a relationship that has strengthened both businesses.

Art Fetiche has been sharing a premises in Bromley with CSB Huntsman Boats for four years and has been doing decal designs for the company for about 10 years.

Geoff Robinson says the merge 18 months ago made a lot of sense.

“We share a lot of staff. My staff work for them if they get pushed on a big job, and it allows us to retain our staff in the winter, as the boat industry is very seasonal,” he says.

CSB Huntsman Boats offers a range of high-quality practical boats.

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“It has a large area on the back for fishing and a big useable cockpit. It’s an excellent performing boat. It’s a 7-metre hard-top, which is very popular in today’s market. It means you can boat in the winter and stay dry in all kinds of weather.”

CSB Huntsman Boats’ range of boats includes:

<

CSB Huntsman Boats owner Geoff Robinson says a big feature of the Explorer SD7 is its inboard diesel engine, which uses about 16 litres of diesel an hour, making it considerably cheaper to run than an equivalent petrol boat.

Fast facts…

DOUG GILES TRIMMING

“It gives our staff something to do in the winter and also gives them more variety.”

Art Fetiche designs, manufactures and installs signs and displays of all kings, specialising in one-off 3D and lit signs.

• Marine Upholstery • All Work Guaranteed

CSB Huntsman Boats 168 Ruru Road Bromley Christchurch T (03) 389 0256 E info@csbhutsmanboats.co.nz www.csbhuntsmanboats.co.nz

Proud to supply all the upholstery for Huntsman Boats

— Advertising Feature

Ph: (03) 3390175

Enjoy the pleasure of boating in a new

HUNTSMAN DORADO GENERATION III <

The Sotalia from CSB Huntsman Boats is now the company’s biggest selling boat.

Specialists in Personal Risk Insurance Ph 03 010 2410 Mobile 027 436 6301 Email n.h@xtra.co.nz PO Box 500 Rangiora 7440

The Ultimate in Outboard Motors Now available V 4 E-TEC Economy plus the latest in technology Turning fuel into fun.

Don’t Delay, Test Today!

39 King Street, Timaru • Phone 688-6757 www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 69

Focus | Aeromarine Industries 60th

Flexible building solutions set to make a mark in Canterbury rebuild Natural disasters give us reminders and opportunities to always keep an open mind about whether technology and techniques are performing at the highest level possible, especially within the building industry.

Simon and Trevor Robb

And while steel, timber and concrete have for years remained the mainstay of New Zealand’s construction industry, one construction and manufacturing company in New Zealand is challenging the role these materials now have.

suburban rebuild, including temporary accommodation, where ongoing seismic activity means flexibility in fittings is now more important and often than rigid and expensive ceramic tiling in wet areas and similar applications.

Aeromarine Industries in Timaru is one of the largest composite/fibreglass engineering companies in New Zealand.

But it’s the breakthroughs in structural design by the company’s engineers that have excited Christchurch architects the most.

With an established reputation in the building components industry and the transport industry, it also offers sports boats, aquatic centre hydroslides, bleachers and energy-saving light diffusers.

Christchurch rebuild solution

Now the company is well positioned to ramp up its design and production schedules to offer new and innovative composite/ fibreglass construction solutions for the earthquake-damaged suburban homes and sections in Christchurch, as well as a central business district desperate for new and innovative approaches. <

Aeromarine is well positioned to ramp up its design and production schedules to offer innovative solutions to Christchurch’s rebuild.

Congratulations to Aeromarine on your 60th Anniversary

Aeromarine operations manager Simon Robb says his company has moved quickly following the recent unveiling of the blueprint for the city centre.

New to New Zealand on such a large scale, are Aeromarine’s plans for fully-integrated designer bathrooms and wet areas, all in moulded composite/fibreglass with hi-gloss baths, hand basins and toilet pedestals designed to suit most homes, hotels, motels and quick-build accommodation in a plugand-play approach.

Below ground, sewerage system fittings and culverting offer low relative cost and more flexible alternatives than some conventional pipes.

Accountants & Business Advisors

Proud partners of successful South Canterbury Businesses Nick Noone CA - Director Antony Ford CA - Director Tom Simpson CA - Director

P 03 687 2080 E office@nfsca.co.nz W www.nfsca.co.nz

Woollcombe House, 2nd Floor, 18 Woollcombe St PO Box 540, Timaru 7940

70 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Robb is welcoming approaches from homeowners, architects and insurance companies to explain opportunities for composite/fibreglass engineering in the

Robb says Aeromarine had made a presentation to a large, leading firm of architects in Christchurch and had been invited to submit further proposals. Architects were looking at the non-corrosive and more flexible properties of composite/fibreglass, both above and below ground, for large scale building applications.

Aeromarine engineers have also been working on a two-fold application of structural composite/fibreglass for the Christchurch rebuild effort.

Firstly, they have designed a range of architectural components useful to architects and builders offering non-corrodible, vertical and lateral strength-of-steel qualities in beams and pillars, while remaining flexible to a factor of up to 30 percent or more.

Secondly, recognising the irreplaceable qualities of reinforced concrete, the contractwinning firm has been developing specific geometric designs in composite/fibreglass to mould concrete to shapes that offer more structural strength, aesthetic appeal and load ratings.

Aeromarine’s recent commercial success has stood it in good stead for a long-term Christchurch commitment with a stable workforce, strong supply lines, and growing markets.

Focus | Aeromarine Industries 60th

Focus | Ray Barley Landscapes

A world of experience to bring your garden to life Replica heritage facades Aeromarine Industries can now provide building designers with composite/ fibreglass building facades in any heritage design.

Celebrating 60 years of business In 1952 Doug Robb set up Timaru’s first boatbuilding yard in Richie Street, down on the Timaru Harbour.

Those markets have included supplying components for a $15 million wastewater treatment upgrade for Timaru and the Timaru District Council’s new $23.5 million Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre.

“Composites and fibreglass offer so much more to designers above and below ground because of their structural qualities, almost infinite shape possibilities, thicknesses and lightness.”

Japanese interest in Aeromarine Robb has been invited by the Japanese Government on an all-expenses-paid visit to one of the world’s largest technology expos to be held in Japan. This expo is Intex Osaka, the biggest trade show for the mechanical parts industry in Japan, featuring leading Japanese parts manufacturers, corporate and service providers as they look to partner with manufacturers around the world in a global exchange of technology, products and currency.

The invitation-only event is known as the Jetro Invitation Programme and is run in conjunction with M-Tech Osaka 2012. Jetro invites overseas business leaders it considers can make a contribution to the world, the Japanese trading economy and who can bring advances in construction techniques and technologies.

Aeromarine welcomes calls from architects, designers, builders and homeowners.

Specialists at:

Aeromarine Industries is a leader in building composite/fibreglass industry components.

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These facades are available in infinite textures to suit the rebuilding of heritage architecture, providing light, flexible, durable and safe infrastructure in a city still nervous about the possibility of ongoing seismic activity, now out for the next 50 years.

Sixty years on, the Doug Robb legacy that started with clinker dinghies lofted to a pattern from his former boatbuilding business in Nelson, and ended with a flourishing Timaru composite engineering business now known as Aeromarine Industries, still produces sought-after products of choice for the construction industry, homeowners, and the recreational industry.

Doug died in 1994 but his legacy continues in the family run company.

In 1965, Doug’s son Trevor commenced an apprenticeship with the business, at a time of great change within the boatbuilding industry. Boats were now being built of new and modern materials, such as aluminium, steel, plywood and fibreglass.

Handing the operations side of Aeromarine Industries to his son Simon, Trevor has now taken a step back from the cut and thrust of running a thriving engineering business.

“We have never sought to be a giant enterprise, rather as a family we are engineers, we love solving design problems and providing a stable environment for our hard-working and loyal staff and customers,” Simon says.

Aeromarine Industries Limited PO Box 2097 Washdyke Timaru T (03) 688 2452 E simon@aeromarine.co.nz. www.aeromarine.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Water gardens | Feature lighting

Ray Barley knew that with a Bachelor of Science in Botany, a life with plants stretched ahead of him.

What he probably didn’t realise when he embarked on his academic pursuit was that he would eventually travel the globe as a landscaper before settling in Nelson to set up his own landscaping business – one he has run for the last 30 years.

After stints landscaping in Australia, Canada and Switzerland, Ray returned to New Zealand in 1982 to set up Ray Barley Nelson Landscapes, utilising the experience he’d gained in his overseas adventures, as well as his botanic background.

“I learnt a lot form travelling and landscaping in different countries,” Ray says. “For example in Perth I learnt a lot about hard landscaping, such as paving and water features, which are prominent in Australia.”

Ray says he approaches each job with an open mind as the need to listen to what the client wants is paramount.

“They are the ones who will be living with it and the landscaping needs to suit their lifestyle as much as it does the terrain. Often a couple will have slightly different views on what they are looking for and I need to work with both of them to ensure we come up with a plan that makes everyone happy.”

Ray Barley Landscapes covers all facets of landscaping projects – from an initial design concept sketch, through to earthworks, hard

Paving | Retaining walls | Plantings. construction and all finishing details including planting, irrigation and lighting.

“We work with design implementation from a client’s idea, an architectural plan or a cooperative interpretation of ideas from client, designer and contractor.”

Ray Barley sees landscapes as a mixture of leisure, sculpture, landform and heritage but which also adds value to a property. “It is estimated house values increase by over 20 percent with good landscaping,” Ray says.

Most of Ray Barley’s work is carried out on residential properties, either new or renovation work, but he has also worked on some smaller commercial operations including a brewery and small factories, as well as landscaping show home properties and commercial property developments. The work he has carried out has aided river bank flood protection as well as land regeneration.

A long term member of Landscaping New Zealand, Ray prides himself on being a versatile landscaper who can provide a client with the right advice and finished product but still retaining the personal touch.

“One of the key aspects of landscaping is understanding the terrain, particularly the hillier areas of Nelson and knowing the right materials to use to complete the job. In this region we are very fortunate we have some great materials to work with, which really enhance a landscape project.”

Ray Barley Landscapes T (03) 545 0117 M (0274) 412 617 E ray@nelsonlandscapes.co.nz www.nelsonlandscapes.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 71

Focus | Gary Lee Electrical

Electrical company moves with changing landscape Gary Lee Electrical’s central Christchurch customer base may have been hit hard in last year’s earthquakes, but the long-standing company has worked steadily to rebuild its clientele and workload.

Quakes make presence felt

The company does electrical servicing work within the majority of the city’s malls.

“Because we’ve been around for such a long time we’ve worked for most of the major retailing outlets around.”

Gary Lee Electrical’s residential work mainly involves rental property maintenance for several property management companies.

“We offer a fast maintenance service, which is what people really like from us and expect from us,” Lee says.

“We worked in most of the major hotels, when they were there,” owner Gary Lee says.

“We wired up the very first Michael Hill shop in Christchurch in the Shades Arcade, and the SBS building, which was eight storeys high.”

The hard-working team at Gary Lee Electrical.

<

The specialist electrical company, formed 29 years ago, focused on the commercial and hospitality markets within Canterbury. The business had established long-term service and maintenance contracts with many major Christchurch customers before the February earthquake struck.

Focus on service Gary Lee Electrical operates under a philosophy of friendliness and fast service.

“Prompt service is important and we’re usually pretty accommodating to people,” Lee says.

Customers appreciate the company’s good communication skills and reliability.

“When we say we’re going to get there, we do get there.”

However, Gary Lee Electrical lost about 25 percent of its regular maintenance customers in the CBD after the earthquake.

“They’re very sophisticated and computerised machines now.”

Gary Lee Electrical has many maintenance contracts for coffee machines around the city, including all machines at the Christchurch Casino.

“Coffee machines make up about 10-15 percent of our business now.”

Gary Lee Electrical primarily services Christchurch’s commercial and hospitality markets, although does do some residential work as well.

<

Gary Lee Electrical at work at Eastgate Mall in Christchurch.

Ltd

ACCOUNTING FOR GROWTH

» Computer Software - MYOB, Xero

Phone 03 343 3350 Fax 03 343 3353 Email patrick@patrickfraher.co.nz 158 Main South Road Sockburn, Christchurch

Experienced professional body corporate managers.

Excellent service, competitive rates.

We are always confident when we recommend Gary Lee Electrical that they will do a great job.

Owners, we will make your Body Corporate work well for you.

Call us - we can help.

2/270 Cranford Street | Christchurch 8052 | Ph: (03) 3560- 460 www.skywaybodycorporate.co.nz |ann@skywaybodycorporate.co.nz 72 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Gary Lee Electrical Limited 7 Elmdale Lane Linwood Christchurch, 8011 T (03) 366 7686 F (03) 377 3727 E garyleeelectrical@xtra.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Find. Listen. Talk.

Communicate.

Proud to be the suppliers of communications equipment to Gary Lee Electrical P (03) 3777 206 F (03) 366 0859 steve@lighthouselighting.net.nz www.lighthousechristchurch

Proudly supporting Gary Lee Electrical

» Business Planning

A Gary Lee Electrical technician hard at work on a coffee machine. Servicing coffee machines is a specialty of the company.

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PATRICKFRAHER C H A R T E R E D A C C O U N TA N T S

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The coffee machine experts

“We were one of the original companies to start fixing coffee machines back in 1983,” owner Gary Lee says.

Speciality electrical services

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This good staff retention rate means customers also benefit from the continuity of dealing with the same people.

Gary Lee Electrical is Christchurch’s specialist in servicing coffee machines.

Initially, the company was kept busy with a complete rewire of Eastgate Mall and business has slowly returned to pre-earthquake levels since. “We’re busy again now and are nearly back to full capacity,” Lee says.

“Our main line of work is electrical contracting, which is broken down into hospitality and commercial work,” says Lee. “Our real focus is on offering fast, immediate maintenance work.”

Lee has also created a strong and supportive culture among his staff, who are loyal and tend to stay for the long haul, with one employee recently celebrating 21 years with the business.

• Portables & Mobiles • Radio Repeaters • FREE On-site Coverage Test • Finance Available Come and visit us at 36 Sheffield Cresent, Christchuch Or phone us on 03 358 8082 www.tlparker.co.nz

We could do the same for you...

Focus | Pegasus Tattoos

Focus | Thrillseekers Adventures

In for a

Bold impressions

thrill

Nestled in Hanmer’s alpine setting where greenery and snowcapped mountains tower above, is every adventurer’s dream of adrenaline pumping activity.

Voted the number one attraction in Hanmer Springs by Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor, Thrillseekers will help you make a smooth transition from one crazy extreme to the next – from quad biking, bungy jumping, to paintballing and water sports, you’ll get it all here.

Great for groups, treating the kids, or if you’re just an individual seeking out to conquer a fear, there’s enough action to make your heart skip a beat… or two.

All you need is the right ingredients to ensure a cocktail of high energy; the willingness to take risks and explore new levels of danger.

Now, are you are ready to take home a lifetime of memories?

Thrillseekers managing director Michael Esposito has seen a surge in corporate activity this year. “Many groups stay the night in Hanmer or alternatively choose a day trip with Thrillseekers. People seem to

It’s like art, it’s like science, it’s a form of expression – not everyone will understand, not everyone will like it, but one thing is for sure, a bold artistic statement imprinted for life – will certainly make an impression.

like the idea of being able to do a number of activities in one place.

“Thrillseekers has also been popular with hen and bachelor parties. It has been a greatly satisfying year for the company being awarded health and safety certification by the government recognised audit company, Outdoors Mark.”

Prove your bravery; get your ankles fastened to some rope from a fixed point and dive head first off Hanmer’s 135-year-old historic Ferry Bridge in to the river canyon below.

Or buckle yourself in to a jet boat, hold on tight and enjoy the water ride that will truly wake you up. Manoeuvring along the length of Hanmer’s Waiau Gorge, you will explore the remarkable landscape as well as experience bursts of speed as you carve your way through the white water rapids.

Rafting is another favourite as you work your way from a still body of water to an intense influx of white wash torrents.

If you’re looking for a bit of mud, dirt and excitement quad biking is exactly what you need to challenge the terrain and maintain your adrenaline buzz. Whether it rains or shines you’re guaranteed to have an awesome time.

Try something a little bit different and take advantage of the natural rural surroundings with claybird shooting on the upper Hanmer range and over the Waiau River. It’s infectious and allows you to test your accuracy and skill.

Leave with satisfaction and achievement.

Fantastic for groups, paintball is a simple game of shoot, hit, and leave. Using a paintball gun and your opponents as your bullseye, you can formulate a strategy to eliminate the opposing team – ideally coming out of the combat zone unmarked and with a big fat smirk on your face.

You can’t get these experiences out of a cereal packet, so get out in to the fresh air and discover a thrill like no other Thrillseekers Hanmer Springs.

Get it right the first time It is important to always go to a reputable artist or to ask to look at photos of their work before committing. There is nothing worse than getting something imprinted on your body, that isn’t quite right.

“Many of the tattoos that need fixing are done by mates experimenting with cheap guns and inks. A solid art background should be a prerequisite before anybody picks up a tattoo gun, as there is no erasing it once it is in the skin – it will not grow out.”

But concerns around quality are not a problem at Pegasus Tattoos; Craig, who is the sole artist at the store, has over twenty years experience behind the tattoo gun. His consistent quality of work has guaranteed many loyal satisfied customers who are happy to recommend his services to their friends.

Hygiene practices are also strictly adhered to with new needles and ink being used on each and every customer and full autoclave sterilisaton of the non-disposable components.

Caring for your tattoo • All tattoos need special aftercare by using an industry recommended healing cream which is available from Pegasus Tattoos • The healing cream will ensure maximum retention of ink, resulting in more vibrant colours and less fading as time goes by

No pain, no gain Colleen says many people ask about the pain factor, but often it’s not as bad as people imagine it.

She points out the foot is probably one of the more sensitive areas and is prone to fading due to the fact that shoes and socks are constantly rubbing the skin. The least painful place to get a tattoo would be the arms.

“It can be described as a hot stinging feel, there is a level of discomfort to be expected, but this is temporary compared to the lifetime pleasure of having a tattoo.

“Nothing else will give you a lifetime of value for money,” she says. “It marks your history, your progress through life’s journey.”

Pegasus Tattoos 20 Brighton Mall New Brighton Christchurch T (03) 382 3023 E pegasus_tattoos@hotmail.com www.pegasustattoos.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Long-standing service — Advertising Feature

Piefection Foods Ltd Piefection Foods have been making the famous Hilliards’ pies for the past two decades.

Our award winning meat pies are popular with pie connoisseurs as they are made from carefully refined recipes that are consistent and aim to provide an unforgettable culinary experience.

Thrillseekers Adventures

Colleen says getting a tattoo is a way of doing something positive for yourself. The resulting buzz of a good tattoo can be quite addictive. But she is quick to add if you have any doubts about getting one, “don’t”.

• Sunblock should be used once the tattoo has healed to prevent fading of colours.

Thrillseekers 839 Hanmer Springs Rd Hanmer Springs T (03) 315 7046 www.thrillseekers.co.nz

Piefection Foods Ltd is proud to support

Getting a tattoo can mark the passing of time, can mark your own story and progress through life; and can last a lifetime. It is for this reason Craig and Colleen, owners of Pegasus Tattoos in New Brighton promise their clients a top-quality service.

www.nicepie.com

10 SENIOR PLACE, BROMLEY, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND PO Box 24272, Christchurch • Ph: 03 389 3242 • Email: nicepie@xtra.co.nz

Pegasus Tattoos was first established in the Brighton Mall in 1996. Today it is a small but understated shop that is full of designs to choose from. Craig is the artistic master; choose from one of the hundreds of designs within the store, or work with him to develop your own unique design, at no extra cost.

Pegasus Tattoos

He specialises in custom-design work; portraits, Polynesian and Maori design, restoration of old tattoos and cover-ups – you name it, he can do it.

www.lillyweb.co.nz

Colleen makes all guests feel at home, attending to their needs as Craig focuses his complete attention on the delicate task at hand.

Proud to support

0800 729 322

DESIGN / DEVELOP / SEO

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 73

Focus | Tyrepower

New home designed with the customer in mind Tyrepower’s move to a convenient new Christchurch site means customers can now relax in comfort while benefiting from a wider range of services.

New location, new standard of service

Owner John Osborne and manager Wayne Stryder say the new site is better for both staff and customers. “The building was in a real state when we moved in so we have made a huge effort to tidy it up, including a full repaint inside and out, plus making some alterations inside to allow for a much better waiting room area, which we didn’t have before at our old site,” he says.

“There’s a big, double sliding door in the waiting room which looks directly into the workshop so you can sit there and watch your vehicle while it’s being worked on.

We wanted to make the customer experience better and this move has allowed us to do that.”

Tyrepower is an industry leader in tyre retailing and associated automotive services.

It is the largest independent tyre retailer in Australia and New Zealand, with more than 260 stores.

What an auto store ought to be

Repco Hornby Proud supporters of Tyrepower Hornby

“

We want to keep growing and making a presence in the new market. We offer great service, which is efficient, friendly and fast, as well as competitive prices.

- manager Wayne Stryder

”

Stryder says the move to its new location has allowed the Christchurch business to broaden its range of services. “We have a wheelalignment machine, which we had before, but now it’s installed into the ground, meaning people with low cars or specialty cars can now get onto it without ramps,” he says.

Tyrepower’s new Hornby premises on Main South Road.

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Tyrepower moved to 240 Main South Road, Hornby, in early June after its previous premises in Wairakei Road was sold.

Tyrepower mission statement: “Tyrepower is an industry leader in tyre retailing and associated automotive services and will continue to grow an expanded, highly professional tyre retail network in the Australasian market.”

Most importantly, Tyrepower offers our clients and customers the best brands, the most accurate advise and competitive prices available.

Tyrepower is an industry leader in tyre retailing and associated automotive services.

6 Chappie Place, Hornby

Tyrepower’s new location on Main South Road is attracting plenty of attention from new customers in the area. Wayne Stryder says while many of their Wairakei Road customers have followed the business, its new client base is growing rapidly.

“Business has been going really well.

We moved quite a long way from our existing customer base so we thought we would almost have to start from scratch,” he says.

“But we’ve retained a lot of our existing customers and have new customers as well.”

The new site is easy to find, has plenty of parking and offers great customer access.”

“People with rare cars often don’t want their car jacked up or blocked to get onto a wheel alignment machine because if it’s not done properly there is a risk of damaging their vehicle, which will be their pride and joy.”

While it’s standard for wheel-alignment machines to be 300mm above the ground, Tyrepower’s machine is countersunk into the workshop floor. “It’s quite rare in the industry and you can just drive onto it; it's quick, easy and there’s no risk of damage” says Wayne.

