Business 2 Business 2014

FIRST SPECIAL EDITION

D EC E M B E R

2014

BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS

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Massey Business School Connected to enterprise, enabling leadership and help you operate effectively and dynamically as a business leader.

For those considering undertaking a full MBA, this course will provide a taste of the processes and demands of MBA study. It covers the fundamental pillars of business: strategy, leadership, finance, and marketing.

MASTERS’ DEGREES WITH A DIFFERENCE Are you ready to step up to new levels of business confidence and leadership? Massey offers two professional postgraduate programmes designed to fit around your fulltime job.

Executive MBA

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ight on your doorstep, Massey Business School is one of New Zealand’s largest business faculties, rated in the top 5% of business schools globally.

With a campus in Albany for internal students, we also draw on Massey’s expertise in the extramural study arena to offer many qualifications by distance and in block mode.

A full suite of undergraduate programmes is available in subjects as varied as marketing, accounting, small business, international business, agribusiness and retail business management.

But how about for those already working in the field?

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, the Massey Business School is New Zealand’s leading provider of tertiary-level executive education and aims to meet the needs of modern professionals.

Drawing on the knowledge and substantial business acumen of senior practitioners and academics, our courses provide leading-edge developmental experiences across a range of discipline areas, including governance, strategy, negotiation, leadership, risk management and change management.

Our internationally recognised and accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) is delivered by experienced business academics and is the longest running MBA programme in New Zealand.

The Executive MBA is designed to prepare professionals for senior leadership roles in public, private and not-for-profit organisations.

Master of Advanced Leadership Practice The only one of its kind in New Zealand, the Master of Advanced Leadership Practice is a specialist degree that allows participants to fully develop their leadership abilities and to foster excellence in themselves and their organisation.

This programme offers a distinctive learning experience — an innovative, collaborative approach that guarantees positive change for individuals and businesses alike.

Visit our website or contact Mandy Welch, Programme Support Administrator, Executive Education to find out more about any of these programmes

MASSEY BUSINESS SCHOOL

MAP FOR MANAGERS The Management Activation Programme (MAP) is designed to activate manager thinking, grow manager knowledge, and build manager competence.

The above courses are all tailored specifically to meet a business’s needs and expectations.

IN-SIGHT MBA A five-day course held at the Albany campus, Massey’s InSight MBA is designed to equip you with key MBA insights

Massey Business School Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland T: 09 414 0800 x 43080 E: a.l.welch@massey.ac.nz W: massey.ac.nz/business Free parking outside

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Contents

FIRST SPECIAL EDITION

D EC E M B E R

2014

BUSINESS ESS 2 BUSINESS

Placement in this publication is open to all members of NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland. To register your interest for the next edition please email features@northernadvocate.co.nz Published by the Northern Advocate, 88 Robert Street, Whangarei Phone 09 470 2899 Email features@northernadvocate.co.nz Thank you to the contributors of this booklet: Editorial - Emma Jelsma, WordPerfect Photography - Tania Newman, John Stone & Michael Cunningham Printed by Printing.com Whangarei

Massey University Of Albany ......................... 2 Message from Tony Collins............................ 4 Absolute Caterers Limited............................. 5 Accounta Ltd.................................................. 6 Active Intervention Management (AIM).........7 Adecco Personnel Ltd.................................8-9 Advantage Business .....................................10 AE Fun Park................................................... 11 Airport Cafe ..................................................12 Amber-Lee Florist .........................................13 ARC Security Solutions .......................... 14-15 Armourguard Security Limited ....................16 Arthurs Emporium........................................ 17 ASB Walton Street Whangarei ......................18 Autocare Service Centre ..............................19 Cancer Society Northland ............................19 Broker Web Risk Services............................ 20 The Business Finder .....................................21 Business Property Management................. 22 Carolyn Harris Chartered Accountants....... 23 Cheers Party Hire......................................... 23 Crombie Lockwood NZ Ltd .......................... 24 Collective Concepts..................................... 24 Concrete Grinding (NZ) Ltd......................... 25 Conex Limited.............................................. 26 Direction Recruitment Limited.....................27 Fuji Xerox Whangarei.....................................27 Dive Tutukaka..........................................28-29 Dockland 5 Marine Ltd................................. 30 Employer Services Nth Ltd...........................31 Energise Web ............................................... 32 Engraving Systems Ltd................................ 33 Far North District Council.......................34-35 Financial Systems Group Ltd ...................... 36 Five Deep Limited .........................................37 Freight Traders Ltd....................................... 38 Golden Homes ............................................. 39 Green Fingers..........................................40-41 Habitat for Humanity Northland ................. 42 Handy As Kiwi Solutions.............................. 42 Helena Bay Gallery ...................................... 43 Indie Real Estate Ltd.................................... 44 Instant Finance Northland Ltd .................... 45 Integrated Consulting ltd .......................46-47 Investment Solutions Northland................. 48 Judy Morgan Property Management .......... 49 International Freight And Moving................ 49 Jonzone Graphic Designs............................ 50 LJ Hooker......................................................51 Kamo Parts Ltd .............................................51 Kiwi North .................................................... 52

LINK Northland............................................ 53 Marine North Ltd ......................................... 54 Mr Rentals Whangarei ................................. 55 Morris & Morris Funeral Directors..........56-57 Normans Buses ......................................58-59 North Haven Hospice................................... 60 Newman Engineering .................................. 60 Moodys Chartered Accountants ................. 60 Northland Business Systems .......................61 Northern Districts Security ....................62-63 Northpine Ltd............................................... 64 Northtec....................................................... 65 Northpower Ltd.......................................66-67 NuLook Northland ....................................... 68 NZ Chambers of Commerce, Northland............ 69 NZME. ......................................................70-71 NZ Couriers Ltd.............................................72 On the Edge Gallery ......................................73 Packard & Pioneer Museum.........................74 The Papermill Charitable Trust.....................75 People Potential............................................75 Pete’s Towing ............................................... 76 Plus Chartered Accountants ........................77 Platinum Homes ..................................... 78-79 Printing.com Whangarei.........................80-81 Rent A Dent Whangarei................................ 83 Rudolphs Ltd...........................................84-85 Sharp Corporation Ltd............................86-87 Sterling Building Consultants ..................... 88 SwitchGear Business Accelerators ............. 89 Syers Hamilton Pool Ltd .............................. 90 Te Tai Ra Nui Trust.........................................91 Terrain .......................................................... 92 Thexton Armstrong Cowan.......................... 93 The Drug Detection Agency....................94-95 Tiaho Trust ................................................... 96 Total Idea Co .................................................97 Totalspan Northland Ltd.............................. 98 Tui Technology Ltd ....................................... 99 Venues & Events Whangarei ................100-101 Web Genius and Tradeskills Whangarei......102 Whangarei A&P Society..............................103 Whangarei Treatment Providers Ltd.......... 104 Whangarei Marine...................................... 104 Workbridge Inc........................................... 104 Wynn Fraser Paints .....................................105 Robinson Asphalts...............................106-107

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A message from Tony Collins CEO, NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland

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elcome to the first edition of Business to Business.

NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland is proud to be involved in this publication and we thank our member businesses for their support. Most of us would like to be successful at whatever we chose to pursue particularly if it is something that we are passionate about or that has a negative financial impact if it were to fail.

Businesses are only as successful as their owners and managers. They operate in a dynamic, changing environment that requires the business leader to constantly and deliberately build on their management capabilities.

They are a competition between various enterprises vying with each other to give the customer better a service or product for their money. Their main function is to be efficient producers of goods and services responding to market demands. In the process of doing this there are often other benefits to society and the community. Business assists in the provision of an economic environment that allows us to live and work where we chose. Many businesses support a wide range of community and not for profit initiatives.

This business to business publication provides the opportunity for member business of NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland to help differentiate themselves from

other in a crowded market and reinforce the role they play in Northland’s business 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.

It is the individual business owner who has made the investment, taken the risk and has an expectation of some reward. 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. This is what ultimately differentiates one business from another and provides them with the best opportunity to grow their business and succeed in their endeavours.

Your membership to NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland will make your business better by: Networking with Northland’s business community Providing business information and advice Advocating at central and local government to make doing business easier Celebrating business excellence Providing real savings to the day-to-day costs of running your business

For more information email admin@northchamber.co.nz or call (09) 438 4771 www.northchamber.co.nz

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Catering for Northland — and beyond!

Absolute Caterers

mentioning the desert selections: ‘Tiramisu Parfait served with homemade lemon and pistachio biscotti’, ‘Black Forest Gateaux served with freshly whipped blackberry cream’ or perhaps a ‘Trio of Sorbet served in homemade tuille cylinders’ to conclude your evening . . . These menu selections would not be out of place in many top restaurants.

For Dwight and his team, the secret to their success lies in paying very close attention to customer requirements.

PHOTO/JOHN STONE ‘We don’t aim to meet requirements,’ explains Dwight, ‘we aim to exceed expectations. That is what I have based my business reputation on: we listen, we understand, and he thought of catering for 250 guests at a remote we always try to over-deliver.’ location with no power and no facilities would be For a company with such unwavering high standards; enough to turn most of us prematurely grey — but Absolute Caterers have certainly not lost their down-tonot for Absolute Caterers. For this experienced team, the earth approach when it more challenging the comes to working with their request, the more We don’t aim to meet requirements, customers. interesting their job — and we aim to exceed expectations ‘We are always focused boy, do they love their job! on providing the ultimate in From his early beginnings customer service; whether it as an uncelebrated ‘dishie’ in a local Whangarei restaurant; be a small family gathering, or a national gathering of Dwight has worked and studied his way to where he is now: business people — from weddings to birthdays, family owner of the sole catering company for the Northland events to sporting and corporate engagements; we are Events Centre, with his business Absolute Caterers. With a always able to tailor our menus and services to our dedicated team of exceptional wait staff and internationallycustomers unique requirements. At the end of the day, we trained chefs, Absolute Caterers offer much more than a want every function we cater for to be as memorable as it sausage-roll-and-cheerios affair — in fact, once you’ve read can possibly be — and that means the food and the wait their menus (which change frequently) you may never look service has to be of a very high standard. Our motto is at catering quite the same again. ‘expect the best’ and that is what we strive to achieve every An example? Their current menu features such mouthtime.’ watering morsels as ‘Twice-cooked Pork Belly with Glass Crackling, served with apple and vanilla marmalade with cauliflower puree’, alongside classics such as the ‘Roasted Absolute Caterers Okara Drive, Whangarei Angus Sirloin Steak, served on a potato and kumara dauphinoise with Shiraz jus’ — but for those of us who T: 09 438 7422 F: 09 438 7480 enjoy a walk on the wild side, there’s the ‘Pan Seared Red E: info@absolutecaterers.co.nz Snapper served on a grilled vegetable tian with lavender and W: www.absolutecaterers.co.nz carrot puree’ to tempt our taste buds. And that’s not even

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Old-fashioned service, future Accounting!

Accounta — Future Accounting

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or those of us who cringe at the thought of balancing our books and totaling our columns, the services of Trish Madison at Accounta — Future Accounting are priceless. Trish uses simple, yet innovative cloud-based software to provide her customers with the best accounting services possible — and the response to her modern approach has been phenomenal.

‘For many people, accounting is a chore that they find stressful, timeconsuming and terribly confusing’ says Trish. ‘My services remove that stress. I offer business owners the ability to relax, to enjoy their life outside of their work day without the added worry of bookkeeping. My services are designed to place as much or as little of the accounting role in my clients hands as they desire — my services can be daily, weekly or monthly as required. The cloud-based software I use is intuitive and easy to use from a range of devices, meaning that at any point in time my clients are able to access and check on their accounts. This peace of mind is only a small part of the service I provide — the Accounta experience is all about meeting client needs and offering a flexible and diverse range of accountancy services on a scale that suits you and your business.’

From GST through to payroll, management reports and quarterly reviews, the range of services available through Accounta is unending.

Whether your needs are as simple as an annual end of year report, or as complex as a full payroll solution; nothing is too large or too small for Trish to handle.

With a Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting, and a long history of applied accounting, Trish has the experience and the expertise to offer smart solutions in a diverse range of accounting situations.

Personal, old fashioned friendly service is a trademark of Accounta — they will come to your place of business to reduce the amount of time you need to spend away from your desk, and they will actively work with you to achieve the accounting solution you desire.

With an enthusiastic outlook and an energetic approach, Trish and her team are always excited to be involved with your business — after all, for them, your success is their success!

Accounta - Future Accounting 52 McKinley Road, RD9 Whangarei T: 021 344 839 E: trish@accounta.co.nz W: www.accounta.co.nz

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Want to reduce lost work time injuries?

Want to make your workplace safer and more profitable?

Working together to work better AIM is a team of occupational therapists, an occupational health nurse, and physiotherapists assiting people to: • prevent injury, discomfort and pain • stay at work despite discomfort, pain, or injury and • get back to work following injury or illness.

AIM’S team is spread throughout Northland, Kaipara and Northern Rodney providing a mobile service.

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We found the AIM Team to be the consummate professionals, both in their interaction with the staff, and their invaluable knowledge that they were always ready to impart

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The Team from AIM, provided the Affinity FMS staff with excellent information and support which will enable us to identify, and work towards active prevention of Work Related Injuries

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Injury Prevention AIM can provide individual or group education/ workshops on • manual handling • office safety • patient handling • compassion fatigue • stress management • time management • sleep management • conduct risk assessments of all your workers’ tasks and provide advice to assist in reducing lost time due to work injuries • proivde ‘man job reports’ identifying all the biomechanical demands of your work tasks and provide a ‘job fit’ assessment to assist with recruitng the right person ‘fit’ for the job.

Injury/Wellness Management AIM can further assist you to reduce workers lost work time due to injuries by: • Assisting you to develop a ‘transitional duties’ list to send with injured/unwell workers to health professional for clearance for suitable work therefore keeping them in the workplace • Liaising with insurer/ACC and health professionals managing the injury • Identifying strategies to facilitate rehabilitation • Developing and monitoring return to work plans with you applying strategies to enhance safety and health at work • Problem solving to overcome barriers to return to work e.g. task modifications, equipment.

Active Intervention Management (AIM) PO Box 8140, Kensington, Whangarei 0145 T: 027 733 2311 F: 09 974 8822 E: referrals@aim.net.nz W: www.aim.net.nz

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

Adecco Whangarei team: Jamie Rosemergy, Teresa Speight, Sandi Oliver

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A world leader on your doorstep Adecco Personnel Northland

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decco Personnel has been operating in Northland has been recognised by others and has seen Adecco NZ since 2007 providing comprehensive HR solutions being appointed to safety committees of its clients and to local, national and international businesses. included in national safety forums.

They specialise in temporary and permanent Adecco is also no stranger when it comes to awards, recruitment for the industrial and commercial markets. On having been awarded SEEK SARA “Legend” status in 2012 average the local branch employs and assigns roles to over after they won the Best Large Generalist Category three 100 local Northlanders in temporary assignments each and years in a row.

Jamie and the team are proud to work for Adecco as it has every day. a community spirit and responsibility that includes being a Globally, Adecco is the world’s largest HR solutions partner of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and company with over 5,000 offices in 60 countries meaning it Paralympics NZ as well as supporting the Foundation for has the global network and experience to provide only the Youth Development. In the last two years Adecco globally best tailored solutions for your business. Adecco believes in has seen a need to assist our youth in sourcing employment partnering with business and creating solutions that allow and has created the “Way to its clients to reach their Work” goals faster. Even though www.waytowork.com the company is global it the key to having a successful business is website and its 30,000 understands the need to great people permanent employees have a team of highly around the world have hit trained and skilled local the streets, colleges and training providers to give our professionals. The Adecco team in Northland have over 20 unemployed youth free career advice. years combined experience in the recruitment and If you are looking for professional HR solutions, don’t be professional services industry. Jamie Rosemergy, Branch afraid to call Adecco today on 09 430 4085, as the friendly Manager, believes “that the key to having a successful team at Adecco Northland are always willing to help. business is great people and our dedicated team have the Adecco can be found in the Kowhai Court Building, 27 Rust skills, expertise and talent to advise and appoint personnel Ave, Whangarei or you can check them out on the web by finding the highest calibre of candidate for our clients”.

Adecco believes in sourcing only the very best candidates www.adecco.co.nz or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. and do so through uncompromised best practice. All candidates are screened to the highest level and are only selected if they meet Adecco’s high compliancy standards.

All candidates are thoroughly reference checked, psychometric and skills assessed, and where required, the Adecco Northland team can complete drug screening as all members are trained in NZQA Workplace Drug Screening.

Adecco has tertiary level ACC accreditation, and as part of Adecco’s “Safety First” culture they work closely alongside clients and training providers to ensure that they lead the way when it comes to safety in the workplace. This

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Adecco Personnel Kowhai Court, 27 Rust Ave T: 09 438 2731 F: 09 438 2733 E: enquiries@adecco.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 7.30am-5.30pm Business Benefits for Chamber Members • 20% off all Psychometric testing

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Are you perfectly happy with your team and your performance?

Advantage Business Directors: Craig Hattle, Max Webb, Bruce Taylor, Steve Murray, Gerald Delaney, Ken Wilson

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t Advantage Business we believe that ‘progress is not Your Northland partner is Ken Wilson — a fifth the work of contented people’ and we like to search generation Northlander who has a wealth of experience at out those owner-operators who have an itch and an General Management level in a broad range of organisations urge to be better tomorrow than yesterday. throughout the country.

We also believe that ‘no organisation will sustainably Ken enjoys nothing more than becoming a part of your outperform the expectations of its leaders’ team . He is one of Advantage Business’ 6 directors, and well Every good business owner knows that there is huge connected with a range of local business networks including unlocked potential in the hearts and minds of their team, the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Excellence Awards their customers, their (judge), local economic suppliers, and their development groups and no organisation will sustainably outperform communities. business associations. the expectations of its leaders Advantage Business has Give Ken a call for a nomade it a mission to bring to obligation get-together to your table the tools and talk about the possibilities. techniques to unlock this potential. We partner with owners and their teams for a minimum of 6 months (more typically And remember: ’Different may not always be better.

12 months and in some cases up to 5 years and more).

But better must always be different’ In the Northland patch it has been our privilege to be associated with some great local business teams over the last 5 years. Just a handful of examples include: • Culham Engineering • Wynn Fraser Paints • Northpine Advantage Business Rudolphs • Airzone • Coastline • Mastercraft • Avon Northland Contact: Ken Wilson Industries • SPI • Virgin Concrete • Clarks Coachlines • AB Axis • Siteworx • Autotech • Rowsells, and many others T: 021 278 9992 E: kwilson@advantagebusiness.co.nz both small and large.

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W: www.advantagebusiness.co.nz

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Coporate Events with a Twist!

AE Fun Park

Chris & Carla Angus

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

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xperience Northland’s longest and fastest flying fox; battle it out in an exhilarating game of paintball, entertain your family with mini golf, try your hand at archery or turn up the action with clay shooting — at AE Fun Park, the options for adventure and action are endless: and it’s all thanks to the vision of Chris and Carla.

Chris and his cousin Brad first came up with the idea of opening a paintball park after experiencing less-thansatisfactory customer care from the only local paintball operator. The common thought ‘we could do this better for cheaper ourselves’ gained traction with these two hands-on AE Fun Park 203 Hayward Road, RD8, Whangarei T: 09 432 3534 E: bookings@aefun.co.nz W: www.aefun.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Sunday: 9am-11pm by appointment

locals, and before long Chris was building their own paintball grounds, designing, manufacturing and importing their own quality equipment, and even supplying the rest of New Zealand and Australia with their products. It’s fair to say these guys don’t do things by halves!

Currently, Chris and his family live on site and run AE Fun Park. The park continues to add to the impressive list of activities and upgrade to corporate standards, and currently offers a total of 7 options for those keen on getting out and having some fun. While the excitement and adrenalin of the adventure activities has been keeping Chris on his toes, there is an aspect to running his park that he never loses sight of — and that is safety and responsibility.

With 6 kids, Chris recognises the absolute need for safety in all areas of the park’s activities — from monitoring the wind direction and strength surrounding the mega-flying fox (known as ‘Pouakai’, after the legendary extinct NZ giant eagle) through to providing the latest professional-quality equipment for paintball patrons. It is certainly this dedication to professionalism and quality that has seen Chris gather a following of loyal clients: including some very famous ones indeed! Rugby teams, actors and presenters, famous international performers — all have made use of AE Fun Park as their training ground and team building centre, a fact that is kept quiet at the time to ensure maximum privacy for the VIP guests.

Located just 15 minutes south of Whangarei, AE Fun Park is built on a sheltered, warm hillside, and offers function and BBQ facilities, a pizza oven, stone hangi, bar, music system, and catered or uncatered options — making this local park ideal for office shouts, corporate team building events and group celebrations.

Contact AE Fun Park today to book your next event!

Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Work-do packages starting at $39pp • Free hire of the function area nad BBQ with any package • Free Mini Putt with any package • Pizza making packages available

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It’s plane obvious!

Airport Cafe´ Name: Vanessa Position: Cafe´ Assistant Star Sign: Scorpio Favourite Recording Artists: Kodaline, The Vamps, Jackie Thomas Special Talents: Drama Favourite Quote: Only when we are no longer afraid, do we begin to live.”

Survived: “The Cook Strait Storm on the Interislander 2006 Yuckiest food eaten: Deep-fried shark Name: Phillip Position: Cafe´ Assistant (2IC) Star Sign: Capricorn Favourite Recording Artists: Enigma, Lana Del Rey, JJ Cale, Santana Special Talents: Self-taught computer builder and mechanic Favourite Quote: “A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing.”

Survived: Crashing cars Yuckiest food eaten: Tripe and mutton bird (not at the same time)

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

It’s plane obvious… Barista coffees for people with class

Name: Fiona Position: Owner/Operator — Cafe´ Manager Star Sign: Scorpio Favourite Recording Artists: Motorhead, Napalm Death, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Satriani, Mozart, Handel Special Talents: Can play a 'right-handed guitar' lefthanded and upside down behind my head Favourite Quote: “Victory is sweetest when you’ve known defeat.”

Survived: The infamous Phnom Penh Stampede (Cambodia 22.11.10) when 347 people were killed and another 755 were injured in a human stampede on the ‘Diamond Bridge’ during the Khmer Water Festival Celebrations. Our group was turned away by security exactly 1 hour before the disaster happened.

Yuckiest food eaten: Raw pig’s intestines Airport Cafe ´ (inside the Whangarei District Airport Terminal) 59 Handforth Street, Onerahi, Whangarei 0110 T: 09 436 0496 E: airportcafe@mail.com Opening Times Mon-Sun: 5.30am-5.30pm for all flights

Name: Dylan Position: Cafe´ Assistant Star Sign: Virgo Favourite Recording Artists: Eminem Special Talents: Dancing Favourite Quote: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”

Survived: Crashing stock cars Yuckiest food eaten: No comment.

Name: Sue (not pictured) Position: Cafe´ Assistant Star Sign: Sagittarius Favourite Recording Artists: The Eagles, The Beatles, Mark Knopfler, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, The Dixie Chicks Special Talents: Horse riding Favourite Quote: “What goes around comes around.”

Survived: Eating terrible food in India ,Pakistan, and Afghanistan Yuckiest food eaten: Three years’ worth of boarding school food — totally revolting.

• All day breakfasts (till 5.30pm), dine in or takeaway • Comprehensive menu • Coffees • Hot & cold drinks • Catering • Dine in or take away Like us on Facebook!

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A bouquet of family, culture and passion Amber-Lee Florist

IMAGE/TANIA NEWMAN

The Team at Amber-Lee Florist Rawinia Crump, Ngahuia Ferguson, Julie Mokaraka, Shara-Mei Crump-Jackson, Nicole Mokaraka, Cheryl Mokaraka-Crump.

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hen people speak of family businesses, the common perception is of fathers handing their businesses over to their sons; or of generations of men in the same establishment. Less common, however, is a generation of women passing a business down through their family — but that is exactly what Rawinia Crump has succeeded in doing.

After nearly 30 years in business, Amber-Lee Florist is still going from strength to strength, staying at the forefront of fashion, design trends and technology, while consistently holding true to the values of creativity, enthusiasm, quality, Amber-Lee Florist 37 Maunu Road, Whangarei T: 09 438 4088 E: cheryl@amberleeflorist.co.nz W: www.amberleeflorist.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 9am-12noon

value and of course, customer satisfaction. The more unique aspects of their manifesto includes their commitment to utilise as much as possible the outstanding textures and qualities of flora in Aotearoa, while infusing a vibrant cultural note into each creation.

Having handed over the reins of her business to her daughter Shara-Mei and niece Cheryl in 2009, Rawinia’s hard work is now being continued on by the next generation. With the introduction of online shopping, Amber-Lee Florist is already very much at the forefront of modern consumer needs; and with delivery extending out to rural delivery areas, this popular local florist is ensuring no one should go without flowers, whatever the occasion.

A major feature of the service at Amber-Lee Florist is the energetic and unique fusion of culture and modern design the team manage to portray in their bouquets. While many of the florists at Amber-Lee are qualified in floristry, it is the culture and creativity that runs in their blood which keeps their floral bouquets fresh and innovative. Drawing from their Maori heritage, the team are able to infuse their creations with a richness and depth; expressing their cultural roots in a riot of colour and artistic flair that is capturing the imaginations of a fast-growing market.

For Shara-Mei, Cheryl, Cheryl’s sister Nicole, Julie (the friendly office manager) and Ngahuia (the dedicated delivery driver) the focus is always on providing unbeatable customer service and value for money. The role of a florist is often one that requires empathy, and the close-knit family at Amber-Lee are aware of the occasion and sentiment required for each and every bouquet. This level of compassion and understanding has secured a loyal and growing customer base for the talented team, and it is this dedication to their art and their clients that will see AmberLee Florist thrive and grow for many years to come.

Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Open a new business account with us and get free delivery for the first 3 months (on orders over $65) • Free trial of a corporate counter arrangement. Contact us with your address and we will bring along an arrangement for you to trial with no obligation and 100% free of charge.

• Gift Hamper special. Place an order for 5 or more gift hampers and receive one free (minimum hamper value $100 each)

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

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ARC Security to the rescue!

ARC Security Solutions

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ost Northlanders have heard about the mystery ‘For us it’s always about getting involved with our clients man who saved lives on the Brynderwyns during and our community,’ emphasises Rachel. ‘We are proud the wild stormy weather in July, but not many supporters of many local sports teams, including the realise just how seriously this man takes the safety of others: Ruatangata Hockey Club and the Northland Cricket it is, in fact, his career!

Association; and we were one of the first companies to Kyle King, of Arc Security in Kamo, noticed a massive sponsor a room at Toll Stadium. We are involved with Dress slip on SH1 over the Brynderwyns on Sunday 20th July, and for Success, another great local charity, and we’re also on quickly realised the danger posed to other motorists — the board of the Kamo Community Inc. It’s not just about taking it upon himself to direct and slow traffic in the operating a business, it’s about operating a business within hazardous location. According to the directors of Arc a community; and that’s what we get excited about.’

