Business Advocate 2016

2016

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BUSINESS ADVOCATE

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CONTENTS

Page 2 - 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 -

Winners and images from the 2016 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards New Business in Northland Donovan Group experience major growth Grinning Gecko win major awards Tikipunga Liquorland wins Franchise of theYear Award The Chambers of Commerce Northland thanks the awards sponsors Westpac proudly supports the awards

Page 10 -11 - The winners on the night Page 12 - 13 - Waipapa Pine Ltd wins Supreme Award Page 14 - 15 - Tyrepower Whangarei wins the Excellence in Small Business award Page 16 The awards judging process Page 17 Hot Printz wins the Northland Inc Innovation Award Page 18 2016 finalists and images from the awards night Page 19 The Chamber moves toThe Orchard and our awards finalists

The cover image of the WESTPAC NORTHLAND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE SUPREME AWARD. Rod Parkinson of Westpac with winners Grant Arnold, Adrian Broughton, Shane Horan, of Waipapa Pine Ltd

OUR 2016 WESTPAC NORTHLAND BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS

NORTHLAND INC INNOVATE NORTHLAND AWARD - EMERGING Paul Wilson, Vanessa Wilson Hive, David Wilson Northland Inc

MORE FM CUSTOMER CHOICE AWARD RETAIL Chook Henare More FM, Jasmine Fuller, Bryce Williams Mint Floral Ltd

CAVERN HOME SOLUTIONS LTD JUDGES CHOICE AWARD Ashleigh McCaw, Active Attitude

IMAGES FROM THE 2016 WESTPAC NORTHLAND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

All images of the 2016 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards supplied by Dan McGrath of Full Moon Photography.

Finalists at Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards 2016 We provide a distinct design service to people who want their home environment to be a place that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing; a safe haven that supports the wellbeing of everyone who lives and enters their space.

Quality Street Tower, Cameron Street, Whangarei, Northland www.sarahburrowsdesign.co.nz 027 335 7124

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

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THE 2016 WESTPAC NORTHLAND BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS

ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION WORKPLACE SAFETY AWARD Vickie Mitchell, Kerry Martin Airzone Ltd, Ceri Davies ACC

TOP ENERGY BEST NOT FOR PROFIT AWARD Conrad LaPoint, Diane Coleman Habitat for Humanity Northland, Paul White Top

CAVERN HOME SOLUTIONS LTD JUDGES CHOICE AWARD Beth Kelly, Alzeimers Society Northland Inc

THE NORTHERN ADVOCATE BUSINESS HALL OF FAME AWARD Jan Hewitt The Northern Advocate, Jack Guy Inductee, Greg Guy

BUSINESS COACHING NEW ZEALAND BEST EMERGING BUSINESS AWARD Adam Clarke and Nikki Croft Cadenshae, Terry Sage Business Coaching NZ

CREATIVE NORTHLAND EXCELLENCE IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AWARD Rukuwai Allen, Keoni Mahelone te Hiku Media,, Hinurewa te Hau Creative Northland

GBC WINSTONE EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD Paul Thorn GBC Winstone, Gemma Buchanan, Iain Buchanan Unichem Buchanans Pharmacy

HENDERSON REEVES EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS SMALL BUSINESS AWARD Harena Fraser, Shane Fraser Tyrepower Whangarei, Jamie Bourke Henderson Reeves

MORE FM CUSTOMER CHOICE AWARD SERVICE Chook Henare More FM, David Howells and Victoria Howells Hone Heke Lodge Flashpackers Kerikeri

NORTHLAND INC INNOVATE NORTHLAND AWARD ESTABLISHED David Wilson Northland Inc, Bill Armitt, Colin Redfearn Supacolour Hot Printz Screenprinting Ltd

NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS AWARD. Keoni Mahelona, Rukuwai Allen te Hiku Media, Councillor Bill Shepherd NRC

RICOH NORTHLAND EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS MICRO BUSINESS AWARD Wendy Dempster, Peter Dempster Northcity Caravans - Piano Hill, Cameron Thompson Ricoh_

Creative Northland has an ongoing commitment to making sure that the arts sector in Northland is dynamic, thriving, influential and productive.

CAVERN HOME SOLUTIONS LTD JUDGES CHOICE AWARD Aleisha Dobson, Beth Kelly, Jeannie Tindall, Annie Everson-Dawn, Stuart Spicer, Alzeimers Society Northland Inc _

VODAFONE EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS LARGE BUSINESS AWARD Shane Horan, Howard Gilles Vodafone, Adrian Broughton, Grant Arnold Waipapa Pine Ltd

9 Rust Avenue, Whangarei 0140, PO Box 959, Whangarei 09 4300710 | www.creativenorthland.com http://www.facebook.com/CreativeNorthlandNZ

NEW BUSINESS

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A HUNGER FOR HARD WORK DRIVES OWNER Never a dull moment at new cafe

By NickUnkovich

B

usy, busy, busy with a sprinkle of dedication and passion is how Nicole Grant describes the journey to get her new cafe up and running in Whangarei.

Mrs Grant opened Salt Cafe on October 8 at the site of the former Caffeine Espresso Cafe in Water St.The 25-year-old said it had been a long-term goal to have her own coffee shop.

“I have always dreamed about opening my cafe since I started eight years ago as a waitress at Essence. During my time there I learnt the trade. I did my apprenticeship as a chef which I became fully qualified in five years ago when I was 19.

“I worked my way up to the head chef role and also did a lot of barista work and training.The next step was to open my own [cafe] and here we are,” she said.

To get to this point Mrs Grant has had to roll up the sleeves and get stuck in.

“Three sick days in eight years,” she said.

“It’s all dedication and passion. I love food and cooking all the time. It’s what I have always done. I’m also a keen baker (cakes and cup cakes). I did this a lot for friends and family birthdays in my spare time — that was when I had spare time.”

Mrs Grant says she took over the building in late September and had 12 days to renovate and restore it ready for opening.

“Everything that could go wrong went

wrong so we had plenty of sleepless nights.”

But it had been worth it and business had been good so far. She has learnt that you never got time to sit down.

“We have been flat out most of the time, there isn’t a spare seat. We pride ourselves on being locally owned and operated, even the way we purchase goods so, if the doors are open, I’m there.

“We keep everything fresh and vibrant to give our customers the best experience when they are here.

“We know we can’t please everyone but we will try.”

With patronage being so strong Mrs Grant said she would look at expanding in the next year.

When asked why she chose not to continue with the Caffeine brand, she said it had done its dash.

“As good as it used to be, we knew the name was too far gone to bring back to life so we went all out and started fresh.

“The location is a winner and it’s such a great historical building that we wanted to bring it back to life,” she said.

Salt offers a variety of gluten free foods and uses Allpress coffee. Its selection of “t leafT” is frequently updated.

NZSTA WHANGAREI OFFICE

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he opening of the NZSTA Whangarei office in September and the formation of the NZSTATeTaiTokerau advisory team are part of the ongoing commitment to support school/kura boards of trustees in the region.

Since the establishment ofTomorrow’s Schools in 1989, NZSTA has always been committed to supporting boards of trustees across the country including the upper reaches of the North Island. For many years, our services have been delivered out of Auckland, meaning long hours for our advisers travelling to schools & kura, when important face-to-face meetings needed to be held.

Work by highly experienced employment advisers like Eric Woodward and more recently Diane Squire (who is based

in our Auckland office) established a base of mutual trust and confidence with our school communities. This base has provided a solid foundation for the ongoing enhancement of our services offered by the newly formed Whangarei team.

