NOVEMBER 10, 2018
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Clements Contractors – Our Journey T he story of Clements Contractors started 28 years ago on the family farm with an old bulldozer making a house site at Sandy Bay. Murray spent all of his days and some nights driving the digger, building house sites and roads. As the Tutukaka Coast grew, so did the demand – and our team with it. A typical husband and wife team, Murray was salesman, project manager, digger operator, grader driver, truck driver and labourer. Sandra drove the rollers, was administration manager, data entry clerk, HR and marketing, and customers were invoiced together at night at the kitchen table. With a new baby, life was hectic. Things had to change, we needed to learn how to make it all work. We joined Action International Business Group. “Man did we learn some things!” We built some large-scale subdivisions, one of them a 50 lot
development at Oakura Beach. Suddenly we were doing drainage, roading, retaining walls and concrete work. This was a game changer; we can build anything! We always dreamed of having a quarry and yard in Whangarei. In 2013 this became a reality with the purchase of Western Hills Quarry in Maunu. With the extra machinery and added debt we had to get things moving, as we had doubled the size of our business. We went through some growing pains and learnt some hard lessons about business. We began working with business advisor Catherine Scott and implemented changes and processes with Brunton NZ Business Systems. The sad events of Pike River saw necessary changes with Health & Safety in Civil Construction, Quarrying and Transport. Helen from Safety in Mind came on board as
an external H&S consultant to keep us heading in the right direction. We are proud, active members of Civil Contractors NZ, Institute of Quarrying NZ and The Road Transport Association. Today Clements Contractors boasts a hard-working, passionate team of over 50 and that old bulldozer has turned into a fleet of 90 machines, from diggers and graders to trucks and trailers — our big toys. We envisage an exciting road ahead. Clements Contractors has a management team with a wide diversity of skills to lead us into the future, and our tech savvy younger generation will ensure we keep moving forward with ease. The company has a cool feel to it, no longer reliant on just the two of us. Stress levels are lower with good work life balance for us and our team, better sleep too! We are very proud of Clements Contractors, and we will always be a
Murray and Sandra Clements family business with family values no matter what. Winning this award means a lot and is a great recognition of our achievements. We know we aren’t perfect but that’s part of our continuing journey. And that’s so exciting!
Three things we love about Clements Contractors. 1. Cool Business - Cool People 2. Big Diggers - Big Toys 3. Makes dreams come true – Changing lives
CLEMENTS CONTRACTORS LTD PROUD WINNERS OF SUPREME 2018 WESTPAC NORTHLAND BUSINESS OF THE YEAR SU PLUS…… VODAFONE EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS LARGE BUSINESS AWARD
WESTERN HILLS QUARRY Past the Hospital, off Maunu Road, Westwood Lane 09 434 4949 www.clementscontractors.co.nz
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Contents
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FB: @PHIACADEMYNZ
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021 834 444
WWW.PHIACADEMY.CO.NZ
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Our winners
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There’s a buzz about Northland
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NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland
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Engagement and culture shines through with our winners
10-11
The Judges
12-15
New Chamber Members
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Ensuring your success with BDO Northland
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Great relationships breed business excellence
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Photos from the night
STUDENTS@PHIACADEMY.CO.NZ
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OUR WINNERS The Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards for 2018 took place at Forum North on Friday, 26 October. Businesses from throughout Northland submitted 46 unique entries across 5 business categories, 7 ancillary categories and an overall supreme winner. Clements Contractors Ltd was the 2018 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Supreme Award winner and was also the winner of the Vodafone Excellence in Business Large Business Award. The judges said… Clements Contractors has developed a great vision for its future. The owners of the business are clearly encouraging employees to be actively involved with decision making and responsibility for achieving goals. Everyone seems to understand where the company is heading and what is expected of them. But above all, there is a strong “one team” culture which gives you the sense that this is a great place to work. Tony Collins from the NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland said that, as always, it’s great to see what these amazing businesses are doing in our Region and to celebrate business success. 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.
WINNERS OF EACH CATEGORY WERE: Giftbox Boutique NZ Ltd - winner of The Orchard Business and Event Hub Best Emerging Business Award Gold Beauty Bar and Bay of Islands Computers were finalists
The judges said…
Giftbox Boutique provide beautiful, thoughtful and professional gift boxes for all occasions. The gift boxes are beautifully presented and easy to purchase via a well-designed and user friendly web site. The judges were impressed with the enthusiasm, passion and attention to detail from the business owners. The husband and wife team, Andy and Katie Gray have complimentary skill sets that have contributed to the successful start-up of the company.
Cadenshae - winner of the Henderson Reeves Excellence in Business Small Business Awards (4-9FTE)
Finalists were R.Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust & Whangarei Top 10 Holiday Park & Motels
The judges said…
The judges were particularly impressed with the phenomenal growth as a direct consequence of exploiting a niche market. Cadenshae has effectively established 3 offshore manufacturers for their innovative product range as well as 2 global distribution hubs in Canada and the UK. There are clear and simple processes in place from design to delivery, and a proven understanding of the power of social media to exploit markets all over the world.
Clements Contractors Ltd - winner of the Vodafone Excellence in Business Large Business Award (25+ FTE) Mitre 10 MEGA Whangarei was a finalist
The judges said…
Clements Contractors live up to their advertising as “clever” contractors! The company has developed some really innovative processes, which are tailored to meet the demands of the business and are well documented. They have excellent long term strategic planning with regular meetings to review performance and progress with their annual plan. The company also has very good knowledge of and interaction with its customer base, and they actively seek ways to improve their customer experience
Northern Benchtops Ltd - winner of the Northland Regional Council Environmental Excellence Award Modern Earth Homes were also a finalist
The judges said… This is certainly an eco-friendly business! There is a strong environmental awareness which has been built into many aspects of the company’s operations. Examples of this are the recycling of water through the factory, the collection of roadside rubbish by employees, re- cycling initiatives, and encouraging suppliers to use non-plastic wrapping materials. Northern Benchtops have shown that it is possible to create a successful business without harming the environment.