Discounts for Tyrepower customers Customers of Tyrepower in Main South Road are now receiving huge discounts through its valued Customer Service Passport.

Quality, Expertise and Knowledge

(03) 344 2937

New customers moving to Tyrepower

Being customer driven and taking great pride in forming long term relationships with customers and suppliers alike.

Customers have come to know the high standard of products and the integrity of our dealings.

Blairs KUMHO TYRES support Wayne and his team at TYREPOWER

Yokohama congratulate Wayne and his team.

74 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Wayne says the passport means customers who have purchased tyres through Tyrepower have access to heavily discounted wheel alignments, rotations and balancing every six or 12 months.

“These services are essential for maintaining your tyres to make sure you get maximum life out of them,” he says.

PERFORMANCE TYRES Phone: 09 274 0079 | www.yokohama.co.nz

Focus | Tyrepower The tyre specialists While Tyrepower’s core business is replacing and servicing tyres, plus aligning wheels, the Christchurch business also does warrants of fitness and mechanical servicing.

Tyrepower in Main South Road stocks most brands of tyres and can source almost any brand customers want. While many tyre dealers are owned by tyre manufacturers, Tyrepower is an independent business with no brand restrictions.

“Our core services are replacing tyres and doing wheel alignments to the highest standard,” Stryder says. “We cater for all cars, four-wheel drives and light trucks.”

Tyrepower is the largest independent retailer in the New Zealand market, with more than 16 Tyrepower stores from the far north of

Whangarei through to Christchurch and is recognised by major tyre manufacturers as an integral part of the tyre industry in New Zealand.

Growing relationships and delivering quality brands Tyrepower in Christchurch is working hard to grow its business through providing excellence in customer service and building strong relationships through suppliers such as Cooper Tyres, George Stock and Company, Repco, Goodyear, Dunlop, Yokohama and Toyo.

“We want to keep growing and making a presence in the new market,” Stryder says.

“We offer great service, which is efficient, friendly and fast, as well as competitive prices.

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“

Tyrepower now has a comfortable place for customers to wait while their cars are being serviced.

Fast facts Tyrepower offers the following tyre services: • New tyres • Used tyres • Fitting and balancing • Tyre rotations • Wheel alignments (latest Hawkeye equipment) • Puncture repairs

Tyrepower also offers a range of mechanical services, including: • WOF • Servicing/oil changes • Batteries • Brake repairs, including disc machining • Suspension and shocks • Transmission servicing • WINZ quotes • Repairs on all cars, four-wheel drives and light trucks.

- manager Wayne Stryder

<

• Mag wheel sales.

There’s a big, double sliding door in the waiting room which looks directly into the workshop so you can sit there and watch your vehicle while it’s being worked on. We wanted to make the customer experience better and this move has allowed us to do that.

Tyrepower’s new Hornby premises is gaining plenty of interest from local customers.

”

Tyrepower 240 Main South Road Hornby Christchurch T (03) 341 5497 F (03) 348 3650 E wayne@tyrepowerchch.co.nz www.tyrepower.co.nz — Advertising Feature

STOCKS CONGRATULATE TYREPOWER ON THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW HORNBY STORE For all your: Tyre Repair, Suspension, Garage Equipment needs Visit our website:

www.georgestock.co.nz

Christchurch Distribution Centre, 15c Byron Street, Sydenham, Phone (03) 366 2500 www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 75

Focus | Adgraphix

Getting your message

out there

Quality products backed by expertise and extremely high standards are the key factors that have seen Adgraphix grow from a small, two-person operation to become a nationally renowned printing and signage company.

Established in 1999 by Scott Shore and Jeff Gibson, Adgraphix was brought to life as a specialist company producing large format digitally printed products. Now incorporating its own professional signs and installation department, the company is perfectly placed to take on extensive advertising, display and signage products across a wide range of mediums.

Early days The concept behind Adgraphix is simple – quality products backed by expertise and memorable customer service. It is a guiding philosophy that has remained unchanged throughout the company’s 13 years of operation.

Shore and Gibson built the business from the ground up, with the aim of filling what

Proud to support AdGraphix

95 Disraeli Street, Addington, Christchurch, New Zealand Ph: +64 3 366 3634 Fax: +64 3 366 3600 Mobile: 0274 329 768 Email: enquiries@fabplastics.co.nz

Brochure Displays, Shop Fittings, Point of Sale Options, Design, Manufacture and Installation FAB does it all!

Contact us today for more information on how we can help

www.fabplastics.co.nz

Proud to support the success of adgraphix Jolly Good Software is a provider of Business Improvement through the use of Information Technology.

We believe our success is acheived through the success of our clients.

021 274 6776

enquiries@jollygood.co.nz

76 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.jollygood.co.nz

they regarded as a gap in the market. Today, Adgraphix has grown to 12 employees and a third director in John Stylianou, who joined the company in 2004.

“There was nothing quite like it [Adgraphix] around when we first started,” Shore says.

“We started as a sign writer and screen printer – we knew what the industry required and built it from there.”

The main challenge was changing the mindset of their consumers. Digital printing was still a relatively new concept to many, and was perceived to have limited results.

“We initially hit the ground running, in that we were quite prepared as to how we would market ourselves and fit in that market. In the early days however, people were scared of large format digital inkjet printing because it faded fast - only lasting a matter of months in direct sunlight.

“We got around that with a dual ink system that allowed a choice of ink. This included a long life ink that allowed an image to last a couple of years, therefore enabling us to produce work for longer time frames. The main challenge was convincing people it was improved – once we got through that, things worked really well.”

Two years later and the company’s reputation for being industry leaders in innovation and technology was further reinforced by the purchase of the first solvent printer in Christchurch.

“This machine opened doors for pretty much anything,” Shore says. “Fade resistance was comparable to any other printing and had

The Rheel Group has been providing IT support to Canterbury businesses for over 15 years.

If you are looking for a reliable company who will go the extra mile to assist you in managing your IT requirements, then give us a call.

We look forward to becoming Your Partner in IT W. www.rheel.co.nz E. info@rheel.co.nz P. 03 343 1395

We specialise in • General day to day and contract IT support • Sales and support of new equipment • Email setup and hosting (including spam filtering) • Antivirus solutions • Network support and setup

Focus | Adgraphix Innovation

Adgraphix at a glance

Why Use Us

• Established in 1999, Adgraphix specialises in large format digitally printed products

• The merging of both printing and signage has led Adgraphix to become regarded as having one of the most diverse ranges of equipment in the country

• The company has since expanded to incorporate its own professional sign and installation department – essentially becoming a one stop shop • Adgraphix boasts New Zealand’s largest printing machine that takes up to five metre wide rolls, and is one of only a few Christchurch companies that print dye sublimated flags locally • The adoption of environmental initiatives has seen Adgraphix half the volume of waste that it sends to landfill each week, and the company has become a bronze-certified member of Enviro-Mark.

the same durability if not better with no lamination required.”

In 2005 Adgraphix introduced digital flatbed printing to Christchurch, as one of the very first pioneers of this technology in New Zealand. “The technology was amazing; we could put a thick sheet of material on the bed and print an image directly onto it. There was no other way to do this cost effectively in short runs.”

Continual growth has since seen Adgraphix expand from solely being a printing company, to now incorporating digital print and sign making expertise all under the one roof.

Product diversity The merging of both printing and signage has led Adgraphix to become regarded as having one of the most diverse ranges of products in the country.

This level of product diversity allows the company to offer an unrivalled level of

Adgraphix is committed to investing in the latest technology to ensure it is at the forefront of the constantly evolving digital printing and sign making industry.

Regular equipment upgrades sets the company apart from its competitors, with Adgraphix usually being the first in Christchurch to adopt new technology.

• More than $20,000 has been invested in stand alone hardware and software for ensuring consistency and predictability of printing output across all machines. This is particularly important for repeat work or campaigns that span over a variety of mediums, when branding and corporate colours must stay consistent • Adgraphix is Canterbury’s leader in terms of printing capacity, which is more comparable to the larger printing firms in Auckland • A Satisfaction Guarantee is offered to all customers - reflective of the emphasis that is placed on quality. consistency, in that clients do not have to worry about getting different sign and printing companies to match their requirements using dissimilar systems.

“We are a one stop shop,” Shore says. “All of our work is encompassed under one umbrella – signage, large format digital printing and display. We have New Zealand’s largest printing machine which takes up to five metre wide rolls, and we are one of only a few companies based in Christchurch that print dye sublimated flags locally.”

Yet the team at Adgraphix is well aware that while product diversity is vital, maintaining quality and high standards is equally as important.

The same principles are applied to each and every aspect of the business, Shore says, and attention to detail is paramount.

“We do not let anything go out the door unless we are 100 percent happy with it and this is a philosophy that is ingrained into every one of our employees. We have

“We are renowned for having a reputation for innovation, having the latest and the best technology and using it to its full potential,” he says.

extremely high standards and if the job is not good enough for us then it is not good enough for our customers.

“We are so confident in our attention to detail that we offer a Satisfaction Guarantee.

We want our customers to be 100 percent happy with not just the products but also their experience in dealing with us – it has to be easy.”

Adgraphix has also invested more than $20,000 in stand alone hardware and software for ensuring consistency and predictability of printing output across all machines. This is particularly important for repeat work or campaigns that span over a variety of mediums, when branding and corporate colours must stay consistent.

As the company’s reputation has grown, so too has its portfolio of high profile clients and associated projects. This includes window and store props and banners for Glassons stores nationwide, the stunning new Central Library Peterborough window for Christchurch City Council, along with supplying and installing graphics for the award winning air bridges at Christchurch International Airport.

More recently, Adgraphix has worked on all the event signage in Hagley Park for the Christchurch City Council’s IceFest.

“This allows us to have the capacity to handle some pretty large jobs, especially when it comes to events. No one has got the ability to produce the volume of printing that we can in Canterbury – we are more comparable to the larger printing firms in Auckland.”

The adoption of environmental initiatives has seen Adgraphix half the volume of waste that it sends to land-fill each week, and the company has become a bronze-certified member of Enviro-Mark.

“Our environmental policy is something that we are always working on and constantly improving, as we have identified it as a progressive thing for a printing company to be doing,” Shore says.

“We are committed to constantly improving our practices and limiting our impact on the environment. We have reached bronze, and are now working towards the next level.”

Whilst technology and innovation continues to change at a rapid pace in the printing and sign making industry, Adgraphix is also careful to ensure that the most important concepts – service and quality – remain unchanged.

Adgraphix Limited 16 Buchan Street Sydenham Christchurch 8023 (03) 365 6770 www.adgraphix.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

100% NZ Owned Let our wonderful team help you with all your requirements in the stationery, book binding, graphic and industrial sheet areas.

Your solution providers for over 26 years!

Contact us now on 0800 73 43 53 or visit our website www.field.co.nz

Proudly supporting Ad Graphix We have a dynamic range of equipment and supplies to help build business... whether in grandformat outdoor printing, or in your sign-shop or to provide for your specialist print need.

www.aarquesignandscreen.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 77

Focus | Top Hi Fi Shop

super sound

The home of

The Top Hi Fi Shop can provide the complete package when it comes to high quality sound reproduction equipment for both home and business.

From choosing the right equipment to installing it, The Top Hi Fi Shop covers it all with trained professional staff for both residential and commercial sound systems and all products backed by a minimum two year warranty and support.

Top Hi Fi Shop manager Jonathan Mitchell says when it comes to choosing a high quality system it is not all about money or specs.

“When choosing a system people often go online and check out specs of the sound equipment before buying. They also think the more money they spend the better the system they are getting.

“However, specs and price do not tell the full story. Good hi-fi doesn’t have to break the budget and high end doesn’t mean high price.

The proof is really in the listening.”

The Top Hi Fi Shop in Pilgrim Place is the place to do that with two fully functioning demo rooms for customers to try out some of the best hi fi gear in the city. “What sounds better is better and we encourage our customer to have fun and to trust their ears.

are able top advise as to the best set up and have the technicians to complete the install.

The shop is also geared up to deal with the latest trends in the sound reproduction industry. “With the shift to streaming and integration with computer systems along with house-wide integration we have the experience to advise," Mitchell says.

However, Mitchell says that CD and vinyl still provide the best source for sound quality.

“There is a bit of a resurgence in vinyl because of the sound quality and turntables are always developing in quality.”

Also making a resurgence are valve amplifiers. “Valve amplifies appeal to the audiophile because of their high quality sound reproduction and the retro look is also appealing. The valve amp has benefits over transistor amps including more accurate reproduction which produces a full and warm sound.”

Top Hi Fi Shop guidelines to follow when looking for a system that provides musical satisfaction • Only a specialist retailer who is completely geared to demonstrating, selling and correctly installing hi-fi can possibly provide you with the level of reproduction you need.

• Correct specification of partnering equipment, speaker and interconnect cables, set up and siting of the gear is not an ability evenly distributed in this industry, and many people waste their money on hi-fi without actually achieving a musical result.

“We will often spend several hours in the • Often, a system has been cobbled together demo rooms with customers looking at the on the premise that “I have a ‘five star’ CD alternatives. We encourage them to bring their player, amp, speakers and cables and have own music as it allows them to accurately spent thousands - it must be a good one.” compare the sound reproduction of our high Unfortunately nothing could be further from quality equipment to what they have been the truth. Usually that system will certainly used to.” have ‘great bass extension’ or ‘great detail retrieval’ or display other ‘hi-fi-isms’ yet The Top Hi Fi Shop also encourages customers, particularly those building or renovating their be utterly boring and incapable of playing home, to bring in their home plans and they a tune.

KJ Distributors Ltd import and distribute custom audio and high end hifi equipment.

Focal Speakers from France, Musical Fidelity and Cyrus Audio from the UK. Complete Audio Technology for custom installation.

KJ Distributors Ltd Hamilton, New Zealand (07) 847 8436, 021 743 080 www.kjd.co.nz www.focalnz.co.nz

Think outside the box.

The new Loewe AirSpeaker.

Your iPhone, iPad or Mac has never sounded like this before. The Loewe AirSpeaker plays music wirelessly via Apple AirPlay technology – in unbeatable sound quality.

With its aluminium housing and *variety of insets, it’s sure to cut an excellent figure whatever position it takes. Which is why it’s more than likely that you’ll want one for every room… so what are you waiting for, come into Top Hi-Fi and check out the new Loewe audio range now! * Silver inset is standard. Coloured insets available at additional cost.

78 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Top Hi Fi Shop

Focus | Big Rock Canyons

Adventures of self discovery Canyoning is the latest must do adventure activity in New Zealand and one of the leading exponents in the country is Geraldine-based Big Rock Canyons.

The company was the brainchild of two extremely experienced mountain and water men, Grant Prattley and Koryn Gould, who met during a vertical ropes course three years ago.

With over 40 years of practical and instructional experience between them, these two vastly experienced outdoors people have come from quite different backgrounds to form Big Rock Canyons.

However, when combined these two backgrounds are the exact skill sets required for canyoning; waterfalls and white water, technical rope skills and the love of sharing what they do.

“When we combined the skills we had with some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and the ability to not only guide, but teach participants the fundamentals of canyoning, we help them expand their own personal confidence and technical skills while having a fantastic and fun time,” Grants says.

“Our main canyon tours, Tui and Kaumira, are 2-4 hours of downhill action adventure.

We have an unparalleled mix of fun, challenge and excitement including jumps, slides, abseils/rappels, zips and flips. Come and enjoy nature’s water park ride.”

Every system starts with the source component: • The CD and turntable define the absolute potential of your system as they are the first to deal with the recording quality embedded on the disc

Canyoning is a great option for tours groups, conferences, incentives, rewards, businesses, events, team building, schools, organisations, parties, universities and clubs, as well as just a group of friends. Group rates are available for bookings of more than eight people.

• The amplifier comes next. Obviously a poor amplifier will make nonsense of an excellent CD player, but the fact is that no matter how good an amplifier is, it cannot reproduce what has not come before it

“We have enough gear and guides to run 42 people (three groups of 14) through the Tuicanyon with a four hour turnaround from our Glentui base,” Grants says.

• Speakers come last. They are the slave of the amplifier and once again, no matter how good they may be, they can not improve what has not come before them.

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5.30pm Sat: 10am to 4pm

The Top Hi Fi Shop 9 Pilgrim Place Christchurch (behind Denny’s on Moorhouse Ave) T (03) 365-2041 F (03) 377-2628 E sales@tophifi.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Proud supplier to The Top Hi Fi Shop of genuine international high end audio brands.

www.soultosoleaudio.com

The company will also assist with accommodation.

“We work closely with Glentui Lodge and Conference Centre. They have a range of dorm, backpacker and holiday house accommodation for up to 120 people, conference facilities and various types of meal plans available, just five minutes from Tui Canyon.”

The canyons are located in Canterbury on the major travellers’ hub between Kaikoura and Queenstown, including the West Coast, and the company runs daily tours from Christchurch and Geraldine.

Grant Prattley Grant’s background is mountaineering and vertical ropes. He started his outdoors career as the youngest operations manager of the (Aoraki) Mount Cook National Park Search and Mountain Rescue. He helped develop the Search and Rescue Institute of New Zealand (SARINZ) and is still its lead instructor and course co-ordinator.

He travels the world canyoning and teaching and instructing vertical and cliff rescue.

In fact, when it comes to anything to do with ropes and rope techniques no one knows more. In his spare time he scours topographical maps for the lines and contours that could indicate a new canyon to explore… then of course, he goes and checks off another amazing first descent.

Koryn Gould Koryn has spent the last 20 years sharing most of the world’s greatest river trips with literally thousands of people. He has commercially guided and kayaked in 19 countries worldwide. He has instructed guides and taken rescue courses from Australia to Israel, Nepal, Japan, Borneo, Mexico and Switzerland. He has led multi day rafting expeditions, first descents and was a NZ representative in freestyle kayaking.

He is a rafting assessor in New Zealand, Switzerland and for the IRF (International Rafting Federation) the world's most recognised rafting standard and also runs the rafting programme at the West Coast Polytechnic (Tai Poutini).

Contact and bookings Prior booking is essential, so contact Big Rock Canyons to discuss your needs.

Big Rock Canyons P O Box 88 Geraldine 7930 T: 0800 BIGROCK (0800 244762) E bookings@bigrockcanyons.co.nz www.bigrockcanyons.co.nz/ — Advertising Feature

SUGDEN AUDIO AMPLIFIERS and CD PLAYERS (UK) ALMARRO VALVE AMPLIFIERS (Japan) VPI TURNTABLES (USA) BENZ MICRO PHONO CARTRIDGES (Switzerland) KONDO AMPLIFIERS and CABLES (Japan) LIVING VOICE SPEAKERS (UK) JM REYNAUD SPEAKERS (France) YARLAND VALVE AMPLIFIERS (China) CANARY AUDIO VALVE AMPLIFIERS (USA) EXIMUS DACS and AMPLIFIERS (South Korea)

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 79

Focus | Harbour Co-op

Banding together

Lyttelton in the past two years has undergone a myriad of dramatic changes. So when a local, longstanding business looked likely to close, the community decided to pull its resources to ensure it stayed.

After the February 2011 earthquake, the Te Whanau Trust that owned organic food store Lyttel Piko needed to pour its resources into its Stanmore Road premises after losing another of its original premises.

So the decision was made to sell the Lyttelton business.

Harbour Co-op managing director Brian Rick, who managed Lyttel Piko, asked the trust if he could have some time to see if he could come up with a solution so the shop, which had proven to be a lifeline for many during the earthquakes, could remain open.

“If we were to close down, especially in that last year post quake, it would have been really, really hard for people in the community. The co-operative model seemed like a way it could keep going.”

“We set up a steering committee to guage the response of the community. It was positive – people were quite keen to keep the shop with a lot of people interested in the co-operative model.”

The steering committee quickly became experts in co-operatives and publicly held companies, and a co-operative was soon established. The Harbour Co-op was formed with shareholders paying $365 per household share. It took only about seven weeks to get the initial 150 shareholders it required. The number of shareholders has grown since then and Brian says they are looking to introduce other types of shareholdings for employees and businesses.

“The shares aren’t really an investment share.

Shareholders aren’t looking for financial return. There is the option after we’ve paid off the loan to the trust that we will look at distributing profit based on volume of transactions rather than number of shares, though it`‘s more likely profit will be directed toward capital improvements.”

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80 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

What is a Co-op?

• A co-op is a member-owned, membercontrolled business that operates for the mutual benefit of all members and according to common principles established for cooperatives.

• A co-op is an organisation that takes the idea of working together and puts it into a business structure. The cooperative business is owned and controlled by the people who use it – its members. It is operated primarily for the benefit of its members, to meet their mutual needs.

• At its core, a co-op is a business, subject to the same needs and demands of any business, but the fact that the co-op is owned and controlled by its members makes it a unique form of business.

Brian says there is the possibility in the future to provide further goods and perhaps services to the community through the co-operative, however this will be at the discretion of the shareholders. “Hopefully people can see the potential for what it could offer.”

There are two full time and three part time employees at the store, with shareholders encouraged to complete “owner hours” in the hope of reducing some costs.

“There were a lot of volunteer hours put in by the board of directors especially in the early days. The ethos behind a co-operative is to all work together and if shareholders do so then it could make a difference.”

With locals and even some non-locals, now having a vested interest in the store, there has been an increase in sales. “Turnover is already up 10 percent on the same time last year, so things are looking positive,” Brian says.

“I think the response from the community has been the great part about it. We’ve had such great support and feedback about it. Lyttelton has an incredibly strong community and the co-op is another testament to that.”

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 9am-4pm Sunday 12-5pm Harbour Co-op 12 London Street Lyttelton T (03) 328 8544

— Advertising Feature

Focus | YMCA 150th

Focus | Fight for Christchurch

Seconds out

YMCA marks a milestone

< Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe celebrates the win by his fighter Andrew Leckie over TVNZs Blair Norton

Roll out the red carpet as YMCA marks its 150th anniversary, an achievement in every sense of the word.

The recipient charities of the 2012 Fight for Christchurch are: • St John • The Canterbury Earthquake Children’s Trust

Legalised in July 1862, YMCA is an organisation that strives to make a positive impact in the community by offering a variety of affordable and quality services. With a clear focus on community support, YMCA plays an important role essential to maintaining a positive future for the younger generation. It achieves this by building strong and healthy relationships and being consistent in their proactive approach.