The challenges for schools and kura in Te Tai Tokerau, as in other parts of New Zealand, require an advisory team that possess a high degree of technical expertise coupled with an unbridled passion for the education of our children.

In this respect, we have been fortunate to put together a very capable team. Eric Woodward will continue in his role as an Employment Adviser and is joined

by Korina Pascoe who will also provide employment support and guidance.

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

GRANT HALL – PRIME STRATEGIES LTD.

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rime Strategies was founded as a platform for some of the country's more astute planners and advisors to share their knowledge and intellectual property to ensure that our clients receive the best possible service and advice.

We undertake a full analysis of your business to provide insights as to how your business currently performs in comparison to others and we identify areas of opportunity and how to improve.

We specialise in business improvement through executive management support and training. Providing the skills to move your business forward, both in profitability and sustainability. Good strong advice that will get you back on track where you need to. Sound advice and on-going assistance to business owners.

We are a group of experienced business professionals, advisors, entrepreneurs and investors with a strong history in business that have a passion for helping people succeed in business and bring a wealth of ideas and proactive management strategies to you.

numbers, but who do you get to help with fixing or growing what you have in your business?The answer is, you call on expertise Understanding the daily pressures of operating an SME is becoming an increasingly more complicated role.

Today an SME faces more complex decision making processes with business planning, sales and business development, technology, internet and social media marketing, staff retention and recruitment, increased compliance requirements, Health & Safety, detailed planning and implementation, profitability and multitude of other skills required to operate successfully in today’s business environment.

We provide you with a verbal and written process that creates time, planning and value for you and your business. Many businesses are not in a position where they can call on specialist advice like a corporate giant.The lawyer is great for legal work and the accountant is great for talking historic

GRIND

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elcome to Grind, 58 Bank Street, Whangarei’s newest café. After considerable research, preparation and putting our heart and soul into it we opened 17 October 2016. Thank you for the support so far. We offer barista made coffees, smoothies, shakes.To satisfy your hunger a breakfast menu, onsite freshly prepared pastries, cakes and muffins, cabinet food and daily specials.The frittata range, beetroot & feta being a highlight, and ciabatta’s filled with steak, caramelised onion & rocket or chicken, cranberry & brie all proving very popular.The cabinet is ever changing as we explore your tastes and likes. With warmer weather here we will be introducing more fresh salad options but keeping it hearty. Catering for all tastes and diets has been a consideration. We will be introducing a lunch menu in the coming weeks. Also we are working on a Xmas menu to give an option for your staff parties or a celebration with friends which can be pre-booked.

About us… Sonia and Darin returned to New Zealand December last year and what a year it has been! The seed of a café was in our minds three years ago and we have been lucky to find a fantastic site, a great team for the refit, and excellent staff. We’ve received a lot of support and help from the community, of which we are grateful, which has now become our home.

Hope to see you soon, Sonia & Darin

Whilst modern equipment and facilities have been incorporated to ensure quality and consistency, at the forefront of our minds was to create a welcoming space with an industrial influence where the customer can relax and enjoy their choices in comfort. After all our customers are paramount, their feedback always welcome so we can endeavour to provide an option to satisfy.

There is nothing of any note, in the education employment sector that Eric hasn’t dealt with, so his experience and knowledge are a wonderful asset.

Korina is a former army captain with an extensive employment background including senior HR roles with the NZ Police. Completing the team is Belinda Weber, our Governance Adviser. Belinda completed her tertiary studies at AUT and is the board chair of a local primary school. She has a keen interest in best practice governance and sharing that with other trustees.

Our new team have quickly settled into their roles and are looking forward to

supporting and guiding the Te Tai Tokerau boards of trustees. Should you wish speak to any of advisers you will be able to message them through our Advisory & Support Centre on 0800 782 435.

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

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DONOVAN GROUP NZ LTD W

hangarei-based Donovan Group NZ Ltd is on the brink of a major growth phase, which will see the company expand its offices, manufacturing capabilities, workforce and technical services.

The company was last year’s supreme winner at the Westpac Northland Business Awards and winner of the Eroad Excellence in Business (Large Business) Award and the Northland Inc Innovation Award.

Since 1968 Donovan Group has grown from a small manufacturing facility supplying to local industry, to a multimillion dollar manufacturing, engineering and franchise management company with offices in New Zealand and the Philippines.

Donovan Group manages the nationwide franchise network Coresteel Buildings, and runs Coresteel’s head office, alongside Shed Fix, Design Station and Donovan Group Manufacturing from their base in Whangarei.

Together Donovan Group’s companies provide a complete steel building system, including design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and a custom-built software system for design and project management.

ON THE MOVE

The company’s office and manufacturing plant is currently located on the corner of Fraser and Hewlett Streets in the Port Whangarei area.

Donovan Group recently bought an additional manufacturing warehouse/ storage facility and office space.The new facility, which was previously a super yacht construction site, is located across the road from their existing premises, on Fraser Street.

While the building is already being used for temporary office space for Donovan Group’s expanding office-based team, work has now also begun on the major redevelopment of a large office building attached to the factory.This will create an all new office space for the company, which will be completed early in 2017.

NEW NETWORK ON THE HORIZON

In addition to the existing subsidiaries, Donovan Group is working towards the 2017 release of a new residential building system and a second franchise network.

Donovan Group recently bought an additional manufacturing warehouse/ storage facility and office space located on Fraser Street.

“The structural building system and software behind it will revolutionise the residential market. Its features are a world first and will off ffer f a significantly faster building process than currently available,” says Brett Donovan, Co-director of Donovan Group.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Soft ftware t development is a further focus for Donovan Group going forward.The company has already invested heavily in the engineering and project management soft ftware t which drives Coresteel Buildings and they are currently developing the soft ftware t for the residential franchise network.

A new in-house soft ftware t development team is now taking shape, which will take progress to a new level.

“The future is looking extremely bright for Donovan Group and we’re excited to see where the next few years will take us,” says Mr Donovan.

The facility is currently being utilised for the storage of steel product and the manufacture of a new, insulated panel cladding.

PGG Wrightson in Blenheim is one of the most recent Tapered Box Beam projects to be manufactured by Donovan Group and project managed/erected by Coresteel Buildings.

The new facility is currently being utilised for the storage of steel product and the manufacture of a new, insulated panel cladding.

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

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GRINNING GECKO: CHEESE WITH A CONSCIENCE

By Emma Jelsma

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hen multi-award winning local cheesemakers Catherine and James McNamara decided to delve into the world of cheese, their combined skill set wasn’t what one would term ‘conducive to the trade’. What they did have, however, was a passion for the process, and a determination to create naturally delicious products from organic and sustainablysourced produce.The rest, as they say, was history.

The green philosophy inherent in Grinning Gecko’s business model is one of the McNamara’s strongest identifiers: it has shaped everything from the selection of their logo (yes, the green gecko) through to their assessment of produce suppliers.

Their cheeses, as a result, are nothing short of fabulous.

The awards speak for themselves:The Grinning Gecko Brie has won champion soft f white rind cheese twice in a row at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2015/2016 and the bronze medal in the soft f

cheese with or without rind category at the International Cheese Awards in 2016.

Grinning Gecko’s Halloumi took out the Silver medal at the 2015 New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards, while their Camembert had won them a silver the year before at the same awards. Perhaps the jewel in their crown however, is the outstanding Kau Piro (which translates into ‘Stinky Cow’ – but don’t be put off f !) Gold medal winner at the 2016 NZ Champion of Cheese Awards, and a category finalist for top washed rind in New Zealand to boot. It’s a lot to take in for this boutique Northland cheese company; but they’re taking it all in their stride.

