Business North Dec/Jan

December 2015

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Parkhill perfection Page 32

Ngai Tahu eyes Auckland action Hugh de Lacy Ngai Tahu’s going to Auckland because that’s where the action is – and will likely remain – in the residential property market, according to the Christchurch-based iwi’s general manager of property for Auckland, David Kennedy.

“All of our property asserts are in the South island and predominantly in Christchurch.

“We’re wanting to create some geographic diversity, and the obvious place for us to look towards is the Auckland market,” Kennedy said.

“All the commentators are saying that there’s a high level of demand which isn’t being met yet, and won’t be for a few years, so it’s the obvious place for us to look.”

Kennedy said that the decision to look north and his recent appointment as the manager of that initiative - had nothing to do with the spread of the iwi’s membership beyond the South Island.

“It’s a straight commercial rather than an ownership decision.

“Auckland has a large population base, strong economic growth and demand for property activity, so it’s a natural place for us to look towards.”

Nor does it signal that the company is shutting up shop in Christchurch or the South Island.

“Some of our big land sub-divisions [in Christchurch] like Wigram and Preston Grove are coming to the end of their natural life, and I think the market here will change because most of the

post-earthquake demand is being satisfied by Ngai Tahu sub-divisions and others.”

Kennedy said the slowing of the rate of increases in Auckland house prices, which averaged $931,807 in November compared to $910,000 in August, did not deter the company either, as these appeared to be the result of new government rules restricting investment, combined with an easing of the capital outflow from China.

The slowdown in Auckland also appears to have given new life to the provincial residential market, with Waikato and the Bay of Plenty in particular benefitting from the Auckland overflow.

Nationally, house prices averaged $555,729 in November, up from $550,000 in October.

The softening outlook for interest rates, with the Reserve Bank mulling a further cut to the Official Cash Rate (OCR), seems unlikely to reinflate the Auckland market to any great degree, Kennedy said.

“Interest rates have been quite low by historic standards for a few years, and the market’s adjusted to that reasonably well.”

While Ngai Tahu’s northern focus will be on the residential market, that should not imply a neglect of opportunities in the commercial sector, Kennedy said.

“We’ve got an investment portfolio which includes commercial and retail assets, and we’ve got some successful industrial sub-divisions as well, so we’ll still be in those areas,” he said.

Manawatu hub

on the market Chris Hutching Wallance Developments has placed its latest commercial retail hub in the Manawatu on the market.

Wallace Developments headed by Jonathan Wallace and based in Havelock North has been a long term player in places like Palmerston North, and more recently in Auckland and Tauranga.

Business picked up after the 2008 crash because many other developers failed.

Many developments are for the same clients.

For example, Wallace Developments is currently building several outlets for Z Energy in the upper North Island.

Mr Wallace says the company usually has 15 to 20 projects under way and about the same number in the pipeline. he company retains some projects and markets others.

He favours auctions and has three offerings about to be auctioned including the FMG office building in Hamilton, the Department of Corrections building in Palmerston North, the Ministry of Education building in Gisborne, and the Rangitikei Junction hub.

The junction hub is the biggest commercial property in Bulls with anchor tenants include Foodstuffs with its Four Square supermarket, and BP Oil operating its BP service station and truck stop, and Rangitikei District Council.

INSIDE

Recognition for Foxton building...

Palmerston North architect Bruce Barry has received an international design accolade for his work on Foxton’s unique and innovative Te Waiora Community Medical Centre. The building, which Barry says reflects Foxton’s Maori and maritime heritage, received the bronze award in the Institutional Architecture section of the prestigious Los Angeles International Design Awards (IDA), which “recognise, honour and promote legendary design visionaries”.

No concerns with rate cut - PAGE 2

Slight dip in Auckland rents - PAGE 2

Works by over 1000 architects from 51 countries were considered for the awards, with the Auckland Art Gallery the only other project chosen from New Zealand. The Te Waiora Centre project also won the Public Architecture category at the New Zealand Institute of Architects Western regional awards. Bruce says the design of the building - which opened in July last year - is linked to the region’s rich cultural and river transport history.

See story page 16

Ethical metal market grows - PAGE 3

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2|

MANAGING DIRECTOR

James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz

GENERAL MANAGER

Rex Lynch rex@waterfordpress.co.nz

EDITOR

Nick Gormack nick@waterfordpress.co.nz Sub Editor Gerard Campbell Journalists Jo Bailey, Karen Phelps, Chris Hutching, Kelly Deeks, Sue Russell, Hugh de Lacy

SALES ROOM Sharon Brown, Colin Morais, William Stock, John Fraser, Monique Dalrymple, Brittany Lane, Adam Brinkley, Sam Baxter, Matthew Harris, Paige Howard, Chris McPhee, Ren McKay, Eimear McKeever, Chris Pearce, Adam Shirra, David Mooney, Linda Sigvartsen

Email: sales@waterfordpress.co.nz

PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT Graphic Artists Samantha Stuart, Michael Parker, Liki Udam, Anton Gray, Jessica Ann, Mike Perry, Emma Bone art@waterfordpress.co.nz Customer Services Ann-Marie Frentz Sarah McQuilkin Charlotte Frentz annmarie@waterfordpress.co.nz Distribution Wendy McLarin wendy@waterfordpress.co.nz

OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Manager Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland Alex Cohen reception@waterfordpress.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN OFFICE Manager Scott Homer scott@waterfordpress.co.nz Printed by