The organisation is holding a range of events in celebration of its landmark achievement. It has already held a successful golf tournament which saw 100 people attending and raising a whopping $13,000 - with yet more celebration’s to come.

An open day will be held at Bishopdale’s YMCA on October 13. It includes various entertainments and a chance for people to see the programmes and facilities YMCA offers.

“During the open day we will also be inviting people to shoot hoops in the basketball stadium. They will all be counted and simultaneously the same thing is going on at every other YMCA in the world - in order to try to make a world record of the most hoops shot in a 24 hour period,” YMCA chief executive Josie Ogden Schroeder says.

• Canterbury EQ Survivors • Kids Can

A talent quest was held in September with a $7,000 first prize, $2,000 second prize and the third place getter taking home $1,000.

A volunteer reunion function will be held on November 30, bringing together current and past staff/volunteers to share food, drinks and watch old movies.

“The YMCA Life Fit Club is doing a Coast to Coast on September 22 and 23. Some 31 participants in their 70s and 80s will be involved in walking, running and cycling 230km from Kumara to Christchurch, and have all overcome terrific personal health and fitness challenges to be able to attempt this!

“YMCA has a range of free youth development programmes which is aimed at younger people who want to embark on a community project with the support of YMCA staff and resources,” she says.

“Our Education Centre offers free training courses to school leavers who want to attain NCEA level 1 and 2 and/or prepare for further tertiary training. These programmes are run by s pecialist teachers and are supported by literacy tutors and youth workers to ensure success.”

The organisation also offers quality and affordable accommodation, conferencing facilities and outdoor activities; it has the biggest climbing wall in Christchurch and up to 15,000 school children continue to attend the Wainui Park camp every year.

YMCA creates an environment where families and individuals can come together to connect, make friends and share experiences.

It’s said good causes are worth fighting for and on Friday, November 30, at the CBS Arena, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.

Sixteen warriors will go toe-to-toe in eight bouts to raise money for worthy causes as the Fight for Christchurch charity boxing event makes a welcome return to the Garden City.

The 2011 event raised more than $120,000 for numerous charities and since 2010 the event has raised in excess of $215,000 – all for good causes.

But this is a boxing card with a difference; all the fighters are regular people prepared to step into the ring for a good cause.

This is not ‘pros vs joes’ but an evening of evenly matched opponents meaning anything can happen at a moment’s notice – and usually does.

It is also more than just a night of boxing action, you will be entertained by local performers singers and dancers.

To help raise money for the chosen charities, there will be a selection of items auctioned on the night. There will be fashion in the ring and you can make a complete night of it at the Christchurch Casino by meeting at the casino before the big event, and attending the official after party at the casino’s Grande Café.

For an evening of unrivalled boxing and entertainment action, make sure you book your spot at the CBS Arena, not only to help raise funds for good causes, but for a knockout of a good time.

Justin Wallace Enth Degree Ltd 0272 515 210 E: justin@enthdegree.co.nz www.fightforchristchurch.co.nz — Advertising Feature

With a red carpet entrance, a night of glitz and glam, join the who’s who of Christchurch business leaders, local politicians and sporting personalities who will be attending the Fight for Christchurch.

The CBS Arena will be transformed into an ideal host for this major boxing event and the 1000 formally-attired guests; that’s right – it’s a night to dress and impress.

It’s a great way to reward staff or regular clients and enjoy the biggest live boxing event in Christchurch. And if corporate tables just aren’t you, join the many others who will enjoy watching this event with great views from the stands around the CBS Arena. You can choose from Ringside VIP, gold, silver or bronze reserve table packages.

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Proudly Supporting Fight For Christchurch www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 81

Focus | Bambi Drapery

Knitting generations

Being a former customer, having bought wool from it for 18 years as well as all her children’s uniforms, Jayne was already attached, long before she bought the store. She simply loved Bambi Drapery and all the things it sold; from its postal service to its uniform, knitting, knitting supplies and crafts all under the same roof. “I just love all the haberdashery and the wool. I have been a knitter all my life… I like doing craftwork.”

Turbulent times

It is certainly a quietly elegant store; walking through its homey entrance, a colourful array of dolls, decorations and knit-wear, sit in greeting, with many more pleasant surprises waiting to be found around each new corner. Every room in the villa is nicely stocked with a colourful display of wool, clothing, toys, uniforms and an extensive range of haberdashery.

Not just any store As much as she obviously takes pride in her stock and store it is also the people, as much as the job that Jayne is passionate about.

And as things post-earthquake finally begin to settle down, Jayne hopes generations will continue to flow through. “We love seeing the kids come through, buying uniforms and showing them how smart they look.”

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It is this quality of both product and relationships that is the evident point of difference for customers who go to Bambi Drapery. “We are a jack of all trades – tissues, teas and toilets.”

Bambi Drapery 693 Gloucester Street Dallington Christchurch T (03) 3899583 E bambidrapery@gmail.com — Advertising Feature

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“The community all helps – that is why I fought to stay here,” she says. “There are so many broken pieces that we need to join But despite all the shakes, the stops and starts together. I really wanted to get Bambi going. and missing out on some of the peak sales Generations have been through here." seasons thanks to forced closures, Jayne says she never thought of moving out of Dallington Jayne points out that Bambi Drapery is an itself. Instead she worked hard to find a place icon in the neighbourhood, providing a nostalgic point of difference for many within the suburb to re-open. long-time customers. “I’ve had an 80-yearold come in here and reminisce about having been in here as a child to get her school uniform.”

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However in turbulent times love is not always enough to keep things going smoothly.

Dallington was hit pretty badly by the earthquakes and Jayne’s business was not left unscathed, with a literal upheaval from its decades-old store.

“I really love being in the villa,” Jayne says.

“It is nice to be away from all the upheaval of the construction. It’s so peaceful here, it’s nice having things like the cat from next door come and poke his head in.”

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Jayne Mortimer, the owner of Bambi Drapery, spent most of her life in a “desk job”, before she took over the ownership of the unique Dallington store in late 2010.

In a way, despite the inconvenience, the forced relocation was a blessing in disguise.

Jayne says she just loves the new place, which is a gorgeous, newly renovated villa, just down the road from where Bambi once was, in a more peaceful, easily accessible part of the road.

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A passion for community, people, arts, craft and wool, led a former office worker to leave the corporate world behind and start selling some of the things she loves most in life.

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Goods & Services | Ken Wills Furniture

Creating bespoke furniture from a unique situation

Ken Wills Furniture other services: Resurfacing The beauty of solid timber furniture is that if it becomes marked or untidy for any reason, Ken Wills Furniture is able to resurface back to raw timber, re-spray and wax to give it a new lease of life.

As Christchurch is being slowly dismantled, a South Canterbury furniture maker is turning demolition material into finely crafted, hand-made furniture.

For 20 years Ken Wills has been producing some of the finest recycled rimu furniture in the South Island, sending his hand crafted pieces up and down the country and overseas.

Ken Wills Furniture is now using rimu from demolition sites around Christchurch to produce exquisite furniture at very affordable prices, some of which will make its home once again in the earthquake shaken city.

This was all happening at a time when Ken Wills Furniture was having difficulty sourcing good quality rimu and the company was turning to oak as an alternative timber source. That all changed with the devastation in Christchurch with rimu, a unique New Zealand timber, renowned for its durability, strength colour and character.

Sue says they contacted a number of demolition companies in Christchurch to alert them to the fact they would be very happy to and buy the rimu.

“Once these demolition companies saw there was a market for the timber, they were then able to separate it out from the rest of the rubble and the timber we have obtained is beautiful heart rimu with lots of colour and character.

Ken Wills Furniture offers standard ranges including dining tables and chairs, bookcases, coffee tables, TV units, sea chests, bedroom furniture including beds, scotch chests and wardrobes.

“However, if the style or size of our standard pieces are not suitable, we are able to offer a custom-build service on many items to suit particular requirements.”

Complementing Ken Wills’ hand crafted furniture, the company also produce a range of smaller rimu and oak pieces such as DVD/CD towers, coat stands, trays, stools, magazine tables, and stock a stunning array of gifts and accessories for the home.

Enhancing the range, Ken Wills Furniture offers several styles of leather and fabric lounge suites, imported pieces, New Zealand made Dreamwool mattresses and are proud to be a stockist of the fabulous Stressless recliners and sofas from Norway. These are regarded as the Rolls Royce of recliners, offering superb quality and comfort.

“Our customers come from throughout New Zealand and overseas and freighting and delivery around New Zealand can be easily arranged,” Sue says.

“The furniture we make from this recycled rimu can be engraved that it has been recovered from Christchurch, and this is proving popular with our customers.”

Since its humble beginnings in Ken and Sue Wills’ carport in 1992, Ken Wills Furniture now operates a large factory and showroom at 300 Hilton Highway, Washdyke, on the northern entrance to Timaru.

“We produce a wide range of furniture for every room in the home, crafted from recycled Rimu timber at affordable prices,” Sue says.

“Our skilled craftsman use traditional methods, such as dovetailed drawers, joints being dowelled and glued with the utmost attention to detail, which makes our furniture strong and robust for everyday family living.

“The finishing of the furniture is all important; enhancing the unique design of each piece to reveal the full character of the timber with a

Dining chairs can be upholstered in the customer’s own choice of fabric. Ken Wills Furniture uses macrosuede as a standard on their chairs. This is an extremely durable fabric and being a man-made fabric, does not harbour dust mites, can be scrubbed and comes in a wide range of colours.

protective finish and a final beeswax polish - leaving a warm solid look for easy care and long lasting quality.”

Gift vouchers Sue Wills and Aaron Jones of Ken Wills Furniture with recycled rimu from Christchurch and a finished TV unit.

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“It was heartbreaking seeing all the devastation and the bulldozers pulling down all the unsafe buildings and all beautiful timber being pushed into piles of rubble,” Sue Wills says.

Upholstery

“We stand behind our products 100 percent and offer our personal guarantee on all furniture sold.”

You will not find Ken Willis Furniture items in other stores they are only available through the company’s Timaru showroom or through its website, www.kenwills.co.nz.

Retail shop hours Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturdays: 10am – 4pm Sundays: 11am – 4pm

Gift vouchers are available for that special occasion. Ken Wills Furniture also has unique wooden rimu vouchers in a variety of denominations.

Wedding Registry Ken Wills Furniture offers a eedding registry service which is great for the bride and groom, and for the guests.

Ken Wills Furniture and Homewares 300 Hilton Highway Timaru T (03) 688 2960 E salesteam@kenwills.co.nz www.kenwills.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 83

Goods & Services | Fashion Focus

Stylish

dress-ups

A former registered nurse turned fashion store owner, has kept “caring for others” at the forefront of her business.

Since taking the leap from healthcare into fashion, Fashion Focus owner Jan Hide hasn’t left behind her love of helping others, developing her own social business model to help others look and feel good.

As the owner of three women’s clothing stores, that make up Fashion Focus, in Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru, Jan offers fashion advice, and contributes to the wider community through a range of fundraising initiatives.

Sharing the love For Jan it is not about selling just to meet the dollar target. “It’s not about sale at any cost.

We will do what it takes to get it right. Our customers know we are honest.”

Fashion Focus aims to provide all women with a positive and fun-filled experience with a true feel-good, look-good outcome for its customers.

In her efforts to spread this feel good factor outside of her stores, Jan also runs a range of social initiatives. Through her stores, and with the help of other local businesses, Jan organises everything from fashion shows to fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society, to supporting the South Canterbury Hospice and free monthly makeovers for people going through a hard-time and needing a little bit of a “pick-me-up”.

Monthly makeover nominations To give that special someone a quick pick-up when they are feeling down, why not nominate them for a free makeover? Jan and a group of local businesses have joined forces to provide someone with a new look.

So go online now to nominate them, or pop into one of the local Fashion Focus stores.

Making it work – her way In a market saturated with clothing options for women, it can be a tall-order to make things work, but thanks to Jan and her team’s personal touch in the community, business has continued to thrive.

Each of the Fashion Focus stores, under Jan’s attentive management, have become fashion icons in their respective towns.

After Jan purchased the three stores in three years, beginning in 2007 with the former Timaru-based Jennifer Mary store, she put the trio through a makeover of their own. Each of the stores was refitted, modernised and many new labels were introduced.

The range of clothing was extended to cover women from the age of 30 and upwards. “We serve real people, size 10s – size 22s; not just the skinny ‘Lizzies’.”

Jan admits providing stock, within the rural environment, has its share of challenges. “We can’t stock lots of the same range as people don’t want to go to a party and find someone wearing the same outfit. It is one of the challenges of working within the rural areas as this has a smaller market.”

So instead of bringing in a lot of one range, she focuses on quality, not mass-produced items of clothing.

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84 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Goods & Services | Fashion Focus

Jan Hide shares her tips to successful dressing Know your body shape and what complements it. If you do not know this go online www.bodyshapefashionadvice.com Work out what colours work for you. A simple test can help with this; wearing no makeup, hold white up against your face and then cream. If the white looks better, then you will find that cool colours work best for you – such as blue or purple. If the cream looks better, then the warm colours such as orange or red will work best for you. It is also important to remember that there are different tones within each colour. For example, you can have a blue based red or an orange based red.

Black has been a major component in many wardrobes. Most colour consultants encourage us to keep away from black as we get older and for many this is good advice, especially near our face. However, for some women, particularly those who develop lovely silver or grey hair, black can be quite stunning and it may be the first time in their lives that they can actually wear black.

Many women are advised that their colour palate does not change. However, with age, our skin colour and tone does change so there may be variations to what colours you can wear as you age.

If you are not confident with what suits you – select a shop where you have confidence in the staff, particularly their styling knowledge and their honesty. Make sure you have sufficient time when you do this. Ask them to dress you in what they think will work for you. Because we work with women on a daily basis, we get to know what works for your body shape and colouring. We may select very differently from what you might chose, but usually our selection works and you go away a satisfied customer.

Just as we all have a personality type, so too do we have a style personality. This is the style that you feel most comfortable wearing. I tend to refer to four style groups – creative (those who like putting together combinations using different colours, textures and accessories and achieving very different but successful looks), classic (those who like traditional, tailored and classic looks that

do not date), feminine (those who love the floating, soft, lacey, frills and bows look, often with small/flower prints) or natural (those who like to use natural fibres and neutral colours and who dress for comfort).

You will always have a dominant style but have influences from one or more of the other styles. By knowing your style, you can then be more selective, and successful, when shopping. If you try something on and it just does not feel right, it may well be because it is outside of your usual style of dressing. If purchased, it may not get worn so a good rule to follow is ‘if in doubt – leave out’.

We often hear ‘I don’t have my good underwear on today’ when our customers are trying on clothes. Our response to this is that you should only ever wear good underwear.

So often women blame the top layer for not looking right when in fact it is the layers underneath that are at fault.

Don’t worry about the size on the label! We often see women trying on clothing we know is not going to fit, but they are insistent that this is the size they have always worn! There is such a variation in sizes in clothing that the label on the garment means very little and even if you do have to go up a size, it is always easy to cut the label off. Staff in the stores should be able to tell you about fit and whether they are small or large fitting for the size.

Any clothing that forms a V, either at the neck or an upsidedown V on the bottom half, serves to make you look taller and slimmer.

This works particularly well if you wear a jacket with a single button at the empire line, giving a double V effect. The same applies to having dark panels down the sides of a garment. For example, a dress with a central panel with black on either side will be very figure flattering and slimming.

Most women want their arms covered (this is very much a New Zealand women thing).

With dresses being very popular at present they will often come looking for dresses with sleeves in. However, many dresses with sleeves tend to look quite matronly. A better option is to select a dress without sleeves,

Fashion Focus wins Finalist in the 2009 South Canterbury Business Excellence Awards Finalist in the 2012 South Canterbury Business Excellence Awards Finalist in the 2012 Ashburton Business Awards

then add a crop jacket, bolero or long line jacket over the top. It is the dress and jacket look which is particularly strong for weddings and special occasions at present.

Tunics have been very strong for NZ women for some time now. However, there are some rules with wearing these. The key one is tunic length as this is what gives you proportion and you need to maintain proportion or balance if you want to look good. There is a simple calculation you can do to determine the correct length and this involves placing your arm down your side with your fingers out straight.

Where your fingers end is about where your tunic should end. Avoid anything that finishes on the widest part of your body, particularly if this is your thighs. I also believe that length should be age appropriate. Whilst I might have just covered my butt as a teenager my personal view is that as a 50+ year old, this is no longer appropriate!

Many women have avoided the tunic look as they do not want to wear leggings. A great alternative is slim leg pants which look good and are more age appropriate. Whilst our fashions are changing, I believe that many women will be hoping that they can continue to wear tunics for some time yet as it is such an easy, comfortable way to dress.

Finally – shopping for your wardrobe should be fun, but for so many women it is anything but. Support the shops where you know you will receive good service, advice and honest feedback. You will then have success when you shop and you will look and feel great.

Glance at the past February 2007, Fashion Focus Ltd purchased a store formerly known as Jennifer Mary in Highfield Village Mall, Timaru. This store had been in existence for 35 years.

August 2008, Fashion Focus purchased Greer Gowns in Oamaru. This store had operated for 50 years and was well known throughout the South Island.

February 2010, Fashion Focus purchased, Dorothy’s; this store also had a long history, having operated for more than 40 years in Mid-Canterbury.

Dalton Apparel are proud suppliers to Fashion Focus Limited www.daltonapparel.co.nz

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 85

Goods & Services | Fashion Focus Knowledge that works New Zealand women want to spend less, look good and still be able to wear what they buy (for a special event) afterwards.

This, Jan says, is one reason customers go to Fashion Focus, as the staff know exactly how to make a woman happy with her choice.

As spring weather reaches its full stride and summer is not far away, Fashion Focus is ideal for a few new dresses to mark the change of season. Jan says the stores also provide an extensive range of event wear as the wedding season is on the horizon.

necessary to ensure each customer looks and feels good in what they decide to wear.

If someone’s not a confident dresser they can come in and ask us to dress them. We see body shape, we know styles and colours that suit. We give honest advice – we won’t say it is horrible, but we will offer them alternatives. “Customers are a walking advertisement, so we are very focussed on a win-win situation for everyone.”

When new fashion emerges, a Fashion Focus assistant will take the time necessary to educate customers on how to put these looks together, what suits their body shape and what are the best colours for them to wear.

Fashion Focus also prides itself on its reputation for colour. “Many customers have come into our stores and commented that we are the only ones with such a wide range of colour.”

about parsnips

The parsnip has graced the plates of many Kiwis throughout their childhood. However, it is probably one vegetable which deserves a bit more thought and creativity when it comes to preparation.

Long gone are the days of mashing it with carrot or roasting it to within a black and crumpled inch of its life; the parsnip is now taking a starring role – and rightly so.

Some in-store brands at a glance Fashion Focus carries a wide range of top quality clothing from an evolving list of suppliers. It is continually on the look out for new ranges to add to its collection of favourites. Listed below are a few of the ranges we currently stock.

Research has shown this underrated vegetable is an excellent source of vitamin C, fibre, folic acid, pantothenic acid, copper and manganese. The parsnip is also a very good source of niacin, thiamine, magnesium and potassium and is a good source of riboflavin, folic acid and vitamins B6 and E. Parsnips are excellent for improving bowel function and have a beneficial effect on the liver.

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In addition to the vast array of clothing options, Fashion Focus also stocks the New Zealand, EmKay bra range for customers who require a larger bra size.

Jan says as a result of introducing this range “there have been many happy women out there”.

Passionate

As well as being extremely healthy, it is great for children who “won’t” eat vegetables. Its sweetness comes as a blessing for many a frazzled mother.

The parsnip is making such a comeback and drive in popularity, it is now being used by top chefs and cooks as the key ingredient – being served to some of the most discerning palates around the country.

Fashion Focus Ashburton Countdown Complex East Street Ashburton T (03) 308 4666

Summer salad with parsnip crisps

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Be it a mother of the bride or a mother of the groom, grandparents and other wedding guests – Fashion Focus can provide advice on just what the perfect outfit may be. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, spending as much time as

Goods & Services | Southern Cross Produce

The So Sweet growers in Southland have the optimum conditions for creating a perfect parsnip. Fifith generation grower Matthew Malcolm knows the cooler summer nights and the crisp frosts create a much sweeter variety which is sold in supermarkets throughout the South Island.

He is campaigning for the parsnip to be rejuvenated and revitalised and is keen to see people getting the most out of the vegetable he grows and harvests 365 days of the year.

Not just content with selling the raw product, Matthew and his team have been developing soon-to-be-released products, which include frozen parsnip chips and frozen roast parsnip – convenient foods which will make it even easier for the home cook.

If you’re looking at new and exciting ways to use parsnips in your everyday menu, check out the So Sweet website www.sosweet.co.nz

Did you know a tender, fresh parsnip can be eaten raw?

AGPRO HORTICULTURE are proud suppliers of Crop Protection Products to

Timaru Highfield Village Mall 145 Wai-iti Road Timaru T (03) 688 8711

SOUTHERN CROSS PRODUCE We wish MATHEW and his team a successful year ahead.

Oamaru 107 Thames St Oamaru T (03) 434 0317 www.fashionfocus.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Proudly associated with Fashion Focus

Parsnip and bacon mash with BBQ steak

For Technical enquiries and sales Mark Freeman 021566550 or visit www.agpro.co.nz

So Sweet T (03) 231 3073 F (03) 231 3028 www.sosweet.co.nz

Proud to be the vegetable seed supplier to Southern Cross Produce

Contact us now!

E: hollie@vanroli.co.nz P: 03 366 2785 F: 03 366 6134

Van Roli Ltd

Visit our website www.lefroyvalley.co.nz or phone 0800 533 769

86 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

New Zealand’s top vegetable seed company delivering solutions to growers throughout New Zealand.

Goods & Services | Pot Pourri

everyone

Something for

When you’re in Akaroa Why not visit the Giant’s House – a historic Akaroa house with original artworks, terraced gardens with sculptures & mosaics and a contemporary art gallery.

Swim with the dolphins – a once in a lifetime experience that is the only place on the entire planet where you can get up close and personal with New Zealand’s playful Hector’s dolphins.

Buy fish and chips and sit on the harbour watching the boats come in and out, and the visitors from cruise ships arriving.

The wonderful destination of Akaroa provides a wonderful escape from the bustle and stress of city life.

Just 75km from Christchurch, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement which is architecturally distinctive with quaint cottages lining the streets. These beautifully kept villas are heavily laden with delightful gardens and embellished with delicate fretwork which looks like intricate lace.