‘We’ve had tremendous support from our customers,’ explains Catherine of her business success. ‘From restaurants, markets, food outlets and distributors right throughout the country, we’ve had nothing but positive and enthusiastic responses to our products. We’ve managed to stay true to our principles every step of the way too,

which makes us immensely proud! From the welfare of the animals that supply our milk, through to the foods they eat and the sustainability of our in-house processes: we’re sticking to our guns on everything we believe in. And as a result, our cheeses have a quality to them that just shines through.’

The Grinning Gecko team is also something of a wonder: it seems that every team member was pre-destined to be involved with cheesemaking. It’s no exaggeration – from the wildly talented Zev, creator of their award-winning Kau Piro, through to Marcel, the ex-farmer who now collects their organic milk off f the farm and turns their cheeses. Katie, their distribution coordinator, has shown herself to be a whiz with numbers and to have a keen eye for detail, while Murray the marketeer (yes, that’s a real thing) is creating a buzz on their behalf around the local market scene. In fact, Grinning Gecko have – wait for it – 3 Marketeers, with James having

finally convinced their son Jake to climb aboard the family cheese bus. Lucky for James and Catherine, Jake is something of a tech guru, completing a Royal Flush of employees for the enterprising cheese company.

Looking to the future, Catherine and James are very excited to be in the early stages of introducing a new and – shall we say, ‘unusual’ – cheese selection to their already impressive menu.Yes, goat-cheese lovers will soon be able to purchase Northlandmade goat cheese from Grinning Gecko; the local goat stock is sustainably-farmed (of course) using organic methods (naturally), and Catherine describes the milk as ‘sweet and light’ – which bodes well for Grinning Gecko’s first ever dairy-free cheese range!

It’ll be a few more months before the goat cheeses will be ready for market, so patience is required – luckily, another quality the Grinning Gecko team have in plenty.

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

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TIKIPUNGA SHOP MATCHES BIG GUYS

By Nick Unkovich

Focus on culture earns top award for local Liquorland

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liquor store inTikipunga has achieved a significant industry milestone.

LiquorlandTikipunga has been named regional winner in the 2016 Liquorland Franchise of the Year for the Auckland/ Northland region.

The store’s manager, Lance Popata, said he was extremely proud of the achievement, especially with the calibre of stores Liquorland has.

“It’s great to see a little store inTikipunga match it with some of the best stores in the liquor industry,” he said. It is the first time the store, which employs five people, has won this award.

The judges commented that consistency across all sectors was the key to success with LiquorlandTikipunga scoring within the top six stores in the network across all sectors; there are 28 stores in the AucklandNorthland region.

LiquorlandTikipunga was the highestperforming store in the Cultural Alignment section, the judges said. Most of its marks came from its commitment to implementing strong in-store policies that benefit the community. Its staff culture and business ethic is outstanding.

“We are an established store and understand our market very well,” Mr Popata said, who has been managing the store for about seven years.

“We have strong store policies, store standards and excellent customer service.

“We continually train our staff to be the best they can be with two of us passing our Level 3 Red Seed training tailored for the liquor industry and other staff have passed Level 1 or higher.

“We also know our customers well and have old-fashioned store values, where you can come in for great advice and product knowledge to help with your purchase, have a yarn and then we will carry your purchase to the car with you.

“We love giving great customer experiences.

“We genuinely care for ourTikipunga community and do our best to carry out our host responsibility for our community,” Mr Popata said.The most challenging part of being in this business was the stigma that went with selling alcohol. He said Liquorland was fully aware of the consequences of irresponsible drinking.

“The challenge we face is customers not having enough knowledge on how to responsibly enjoy alcohol and ensure that in the face of the consumer we try to meet this need.

“We constantly challenge ourselves to find new ways to help educate New Zealanders to drink responsibly.

“Our Toast Magazine is a great example of this,” Mr Popata said.

PLEASED: Liquorland Tikipunga owner Cheech Mahuen and the store’s manager Lance Popata at the awards evening.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

PORT ROAD LOOK FORWARD

By Peter Ogle

I

t was very pleasing to see continuity retained in the local body elections going forward.

The Councils have lots of new initiatives in their plans and this stability will allow them to hit the ground running with a clear mandate.

Our two new bridges, the Hatea Loop and the recent Waimahanga extension, the changes in property ownership on and leading to Port Road, the new sports fields and the spread of businesses to the south on Porowini Avenue and Port Road are just some of the changes that greatly enhance the investment potential for the Port Road area.The soon to be built Hundertwasser building will give the city and Port Road another big shove as tourists and locals alike utilise the area more.

Councils also have a vision for more CBD living over the next 20 years and this is another catalyst for change with the inevitable, albeit gradual, shift of industrial, light industrial and commercial business premises to that land zoned for Business 2 and 4 at Lower Port Road and the Port Nikau centre.

There is approximately 150 hectares of bare commercial/industrial land available

in the greater Whangarei area with most of this being in Lower Port Road at Port Nikau or properties adjoining. Prices for land here are very reasonable when set against our major cities and other recognised provincial centres.The city is very lucky to have this land available to work with and this engine will drive Whangarei forward for at least the next two decades.

Easy access from State Highway 1 and a rapidly improving road to Auckland are also critical game changers. A visit to any of the larger commercial areas on Auckland’s North Shore will astound with newly developed areas already struggling for room and a seemingly endless demand from corporates and new businesses.

The ability for some of Port Road and Port Nikau to also provide high quality residential waterfront land for the city will be the envy of many cities and very beneficial. A drive down there with your mind open will give you a feel for what can and will happen only 4 kilometres from the CBD. All Whangarei’s other major suburbs are at least a kilometre further away with much more congested roading networks.

Pre-retirement living in flat areas, close to or on the water, handy to multiple walkways, sport facilities, cafes, bars and

shopping will be a major draw card for an aging demographic as the baby boomers prepare to drift out of work. People living in Port Nikau can be fishing in minutes with

the harbour entrance only approximately 10 nautical miles away.

We have so much to achieve in our city.

Let’s all work together and make it happen.

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

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A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS ByTony Collins CEO, Chambers of Commerce Northland

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pecial thanks to all the sponsors who contributed in various ways to making this year’s event possible. New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Northland is fortunate to have the support of many local and national businesses without whom organising an event of this scale would not be possible. The many judges involved in the process should also be applauded for giving up their time free of charge and in some cases having to travel long distances to visit entrant businesses. Through their support they are real champions of Northland business.

The Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards provides an opportunity to celebrate business excellence and the role it plays in our community.

Through business, countless individuals can apply their talents to achieve their own aspirations and to provide service for others. If we can celebrate and respect these people, and foster a better understanding of the contribution business makes to the wider community, then this will go a long way to inspiring more young people pursue their own aspirations.

Apart from celebrating excellence, the Awards are a valuable business development exercise for every business that enters.

The self-examination and reflection that

the process calls on means the owner must critically focus on how their business works. Obviously there is a criterion around which these businesses are measured and a modified or simplified version of the Baldrige Criteria is used in this instance. This is a relatively common business excellence measurement tool and one that looks across a broad range of performance areas and then seeks confirmation of this through a number of indicators.

While this provides a very useful measurement of a business’s performance it may not necessarily be as useful for measuring success. This needs to be rigorously applied against the vision and strategic plan of the business owner and there needs to be an acceptance from the evaluator that not all business owners have the same vision as to what success is.