Security; Andrew and Rachel Chuter, Kyle’s actions are in Having been in the security industry for nearly 30 years, keeping with their company culture in more ways than one Andrew is still as enthusiastic about security as ever — and — and they are extremely proud of their employee’s selfless with 11 team members and a real life hero in their crew, you behaviour. can be sure Arc Security will be on everyone’s radar for years ‘We arrived in Whangarei from Melbourne in 2004,’ to come. explains Rachel, ‘and our plan was always to create a strong connection with the community we have chosen to settle in.

We absolutely love it here. The community spirit we have encountered here in Whangarei is exactly what we were looking for — and we love Kamo even more! We have worked hard to instil a culture of community spirit, customer focus and local pride in our team members — and so, when we heard of Kyle’s heroics, we couldn’t have been For us, it’s always about prouder!’ getting involved with our Based in Clark Road, Kamo, the clients, and our community’ team at Arc Security have an impressive portfolio of clients both large and small, featuring well-known names such as Top Energy, the DHB, Northpower, Northport, Refining NZ and numerous banks and petrol stations. They have also had the pleasure of working alongside contractors on the new Pak ’n’ Save supermarket; a project of no small magnitude. With one of the highest counts of security cameras in Northland, the Pak ‘n’ Save project utilised the specialist skills of Andrew and his team to full effect; proving that Arc Security really do scale their services to match client requirements.

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ARC Security Solutions 1E Clark Road, Kamo, Whangarei

ARC Security Solutions

T: 09 435 6141 F: 09 435 6142 E: rachel@arcsecuritysolutions.co.nz W: www.arcsecuritysolutions.co.nz

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Keeping Northland safe Armourguard

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rmourguard has been operating in New Zealand for 75 years, including 30 years in Northland from their offices in Whangarei. Its experience and knowledge of Northland provided a clear understanding of the community, its culture and environment — which is why Armourguard is successfully creating solutions to tackle some of the most pressing security issues facing Northlanders.

Armourguard has recently increased it’s local presence, securing a number of higher profile contracts; ranging from the Whangarei ‘Youth Space’ Centre to the much larger Northland DHB Security Contract, which started earlier this month.

Northland District Health Board delivers health services to the people of Northland, and is one of Northland’s largest employers. The varied roles within the organisation can be demanding given the many different situations people find themselves in when seeking healthcare services — patients, families, friends and hospital staff can at times be under severe stress.

Armourguard’s security team on the ground at the Whangarei Hospital are Northland locals, who have grown up and live in our community. They were specifically chosen to reflect the community and balance the need to be empathetic whilst presenting a strong and reassuring presence, supporting people under stress while creating a sense of safety and security for all.

Armourguard’s Northland Regional Manager Warwick Taylor says “we are particularly keen to introduce our specialist health security model built up over decades in the health sector elsewhere in the country, and provide real value to the Northland community”.

Armourguard can meet the needs of all Northland businesses, from the biggest corporates and councils to the smaller and medium sized business that form our economy’s backbone. Its approach is to gain a strong understanding of each individual business and what it’s striving to achieve, so it can provide for today and apply the latest in international best practice for tomorrow.

A commitment to investment in appropriate technology and motivation to constantly improve service delivery pays dividends for Northland businesses. Armourguard sets the benchmark for training its people against the very best and customises its services to meet its client’s specific needs.

Most importantly however is that it gives its staff the day to day support and tools for them to be successful looking after the people and assets they are responsible for protecting.

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

On duty at Whangarei Hospital. Left-right: Security Officers, Maru Wharerau, George Palmer, Deidre Roberts with Senior Branch Guard Craig Smith, Branch Operations Manager Werner Theron and Regional Manager Warwick Taylor (front)

“Having been in the security world for a long time Armourguard has a number of respected security professionals in the team. We will listen to you and respond to what you are focused on, but we also will tell you what we think needs to be done — it’s part of our value as the security experts.”

In Northland Armourguard provide security services including parking infringement enforcement, cash transportation, document storage, document destruction, valuable storage, static guards, patrol services, noise control, event security, VIP security, court security, crime scene protection as well as alarm response services.

For more information contact Warwick Taylor on 09 438 1639.

Armourguard 7b First Ave, Whangarei T: 09 438 1639 E: warwick.taylor@armourguard.co.nz W: www.armourguard.co.nz

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From local markets to global markets Arthur’s Emporium

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here aren’t many places that offer novelty stickers, buttons and embroidery supplies under the same roof as paint, camping equipment and hardware — but ask anyone who’s been living in Whangarei for longer than six months and you will have the answer: Arthur’s Emporium.

Firmly established as Whangarei’s go-to shop for everything under the sun, Arthur’s (to use the Whangarei colloquialism) is a much-loved and often-visited local institution. The iconic warehouse-style shop began life as a humble flea-market stall back in the early 80’s, and has since grown to encompass a large store and several warehouses — and is still evolving and expanding; this time into the online market.

Progenitors Arthur and Jen Brasting have handed the operational reigns over to son Toby, who continues on with the frequent overseas trips to source the shop’s unique and well-priced merchandise. From China to America, the countries of origin are as varied as the merchandise itself; but one thing is certain: the prices are unbeatable.

Never one to miss a business opportunity, Toby has also launched Arthur’s Emporium into the world wide web; enabling the entrepreneurial family to offer their wares to a national audience. Having dabbled in Trademe sales for a number of years, the decision to open a full-scale ecommerce store was a natural progression; and so the online sales platform for Arthur’s was launched. Although still in the beginning phases, the website promises to deliver a true-to-form Arthur’s experience; allowing you to place everything from electrical wire to adult pirate costumes, buzzy bee clocks, samurai swords, army jungle boots and duvet covers in one online shopping cart.

Arthur’s Emporium currently employs a hardworking team of 15; and as those of us who have stood by in astonishment as they have manually calculated our purchases have noticed — they are all mathematical geniuses. The decision to rely on pen and paper (and the odd calculator) is just one more in a string of features that makes Arthur’s Emporium so unique; the staff will happily jot down your items and total them up in front of you, without a word of complaint.

IMAGE/TANIA NEWMAN

It’s a quaint, friendly, bustling atmosphere you’ll find at Arthur’s Emporium, redolent of oriental bazaars and colourful marketplaces . . . Proving that although Arthur’s is a player on the global stage, it’s roots stay firmly planted in the hustle of the flea market it sprang from.

Arthur’s Emporium 26-36 Clyde Street, Whangarei T: 09 438 1450 E: arthurs.emporium@xtra.co.nz W: www.arthursemporium.co.nz

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Technology leader as ambitious as ever ASB Bank

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SB has ten branches across Northland from Warkworth to Kaitaia where we are committed to delivering unbeatable service to all our Northland customers. As a business customer, ASB offers a work place package called WorkExtras for business customers in selected industries who meet the company criteria. ASB WorkExtras offers attractive banking benefits for company employees at no extra cost to your business and is our way of saying thank you for your ongoing business. Please speak to your Commercial or Business Banking Manager for more information.

At ASB we are committed to helping businesses succeed with a range of innovative tools to help make doing business easier. This year we launched a new ASB Mobile Business App that connects with ASB’s FastNet Business online banking to offer everyday business

Northland Commercial Banking • Fiona Morgan - 027 471 6649 • Chris Ellis - 027 280 1530

banking functionality on mobile from wherever you are. We also redefined customer service for businesses at the point-of-sale with a new way of accepting payments on the go. ASB Accept mPOS transforms 3G or Wi-Fi connected iPhones, iPod Touchs or iPads into a wireless payment terminal that accepts EFTPOS and credit card payments on the spot.

Whether you’re trying to grow a global empire or become a trusted local name, your ambitions are what give your business the potential for success. But sometimes it can be hard getting to the next level. If that sounds familiar, ASB wants to connect Kiwi businesses to knowledge, funding and other likeminded pioneers to help you achieve your ambitions. Get in touch with one of our Northland team today and start making your ambitions real.

Northland Business Banking • Paul Eley - 027 240 4623 www.asb.co.nz

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Auto Super Shoppe Autocare is not your average mechanical workshop

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hile they offer the general services expected of a workshop, including issuing warrant of fitness, servicing your vehicle, changing its oil or checking your battery, Auto Super Shoppe are renowned for going the extra step for their customers.

You see, they like their customers — and know that good honest service will keep them coming back.

Above average is how many describe the Auto Super Shoppe team. They are a step above the rest, with honest, friendly service every step of the way. The team is the backbone to the family business, now in its 18th year of operation.

Lead by brothers Stephen and Greg Clarke, Auto Super Shoppe has a dedicated team who are always happy to go the extra mile for their customers. Need to be dropped back

Autocare Service Centre 116 Lower Dent Street, Whangarei Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

to town — easy done. Do you need your battery checked?

Just pop in and see the team at the workshop on Lower Dent Street. They are happy to run you through what needs doing on your car — and are up front if something doesn’t need replacing, they will tell you that too.

They offer a higher level of service than your average workshop too. It is the little things that count (and make your life simpler). Do you want a longer life out of your tyres — pop in and learn more about NitroFill, utilising pure nitrogen to fill your tyres for longer-lasting effects.

Auto Super Shoppe are here to help — and always happy to do so. Pop in anytime!

T: 09 438 4700 F: 438 2898 E: steve@autocare.co.nz W: www.autocare.co.nz

• Free parking • Drop off & pick up service

Cancer Society Northland

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e are committed to making sure that no one goes through a cancer diagnosis alone and that fewer people are diagnosed in the future. We do this through providing practical support to people during a cancer diagnosis and their wha¯nau/family and friends, and by working actively to reduce the incidence of cancer in our community.

Our Community Liaison Nurses are experienced oncology nurses. They offer support to people throughout Northland who have been recently diagnosed or who are receiving treatment for cancer through home visits, telephone support and provide further information to people with cancer to help them manage throughout their treatment.

Free accommodation is provided for people having cancer treatment in both Auckland and Whangarei.

Our Health Promoter can support businesses to develop Cancer Society Northland 73 Kamo Road, Whangarei T: 09 437 5593 F: 09 437 5602 E: northland@akcansoc.org.nz Daffodil House Opening Times Monday-Friday: 10am-3pm

company policy in a number of areas including SunSmart for outdoor workers, smokefree workplace, and wellness programmes.

Relay For Life is an inspiring community event that gives everyone a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers; remember loved ones lost to cancer; and fight back by raising awareness and funds to support the work of the Cancer Society.

Relay is an ideal opportunity for businesses to get involved; enter a team; a motivated staff team with a common goal often establishes a happier workplace and creates a sense of community and achievement. Another option for businesses to participate is to become an event sponsor.

Cancer Society Northland is a non-government organisation reliant upon donations and bequests.

Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Team building opportunities within Fundraising Events • Community engagement through volunteering and event participation and sponsorship • Supporting in developing Company Policy • Sunscreen available for purchase Please consider us to be your Charity of Choice

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Broker Web Risk Services Insurance service that Northland can trust

Local team - Northland Angela Young — Account Executive /Claims Response, Amber Alderton — Account Executive, Carolyn Smith — Regional Manager

THE COMPANY BrokerWeb Risk Services (BWRS) is an insurance broking and risk service company. BWRS has been operating since 2006 and is already one of the two largest New Zealand owned insurance broking houses with six offices from Northland to Christchurch.

BWRS is the cornerstone company of BrokerWeb Group which is a consortium of 45 Insurance brokers in New Zealand who combine to make the group New Zealand 3rd largest Insurance group.

BrokerWeb Risk Services (Northland) Ltd, purchased TW Grant Insurance brokers (previously known as Thorburn Wards Insurance brokers) who were based in Kaikohe for many years.

OUR SERVICE Although it does seem to have a lot of fine print, insurance is a complex and highly regulated industry. It’s also an industry that is constantly changing, with various new products regularly coming onto the market.

Keeping up with the latest developments in our industry, along with being a member of the BrokerWeb Group, puts us in an even stronger position to identify the right insurance solutions for our customers. It starts with understanding the businesses of our customers. Properly insuring a business can’t be done with an off-the-shelf insurance policy. Each business and each business owner have unique issues and needs.

An important part of our role is helping business owners identify and understand their exposure to risk. Only then do we discuss insurance options. Ultimately, the right insurance solution is one that reflects the individual customer’s needs and tolerance for risk. It’s all about advice not price.

Nor does our contact with customers end with the issuing of an insurance package. In fact it doesn’t end. We take pride in our ongoing customer support. Whether it’s processing a claim or responding to a change in business direction, we make sure the insurance process works efficiently for our customers.

With our national strength and local knowledge BrokerWeb Risk Services is very committed to working with local people to assist with your insurance arrangements.

Our vision is to deliver the best and most transparent client service anywhere. And this can only be built on TRUST — BWRS would like to earn your trust.

Broker Web Risk Services (Northland) Limited 4 Fairway Drive, Kerikeri T: 09 407 0190 F: 09 407 7890 E: insurenorthland@bwrs.co.nz W: www.bwrs.co.nz

N O RT H L A N D

Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Experienced and accessible staff • Proven record for matching Northlanders with the right insurance solutions • Genuine local service, national strength and global knowledge.

• Transparency in our dealings

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The Business Finder Print The Business Finder is Whangarei’s local business directory and is aimed at all locals and newcomers to Whangarei. This tried and tested medium is still a very popular and efficient form of advertising. Our printed business directory is a full colour, glossy directory which includes local editorial, listings and adverts placed in relevant categories. Among other things, this directory features area maps, a calendar, a list of public holidays, a dining guide and an emergency numbers section. We have included these sections to encourage readers to pick up this magazine and use it on a regular basis. Whangarei has about 180 newcomers each month who appreciate seeing businesses like yours in this free directory. The next issue in will be distributed in March 2015. It will be available — free of charge, from information centres, Mitre 10, Hammer Hardware, libraries, the town basin hub, shops, shopping centres and also be hand delivered to businesses in Whangarei, Waipu and Ruakaka.

Digital Signage Digital Signage is an inventive, modern and cost efficient medium of advertising that present businesses to potential customers while they sit down and have time to look at what your company has to offer. Adverts always reproduce well with the option of having video, flashing images, rolling text and animation. Our Digital Screens are in the Strand shopping centre, Onerahi and Tikipunga with more to follow over the next year. Your 30 second digital advert features a minimum of 40 times per day on each screen and is great for brand building, special promotions, vacancies, open days etc.

Marguerite Hugo

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

he Business Finder is a 100% locally owned and owner operated advertising service that aims to promote Whangarei businesses using the combination of three different mediums: • An annual, glossy business directory • Digital signage (TV Screens) • and by featuring business listings on our online directory — www.thebusinessfinder.co.nz “We believe that combining these mediums is one of the most efficient and cost effective ways to get in touch with potential customers”

Online Our website — www.thebusinessfinder.co.nz is a supporting tool to digital signage and the printed directory.

Each business gets a written company overview and photos of your work uploaded. The aim of our site is to give potential customers a better idea of what you do and also to send traffic to your business, website or Facebook site.

“The Business Finder strives to give outstanding service, spend your advertising dollars in the best possible way and to encourage local businesses to support each other” The Business Finder - Schalk & Marguerite Hugo Designer - Yolandi Theron 223 Hayward Road, Maungakaramea T: 021 025 90743 E: mhugo@thebusinessfinder.co.nz W: www.thebusinessfinder.co.nz F: facebook.com/thebusinessfinder Business Benefits for Chamber Members • 10% discount to all Chamber Members

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Managing your investment Business Property Management

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uying into shared property ownership ventures such as apartment buildings, rental complexes, and lifestyle communities, is a popular investment concept that is gaining traction with many in New Zealand — but understanding the inner workings of body corporate legislation is imperative. A large area of the investment market is falling short of its maintenance responsibilities — and this has local business property manager (and Chartered Accountant) Tracey Rissetto worried for her clients.

Tracey, co-Director of Business Property Management alongside husband Phil Durham, has been keeping a close eye on the development of regulations surrounding longterm maintenance plans (LTMPs) for body corporates.

‘LTMPs are essential for the protection of the body corporate investment structure,’ says Tracey of the regulations. ‘Without regulated and scrutinised long-term maintenance plans for body corporates, there is a potential for future investors to be severely disadvantaged when buying into older apartment blocks or other body corporate holdings. The cost of future repairs need to be evaluated and planned for, and payments into a body corporate fund should be set up and maintained in relation to that projected maintenance schedule.’

Tracey and Phil — who is a registered electrician — have been involved with commercial property management and body corporate management for over 10 years, and they say it is essential for members of body corporate to be aware of the recent changes to the Unit Titles Act. The changes mean that body Tracey Rissetto corporates must now adhere to specific operational rules, including such points as noise control, rubbish and recycling, parking regulations and private and peaceful enjoyment. In the past there was some autonomy with the creation of regulations — this has ceased to be the case, and it is important body corporates are up to date with these legislative changes.

Phil and Tracey are also able to draw on their qualifications to further enhance their services in the business property and body corporate management fields.

As a registered electrician, Phil Durham is able to service and maintain investment and commercial properties, while Tracey’s qualifications and long history as a Chartered Accountant allow her an educated and well-rounded insight into the financial and tax-related needs of her body corporate clients. Phil and Tracey are, without a doubt, the dream commercial property and body corporate management team!

Business Property Management T: 021 659 636 E: tracey@bmpnorth.co.nz W: www.businesspropertymanagement.co.nz Business Benefits for Chamber Members Business Property Management is offering a free meeting to review their current body corporate structure, and to discuss the new legislative changes.

Call Tracey today and protect your property investment.

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Carolyn Harris CA Big business know-how, small business focus

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fter almost 13 years as a chartered accountant, Carolyn Harris has finally allowed herself the freedom to focus on something which is very precious to her indeed: her clients.

Carolyn’s move into her own chartered accountancy business has allowed her the opportunity to embrace her own vision — and much of that vision centres on using her big-firm know-how to help small and medium business owners get ahead. Offering a range of services including business advisory, employment relations and traditional business and personal accountancy services, Carolyn Harris CA is able to assist with all aspects of business and personal accounting.

For Carolyn Harris, working with the smaller businesses in Whangarei is an absolute pleasure — and she invites any businesses who are struggling to understand their accounting situation to contact her for a free meeting. This is an offer that is well worth taking up, as Carolyn’s depth of accounting knowledge is truly outstanding.

It’s not all about chasing the big business in Whangarei: Carolyn Harris knows that great things start off small — and

with the right advice and Carolyn’s professional assistance, many of Northland’s SME’s can have a very bright future indeed.

CAROLYN HARRIS CHARTERED

AC C OUNTANT S LTD

Carolyn Harris Chartered Accountants 6 Fisher Terrace, Kamo, Whangarei T: 09 435 3673 E: carolynharrisca@gmail.com Opening Times Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Free initial consultation • Free phone calls (conditions apply) • Flexible appointment times • Fixed price service plans and flexible payment arrangements

Professional advice, quality hire, expert service: Cheers!

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he team at Cheers Wedding and Party Hire are dedicated to ensuring you receive the best service and best possible price for your big day without compromising quality! At Cheers they are all about planning the day of your dreams and offer exceptional service and valuable local knowledge. Whether help is required for a very simple or extremely elaborate event, Cheers Wedding and Party Hire can help turn any vision into a reality. Cheers Wedding and Party Hire supply hire items, dress events and have the de´cor to transform any venue from ordinary to extraordinary!

Visit their display studio at Nell Place in Whangarei, where you can view the vast array of products that they have

available. The capable and friendly staff will work with you to create your own table settings which will suit your theme, colour scheme and reflect your individual style.

Experienced staff are available to run through an essential wedding and party checklist to ensure you have all you need for your special event to run smoothly — they can also deliver northland wide.

All of the hire items are available for inspection at Nell Place and the team at Cheers welcome your visit anytime during opening hours or can arrange an appointment to meet with you outside of these hours if preferable.

Cheers Wedding and Party Hire . . . helping make your celebration a success!

Cheers Wedding & Party Hire 3b Nell Place, Whangarei T: 09 437 1018 M: 021 172 3785 E: lisa@cheerspartyhire.co.nz Business Benefits for Chamber Members • 15% discount to all members!

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Collective Concepts

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ollective Concepts specialises in the fields of event management, marketing, and development for tourism and hospitality businesses in New Zealand.

Collective Concepts understands that no two client’s needs are the same, delivering events, marketing and PR campaigns as individual as your requirements.

Bringing imagination to life with their flair for the creative, Collective Concepts can put together a full conceptual solution to suit your requirements, while remaining focused on the important administration aspects to ensure your project runs smoothly. When it comes to conference and event management Collective Concepts experienced Event Planners provide a customised professional and innovative approach that caters to all the elements of your event.

Collective Concepts PO Box 36719, Merivale, Christchurch

T: 0800 321 567 E: info@collectiveconcepts.co.nz W: www.collectiveconcepts.co.nz

Our team of marketing and PR specialists have finely tuned ears for listening and understanding what it is you want to say and then using their creative genius will design and implement a powerful campaign that grabs attention, delivers a clear message and most importantly — gets results. Specialising in creating unique campaigns for a wide range of events, tourism and hospitality businesses, their intimate knowledge of these areas means they know what works and what doesn’t.

Collective Concepts offer a range of suitable options including cost effective marketing packages to increase your brand awareness, and ultimately increase your visitor numbers and grow your business.

Business Benefits for Chamber Members • 15% discount off Event Management or Marketing services with spend of $500.00 or more (maximum value of discount $500.00).

Same service, different name

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ith any rebranding, takeover or merger there is a period of time where consumers and clients will test the water — nervously checking to see whether the product or service they have relied on and enjoyed for so long is still the one on offer.

Gareth Wallace, Branch Director of Crombie Lockwood Whangarei, has a clear message to those who are wary of the change from ACM Ahlers Insurance to Crombie Lockwood.

‘The reason that I am still with this company after 11 years,’ explains Gareth, ‘is that unshakable commitment to protect our clients. The fundamental beliefs and values of our

company do not change with a new name or an expansion of services, we have the same quality of brokers, in the same location, offering the same level of service that we always have done, and will continue to do so.’

Following the AJ Gallagher acquisition, Crombie Lockwood are now able to offer a substantially more robust insurance service to their clients, and Gareth invites anyone with questions to come in and discuss their requirements.

‘It’s a change in ownership, not a change in service level, and we’re here to reassure our clients that we’re still the same dedicated, friendly team.’

Crombie Lockwood 164 Bank Street, Whangarei T: 09 430 4870 F: 09 430 4871 E: whangarei@crombielockwood.co.nz W: www.crombielockwood.co.nz

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Polishing your assets Concrete Grinding NZ for over 13 years from its Kamo base, carving out a name for itself throughout Whangarei, Northland and Auckland. There are two fully equipped trucks in the fleet with their own 3 phase generators to power large planetary grinders.Block honing, coatings removal, prepping floors for carpet, wood, or vinyl, right through to beautiful diamond polished floors; the services are broad and the end results are as stunning as they are functional.

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hen you think of concrete flooring, your mind may be drawn to warehouses, garages, industrial buildings and showrooms — what you may not realise, however, is that the concrete floor is now a serious design feature in many state-of-the-art homes around the world, and people are loving it.

Picture this: you have 2 large dogs, a cat, a few noisy, messy kids, a hectic life and a constant load of house work.

Instead of spending half of your day vacuuming and spotcleaning spilled drinks, you could simply sweep for a clean look, then steam-clean or mop for a deeper clean. Simple, easy, allergen-free and ultra-hip, the concrete floor is fast becoming the first choice in designer flooring. And did I mention how cost effective it is?

For Mark Bragg and the team at Concrete Grinding New Zealand, outlining the benefits of polished or etched concrete flooring is second nature. A true believer in the products and services he offers, Mark is constantly adding to the companies range of services and equipment; enabling him to deliver world-class services right here in Northland.

His latest acquisition, the vapour encased media blasting unit, is a true step forward in environmental care and cutting edge technology. This unit is able to remove coatings such as old house paint and graffiti, containing up to 96% of the contaminants in the vapour. This makes the unit ideal for use with hazardous coatings and when working in office buildings or in homes. The machine is also able remove graffiti from delicate surfaces; etch concrete and masonry, while retaining an eco-friendly edge.

Mark has owned and managed Concrete Grinding NZ for 3 years now, while the company itself has been in operation

In an industry that offers more selection than many people know what to do with, Mark and his team at Concrete Grinding NZ have you covered — or should that be polished!

Learn more about Concrete Grinding NZ online at www.grindingnz.co.nz

Concrete Grinding NZ T: 0800 611 616 E: info@grindingnz.co.nz W: www.grindingnz.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: Free parking outside

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We love technology and so can you!

Conex WHAT CAN CONEX DO FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS? We have a vast range of products and services that can meet your needs and budget. We have outlined a couple that may interest you.

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onex is dedicated to providing the very best in Computer, I.T and Network solutions in Northland.

Albert Einstein once said “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler”

Whilst technology is getting more complex and smarter by the day, the Conex team takes pride in not bombarding you with jargon and tech speak but helping you make the most of the investment in technology you have made, giving you the tools to utilise this technology and making I.T. simple!

Our strong focus on after sale service and support combined with the continual researching of new technologies and changes to existing technologies ensures our customers receive up-to-date, customised, future proofed and cost effective solutions.

There is no overly priced piece of equipment you will be sold but don’t require. We offer genuine customer care and honesty, which was proudly affirmed when Conex won the prestigious Customer Choice Service Provider Award at the Northland Business of Excellence Awards in 2013.

• Online Backups: An inexpensive way of easily backing up one of your businesses biggest assets. This cloud based service is so popular and well worth doing. Achieving ‘Peace of Mind’ that your data is safe, has never been easier.

• Customised Computers and Servers: If you are looking at investing in a new Computer or Server come and talk to Conex. We can sit down with you and tailor make a solution that not only satisfies your existing technology requirements but caters for possible technology changes and business growth in the future.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.

Just remember this whole thing started with a dream and a mouse.” ~ Walt Disney Are you an Apple fan? Conex is also an Apple Authorised Reseller and have Apple Certified staff.

We Sell • We Repair • We Teach • We Support • We Install • We’re here for you!

We are proud that the majority of our customer-base has come to us via recommendation and we feel it is due to the close relationships we enjoy and share with them.

Conex 121 Lower Dent Street, Whangarei T: 09 438 6493 F: 09 438 6410 E: info@conex.co.nz W: www.conex.co.nz

Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm After hours by appointment Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Pay for one PC Tune-up and get another for half price.

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Direction Recruitment

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e are highly experienced recruitment professionals who offer a wide range of recruitment services.

Direction Recruitment has been operating in Whangarei for over 10 years and is proudly locally owned. Our consultants have worked for some of the largest Recruitment Agencies in the world both in New Zealand and overseas and bring a wealth of talent and experience.

Being based in Whangarei, we understand the region well and can help Northland businesses with options that make sense specifically to them. We have the flexibility to create specific solutions for your recruitment and staff management needs.

Offering a comprehensive recruitment service throughout Northland, we give a personal consultative approach with realistic advice about your options. There is

no obligation to use our services and we are always happy to chat about what you need.