The pace is relaxed, people are friendly and the village offers an opportunity to explore the history, meet the characters and also discover the beautiful harbour.

As you wander down the main Rue Lavaud there are many interesting points of interest.

Worthy of a visit is the Pot Pourri gift shop – a haven of all things beautiful and the home of the world famous and fabulously decadent Akaroa Fine Fudge.

This creamy concoction is a divine indulgence, with more than 40 flavours including the fudge purists chocolate, Russian and vanilla.

For those a little more adventurous there are some heavenly original varieties including Maltese, coconut ice, and hokey pokey – a definite must.

“

yourself to some spectacular food and indulge in some retail therapy.

The pace is relaxed, people are friendly and the village offers an opportunity to explore the history, meet the characters and also discover the beautiful harbour.

”

Owner Tony Rhodes says staff sample the fudge which is made onsite, so they really know what it tastes like and can offer great advice to customers.

Everyone who visits gets to try the fantastic flavours so you can be sure that when you purchase, you will go home knowing there will be nothing but delight when eating the creamy sweet.

Now is the ideal time to be thinking about Christmas and what better way to prepare than a beautiful day spent in Akaroa, where you get a chance to enjoy the harbour, treat

It’s an ideal opportunity for a day out with the girls or to spend time with the family in a beautiful setting.

What you may not know is that Pot Pourri is a wonderful place to select those important seasonal gifts for friends and family.

The giftware shop is a treasure trove of fabulous accessories including handbags, purses, jewellery, gloves and scarves. There is a plethora of other items including books, kitchen and homewares, kiwiana collectables and even toys for the children.

Whether you are looking for footwear, something to read, an item for the home or a memory of your time in Akaroa, Pot Pourri will have it – just make sure you allow plenty of time to spend browsing the wonderful displays and collections.

Be warned, once you visit Pot Pourri and view the wonderful giftware and taste the delectable fudge you will never be able to visit Akaroa again without calling in to the enchanting store.

Pot Pourri 60 Rue Lavaud Akaroa Banks Peninsula T (03) 304 7052 E potpourri@eznet.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Go for a walk – Akaroa and Banks Peninsula have many great walking tracks that you can enjoy for free. These vary from short hikes to all day tramps over the picturesque hills.

Learn some culinary skills – The Akaroa Cooking School delights in sharing recipes, cooking ideas and entertaining secrets for up to twelve per class. They show how to prepare the dishes on that day’s menu in a relaxed & fun environment. A long lunch at the dining table will then be served savouring every dish from the class with matching New Zealand wines.

Learn more about Akaroa – on an Akaroa guided walk a tapestry of tales will unfold as you explore romantic Akaroa, the oldest and best preserved colonial town in the South Island, and its only French settlement.

Get out on the ocean – try your hand at fishing with any of the Akaroa fishing charter boats as well as taking in the wonderful Banks Peninsula from a whole other perspective. Why not hire a kayak and set off at your own pace to explore the coastline.

P: 06 867 3205 | F: 06 867 0994 53 Awapuni Road, PO Box 30, Gisborne www.allentradingcompany.com

Business Insurance Specialists For all your business insurance requirements.

Call Harry Eksteen, Commercial Broker

021 6644 79

Rothbury Insurance Brokers Level 1, 269 Hills Road, Mairehau Christchurch

All of us at Tritex are excited to be part of the on going success of Pot Pourri - the number one gift shop in Akaroa.

T: 03 366 7588 W: www.rothbury.co.nz

Keep up the great work!

INSURANCE SPECIALISTS SINCE 1950

P: 09 527 2905 | www.tritex.co.nz

Enhance Accessories has a selection of beautiful fashion jewellery products.

But more than that, we want to be an organisation that adds beauty and value to people’s lives.

Proud to support

Pot Pourri Ph. (09) 624 2306 F. (09) 624 4386

www.enhanceaccessories.com www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 87

Goods & Services | Pandect Mobility Solutions

Creating easier access The team at Pandect Mobility Solutions abide by a simple philosophy – to provide access and mobility solutions that improve quality of life for users.

New Zealand owned and operated, Pandect Mobility Solutions is fast becoming the leader in developing access and mobility products for the health, private and commercial sectors.

Guiding principles Pandect Mobility Solutions has a long history in Canterbury, with more than 15 years experience in the design and manufacture of leading platform lifts.

The business, which originated as Pandect Prototypes in 1981, initially specialised in the design and manufacture of prototypes and later electric vehicles, until it was approached by the health authorities to produce access lifts for people.

Today, led by director Ian Bougen, Pandect Mobility Solutions has evolved to not only supply much of New Zealand with its renowned platform lifts for disabled access and home modifications, but is now also catering to a continued demand from the commercial sector.

“Over this period, Pandect has redesigned and developed its platform lifts to meet the requirements of access provision for people with mobility needs, offering a very safe and reliable solution for access into both

commercial premises and private residences,” Bougen says.

Pandect’s growing reputation has led the company to establish solid working relationships with architects, construction companies, project managers, education providers, health professionals and the wider community who use the products on a daily basis.

Residential stair lift

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The company is renowned for producing platform lifts that enable access into and within residential houses, education facilities, commercial premises and the like. Pandect also distributes and installs one of the world’s leading stair lifts, along with battery powered handling and towing equipment.

improve access to premises for people with disability issues.

“Pandect platform lifts offer an ideal solution for avoiding the installation of large ramps that take up considerable space,” he explains. “Our lifts have also been used in The business has doubled in size during the many unique situations, including heritage last five years, with 10 fulltime employees buildings, where space limitations and working out of the Addington manufacturing heritage works limit changes that can be site and design office. One of the key factors behind Pandect’s success is providing a quality made; in courthouses for providing the judge product that meets the needs of the end user, access to the bench, and even as public viewing platforms.”

Bougen says.

“Our philosophy is simple - to provide access and mobility solutions that improve the quality of life for our customers. We also have the ability to be involved in everything from the planning stage right through to ongoing servicing many years later.”

Commercial and residential market Pandect lifts can be found in a variety of commercial premises throughout New Zealand and Australia. They are widely used to overcome a number of physical barriers including split levels, mezzanine floors, thresholds, car parks, school classrooms, stages and orchestra pits.

Business development manager Mark Veitch says Pandect also caters to building owners and tenants wanting to provide or

The company holds exclusive agreements for the supply and installation of platform lifts funded by both the Ministry of Health and the Accident Compensation Corporation.

Many hundreds of Pandect platform lifts have been installed in people’s homes throughout the country, providing individuals with a safe, reliable solution for independent living.

Pandect has held the tender rights to supply the greater health and disability sector for a number of years. “This is testament to the safety, durability, cost effectiveness and suitability of our products, and further evidenced by Pandect’s very strong focus on compliance with national and international standards,” Bougen says.

The demand for Pandect lifts is now increasing throughout Australia, with the

New Zealand made products proving to be extremely competitive against imported lifts from Europe and North America.

Pandect lifts Pandect Mobility Solutions offer a wide range of practical design models which cater to many applications and the built environment.

This includes different weight lift capacities, platform sizes and configurations.

Platform lifts are a safe and cost effective solution for overcoming accessibility barriers in both commercial and residential environments. They are also a proven solution for building owners and authorities wanting to meet stringent and necessary Government initiatives around providing access for people with disabilities.

Pandect also has the ability to customise a lift to suit a particular location or client requirements, Bougen says.

“We have the ability to change quickly to meet clients’ needs. Unlike a standard product that might be sitting in a factory in North America, we can do a one-off design. This can include special deck sizes, specific corporate colours, or adapting to space limitations.”

Materials and parts include powder coated models along with those manufactured in stainless steel and glass to suit particular retail

PROMETAL I N D U S T R I E S

LASE R TECHNOLOGY PRECISION LASER CUTTING & SHEETMETAL FABRICATION FOR ALL INDUSTRIES Celebrating 25 Years In Business Proud to be a supplier to Pandect Mobility Solutions Specialists in: Precision Laser Cutting Turret Punching Ring Rolling Powder Coating Sheetmetal Fabrication

72 Wickham Street Christchurch 8062 Phone: (03) 384 4524 Fax: (03) 384 4501 Email: sales@prometal.co.nz www.prometal.co.nz

PLATFORM LIFTS NZ’s leading designer, manufacturer, exporter & installer • Compliance – meets new NZS 4334:2012 • Christchurch owned & operated • Disability access for the city’s rebuild

www.pandect.co.nz | Ph (03) 338 5188 info@pandect.co.nz 88 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Goods & Services | Pandect Mobility Solutions

“They are compact in design, suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Without the need for pits, bores, major electrical works or site works, the lift is usually installed within one day.

“As our products are also designed and manufactured in New Zealand, supply lead times are short; there are no lengthy freight delays; any warranty issues can be dealt with expediently; technical expertise is locally based and any replacement parts that may be required are readily to hand.”

Standards and compliance The company welcomes the introduction of a new national standard for platform and lowspeed lifts (NZS 4334:2012). Such products are frequently used by individuals with reduced mobility and difficulty negotiating stairs – for example wheelchair users, people with pushchairs or prams, those with walking difficulties or walking aids, carers, children with impaired mobility and the elderly.

Handling and towing Pandect is the exclusive South Island agent for Electrodrive products offering battery powered handling and towing systems for hospitals, healthcare facilities, warehouses and industrial premises.

“They are designed to enable easy and safe handling of heavy loads by a single operator thereby assisting the workforce, business productivity and enabling industry to meet their health and safety obligations.”

Stair Lifts

Typical Installation.

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The distribution and installation of worldrenowned Acorn Stair Lifts can also be added to Pandect’s extensive repertoire.

Designed to increase independence for the homeowner where stairs are causing access problems, stair lifts are suitable for most straight and curved stairways – both internal and external.

“As we understand, Pandect is the first and currently only manufacturer in New Zealand able to offer or supply a completely compliant NZS 4334 lift.”

“

Testimonial: Our company recently had the pleasure of dealing with Pandect and was very impressed by the way they dealt with the supply and installation of their products.

Any questions we had got answered straight away and they provided us with full pre-installation support, through to completion. They delivered on time with a no-hassle approach. I visited the factory prior to installation and was amazed by the professionalism, attitude and knowledge of staff, not to mention the tidiness of workplace which I am sure they all take pride in. I would have no hesitation of recommending their services and products to anyone, and hope to use them again in upcoming projects.

- Samuel Hartwig, Director, West Coast Build & Paint 09 LTD

New Christchurch Civic Building.

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Bougen believes it was important for New Zealand to have a specific standard relevant to the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC), relating to low-rise, low speed and low use lifts.

“This standard is a key measure in helping to ensure fit for purpose and safe access equipment is installed in public buildings, where it is expected that stairs will carry the majority of the traffic, without the costs and building works associated with conventional volume moving, high rise and high speed lifts.

“

settings or environmental factors. Using a simple bolt down method, Pandect lifts are free-standing and allow ease of installation, Bougen says.

Pandect lift models have undergone extensive design reviews, and are compliant with the following national and international standards: • New Zealand Standard: NZS 4334:2012 Platform lifts and low-speed lifts • New Zealand Standard: NZS 4121:2001 Design for Access & Mobility – Buildings & Associated Facilities • New Zealand Building Code: Clause D2 – Mechanical Installations for Access • Australian Standards: AS 1735.14, AS 1735.15 Low rise platform/ passenger lifts • Australian Standard: Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standard 2010.

Innovation In order to keep lifting the bar higher than their competitors, Pandect regularly invests in innovation and new technology.

Research and design is currently underway for the company’s ‘Next Generation Lift’ – a product that stemmed from continual requests for Pandect to provide both the commercial and residential markets with a platform lift that will go up to four metres high.

“Our research suggests there is a market opportunity for offering a stylish yet affordable lift that will travel up to four metres in height, suitable for commercial facilities and at the same time affordable for domestic residences,” says Bougen.

Design is now well underway, and Pandect anticipates this new product will be available during the first half of 2013.

CUSTOM DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE

SHEETMETAL AND METAL FABRICATED PRODUCTS Proud to support Pandect Mobility Solutions p: f: m: e:

03 366 6598 03 366 6599 027 566 6598 bevan@fabtek.co.nz

www.fabtek.co.nz

We provide excellent customer service and value Presswork Products is a Christchurch custom sheet metal and pressing company that specialises in high quality tolerance work.

We provide sheet metal pressing, welding, punching and folding services for manufacturers and for individuals who want items custom-made.

We have skilled staff who work hard to provide a high quality service for every customer and ensure you are kept informed throughout the process. We are knowledgeable, helpful and deliver on time.

Presswork Products Limited 5 Tenahaun Place Middleton, Christchurch Postal Address: P.O Box 7141 Christchurch 8240 New Zealand Phone: +64 3 343 5151 Mobile: 027 343 5073 Fax: +64 3 343 5166 Email: office@presswork.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 89

Goods & Services | Pandect Mobility Solutions

Goods & Services | Bennetts Shoe Service

A happy new Papanui home When it comes to experience in shoe and bag repairs it is hard to go past Bennetts Shoe Service in Papanui.

“

Testimonial: “I have been installing Pandect low rise mobility lifts for the past seven years and find their quality and reliability second to none. It is extremely satisfying installing equipment of this caliber and to see the product having such an impact on the lives of the recipients.”

- Lester Martin, Building Contractor, Wellington

“

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Mini tow vehicle in operation at local ospital.

Unrivalled service As the designer, manufacturer, supplier, installer and exporter, Pandect Mobility Solutions is well placed to offer clients exceptional expertise and level of service.

From the initial enquiry right through to continual servicing of the product many years later, the team prides itself on providing an unrivalled customer experience that also makes the process simple for the client.

“We start with the provision of information on suitability of use and setting,” Bougen says.

“Stage two often involves reviewing proposed site plans and providing either the architect or construction company with CAD drawings formatted so as to allow inclusion in design specifications and tender documents.”

Pandect has an extensive network of contractors available to work alongside construction companies and builders all over New Zealand. This includes pre-site visits to discuss preparation works, right through to installation and compliance sign-off of the lift. Compliance documentation required for

building consents in commercial installations is also supplied.

A comprehensive warranty covers the lift itself; build work and installation; service and maintenance agreements; technical expertise and a full replacement parts range.

“To further assist our commercial clients, Service Agreements are available whereby Pandect will manage and undertake a regular lift service followed by the annual IQP Inspection required for the building warranty of fitness,” adds Bougen.

During the last 34 years John and his wife Sandra have continued to run Bennetts Shoe Service to the same quality of workmanship locals have come to expect from the firm for over 80 years.

“Now there is a wide variety of materials being used in shoe manufacturing and what has changed significant are the types of glue being used in making shoes.”

The three decades of experience in shoe and bag repairing John and Sandra have accumulated, is boosted by the nearly 200 years combined experience of their eight staff, who are either trained shoe or bag repairers, shoe makers or have been skilled in a complementary trade like sail making.

John says what that often means is a lot of testing has to be done on the shoe, its fabric and its glue before a repair can even start.

Whatever way you look at it, that is a wealth of experience.

Pandect Mobility Solutions Unit 1, 17 Wise Street Addington Christchurch 0800 358 383 www.pandect.co.nz

Ph:(09) 250-0050 | Fax: (09) 274-5055 www.brevini.co.nz | info@brevini.co.nz

Proud to support Pandect Mobility Solutions.

“And it’s the same with bags, new materials, types of hinges, locks and wheels, it is constantly changing. While that is a challenge, it’s a challenge we take pride in overcoming and in such a way as to provide our customer with quality workmanship.”

Bennetts Shoe Service • Shoe repairs and alterations including dyeing

— Advertising Feature

Chartered Accountants

Brevini New Zealand Ltd. 9 Bishop Croke Place. East Tamaki PO Box 58-418 Greenmount Auckland

John says being able to grow the business has been about adapting. “In the early years shoes were made of leather and that was about it and relatively simple to repair.

As a country New Zealand continues to develop its awareness and provision of services for people with disabilities - Pandect endorses this position through its products and services.

Brevini has grown to be a dominant force in the New Zealand power transmission and hydraulic industry.

For ALL your gearbox, hydraulic system and power transmission requirement please contact us.

That experience has been recognised with Bennetts Shoe Service being awarded the contract to repair all bags from airlines through Christchurch International Airport.

The Christchurch earthquakes however have forced Bennetts Shoe Service to change its inner city location to a new premise at 482 Papanui Road.

Ager Riley & Cocks

Brevini operates extensively in agriculture, marine, forestry, industrial and mobile sectors. With a vast range of both hydraulic and power transmission products in the range, Brevini NZ is unique to the New Zealand Market in being able to offer an unbiased opinion as to a suitable drive solution.

From left: Warren Gray, John and Sandra Olliver.

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Pandect’s technicians at work

The Canterbury institution first opened its doors to customers in 1930 and by the time John Olliver took ownership of Bennetts Shoe Service, in 1978, it was a leading cobbler in the city, operating in an area of Manchester and Worcester streets affectionately known as Cobblers Corner.

• Full range of shoe accessories, polishes and dyes • Bag repairs – handbags, briefcases, luggage, back packs, sports bags, golf bags • Guaranteed workmanship.

· EQC Repair - Temp Accom · Property Management · Corporate Rentals · Holiday Accommodation · Furnished & Unfurnished

A WISE DECISION We are proud to support PANDECT’s commitment to providing access solutions into and within premises throughout New Zealand Ph. 03 372 3480 Fax. 03 372 1311 E. info@christchurch-accommodation.co.nz www.christchurch-accommodation.co.nz

90 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

At Ager Riley & Cocks we pride ourselves in being friendly, accessible accounting specialists who make it our business to help you make your business successful.

We are proud to have provided accounting services and financial advice to Bennetts Shoe Service for their many successful years in business.

124 St James Avenue | Papanui Christchurch Ph: 03 354 0957 | Fax: 03 354 0947 accountant@agers.co.nz www.agers.co.nz

Sandra says while the experience of moving premises because of the earthquakes was stressful, they couldn’t be more happy with where they are now.

“Many of our long term customers come in now and say they feel right at home and that is a lot down to the fact the store is laid out virtually the same as our old building, even down to where the polishes and other accessories go.”

Bennetts Shoe Service 482 Papanui Rd Christchurch T (03) 354 4011

— Advertising Feature

Goods & Services | Weathermaster Roofing

Finding the right roof

for you

Weathermaster Roofing has the perfect roof for your new or existing home or business and can also offer peace of mind to Canterbury homeowners wanting a new light-weight roof.

The Christchurch-based business offers great service and exceptional workmanship.

Light-weight roofing options

Operated by father-and-son team, Fraser and Mike Martin, the company offers the most effective and up to date products and techniques available.

“Some people are choosing to change to light roof systems which include metal tiles or longrun steel, even though there is little damage to their heavy concrete roof,” Mike says.

Following the earthquakes, there are a Weathermaster Roofing is a family-owned and large number of people choosing to replace operated business with more than 30 years their heavy concrete tile roofs with a lightexperience in roofing. weight option.

Mike Martin says Weathermaster Roofing is committed to providing the highest quality and keeping up to date with the latest industry standards and regulations. “We have a vast amount of experience across a range of products. We employ highly qualified roofers, while Fraser and I are very involved in the project management of each job,” he says.

Weathermaster Roofing specialises in: • New roofing • Re-roofing

“We have a variety of light-weight roofing systems available that are proving very popular.”

Metal tiles come in a range of styles, colours and finishes and offer all the visual appeal of concrete tiles, while incorporating the lightweight advantages of steel.

Longrun steel is also available in a wide range of colour and styles, offering a strong and aesthetically pleasing roof that is known for its longevity and light-weight features.

Alternative options include the ‘shingle look’ roof systems, available in a variety of styles which are all extremely lightweight, durable and offer classic appeal. Some styles even use, or are made from, an impressive amount of recycled or ‘waste’ materials, reducing the landfill and improving the environment.

Weathermaster Roofing also specialise in roof restoration, which includes a quality membrane coating supplied by Apco Coatings, available in a variety of colours.

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• Roof restoration

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Quality is a huge focus for the Weathermaster team, which continually strives to meet and exceed quality and safety standards on every job. The company specialises in residential and light commercial roofing and offers free, no-obligation quotes on all services, with workmanship warranties and manufacturers' backed warranties.

A metal tile shingle-style Metrotile roof.

An industrial re-roofing job completed by Weathermaster Roofig.

• Asbestos removal • Spouting • Roof maintenance.

Its range of quality products includes:

> Some Canterbury residents are choosing to replace their heavy tile roofs with light-weight roofing by Weathermaster Roofing.

• Longrun • Metal tiles • Asphalt shingles • Concrete tile/clay tile • Membrane • Spouting.

Manufacturers of: Weathermaster Roofing Limited 150a Mairehau Road Burwood Christchurch T (03) 359 7973 F (03) 383 0463 Freephone (0800) 200 640 E info@wmr.co.nz www.wmr.co.nz

ROOFRITE

Suppliers of:

PREMIUM PERFORMANCE ROOF COATING SYSTEMS

0800 BUY APCO contact@apconz.co.nz | www.apcocoatings.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 91

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Goods & Services | South Island Forklifts South Island Forklifts in Parkhouse Road, Christchurch.

Giving local businesses a lift South Island Forklifts Limited services all makes and models of forklifts, ensuring your machines are maintained in peak operating condition.

South Island Forklifts, which is based in Christchurch, has 12 fully equipped service vans and employs a team of technicians who will ensure customers’ equipment remains reliable and has fewer breakdowns.

Service a core focus Managing director Roy Howell says while South Island Forklifts sells new and used forklifts and has a large rental fleet for shortand long-term hire, its service department is a primary focus for the company.

South Island Forklifts recognises that machinery breakdowns result in lost time and money and are committing to getting customers’ machines back into operation as quickly as possible. If it can’t fix it on-site, they will organise a replacement machine while the forklift is being repaired.

The company is the only TCM and Jungheinrich spare parts supplier in the South Island.

As well as dealing with emergency repairs, the team at South Island Forklifts works with each customer to help develop a regular service and maintenance programme to suit their individual needs. These maintenance programmes help reduce breakdowns, keeping it's customer’s business running smoothly. <

South Island Forklifts services and repairs all new and used forklifts.

South Island Forklifts offers: • 24 hour/seven day on-call service throughout Christchurch • Service technicians who are skilled and experienced to work on a wide range of makes and models • Quick and committed service at your work site from one of its mobile workshops • Equipment serviced at your convenience • Maintenance, recording and reminder service • A forklift transporter for delivery to and from your work site • Replacement machines to reduce down-time if required • A fully equipped workshop for complete overhauls and rebuilds at our Sockburn base.