For this reason success cannot be measured without a business first having set clear goals and unlike many large corporate businesses, the nature of Northland businesses mean that many of these goals are going to closely aligned to the personal aspirations of the people and families who own these businesses.

For many business owners, their personal goals and their business goals will need to

be considered together as each will influence the other. Having asked where the business owner wants to be in their personal life at some date in the future will inform them as to what goals they need to set within their business if they are to get there. It could be argued that while it is valid to assess a business’s performance against its economic bottom-line and the systems and processes it uses, an enterprise may be successful in spite of these indicators if the owner’s goals are being achieved.

It is the individual business owner who has made the investment, taken the risk and has an expectation of some reward. The personal nature of these aspirations and associated rewards means that it is not appropriate to judge whether they are right or wrong although there may be opportunity to question how practical or achievable they are.

The attractive nature of the owner’s aspiration and their future desire is what energises and motivates them to take action. It gives a reference point against which they can focus, adopt innovative ideas and develop a level of resilience that is so important. Of course having set your goals, using good businesses practices as advocated within the Baldrige Criteria or other business excellence frameworks will make those goals more attainable.

Although relatively high profile, the gala evening and announcing of winners is a very small part of the overall entrant experience.

For most of the entrants it is the culmination of all they have learnt and practiced in their business life to date. Often they would have planned to enter for well over a year and in many cases they may have been considering entry for many years but were waiting for their business to be ready to enter.

In truth, most businesses are constantly changing and developing to meet the challenges of a dynamic economy and market which demands that businesses innovate and evolve or else fail. The time critical nature of the entry process and the prescriptive framework used to evaluate the entrant business demands the business leader to rigorously examine how they do business and to consider whether their results confirm they are doing things the right way to ensure business success.

Just as businesses continue to evolve and change so do the awards. We are constantly examining how we can make the process more attainable, easier to participate in and rewarding for everyone involved.

David & Victoria of Hone Heke Lodge Flashpackers in the heart of Kerikeri are extremely proud to have won the More FM Customer Service award for the second year running!

ing n in W d r a w A e h t Come and Enjoy r-friendly Supe Flashpackers

When we started our business some 2 1/2 years ago our goal was simple - we wanted to be the best backpackers in New Zealand and we knew to do that we had to put our CUSTOMER experience at the centre of everything we do -from building an innovative website, renovating every room to a high standard, dropping trees, replacing roofs -the list goes on but the result has been phenomenal - our Flashpackers is constantly full and we have not even got to summer or our busiest season which starts in April.

I guess we knew we got the strategy right when the backpackers started coming back to see us at Hone Heke Lodge before they returned home - truly heartwarming .

• Family run lodge providing top class backpacker accommodation for international guests.

A home away from home.

• Dorms, Doubles & En-suites.

• Lovely peaceful setting close to town.

• Seasonal workers available all year round.

Phone: Website: Email: Facebook:

0800 407 817 or 09 407 8170 www.honeheke.co.nz stay@honeheke.co.nz Hone Heke Lodge Kerikeri

Along the way we have built some wonderful relationships with orchards,tradespeople and locals who now come to Hone Heke Lodge looking for workers because they know we care - for our backpackers and for those that they work with.

It has been an incredible journey for our family and we feel privileged to live in such a wonderful place and able to showcase it to so many people from around the world.

These are very exciting times for Northland and we truly believe by working together Northland will be a top destination for those coming to New Zealand.

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

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THE WESTPAC TEAM PROUDLY SUPPORT

THE 2016 WESTPAC NORTHLAND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

By Rob Parkinson

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nother year has gone by and once again we have been privileged to be part of the wonderful event that is the Westpac Northland Business Excellence awards. Westpac is proud to support 18 of these events throughout the country, from Northland all the way to Southland.

We started supporting these awards 23 years ago and the events continue to go from strength to strength. A big thanks go out to the other sponsors and also to the NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland, who do a superb job of driving the event.

The largest thanks though, go to the entrants.These businesses go through a rigorous, yet rewarding evaluation process. Feedback over the years from the participants is that the process of stepping back and taking a good look at their business is a worthwhile one.The structure that the awards entry process provides, along with having experienced and knowledgeable judges spending time

with each entrant is of value. Add to this the feedback received post judging and the value of this process increases even more.

On behalf of the Westpac team, we would like to thank all of you. We appreciate the courage it takes to open up your business to scrutiny (not to mention being benchmarked against your peers).Thank you, without your efforts there is no event.

We would also like to congratulate all of the winners, in particular Waipapa Pine Ltd, who took out the honour of Supreme Westpac Northland Business of theYear. Given the high quality of entrants, each winner has achieved something special. Having been directly involved with the judging process for 4 years, I can personally attest to the high calibre of the businesses that enter.

Congratulations also to Jack Guy, who is the 2016 inductee into the Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame. Jack has not only been recognised for his

outstanding business achievements over many years, but also for his support of and involvement in the wider Northland community.This is a great and well deserved honour, joining the illustrious company ofTom McKay, Michael Hill, Monty Knight, Dave Culham, Mike Simm, Michael Springford, Wayne Cowley and Jeroen Jongejans. When you read through this list, it is clear to see that we produce impressive business and industry leaders.

Over the 16 years that the local Westpac Commercial team have been involved with the awards, we have had the privilege of witnessing the excitement of the gala event. It is a real highlight to see the business owners, organisational leaders and their teams waiting in anticipation and then reacting with excitement when they are declared the winner.

On the ip side, seeing businesses that do not win, take on board the key learns, strengthen their business and in many

Images taken at the awards evening

email: info@echonorth.co.nz 56 Kamo Rd, Whangarei 0112 Phone: 09 974 8844 Fax: 09 974 8848 Specialist services include: - EVLT for varicose veins - Sclerotherapy - Vein Mapping - Arterial assessment - PRP Therapy Locally owned and operated Professional, friendly team

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cases subsequently pick up the honours is another beneďŹ t. Whether it is the excitement of winning on the night or the value from the process, there are good reasons for businesses to enter the awards.

For those considering this, we hope to see you at the Gala event next year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rod Parkinson is the Regional Manager Commercial and Agribusiness for Westpac in Northland.

The information contained in this article is intended as a guide only and is not intended as an exhaustive list of matters to be considered.

Persons entering into business should seek their own professional legal, accounting and other advice.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The judges said:

The judges said:

The judging panel was unanimous in making the Supreme Award to Waipapa Pine after a short discussion. The scale and complexity of this business and the space in which it operates, the company’s holistic approach to their industry and the people in it, plus their industry leadership and genuine respect for the environment, made this entry shine above the rest.

Tony Collins from the NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland said that it was great to celebrate not only the winners but all entrants for the passion they show to their business aspirations and their pursuit of excellence, the standard continues to get better every year and no matter what the size, structure or nature of the enterprise they were all committed to making their business a success.

Rukuwai Allen, Keoni Mahelone Te Hiku Media

Grant Arnold, Adrian Broughton, Shane Horan, Waipapa Pine Ltd

The judges said:

Wendy Dempster, Peter Dempster Northcity Caravans - Piano Hill

The judges said:

Harena Fraser, Shane Fraser Tyrepower Whangarei

Unichem Buchanans Pharmacy - winner of the GBC Winstone Excellence in Business Medium Business Award (10-24FTE). Finalists: Habitat for Humanity Northland and Trigg Construction Ltd The judges said:

Gemma Buchanan, Iain Buchanan Unichem Buchanans Pharmacy

Unichem Buchanans Pharmacy is a financially successful business and has strong planning processes and systems to support ongoing improvement and development.