We value the quality of service we provide to clients, whether we have been retained to recruit a Senior Executive or an Administrative Assistant, through to temporary or contract staff. Our process is thorough, efficient and tailor made to meet the needs of each client.

Should you require additional help in the office or urgently need to fill the gap between permanent staff, we have talented and professional staff ready to go at a moment’s notice.

There is special pricing for Chamber of Commerce members so please feel free to give us a call to discuss your recruitment needs with no obligation.

Direction Recruitment Level 1, 20 Herekino Street, Whangarei T: 09 430 3777 E: recruitment@direction.co.nz W: www.direction.co.nz

Introducing Fuji Xerox Northland 2014 marks the 50th Anniversary of Fuji Xerox doing business in New Zealand, and 40 years of operating in Northland through the Fuji Xerox Whangarei Branch, which is currently a team of 9. We believe great companies are built on the foundation of great people, and our Whangarei branch is testament to that.

Fuji Xerox Northland offers the best available technology in New Zealand and competitive rates. Talk to Marcus today about how we can help your organisation become more “document” efficient and reduce your overall cost of print.

Fuji Xerox Northland 30-34 Rathbone Street Marcus Iraia, Northland Regional Sales Manager T: 09 430 3225 M: 027 277 4274 E: marcus.iraia@nzl.fujixerox.com W: www.fujixerox.co.nz

The Front-line Team Marcus Iraia: Northland Regional Sales Manager Marcus has been with Fuji Xerox for 6 years, originally from Waimamaku and Opononi in the Hokianga, Marcus is enjoying his time being closer to friends and Whanau.

Mike James: Technician Mike James has been employed by Fuji Xerox for 25 years and is a senior engineer. He is fully trained on all current equipment. Mike holds a full electrician’s registration. He has also been fully inducted on to the NZ Oil Refinery site.

Mike lives locally at One Tree Point.

Ian Higgins: Technician Ian Higgins has been employed by Fuji Xerox for 27 years and is also a senior engineer. He holds a current Paper A registration and along with Mike is fully trained on all current equipment.

Joel De Vetter: Solutions Analyst A Northland local, Joel has recently joined the Fuji Xerox team, in the new role of Technical Account Manager.

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PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Kate Malcom & Jeroen Jongejans

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A Perfect Day with Dive! Tutukaka

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ive! Tutukaka crew are known for their passion, Dive! Tutukaka salvaged the old Tutukaka Marina piles, positive energy, and their professionalism, as well and wooden boardwalks, and have up-cycled them into an as their enthusiasm for the underwater world. ultra-modern training centre called Shed 7. Complete with Quite fitting really, that their image in this a 3-metre deep dive pool and windows — Yep — that’s magazine is not your usual office scene. where the photo was taken — and a groovy courtyard made Owned by Jeroen Jongejans and Kate Malcolm, Dive! of up-cycled bricks. Native plants are everywhere, and a Tutukaka has been offering dive charter trips out to the Poor sauna is a nice touch for that apre`s dive scene. Even the Knights Islands Marine Reserve since 1999, and before then original Tutukaka Harbour channel markers are put to good Jeroen had two other charter companies and has been use. taking divers underwater for over 30 years.

This summer will see free-diving courses, photography With four dedicated dive boats, and up to 45 staff in the sessions, and PADI dive training befitting the Five Star summer, this family run business is pumping over the Instructor Development Centre, utilising the sun-drenched summer, and as Jeroen says, area surrounding the pool, “the young energy and the landscaped patio and positive vibe from all these brick area, and the savvy Good people and good things people, international and high tech fit out of the create great energy locals alike is infectious and training facility. inspiring. They come off the With a commercially boats having just had the best day of their lives — it rubs off graded kitchen and an events space that can hold upwards on you, and keeps you alive, young and focussed on the of 200 people, there is a new venue in town. next big thing.”

A balance of the old and the new is set to continue with Their snorkel experience boat, the big, comfortable, and the future development of a boutique dive lodge on the beautiful Perfect Day, was brought in from Australia in 2006 same site. to deliver a world class day at the Poor Knights, including This valley has a great future with the strong vision kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, and a scrumptious entrepreneur Jeroen, coupled with eclectic taste and tropical buffet lunch. personality, and you get a unique Tutukaka flavour here.

Settled in the valley behind Schnappa Rock in the heart As Kate says, “Good people, and good things, create great of Tutukaka, their cave type building has become energy.” something of a draw card and an icon in the Marina, and the two businesses work together symbiotically, creating a funky institution that has been termed the “centre of the Tutukaka Universe.”

What is new though, is the rest of the valley behind the buildings — where there is an interesting amount of space, and a unique little suntrap. Some old stories say that in this valley, the Maori wakas were dragged up and stored in the native bush in between fishing trips. What is for certain, is that there is plenty of good energy in the valley, and even a bubbling fresh water spring.

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Dive! Tutukaka and Perfect Day Marina Road, Tutukaka, 0173 T: 0800 288 882 E: info@diving.co.nz & info@aperfectday.co.nz W: www.diving.co.nz & www.aperfectday.co.nz Opening Times 364 days a year - 7am-7pm, only closed Christmas Day Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Free lunch or wetsuit

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Run by boaties FOR boaties!

Dockland 5 Marine Ltd

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ravelling the high seas is a lifestyle many of us would love to experience — the freedom, the excitement, the adventure! When things go wrong however, the trials of living aboard a vessel quickly become obvious — when your house needs maintenance or repair work, you simply go about fixing the problem. When your house is a boat — well, then you have a whole different situation!

Luckily, Charlie at Dockland 5 is on hand to offer haulout and hardstand facilities for all visiting and resident boaties; with a convenient location close to town, and a number of thoughtful touches to ensure your stay is as pleasant as possible. Located at 211 Port Road, Dockland 5 offers the largest travel lift in Northland, able to haul out boats up to 70 tonnes, and the yard itself has space for up to 60 boats at a time (depending on their size of course!). Toilets, showers and coin operated laundry facilities are all onsite, as is a sheltered communal barbeque area; perfect for sharing your salty-dog stories! The communal kitchen has a fridge and freezer available for visitor’s use, and power and water is available to all boats on hardstand sites within the yard. There is also a phone and

internet connection available for use — what more could you ask for!

The facility is locked, floodlit and patrolled at night, providing added security for your treasured marine possessions.

Charlie Greenaway, Manager of Dockland 5, is knowledgeable and approachable; for those needing advice and assistance, he is always keen to help, and if you get him going, he might even share a story or two himself. Charlie is able to assist with most needs, from directions to the nearby chandlery store, to local boatie suppliers C Spars NZ, All Marine, and Norstain Stainless & Alloys. Charlie can also provide details of trusted local marine painters and osmosis repair specialists, and with a sandblasting yard adjacent to Dockland 5, there isn’t much you can’t have done while your boat is on the hardstand at Dockland 5!

For Charlie, the most important point to highlight is that Dockland 5 is run by boaties for boaties — the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, the people are helpful and knowledgeable, and everyone there is in the same boat — figuratively speaking!

Contact Charlie today to learn more about Dockland 5’s haulout and hardstand services.

Dockland 5 Marine Ltd 211 Port Road, Whangarei T: 09 438 8558 E: docklands@paradise.net.nz W: www.dockland5.co.nz

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Employer Services Ltd Helping employers to help themselves

IMAGE/TANIA NEWMAN

Murray Broadbelt, Wendy Silver & Barry Nalder

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mployer Services cannot over-emphasise the importance of seeking advice — from making that first decision on whether to employ staff, through to the awful moment you realise you’ll have to remove a staff member from your employ, to dealing with a potential personal grievance thereafter — Employer Services is the team to see. It’s not easy managing staff — but with Employer Services by your side, you don’t have to do it alone!

Murray Broadbelt started Employer Services Ltd in 2002, after experiencing first hand the range of issues encountered by local business owners and employers while running the Northland office of an employers’ membership organisation. This experience encouraged him to start up a consultancy and advice centre primarily for employers — and the response has been outstanding.

Now in its twelfth year of operation, Employer Services Ltd has grown to include a team of four specialist consultants, with a local and national client base. Offering expert advice and consultancy services in the fields of

employment law, employment agreements, human resources, personal grievances, union negotiations, redundancy management, and health and safety management, the Whangarei-based business has helped hundreds of business owners with a wide variety of employee situations.

The experienced team includes Wendy Silver, with a raft of diplomas in human resources and business management, as well as a teacher’s diploma. Wendy, who’s been with Employer Services for over 10 years, is the on-site business consultant, and is responsible for ensuring the smooth dayto-day operation of the entire team. Barry Nalder works alongside Murray and Wendy as the team’s consultant and investigator. Barry has an extensive background with the New Zealand Police, covering staff management and investigative work, and also has over 15 years’ experience in the operation and management of chartered clubs. Barry is the man to see for assistance and advice regarding dishonesty within the workplace, employment relations problems, and/or personal grievances. Barry also specialises in fraud investigations. Another valuable asset is Bruce Gulley, who is the contracted Health and Safety specialist.

Bruce brings extensive experience in both consultancy and training for Health and Safety to the Employer Services team.

The lead member of the Employer Services team is Murray Broadbelt himself, Managing Director and LEADR NZ-accredited mediator. Murray’s expertise is first and foremost in the employment law and industrial relations fields; and he is part and parcel of all the services Employer Services has to offer. He is passionate about providing accurate and timely consultancy services to businesses across New Zealand.

Employer Services Ltd continues to live up to its motto: helping employers to help themselves.

Employer Services Limited 82 Maunu Road, Whangarei T: 09 430 0113 E: advice@employerservices.co.nz W: www.employerservices.co.nz

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Energise Web Certified Google Partners Visit www.energise.co.nz or call 0800 627 546 Energise Web offer options for ongoing service to help improve your website and increase business profits.

Building Websites That Work!

Website design has become more time consuming and increasingly complicated over the last few years.

Smartphone-friendly websites have now become the norm and Energise Web has built more mobile-friendly websites than any other Northland web design firm. An emphasis on keeping up with new technology allows Energise Web to provide solutions that allow you to manage an advanced website with an easy-to-use admin area. You can add your own pages, upload photos and create galleries with a few clicks of your mouse. Energise Web can also take responsibility for securing your website against hackers.

IMAGE/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Dave Smyth, Energise Web Design

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nergise Web do not operate like other web design companies. Director, Dave Smyth has been building websites and advising on internet marketing for over 15 years. He explains; “We like our clients to understand what it is that we do. They might not need to understand the detail but it helps form a lasting relationship if we can explain in simple terms why we’re doing what we’re doing”.

Dave says that many web designers are no longer interested in the client after the website has been built. Often, there is little ongoing service or advice. Energise Web operate differently. Yes, they build attractive websites, but that is often the only thing other web designers focus on. The business owner is left bewildered as to why their pretty website doesn’t seem to be improving their business!

Energise Web Design Ltd 81 Kamo Road, Kensington, Whangarei T: 09 438 8462 E: team@energise.co.nz W: www.energise.co.nz Open by appointment

Ranking Higher on Google Because people who use Google rarely go past the first page of results, ranking highly is really important. As more and more businesses get an online presence, it is becoming harder to get onto page one of Google. Energise Web are the only company in Northland that offer an ongoing specialist Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) service. Having a great looking website isn’t much use if no one can find it!

Energise Web will gladly show you examples of websites they have ranked higher on Google. If you want to track a competitor’s Google Rank, Energise Web can do that too.

Google AdWords Certified This year, Energise Web became the first certified Google Partner in Northland and Dave is the only Northlander to pass all of the Google AdWords exams. If you want to quickly target specific searches on Google, paid advertising may be for you. It is affordable and unlike most other advertising, you know exactly how many people viewed your website for what you paid! Energise Web can create advertising campaigns for you, track the results and report monthly.

Free Consultations You can ask for a free consultation by calling Energise Web on 0800 627 546 or emailing them on team@energise.co.nz Free Parking Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Free website audit • Free Google AdWords vouchers • Free web directory listings • Free first consultation

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Celebrating Whangarei’s Heritage Engraving Systems

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f Whangarei were to have its own walk of fame, there are a number of local businesses that would easily make the grade — there is one, however, that could make the grade AND the plaques; and that business is Engraving Systems. Having assisted Northlanders with engraving work for their businesses, clubs, organisations, teams and schools for over 40 years, Engraving Systems are still the first port of call for anything and everything that needs engraving; and while the hand on the tiller may have changed, the services continue to expand as this iconic local business grows.

Rose Baker stepped into her role in 2008 after the passing of her husband Ron, making the decision to continue on with Ron’s hard work and vision rather than selling the business he had dedicated a large part of his life to. This was not an easy decision to make, as the business had been very much Ron’s domain, and the transition seemed a difficult and daunting prospect. Taking the plunge, however, has proven to be the best thing Rose has ever done — other than marrying Ron in the first place of course!

It has now been 6 years since Rose took the helm, and her dedication and hard work has well and truly paid off. The business has gone from strength to strength; offering the latest PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN technologies in laser engraving, sublimation, Rose, Morton, Grant, Johnny & Lorraine and sand blasting; while also expanding into completely new territory with self-inking stamps been working diligently to provide sublimated aluminium and even heat-press printing options for clothing — the plaques for each of the donated bricks, which will feature services available are endless! the donor’s name, and will be placed into a unique wall Not only has Engraving Systems expanded their services; inside the new building. they have also extended their roots deeper into Whangarei At Engraving Services, the commitment to Whangarei heritage through their creation of the heritage trail plaques runs deep — the passion and vision which began with Ron along the newly completed town basin walkway loop. has continued on with Rose and her hardworking, Another local project that has benefited from the assistance experienced team — and looks set to continue on for many of Rose and her team is the Project Promise Jim Carney years to come.

Cancer Treatment Centre which is currently under construction. The entire team at Engraving Systems has Engraving Systems 28 Reyburn Street, Whangarei T: 09 438 1744 F: 09 438 1673 E: engrave@engravingsystems.co.nz W: www.engravingsystems.co.nz

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Far North District Council

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he Far North District Council provides vital services across a 7,505 square-kilometre area, making it the second largest territorial authority in the North Island.

Infrastructure owned and/or maintained by the Council includes: • 2,543 kilometres of roads • 1,700 streetlights • 701 bridges • 333 kilometres of sewer pipes • 183 kilometres of footpaths • 154 hectares of recreational space • 147 pensioner flats • 117 kilometres of stormwater pipes • 64 public toilets at 43 locations • 59 boat ramps, jetties, pontoons and wharves • 24 refuse and recycling outlets • 23 playgrounds and three skate parks • 21 car parks in nine towns • 17 sewerage schemes and 8 water supplies • 6 public libraries • 3 public airports which are run by subsidiary Far North Holdings • 3 i-SITE Visitor Information Centres.

Council also provides a range of regulatory and community services across the District. A workforce of more than 200 staff and contractors:

• provides services at nine locations • operates a call centre that handles, on average, 157,000 calls a year • delivers town maintenance services to 21 towns and empties 393 litter bins across the District • registers about 10,000 dogs and responds to 3,000 complaints about dogs annually • carries out 7,500 building site inspections and renews 860 building warrants of fitness annually* • issues more than 1,200 Project Information Memoranda and building consents* • processes 900 liquor licence applications • inspects public safety standards at 450 food outlets. *2010-11 figures

Some of Our Projects

The Council has instigated numerous projects that support the Far North economy and make the District a better place to live, work and invest in: Kaitaia In 2012, Kaitaia became the first town in Northland and the first rural town in New Zealand to establish a Business Improvement District (BID). The Kaitaia Business Association and the Council launched this initiative to provide a fund for activities that improve or promote the town centre. The Council collects an annual levy from businesses on behalf of the Association. The amount currently collected is about $50,000 a year.

The Council has also allocated $100,000 in its Annual Plan 2014/15 for job creation projects and will develop these in partnership with the Community Business & Environment Centre (CBEC), the Mayoral Taskforce for Jobs and Te Hiku Social Accord.

GROWTH PLAN Far North Holdings Chairman Ross Blackman (left) and Far North Mayor John Carter with a plan of the proposed extension at Opua Marina.

Opua A 173-berth extension of Opua Marina will pump millions of dollars into the Far North economy it it goes ahead. Council subsidiary Far North Holdings has applied for resource consents to extend the 250-berth marina and could begin work on the $13 million project later this year if consent authorities approve the project.

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We’re here to help!

I want to thank the Northland Chamber of Commerce and The Northern Advocate for this opportunity to highlight some of the projects and initiatives the Far North District Council is planning to make the Far North the top place to live, work and invest. We have a new governance team that is committed to building a high-performance, customerfocused organisation that carries the trust, confidence and respect of the community. This means: · Developing inclusive strategies that reflect rather than lead public opinion · Creating prosperity through unity and a shared vision with the community · Working collaboratively with other Northland councils and involving Maori in our decision-making · Developing a management structure that is capable of addressing a backlog of infrastructure renewals.

We have a new management team that is led by one of New Zealand’s most experienced local government managers, Colin Dale. Colin was Chief Executive at Manukau City Council for more than 20 years. He has appointed several highly-experienced senior managers to put the Council on a road to recovery and to drive the improvements that ratepayers are seeking and deserve. Please call us on 0800 920 029 if you have any questions. We are here to help!

Hon John Carter QSO Far North Mayor

FRIENDLY SERVICE: The Council provides a range of regulatory and community services at nine locations across the District.

TOP SERVICE: Two Council workers won national customer service awards at the Association of Local Government Information Management Conference in September. Award winners Punawai Posinkovich and Nina Gobie (second and third from left ) are pictured with Acting Chief Executive Colin Dale and Community & Customer Services Manager Jacine Warmington.

Kerikeri Hundreds of businesses and households in Kerikeri will get reticulated sewerage services under a proposal to improve the town’s sewerage scheme. Far North Holdings is also upgrading aircraft and terminal facilities at Bay of Islands Airport to cater for the 50-seat Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 aircraft that Air New Zealand will operate on all flights in and out of the airport from February 2015.

MAKING A SPLASH: The feature event of the Bay of Islands Classic is a swimming race from Russell to Paihia.

Bay of Islands

Tourism businesses in Paihia and Russell can look forward to another pre-Xmas boost in business, thanks to the Council which is sponsoring the annual Bay of Islands Classic in November for the sixth time after bringing it to the District in 2009. A record 932 swimmers took part in last year’s event and most of those were from outside the District.

Kaikohe A $2.5 million upgrade of geothermal hot pools at Ngawha Springs should boost tourism business in the area. The Council has leased a reserve to a Maori trust for 33-years at a pepper-corn rental to allow the project to go ahead. The Council also expects to complete the Kawakawa-Kaikohe section of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail in 2014-15.

The Hokianga A tourism hub is being developed in the South Hokianga

by Far North Holdings. The Council subsidiary is building a new i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and cafe on a waterfront site at Opononi.

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Financial Systems Group Ltd Out of the box solutions from ‘Out of the Box’ because they have experienced an endless array of alternative possibilities. Years as a KPMG Computer Audit Specialist, followed my many years as a KPMG Partner designing software and implementing business systems formed the foundation of understanding how software can be moulded to fit a business. Today, ‘From Out of the Box’ starts with a ‘boxed’ solution. The boxed solution is packaged software designed to be installed by many different businesses at a fraction of the cost required to develop the software. The magic happens when FSG tweaks and twists the out of the box product to be a near perfect fit — as if it were custom developed for your business.

Dan is a Certified Public Accountant (Florida USA), supporting the full range of MYOB solutions from the most advanced EXO — Enterprise Level Solution to the PHOTO/SUPPLIED Dan Bloom, Director small business cloud products. He is also a QuickBooks/Reckon Accredited Consultant, an Bloom, wife Kathy and daughter Alfrey called into supporting product ranging from Retail Point of Sale to Whangarei ‘for a beer’ — arriving from the islands complex job costing systems. on their yacht Reverie — half way along their Suppliers of quality — ‘Boxed’ software & clever systems circumnavigation. Apparently NZ produces some fine beer implementers.

— Reverie arrived 20 years ago. After touring all of NZ, the family concluded it just could not get any better than NZ settling on a 30 acre block on the magnificent Tutukaka Coast.

Reverie started her voyage from Florida, USA — where Dan was the KPMG Partner in Charge of the offshore management consulting practice focused on the implementation of large scale systems. His systems designs created leading edge technology not previously available anywhere else in the world. That was of course back in the days where we started with a clean sheet of paper, wrote the specifications and the team laboured away writing every line of code from scratch. Implementation time was measured in months or years.

Systems and implementations have obviously changed Financial Systems Group Ltd dramatically yet each individual business has very specific T: 09 434 4213 business requirements which can and should be delivered M: 021 43 43 68 by the most suitable system for the specific business.

E: dan@finsystems.co.nz W: www.finsystems.co.nz Business can be similar, but no two are exactly the same.

Business information systems should be focused on specific Business Benefits for Chamber Members Systems Strategy consultation: requirements, supporting unique processes. The system Review options and alternatives – Onsite – should enable efficiencies and improve profitability. at your business. Initial visit – Free.

FSG are capable of delivering ‘Out of the box solutions’

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Navigating change with elegant simplicity

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ocally headed by Dr John So how does Dr Cook use all of this knowledge to Cook, international actually help individuals, organisations and businesses? Put company 5 Deep simply, through 5 Deep, Dr Cook is able to look at your provides a grass-roots organisation, your business, your staff and you to create an approach to change overview of the hidden influences and dynamics. This is, of management and course, an over-simplification; were we to investigate the organisational development. theory behind the practice, this would be a much longer ‘Change is a fact of life,’ article indeed. explains Dr Cook, ‘and the speed of change is accelerating.

And the end result? Well, best to ask John himself: Before we can make effective changes to reach our full ‘My role is all about helping organisations and people to potential we need to understand navigate change with elegant simplicity. ourselves.’

We help people within organisations There is nothing Dr Cook, who holds an MSc in understand their cultural and social permanent except Management of Change and a PhD in dynamics — we discover their natural change — Heraclitus The Role of the Individual in motivational flows, and we assist them Organisational Cultures, does not rely with profound insights to discover the solely upon academia for his path that is right for them. The end result inspirational methodology. With an impressive background is a practical solution for increased productivity, workplace in hands-on management roles within Manufacturing harmony and social, cultural and organisational Industries in the UK, Europe, USA, Japan, New Zealand and integration.’

Australia, and specialist management roles within the What would be a typical 5-Deep client? education and IT sectors, John could be classed as ‘Typically, the companies and individuals who come to something of an authority on hidden organisational us are not from specific industries. What distinguishes them behaviour. is they are led by innovators; leading edge thinkers who are looking for answers to overcome those intangible barriers that prevent advancement to the next level. They are aware there is something wrong, but cannot quite put their finger on it,’ says John. ‘Our approach helps by defining the underlying and hidden causes of these feelings.

This is individual and organisational development from within the individual — this is what it means to surf the wave of change.’

Visit 5 Deep online at www.5deep.co.nz to learn more about their developmental framework for change.

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5 Deep Ltd T: 021 423 300 E: john.cook@5deep.co.nz W: www.5deep.co.nz

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World Famous in New Zealand Freight Traders

PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

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he world of international shipping and logistics is a competitive one. With global heavyweights dominating an industry that is worth an unimaginable sum of money every year, one New Zealandbased company is holding its own in this international arena and has created a successful and sustainable niche for itself in the global shipping and logistics industry.

Freight Traders is an Auckland-based company with a local office situated in Whangarei. The company was formed in 1983 to provide forwarding consultancy and freight analysis options to companies exporting from and to New Zealand, and has grown it’s services and client base ever since.

Now boasting a comprehensive world-wide network of import and export operations, Freight Traders is playing in the big league when it comes to international freight and logistics — and they are recognised globally as a committed and focused logistics management team. Offering services that span air cargo through to shipping, truck and train freight, Freight Traders are a universal solution to global shipping. Specialising in door-to-door logistic management, the team are particularly passionate about handling the management and coordination of projects from conception to delivery.

It is this grass-roots involvement that allows the team of dedicated specialists at Freight Traders to provide guidelines for all aspects of the logistical operation, from duty and tax implications through to time and cost

Freight Traders Northland: Rebecca Dunning, Nick Borland, Stefan Benade, Front row from left: Justin Metcalfe, David Malins, Vanessa Wijnstok, Jason Augustin

management of international purchasing and sales.

The ability to navigate the convoluted world of regulatory and statutory legislation is yet another service provided by the team at Freight Traders. In a constantly shifting political and legal environment, staying abreast of the latest tariff criteria is essential to the smooth processing of your importing and exporting projects. This knowledge is invaluable in the world of freight and logistics, and is often the major contributing factor to the delay in delivery or acceptance of parcels, documents, products and shipping containers.

With the aid of sophisticated technology, Freight Traders are able to manage your freight and logistics from any location in NZ or worldwide for that matter — making the process as easy as having your own in house logistics department. Freight Traders consistently offer a friendly and high level of personalised service.

Local, national and international: whatever the destination, the Freight Traders team are your logistics experts.

Freight Traders T: 0800 502 888 E: freight@freightraders.co.nz W: www.freightraders.co.nz

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Golden Opportunities in Northland

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olden Homes is a company built on innovation — it was the first building company in New Zealand to offer solid, dependable brick and tile homes that did not involve an architect and a lot of money.

They were the first home builders to offer double glazing and steel framing as standard features, and later it was the first to introduce thermally broken windows — again as standard.

In the early 90’s, Golden Homes was a little start-up company that couldn’t compete with those major players on price. So, it started offering what they didn’t — a good strong Kiwi brick-and-tile home for a fraction of what a private builder would charge. And, within four short years, Golden Homes had made its mark on the New Zealand home building scene.

Adele and Chris Harrison have owned and operated Golden Homes in Northland for 18 years and have continuously provided wonderful homes for Northland and Kaipara District families.

Golden Homes don’t cut corners when it comes to the appearance of your new home. They use only premium products, such as appliances by Fisher & Paykel and Roxx engineered stone benchtops. Your Gib Ultraline walls and ceilings are beautifully decorated in Resene Spacecote paint, and in your bathroom you’ll find Michael Cesar wall-hung vanities complemented by Methven Mako tapware.

And those are only the things you see and use. It doesn’t matter whether it’s insulation, skirting, or the inside of a cupboard, Golden Homes makes sure that the materials used to build your home are the best you’ll find anywhere.

It is this Golden Homes quality and reputation that Adele and Chris have worked on over the past 18 years to ensure you and your family have a stress-free building experience, and the confidence that there are no surprises or hidden costs when you build with Golden Homes.

But don’t just take their word for it though, come and experience a Golden Home for yourself. Visit Adele and Chris at their Whangarei show home and let them walk you through all the wonderful features you’ll only find in a Golden Home, corner of Western Hills Drive and Percy Street, Whangarei or you can view the plans online at goldenhomes.co.nz

Golden Homes Whangarei Cnr Western Hills Drive & Percy Street T: 09 437 7636 F: 09 437 7639 W: www.goldenhomes.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm, or anytime by prior arrangement

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

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Investing in Northland — Naturally!