Waterford Press Limited Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 PO Box 2581, Wakatipu These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Company and its clients. Advertising is charged for on the basis of space taken up using a standard tabloid page. Actual space may be reduced during the printing process but this will effect all advertisers equally so no credit will be given for any reduction in size due to processing. The Company reserves the right to alter, change or omit entirely any advertisement or article that it considers to be objectionable or which may contravene any law. In the event of a failure on the part of the Company to insert advertising as instructed the Company may publish the advertisement at the first available subsequent reasonable date unless the advertisement features date sensitive material. Every care shall be taken to publish the advertisement in accordance with the advertisers instructions as to page and position but the Company reserves the right for whatever reason to place advertising in a different position and in doing so shall incur no liability whatsoever. Advertisers must advise Business North immediately of any error or omission in advertisements and shall work constructively to remedy the situation which in the first instance shall be a rerun of the corrected advertisement in the next available issue of Business North. Where advertisement proofs have been faxed or mailed to the client 48 hours prior to the nominated printing cutoff time acquiesce shall be taken as confirmation and acceptance. Corrections made by telephone shall be accepted but the Company reserves the right to decide whether a further proof should be faxed or mailed to the client. Accounts for advertising are due for payment within seven days of publication of the newspaper.

Accounts not paid within this time may incur a penalty of 3% per month until the account is paid. Any debt collection costs incurred by the Company will be added to the account of the debtor. Views and opinions expressed in Business North are not necessarily those of the editors, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. Business North welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editors discretion. Business North accepts no responsibilty for loss of photos or manuscripts.

NEWS »

Business North

OCR rate cut not expected to boost housing market Hugh de Lacy The Reserve Bank’s expected further trimming of the Official Cash Rate (OCR) won’t re-inflate the bubbling Auckland housing market in 2016 to any great extent, the chief economist of Westpac Bank, Dominick Stephens believes.

Commentators were divided over a preChristmas rate cut that could see the OCR drop from its present 2.75 percent to 2.5%, the record low at which the Reserve Bank has held it for most of the time since the 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis.

Stephens was ambivalent about a December rate cut, but he believes the OCR could fall to as low as 2 percent in 2016, with the Reserve Bank taking further nips at it as late as June or August.

However he does not expect that to reverse the softening trend in the dangerously inflated Auckland market.

As well as the impact of a slowing national economy, “....the recent restrictions on mortgage lending and the tax rule changes will all have some negative effects on the market, “ Stephens said.

“To some extent lower interest rates will help ameliorate that slowdown, but it’s a time thing: the Auckland housing market slowdown is only six weeks old.

“To some extent lower interest rates will help ameliorate that slowdown, but it’s a time thing: the Auckland housing market slowdown is only six weeks old.”

“The cuts to the OCR I don’t expect are going to happen for another five months, but within the appropriate timeframe, yes, lower interest rates will be a positive factor among many acting on the market at that time,” Stephens said.

His forecast for the Auckland market was a return to slow positive house price inflation during the next year, with the OCR just one in a mix of influences.

“There are a number of things I think are important to the market, but in terms of direction of change what tends to happen is that when you get new regulatory changes happening you tend to get quite a sudden impact on the market, but the impact fades over time.”

The slowing of the market in OctoberNovember fitted this scenario despite inflation having been around 1% for the past year, below the Reserve Bank’s statutory obligation to keep it between 2% and 3%.

Inflation is having little impact on the housing market where a chronic shortage of housing stock, which is compounded by net immigration running at record levels above 60,000 a year, are the main drivers. The Reserve Bank’s commentaries have suggested it is reluctant to drop the OCR below 2.5%, even to get inflation back up within its target band, but fear of creeping deflation may force its hand.

Overall the economy was performing well, with tourism and the services sectors both ticking over nicely, and the slump in milkfat prices for the key dairy industry appearing to have run its course.

ANZ Bank chief economist Cameron Bagrie is another who, like Stephens, believes the Reserve Bank will be forced to cut the OCR to 2.5% by the middle of next year – if not sooner - while Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) senior economist Doug Steel agrees with that forecast, but doesn’t think it will go any lower in the current cycle.

Auckland rental yields New system slip under 4 percent taking aim Chris Hutching Crockers market researchers estimate the average return for Auckland rental properties is 3.6%, down from 4.01% in October 2014.

The returns calculations are based on rents achieved on medians value houses rather than increases in capital value.

Since June 2013, property prices have risen faster than rents.

In the latest Crockers Property Investment Index survey in association with IPSOS, nearly two thirds of the owners and landlords interviewed feel rental prices are fairly priced, while nearly a third believes rents are currently below fair price.

Nearly half are not planning to increase rents within the next six months, while 42 percent anticipate an increase of 3% or more.

Increases in costs associated with the rental property – rates, insurance and maintenance, are all likely to contribute to a decision to increase rents.

An increase in interest rates is also another factor.

Nearly half the investors and landlords interviewed (45%, down 6 points) are not planning to increase rents in the next six months.

Most of those planning to increase rents are anticipating an increase of 3% to 4%.

An increase in local rates is most likely to lead to an increase in rents (72% of respondents, up 8 points), but other costs like insurance and property maintenance also play a part.

Compared with the previous survey in July 2014, significantly fewer respondents are saying that an increase in interest rates would influence them to increase the rent on their investment property.

Average rents across the eastern suburbs sit above the average for the greater Auckland region (Pukekohe to Rodney).

“These results suggest that the new property rules that came into effect in October have started to have an impact....”

The average price for a two-bedroom dwelling in the eastern suburbs is on a par with the average for three-bedroom dwellings in the greater Auckland region.

“Since 2011 we see consistent increases in rents across regions, two-bedroom prices increasing 19% to 22% and three-bedroom prices increasing 14% to 19%,” researcher Kim Sinclair says.