The judges were particularly impressed with the enthusiasm, passion and attention to detail from General Manager, Gemma Buchanan.

Husband and wife partners, Gemma and Iain have created an environment where staff are engaged and clearly enthusiastic about what they do.

They actively contribute to the wellbeing of their community and the importance of the care and empathy for clients was evident.

They are a very worthy winner.

Waipapa Pine Ltd - winner of the Vodafone Excellence in Business Large Business Award (25 plus FTE).

Finalists: Ross Insulation Ltd and Airzone Ltd The judges said:

Shane Horan, Howard Gilles Vodafone, Adrian Broughton, Grant Arnold Waipapa Pine Ltd

Winner of the Business Coaching New Zealand Best Emerging Business Award. Finalists: Monster Graphics, Live Wire Media and Mint Floral

Adam Clarke and Nikki Croft Cadenshae

A vision of “a world where everyone has a decent place to live” is a bold goal. However Habitat for Humanity Northland has impressed the judges by developing into a dynamic and sustainable organisation.

Development of multiple funding streams, having a desire to operate with excellence, and the utilisation of a variety of different sources of labour, has enabled Habitat for Humanity Northland to create a world of difference, to not a few but many Northlanders.

Conrad LaPoint, Diane Coleman Habitat for Humanity Northland

Hone Heke Lodge Flashpackers Kerikeri was voted More FM Customer Choice Service Provider This is what one client had to say about Hone Heke Lodge: As a Te Araroa Hiker, Hone Heke Lodge was a wonderful place to stay. The owners were extremely friendly and helpful. They provided us hikers with anything we needed (really fast).

Not only did they help us out with nice laundry and cooking facilities, they also gave us good information about the upcoming sections and gave us moral support and comfort (which is very important as a hiker). I highly recommend Hone Heke Lodge Kerikeri as winner.

Alzheimers Society Northland Inc and Active Attitude were joint winners in the Cavern Home Solutions Judges Choice Award

The judges said about Alzheimers Society Northland Inc:

Alzheimers Society Northland Inc provides information, support and education to people living with dementia, their caregivers and families throughout Northland.

The passion and dedication of the General Manager, Kevin Salmon and staff was a stand out for the judges. The level of genuine care, empathy and respect form the staff was evident and highlighted when the judges were privileged to meet the clients and care givers during the site visit.

The judges said about Active Attitude…

Beth Kelly, Alzheimers Society Northland Inc & Ashleigh McCaw, Active Attitude

Ashleigh’s passion, determination and spunk has blown the judges away.

Such a clear focus and desire to achieving goals is to be congratulated and an example for other businesses to follow.

Mint Floral Ltd was the More FM Customer Choice Retail Provider.

And a Mint Floral Ltd customer had this to say:

Chook Henare More FM, Victoria Howells and David Howells Hone Heke Lodge Flashpackers Kerikeri

I have recently engaged the help of Jasmine & Bryce and their wonderful team at Mint Floral to do our wedding flowers. They have been amazingly helpful so far and come up with some stunning bouquet ideas.

Their shop is beautiful, stylish and funky and such an awesome place to get flowers and gifts

Bryce Williams, Jasmine Fuller Mint Floral Ltd

The Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame inductee this year was Jack Guy in recognition of his contribution to Northland business.

Jan Hewitt The Northern Advocate, Jack Guy Inductee, Greg Guy

PHOTOS: Dan McGrath, Full Moonn Photography

NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland wish to thank Westpac, awards host and major sponsor of the Westpac Northland Business Excellence awards, along with all of the media, category, partner and event sponsors involved in the 2016 awards.

Far North District Council

Airzone Ltd – winner of the ACC Workplace Safety Award. Finalist: Ross Insulation Ltd The judges said:

The judges said:

Keoni Mahelona, Rukuwai Allen Te Hiku Media, Chairman Bill Shepherd, Northland Regional Council

David Wilson Northland Inc, Bill Armitt, Colin Redfearn Supacolour Hot Printz Screenprinting Ltd

Supacolour – Hot Printz Screenprinting Ltd are highly innovative with a first in market product. They have balanced their risk by building from significant expertise - seeing potential that is built on solid basis of industry knowledge. Through matching state of the art technology to an age old process, they are delivering to an international market to high acclaim.

The judges highly commended Northland Regional Council saying: The team of dedicated staff have made a huge impact in support of triple bottom line reporting with significant environmental and community impact. They have supported a number of new product developments, are lessoning the negative impacts of dairying, and are leaders in this field in NZ.

The judges said:

Te Hiku Media - winner of the Northland Regional Council Sustainable Business Award.

Finalists: Waipapa Pine and Habitat for Humanity Te Hiku Media (Te Reo Irirangi o Te Hiku o Te Ika) have developed an innovative digital platform for live-video-streaming that shows forward thinking and a drive and passion for success. This is backed up by a digital marketing strategy that enables them to reach their audience locally, nationally and internationally.

Te Hiku Media show very good planning and management skills and have developed multiple funding sources while staying true to their vision and mission.

The judges were impressed with how Waipapa Pine has navigated their way in a demanding and complex industry which is hugely significant for Northland, addressing the questions of ongoing log supply, national and international interests, and the company’s role in their local community.

The leadership they have shown in their industry, their support of staff, attention to environmental concerns, and the depth of their vision for the future, were just some of the factors which made this entry a stand-out in the large business category.

Habitat for Humanity Northland - winner of the Top Energy Best Not for Profit Organisation Award.

Finalists: Northland Kindergarten Association and Te Hiku Media

The judges said:

Nikki recognised and defined a market to provide bright, funky and functional active wear to nursing mums. In April last year Nikki, together with Adam, established Cadenshae.

They developed a product range, established reliable supply chains, detailed business procedures and innovative marketing activities including superior customer service processes.

Their online market quickly grew and was expanded by appointing resellers in New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and continues to grow at a staggering pace.

The judges were impressed by the clarity of focus, the passion, clear business processes, the developing global distribution network and the phenomenal early growth. Congratulations to you both.

The owners of Tyrepower have taken a relatively mundane industry and established a point of difference by focusing on the customers and elevating the service levels to a very high standard.

This combined with very good image management, branding and significant community support, including “gold coin donations” for puncture repairs, suggests they have developed a differentiation strategy that really sets them apart.

Hive are a new company moving strongly through their development journey with significant potential.

Strong engagement with expertise has enhanced and supported the innovation process; they have used advice from experts and customers, checked assumptions and built from there.

They are ready to enter the market in a scalable Paul Wilson, Vanessa Wilson Hive, David Wilson Northland Inc way capitalising on a global opportunity to support a new way of working.

SPONSORS

Tyrepower Whangarei - winner of the Henderson Reeves Excellence in Business Small Business Awards (49FTE). Finalists: Activ8 NZ Ltd, EchoNorth Diagnostic Ultrasound and Te Hiku Media

Northcity Caravans - Piano Hill - winner of the Ricoh Northland Excellence in Micro Business Award (1-3FTE). Finalist: Sarah Burrows Design

Over the past 25 years Te Hiku Media (Te Reo Irirangi o Te Hiku o Te Ika) has transformed into a multimedia platform organisation; becoming an Iwi communications hub for radio and online media. Te Hiku Media have a clear revitalisation strategy for Maori language content, archiving and digital innovation.

Goals and objectives show they are in the business of delivering ‘meaning’ where users’ needs are not only satisfied by form and function but also through experiences – the meaning.

