Waikato Business News Jan/Feb 2015 by Waikato Business News

Business News www.wbn.co.nz

January/February 2015 Volume 23: issue 1

The year that was... and what lies ahead 2014 is now a memory. For some Waikato businesses it was great…a year of growth. Others report a year of struggle…but they battled through and have a positive face on for 2015. We asked a diverse cross section of business people for their thoughts on the year past and the year ahead…here is what they said.

INSIDE

Want a patent? Call an expert Ceri Wells explains Page 4

From Sandy Turner

From MIKE POhio

General manager Hamilton Central Business Association

Tainui Group Holdings

BDs around the country and in fact the world have gone through a period of reinvention. Where they were once the retail heart and hub of the city or town they now have to compete with purpose-built shopping centres and malls and tackle the ever-expanding technology challenges that affect all industry sectors. While acknowledging these issues during 2014, the Hamilton Central Business Association has been encouraged by the drive from HCC who strongly supports the CBD. With the development of the HCC River Plan and work beginning on the CBD revitalisation plan along with great initiatives included into the 10 year draft plan these all show a huge level of commitment to ensuring we will have a thriving CBD. Followed closely by the Continued on page 6

Gearing up for another year

am energised by the strides TGH has taken when I reflect on the past 12 months and I am looking forward to another year filled with opportunities and challenges, in what will mark the 20th year since WaikatoTainui reached settlement with the Crown. Last year was a significant one for TGH and we put some foundational pieces in place which, I believe, will position us for continual success. These included refreshing our investment strategy, re-aligning the structure of our team, securing the approval of planning changes for Ruakura and repositioning our property portfolio. When the government floated Genesis in April 2014 we got on board through the purchase of 5.4 million shares and we’ve been pleased to watch the share price go from strength-tostrength since. Continued on page 6

From Jeremy O’Rourke

From Mary Jensen

From Graeme Blake

Managing director Lodge Real Estate

CEO of Smart Waikato Trust and WECA

Director at PAN®

he loan-to-value ratio restrictions imposed by the Reserve Bank dampened the market recovery that regional real estate should have experienced during 2014. The number of houses sold per month in Hamilton fell from an average of 245 sales per month (2013) to 217 in 2014. The general election compounded the issue and slowed sales further during the winter months. However, both factors above merely delayed the entry of buyers into the market, placing further pressure on rent increases as well as supply of the city’s rental accommodation. The danger, as with any intervention in the market, is that buyers are likely to return in a flood of numbers. With building consents below historical norms, this could place undue upward pressure on house prices in the short and medium term. The market emerged from winter with sales steadily growing month-on-month (between July and December), which provides optimistic impetus for Continued on page 6

The year that was and the year that’s going to be

t’s been a hot summer break rewarding Kiwis for their hard work in 2014. Making allowances for “spin” it would appear that our economy is growing and that the recession has gone. Good riddance. Unfortunately however the low dairy payout this year and potential drought is bound to affect the rate of growth in our Waikato economy. What are the labour force implications for our region? The recession saw people working with skeleton staff and taking on people with skills and experience when forced to employ. Young people as employees weren’t in high demand and as such went into tertiary training. Many completed their initial studies and still had no job to go to so engaged in qualification “stacking” and “underemployment”. Now this group is lumbered with student debt and Continued on page 6

ith the triumphs and challenges of 2014 in the rear view mirror I look forward to the coming year with unbridled enthusiasm. I’m fortunate that in my role at PAN I come into daily contact with forward thinking, positive, successful business people who, through guile, hard work and native ability make any economic environment work to their favour, so now when things are going well it’s boom time. With these people in mind I’ve set out a few observations for the coming year, notwithstanding that there will be those gloomsday preppers out there ready to take any opportunity to apply the brakes where possible. But for now I’ve got the pen. With our regional economy in mind we continue to enjoy growth and opportunity. Our northern neighbour is now one of the toughest cities in the world in which to work, traverse and own your own home. This opens up significant Continued on page 7

PwC Advisory with John Dobson Page 13

Pauanui Waterways a unique resort Page 21

Soda Inc Ambition Showcase Page 24

WBN camera joins festive season drinks Page 30

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Story reveals one ‘heck of a surprise Christmas present’

Diamond

Your direct from

Antwerp

By Mike Blake

T H E D I A M O N D C A P I TA L O F T H E W O R L D

When the December edition of Waikato Business News reached the hands of Alicia Platje from Hamilton diamond specialists Precious Metals, it’s fair to say it turned into one “heck of a Christmas present.” While it is not unusual to see her father, Michael, diamond broker of note, staring at her from the front page talking about his upcoming trip following the precious stones from the mines in Gaborone, South Africa to Antwerp, the diamond capital of the World, she was ‘blown away’ when he announced that she would be accompanying him. Michael says it is fair reward for all the effort Alicia has put in studying the business of precious stones. “It will be a rare opportunity for both of us to follow the diamond trail from Jwaneng, the richest mine in the World, to the DeBeers rough diamond sorting facility then on to the Diarough polishing and cutting factory which employs more than 400 people then finally to Antwerp where the diamonds go on to the open market,” he said. “The options to open that door are few and far between,” said Michael. “So it is doubly exciting to have Alicia along for the first time.” Alicia plans to buy her first diamond while on the trip and when it arrives back in the coun-

Our Antwerp office can find your special diamond at amazing value. 80% of all diamonds are first traded in Antwerp Belgium - which is why it is the diamond capital of the world. With an office in the heart of the Antwerp diamond district, we are able to source just about any size or quality of diamond.

Why not let our Antwerp office find the perfect diamond for you! Contact Michael Platje on 0292 743 333 or visit us at Centre Place Shopping Centre 501 Victoria St, Hamilton Ph (07) 957 0137 Fax (07) 957 0138 Email centreplace@preciousmetals.co.nz www.preciousmetals.co.nz Antwerp Office:

Hoveniersstraat 53, 5th Floor, Diamond Exchange Building 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium

New Zealand Diamond broker of note, Michael Platje (left) and world renowned diamond cutter and creator of the Astralis cut Gabi Tolkwsky showing two ‘very large’ stones. try she will set about designing a ring to suit the stone. Michael has been acclaimed as one of the top diamond brokers in this country and his knowledge generates calls from clients wishing him to purchase on their behalf. “I have the opportunity to select the ‘best of the best’ when confronted with a parcel of 500 stones of all shapes and sizes,” he said. “I have my clients’ budgets firmly in mind during the selection process. “I am buying stones for heirlooms, others for engagement rings and some people with larger singular budgets want the “just me” stones.” Over the years Michael has had the opportunity to meet and befriend one of the World’s

greatest diamond cutters…the creator of the Astralis cut…Gabi Tolkwsky, who cut the World’s largest diamond. “Astralis is a brand, shaped as cushions, hearts or simply round, with an eight-pointed star cut into them and they are exclusive to Precious Metals,” he said. Michael and Alicia will set off on the diamond expert’s ‘trip of a lifetime’ in April. And while Michael has an in-depth knowledge of the valuable stones and Alicia has been putting in the hours studying every facet of them, it will be a valuable learning curve for this father – daughter diamond duo. If you want to purchase a diamond you could contact Michael direct on mobile 029 274 3333.

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WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Dairy Woman of the Year finalists announced Four women from throughout New Zealand have been selected as Dairy Women’s Network’s 2015 Dairy Woman of the Year finalists. They are: - PGG Wrightson animal nutritionist Andrea Murphy of Alexandra - Dairy director Wilma van Leeuwen of Waimate - -

Southland Demonstration Farm director Elaine Cook of Waikato; and Federated Farmers board member and provincial president Katie Milne of Kumara, West Coast Run by the Dairy Women’s Network and sponsored by Fonterra, the prestigious Dairy Woman of the Year Award includes a 12-month scholarship to the Breakthrough Leaders Programme run by Global Women New Zealand, valued at $25,000. Dairy Women’s Network chief executive Zelda de Villiers said judges could not whittle down the finalists to just three this year. “I am pleased to announce that we have another high calibre group of professional dairying women in contention for the 2015 Dairy Woman of the Year title. “It is going to be tough choosing the overall winner because all four depict the Dairy Woman of the Year very well. "They are strong performing, passionate, influential and intelligent women who are dedicated to seeing the dairy industry thrive for future generations and the whole of New Zealand.”

The finalists were individually interviewed by a panel of five judges including Mark Heer from DWN’s gold partner ASB Bank, Sandy Burghan, Global Women representative, DWN trustee Alison Gibb, DWN chair and 2014 Dairy Woman of the Year winner Justine Kidd, and Fonterra representative Janet Rosanowski. The 2015 winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the Dairy Women’s Network annual conference on March 19 in Invercargill. For more information on the finalists, awards and the conference, visit www.dwn. co.nz

About Andrea Murphy Originally from Canada, Andrea now lives in Alexandra, in Central Otago. She owns her own animal nutrition business called Maple Grove Consulting Ltd., but could not pass up the opportunity of working in her dream job as a ruminant nutritionist with PGG Wrightson’s Tech Team. It was after joining the Dairy Women’s Network’s conference organising committee in 2007 in Invercargill, that Andrea felt she had ‘found her place’ in New Zealand and still attributes the Network with the success of Maple Grove Consulting Ltd. Andrea is proud to be involved on the committee for the New Zealand Association of Ruminant Nutrition. About Elaine Cook Elaine and her husband progressed through the ranks from lower order sharemilkers

to farm owners, starting out in Waikato and then moving to Southland in 2000. In 2006, the couple won New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year, having already won the Southland regional title. In 2008, Elaine’s husband died suddenly and the sharemilking business was concluded with Elaine and their three daughters moving back up to the Waikato. However she retained an interested in the South Island dairy industry and in 2011, she became a director of the Southland Demonstration Farm. In 2013, Elaine was named the inaugural associate director to DairyNZ – a sixmonth appointment – and also holds roles as a strategic director for Young Farmers and chairs the governance committee for two Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment research contracts.

About Wilma van Leeuwen Wilma and her husband have grown their dairy business over the past 29 years to milking 12,000 cows on 12 dairy farms, and started a contracting business in 1996. In 1993 the couple and their six children moved from Waikato to Waimate in the South Island. There, they installed the first robotic milking system in a freestall barn system in New Zealand in 2008 and have recently commissioned the largest robotic milking freestall barn in the world, milking 1500 cows with 24 robots. Wilma’s current positions of responsibility within the industry include: - Van Leeuwen Dairy Group director - Director of two other family dairy businesses - Van Leeuwen family trustee - Founding shareholder and active

secretary of the Waitaki Milk Supply Group and Oceania Milk Supply Group About Katie Milne Katie farms with her partner farm at Rotomanu, Lake Brunner catchment on the West Coast of the South Island. They have a small high BW Jersey herd of 200 cows which are fed on a grass based system. On a separate run-off they rear replacement heifer calves and a localised contracting operation making silage pits, hay, baleage, effluent spreading from ponds, herd homes and stand-off pads, employing one full-time staff member. Katie has been the West Coast provincial Federated Farmers president since 2008, and holds a position on the national board, where she is spokesperson on adverse events, rural security, local government, ACC and employment.

Equidays 2015 to host FEI World Challenge Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) has selected the 2015 Equidays at Mystery Creek Events Centre as a venue for the 2015 FEI World Challenge in New Zealand, to be held in October. One of only three North Island venues selected, Equidays will kick off the first round of the competition. “We are thrilled Equidays and our venue has been selected to host an FEI World Jumping Challenge qualifying round this year,” said Lynley Schollum, Equidays event executive. “As we look to constantly improve and promote Equidays,

adding the Challenge to our already successful event takes Equidays to a new level on the international stage. “This year sees a new format for the FEI World Jumping Challenge, and I’m really looking forward to working with Kerry Willetts and his team [at Showjumping Waikato] to present the first round here at Equidays.” Dana Kirkpatrick, ESNZ jumping director says the decision-making process took into account a range of factors felt necessary in constructing a “good competition”. Dana lists the following

standout aspects when deciding on venues as: “Good spectator potential to make the most of the opportunity to promote the sport… [and] good ground conditions and facilities…” Also, she says, there is a need for the challenge “to be spread throughout – lower, central and northern North Island”. “Equidays was selected due to it being able to draw a large crowd, the showcase nature of the show and its location in the northern part of the country,” says Dana. In line with Equidays’ focus on equestrian education, the FEI World Jumping Challenge

encourages education by linking the competition with the coaching. Technical aspects of the courses correlate with Levels 1 and 2 of the FEI Coach Education System and are implemented in the same NFs that participate in the FEI World Jumping Challenge. The aim of the FEI World Jumping Challenge is to give second-tier jumping riders the opportunity to compete internationally, without having to leave their home countries. These riders, under normal circumstances, live in the more remote countries and cannot

take part in international jumping competitions. The Challenge is divided into 10 geographical zones and three categories – A, B, and C. Category A and B have one age group of 15 years and older, and jump to heights of 1.20m-1.30m and 1.10m- 1.20m respectively. Category C caters to 14 years and older and jumps to heights of 1.00m-1.10m. In the name of fairness, riders of the FEI World Jumping Challenge are competing over the same courses using the same arena size (65m x 45m), with courses designed by a course designer appointed by the FEI.

Managing environmental impacts of major sea port project in Qatar A University of Waikato science graduate is in the Middle East working to reduce the environmental impacts of a major sea port project. Peter Longdill is an environmental and sustainability manager as part of a government steering committee for the New Port Project in Qatar. “I’m involved in the creation and management of processes to ensure that the project adheres to its environmental objectives and obligations. This covers everything from air quality, to vibration, noise, soils, groundwater, coastal processes, oceanography and marine ecology,” says Peter who completed a Master of Science (MSc) and a PhD at the University of Waikato, following a twoyear stint in Australia as a GIS analyst. “I knew specifically the subject area I was interested in and selected Waikato University because of the excellent reputation of the Coastal Marine Group’s research and staff, great relationships with industry, and a huge selection of field survey equipment with the technicians and capabilities to use it.” He says that one of the major highlights of his current job has been seeing such a huge project from a greenfield site, through to a major construction site with around 8000 persons working on site. “Another highlight was my involvement in the relocation of a number of hard and soft corals and mangrove trees which could not

be avoided during the Port planning.” The relocation programme involved the removal, transport and reattachment of approximately 10,000 healthy hard coral colonies. Peter’s study focus while at Waikato University was coastal physical oceanography with a mixture of water quality and ecology. “My degrees gave me a sound understanding of the natural sciences and a good amount of scientific ‘common sense’. My work at Waikato helped me to be able to ‘talk the scientific talk’ while the applied nature of the research also helped me to relate to business interests and commercial realities associated with applied science– that combination has helped me a lot.” During his study Peter also made the most of the Coastal Marine Group’s connections with industry and local councils to secure joint industry/government scholarships which were aimed at assisting industry via applied research at universities. “Those scholarships allowed me to focus on my research and also provided resources to allow me to travel to and present at international conferences.” After finishing his PhD Peter relocated to the Middle East to work for a Danishbased engineering and environmental consultancy company. For seven years he worked as a marine and environmental scientist and project manager, before securing his current job with the Government of the State of Qatar.

University of Waikato science graduate Peter Longdill assisting in the deployment of a current meter as part of his job as the environmental and sustainability manager for the New Port Project in Qatar.

Clevercare uses technology to assist with care of elderly So many Kiwis have unpleasant times caring for elderly members of their families, who through no fault of their own are struck down with the unforgiving problem of dementia. There are other debilitating diseases that can compound the care issues for them and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. And there isn’t much hope for the sufferer and even less for the carer. Now step up Maria Johnston with her revolutionary medical

alarm, developed to aid with the care of elderly folk, and those with disabilities.Out of their new start-up health operation, Clevercare, business couple, Maria with husband Dylan have developed an innovative software system using smart phone and smart watch technology.Initially the idea came to Maria after watching her dear mum struggling to care for her dad who suffers from early-onset Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. “I realised we had the technology to make his life more

freeing, allowing him to regain his independence and take a lot of pressure off mum,” said Maria. The Clevercare medical alarm uses GPS tracking to give the wearer’s exact location and can also send an alert if the person enters or leaves a pre-prescribed area.To set up an area to be monitored the carer logs into the “carers’ dashboard”…they can draw on a map an area in which they wish their ‘client’ to remain… the system will send a text or email should the client wander out of that area.

“Soon Clevercare will be releasing new features that will include movement and fall detection as well as direct calling from the wearable device,” said Maria. “Our goal is to improve the independence of any person by allowing family or caregivers to provide support and care from a distance,” she said. “They have a feeling of security knowing that they are connected to family and emergency services at all times.” For more information go to www.clevercare.co.nz

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Patent drafting like brain surgery – please don’t attempt it yourself From James & Wells partner, Ceri Wells

Ceri has been involved in patent drafting, litigation, trade mark ownership, unfair competition and copyright matters for 30 years. He’s passionate about making sure businesses get the best possible bang for their innovative buck. www.jaws.co.nz

he trouble with Intellectual Property (IP) rights is that they are intangible. There is just not much to see in terms of the end result. For the average inventor getting a patent attorney to draft a patent specification and application, the only deliverable they truly understand is the invoice. That’s likely to be somewhere between $4000 to $10,000, and all they see for their money is a few diagrams slotted among 5000 – 50,000 words, which seem to have been chosen for their ability to obfuscate by the most tedious person on the planet. It’s not surprising therefore that the uninitiated find it difficult to value the work done, and consequently it is equally unsurprising that patents and patent attorneys often receive a bad rap. The key thing clever Kiwis need to understand is that the value and quality of a patent specification is not determined by the size of the document, but by the precision of the words used and the quality of the thinking behind them.