“This month the Auckland Rental Property Performance Index is up sharply, with a significant shift away from those who think their investment performance will get worse over the next 12 months to those who think it will remain the same.

“The Auckland Rental Property Investment Index is also up sharply this quarter, with a significant shift from those planning to reduce the size of their property investments over the next 12 months to those planning to make no changes to their property investments.

“These results suggest that the new property rules that came into effect in October have started to have an impact on the market, but perhaps not as expected – given that this shift in optimism signals an expectation that the market is not going to retreat.”

Auckland rents have returned to the August peak of $446, while two-bedroom rents across New Zealand increased to their highest level.

Rents for three-bedroom properties in Auckland dropped to $570 after peaking at $580 in August.

at insurance fraudsters Chris Hutching The Insurance Claims Register has expanded its methods of detecting insurance cheats. The technology has been developed in partnership with New Zealand firm Aptelisense.

The new system enables insurers to map data based on the geographic history of claims which alerts to double dippers, according to Dave Ashton, manager of the Insurance Claims Register.

The register has been operating for 15 years and is a major tool assisting in prevention of fraud, and for insurers to assess risk when taking on new business.

The new register allows insurers to search the claims history of potential new policyholders and includes any alerts that have been recorded by any member company.

It is expected there will be more checking of records by insurers as the new register is quicker to search, taking milliseconds as opposed to minutes.Members of the register have access to 7 million records containing more than 8000 flagged records.

Insurance fraud is estimated to add around $350 million to the cost of insurance in New Zealand. Types of insurance fraud include purposeful non-disclosure when people fail to inform the insurer of a previous claims history with the intent of getting a cheaper premium.

Double dipping involves making more than one claim off polices for the same loss, such as a travel claim where you are covered by your travel policy and a home and contents policy.

Exaggerating a claim includes adding extra items.

NEWS »

Business North December/January 2016

|3

Growing market for ethical metals Karen Phelps With only one other supplier of ethically sourced silver as competition worldwide and no other company currently supplying ethically sourced gold, Baz Howie, from Waihihi Bullion Company, has big plans for a new venture, which will see ethically produced precious metals from Newmont Waihi Gold’s mine available to growing niche markets.

“Ethically sourced gold and silver is a growing request for the jewellery industry from its clients and I expect in the near future it will become as popular as requesting ethically sourced diamonds,” predicts Howie.

His belief in the market can be seen in Howie’s dedication over many years to develop a path of traceability for gold and silver mined by Newmont Waihi Gold.

All gold and silver bullion produced from Newmont’s gold mines in Waihi is shipped to the Perth Mint as dore bars for refining as it’s not possible to refine the gold and silver produced in Waihi to the required purity in New Zealand.

Previously it wasn’t possible to separate Waihi’s gold or silver at the Perth Mint from batches produced by other miners.

Howie worked closely with the Perth Mint, which is part of the Conflict Free Smelter Programme, so precious metal produced from Waihi could be separated as anode bars before it is mixed with other product.

Once refined, it is now shipped back to Waihi as one ounce gold and 10 ounce silver ingots and Newmont Waihi Gold provides Waihihi Bullion Company with information about the shipment number once the ingots are back in Waihi.

The Waihihi Bullion Company can then provide

“They will know that it wasn’t mined using questionable techniques, using child labour or destructive environmental practices or in a conflict zone.”

Gold and silver production at Waihi meets the international criteria for ethical gold production. consumers with information about when the gold or silver was poured and where it came from providing a clear path of traceability right down to the tunnel where the metal was mined.

Newmont Waihi Gold external affairs coordinator Kit Wilson says that gold and silver production at Waihi meets the international criteria for ethical gold production.

“This includes labour laws, cultural training, closure plans, and community engagement. This

means that if a consumer purchases a Waihi gold or silver ingot from the Waihihi Bullion Company or the Gold Discovery Centre, or a piece of jewellery from an accredited manufacturing jeweller who is using Waihi’s gold and silver, they know exactly where it came from.

“They will know that it wasn’t mined using questionable techniques, using child labour or destructive environmental practices or in a conflict zone,” says Wilson.

Both one ounce gold and 10 ounce silver ingots are available for purchase from Waihihi Bullion Company on pre-order or over the counter at the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre.

Gold and silver is delivered in small increments to address any security issues around delivering or storing the ingots and only very small amounts of gold and silver are kept in Waihi.

Howie, who has a 20-year background in finance, says his primary market at present is the souvenir industry and that customers have been enthusiastic about purchasing precious metals they know originated in the local area.

Sales to New Zealand-based jewellers are also increasing but Howie sees export potential and is presently making contacts with jewellers internationally.

Howie says that investment in physical bullion is a market trend: “Markets internationally, particularly China, are buying up gold big time at the moment.

There is a supply and demand issue so the partnership with Newmont Waihi Gold will give Waihihi Bullion Company consistency of supply and this was one of the other main drivers for establishing the partnership.

“As our business grows so will our access to increased supply. This will give us a real competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

Commercial property returns at record high Hugh de Lacy Commercial property returns reaching an all-time high are unlikely to result in a significant tranche of building industry resources being drawn away from the over-loaded residential sector, according to Connal Townsend, the chief executive of the Property Council of New Zealand.

The council last month published figures which showed commercial properties yielding 12.6% in the year to September, the highest returns since 2008. Soon after that 2008 peak, the world economy entered the global financial crisis, and commercial property took a hit even as residential building ramped up in the face of the Christchurch earthquake recovery and the Auckland housing shortage.

This year’s commercial high was made up of

a 4.7% increase in capital growth as measured by property valuations, with the rest being returns from rents.