General auto repairs In addition to servicing and repairing all types of forklifts, South Island Forklifts also offers a general automotive repair service from its Parkhouse Rd workshop.

It repairs cars, vans, light trucks and four-wheel drives, with services including lube and oil changes, WOFs, brakes and clutches, tyres, cam belts and other vehicle repairs.

Your equipment will be serviced at your convenience.

Microsoft Small Business Specialists

Proud to provide Network Support to S I Forklifts Contact Allan Frost

0274 329 026

www.drbritton.co.nz 92 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Phone 366 3299 Corner Gasson & Carlyle Streets

www.paragoncomputers.co.nz

Goods & Services | South Island Forklifts

Exclusive forklift agent South Island Forklifts is the sole South Island agent for three leading forklift brands, as well as selling a wide range of used machines and offering both long and short-term rentals.

The company is South Island agents for Heli forklifts from China, the Jungheinrich range from Germany and the tough, versatile TCM forklift range from Japan.

Heli has been making forklifts in China since 1958 and is today one of the largest manufacturers of forklifts in the world.

The company offers one of the most comprehensive lines of lift equipment available, with all forklifts built for safety and comfort.

Jungheinrich offers all-round solutions for stacking, transporting, warehousing and order picking through its comprehensive range of forklift trucks. Jungheinrich leads the European forklift market with its strict adherence to top-quality lift truck design and technological innovation.

Howell says the company has considerable experience and offers advice in warehousing layout and racking, as well as choosing the right forklift.

In addition to its new forklift brands, South Island Forklifts sells a wide range of preowned and trade-in machines and has a large rental fleet available, including petrol, LPG, diesel and battery electrical models.

Many of these machines have been maintained by the company from new, ensuring they’re in top working order.

Many customers choose to lease or rent machines for any period of time including hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or annually.

The rental fleet consists of well-maintained, reliable new machines and a good selection of used forklifts, including petrol, diesel and battery electric forklifts from 1.5 to 7-tonne capacity.

Choosing to lease means customers receive a quality product and hassle-free maintenance, with a replacement vehicle supplied in the unlikely event of a major breakdown. Equipment can be changed to suit their growing business requirements, with no capital tied up in materials handling vehicles.

• South Island Forklifts can meet any forklift requirements, including: • Occasional • Constant • Inside or outside use • Narrow aisle • Double deep pallet racking

The company has a large rental fleet for short- and long-term hire.

• Chiller or freezer cold storage • Container loading and devanning • Agricultural.

Forklifts can be powered by: • Battery electric • Petrol • LPG • Diesel.

Types of forklifts available include: • Counter balance

An important part of South Island Forklifts’ work, forklift servicing.

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TCM forklifts have been around for more than 50 years and are renowned internationally for their high level of reliability, engineering quality and performance. The TCM company designs and engineers a complete range of petrol, diesel and battery electric forklifts.

The team at South Island Forklifts works with its customers to determine the right solution for their materials handling requirements.

Forklift requirements:

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South Island Forklifts has sold, serviced, rented and leased materials-handling equipment throughout Canterbury since 1999.

Since then it has supplied hundreds of pallet trucks, forklifts and order pickers to every industry from timber yards and supermarkets to cool stores and orchards.

Used forklifts and rental options

• Reach truck

South Island Forklifts Limited 20 Parkhouse Road Christchurch T (03) 348 2060 F (03) 348 2078 E info@siforklifts.co.nz www.siforklifts.co.nz

• Multi-way reach truck • Vertical order picker • Electric stackers • Electric pallet movers • Hand pallet truck.

— Advertising Feature

SIF are the proud distributor of TCM and Jungheinrich Forkliftsand material handling equipment

20 Parkhouse Road, Christchurch Tel: 03 348 2060 Fax: Fax: 03 348 2078 Email: info@siforklifts.co.nz www.forkliftschristchurch.co.nz

ITS are pleased to support South Island Forklifts Group

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Technicians travel all over Canterbury to service forklifts and are available 24/7 to cover urgent breakdowns.

Proud to support our valued dealer, South Island Forklifts - OUR BUSINESS IS LIFTING YOUR BUSINESS 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS Phone: 0800 538-735 SALES – New & Used | SERVICE – Forklifts & Trucks RENTALS - Short & Long Term PARTS – Extensive Range | DRIVER TRAINING Head Office: 45 Percy Cameron Street, Avalon, Lower Hutt | Phone: 04 577-1344 E-mail: enquiries@centralgroup.co.nz | Website: www.centralgroup.co.nz 124 Waterloo Quay, Wellington – Phone: 04 471- 4060 29 Kelvin Grove Road, Palmerston North – Phone: 06 357-0872 15 Chatham Road, Hastings – Phone: 06 879-8171

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 93

Goods & Services | Royal Wolf

Storage solutions Canterbury has experienced a noticeable increase in the use of modified shipping containers for innovative storage solutions, as demand for safe and secure storage grows.

Royal Wolf has been providing cost effective, quality and practical, long-life container solutions for more than 16 years.

People today want quality goods and services to come to them. There is no reason why storage should be any different.

Royal Wolf portable storage containers are available in a range of sizes and offer the perfect solution to many storage problems.

Flexible rental options and the ease with which containers can be delivered to either home or work site, are driving the current demand. Whether it’s for household furniture, farming equipment, community groups, businesses, schools or sporting associations, Royal Wolf’s general purpose containers are inexpensive, safe, secure and ideal for that extra storage space.

Meeting specific storage needs Royal Wolf containers can be specified to meet general purpose, refrigerated or hazardous goods requirements.

In addition to solving storage solutions, Royal Wolf regularly modifies shipping containers

• Maf/Bonded Storage • Metro Delivery Service • Furniture Removables • Office Relocating • Crane Trucks Pleased to be associated with Royal Wolf Containers

Royal Wolf services a wide range of industries, including:

• Portable buildings and accommodation by adding doors, internal walls, windows, electricity and water supply, built-in cupboards and floor coverings. This can transform a shipping container into a construction site office, temporary accommodation unit or a home office.

• Light commercial

• Storage containers from the mini-cube through to 40-foot (12m) shipping containers

• Construction

The Cashel Mall retail centre, built entirely from shipping containers, illustrates the possibilities are endless.

• Refrigerated containers

Royal Wolf containers put to good use in central Christchurch.

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Shipping containers offer a flexible and viable alternative for storage, as people choose to have their storage solution under their own control and on their own site.

Royal Wolf has the right product to suit any application, including:

• Specialty containers for storing dangerous goods

• Royal Wolf can modify any container to suit customers’ requirements.

• General household storage

• Defence • Events • Logistics • Mining • Removals • Road and rail.

Royal Wolf also has an extensive range of building and construction products available in a range of sizes. These include meeting rooms, lunch rooms, change rooms and first aid rooms, all independently engineered and certified and carrying a 10kpa rating.

All containers can be delivered to your building site today. They are strong and secure and feature insulation, easy access cabin door, windows with security shutters, air conditioning, power plugs and lighting. They are also ready to be connected to phone and internet.

A large range of refrigerated containers are available leading up to Christmas and are the perfect solution for storing those liquid refreshments or perishable goods.

Royal Wolf containers can be used as shops, cafes, offices and for general facilities.

ADVANTAGE Today, the company comprises an extensive fleet of trucks including hiab cranes and container handling equipment.

Phone: 03-3430002 Fax: 03-3430016 E: pftransp@xtra.co.nz 160 Waterloo Road, Hornby, Christchurch

94 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

VENDING SYSTEMS

Proud to be associated with Royal Wolf Trading For All Coffee Machine Requirements Visit Us Online or Phone 027 431 0061

www.advantagevending.co.nz

Goods & Services | Royal Wolf

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Christchurch’s container shops in Cashel Mall.

Housing the Fire Service Royal Wolf containers have provided a variety of solutions in Christchurch since the city’s earthquakes.

Royal Wolf has helped the New Zealand Fire Service after it lost the use of its stations in Central Christchurch, Lyttelton and Woolston after the quakes. The company provided a range of shipping containers specifically designed as accommodation units, which are used to house fire fighters while on call.

<

The Cashel Mall container shops are a great example of how versatile Royal Wolf containers are.

Eighteen accommodation containers were hired and are currently being used to assist the Fire Service to bring operations back to a state of normality. Each container provides accommodation for one fire fighter and includes a shower, toilet, bedroom, heating and a mini-fridge.

In addition to the accommodation units, numerous other shipping containers were hired from Royal Wolf to contain all essential fire-fighting equipment, as well as serving as a drying room for wet gear and an operational facility.

<

Royal Wolf regularly modifies shipping containers by adding doors, internal walls, windows, electricity and water supply, built-in cupboards and floor coverings.

The portability, strength, cost and versatility of the Royal Wolf containers meant they were an ideal tool to help the New Zealand Fire Service get back on its feet. The fire service will continue to hire the shipping containers over the next three years while new fire stations are built.

Not your average coffee emergency Supporting the Basilica Royal Wolf containers were used to brace the Christchurch Basilica following its extensive damage in the February 2011 quake.

As part of a wider engineering strategy, saving the walls of the building was not only crucial but very time sensitive as they supported other parts of the building.

Stacked Royal Wolf containers offered an even spread of support, while hay bales between the containers and the cathedral walls made sure the support structure didn’t damage the stone detailing.

Royal Wolf was able to provide 50 containers to the Basilica within short notice.

Business development executive John Bowen says “During the Christchurch earthquake clean-up process our containers have been used for everything from temporary retail units for affected businesses, accommodation units for New Zealand Fire Service, site offices and even protection barriers from potential landslides on main arterial routes.”

The Caffeine Laboratory set up shop in a Royal Wolf container following the February earthquake.

Not being able to return to his Shades Arcade store, owner James Bagrie rented an 8ft shipping container and reopened The Caffeine Laboratory on an empty site nearby.

Bagrie plans to continue renting the Royal Wolf shipping container until the Shades Arcade reopens.

Royal Wolf South Island sales manager Rick Mills says “We’re obviously very happy that we could help James to recover his business. We feel very proud to see our containers being used all over Canterbury to help people on the road to recovery after the earthquake.”

Royal Wolf 15 Nathan Place Harewood Christchurch 8051 T (0800) 266 824 www.royalwolf.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 95

Hospitality | Peppers

Unlimited

luxury

It is always special when taking time out to gather with family and friends, to celebrate significant events or simply spend quality moments with the one you love, to do it in luxury. For those looking for luxury in some truly spectacular locations, Peppers is a unique collection of retreats and resorts.

Each location offers more than just an opulent place to stay, set among pristine golf courses or lakes, with spa treatments to pamper as well as a variety of different options to fill in your time - whether you want to rest and relax or take part in some more active leisure interests.

If you have a taste for the finer things in life, Peppers ensure food and wine take centre stage. Its staff will make sure your every whim is catered for whether you choose to simply relax or engage in one of the many activities you wish to experience.

It celebrates fine food with chefs preparing seasonal menus with the freshest ingredients

carefully selected from the region’s best farms and vineyards – sometimes as close as the property’s own backyard. If you harbour an Local food trail maps offer a range of educated palette or simply enjoy food and gastronomic journeys. For example, in wine, you’re invited to a culinary experience Martinborough visit the Olivo olive grove certain to appeal to your senses. and Ata Rangi winery, or in Christchurch feast on the local cheeses from Friesian cows Discover New Zealand’s raised in Akaroa and in Lake Tekapo, sample gourmet food trail with the delicious ready to eat sushi at the High Peppers Country Salmon Farm.

An irresistible assortment of seasonal packages and gourmet offerings at Peppers retreats and resorts were launched recently, to entice food lovers to experience the Peppers gourmet food trail, showcasing the very best of New Zealand fare.

Peppers properties are located in some of the finest food and wine producing regions in New Zealand. So it makes sense that Peppers should combine its exceptional lodgings, love of food and expert knowledge of regional produce to prepare a collection of gourmet escapes.

With locations in Martinborough, Rotorua, Northland, Abel Tasman National Park near Nelson, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Australia, each Peppers property will showcase the expertise of its chefs and give guests the opportunity to not only taste the finest locally sourced food and wine, but to really experience the journey of produce, from the paddock to the plate.

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Available at all Peppers locations throughout New Zealand, the gourmet food trail packages provide guests with a welcome chef’s tasting plate served in-room showcasing local produce, a local food trail map for a selfdiscovery tour of the gourmet surrounds, plus a sumptuous breakfast for two at the resort’s on-site restaurant.

In Queenstown, the team at Peppers Beacon have meticulously chosen their top 10 places to eat among the town’s plethora of fine dining and family friendly options, plus some fantastic spots for a night cap.

A day spent gourmet shopping in the region is finished perfectly back in your room at Peppers with a feast on the balcony or around the dining table with the day’s finds.

Entice your taste buds and savour a gourmet food trail package at Peppers Parehua in Martinborough from $249* per night in a winemaker’s cottage; or stay at Peppers Clearwater Resort in Christchurch from $284** per night in a lakeside room and add on a round of golf; or take a journey of discovery into Abel Tasman National Park for a gourmet experience at Peppers Awaroa Lodge from $367* per night.

If you want to find out where the Gourmet food trail can take you across New Zealand and Australia, visit Peppers food hub online.

The food hub is packed with information on destinations, special events and packages for food-lovers so you can plan ahead. Watch Peppers chefs preparing and plating their favourite dishes, print the recipes for delicious dishes you’ve enjoyed at Peppers restaurants, read restaurant reviews and find out what’s trending in the gourmet world.

Visit peppers.co.nz/food

Weddings Peppers takes romance to a whole other level.

Its locations are wrapped in fascinating history and grand architecture in classic New Zealand settings. Choose from chic coastal hotspots and country retreats surrounded by vineyards.

Have the most talked about wedding, enjoyed by everyone and a honeymoon you will love.

Conferences Tailoring the Peppers experience to an intimate social gathering or an extensive event is simple when there are such an interesting array of venues and facilities to work with. At Peppers, award-winning chefs with a passion for delivering gourmet food on any scale are at your disposal, locations are conveniently placed and conference specialists know how to accommodate your every requirement.

*Valid for sale and travel until 03/03/13. **Conditions apply, subject to availability.

Minimum two night stay applies. Additional room types and packages may be available.

Prices based on per room, per night. For full terms and conditions, visit peppers.co.nz. **Valid for sale until 12/12/13 and travel until 12/12/13.

Peppers T 0800275 373 www.peppers.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

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www.regenc y c abs.c o.nz Proud to be a preferred supplier to Peppers Clearwater resort.

96 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

New Zealand’s premier Day and Night Attraction.

Earth & Sky, operate tours nightly at the Mt John University Observatory, Lake Tekapo. At the heart of New Zealand’s newly formed Starlight Reserve.

To book your astronomy experience go on-line to: www.earthandsky.co.nz or Ph: 03 680 6960. Email: info@earthandsky.co.nz Visit the Astro Cafe on the summit of Mt John - Open daily to visitors

Proud to support Peppers Clearwater/Bluewater/Beacon Resorts

A food

Hospitality | Cafe Kudos

oasis

In the middle of one of Christchurch’s industrial areas, sits an oasis of coffee, drinks and all things that are great about food. Cafe Kudos is the place for many a local to go to for a coffee, breakfast, lunch, a business meeting or Friday night drinks.

Kudos, in Annex Road, which is owned by Denise Scrymgeour, is one of a few cafes in the area. Once a largely industrial area it has been transformed into a humming business district.

Many business people in the area go to this gem of a place to grab a hot, creamy cup of Hummingbird coffee, homemade baking, or a delicious treat from the ever changing cabinet.

The change in clientele, in recent months has certainly helped business take-off, but walking into this buzzing café in the middle of lunch-time rush it’s obvious that it’s more than simply being in the right place that shaped Kudos’ reputation.

Simply glorious food Kudos’ top-notch homemade food and quality coffee is certainly a winning factor.

It has a magical array of food that is constantly changing.

All-time favourites making regular appearances in the large glass cabinet at Kudos are the melt-in-your-mouth caramel slice, the delicious tomato, brie and pesto filled ficelles, smoked salmon crepes, pies, corn and bacon fritters, frittatas, pastries, fresh salads, muffins, slices… the list goes on.

If there is nothing in this tantalising cabinet to fill your fancy, there is an extensive blackboard menu which promises a full breakfast menu of traditional eggs benne, creamy mushrooms with spinach, bacon and roast tomato or the ever popular Kudos Kiwi burger, the great steak sandwich or the lighter option of a Caesar salad with homemade dressing.

Simply take a seat, be served and enjoy.

There are also plenty of options for people with special dietary requirements; from dairy free to gluten free – just ask the friendly Kudos staff who will be more than happy to assist.

Cup Day Special

For those looking for a bargain; pop on in and try the $13.50 “Brekky Special” Monday to Friday 7am – 10am.

Kudos also provides a catering service – so for anyone looking for the perfect platters of food for an office shout; look no further than Kudos' great range of options.

Magnetic attraction While the food is divine, the ambiance at Kudos has a loveliness all of its own. Its décor is simple, yet classic and even when full of people, the ample space within the café means noise is kept to a steady, warm buzz.

Another attractive point is the café’s quality service; even in the midst of peak hour service, the staff are happy to help, offering customers a personable and cheery greeting.

Bask in the sun In the warmer months, or even on the cold but sunny winter days, Kudos has an outdoor deck, complete with a little waterfall and tables for guests to sit at and bask in the sun while enjoying a meal with friends.

Each Saturday Kudos hosts a “Lazy Saturday”, with jazz music playing, an ideal place for that brunch or lunch, or just a coffee; it’s the perfect place to spend some down-time on the weekend.

However because Kudos is so popular bookings are recommended, to ensure you don’t miss out.

Don’t forget to book ahead for a Cup Day breakfast or brunch.

Kudos is the place to go to host a celebratory affair, so book now and enjoy the day with a complimentary glass of champagne with your meal, from the team at Kudos.

Business and event options • Private booths, comfy couches and tables which can all be pre-booked for a special business meeting or celebration • Air-conditioned boardroom for hire, with plush seating for 16 people • Evening functions free hire for groups of 30 plus • Kudos is licensed; selling beers and wines - $5 beer and wine on Friday nights along with a snack menu • Catering service available.

Mon-Thurs: 7am – 4pm Fri: 7am – 6:30pm Sat: 8am – 3:30pm Cafe Kudos 235 Annex Road (off Blenheim Rd) Christchurch T (03) 338 1801 E denise@cafekudos.co.nz www.cafekudos.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Accounting Services, Business Advice, Taxation Advice, Cashflows, Budgeting, Trusts, All Tax Returns.

68 Mandeville Street, Christchurch Phone 03 943 0111 info@copeshearing.co.nz

Proud to be associated with Café Kudos

Supplier of European hearth baked breads, available from 4B Settlers Cres, Ferrymead.

Ph. 03 384 1752

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 97

Hospitality | Breads of Europe

A taste

of Europe

Bread can come in so many different shapes, sizes and flavours, from the round perfectly chewy bagel to the melt-in-your-mouth, buttery, sweet croissant.

Walking down a Parisian street, early in the morning, lights flicker on, curtains are pulled and rows of freshly baked baguettes, pain au chocolates and croissants send out a heavenly aroma of delicious fresh bread.

It’s a tantalising experience many a wayfaring kiwi will longingly reminisce over once back on our Pacific shores.

But despite our nation’s ever-growing ethnic diversity, it can still be a momentous task to find the perfect slice of European goodness.

Artisan production The company, which is managed and coowned by Cantabrian Jill Allison, prides itself on its range of quality artisan-style breads that are baked daily; sold in its retail stores, cafes and restaurants across Canterbury.

Retailers Breads of Europe are sold by a wide variety of retailers all over Christchurch.

Best Selection • Riccarton Market (Sundays only) • French Farmers Market (Saturdays) • Deans Bush (Saturdays) • Mount Pleasant Market.

Its team of nine bakers, work on a 24 hour, seven days a week rotation to bake “with love and passion” the breads the company has built its reputation on.

Good Selection

• Growers Direct, Yaldhurst Road

But here in Christchurch, is a local solution for those nostalgically dreaming of the good old European patisserie products – a wholesale bakery, Breads of Europe.

Its other point of pride is its commitment to making things the “natural way”, just as all good breads should be made. The company prides itself on making bread that is not only reflective of its European counterparts, but that are also made with natural products.

The business prides itself on its range of European breads that it makes fresh, and in bulk, on a daily basis. As its name suggests, European breads are its specialty; be it the classic French croissant or a Italian ciabatta – Breads of Europe can provide.

“We know that more and more people are looking for natural products, and our breads are completely natural. Because we choose not to use pre-mixes, emulsifiers, preservatives or additives, our breads taste better.”

• Merivale Fresh Choice, Papanui Road • Funky Pumpkin, Brighton

• Raeward Fresh, Tower Junction • Raeward Fresh, Airport.

Limited Selection • Metro Cafe, Ferrymead • Veges Direct, Marshlands.

If you are looking for a larger, regular supply of bread, the team at Breads of Europe is more than happy for you to get in touch with them directly.

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Hospitality | Breads of Europe

Stuffed Baguette

Tasty recipes

for you

Makes one 12-inch long baguette; about 24 slices

Ingredients: • Breads of Europe Baguette

Slow-roasted tomato, broccoli, asparagus and parmesan bruschetta

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature

- Breads of Europe co-owner, Jill Allison.

• 4 oz fresh goat cheese • 1 large garlic clove, minced

Ingredients:

• ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper (about 1 medium)

• 6 small ripe tomatoes

• ½ cup finely chopped sun dried tomatoes in olive oil

• 2 tsp honey

• ¼ cup finely chopped Kalamata olives

• 3 sprigs thyme

• 2 oz finely chopped spicy salami

• pinch sea salt flakes

• About 2 tbsp minced Italian parsley

• 12 broccoli florets

• About 1 tsp minced fresh thyme

• 6 asparagus spears • 30g parmesan cheese, shaved

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Breads of Europe ciabatta Preparation: Preparation:

Slice off both ends of the baguette.

Preheat the oven to 170°C. Cut the tomatoes in half around the equator and place on an oven tray. Drizzle over the honey, crumbled thyme leaves (stripped from the stalks) and sea salt flakes.

Using a long thin knife and working from the both ends, hollow the baguette out leaving about ½-inch thick crust all around.

Roast the tomatoes in the oven until soft and aromatic – about 25-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the broccoli florets in half and slice the asparagus. Blanch the vegetables in boiling salted water.