Their planning takes a design thinking innovation process to drive their market rather than adapt which has led to technology epiphanies such as live streaming major events, building online digital platforms and building data. All underpinned by sound fiscal decision making.

Hive took out the Northland Inc Innovation Award, emerging business.

Finalists: UV Solutionz Ltd and JP Green The judges said:

THE COMPLETE LIS ST OF WINNERS WERE

The judges were particularly impressed with the broad number of business aspects that have been improved and implemented at Northcity Caravans - Piano Hill.

There is a well-documented five year vision with milestones clearly identified along the way. Robust budgeting is in place and the target market is well defined.

Good business systems such as XERO and CRM are in place, and above all there is a genuine and impressive commitment to a broad range of local community support.

Supacolour – Hot Printz Screenprinting Ltd took out the Northland Inc Innovation Award, established business. Finalists: Building & Fire Services (2008) Ltd and Northland Regional Council which as well as naming as a finalist was highly commended by the judging panel).

The judges said:

Te Hiku Media - winner of the Creative Northland Excellence in Creative Industries Award.

Finalists: Mint Floral and Sarah Burrows Design

Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards for 2016 took place at Forum North on Friday 28th October.

Northland businesses submitted 40 entries across 5 business categories, 7 ancillary categories and an overall supreme winner.

Vickie Mitchell, Kerry Martin Airzone Ltd

A Northland business established in the 1980’s, Airzone was a founding partner of SafeTrades North (now part of NorthTec). With a strong focus on energy-efficiency and recycling to protect the environment, Airzone also contributes to the community through its work on ventures such as the cancer centre, Project Promise, undertaken at cost.

Airzone’s strong training programmes and good working relationships with clients and project team members has established an ethic of cooperation and support within the organisation and the community.

For more information and photo gallery visit www.northlandbusinessawards.co.nz

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS For more information and photo gallery visit www.northlandbusinessawards.co.nz

11

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Wednesday, November 16, 2016

We INVE$T in our people

All staff have been involved in H&S training and industry skills training.

Waipapa Pine recognise the value of investing in their staff in a range of trade groups to “maximise the returns to the business”

Buster Tahere

Floyd Te Tai

(Sawmill Supervisor)

(First year Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship)

currently sitting his National Cert in First Line Management

“Working for a go ahead company suits me as I see the opportunity for guys to get a break like I got.”

Joel Cherrington

Richie Hau

NZ cert Sawdocter Level 4

National Cert Energy and Chemical Plant (Boiler operations)

William McAllister NZ cert Sawdoctor Level 4

Troy Horan Bachelor of mechanical Engineering with Hons.

William Arnold NZ Cert Level 4 Mechanical Engineering

Hemara Smith Key Accountant Manager

1945 State Highway 10. Waipapa P: 027 238 8900 E: shaneh@wpine.co.nz

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

13

WAIPAPA PINE WIN SUPREME AWARD T

he team at Waipapa Pine would like to thank the organisers and sponsors of the 2016 Westpac Business awards for a fabulous evening. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and it will definitely be a night to remember.

WAIPAPA PINE REVEAL THE KAUPAPA, WITHIN THEIR INDUSTRY

We take pride in the fact that we invest in our people to ensure they reach their full potential delivering the ultimate result to our company and our customers.

We are very proud of our staff and are grateful for their continual commitment.

As employers nothing gives us greater pleasure than seeing Northlanders take on the business challenges, upskilling themselves and becoming better people.

NorthlandTimber Processors & Sawmills employ over 1400 staff directly processing logs to value add products.

As a group we currently process more than 1.9 million tonne of logs each year returning approx. $750 million dollars in revenue back into Northland.

This revenue is distributed widely throughout Northland offering job opportunities to many support Industries including Land owners, Iwi,Trusts, Forest owners, transport companies, fuel companies, Engineering companies, Councils, Local goods and service providers… (The list goes on and on.)

This Industry is extremely important to Northland`s economy and we value our relationships with all our Suppliers, without their support we would not be able to offer the opportunities to the people we employ. A big thanks to you all!

OUR MILESTONES THAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED AND CONQUERED

Creation of Waipapa Pine – Growth In Our People Sawmill Output Increase – Sawn Recovery Increase Growth In Skills – Grade Recovery Increase Significant and continued investment in Health and Safety Significant Contribution to Northland

Te Hiringa Tai Tokerau Maori Business Awards 2016 “Maori Business of the Year” “Most Outstanding Maori Enterprise”

14

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

We go the extra mile so your tyres do too GOT A PUNCTURE?

We’ll fix it for a donation, with all the money going to Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ! We have donated almost $16,000 to Ronald McDonald Charities NZ

FOR AWESOME SERVICE THAT WILL KEEP YOU COMING BACK – VISIT TYREPOWER WHANGAREI!

150 Cameron Street, Whangarei Phone 09 438 0992

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

15

TYREPOWER WHANGAREI

ALWAYS GOING THE EXTRA MILE

W

inning the Henderson and Reeves Best Small Business (4-9FTE) Award is further proof forTyrepower Whangarei owners Shane and Harena Fraser that they are consistently delivering on their promise of “awesome service” and staying true to their key values.

In 2003, when Shane Fraser was 18 and unsure of what to do with his life, his uncle and aunt who Shane spent a lot of time with (Andrew and Anne Fraser) offered Shane a “career opportunity” together they purchased a local business called TheTyre Man. Within a year the Frasers had rebranded by joining the nationwide Tyrepower family. Shane has never looked back – probably because he’s just too busy getting things done.

In the 12 years since, Shane has met and married Harena, who is ‘hands-on’ at Tyrepower six days a week, a dynamic worker and motivator in her own right and together they have built a successful business based on awesome customer service, teamwork and family values – while raising six children of their own.

Along the way, they have bought the business from Andrew and Ann, won the nationalTyrepower Dealer of theYear award twice (2008 and 2015) and raised over $16,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Astonishing as all that is, even more amazing is the energy, attitude and focus so clearly evident whenever you walk into their premises at 150 Cameron Street “For us, it’s a case of delivering on the promise,” says Harena. “Our mantra is that we always go the extra mile, so your tyres can, too. But it’s not just a cute phrase. We mean it. Every customer and every circumstance is important, an opportunity for us to make a positive difference … saving them time or money, or both.”

Success for the Frasers has come despite the kind of adversity that would have defeated a less determined couple. In December 2008, at their busiest time of their year, an arson attack put the firm

out of business for three months - yet the following year they won theTyrepower Dealer of theYear award.They repeated the dose in 2015, earning them an entry into the franchise’s International Dealer of the Year awards.They didn’t win that one – but Tyrepower Whangarei’s video submission is well worth watching.The parody of AC/ DC’sThunderstruck tells in words, music and dance the story of a unlucky motorist being made late for work by a puncture and being wowed by the skills and service level of theTyrepower Whangarei team.

(You can watch this video on: Facebook. com/tyrepowerwhangarei/videos. It must be good because it’s already been viewed nearly 15,000 times!)

Shane and Harena say mentoring has been crucial to business development.

“Our business mentors have been a huge part of this success.They have helped us to realise the importance of introducing excellent systems and processes, getting ourselves very well organised, to ensure we are able to deliver the first-class customer service that we promise. And to see the bigger business picture, keeping us focused and working on the business, not just in it.”

FLAT OUT HELPING A GOOD CAUSE

Two years agoTyrepower Whangarei began a “short-term sales promotion”, offering to repair punctures for just a small donation to Ronald MacDonald House Charities.

The promotion has been phenomenally successful, raising over $16,000 so far. And it’s still going!