Greenfingers

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ith Northland’s ‘Wall of Wood’ forestry industry in full swing, Northland’s pine forests are being harvested in increasing volumes; which in turn increases bark volumes. Greenfingers are passionate about recycling Northland’s bark resource and have really done their research on pine bark products. They are adamant that bark-based products stack up technically, economically and ecologically against many other more expensive options — the added bonus of course is that they are utilising and recycling a resource that is locally obtained and this is something they are justifiably proud of.

This is not a one-step process however, as the bark still needs to be collected, transported, processed and graded before it is able to be sold; but the finished product is high quality, sustainable, recycled and local — what more could you ask for in a landscape/ garden product?

Managing Directors Murray and Sharon Cole are gardeners through and through — Sharon, in fact, grew up in Greenfingers, and was the first person to operate the original bark mill: an old rotary screen that her father had bought. Murray himself has over 25 years of experience in the gardening and horticultural industry, and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the business.

Sharon and Murray are not alone in holding the family business together however, as their team of passionate, hard working employees are a highly valued bunch. Office manager Karin

Drake has been part of the team for over 20 years and production manager Steve Ua-Marsh has been with the company for 15 years. Greenfingers is much more than a business to this team, it’s their life!

This is probably part of the reason why Murray, Sharon and the rest of the team at Greenfingers feel so strongly about keeping the supply chain as local as possible — they’re keen to see commercial developers, landscape architects, project managers and council planners realising the potential of their local options before looking further south.

‘Everything needed to finish off commercial projects and landscaping jobs can be found right here,’ insists Sharon. ‘From screened topsoil to multiple grades of landscape bark, post and bark peelings, pine chip, eco mulch, bark mulch, compost and garden mixes — we create specialist mixes for our commercial clients and nurseries, and we back up our growing media 100%. When you use a local company, you know you have someone with your best interests at heart — and if you can support a recycling initiative at the same time; then it’s even better!’

From sleepers and ponga logs to weedmats, pavers, river stones, compost, potting mix, landscape bark and mulch, even firewood — if it belongs in a garden, then Greenfingers are the local team to see.

Products are available at two convenient landscape yards at either their Kamo Yard (open 6 days) or Kioreroa Rd Yard (open 7 days)

Greenfingers 500 Kamo Road, & 58 Kioreroa Road, Whangarei T: 09 435 1488 F: 09 435 0870 E: sales@greenfingers-whangarei.co.nz

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

Meet the team online at www.greenfingers-whangarei.co.nz

Opening Times Both Yards Monday-Friday: 7.30am-5.00pm Saturday-Sunday: 8.30am-3.00pm Town Yard Only Sunday 8.30am-1.00pm We are CLOSED on public holidays

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Habitat for Humanity

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simple, healthy, and affordable home is the foundation for a better life. Habitat for Humanity is a housing charity that builds and renovates homes for people in housing need in Northland, throughout New Zealand and around the world.

Habitat provides a ‘hand up, not a hand out’, to low income families living in substandard and unhealthy homes. Families work in partnership with Habitat by investing 500 hours of their time to help build their home, alongside hundreds of local volunteers, led by Habitat builders. Once the home is completed the family make regular, affordable payments to pay for their home.

Habitat also has a programme called ‘A Brush with Kindness’ (ABWK). ABWK is a home preservation programme that utilises community organisations and individual volunteers to work in partnership with homeowners who are struggling to maintain their home.

The program is aimed at, but not exclusive to, the disabled elderly and families. Homeowners help with the work as they are able through ‘Sweat Equity’ and pay for the work done on their property on an affordable basis.

Habitat relies on the generosity of local people and businesses to maintain their work. The easiest way to

support their work is to donate your pre-loved goods to their second hand store ReStore, at 50 Kioreroa Road, Whangarei. Where every sale bangs a nail.

Addressing the issue of poverty housing is more than an act of charity, it is an investment in the future of our society.

Habitat has also secured issuer status, thus allowing for individuals to lend Habitat money for their building programme. Please contact them if you are interested in providing Habitat with a social loan, and for rates of return.

The easiest way to support Habitat’s work is to donate to their second hand store, ReStore. They sell all the usual second hand goods, but also accept building materials such as windows, bricks, cabinetry and more.

Call them for a pick up if required.

Habitat for Humanity, Northland 50b Kioreroa Road, Whangarei T: 09 438 2250 E: northland@habitat.org.nz W: www.habitat.org.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday:9am-5pm, Saturday: 10am-2pm

Kiwi Inventions that are ‘Handy As!’ Handy As — Party Plates

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ucked away in a tree-clad section on top of a mountain, often with a sheep on their heels or a turkey under their arm, you will find creative geniuses and master inventors Evan and Ada Davis. Evan and Ada are problem solvers of the highest calibre — their inventions span industries, and they all have one thing in common: they’re all absolutely ‘Handy As!’ Evan and Ada’s unique business was born from a spark of creative enthusiasm that was then transformed (by Evan’s skilled hands) into a physical format — the innovative ideas becoming a very exciting reality.

Handy As Party Plates 400 Owhiwa Road, Parua Bay, Whangarei

Through a process of refinement and fine-tuning, the very first drip-free ‘Paint Tin Rim Trim’ was turned out, an invention designed to keep paint tin rims clean and free of paint — removing the need for excess cursing and paint-related tantrums.

Fumble-free Party Plates were next on the list, offering corporate networkers, guests and socialites the ability to network, eat and drink simultaneously. These brilliant social saviours are affordable, disposable, recyclable (PET1), re-usable (hand wash) and utterly indispensible. With four designs, including the Elite, which holds a stemmed wine glass and

nibbles, and the Executive, which holds a cup, tumbler, bottle of beer or wine glass and nibbles, these plates are revolutionising the social scene one function at a time. As are Evan and Ada.

T: 09 436 1103 M: 021 202 5080 W: www.partyplates.co.nz

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The Gallery & Cafe ´ Helena Bay Hill

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he scenic country road that weaves its way through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes en route to the old capital of Russell, holds a little known gem. Sub tropical gardens surrounded by magnificent bush rolling down to the ocean, creates a stunning setting and sea view that The Gallery & Cafe´ of Helena Bay looks over from its hill top perch.

This is the perfect stop for a weary traveler heading North or a worthwhile day trip to enjoy artwork by established and emerging New Zealand artists, many of which are Northland based. Contemporary Maori and Pacific artists add to this wide-ranging collection of paintings, wood art, handmade furniture, sculpture, jewellery, glass and ceramics.

A walk through the gardens to discover the sculptures and to relax from cruising the Old Russell Road, under the shade of native trees, will start the creative process and let the mind wander — before you enter the Gallery where the process soars excitedly from piece to piece, each as captivating as the next. The eclectic range is food for the soul and a worthwhile venture that need not end there but rather be taken home for perpetual enjoyment. The artwork shows off Kiwi and Pacific Culture, highlighting our roots in an amazing artistic way from a tremendous selection.

The Cafe´ adjacent to the Gallery, rain or shine, is a special experience. You have fed your soul through the gallery now

feed yourself. Run by a lovely German couple, the cafe´ provides something for everyone: special German Beers, local wines and a terrific European menu to be enjoyed on the vast deck with the view of the North. Or, if not out on the deck, snuggle up and get cozy and watch the wilderness through big glass doors with a hot coffee steaming away with a delicious treat.

Group bookings can be made including functions outside of the general hours of 10am — 5pm (cafe´ winter hours may vary). The Gallery and Cafe´ of Helena Bay are a must as a point of call when going north. Take a right off the State Highway 1 at the Old Russell Road and take in New Zealand and its bounty. The Journey holds just as much as the location, and with hidden gems such as The Gallery and Cafe´, why would you take the Highway?

The Gallery and Cafe ´ Helena Bay Hill 1392 Old Russell Road, Helena Bay T: 09 433 9616 E: pete@galleryhelenabay.co.nz Gallery Hours: Open 7 days, 10am-5pm Cafe ´ Summer Hours: Open 7 days 10am-5pm (October to mid-May) Cafe ´ Winter Hours: Open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm

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Indie Real Estate What’s it all about?

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hat’s the driver behind Whangarei newest real estate agency, Indie Real Estate?

“Focus and Fairness”, says the creator, Shari

Pickering.

“I’ve worked in real estate for 15 years — as office manager, salesperson, branch manager and trainer. For most of that time, I’ve also been a solo Mum. So, to be honest, the focus has been on earning a living and taking care of family!

When my daughter left home this year, I thought ‘Okay, now what are you going to focus on?’ The timing was right to use my credentials to do ‘real estate’ a different way and Indie Real Estate was born!”

So back to the drivers of ‘focus and fairness’ …

Every decision about the structure of Shari’s business was made after asking the questions “Is this fair and where is the focus?” The three key areas of focus were the property, the seller and the buyer.

At Indie Real Estate the focus is on the property — not on the Indie brand. With the help of Richard, her partner (who specializes in design and campaign/project management), the pair work together to get a unique look for each property. Their photo shoots involve taking up to 150 photos of each property and then, says Shari, “We go back to the studio and brainstorm (argue) about which ones are best and what ‘look’ we are aiming for! It’s heaps of fun and means every property gets individual attention.”

For sellers, Indie Real Estate fees are based on what they do for you, not on how much your property is worth. The fees are clearly spelled out and include GST. The Selling Fee is $10,500 whether you sell for $250,000 or $850,000! The Launch Fee of $1,500 is payable upfront and is nonrefundable. It is designed to provide a “one stop package” for sellers and includes the costs of the Property Information Packs, photography, signage, flyers, 3 x websites and Property Guide Ads. Buyers can rely on the fact that EVERY listing at Indie Real Estate is marketed with a Property Information Pack (which contains a recent LIM, copy title and Title Report) helping them to make an “informed decision” which often saves time for both parties.

‘Indie’ opened for business in June this year. “Our clients tell us we are “on the right track” says Shari and after an hour spent talking with her, you are definitely left with the impression of “upfront and fair”.

Shari Pickering & Richard Cranenburgh

IMAGE/SUPPLIED

Indie Reale Estate 12 Stunnell Road, RD10, Whangarei 0170 T: 09 432 2005 M: 027 278 3794 E: shari@indierealestate.co.nz W: www.indierealestate.co.nz Business Benefits for Chamber Members • $500 discount off Selling Fee (launch fee still applies) Offer expires 31.5.15

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Instant Finance — of course we can help

Whangarei Team Justin, Lorinda, Rosemary, Tracey and Alan

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e are a New Zealand owned finance company and have been providing personal loans to the public since 1971.

Our first Northland branch opened at Whangarei in 1997, followed by Kaikohe in 2004 and we are proud to have maintained our commitment to personal service throughout the finance company failures of the late 2000’s.

We provide small value, easy finance loans from $200 to $20,000 to a wide range of customers for purposes such as vehicle and personal purchases to travel, family events and debt consolidation.

Our loan decisions are made in branch, by local staff who know and care about their customers and are also familiar with the needs of their local community. We closely match loan terms with affordability to ensure a positive experience for clients who return to use our prompt services again.

Our recent product range development has included the “Fast $500” our 0% interest 3 month offering for fast, valuebased financial solutions and the MyHome range of household and homeware that provides an easy access alternative to retail and online purchasing. The company also offers insurances for vehicles, loan repayments and warranties for our range of Easy Driver quality vehicles.

Kaikohe Team Maraea and Steve

MyFinance is a subsidiary company of Instant Finance that offers local support for car dealers in the region by offering competitive easy to access finance for vehicle purchases.

Instant Finance has contributed to the Northland region through our Community Spirit programme and other donations whereby a multitude of non profit organisations have benefitted. The Northland Rescue Helicopter; Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade, Budget Agencies, Sports Clubs and local Coastguard have all benefitted from recent donations and support.

At Instant Finance, we pride ourselves on working hard to support you and your personal loan needs.

Pop in or call us today on 0800 760 000

Instant Finance Whangarei - 28 Vine Street T: 09 438 8678 Kaikohe - 102 Broaway T: 09 405 3800 www.instantfinance.co.nz

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

47

Keeping an eye on New Zealand Integrated Consulting

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arcus Krey, Director of Integrated Consulting, has been installing security camera systems for over 11 years; and in this time he has noticed a massive shift — not only in technology, but also

in demand.

‘11 years ago, our services were focussed more on providing business owners with a means to monitor their stock and premises,’ explains Marcus. ‘We have experienced an astonishing shift in perception over the years — surveillance is now considered an essential service not only in the private business and home arena, but also the public arena. More and more community groups, neighbourhoods, organisations and shopping centres are requesting surveillance systems as a means to prevent crime, monitor activity and provide statistics: surveillance is now an accepted part of daily life — and our services have evolved to meet that demand.’

Security Cameras these days are much more than a point and record device. Older analogue systems are being phased out and replaced with high definition devices linked together over IP data networks. Cameras such as the Iguana imported by ICL employ a sophisticated motion tracking technology. This allows the camera to have a viewing range in excess of 100 meters, while a secondary camera takes zoomed in shots of any motion detected in that area.

Designed for large spaces such as schools and carparks, the Iguana has the equivalent view of a 470 megapixel camera and a viewing area of over 7000 square meters, all from a single camera unit. Now images recorded by your surveillance system can be steamed over the internet direct to you smart phone, tablet or computer so you can check up on things at any time from almost anywhere.

‘We are constantly evaluating our knowledge and product base to ensure we stay at the forefront of current surveillance technology,’ says Marcus of their services. ‘Our team are highly trained in CCTV system installation and maintenance. Recently we have also added Scott to our team as sales manager. Scott comes from a background in construction, data networking and wireless systems installation.

ICL have also been building a network of contractors allowing them to begin to expand their services nationwide.

We have worked with a variety of community groups, government agencies and private businesses across New Zealand. We work with the NZ Police, with District Councils, with educational facilities, marine facilities and with industrial and commercial industries, offering tailored solutions that include everything from simple surveillance through to automated systems capable of recording car registrations or detailed facial images for identification.’

Marcus also noticed a distinct need for more affordable CCTV systems; and so he began directly sourcing and importing systems — meaning he could then pass the wholesale pricing on to his customers.

Stocking everything from long range day and night cameras, to all weather indoor/outdoor cameras, vandalproof cameras, pan, tilt and zoom cameras and covert cameras: Integrated Consulting Ltd are able to provide solutions for every security surveillance need.

‘Our goal is simple,’ explains Marcus. ‘We’re committed to providing high quality CCTV systems at affordable prices throughout Northland and nationwide.’

Integrated Consulting 110 Memorial Drive, Whangarei T: 09 430 0424 E: info@icldvr.co.nz W: www.4u2see.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8.30am-5.00pm Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Legal evidence • Monitoring of clients and staff • Systems installed from just $20 per week • Chamber Member specials • 4 Camera 720p systems from $2399 DIY kit • We will beat any written quote by 10%

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Planning for your retirement

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or many Kiwis retirement is about having more time to enjoy the things you love. A growing number of Kiwis don’t know how much money they will need to enjoy the kind of retirement lifestyle they want.

ISN specialises in working with people to help identify their personal retirement wealth targets and also illustrate available options to help achieve their goals. We also work with retirees to help them plan their retirement spending.

ISN is an independently owned and operated wealth advisory business, founded in 1997 with a simple philosophy; “To provide everyday New Zealanders and their families with tailored, responsible financial solutions, documented with plain, easy-to-understand language.” This focus has seen our team maintain close, long-term relationships with our clients for many years.

More recently we have added interactive technology to help you make smarter financial decisions. Our business has evolved to provide our clients with financial advice covering; • KiwiSaver • Wealth Accumulation • Retirement Income • Retirement Spending • Overseas Pension Transfers Put simply, we work with people who are accumulating wealth for retirement and we help people manage that wealth in retirement.

We provide advice which is focused on helping you achieve your individual financial needs and goals. Importantly our advice takes into account the different stages of life and your individual circumstances.

We offer the advantage of a long standing presence in the Northland region and are comfortable and familiar with the people in our community.

KiwiSaver Solutions KiwiSaver can be a great opportunity for people to get ahead with their first home purchase and retirement savings. Not only does it teach us all good savings and investing habits, it comes with valuable (PIE) tax advantages, help for your employer and generous government financial assistance.

We believe everyone who is under 65 should consider joining KiwiSaver, however, it is important that people

Bill Raynel & Lee Reo

IMAGE/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

consider their options carefully and make smart decisions about the type of KiwiSaver scheme they invest in.

At ISN we have helped many join and have also helped them set up KiwiSaver accounts for their children. Research on KiwiSaver scheme providers is ongoing so that our advisers can offer a range of solutions to suit your needs.

If you are interested in joining KiwiSaver, or if you wish to consider switching providers we offer a cost and obligation free KiwiSaver review.

Focus on Education We also visit businesses and present at the workplace, providing KiwiSaver and Retirement Planning workshops, either as a group or individually.

So what are you doing?

You may already have your retirement sorted, but if you don’t, and it’s causing you concern, the key is to do something about it. IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO MAKE A PLAN NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE. Many Kiwis describe retirement as the best time of their life because of the freedom it gives them. So do what you can to make sure you and your loved ones can make the most of it too.

Call us today for a cost and obligation free chat 0800 66 66 78 Investment Solutions Northland Ltd 2/30 Rathbone Street, Whangarei T: 09 438 5678 F: 0800 66 66 78 E: whangarei@isnorthland.co.nz W: www.isnorthland.co.nz

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International Freight & Moving

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e are a Whangarei based company offering an extensive range of International services for commercial importers and exporters. Also, we provide tailor made solutions for your household and personal effects.

Locally owned & operated by Ian Coulton, with over 30 years of experience working in the freight forwarding and shipping business.

We provide an excellent service, free advice and quotations.

Summary of Our Services: • For commercial Importers and Exporters, controlled and monitored door to door movements to or from most industrialised nations across the globe • Air and Sea freight options • Licenced Customs Brokers • Packing and wrapping service available • Marine insurance • International household removals.

Our specialised household removal service includes a free consultation and no obligation quotation.

No job too big or small!

Please call Ian on 09 434 4405 or 021434410 anytime, for information or advice relating to your shipping needs.

International Freight & Moving T: 09 434 4405 M: 021 434 410 E: ian@overseasmoving.co.nz W: www.overseasmoving.co.nz

The choice is simple Judy Morgan Property Management and Rentals

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hen you hand the keys of your property over to a property management company, there is a high level of trust involved. Trust that your property will be well-maintained, trust that your property will remain consistently tenanted, trust that the rental return will be regular and consistent.

Judy Morgan Property Management and Rentals, located on Bank Street, is a boutique property management service that prides itself on maintaining a high level of trust with clients and with tenants — the key to which is communication, according to company Director Judy Morgan.

‘I have been in this industry for over 10 years now,’ explains Judy. ‘And for 10 years I have been listening to what our clients want and need in a property management service. The result is a personalised service, where communication is our priority. We keep our fingers on the pulse, and operate an ‘open door’ policy, encouraging our clients, our tenants, and our contractors to drop in and speak with us about anything at all.’

The property managers at Judy Morgan are also trained in detecting methamphetamine use, offering additional protection and peace of mind.

‘We are a small, skilled, communicative team, and we are always available to speak with our clients.’

Judy Morgan Property Management & Rentals 192 Bank Street, Whangarei T: 09 945 4884 F: 021 993 519 E: judy@judymorgan.co.nz W: www.@judymorgan.co.nz

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Jonzone Creations Wide Format Printing

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he name Jonzone reflects many things.

Jonzone captures the originality of the creations of owner John Steedman, who has forged a long career of creating great design and signage.

It represents the four decades John has been in the print and design industry, and still holds the traditional skills of working by hand, creating illustrations and lettering, as well as using the latest in computerised design equipment for contemporary creations.

Jonzone Creations was itself created 19 years ago and branched out into wide format printing in 2007. The design room and printing press is always busy at Jonzone, with signs, posters, PVC banners, canvas prints, vinyl labels, corflute and alloy signs, and sandwich boards all being processed on a daily basis.

Signage is a speciality of the Jonzone team, whether interior or exterior — and vehicles too.

Bigger signage jobs are no challenge, with boats and large vehicle graphics catered for too.

In a fantastic new twist, the latest Jonzone creation is personalised, self-adhesive printed wall paper for home or office environments. Make it different; make it awesome — with Jonzone Creations.

Jonzone run the latest and most reliable equipment including a wide eco solvent printer that prints onto most roll media and can cut into any shape programmed into it, making it ideal for vinyl cut lettering and label shapes.

They also run a wide flatbed printer that will print directly onto any flat surface up to 13mm thick, ideal for printing onto corflute, or any sign material. All inks used in both printers are UV stable and weatherproof.

Their 1300mm wide laminator is great for protecting the finished print job, ideal for anti-graffiti on outdoor signage, and well as adding longevity.

Jonzone Creations is classed as one of the most creative signage teams in Northland, with a following of happy customers.

Simply put, Jonzone offers the best products and services they can, to exceed customer expectations, to provide quality and cost effective signage solutions, Northland and around the country.

John Steedman

IMAGE/TANIA NEWMAN

They support local business, buy local, support local charities including Hospice, SPCA and Choose Life, plus offer special prices to schools and not for profits.

Jonzone belong to BNI, New Zealand Sign and Display Association; and Northland Chamber of Commerce.

Jonzone are dedicated to providing quality print solutions, from design to finished concept. They can do it all.

Jonzone 4 Porowini Ave, Whangarei T: 09 430 0625 F: 09 430 0925 E: info@jonzone.co.nz W: www.jonzone.co.nz

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2015 Events Calendar “Your Auto Parts Guy” 11-Feb

BA5

25-Feb

BA5

11-Mar

Chamber AGM & BA5

25-Mar

BA5

15-Apr

BA5

6-May

BA5 Far North

13-May

Small Business Expo BA5

27-May

BA5

10-Jun

BA5

24-Jun

BA5

1-Jul

BA5 Far North

8-Jul

BA5

22-Jul

BA5

12-Aug

BA5

26-Aug

BA5

2-Sep

BA5 Far North

9-Sep

BA5

23-Sep

Small Business Expo BA5

7-Oct

Awards Entrant Networking Evening

14-Oct

BA5

23-Oct

Awards Gala Dinner

4-Nov

BA5 Far North

11-Nov

BA5

25-Nov

BA5

4-Dec

Chamber Christmas Luncheon

Kamo Parts

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he team at Kamo Parts are focused on supplying customers with quality parts and accessories for any automotive vehicle or machine they may have.

We are proud to supply our customers with Valvoline and Lucas Oil. KYB, Koni, SuperPro and Kings Springs Suspension. They have a range of Roulands Fan Belts.

Aeroflow, MSD and Taylor to make under the bonnet hot and shiny. OEX, Delco, Denso, Lucas keep your car buzzing with power and Narva to ensure you can see your way.

CRC, Koken, Ampro and Will to help you to get the job done.

Unique Parts Unique People Unique Service Kamo Parts 579 Kamo Road, Kamo T: 09 435 4050 E: admin@kamoparts.co.nz

Opening Times Mon-Fri: 9am-4.30pm Sat: 10am-2pm (Oct-Mar) Sun: Closed Parking at front and rear

Locally owned and operated LJ Hooker Whangarei

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ocally owned L J Hooker Whangarei has a great reputation and has been rewarded with the honour of being the top L J Hooker agency in New Zealand for the past four years.

We operate five divisions specialising in: • Residential and Coastal Sales • Rural and Lifestyle Sales • Commercial Sales and Leasing • Property Management • In House Mortgage Broking.

We are very involved in our local community supporting many sporting clubs, schools, community and charity groups. We have a fleet of pop-up style sunshades available to borrow for non profit organisations and groups.

We are winners of the L J Hooker top community support award for the fourth year running.

We live and breathe the local area. We believe that is important because it means no matter where you are , when you deal with L J Hooker Whangarei , you’re dealing with a team that has a deep understanding of the area with local knowledge.

When the time comes for you to enter the property market, we offer you the winning combination of local knowledge, proven systems , and an experienced team of dedicated realtors.

Our aim is to make the sale and purchase experience as “stress free “ as possible for you .

LJ Hooker Whangarei 11 James Street, Whangarei

Asset Realty Limited Licensed Real Estate Agent REAA2008

T: 09 438 1332 E: reception@ljhwhangarei.co.nz W: whangarei.ljhooker.co.nz

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Kiwi North - Our place, our heritage

IMAGE/TANIA NEWMAN

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iwi North staff never know what the day will bring in their many and varied roles in this multi-faceted organisation — but they all share the same passion to see it fulfil its’ huge potential.

Considering the different functions of the 25 hectare site, the staff is small with 5 full-time, 6 part-time and a handful of volunteers. Each wear many hats, ALL have visitor host on their job description!

Over the years Kiwi North has been many things to many people. Founded in 1972 as the Northland Regional Museum, an incorporated society, it converted to Whangarei Museum & Heritage Charitable Trust in 2007, branded ‘Kiwi North’, and the people of Whangarei named as beneficiaries.

This security was necessary to funders whose support would be essential to enable progress.

The WDC collection was closed and Whangarei Museum opened in 1982 . Kaitiaki for over 55, 000 items, it displays permanent, temporary and traveling exhibitions, creating local displays around community events like Bernina Fashion Awards. This year with an ASB Community Trust World War 100 Fund grant and huge contribution of content by the community, the exhibition, “Northland Remembers — The Great War 1914/1918” was created.

The Kiwi House is Northland’s only one, a major asset to regional tourism offering visitors the opportunity to see live captive kiwi, tuatara and other fauna. Staff advocate for the Kiwi North 500 State Highway 14, Maunu, Whangarei Open daily 10am-4pm

environment, fauna and flora, teaching domestic and international visitors about kiwi, predators, kauri dieback, and other issues.

A Ministry of Education contract for an LEOTC programme funds a teacher on staff. Programmes offered utilise all the different aspects of Kiwi North, working with Northland and visiting schools to provide unique interactive learning experiences and great memories.

Tenant clubs have brought pleasure to the Whangarei community for many years with rides and displays, providing great comradery for their mainly elderly members, retaining skills otherwise lost and always welcome new members.

Locals make up 50% of visitors with events such as Medieval Madness, school holiday activities, musical evenings in the Museum providing affordable, family fun.

The recent free Fathers’ Day event, in partnership with Barnardos and other family support agencies, welcomed approximately 2500 people. Venue hire earns essential revenue for the Trust. Spacious and relaxed, Kiwi North is perfect for wedding ceremony, photography or birthday party. Thought of taking your business out of the office? We have meeting and workshop spaces, the prefect environment for teambuilding days or that end-of-year party for staff and families.

Recent years have seen much progress, with the next major project about to start. Through several grant applications, the necessary funds have been obtained for the Stage 2 project. This provides an internal link between Kiwi House and Museum, disability and wet-weather access, expanded parking, extends the Museum building to include new exhibition space, offices, improved archive storage, display cases and long-awaited new carpet in the Museum.

Planned via a separate proposal, is the addition of a cafe´ enabling more successful promotion to inward bound tour operators, creating another income stream and local service.