Mangawhai Artists Inc - winner of the Ricoh Northland Excellence in Micro Business (1-3FTE) Category Aligned Movement Ltd and Jessie Rose were finalists
The judges said…
The top few in the micro category were all excellent, but the judges were particularly impressed with the scale and complexity of Mangawhai Artists Inc. From running exhibitions that appeal to all ages to negotiating with Council over a new building and an addition to an existing one, setting up a complex website to benefit local artists and provide an information base, the work is done smoothly with a great deal of focus and determination, delivering great outcomes.
LC Hydraulics - winner of the Golden Bay Cement Excellence in Business Medium Business Award (10-24FTE)
Active Intervention Management Ltd (AIM) and Northern Benchtops Ltd were finalists
The judges said…
LC Hydraulics is well structured with great planning and regular monitoring and development of those plans. There is a good team culture and everyone seems to be engaged and on board. There is very good knowledge of customers and management of those relationships, and the commitment to training and apprenticeships is impressive for a company of this size
Mangawhai Artists Inc - winner of the Top Energy Best Not-For-Profit Organisation Award R.Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust were also a finalist.
The judges said…
Mangawhai Artists are a deserving winner of the Not for Profit category. The unity with which they operate is clearly evident - a large group of people working co-operatively with a very clear focus to instigate and complete ambitious building programmes, run innovative exhibitions and workshops for the local community and support local artists both at home and away. The obvious enjoyment and efficiency of this group made it a pleasure to judge.
Northern Benchtops Ltd –winner of the ACC Workplace Safety Award
Mitre 10 MEGA Whangarei, Action Fencing NZ Ltd and Clements Contractors Ltd were finalists
The judges said…
A high level of due diligence has been undertaken by senior leaders and they encourage staff to take a leadership role in H&S within the business. The expertise of the workforce is well utilised in managing Occupational Health and Safety. The business has good practice guides and industry standards, as well as worker expertise are used to assess risks and select controls. They have a programme to address identified hazards over the medium to long term, including a replacement programme for equipment.
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OUR WINNERS Jessie Rose - winner of the Creative Northland Excellence in Creative Industries Award Mangawhai Artists Inc and The Butter Factory were named as finalists
The judges said…
Jessie Rose art form is unique she has found a niche market for her creative endeavours, artistic programmes and much more. From her hand painted Forever Love caskets to, her unique clothing range and accessories, she is inspiring our children to open their eyes to develop their creative thinking and confidence to be themselves, to be individuals and through art to start seeing the world through different perspectives. There is strategic thinking, business planning, positive branding and multiple streams of income - most of all we see creativity as a practice to build business success and a new paradigm for successful arts and business partnerships.
Extrutec Ltd took out the Northland Inc Innovation Award Tankful and Kai Ora Honey were finalists
The judges said…
Extrutec is a business that produces filaments for the agricultural industry, mainly hothouses and bailing twine. In the past the plastic twines have been impossible to recycle and, mixed with all plant material at the end of the seasons, had to be dumped. Extrutec has developed a new biodegradable twine enabling to repurpose both the plant material and the twine as compost. The applications for this technology are significant, and the increased worldwide market demand for these products will enable this Northland business to grow in a smart and true sustainable way. Their expertise and commercial application through their innovative development process has resulted in a product that will make a positive contribution in the war on plastics.
Lavinia (Vini) Hoeft was selected as this year’s Ministry of Social Developments’ He Poutama Taitamariki (Youth Employee of the Year) Award, recognising young people who have made significant life changes as a result of employment The judges said…
Lavinia (Vini) is a vibrant, ambitious, enthusiastic young lady with a huge future ahead of her. Vini joined the Northland Regional Council (NRC) in 2015 as part of the Ministry for Social Development Cadetship Programme. After the 10-month cadetship, Vini’s outstanding performance gained her a permanent fulltime position within the NRC Communications Team. Vini is always keen and willing to learn and is an inspiration to her friends and family
Whangarei Top 10 Holiday Park & Motels was the winner of the People Potential Judges Choice Award The judges said…
Uber Group Ltd was voted winner of the More FM Customer Choice Service Provider Award
The Butter Factory was the winner of the More FM Customer Choice Retail Provider
This is what one client had to say about Uber Group Ltd
And the customer had this to say
Great service. We live in a remote area and consider ourselves so lucky to have our internet and phone via Uber. Generous packages, great prices, outstanding service - every question is handled with patience and professionalism.
The Judges were impressed by the enthusiasm and commit of the Whangarei Top 10 team. Not only is it a very well-run business where staff and management actively and vigorously support Northland and encourage visitors to experience the diverse opportunities of our region, the back story shows true commitment and vision
The Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame inductee this year was Stan Semenoff in recognition of his contribution to Northland business.
The Butter Factory is the best place in town for a night out, with friendly staff that go the extra mile, they have a variety of events all the time and the food is top notch. I just love it there- the owners definitely deserve to win!! They put so much effort into bringing Whangarei the best entertainment. PHOTOGRAPHS/Dawn Dutton Photograph
The NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland wishes to thank Westpac, awards host and major sponsor of the Westpac Northland Business Excellence awards along with all of the media, category, partner and sponsors involved in the 2018 awards.