“I don’t think there’s going to be a big switch [away from residential building]: there’s work aplenty all round,” Townsend said.

“So far I’m not hearing people saying one sector’s cannibalizing the other.

“There’s no doubt that capital rates are still firming, but vacancy rates are still relatively low, especially for top-end quality office space.”

The Auckland commercial property market is presently influenced strongly by dairy industry giant Fonterra’s move into its new headquarters, and “some reasonably good assets are starting to come onto the market” as a result, Townsend said.

While the Auckland market was large by New Zealand standards, it still took only one big new office development to have “quite a significant”

Surviving the minefield Payroll systems are a vital component of any business but it can often be a minefield for businesses to identify the best solution to suit their particular needs.

Doug Jopling, CEO of IMS Payroll, says that the number of options in the marketplace is growing but there are some simple rules, which a company can apply to ensure they choose the right solution.

“Firstly, choose a company that has been providing payroll solutions in New Zealand for a long time as you need a provider who is familiar with both the complex payroll system in New Zealand and employer obligations,” he advises.

“Next consider what your key requirements are for your payroll system and ensure that the solution you choose can cater for those requirements.

“For example, how many employees do you have? Do you want to be able to work on the go from any device or just from your desktop PC in the office? Do you want your payroll software to talk to your accounting software?

“Thirdly ensure that you will be backed up with reliable support from the software provider.”

He says that a system should be flexible and configurable as every business is unique.

“For smaller companies ease of use may be the most important aspect while other companies may require the payroll solution to integrate with time clock/roster systems, financial systems or full HR systems.

“That’s why IMS Payroll offers integration with most accounting and time and attendance systems available in New Zealand.”

He says that another part of having a flexible, configurable solution is being able to turn on and off required functionality to customise the solution to suit the particular requirements of the business.

“A business should choose a payroll solution that can grow with the business, which means less disruption in the long term and saves time and money as staff will not need to retrain in a new solution further down the track,” he advises.

impact on the market. “We’ll probably see people move from C grade up to B, and B to A because things are still looking good – we’ve probably still got another 18 months to two years before things go off the boil.”

Property Council figures for the September year show industrial property was the commercial market leader with returns reaching 13.1%, while office assets yielded 12.7% and retail 11.6%.

Also helping cushion commercial property demand round the country is the continuing trend towards compact office space, such as by openplan layouts. “Interestingly there’s a trend in North America back towards partitions, but like all these things they work in cycles and that’s not the kind of space we’re into in New Zealand.”

Townsend said builders’ specialisation in either the commercial or residential sectors limited the degree to which they could follow the trends and

switch from one to the other, except in the finishing trades which were under pressure from both.

The recent announcement of an expansion at Auckland’s St Luke’s shopping mall reflects a trend in the region, with other malls also contemplating similar growth. In Wellington the retail sector is not so influential, while Christchurch still continues to beat to the earthquake recovery drum with a raft of CBD high-rises under construction, and residential sector activities and prices stabilizing are the initial post-quake boom.

Within the commercial sector, industrial property “continues to be the little train that does: it just keeps on chugging,” Townsend said.

“It never has the highest highs but never has the lowest lows either, and with industrial markets increasingly moving into retail space as people do more internet shopping, the future for industrials is looking pretty rosy.”

4|

ORGANICS » BioGro / Coffee Lala

December/January 2016

Business North

Organics trial an Australasia first Karen Phelps BioGro has just launched a trial Organic Assurance programme aimed at the hospitality sector, which will be the first of its kind in Australasia, says BioGro CEO Donald Nordeng.

The programme, which is based on the current BioGro programme for retailers, aims to give consumers more information and confidence by providing an independent endorsement for hospitality businesses using organic produce on an everyday basis.

“Right now there is no legislation around organic claims from restaurants,” explains Donald.

“This programme, which will offer three organic award levels: bronze, silver and gold, will appraise businesses currently using organic produce. In turn, the programme will encourage restaurants, caterers, cafes, spas and other hospitality services to use more organic produce.”

The programme is starting with a six-month trial involving four businesses. Each business will provide regular updates, documenting and demonstrating the realities of delivering organic produce to consumers through their hospitality services.

“The trialists will record the proportion of raw materials used that are organic. The proportion will be measured by cost or weight and the three ‘organic levels’ (bronze, silver and gold) will be awarded based on percentage rages: 30-60 percent, 60-90% and 90%-100%, respectively.

“After the trial, BioGro will then look for strategic partners in the hospitality sector to spread the programme once it is developed,” explains Donald.

Donald says that BioGro hopes that the programme will successfully link growers and suppliers along the organic chain of custody.

Smaller growers will be provided with a muchneeded platform to supply organic produce.

“BioGro believes the Organic Assurance programme will encourage social change amongst New Zealanders, especially surrounding attitudes towards organic production.

“Another important aim of the programme is to enable and encourage more organic growers to supply New Zealand’s domestic market.”

“After the trial BioGro will then look for strategic partners in the hospitality sector to spread the programme.”

Another recent development is the introduction of BioGro’s Registered Products programme for wine additions, which officially kicked off in September in preparation for the upcoming 2016 vintage. Donald says that the programme is aimed at manufacturers and suppliers of wine additions to assist them in supplying and supporting New Zealand’s rising organic wine movement.

“In 2015, the number of certified organic vineyards topped 165, compared to just 20 in 2007.

“This year 5.4% of all viticulture land in New Zealand became certified organic and 12.5% of winegrowers have at least one certified organic vineyard.

“There are currently 69 certified organic wineries under organic management. The Registered Products programme is an affordable, sustainable and easy way for suppliers to provide wineries with products that are compliant with organic winemaking requirements.”