The risk of not getting it right can be catastrophic. Inventors or manufacturers could be poised to commercialise a new piece of technology with a deal worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in the offing. However, the deal will likely hinge on having effective patent rights, and two or three times a year I come across those that lose out big time because of an absence of effective patent rights. So how hard can it be to draft a patent? It sounds so easy if you consult the IPONZ website. There you learn that to file a patent application with a provisional patent specification, all you have to do is provide: (a) Details of the inventor/ applicant, and (b) A patent specification comprising a title, a description of the invention and (optionally) a drawing or diagram. And the fee is only $100. Frequently inventors fill in the online form and include nothing more than a title for the invention and a rough sketch, maybe with an arrow or two.

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Ceri Wells IPONZ accepts the application, gives it a priority date and an application number, and the inventor goes to market with a false confidence. Unfortunately, what I often discover with this kind of filing is that the patent application inadequately covers the invention, which results in the invention becoming unpatentable and the inventor being unable to own and control the idea. Or, if the invention is patentable, the patent drafting did not protect the features that offered the competitive advantage in the marketplace. In such circumstances, a company initially interested in commercialising the idea will walk away from it, or pay next to nothing for it, because why would they invest in developing and bringing to market a new product that others can knock-off? Or worse still, they will just do what the rest of the world would do, and simply take the idea – cheers for that! IPONZ does innovation in New Zealand a disservice by not advising applicants when their patent applications are manifestly inadequate. Actually, that’s unfair, it’s not IPONZ fault and I know there is genuine concern within IPONZ about this issue. It’s actually a problem with New Zealand’s patent legislation, which IPONZ is bound by, and which does not require that IPONZ examines and/or advises applicants if their patent applications are manifestly unfit for purpose. Patent drafting should be treated like brain surgery – you don’t do it yourself, you shouldn’t go to a general practitioner to have it done, and even when you find someone purporting to be a specialist, it’s worth checking their credentials and the standing of the firm they work for. A poorly drafted or researched patent is likely to be open to challenge, invalid and/or won’t protect what it needs to. Such patents are often unen-

forceable or lead to significant costs trying to fix them. This in turn leads to people making claims that patents are useless or they cost hundreds of thousands of dollars – such comments unhelpfully result in businesses needing to own and control a new development becoming gun shy about looking in to it. In New Zealand there are around 160 registered patent attorneys actually practicing. Of those I estimate less than half specialise in patent work (rather than other areas of IP) and of those I’d be surprised if there were more than 40 who were drafting patent specifications on a daily basis. The pool of specialists is therefore small, and of those (just as in any profession) the quality and ability varies considerably. So, how do you find a really good patent attorney? The best advice is to go to a patent attorney firm which has a good reputation to uphold. Such firms are far more likely to have the resources necessary to keep up with changing IP laws and practices here and overseas, and have the peer review and quality control necessary to maintain high standards of drafting. The attorney firm should reflect that they understand business and the questions asked of you should be as much about your business strategy as about the technology to be protected. Check out their publications to see if business and IP strategy are clearly recognised as going hand in hand. Some attorneys pay lip service to this, but rarely can provide examples that illustrate this in action. And remember, it’s not all about being first to market. Some believe this is the main consideration because it will take the competition too long to reverse engineer, and that you can continue to improve the technology so quickly the rest of the market won’t keep up anyway. Really? That sounds like the sort of advice you’d get from someone who doesn’t understand the commercial value of patents or who is looking for a quick, short term gain. I’m not sure I’d trust such advice from anyone wanting to take your invention, along with a big bite out of the commercialisation revenue. Another thing to appreciate is that patents are only as good as the invention, and sometimes the invention is just not that novel or clever. This is an often ignored reality by those who are disap-

pointed with their patent because they haven’t made any money out of it. It is natural for a disappointed inventor to blame the patent and not the invention or their business acumen. To avoid these pitfalls, inven-

tors need competent, practical advice from patent attorneys skilled at drafting patents and they need advice on commercialisation from people who aren’t conflicted by a desire to take a cut of the inventor’s business.

Scholarship to boost research outcomes

Master of Engineering student Sean Charleston has been awarded $17,000 for his research into 3D shape measurement of moving objects for industrial applications.

PhD candidate Steven McCabe has been awarded $5000 for his work in implantable electrode structures and their radio frequency effects

Two postgraduate students from the University of Waikato’s Faculty of Science and Engineering have been awarded Dick and Mary Earle Scholarships in Technology for 2015. Master of Engineering student Sean Charleston has been awarded $17,000 for his research into 3D shape measurement of moving objects for industrial applications. Sean’s research is into 3D cameras. Each pixel in these cameras returns a distance value to the scene. One of the key limitations in these cameras is that they need to take multiple captures to form one image. If there is any motion in the scene, the final image will be distorted. “My research is around correcting this motion, specifically relating to industry,” says Sean. “This scholarship will help support my research in assisting with living costs, equipment purchases and attending a conference to present my work. I was very happy when I found out I’d received it, as it takes away the financial stress for my research.” The 22-year-old says he chose this area of research as it is an up-and-coming technology with a wide range of applications, including in gesture control and automated vehicles, and is “a very interesting and challenging field both mathematically and physically”. Sean has a Bachelor of

Engineering (Honours) in electronic engineering from Waikato and is half-way through his Masters degree. Steven McCabe, a PhD student in electronic engineering, has been awarded $5000 for his work in implantable electrode structures and their RF (radio frequency) effects. “People with implants such as pacemakers or spinal cord stimulators aren’t eligible for MRI scans. It’s not so much the huge magnetic field that’s the problem, it’s the enormous RF field that can induce dangerous levels of heating in the tissue near the implant electrodes. “I’m looking for ways of reducing this heating effect, with the end goal of making an MRIsafe electrode. This scholarship will help me reach this goal.” Steven has a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in electronic engineering and Master of Philosophy from the University of Waikato. Dick and Mary Earle established this scholarship for the support and encouragement of postgraduate research into aspects of technology in New Zealand universities. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide funds for individuals to undertake research towards a masters or a doctoral degree at a New Zealand university or research institution in one or both of the fields of innovation and product development, or bioprocess technology.

Waikato Branch – Upcoming events/courses The Institute of Directors in New Zealand (IoD) promotes excellence in corporate governance, represents directors’ interests and facilitates their professional development through education and training.

11 February

AGM Lunch Function with guest speaker Jack Hodder, Chapman Tripp

Topic: "Crisis Avoidance and Management - Fonterra's Botulism False Alarm" 12.00 - 2.00pm, Radio Sport Lounge, Waikato Stadium

11 March

Lunch Function with guest speaker Thomas Gibbons, McCaw Lewis

Topic: "The new Financial Markets Conduct Act - what it means for Waikato business" 12.00 - 2.00pm, Radio Sport Lounge, Waikato Stadium

Waikato branch is kindly sponsored by:

To register, please contact: Megan Beveridge, Branch Manager Waikato.branch@iod.org.nz, 021 358772 or www.iod.org.nz

January/February 2015

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WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

The year that was and what lies ahead From page one Sandy Turner huge level of financial investment from commercial property developments and continued new tenancy growth we are really seeing an upswing in confidence in Hamilton’s CBD. The completion in 2014 of the $60 million Grantham Street development is an example of such commitments. This high quality development comprises a six level building, accommodating commercial tenants on three levels, car parking and ground floor commercial tenants. The design connects the CBD with the Waikato River both at an urban design and architectural level. This new riverside precinct building contains large professional offices which are tenanted and home to more than 400 staff plus boutique retail and hospitality. Last year also saw the upgrading of many existing buildings which added a new look to the CBD. Examples are the old Public Trust building in Victoria Street that has been lovingly restored and now houses new tenant Freedom Institute of Higher Learning and the current development of the old Club Cardio building into the sleek, modern Fast Lane Fitness Gym. We now have in excess of 510 retail businesses in the CBD and sales are around $755 million a year (as at end of June 2014). The CBD accounts for 50 percent of the retail spend across the whole city. Around half of our shoppers come from outside Hamilton, including Raglan, Te Awamutu and Cambridge. 15,200 people are employed in the CBD which is

28 percent of Hamilton’s workforce and we have more than 4500 car parks. Another challenging issue in 2014 was around perceptions of safety in the CBD. People sleeping rough is a complex issue and one many cities struggle with. But with the recent adoption of the HCC Central City Safety plan supported by an innovative support service, “The People’s Project” we have already seen a reduction in rough sleepers, crime and anti-social behaviour. When we see several government-funded agencies, such as Work and Income, police, and mental health providers working together and able to offer people who want support, a onestop shop where all the solutions are in one room rather than going to 10 different appointments, we get to see some real results. Like every business sector, retail is facing big changes and technology can no longer be ignored. Smart businesses have excellent online stores. They have reduced the footprint or converted the space for storage, carry less stock but offer greater customer service, same day courier delivery and employ online store managers. In the UK last year online sales surpassed visitor numbers to the stores for the first time and it’s a trend that will become even stronger. Economic forecasts for 2015 look encouraging and we have much to look forward to as we head into the year. We will play host to two major sporting events scheduled in 2015. The ICC Cricket World Cup kicks off in Hamilton on February 15, and the Fifa U20 World Cup starts on May 31.

Along with our other exceptional annual events like the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival, February 13-26, Balloons Over Waikato, March 25 - 29, Mystery Creek Fieldays June 10 – 13, and the HCBA Annual Business Awards later in the year, we have a lot to plan and prepare for to ensure we get maximum returns for the CBD.

as a backbone in the nation’s economy. These developments, along with potential enhancements to the governance of TGH through the Governance and Representation Review, make for an exciting year ahead. Nga mihi o te Tau Hou Happy New Year to you all

MIKE POHi0

2015. There continues to be no shortage of money available for investments, and this is graphically illustrated in the multi-unit investment market and the commercial investment sector. Yields continue to be driven to new historical lows as investors compete for investments to beat historically low bank rates. Residential investors have been slower to identify the opportunity within Hamilton. Census data from 2013 showed Hamilton’s median rents were higher than median rents across the rest of New Zealand (which includes outliers, such as Auckland figures). However, Hamilton’s median house prices are 17 percent below the rest of the country (again, the ‘rest of the country’ includes outlier Auckland figures). With population estimates favouring a city-wide expansion, residential property investors appear set to receive a windfall. Property isn’t traditionally a getrich-quick scheme. Frequently property has periods of rapid growth (as Auckland has just experienced), followed by periods of sustained consolidation. Christmas table stories of gains from property generally have the factor of ‘time’ as a common truth, whether mentioned or not. Hamilton has a younger population than the rest of New Zealand, and, as one would anticipate with such a population, a lower home ownership rate. As the city’s population ages and grows richer, home ownership is expected to become a priority – which one would anticipate will fuel demand for housing in Hamilton. With that said we looked into our crystal ball and came up with these predictions for 2015. Look for city-wide values to increase, powered largely by immigration (a primary driver of housing demand nationally). Typically, Hamilton is a laggard market for immigration. New migrants often settle first in Auckland before making their way south. Given the fact migration is at record levels, we believe Hamilton’s residential market will feel the effects of the increasing population during 2015. Salespeople are already experiencing increased demand from Aucklanders – this trend should grow and add upward

We also took equity in two organisations that have a strong local presence: Waikato Milking Systems and Go Bus. Waikato Milking Systems, with its advanced rotary platforms, is putting our region on the map and its products are in demand the World over. Go Bus, which boasts urban, school and charter services, is a market leader here in Waikato and in cities such as Tauranga and Christchurch. These investments are part of the fresh strategy to build a more diversified and secure portfolio for the people of Waikato-Tainui. Growing our equity investment base is central to this new direction and we’ll be on the look-out for similar investments in 2015. Both Waikato Milking Systems and Go Bus are good employers of Waikato-Tainui and we’re looking forward to more positive outcomes - both socially and fiscally - in the year to come. To home in on good social outcomes we have hired Kingi Wetere to fill the newly created role of employment opportunities manager. Kingi will be working hard to identify employment and training opportunities for the people of Waikato-Tainui, particularly within the TGH family of investments and businesses. We also welcome a new general manager of property, Dean Shields, who brings great depth of knowledge and experience to the team. He has an impressive track record in developing and managing property across the industrial, retail, hotel and residential sectors, which all align with the Waikato-Tainui property portfolio. Finally, it has been a year of substantial progress for the Ruakura development in Hamilton East. Last year’s zoning changes mean that we can now press on with regional consents and I’m confident that most of our regulatory work will be completed by year’s end. For us, Ruakura is about tapping into potential. It’s about tapping into the potential of the assets that we have been entrusted with so that they realise their full value. It’s also about tapping into the potential of the Waikato region so that it can fulfil its role

Jeremy O’Rourke

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pressure to house prices throughout 2015. Banks are now signalling increased availability of money to first-home buyers and we presume this will fuel activity in traditional first home markets – watch particularly for movement in Forest Lake and Frankton. While city-fringe suburbs have been popular throughout the year, Forest Lake and Frankton appear to have been out of favour, but this should rapidly change as both areas still offer great value. We also fully expect the recent gains experienced in suburbs such as Hillcrest, Hamilton East, Chedworth and Pukete to extend to the areas of Nawton, Melville, and Dinsdale; all offer good value-for-money at the moment. Nawton, Melville, and Dinsdale should benefit from the anticipated increase in first home buyer activity. The popularity of new housing in the north-east of the city we believe will continue. Medians are already on the rise as section prices and building costs continue to escalate. However, new houses on elevated sites in the west of the city are beginning to catch the interest of buyers. Watch values around Thornton and the newly developed Carlingford Rise. A spate of renovations/rebuilds in Woodstock and Beerescourt has caught our eye and may point to increased values in the coming year. When value is added to a number of properties in a neighbourhood it has the effect of lifting the values of all those properties around the neighbourhood, as the desirability of the location improves. Commercially, economic forecasts remain moderately optimistic for the remainder of 2015 and beyond. The Hamilton economy grew 3.4 percent to the end of June 2014 surpassing growth in both the Waikato (3.1%) and in New Zealand (3%). As a result, the Hamilton commercial property investment market remains buoyant as strong demand for good quality buildings with quality tenancies outstrips supply. Consequently, yields are being driven to historic lows as competition drives prices higher. While seismic issues associated with commercial property continue to place a degree of pressure on landlords, developers are finding opportunities to renovate or re-develop C and D grade stock. There is a general flight-toquality for tenants presently, which is driving the refurbishment and redevelopment and our prediction would be this will grow through 2015. The general expansion of

the Hamilton economy has increased activity in industrial real estate. Owner occupiers are active in the industrial space: There appears to be a lack of appropriate existing buildings; what is available is largely obsolete or the layout makes it undesirable. This is forcing businesses to develop property for themselves, and the willingness to do so reflects the confidence these businesses have in Hamilton and in the future of commercial real estate in the city. We expect more of the same throughout 2015.

Mary Jensen need good work opportunities. I challenge all Waikato firms to look at taking on young people. They are our future employers, employees, home buyers and home makers. Jobs give people self-esteem, routine and income. I have yet to meet a young person who doesn’t want to work. We have a staggering 8500 NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training aged 15-24) youth in Waikato. We potentially have to put in place some serious and substantial employment programmes. Meanwhile Waikato employers are becoming increasingly desperate to find skilled staff. This mismatch between skill shortages and unemployment is beginning to be addressed this year through the Labour Market strategy as part of the Waikato Regional Economic Development Strategy. Watch this space. We need to grow our own workforce as well as upskill or retrain experienced employees and attract more people to our region to work. Apprenticeships/cadetships are the best approach for taking on young people. We all should be employing, training and developing our young stars. At a Christmas function at the end of last year I sat next to a Central Government regional manager who has 21 staff working across Waikato with an average age of 55 years. 55 years! Of course this team is highly skilled, reliable, knowledgeable and experienced, but who will be trained to step up when this group inevitably retires in the next few years? Their manager said that they previously had young cadets earning and learning on the job but that stopped some years ago. Time to start again please, I say! It needs to be acknowledged that training young ones takes time away from employees to do their jobs and allowances ought Continued on page 7

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Millennium Plastics trainee receives surprise from PM Newly qualified apprentice at highprecision technical moulding company Millennium Plastics Ltd, Vene ManutaiEsau, had the surprise of his life recently when he was awarded his trade certificate by Prime Minister John Key.

he Prime Minister presented Vene with his Level 4 National Certificate in Plastics Processing Technology while visiting-Millennium Plastics Ltd to find out what makes the award-winning company tick in a constantly evolving sector. While visiting Millennium Plastics Ltd, John Key also toured the company’s facilities and acknowledged its employees who are working together to help give the business an edge in the Australasian market. Vene’s trade certificate is the result of intensive on-the-job training. It’s a career pathway he chose after attending Hamilton Boys’ High School. General manager Tony Rutz said Vene is just one example of how the company is recruiting, training and upskilling its employees to outpace New Zealand’s skills shortage and ensure Millennium Plastics Ltd continues to work at the top of its game. “The strength of a business like this is its technical capability; so we have to have clever, capable people in our team with superior thinking skills and aptitude,” said Mr Rutz. “When we receive a CV, we look at the potential opportunity

right from the start and how the candidate can grow with our business. Vene is just one example of how we’ve put career pathways in place to invest in and upskill our people, so that we can work at an international standard and retain our people in the longterm,” he said.

Vene has already had the full commitment of his employer through support and mentoring, on-job training, off-job training, and opportunities to learn new skills, and Mr Rutz said that’s just the start. “The real icing on the cake will be Vene working as a Millennium Plastics technician, trained at an international standard. We’ve given him the opportunity to get there, which is underpinned by a series of course work, online modules and overseas-based training,” he said. “In the end, giving our staff exposure to this level of international training continues to

lift Millennium Plastics Ltd’s capacity and capabilities, and we continue to work at a truly worldclass level.” Millennium Plastics Ltd designs, developments and manufactures high-end plastic products. It works with clients in a range of industries, including dairy, animal health, electronics, medical and safety.

A GREAT SURPRISE for Millennium Plastics' new apprentice Vene ManutaiEsau as receives his trade certificate from Prime Minister John Key

The year that was and what lies ahead From page 6 to be made for this. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that training our young people on the job is a very good way to spend our taxes. (Better than wasting money on looking at re-designing the New Zealand flag anyhow…). As new technologies come into play, more and more we will need to see people upskilling and retraining. The current workforce must be upskilled to make way for the entry level jobs for our young Waikato people. No doubt about it, those employers that plan their future workforce needs and gear up for the next few years will be the winners. Because one thing is sure in 2015. The rate of

change is not going to ease. Enough from me. Have a good year, keep busy and positive, do your bit for your community and don’t forget to look after your, and your loved ones, health. Best wishes for a rewarding and enjoyable 2015. Mary Jensen, CEO of Smart Waikato Trust and WECA. www.smartwaikato.co.nz and www.weca.org.nz

Graeme Blake opportunity for Waikato communities to attract new business opportunities and skilled, contributing citizens. We are seeing this already with satellite communities like Te Kauwhata and Pokeno and Hamilton will undoubtedly

continue to experience positive residential growth in the northern suburbs as a result. Smart infrastructure investment such as the expressway and inland port will support generational economic growth, service sector growth and a buoyant property sector. But we cannot be complacent, the trick to driving regional wealth creation rather than wealth re-distribution is a lively agri-sector or a burgeoning knowledge and tech sector. The not-so-secret secret is to make stuff that sells, preferably to overseas buyers. Fortunately the mighty Waikato has agriculture and the knowledge and tech industry driving our regional economy.

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Equally we are fortunate that the overheated Auckland housing market hasn’t artificially ramped up housing affordability in Waikato to the extent that it has in Auckland. In this regard we, as Waikato business people, sit in a sweet spot where we have very real economic drivers and a realistic workforce and commercial environment that is set to prosper from supporting smart, hard working businesses. Central to the region’s success will always be competing and winning business from outside the region, be it nationally or internationally. At the risk of sounding hokey however, I implore fellow businesses to trade locally first whereever possible.

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It’s a simple ideology but it helps fuel regional growth and helps keep our workforce intact and in place for future opportunities. So while our yacht club might not be what you’re accustomed to if you’ve arrived here from Auckland, Sydney or New York we have a standard of living and proximity to opportunity in major markets globally that adds up to Waikato businesses enjoying not only a great 2015 but a healthy and sustainable future, full stop. Unbridled, quite possibly, blinkered, absolutely not. I look forward to a great year ahead and wish everyone a prosperous and adventurefilled 2015.

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WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Proud support from Grassroots assists important ongoing medical research By Mike Blake

The Waikato Medical Research Foundation has been helping fund medical research for almost 30 years.

ver this time, the Foundation has supported studies of leukaemia, stroke, diabetes, head injury therapy, asthma and much more. The impact of this research has been felt across Waikato in many areas of the medical profession and has benefited the wellbeing of our local children, young people, adults and senior citizens. The Foundation relies on funding partners to support this research and in 2014; the Foundation received valuable funding assistance from many Waikato based funders, including Grassroots Trust. WMRF deputy chairman, Geoff McDonald said: “The Foundation is most grateful for the generous support from Grassroots Trust. “The Foundation receives many applications for support throughout the year and once again, requests for research funding far exceeded the Foundation’s ability to fund.” Geoff adds: “The more funding we receive, the more we can support those who are developing research projects which are ultimately set to save Waikato lives.” Speaking of the approved funding support, Grassroots Trust chairman Martin

Bradley said: “Grassroots Trust is proud to be able to support the Waikato Medical Research Foundation and the projects that will improve the medical care of people in our community.” Grassroots Trust supports various sport, community and education organisations and in the year-end March, 2014, provided just less than $6 million to local communities. Grassroots Trust operates gaming machines in several bars and taverns across the Waikato region: 5 Crossroads Sports Bar, Homestead Bar & Eatery, The Riv, Yardhouse, Bar 101, Smokey’s Pool & Gaming Lounge, The Dinsdale Office, Five Stags Leamington, The Cook Café & Bar and The Palace Hotel. Martin also said: “Grassroots Trust aims to provide funding to communities where the funds are generated. “In the last year end March 2014, Grassroots Trust contributed $3,559,717.26 to the Hamilton City area to support youth, community development and amateur sport.” The Waikato Medical Research Foundation is an independently operated Registered Charitable Trust and is the only organisation

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New Zealand’s largest used imported car dealership has announced it is joining a consortium to set up a regional airline to service routes to be discarded by Air New Zealand. Car importer and retailer 2 Cheap Cars, a multimillion dollar business which is currently expanding across New Zealand, was recently named as the country’s second fastest growing company in the Deloitte Fast 50 Awards. The company is joining forces with former Kiwi Air founder and CEO Ewan Wilson to establish domestic air services from regional centres which Air New Zealand will be exiting in April next year. The new airline will be known as Kiwi Regional Airlines (KRA) and is expected to be operating in 2016 with further consortium partners being announced soon. 2 Cheap Cars CEO, Eugene Williams, says the objectives of the new airline are a good fit with the business approach adopted by 2 Cheap Cars. “As a car company we put a great deal of emphasis on providing value to customers in a highly competitive environment. “Just as we have provided for cars buyers, we believe that New Zealand domestic air travellerS are deserving of a better deal. “Our aim is to be entrepreneurial in our approach so that we are able to pass on the benefits to customers. “We’ve already proved we can achieve this in the car business by crucially also having robust business systems in place,” says Eugene. Ewan Wilson has welcomed the partnership. “I am delighted that 2 Cheap Cars has chosen to be an early investor in Kiwi Regional Airlines Ltd (KRA). 2 Cheap Cars growth and performance clearly means they are an innovative company, and in that regard I can see a number of logical synergies that can be developed between them and KRA,” said Ewan. In three years, 2 Cheap Cars has become the biggest retailer of used cars in New Zealand and is projecting $40 million in sales this financial year. Eugene Williams will take up a place on the board of the Kiwi Regional Airlines.

WMRF deputy chairman, Geoff McDonald with Grassroots Trust chairman Martin Bradley of its type in Waikato. Based at the clinical school at Waikato Hospital, the Foundation provides the DHB with significant asset in terms of staff recruitment and retention. Medical staff at all levels are attracted to the DHB by virtue of the availability of the research grants provided by the Foundation. WMRF Trustees administer a fund of $1.3 million. This is insufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand for medical research funding however two fundraising teams comprising a number of prominent business people and medical professionals have been operating for some time encouraging support for the WMRF fundraising appeal. To date, the fundraising teams have raised more than $1.5 million towards the fund. A major attraction for donors is that the Foundation is not typical of many other

Fast-growing car importer backs regional airline

not-for-profit charitable organisations in that it is a very lean organisation in terms of costs and overheads. Apart from one part-time administration assistant, all others involved are volunteers. The Foundation does not own or lease buildings or vehicles so its overheads are extremely minimal which maximises the funding available for research. To continue the medical research within the Waikato district, the Foundation would welcome your support. If you’d like to support the Foundation, donations can be made online via the Foundation’s website www. wmrf.org.nz

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WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Celebrating our community >

Tech Talk by jason trower

Managing Director CodeBlue Phone: 07 838 9390 | Email: jason.trower@codeblue.co.nz After spending time with our families and friends, enjoying some much needed time away from work and contemplating the New Year, it is opportune to reflect on what CodeBlue focused on giving where it can really make a difference. Earlier this year, our annual national conference included a mid-Winter Christmas party at Ronald McDonald House for sick kids and their families. Ronald McDonald House is where the families of seriously ill children from all over New Zealand can be accommodated close to their kids. Recently, CodeBlue has begun a pilot to provide technology to help

families stay connected. Our colleagues in regional branches around New Zealand have had similar successes, with the recent opening of our Manawatu branch. The Wellington branch has doubled in size, growing from strength to strength. During Christmas, several of the family accommodation suites had large-screen Smart TVs and audiovisual technology in operation to enable Skype and Facetime calls to bring extended families together. During 2015, with the support of CodeBlue partners, the plan is to roll this technology out through the remaining accommodation suites. Up and down the country, CodeBlue branches put their

At a mid-Winter Christmas party earlier this year, 85 children at Ronald McDonald House received gifts chosen specially for them, and enjoyed a range of entertainment with their parents - including face painting and time with Trixie the Fairy.

Christmas entertainment budgets to work in similar ways – for example, funding a staff Christmas party for Alzheimers New Zealand, and, for the fourth year, The Radio Network Special Children’s Christmas Party. In Hamilton, John Calland, our services director, has “volunteered” to abseil down the Gallagher World Headquarters Building in support of the Foundation for Youth Development Waikato. We are proud to contribute to their programmes aimed at bringing positive changes to young New Zealanders I am shamelessly asking all Waikato businesses, family and friends to help in supporting this cause by donating funds at www. givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/jasontrower. John will be challenging gravity on Sunday February 15 and any encouragement (and words of advice) will be appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you there.

John Calland, CodeBlue services director.

Alzheimers Auckland Christmas Party, left to right: CodeBlue’s Richard Watt with AACT Board members Margaret Horsburgh and Jocelyn Weatherall, and AACT CEO Julie Martin. On the business front, CodeBlue has been using Microsoft Office 365 and we will take these learnings to the market. We believe Office 365 can be a very effective tool for Waikato businesses to modernise the way they work. CodeBlue is eager to help businesses understand how the cloud experience can increase productivity and allow businesses to work virtually anywhere, anytime and across all devices. Continuing on the Microsoft theme, just as Windows XP went end of life (EOL) earlier in 2014, Windows Server 2003 goes end of life in mid 2015. CodeBlue can assist with identifying any systems that are running on this version of windows and creating an exit plan for you. There are a number of options for these systems and we can work with customers to identify any potential issues and propose solutions. The earlier businesses approach this, the

more time we have to deliver innovative business solutions for you. Most Waikato businesses have websites with a co.nz prefix. We now have .NZ domain name available for registration as well as the existing .co.nz and .org.nz. This will allow companies to register their address as codeblue.nz for example, and the thought is that this will become the default registration going forward. If this sounds complicated, give us a call and we can guide you through this. And finally, CodeBlue is absolutely focused on providing proactive IT support – this means helping you to link your business and IT goals through a common plan – and helping you to deliver against that plan. It is about helping you improve business processes and your engagement with your preferred partners. And most of all it is about you – our customers.

sunday 15th February 2015 From 11.00am GallaGher buildinG KahiKatea dr, hamilton Donate today to see John abseil from the Gallagher Building. Funds raised will help 2200 local kids in FYD programmes; Kiwi Can, Stars and Project K to be the best they can be. For more information contact Vikki Blundell on 021 420 964 donate to abseil john

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WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Award for Waikato glassblower University of Waikato glassblower Steve Newcombe has won the award for the best scientific piece at the 11th Biannual Scientific Glassblowing Symposium in Canberra.

teve is somewhat of a legend at the symposium, having won three out of the four prizes on offer at the 2012 event and 14 awards in total over the years. “I worked on a glass instrument for an engineering student which involved an Archimedes Screw. I had a few pieces left over and thought I’d have a go at making something interesting and fun,” says Steve. Using the glass screws

and a motor from his granddaughter’s science kit, Steve produced the scientific piece which sends a set of ball bearings around a circuit. During the conference, which was held at the Australian National University (ANU), Steve also gave a lecture on 3D printing and led a workshop titled First Surface Silvering. “This was the biggest symposium yet, with glass blowers from overseas attending along-

side the usual Australian and New Zealand attendees. In my opinion it was also the most technically inspiring conference I’ve been to,” says Steve. At Waikato University Steve works an advanced technical officer in the Faculty of Science & Engineering’s Glassblowing Workshop. Glassblowing is more than a just a job and Steve says “it beats working for a living”. Throughout his 30 years of scientific glassblowing and 22 years at the University, he has also managed to fit in glass blowing as a hobby, and has created everything from glass caricatures for wedding cakes to a fully functional glass didgeridoo.

University of Waikato glassblower Steve Newcombe

ONZM for University of Waikato programme director University of Waikato programme director Robyn Baker has been recognised for her services to education in the 2015 New Year Honours list, becoming an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). Robyn is the director of the University’s Curriculum Enhancement Programme (CEP), which is designed to produce dynamic and forwardlooking curricula over a threeyear period. Before taking up her position at the universary in October last year, Robyn spent 14 years as director and CEO of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER) in Wellington. NZCER is an independent, statutory education research and

development organisation, which undertakes research, develops and supports a range of researchbased products and services, and provides independent advice on educational matters. “In this role I built on the past to shape the organisation that is thriving today. Expert knowledge of research remains central to the organisation but most projects are larger and more complex, requiring expertise not only from researchers and statisticians, but also from those with expertise in measurement, IT specialists, item writers and communications experts,” Robyn said. “As the leader I placed a strong focus on creating and sustaining the conditions needed for staff to thrive in their roles and to continue to develop their expertise.

Robyn Baker has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. “An important element was the building of purposeful teams, often internally to NZCER and frequently in collaboration with other organisations and individuals. “NZCER has undertaken a

number of projects in science education in collaboration with the Wilf Malcolm Institute at the University of Waikato,” said Robyn. University of Waikato Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Alister Jones says the honour is outstanding recognition of Robyn's services to education at this level. “Robyn is a great example of the calibre of staff we are attracting at the university, and we’re fortunate to have someone with her extensive expertise to lead the Curriculum Enhancement Programme.” Robyn says she had mixed feelings on hearing she’d received the award. “There are many people who are doing useful things in education and much of this work is undertaken in teams, so it doesn’t

rely on the work of just one individual. Given the systems of awards we have however, I do think it is great that educators are acknowledged for the things they do that are beyond just doing the job they are paid for.” Robyn has worked in science education for more than 30 years, and was involved for many years in Women in Science Education. She led the New Zealand Association of Science Educators and was on the Royal Society Council. She was awarded a Royal Society of New Zealand silver medal in 2002. The CEP runs from 2014 to 2016, and will suggest ways to enhance the support provided to students from pre-enrolment through their programmes and into work or further study. The way courses are taught

LIC merges leading farm automation businesses LIC is merging its farm automation and milking sensor businesses to deliver more integrated technology and meet demand from farmers. The co-op’s Protrack business will transfer into subsidiary Dairy Automation Limited (DAL) in 2015. LIC chief executive Wayne McNee said the move follows the co-op’s acquisition of DAL in February, and a lot of discussion between both businesses on how they would work together as one. “Since the acquisition of DAL we have witnessed a number of key market developments that we will be better placed to leverage as one

LIC chief executive, Wayne McNee entity. “New Zealand dairy farmers are seeking a direct link between DAL, Protrack and MINDA systems, to provide

valuable insights into the performance of their animals. International companies and farmers have also expressed interest in the uniqueness of the DAL technology,” said Wayne. “Moving Protrack into DAL will create one new entity that will oversee all future developments in farm automation for LIC, reducing duplication, providing greater integration across the product range and allow us to grow the business and meet demands of being a significantly larger internationalised entity in the future.” LIC launched its first Protrack automation system in 2003, and has since

developed a range that are installed on more than 1500 New Zealand dairy farms. Some integrate with to the co-op’s herd management software, MINDA. DAL provides milk testing sensors that measure fat, protein, somatic cell counts, lactose, conductivity and volume, and present realtime data while a cow is

Strong dollar a benefit New Zealand’s biggest importer and retailer of used Japanese cars says consumers here are currently getting a major benefit from the strong kiwi dollar.

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being milked. Employing around 50 staff combined, a full review of both businesses will be undertaken to advise how the teams should be put together. Wayne said business as usual remains for farmers at this stage, but they will see improved service delivery once the move is completed.

2 Cheap Cars is importing and selling about 800 Japanese cars a month across New Zealand and general manager, Garry Moore, says the high volume - low margin business model operated by the company means the benefit for car buyers here is significant and immediate. “There has been some talk in the media that the favourable economic conditions for Japanese car buying may not last long-term for New Zealand consumers,” he said. “Currency exchange rates are notoriously hard to predict and so we are certainly trying to ensure that consumers are able to reap the benefits now.” The favourable exchange rate in recent months has led to a near record number of used Japanese cars now available in New Zealand, at the moment it is estimated that around 19,000 cars are for sale nationally … that volume of cars has put further downward pressure on prices. The New Zealand dollar is now buying about 15 percent more against the Japanese yen compared with this time last year and about 30 percent more than two years ago.

is also a focus, particularly effective approaches for blended and online delivery. It will review the current curricula and recommended improvements will be implemented from 2016. Also recognised in the New Year honours were Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy Jens Mueller who was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (NMZM) for services to business and education. Distinguished Alumni Award winner Chris Pugsley was made an ONZM for services as a military historian, and fellow Distinguished Alumni Award winner Theresa Gattung was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to business and philanthropy. Publisher

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Electronic Forwarding Editorial: News releases/Photos/Letters: mike@wbn.co.nz Production: Copy/Proofs: production@wbn.co.nz Subscriptions: kim@wbn.co.nz Waikato Business Publications Ltd specialises in business publishing, advertising, design and print media services. Waikato Business News has a circulation of 11,000, distributed throughout the Waikato between Tuakau and Turangi, and to a subscription base.

WaikatoBusiness P U B L IC AT I O N S

12 Mill Street, Hamilton PO Box 1425, Hamilton, 3240. Ph: (07) 838 1333 Fax: (07) 838 2807

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Waikato-based IT recruitment company launches... offering unique benefits to local market A new IT specialist recruitment company, Burton and Associates has opened for business offering unique benefits to employers and candidates in the Waikato market.

ompany director, Phil Burton, while working for a locally owned and operated IT Services company, experienced difficulty recruiting locally and found that there was only one IT specialist operating in Waikato but that was owned out of Auckland and Wellington. Research confirmed Phil’s perception that there was a demand for locally owned and operated IT specialist recruitment services. Having grown up in Waikato, Phil started his IT career in Hamilton in the 1970s, working on an ICL System 10 computer for a local pharmaceutical wholesaler. A 30-year IT career followed that included work at the Wanganui Computer Centre (famously bombed in 1982), ANZ Bank, IBM, EDS and Vodafone. Recruitment and management of IT staff was a signifi-

cant component of that career and through it he developed a thorough understanding of the profiles of productive and successful IT professionals and how to recruit and retain them. This, Phil maintains, is one of the key differentiators for Burton and Associates. That point of difference brings benefits to both candidates and to clients. “Clients can have confidence that they are dealing with a company that understands IT people and businesses while candidates can appreciate that they are dealing with somebody who has ‘gone before them’ in the IT industry and who understands the industry and the challenges it presents to IT professionals.” That underpins the services that Burton and Associates bring to the Waikato market. In addition to offering professional and efficient recruitment services to clients,

It appeared to me that there was a gap in the market for a locally owned IT specialist recruitment service, particularly one based on IT industry experience and extensive research confirmed that.”

Company director Phil Burton Burton and Associates is also prepared to invest in candidates through the provision of IT career and counselling services. The other key difference is the fact that Burton and Associates is locally owned

“It is a Waikato business for Waikato business customers and Waikato candidates” – something that Phil is proud of and passionate about. When asked about his experience recruiting IT staff locally, Phil reported that the

only IT specialist agencies he was able to deal with were in fact Auckland owned and that their understanding of the Waikato market, local candidates and businesses made for a somewhat difficult exercise. “There are some aspects of the Waikato market and the local candidates that Auckland operators struggle to understand and, to be fair, their efforts are more focused on the Auckland demand for services,” he said. “It appeared to me that there was a gap in the market for a locally owned IT

IT RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS

IT Industry Experience Locally Owned Local Knowledge National Reach

p. 07 827 8982 m. 021 888 048 phil@burtonandassociates.co.nz www.burtonandassociates.co.nz

specialist recruitment service, particularly one based on IT industry experience and extensive research confirmed that. From that point on it became a case of mapping out what the company should look like and how it would work to meet that demand.” While being locally owned and operated, through associations with agencies in other major centres, Burton and Associates is able to deliver a national reach and, as business grows, Phil anticipates working with Waikato IT business consumers to run Waikato IT Expo-type functions in Auckland to help meet the growing demand should the local candidate market not deliver. A member of both the Cambridge and Waikato Chambers of Commerce, Phil has utilised the local business infrastructure of these organisations to help establish the new business and has been very grateful for the support of local businesses. Burton and Associates can be found at www.burtonanddassociates.co.nz and Local IT service consumers and providers as well as candidates can contact Phil at phil@burtonandassociates.co.nz.

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

workplace safety

January/February 2015

Paterson Burn plays it safe

ye protection is an essential element of workplace safety that no-one can afford to ignore. More than half of all eye injuries happen at work and are preventable. Most workplace eye injuries are caused by flying objects like bits of metal or glass as well as chemical splashing and tools. Wearing certified eye protection can prevent 90 percent of these injuries. Regular glasses won’t work: they aren’t designed as eye protection and the lenses and frames are not impact resistant enough to provide adequate protection. Paterson Burn Optometrists supplies certified prescription safety eyewear, and they’re passionate about health and safety. They’ll do site visits on demand, and if you need to raise safety awareness among your employees, they’re happy to help with talks and promotional materials. Most of us would expect safety eyewear to be rather ugly, but that’s definitely not the case. In Waikato, Paterson Burn is known to have the larg-

So much more than just a recruitment company Drake is not just in the recruitment business. Our job is focused on both ensuring that companies and individuals are expertly matched, and both retaining and motivating staff to progress and grow within your organisation.

We know that one size does not fit all. Drake offers a unique suite of integrated services which can be tailored to support your strategies and achieve your goals, at any stage of the employee lifecycle.

Our portfolio of Solutions include: • HR Analytics

• Exit Interview Programs

• Team Building

• Training & Development Courses

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• Performance Management

• Psychometric Skills Assessments • Enterprise Surveys

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• Permanent Recruitment • Temporary Staffing • Safety Services

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w w w. d r a k e i n t l .com Level 1, 586 Victoria Street Hamilton 3204

est range of attractive safety frames to suit every taste, and their safety glasses are certified as meeting the standards required for eye protection in the workplace. The ability to pick and choose frames to suit one’s personal preferences without sacrificing safety is a definite plus. Personal Protective

Equipment should be just that – personal – particularly when we’re talking about eyewear. If the glasses aren’t made to suit the individual’s vision prescription and personal tastes, the employee will be unwilling or unable to use them. That’s why personalised prescription eyewear is such an important part of workplace safety. As the local safety eyewear specialists, Paterson Burn is ready to help small and large businesses as well as individuals with prescription safety glasses that comply with safety regulations, but still look good. They’re also priced very competitively so you won’t need to shop around. Do your bit for eye health in the workplace and find out how Paterson Burn can help you to create a healthier, safer work environment. For further information about the Paterson Burn Corporate Vision programme contact Kylie McNeil on 07 839 0087.

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Who will buy my business? For business owners looking to sell, ‘who’ll buy my business?’ is a pivotal question and closely linked to ‘how much is my business worth?’

o seek answers to these questions, business owners should carefully consider the complete range of potential purchasers and the best way to reach them. Often identifying a buyer is made easier when a potential purchaser makes the initial approach and asks the business owner if they want to sell. While it’s nice to be wanted, there may still be someone else out there who also wants your business and might be prepared to pay more. Much of what we do as advisers is work closely with the business owner to give them comfort that the process we’re running with them will do just that – locate the best purchaser and complete the best transaction available in the circumstances. And this is a key point – who will buy your business all depends on the circumstances of you the owner(s) and your business. While the Initial Public Offering (IPO) market may be hot and delivering great value for some business owners, it doesn’t mean that it will work for you and/or your business. Your business may not be large enough (typically would be north of $50m to justify the significant costs and compliance) or it might not suit your personal goals, for instance, would you be able to complete-

ly exit the business or handle being in the public spotlight? Most business owners will already be aware of the range of potential purchasers and broadly they could fall into one of the following categories: Internal: existing management, family or existing shareholders External: trade, owner operator, financial buyer, private equity and IPO. As a generalisation, if a potential purchaser is already close to and has a good understanding of the business, the chances of concluding a transaction are higher, therefore internal parties often have a bit of a head start. If you have management in place, they could be a good option and typically for this to work, they need to be competent (no gaps), have a track record of delivering value / profit improvement, have attractive and maintainable growth prospects and sound strategy for delivering growth prospects. Without these characteristics, management is likely to struggle to successfully fund an acquisition or deliver a good purchase price. Family also often have familiarity with your business and certainly tick the box as far as creating a legacy but it’s usually the emotional factors that create perceived barriers –

can you truly exit the business? Do you have to fund the transaction? Do family members have the necessary skills or desire to take over? How will it be done equitably (particularly among siblings)? A good outcome with family is achievable but often can benefit from someone with independent facilitation and strong diplomacy skills. Situations where there are multiple existing owners of a business can be complex, particularly where ownership is diverse and there are diverging shareholder goals. However, with an existing robust shareholder agreement and being able to replace your skills and contribution, your fellow shareholders are often a realistic option where again, facilitation and independent advice are likely to be crucial. Some external parties can be as familiar with your business as internal parties. For example, trade buyers – maybe a customer, supplier or competitor – will know your business either through existing business relationships or market awareness. They typically prefer 100 percent acquisitions (or a clear path to 100 percent) and will base their decision on strategic fit, often perceiving more value than simply the stand alone value other buyers might see, particularly if there are obvious synergies such as the opportunity to take out a competitor or they perceive less risk because they’re involved in the industry. Confidentiality is often an issue when dealing with trade players, so a tightly run sale

Advisory and deals >

By john dobson

John Dobson is an executive director of PwC Business Sales Email: john.r.dobson@nz.pwc.com process is essential so that information flow is carefully managed. Engaging with the right people in the potential purchaser’s business is important– it’s not enough to know someone in the business, it needs to be the decision maker who has the ability to close the deal and especially important with local subsidiaries of international trade players. For smaller businesses without independent management, it is likely that owner-operators will be the primary target market. They’re often looking for a business which will provide them with a source of income and are typically investing their own money. As a result, they are more cautious and unlikely to pay a premium for your business compared with a trade player. Reaching this market is a challenge and requires some form of mass advertising - newspaper advertisements, referrals via professional advisers, business brokers or personal contacts. For businesses that have a degree of independent management, financial buyers (often referred to as high net worth individuals) could consider purchasing on a stand-alone basis. They will seek to support management in execution of

strategy, not to actively manage a business day-to-day so you need a capable existing management team. One of the advantages is that a financial purchaser will often consider a partial purchase (i.e. less than 100 percent), which may well suit your own personal goals. As with any professional investor they are likely to be concerned with strong stable cash flows which allow for significant bank funding, good growth prospects and favor a clear exit strategy. Getting a warm referral from someone who is used to dealing with a financial investor is the best way to successfully connect. For a business that has options to grow and is prepared to take on partners, private equity could be an attractive option. In the current market, private equity is usually best suited to businesses worth more than $10m in value yet we are seeing similar advantages being achieved from an increasing number of private syndicates of financial buyers for smaller businesses. Private equity brings the option of exiting in stages, allows continuity of your involvement (typically a requirement), access to industry knowledge and networks, along with the capital to fund

Yes

We sell businesses Our Business Sales team specialise in selling businesses worth up to $20 million. Get in touch for a no obligation discussion of your options.

To find out more about how we can help you, please contact: John Dobson T: (07) 838 7411 M: 021 969 887 E: john.r.dobson@nz.pwc.com

© 2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers New Zealand. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the New Zealand member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details. PwC Business Sales is licensed under the REAA 2008

growth. We often encounter negative (and misplaced) perceptions around private equity but getting the right match between business and investor can lead to a very successful outcome. So there are plenty of options and getting advice from an experienced, informed and well-connected adviser will help remove the doubts you have around whether you are really testing the market. It will also help you avoid the window shoppers (who like to look but rarely buy) and bottom fishers (who are constantly looking for a bargain!). About PwC PwC firms help organisations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. We’re a network of firms in 157 countries with more than 195,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.co.nz PwC refers to the New Zealand member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/ structure for further details. © 2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved.

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Golden Rules of Goal Setting Feeling refreshed, revitalised and re-energised from the festive season (one hopes), it’s time to think about what you want to achieve through the next 12 months or more, and get into action!

ecently my husband, Steve and I set and achieved a big hairy goal of walking 800km in Europe. Starting in the south of France, we walked over the Pyrenees and across the north of Spain to a city called Santiago de Compostella. The preparation and planning was intense, particularly as I was not in great physical shape. We also decided to rent out our home for the time that we

were away, providing security and some much welcomed income. Our chooks also needed loving care. The walk itself was intensely challenging, both physically and mentally and at all stages it was important to be able to keep in mind what we were trying to achieve, what the purpose of our walk was all about. There were occasions where I wanted to jump on a train or bus and get out of there, but I was

lucky that I had Steve there to support me and to help keep the purpose alive. It was at the really low times that I realised how so very important it is to create a compelling vision of what you want to achieve, and it has to be meaningful. As soon as I thought about the reasons why I was doing the walk, I found the energy and determination to continue on (although not without some grumbling I must confess). We also told everyone we know what we were going to do and that helped to spur us on. So the golden rules of goal setting were really reinforced for me: • Be very clear about what your outcome/goal is – ensure you create a compelling picture for yourself which is sensory

Management and HR >

by jean schoultz

Coach and trainer, Everest Group Ltd Waikato HR Specialists | www.everestgroup.co.nz rich – looks like, sounds like, feels like, smells like, tastes like. This is what will keep you going when it all gets tough • Be specific about what you want and what the benefits are to you and your business • Identify what barriers there are in the way of you achieving your goal • Ensure that you feel motivated and that it is something that will enhance

your life and business. If it doesn’t excite or engage you then you are unlikely to achieve it • Break it down into manageable steps – use the SMART goal method • Be sure to write it down – otherwise you may forget what you are working towards • If it is a business outcome, make sure you engage your staff in creating the goal

• Get support from your friends, colleagues and staff • Acknowledge progress along the way • Celebrate your success when you get there – be sure to notice your achievement, sometimes we are quick to move onto the next thing and don’t look at the lessons and gains from what we have achieved. So what will you and your business accomplish this year?

Waikato IT girls leading the way A group of students from Waikato Diocesan School for Girls have taken their interest in computer science to the next level, by creating an IT Girls Club as part of an ongoing partnership with the University of Waikato’s Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences. The club is an extracurricular group that aims to create opportunities for girls interested in computer science careers. The group visited the University of Waikato recently following a series of afterschool workshops taught by University of Waikato Computer Science tutor Nilesh Kanji. The weekly school visits were a chance for Mr Kanji to take the students through

the steps and mechanics involved in creating video games in the Game Maker environment. “So far we’ve worked through Game Maker workshops on coding for games similar to Space Invaders and Pacman and havealmost finished one for a Platform game,” says Waikato Diocesan student Devon Lee. Mr Kanji has been impressed by the interest many of the students have shown and their dedication to taking what they have learnt one step further. “Some of the girls have extended their games in their own time from what was described in the lessons. I was learning off them, and that is the real buzz from

my point of view,” says Mr Kanji. The idea for the club was sparked when former Waikato Diocesan School for Girls student Jojo Stewart and the Google Student Ambassador made a visit to a school assembly early last year to speak about their study experiences. Jojo has just finished the first year of a Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Waikato University. She completed a first-year programming paper at the university in 2013 while in Year 13 and was also awarded a Computer Science Undergraduate Scholarship which awarded her $5000 and the opportunity to bypass selected first-year papers and

jump straight into secondyear. Due to her talent in communicating computer science to others she was selected as a demonstrator and has worked with Mr Kanji on the IT Girls Club lessons.

Waikato Diocesan School students Chelsea Lin (left) and Devon Bree (right) are part of the school’s IT Girls Club, which made a visit to the University of Waikato last week to continue their lessons with Computer Science tutor Nilesh Kanji and university student Jojo Stewart {centre).

Open Day 2015 Friday 13 March, 10.00am to 12.00pm

Principal’s Welcome – 10.15am, All Saints Chapel (follow directions at venue) School Tours – 11.00am to 12.00pm Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, parking at Martin Street entrance (off McNicol Street).

Academic Excellence, Anglican Special Character, Co-Curricular Involvement, Family Values Waikato Diocesan School for Girls is the only Anglican girls’ secondary school in the Waikato offering boarding for Year 9 to 13 girls. We welcome your enquiry about joining our school family. Phone 07 855 2038 extn 2703, email admissions@waikatodiocesan.school.nz or visit www.waikatodiocesan.school.nz

Making the Dio Difference

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

More than $174k in scholarships for Maori science and engineering students I n 2014, more than $174,000 in scholarships was awarded to Maori Science and Engineering students from the University of Waikato. The awards, which ranged from $250 to $20,000, gave 17 students a financial boost towards their undergraduate, masters or PhD studies. The scholarships came from a variety of supporters, including Waikato University, private trusts, iwi and leading New Zealand companies. Kevin Eastwood, Science

& Engineering Maori Student Achievement Coordinator at the University of Waikato said: “I’m extremely proud to be associated with all of the students within the faculty. “The fact that our future scientists and engineers are being recognised for their hard work is awesome. “This just goes to show that determination and a clear direction can be academically and financially rewarding. As a result I know that the families are incredibly proud of the achievements of these stu-

dents and look forward to even greater things in the future.” Master of Science (MSc) student Te Puea Dempsey (Ngati Maniapoto/ Ngapuhi/ Waikato) received two scholarships totalling $30,000, including a Rona and a Rena Research Scholarship. Te Puea is a former student of Melville High School. Caleb Sweeney (Otumoetai College, Ngati Awa/Ngai Te Rangi/Ngati Ranginui) was also the recipient of a $20,000 Rena Research Scholarship. Multiple scholarships

went to MSc student Kate Mauriohooho (Hamilton Girls’ High School, Ngati R a u k a w a / Wa i k a t o / N g a t i Maniapoto/Ngati Tuwharetoa) who received two scholarships, totalling $17,000 and Blaise Forrester-Gauntlet (Kelston Girls’ College, Ngati Ranginui/Ngai Te Rangi) who was awarded $17,700 from four scholarships. Northland student from Tauraroa Area School Jordan Witehira (Tainui/Ngapuhi/ Ngati Hine) received three scholarships totalling $10,750

for his first year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). Another multi-award winner, who has been a big winner in the past, was Masters student Kiriana Isgrove (Hauraki Plains College, Ngati Tamatera ). Kiriana received nine scholarships totalling $15,100. Other winners include: Jesse Thomas (Waiopehu College, Ngati Raukawa), Grace Davies (Waihi College, Ngati Kahungunu), Alisha Willis (Melville High School, Tuhoe/Ngati Tuwharetoa/ Kahungungu), Tayla Carson

Apprentice sign-ups reach all-time high BCITO has achieved another first for the construction industry by reaching 5000 apprentice sign-ups in 2014; an all-time record. “This milestone reflects the huge commitment from the building and construction community, our apprentices and BCITO staff,” says chief executive Ruma Karaitiana. “We look forward to working with the industry to maintain momentum over coming years to ensure we meet the skill requirements of NZ’s construction sector. We’re literally building people like never before.” Trevor Mackie of Christchurch is delighted to be number 5000. Trevor works for joinery business R A Hale 1997 Ltd, and is lucky enough to really enjoy what he does every day. He’s looking forward to

his future in the industry and can’t wait to become a qualified joiner. Trevor began working for R A Hale when he heard about the opportunity through his school, Hagley Community College, and went for it. Three months later, and recognised as a dedicated and attentive worker, Trevor was signed into a joinery apprenticeship. Managing director Donald Bisphan is pleased with Trevor’s progress. “He’s a really great member of the team, a good all-rounder and we’re looking forward to teaching and mentoring him further.” Trevor says: “I’ve always enjoyed working hands-on creating something and working out complicated and intricate details of a project from start to finish. Joinery lets me do both. “The best thing about being

an apprentice is learning something new every day and finding out better ways of doing things that you might not have known beforehand.” In his spare time, Trevor is a keen BMX racer and was ranked number nine in New Zealand at age 16. He also competed in the BMX World Championships held in Auckland in 2013. To win a BMX race you need to be in front going into the first turn and accelerate the fastest. The leader controls the race and the followers need to work harder. Trevor will no doubt take the lead in his joinery career just as he has in his racing career. His BCITO training advisor will guide Donald and Trevor through the apprenticeship programme over the next few years. BCITO wishes him

introducing HIGH TEA

the best for his learning journey. Having now exceeded all forecasts for apprentice numbers in 2014, BCITO is com-

mitted to ensuring there are enough skilled professionals across all trades to cope with demand in the future.

(Matamata College, Ngapuhi/ Ngatokimatawhaorua), Hiki Ngata (Tauranga Boys’ College, Te Arawa/ Ngati Tahu/Ngati Porou/ Ngai Te Rangi), Ashleigh Weatherall (Mahurangi College, Ngapuhi) , Mahonri Owen (The Church College of NZ, Ngapuhi), Hamish Nicoll (Spotswood College, Te Ati Haunui-APaparangi), Courtney-Ruth Gill (Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, Te Whanau-a-Apanui), Gina Reed (Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, Te Ati Haunui-APaparanga/Ngapuhi), and Billy Bodger (Taipa Area School, Te Atiawa). The University of Waikato offers a number of scholarships at all degree levels. Current listings can be found online at www.waikato.ac.nz/ research/scholarships/

Guest nights rise in November National guest nights for November 2014 were 5.9 percent higher than in November 2013, according to Statistics New Zealand. This is the eighth consecutive month of rises. “Otago and Auckland were the main regional contributors to the national increase in November,” acting business indicators manager Tehseen Islam said. “Otago guest nights were boosted by the inaugural Queenstown International Marathon.” Also for November 2014 compared with November 2013:

North Island guest nights were up 4.5 percent, and South Island guest nights were up 8.1 percent. Eleven of the 12 regional areas had increases. Domestic guest nights were up 3.9 percent, and international guest nights were up 8.5 percent. Guest nights were up for all four accommodation types. For the year ended November 2014, national guest nights were up 5.4 percent from the November 2013 year. After removing seasonal variation, national guest nights

rose 0.9 percent in November, following a 0.6 percent rise in October. The trend for national guest nights continued to rise. The Accommodation Survey collects data for guests staying in hotels, motels, backpacker accommodation, and holiday parks in New Zealand each month. For more information on monthly accommodation statistics, see Accommodation Survey: November 2014. For visitor numbers, see International Travel and Migration: November 2014.

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WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

to ews or a ik s N us f T a W nes all GIF si rs c EE u B de FR reayour

Springtime in Europe

33 days, 14th May to 15th June Dubai stopover - A stunning 7 day RhoneSpringtime River cruise - Magical Lisbon, Porto and the Douro River - Madrid in Europe and majestic Toledo. The French Alps and beautiful Italian Garda - Bolzano & the mighty 33 days, 14th May toLakes 15th at June Dolomites - Swiss Alps and Austrian Tyrol, Barvaria’s spectacular Eibsee and Neuschwanstein Castle Dubai stopover - A stunning day Rhone River - Magical Lisbon, Porto and the DouroPlus River - Madrid 33 7Rothenberg, days, 14thHeidelberg, Maycruise to the 15th June Germany’s medieval gem Rhine gorge, Antwerp and Amsterdam. exquisite Toledo. 7 day Holland cruiseand frombeautiful RotterdamItalian throughLakes the Norwegian Fjords. andanmajestic The America French Alps at Garda - Bolzano & the mighty

Springtime in Europe

Dubai stopover - A stunning 7 day River Tyrol, cruise - Magical Lisbon, Porto and the Douro River - Madrid Dolomites - Swiss Alps Rhone and Austrian Barvaria’s spectacular Eibsee and Neuschwanstein Castle Sensational Europe 33 days, August/September and majestic Germany’s Toledo. The French Alps and beautiful Italianthe Lakes Garda - Bolzano & the mighty medieval gem Rothenberg, Heidelberg, Rhineat gorge, Antwerp and Amsterdam. Plus Dubai - Holland Quirky and beautiful Barcelona - Arles and Provence - and Annecy in the FrenchFjords. Alps - Castle an exquisite 7 day America cruise from Rotterdam through the Neuschwanstein Norwegian Dolomites - Swiss Alps stopover and Austrian Tyrol, Barvaria’s spectacular Eibsee Charming Grindelwald (jungfraujoch railway) - Lake Constance (Lindau) - Mozart’s Salzburg and the Germany’s medieval gem Rothenberg, the Rhine gorge, Antwerp and Amsterdam. Plus Europe Salzkamnergut, BerchtesgadenHeidelberg, (Hitler’s Sensational nest) - Beautiful Lake Bled and Ljubljana in Slovenia - Chianti country in Tuscony (San Gimignano) & Rome before a through superb 7 day America’Fjords. cruise to 33 days, August/September an exquisite 7 day Holland America cruise from Rotterdam the‘Holland Norwegian exciting ports such as Messina (Sicily), Malta, Argostoli, Corfu, & the Adriatic ports of Dubrovnic,

Dubai stopover - QuirkyKotor and beautiful Barcelona - Arles and Provence - Annecy in the French Alps Korcula, Split (Croatia), (Montenegro), and Europe Venice. Sensational Charming Grindelwald (jungfraujoch railway) - Lake Constance (Lindau) - Mozart’s Salzburg and the Wonders of -UK and IrelandBled and Ljubljana in Slovenia - Chianti 33 days, August/September Salzkamnergut, Berchtesgaden (Hitler’s nest) Beautiful (Canadian / Icelandic stopovers) — 31 days,Lake 15th July – 15th August country in Tuscony (San Gimignano) & Rome a superb 7- day ‘Holland America’ cruise Dubai stopover -Vancouver Quirky and beautiful Barcelona - Arlesbefore and Provence Annecy in the French Alpstostopover Iceland (2 nts) amazing landscapes (Game of Thrones sites) -Adriatic The Cotswalds (Bath) exciting ports such as Messina (Sicily), Malta, Argostoli, Corfu, & the ports of Dubrovnic, Charming Grindelwald (jungfraujoch railway) Lake Constance (Lindau) - Mozart’s Salzburg - Exmoor (Dunster) - Beamish & castle stay- at Lumley - Scottish Highlands and islands (Skye, Harris & Lewis) - and the Korcula, SplitPitlochry (Croatia), Kotor and (Montenegro), and Venice. Inverness, - Edinburgh the tattoo - Yorkshire dales and villages - medieval York - Snowdonia’s

Salzkamnergut, Berchtesgaden (Hitler’s nest) - Beautiful Lake Bled and Ljubljana in Slovenia - Chianti mountains & castles in Wales - Galway / Connemara / cliffs of Moher - medieval banquet at Bunratty Wonders of UK and Ireland country in Tuscony Gimignano) Rome a superb 7 Devon day ‘Holland castle(San - Cashel & Killarney - Irish&music and before dance - Fishing villages of and CornwallAmerica’ - Rick Stein’s cruise to (Canadian / Icelandic stopovers) — 31 days, 15th July – 15th August food as (Padstow) - London’s attractions and shows. Mini break in San Francisco the way home. exciting ports such Messina (Sicily), Malta, Argostoli, Corfu, & the on Adriatic ports of Dubrovnic, Vancouver stopover - Iceland (2 nts)North amazing landscapes of Thrones sites) - The Cotswalds (Bath) Korcula, Split (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro), and America Venice. Eastern Tour (Game and Cruise

- Exmoor (Dunster) - Beamish & castle stay at Lumley - Scottish Highlands and islands (Skye, Harris & Lewis) 30 days, 23rd May to 21st June Wonders of UK Ireland Inverness, Pitlochry - Edinburgh and the tattoo - and Yorkshire dales and villages - medieval York - Snowdonia’s A fun taste of the “birth of music” destinations in Nashville, Tennessee, the Gran’Ole Opry (country) mountains & castles in Walesstopovers) - Galway / Connemara Moher - medieval banquet at Bunratty (Canadian / Icelandic — 31 days,/ cliffs 15thofJuly – 15th August Memphis, Elvis’s Graceland (rock n’ roll). An Amish country visit - the US capital, Washington D.C, castle - Cashel & Killarney - Irish music and dance - Fishing villages of Devon and Cornwall - Rick Stein’s House,- famous andlandscapes monuments - (Game New York in “the BigFrancisco Apple” - Aon fabulous 7 home. night Vancouver stopover - Iceland (2 nts)museums amazing ofSan Thrones sites) - the Theway Cotswalds (Bath) foodWhite (Padstow) London’s attractions and shows. Mini break from Boston ( Bar Harbor, Nova Scotia,- Scottish Newfoundland, the St Lawrence, Quebec, Montreal. - Exmoor (Dunster)cruise - Beamish & castle stay at Lumley Highlands and islands (Skye, Harris & Lewis) Eastern North America Tour and Cruise Train to Toronto and Niagara Falls - and ever popular Vancouver Inverness, Pitlochry - Edinburgh and the tattoo - Yorkshire dales and villages - medieval York - Snowdonia’s 30/days, 23rdTour May to 21st June Canada Cruise mountains & castles in Wales - GalwayAlaska / Connemara / cliffs and of Moher - medieval banquet at Bunratty 23 days, 19th August – 10th September funKillarney taste of -the of music” destinations in Nashville, the Gran’Ole (country) castle - CashelA & Irish“birth music and dance - Fishing villages Tennessee, of Devon and CornwallOpry - Rick Stein’s BeautifulElvis’s Vancouver, Alberta Rockies, National Park, Ice fields Parkway and Athabasca glacier Graceland (rock n’Banff roll). An Amish visit - the capital, Washington D.C, food (Padstow)Memphis, - London’s attractions and shows. Mini break in country San Francisco onUSthe way home.

snoHouse, - coachfamous - Calgary. Fairbanksand Alaska, riverboat discovery cruise. and Prince White museums monuments - New York “theValdez Big Apple” - A William fabulous 7 night Eastern North America Tour and Cruise sound marine wild life cruise by tide water glaciers. Fabulous 7 night Princess Cruise from Anchorage cruise from Boston ( Bar Harbor, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, the St Lawrence, Quebec, Montreal. ( Glacier Bay, Skagway30 anddays, the White Pass train,to Juneau, Ketchikan, the inside passage) Elegant 23rd May 21st Vancouver June TrainVictoria to Toronto and Niagara - and popular the Butchart Gardens Falls - vibrant Sanever Francisco.

A fun taste of the “birth of music” destinations Nashville, Tennessee, the Gran’Ole Opry (country) AlaskaDiscovery /inCanada Tour and Cruise South American and Galapagos Cruise days, 25thAugust July – 18th August 2325 days, 19th – 10th Memphis, Elvis’s Graceland (rock n’ roll). An Amish country visitSeptember - the US capital, Washington D.C, 3 nights in fabulous Alberta Rio visiting Christ the redeemer, Ipanema - amazing Iguazu 7glacier White House, Beautiful famous museums and monuments - NewCopacabana, York Big Apple” -and A fabulous night Vancouver, Rockies, Banff National Park,“the Ice fields Parkway Athabasca Falls enjoy the train and boat to the Devil’s Throat. Experience the unique culture of Peru in Cuzco sno - coach - Calgary. Fairbanks riverboat discovery cruise. Valdez and Prince William cruise from Boston ( Bar Harbor, Nova Scotia,Alaska, Newfoundland, the St Lawrence, Quebec, Montreal. - the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the lost city of Machu Picchu. You will love Ecuador, Quito the sound marine wild life cruise by tide water glaciers. Fabulous 7 night Princess Cruise from Anchorage Train to Toronto and Niagara and ever popular Vancouver markets Avenue Falls of the -Volcanos, Cloud Forests and our amazing Amazonian lodge experience. ( Glacier Bay,enjoy Skagway andwildlife the White Pass train, the inside Relax and the exotic and scenery on ourJuneau, fantastic 5Ketchikan, day Galapagos cruise. passage) Elegant Alaska / Canada and Cruise Victoria the Butchart Gardens - vibrant SanTour Francisco.

23 days, 19th August – 10th September South American Discovery and Galapagos Cruise

days, 25th JulyIce – 18th August Beautiful Vancouver, Alberta Rockies, Banff25 National Park, fields Parkway and Athabasca glacier sno - coach 3- Calgary. Fairbanks Alaska, riverboat discovery cruise. Valdez and- amazing Prince William nights in fabulous Rio visiting Christ the redeemer, Copacabana, Ipanema Iguazu the train to glaciers. the Devil’sFabulous Throat. Experience the unique culture of Peru in Cuzco sound marineFalls wildenjoy life cruise byand tideboat water 7 night Princess Cruise from Anchorage the Sacredand Valleythe of the Incas andtrain, the lost city of Machu Picchu.the Youinside will love Ecuador, Quito the ( Glacier Bay,- Skagway White Pass Juneau, Ketchikan, passage) Elegant markets Avenue of the Volcanos, Cloud Forests and our amazing Amazonian lodge experience. Victoria the Butchart Gardens - vibrant San Francisco. Relax and enjoy the exotic wildlife and scenery on our fantastic 5 day Galapagos cruise.

South American Discovery and Galapagos Cruise 25 days, 25th July – 18th August

3 nights in fabulous Rio visiting Christ the redeemer, Copacabana, Ipanema - amazing Iguazu Falls enjoy the train and boat to the Devil’s Throat. Experience the unique culture of Peru in Cuzco - the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the lost city of Machu Picchu. You will love Ecuador, Quito the markets Avenue of the Volcanos, Cloud Forests and our amazing Amazonian lodge experience. Relax and enjoy the exotic wildlife and scenery on our fantastic 5 day Galapagos cruise.

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Development contribution regime will Law Matters see big changes Development contributions are a fee levied by councils on developments or subdivisions to help pay for the additional demand on public infrastructure and services that they create.

source of discontent for developers since they were first introduced in 2002 many, often legitimate; grievances have been raised about them over the years. The Government has recently addressed these concerns by amending the Local Government Act 2002, overhauling when and how a council can require a contribution. A new purpose section has been added to the Act, specifically requiring councils

to levy contributions in an equitable and proportionate manner. A set of principles further expands on this by providing a set of guidelines for councils to follow when drafting and implementing development contributions policies. One major concern has been the lack of transparency in how contributions are applied. The complaint is often raised that contributions are not always used in the community where the develop-

ment occurred. The Act now addresses this by requiring councils to create a publicly accessible schedule of assets that it intends on funding through development contributions. This should bring a greater level of public scrutiny and hopefully more consistency between councils. A related issue has been the range of facilities funded through contributions. The Act previously defined community infrastructure very broadly, allowing councils to use contributions to fund big ticket items, such as libraries or swimming pools, not directly linked to the demand created by the development. This definition has now been restricted to community centres or halls for the

by rachel scott

Associate at Norris Ward McKinnon Email: rachel.scott@nwm.co.nz | DDI: 07 834 6003 / www.nwm.co.nz use of the local community play equipment located on a reserve and public toilets. This will substantially reduce the scope of how councils can apply contributions. However, the most significant change to the regime, and perhaps the most needed, is the introduction of a formal objection process. If developers believe that they have been unfairly assessed they can now request that council reconsider the assessment or formally object to the assessment. A developer may ask the council reconsider its assessment on the grounds that: • the contribution was incor-

rectly calculated; • The territorial authority incorrectly applied its own policy; or The information used to assess the contribution was incomplete or contained errors. Formal objections are heard by independent development contributions commissioners appointed by the Minister. The commissioners have extensive powers under the Act. They may determine their own hearing procedures, rules of evidence or require a party to provide further information. Their decisions are binding

and may include an order that the assessment be amended or even quashed. Importantly, an objection process must be lodged within 15 working days from receiving the assessment notice. Any developer considering objecting to an assessment should seek legal advice as soon as possible. These changes will take some time to “bed in”. It will be interesting to see whether the new regime strikes a better balance between ensuring developers pay their way while at the same time not hindering legitimate economic activity. This is a case of “watch this space”.

Rules of thumb when someone loses a thumb There has been panic in the air with new health and safety laws looming in April . There is now a slight reprieve from this panic because that date has been pushed back. Rather than breathing a collective sigh of relief people should take this opportunity to ensure health and safety measures are robust to avoid being caught off guard whenever the new laws do come into effect, probably later in the year. By the time the new laws are in place I am sure everyone reading this column will be on top of their health and safety obligations (at least I hope so). But things do go wrong and then it is important to cooperate with Worksafe (the health and safety government agency) to keep people safe and avoid or reduce prosecution. The new health and safety laws specify when to contact Worksafe. By following the new procedure you’ll set yourself up for the change, while still complying with the old regime. The basic process is after a “notifiable event” you must: • notify Worksafe; • keep a record of the notifiable event; and

• preserve the site. A notifiable event is a “death”, “notifiable illness or injury” or “notifiable incident”. Notifiable illnesses or injuries include injuries requiring hospital admission, head injuries or infections from contact with animals or animal byproducts. A rule of thumb is: if you call an ambulance you should call Worksafe. A notifiable incident is an incident that exposes people to a serious risk to health and safety from immediate exposure to things such as “an escape of gas or steam”, “implosion, explosion or fire”, or “electric shock”. Once again this is a specific list but a good rule of thumb is: if someone could have been hurt you should notify Worksafe. You can contact Worksafe through its website http:// www.business.govt.nz/worksafe or on 0800 030 040. People who don’t, face a fine of up to $10,000 and $50,000 for businesses. You have to record all notifiable events and keep those records for at least five years or face fines of up to $5000 for individuals and $25,000

for the business. You must preserve the site of a notifiable event. The only exceptions are to assist the injured, remove the deceased, if it is essential to make the site safe, under direction of the police or if Worksafe permits. People who don’t may be liable for a fine of up to $10,000 and the business could face a fine of $50,000. Cooperation with Worksafe during these types of incidents is vital. Any fines or penalties you may face could be reduced to reflect your posi-

Employment Law Focus >

by gillian spry

Partner, leads the Employment and Litigation Team at Norris Ward McKinnon. Email: gillian.spry@nwm.co.nz | www.nwm.co.nz tive cooperation. There is no reason not to notify Worksafe; it is likely to find out anyway through ACC claims or employee notifications. Then you really could be in trouble if it has not been notified. Worksafe won’t inves-

tigate every notifiable event and a good history of reporting and adherence to health and safety laws will only help you. Even though the updates to health and safety laws aren’t coming in as soon as we had

expected now is a great time to implement the changes so you are fully compliant in time, and avoid ever having “notifiable events”. And just in case you hadn’t realised, losing a thumb is definitely a notifiable event.

NZGFA reports critical skilled driver shortage The New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers’ Association (NZGFA), has established that its industry is critically short of experienced drivers and is about to do something about it. NZGFA president, Brent Scully, said that his organisation was about to start a recruitment initiative to encourage more people into the industry. “Currently the average age of our fertiliser spreader drivers is 58”, Brent Scully said. “We must recruit younger drivers if we are to survive as an industry. “The NZGFA acknowledges there are issues that discourage young people from entering the industry; primarily the cost and time to get through the heavy transport

licensing system. “In addition to this we are also in the position where we must attract young people from larger cities to our vibrant provincial towns. “Further, while there may have been health and safety issues in the past, the groundspread industry has bent over backwards to address those concerns. “NZGFA is very proud of the protocols we now have in place including an extremely thorough health and safety manual and comprehensive on the job training. These issues need to be weighed against the diverse career fertiliser spreader driving offers. “We have an excellent story to tell.

Fertiliser spreader driving is a well-paid, skilled, interesting and challenging career. It is also highly precise, with our spreaders being GPS assisted and remotely mapped”. “There is also the opportunity to be your own boss and run your own company – if that is what you want to do. “Importantly, ground spreader drivers are vital for sustainable food production. If we don’t replace the nutrients we take out of the soil our entire economy is in danger of collapsing. “It is a vital cog in the machinery that is New Zealand agriculture. “NZGFA will be working hard to encourage young Kiwi men and women into the industry”, Brent Scully said.

Now iN two locatioNs: 441 Victoria Street, Hamilton, P (07) 838 3418 and Ground floor, Westfield Chartwell, P (07) 852 5341 :: www.goldsmithsgallery.co.nz

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Corporate hospitality at Seddon Park Black Caps v Sri Lanka 1

10 3

1 Simon Wade, Sue Wade, Alistair Druett, Alastair Macqueen, Terry Rolton, Colin Thomas, Lee Patchett 2 Martin Swann, Gavin McNabb, Bob Gray, Sam Garmonsway, Graeme Ward 3 Steve Bradburn, Tim Hennessey, Mitch Buckley, Greg Bean 4 Brian Squair, David Hutchinson, Blair Currie, Jonathan Brown, Matt Stark, Vicki Squair 5 Alan Wilkie, Jay Paull, Royden Moke, Troy Quigley, Thomas Peterson, Paul Horsfall, Ivan Kottaiya 6 Tim Strawbridge, Adam Findley, Thomas Peterson, Rebecca Hopson, Andrew Steed, Steve Tuck, Brian Gempton, Colin Wade 7 A happy group with Adfence 8 The Pernod Ricard crew 9 More Adfence corporates 10 A team with Armourguard take the chance to relax

Photos and names courtesy N D Cricket

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from the ground up

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Specialist development planning with Louise and her team has you covered T By Mike Blake

There are so many easy-to-find pitfalls to stumble into when you are planning a land development.

his doesn’t apply only to the mums and dads out there who reckon they’ve bought the ideal property on which to pop two or three units as a hedge against their retirement. The ‘big boys’ developing inner city property portfolios can also come up against some curly rules when it comes to applying for resource consent and knowing the whims of local councils.

We develop tailored, innovative and practical answers to all projects requiring planning and resource management input.”

Louise Feathers and Gina Reed outside the new Louise Feathers Planning premises in Victoria Street, Hamilton.

Step in Louise Feathers BREP (hons), MNZPI, RMLA and her team. This professional planning outfit specialises in efficiently and successfully guiding their clients through the resource consent or subdivision process. Many people have a dream… but don’t know where to start, according to planner-director Louise. Or they need help with identifying development potential or understanding the regulations to satisfy before they kick off a development. “We welcome large or small projects, and being a small com-

pany, can offer a personalised approach for clients. You won’t get lost in a chain of staff.” “We are able to advise clients and their development team on the planning processes and guide them through a streamlined process to gain the best result,” said Louise. “This incudes identifying the rules, the implications of failing rules, recommending mitigation options and liaising with council staff to ensure resource consents are obtained quickly, cost efficiently and with conditions which are practical.”, “Our job as planners is to understand the goals of our clients, pull in all the experts needed for technical assessment and present a proposal to council with a formulated argument to satisfy the council that the proposal will not have any significant adverse enviromental effects. “We develop tailored, innovative and practical answers to all projects requiring planning and resource management input.” Louise Feathers Planning has been in operation for almost four years and has recently expanded the team to include Waikato University graduate Gina Reed. “The new District Plan is much more prescriptive than its predecessor so more projects need planning input or resource consent. We needed a bigger team to ensure we could continually meet the timing and efficiency expectations of our clients. “The new District Plan is also creating a lot of uncer-

tainty for people, so we deal with many inquiries from people wanting to know how their property or business is affected by the proposed plan. Louise Feathers Planning has relocated into the city to be more accessible for their clients and also to ‘do their bit’ for the CBD regeneration. Refreshing the branding

seemed logical to complete the recent expansion process. Gina’s interests are in coastal and environmental planning as well as planning with/for tangata whenua. This will add great diversity to the services that the company can offer, as Louise has a predominantly land development and subdivision focus.

Handy subsidy for hookup to Pokeno wastewater system Pokeno residents connecting their properties to the new wastewater system will receive a 50 percent subsidy from council. Strategy and support general manager, Tony Whittaker says initial discussions with residents indicated they were interested in connecting to the new system but not one lump sum payment for the connection. He says council has considered those concerns and agreed to provide payment options. “A reticulated wastewater network is required to service the existing Pokeno village and future development so we’re keen for residential properties to connect sooner rather than later. “We’ll offer payment options in one lump sum or over 10 years, whichever suits the customer. “The final payment figures would also include a 50 percent subsidy towards the property connection. “Phase one of the wastewater system, the commercial sector, is complete and we’re now ready to continue discussions regarding phase two for residential properties. “Further details of the payment options and subsidy will be shared with residents early this year.”

RESOURCE CONSENTS PLANNING | SUBDIVISION | LAND DEVELOPMENT

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WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

from the ground up`

January/February 2015

Envirocheck offers peace of mind for property owners Founded in the Waikato by Todd Sheppard back in 2010, Envirocheck Forensics was started as a product of necessity.

ack then for a methamphetamine surface residue test on your property, you were looking at very high costs. With the worry that the exorbitant price tags from the bigger generalised scientific and forensic companies would scare off the people responsible for those affected by contamination, the young and elderly. Envirocheck engaged the services of Hill Laboratories and with their help were able to develop a fast, affordable and discreet way of screening homes for methamphetamine and several of its precursor chemicals. The result was a sub $200 sampling and testing regime and a single swab taken from up to eight locations. This allows tenants and property owners to get a YES or NO answer and a simplified average of the level of contamination within a five working day and turnaround time. This is reported via a notification brief and an analysis certificate from the laboratory. In the unfortunate event that contamination is present,

Envirocheck’s business model has been a success and since then the company has grown to employ 10 full time staff along with a network of 15 sampling contractors.” the next step Envirocheck performs is a detailed site investigation which involves taking individual samples from each room in the property. This enables them to quantify the level of contamination and for remedial recommendations to be made. Envirocheck’s business model has been a success and since then the company has

grown to employ 10 full time staff along with a network of 15 sampling contractors who provide the low cost initial sampling all the way from Kaitaia to Gore as well as everywhere in between. Envirocheck works hard to stay advanced with research and advancements in the industry. They have developed a subsurface test allowing them to test behind unintentional or maliciously painted over surfaces. Depending on the renovation history of the property this sub-surface test can also be used to establish a timeline on when the contamination occurred. Ongoing research is also being performed into decontamination techniques for different surfaces and materials. Envirocheck regularly has success in bringing levels of contaminants to <0.02 or 25 times lower than the recommended Ministry of Health safety guidelines for clandestine meth labs. Envirocheck is available to sample commercial and residential real estate, hotel rooms, personal property, furniture as well as cars trucks and boats. Head office can be reached on 0800378483 any time between 8.30am and 5.00pm or after hours check out Envirocheck. co.nz

Upgrades, ‘rennos’ and new-builds all key parts of Antanas Procuta Architects exciting year of projects The New Year is a time when individuals and businesses are thinking about change and planning for the future. Ideas might include upgrading from caravan to holiday home, or house renovations so you don’t feel the need to ‘escape’ for the holidays, or changes to business premises for growth. Antanas Procuta Architects has been helping people improve and build new homes, workplaces, and community facilities for more than 18 years. The impact our homes can have on our physical and mental health is well recognised. But the same factors also effect people at work – size and layout, temperature, ventilation, noise, light, toxicity, and even technology. Director and registered architect Antanas Procuta explains: “A welldesigned workplace can improve employee health and morale, increase productivity and efficiency, help attract and retain staff, reduce operating costs,

Antanas Procuta help build your brand, and give you a competitive advantage.” Just as people seek to create a home that reflects their personality and lifestyle, a business or organisation’s premises helps enhance their public profile, and the building or office becomes part of their ‘brand’. This is one reason Antanas Procuta Architects’ architecture doesn’t have a distinctive or deliberate ‘style’.

Instead, they specialise in creating unique one-off homes and buildings specifically for each client, to suit their particular site and requirements. “Our residential clients want their homes to reflect their own lifestyle and tastes - not that of their architect or dozens of other home-owners,” said Antanus. “And businesses want their building or office to reflect and represent their business – not their designer.” Improvements to their own workspace are on the company’s agenda for the coming year, and the team is keenly following progress of their first house design to be constructed off-site. Houses and holiday homes in coastal townships, and several education projects will make up a large portion of the practice’s work this year, and they’re looking forward to seeing some of their probono work for community projects Embassy Park, The Fairfield Project and Meteor Theatre come to fruition.

from the ground up

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Pauanui Waterways a unique canal resort development

he 325+ lot development is best known for its impressive canal front sections designed to encompass the ultimate waterfront lifestyle. Pauanui Waterways allows section owners the ability to own private jetty and boat ramp facilities. Since opening its first stage in 1993 the development has flourished into one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the Coromandel. Now in its third and final stage there are only 10 percent of sections still available. The Waterways is home to

Pauanui Waterways is a unique residential canal resort development situated within the sheltered waters of the TairuaPauanui Harbour, located on the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula. many beautiful, lavish homes, and range of water toys that make this development so spectacular. Pauanui and the Waterways have commonly become

known as a retreat for wellheeled New Zealand families. The locality of Pauanui means that boating is made easy, with cruising, diving, fishing and game fishing

TWO youngsters enjoy the fun and safety of the beach at this unique Pauanui Waterways residential canal resort on the Coromandel Peninsula.

grounds all found immediately beyond the Pauanui harbour. Section owners at the Waterways simply set off from their private jetties to explore nearby islands, harbours and the white sand clad Coromandel coast. Leigh Hopper the managing director believes: “Pauanui Waterways is the piece de resistance of the greater Pauanui area. “The initial design elements have proved to be robust and enduring. “Our earliest vision of

creating a special place with exceptional amenity, offering the best in waterfront living has been delivered beyond doubt. “It is very fulfilling to see the large number of families enjoying their properties and surrounding environments. “So often we are gratified by comments from property owners expressing their appreciation of the lifestyle benefits. “Every year I continue to be amazed at the scope of new water toys and activities enjoyed within and immedi-

ately beyond the Waterways.” Pauanui Waterways is never short of activity as the fresh, pristine salty waters of the canals make for a popular domain for swimming and a number of water activities such as kayaking, stand up boarding and more. Pauanui Waterways is waterfront living at its finest. For more information about this waterfront lifestyle that is second to none, call the friendly sales team on 0274 973 095 or visit www. pauanuiwaterways.co.nz.

THE vision of creating a ‘special place’ comes true when you absorb the positives of this Pauanui Waterways style of ‘living on the water.’

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

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The low maintenance brick and tile homes are set in a peaceful country setting within 26 acres of landscaped grounds. Each Supervisor theliving residents interests. villa includes a heatprotects pump, carpeted areas, smoke detectors, light ﬁttings, drapes, venetian blinds, Miele appliances, dishwasher, internal access garage, T.V. satellite system, disability bathroom and emergency call bell system.

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MBIE report backs primary sector careers Lincoln University’s deputy vicechancellor business development, Jeremy Baker, has welcomed the findings of a Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) report which shows particularly favourable prospects for those exploring primary sector and associated land-based careers.

he Occupation Outlook 2015 report is a comprehensive industry document designed to provide key information for those contemplating study and career options. The report rated the job prospects for agricultural scientists as very high, and projected an annual growth for the profession of FOUR percent for 2013-18 and 3.2 percent for 2018-23. Identical figures are listed for environmental scientists and food technicians, while the job prospects for farmers and farm managers is also rated as very high. “The report lends weight to the message Lincoln University has been making for some time. Namely, that there are many exciting career opportunities in the primary sector for those who are prepared to open themselves up to the possibilities,” says Jeremy. “A key ‘take home’ from the

report is that the sector is becoming increasingly sophisticated. While this means a greater need for highly trained individuals in agribusiness and science-related fields, it also opens up a range of opportunities in areas such as IT and manufacturing, as well as in the provision of financial and accounting services.” The Government is increasingly targeting more highly skilled occupations within the primary industries in an attempt to improve outcomes across value chains and meet its 2025 target of doubling primary exports. Jeremy sees this as particularly important in light of last year’s Ministry of Education report which stated that only 1.1 percent of current university students are studying an agriculture-based discipline. When including manufacturing associated with the landbased industries and other related services, the primary sector

employs approximately 350,000 people nationwide, accounting for around one in six employees. According to the Occupation Outlook 2015 report, it’s expected the country will need an additional 92,600 qualified workers in the sector by 2025 in order to meet industry goals. “One thing is certain if we are to ensure we can meet the necessary target of graduates entering the sector, and that’s the need to engage and inform urban students as to the opportunities within the industry as a whole. “There are pathways and specialties that extend well beyond the farm itself. We need career professionals to fly the primary sector flag. “My advice to any student considering their options is to think beyond the usual pathways. If you have an interest in biology or chemistry, why not apply that to something like plant science, animal science or bioprotection, for instance? “If you’re thinking of studying business, maybe consider something like food marketing or supply chain management,” says Jeremy. The full Occupational Outcomes 2015 report can be viewed at www.mbie.govt.nz/occupationoutlook/pdf-library/occupationoutlook-2015.pdf

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education equals opportunity

Nine reasons to make your business more sustainable At the Sustainable Business Network we’re often asked what the benefits are for having a sustainable business. Here are our top nine advantages – ranging from improved brand value to increased resource efficiency and staff retention. The advantages of having a sustainable business include: 1. Meeting procurement expectations Many NZ businesses and organisations are starting to ask sustainability-related questions when it comes to procurement. A business that has supply chain transparency is in a stronger position to meet these standards. 2. Improved brand value and reputation Sharing your sustainability story is a marketing tool. Brand reputation or ‘goodwill’ is one of the most valuable assets a business can have. If your sustainability strategy aligns with your business’ product or brand, this will help you to tap into what the market cares about, while reinforcing your company’s culture. 3. Meeting consumer demand and marketing advantage Sustainability issues are now becoming mainstream, and are harder to ignore. Colmar Brunton’s Better Business Better World research shows that consumers are willing to pay more for ethical and

sustainably produced products. People want to feel good about what they are buying and where it comes from. 4. Providing a platform for innovation Social and environmental issues present new business opportunities for companies that recognise the potential new revenue sources available to those who develop solutions to the challenges we face. 5. Business continuity and risk management Sustainability is about protecting your business from the risks of today, while ensuring that it can respond to the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. It’s important to have a long term outlook to ensure longevity, and to make sure your business remains successful in the future. 6. Increased resource efficiency Many of the resources we previously considered renewable, like forests and fresh water, have become finite now that human demands are exceeding the ability of natural processes to replenish them. Businesses need to plan for increasing resource costs in the future, the cost of adaptation to climate change, and a policy environment that is increasingly hostile towards carbon emissions. 7. Staff retention and attraction Employees and job candi-

dates, particularly those from Generation Y, seek work that is meaningful and demonstrates value to society. Top talent is seeking out employers that have a clear vision for their contribution to a sustainable global economy. 8. Strengthening stakeholder relations Stakeholders recognise the value of proactively anticipating, managing and responding to business risks. By having a sustainability policy, you will attract investors who are interested in companies with long-term, sustainable business plans that minimise operating risks and costs in the future. 9. U n d e r s t a n d i n g emerging trends in your sector What are the next big shifts in your sector? In our rapidly changing world, a successful business is one that can effectively manage change. It’s important to be able to have a view to the future, and to be willing to adapt to change. The Sustainable Business Network has just launched a new online resource: Pathway to Sustainability. Developed for businesses to use at any stage of their sustainability journey, it includes a range of practical information on how you can make your business more sustainable, including resource sheets and links to a wide range of useful tools.

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

Icebreaker has appointed Kate Winstone to the brand as regional marketing manager for New Zealand and Australia. Consumer marketing pro Kate will be responsible for optimising and executing the global brand and seasonal marketing programmes across all Southern Hemisphere sales channels and consumer touch points. “We are thrilled to bring Kate to the Icebreaker team as we expand the business to represent multi-channel offerings for consumers,” says Greg Smith, Icebreaker general manager for New Zealand and Australia. “Kate’s strong consumer product and retail experience will be an incredible asset to the Icebreaker team as the business reaches its third decade.” Kate is a customer-focused and commercial marketer with nine years of experience in multi-national beauty brands across New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe. She has a proven track record across the full marketing mix with both luxury and FMCG brands. Most recently, at L’Oréal New Zealand, she worked as a group brand manager for the iconic beauty brands L’Oréal Paris and Garnier. Kate also brings significant businessto-business experience through leading marketing communications for salonexclusive haircare brands Kérastase

MORE study options MORE hands-on learning MORE one-on-one time MORE career choice With a practical focus, more majors to choose from and small class sizes you’ll graduate work ready from the Bachelor of Applied Management. Go to www.wintec.ac.nz/bam to apply now.

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BACHELOR OF APPLIED MANAGEMENT

January/February 2015

and Matrix. Before L’Oréal, Kate worked as senior brand manager at Revlon UK, developing brand strategy across the UK and Europe with a heavy focus on content creation and digital engagement. ‘’My passion lies in developing consumer-centric strategies to grow a business which is well aligned with Icebreaker’s world class creative thinking,” says Kate. “Icebreaker represents a product that I am passionate about, with brand values that I believe in. “I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the next growth chapter for such an iconic New Zealand brand acting on the national and international stage.’’ Kate will be based at Icebreaker’s Auckland main headquarters. About Icebreaker Icebreaker merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid-layer and baselayer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Auckland, and is sold in more than 5000 stores in 50 countries; at Icebreaker retail stores in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States and online at Icebreaker.com. Please visit media.icebreaker.com for more information about Icebreaker, and jeremymoon.me for more information on Icebreaker founder Jeremy Moon.

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

education equals opportunity

Soda Inc Ambition Showcase saw a line-up to be proud of By Mike Blake

A line-up to be proud of took part in the recent Soda Inc Ambition Showcase, powered by ASB and hosted by Wintec.

arlier in 2014 ASB commissioned research asked the question: How ambitious are New Zealand businesses? This found most people running a business had let go of the old “she’ll be right” approach. And ASB executive general manager corporate, commercial and rural, Steve Jurkovich said: “I’m pleased to say more than 70 percent of businesses surveyed said they wouldn’t be stopping at a ‘boat, a bach and a BMW’. “This was quite a change of heart from 2009 when NZ Trade and Enterprise found Kiwi

business owners preferred to sell once they’d created an amount of wealth that met their initial goals, instead of pushing on to build strong national or even international businesses,” he said. “One quarter of those surveyed told us they wanted to be global operators and a further 41 percent wanted a company with a national footprint,” Steve told the 100-strong audience. “I believe these are tremendous aspirations for your business and ASB wants to make those connections that will help achieve your goals.” Each of the six presenters

Rachel Adams and Dr Claire McGowan

on the day were loud in their praise of Soda Inc and the assistance they had received in setting up and driving their business through the incubating period and into the mainstream. LiquidStrip’s Greg Morgan explained the technology as a continuous filtration system designed to efficiently separate liquids and solids from waste effluent, allowing for superior disposal options and provide a cost-effective method to manage waste. Accumulation of excessive amounts of dairy shed effluent (DSE) is emerging as a major environmental issue in the dairy sector. “This technology allows farmers to better manage and recycle DSE and reduce their exposure to heavy compliance costs and even fines,” he said. LiquidStrip technology is scalable and can be retrofitted into existing infrastructure. Next to the podium strode Walter Ormsby from the sustainable transport solution… Findatruckload. This is a web platform that brings together road transport companies and freight providers online to eliminate empty truck running, improve freight efficiency and reduce unnecessary vehicle emissions. “We have created the fastest growing trucking business within the industry without even owning a truck,” said Walter. “Much of our success has come through our attachment with Soda Inc.” Through the Findatruckload

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SODA provides ambitious entrepreneurs with the vital connections, essential knowledge and access to capital for accelerated growth and success. We have an exceptional team of mentors, entrepreneurs, consultants and high profile business leaders whom collectively support our clients succeed.

Alison Franklin, DTexH2O; Maggie Mitchell, Departure Lounge Caskets and Vanessa Clark, Soda Inc website – www.findatruckload. co.nz - transport users now have access to more than 200 individual carriers which allows them to access those empty trucks and find a transport operator which best meets their freight needs. Registration on the site is free and it’s free to post loads and empty trucks. An acceptance fee is only charged at the point of transaction, according to Walter. Here’s how it all works. Firstly you post your load anonymously on www.findatruckload.co.nz Next transport companies tender for the load/short term contract Then you (with the load) accept an offer and pay success fee to Findatruckload. The truck is booked and you and the carrier arrange transport. The audience was then welcomed to a new generation of modern, yet traditionally shaped funeral caskets. Having seen the pathway to success after passing through the Soda Inc incubator for start-up companies, Departure Lounge Caskets has developed a unique flat-packed casket design. This can be assembled in two to three minutes without using tools, glue, screws or nails and is a high-end eco-friendly product. Director Maggie Mitchell said the business was launched in mid-2014 after a successful time with destination business incubator Soda Inc. “The casket was designed and patented by my husband Andy who has more than 20 years’ experience in the carpentry sector,” said Maggie. “About 15 years ago Andy set up MCL Packaging which was a specialised packaging and crating business focusing on the top end of the market i.e. fine art works and medical equipment. “Departure Lounge Caskets, available from selected funeral directors throughout New Zealand, are designed with environmental values in mind,” she said. “They are simple yet elegant and available with selected images to better communicate our distinct and unique attributes. “They can come with a luxurious oiled finish or be in natural timber allowing personal customising and decorating,” she said. The company uses only environmentally sustainable materials with natural fibre and wool lining. An easy contact is on 0800 360 712 or email Andy on andy@mclpackaging.co.nz Ice Cycle Ltd was next up and managing director Richard Upperton came forward to

explain exactly what his company was all about. “We have designed and built a milk snap-chiller unit for use on dairy farms,” he said. “Although it will chill any liquid, anywhere. “The unit is capable of chilling milk from the cow at 34 degrees centigrade to 4 degrees centigrade in less than three seconds,” he said. “The benefit of chilling milk quickly is that you will decrease bacteria growth and produce healthier milk.” The Ice Cycle system will also enable farmers to use ‘off peak’ electricity to cool the milk as well as ultimately reduce onfarm water usage. “This will benefit the environment and reduce costs due to rising water charges,” said Richard. “Soda Inc was a key part of our development,” he said. “We were at the National Fieldays in 2013 and established Ice Cycle Ltd in February 2014.” DTexH2o is an in-line electronic probe water detector and alarm system. “It gives farmers the technology to detect the difference between milk and water and the ability to know where in the line the wash up water is,” said director Alison Franklin. “If the farmer forgets to turn the water off, an alarm will sound in the milking shed as soon as water crosses the probes in the milk line. “This is set to give the farmer time to get to the tap before the water enters the milk vat.” Inventor Graeme Franklin who took the company to finalist status in the 2014 Innovators’ Awards says: “DTexH2o will bring farming practices into the 21st Century. “It eradicates water contamination issues; dairy company grades and fines are a thing of the past and it guarantees more milk in the vat. “As a management tool it maximises income, is environmentally friendly and is particu-

larly comforting for absentee farmers who employ casual relief milkers or full-time staff in their absence,” said Graeme. Check it out on www.dtexh2o.com or email Graeme or Alison on dtexh2o@gmail.com Each of those presenting at the Ambition Showcase were full of praise for Soda Inc the Waikato-based business incubator and hub for entrepreneurs where high growth business founders can access essential support enabling them to succeed and grow their businesses faster. Soda Inc provides its clients with incubation programmes, training, education, co-working facilities and access to high quality experts, capital and networks nationally and abroad. ASB commercial regional manager Richard Odgers said: “The relationship between ASB and Soda Inc is a genuine collaboration to support the business ambitions of entrepreneurs across the country. “The Soda Inc team delivers compelling learning to develop our people and customer service capability and conversely we have supported Soda Inc initiatives. “The common goal is to foster new business, help those businesses grow and contribute back to the wider community through innovation and support,” he said. And finally, a comment from Wintec CEO Mark Flowers: “As Soda’s major shareholder, Wintec is proud to support the essential role the organisation plays in accelerating business growth in the region. “Soda Inc increases employment opportunities for many talented people, including our graduates. “We enjoy working closely with each other on a number of projects all with the shared vision to build a stronger community,” said Mark.

Andy Mitchell, Departure Lounge Caskets and Graeme Franklin, DTexH2O

education equals opportunity

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

CTC – global leader in pilot training recognised across airline industry CTC Aviation is a global leader in airline pilot training and is recognised across the industry for training the highest quality pilots, having state-of-the-art facilities with highly qualified instructors, and for sustaining strong partnerships with some of the world’s leading airlines

ach year CTC Aviation in New Zealand trains approximately 350 cadets from 16 nations and contributes more than $80million to the Waikato economy. The CTC current fleet of 38 aircraft includes 16 glass cockpit Cessna 172s equipped with a state-of-the-art Traffic Advisory System (TAS), 14 DA20 Katana single engine aircraft, and eight twin engine DA42 aircraft. CTC Aviation moved to its Hamilton base in 2004 and officially opened its purposebuilt training facility in 2005. This training facility houses lecture rooms, briefing rooms, a crew room, planning and operation facilities, a dedicated Ground School facility and two fixed-base DA42 simulators. CTC also has a purposebuilt accommodation facility a short drive from the training centre that can house up to 200 students in single and twin

studio units. This accommodation facility ‘Clearways’ is equipped with communal lounges, kitchens, laundries, sport facilities and outdoor entertainment areas and is a great home away from home for trainees from all around the World. CTC Aviation’s range of innovative and exciting programmes includes the Diploma in Aviation Flight Instructor Programme. This course is eligible for student loan funding and has a sponsored Flight Instructor course along with a highly sought after job as a flight instructor with CTC Aviation on graduation. Another exciting opportunity is the Qatar Airways MPL programme which is 18 months long and sees you graduate as a Qatar Airways pilot based in Doha flying A320s. Qatar Airways has one of the most modern aircraft fleets across a worldwide network.

Trainee pilots discuss flight plans for the day with an instructor at the CTC training base at Rukuhia near Hamilton Successful applicants will be made a conditional offer of employment from Qatar Airways and will complete their training at CTC Aviation’s state-of-the-art crew training centres in the UK and NZ. An Open Day is planned for March7 and details for this event will be uploaded onto the CTC website shortly. Check out the CTC website for more information on its programmes and to book your spot for one of the Open Days at www.ctcwings.com/nz Or give CTC a call at 07 843 3304 to talk to one of its helpful staff members. Make your career to fly with CTC Aviation today.

In control…a young trainee pilot is taken through his paces over the dairy farms of Waikato

A CAREER WITHOUT EQUAL A CAREER WITHOUT EQUAL CTC Aviation Open Day - Saturday 07 March 2015 - Hamilton, NZ CTC Aviation is a global leader in airline pilot training with world-class facilities and highly qualified instructors. Come along to our Open Day to: 4 Learn about our exciting pilot training programmes 4 Tour our training and accommodation facilities 4 Talk to our instructors and trainees 4 Hear from our guests from the airlines Regsiter your place today at www.ctcaviation.com/wingsnz

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

New Year reminder… Spell out the rules to keep kids safe on line Most of us have now returned to work after a well-deserved and restful holiday. From Summer Reid Child Matters

he first week of work in the New Year is often a quieter time than usual, and a great time to ‘spring-clean’ our environmental and electronic workspaces.

This may include tasks such as taking action on any outstanding emails from last year, cleaning up computer files, and changing access passwords. Now is also a great time to do a similar ‘spring-clean’ of our electronic workspace at home, particularly for the purpose of keeping our children

safe online. During the holidays it is common to be more lenient and flexible with our children’s activities, meaning an increase in time our kids spend online. So it is important to start the work and school year by sitting down with our children and familiarise the whole family with the basic rules for online safety; Revise and set rules for internet use. Limit your children’s online leisure time.

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child focus

January/February 2015

• Transition to school programme • Servicing Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Huntly and Ngaruawahia

Child Matters speaking up for children

Child Matters, New Zealand’s specialist child abuse prevention organisation

Talk to your children about what they like to do online, and perhaps make a list of permitted sites they may visit. For younger children, create shortcut links to the sites they can visit directly. Update or install software on your computer which either blocks restricted content so your children cannot access certain sites, or monitors activity so that you can review online behaviour. Google your family members’ names, screen names, address and telephone numbers. This is the first thing people will do when they want to find dirt on you, so be aware of what’s out there. If you find any suspicious or inappropriate content, report it to the site’s administrator immediately. Review your children’s social media contacts list. Children often make new friends and connections over the holiday period, so ensure you know the offline identity of everyone on your children’s social media contacts

list. Remind them to never accept a friend request from someone they do not know offline. Check your children’s privacy settings on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep upto-date with the ever-changing amendments to privacy policies on these sites. Remind your children on the dangers of oversharing personal information. It is a definite no-no to mention your full name, school name, address, age, birth date, or telephone number anywhere online. Ensure your children do not post photographs that reveal identifiable information such as their school’s name. Review your children’s’ screen names and usernames. Ensure they do not feature personal information such as the child’s real name or age, and are not likely to garner unwanted and inappropriate attention. Webcams are an essential tool for keeping in touch with

friends and family. However they are not completely secure. Do not allow your children to use webcams in their bedroom, or in a place that could identify their location to strangers. Change your login passwords. Make sure you know the family account password and your children’s passwords Taking an active role in your kids’ activity online will help ensure that they can enjoy the fun, social and educational value it provides, without being exposed to any potential dangers. For more information on keeping kids safe online, visit www.netsafe.org.nz Safekids.com also has a ‘pledge’ tool, featuring a list of rules that promote online safety for both kids and parents. Parents can print pledges for each family member to sign, and display them on the wall next to the computer as an everyday reminder of safe activity online. Visit http://www.safekids. com/contract.htm

Make sure children have correctly fitted lifejackets

Talk to the Team today: 07 855 1332 sarah@familymatters.co.nz www.familymatters.co.nz

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Boaties are being reminded to ensure that any gion.govt.nz/makeitfit. children they’re taking out boating this summer Good safety tips include: • Check the weight guidelines for the lifejacket. need to be wearing correctly fitting lifejackets. • A maximum of three fingers should be able to “If lifejackets are too big there’s a real risk that be put under where the lifejacket contacts the kids will fall straight out of them once they hit the shoulder. water,” said Waikato Regional Council maritime • Test lifejackets in shallow water. services manager Nicole Botherway. • Use of a crotch strap can help ensure lifejackets “A lifejacket naturally floats, a person doesn’t.” stay on children. Recent research indicates about a third of chilIn Waikato waters, people in vessels six metres dren were wearing lifejackets that were “substanor less must wear lifejackets at all times. tially” too large. In bigger vessels, the right lifejackets for those Mrs Botherway said council harbourmasters will be keeping a particular eye out for any cases where on board must be carried and worn in situations of high risk. children’s lifejackets appear to be a poor fit. “Last summer we saw way too many kids in lifejackets that were too large. A lifejacket needs to fit comfortably snug. “A lifejacket that is well fitted will feel like a good handshake, firm but not too tight.” Mrs Botherway said parents need to make sure that they, or anyone else taking their kids out, have the right gear for them. “Drowning is a horrible way to die. Ensuring your children are wearing a correctly fitting lifejacket will put them in the best situation if they do end up in the water. “Too many parents are getting lifejackets thinking their kids will grow into them but a lifejacket needs to be ready to help them now. This is safest for your child, and a legal requirement. Lifejackets must be an appropriate size to securely fit a person.” Tips for checking whether a lifejacket is appro- HARBOURMASTER Richard Barnett helping a priate for a person are available at www.waikatore- child check that the lifejacket fits properly

Your child’s potential, & our expertise let’s make this a brilliant year.

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Mathematics, science, biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics & English 07 849 5804 027 506 2300 www.ttteachers.co.nz mferri@xtra.co.nz

child focus

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Jenny Bell Oranga – specialists in giving resilience and peace back to anxious kids At Jenny Bell Oranga we specialise in giving resilience and peace back to anxious and depressed kids and young adults

ow do we do that? By giving each child two crucial things: Knowledge – an understanding of what’s behind the feelings that weigh them down. A Cognitive Toolbox – a practical range of coping techniques and strategies that will enable your child to shrink any potentially distressing issue down to a manageable size.

All children experience anxiety as a part of their normal development. Children who experience anxiety difficulties tend to have more intense worries. Signs of excessive worry – Persistent worry about upcoming events; avoidance; attention to threat /hyper vigilance; fast and sustained physiological changes; stress related physical

symptoms; difficulty in resting and going to sleep; shyness; social withdrawal; perfectionism; appetite changes. Anxiety difficulties are increasingly common It is estimated that one in five (20 percent) of the population experience significant emotional distress. Social emotional resilience programmess for children with autism spectrum disorders At Jenny Bell Oranga, in addition to our other programmes, we also run programmes specifically to address the social skill deficits that characterise children with

high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. The Secret Agent Society (SAS) is a breakthrough programme for children between 8 and 12. With its espionagethemed games and eye-catching resources, children learn how to recognise and manage their own feelings, cope with change, detect other people’s emotions, talk and play with others and deal with bullying. Parents and schools are an integral part of the programme and receive resources and support to help young ‘secret agents’ develop and practise

the underlying causes behind feeling and functioning well. And because our programmes are evidenced-based, you can be confident that good results will come. Jenny Bell is a highly experienced and well qualified educator. She- is passionate about equipping children and adults with the skills to manage life’s ups and downs. To enrol your child in one of our programmes or for further information, please contact us now - www.jennybell.co.nz E. jenny@jennybell.co.nz P. 027 245 2749

new skills at home and school. A recent research trial found 76 percent of children with Asperger’s Syndrome who participated in SAS improved from showing clinically significant delays in social and emotional functioning to displaying these skills within the range of typically developing children. At Jenny Bell Oranga our philosophy and methodology is evidenced-based. That simply means that our approach is founded on proven research and practices, a scientific body of material that has pinpointed

Quality childcare based in Te Rapa We run children’s 9 session workshops that give your child the skills to help them be happy, confident and resilient, no matter what challenges life throws at them.

Would you like your child ild to be more resilient? “How do I know if these We run children’s 10 session workshops that give your child the skills to help them be happy, conﬁdent and resilient, These programs are endorsed by no matter what challenges life throws at them.

workshops will help my child?”

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

do Iaknow if these “How as making difference!

workshops will child help my child? Particularly if your struggles with: “

they have consistent familiar teachers. With a Healthy Heart Awarded menu, all children are guaranteed a nutritional lunch, morning and afternoon tea. Families really enjoy the Storypark online portfolio system, which means on a secure website teachers can share learning through stories, photos and even videos. It’s like their own secure Facebook which families can use to interact with teachers and vice versa. They are in partnership with Enviroschools and the Waikato Regional Council to encourage gardening, recycling, composting, respect and conserving nature’s resources. The Association also exclusively works with Sport

Waikato Under5 Energize team to enhance nutrition and physical education in their programme. A “Cool 4 School” programme encourages children to be lifelong learners who will have the skills to successfully move into the school system. The Waikato Kindergarten Association is serious about education and as a non-for-profit organisation it is reinvesting money back into childrens learning and employing the very best teachers. Te Rapa Early Education Waikato offers an open-door policy, so inquiries are welcome any time – no appointment necessary. Enrolment Enquiries www.kindergarten.org.nz 0800 CHILDREN (244 537)

• Persistent worry about upcoming events • Shyness • Social withdrawal • Perfectionism • Appetite changes All children experience anxiety as part of their • Difﬁculty in resting or going to sleep normal development, but some events need a bit of • Persistent worry about upcoming

extra help learning how to deal with it. Our programme

All children experience anxiety as part of their normal development, will help your child build resilience, confidence and emotional but some need a bit of extra help learning how to deal with it. well-being. our your website more information about Our programmeSee will help child for build resilience, conﬁdence and courseswell-being. for children adults. for more information about courses emotional Seeand our website for children and adults.

www.jennybell.co.nz www.jennybell.co.nz

Ph:027 027245 2452749 2749or oremail email jenny@jennybell.co.nz Ph: jenny@jennybell.co.nz

5955395AA

Te Rapa Early Education Waikato offers a natural inviting environment and professional approach to educating and caring for children from three months of age. The large purpose-built environment has an exciting indoor area with an attached covered deck and a spacious outdoor environment which provides physical and problem solving challenges. It is all about real Kiwi kids – grass, sandpits, vegetable gardens, water, swings, climbing frames and so much more. Teachers are truly passionate about extending children's learning, which is evident in how smoothly the programme and structure of the day runs. The stability of staff really shows in the way children develop and learn, knowing

These programs are endorsed by • Shyness • Social withdrawal WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION Perfectionism • Appetite changes as• making a difference! • Difficulty in resting going with: to sleep Particularly if your child or struggles

BOOK NOW 1 FOR TERM 3

Places strictly limited. Phone Jenny on

027 245 2749

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

Kiwiplay … encouraging children outside for play

Limelight Dance Academy Hamilton’s premier dance school offering specialist training in RAD Ballet, NZAMD Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Tap.

It is all about letting them grow in confidence and imagination in a safe environment industry.

Offering classes from Pre-School to Adults. Enrollments taken year round. At Limelight Dance Academy we hope to create and nurture a love of dance and help to develop healthy, happy, well rounded individuals. For more information please contact Kerry Mills | phone 855 3021 | mobile 021 2343930 email admin@limelightdanceacademy.co.nz | www.limelightdanceacademy.co.nz

and Pukete OSCAR before & after schoo l programmes

• High staff ratios • Fulltime cook supplying healthy meals • Family owned and family focussed centre • WINZ subsidies available to all services Infants and Toddlers Centre

• Birth – 3 year olds Preschool Centre

• 3–5 year olds • 20 hours ECE care for 3 and 4 year olds Before and after school programme

1, 3 and 5 Cullimore Street, Pukete, Hamilton Phone/Fax: 07 849 6780

Jazz Unlimited rocks! Dance studio . 3 and 4 year all ages and abilities We have classes for ars and up, t and jazz. From 5 ye olds can learn balle Jazz and Tap, n ca cal ballet, Ameri they can learn classi mporary. Hip Hop and Conte

visit us at You are welcome to 9 London St. 16 , re The Dance Cent

ercial on site with comm We have 4 studios mirrors. gth en ll-l , and wa air con, sprung floors

Enrol NOW for Term

child focus

January/February 2015

1, 2015 gentine om + Latin, Salsa, Ar

er dance – Ballro We also teach partn and more. e, Tango, Modern Jiv

8 0096 ra.co.nz or (07) 83 jazzunlimited@xt z .n d.co www.jazzunlimite

e all know how invaluable outdoor play is for mental and physical development. We at Kiwiplay believe our Cedar kitsets which are designed for residential use, offer fabulous value for money along with loads of built in safety elements and lots of fun features. We not only want the kids to have fun, but we also want to offer parents a high quality product that will last. These kitsets are made in the USA and distributed from our warehouse facility in Hamilton to homes around the country. Ordering is done on-line through our website and product can be viewed at Trade Shows around the country. Despite the weather being against us at the Waikato Home and Garden Show last year, we had some great feedback and support from all who visited our site. Christmas was busy with orders from all over NZ and lots of happy children over these holidays. Each part of the kitset has been carefully designed with both safety and fun in mind. Our swing chains have a soft plastic coating that is durable, flexible and remains cool even in direct sunlight. Our slides are designed from the ground up to fit perfectly with our playground sets. They are made of polyethylene and have built-in UV protection which resists colour fading (even in our harsh sun) making them the safest in the

Our timber parts are all presanded twice for extra peace of mind and the main holes are pre-drilled to allow for easier construction. Thick rails, wide and solid bases, and double wall construction ensure our slides will last. All our hardware is made to a commercial grade. Kiwiplay has proudly been associated with the Waikato community since its inception and will continue to support the local businesses by maintaining a Distribution Centre in the area. We are booked for another exciting promotion at the Mystery Creek Fieldays in

June and hope to again be at the Waikato Home and Garden Show 2015. Come see our product on line www.kiwiplay.co.nz or give us a call on 0800 KIWIPLAY for more information.

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

On the radar - Inland Revenue’s latest Compliance focus Taxation and the law The New Year is a time to reflect on the year that has been and the changes we want or need to make.

or many businesses, this is a good time to step back and look at key areas of improvement, one of which may relate to your tax compliance. Despite Inland Revenue’s (IR) best efforts, there continues to be a level of noncompliance from people either inadvertently missing the mark or intentionally choosing to cheat the system. Each year IR identifies specific areas of risk and publishes a ‘Compliance Focus’ document. The 2014/2015 publication sets out IR’s key compliance focus areas and provides an indication on what to expect in the upcoming year – which can provide a starting point when deciding what areas to focus on. Because if IR is focusing on it - there is likely to be a reason why. Key focus areas for 2014/2015 include: Everyone files and pays on time It may seem simple, but IR will be focusing on prompting people to file overdue returns (particularly employer monthly schedules as these can impact employee entitlements) and pay outstanding amounts. This includes all types of returns and payments whether this is tax, child support or student loans. IR may

prompt you via text message, phone call or letter. There is no better way to avoid interest and penalties than to pay what you owe by the due date. People with high wealth or high income If you earn a high income, or have a high net worth, there is a presumption on IR’s part that you are more likely to have complex tax affairs. IR looks out for particular signs that may require further scrutiny from a tax perspective including: • large one-off transactions • unexplained losses • unusual capital/revenue classifications • mismatches between tax paid and net wealth • complicated structures, intra-group dealings and financing arrangements, or • mixed business/private use assets. If you are uncertain about the application of legislation to your situation, independent professional advice should be sought. The property business The New Zealand property market continues to be robust with property speculators, dealers and investors actively buying and selling in the market. Tax consequences in relation to each transaction must be considered under the land

taxing provisions. IR has had a focus on this area for a number of years given the complexity behind taxing property transactions. Key areas of focus include tax issues associated with residential property trading, one-off speculation and new and infill developments. If IR finds a person hasn’t complied with the rules, they may place an alert on a person’s account to check and ensure future property transactions are treated correctly. Trusts Trusts provide a flexible structure for protecting and preserving assets and can be an effective means to balance asset and tax planning. In recent years, the IR has been looking at trusts with increasing scrutiny, and this year is no different with IR looking at trusts from two angles. Firstly, IR wants to educate people and ensure they understand the tax rules applying to trusts to avoid common mistakes. Secondly, IR is looking out for the use of trusts in aggressive tax planning arrangements and in structures that may not appear to make commercial sense or deliver unusually favourable tax advantages. More on aggressive tax planning below. Fraud and identity theft Your identity enables you to travel, work and receive government benefits. Occasionally however, people will create fake documents, identities, intentionally provide incorrect information to

By hayden farrow

Hayden Farrow is a Director in the Tax Team at PricewaterhouseCoopers | Email: hayden.d.farrow@nz.pwc.com pay less tax or illegitimately seek money from IR. At present, IR’s systems are designed to prevent people from receiving refunds they aren’t entitled to and data analysis helps to detect and monitor suspicious activity, ranging from basic scams to complex and organised criminal activities. IR is also increasingly working with other government agencies to identify and take appropriate action when someone attempts to commit fraud against a government agency. IR’s systems are becoming more sophisticated. With the transformation of IR and associated IT systems upgrade, we expect IR’s ability to analyse and identify risks will increase. Under-reporting income and operating outside the system People that are new to New Zealand or are starting a business for the first time may not know what their tax obligations are and IR is looking to educate and inform people in these circumstances. In other instances, people may intentionally under-report their income to evade tax. Not only does this provide an unfair competitive advantage over other businesses that pay the right amount of tax, but it results in the Government receiving less to spend on providing services.

IR has been looking at this area for a number of years and is working to improve the tools and techniques it uses to detect evasion. Aggressive tax planning Aggressive tax planning involves the use of inappropriate or unlawful tax structures to avoid paying tax or to enhance entitlements to social benefits. Aggressive tax planning has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years with IR actively pursuing aggressive tax structures. IR has been looking more closely at transactions where the tax benefits seem to drive the transaction or the tax benefits outweigh the commercial reality of a transaction. Internal tools assist IR in matching tax data from various sources to identify potentially aggressive tax structures and schemes. With IR’s success through the Courts, the line representing acceptable tax planning has swung in IR’s favour, so it is even more important to ensure your tax structures are appropriate and lawful in today’s environment. Charities Charities operate for the purpose of providing benefits to the public, or a sufficient section of the public. In return for their contributions to the community, charities receive an income tax exemption and people who donate to charities

can claim tax credits. However, sometimes charities are misused by people to pay less tax than they should or to receive money they shouldn’t. IR is working to educate people with regards to laws for charities and is operating closely with the Charities Services team to identify people who misuse them. Tax is not black and white. The circumference of IR’s radar is growing so if in doubt, please seek professional advice. The comments in this article of a general nature and should not be relied on for specific cases. Taxpayers should seek specific advice. About PwC PwC firms help organisations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. We’re a network of firms in 157 countries with more than 195,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.co.nz PwC refers to the New Zealand member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/ structure for further details. © 2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers New Zealand. All rights reserved.

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WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

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WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

January/February 2015

Changes set to make your life easier Great plans are afoot through 2015 for Placemakers Te Rapa... all aimed at making your life as a tradesperson or DIY home renovator much, much easier. By Mike Blake And while Jack Kimura, chief operator on site at Te Kowhai Road, stands firmly behind the Placemakers’ promise of ticking all the boxes, he is keen to improve his one-stop-shop. Firstly he plans a major

expansion to the drive-thru which will include ‘growing’ the racking system for greater ease of timber selection. A budgeted growth in staff will see the offices expanded and modernised to suit Jack’s vision of offering a tailored house planning service. “The idea is to be able to

offer our clients a house building service from the slab to the sink,” said Jack. “We have all the components for kitchens, bathrooms, electrical and window joinery in-store already but we intend to expand the range on offer. “A client will bring in his plans and select the items he feels are best suited to his particular job,” said Jack. “We will price the job and it will be packaged from the supplier. Basically we plan to take our Placemakers’ promise to the market and ensure it works.” Jack and his team are already proud of the way Placemakers Te Rapa is sticking to the promise which entails so much. Like 250 core trade items always in stock and more than

100,000 products available. “We’ll answer your call within 30 seconds or make sure we call you back within an hour,” says Jack. “And we’ll deliver the order

to your site in full and on time, every time, or we’ll refund the delivery charge.” Finally, Jack believes there should be no surprises because his team is strict when it comes

to accurate invoicing. So if you want to keep up with the play follow the exciting developments planned for Placemakers Te Rapa…they won’t let you down.

We Promise PLACEMAKERS TE RAPA TICKS ALL THE BOXES When it comes to home improvement – just ask Jack