To serve, place two roasted tomato halves on each slice of ciabatta then top with the broccoli florets, asparagus slices and shavings of parmesan cheese.

Cook under the preheated grill until the parmesan melts. Serve at once. Makes six.

Wine match: pinot gris. ­

“

We know that more and more people are looking for natural products, and our breads are completely natural. Because we choose not to use pre-mixes, emulsifiers, preservatives or additives, our breads taste better.

Using an electric mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Beat in the goat cheese and garlic. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.

Working again from the both ends, fill the baguette with the cheese mixture. Pack the filling tight.

Wrap the stuffed baguette very well in plastic and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days.

Right before serving, slice the baguette into ½-inch thick slices and serve. For the neat looking slices, treat it as a cheesecake – each time slice it with a hot dry knife.

A market niche

”

Breads of Europe is primarily a wholesale bakery, providing a wide range of products to restaurants, cafes and hotels around the Canterbury region.

obviously extensive delicious range of bread on store, there are a range of other artisan products from the exotic wasabi aioli to some freshly made piping hot soup or some tasty European cheese to accompany a scrumptious chunk of fresh bread.

However for customers who just want to get a little taste of Europe, the company does sell breads through its Bakehouse shop in Garlands Road. Tucked right in next to the factory store, off the beaten path, it can be hard to find – but once you do its worth the trip.

There are also some in-store specials for visiting customers – from $2.00 frozen bread, to specials on biscuits, slices, deli items, Gruffs Junction and Barry’s Bay cheeses, local honey, olive oil and homemade preserves. It’s all right there waiting to be bought, eaten and enjoyed.

Inside the small homey bakery shop, you will be warmly greeted by one of the Breads of Europe staff, who can help you with just what it is you are looking for. Aside from its

Other places to get a taste of Europe are at its retail store on Colombo street or through one of the weekend markets; Riccarton, Akaroa or Deans Bush.

A never ending choice White breads: Foccaccia | Ciabatta | Baguette | Olive Sour Dough | Turkish Loaf | Double Crown White Loaf | Mini Loaf Dark sour dough: Caraway Bread | Farmers Bread Loaf | Gassenhauser Bread | Rye Bread | Yoghurt Bread Loaves: Multi-grain Loaf | Linseed Bread | San Fran Sour Dough | Sunflower Bread | Wholemeal Loaf | Brioche Loaf Café products: Bagel Plain| Fruit Bagel | Ficelle | Knots | Panini | Torpedoes | Wholemeal Roll Round | Hamburger Bun Specialty products: Pretzel Standard | Pretzel Flower | Pretzel Stick | Walnut and Fig Baguette Dinner rolls: Baby Burger Bun | Baby Loaves | Baps | Foccacia Roll | Kaiser Roll

Proud to be the preferred pest control supplier to Breads of Europe

Danish: Apple | Apricot | Blueberry | Chocolate | Pain au Raisin Miscellaneous: Berliner | Cheese Sticks | Fruit Loaf | Croissants | Pizza Base | White Dough

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287 Barrington Street, Christchurch P: 03-929-0579 | C: 027 553 3123 E: stuart@cfoservices.co.nz — Advertising Feature

“

Or call 0800 737 844 Christchurch 03 383 1013 Selwyn/Banks Peninsula 03 347 9478 North Canterbury 03 313 8193 Ashburton & Districts 03 308 2652

We know that more and more people are looking for natural products, and our breads are completely natural.

– Jack & Jill, Breads of Europe

”

White Breads | Dark Sour Doughs | Cafe Products Specialty Products | Danish | Dinner Rolls | Miscellaneous

Phone: (03) 381-1048

www.breads.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 99

Hospitality | Castle Rock Café

Lost but

not forgotten

The liveliness and hustle and bustle at the Castle Rock Café seems out of sorts from the truck-laden industrial area in which it is housed, but it becomes quickly apparent why people go out of their way to find it.

Everyone who walks in the door is treated like a welcome visitor, invited in and asked to sit down and relax. There is a happy vibe, a relaxed atmosphere, a general feeling of joy.

This feeling is generated from the staff, owner Mike Saunders reveals. “We are a team of really experienced staff that have worked for other people for many years. We’ve all always loved the industry. We have fun here and because of that anyone who comes here does as well.”

They’re experienced too, with most of the team members being at the café since its opening in 2008. “What really sets us apart is the passion we put into everything we do.

Whether it is a private function at night or

<

Owner Mike Saunders

simply someone coming in to get a takeaway coffee – we’re here to give every customer what they want.”

A no-lycra policy means there is no concern of personal bumps and bulges being exposed as you eat your meal, something Mike is quite tongue-in-cheek about.

Not just committed to ensuring the service and vibe are great, the coffee and food are also fantastic. A delectable array of wholesome fare including favourites such as The Castle Rock – two eggs, streaky bacon, kranskys, crispy hashball, field mushrooms, wilted spinach, roast tomato, farmers toast and a shot of hollandaise.

catered for, with a sandpit to play in leaving the adults free to savour their refreshments.

Mike has hosted numerous gatherings – birthdays, anniversaries and corporate functions all on the café premises. “We are happy to create individual experiences for people, allowing them to use this space as their own, by doing all the hard work for them.”

Or try the Philly Cheese Steak –gilled sirloin slice on a toasted garlic stick with tomato, mushrooms, caramelised onion and melted cheese, served with greens, fries, onion rings and a side of béarnaise sauce. There is also an array of lighter options available from the cabinet.

As well there is a catering service available for corporate and private customers wanting to experience the fine flavours of Castle Rock in their own environments. The company has a number of corporate clients who return time and again knowing the food will be nutritious, generous in portion and tasty.

Paramount to Mike was the quality of the coffee. He researched many different brands and varieties before deciding Coffee Supreme would supply the café with its beans. Mike chose the Boxer blend, a Brazil based blend designed for espresso. Roasted dark, with distinctive beefy dark chocolate notes, full bodied with a pleasantly lingering finish. It makes gutsy milk drinks and hefty espresso.

You can often see the famous Lost Cafés’ mobile coffee bar out and about at different markets, businesses and other occasions.

The distinctive coffee bar kitted out in a 1961 series II, topless Landrover is also available to come to you on request.

When setting up the café, which is the first of the Lost Cafés Ltd businesses, Mike knew he wanted to do things differently. Hence there are no static counters for staff to hide behind.

With the café furniture on castors, it allows for the space to be changed around depending on the event that is being held.

Mike also decided he would cause as little inconvenience to his customers as possible, hence he acquired the expertise of Bizsol who installed mobile eftpos machines – so customers don’t have to leave the table when paying.

The stacker doors of the café area also open up to increase the entertaining space providing great indoor/outdoor flow and allowing even more area for guests.

This sheltered outside room provides a comfortable and enticing area - a perfect setting for whiling away an hour or two in the Canterbury sun. Here, the little ones are also

Mike started up the Lost Cafés Ltd business four years ago with partner Golda Hawes and the help of a financial backer. Now that he has paid back the backer, he is keen to help set up some of his own loyal employees in business under the Lost Café company.

“What we’re hoping to do is find other interesting places that are a bit off the normal routes – places people have to hunt out.

We’re looking at starting up a restaurant and perhaps another café. Each will have its own individual feel but with the aim of providing the same top quality service.”

“

We are a team of really experienced staff that have worked for other people for many years. We’ve all always loved the industry.

We have fun here and because of that anyone who comes here does as well.

- Owner Mike Saunders

He is also keen to ensure the hospitality industry in Canterbury grows and matures and is looking for himself and his staff to mentor other businesses, to ensure the top levels of service received at Castle Rock are also duplicated elsewhere – building up Canterbury’s reputation of providing the best hospitality in New Zealand.

”

“We will mentor other businesses under Lost and Found Hospitality Help which will be on our soon to be released website.”

White Breads | Dark Sour Doughs Danish | Cafe Products Specialty Products | Dinner Rolls Proudly Supplying The Castle Rock Cafe Phone: (03) 381-1048

www.breads.co.nz 100 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Castle Rock Café 21 Mary Huller Drive Hillsborough Christchurch T (03) 384 5263 E info@lostcafes.com www.lostcafes.com

— Advertising Feature

Hospitality | Braided River Wines

Deli-licious

A taste

of fate

A little quip as a young adult has become reality for one of Canterbury’s local, boutique winemakers, now living the dream in the middle of a picturesque patch of vines.

The owner of boutique wine-producing vineyard, Braided River Wines, UK born and raised Amanda Mitchell recalls the twist of fate which turned a joke into reality. “A friend once told me I would end up living in New Zealand. I responded (in jest) that if I did it would be on a vineyard. “Twenty years later and it has come true.”

The love affair Like many stories this one begins with a love affair. While working in the field of horse nutrition, Amanda met her Kiwi husband, Haydn, who was working as a horse vet in England.

They fell in love, married, had children and travelled the world; spending some time in Hong Kong and Qatar. But the novelty of foreign countries soon wore off. Not to mention the fact that an endless stream of people would pick up their blue eyed and blonde-haired little boy.

“We wanted to settle down. We wanted to be around family and for the children to have grandparents.”

With its distinctive English feel and beautiful surrounding countryside – Christchurch was it.

A treasure hunt for the perfect home led them straight to a modern homestead sitting in and amongst the vines of an already established vineyard of the Selwyn District – only a 30 minute drive from the city’s CBD. With the sun shining all around, the warm spring air, chickens quietly clucking in a field of their own and a tame pet duck nosing its way past – it is not hard to see why it was love at first sight.

Tricks of the trade But despite the pretty surroundings Amanda says it wasn’t all plain sailing from there; running a business, one in which you had no experience of was certainly no easy feat.

While agriculture and the land has always been a part of her life, the idea of living among the New Zealand vines initially was nothing more than a jest.

Growing up on arable farms, run by her parents, Amanda learnt “by osmosis” the tools of agriculture. She went on to university where she graduated with a degree in agricultural science. The less fragrant arena of the horse stable, not a vineyard is where Amanda’s career had initially taken her.

But Amanda was determined to make things work. “I’m not good at doing nothing – it was a good challenge.” So she did her research, read books, met a viticulturist from Lincoln University, attended workshops, met with groups and learnt the tricks of the trade.

A year after moving onto the vineyard Amanda harvested her first crop of grapes in 2004, which were transformed into her first batch of riesling.

Hospitality | BV Gourmet

A love for all things good in food, a love of people and a love for providing hospitality has led to a business partnership between two avid foodies who are bringing to the town of Blenheim the best quality food and ingredients the globe has to offer.

Boutique production Today Braided River Wines, named after the Waimakariri River as a reflection of the synergy of the braided river and wines’ ever changing natures, continues to be a top boutique producer of wine within the Selwyn District.

Amanda does most of the day to day running, with her husband Haydn helping out considerably and the rest of the family chipping in from time to time, helping out with some of the heavy manual labour or picking during the harvest season.

“My right-hand-man is 89-year-old Alun Breese, he cracks the whip when things need to be done.” She adds he can often be seen on the mower around the grounds, tidying and pruning the vineyard.

The wines themselves are made by winemaker Matt King. “The style of the wines change with the season because we try to produce single vineyard wines. The environment changes so we can’t always make what you want, and we try not to interfere too much.

“We produce honest but good wine.”

Today out of her boutique vineyard, Amanda sells and produces riesling, pinot gris and rose.

Annually she sells around 100 – 150 cases, containing 12 bottles, of each variety of wine each year.

To a larger wine producer this may not seem like much, but it is exactly as Amanda likes it.

“It fits in with my children’s lifestyle, they are 14 and 15 years old, they will be away soon. I just want to enjoy life with them.”

Braided River Wines 24 Langdales Road West Melton RD6 Christchurch Canterbury T (03) 3421184 E amanda@braidedriver.co.nz www.braidedriver.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Food sampler

Vicki Young and Janet Enright made the leap into owning their own business starting with a catering business they expanded, just over a year ago, into BV Gourmet; a deli, special grocery store and café.

A dream come true The idea for their deli was something they had both mulled over in the past while working within the hospitality industry.

One day they decided to “just do it”.

“The idea was driven by a love of good food,” Vicki says. “We had a history in hospitality, so we also loved people.

“In a way it also came out of frustration that it is not always easy to get what you want in a small town.”

So together, they decided to build a business around the ethos of providing the local community with some great local and international artisan products; from local fresh produce and fare, like Nelson coffee, to the gourmet French pate.

The name BV stands for “Bon Vivant” which translates to a person who enjoys the sensuous pleasures of food and drink – something both Janet and Vicki relate to well.

Eating in A particularly strong winning point of the business has been its little café, which can seat around 20 people. On a daily basis it is open, providing a luscious array of salads, deli food and sweet and savoury baking; all made on-site by the expert chefs and bakers. Most dietary requirements are also catered for; including vegetarian and gluten-free.

In addition to the on-site café, the team at BV Gourmet provides an out-catering service – so keep it in mind the next time you host that special occasion.

Aisle treasures In BV Gourmet’s deli and grocery section is a wide range of local and international artisan products. “We provide the more indulgent, hard to come by products and when deciding what to stock we listen to our customers requests.”

• Thai Fish Cakes with Nahm Jim sauce • Salmon, Leek & Brie Flan • French Onion Soup • Spiced Tomato & Capsicum Soup • Lemon Ricotta with Roast Pears (caramelised in white wine & brown sugar) • Mexican salad - with roast pumpkin, chick peas & beans with a chilli dressing • ‘Posh Pie’ - Pork & Prune roulade • Silverbeet, Squash & Ricotta Pie • Braised Venison & Bacon Pie

Locally loved The past year has proven to be an amazing journey for the food-loving duo, with strong support from both locals and visitors to Blenheim.

The proof was in the pudding as BV Gourmet was voted “Marlborough’s best café”, in this year’s wild tomato cuisine awards. “This was really great,” Vicki says. “Because we were not judged by an outsider; we were voted for by our customers.”

Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8.00am - 5.00pm Sat – Sun: 9.00am - 3.00pm BV Gourmet 2A Park Terrace Blenheim T (03) 9293567 E info@bvgourmet.co.nz www.bvgourmet.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Quality Services The team at B V Gourmet aim to provide some of the best quality local products.

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Its deli cheeses have proven to be very popular, as people have a chance to taste and buy from a substantial range of both NZ and imported French, Italian and Spanish Providing accounting and business cheeses. “Its great to be able to sell fresh support to B V Gourmet off the wheel.” www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 101

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Hospitality | The Turf

The start of a

new era

Walking through the wooden-framed doors and into the softly lit arena of The Turf in the north-eastern part of Christchurch city, is at first glance not dissimilar to the typical New Zealand pub. But as you meander through its stylish timber surrounds you see its point of difference – showing just how much the little things count.

The detail that has gone into the renovation of this long-time member of the Parklands community is obvious; from the new sports bar, to the classy, yet casual décor of the new restaurant and the establishment of a versatile function area.

The Turf is made up of these three distinct areas which are housed under the same roof yet, are distinctively separate enough from each other to offer different clientele unique experiences.

The restaurant, One Good Horse, has a feel reminiscent of the by-gone era of the early 1900s horse-racing days. Its early 20th century-infused décor holds an echo of the times when prosperity and the great horses had people flocking to the track; taking their chances on the big names and champions like Phar Lap, Desert Gold and Cardigan Bay. The Turf, a sports bar, pays homage to some of New Zealand’s greatest sporting legends; with newsprint articles plastered across the ceiling, giving many a guest a flashback in time; to the days of Fergie McCormick, Dick Taylor, Sir Bob Charles, Nathan Astle and the Silver Ferns.

Elworthy’s function venue is intended to create an area that is capable of serving the community’s needs whether it be for a business or social occasion.

The owners, Louis and Lynda Vieceli, have made a significant investment starting with the refit of the public bar, which saw the creation of one of the best sports bars in the country and was completed prior to Christmas.

Walking through the restaurant it’s quite obvious this place is quite special, from the walls depicting shots of horses in their glory days, soda siphons lining the bars, genuine old suitcases holding up the counters and bars, and a ceiling decorated in racebooks from as early as the 1920s. It’s a subtle yet stylish assortment of small things that has generated a unique vibe and created a destination in its own right.

“It’s like the jockey clubs of the 1930s; we wanted to have a place which reflected this authenticity with a good earthy feel,” Allan says.

The resulting ambiance is both warm and welcoming, with the Canterbury river stone fireplace, the private plush red leather booths, the large and small tables and the private function rooms which make the restaurant an ideal place to spend an evening out; not

just for a quick pub meal, but for a romantic dinner for two, a birthday bash, grandpa’s 90th or a family reunion.

At full capacity the restaurant can seat between 140 – 160 patrons, so is more than capable to deal with whatever you have in mind for that special occasion.

“We provide good wholesome meals,” he says. “Our specialities are the slow roasted pork hock, the glazed half chicken, the pork spare ribs, all can be complimented by our special baked potato or golden fries. The day’s fish special is also a focal point of the menu.”

The Turf & One Good Horse 6 Inwoods Road Parklands T (03) 383 0417 www.theturf.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The restaurant, formerly known as Woodpeckers, had been around since 1974 and after the earthquakes Allan says it was in dire need of a “new lease of life”.

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Ph/Fax 03 312 2092 Mobile 021 895 122 48 Turiwhaia Road, RD1 KAIAPOI www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 103

Hospitality | Tub Desserts

A tub of

goodness “

Heaven in a Tub

Originally planning to make a mousse-type product, it became quite clear early in the research and development phase, that a ‘spoonable’ fudge would be a better option; there was no need for refrigeration and it had a much longer shelf life.

“It was trial and error for about eight months while I fashioned the fudge recipe.”

All Tub’s desserts, which are available in the Tub Titanic (480gm) and Tub Taster (180gm) sizes, are white or dark chocolate based. “Into that we add things like lollies, pure essences and other amazing ingredients.” She even creates special made-to-order fudges for a custom-made treat for yourself, or as a gift for others. There are no artificial colourings or flavours, they’re glutten free and there are even dairy free options of Mochabean and Choccacoco.

Not only great for just eating straight out of the tub, the dessert can be used for a variety of other sweet temptations with the recipes accessed from her website.

There’s the delicious, non-alcoholic version of tiramisu where you add Tub Mochabean into coffee, or the easy fudge balls with just three ingredients – a perfect festive treat to give to loved ones.

There are also the delicious Creamy Cheesecake Choc Chip Tub Stackernators – a quick throw together in 10 minutes that will impress everybody who gets the chance to taste them.

The fudge can also be warmed to a runnier consistency and drizzled over ice-cream, used as an icing for cupcakes or larger cakes, or even as a delicious addition to a cheesecake or cake mixture.

It can even be put in with milk and icecream to flavour a lovely thick homemade milkshake.

Review by Annabel

“

Too good to share I got this with the intention of sharing it with my friends. It tasted sooooo good I couldn’t part with it and ate the whole lot myself. It is like a spoonful of heaven. Yum! Reviewed by Anita

For those who have become completed addicted to the Tub range, there are special Tubbie subscriptions which offer discounts to those who buy in advance. Once signed up, the delicious fudge is delivered to the customer’s door either monthly, every two or every three months.

Tub E info@tubdessert.co.nz www.tubdessert.co.nz — Advertising Feature

E.info@tubdessert.co.nz W. www.tubdessert.co.nz

Tub was started in 2011 after eight months of intense R&D into making the perfect spoonable fudge.

Brianne came up with the idea of making an instant dessert after finding most store bought ready made mousses weren’t anywhere near homemade quality.

The idea of spoonable fudge came about when addressing preservation and refrigeration concerns.

104 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

SPOON ABL FUDG E E

Proud to support ‘TUB’

“

Known to her friends as the “queen of puddings” it was after an outing to get some chocolate, ready-whipped mousse from the supermarket for one of her creations that lead her to starting up Tub. “They tasted a bit like plastic and they were awful,” she says. “I thought if this is the only option, then I could do better than this.”

I do find it amusing when I read about the other uses for TUB - such as icing biscuits or melting and pouring over ice cream - all of which Chocolat would be brilliant for! But as I sit spooning TUB into my mouth I some how doubt that it would ever happen. Chocolat TUB would never last long enough. You have to have seriously strong willpower to be able to stop at just one spoon, or two, or three or.....

Where to buy: Christchurch: Rare Fare- Papanui Road Shalamar Florist- Cracroft Shops Halswell New World Or you can buy online at www.tubdessert.co.nz

“

My first Tub and I’m hooked Chocolat’ was the first Tub flavor I tried and boy, let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed! Rich, smooth and a flavor to die for. Imagine a Willy Wonka chocolate factory in your mouth – that good Reviewed by Kelly

“

Reviewed by Tess

This creamy concoction is the brain child of Canterbury entrepreneur Brianne West.

“

“

Chocolat has got to be Heaven in a Tub and definitely my favorite fudge in a Tub. OMG this stuff is gooooodddd!!! Not only is it wonderful as an icing on choc muffins and choc cake, it truly is good on the spoon. It is a wonderful chocolate taste, creamy, smooth and simply delicious. A small tub is not at all enough.

“

If you think the gooey, oozing goodness of sweet and heavenly fudge sounds right up your alley – then you need to try Tub desserts range of ‘spoonable’ fudge.

Hospitality | Hot Tubs Omarama

High country oasis It’s said there’s something special about high country folk; an innate ability to meet adversity and challenges head on, to make something out of nothing. It is certainly an apt summation of Lance and Jan Thomas.

That very determination has enabled them to create a virtual oasis in the heart of the Mackenzie Country.

Each tub is cleaned and refilled with fresh water after each group or person has used it. The used water is then pumped through a heat exchanger and used for irrigation, supporting a sustainable environment.

The couple had enjoyed their own European style hot tub for three years when, during a trip to Japan, Jane experienced Japanese Onsen. A term used for the Japanese style bathing facilities, Onsen has been a central feature of Japanese society for centuries. The virtues of immersing in fresh mountain water and the relaxing atmosphere of Onsen are integral to Japanese culture, providing a foil to the hectic pace of modern life.

Special care has been taken with energy saving lighting, which creates a soft atmosphere that does not pollute the night sky. Omarama’s Maori name, Te Aomarama, means place of light and the area is renowned for the clearest skies in the country, making Hot Tubs Omarama the perfect place to lie back in a tub filled with rejuvenating heated water to absorb the glittering majesty of the Milky Way floating overhead.

“

In their words…

Hot Tubs Omarama holds a special place in the heart of one recent visitor. Kelly Rogers certainly won’t be forgetting her Kiwi trip anytime soon.