BioGro has also launched two other services recently to help grow the organics industry in New Zealand. One is offering initial contact meetings, where a BioGro representative walks the customer through the certification process, and also a pre-assessment service aimed at secondary processors who want to send in their products for preliminary testing to see if it has a good chance of being certified organic before they go through the full certification process.

BioGro is New Zealand’s largest and best-known certifier for organic produce and products. BioGro is owned by the New Zealand Biological Producers and Consumers Society, a registered not-for-profit organisation.

BioGro currently certifies and accredits over 600 producers, farmers and manufacturers across New Zealand and the Pacific.

“The BioGro logo guarantees that a product is made without animal testing, genetic modification and the routine use of synthetic pesticides. It is the mark of a genuine organic product.”

Donald, who was previously chief executive of Daabon Organic and Ecocert Japan, says that demand for organic products is growing worldwide.

While New Zealand is presently an unregulated market from a government level, this is not the case in other countries in the world.

Donald says that BioGro certification is internationally recognised and accredited and BioGro is assisting New Zealand producers to meet international organic regulations in key export markets including Europe, Canada, the US and parts of Asia. “This means with BioGro certification, New Zealand producers can access international markets and tap into the growing consumer demand for organic produce.”

If you’re gonna drink coffee...

Coffee LaLa co-owner Mark Tugendhaft has been creating artisan roasted coffee blends since 2002.

A great coffee not just luck Jo Bailey It has been another award-winning year for boutique coffee roasting company Coffee LaLa, nestled in the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula.

Owned and operated by Mark Tugendhaft and Nedilka Radojkovich, Coffee Lala has been creating artisan roasted coffee blends since 2002.

“We won three awards this year from the NZ Coffee Expo, a silver and two bronze medals. All in all since starting up, we have taken out 18 awards,” Mark says.

The silver gong was given for the “LaLa Organic” ethically traded organic blend, while one bronze was awarded to a flat white blend; the other to a plunger blend. Mark is thrilled with the result, given the event attracted 90 roasters presenting 300 coffee blends for judging.

Roasting beans started off as a hobby for the former potter who hails from New York but the couple’s friends encouraged them to go in to business. Starting small, the couple are happy with the size of the company as it has evolved. ’Our mail order business supplying homes, workplaces and offices all over NZ is growing mostly by word of mouth,” Nedilka says.

Producing great coffee is very much a blend of art and science Mark understands. With a science degree background, he has engineered and built his own roasters, which conserve on-through air flow compared to standard roasters.

“It’s all about timing of the roasting process.

There are so many subtle factors that influence

how beans are roasted that impact on the resulting bean. We keep our various bean varieties separate through the roasting process then blend them after,” says Mark.

“Each origin has a best roasting profile. Just a few seconds and degrees either way can change the outcome of the roast,” Mark says. The soil and climate of the country of origin produces a unique bean. African beans, for instance, are generally quite acidic and can take a dark roast, while beans sourced from Mexico are can deliver a sweet, chocolatey light roast.

Coffee LaLa sources its beans through master bean supplier John Burton Ltd. Sixty percent are grown on organic farms where the growing beans are not subjected to sprays and chemical.

“These farmers must pay much more attention to the health of the trees than conventional bean growers and this definitely impacts on the bean quality from my perspective as a roaster,” says Mark.

With a growing interest in filter and single origin coffees, the couple are starting to look at working up a prize-winning origin roast.

“A single origin coffee, roasted light to conserve all the natural characteristics, can taste like a coffee tea: Clear, light sweet and fruity,” Mark explains.

When not roasting, Mark also trains every barista using Coffee LaLa beans.

The company’s website offers an online buying option, too. Delivery by courier takes 1 to 3 days.

Coffee LaLa also supplies a number of café, offices and work places around the North Island.

JOHN BURTON LIMITED John Burton Limited is proud to supply Coffee Lala with Swiss Water® Process coffee; great coffee without caffeine.

18 NZ Expo Awards www.coffeelala.com • 07 866 2373

For more info visit www.johnburton.co.nz or www.swisswater.com ®/TM are trademarks of Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company Inc. used under license by John Burton Ltd

Business North December/January 2016

ORGANICS » Chantal Organics

|5

Making organics accessible to all Sue Russell David Alexander, business development manager of Hawke’s Bay organic wholesale outlet Chantal Organics, is passionate about the ideals and values the company works with.

Founded in the mid-1970s out of an impulse by a group of people who aspired towards a vision of making organic produce accessible to all, Chantal Organics has evolved into a food industry leader sourcing products nationally and internationally, as well as growing many of their own.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest integrity of what pure organic means. It’s about a food and product production system that can attest to operating with organic principles throughout; from grower to end product,” Alexander says.

The family-owned business opened its retail shop in the mid-80s. Just over a decade later, the wholesale arm of the busy Napier company began trading. A range of products and brands has evolved, separating pure and certified organic foods from those in the process of becoming so.

“Certification is a stringent process that works with the principles that throughout the journey of the growing and marketing of a product value is added in the form of sustainable practices. That’s the whole point of an organic approach; that by its very nature it is evolving toward a higher ideal and outcome.”

Chantal Organics works through AsureQuality, a commercial organic certification and testing organisation run by the New Zealand government.

It provides food, safety and biosecurity services to the food and primary production sectors.

“Each year our certification becomes more stringent and that’s a good thing. It keeps a lot of the cowboys at bay. The ethic of organics is one

Chantal Organics launched its Blue Tree of Life logo brand in 2007 - the product range now includes nut butters, muesli, flour (including milling), oils, beans and pulses. of constant improvement toward a more sustainable and healthier future,” Alexander says.