Careful planning will ensure Kiwi North remains open during the project with business as normal, emerging as an even more outstanding Northland education and tourism experience and, always at our core, as an active and valued element of the Whangarei community.

T: 09 438 9630 E: admin@kiwinorth.co.nz W: www.kiwinorth.co.nz

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We can assist you with selling your business LINK Northland Preparation for sale • Ask your LINK Business Broker to provide a preliminary business valuation and to advise on any aspects that may need to be improved before sale. Plan ahead, ideally 18 to 24 months prior to going to market.

• Have clear organised records on hand. These will be required by a purchaser’s advisor. These may cover leases, employment records & policies, customer & supplier agreements, insurance policies, independent contractors and perhaps a great deal more including accounting records.

• Accounting records should represent business earnings before proprietor’s income, tax & depreciation. Your Accountant will be able to assist with this. A minimum of three years profit and loss accounts will be required to assess a business’s past performance.

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or many business owners, selling up represents the culmination of years of personal effort and commitment, rewarded by the freedom that financial gains can yield. For others, it’s a time when opportunities have been maximised in one area and new challenges beckon. When it’s time to sell, there are some important aspects to consider in the process and some of the most important are as follows:

• Be diligent about processing all revenues through the business and managing costs as efficiently as possible.

Profitability will affect the value of the business and if a buyer requires borrowing to purchase your business, a lending institution will be interested as much in past performance as it is in its future potential.

• A business owner that is critical to the business and carries a lot of knowledge in his head may need to consider preparing a procedures and operations manual that can be passed on to a new owner.

• The components of a business for sale • Business valuation • Presenting the business for sale • Qualifying and working with genuine buyers • Managing the sale of your business • Settlement and Handover LINK Business Broking Ltd (Licensed REAA 08) T/A LINK Northland 3 Otaika Road Whangarei T: 09 222 0120 E: northland@linkbusiness.co.nz W: www.linkbusiness.co.nz Opening Days Monday-Friday

Jenny Blain 021 455 421

Graham Mitchell 021 411 873

Michael Osborne 027 242 6881

Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Free appraisal • No listing fee • Free listings on our websites

Northland l Auckland l Bay of Plenty & Waikato l Wellington l Christchurch l Australia l South Africa l United States LINK NZ offices are Licensed REAA08

54

Marine North — on the move 2014 has been a huge year for the team at Marine North, November 1st marks the end of 8 years since Paul and Tania bought the business.

The time has come to move to a bigger premise, we have entered the Westpac awards, our Blackdog Cat business is growing rapidly, we have added Yamaha Watercraft to the business and Boat sales are at record highs.

To Achieve all this we have a great team in place and we could not achieve the results we have achieved without our team.

Marine North has the only workshop with fully qualified Yamaha Technicians in Northland. Marine North can service all makes and models of Outboard Motor so call us for all outboard needs. Our service target is to provide excellent customer service — getting it right first time. Alex Clifford (Ginge) now runs our workshop and along with Aaron, Richard and Daniel the team will look after you.

Marine North will be operating from at our new site at 50 Kioreroa Road (beside RD1) from the 20th October. A brand new purpose built building has been designed with Customer Service in mind. The Workshop will have a dedicated drive in / drive out, drop off area, and a massive 5 bays for servicing. The new site is a total of 3000 square meters, more than double the 1300m of the old site.

Our Sales Team lead by Graeme Heapy, along with Stan and Nicole are the best in the business and take great pride in matching peoples dream to the package they buy. The Sales team always listen to the Customer and can assist whether a new boat buyer or a very experienced boatie. We are able to match our boat packages to individual customer requirements, providing customised packages as required.

Call the Sales team or just drop in to find out what is new and exciting with all our brands: Yamaha and Evinrude Outboards, Stabicraft, Fyran, Blackdog Cat, Smartwave boats and Haines Hunter.

Our Parts and retail run by Paul Head, specialises in Outboard parts, and key maintenance, and add on products needed to keep your Boat and Outboard ready to go and in good shape. Paul is an expert in finding parts for our customers and enjoys the challenge of locating and supplying the right part for the job.

Paul, Tania and the team have put a lot of effort into defining and updating the key strategic goals for Marine

North over the past couple of years. This focus has helped to improve the “Customer Service“driven behaviour in the business and is defined by the following values: Key behaviours and values; • Matching peoples dream to the product they buy • Integrity • Honesty • Passion for service • Respect.

All this hard work by the team has helped to grow and Strengthen Marine North and we are well placed to head into the next summer.

We look forward to continuing to look after our customers from our new site and invite everyone down to have a look.

Marine North, locally owned, top brands, great service, awesome team. We take pride in going the extra mile for our customers. Northlands top boat dealer supplying Yamaha, Stabicraft, Fyran, Evinrude and the factory outlet for BlackDog Cat. We look after Northland Boaties.

Marine North 50 Kioreroa Road T: 09 438 8927 E: team@marinenorth.co.nz W: www.marinenorth.co.nz

55

Business not a usual for Mr Rental’s newest franchisees

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eturning Northland locals Graham and Kylie Livingston are the proud new owners of Mr Rental Whangarei, and they couldn’t be happier with their decision. Tired of working for someone else’s gain, the couple bought the business in June 2014, and have since settled in to their new lives as local business owners.

The Livingstons are excited to work with local business owners to find rental solutions to suit any space, environment or budget.

“Being a locally owned and operated business ourselves, we understand what our fellow business owners need,” Graham said.

Services available include: Technology Mr Rental offers short-term rental of technology items including laptops and tablets — perfect to cover training sessions or fill a gap during repairs.

Fitness Also popular is the fitness equipment, something many businesses are investing in for their staff — office gyms are a big perk for employees.

Staff relocation Staff-on-transfer often require a house lot when renting a home — Mr Rental will provide all whitegoods, furniture and most accessories required for a comfortable stay.

Home staging Home staging is a great opportunity for those with an empty house or bach for sale, as purchasers are more emotive when they see more than an empty dwelling.

“It’s been proven that staging a property increases the

sales value and reduces the time it takes to sell,” Graham said.

Homes with old or tired furnishings will also benefit from a refresh. Mr Rental will even pack up the current furniture and place in storage on the owner’s behalf, which means one less thing for a seller to worry about.

Planning holidays Graham says Mr Rental can also help plan your next getaway.

“Most business owners don’t need Mr Rental at home, but we like to think outside the square. We can provide fridges, freezers and beds on short-term rent to baches, camping grounds, and holiday homes,” Graham said.

With every rental, Mr Rental will deliver the goods straight to your door. The mobile rep will also set up all the furniture and technology, so employees don’t need to take any time out of their busy schedules to set up the office.

With countless options available, the Livingston’s are ready to tailor a solution that best suits the needs of your business, so don’t hesitate to call Graham and Kylie today.

Mr Rental keeps life simple by offering short and long term rentals for a wide range of technology, furniture, whitegoods and fitness equipment for business, home and lifestyle.

Mr Rental Whangarei 55 Port Road, Okara, Whangarei T: 09 430 0125 F: 09 430 0155 E: graham.livingston@mrrental.co.nz W: www.mrrental.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm, or via message after hours Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Preferred rental rates to local business owners • Discounts for your staff

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PHOTO/JOHN STONE

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Creating Relationships Morris & Morris Funerals

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he English county of Kent — known as the ‘Garden of your deceased as we would want our own family cared for.

England’ — is known far and wide for its areas of We are here to solve the problems that families bring to us; outstanding natural beauty, the quality of its natural we are open, we are friendly, but most of all we are simply produce, and the friendliness of its small country villages. ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. Northland is For Gary Taylor, Director of Morris & Morris Funerals, the our home, it’s our community and we are often just as move from Kent to Whangarei was not as much of a change affected by the funerals as the families we assist.’ as one might expect — as Gary discovered, the community The team at Morris & Morris are happy to meet with you here is not only welcoming, but every bit as immersive as in the comfort of your own home to discuss your needs, and the community he left back in the UK. This is extremely offer continuation of care right through the decision making important to Gary, as he is an absolute believer in the power processes and on into after-care support if required. It is a of creating relationships with his clients — especially during continuity of care that creates lasting relationships. what is often one of the ‘At the end of the day, hardest times of their our business is all about lives. relationships — and we Northland is our home, it’s our ‘Our entire business is couldn’t have asked for a community and we are often just as built upon the more embracing relationships we build community than the one affected by the funeral as the with people,’ explains we have discovered right families we assist Gary. ‘It’s the same for all here. We feel lucky to be of our team — we live a part of the Whangarei here, we work here, we community; and we’re sponsor and support a number of community organisations committed to providing the most comprehensive level of and we become involved with every single person or family care we can to the families we assist.’ we work with. In one respect it can make our job quite challenging, as we do become invested in the emotional well-being of our client families — however we wouldn’t have it any other way.’

With a ‘no surprises approach’ to arrangements and costs, Gary and the friendly, professional team at Morris & Morris Funerals have taken the initiative of offering their customers the services of a dedicated Bereavement Care Coordinator. This is a complimentary service, offering bereaved families and individuals the opportunity to enter into a programme of care and support tailored to their individual needs. For Gary, it is this relationship of care and trust with families experiencing bereavement which sets Morris & Morris apart — from the moment you step in their door, the team are there to help in any way they can.

‘We are aware of the upheaval and stress attached to funeral preparations and bereavement,’ agrees Gary. ‘We have all lost people close to us; this is why we look after

‘

’

Morris & Morris Funerals 199 Kamo Road, Whau Valley, Whangarei 0112 T: 09 437 5799 F: 09 437 5796 E: office@morrisandmorris.co.nz W: www.morrisandmorris.co.nz

Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8.30-5.30pm 24 hours on call service - phone 437 5799 Business Benefits for Chamber Members 10% discount off our professional service (subject to conditions)

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

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Let Normans take the wheel!

Normans Bus and Coach

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he time of corporate functions, festive celebrations and employee end-of-year revelry is nigh — organising committees are busy deciding on the finer points of their festivities, and managers are frantically trying to tie requests into one ‘keep-everyonehappy’ parcel. For Normans Bus and Coach, this is their time to shine: from vineyard tours to private catered functions, the team at Normans are experts when it comes to group functions and staff celebrations.

This iconic family-owned Northland business has spanned four generations, originating in Hikurangi in 1927.

The embodiment of Kiwi ingenuity, Joe Norman Senior opened a bus service in partnership with his friend Bob Brown, after a mining accident left him jobless. Bob had previously been working with The Rio Grande Bus Company — it was upon the closure of this company that Joe and Bob saw an opportunity, and so began their joint venture. With 2 seven-seater cars, their company provided essential transport for miners and members of the public to the mines and Whangarei city. A mere 18 months after starting the business however, Bob Brown died and Joe’s eldest son Hodgeson joined the company. This was followed a year later by the younger son Joe Junior — and so the company became known as ‘J Norman and Sons’. It was also at this time that they purchased their first bus, a 12-seater Graham.

Over the years the business (and the size of the buses) grew, and on November 4th 1936, became an official limited liability company with another name change — this time to Normans Motors Limited. During the war the business flourished as the entrepreneurial family moved into doing work and school runs, increasing the size of their buses to 25- and 33-seaters. Through the generations, Norman’s changed hands from father to son, from brother to brother, and as demand grew so did the premises and the fleet.

From this illustrious background springs the business we know as Normans Bus and Coach; currently boasting a fleet of 24 buses, ranging in seating sizes from 25 to 53, and now located in purpose-built premises at 18 Springs Flat Road, Kamo.

The current Normans holding the reins are Pete and his lovely wife Nikki, and they brought more than just enthusiasm and sparkling wit to the table when they took over the family business. With an emphasis on customer care and an expansion into corporate functions and events, this generation looks set to outstrip any other.

For 2014, Normans Bus and Coach is excited to offer a range of tailor-made options designed with the corporate team building, event and festival market in mind — with their large fleet and their extensive knowledge of spectacular locations and events, planning your end-of-year celebrations or your corporate festivities has never been easier. Ask Pete and Nikki about their themed coaches, or indulge in a luxury 53-seater for your staff. Whisk your star clients away on an exclusive mystery tour, featuring some of Northlands most dramatic scenery and most celebrated eateries.

Multiple stops, unlimited options, expert customer service and insider knowledge: this friendly family business has everything you need for an unforgettable experience — so sit back, relax, and let Normans take the wheel!

Contact Pete, Nikki and the team today to discuss your needs; or visit their website at www.normansbuses.co.nz for inspiration.

Normans Bus & Coach 18 Springs Flat Road, Kamo T: 09 435 4532 E: admin@normansbuses.co.nz W: www.normansbuses.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Discounts available for all Chamber members

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Accounting by the beach

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oodys has offices in both Whangarei and in Ruakaka and has been in business for over 30 years. During that time, we have helped businesses by offering a broad range of professional services, including General Taxation, Accounting Services, Company Administration and Business Planning.Our Services at a Glance.

DOING YOUR BOOKS - We calculate your income and expenses to let you know how your business has done.

PREPARING YOUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Our job is to minimise your tax costs within the law. We first make sure your business structure is appropriate.

FILING YOUR TAX RETURN - We help you identify where you want to be in the future and then help tailor strategies to get you there.

LOOKING AFTER EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE IRD - We take the hassle out of the bureaucracy required by the Companies Act 1993.

Moodys Accounting & Tax 156 Bank Street, Whangarei 10 Town Centre, Ruakaka T: 09 438 6969, 09 432 8486 E: mca2@clear.net.nz

Innovative Engineering to make your life easier

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ewman Engineering has been based in Dargaville for over 20 years. Owners Margaret & John Bishop are proud to have apprentices at various stages of their training amongst their qualified staff. The team are keen supporters of the community in Dargaville and wider environs sponsoring projects, events and annually installing the town Christmas lights. Each member of our team bring to our work place their unique talents, personalities and skills which enable us to be the vibrant company we are today.

Call us on 09 439 5065 and let us help you to “MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER”

Newman Engineering Newman Engineering 14-16 Beach Road, Dargaville T: 09 439 5065 F: 09 439 5878 E: newmanengineering@xtra.co.nz W: www.newmanengineering.co.nz

MARGARET & JOHN BISHOP

• Steel & Pipe • Supplies • Metric Bolts • Press Brake • Profile Cutter • Gantry Crane

North Haven Hospice

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orth Haven Hospice provides hospice services across the wider Whangarei area and within the boundaries of: Bland Bay to the north; Mangawhai Heads to the south; and Maungaturoto to the west.

As a centre of expertise for palliative care in Northland, we work closely with other hospices in Kaipara, Mid North and Kaitaia.

Our specialist team works collaboratively with other health professionals, to provide the very best of care for our patients — helping them, their families and whanau to cope with any physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs arising from their life-limiting illness.

At North Haven Hospice, our patients are cared for in the place of their choosing, which is mostly in their own home within the community.

Our values of Integrity (Tu Tangata), Respect (Whakaute), Compassion(Aroha), Excellence (Te Hiranga), Teamwork (Mahitahi) and Stewardship (Kaitiakitanga), underpin everything that we do.

Approximately 60% of our annual operating funding comes from the

Northland District Health Board, with the shortfall generated through our shops in Whangarei and Waipu, donations, bequests, fundraising events and grants.

At North Haven Hospice we receive very generous support from business owners and operators, our local community and more than 600 volunteers in a myriad of ways. This enables us to continue to provide our services free of charge.

If you would like to find out more about our services please contact us.

North Haven Hospice 24a Takahe Street, Tikipunga, Whangarei T: 09 437 3355 W: www.northhavenhospice.co.nz

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Inspiring Innovation with Local Success Northland Business Systems

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

Cherie Liggett, Katie Farrell, John Raine, Mea Raine, Dhol Dela Cruz, Ngarissa Gorrie.

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ohn Raine, Managing Director of Northland Business Systems Limited, is a man with drive, vision and confidence. He heads a thriving new inner-city multi function printing products and solutions store, and is exceeding targets across the board. His client base is growing daily, and his eco-friendly focus has seen him become the stockist for some of the world’s most cutting edge printing technology — in short, John Raine is on the short road to long success.

If you had approached John at the beginning of 2014, however, you would have met a man in a very different situation indeed.

After many years in the industry, John found himself, along with the other staff members, facing an uncertain future. Redundancy loomed, and for John, the prospect of searching for work was not one to be relished. At an age when many would expect to be secure in their positions, John suddenly found himself on shaky ground — but rather than submitting to despair, John took control of the situation and turned everything around for himself and his colleagues.

Mere months after losing his established position, John Raine bought the intellectual properties, including equipment and machines that would have been lost in the financial collapse of his previous employer, offering support and stability to those businesses and schools who would have been disadvantaged in the liquidation.

Northland Business Systems is now up and running at full speed with additional team members coming on board as this article is going to press. The business is proud to be the Northland dealership for Toshiba EID and stockists of the ground breaking Toshiba eStudio306LP — RD30, the world’s first erasable toner system that cannot only print, copy, scan and fax, but that also erases each page up to five times. It’s a revolutionary invention that decolourises the text and images printed on documents — meaning you can significantly reduce your paper consumption by up to 80% — cutting costs and increasing profitability.

It is this kind of revolutionary thinking that resonates with John, who is constantly looking for the best business solutions for his clients. The dealership with Toshiba simply means that Northland Business Systems are able to offer cutting edge technology as soon as it hits the market; technology that Northland Business Systems is proud to be passing on to their clients.

Northland Business Systems 131 Cameron St, Whangarei T: 09 972 7296 E: admin@nbsystems.co.nz W: www.nbsystems.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: Business Benefits for Chamber Members Every chamber member will receive 10,000 black and white prints, absolutely FREE with any MFD purchase under a maintenance agreement

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

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Our Staff: Our Success Northern Districts Security

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here are a number of old adages that can be employed to describe the business philosophy of Northern Districts Security; but the most elegant explanation is this famous Ma¯ori proverb:

He aha te mea nui o te ao What is the most important thing in the world?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata It is the people, it is the people, it is the people

From the very beginning, this well-established local business was aware of the importance of investing in their employees — and 25 years on, their philosophy still holds true. In fact; the Northern Districts Security vision statement is testament to their staff-centric view: ‘By investing in our greatest asset, our employees, we believe we will achieve our future goals.’ Has this approach been successful?

In a word, yes.

JP Dignon, Managing Director of Northern Districts Security, is justifiably proud of the company he manages.

Having taken over the business in 2011, JP has carefully cultivated the brand and the corporate culture to reflect their key values. JP is a strong believer in providing quality service at a good rate, and believes that by honouring their commitments, providing results, and striving for the highest quality at all times, Northern Districts Security will continue to be Northlands first choice for security services. So far, JP and his team have not only managed to grow their client base exponentially over the years, but have also succeeded in introducing unique services by recognising and filling a need in their sector.

Northern Districts Security has only recently rolled out a completely unique service that they are very enthusiastic about; and customer feedback has been extremely positive indeed! Recognising a need for secure documentation archiving in Northland, JP investigated the possibilities and decided to offer this as a new service to his clients. The response has been phenomenal, and thus was born Northland’s first, and only, document archive storage facility.

It is this constant attention to their customer’s needs that has given Northern Districts Security their reputation for excellence; and it is an attitude that infiltrates every role they take on. From static guarding through to retail, night club and function security, from mobile patrols to document destruction, the highly disciplined security teams are hand-picked and given site-specific training for each new assignation. JP encourages clients to work together with their security teams to design unique patrol routes and

times, ensuring each site is secured in the best possible NORTHERN manner, ensuring anyone DISTRICTS who has an eye on your property will not be able to predict the time or placement of security patrols.

SECURITY Recently, Northern Districts Security implemented a new GDS (Guard Dispatch System), making them one of only three security companies in New Zealand to use this system. The GDS is a monitoring solution that can produce information on incident reports, alarm activations and guard run sheets, all of which are then available to Northern Districts Security clients at any time — making the security service as responsive, visible and transparent to clients as possible.

Constantly evolving, constantly listening, constantly responding: this is Northern Districts Security.

Learn more about how Northern Districts Security can protect you and your interests at www.ndsecurity.co.nz Northern Districts Security employee Gail Lewis showed her dedication to public safety recently, through a selfless act of bravery. Putting her own safety to the side, City Safe officer Gail placed herself between a child and an oncoming vehicle — forcing the vehicle to stop. The driver had been about to run a red light at a busy pedestrian crossing, and a serious incident was avoided through Gail’s quick and intuitive actions. Northern Districts Security, City Safe Whangarei and the Whangarei public thank Gail for her brave and selfless actions!

Northern Districts Security 134 Lower Dent Street, Whangarei T: 09 430 3232 F: 09 430 3231 E: info@ndsecurity.co.nz W: www.ndsecurity.co.nz

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An award-winning Bream Bay business Northpine

Left: David Wilson, Richard Wilson, Keith Reay, Bruce Larsen

Below: Debbie Barrett, Gaylene Wilson, Bruce Larsen

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orthpine Ltd is an independently owned and operated timber manufacturing company based at Waipu. There are just over 50 people employed by the company who saw, dry, gauge, treat, wrap and strap high quality structural pine products. Northpine supplies merchants in and around the Northland and Auckland regions in New Zealand, and to a select few wholesalers in Australia. There is also a distribution yard in Silverdale which provides specialist large dimension and non-standard pine products to the merchants throughout the upper North Island.

Northpine is characterized by the strong core values within the business, and the strong timber products produced by the business. Management focuses on supporting a learning culture and using teamwork to overcome challenges. The staff takes pride in their technical sawmilling excellence and look to continually improve company processes and systems to enhance business performance. The team appreciate that Northpine’s success depends on their ability to deliver on promises to customers, team mates, and the local community. Therefore keeping staff safe and minimizing the impact on the environment are principles which guide company decision making.

Winning the ACC Workplace Safety Award in 2013 highlighted progress in this area: “Northpine not only demonstrates their commitment to Health & Safety through holding the Tertiary level certification of WSMP but also extends it to the health aspects of H&S (often the poor cousin of the two factors) by adding the human factors into their staff by offering life skills through literacy and numeracy training and even starting in 2014, the banking and legal aspects too” In 2013 Northpine also won the Northland Inc. Judges Commendation Award. This is seen as recognition of years of hard work by the management and staff, and is also a tribute to the suppliers that have kept the faith and supported Northpine through some tough times. As the judges acknowledged:

“Northpine’s decision to invest heavily in state of the art equipment just before the GFC- which they could not have foreseen — left the company in a position that was not for the faint-hearted. Sheer determination, belief in themselves and rigorous adherence to the principles of business excellence, has kept the company on track. The judges were inspired by the passion of the owners and managers to keep the business moving forward, and the great relationships between staff and management through what have been very difficult times for this organisation.”

As recognition of the commitment to training within the business, Northpine also won the 2013 Competenz Forest and Wood Industry National Training Awards “Outstanding Business Performance through People Development” category, and was a finalist in the “Training Company of the Year — Wood Manufacturing” section.

Looking forward, Northpine is focused on continuing to build on this capability to develop and grow into a leading Northland business.

Northpine — Northlanders processing Northland logs in Northland.

Northpine 34 Cove Road, Waipu Whangarei

T: 09 432 1155 E: office@northpine.co.nz W: www.northpine.co.nz

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Making Connections is Our Business

NorthTec graduate, Gina Brighouse

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hoosing to study business at NorthTec is a great investment in yourself. By staying close to home, you’ll get a top-class education without the time and expense of travelling out of Northland.

You’ll get all the benefits of learning from expert tutors with hands-on experience of running a business. You’ll enjoy studying in small classes and working alongside your fellow students, becoming part of a close-knit group who’ll be your “study-wha¯nau”.

With a wide range of business and management qualifications on offer, from national certificates to diplomas and degrees, you’ll be able to choose the course that best suits your needs. Then you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when you graduate, thanks to the excellent preparation you’ll have received through your studies.

Most of all, you’ll already feel connected to the Northland business community, because NorthTec’s Commerce Department is a major player in the local business world.

From the first day in the classroom, NorthTec business graduates are taught to apply their knowledge to the marketplace, working alongside business owners to carry out case studies of real, local companies.

NorthTec Business Management graduate, Gina Brighouse, is a senior accountant at a leading Whangarei

accountancy firm. Her journey towards graduation took seven years, but she now has further plans including becoming a partner in a practice.

Gina studied full time for the first two years of her degree, then chose to combine part-time study with parttime work as a junior accountant.

After graduation, Gina continued to work and study until she became a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

She is grateful for the flexibility offered by NorthTec, which allowed her to study at a pace that suited her lifestyle. She also benefitted from the alignment between what she was IMAGE/SUPPLIED learning in the classroom, and what was happening in the “real world” of work.

Gina said: “The tutors expected a lot of real-world application at NorthTec, and we did a lot of hands-on case studies of local businesses.”

Local businessman Jaswant Minhas owns the Shiraz chain of restaurants, with two in Whangarei and one in Dargaville. When Jaswant wanted to study, he had to combine it with managing the three businesses.

He considered studying in Auckland, but after seeing the programmes on offer at NorthTec, he decided to stay local for a one-year NZIM (New Zealand Institute of Management) Diploma in Management.

Jaswant said: “I’m really glad I decided to study at NorthTec. All the tutors are great, they’re from all over the world and it was really good to work with them. It was much easier studying locally because I learned all that I could have learned in Auckland, but without the travel and the inconvenience.

“Being a business owner, it was great for me to have some classes in the evenings and some in the mornings — it meant I could study around my business commitments.

“I think more people should study locally in Northland — I would encourage anyone to study at NorthTec. It’s just as good as studying in Auckland and you don’t need to travel.”

NorthTec 51 Raumanga Valley Road, Whangarei T: 0800 162 100 W: www.northtec.ac.nz

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Northpower’s Russell Watson, Network Engineering Manager and Hon Amy Adams, Minister for the Environment looking at a Nissan Leaf — one of Northpower’s first electrical vehicles.

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Charging ahead with an EV future Northpower

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hangarei businesses have a prime opportunity to slash fleet costs and help the environment — simply by moving to electric vehicles.

Northpower is currently conducting an extensive cost benefit analysis on its own fleet of six EVs and will soon make the findings available to local businesses.

First indications are that there are some very significant savings in running EVs in your fleet for work close to Whangarei.

Northpower’s fast-charge EV station (NZ’s first) in Alexander Street — just off Rust Avenue — has created a comfort factor that has led to an increased number of EVs now operating in the Whangarei area — upwards of 20.

Northpower Network general manager Graham Dawson says Northpower’s EV initative has created significant interest in the electrical industry. A considerable number of lines companies are now starting to invest in EVs, with quite a number making the trip to Whangarei to have a closer look at what Northpower is doing.

For the foreseeable future Northpower’s EV recharging will be free to use, with the fast charger capable of providing 80% charge capacity within 30 minutes. The standard charger takes closer to eight hours for a full charge. Two other SAE J1772 standard chargers are available and three more will be added later if required.

The primary location for charging electric vehicles will be at home or at the workplace.

Northpower also has three standard EV chargers at its head office, just five minutes away from its fast-charging station in Whangarei’s CBD. With daily running costs 75% cheaper than petrol and diesel vehicles, the move to EVs can be a significant cost saver for businesses and private users.

And as with ultra-fast broadband networks, Mr Dawson has a broader vision for EVs. He says at around $2 a day for 50-100km of mileage, the running costs on EVs are considerably cheaper than around $8 a day for diesel and petrol vehicles.

Northpower T: 0800 66 78 47 — general enquiries 0800 10 40 40 — Northpower faults (Whangarei & Kaipara districts)

Apart from changing tyres every 40-odd thousand kilometres, there are very minimal servicing costs, he says.

For local businesses operating in and around Whangarei and even its outskirts, EVs make perfect sense. They can be recharged overnight on a standard three-point plug.

Northpower has completed a study which proved its electricity network can comfortably handle tens of thousands of EVs charging overnight. In fact, it makes the network more efficient which should reduce network charges over time.

Similarly, an Auckland University study has revealed that the national grid has ample capacity for charging EVs. Mr Dawson says EVs are a perfect fit for Whangarei.

“With most of New Zealand’s power generation renewable … we are very similar to Norway in that respect.

Electric vehicles are a far better investment than solar photo-voltaics.”

Mr Dawson says the excess availability of electricity for re-charging EVs should be taken advantage of.

Recent cost reductions in the pricing of NZ new electric vehicles and realistic pricing of the new plug-in hybrid SUV are increasingly making the purchase price of EVs more appealing.

“Historically, the cost of electric vehicles has prevented widespread adoption. But the drop in NZ new EVs and the importation of lower cost, low mileage, used EVs from Japan has changed the situation and has given Northpower the confidence to launch this initiative,” says Mr Dawson.

“I’ve no doubt that New Zealanders in close proximity to cities like Whangarei will benefit immensely from adopting electric vehicle technology. Being able to do 100km round trips before the need to re-charge means people can chargeup overnight at home. It’s the way of the future and we are certainly happy to point Whangarei businesses in the right direction when it comes to sourcing an EV.”

E: info@northpower.com W: www.northpower.com

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NuLook Northland

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

NuLook Sales Team: Nikki Lawton, Mark Lawton, Tim Kelly and Ron Cullen

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ere at Nulook Northland we enjoy working with our customers on a large variety of building projects to help create the look they want from their aluminium joinery. With a team experienced in the design and manufacture of windows and doors you can be assured of quality products and professional advice.

Windows and doors can really make a statement but, as they are reasonably permanent structures, you want to get it right in the design stages. This is why we work closely with customers, their builders and their architects, from the very early stages of a project. We want to ensure their joinery functions in a way that makes it easy to use, maximising the use of light and space, making the most of the views on offer, and…looking fabulous.

Our standard Weathertight suite offers a large range of window and door options at an affordable price. With patented corner crimping procedures , our windows provide a quality product you can trust that is both attractive and strong. Our specially designed Urban slider offers a smooth sliding option that slides on an outside track, offering a great looking, easy clean option for sliding doors.

We are excited by the release of our 41 Architectural suite, a non-thermally broken frame that complements our AllSeasons thermally broken frame. The Allseasons range utilises the latest advancements in thermal efficient technologies. Both these frames allow us to create even bigger openings for windows and doors. Using strong frames with a sleek modern look, these window suites are the ideal choice for those wanting to create a stunning look for their home.

For classic styled homes ... We can offer a range of products to increase the thermal efficiency of your home, as well as maintaining the existing character of your home. Or we can completely change the look and feel of your home with big doors and windows to create a new modern look, while drastically reducing drafts and heat loss. Having vast experience in insert and replacement windows, you can be assured that the team at Nulook have a product that will suit your needs.

As well as Aluminium joinery we offer a range of other products. The latest look in garage doors, glass and aluminium balustrades, insect and security screens, and blinds.

Whether you are building a new home, wanting to warm up your existing home, create more indoor-outdoor flow, or give your home a new look, call the team at Nulook for some friendly, professional advice. We offer much more than just windows and doors!

NuLook Northland 19 Clark Road, Kamo

Business Benefits for Chamber Members

T: 09 435 0038 E: sales@nulook.co.nz W: www.nulook.co.nz

• Free colour-matched hardware with all houselots of joinery ordered • 20% off blinds

Opening Times Monday-Thursday: 7.30am-5.00pm Friday 7.30am-4.00pm or by appointment

Valid for the remainder of 2014

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Network with Northland’s business community NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland

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ince 1902, the NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland has served the needs of the Northland business community through its public policy and advocacy initiatives and its business development programmes and services. We are a non-political, non-profit organisation which represents the full spectrum of business interests, both small and large, in Northland — retailing, service, manufacturing exporters, importers and other organisations. The Chamber is one of 20,000 Chambers worldwide, and 29 in New Zealand and is governed by an elected President and Board of Directors, supported by skilled and professional staff. We currently have 400 PHOTO/JOHN STONE business members from throughout Janette Dobbs EA to CEO, Tony Collins CEO and Shelley Nissen, Northland.

Marketing & Relationship Manager — NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland Our mission is to inspire and influence business vitality. We do this by positively influencing the environment in which businesses operate and • BUSINESS SAVINGS — The Chamber has negotiated by providing opportunities, products and services that will savings benefits for Members such as fuel, appliances, improve the success and vitality of business. The Chamber’s financial services, office products, power and wide range of programmes and services will help you attract telecommunications on both a local and national level. new customers, expand your business base, reduce your • A VOICE FOR BUSINESS — The Chamber represents the costs of doing business and assist with networks and referrals collective voice of its members to local and central that will further your business goals. We work to ensure that government on business issues that can significantly Northland has a business-friendly environment, where all influence the environment within which businesses can businesses can grow and prosper. . operate.

These are just some of the things our members get from us: • TARGETED MARKETING — We can help you market to • BUSINESS ADVICE — Our business information service the right people by facilitating your business promotions to is an important first point of reference for those who want those Chamber members who meet your targeted profile. to know where to go for assistance or advice. We provide • INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES — We act as a signing contacts and information on a diverse range of government authority to assist with trade documentation, international and non-government services including funding. contracts and trading opportunities such as Certificates of • EVENTS & NETWORKING — Networking in business is Origin and Letters of Reference. synonymous with opportunity. We host a range of events which offer members the opportunity to network, share knowledge and forge better relationships locally, nationally and overseas.

NZ Chambers of Commerce, Northland 7 Rust Ave, Whangarei T: 09 438 4771 E: info@northchamber.co.nz W: www.northchamber.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 9am-4.30pm

What do I get for my membership?

• Networking business generation. 6 events pa, 3 x contacts = 18 contacts, 3 conversions @ $100 = $300 • Noel Leeming Discount (cost plus 9%) one purchase at $1500 saves up to $450 • OfficeMax discount (30%) $1000pa stationery, saves $300 • Vodafone Chamber rebate, saves $300 • Z Fuel Card 100L/month, saves $168 (7c/L discount) • Westpac reduced merchant rate $50/month saves $600 pa

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It’s Simple, it’s Kiwi, it’s all about NZME.!

NZ Media & Entertainment, Northland

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ell-known media brands APN NZ, TRN and GrabOne are coming together in a move to simplify their user-experience, unifying radio, digital, e-commerce and print under one banner: NZME. Or, as it will be known to the public of New Zealand; ‘N-Zed Me’.

NZME. stands for New Zealand Media and Entertainment, and heralds a complete redesign for the major players in New Zealand’s media industry. The integration of APN NZ, TRN and GrabOne is a move designed with their audience in mind — fully realising the power of their content, their audience and their eCommerce capabilities. By combining the power of all three brands under one banner, NZME. will become the preferred news, sports and entertainment destination for New Zealanders anywhere, anytime and on any device.

The ‘me’ in NZME. perfectly reflects that their audience are always at the centre of what’s going on, and NZME. also recognises that New Zealanders need a New Zealand perspective. They need to be connected to the content they want, the way they want it and when they want it; and that’s what NZME. will give them.

Every week, NZME.’s much loved brands reach over 2.9 million Kiwis, with news content reaching 2.2 million Kiwis every month and sport and entertainment content reaching 1.1 million and 2.7 million Kiwis respectively. With audiences of this scale, NZME. Are is able to connect advertisers with consumers across all platforms and devices as they pick and mix where and how they access the content they need.

Whether reading, listening, or watching, the New Zealand public can find the latest news, sports or entertainment through a single portal, and under a single brand. NZME. heralds a fresh, modern look and feel, with a fully interactive, informative website that brings all of their media platforms together in a seamless, intuitive whole.

While APN NZ and The Radio Network will become NZME., the well-known and much loved brands won’t change. For example GrabOne is still GrabOne, NewstalkZB is still NewstalkZB and The New Zealand Herald The Northern Advocate is still The New Zealand HeraldThe

Northern Advocate. You’ll still recognise your favourite brands; NZME. is simply about giving Kiwis a New Zealand perspective that puts them at the heart, bringing all of the platforms together to clearly establish NZME. as the preferred news, sport and entertainment destination for New Zealanders.

As the biggest creators of locally produced news, sport and entertainment in the country, NZME. are uniquely positioned to deliver the innovative solutions advertisers need to connect with their audiences so they can better market their brands, products and services. Over the coming weeks and months Northland will be introduced to the NZME. branding through business cards, emails, stationary and signage.

NZME. is excited about the journey they are taking, and they look forward to offering Northland and New Zealand one united company with a clear purpose: to stay in tune and keep you tuned in!

Access the new website today at www.nzme.co.nz

NZME. Advocate - 88 Robert Street, Whangarei T: 09 470 2899 W: www.northernadvocate.co.nz Radio - 120 Bank Street, Whangarei T: 09 470 430 4950 W: www.radionetwork.co.nz

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Celebrating 50 years of keeping NZ business moving New Zealand Couriers

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ovember 5th, 2014 marks New Zealand Couriers’ 50th anniversary. That’s half a century since the country’s first dedicated express courier company was established with just 1,000 pounds and six founding members — three of whom became the company’s first drivers.

Since then, New Zealand Couriers has remained at the forefront of the courier industry in New Zealand. The company has steadily grown and developed alongside kiwi businesses, and today stands as one of the country’s largest, most trusted and most iconic courier companies — specialising in express delivery of time sensitive items locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Still kiwi owned and operated, New Zealand Couriers employs more than 550 people and contracts its pick-up, linehaul and delivery functions to more than 500 independent contractors. It operates 22 branches and depots servicing 360 towns and cities from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Active New Zealand Couriers customers number in excess of 20,000 commercial and industrial businesses throughout the country.

Key to its success in the highly competitive express delivery service market is New Zealand Couriers’ extensive operational network which enables it to deliver to 99% of populated New Zealand. The network is so strong that nearly all freight movements by New Zealand Couriers stay completely within its hands, carried by the company’s own

trucks, vans and fleet of five dedicated cargo aircrafts.

One outstanding feature of the New Zealand Couriers network is that it offers the longest reaching same-day national delivery capability of any provider, on top of its nationwide next morning delivery capability.

The company’s size, network and partnerships mean it can also offer a range of dedicated services to New Zealand businesses, such as MailLink (arranging pick-up and delivery of mail to and from a company’s post box) and BranchLink (transferring documents and mail between a company’s branches).

The connection with its local community is one of the defining values of New Zealand Couriers. From helping support local community projects, to lending a hand cleaning up rubbish during KNZB clean up week or getting involved in local sports, the people of New Zealand Couriers are an active part of local kiwi communities.

NZ Couriers Whangarei 11 Dyer Street T: 09 430 3284 E: annette.hammond@nzcouriers.co.nz W: www.nzcouriers.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8am-5.0pm Saturday 8am-11am

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Richard Cranenburgh . . .

Who is he?

Richard Cranenburgh

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or someone whose work often revolves around developing brands, Richard Cranenburgh is a hard guy to pin a label on.

“Boxes? They terrify me” the genial graphic designer grins. But he is talking about himself and there probably isn’t one box he’d fit into. He thoroughly believes in the power of brands though. It’s a bit of a hobby horse, quite apart from being a major strand to Richard’s work.

Branding is not a mind-game of advertising and consumerism; it’s about ownership as well as cheerleading, and an effective way of making communities inclusive.

Richard makes no secret about wanting Whangarei to make an effort to brand itself, to engage, show the world what it has.

For instance, the district has a large, diverse arts sector “but how widely is that recognized everywhere else? How often have we heard people say this could be ‘the Nelson of the North’. Why isn’t it? Why isn’t this place attracting more artists and creative businesses?

Some of the things that should feed a creative scene are just not happening here. On the other hand, this is a town where if you network, things happen! Local businesses are keen to be recognised as part of the engine of a dynamic city; the city is keen to boast about local successes” he says.

“Together they should be a recipe for growth”.

Richard knows about this stuff. He’s been working with

creative sector businesses in Northland for 19 years. His contribution has been professional and voluntary; often up to his elbows at a community level or working as a consultant. He’s been a board member with CHART (Cultural Heritage Arts Resource Trust), at times president and committee member of Northland Society of Arts, on varius Northtec committees, project-managed the Old Library Community Arts Centre, and more, including his current position in the Northland Chamber of Commerce.

He and partner Shari Pickering (under the umbrella of their business, On the Edge Design), started the Hospice Charity Art Auction which has become an annual event. It is a project they both love as it mixes art and business together for community reward.

Back to those boxes Richard is keen to IMAGE/SUPPLIED avoid. Is he an artist, is he a publisher, marketer, website designer, consultant, interior designer, exterior designer, business man? “I’m all of those and more. I’m passionate about what I do but I’m a designer at heart and I bring my design skills into all of those spheres”.

He’s as happy choosing colours and room layouts to enhance work-friendly spaces as he is designing business cards or curating a show or putting a trade publication together, or taking time out in his studio painting. He jokes he’s toying with the idea of becoming a recluse. “Fat chance?” he laughs.

On the Edge Design T: 021 749 022 E: richard@ontheedgedesign.co.nz W: www.ontheedgedesign.co.nz Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Design consultancy • Colour consulting • Interior/exterior design • Project management

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eople from across the globe are making their way to the small township of Maungatapere, drawn by appeal of the Packard & Pioneer Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Packard automobiles.

In addition to the exclusive stockpile of Packards, the museum also features tractors, earthmovers, stationary engines, military vehicles, 65 vintage motorcycles, vintage trucks, early buses and lorries, traction engines, fire engines, important aircraft engines, horse-drawn wagons and gigs, even an 0-4-0 steam loco from 1873, plus heaps more. With over 300 vehicles, it is by far Northland’s largest collection.

With help from the community, sponsors and over 35 dedicated and passionate volunteers, the museum is now open to the public. The collection has, brought literally thousands of visitors to Northland, injecting funds into the local economy and a benefit to the surrounding communities.

Viewing the museum is on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. ONLY on those days at 2pm for a guided tour, adults $15, children up to 14 years $10, under 5’s free, it’s huge and run by volunteers — so please allow at least 2 hours. During summer months we hope to extend opening hours. Call for further details or group bookings.

The Packard and Pioneer Museum Maungatapere, Whangarei F: www.facebook.com/PioneerAndPackardMuseum

T: 09 434 8214 (leave message) M: 027 443 5060 W: www.packardandpioneer.co.nz

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The Papermill Charitable Trust

People Potential Where careers begin

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hoosing to study with People Potential means that you are gaining a tertiary education with one of the best — having won Provider of the Year three times.

Since beginning in Whangarei in 1991, they have been successfully helping students to achieve their goals by gaining valuable national and international qualifications in a range of industries. They have also helped local businesses find the right employee through their successful training for work programmes.

So for education or filling that employment vacancy, be sure to contact People Potential to see what they can offer you.

People Potential 17 Keyte Street, Whangarei T: 09 437 7593 E: admin@peoplepotential.co.nz W: www.peoplepotential.co.nz

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art of what Whangarei or any other community great is thee unique character that their locally owned businesses provide. Locally owned businesses build strong communities; they sustain the local community, provide a network of economic and social relations and contribute strongly to local causes. There is evidence to support that because of the relationship these businesses have with their communities they are more likely to spend more money locally and this multiplier effect benefits the local economy.

Because they are local they are less likely to relocate for purely commercial reasons so are a more reliable generator of wealth and employment. The nature of these businesses mean that decision makers a are based within the communities in which they operate so are often more in touch with how their decisions will impact on those communities and markets.

They provide a point of difference in what is fast becoming a homogenous landscape, particularly within the retail sector. The diversity of products and services offered by a multitude of locally owned, often small enterprises, guarantees a much broader range of product choices. As follow-on effect of this is that the competition drives

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he Papermill is a charming place where artists with disabilities craft beautiful paper to international standards.

Using recycled products like paper, cloth, flowers and weeds, the Papermakers produce handmade paper which is made into a line of stationery, packaging, wedding invitations and art works that will impress.

Visitors watch the paper making processes, or make a sheet of handmade paper under the guidance of a skilled tutor.

Just about anything is possible at The Papermill. Just ask!

The Papermill 38 Kamo Road, Whangarei T: 09 459 1459 E: info@thepapermill.co.nz W: www.thepapermill.co.nz

innovation and can also keep the cost to consumers down.

It cannot be easy being a small independent retailer in Northland. Changing shopping behaviour, fragmented retail hubs, increased compliance cost and competitors with incredibly large and pervasive marketing campaigns must at times make them feel like saying why bother? As consumers we may also ask at times why bother to buy local?

It does involve some discipline but it can dispel the perception that big is best. I would suggest there are several good reasons why you should at least give it a try.

If we are serious about developing a sense of place, of developing or maintaining our unique character then the presence of local, independent retailers is a key ingredient to achieving this. Tourism is an important part of our existing economy and holiday makers seek destinations that give them a sense of being somewhere different rather than the same old generic urban environment.

Our one-of-a-kind retailers help provide our communities with their distinctive character.

A diverse marketplace of many businesses offering a wide range of products and services fosters innovation and gives consumers choices. We can choose what we want to buy rather than just what a

single supplier wants us to. There is some evidence to suggest based on overseas economic research that those communities that preserve their distinctive character are more attractive to entrepreneurs and skilled workers seeking to invest or settle in new places. Similar research claims that buying locally leads to more money being invested into the local supply chain and stimulating economic growth. These businesses in turn also contribute significantly to not for profit groups within the communities in which they operate.

Finally there is a perception that the independent operator may not be able to offer the same value for money. Value for money is always going to be subjective.

Product quality, industry knowledge, good service and a long-term commitment to the community in which they operate is just part of what adds to the value for money return on investment. Obviously there is an obligation on the retailer to deliver those qualities, to provide a great customer experience and to build relationships that make their business a destination of choice. However many Northland businesses already do this and if we wish to retain our distinctive character then perhaps we as consumers should keep buying local front of mind.

For more information go to www.businessmentors.org.nz or phone 09 438 4771

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Rain or Shine, Night or Day! Pete’s Towing

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hen the purr of your engine becomes a cough and splutter; Pete’s Towing are there. When that curb turns out to be much higher than you originally thought, Pete’s Towing are there. When you park overly long in the wrong place — well, Pete’s Towing are there too!

Offering a range of services from 24 hour, seven-day a week breakdown services, accident and emergencies response services through to machinery cartage and car transporting, Pete’s Towing has Northland covered when it comes to moving the unmovable. With a fleet that includes a tow truck for hooking vehicles and removing them from the sites of breakdowns or accidents, two small to medium size transporters for vehicles and machinery up to 3.5 ton, (both of which are able to tow trailers), a medium to heavy transporter designed for tractors and machinery up to 5.5 — 6 ton (including a hiab for lifting vehicles), a medium slide deck truck for machinery, tractors and long or low vehicles (also fitted with a winch, making it able to carry up to 8 ton), a heavy semi transporter which is fitted with a winch, and carries three vehicles at a time, up to and including trucks and buses. And if that wasn’t enough, the transporters are also all fitted with GPS, allowing the team at Pete’s Towing to monitor where their trucks are at any given time; thereby minimising delays.

This full service transport and salvage team operate from Wellsford to the Cape, and also boast a secure alarmed storage facility covering approximately seven thousand square feet on a half acre section.

IMAGE/TANIA NEWMAN

Pete Olson

With the business vision to be recognised as the supreme provider of vehicle transport and towing services operating in the Auckland and Northland region, Petes Towing is well on the way to fulfilling it’s mission objective — and the rate of growth has been remarkable.

Pete and Yvonne Olson, owners of Pete’s Towing, are very aware that their staff are a huge asset. Along with constantly reinvesting in new equipment, they have their drivers in training for their national driving certificate, and undertake both in-house and external training for themselves and their staff. This ensures their service is efficient, their fleet is well-maintained and modern, and their value is passed on to the most important part of their business of all - you!

Pete’s Towing 12 Hewlett Street, Whangarei T: 09 438 7277 W: www.petestowing.co.nz

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Focus on the future Plus Chartered Accountants wants to see Whangarei and the wider Northland region succeed

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hat do you want Whangarei, and Northland, to look like 20 years from now?

It’s a question many of us have not given a lot of thought to.

But at Plus Charted Accountants, we try to keep our eyes firmly focused on the future. We want to see a prosperous, booming Northland with opportunities for young people and lots of local businesses succeeding.

With that in mind, we work hard as a firm to support initiatives that share our aim.

Earlier this year, Plus Charted Accountants sponsored the first Chamber of Commerce Innovation Awards, at which Greatures Worldwide Co were recognised for the great work they are doing developing 3D puzzles.

Brent Martin and Jeremy Tauri devote their time to the community: Brent is on the board of Whangarei Youth Space, Jeremy is co-chair of the Cultural Heritage and Resources Trust (CHART), vice-president of the Northland Chamber of Commerce and Plus provides administrative services to many trusts, including the Northland Basketball Suns Development Trust, which runs in-school programmes and holiday programmes.

Plus enjoys being able to help local students get some work experience in our offices.

While we’re working towards this future for Northland, we also have a clear focus on priming our business clients to make the most of the opportunities that arise.

We can do the usual accountancy work of GST returns and income tax returns, but where we really stand out from the crowd is with our ongoing support services. We have found most business owners now want their accountants to act as their trusted advisers, helping their business reach their potential.

That’s why we’ve developed a range of packages that provide ongoing coaching and support, as well as the basic accounting services you need to keep your business running smoothly.

You can elect to have monthly, quarterly or weekly meetings with Brent or Jeremy, at which we will make sure you have goals for the business clearly defined and are on track to get to them. If things aren’t running as smoothly as you’d like, we’ll help you work out what needs to change.

We enjoy helping businesses succeed and get particular satisfaction from situations where we have been able to help a struggling firm completely turn things around.

Testimonial Jaswant Singh Minhas, Shiraz: Jeremy Tauri is very trustworthy and knowledgeable. He and the team at Plus are very proactive, so rather than finding mistakes and fixing them, they stop them happening in the first place. We have regular meetings so I always know what I need to do. A lot of people are scared of meeting with their lawyers or accountants but I really trust Jeremy and feel very comfortable with him. I couldn’t do it without him.

Plus Chartered Accountants Bank St, Whangarei

Brent Martin and Jeremy Tauri

T: 09 438 3322 E: info@plusca.co.nz W: www.plusca.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8.30am-5pm Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Six months free Xero subscription for new clients who are chamber members (Premium value $390) (Xero set-up fee may apply) • Sign up for payroll services with no set-up fee (value $399) • Regular Plus specials via our newsletter visit www.plusca.co.nz to sign up.

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Belinda Vuletich & Dean McGonagle

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Your local team Dean McGonagle & Belinda Vuletich

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ean has lived in Whangarei since 1967. Belinda is a true blue born and bred Northlander. They are both very proud of their region.

Dean and Belinda share a combined 30+ years building industry experience, making this team one of the most knowledgeable in the region. They enjoy working together and believe that when you enjoy what you do — you perform to the best you can be.

Their proven track record over the last 10 years has been established on good systems. It is their ethos that good, established systems provide not only the best blue print for a successful build, but also rewarding experience for the client. Dean & Belinda operate a “live list” of their last 20 home completions and invite you to talk to these clients for independent feedback on their Platinum experience. At the end of the day past clients are the ONLY ones who can describe what Platinum Homes Northland are like to do business with.

Platinum Homes Northland also understand that home building is a huge emotional and financial undertaking and

so it is important to not only have a feeling of safety, but a connection with the team you are dealing with. The Platinum Homes Northland team has their sights set on becoming your trusted advisor. Their systems will guide you through the processes providing not just a safe environment but one you will enjoy at the same time. Because of this they have homes that look 1 year old after 6 years not 6 years after 1 year. This is reality, not sales rhetoric.

Dean sits with all his past clients within a couple of months of them shifting into their new home. He does this for genuine feedback in order to keep improving what it is they do. Like we stated above, nobody knows what they are like to do business with more than the homeowner themselves — so why not ask them. Many of the systems in place have come directly from this feedback.

The local Platinum Homes Northland team is growing in size and strength with a showhome in Haruru Falls, Paihia and a nearly completed one in Mardsen Cove, Ruakaka.

These provide a base for two very experienced sales people.

The added bonus of being able to see what it is you are getting for your money with a showhome is considered very important. Platinum Homes Northland have a very strong belief that showhomes should have the companies standard specifications. This provides a certain amount of comfort for the client as they see what they are actually getting for their money.

Platinum Homes Northland, are proud supporters of the NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland and support the endeavors of the organisation to grow its ranks throughout the North, supporting local businesses and the people who are involved.

Platinum Homes Whangarei 9 Otaika Road, Whangarei T: 09 430 0029 E: northland@platinumhomes.co.nz W: www.platinumhomes.co.nz Opening Times Tuesday-Friday: 10am-4pm Weekends: 11am-3pm

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

Printing.com Whangarei team: Hannah Whitehead, Mark Neal, Tasha Oxford, Evan Morgan, Brya Page & Barbara Rasmussen

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printing.com Whangarei We provide creative solutions that attract customers

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e provide creative solutions that help businesses attract customers.

Our expertise in marketing, branding and graphic design ensures that your brand portrays the right messages, and that these messages are relevant, differentiated and appealing to specific target markets.

We love transforming small start-ups through to larger well-established businesses. We can create or improve aspects of your brand such as a logo, business stationery, company profile, website, or sales and marketing collateral.

Or we can develop and implement integrated marketing and brand strategies which are applied to all aspects of a brand.

How do our solutions attract customers? Your brand is like a symbol that has an invisible layer of meaning surrounding it. While you cannot always control how individuals ‘feel’ about your brand, you can influence it.

That’s where we come in. Our creative solutions will help you to convey the right messages to influence perception in a way that appeals to, and attracts, customers.

Our approach to developing your brand and marketing strategy. Successful businesses understand where they are today and how they need to be positioned in the marketplace for future growth. This requires clarification of customer needs, and how well those needs are being met. It also requires an understanding of what makes a brand different from competitors. With these things established, a brand strategy can be developed to ensure positioning that creates the right perception in the minds of customers.

How do we reinforce the benefits of your brand to attract customers? How a brand looks and what it communicates is critical. Our solutions play a vital part in communicating the benefits of a brand (products and/or services). We develop a unique visual identity that reflects the qualities of the brand to communicate powerful messages in the right way, at the right time, to the right people — to attract customers.

Our impressive print solutions. Our online design-andprint ordering system empowers our clients, enabling them to get quick and accurate pricing, make changes and place orders 24/7.

Our solutions are FASTER, with on-the-spot prices. No need to wait for a quote or for a designer. Our solutions SAVE YOU MONEY. Once we have placed your business stationary and marketing materials on the system you do not need to pay a designer to make changes.

Our online ordering system is easy to use. Whether you are a SME, franchise network or large corporate. No special design or web skills are required. The system has been built around the user experience and is simple to navigate.

Who are we at Printing.com Whangarei? A Northlandbased company with big-project experience, big ideas and an even bigger passion for producing creative and effective marketing, branding, design and print solutions.

We love our clients and they love working with us. We are extremely client focused. We work very hard to develop strong long-term relationships and are very fussy about the quality of our work. We pay close attention to detail.

We are big on communication, transparency and fun.

Our work environment encourages creative thinking; we employ many innovative ways to help a brand gain attention — from concept to completion.

The human brain is hard-wired to notice what is different. For your brand to be noticed, it must be different.

Printing.com Whangarei 15 Reyburn Street, Whangarei T: 09 438 7596 E: whangarei.team@printing.com W: www.printing.com Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8.30am-5.00pm Free parking outside Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Complimentary marketing and branding review, this review helps businesses improve their brand and marketing activities, to ensure: - That they connect with, and attract target markets - The brand is being represented consistently and cohesively across all contact points for maximum benefit.

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Chamber member savings Use your membership card to secure savings from the following businesses...

OFFICEMAX Much more than just stationery: Purchase your office supplies from OfficeMax and utilise the Chamber’s collective buying power to maximise savings.

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Discounts of up to 60% off OfficeMax’s already low everyday prices on over 400 commonly used products (average discount is 30% and excludes Postage Paid products) Additional discounts off OfficeMax’s everyday prices on an additional 20,000+ products including stationery, technology, coffee and tea, furniture, cleaning and hygiene, packaging, safety gear, art & craft and much more! Account holders can receive further discounts on high use products for their business such as printer ink and toner and your favourite brand of tea or coffee.

Contact your OfficeMax Account Manager for assistance

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Low Price Guarantee – www. officemax.co.nz/low-priceguaranteee

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Place orders in a way that’s convenient for you – online, free phone, free fax, or shop in store

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Free, next business day delivery on orders over $50 placed by 5.00pm

For queries, to open an account or ensure your existing OfficeMax account is linked to this offer, email OfficeMax at: chamber@officemax.co.nz. To view OfficeMax terms and conditions and find your nearest OfficeMax retail store, www. officemax.co.nz Refer to www.officemax.co.nz for full terms and conditions. Valid only to members of the Chambers of Commerce.

Z - IS FOR NEW ZEALAND Want a smarter way to fuel your business? As a valued member of the Chamber and through our partnership with *Z Energy, you can sign up for a Z Energy fuel card today and receive 7 cents per litre off the pump price for petrol and diesel anytime you can fill up at any one of Z Energy’s 300 Service Stations or Truck stops around the country. If you would like to take this opportunity, you must be GST registered,

spend over $150 a month and be direct debit enabled.

range of support services: •

PAYMENT OPTIONS: We can customise payment options to suit your business needs (including account credit terms and operating lease).

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COMMERCIAL AFTER SALES SERVICES

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TAILORED PRODUCT SOLUTIONS AND PROMOTIONS

VODAFONE

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Vodafone Red Business Packages for Mobile which include minutes, texts, data and subsidised smartphones.

Members new to Vodafone who sign a 24-month Vodafone Red Business Plan and members who are existing Vodafone customers and renew onto a 24 month Red Business Plan* will, for three months of their new Red Business Plan term, be credited back half of their Red Business Plan monthly access fees.

TECH SOLUTIONS: Our mobile Tech Solutions team have the know how to set up today’s technology.

In the home and small business environment.

Contact us to find out more 0800 555 989 or visit our local Noel Leeming stores.

To take advantage of the exclusive Chamber Z Card offer you’ll need to have your membership number handy and this unique code CCREWARD8. Signing up for a Z Card is easy and can be done online in a matter of minutes. Simply go to www.z.co.nz/Chamber to apply. *Z Energy, formerly Shell New Zealand.

Call your local representative or 0800 888 129. *Terms and conditions apply. Early termination fees differ by plan and duration. Plan transfer restrictions and fees may apply. Vodafone On Account mobile terms and conditions apply. Validation of your membership may be required to sign up to this offer.

MERCURY ENERGY Take advantage of their “Meet or Beat” deal. As a NZ Chamber of Commerce Northland member, when you show Mercury a recent price of electricity supplier is offering you for your Northland based business premises, they promise to either meet that price, or go one better, and beat it! They’ll also fix the price of your energy at that super low rate for 2 years.

For more information contact 0800 20 18 20 or email chamber@mercury.co.nz.

Conditions apply.

Terms and Conditions. ^Offer excludes all Apple products (including iPhones), Gift Card purchases, Tech Solutions Service Fees, Print Life Centres products & services, extended warranties, laybys, delivery fees, gaming consoles and bundles, iTunes cards, mobile phone top up cards, bonus, free or half price items. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any deferred and/or interest free credit offer or with any promotional offer. An additional 2% Surcharge applies when purchasing items on a credit card.

Personal shoppers only, trade not supplied. Offer is not available online. Offer Terms & Conditions: *Cost is inclusive of GST and reflects the average invoiced purchase price of the product but does not include any volume related adjustments which may apply. See instore for details or phone Northland Chamber 09 438 4771 for extra details

WESTPAC Westpac has developed a range of preferential merchant and terminal deals in partnership with your local Chamber of Commerce. These special deals are aimed at giving you the best value across your merchant and EFTPOS terminal business.

Westpac EFTPOS & Merchant Solutions You could benefit from cheaper credit card processing •

1.85% Face to Face Electronic Credit Card Transactions if the average transaction value is from $0-$150

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1.55% Face to Face Electronic Credit Card Transactions if the average transaction value is greater than $150

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Preferential rates to process manual Zip Zap voucher, mail, telephone, or e-commerce based transactions

NOEL LEEMING GROUP Noel Leeming has partnered with the Auckland Chamber of Commerce to offer members fantastic savings on products in its Noel Leeming stores nationwide.

Simply use your membership card, or quote your membership number to access trade discounts across the range*.

Noel Leeming also offers businesses a

* Establishment fee & minimum monthly service charges apply

For more information go to www.businessmentors.org.nz or phone 09 438 4771

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Rent a Dent Whangarei

Sharon Were and Colin Ridings

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ent A Dent Whangarei was purchased by local businessman Carl Johnson in October 2009, and the franchise was moved from its original site in port road to 12 albert street, to combine with his car sales yard.

The rental fleet started with 9 vehicles and has quickly grown to over 70 vehicles in the peak season, with the range of vehicles now including small hatchbacks,(great for around town and the local area ) mid size sedans, station wagons, 7 & 8 seater people movers and 10 to 12 seater minibuses (just what you need for those large family groups, sports clubs, stag dos). Small 3 to 4 ton furniture trucks & cargo vans to help with the move from your flat or house complete the fleet. Children’s car seats, booster seats, luggage trailers and GPS monitors are also available.

We have you covered whether , its renting for one day, a week or longer. We can sort out a rental to suit your needs.

We cater for everyone from companies large & small, lots of locals, tourists travelling the country, and the ever expanding boating market.

Pickups from your motel, hotel, backpackers, camping grounds and boat yards are just a phone call away. Pickups & drop-offs at Whangarei Airport are also catered for.

One-way rentals to Auckland airport and Auckland city areas are a specialty with other cities by arrangement giving our clients great flexibility to help with their travels.

Online booking (www.rentadent.co.nz) is very user friendly and has been a fantastic success providing a quick & easy experience , providing a lot of repeat customers thru its ease of use.

The team of (manager Colin Ridings & Sharon Were) have worked hard to provide a great and affordable service. To ensure you enjoy your journey , and this is proven by the numerous awards they have collected since 2010, namely best performing branch in 2010 , highest increase in sales 2011 and 2014.

PHOTO/JOHN STONE Excellence in customer service awards for 2011,2012, and again in 2014 a great result from the total rent a dent franchise of 24 branches in NZ & Australia.

The sales awards are a direct result of their team philosophy that service should always be personal for the customer whether the hire is for one day, several weeks, or months and going the extra mile. If you go the extra mile for your customers they’ll go the extra mile for you with positive word of mouth feedback and repeat business.

Their local knowledge of the area and helpful attitude & focus makes sure the customers have a wonderful experience.

Colin also points out and appreciates the Whangarei locals and their repeat customers who have helped achieve these awards and they aim to keep building on their success, we are already looking at increasing their fleet size.

We are also excited to be involved with the outward bound experience and everyone who hires a vehicle has the opportunity to nominate someone who may receive a outward bound scholarship.

Rent a Dent Whangarei 12 Albert Street, Whangarei T: 09 459 6504 E: whangarei@rentadent.co.nz W: www.rentadent.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm Saturday 9am-12.30pm, or by arrangement, on call Sunday by arrangement, on call

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The Team at Rudolphs

We’ve got you covered!

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Always room for improvement Rudolphs Ltd

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ot many companies can claim that their motto boat painting, with two current qualified coating inspectors also describes their business services — but for on the team, offering support, advice and specification well known local abrasive blasting business recommendations.

Rudolphs, this is exactly the case. For Caroline Wayne and Caroline strive to achieve excellence in health and Wayne Erceg, Directors of Rudolphs, their vision and and safety and quality management systems — in particular, their services come very neatly together. the company’s commitment to the upskilling of their ‘No matter what we do in life, preparation and planning employees is creating a benchmark within their industry. are two key elements toward achieving a successful A number of Rudolphs employees have achieved outcome’ says Caroline, ‘and this is equally true of our outstanding results with their OSH Workplace Level 3 and business. With abrasive blasting and coatings, as with all OSH Co-ordination Level 4 training, as well as First Line aspects of painting, it’s the correct preparation that Management Training Level 3; this year one staff member maximises the end result in terms of quality and durability completed the internationally-recognised NACE 1 Coating of the coating system — it’s all about preparation and Inspection qualification, and intends to enrol for their planning!’

Diploma in Health and Safety Management Level 6, a The family owned and university-level course. operated business, which Naturally, the more Our team is our strongest asset specialises in marine, qualified and highly trained industrial, commercial and their employees are, the domestic blasting and higher the level of service coating, was originally established over 40 years ago. In Rudolphs are able to offer their clients.

November 2007, Wayne and Caroline Erceg purchased the ‘Our team is our strongest asset,’ says Caroline of their company outright; and their complimentary management hardworking crew. ‘They are the driving force behind our styles, commitment and values are setting a strong business, and it is through their hard work and dedication foundation for the future direction and development of the that we are able to provide our high standard of output and company. service. We are absolutely committed to providing every Rudolphs complete major marine projects on both local opportunity for training and upskilling — and we are and international vessels for Ship Repair NZ and smaller always proud of our employee’s achievements.’ marine vessel at their Port Road yard, with private yachts, Caroline’s belief is that there is always room for launches and NZ fishing vessels under 70 tonne being improvement — and with the construction of their new hauled out via Dockland 5. Their Ruakaka yard is 750m2 shed out at Ruakaka on 496 Marsden Point Road, predominantly set up for blasting and coating applications they will have plenty of room to build (and improve!), to the engineering sectors, primarily servicing SPIIND and offering their clients a facility to support and meet their Refinery NZ external projects as well as local commercial quality requirements. and domestic work. Rudolphs have been able to cement their place as a blaster and coater of choice in Northland, offering various services from wet and dry abrasive blasting, water blasting, airless and conventional spray units through to metal arc spray for corrosion and structural steel treatments. They are also the people to see for yacht and

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Rudolphs Ltd Port Road, Whangarei T: 09 438 8637 496 Marsden Point Road, Ruakaka T: 432 7292 W: www.rudolphs.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8am-4.30pm Outside Trading Hours by arrangement

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Sharp Expansion into Northland brings benefits to local businesses

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or the last eight months, Sharp New Zealand has Jan Nicol, Managing Director, Sharp New Zealand says been operating directly out of Northland in order to that the company is excited about growing its business in work more effectively with the region’s growing Northland and providing first class technologies, services business community. and solutions to the local business community.

Sharp Corporation is one of the largest electronics “Sharp is committed to Northland and sees the long term manufacturers in the world — with a history spanning more potential for future development in the region. It is great to than 100 years- and as such, is able to leverage this heritage now be able to deal with businesses in Northland directly. to provide additional benefits to their Northland customers.

“Our priority is to ensure that we provide customers with In recent years, Sharp New Zealand has focused on leading technology that can deliver benefits to their designing a connected business product package which businesses, as well as world class sales support and service.” they say gives their clients a Dave Pointon says significant advantage. The Sharp’s technology Sharp is committed to Northland and sees tagline “Create, Collaborate increases efficiency, helps the long term potential for future development and Connect” explains the customers to take their in the region. It is great to now be able to deal three key propositions image to a new level and with businesses in Northland directly which Sharp focuses on allows them to experience when working with clients. greater collaboration in all What started with a aspects of their businesses. simple photocopier has now evolved into a range of “Our full time Northland team, led by Whangerei Heads technologies which can produce great benefits to businesses local, Tony Lenz is an integral part of Sharp’s commitment and organisations of all sizes. Technology, such as business to businesses in the Northland area. We are very pleased to efficiency software, is becoming even more important, as be able to deliver this level of world class experience.” the impact on bottom line profits is much more visible for For further information contact Tony Lenz. smaller businesses.

This allows companies to free up their extra resources for additional sales staff, or invest in high spec products or services.

Sharp New Zealand’s General Manager, Dave Pointon says that business technology companies can no longer survive by simply selling products in boxes.

“Even for small to medium sized businesses, gone are the days where we can simply sell a copier or display panel and be confident that we have helped our clients do better business.

“Competent technology that allows SMEs and schools to work more effectively is already here, but to achieve the best result Sharp works with its customers to tailor a useful combination of business hardware and software.”

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Sharp Corporation - Northland Tony Lenz Northland Sales Manager

Business Benefits for Chamber Members

T: 021 456 267 E: tlenz@sharp.net.nz W: www.sharp.net.nz

• Sharp allows for a significant streamlined approached to account management

• Sharp provides a single point of contact for all critical business requirements

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Great Design — Sterling Service!

Sterling Building Consultants

Gerrit Olivier and Geoff Cockery

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IMAGE/TANIA NEWMAN

hen it comes to building your dream home, you want to make sure you have the right people designing, building, and managing the process.

Every aspect of a new home build is important, from grooming the site through to designing the house to complement the land, to choosing the right materials for the design. When you choose your consultants, you are absolutely reliant on their skill, experience and know-how: to achieve your dream home, it’s all about having the right people in the right places.

Sterling Building Consultants are the right people.

With fixed-fee pricing to protect your interests, the team at Sterling Building Consultants will spend as much time on your project as it takes to bring your dreams to reality; leaving you free from the worry of an unexpected bill at the end. The experience of the professionals at Sterling Building Consultants is one of their greatest assets, with their resident architectural designer, Gerrit Olivier, having a wealth of experience that spans a wide range of development projects.

From luxury residential through to religious buildings,

hospitality, health care and commercial projects, Gerrit has invaluable hands-on knowledge that can save clients time, effort and ultimately, money.

As everyone who lives here knows, Northland has a unique set of building conditions. We have famously changeable weather, with heavy (and prolonged!) downpours, extreme UV exposure and harsh sunlight, we have high winds in coastal areas and valleys, and we have our fair share of violent storms. When looking to build in Northland, you need a company that understands the conditions of the area, and the particular conditions of your building site. You need a company that will take all aspects of your project into consideration, from the prevailing wind directions to the angles of the sun through the seasons.

Living in Northland is about living in harmony with our environment — and no one knows that better than Sterling Building Consultants.

With commercial projects and project management, the same principles apply. Every aspect of your project needs to be assessed in relation to the function of the building — Sterling Building Consultants will ensure that the form and the function of your commercial project will blend harmoniously. The team at Sterling Building Consultants are also authorities when it comes to pre-purchase inspections, offering a detailed, clear, easy-to-understand report combined with a full verbal debrief straight after inspection.

Sterling Building Consultants: experienced, professional, local!

Sterling Building Consultants 85 Cameron St, Whangarei T: 09 430 2086 E: Tania.Bredenbeck@sterlingbc.co.nz Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Free maintenance schedule • 15% Discount on Architectural design work • 10% Discount on Pre Purchase Inspections • 10% Discount on Fire Reports • 10% Discount Accessibility reports • 10% Discount on Feasibility report

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Accelerating Business Growth Switchgear Business Accelerators

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here are only so many hours in the day and often businesses fail to put enough time aside to work ON their business rather than IN it. Therefore it is important that those hours are spent focusing on the right tasks. You cannot do the same things over and over and expect different results.

SwitchGear Business Accelerators was established to concentrate on the growing requirement for businesses that need help with business development and their desire to increase their sales and profitability.

Our areas of expertise include: • Business Development and Improvement • Sales Growth and Development • One on One Management, Coaching and Mentoring • Business Planning, Succession or Exit Planning.

Our Service: • Tailored professional services to meet your needs • Timely personalised mentoring and advice available • A confidential sounding board for your ideas or concerns • We work alongside you and your staff members • We keep it simple.

We offer a free no-obligation introductory meeting with you so we can gain an in-depth understanding of your business, challenges, concerns and goals. Following consultation, we can work with you to identify and develop the strategies that will help maximise your business growth.

Switchgear Business Accelerators Unit 10, The Hub, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai T: 09 431 3181 E: brett@switchgear.co.nz W: www.switchgear.co.nz Servicing Northland, Auckland & Waikato Available at a time and location that suits you Business Benefits for Chamber Members • 15% Discount to Northland Chamber Members

Meet the Chamber Board Members

Annie Johnston

Daryl Small

Jeremy Tauri

Jeroen Jongejans

Laura Burns

Mark Smith

Murray Broadbelt

Paul Dunn

Richard Cranenburgh

Rob Meadows

Ryan Welsh

Talia Mana

Terry Sage

Tim Robinson

Vince Cocurullo

For more information go to www.businessmentors.org.nz or phone 09 438 4771

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Accessible accounting Syers Hamilton Pool

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elcome to Syers Hamilton Pool Ltd — the modern accounting firm with good old-fashioned manners.

Based in Bank St, Syers Hamilton Pool is a locally owned and operated firm that has provided Northland with solid business advice and accountancy services for over 60 years.

Warwick Syers, Chris Pool and Greg Hamilton lead a highly qualified and experienced team, who work together to deliver a distinctive level of professional accounting services and business consultancy.

The clients of Syers Hamilton Pool are diverse — from farming to forestry, manufacturing, retail and construction, professional services and investors; they are as varied as the services on offer. With a broad knowledge base and a wealth of experience, the team at Syers Hamilton Pool are able to assist a true cross-section of Northland industry and trade, offering invaluable industry-specific services and advice.

While accountancy and tax services are still a core part of the business, over the past 60 years of operation Syers Hamilton Pool have continued to branch out, now including business advisory services in their repertoire. This has allowed the team to add value to clients’ businesses in a variety of areas; in short, the company works with clients to build a better business.

When you visit Syers Hamilton Pool, you are able to access a range of services that span the entire lifecycle of your business. Should you be looking to start a business venture, they can offer detailed, targeted advice to ensure you start off on the right footing. If you are looking at expanding or franchising your existing business, they will

work with you to ensure your risk is managed and your projections are on track. Or should you be looking to sell, they will provide invaluable advice on readying your business for sale to ensure maximum return. Whatever stage you find yourself with your enterprise, Syers Hamilton Pool is the team to call.

While the business processes of Syers Hamilton Pool have evolved over the past 60 years to keep pace with the progression of modern technology, the team has been careful to retain their personable, good old-fashioned service.

When you engage the services of Syers Hamilton Pool, you will be greeted, in person, by people who care about your business as much as you do.

Contact the friendly, professional team today to discuss your requirements.

Syers Hamilton Pool 113 Bank Street, Whangarei T: 09 438 8879 E: shp@shp.co.nz W: www.shp.co.nz Business Benefits for Chamber Members • $100 Donation to Charity of your choice for new clients • First Consultation Free • Fixed Fees Available • 5% Discount on first years fees.

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Agents of change Te Tai Ra Nui Trust

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orthland; and indeed New Zealand, knows we have a growing cycle of unpredictability in the sociocultural, environmental and economic sector that impacts health, housing, and education. The solution seems far from obviouseven though we witness the effects of this dilemma on a daily basis.

We are heavily sedated about these insurmountable crises through the channels of e-media, the newspapers, the radio, the evening news. Yet many of us do not know how or where to even begin to address the change required for a safer and healthier society: the question arising though not limited to how do we channel our energies to best achieve results? And, discovering hidden gems that reveal can-do strategies provide clues on where best to make a start?

Te Tai Ra Nui Trust is a pioneering charitable organisation dedicated to taking affirmative, tangible action by way of initiating PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN change that contributes to Te Tai Ra Nui Trust team from left: Leonard Robson, Daphne Poa, Elizabeth Riini and Iri. promoting joyful living in healthy, sustainable and safer communities. employment opportunities for all people in our community.

Local visionaries Iri, Nellie Para, Daphne Lilac Poa, While the overarching aims of the Trust sound huge; Jordan Moon, Elizabeth Hohi Taiawatea Riini, Leonard what this reflects in a practical sense is to tackle these issues Lavaan Robson and O’Israel Ana David are stewards of Te head-on. The Trust is geared to provide practical solutions Tai Ra Nui Trust. As agents advocating change the Trustees, for measurable results, and simply, want to help. together with the community intend to provide a beacon of Te Tai Ra Nui: developing a community consciousness positivity, encouragement and support through a where change as a tool of engagement is fully embraced and combination of practical courses covering all manner of life the core essence of where change occurs illuminates our requirements-the Trust is taking affirmative action. communities’ pathway, so together we move forward as one The title of the Trust reflects the tribal boundaries of Te spirit, one community.

Tai Tokerau, Taranaki and Tainui. The Trustees include Kauma¯tua, highly educated individuals, health professionals, and those with extensive personal Te Tai Ra Nui Trust experiences in a variety of industries. As instruments of 8c Elizabeth Street, Whangarei care, the Trustees are determined to be more than names on T: 021 0261 9111 a piece of paper — and, aspire to be personally involved; to E: 1iriht2010@gmail.com have a hands-on approach, with the ultimate aim of Opening Times promoting self-worth, self-care and motivation, enabling Monday-Friday: 8.30am-4.00pm advancement into further education, encourage

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New name, same Terrain Beasley & Burgess Surveyors are now ‘Terrain’

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name change to Terrain signals positive growth for long-standing Northland land survey company Beasley and Burgess Surveyors.

The company, formed in 2003 by Sam Beasley and Max Burgess, has been responsible for surveying hundreds of Northland properties in the last decade, as well as feature projects including Refining NZ’s Jetty 3, the Wairua Hydro Power Station upgrade and the Eden Park redevelopment.

While the core focus of Terrain’s business still remains land surveying, resource consents and planning, now sole owner Sam Beasley has rebranded to highlight an exciting growth in the company’s aerial surveying capabilities.

With advances in aerial surveying, Terrain now has the capacity to undertake survey-grade aerial photography and mapping, supported by state-of-the-art hardware and software. This offers advanced data processing to produce incredibly detailed 3D mapping down to 50mm resolution that is 100 times clearer than Google Earth at typically 0.5m resolution.

Using both New Zealand designed and built UAV drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) and Altus quad-copters, Terrain can now survey large areas of land accurately, giving faster and more cost effective results, while producing high Terrain 102 Western Hills Drive, Whangarei T: 09 437 6912 M: 027 224 5811 E: info@terrainsurveying.co.nz W: www.terrainsurveying.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

resolution ortho imagery and 3D point cloud data sets for design, analysis and visualisation.

UAV aerial surveying is ideal for sites where there are health and safety issues (e.g. quarries or unstable land), and both UAVs and quad-copters can be quickly deployed, making them both time and cost effective, with the end result being an incredibly detailed view of the land.

Until now, aerial surveying was typically undertaken by fixed wing aircraft that flew at high altitudes and were therefore more weather dependent than UAVs which fly below cloud level.

A major advantage of the quad-copter is they can fly a grid, or hover to take in a 360 degree rotation or fly along the side of a building to gather raw imagery.

For all aerial surveying, Terrain follows strict health and safety rules and best practice flight guidelines, ensuring every flight is notified, gaining approval via a Notam (note to airman) prior to each flight.

The benefits of aerial surveying continue to grow, with future developments offering near infrared technology, which will allow for analysis of vegetation health for agriculture and forestry industries, or the identification of ‘hot spots’ in industrial equipment such as power lines, pylons or stacks.

Along with Altus UAS Ltd, Terrain is also exploring quadcopter opportunities outside the surveying industry, in industries such as tourism and film, search and rescue and utility inspection.

Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Free initial consultation • High resolution aerial imagery • Cost effective mapping • Large and small scale aerial surveys • Resource consents • Subdivisions Free parking outside

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Thexton Armstrong Cowan Giving direction to your business

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e work with local Business Owners to improve the profit, growth and value of their businesses and help them achieve the lifestyle and financial security they imagined when they first started.

The process is called the Business Success Programme, it is a structured framework to transform any business, regardless of industry type and size, working closely with the business owner and their team to create the best strategy for the business. The Programme runs over three phases . . .

PHASE THREE — Implementing the Strategic Business Plan we have developed together, maintaining the good work and continually improving.

PHASE ONE — What do you want to achieve?

PHASE TWO — How are we going to do this?

Bruce Cowan Business Success Partner T: 027 235 2041 E: bruce.cowan@thextonarmstrong.co.nz

Business Benefits for Chamber Members 3 hours of FREE CONSULTING which includes...

• A Business Diagnostic – that analyses the “Profit Leakage” in your Business.

• A list of strategies that can be used to improve the profit, growth & value of your Business.

• What is causing the “challenges” in your business & what can be done about it.

Susan Cooney Business Success Partner T: 0210 237 4472 E: susan.cooney@thextonarmstrong.co.nz W: www.thextonarmstrong.co.nz/cowan

Business Mentoring

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he reality experienced when a small business is operating is often quite different from the original expectations of its owners. Often people start a business because they have a technical or creative skill or an innovative idea, but may have little start-up knowledge or are without general management experience.

Getting bogged down with day to day issues can make you lose sight of your own dream. That’s where having the expertise and knowledge of a Business Mentor can help get those business ideas of the ground and running!

Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ), a service of Business In The Community Ltd, runs the Business

Mentor Programme, which operates through 15 Agents nationwide. BMNZ has over 1,500 independent volunteer mentors, who are experienced business people with a genuine desire to make a difference to small business – they are committed to sharing their skills, knowledge and experience. Mentoring can provide peace of mind, inspiration or simply a sounding board to bounce ideas off.

The mentoring service is available to any New Zealand company that has been in business for at least six months, with evidence of accounts, and less than 25 full-time employees. and recently a Start-up Business Mentoring Programme has been

introduced which provides six months of accelerated mentoring for people who have a new business idea or are looking for help in starting a new business. There is also a specialised Export mentoring service available.

A registration fee of $150 + GST applies, which entitles applicants to use the mentoring service for two years.The start-up programme is $300+gst for six months.

This is the only cost – the mentoring a business receives is free.

For more information go to www.businessmentors.org.nz or phone 09 438 4771

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

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Safer workplace, safer community The Drug Detection Agency

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rom forestry and fishing, to airlines, education, and manufacturing — drug use can infiltrate every industry and every sector of society, but the effects are invariably the same: output decreases, productivity drops; and most importantly, lives are placed in danger. There is one business with an international reach that is helping make a difference; and saving lives in the process. For the The Drug Detection Agency — locally known as TDDA, the emphasis is placed on assisting their clients to reduce absenteeism, workplace accidents, and disciplinary issues by managing a drug free workplace.

TDDA is New Zealand’s fully compliant AS/ NZS4308:2008 IANZ accredited on-site drug screening provider with genuine international coverage, making them a leader in their field.

Accessing some of the more remote Northland work sites has helped them maintain their random testing programmes, and in doing this, they have managed to reduce positive test results at work by 25% for the same time last year.

According to General Manager Deb Gurr, one of the best things about the business is that no two days are the same.

‘Our day-to-day business could include employee drug testing at a workplace,’ explains Deb, ‘a pre-employment hair test at the office, or a methamphetamine property inspection for a client prior to them purchasing a house. It could also include speaking at industry forums, delivering education seminars to workplace employees or training senior managers in how to deal with drug effected employees in the workplace.

We see our services as not only making the workplace a safer place to be,’ says Deb, ‘but also making a positive change in people’s personal lives, their families and their friends. Research and development is a key driver for us.

We were the first to the market with testing for synthetic cannabis in Australasia and continually strive to be proactive around drug trends and changes.’

As part of their drive to ensure they are always up to date with technology, and to provide the best service to their clients, TDDA have released two Drug Detection Agency apps for Apple and Android, offering their clients and the public the ability to access relevant drug detection

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

Deborah Gurr

information and tools to deal with drug and alcohol related issues.

‘We’re proud that a percentage of our app proceeds are donated to children’s hospitals in New Zealand and Australia; again highlighting the organisational focus on not only workplace drug testing, but also on doing good for families and the community as a whole.

What makes our organisation so special is the people.

They are why we do what we do, why I still get out of bed in the morning and continue to work 11 plus hour days,’ explains Deb. ‘I truly love what we do and what differences we make out there. That is why qualities like empathy, integrity and clearly a passion for making a difference in our communities are so important for us.’

The Drug Detection Agency 11 Herekino Street, Whangarei T: 09 438 4103 E: deb.gurr@tdda.com W: www.tdda.com We provide our customers with: • Nationwide fully AS/NZS 4308:2008 compliant service provider.

• Expert legal advice on policy development, design and implementation.

• A fleet of fully equipped on-site testing vehicles, available 24/7.

• Services include: on-site testing that is fully compliant with AS/NZS 4308:2008, Methamphetamine detection for property buyers and landlords and hair testing.

• Education and training for managers/supervisors on how to manage drug and alcohol risks in the workplace.

• Employee drug awareness seminars conducted by people with real experience in the drug and alcohol culture.

• Immediate qualitative results and fast turnaround on confirmation results.

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Tiaho Trust — empowering communities

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iaho Trust is a non-government organisation whose focus is to provide disability information, advice, education and support to develop inclusive communities which value the contribution made by people with disabilities to the life of Northland.

Our organisation is unique in that seventy percent of the staff at Tiaho Trust has an impairment of one sort or another. The majority of disability providers in New Zealand are run by able-bodied people. This point of difference gives us a strong sense of disability culture, ensuring we can truly empathize with the people we support.

What we do: We provide specialist disability awareness and responsiveness training to both the public and private sectors on how to provide exceptional service to disabled and mature service users. Because of the projected growth of older people in the Northland region and the increased prevalence of disability in older people, this is not just a nice thing to do, it’s an economic imperative. This increased responsiveness to disability issues that occurs as a result of our training enhances the overall culture of an organisation or service.

The training will: • Promote awareness of disability needs — how best to support disabled people to access services, reduces barriers and ensures the best outcomes for the individual and their whanau/family.

• Provide better knowledge of the disability sector both locally and nationally -to ensure that once disabled people have entered a primary health service, they are supported to access services in the community.

• Provide health professionals with training and information to enhance responsiveness to the disability sector and increase understanding of the issues they, as a provider of primary health care, need to consider when working with disabled service users and their whanau/ family.

In many cases health professionals are required to act as intermediaries between health information and disability information, and for many, the latter can be unknown territory. We aim to equip health professionals with the tools they need to perform this role. Our trainers all have lived with the experience of disabilities themselves and can

Tiaho Trust CEO, Jonny Wilkinson

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

provide open and honest feedback and perspectives. This gives Tiaho disability training authenticity that cannot be replicated.

Tiaho Trust also provides a Wha¯nau Ora service that provides comprehensive personalised support to families with disabled whanau members.

Tiaho Trust provides a link to a range of organisations that provide disability information and advisory services, whether about a specific disability, or disability in general for people in Northland. These organisations are showcased in the annual ‘Getting Out There’ supplement and they are part of the ‘Northland DIAS Collective’.

Current news and information relating to disability, events and seminars that Tiaho Trust and the DIAS Collective hosts are publicised on our website: www.tiaho.org.nz and our Facebook page: Tiaho Trust — Empowering Communities.

Tiaho Trust Ground Floor, Tai Tokerau Maori Trust Board Building T: 09 430 3406 E: saffron@tiaho.org.nz W: www.tiaho.org.nz

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Hello & Welcome to Total Idea Company!

Total Idea Co: JK & Ruby outside Total Idea Co, Onerahi

Are You...

• a small to medium sized business?

• just getting started or looking to refresh an ageing brand?

• aware of the power of perception and the importance of the right ‘look & feel’ for your intended market?

Do You Want…

• to create recognition and loyalty from your customers?

• to ‘stand out from the crowd’ – an oldie but a goodie?

• your staff and customers to be proud of their association with your product/service?

And You Are Looking For… • professional quality and service at a realistic price?

• someone you can trust and get along with?

• graphic designers who live and work in the real world, who speaks your language and understands your needs?

Well Look No Further...

We believe that partnering with a good graphic designer gives you the ability to present your business in the best way you can.

Our clients put their heart and soul into building their businesses and occupational ventures and they acknowledge that good design is simply a good investment.

If you can hand a brochure to your customers that you’re proud of or you forward them to your website that’s up to date and seamlessly aligned with your brand, it will be evident that you care about your business...

This means your customers will trust you. If they trust you, they will want to work with you.

Brand Identity Our core service is brand identity design for small to medium sized business; everything you’ll need, starting with logo design through to stationery, marketing collateral, packaging, signage, uniforms and website design – whatever you need for your new business or to enliven an existing brand.

Advertising

Total Idea Co 15 Harbour View Road, Onerahi T: 09 438 1681 E: team@totalidea.co.nz W: www.totalidea.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, closed weekends Business Benefits for Chamber Members • 27 years graphic design skills • 6 years retail management • 15 minute FREE consultation • Site visits available by appointment

Smart, effective, creative newspaper and magazine print ads grab attention and create interest for a product or service.

Advertising that works is the spark that ignites the reader to action and generates results that count for you the retailers, wholesalers, small-to-medium-size businesses and professionals from all walks of life.

So if you want your business to look the business, then contact us today.

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We Make’em, We Build’em, We Back’em!

Totalspan Whangarei

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otalspan is a name that conjures up images of farm sheds, utility buildings, multi-bay implement sheds and commercial largespan structures. Local man Alex Misiewicz recently contracted Totalspan to build his Tutukaka home — and the results exceeded his expectations.

‘The Totalspan team were very easy to deal with and everything was up front and visible. Although there were variations to the build as we progressed, these were handled fairly and in a timely fashion. I had previously decided to manage part of the site build myself and they were able to accommodate this in the overall construction with no issues.

The quality of the build is very good and I’m extremely happy with the finished product. From the Tri Board interior you wouldn’t know any difference from a conventional build, and the Coloursteel cladding is low maintenance, which definitely suits my lifestyle. As the site is right on top of a coastal hill it felt comforting to be inside my steel fortress during the wild windy storms of winter and the insulation/ wood burner combination has kept the place comfy.’

From utility to comfort, the team at Totalspan have you covered — unique, cosy, smart and affordable living solutions from an iconic Kiwi company.

PHOTOS/JOHN STONE

BELOW: Happy Customer Alex Misiewicz

Totalspan 780 State Highway 1, RD8, Whangarei T: 09 432 2054 E: whangarei@totalspan.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Saturday Business Benefits for Chamber Members Talk to us for a great deal!

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It’s what you don’t see that makes the difference . . .

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ui Technology is a leading electrical engineering and automation solution supplier to industry in New Zealand and Australia including sawmilling, printing and packaging, and food industries.

Tui Technology is based in Whangarei with a branch office in Rotorua. We have customers across the world.

Our special skills is helping people get the best out of machinery. We have a particular focus on finding the right technology for the job.

At Tui Technology we pride ourselves on a high level of expertise and excellent customer service. We have the experience that your business requires.

With a large number of installed solutions at sites across Australasia, we have machine control solutions off the shelf, or customised. Local projects we have completed includes Northland Debarker at NorthPort and CHH Mill on the hill at Port Whangarei.

Tui Technology 344 Lower Port Road Whangarei PO Box 11095 Whangarei 0148 T: 09 438 4754 E: sales@tuitechnology.co.nz W: www.tuitechnology.co.nz

Design and Problem Solving Our exceptional machine problem solving experience gives us the ability to tackle difficult design issues.

We help our OEMs and end-users develop solutions for machines that work to world-class standards.

New Product Design We solve your problems with the latest technology from our deep toolbox which includes motion control, custom measurement and scanning systems, PLC systems, microcontrollers, PC software, Data acquisition and Labview.

Career Opportunities Tui Technology is regularly recruiting for engineers in our Whangarei and Rotorua offices.

Must view Check out the Greenfield Sawmill Project, on the front page of our website. This is a log going through the sawmill with a camera in the front, stunning!

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Toll Stadium Whangarei: Where it all comes together!

Venues & Events Whangarei

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ettle back in the luxurious privacy of your own corporate suite and enjoy premium views of international sporting tournaments, music festivals, fireworks extravaganzas and more — all while being served chilled champagne and freshly-made canape´s. This may sound like an exclusive Auckland events venue — but all of this is available right here in Whangarei, thanks to local multipurpose events facility: Toll Stadium.

Corporate suites are a unique point of difference for Toll Stadium. The corporate suite space can be used to impress clients, thank corporate sponsors, or motivate your key team members. The combination of the exciting atmosphere associated with large events and the intimacy and exclusivity of this setting creates is an ideal relationshipbuilding environment: the options are endless; and the range of services are sure to impress.

When looking at other spaces on offer in this modern facility, it is clear that the spacious function rooms are designed with flexibility in mind — from wedding receptions to training and educational seminars; expos through to stakeholder meetings, there is a function room to meet every need.

Toll Stadium and Forum North (two of Whangarei’s largest venues) are managed by Venues and Events Whangarei, who are a team dedicated to ensuring Whangarei stays on the map as a top location for corporate functions and world-class events. Venues and Events Manager, John Lynch and his talented team are also responsible for bringing high profile national and international sporting events to Whangarei, as well as creating iconic local events such as the Whangarei Fritter Festival. All of this with the vision of not only making the most of Toll Stadium as a premier venue but also delivering the economic benefits to the district that are associated with these events.

An interesting fact for many is that although rugby events are an important and unique part of the activity at Toll Stadium, they only make up around 3% of the core business: with musical events, seminars, corporate functions, expos and seasonal festivals such as the Whangarei Fritter Festival and Whangarei Christmas Festival filling the modern centre year-round.

The venue lends itself particularly well to wedding celebrations. With the airy spaces and a character ceiling in the level 3 lounge the venue has been a popular location for weddings since it opened in 2010. Highlighting versatility, this large facility also has the ability to accommodate groups of up to 350 comfortably; and all associated services are available onsite.

Toll Stadium has an exclusive onsite contract with award winning local business Absolute Caterers. This outstanding caterer has become well-known throughout Northland for their culinary flair and dedication to delivery of quality service. The strong relationship with Northland’s premier event catering specialist is a key competitive edge for Toll Stadium.

To ensure quality service, Venues and Events Whangarei offer professional assistance to Toll Stadium clients with dedicated event coordinators on hand to ensure events run smoothly.

Toll Stadium will host the first of the Four Nations international rugby league fixtures with Kiwis v Toa Samoa on kicking off on 1 November. There are a number of great hosting options available for local businesses. Why not give the corporate suite environment a trial run? Take the opportunity to secure a unique local hosting opportunity!

Make sure you book today as spaces are limited. Contact events@wdc.govt.nz for further information.

The team at Toll Stadium look forward to hosting you soon!

Toll Stadium 51 Okara Drive, Whangarei T: 09 430 4833 E: events@wdc.govt.nz W: www.venuesandeventswhangarei.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Sunday Free parking onsite

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Accredited Services & Products Promotions

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e have been successfully growing small businesses since 2001.

We do this by providing you with cost effective work and enquiries.

My company TradeSkills, based in Maungakaramea, has over 20,000 customers and has provided cost effect leads and work for Auckland tradesmen since 2001. We have now expanded ASaPP services to cover the whole of New Zealand.

We are unique!

Because we come from a business background rather than a marketing background our focus is quite different. For us it is all about return on your investment, not the number of visits to your website or even enquirers. I run my own tradesmen’s business and, like all others, ended up marketing online.

Here is a report from one of my own websites.

Is your website performing this well?

1 March 2014 — 1 October 2014 for tradesmenauckland.co.nz Gerald Mannion

Consider your hit rate per enquiry at say 50% and what your margins are. Would this be a good return on investment if your new client made repeat purchases from you? What would give you a good return? — call me and find out!

What we have learned over 12 years of internet marketing - Return on advertising investment is the only measure - our return on investment is typically between 100% and 1,000% - Flexibility is crucial - No business is the same - All customers are similar but different and must be targeted according to their needs All businesses have different requirements and need to attract different clients.

ASaPP recognise this and provides a wide range of flexible web marketing options which will suit your business.

Let’s look at a few reasons why - Flexibility in business is vital. Circumstances such as work volume etc are always changing.

- Whangarei business is very much a mixture of word of mouth and repeat business. Once they hear about you, potential clients need to find your service online cost effectively to check you out.

- Only a few websites get to Page One — it can be expensive and unnecessary .

- The more options you have the better it is for you.

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

- The ability to delegate is vital for a small business. You need to be able to delegate to someone on a results type basis.

Services we provide We are three business rolled into one. This allows us to focus on all aspects of web marketing for all sizes of businesses.

Each business is exceptionally good at what it does and is focused on return on your investment.

ASaPP — Provides cost effective internet marketing online options for non trades services and products. It is operated locally by owner operator Gerald. For more information visit our website — www.asapp.co.nz.

Tradeskills — Provides leads and systems for tradesmen and trades products. Tradeskills Northern also covers Northland.

For more information go to www.growabusiness.co.nz.

Web Genius — Web Genius is one of New Zealand’s most successful internet marketing companies. We provide all aspects of internet marketing from email marketing to facebook and websites — www.webmarketingnorthland.co.nz.

ASaPP Internet Marketing T: 09 432 3718 W: www.asapp.co.nz E: info@asapp.co.nz For a free no obligation appraisal of your internet marketing needs. Please do not hesitate to call me on 432 3718

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Whangarei Agricultural & Pastoral Society Team Barge Showgrounds Events Centre Other features include : • Hassle free onsite parking • A fabulous large undercover/wrap around verandah, opening onto manicured lawns — ideal for morning tea breaks, outdoor activities or team building and BBQ functions • Our own onsite Caretaker to assist with room set up and tidy up • No charge for assisting with arranging catering or other external hire-in services • Tables, chairs and available AV equipment included in the room hire.

Additional equipment: • Outdoor furniture • Wireless Internet Access • Data Projector and screen • P A Sound System (including microphone, lapel and remote) • Linen packages available for hire • Tea and coffee making facilities • Crockery, cutlery and glassware can be provided.

We are open for bookings on the weekends and for after hours functions by arrangement.

PHOTO/JOHN STONE

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he Whangarei Agricultural & Pastoral Society owns and operates Barge Showgrounds Events Centre which is a modern purpose built function centre just a few minutes away from the heart of Whangarei. The Event Centre is an ideal location nestled in a tranquil and relaxed setting away from distractions and offers a unique environment to facilitate training sessions, business meetings or corporate gatherings.

Barge Showgrounds Events Centre offers a fantastic atmosphere to ensure you get the best out of your day or evening. The Events Centre rooms are flexible allowing you to set up from board room to theatre style, classroom or a more formal arrangement for dining.

Fully air-conditioned, Barge Showgrounds Events Centre is the only venue in town that allows you to select your own caterer and bring your own refreshments and beverages so you can focus on gaining the best results for the day. We can provide details of local caterers or assist with arrangements if required.

We can provide a full range of services and function equipment to ensure the smooth running of any event.

We look forward to assisting your business with our designated corporate rate.

Whangarei A&P Society Mansfield House 127 Bank Street Whangarei

Barge Showgrounds Events Centre Maunu Road Whangarei

Telephone 09 438 3109 Fax 09 430 0706 Email info@wap.org.nz

For all bookings call our main office. Enquiries welcome via website, bargeshowgrounds.co.nz

Office opening times Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.00pm

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Northland’s marine engine specialists

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hangarei Marine Services (trading as Ray Roberts Marine) offers a comprehensive marine engineering service, including sales, installation, general maintenance and repair work.

We stock an extensive range of mechanical components and maintenance supplies for yachts and power boats, both pleasure craft and commercial. We are proud to be the local agents for Volvo Penta and Yanmar.

Our mobile mechanics are available to install and fully support everything we sell, or the gear you already have, with experience in a wide range of inboards and all things marine mechanical.

Workbridge Inc

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orkbridge is a professional employment agency for people with disability, injury or illness where the impact is likely to last more than six months.

We also work with the deaf community.

There is no charge for using Workbridge’s services for the job seeker or the employer.

What can we do?

We work with you to: • Identify your current job skills, experience, training needs and career goals • Develop your employment skills - interviews, writing a CV, work experience • Determine what workplace support you may require • Match you to the right job.

Once you are in a job, we will keep in contact with you to make sure that everything is going well.

Workbridge Inc 4 Vinery Lane, Whangarei T: 09 430 2120 Freephone 0508 858 858

Whangarei Marine Services 52 Riverside Drive T: 09 438 3296 E: admin@rayrobertsmarine.co.nz

Northland Area Manager Sharon Hirst sharonh@workbridge.co.nz www.workbridge.co.nz

Whangarei Treatment Providers Leaders of Integrative Healthcare

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ur mission is to promote health and well-being through diagnosis and treatment using the principles of integrative and co-operative medical practice.

Whangarei Treatment Providers is a single destination for all your health needs.

Our team of expert practitioners in osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, massage therapy, homoeopathy, and herbal medicine work together using integrative medicine. This means you get fast and effective results in your health recovery.

Osteopathy and Acupuncture are ACC-accredited services that can help with injuries and pain relief.

Whangarei Treatment Providers 2/11 Norfolk Street, Whangarei T: 438 3144 F: 09 438 8019 E: info@wtp.co.nz W: www.wtp.co.nz

The practitioners associated with this clinic are all members of their professional organisations and will adhere to their respective Code of Ethics.

• Originally founded in 1984 as Whangarei Osteopathic Clinic Ltd • In recent times, the company has experienced exceptional growth • Since 2003, it is operating as Whangarei Treatment Providers Ltd • The practice now provides an even wider range of services.

Opening Times Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm Thursday 8am-7.30pm Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm

Waipu Clinic 5 The Centre, Waipu Tuesdays, Wednesday & Fridays Dargaville Clinic 42 Normanby Street, Dargaville Mondays & Thursdays

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Calling the Professionals Wynn Fraser Paints

PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

Wynn Fraser owners Mike & Kathie Verkuylen

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f someone told you they were the proud owners of the latest spectrophometer, you may find yourself involuntarily thinking back to the 1980’s cult classic ‘Ghostbusters’ . . . but far from capturing escaped plasmabodies, the spectrophometers in Wynn Fraser Paints are put to much more prosaic — but no less important — use, providing an invaluable exact colour-matching service to their customers. The ‘spectro’s’ are just one example of the sophisticated equipment the Wynn Fraser team use to assist with specifications and quality.

Wynn Fraser Paints have been a household name in Whangarei for over 65 years, with current owners Kathie and Mike Verkuylen having assumed ownership of the longstanding business in 1997. Originally established by local entrepreneur Wynn Fraser in 1948, the eponymous Wynn Fraser Paints 8 Okara Drive, Whangarei T: 09 438 1624 E: info@wynnfraser.co.nz W: www.wynnfraser.co.nz Opening Times Monday-Friday: 7am-5.10pm Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm Closed Sundays and public holidays

store has gone from strength to strength, increasing the range of services and products available and the overall level of operations. Expanding from a simple paint shop, Wynn Fraser Paints is now a full-service centre supplying products, advice and service to the automotive, marine, industrial, wood-care and decorating industries, as well as the DIY and retail sector.

The focus however, has not changed: the overriding objective is still to help make their customers be more successful.

With this in mind, Wynn Fraser Paints has taken the path of employing highly skilled sales and service staff with a variety of trade backgrounds. From auto refinishing to panel beating, from boat painting to industrial coatings, from paint and paper hanging to colour consulting, the team at Wynn Frasers have the experience you need to get the job done.

Two of the friendly team members at Wynn Fraser have gone above and beyond by becoming NACE qualified, (which, for those of us outside of the industry, stands for National Association of Corrosion Engineers) giving them inside knowledge of best practice corrosion control and prevention techniques.

Having won their categories in the 2001, 2005 & 2011 Business Excellence Awards (each year they entered) and also the Supreme Award in 2011, Wynn Fraser has set the bar for dedication to excellence — and as only the second company in New Zealand to pass Telarc’s CustomerFirst audit, the team are justifiably proud of their achievements.

In a world where nothing seems to be free anymore, it’s nice to know that for one local store, the advice they give is just as important as the products they sell: and that advice will always be a free part of Wynn Fraser Paint’s value offer.

Here’s a special Chamber deal!

When you visit Wynn Fraser Paints tell them you’re a Chamber of Commerce member and get a great deal on your House paints, and your Boat, Industrial, Automotive and Woodcare paints plus all the brushes, sandpaper etc to complete your project. Best of all though, is the quality advice…..and know you’re supporting a Northland owned & operated business.

All of your team are welcome to this deal… let them know.

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PHOTO/TANIA NEWMAN

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First Class Team — First Class Job

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obinson Asphalts not only promise a First Class is invaluable” says Annie, “but the networking is only one of job, they pride themselves on their First Class the many advantages of Chamber membership”.

Team. Many of the 35 staff on the Robinson team “We also love to be involved in the wider community — have been with the company for a good number of recently some of our boys entered (and won) the business years and some even since before Alan and Annie Johnston category of the inaugural Ngunguru Raft Race as part of the bought the business in 1992 from Annie’s parents, Peter and Tutukaka Winter Festival”. The Robinson team also help every year with marshalling the Kids Triathlon — helping Joan Robinson, who originally started the business in 1972. out with the kids and the gear on the day.

This proud local business has been delivering First Class Robinson Asphalts has previously entered and won jobs throughout Northland, and even as far away as Pitcairn awards in the Westpac Northland Business Awards — both Island for 42 years now. in 1999 (Enterprise Award) and again in 2009 (Excellence Robinson Asphalts specialise in providing first class civil in Building /Construction Award). This contracting services — they’re not just year at the NZ Contractors Federation about Asphalt by any means. They offer a We have an Northland Construction Awards, the team very broad range of contracting services outstanding team of scooped 3 coveted awards. Winning the including complex siteworks, excavation, people that we’re very $750k -$1 million and the $0-$200k drainage and demolition right through to proud of — quality and Project categories, while employee Bradley carparks, retaining walls, fencing, paving, values are hugely Day won the “Trainee of the Year“category. concrete work, driveways, tennis courts, important to us, and Brad has been with Robinson Asphalts landscaping and much more. In fact our staff know that since leaving school and is studying at Robinsons do as much concrete as they Northtec towards his NZ Diploma in do Asphalt.

Engineering (Civil) while working full-time at Robinsons.

In addition to being so versatile, what sets Robinson He is a great example of the First Class attitude and work Asphalts apart in their field is their experience, quality and ethic embedded in the dedicated and hardworking reliability. They have an impressive track record — having Robinson Asphalts team. been involved in so many successful projects in Northland Also at the NZCF Awards night, Alan and Annie over the years.

Johnston were both made life-members of NZCF Northland At Robinsons their mission is to produce top quality, for their contribution to the branch, Federation and the sustainable product and service which will perform to industry spanning more than 20 years. expectation for a long time. “We have an outstanding team The team at Robinson Asphalts are proud of their of people that we’re very proud of” says Alan — quality and reputation and are very focused on continuing to deliver values are hugely important to us and our staff know that”.

First Class results.

“We’re a local Company employing local people — we believe in building strong relationships and sharing in the For a First Class job every time — success of every project”. www.robinsonasphalts.co.nz “We don’t just do large commercial jobs — we offer the

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full range of residential contracting from small pathways and patios to major Siteworks, driveways, retaining walls, timber work and tennis courts — we can take care of it all from start to finish” says Alan. “We aim to make the experience as hassle free as possible” As members of the Chamber of Commerce Northland, Alan and Annie know the value of engaging with the local community and other local businesses. “The opportunity to share knowledge and ideas within the Chamber community Robinson Asphalts 32 Winger Crescent, Kamo T: 09 435 0188 F: 09 435 0192 E: admin@robinsonasphalts.co.nz W: www.robinsonasphalts.co.nz

Business Benefits for Chamber Members • Free quotes • First class job • Free “Greenfingers” gift voucher* for any Chamber member who has a job completed by the Robinson Asphalts team

*Value of voucher will vary according to value of job. Minimum job value $500. Chamber Member to refer to this offer and state their membership details at time of quote acceptance. Voucher issued when job paid in full.

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Supporting the Northland community.

ASB believes in supporting organisations that make Northland a safer place, like our partnership with St John to build safe, caring communities. We also support Sport Northland which is an ASB-sponsored, charitable trust working to create a more active Northland.

asb.co.nz

ASB Bank Limited PPU46608