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There’s a buzz about Northland BY DAVID WILSON, NORTHLAND INC AND TIM ROBINSON, ACTING CEO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NORTHLAND
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David Wilson
Tim Robinson
quick glance at the numbers tells us something is afoot: employment is at a record high at around 84,000 with an annual growth of 2.3%, GDP at just over $6Bn growing at 3.3% per annum, tourism spend is 1.1billion with annual growth of around 3% (which sounds ok but we lag the rest of the country at around 8%), youth not in employment, education or training is down to 11% from giddy heights in the late teens two years ago, population is growing at 2.3% per annum, business units at around 21,000 are growing at 1.7% and non-residential building consents have risen 40% in the year to June. We’ve heard about a slow-down in residential house sales in the previous two quarters, particularly in Auckland, but spring sales have rebounded to hold prices steady. Auckland demand has had flow on benefits for the regions, Northland included. Construction boom and bust cycles are not good things though, they wreak havoc on employment and reverberate right back through our domestic economy. However, there is variance within construction subsectors as a quick call to Brett Donovan
at Donovan Group confirms. They are noticing, what the commercial consent numbers were telling us, that commercial construction is strong. Higher density housing – a la Kiwi Build for example – also has very strong demand. So, there are some solid foundations and green shoots in the sector, the trick will be to make hay by bringing on new apprenticeships and innovating in the high demand areas such as smaller-footprint higherdensity modular and prefabricated housing. Economists are telling us that New Zealand’s economic outlook is good, even amidst international headwinds and trade spats between superpowers. NZ Inc is achieving this on the back of growing exports and a desire for others to live in a politically stable open economy. Even Government has had a higher than expected surplus of $5.5 billion more than double the prediction from May. But our year to June trade deficit of $4 billion is the number I look at to get a sense of how NZ Inc is generally fairing. Annual imports increased by $6.02 billion to $59.55 billion, while exports rose by $5.65 billion to $55.52 billion.
However, even the deficit had a silver lining in that the biggest rises in imports were for intermediate goods, transport equipment, plant and machinery. These indicate businesses are investing in their productivity. So, with the possible exception of tourism we are matching or bettering national averages and the region overall is performing well. We are also placed well with a diversifying export driven economy - yes exports are still predominantly from the primary sector but this is changing as we move to add value onshore and export higher value products and services. A good litmus test of the vibrancy of the Northland economy are the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards organised and hosted by The Chamber of Commerce. You get to see businesses across different sectors and of different sizes and drivers. They have in common a drive to improve and the mere fact that they go through the process to take a good look at their business and open themselves up to the scrutiny of judges is testament to that. Judges feedback from the recent awards was that once again the standard of entry, and quality of
business performance stepped up again. What this indicates is that businesses are genuinely committed to continuous improvement and are striving to do better year after year. This benefits the Northland economy as these businesses are growing, employing more staff, investing in new plant, technology and equipment, and building a sustainable future. Businesses that have entered more than once commented to the judges that they used the learnings from previous years to refine their operating practices, update and strengthen their business plan, and pay greater attention to the details that add that extra 5-10% productivity and profitability. The end result is not only getting to celebrate outstanding business success in Northland, but knowing that multiple businesses will be more successful in the year ahead than they were in the previous 12 months. There is a buzz in Northland, businesses are innovating, growing, employing and training, M ori are sensing and capitalising on new opportunities and the Provincial Growth Fund is catalysing projects at the right time. Time to shine Tai Tokerau.
Bennett & Associates Chartered Accountants
PROUD TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE NORTHLAND BUSINESS COMMUNITY NORTHLAND owned, focused and operated accounting firm providing services in: •Audit, Investigation & Forensic Research •Office of the Auditor General Approved School Auditor •Small to Medium Size Direct Business Support and Tax Services •Business Recovery, Turn Around & Insolvency Management •Maori Business Advisory & Mentoring
Contact us at: 57 Clyde Street, PO Box 627, Whangarei 0140 | Ph: (09) 438 2312 | Fax: (09) 438 2912 Email: info@bennettca.co.nz | Web: www.bennettca.co.nz
www.mangawhaiartists.co.nz
TWO WINNING AWARDS in the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards! • Ricoh Northland Excellence in Business MICRO BUSINESS AWARD • Top Energy BEST NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION AWARD Shortlisted for Creative Northland Excellence In Creative Industries Award
JUDGE’S COMMENTS The top few in the micro category were all excellent, but the judges were particularly impressed with the scale and complexity of Mangawhai Artists Inc. From running exhibitions that appeal to all ages to negotiating with Council over a new building and an addition to an existing one, setting up a complex website to benefit local artists and provide an information base, the work is done smoothly with a great deal of focus and determination, delivering great outcomes.
Plan a visit to Mangawhai Artists Gallery. Check the website – www.mangawhaiartists.co.nz Exhibitions change every two weeks, Christmas Exhibition opens Thursday 6 December ideal for buying Christmas gifts or art for your home, Art Auction Saturday 2 February and Easter Art Trail 20-21 April MANGAWHAI ARTISTS GALLERY 45 Moir Street, Mangawhai Village | Open seven days 10am – 3pm
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NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland Special thanks to all the sponsors who contributed in various ways to making this year’s event possible.
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Z 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.
THE BEST BROADBAND EXPERIENCE IN NORTHLAND
- AS VOTED BY OUR CUSTOMERS!
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Engagement and culture shines through with our winners
ROD PARKINSON Westpac Regional Manager – Commercial & Agribusiness Northland
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hilst listening to the acceptance speeches from the worthy award winners on Friday night, a common thread appeared to me. How often we heard reference to the importance of the teams around them, in particular their staff. We heard business leaders talk about the length of time in business and the staff that have been with them for most, if not all of this time. This got me thinking about the
recipe for long term success. In particular the ingredients for creating a long term achievement culture and highly engaged team. This is an area that I have an interest in and have researched in recent years (noting also that the team that I lead has grown and been together over a 17 year period). With this in mind, here are some ingredients that I have observed, which may help to build a long term engaged team, with a strong achievement or performance culture. A Strong Sense of Why or Purpose This is about standing for something bigger than making money, exceeding KPIs or being number 1. We engage and commit to a purpose that has meaning, or if we feel that we are making a genuinely positive contribution to our community or society as a whole. Strategy Anchored to Long Term Outcomes This does not mean being inflexible, your strategy and tactics can and
should evolve in a changing world. However strategies often deliver long term success when anchored to a long term philosophy. Changes to strategy should be shared and understood by your team in the context of the long term. Diversity Surround yourself with people who are not like you, don’t think like you and can challenge your thinking. Then let them challenge by respecting diversity of thought. Also encourage constructive conflict. High performing teams challenge each other to achieve excellence, they do not wait for the boss to do it. Trust Constructive conflict can only work in a high trust environment. Leaders should create a safe environment for team members to speak out and share their thoughts. If you want to create trust, you have to give it.
Care Good leaders genuinely care. Empowerment Good leaders empower, share knowledge and let go (with the right controls, checks and balances in place). Being in control all of the time is not leadership. Achievement Culture By all means reward individual performance. But only if it aligns with strong team behaviours and the long term values of the organisation. Fun Environment We spend too much of our lives at work to not enjoy being there. Managing Underperformance Creating a fun environment does not mean avoiding conflict or courageous and honest conversations. Leaders should still agitate when needed. Removing Barriers to Performance Good leaders either remove the barriers
to performance, or even better teach and empower their teams to remove them. I am not saying that I am an expert, or that these ingredients are necessarily the recipe for success. However, they are common to many of the sustainably successful businesses that I have had the pleasure to work with over many years. I hope that sharing this has provided something of interest to you. Congratulations and thanks to all of the finalists and winners. And to all who contributed to making the 2018 Westpac Northland Business Excellence awards such a success, thank you. 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.
Championing Business in Northland P 09 430 4350 F 09 438 6420 E mail@hendersonreeves.co.nz 96 Bank St, PO Box 11, Whangarei 0140, New Zealand
www.hendersonreeves.co.nz
Henderson Reeves Connell Rishworth Lawyers Limited
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The Judges GREG ATKINS
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udging reminds me of the opening scene off Mission Impossible: Your mission Jim (well actually it’s an average Tom Cruise lookalike called Greg), should you choose to accept it, is to select winners in each category from an equally fantastic line up of Northland businesses, no mean task… Luckily the message doesn’t self-destruct in 5 seconds! 1st step assemble IMF team (Impossible Mission Force). We have a great pool of experienced, capable
and passionate “IMF” judges willing to investigate, research and travel the country to meet entrants. Rather than disavowing any knowledge of them, they should be thanked for their efforts as it is a huge commitment to take a week out of your business to undertake the judging
GREG ATKINS Convenor of Judges Associate at BDO Northland Ltd, Chartered Accountants
process. Please take time to read below who these highly capable people are. 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.
KAREN AMOS Senior Commercial Manager, Westpac Bank
Greg specialises in business valuations, employment assistance, new business start-ups and restructuring in addition to general accounting assistance. Greg has been Convenor of Judges for Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards for the past six years. Outside work, Greg is the Board Chair at Whangarei Boys’ High School and has held previous Trustee, Board member and honorary positions in the community.
WHANGAREI TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK & MOTELS WAS
THE WINNER OF THE JUDGES CHOICE AWARD AT THE 2018 NORTHLAND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
I (Nick) would like to say thank you to the Judges who I forgot to thank on the night for judges choice award and also the old owners Kevin and Linda for having faith in us and also the on going support if we need it. On the night it was a bit of “Deer in Headlights” scenario as the award was so unexpected. I would also like to thank all the local people that support our business and we hope we can give as much back to our community. Our Region has so much to offer and is at the start of something big. The future is exciting. The Judges were impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the Whangarei Top 10 team. Not only is it a very well-run business where staff and management actively and vigorously
support Northland and encourage visitors to experience the diverse opportunities of our region, the back story shows true commitment and vision. Having been dealt a divesting blow in the Christchurch earthquakes, Nick and Claire, moved to Fox Glacier Top Ten Holiday Park to take up a cleaning contract. Within a short time they were managing the Park and winning awards. The opportunity to purchase the Whangarei Top Ten presented itself and the fact that they had no money didn’t stop Nick and Claire from negotiating a purchase deal with the owners. Convincing the vendors that they were the right people to take the business forward and that they should provide them with vendor finance was the start of a wonderful adventure and a very impressive business.
Karen has worked with Westpac for 8 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”
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PAULINE ROSE
KEN WILSON
Uber Group
PAUL AHLERS Previous Supreme Winner –
GT Advantage Pauline rose had judged the business excellence awards for 15 years. 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 for the public institution of NZ, is a member of its National Executive and a regular judge at annual awards.
GRAHAM BILLINGS
Northland Emergency Services Trust Ken works with Gilmore Taylor Associates, trading as GT Advantage for the provision of specialist advisory services. Ken has over 25 years hands-on operations and general management experience throughout New Zealand, and across a broad range of organisations including Northland Dairy, Progressive enterprise, Fletcher Challenge Tasman, Damar Industries, Enterprise Northland, and Advantage Business (ex Director). Kens Particular strengths include change management, Team optimisation, frontline leadership, Governance and strategic goal setting.
BRUCE LARSEN Previous Category Winner –
GGB Business Therapy
Director and General Manager, Northpine Ltd Graham has his own business coaching company, GGB Business Therapy Ltd and is a practical business management specialist with more than 30 years’ working in a range of industry sectors. His corporate experience at Chief Executive level includes Wilson & Horton, APN and the Franchise Association of New Zealand and added to this, he has also owned several small businesses both here and in Australia. He specialises in working with the owners of businesses to provide tailored coaching designed to deliver results impacting on business performance, productivity and profitability.
Bruce was originally trained as a forester graduating with 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 Hold Harvey Forest Holding various managing positions. As general manager of Northpine specific responsibilities include marketing, the purchase of logs and the financial management of the company.
Paul is the chairman of the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) who operate the rescue helicopter service in Northland. NEST were the recipients of the supreme award, in addition to the best non-profit, medium business, and health & safety awards last year (2017). Paul is a qualified Senior Associate of the NZ Institute of Insurance & Finance and has 35 years’ experience in the insurance sector. He owned and ran his own insurance broking company which had offices throughout New Zealand and employed 150 staff, until it was sold in 2012 to Crombie Lockwood. His strengths lie in risk management, business planning, and governance.
MIKE LINDSAY Previous Category Winner – Mike is the Managing Director of Building & Fire Services (2008) Ltd Mike has worked as a professional in the Fire, Safety, and Building Compliance field for over 22 years. He has worked in all industry sectors (Construction, Healthcare, Manufacturing and many small business) and has delivered professional advice and solutions to all businesses dealt with, improving and enhancing their Fire Safety, Compliance & Training systems. Mike is passionate about, and wholly committed to, educating New Zealanders about how to protect people and property in all aspects of their professional and private lives.
Congratulations to
Extrutec Ltd
JESSIE ROSE’S JOURNEY TO CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AWARD
winner of the Northland Inc Innovation Award at the 2018 Northland Business Excellence Awards ANGIE EDWARDSON, SHARON MORGAN, JESSIE ROSE
Self-taught art entrepreneur Jessie Rose Foote won the Creative Northland Excellence in Creative Industries Award at the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards on October 27.
Northland Inc – growing Northland businesses and supporting innovative thinking. Northland Inc is the Regional Economic Development Agency for Northland encompassing the Regional Tourism Organisation and central government’s Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network.
The award’s title fits Jessie’s brand perfectly – a marriage of artwork and business savvy.
Opening Hours 8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
09 438 5110
The Orchard, corner Cameron & Walton Streets (entry at 35 Walton Street)
www.northlandnz.com
Awards judges described the Kamo artist as “inspiring our children to open their eyes to develop their creative thinking and confidence to be themselves, to be individuals and through art to start seeing the world through different perspectives” – substantial recognition considering her studio art classes only opened in mid-2017. Jessie almost didn’t enter the awards at all due to being busy with work commitments. “Funnily enough, 48 hours before the nominations were due to close, I said to my admin lady/PA ‘Hey could you have a look at when the awards are coming up, I should probably enter!’ So I couldn’t have cut it any finer. It was a very involved [process]…. And mine was probably rather complicated because I have so much going on with the art classes, painting caskets and retail – it was probably very confusing for them!” That staff member behind the scenes is Angie Edwardson, who Jessie describes as invaluable. The Jessie Rose business is unique in that retail takes place alongside a service painting funeral caskets as well as teaching future professional artists how to create art both for sale and for donation. Giving back to the community was demonstrated most recently when $7000 was raised for KidsCan thanks to the TradeMe auction of two 2.4m glitter
KIERA-LEIGH CROCKER, CAPRI DEMPSEY & JESSIE ROSE and acrylic paintings - both signed by the singer Pink. “That opens the kids’ eyes to see potentially what their art can do. It’s about helping them see outside themselves.” The spirit of Jessie Rose art is to get people to open up and express themselves, rather than copying a teacher. It’s thanks to this flavour that Jessie currently has over 80 students and a wait list for her Inspire classes. “I’m not [classically] trained – I’m passing on my own knowledge that I’ve gathered in 10 or so years as an artist. I’m teaching children and adults to express themselves in art. It’s not a rigid course. Many students I enrol are still with me, five terms later. It almost is like we create a family within Inspire.”
Jessie’s journey includes a previously unsuccessful attempt at gaining the creative award. “I entered four years ago and didn’t place. However this year I thought I was finally ready to give it a proper hit. It was a good feeling to come away with at the award – it was recognition that what I’m doing is working and I’m on the right track.” “I took the time to be self-employed a year and a half ago. I took the plunge up in Kamo. I started with 25 students in a tiny room now I’ve got close to 85 in a bigger space. It’s been phenomenal.” Jessie thanks Creative Northland for backing her along her journey. “They’re fantastic and I have so appreciated their support along the way. what they do in Northland is awesome, I’m right behind them getting behind businesses like mine.”
AIM is a team of experienced health professionals primarily focusing on Injury/Illness Management, Pain Management and Health and Safety in the workplace, community, and homes throughout Northland. We aim to have a positive impact through our communication, creating the best ideas, whilst specialising in individual interventions. AIM would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce, Judges and Sponsors and we look forward to 2019.
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
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CLASSIC BUILDERS Whangarei C lassic Builders has been a part of the Whangarei community for ten years, and just last month opened their brand-new office. You can’t miss it; the bright green building stands out on the Okara St roundabout. It has been custom designed to include a product room, where all the options are on show to help make the building process an enjoyable one for every Classic Builders client. “There are hundreds of decisions to make when building” says Scott Coutts, Regional Manager for Classic Builders in Northland. “It can often feel overwhelming and be an exhausting experience - but our product room helps eliminate this, bringing the world of options into one modern, comfortable and enjoyable space”. “From bricks and joinery, to tap-ware, carpet and appliances, clients can get up close and personal with each piece of their new home and be confident in the choices
they make along the way” says Scott. Classic Builders are involved in several popular subdivisions throughout Northland, including Totara Parklands. Their current offering includes house and land packages suited to first home buyers, priced to allow those entering the market the ability to use their Kiwisaver and access the first home buyer grant to supplement their deposit. They also offer a design and build service, which gives clients the opportunity to design their dream home from scratch – and they take care of the entire build project. Their team includes expert architects and building consultants, who work in tandem with design and pricing teams to facilitate an integrated, stress free process for all clients. Make sure you call in and say hi to the team next time you’re in the area. Or give them a call on 09 436 0299 to discuss your new home plans.
HEADS UP Adventures W
hen you’re looking for the best activities in Northland, HeadsUp is the place to be. Located just 5 minutes from Whangarei Airport and 10 minutes from the city centre, HeadsUp Adventures is a green oasis just waiting to be explored. As New Zealand’s very first Monster Scooter Adventure Park – family fun in a stunning outdoor environment with fresh air and local wildlife. Struggling to find an activity to suit everyone in your family? We have the answer! Whether it be a family or mates day out, a birthday party, team building or celebration activity; you will be thrilled at the fun and excitement of your experience. Our off-road scooters are fantastic fun for young, old and just about everyone in between. With a range
of tracks to suit age and ability, you’ll find Monster Scooters to be a truly unique adventure. Enjoy a thrilling ride down a track of your choice, meander through the breathtaking indigenous forest whilst enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Whether you’ve been bitten by the mountain biking bug, or whether you’re trying it out for the first time, we’ve created a worldclass mountain biking adventure right here in Northland that is sure to get your tyres spinning. Our bike trails are designed to challenge and stimulate even the most experienced downhill biker, while also giving the beginners a chance to test their abilities in Whangarei’s beautiful bush environment. With our very own cozy hilltop café on site, your day out will be refreshing, fulfilling, with heaps of adventure and fun!
Cocavo
BY JODI BRYANT
Kiwi Innovation Proves a Rollercoaster Ride of Success
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hen two paramedics’ paths crossed on the job, they could never have envisaged that, almost 30 years later, they’d be taking the world by storm with a popular creation formed from their shared love of good food and wine. Whangarei’s Neville Montefiore and Chris Nathan are the founders and company directors of Cocavo - a healthy cooking oil with several variants. “Chris and I have known each other for nearly 30 years,” explains Neville. “We were both paramedics working for St John Ambulance in Auckland and, although we took different career paths – with Chris pioneering the Extra Virgin Avocado Oil process - after finishing with the ambulance service, we kept in touch and, of course, our love for good food and wine never waned.” The pair bumped into one another, having both moved to Whangarei and, around four years ago, Chris developed a unique blend of organic coconut and
avocado oils, infused with ‘on trend’ ingredients, such as coriander, ginger, chili, lime, lemon zest oil and turmeric oil. “We decided this blend of two of the world’s healthiest oils was such an awesome product that it made sense for us to further develop and market this unique and healthy new cooking oil we named Cocavo.” Cocavo is currently available in New Zealand from many New Worlds, Pak’nSave’s, Four Squares, the new Health & Wellness sections in Countdown Supermarkets, plus many smaller retailers across the country. And they have now secured an estimated $30 million per annum deal with the entire Walmart retail chain – that’s 4,122 stores across the United States. For a small start-up company operating from Whangarei, the US market proved challenging, but nothing this forwardthinking duo with the Kiwi innovation couldn’t overcome.
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
RMA Insurance R MA Insurance Whangarei is a locally owned & operated insurance broking business. Alvin Johnson has been working in the insurance industry for over 8 years & is passionate about taking the insurance hassle away from his clients. His philosophy is to keep things simple. Through good advice & structuring insurances around your personal requirements, this takes the stress away from you trying to work it out yourself. Born & bred in Whangarei, Alvin loves where he is able to work & play. He also loves the wide variety of clients he gets to deal with. RMA Insurance can take care of all your business, house, contents, car, boat & caravan insurances as well as having a broader network that can cater to your life & health insurances. With a “can do” attitude and an approachable nature, you can feel comfortable entrusting Alvin at RMA
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NMI STEEL SOLUTIONS underlie local landmarks N orthland Metal Industries (NMI) recently took on new owners, Neal D’Souza and Brandon D’Souza. It’s onwards and upwards as the region’s building projects demand steel solutions that will last, from gates & canopies to structural steel. Utilising a team of 12 based at Pipiwai Road, Kamo, the company provides general engineering and bespoke steel fabrication for farms, homes and businesses. Recent NMI success stories at iconic northern locations have included creating the rails and brackets of the Hundertwasser-Te Kakano seed, fabricating structural & architectural steel elements for the revamped KFC in Whangarei, and providing park furniture & signage for the
region’s major landmark, Whangarei Falls. Day to day, Northland Metal Industries is called upon to take care of repairs and services for farm fences, feeders, cages and sheds, provide purpose-built automated gates for properties, and take care of residential rails, fences, canopies and balustrades. Another recent success story was a multi-tonne mould created by NMI to allow a client to manufacture concrete water tanks. As engineering manager Neal D’Souza puts it, “Once our steel is installed, you can forget about it – it’s done, it’s reliable, it’s bespoke and built to last a lifetime.” NMI is available for most metal needs from Silverdale to Kaitaia and in-between.
Insurance Whangarei to look after you. If you find insurance a chore (heck, sometimes I do!), then I’d be more than happy to catch up & make it easy for you. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.
Alvin Johnson, RMA Insurance Whangarei, www.rmafinancial.co.nz/team/alvin-johnson 022 342 2447
ADVANCED Automatics
Northland’s only AA Approved Transmission Workshop
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our go to Automatic transmission experts they also cover power steering and diff ’s, all servicing, rebuilds and repairs for most makes & models and have been established and based in Whangarei for 18yrs. We offer customers our recommendations and options towards a repair or a transmission rebuild. Sheryl Lord, took over ownership of Advanced Automatics Northland in March 2017 continuing to provide Northland the great quality and service the company are known for, moving to Whangarei with her family and her husband for different job opportunities. Having previous business’ in Auckland, Sheryl has the skills to move into an industry so different from her other previous jobs and learn on the job about the importance of transmissions, how they work, how to look after them and start a journey on how to rebuild and repair them.
Sheryl says her team of trained mechanics have been great sharing their knowledge. We have a great team dynamic each bringing with them different strengths. Mike being with the business for over 13 years, James coming a close second with 8 years. Jon, Bryan and Taylor have been more recent additions, with Jon changing from general mechanics and quickly becoming our CVT Specialist, Bryan coming from his own transmission workshop in Auckland and Taylor joining the team earlier this year as a 2nd year apprentice. Both Ann and Connie are our lovely receptionists who are there to answer customer questions, price their services etc. Advanced Automatics are now streamlining workshop systems allowing a better flow of jobs and a shorter waiting time. Sheryl believes in upskilling, having sent some of the team to Auckland for a training with American experts.
MAYBE NOT TODAY MAYBE NOT TOMORROW AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
POWER STEERING & DIFFS
Transmission Servicing
Power Steering Repairs
Transmission Diagnosis
Power Steering & diff overhauls
Full Transmission Flush Repairs & Rebuilds Overhauls
Racks, Pumps Steering Boxes, Hoses
We also specialise in Classic Cars, Hot Rods and cover Insurance work
430 3505
Advanced Automatics Email: office@advancedautomatics.co.nz 54 Hannah Street, Whangarei 0110, New Zealend www.advancedautomatics.co.nz Find us on Facebook Facebook.com/advancedautomatics
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NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
Fish to Fish: A
Putting fresher fish back on the menu in Northland! fter years of watching Northland commercial fishermen sending their catch to Auckland-based processing facilities, local business owners Dagny and Brad Leggott have finally taken measures to provide Northlanders with locallycaught and locally processed fish. Their business, Fish to Fish, is an exciting move for commercial fishermen in the North, as their catch is now able to be commercially sold and processed right here in Whangarei. Dagny and Brad’s fish processing facility is also fantastic news for local eateries, with Northland’s cafés and restaurants finally having the ability to purchase a variety of fresh fish in Northland. This means less travel for the product, and a fresher, more cost-effective solution all round. Brad, himself a long time commercial fisherman, has a particular empathy
with the struggle faced by our commercial fishing crews. His decision to open Fish to Fish is a commitment to supporting local fishing vessels and their crew, giving our commercial fishermen an easier avenue for sale of their catch, and promoting more local jobs in the commercial fishing and fish processing industry. Having their own commercial fishing vessel out in the water too - and their own produce truck - Fish to Fish are serious about providing Northland with the freshest fish this side of the Brynderwyns. The next step would be to for Whangarei to have its very own fresh fish market. This is high on Dagny and Brad’s wish list but for now their fish sales are open to the public, just pop into 28 Herekino Street. The journey from hook to plate takes less time than ever before, with less fuss, less cost and much less mess.
Luv Platters L uvplatters is a small Whangarei specialty catering business which is owned and run by Sarah, A young entrepreneur that enjoys to work with food and provide for people in the community. Luvplatters was made so that you could sit back and relax while you enjoy your time with friends, family and work colleagues. We can provide catering for anyone whether it be for families, groups, corporate functions and or public events, whether they are big or small! We offer a variety of products and choice, like our delicious grazing tables, platter trays and picnic boxes which are all customized to your liking. So If your on the hunt for a stand out catering in Whangarei and Northland then look no further! Get in touch today!
Bay of Islands HEALTH RETREAT T
he Bay of Islands Health Retreat opened in 2013 and is set amongst tropical gardens in Wiroa Road, Kerikeri. Run by Pete & Philippa Cooper, the retreat helps people from all around the world to get healthier, lose weight and change their lives for the better. Being located in the Bay of Islands enables us to provide wonderful active and healthy holidays which can also include sightseeing. If looking for exceptional accommodation, we offer first class facilities including a heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna and spa facilities. Alternative accommodation options include an eco-straw bale pod room and a luxury glamping tent, all with access to a beautiful poured earth kitchen and bathroom facility. Locals utilise our knowledge and support whilst attending our on-site gym #trainingforlife – lifestyle gym” (formerly PT4ME). Sessions run daily and include boxing fitness, circuit sessions, boot camps, indoor cycling, yoga and obstacle course. Personal training is available along with weight loss consultations. If you are keen to get your health back on track, or would like to come along to a friendly and supportive gym, contact us on 0275370088 and see what we can offer you.
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
BABY STEPS Whangarei K
ia ora koutou, we have spaces available for new enrolments at Baby Steps. Please pass this on to your whAnau who may be interested in joining our centre. Our homely centre offers quality childcare for children under 2. We provide a nurturing, loving environment in which children will feel confident to explore and discover.
Extrutec W
e relocated our polymer extrusion business Extrutec from Auckland to Ruakaka with the aim of expanding the business. The availability of a larger factory space was the initial driver for the move, but we did not anticipate the warm welcome we received from the local business community. The support we have received has been simply amazing. Through the Northland Chamber of Commerce we met some incredible business owners and leaders. The workshops and events presented by the Chamber have also provided us with opportunities for networking and we have gained insights that have benefitted both our business and developed us as business managers.
Entering the Business Excellence Awards this year gave us an opportunity to take a step back and look at our business through the eyes of the judges. They gave us candid and valuable feedback from their own experience. Not only were they very encouraging, but also gave us the reality check we needed – they saw even more potential in our ideas than we had! Being a small business in the manufacturing industry can be challenging, but it also presents many opportunities for business owners with innovative products. With the support and resources available to us in Northland it is the best move we could have made to ensure the future success of our business.
E
xtrutec Ltd is based at Marsden Port and we manufacture a range of filaments and twines. We were recently announced as the 2018 Winner of the Northland Inc Innovation award at the Westpac Business Excellence Awards. We received the innovation award for developing a new agricultural twine that is kinder to the environment.
the contaminated combination cannot be composted or recycled, the whole lot ends up in landfill. EarthTwine™ is made from a plant based plastic so there is no need to separate the twine from the plant material. Instead, the whole lot can now be composted in an industrial composting unit where it will break down into compost with no plastic residue.
Earthtwine™ is a biodegradable, compostable twine for use in agricultural tying such as growing tomatoes, capsicums and kiwifruit, or for baling twine. It can even be used to make ropes. Earthtwine™ is an environmentally beneficial alternative to the conventional plastic twines currently being used. It offers the same physical characteristics such as tensile strength and UV stability, but with the added benefit of being fully compostable at the end of the production cycle. The bio degradation is activated by the high heat and humidity present in the industrial composting process and the twine breaks down completely in 2 to 3 months. Our initial trials have been in hothouses with composting facilities, but we have since demonstrated that the twine has many other possible applications.
Earthtwine™ is made from bioplastics that are derived from plant starch, but it looks and behaves like conventional plastic. The raw material it is made from is certified compostable in industrial composting conditions and our aim is to make it home compostable as well. We spent months doing trials to develop our unique formulation and building the machinery to produce this twine.
Commercial growers rely on horticultural twines to support crops inside hothouses or on growing structures. This increases productivity of the crop by increasing yield and also helps them to manage diseases caused by pathogens that thrive in the hot and humid conditions. After crops are harvested, the hothouses are emptied and sterilised before the next crop is started. The conventional twines used today are all made from petro-chemically derived plastics. This means that technically the plant material can be composted and the used twines can be recycled. The reality however is that it is just too hard and time consuming to separate the two and since
To gain the necessary industry certifications, Earthtwine™ is currently being trialled in a large commercial glasshouse north of Auckland to ensure it meets all the expectations of the growers. The formulation is also being put through laboratory testing by a CRI to confirm its complete compostability. We are very
excited about the opportunities this new product creates for Extrutec and the region. There is an increasing demand for plastic products that are functional, but kinder to the environment. Our passion is to play a part in reducing or re-using plastic waste and make a difference to current levels of pollution. We are keen to expand our range of biodegradable products and actively looking for collaborations. There are already a number of exciting new projects in the pipeline including one which will specifically help to reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste in Northland by turning it into brand new useful products. To learn more about Extrutec or Earthtwine™, visit our website www.extrutec.co.nz Our current range includes trimmer line for grass cutting, commercial fishing line, plastic welding rods, twist ties and a specialised filament used in a medical device. Manufacturing in New Zealand has a bright future. Thanks for supporting us by buying Kiwi made products!
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Our numbers are small which means our teaching professionals are able to form strong, supportive relationships with our tamariki and their families, giving them confidence that their little one is happy and thriving in our care. With Christmas just around the corner, we are offering a discount price (depending on how many days your child is enrolled) so come in and see us at 11 Deveron Street, Regent, Whangarei.
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Ensuring your success with BDO Northland
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DO Northland wish to take this opportunity to congratulate our client LC Hydraulics on being awarded the Golden Bay Cement Excellence in Business – Medium Business of the Year Award. At BDO Northland we thrive on seeing our clients succeed and take pride in knowing that we contribute to our clients success. When they win, we feel like we win too. We believe our uniquely collaborative and partner driven approach allows us to work closely with our clients and develop more effective working relationships. We are a professional team of over 40 staff members who offer each of our clients a tailor made service to meet their individual needs and business goals. Once again, Congratulations from all of us at BDO - keep up the good work.
ENSURE YOUR BUSINESS’ SUCCESS BY DRIVING GROWTH, VALUE AND PROFITABILITY Whether a start-up or an established business, making the right decision at the right time should always be driven by planning and strategy. From the outset, effective structuring and planning of your business will help you achieve your goals. Our business advisers bring a diverse range of expertise to your team with an approach that is both innovative and challenging. We understand business growth and success, both in the New Zealand market and globally. As New Zealand’s leading mid-market accounting network, we focus on ways to optimise profitability today, whilst working with you to plan and implement strategies for your business to reach its full potential. OUR STRATEGIC OFFERINGS INCLUDE: 1. Business review programme 2. Governance & Board training 3. Business valuations 4. Preparation of business plans 5. Business and ownership structures 6. Trusts, asset protection, and estate planning
■ BDO Partners and Associates – Greg Atkins, Scott Kennedy, Adelle Allbon, and Hayden Keast
BDO DRIVE Our new BDO Drive service is here to help you get access to the latest business tools, expert thinking and ideas, all completely tailored to your individual business needs and goals. Whether you’re a new start-up, or an established or mature business looking at the next stage, our BDO Drive advisors are here for you. To celebrate the launch of BDO Drive, we’re excited to announce our Business Boost. This offers Businesses looking for support to grow the chance to win $10,000 worth of BDO Drive business advisory services. The winner will be given the opportunity to consult with a BDO Drive advisor who will tailor a suite of BDO services to their business’s current situation and needs. To enter, please visit our website at www.bdo.nz or call us on 09 430 0471 for more information. Entries close Friday November 16.
■ BDO Whangarei – Our Team
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Great relationships breed business excellence
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hen Peter Crene & Mike Lincoln started their company in 2004, they had little more than a welder each and a borrowed yard. In 14 years, they have grown from three to nineteen tradespeople including five apprentices. They have built a loyal customer base in Northland through outstanding service delivery and excellent workmanship. In fact, LC Hydraulics were awarded ‘Outstanding Service Provider’ at the Northland Quarry Awards earlier this year, now adding to their achievements, winning the Medium Business category for business excellence at the Westpac Northland Business Awards.
This family orientated business credits their success to a good knowledge of their customers and the management of those relationships. The judges agreed, adding that ‘there is a good team culture and everyone seems to be engaged and on board’, also stating that ‘LC Hydraulics is well structured with great planning and regular monitoring and development’. Pete and Mike take the meaning of family business one step further with both of their wives working alongside them. Lee with her financial expertise and Penny assisting with Health & safety, HR & projects. The families take pleasure
in giving back to the community that supports their business, from sponsoring local sports teams to offering support to groups like Quarry and Contractors Federations. The team at LC Hydraulics have worked hard on their health & safety procedures too, achieving secondary accreditation with ACC and more recently achieving ‘Green Status’ with a score of 92% on the Site Wise Contractor Health & Safety System. LC Hydraulics has a strong team of experienced welders and fitter turners, with specialist expertise in hydraulics enabling them to service a wide variety
of industry including transport, marine, civil and industrial. “We have an ongoing commitment to train young apprentices as this is important to keep our industry supported” says Peter Crene. “Our focus has been, and will always be on providing quality skills with outstanding service”. Mike and Pete are especially proud of the culture within their workspaces, believing that the family that plays together stays together and that is what they strive to achieve within their extended working family. Customers that were secured at the inception of the company are still amongst the loyal customers today.
Such is the reliability of their custombuilt projects as their road marking equipment and innovative road sweeping technology. ‘It’s satisfying seeing brooms we have built 12 years ago still out on the road doing what they were designed to do” Mike says. Their partnership with franchise Pirtek Northland has ensured a reliable supply of hose & fittings when and where they are required with 24/7 mobile services. Pete and Mike believe the right people coupled with the right equipment have enabled them to become the successful one stop hydraulic shop they are today.
Phone: 09 438 0167
Email: admin@lchydraulics.co.nz PIRTEK NORTHLAND FRANCHISE
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IAN FERNANDES, KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Kaipara District Council went out to the market to secure a new print supplier, after a rigorous procurement process, we selected RICOH for our new solution in our three offices. RICOH understood our requirements by asking the right questions, taking the time to comprehend our vision and strategy, so the solutions could integrate with our document management strategy. The staff in our offices were particularly impressed with the technicians as well as the training they received thereafter; making the whole process extremely streamlined and well-orchestratedâ&#x20AC;?
The RICOH Northland Team
www.ricohnorthland.co.nz
Business Solutions
IT Services & Support
Document Solutions
Ricoh NDSL 24 Reyburn Street Whangarei 09 438 2520
100% Locally Owned