The business operates from a 2 acre site, which includes a bulk shed, packaging plant, shop and wholesale store.

Chantal Organics’ blue Tree of Life logo brand was launched in 2007 and includes nut butters, muesli, flour (including milling), oils, beans and pulses. The logo, David says, is very representative of the philosophy that underpins the businesses ethics.

“The Tree symbol reflects growth and possibilities, with our core strength depicted in the tree trunk and the branches stretching out to support all.”

Chantel Organics Naturals brand, represented with a gold logo, is for those products that are either in the process of gaining organic certification or have components in them that are organic.

A new website chantalorganics.co.nz has recently evolved, offering answers to questions frequently asked about the organic process along with the full range of products the company supplies.

David cites the ageing population of growers in New Zealand as a key factor seen as a barrier or challenge that may affect the potential of organic production to flourish in New Zealand.

“The average age of organic horticulturists is 59 years and counting and these growers, of course,

are used to doing things their way, from their own learning of how to be organic.

“The challenge for this industry is to have the younger committed organic producers pick it up and evolve systems further.”

Chantal uses Dried Fresh, a new technology that re-defines drying food. The process preserves nature’s colour, taste, phytochemicals and nutrients by using an oxygen-free vacuum chamber to gently dry at a very low temperature and in so doing preserving the produce from any degradation.

“This range and technology is turning heads globally. We are very much looking forward to delivering kiwi innovation and product to the world.”

“The Tree symbol reflects growth and possibilities, with our core strength depicted in the tree trunk and the branches stretching out to support all.”

BUZZ ELECTRICS For the Hawkes Bay’s Preferred Electrical Contracting and Engineering Specialist, Contact Buzz ElectricsToday!

108 STONEYCROFT ST, HASTINGS HAWKES BAY, NZ

Phone 06 876 6991

www.buzzelectric.co.nz

Servicing the Hawkes Bay Region’s Horticultural, Industrial, Distribution, Hospitality and Food Service Markets with their packaging, janitorial and customised needs since 1973

Proud to have supplied Peter and the team at Chantal Organics with a wide range of packaging for 20 years

Member

Cnr King & St Aubyn Streets, Hastings Ph 06 878 4767 · Fax 06 876 3195 Email sales@ecp.co.nz www.eastcoastpackaging.co.nz

Locally owned and with service tailored to meet your individual requirements.

Our trade qualified print team pride themselves on delivering high quality labels and print.

PO Box 145, Hastings 4156 | 0800 MRLABELS | sales@mrlabels.co.nz | www.mrlabels.co.nz

6|

ORGANICS » Epicurean Supplies

December/January 2016

Business North

Horticulture in founder’s blood Sue Russell With a passionate belief in working with nature

rather than against it, Clyde Potts, of Epicurean Supplies, has spent the past 20 years growing and supplying fresh organic produce.

Clyde was a small child when he grew his first plant, and he even made his own compost and was known to tend his vegetable garden instead of going to school.

He says horticulture was something that was in him, as someone who was focused on cultivation and caring for plants.

However Clyde has had another driver throughout his life, and his first career was as a classical pianist, both playing and teaching.

“When people ask me how I learned to grow plants, I tell them I learned it while playing the piano,” he says.

“It seems like a strange answer, but when you play the piano to an advanced level, you develop a lot of the same qualities that are necessary to be a successful horticulturalist.”

With his passion and total commitment to organics, Clyde says the whole thing hinges on the health of the soil.

“You have to foster the microbial life in the soil, that’s where it all originates,” he says.

“If you’re going to put on all sorts of fertiliser, insecticides, and weedicides, you start to interfere with the soil’s natural balance.

“We try to bring fertility into the earth in a natural way.”

Potts’ second career started in the mid1980s when he became the gardener for organic skin care and naturopathic medicines producer Weleda.

“At Weleda, the biodynamic principals of Rudolf Steiner are used, and it was here I pursued my lifelong passion for growing, following organic principals and took it beyond the domestic garden,” he says. “ While at Weleda I also started growing vegetables along the same principals, and following an enquiry from a Napier chef who was looking for a supply of fresh herbs.

One inquiry led to another, and before long it was time for me to take the next step of starting my own business.”

Clyde formed Epicurean Supplies in 1995, purchasing 2ha of land on the outskirts of Hastings and leasing some adjoining land, making a total area of about 20ha.

As the business grew, he started growing some less common vegetables, including introducing cavolo nero to New Zealand.

Today, Epicurean Supplies grows more than 100 different crops throughout the year, and supplies restaurants, supermarkets, organic food stores, food processors, caterers and home cooks.

“I’ve always looked for things I can do that other people aren’t doing,” Clyde says.

For the past two years, he has been collecting his tomato and capsicum seeds to sell to other growers who want to avoid the substantial expense of phytosanitary certification for imported seeds.

Epicurian Supplies provides fresh produce to restaurants, supermarkets, food processors, caterers, home cooks and organic food stores.

Servicing the Hawkes Bay Region’s Horticultural, Industrial, Hospitality and Food Service Markets with their packaging, (including enviro- friendly options ) janitorial and customised needs since 1973

Proud to have supplied Epicurean Supplies with a wide range of packaging for 20 years Cnr King & St Aubyn Streets, Hastings Ph 06 878 4767 · Fax 06 876 3195 Email sales@eastcoastpackaging.co.nz www.eastcoastpackaging.co.nz

11 Kauru Rd, Hastings 4172 06-878 3528

Specialists in Organic Herbs, Veges & Salads WWW.EPICUREANSUPPLIES.CO.NZ

Business North December/January 2016

ORGANICS » Pure South

|7

The magical properties of clay Sue Russell The passion, commitment and belief co-founder Allan Thomas has for the health products his company Pure South Ltd is as energised as the special clay they are derived from.