“Our evening started out by getting escorted by lamplight by a very friendly gentleman down a number of stony pathways to our own private wooden barrel tub, which looked like a giant wine barrel.

Passion, determination and the support of friends and family have enabled Lance and Jan to create a stunning, chemical-free, environmentally conscious hot tub complex, unique among its kind in the New Zealand.

The Thomas’s started from scratch with nothing but the land, which they had owned for 14 years.

“It was all outside and we were surrounded by tall shrubs and mountains that we could make out in the night sky. The stars were shining and we were left to it; there were no real time restrictions, so we could just sit back and relax with the only sign of other inhabitants being puffs of smoke in the distance from their own private hot tubs.

Lance and Jan wanted to bring the relaxing delights of the Japanese Onsen experience to the South Island High Country. It took nine years to get resource consent, but red tape and a recession were not going to stop the determined South Island couple from launching their dream tourism business.

Together they have created a virtual oasis in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, a meticulously designed, healthy spa facility, and its beauty stands as a testament to its creators.

“The hot tub was controlled by a wood fire; we were given instructions which allowed us to stoke the fire ourselves and make it hotter or colder if we wished.

Hot Tubs Omarama has been meticulously designed as a healthy spa facility that focuses on the environment in more than one way. Located on the north-western side of Omarama, on the Twizel/Omarama Rd, SH 8 (opposite the Wrinkly Rams Café), Hot Tubs Omarama is an inspired creation.

Hot Tubs Omarama 29 Omarama Ave Main Omarama Twizel Highway T (03) 438 9703 E info@hottubsomarama.co.nz www.hottubsomarama.co.nz

“We had our own heated changing rooms which were great because, being in the middle of winter, stepping outside of the hot tub proved chilly.

“

— Advertising Feature

“It was a cracker winter night: all the stars in the sky seemed to be out and to top it off - my partner proposed. It was a brilliant place for such a thing, very magical and something I will never forget.”

Brilliant isolation Each hot tub has its own private outdoor setting with individual changing rooms.

Individual tubs are secluded and the tubs themselves are a work of wonderful craftsmanship built from Canadian western red cedar, with a submersible wood firebox heating the chemical free fresh mountain water.

The outdoor complex consists of eight private hot/cool tubs, including a wheelchair accessible tub, two private ‘wellness pods’ with their own saunas and a private massage suite.

Bruce, Julie and the team welcome you to the Oasis Cafe Wine Bar

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 105

Hospitality | Robbie's

Welcome

to Robbie’s

Christchurch events of the past two years have seen a rise in people opting for suburban destinations for a night out.

More and more people are choosing entertainment in pubs and restaurants that are perhaps more local to them. This in turn has led to the creation of fun places for people to meet where you’re not just a face, you’re a welcome guest.

One such place is Robbie’s of Riccarton. Coowner Andy Jacques says his establishment is a place where all members get together for a variety of occasions. Business groups, friends gathering to celebrate, community organisations and people just wanting a drink, a game of poker or to join in the quiz night, all make the most of Robbie’s friendly atmosphere.

“What drives our passion for this industry is the pursuit of that perfect customer experience. That of course is made up of a number of different elements including customer service, food presentation and taste, quality surroundings with a nice atmosphere and good company.

“Whenever you receive feedback from customers to that effect it is enormously satisfying however, if things haven’t gone so well on the odd occasion, then that becomes the opportunity and indeed the challenge to turn things around for that customer. We also love trying to come up with new promotions to entice people to visit us.”

“

What drives our passion for this industry is the pursuit of that perfect customer experience.

”

“When socialising at Robbie’s Riccarton you can expect a friendly relaxed atmosphere with plenty of add ons. We have 18 pokies, a TAB pod, plenty of plasmas and projectors for sport watching as well as good sounds.

Such promotions include the Texas Hold ‘em poker nights on Mondays and Thursdays, the Wednesday quiz night and live music on a Saturday. “Further to our Wednesday night we organise and run heaps of fundraising quizzes for people looking to raise money and have great fun at the same time.

“There are heaps of options if you are after a snack and we are carpeted so you can always hear what your companions are saying. If you want to sit outside in the sun then we also have a nice outdoor area.”

“Of course we have all of the live sport action including big time events like Super Bowl, the AFL final, Champions League football,” Andy says. “In addition to those more one-off events we of course screen all the more popular rugby, league, cricket, and netball events.

Passion for the industry Andy and father Jim bought the Riccarton business in 2004. They were joined soon after by business partner Dean Baldwin.

“Jim and I had banking backgrounds and Dean was involved in sales for a large company so we each had extensive training in customer service.”

“A new and exciting phenomenon, which is taking the USA and Australia by storm, is Barcraft (where people watch top eSports tournaments in a bar). We have already featured two nights of this and are looking to do more in the future.”

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We also have a large bar and an extensive outdoor area as well as: › Jukebox › Quiz Nights › Poker Nights › 3 Plasmas

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106 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Robbie’s Bar and Bistro is a distinctive brand throughout the South Island. The 14 establishments are well known for their great atmosphere, friendly staff and a vast selection of Kiwi cuisine with meals to suit anyone’s appetite.

Bars have a large range of quality beverages including New Zealand beers and wines.

We also have several wines from the award winning Torlesse Winery in Waipara, North Canterbury.

“Being part of the Robbie’s franchise means being part of a larger buying group which gives us competitive prices and in turn enables us to offer competitive pricing for our customers,” Andy says.

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A busy restaurant with a huge selection of food, including a ‘Create a Steak’ board and extensive menu, special, function and bar snack options.

Part of the crew

Freephone (0800) 123 125 M (027) 266 5464 E zane@027cooling.co.nz

ALSO Two different function Areas available. Great for conferences and staff training AND at night time for 21st, engagement parties and any other special occasions.

Phone now! 03 343 0567 Robbies Riccarton, 201 Clarence Street, Riccarton, Chch

Hospitality | Robbie's A fine place to dine

Perfect for any occasion

With its massive array of menus, Robbie’s Riccarton can cater to everyone’s tastes and needs. Its experienced kitchen team is lead by recently appointed head chef Koda, who has been with the business for four years.

Robbie’s Riccarton is used by a variety of people. “We have a lot of different community groups that use our function room for their meetings. They include the likes of Lions and Rotary groups,” Andy says.

“Koda has done a lot of cooking overseas and has real passion for food and prides himself on presentation. That in turn has flowed down through the rest of the team and leads to good consistency, something we are constantly striving for so that no matter who is cooking, our customers receive the same great food whatever day or time that they visit us.”

“We have a number of car clubs and different sporting organisations that meet at our place and we have breakfasts three mornings a week for business networking groups.”

There is the Robbie’s franchise, specials, steak board, breakfast, lunch and mains menus to select from. If you’re looking for a quick bite then the bar snacks menu provides many options.

Lauren leads the front of house team. An extremely organised person, you can be rest assured when you book your Robbie’s Riccarton function that all the details no matter how big or small are taken care of.

“We have also just started full table service in our restaurant. Lauren has led the team through that change process, ensuring that our staff are providing that superior level of service which one can expect with full table service, rather than the bistro style dining we have progressed from.”

Robbie’s Riccarton runs alongside Robbie’s Elmwood in Strowan – which is run by Andy’s dad Jim. The pair work together to ensure the same high standards are met at both establishments. Integral to both businesses are the relationships they have built with suppliers.

Coffee Worx is a comprehensive coffee roasting and supply company, offering premium quality coffee, coffee machines, accessories for domestic and commercial use, and a full range of consumables and cafe related items.

Echochem aims to take the hassle out of the chemical supply to businesses. It will deliver, handle, and replenish the supply to all facets of a business. For example, in a restaurant, it will change the containers that feed the dishwasher and glasswasher, then remove any empty containers to eliminate hazards and waste.

Luxury

on the wild side

It’s an ideal place for a romantic couple, looking to celebrate a new union or those looking to rekindle the sparks. “At night couples can sit in the twin outdoor garden baths that have hot running water and gaze at the stars above, champagne glass in hand,” she says.

Staff can cater for any type of function including engagement parties, 21st birthdays, work functions and business meetings, conferences or training courses. “All catering requirements can be met and for info on options please check our website www. robbiesriccarton.co.nz.”

All I want for Christmas Andy and the team have just finalised Christmas menus for groups to join in the festive celebrations. Robbie’s Riccarton provides a top location with its extensive areas so you can choose the surrounding which will best suit your event.

“We have a large restaurant, a function room, an enclosed marquee area or even just the outdoor area for perhaps a more casual feel with a bbq and a few beers.”

For further information email or phone Andy or Lauren as they would love to host you for your seasonal celebrations and can provide a solution to your end of year function requirements.

Your new local

Working together

Hospitality | Birds Ferry Lodge

Robbie’s staff love getting to know their customers. Getting to know their patrons, makes for an enjoyable experience for everyone and allows customers to get that “welcome home feeling” when they call in for a meal or drink.

“We have a large number of customers both in the bar and the restaurant who visit us frequently and our staff know all of their names. They are all different ages and from varied industries there's always plenty to talk and laugh about.”

Whether you live locally, or are looking for somewhere where the mood is vibrant and the food is good kiwi cuisine, then try Robbie’s Riccarton.

Robbie’s Riccarton 201 Clarence Street Riccarton Christchurch T (03) 343 0567 www.robbiesriccarton.co.nz Robbie's Elmwood 1 Normans Road, Strowan 8052 T (03) 355 5345 — Advertising Feature

Warm and cosy In its own little spot of paradise on the spectacular West Coast of the South Island, a perfect, private romantic getaway is waiting. Two kilometres away from the main highway, at the end of Birds Ferry Road, is perched a lovely fully furnished, self-contained cottage by a picturesque little lake.

The Ferryman’s luxury cottage, which is an extension of the Birds Ferry Lodge accommodation, promises couples, families or friends a secluded paradise in the middle of nature. With the overlooking calming views of the sea and acres of wild bush, it promises to be the perfect escape from life’s constant intrusions.

Picture perfect Owner Alison Gygax says the cottages are finished to a very high standard and were specifically designed to take in the panoramic mountain and ocean views. The cottage has decks and outdoor furniture, back and front, meaning you can enjoy the sunshine at any time of the day.

“All the luxury touches of the Birds Ferry Lodge but with a fully equipped kitchen in your very own private setting.”

“

This is a truly unique, beautiful place to come to relax and have fantastic hikes during the day. It is an additional bonus that the hosts are so friendly and possess such a joie de vivre that made our stay special. I will definitely return. Do not hesitate to a book a room here ASAP! - Traveller from Chicago, Illinois

”

Alison says the cottage is very cosy and warm at all times of the year; thanks to the oil-filled radiators, electric blankets, underfloor heating in the bathroom and the “Metro” wood burner in the lounge which sends off a happy, glowing warm ambiance.

She adds guests are free to keep to themselves or be privy to the wonderful service of the main lodge. The cottage has kitchen facilities which are more than capable of cooking a full dinner, but for those wanting to completely escape from the hardships of life, Alison and her team are more than happy to provide “fine-dining if and when desired”.

Some pampering is also on offer at the nearby lodge, with a full on 45-minute holistic massage therapy session, followed by a soak in the lodge’s inviting spa.

Natural offerings In the surrounding area there is also much to see and do; the Northern West Coast region offers a wide range of scenery and historic sites to see, and outdoor adventure sports and activities to do; all set within the natural of the area.

Alison’s partner, André, who has 17-years experience as a tour guide, can offer individualised local tours to suit all interests and abilities. He is more than happy to delight you with his extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of the South Island.

The biggest draw card to this region is without a doubt its geography and wildlife; from the rugged coastline and its spectacular rock formations, to the deep gorges and the valleys carved by ancient glaciers to the many rivers, lush rainforests and abundant array of unique vegetation and birdlife.

So take some time out from life, head to the West Coast and experience a luxury stay in the middle of New Zealand’s beautiful wilderness.

Birds Ferry Lodge Birds Ferry Road RD 2 Westport 7865 T 0800 212 207 E info@birdsferrylodge.co.nz www.birdsferrylodge.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

ECOCHEM wishes to thank Robbies Elmwood

for their ongoing business ECOCHEM is Christchurch owned and operated and has an ISO14001 Certified Environmental Management System.

Please consider changing to ECOCHEM to benefit your business, the environment, and the local economy!

Phone: 03 377 1892 • ECOCHEM.CO.NZ

Runanga Butchery Proud to support Birds Ferry Lodge 03 762 7620 15 McGowan Street, Runanga Greymouth www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 107

Hospitality | Edesia Restaurant

Exquisite Edesia For the second year in a row Christchurch restaurant Edesia has been named a finalist in the Cuisine Magazine New Zealand Restaurant of the Year competition, marking it as one of the Top 50 restaurants in the country.

For a restaurant that has only been open three years and has survived a large earthquake event, it is a significant achievement and testament to the high standards set by owner Leighton Henshaw.

lost custom with the closure of so many city restaurants.

Henshaw was new to the restaurant business when he saw an opportunity to open up an eatery in a new business park in Show Place, Addington.

He admits his business has grown during the last two years as others slowed, but is confident established restaurateurs and new entrepreneurs will emerge. “The challenge for all of us is to become more imaginative and innovative, to create something new and exciting for the city.”

The recent commerce graduate took up the challenge when the global economic downturn of 2009 restricted the job opportunities in his chosen field of marketing and property.

Henshaw’s advice to those starting out is to be clear about what they are doing. “Do not try to be everything to everyone, use your imagination and take a long term perspective of the business.”

“The biggest challenge was establishing a high quality establishment, with food to the best standard, in this unique location,” he says.

He is the first to admit the success of overcoming that challenge has been due in a large extent to his staff. “The key to it has been the two chefs we have had, who have both produced high quality cuisine.”

Current chef, Frenchman Jean-Michel Poulot, has formerly worked for a Michelin star restaurant in Dublin. “Jean-Michel has brought a huge amount of professionalism with him.

His food is classical with beautifully refined flavours. The food is not over complicated, flows and is well polished.”

The establishment’s feel is very much delivered by Edesia’s décor, with its surfeit of natural light, angular furniture and an elegant floor to ceiling glass cabinet wine cellar taking up one wall.

Both the chef and owner take pride in providing the best of Canterbury, whether that be venison or pinot noir, herb or hen.

Henshaw sees that by buying local produce he is helping to re-establish Canterbury suppliers to the hospitality industry whose businesses

Cuisine New Zealand Restaurant of the Year competition 2012 What the judges said of Edesia Rating: ****

Lunch at Edesia

“Although the opening of Christchurch’s new rugby stadium across the road has highlighted the location of this chic restaurant, those in the know have been dining at Edesia since day one.

Open from 11.30am to 3.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Enjoy lunch outside on the terrace on a sunny day, or inside with a comforting bowl of soup if it’s cold. An extensive list of wines by the glass provides an excellent opportunity to match these with chef’s well refined lunch menu. An excellent location for a business lunch or get-together.

“With its outdoor water feature and smart sofas in the bar, it’s a popular haunt for the early morning coffee rush, corporate lunches and after work drinks. But from 5.30pm, the smart-casual approach turns serious.

Dinner at Edesia Open from 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

Within five minutes drive from Fendalton and Cashmere, Edesia is in a convenient location for a quick mid-week meal, or to enjoy the full menu and extensive wine list. The menu caters for all and is predominantly gluten free.

Special events at Edesia With a large commercial kitchen, plenty of free parking, and seating for up to 60, Edesia is the perfect location for that special event. Keep an eye on the website, www.edesia.co.nz, for information on upcoming events and degustations.

“An epic wine list and a glass-fronted cellar at one end of the restaurant add to the atmosphere for evening diners, who can select from 22 pages of top local and international wine drops, boutique beers with a South Island slant, and a range of cognac, Armagnac and whisky, especially single malts.

“While some dishes are intricate – a seared scallop entree is courted by a watercress and rocket panna cotta, fennel tuile, cauliflower puree, lemon zest and Akaroa olive oil – the main focus is on quality local ingredients served simply.

“In brief: classic flavour combinations and a friendly mood.”

Cuisine Magazine, www.cuisine.co.nz

EVERY GOOD MEAL STARTS WITH USING THE BEST INGREDIENTS

Perfectly Located 7 minutes from CBD, on a direct route between the Cashmere Hills and Fendalton/Merivale.

12 Show Place, Addington. Christchurch Phone: (03) 943 2144 www.edesia.co.nz 108 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Hospitality | Edesia Restaurant

Hospitality | Matson's Brewery

A better brew

Menu Entrees

It’s well known that Matson’s Brewery’s range of beers are 100 percent naturally brewed and the company is 100 percent New Zealand owned.

Aoraki Salmon: Cured in sea salt and lime zest, dusted with fresh dill, cucumber and ginger salad, remoulade sauce Beef fillet carpaccio: Lightly seared beef fillet with lemon oil, parmesan, organic hazelnut from Hazelz Duck liver parfait: Toasted brioche, dry fig chutney, port and red wine reduction Tio Point Oysters: Shuck to order and served with a shallot and cabernet sauvignon vinegar

What is lesser known, outside the red and black boundaries, is that Matson’s Brewery is 100 percent fiercely Cantabrian and not just about its own award winning beer.

Seared scallops: Watercress and rocket panna cotta, fennel tuile, cauliflower puree, lemon zest and extra virgin olive oil from Akaroa

“I have no problem with getting together with like-minded Canterbury hospitality businesses to promote Canterbury as a food and drink destination,” Matson’s director Hayden Jones says.

Roasted quail: Braised green cabbage, red wine apple compote, star anise jus

Duck Leg Confit: Sauteed Cavolo Nero, sweet beetroot Polenta, caramelised salsify, cranberry jus Pan fried Groper: Sauteed gnocchi, wilted baby spinach, slow roasted tomato, lime and chive butter Loin of Silere Merino Lamb: Parsnip puree, puy lentils, potato cake, carrot jam, wild thyme jus Angus Prime Eye Fillet: Roasted root vegetables, boxty potato, smoked bacon lardons, baby onions, red wine jus Loin of Canterbury Cervena Venison: Pickled red cabbage, duxelle mushrooms, smoked Havarti celeriac gratin, juniper berry jus

Traditional crème brûlée with hazelnut ice cream Valrhona dark chocolate pudding with pistachio ice cream Rhubarb and apple crumble with mascarpone cream and lemon sorbet Caramel and pecan tart with praline sauce, crème fraiche and star anise ice cream Gran Marnier and orange parfait with orange zest sauce

Edesia 12 Show Place Addington T (03) 943 2144 E info@edesia.co.nz www.edesia.co.nz

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Jones sees the growth of craft breweries particularly in Christchurch as a welcome addition to the “Best of Canterbury” theme and not as competition.

Zealand ownership, employing all local staff and at the same time supplying product all around New Zealand.

With its production capacity and modern brewing equipment Matson’s Brewery is outside of the strictly boutique brewery category putting it as one of the larger scale independent breweries in the country.

Hayden Jones is proud of the company’s red and black heritage. The Matson’s name was derived from an early Canterbury family of businessmen involved in auctioneering, stock and station agents and liquor wholesaling.

The emphasis on batch fermentation, as opposed to continuous fermentation used by the large breweries, contributes to the natural qualities of Matson’s beer.

“While the Matson family still survives in Canterbury, they do not have any direct association with the brewery, but the brewery is proud to carry on such a pioneering name.”

“Our range of beers is produced using only natural ingredients with emphasis on locally sourced raw materials or malted barley, hops and water of the highest quality.”

Matson’s Brewery’s connection with the region was reflected in its response to the Christchurch earthquakes.

Using ‘flash pasteurisation’ machinery, in conjunction with micro-filtration, Matson’s Brewery is able to achieve pure chemical and preservative-free bottling of all its beer products. Although a common system internationally, flash pasteurisation is not as common in New Zealand.

Desserts

www.breads.co.nz

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Mains

Hayden Jones

“We did close for a few days to allow staff to deal with their personal issues, then we started to contact all our clients to find out what they needed, whether that be beer or a shovel,” Jones says.

And those are not the only factors which differentiate Matson’s Brewery from the “big boys” of the industry.

The company’s next response was a little more long term and reflected what it does best, brewing a special Quake Lager, with 20c from the sale of each bottle going to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Sales of the bottled lager are still continuing to contribute to the appeal.

“While other main breweries now have majority overseas ownership, Matson’s Brewery has stayed very much in New

Matson’s Brewery is situated in Tenahaun Place, Sockburn, just off Parkhouse Road, Christchurch.

Matson’s Brewery 6 Tenahaun Place Sockburn Christchurch T (03) 341 3229 0800 327 893 E mail@matsonsbrewery.co.nz www.matsonsbrewery.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 109

Hospitality | Total Food Equipment

The people to see when you want to

cook up a storm Total Food Equipment owner Sandra Mclay is looking forward to the reopening of her Moorhouse Avenue home.

The company specialises in quality kitchenware for both the retail and commercial market and since its beginnings has become a very popular shopping destination for those home chefs.

The earthquake disruption and closure of its Moorhouse Ave premises meant a four and a half month trading break before finding an interim trading premise in Coleridge Street.

Mclay says they were able to sign a short term lease as they were committed to returning to Moorhouse Ave with its high street traffic presence. “We did not want to be locked into a long term lease as our commitment was to return to Moorhouse Avenue.

“Our landlord has helped immensely through this period and our store designer from Napier came down to assist with the shop outfit.”

Mclay says the biggest challenge during the Coleridge St was to shift the focus of the business to being destination shopping, not having the street front visibility of Moorhouse Ave. “As well as supplying to the hospitality industry we had a strong trade from high end home chefs who required the same product quality and professional advice available to the culinary trade.”

While the foot traffic slowed, the demand from the industry has re-grown steadily during the last 18 months, with more and more places reopening and new ventures starting out.

ZWILLING Pure The new knife from Zwilling J.A. Henckels offers uncompromising aesthetics and is a cut above the rest. www.tfe.co.nz

“What hasn’t changed during our relocation period was our commitment to customers’ service and product knowledge. In addition to supplying stock items we were sourcing individual requests.”

Total Food Equipment began in Napier in 1989, opening its Dunedin branch in 2004, which is when Sandra Mclay joined the team.

Her brother-in-law who began the firm 21 years ago convinced Mclay to leave her

“

We have access to a well respected international hospitality designer with experience in front of house design.

- Owner, Sandra Mclay

”

nursing career to help build TFC Dunedin, and in 2009 she leapt at the chance to move north.

including Sirman from Italy and Vollrath from the United States, for which TFE is exclusive agents.

“I always loved coming to Christchurch.

When we were living in Dunedin we would come up here often for holidays or just a break away.”