“It’s really become a USP for us,” says Harena. “At the start we had a team talk about which charity to support, and the consensus was Ronald MacDonald House because it helps so many sick children and their families. Some motorists give a dollar, or two, some give what we’d normally charge them to repair a puncture ($25-$30); we’ve had people donate $100 or more. It’s been enormous. And we’ve got plans to help more good causes starting next year.

Watch this space!”

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BUSINESS ADVOCATE

16

THE BUSINESS AWARDS

JUDGING PROCESS G

ilmoreTaylor Associates Ltd has had an association with the Northland business awards for a great number of years. Greg Atkins is the current convener of Judges with Chantal Gilmore holding that position before him.

The judging of the Northland Business Awards is based on the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. Baldrige provides a framework to improve an organisation’s performance and get sustainable results.

He has been Convener of Judges for the Northland Business Awards for the past three years, currentTrustee Whangarei Boys High School and held previous Trustee and board member positions.

The roll of convener is to assemble a team of judges, set judging methodology and coordinate all to manage the judging of the business category entrants.

The Judges are looking for how each of the businesses perform in these categories:

Pauline Rose has judged the Business Excellence Awards for 13 years.

• • • • •

Emerging Micro Small Medium Large

We have eight Judges split into four teams of two, with one team responsible for two categories, allocating approximately 5 to 10 entrants per team each year.

Judges spend on average six hours on each entrant; covering the entry form of up to 7,000 words, site visits of 1-2 hours and feedback report, not taking into account hours on the road to often remote locations!

With this time involved, each Judge can easily consume up to two weeks of their time per year.

In addition to the business category there are also award categories for ACC, Creative and Innovation. Each of these is judged by a separate panel and criteria.

JUDGING CRITERIA

No two businesses are the same!

• • • • • •

Leadership Business planning Customer/Markets Information, analysis and financial Workforce Processes

These categories enable the Judges to compare organisations whether they be — large or small, service or manufacturing, education or health care, government or nonprofit, has one site or worldwide locations.

BUSINESS JUDGES PROFILES Greg Atkins

Associate, GilmoreTaylor Associates Ltd, Chartered Accountant.

Greg is Office Manager at GilmoreTaylor Associates, previously Manager at Gilmore Brown, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Coopers and Lybrand.

Greg specialises in business valuations, employment assistance, and business strategies in addition to general accounting assistance.

Alzheimers Northland Dementia How will you now?

Dementia occurs as a result of physical changes in the brain which affects memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. Its most common form is Alzheimers disease.

If you notice someone close to you has: • Changes in Memory • Difficulty with familiar tasks • Changes in concentration • Changes in Motivation They may have the onset of dementia.

Encourage them to see their GP who can refer them to Alzheimers Northland for assistance with: • Information and education • Support Groups • Individual and family support • Companion services

For further information contact Alzheimers Northland.

Joint Winners in the Cavern Home Judges Choice Award

to General Manager for the Liquorland and Robbie Burns retail liquor chains which grew to 120 locations through the mid 80’s and 90’s.

Pauline Rose

She has private sector experience in strategic planning, marketing and communication management with large NZ corporates as well as project management, stakeholder management and business improvement experience in local government. She now has her own consultancy Prose NZ and works for broadband provider Uber Group and other clients.

She has been President of the Public Relations Institute of NZ, is a member of its National Executive and a regular judge of its annual awards.

Bruce Larsen

Director and General Manager, Northpine Ltd. Bruce was originally trained as a Forester graduating with a Bachelor of Forestry Science (Hons) degree and then a few years later completed a post graduate M.B.A. He has 35 years of practical forest industry experience specialising in forest harvesting and sales before moving into sawmilling.

He previously worked for Carter Holt Harvey Forests holding various managerial positions.

She worked for 4 years as a Manager at Bahrain Polytechnic and during her time overseas attended USA based training as a Baldrige Foreign Examiner. Cushla currently works with two Polytechnics, helping learners completing the Bachelor of Applied Management and the Graduate Diploma Professional Practice (OHS).

She also provides support, advice and training for the assessment and analysis of information to support the implementation of excellence principles and frameworks.

As General Manager of Northpine specific responsibilities include marketing, the purchase of logs and the financial management of the company.

Cushla has experience in health and tertiary education, focusing on quality management and assurance, strategic planning and, more recently, excellence.

Darren Mason

Chief Executive, Northpower Fibre Ltd.

Ken Wilson

Darren holds a Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours from Waikato University. His career commenced in retail sales in the Electronic and Appliance industry, followed by 15 years as a Product and then Marketing Manager of one of Northlands largest corporates.

Qualifications include a Diploma in Management, Diploma in DairyTechnology (Distinction), Post graduate Honours Degree (Demography) and a B.Soc. Sc (double major in Geography and Sociology)

As Chief Executive of Northpower Fibre Limited, Darren has been instrumental in creating the Fibre OpticTelecommunication Network in Whangarei, completing the Ultrafast Broadband rollout under the NZ Governments $1.3 billion initiative.

Director, Advantage Business Ltd

Ken’s specialties include change management, team optimisation, and strategic planning.

Ken Wilson has over 30 years’ experience in senior management roles throughout the country, including organisations such as Northland Dairy, Progressive Enterprises, Fletcher Challenge, Damar Industries, Enterprise Northland, and Advantage Business

Mike Verkuylen

Director, Wynn Fraser Paints Ltd Mike started off with the Northland Catchment Commission before moving to the retail industry. Moving to Auckland he progressed

Darren has also served on a number of local boards, been a judge and recipient of the Northland business awards and the past president of the Northland Chamber of Commerce.

Karen Amos

Senior Commercial Manager, Westpac Bank Karen has worked with Westpac for 7 years as Senior Commercial Manager, managing a portfolio of clients and specialising in commercial property structures. Karen has a background in corporate commodity and export finance where she worked for various companies based in Sydney”.

Your locally owned and operated Ricoh agent!

Northland Document Solutions Ltd are your technology partners, committed to helping northland businesses increase productivity and reduce costs.

!

Cnr Maraenui Drive & Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri | Phone (09) 4073010

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Or Toll Free 0800

Wynn Fraser Paints is a three time Category winner, an ACC winner and a Northland Supreme Business of theYear in the Westpac Business Awards.

Cushla Donnelly

148 Corks Road, Tikipunga, Whangarei | (09) 4387771

Community House 12 Puckey Road, Kaitaia | Phone (09) 4081123

A move back to Whangarei in 1997 saw him purchased Wynn Fraser Paints later that year. Under Mike, Wynn Frasers has moved to a purpose built facility, increased the product range and customer base and grown the talented team from 6 to 20.

Locally owned and operated since 2008 Providing Service to Northland Delivering a full-range of Ricoh Friendly, fast and efficient service

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Making life better for all people affected by dementia | kia piki to ora mo nga¯ tanga¯ta mate po¯rewarewa

.(# ",$! +&% *)*, ' ---.ricohnorthland.co.nz 125 CAMERON STREET, WHANGAREI

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

17

MULTI AWARD-WINING SUPACOLOUR - HOT PRINTZ From its humble beginnings in founder Bill Armitt’s basement, Hot Printz has become an internationally recognised and awardwinning business with a bright future.Their reputation for consistently delivering highquality products has earned them an array of national and international clients, and to top it off, they’ve just won the Northland Inc Innovation Award at the recent Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards.

NO. 8 FENCING WIRE MENTALITY

An innovative approach is core to the way Hot Printz work on a day to day basis.