To understand why Allan and business partner Neville Bryant have such a commitment to the dietary supplement’s and preparation they have derived from a seam of pure Montmorillonite clay found in Southland, it helps to have an understanding of just how special this clay really is.

“All natural health is based on energy. When science came along nature made the elements and man named them. To support the best possible health when approached from this perspective, you have to look at the body’s environment.”

Years ago, Allan and Neville found a clay seam quite by chance through a process called douzing, like divining for water. That seam has proven to be the only one in Australasia and one of the finest in terms of energy in the world.

Allan had suffered from a medical condition, poor sleep and joint pain for years and began taking the powdered clay as a drink in water some years ago and has never stopped. Such was the impact the simple natural solution had on his well-being that he has ingested the clay for the past five years.

He’s not the only one to have experienced its profound beneficial qualities.

“I noticed every six weeks or so a definite improvement in me. Now, we have people calling here all the time who have found vast improvement in their health and vigour from using the clay-based products we now manufacture.”

Stalwart of the stable of products Pure South markets is the Mineral Supplement Clay Powder which also retails in capsules. From those products others have evolved in the past five years, including a clay masque ideal for supporting muscle recovery in elite athletes, a popular SPF 15+ sunscreen and mineral face wash.

Once the clay is retrieved it is sun-dried gently in a two-phase process Allan says is critical to retaining the high ambient energy level of the clay’s particles.

“When this is completed, the clay is bagged up

Stalwart of the stable of products Pure South markets is the Mineral Supplement Clay Powder which also retails in capsules. and sent to a processing and manufacturing plant in Queenstown where it is crushed and sieved into powder ready for use.

Marketing is primarily through health stores and health practitioners, as well as the popular on-line option many customers use. Allan’s goal in the next few years is to broaden the access customers have to the range, by marketing them in supermarkets and the like that carry a specialised health product area.

All products are backed up with a 30 day unconditional money back guarantee.

W

P

E

A

O

H

For all your natural health requirements Supplements • Skin Care • Hair Care All Pure South products available at Health & Vitality Palmerston North 69 The Square, Phone:06-354 4155

OA S

Natural Bodylink provides dedicated highly skilled Osteopathic healthcare for the whole family.

LD

T

I

“We have people calling here all the time who have found vast improvement in their health and vigour from using the clay-based products we now manufacture.”

LT

H FOOD

S

H

136 Victoria Avenue Whanganui For bookings phone 07 854 8970 47 Boundry Rd, Hamilton 3214

wild_oats@xtra.co.nz 06 345 5899

8|

ORGANICS » Phytomed Medicinal Herbs

December/January 2016

Business North

Poor regulation barrier to growth Karen Phelps A lack of regulation in the natural health products industry in New Zealand could be harming our export market potential, believes Phil Rasmussen, director of Phytomed Medicinal Herbs Ltd. “New Zealand produces some of the highest quality plants in the world,” says Phil.

“It’s one of our biggest unique selling points in an international market. But the lack of current regulation over the natural health product industry is a barrier to growth into export markets,” he believes.

At present New Zealand’s only possible regulation of the market is the proposed Natural Health and Supplementary Products Bill, which has yet to be passed by parliament.

Phil believes that New Zealand needs compulsory Good Manufacturing Practise (GMP) certification for manufacturers of natural health products to bring the industry into line with demands from international markets.

Phytomed operates under GMP quality manufacturing principles and holds current GMP certificates from both the New Zealand Ministry of Health (Medsafe) and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

“New Zealand is the only country in the developed world where manufacturers of natural health products don’t need GMP certification.

“This industry has huge export potential for New Zealand but at the moment we seem to have little government support for the introduction of regulations that will be recognised in international markets.”

Phil, a medical herbalist and trained pharmacist, started Phytomed in 1998. The company is now New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of liquid herbal extracts for both retail (sold under the brand Kiwiherb) and practitioner markets.

To accommodate the rapid growth of the company, in 2013 Phytomed moved to customised manufacturing premises in Auckland.

Phytomed has added 15 staff to the company over the past year and now employs a total of 45 staff.

Phil says that from the inception of the company he has focused the business strongly on quality standards.

Phytomed sources herbs for its Kiwiherb products primarily from New Zealand growers.

Many of the company’s products are certified organic.

Phytomed is growing rapidly into export markets with annual export growth of around 25 percent per year.

Phil Rasmussen, director of Phytomed Medicinal Herbs Ltd, says from its inception, the company has focused strongly on quality standards.

GALBRAITH SHEETMETALS LTD Sheetmetal Fabrication Arthur Holmes Ltd are proud to support PHYTOMED

Free call 0508 894 103 Buy from our secure website

www.arthurholmes.co.nz

info@arthurholmes.co.nz

BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS MARKETING Profile your business with Waterford Press

Proud to support Phytomed Medicinal Herbs Ltd Mark Galbraith Cell: 021 2359 955 Phone: (09) 837 8585 galbraithsheetmetals@gmail.com 134 Railside Ave Henderson, Auckland Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Business North December/January 2016 The company’s main export market is Australia but Phil says that countries such as China are showing increasing interest in the company’s products meaning huge potential for future growth.

The company is also targeting expansion into Europe, investing significantly in meeting European regulatory requirements.

“For example, we have to conduct testing to validate the stability of our products on the shelf for the shelf life stated on the bottle to ensure the active ingredients are still working,” he says.

“Applying for product licenses in Europe is complicated and time consuming but we believe it will be an important future export market.”