“As a member of the TBK Network buying group we have strong buying power which results in us being competitively priced,” Mclay says.

Opening in Moorhouse Avenue in 2009, the following year TFE Christchurch was awarded a Top Shop award.

“We have access to a well respected international hospitality designer with experience in front of house design.”

Total Food Equipment is able to offer Christchurch customers competitive pricing when it comes to quality culinary requirements from leading designers,

As well as being a distributor for Electrolux commercial products Total Food Equipment stocks leading international brands like Moffat and Skope.

Total Food Equipment is a store selling Homeware, Bakeware, Glassware, Kitchenware, Knives, coffee and more with Store locations around New Zealand.

» NAPIER » CHRISTCHURCH » DUNEDIN 110 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

46 Coleridge Street, | E. sandra@tfe.co.nz P. (03) 3666 912 | F. (03) 3666 913 www.tfe.co.nz

Hospitality | Total Food Equipment

Total Food Equipment stock and supply the following brands:

“

Testimonial

“

Testimonial “I have worked with Iain Mollison at Total Food Equipment for over three years and I have found him nothing but professional. Fast service great pricing is just the start, happy to call out at short notice with always a smile. As I have used most food equipment suppliers in Christchurch I highly recommend Total Food Equipment.”

“

Brett James, general manager, Pegasus Golf & Sports Club

• Kitchenaid • Henckels Knives • Royal Porcelain Crockery • Vollrath • F.E.D • Sirman • Crown • Dissco • SC Crockery • Moffatt Bakbar Blueseal • Electrolux Commercial

Domestic • Kitchenaid • Circulon • Ascaso • Swift Supreme • Masterclass • Schott Zwiesel • Tala • Joseph Joseph • Cuisena • Ezidri • Wilton • Magimix • BIA • Emlie Henry • Zyliss • Raco • Mason Cash

“Sandra and the team from Total Food Equipment have been a huge help to us during the rebuild of our café and catering company after the February earthquake. Their meticulous attention to detail and superb customer service made fitting out a new commercial kitchen so much easier.

“Ian has been very hands-on during the installation and ongoing supply of our busy kitchen, always available to meet any request and find any product we require. We cannot commend Total Food Equipment more highly.”

Garth Reid, The Preservatory

“

Commercial

Total Food Equipment 26 Coleridge Street and Moorehouse Ave T (03) 366 6912 E admin@tfe.co.nz www.tfe.co.nz Sandra Mclay 021 3666 12 Iain Mollison Sales Manager Cell: 021 366 617

— Advertising Feature

Spunglo Ltd are proud to support

Total Food Equipment Ph. 04 570 0117 E. Valerie@spunglo.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 111

Hospitality | Addington Raceway Cup Week

The week Canterbury

comes out to play

It’s all about fun, fashion and frivolity, but the iconic Christchurch Cup and Show Week is about more than just that, according to Addington Raceway & Events Centre marketing and commercial manager Ged Mooar.

provides cracking views of the track and a real party atmosphere, there are the best dressed fashion competitions, the New Zealand Army Band, plenty of totes, food outlets, bars, toilets, four big screens and celebrities on course all come together in a day designed for fun.

“Cup and Show Week means a lot to Canterbury. It is perhaps one of the greatest days out in the year - full of action, fashion and excitement. But even more than that, it is part of the fabric of Christchurch in terms of the local economy.”

There is also a public village which includes two large marquees (featuring bars, totes, seating and toilets), the Speights Bar Trailer, food stalls, stage area and a big screen featuring the day’s action.

The biggest harness racing meeting in the southern hemisphere, Addington Cup Day, attracts more than 20,000 people from New Zealand and abroad.

While the feature event is the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup, which sees some of the best of New Zealand and Australia’s horses take centre stage to compete in the country’s most prestigious two mile harness race, Cup Day is more than just a top class race meeting.

Entertainment is provided for all. A DJ from The Edge will be performing on the wellknown Lindauer Lawn and Roof area which Tower Junction

Race goers have a number of options of where to spend their day at the track. The Lindauer Lawn (restricted to patrons aged 18 years or older) is the social hub of Cup Day action which is located on a grassed area close to the race track, the fashion events and the presentation area. There is also a range of great corporate hospitality options if you want to enjoy Cup Day in style.

If you are a serious fashionista, don’t forget to enter the Best Dressed at the Races fashion competition on Cup Day at Addington - The Westfield Riccarton Cup Day Style Stakes, with free entry for both ladies and men and thousands of dollars of prizes to be won.

A unique campaign is being launched during Cup Week 2012, which will see three cars up for grabs and a portion of the proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House South Island.

The “Pin and Win” campaign is supported by the Christchurch Casino, New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club and the Canterbury Jockey Club. Punters simply purchase a 2012 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup pin for $5 to enter themselves in the draw to win one of three Ford Fiesta cars. Details on how to purchase a pin can be found at www. christchurchcasino.co.nz, www.riccartonpark. co.nz and www.addington.co.nz.

A portion of the sale from each pin will go to Ronald McDonald House South Island (RMHSI), which provides free accommodation and support to families while their child receives hospital care.

Tower Junction Retail Centre 55 Clarence St, Tel: 03 348 7905 | Fax: 03 348 7906

E: bakersdelighttowerjunction@gmail.com

www.bakersdelight.co.nz

“This is an exciting promotion that really highlights Canterbury’s big week whilst helping a local charity at the same time,” Christchurch Casino chief executive Brett Anderson says.

Addington Raceway is also providing a free pick-up and drop-off bus service for patrons wishing to attend the race day on Tuesday, November 23. Red Bus will pick up patrons at 10.30am and 11.30am from Oxford Terrace (outside the hospital facing Montreal St) and outside Westpac Merivale on Papanui Road, and shuttle patrons direct to the racecourse.

The free service will extend for on-course patrons with the bus service leaving at the

112 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Wrights Road end of the course from 5.30pm every half an hour through to 7.30pm and shuttling patrons back to the Hospital and Merivale stops.

In conjunction with the Christchurch City Council, Addington is taking a very strong and vocal stance towards drink driving. There will be big screen messages throughout the day on course. “We are strongly encouraging the use of our free bus service or using public transport to get you to and from the course.”

There is also a dedicated Blue Star Taxi Rank on course which will have a large supply of cabs available throughout the day and an extra supply at peak times.

Addington Raceway 75 Jack Hinton Drive Addington Christchurch T 03 338 9094 E info@addington.co.nz www.addington.co.nz www.nzcupweek.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Agribusiness | Heartland Potato Chips

The art and craft behind every packet Heartland Potato Chips have quickly become a household name in New Zealand.

“I thought of doing this some years back, as I always wanted to supply directly to the consumer, but the opportunity was never really there. Bluebird’s decision to pull out was one that was certainly going to affect us, and I thought now was the time to start The company was established in early 2011 by our own factory and turn this into a new Orari farmers Raymond and Adrienne Bowan, venture for us.” following the 2010 closure of the Bluebird In order to penetrate the market, a point factory in Washdyke – of which the Bowan’s of difference had to first be established.

Fallgate Farms was a major supplier.

Consumers are confronted with an ever increasing number of brands on the shelves, The decision was made to purchase and and a major challenge was to ensure that refurbish the old Bluebird factory and start Heartland Potato Chips were gaining a producing a new range of potato chips, portion of market share. using their own crops from Fallgate Farms Made from potatoes grown by a New Zealand farmer, in a New Zealand paddock and processed in a New Zealand-owned factory, an increasing number of Kiwis are choosing Heartland Potato Chips above many of the leading brands.

– essentially taking the product all the way from paddock to packet.

Some 20 months later, and Heartland Potato Chips are now stocked all over New Zealand with an increasing portion of market share.

The company was born out of a desire to sell directly to the consumer, with an emphasis on exceptional quality and unrivalled freshness.

Taking a gamble

“There are plenty of players out there making potato chips, and we wanted to provide something a bit different. With that point of difference we thought we might just have a shot at it,” says Bowan.

Securing key players for the new business was also identified as being essential for “It was a big gamble, it really was, and we just hoped that we were doing the right thing. breaking into the industry. Former Bluebird plant manager Bill Cockburn, who worked at But you have to take a gamble sometimes the factory for 21 years, was recruited and don’t you, otherwise you never know what with his expertise the Bowans were able to could have happened,” he says. install a new state of the art production line As the main supplier for Bluebird, the from the Netherlands. company’s decision to move all of its Another major triumph was securing processing to the North Island was going to have a significant effect on Fallgate Farms. For current Heartland Potato Chips sales manager Brian Kirby, who has 30 years Bowan and his wife Adrienne, the time had working in the industry for the likes of come to fulfil a lifelong dream of producing Bluebird and ETA Griffins. Both Kirby and their own potato chips, in their own factory, Cockburn saw the potential for the company using their own potatoes. It was simply an opportunity that could not be turned down. right from day one.

INDUSTRIAL CONTROLS SOUTH CANTERBURY LTD 48 BANK STREET TIMARU

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The five flavours of Heartland Potato Chips: Chicken, Southern Salt, Green Onion, Salt and Vinegar, Sour Cream and Chives.

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Launching a new brand of potato chips in a relatively crowded market was always going to have its risks. However Bowan maintained it was a risk worth taking.

This was established by using only gluten free flavourings, being free of trans fat and hydrogenated fat, and cooking in sunflower and canola oil as opposed to palm oil – all key factors that distinguish Heartland Potato Chips from the bigger players. They are also produced in the old fashioned, crinkle cut style.

When selecting a brand name, care was taken to ensure that it fitted the ‘locally grown and locally owned’ image, and was therefore symbolic of quintessential New Zealand.

“It is a brand name that we felt really fitted what we are all about. Heartland is everywhere – it can be in North Canterbury, South Canterbury, in the Wairarapa, therefore it resonates with middle New Zealand,” says Kirby.

“The packaging also shows the potatoes and the story behind the chips, and is very much centred around Fallgate Farms, which is the heart of the business.”

The response from consumers has been overwhelming in the 20 short months of operation, says Bowan.

“We are pretty chuffed with where we have got to in such a short amount of time. The family were all behind it, and we surrounded ourselves with key sales people and contacts in the industry, which was particularly important in the early days.”

Kirby Says “Having spent 30 years in the industry, I know how hard it is up against the big guys. But Heartland Potato Chips are now right up there with the big players, and the company is really making itself known.”

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Proudly Supporting Heartland Potato Chips www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 113

Agribusiness | Heartland Potato Chips

From paddock to packet Some days it can be as little as 12 hours for a potato to be dug on Fallgate Farms in Orari until it is packaged in the factory at Washdyke. It could be said that choosing Heartland Potato Chips off the supermarket shelf is the closest you will get to purchasing potato chips directly from the farmer.

“We have an unrivalled paddock to packet story,” says Kirby. “It is only 20 minutes from farm to factory, which gives us that exceptional freshness and total quality control that the bigger players cannot claim.”

Fallgate Farms was purchased by the Bowans in 1975, and features around 1350 hectares of prime potato growing land in the heart of South Canterbury. The soil is free draining, has little to no stone and can be irrigated – naturally perfect for growing potatoes.

Locally grown - locally made - locally owned People are increasingly looking for a sense of what is ‘real’ in modern society, with discerning customers seeking producer authenticity and value above all else.

The important notions of transparency and sustainability have become commonplace, with the consumer eager to know exactly what they are purchasing and, more importantly, where it has come from.

There are not many potato chip brands that can claim their product is produced by a New Zealand farmer, in a New Zealand paddock and processed in a New Zealandowned factory. In this instance, Heartland Potato Chips are at the forefront of the ‘buy local’ movement.

“People certainly like to know where their food is coming from these days, more than ever,” Bowan says.

“Growing potatoes is not hard – it is like anything, you have to have the right ground, the right seed and most importantly, a reliable supply of water. Canterbury has all of those things, which enhances consistency and quality,” says Bowan.

“They want to know where it is made, by whom, and where the ingredients come from. A lot of potato chips are produced by overseas-owned companies, and people are looking at the back of a packet more and more.

Potato growing and farming is in Bowan’s blood. As a lad of 18 years old, he began to grow his own crops and secured a contract supplying a local fish and chip shop in Timaru.

“The whole concept of buying local and New Zealand made is really strong, and we are a part of this. The story behind the product is also a key driving factor in our success.”

Now, with over 40 years’ experience behind him, Bowan has trialled numerous varieties of potato and has found there are only about five types that are capable of producing the “perfect colour and crunch” required to become a Heartland Potato Chip.

Customers need only look at the back of the packet to see that just the necessary ingredients have made it into their bag of Heartland Potato Chips. The Southern Salt variety for example only features potatoes, canola oil, sunflower oil and sea salt – no palm oil, nasty additives, preservatives or artificial colours.

Careful not to take on too much of a corporate structure, Bowan is involved in all aspects of

“

Heartland Potato Chips billboard on State Highway One, Orari.

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It is a sentiment that seems to be resonating with the consumer, with the story behind the product proving to be a significant factor in the company’s growing reputation. The creation of an organisation that has control over the whole supply chain adds value to the end product, and for this reason Heartland Potato Chips are increasingly being chosen over many of the leading brands.

the business from being out in the paddock to working in the factory and overseeing quality control.

The whole concept of buying local and New Zealand made is really strong, and we are a part of this. The story behind the product is also a key driving factor in our success.

”

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Planting of the potatoes at Fallgate Farms in Orari .

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114 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Agribusiness | Heartland Potato Chips

Quality control Quality control starts at the farm gate. From researching and selecting the ideal potato variety and the quality of soil that they are planted into in August, through to the careful harvesting and transporting of the crops the short distance to the factory, the company ensures that care is taken every step along the way.

Each individual bag of Heartland Potato Chips that goes out of the factory is routinely checked, with samples going to the onsite laboratory for more extensive testing.

“Keeping the consistency of quality is a key factor for us,” Bowan says. “We are careful to ensure that nothing goes out of our factory that is not up to standard – that is the way things have got to be.”

When the potatoes first come into the factory, they are graded and checked for machine and insect damage, and also any greening.

Online quality checks are undertaken every half an hour, and a sorting machine picks up any browning or black bruising that may have occurred during the cooking process.

Heartland’s plant manager Bill Cockburn says from the very beginning, the company has focused on maintaining nothing but the highest of quality throughout its production process.

“We always strive to be a step above the competition, and maintain that standard at all times.”

Innovation has also played a key part in the growth of the business. A state of the art plant line featuring a blancher, fryer and colour sorter was sourced from the Netherlands, which Cockburn maintains is a key factor in producing Heartland’s superior potato chips.

“The plant line that we have in place is state of the art, and we invested in this to ensure that we can maintain our high quality at all times.”

Inside the business Fallgate Farms – the home of Heartland Potato Chips was purchased by the Bowans in 1975 and features around 1350 hectares of prime potato growing land in the heart of South Canterbury.

The soil is naturally perfect for growing potatoes - free draining, featuring little to no stone and is able to be irrigated.

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Potato harvest.

Petroleum

When the potatoes first come into the factory, they are graded and checked for machine and insect damage, and also any greening.

Online quality checks are undertaken every half an hour, and a sorting machine picks up any browning or black bruising that may have occurred during the cooking process.

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116 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Heartland Potato Chips • Established in early 2011 by Orari farmers Raymond and Adrienne Bowan, following the 2010 closure of the Bluebird factory in Washdyke – of which the Bowan’s Fallgate Farms was a major supplier • Taking a large gamble, the Bowans decided to purchase the factory and make their own range of potato chips using their own potatoes from Fallgate Farms • Heartland Potato Chips are cooked in sunflower and canola oil as opposed to palm oil, are free of trans fat and hydrogenated fat, and the flavourings are gluten free • Heartland Potato Chips are locally grown, locally made and locally owned • Some days it can be as little as 12 hours for a potato to be dug on Fallgate Farms in Orari until it is packaged in the factory at Washdyke – ensuring optimal freshness and quality control.

Agribusiness | Heartland Potato Chips

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We have the traditional five flavours currently, with one cut. In time we hope to do different cuts and flavours, as we realise we have to keep looking ahead and adopting new ideas.

Heartland Potato Chips has been operating for less than two years, but in that time the company has proven that with sheer determination and hard work, success can be just around the corner.

“We are also starting to get some export enquiries, and we are continuing to look at them as they arise. We want to ensure that the end product is top quality 100 percent of the time, and we abide by that.”

“This is a huge coup for us, given that the population of Auckland is the whole of the South Island, give or take. This makes us New Zealand-wide now, which is fantastic,” says Bowan.

Adrienne works tirelessly behind the scenes alongside her husband, and did not hesitate to take on the challenge of developing Heartland Potato Chips. Eldest son James is charged with the day to day running of the farm, daughter Charlotte works in the office, and Christchurch-based daughter Kate ensures she is kept up to date and also helps out with the marketing side of things.

Whilst there are plans in the future to maybe look at new flavours in addition to the Salt and Vinegar, Southern Salt, Green Onion, Sour Cream and Chives and Chicken that are currently on the market, the Bowans are careful to not move too fast.

The main focus at present is ensuring that all New Zealanders can get their hands on a packet of Heartland Potato Chips.

“We are still taking things one step at a time,” says Bowan. “We are focusing on sourcing more outlets and once that stabilises we might look at putting on another line of chips or a new flavour.

“We have the traditional five flavours currently, with one cut. In time we hope to do different cuts and flavours, as we realise we have to keep looking ahead and adopting new ideas.”

Work is happening behind the scenes on a new variety, but details are being kept under wraps for the time being.

The passion for the business is evidently clear, with the entire Bowan family involved in the business in some form or other.

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In their words We are a totally gluten free family - all four members - mum, dad and both kids with Celiac Disease. We went without potato chips for seven years until we discovered Heartland Potato Chips.

Thank you for bringing back one of the small pleasures in life for us!

Keeping it real. Just enjoying these great Heartland Salt and Vinegar potato chips...first time buyer - will definitely buy again. Fresh, crisp and tasty! Great packaging too. Keeping it real.

Prime Minister John Key sampling Heartland Potato Chips

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From the outset, the goal was to take one step at a time and slowly increase market share through securing more outlets.

Heartland Potato Chips were first stocked on South Island shelves. It was not long before the folks in Wellington started to express interest, and in the last four months the company has also broken into the Auckland market.

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Increasing market share

”

“We have got one in the pipeline that we have been working on, but once you decide to change a potato chip and its flavours it always takes a while to get it just right.

We are always focusing on ‘what next’, but without getting too far ahead of ourselves,” says Bowan.

Heartland Potato Chips T (03) 688 7510 E info@heartlandchips.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Turning the humble potato into an extremely successful and rapidly expanding company is perhaps not the most straightforward of business plans – especially when there are a number of bigger players already doing it, and doing it well.

However Heartland Potato Chips have touched a cord with many New Zealanders.

The ‘paddock to packet’ philosophy has created a point of difference from the larger brands, and a sense of loyalty is starting to emerge among Heartland’s devoted customers.

Made from potatoes grown by a New Zealand farmer, in a New Zealand paddock and processed in a New Zealand-owned factory, Heartland Potato Chips are 100 percent Kiwi to the bottom of the bag.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz November/December 2012 | 117

View these photos and more online at www.canterburytoday.co.nz

been seen

Lynne Puddy-Greenwood

If you have an event that you’d like covered, email Lynne at lynne.p@academy.net.nz Saeco Wilson kicked off its rebrand of its three Christchurch branches with a barbecue at its Waterloo Road branch in Islington.

1. Darren Foster (Saeco Wilson), Gregg Blomfield (Saeco Wilson) & Andy Fisher (Saeco Wilson) 2. Jamie Smith (Saeco Wilson) & Ross Ellicott (Euroquip)

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3. Jeremy McDonald (Firth Industries), Greg Narain (Firth Industries) & Rodney Taylor (Tegel) 4. Kerry Baker (Heinz Watties) & Peter Higgins (Saeco Wilson) 5. Stewart Hyder (Wyma Engineering) & Dave Pender (Heinz Watties) 6. Graham Norris (Makita NZ) & Martin Toon (Tooline)

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7. Darryl Evans (Fulton Hogan) & Richard Bunce (Fulton Hogan)

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The Izone Southern Business Hub in Rolleston marked a milestone in August when the $60 million park gained resource consent to incorporate another 49 hectares of former farmland, making it the largest industrial subdivision in New Zealand.

9. Amy Adams (MP) & Sarah Walters (SDC Councillor & Deputy Mayor) 10. Lindsay Philps (SDC Councillor), & Jens Christensen (Izone Project Team member) 11. John Morten (SDC Councillor & Izone Project Team Chairman), David Wilson (Sicon) & Brendan Shefford (Ray White) 12. Jason Hewitson (Complete Sheetmetals) & Malcolm McNaughton (CRT Real Estate) 13. Douglas Marshall (Selwyn District Council) & Warren Bell (Izone Project Team member) 14. Mark Alexander & David Thomas 15. Murray Doig & Todd Paterson (both of PGG Wrightson Seeds) 16. Steve Attwood, Convergence Communications

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August saw the opening of the new CBD Bar on Madras Street. The Cassels father and son, along with Joseph Shanks, are revitalising the central city with their new restaurant and bar.

17. Zak Cassels, Alasdair Cassels & Joseph Shanks.

18. Scott McAlister, Richard Wearne, & Simon Hepburn 19. James Cameron, Ali Cassels, Bridget & Madeleine Cassels 17

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20. Andy Gibbs, Josie Dawson, Josh Walton & Moana Dawson 21. Denise Lonsdale & Paul Lonsdale 22. Adam McGrath & Jess Shanks (The Eastern) 23. Rachel Morton & Kate O’Brien

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24. Holly Liberona & Gabriel Calcott

Form gallery had an opening last month at their relocated new location in the Sydenham Quarter. The Gallery showcases an extensive range of work by leading New Zealand contemporary object artists. Work includes cast and blown glass, ceramics, jewellery, and other media.

25. Selene Manning, Elliot Smyth (Jeff Gray BMW ) & Timo St Anton 26. James Horgan & George Smith (Form) 27. Annabel Menzies-Joyle & David Lloyd (Artists) 28. Nicki Crouch, Ian Martin, Aaron Orchard & Tracey Geerin

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29. Liz Clarke & Debbie Wilson (MothersMatter.co.nz ) 30. Timo, Anthony Wright (Director of Canty Museum) & Elliot Smyth 31. Koji Miyazaki (Owner Form) & James Horgan (Form) 32. Patsy Wardell, Melissa Sinclair & Isabella Sherburd

118 | November/December 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz