STRONG
Strong business. Strong community. Strong region. SUMMER 2024
LOCAL STORIES
Find out more about this year's entrants, including our four young business leaders. p.20
For all enquiries, please contact:
Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology 322 Hardy Street, Nelson PO Box 1121, Nelson 7040 03 548 1363 | www.commerce.org.nz
Chamber Board:
President: Venus Guy
Vice President: Manoli Aerakis
Board Members: Peter Pattullo, Sharon McGuire, Louise Walsh, Alfredo Puche, Richard Butler, and Danielle Martel.
Publication Design: Tizza Design
From the CEO
One of the bonuses of working at the Chamber is that we get to see many great businesses in the region and to meet the tenacious, talented people behind them. So, first and foremost, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who entered the 35th annual Nelson Pine Industries Business Awards. Your commitment, passion, and hard work benefit the whole region and make us the place we are. Whether you are winners on the night or not, the very act of putting yourself forward demonstrates the courage and determination that makes Nelson Tasman so dynamic. The calibre of entries this year was truly exceptional, showcasing the depth of talent and innovative thinking that exists right here in our region. It certainly generated a few hours of robust debate around the judging table.
What makes us strong?
Th is year has tested our adaptability like never before. From navigating economic uncertainties, strained geo-political situation and the growth of AI, our local businesses and exporters have shown remarkable resilience. We've witnessed examples of collaboration, creativity, and community support that have helped to sustain our local economy.
We remain committed to supporting our members, providing resources, training, networking opportunities, and advocacy that help businesses not just survive, but truly succeed. Our region continues to be a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and economic potential.
“The generosity of our community makes our region strong. Collectively we donate untold hours of volunteer time, in-kind resources from business, and financial donations to support the causes we believe in. Kiwis score highly in volunteering and donating to charity statisics on a world scale. We see this aroha for our region in action on a daily basis, contributing to supporting thriving communities for us all."
Our office will close on Friday 20th December and we will be back on Monday 6th January. Here's to a year of growth, collaboration, and success. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all.
Ali Boswijk CHIEF EXECUTIVE Chamber of Commerce
Top of the South Community Foundation
NETTIE STOW
Banking for life is a promise. A promise of exceptional service. A promise of integrity and trust and of community support and care. A promise to make it easier for you through flexibility, responsiveness and friendliness.
We’re dedicated to understanding our clients' needs and providing a superior level of service. We make banking easy for our clients –whether individuals, families, businesses or communityfocused organisations and work together to support their growth and success.
We believe in placing an emphasis on building longterm, personal relationships with our clients. Every client
is more than just a number to us; they’re part of our extended family.
Whether you prefer doing things online, chatting in person at one of our eight branches or speaking to one of our friendly and helpful team members over the phone, we’re here, ready to help you every step of the way.
And in a world where banks are closing their branches and focussing on 'digital-first', we remain committed to our branch network, because we believe in the power of local knowledge and personal service, making decisions quickly and always with our clients’ best interests in mind.
Today we stand out as a
stable and service-focussed alternative to the big banks. As the banking industry changes, our core values remain the same.
Ultimately, we’re more than just a banking services provider. We’re a trusted partner on life’s journey, dedicated to seeing communities, families, individuals and businesses thrive, no matter what stage of life they’re in. That’s banking for life.
Not an NBS client yet? We can help with that. Find out more about banking with NBS online or by calling 0800 101 700. NBS is not a registered bank.
Image: Father and daughter business banking clients, Wayne and Aydee Green of The Wholemeal Café in Tākaka.
“I'd like to focus on the opportunity the blue economy presents and how we can work together to realise the potential of the ocean.”
DR CATH MCLEOD
SCIENCE + INNOVATION:
The key to a strong economy
With one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world –the vast majority of it ocean –here at Cawthron we strongly believe that New Zealand can play a leading role in the ethical production of marine bioresources to transform our economy, support communities and enhance the marine environment.
I don’t think we have to choose between the environment and the economy, and the sustainable production of marine bioresources is a great pathway for our country to generate wealth, protect marine ecosystems and support regional economic development, but innovation is the key to unlocking this potential.
While there is cautious optimism about the economic forecast, there are still tough times to come and there has been widespread concern about New Zealand’s outlook. Admittedly, it has felt a bit doom and gloom, with much of the focus on the negative rather than how we can forge a new direction. I’d like to turn this around and focus on the opportunity the blue economy presents and how we can work together to realise the potential of the ocean.
The key is bringing people together and invest in innovation that informs how we sustainably grow, harvest and process a variety of marine organisms, and then turn those organisms into valuable nutrient-rich foods, medicines and materials.
We are so well placed here at the top of the south to play a part in driving this innovation. Te Tauihu is home to around 70 percent of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry, three research organisations who have bases here (Cawthron, NIWA and Plant & Food Research), iwi who are aspirational for their people and the taiao, and New Zealand’s blue economy cluster Moananui which is doing a great job at fostering the marine start-up ecosystem.
We’d like to see genuine partnership to foster innovation projects that are co-designed by industry, iwi and science organisations, and produce outcomes including viable commercial products.
Collaboration is key to ensuring science delivers value to society - this is particularly important when taxpayers are funding the science. We have seen the impact of genuine partnership in our
work leading the Shellfish Aquaculture Research Platform with industry partners at Cawthron Aquaculture Park in Nelson – a shared facility that is a national research and innovation hub.
We would love to see researchers from Crown Research Institutes and universities housed at the park, which would not only be great for science outcomes but also our local economy. But we do need the system to support the spirit of collaboration and not pit us in competition against one another for that model to be effective.
We await with keen interest to hear future government announcements regarding funding of New Zealand’s science system, but we’re not letting that review hold back our ambition. We are pressing forward with our vision for a prosperous blue economy underpinned by robust science, talking with ministers, industry and iwi, and we are happy to share our thoughts with anyone who is interested – just get in touch.
Dr Cath McLeod Chief Science Officer Cawthron Institute
Boosting productivity with streamlined technology
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are constantly seeking ways to boost productivity and maintain a competitive edge.
One of the most effective strategies to achieve this goal is by analysing internal processes and identifying streamlined technology solutions to address common business challenges. Internal process analysis is the systematic examination of an organisation's workflows, procedures, and operations to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
Steps to Conduct an Effective Process Analysis
1. Define objectives: Clearly outline the goals and objectives of the process analysis. “Scope is important!”
2. Map processes: Create detailed flowcharts or process maps to visualise each step of the workflow. This helps in identifying redundancies, delays, and areas where tasks can be automated or simplified.
3. Gather data: Collect quantitative and qualitative data on the current processes. This can include time logs, employee feedback, and performance metrics.
4. Analyse findings: Assess the data to pinpoint bottlenecks, redundancies, and areas with potential for improvement.
5. Develop solutions: Propose and evaluate potential solutions to address the identified issues, focusing on technology-driven innovations where applicable.
6. Implement changes: Roll out the approved solutions, ensuring proper training and support for employees to adapt to the new processes.
Benefits of Technology Solutions
Time: The greatest benefit of technology is its ability to free up our time, if we spend 100 hours creating a new technological solution that saves 10 employees half an hour a day, it pays for itself very quickly.
Automation of repetitive tasks: Implementing automation tools can free up employees from mundane and timeconsuming tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and reporting.
Improved communication and collaboration: Technology solutions such as team collaboration platforms, project management tools, and cloudbased document sharing enable seamless
“To err is human, to really foul things up requires a computer.”
PAUL EHRLICH
communication and collaboration regardless of their physical location.
Data-driven decision making: Advanced analytics and business intelligence tools provide real-time insights into key performance metrics, enabling organisations to make informed decisions quickly and accurately.
Enhanced customer experience: Customer relationship management systems and other customer-focused technologies streamline interactions, improve response times, and personalise the customer experience.
Mark Holland Service Delivery Manager BlueBerryIT
Case Study: A Real World Example
Consider a mid-sized land surveyor company that was struggling with inefficiencies in its project management process.
By conducting a thorough internal process analysis, the company identified that manual project management was causing delays and inaccuracies.
To address this, they implemented an automated project management system that integrated with their existing time management software.
The results were remarkable.
The new system reduced the time spent on project management, decreased errors, and improved overall efficiency and project delivery.
The company also gained better visibility into its resource allocation, enabling more accurate forecasting and decision-making.
Outdoor Advertising Solutions with GoMedia
Abigail Furlong
“We’re more than just advertising – we’re partners in helping businesses succeed & tell their story. Real people working with real businesses”
T A L K T O U S
(+64) 21 181 9283
abigail@gomedia.co.nz
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Go Media?
Absolutely! I'm the South Island Account Manager at Go Media, specializing in helping businesses tell their story Originally from Nelson & spending a large majority of my early career working here, I moved to Christchurch to join Go, and it’s been amazing seeing our impact across Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, and beyond When I’m not with clients, you’ll likely find me behind a camera for my photography business
What
sets Go Media apart in the outdoor advertising industry?
Not only multi award winning, we just won 2Degrees excellence in strategy & planning in November, along with the Media Beacon awards for the media sales team of the year 2024. Go Media is proudly Aotearoa-born with Māori ownership, deeply connected to local communities. Beyond our extensive bus backs, digital and static billboards, we’re socially responsible. Our *Good Impressions* program lets businesses make a positive impact while advertising, which is a unique offering and makes our clients feel good about partnering with us.
Why
did you choose to work with businesses in Nelson?
Being from Nelson, I’m passionate about this region Many overlook Nelson, but I see incredible potential for growth here The community is supportive and innovation-focused, making it an exciting place for Go Media to connect brands with local & national audiences
How does Go Media support the local community?
We’re active in supporting local causes and events, from sponsoring the Cider Festival, the Makos, Nelson Arts Festival, and The Spectacle running festival, to partnering with the Nelson Cancer Society Our *Good Impressions* program also allows businesses to support causes they care about like mental health, environmental sustainability, and food security at no extra cost
What’s one thing you’d like Nelson businesses to know about working with Go Media?
We’re more than just advertising – we’re partners in their success Whether it’s raising brand awareness or creating a community impact, Go Media delivers real results, and we’d love to help Nelson businesses make their mark
Abigail Furlong
Can employers enforce notice provisions against employees?
LEGAL EXPERTS PITT & MOORE ANSWER
Employer clients often express the view that employment law does not operate on a level playing field, and instead that field is heavily tilted in the employee’s favour.
A recent Employment Court decision, in which the court refused to enforce a notice provision against an employee who only gave one day’s notice of their resignation, may at first glance reinforce that perception.
Certainly, in that case the employer complained that if they had terminated that worker’s employment on one day’s notice, they would certainly be liable in damages, and they couldn’t see why the same thing should not apply to the employee.
However, as is often the case, the decision is more nuanced than simply saying that employees can flout
notice provisions, and instead acknowledges that employers can have enforceable rights.
The relevant provision in the employment contract required the employee to provide one month’s notice of resignation or make a payment of one month’s salary in lieu. When that worker only gave one day’s notice the employer demanded the one month’s salary from the employee.
As a matter of general contract law, courts will not enforce provisions which they consider unfair penalties, as opposed to a fair damages provision. A court will not enforce a provision which does not seek to compensate the innocent party but instead is intended to penalise the party in breach to the extent of forcing them to perform the contract. Courts will enforce what is referred to as a liquidated damage provision
so long as it is reasonable and makes commercial sense.
For example, construction contracts often have daily amounts as liquidated damages if a builder fails to complete a project on time, and real estate contracts can provide automatic forfeiture of a deposit if the sale does not go through.
These provisions are fine but sometimes a penalty provision can get to the point where it is “extravagant and unconscionable” and as a result the court will simply not enforce it. The innocent party can still claim their actual losses in the usual way, they just cannot rely on a predetermined fixed penalty provision.
The Employment Court considered the role of the general rule against penalties in the context of an employment contract and in
the end refused to enforce the notice provision requiring payment of one month’s salary, on the basis it was an unenforceable penalty.
However, the court did not make a blanket ruling to the effect that a claim cannot be made against an employee who walks out on their employer.
This situation will always be fact specific. In the situation considered by the court, although there was inconvenience and frustration suffered by the employer it was hard to point to any actual out of pocket loss. Therefore, the provision was not reasonable.
There may well be situations where the employee does cause loss by walking out.
For example, that employee may directly generate income which would be lost if they don’t give one month’s notice. In that case the compensation clause will probably be reasonable and enforceable.
Accordingly, employees should be mindful of their notice obligations, in the same way as their employer needs to respect these contractual terms.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.
Marty Logan Partner Pitt & Moore
Becoming a dynamic
MASTER OF
BUSINESS
As recent Master of Applied Management graduate Alena (Lynn) Weiss shares, “Achieving sustainability in economy, ecology, and equity is crucial for creating healthy and resilient communities and workplaces.”
Lynn, a self-professed ‘people person’ from Germany, chose NMIT to pursue her dream of fostering sustainability and impactful leadership.
“The master’s programme has helped me to find and shape my individual management approach and develop the skills that will help me achieve my goals,” she reflects.
NMIT offers a wide range of programmes across industries like trades, technology, health, and the arts while supporting regional growth through studies in aquaculture and marine conservation, adventure tourism, and aviation engineering.
“Achieving sustainability in economy, ecology, and equity is crucial for creating healthy and resilient communities.”
}Are you passionate about people and purpose-driven leadership? NMIT's Master of Applied Management is designed to develop leaders who inspire positive change.
So, there’s plenty of opportunity for you or your whānau to explore your interests.
With scholarships available, NMIT also makes quality education accessible, helping ease financial pressure so you can focus on your studies and future.
NMIT offers hands-on learning, expert tutors, and flexible study options designed to support you at every stage of your journey. You’ll gain practical skills, build industry connections, and benefit from a supportive learning environment tailored to help you reach your full potential.
With 2025 applications now open, believe in yourself! Choose NMIT and take that first step toward becoming a leader ready to make a difference. Begin your study journey at NMIT this February. Believe it, become it.
LYNN WEISS
$10 MILLION APRON RECONSTRUCTION
underway for Nelson Airport
Afull reconstruction of the airport’s apron will take place over the next eight months to ensure a safe, high-quality environment for airport operators and passengers now and in the future.
The $10 million project will see the apron rebuilt in six stages, including replacement of an old concrete stormwater drain. The apron is the area of the airport where aircraft park, are loaded, unloaded and refuelled, and where passengers board and disembark.
A full reconstruction has been planned for several years, and is essential to safeguard current and future airport operations. The existing apron is nearing the end of its life. It’s had a good run but we are at the point where continuing to extend its use through patch repairs is no longer practical or safe. The need to reconstruct the entire area provides an opportunity
to implement design improvements to improve safety and efficiency for airlines, as well as convenience for passengers. We’ve redesigned the stand arrangement (where aircraft park) for closer, more streamlined access from the terminal. That’s a win for passengers, who can expect a more convenient and consistent experience boarding, regardless of which airline they choose to fly with.
The project also provides the ability to expand the number of stands in future when extra capacity is needed.
To enable the works, we have to close a 1.4-kilometre section of the Airport Perimeter Walkway, and the walkway carpark between November 2024 and July 2025. This is to allow construction vehicles to access the work site and transport materials. You can still access the walkway from McLaren Drive or Bolt Road as a return walk.
Please be aware there are likely to be some changes to carparking and pedestrian access to the terminal, as well as to your boarding and disembarking experience during this project. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while we carry out this essential upgrade.
“It's had a good run but we are at the point where continuing to extend its use is no longer practical or safe.”
The essential ingredient in
Marketing Success
If you want your marketing message to succeed, you should ask your marketing department four questions:
1. Does it contain a promise?
2. Is this promise based on what our customers really want?
3. Is our promise easy to remember?
4. Is the entire organisation committed to delivering on this promise?
Advertising that contains a promise in the headline is the most effective in getting results over time. This is based on research from more than 2,000 advertising campaigns conducted by World Advertising Research (a recent article in the HBR magazine Jan/Feb 2024). When you make a promise to a customer and then fulfil it, you earn trust, and that is hugely valuable.
Where do you start? Focus on the problem you solve, who
you solve the problem for, and what you provide to overcome the problem.
Once you have defined a problem, a person, and a way, you need a big promise that describes the perfect outcome of using your services. How will your product make my life better? How will I feel once I have used it—fit, healthy, free, confident, connected, or satisfied?
We recently created a new brand with a big promise for SideCar Mayonnaise – ‘The Ultimate Taste-Bud Buddy.’ It promises to be the best way to make boring food tasty. It also reflects the brand’s personality. Check it out at sidecarmayo.nz.
Here’s some more well-known headlines that contain great promises:
• KFC: "It’s finger lickin’ good."
• M&Ms: “The milk
chocolate that melts in your mouth, not in your hand.”
• De Beers: “Diamonds are forever.”
So should your promise be clever or clear? If you confuse, you lose. If you can’t do both, focus on clear. But really, you should aim for clear and clever. The problem with only being clear is that the promise can be forgettable. If your headline is clear and clever, it is easy to understand and memorable.
Making a big promise is good for your customers and great for your team. It motivates you to keep your standards high and focus on giving customers the very best experience, to fulfil your promise.
Tony Downing Owner & Director Downing Creative
SideCar's core message makes a big promise to be "The Ultimate Taste-bud Buddy." It's an interesting way to say that mayo is the best way to make boring food appealing. This carefully crafted photograph backs up the promise and makes an emotional connection by showing a child eating broccoli dipped in SideCar Mayo.
ENTRANTS
Brain boosts, fighting for the underdog, carbonated cleaning and feeding the hungry… This year’s 23 business award entrants come from all sectors and backgrounds but share a common desire to always do what’s best for their clients and for their organisations. They share their stories here.
Absolute Energy is a trusted installer and supplier of insulation products and a recognised leader in the New Zealand insulation industry.
Established in Nelson in 2000 by Paul Brockie, the family-owned business is built on a foundation of strong relationships with its staff, manufacturers, and customers. Absolute Energy has grown to become the largest insulation installer across the top of the South Island.
We supply and install insulation for existing homes, new builds, and commercial buildings and also offer specialised services for rental property insulation, insulation removal, and expert guidance.
We’re proud to have insulated over 25,000 homes throughout the South Island, impacting the lives of more than 75,000 people.
As Paul says, “While insulation is what we do best, we like to think we’re in the business of changing lives.”
Every day, we strive to create warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient environments, but we believe the real benefits of our work are experienced well after the job is done. Families spending more time together in cosy living areas. Customers feeling at home in your store or office space. Lower power bills, and fewer colds and doctor visits.
We care about the impact our work has – from the personal and professional service we provide every customer to the long-lasting and life-changing benefits that quality insulation brings.
That’s the Absolute Energy way.
LARGE BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT
Asphalt & Construction
A sphalt and Construction is a family-owned local company working across the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough districts.
We are locally owned and operated and think this region is a fantastic place to be.
We want to contribute to its growth.
Since its inception the company has always worked on building long term relationships with clients whether they are local governments, other contractors or the general public.
Collaboration has always been important for us along with delivering projects that are value for money, so that the final result is a source of satisfaction that everyone
involved in will feel for years to come.
Nelson is a small town – word of mouth is as important as any paid advertisement.
If you choose Asphalt and Construction to assist in your next project you can expect to have a professional, engaged team onsite to help deliver it.
Check out our website or call us to see how we can work with you.
“This region is a fantastic place to be. Nelson is a small town and word of mouth is as important as any paid advertisment.”
Chem-Dry Nelson
For over 35 years, Chem-Dry Nelson and Marlborough has been a trusted name in carpet and upholstery cleaning across the region.
Since Roger and Kylie Stuart took over the business in August 2020, they’ve continued to build on this strong foundation, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with passion and dedication.
With a background in running service-based businesses, they understand that clean carpets
and upholstery are not just about aesthetics—they’re also about health. Carpets can trap bacteria, dust, and even viruses, so a professional clean is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Chem-Dry’s unique carbonation cleaning process is both eco-friendly and highly effective, removing dirt and allergens without the need for harsh chemicals. The result is a deep clean that dries faster—usually within hours—leaving spaces looking and feeling fresh.
In addition to their expert cleaning services, Chem-Dry Nelson and Marlborough has become the numberone provider of flood restoration in the region. Despite having owned the business for just 4.5 years, Roger and Kylie have already dried over 2,000 homes and
businesses. Their team is fully qualified, equipped, and ready to handle water damage restoration, ensuring properties are quickly and safely restored.
For Roger and Kylie, customer satisfaction is always the top priority. Their goal is simple: to make homes and businesses healthier, fresher, and more inviting. As they continue to grow, Chem-Dry Nelson and Marlborough remains dedicated to delivering outstanding service to the Nelson and Marlborough communities.
Chia Sisters
Thank you, Nelson.
Chia Sisters began right here in Nelson with a mission to create a truly nutritious drink. It started when eldest sister Chloe sought to fuel younger sister Florence, a New Zealand triathlete, and their dad Ben, a champion age-group swimmer and a regular at the summer swim series in the harbour.
Drawing from her studies in neuroscience and herbal medicine, Chloe combined her passion for plant nutrition and bio-actives to craft the first Chia Sisters drink. This original
blend of hydrated chia seeds and local blackcurrants was packed with omega-3, magnesium, calcium, iron, electrolytes, antioxidants, and fibre—a powerhouse for gut health, cognitive function, and energy.
The beginning wasn't easy, but the Nelson community stepped up. Local stores like Fresh Choice Nelson, Red Art Gallery, and Bodywise were among the first to support Chia Sisters. Ben’s garage transformed into the company's headquarters, from which Chloe began shipping across New Zealand.
Within six months, Chloe left her day job, and soon after, Florence joined the team. They moved out of the garage and into a production facility, determined to build a business rooted in sustainability. Chia Sisters became Nelson’s first certified Living Wage employer, they covered their Pascoe Street factory in solar panels, and
achieved Climate Positive and B Corp certifications. They cofounded Businesses for Climate Action to support other local businesses to make an impact.
Today, Chia Sisters continues to innovate tonics, plant-protein smoothies and pressed juices. This month, they launch their latest innovation, a sparkling drinks range in three varieties: ginger, turmeric and kawakawa for immunity, boysenberry, South Island cherry and ashwagandha for mental clarity, and a lemon with golden kiwifruit prebiotic for gut health.
Now an international brand known for its science-backed plant nutrition, Chia Sisters is a success story in large part, thanks to Nelson’s unwavering support. Tēnā koutou Whakatū, and thank you, to our hometown.
Common Ground is a boutique Reformer Pilates studio owned by Jess and Kate, who both grew up in the region. Their Pilates studio offers small group and private classes to the Richmond/Tasman community.
Classes at Common Ground have an innovative twist on classical and modern Reformer bringing the best of both worlds together. They combine original Reformer Pilates principles with the latest exercise techniques to ensure clients get the most out of their movement.
START-UP BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT
Common Ground Studio
Classes focus on building and maintaining strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance. Common Ground offers different class types and with 39 group classes to choose from there is something for everyone. Clients are empowered to take layers and variations that suit them on the day.
The studio is more than just a place to exercise; it's a local community hub where individuals from all backgrounds come together to share in the joy of movement. A warm and inviting space with 10 Reformer Pilates machines and a qualified instructor, everyone is well taken care of.
“Feedback that we often get from our clients is that they love the way Common Ground makes them feel. It’s not just about how they enjoy
“We love what we do, and we hope you do too!"
their movement with us, but about the warmth of the studio and what we like to call the ‘vibe’. At Common Ground we meet people of all levels, on their best days, their worst days and somewhere in between. Those who choose to move with us join a community of like-minded people who are connected through their love of Reformer. A place of shared Common Ground.”
Common Ground’s mission is for people to find a sense of joy in the way they move their body. By providing quality reformer Pilates classes, they aim to enhance mental wellbeing and physical longevity leading to positive outcomes for individuals and the community.
START-UP BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT
GlobalWorkshop
Tracking the world’s most exotic vehicles, GlobalWorkshop is a software-as-a-service (SAAS) product for people who build, race, and restore cars, boats and warbirds.
It’s designed for boutique workshops and solves common problems that workshops have that are unique to the custom build and restoration industry.
It has easy to use mobile apps, along with central management dashboards enabling managers to oversee builds on the go. Technicians easily record time, track consumables, manage the life cycle of parts, and easily capture visual progress reports. A client app allows vehicle owners to see the progress of their build or restoration as reports are made from the workshop floor.
It started as the brainchild of Rowan Hick when he commissioned his own car.
Through the experience of wanting to make it easy for his builders, it has rapidly grown and is now used by industry-known Restomod, Restoration and Race prep companies in NZ, Australia, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and the United States, gaining high praise in the industry:
• “Superb System! Transformed the way we work and communicate both internally and with clients.”
• “When your customers can literally be half a world away, GlobalWorkshop is a real asset in being able to keep them up to date with our restoration of their aircraft.”
• “Global Workshop not only provides the missing link for customers to feel involved with the process, but also provides an incredibly powerful tool for workshop management.”
Not content to sit still,
GlobalWorkshop is constantly innovating. In beta is their constructor’s edition enabling accurate cost planning and tracking of entire vehicle builds. Their collector’s edition aimed at the most discerning private collectors and museums enabling recording of the day to day administration of large vehicle collections.
Rowan loves Nelson and says it makes a great place for a tech startup. He moved here three years ago to setup the world HQ for GlobalWorkshop with its distinct car culture, access to services and beautiful environment. He will often be found at car events, so look out for him and say hi!
Kernohan Engineering takes pride in its 50-year history of supporting Nelson’s business community. We have cultivated strong partnerships, focusing on the design, construction, and maintenance of essential machinery, equipment and infrastructure. At the core of our mission is a drive to solve problems that matter.
Kernohan Engineering offers a comprehensive range of engineering services, including:
• Customized design: Crafting
LARGE BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT
INNOVATIVE BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT
Kernohan Engineering
innovative solutions to meet your unique business needs.
• Precision machining: Our CNC milling and profile cutting services ensure precision for intricate components.
• Specialised welding: We are proficient in specialised pipe welding for a range of applications.
• Metal fabrication: We construct robust metal structures to your specifications.
• Engineering maintenance: Comprehensive maintenance services to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your critical equipment.
• Prototyping expertise: Transforming abstract concepts into tangible prototypes.
One of Kernohan Engineering’s unique strengths
lies in our ability to bridge scientific innovation with practical engineering solutions. This capability allows us to work seamlessly with innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs, transforming visionary ideas into practical outcomes.
Kernohan continues to play a pivotal part in the Engineering Trades Apprentice Programme, nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals.
Safety is paramount in our operations and ingrained in our culture. We take pride in our ISO 9001 certification, reflecting our commitment to delivering consistently highquality standards.
Kernohan Engineering embodies professionalism and pragmatism, grounded in our commitment to safety, quality and sustainability. We look forward to working with you and to making your ideas a reality.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT
Make/Shift Spaces
Make/Shift Spaces is part of a global movement to renovate our cities by re-invigorating and re-presenting city spaces.
It’s about the transformative effect of adding art and culture, encouraging more foot traffic and time spent in the city.
Since launching in 2019, Make/Shift has used more than 25 spaces around the city, presenting dozens of artworks and stories.
In 2021, Make/Shift Spaces made a massive impact with
“It's about improving the look and usability of our city through the celebration of art and culture."
ArtWalk. Working with Suter Art Gallery and numerous property owners, ArtWalk features 27 artworks on external walls. This was followed by ArtDoors, featuring contemporary artwork on doors, walls and windows. Both ArtWalk and ArtDoors work as ambient visual value-adds to regular passers-by, as well as a destination activity for those who commit to the route. ArtWalk and ArtDoors have a tangible impact on how we engage with our city spaces and are the subject of photos that take Nelson to the world.
In 2023, Make/Shift Spaces initiated “What If Whakatū Nelson…?” as an optimistic exploration into the future, with a series of talks by architects, designers and urban planners, alongside key leaders from Nelson’s arts and culture organisations. There was a call out for suggestions on what Whakatū could
look like, resulting in Spring Clean Whakatū Nelson. Once again, Make/Shift Spaces used its relationships with property owners and inner-city businesses.
The response was immediate and enthusiastic, and quite apart from the extraordinary amount of cleaning, planting and upgrading that was done over a ten-day period, there is now investigation into making this an annual campaign.
Make/Shift Spaces is a small not-for-profit that has strength in its nimbleness and ability to respond to opportunities, whether it’s a vacant shop window, the side of a building, or a group of inner-city workers planting artichokes in a streetside garden.
It’s about improving the look and usability of our city through the celebration of art and culture.
MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT
Celebrating A Decade Of Service Excellence
Master Valet, a name synonymous with drycleaning and laundry, was established in the 1940's and remains the only drycleaner in the Nelson and Tasman region Today, more than ever, Master Valet stands as a symbol of trust, reliability, and commitment to impeccable service
Since Darryl and Bev Hamilton took ownership in 2014, they have expanded Master Valet’s services, modernised its operations, and taken community engagement to heart
In 2023, Master Valet reached a new milestone by relocating to 14 Gloucester Street - the former Courier Post site “This new location provides us with more space and enhanced facilities, enabling us to serve our customers even better The team is also enjoying the fresh, spacious environment, which brings new energy to their work ”
Master Valet is also a proud member of the Apparelmaster group, a national network of individually owned and operated laundries offering workplace and laundry solutions across New Zealand.
Master Valet offers a range of services that go beyond traditional drycleaning “From expert garment care and stain removal to commercial laundry solutions for workplaces, hospitality, and the food industry, we strive to meet the varied needs of our clients”
Supporting the community and local charities is a cornerstone of Master Valet & Apparelmaster “We are immensely proud of our involvement with the Nelson and Tasman community, where we live and operate ”
Looking ahead, Master Valet is excited to introduce a new chapter in 2025 with the launch of its very own laundromat This exciting addition will expand service offerings, making laundry care more accessible and convenient for customers
As Darryl and Bev celebrate ten years of service excellence, they are filled with gratitude for their customers, staff, and the Nelson community “Here’s to many more years of making life cleaner, simpler, and more convenient for everyone we serve ”
Thank you, Nelson Tasman, for being part of our story, let’s keep making it even brighter together
- Darryl & Bev Hamilton
LProudly Family Owned and Operated since 1957
26 locations, this family business from Nelson has provided high-quality eyewear and eyecare since 1957 and continues to innovate and grow
Matthews Eyecare has been a leader in optics for over 65 years and is now recognised as New Zealand’s largest privately owned independent Optometry group Spanning three generations and Today, CEO Michael Cochrane and Phil and Lyn's four children lead the company, bringing fresh insights while honouring the legacy Their commitment to community and exceptional service and individualised eyewear solutions drives the business forward
Their three stores located in the Nelson CBD Matthews Eyecare, Kuske, and Matthews Sports Vision along with locations in Blenheim, Richmond, Motueka, and the newly established regular clinic in Takaka, make their passion for the region clear
Matthews Eyecare was established by Bill Matthews, and from 1985 onward, Phil and Lyn Matthews took the helm, leading and developing the business for over 40 years
Understanding that eyes are often the first feature that are noticed, Matthews Eyecare also recognises the importance of framing them beautifully They carefully select eyewear from authentic frame makers, prioritising artisans committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship while also embracing modern innovations and sustainable practices As a result, they offer a collection of frames and sunglasses as unique as the personalities of their wearers
In a world that often feels impersonal, Matthews Eyecare remains devoted to offering a genuine experience With a vision to protect and sustain independent Optometry, Matthews Eyecare is poised to continue serving Nelson and beyond for many more years to come
Nelson Bays Community Law (NBCL) stands as a pillar of support in the Nelson, Tasman, and Buller districts, significantly impacting the community with its free legal services by addressing the legal needs of individuals who may not otherwise have access to legal assistance due to financial hardship.
One of the primary benefits of NBCL is the empowerment of individuals facing legal challenges.
Access to free legal advice and representation is particularly
Nelson Bays Community Law
crucial for those dealing with issues in family law, employment disputes, and tenancy problems.
For instance, a single parent navigating a complex custody case or an employee facing unfair dismissal can find the necessary guidance and support through NBCL, which can ultimately lead to more favourable outcomes.
NBCL's impact extends beyond just legal assistance. Outreach is vital in ensuring that all community members, regardless of their location, have legal needs met. By traveling to rural areas and hosting clinics, NBCL brings legal support directly to those who might otherwise be isolated from such services.
With the Nelson
region being a re-settlement area for former refugees, and with a high proportion of ethnic migrants residents and RSE workers, we have trained our law workers to meet the needs of these marginalised communities who are more likely subjected to employment exploitation due to language barriers and being unfamiliar with our legal system.
We also have a Māori caucus in co-governance partnership with Community Law Centres Aotearoa, a testament to our commitment to the Te Tiriti o Waitangi to bring justice to the tangata whenua, who are disproportionately represented in the New Zealand legal system.
NBCL advocates for systemic change by identifying patterns and issues within the legal system, ensuring that laws and policies are fair and just, contributing to a more equitable society.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT
Nelson Environment Centre
The Kai Rescue programme, operated by Nelson Environment Centre, has been running since 2017. Kai Rescue receives food that is destined for landfill but still good to eat, and distributes it to the Nelson Tasman community. Kai Rescue Coordinator, Luisa Zuppardi-Smith tells us more about the programme and its impact on the community.
What is Kai Rescue?
I see Kai Rescue as an initiative sitting between two malfunctioning aspects of society: food waste and food insecurity (people unable to feed themselves). In many ways, we wish we weren’t needed but we bridge the gap between these two situations. We partner with 55 community organisations around the region who pass on the food to those who need it. We have had record months recently and, in August 2024, saved 24 tonnes of food from the landfill.
What is the community impact?
Our community groups feed approximately 3000 people every week. When someone is struggling to put food on the table, it is hard for them to focus on anything else. Using the rescued kai, community groups can offer wrap around services to help people most in need.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world."
We also have donors like supermarkets and growers who have all identified an issue of food waste and want to do their bit. Recently we celebrated
one million kilograms of food rescued since 2017.
Tell us about your volunteers. Our volunteers have dedicated over 15,000 hours since the programme began. Without their hard work, Kai Rescue would not function. We are grateful for their dedication, the time spent at Kai Rescue, and the fast-paced nature of the role. Plus, they build connections with our community groups, and as a team there is a real comradery between our volunteers.
What inspires you most about the programme?
I see Kai Rescue as a nod to the quote “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has”. The volunteers, community groups and donors are all working towards a world where food waste and food insecurity are no more.
‘More than just a sport’ Nelson Netball
Nelson Netball is more than just a sport it's a vibrant community that has been a cornerstone of local life for over 90 years From its humble beginnings in 1933 as women’s outdoor basketball, the sport has evolved into a thriving netball hub, where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities come together to play, grow, and connect Today, Nelson Netball is one of the larger and more inclusive sporting organisations in the region, with around 2,500 members and a reputation for fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. One of the standout qualities of Nelson Netball is its commitment to inclusivity. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there’s a place for you
In recognition of the growing interest in the sport, there are now increased opportunities for males to get involved, whether through social leagues or competitive play.
For those seeking a lower-impact option, Walking Netball has become a popular choice, particularly among older adults, postpartum mothers, or anyone looking for a gentler form of exercise. This program makes netball accessible to a wider demographic, further enhancing its role in promoting health and wellbeing for all ages
At the heart of Nelson Netball is its community of volunteers From coaches and managers to umpires and first aiders, these dedicated individuals are the backbone of the organisation, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that players have the best possible experience
Volunteering at Nelson Netball is not just about contributing to the logistics of the game it’s about making a difference in people’s lives Many volunteers develop lifelong connections and friendships.
Netball is a sport that nurtures both physical and mental wellbeing. On the court, players develop strength, coordination, and fitness Off the court, they build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. For many, netball offers an opportunity for personal growth that extends far beyond the sport itself Whether through playing, mentoring, or supporting others, Nelson Netball provides a platform for everyone to develop and grow in a positive and supportive environment
The growth of Nelson Netball over the years is a testament to the passion, dedication, and commitment of players, coaches, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and funders The region’s netball community continues to thrive, with more people getting involved every year to grow the lifelong love of netball.
Nelson Tasman Hospice
Nelson Tasman Hospice has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly 40 years.
Founded by visionary Nelsonians, our hospice has provided specialist care to tens of thousands of patients and their families. The tireless efforts of fundraisers, donors and volunteers have been instrumental in our journey. Nelson Tasman Hospice is truly by the community, for the community.
Today, we support one in three individuals who die in the Nelson Tasman region.
psychologists, social workers, an occupational therapist and physiotherapist along with health care assistants, deliver these services not only at our specialist unit in Stoke but at patients' homes, at aged care facilities and in hospitals.
With only 52 per cent of our funding coming from government, we need to raise the remaining circa $4m annually to continue to provide our services.
Find out more about how we support local families at www. nelsonhospice.org.nz COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT
We offer holistic, wrap-around services to those with lifelimiting illnesses and their families, affirming life with the aim that patients who receive our care can live well, until they die.
Our team of over 45 specialist doctors, nurses, clinical
In May 2024, we launched Hands Up for Hospice (championed by NBS). Thousands throughout our community participated, including schools, aged care facilities, businesses, social and community groups as well as individuals.
This massive community engagement
and fundraiser brought in vital funds and brought the community together supporting our community to talk about death, dying and grief.
We know that by increasing our community's capacity to walk alongside others throughout life, grief, illness and end of life, we will be a much stronger community as a result.
Imagine a community where everyone has a warm, affordable and healthy home. A place to live comfortably, with peace of mind. A place to call one’s own and put down roots.
This is the vision inspiring the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust (NTHT) to deliver affordable rental homes for people on low to modest incomes. We know that decent housing underpins everything: health, wellbeing, access to education and employment, and community participation.
Over the past 20 years NTHT has developed 60 new
“Having a home is a basic necessity... and our region is one of the least affordable regions in the country for housing."
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT
Nelson Tasman Housing Trust
rental homes in Nelson and Richmond, providing housing for over 120 households. We currently have 18 more homes under construction and plan to reach a total of 120 homes in the next four years.
We take care to ensure our rental homes are warm, dry and energy-efficient. All our homes are new builds with double glazing, full insulation, good ventilation and most have solar hot water or solar panels to reduce power costs. We provide long-term tenancies, so tenants have stability and security. Many tenants have been in their homes for 10 years or more.
“We are very proud of the positive impact we are making on people’s lives and on the community’’ says Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena. “Having a home is a basic necessity, but in Nelson Tasman affordable rentals are hard to find and
people on modest incomes struggle to purchase a home. Our region is one of the least affordable regions in the country for housing. This dynamic also hurts businesses.’’
The feedback NTHT receives from tenants is that our homes make a huge difference in their lives. In recent research, virtually all reported an improved sense of well-being, and more than three-quarters reported better physical and mental health. Just under half said having a stable home had helped them access education and training, and a third said it had assisted them to secure work.NTHT is a charitable trust and funds its developments through a mix of government grants, rent subsidies and philanthropic donations, which help reduce the cost of bank finance.
by Stuff Ltd: Jahreece Morrell and her family are grateful to have a warm, comfortable and healthy home. They have been tenants of the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust for eight years.
Photo
Nelson Vets
Nelson Vets is more than just a clinic, it’s a place where pets are family.
Founded in 1992, Nelson Vets has grown into a centre of excellence, led by veterinarians Brendan and Jacqui Hickman who took the reins in 2015, and Adam Stanyer, who joined in 2018.
What began on Vanguard Street has expanded to include a custom-built, state-of-the-art clinic on Findlay Place in Stoke, providing a comprehensive range of veterinary services for the local community and beyond.
“Our vision is simple yet powerful,” says co-owner Jacqui Hickman. “We’re here to help clients give their pets the best life possible. From first checkups to final goodbyes, we aim to support local pet owners at every stage, providing expert care and a compassionate presence.”
“We wanted to be more than just another clinic. We empower pet owners."
The team at Nelson Vets brings together a unique blend of skills and experiences, making their clinic one of the most versatile in the region.
This diversity enables Nelson Vets to offer an extensive range of care, from complex orthopaedic repairs and soft tissue surgery to dentistry, endoscopy, keyhole surgery, and integrated treatments like acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
“We wanted to be more than just another clinic,” Jacqui adds. “By working closely with clients and offering these specialised services locally, we empower pet owners to make the best
choices for their pets right here in Nelson.”
With an independent ownership structure, Nelson Vets is committed to its local roots and to maintaining the quality of pet care in the Nelson area. Known for excellence, they receive referrals from clinics across the South Island. They’re also proud supporters of local organisations like the SPCA and Natureland Wildlife Trust, giving back to the community that has supported their growth and success.
“Our team is amazing,” Jacqui shares. “They’re not only skilled professionals but also passionate animal lovers who show up each day to make a difference. It’s not just a job—it’s our purpose.”
At Nelson Vets, you’ll find not only high-quality, advanced care but also a friendly team that works collaboratively with clients to create the best outcomes for their pets.
At Point of View Finishers, we specialise in kitchen, bathroom, office, and renovation lacquer work, alongside wood and timber stains, furniture restoration and glass splashbacks.
We want to bring a different approach and a high standard of spray painting finishings to the Nelson/Tasman region.
Owners, Sean and Jess started Point of View Finishers in November 2022 to bring more of this niche industry back to
START-UP BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT
Point of View Finishers
Nelson. Working closely with local joinery companies, builders, glaziers, architects and private clients, we are a qualified and skilled family team here to help with your ideas, providing options and recommendations to suit your project. Everyone has their own point of view when it comes to renovations and at the end of the day, it is the customer's vision we want to showcase.
All our products are spray painted in our workshop in Stoke. The services we provide include:
Coloured lacquering Timber staining
• Clear lacquering
• Colour matching
• Glass splash backs, balustrades & shower screens
• Furniture restoration
The types of
projects these cover range from lacquering of new and restored kitchens, sculleries, bench tops, bathroom vanities, laundries, wardrobes, drawers, tables, chairs, tv units, cane furniture, musical instruments, bath, bar backs, radiator covers, wall linings, boats, and lamp shades…to name a few.
We can also offer different paint colours, gloss levels, textures and metallics giving each client their own custom finish.
Our workshop team has grown from Sean to an additional three to four people in the workshop at any one time (including our son). Each staff member is a valued member of the team with their own unique set of skills.
We are the only PPG approved applicator in the top of the south, giving both our customers and our team, extra reassurance for the work you receive.
MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT
INNOVATIVE AWARD ENTRANT
SquareKicker
Great news for Nelson-Tasman business owners looking to boost their online presence!
SquareKicker, New Zealand's leading provider of design and animation tools for Squarespace, has just rolled out something special: a Template Store that's changing the game for small businesses wanting to create their own websites.
What started as a specialised tool for Squarespace – one of the world's most trusted website platforms – has grown into a suite of solutions now powering over 25,000 websites worldwide.
Yet despite their global reach, SquareKicker has stayed true to their local roots, focusing on making professional web design accessible to small businesses.
"We've chatted with countless business owners who've missed out on opportunities
because they couldn't get their website ready fast enough," says Nick Ippolito, who cofounded SquareKicker with his wife Hannah in 2020.
"Whether it's a local business coach needing a website for next week's workshop, or a building company wanting to show off their portfolio –waiting weeks for a custombuilt website doesn’t suit every business owner.”
The new Template Store features high quality templates designed by professional Squarespace designers from around the globe, using industry leading technology created by SquareKicker.
Each template is crafted specifically for its intended business type. Best of all, every template can be customised with your own colours, logos, and branding to create a unique professional presence.
"We're excited about helping small businesses achieve a professional looking website without the barriers of time, and technical ability," Hannah explains.
"We think every business owner should be able to have a website that they are proud to show to their customers."
As SquareKicker continues to expand its global footprint, it remains deeply rooted in its founding principles: innovation, team culture and empowering small businesses. With tools that simplify web design and create economic opportunities, SquareKicker is proving that world-class tech companies can flourish in Nelson-Tasman.
If you’re looking to give your business the online presence it deserves, explore the collection of professional Squarespace templates.
At the heart of Whenua Iti’s kaupapa is providing access to experiential learning programmes in the outdoors to inspire positive change.
Since its inception, Whenua Iti Outdoors (WIO) has become one of the largest providers of experiential outdoor education in Aotearoa. It is estimated that WIO has worked with more than 60,000 participants since it was established 37 years ago.
True to the passion and vision of Hazel Nash, who
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT
Whenua Iti Outdoors
founded the organisation in 1986, WIO continues to uplift and support students for whom the classroom environment doesn’t always work.
Key partnerships are with traditional education providers, local iwi, businesses and funders to help identify and address community need.
There is a creative, positive and supportive team culture across the team who are committed to their shared purpose. From employing around five staff in 2013, WIO now employs over 40 operational and administrative staff, delivering experiences to over 5,000 participants every year.
WIO is recognised nationally in the active recreation industry as a leader in providing equitable pathways for success, and as an
advocate for bi-cultural practice. As a pākeha organisation, WIO continues on a journey to honour Te Tiriti in uplifting and providing an equitable environment where all learners can succeed. An important measure of this success is that NCEA achievement rates for Māori and Pākeha are much higher than the national average, at 99% and 98% respectively.
Experiential learning, the philosophy that underpins WIO programmes, is designed to provide opportunities for leadership, self-discovery and self-reliance creating a proven platform for positive change in individuals.
With the increase in disconnection in our youth, the need for positive and holistic wellbeing benefits as provided by time in the outdoors, connecting to the natural world, is of critical importance, arguably now more than ever.
YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER ENTRANT
Lucy Byrne
Lucy is Director & Sustainability Advisor at Bluemoth, where she assesses small-tomedium sized businesses' environmental sustainability performance and implements actions to reduce emissions.
Being a team player
When I was at school during a sports day another student pulled out of the 800 metre race. I wasn't a runner but no one else would do it so I put my hand up. I came last place but by running our team house was still represented in the race. It's not always about winning, but being a team player.
Working with clients
I think it's really important to be able to engage with everyone from the workers in the field to the board members. I like to connect with all different types of people in all industries. That’s my take on leadership and how I've got to where I am. To be as approachable as possible.
I like to see it as they're the leaders in their field and I'm able support them improve the future of their business with a focus on reducing their impact on the environment.
I think people do want to do the right thing, it's just knowing what to do. That’s where I step in and help them.
Throughout my work, I think it’s very important to walk the talk. This isn’t just a business for me, this is my passion.
On community leadership
A couple friends and my partner David we initiated a back garden trapping group, Toi Toi Trappers. We did this to get people trapping pests in their back garden to bring back more bird life in central suburbs.
I really enjoy getting out there and just being part of the community. I also volunteer for the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum.
I just want to support people in everything that I do and have a lot of joy in doing so.
YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER ENTRANT
Dani Ferrier
Dani began her company
Lead Like a Legend in December 2020, where she offers management skills training for business owners and leaders to improve business results and team culture.
Leadership in business:
What I want to create is a movement of businesses that are really committing to leadership and growth pathways for their team members, and after about 1000 hours of coaching, I started to notice that what leaders really need to be doing is inspiring their teams to step up and to do that. They need to commit to living their best life, and that means having a work life balance. That means having a great mindset, and also being able to help inspire and see the potential in somebody and call that potential out, and nurture that potential. And that also helps them to create that kind of legacy business, where it's really purpose driven. They care about the people, the mission and nurturing people to help them achieve that.
Who her friends see now
I was always ready to make some noise, and I was wanting to create an impact since the beginning, but I wasn't doing that effectively. Now they see me, and they’re like, Oh, that makes sense. I was
always heading in this direction, but they are really excited for me that now I'm able to actually create a business out of that.
Personal leadership:
I would say the biggest way it shows up is in my relationship, just having a way more functional and in-depth relationship now with my partner, because I'm willing to have those hard conversations to sit in the uncomfortability that is taking responsibility, and also being able to support and nurture somebody else as well, and hold that space and not make it about me.
I wrote a poem the other day, and it was about how, leadership is hard, and it's a marathon, and you really have to dare to keep on showing up, because it's so wonderful and fulfilling what life can give you if you risk falling further, and going up more and more.
I just feel there's so much I want to be able to ignite in others.
YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER ENTRANT
Michael Parker
Michael's startup business Crux Accounting joined forces with MMCA in 2023, where he is now a director.
On leadership
I think being brave enough to go against the grain, because there are pretty well-established ways of doing things in the accounting industry and to be fair there's reasons why things are done that way. In some instances, we took it too far, and they're great learnings. And I actually look back on that and think that I am a better advisor to my clients, not because of my successes, but because of my failures.
Working with his team
I like to empower our people, to try new things. I think that failure is an important part of learning, so I don't want my team to be afraid of failure. Obviously, an industry like accounting, I need certain safeguards in place to protect the interests of clients and our firm. But within that framework, I encourage people to try a different way of doing things, to see how it goes, learn from that, and know that it’s not going to be held against them if it doesn’t go quite to plan.
Working with clients
The first and most important thing is just
coming back, to one of our core values, which is candor; being straight up with them. Being respectful, but also telling them sometimes what they don't want to hear, because it's very easy to be blinded by what's really happening in your business. Accounting is a language, and we're the interpreters of that language for our clients. So, when I see things that perhaps aren't going as well as they could be, then it's very important that I raise those things with my clients.
Regional leadership
Our vision is around where we see the accounting industry in the future, right? For us, that's not just about empowering our clients, it's about empowering the business community. So, as a regional councillor, I’m able to make an impact at the governance level with the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand membership body. And my hope is that the small impact I have there will flow through to chartered accountants across the country and in turn to their clients, meaning a broader impact nationally.
YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER ENTRANT
Alice Hazlett
Alice is the driving force behind Keetrax’s marketing team and has overseen the doubling of the team and revenue over the last couple of years.
Finding her passion
I did the Young Enterprise Scheme in my final year of school and we started with a business which was called The Daffodil Ring, and it was a ring symbolising hope for cancer sufferers, and people whose family members were going through cancer as well. Doing that venture really ignited my passion for the digital marketing space, I definitely found my love for project management throughout that time as well.
Leading a team
I think my leadership style is very much based around, leading from the front, being able to show people the right way to do things. But it is also about creating a safe space for my team, to feel supported and to make mistakes. What I've seen from this approach is that it does really enhance productivity and creativity.
One thing that I definitely learned very quickly as a leader is that everyone requires something different from you and it's about learning to adapt to that; not one size fits all. Everyone takes criticism or feedback or direction so differently and helping to facilitate the best out of them, I
feel is my job as a leader.
Life gets really busy. So I really value time that training can be from me kind of uninterrupted, and the approach that I take with that, is I do have a one on one hour scheduled in each week with each of my team members. It's good to get on the same page and also help to provide them with a clear path, how they want to grow and develop as marketers or designers.
Working
with clients
I always give my expertise, but I also very much listen to their concerns. It's always a fine balance, because I have clients, some have great knowledge in that area, and some that don't have any knowledge at all.
I think for me, leadership with clients and a team, and business direction does come down to the people, and it's something that I really prioritise. Making sure it is a healthy, safe environment for everyone to get what they need.
Banking for life.
Local, flexible and responsive. Experience business banking tailored to your needs.
Business banking
Term investments
Home loans
Transactional accounts
Savings accounts
Community banking
Peter Havill, NBS Branch Manager in Nelson, meets with business banking client Chenae Owens, Buxton Advisory and Accounting.
c h a n g i n g t h e
w o r l d o n e
O at a time P O L F L O A T
Ateam on an environmental mission became the big winner at the Nelson Marlborough Awards for the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).
The awards were held recently in Marlborough with the regional winners being Refloat, from Marlborough Girls College. Their goal is to reduce plastic waste in our communities by reusing single use PVC plastic, especially from old pool floats, and turning them into products that can last lifetimes.
The judges were impressed by Refloat. Spokesperson Tracy Atkin said, “Refloat’s mission statement clearly defined the problem, using metrics of tonnes to landfill. They identified and quantified a real problem of plastic waste to landfill. We loved your confidence and passion and dedication to sustainability and product innovation. You had profit goals and a north star to measure success.”
Team members are Bess Cuddon-Corlet, Laura Elliot-Whale and Sydney White, and this was the second year the trio had entered the YES programme with this business. Refloat also won the Environment Award.
Refloat said “We were super surprised to be chosen as finalists, so to be the region’s winning team is amazing, just even being in the finals was a dream come true! We are incredibly grateful for everyone who supported us on this journey, especially our amazing business mentor, Rosa Tovey.”
Marlborough Girls College Business Studies teacher, Surrey Collett was nominated for the Sir James Fletcher Award for Most Inspiring Teacher 2024.
“We loved Refloat's confidence, passion, and dedication to sustainability and product innovation. ”
TRACY ATKIN
Trina Zimmerman, YES Nelson Marlborough Facilitator, says “It is a credit to her to have so many students here that become finalists and winning teams. We are so lucky to have her in our region, helping to produce successful, inspired and motivated young entrepreneurs.”
Trina was grateful for the contribution of everyone to support local college students.
“Thanks to all involved who contributed in helping enrich and challenge our students throughout the year, and support them through their business startup journey. Thanks to our sponsors, coaches, teachers, mentors, advisors and all of the business community who played their part. You were amazing.”
Events SUMMER
December
10
CHRISTMAS FINDEX BA5:
Hosted by Pitt & Moore
5:00pm - 7:00pm Fairfield House, Nelson
28 February
Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Dinner
5:30pm - 11:00pm Annesbrook Event Centre
04
18
March
TRAINING: Business Planning Course 9:30am - 3:30pm Mahitahi Colab, Nelson
TRAINING: Building a Social Media Presence 9:00am - 1:00pm Mahitahi Colab, Nelson
Meet our
Members
We specialise in spray painting MDF and timber such as kitchens, bathrooms, office, and renovation lacquer work, alongside wood and timber stains, furniture restoration, and glass splashbacks. We want to bring a different approach, and a high standard of spray painting finishings to the region. We are the only PPG Approved applicator in the Top of The South. Sean is our fully qualified furniture finisher with over 20 years’ experience in the industry.
info@povfinishers.co.nz 027 337 3015 | pointofviewfinishers.co.nz
Atkinson | Crehan C Law
A
Atkinson | Crehan C Law
Atkinson Crehan Law provides expert legal services across Nelson Tasman. With offices in Richmond, Motueka, and Nelson, our team offers friendly, specialist advice tailored to your needs. Committed to supporting your goals, we blend local expertise with modern accessibility, meeting clients in person or remotely. Passionate about making a positive difference, we ensure that our approach is flexible, professional, and client-focused every step of the way.
As a workplace strategist and designer, I am passionate about creating healthier, happier, more productive workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and sustainability. I can help you understand your property needs, optimising what you have or defining what you need to support you into the future. I create designs that align with your brand and demonstrate that you understand and value your staff and customers.
jo@jomonaghan.com 021 547 245 | jomonaghan.com
As owners, we bring some energy to the local market through delivering market leading brands such as Yamaha and Hutchwilco as well as being part of the nationwide Boating and Outdoors group. It’s all about giving locals a quality product at the right price. So if it’s for boat servicing, buying a jet ski or outboard then call us today – the team look forward to immersing ourselves into the region, and in our customers’ adventures.
NTS Nutrition is an online nutrition clinic offering highly individualised nutrition, training and lifestyle coaching with a registered nutritionist and personal trainer. Our primary focus is on making nutrition sustainable and long lasting, and we are firm believers in creating a realistic plan that suits each individual. We love seeing firsthand the effect of improved nutrition on a person’s progress, health and quality of life.
kateandjames@ntsnutrition.co.nz 027 311 9676 | ntsnutrition.co.nz
Waahi Taakaro offers a unique golfing experience that draws players from all walks of life. The course itself is both charming and challenging. Although it's technically a nine-hole course, there are 18 different tee placements, making each hole distinct. For as little as $28 you can play a round of golf. It’s not just about making golf accessible –it’s about offering great value in one of the most beautiful settings in New Zealand. It’s a hidden gem nestled in the hills of Nelson.
waahitaakaro@xtra.co.nz 03 548 7771 | waahitaakarogolfclub.co.nz
Introducing some of the newest members to our Chamber community. You can find and connect with more local members in our online directory.
As a family owned and run business, we believe strongly in manaakitanga, hospitality and warm welcomes at our 10unit accommodation destination. We're on Rutherford Street, an eight-minute walk to the city centre and all that Nelson city offers. We cater to families, corporates and holiday goers. There are kitchenettes in all units, a state-of-the-art surveillance system for peace of mind, plus Sky TV, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging while you rest.
stay@chelseapark.co.nz 03 546 6494 | chelseapark.co.nz
Are you feeling left behind by the rapid advancements in AI? I guide organisations through the choppy seas of artificial intelligence, helping you harness its power to boost productivity and innovation. With extensive experience training companies, non-profits, and school students, I offer tailored solutions to integrate cuttingedge AI into your work-flows. Let's navigate the AI future together and unlock new opportunities for your business.
pete@ainavigatorsnz.com 027 682 0122 | ainavigatorsnz.com