They have developed a transfer called Supacolour, which combines the full colour of digital printing with the durability of screen-printing, resulting in a highly versatile product. It can be applied to sports bags, sports gear, umbrellas, hats and of course,T-shirts.The demand for Supacolour has out-grown Hot Printz and that they’ve had to create its own company! Supacolour is made right here in Whangarei and is only available through Hot Printz.

The national and international response to Supacolour has been phenomenal.

Hot Printz exports 60% of their product to Australia every day, with demand increasing all the time.They are only one of 10 companies in the world to produce this

type and quality of transfer, and the only company in Australasia, demonstrating their drive for excellence.

HOT PRINTZ – THE TEAM WITH THE EXPERTISE TO DELIVER HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS Bill Armitt, founder and owner of Hot Printz puts their success down to his team.

“With the growing international demand for our product, it would make more sense for us to be based in Auckland, where the exporting process would be easier. But it’s all about the team. We have such a great group of skilled, experienced staff whose ability to problem-solve is awesome.

Rather than moving everyone to Auckland we prefer to stay in Whangarei, where it all began.”

The team at Hot Printz are known for their drive to constantly look for the next best thing.They’re always updating their equipment and processes to ensure their

clients get the best products possible and they go that extra mile to achieve this.

which would give the transfer even more possible applications.

The Hot Printz team never rest on their recent successes. They are a true example of the No.8 wire mentality - always actively looking for solutions and constantly developing products.They’re currently developing other variations of Supacolour which will allow it to be commercially washable and eventually, dry-cleanable,

“We’re always looking forward to the next challenge and are excited about what the future will bring us.” Ask for Supacolour by name - only available through Hot Printz.

To find out more about Supacolour at Hot Printz, visit their website at www.hotprintz. co.nz, or contact the team on 09 4381674

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18

Congratulations! to the winners of the

2016 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards From the team at

P. 09 438 1332 | E. Whangarei@ljh.co.nz | W. whangarei.ljhooker.co.nz

CUSTOM-BUILT, HAND-CRAFTED RIBS FROM THE COASTLINES OF NEW ZEALAND, JP RIBS ARE HAND-CRAFTED, HIGH-PERFORMANCE BESPOKE TENDERS. Combining a slick finish and high spec technology, with the care and attention that comes through hand moulding by craftsmen with impeccable pedigree; JP RIBS offers a custom solution for superyacht tenders and RIBS. Your tender; designed to fit your needs.

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Regent New World was proud to be a finalist in the 2016 More FM Customer Choice Awards

167 BANK STREET, WHANGAREI 09 470 1090

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

IMAGES AND FINALISTS OF THE 2016 WESTPAC NORTHLAND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

19

FINALISTS OF THE 2016 THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND WESTPAC BUSINESS NORTHLAND INC MOVE EXCELLENCE AWARDS TO THE ORCHARD

o understand how and why the move to collocate into the Orchard was considered the best move for NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland and how the space will be used by and benefit Chamber members, it worth taking some time to understand why the Chamber has existed in Northland for over 100 years in the first place.The Chamber’s role is to support and inspire business success. As not-forprofit business membership association we promote, support and encourage sustainable, profitable business growth.

Through the Chamber there are many ways to do business better.You can build business connections, access business expertise, find staff and save on business expenses.The Chamber also allows you to can engage directly with potential customers or clients through the Chamber’s networking and promotional events and as a member, through various member to member marketing opportunities. Being part of the Chamber also connects you with business people with whom you can share success strategies, common challenges and down to earth business wisdom.

It’s important that your business has the best platform for success and that’s where we not only want to make a difference but to make it easy. Easy to access to training, networking events, advocacy and representation and business support services.

As well as tradition and experience, the Chamber aspires to provide up-to-date and informed thinking on topics as wide ranging as transport and infrastructure, employment, local and central government initiatives, policy change and contemporary

business issues; advocacy and lobbying on behalf of their business communities; and support for a wide range of business tools, resources and advisory services to help business succeed.

For all these things to happen and for business to succeed and grow in Northland requires public and private sector agencies to commit to forming truly collaborative partnerships with the end goal of Northland being a region that is as easy to do business in as any other place in New Zealand and ideally easier than most.The Chamber sharing space with Northland Inc and the Orchard provides Northland businesses access to a whole suite of tools and support that will help their business succeed. It will extend their networks and expose them of new ways to do things. In other words make doing business easier.

We have often submitted to local government that if we want to make any real changes to our region’s business and economic environment then there needs to be stronger partnerships between public and private sector, and how if we want to attract inward investment either from central government or outside businesses that it is important that we are seen as being collaborative and unified in our vision for Northland. We also regularly impress on our members and other businesses the need to be innovative, customer friendly and to be thought-leaders in their communities.

We decided that we can continue to talk about these things or we could actually do something that demonstrates that we truly believe that collaboration, innovation and a more business friendly environment will result in business success.

Setting

T

offer the Benchtop We a full range of benchtops from to engineered stone.

Benchmark laminate From manufacture only, to full in Northland measure and installation services

50a Kioreroa Road, Port Road, Whangarei Phone: 09 430 08 78 www.kitchenbenchtops.co.nz

TAI TOKERAU HONEY LTD Here at Tai Tokerau Honey Ltd we are very proud of our where we come from, who we are, and the quality of the products we produce, and the best way to share that with you, the consumer, was to brand our honey the same way - that way, when you buy a jar of Tai Tokerau Honey you know exactly where this unique, high-quality product is coming from.

The beauty of this honey is that it is produced with the future in mind!

The journey from hive to jar has been as natural as possible!

4 Milky Way, Kaitaia, Northland, 0410 +64 9 4082532 • info@taitokerauhoney.co.nz

LIFECHANGING The Orchard is a collaborative business and event space for the growing community of entrepreneurs, start-ups and already established business professionals in Northland. It offers all the facilities of a premium office fit-out, a creative environment and a thriving community of like minds.

A Northland Inc initiative, seed funded through the Northland Regional Council and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment,The Orchard Business and Event Hub is a money where your mouth is illustration of support for innovation through action.

Because Northland Inc andThe Chamber are located within the hub,The Orchard

members and users have direct access to expert business advice, tools and professional support networks all under one roof.

The Orchard concept came about as a response to the Northland region’s growth and a requirement for the enterprising individuals who are choosing to base both themselves and their businesses here.

With the economy on the rise and a work / life balance other regions envy we can see why. As both Northland Inc, the regional economic development agency, and the NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland are tasked with supporting the economic growth of the Northland region it made sense to co-locate thus creating a space which is the first of its kind in New Zealand.

HEALTH & FITNESS F

un, Dynamic and Results Guaranteed packages is what Activ8 is all about.

Activ8s’ exclusive, boutique studio provides a quiet, motivating and fantastic place for you to achieve your goals- not matter what age, fitness or strength level you have.

Activ8 also provides Massage, Nutrition, Gravity training, Small groups, Boxing, Mums and Bubs, Studio usage and Rejuvenate sessions.

Take a step towards a more positive, healthy and fitter YOU.

Phone: 0508 228 488 | 16 Porowini Ave, Whangarei | www.activ8nz.co.nz

Business Hub | Northland

LOCAL

WE’RE LIKE YOU Spark Business is a local service created just for you. Our job is to understand your business needs in order to tailor the communications solution that’s right for your business.

TALK TO US AT SPARK BUSINESS HUB NORTHLAND. WE’LL COME TO YOU. SPA2737_BA_FP

0800 366 784

info@hubnorthland.co.nz