Phil believes that New Zealand, along with Australia, is ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to producing high quality natural health products.

Phytomed has worked with Crown Research Institutes and Universities to conduct research towards new product development.

Phil cites factors such as the optimum time to harvest and process herbs as being just some of the areas for discovery.

“In New Zealand I believe we have an advanced understanding of the science of herbal medicine resulting in good quality products released to the market.

“With the ageing world population, increased costs of mainstream medicine and the shift towards prevention and self-management of wellness, natural health products are going to become increasingly important worldwide and a valuable export market for New Zealand to pursue.”

ORGANICS » Phytomed Medicinal Herbs

Phytomed sources herbs for its Kiwiherb products primarily from New Zealand growers.

Many of the company’s products are certified organic.

“This industry has huge export potential for New Zealand but at the moment we seem to have little government support for the introduction of regulations that will be recognised in international markets.”

IMPROVE YOUR WEBSITE WITH A FREE ZEALD WEBSITE AUDIT Zeald will give you a report detailing some areas to improve and help your website generate greater results for your business.

www.zeald.com/biznth

|9

10 |

DEVELOPMENT » Lakes Tauranga - Bella Vista Homes December/January 2016 Business North

European styling and super strong Jo Bailey Clients building with Bella Vista Homes in The Lakes, Tauranga can be assured of a modern, contemporary home that is super-strong, says director, Daniel DeMartin.

“All our homes are constructed using Strong Build products, which utilise the best technology in earthquake and high wind bracing.

“Our client’s safety is paramount, which

is why we use this system, rather than plasterboard to brace our homes.”

Strong Build bracing is a unique steel strap, cross-bracing system that is simple and cost effective to install, providing extra strength to the home “from day one”.

“The system provides aesthetic benefits as well as disaster resistance, as it enables us to build larger rooms and windows, creating more open plan living and natural light.”

Daniel says Strong Build has been independently earthquake tested to magnitude

STIRLING STOPPING SERVICES LTD Your professional Gib Fixing and Gib Stopping Team

All Gib stopping completed using Winstone Wallboard products to Winstone specifications.

All Gib fixing completed to manufacturers specifications

P O BOX 2281 / TAURANGA 3140 / PH: 07 544 2033 CELL: 027 477 4930 / EMAIL: stirlingz@xtra.co.nz

144 Taurikura Drive, Tauranga e: info@heirloomkitchens.co.nz www.heirloomkitchens.co.nz Ph 07 578 6361

“We believe bracing is one of the most important aspects of any home. Kiwi families should be offered choices to ensure they end up with the strongest, safest home possible.”

9.5, and can be used in any new home build or also easily retrofitted during repairs or renovations to existing homes.

“We believe bracing is one of the most important aspects of any home.

“Kiwi families should be offered choices to ensure they end up with the strongest, safest home possible.”

Bella Vista Homes is a popular choice for people building in The Lakes.

A large range of the company’s home and land packages in the development have already been snapped up, and it has another 20 or so currently on offer.

Daniel says the fact each home is uniquely designed for its clients is something that sets the company apart.

“Within a couple of minutes we can take potential clients around The Lakes and show them over a dozen Bella Vista homes that are completely different to each, other including the only three storey home in the development.”

“The name Bella Vista is Italian for beautiful view, in a nod to the heritage of

the company’s directors, who are Italian cousins, and both named Daniel.

• to page 13

Business North

December/January 2016 DEVELOPMENT » Lakes Tauranga - Bella Vista Homes

| 11

Bradnam’s, Proud to Support Bella Vista Homes All homes built by Bella Vista Homes are constructed using Strong Build products, which utilise the best technology in earthquake and high wind bracing.

Building for the future for over 50 years.

As the name suggests, WeatherTight keeps water where it should be outside your home.

PROUD TO PARTNER WITH BELLA VISTA HOMES

COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

RURAL

RESIDENTIAL

TM

MANUFACTURING

Call now Freephone 0508 298 298 P 07 575 9649 26 Poturi Street Tauriko Tauranga 3110 E info@letts.co.nz W www.letts.co.nz

www.bradnams.co.nz

Bradnam’s Rotorua P 07 850 7475 E sales@bradnams.co.nz

A unique steel range The new Bella Vista Homes show home in Tauranga will use The Roofing Store’s steel interlocking cladding products. The Roofing Store is a regular supplier to Bella Vista Homes, offering its unique ranges of longrun steel roofing, architectural roofing, insulated cladding systems and Apex steel tiles.

In terms of cladding products, The Roofing Store offers three exciting designs for the architectural market: Standing Seam, Interlocking and Weatherboard.

Standing seam is a wide tray roofing system which can be roll formed on site if necessary. It is a unique system which allows greater flexibility in design than any other metal cladding, making complex designs and shapes relatively easy to form.

The company’s Interlocking range of panels is simply connected by an interlocking groove, giving the elegant appearance of a recessed joint. They are ideal for use on new homes or existing buildings.

The Weatherboard range offers an ideal, low-maintenance alternative to timber weatherboard.

Classic panelling combined with simplicity of installation makes it a very cost effective and attractive system for new or existing buildings.

According to The Roofing Store national sales manager Mike Edwards the company’s range of cladding products is really taking off. “Steel cladding is low maintenance and low cost. With the architectural looks we offer, people can get a great look without the high price tag.”

The Roofing Store also offers a range of Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulated panels.

According to Mike, as the fastest growing insulation category in the world, PIR insulation provides the perfect solution for meeting both current and future building regulations and other carbon reduction programmes.

PIR insulation delivers high thermal performance, allowing homes and buildings to achieve premium levels of energy efficiency.

“PIR has the highest insulation values of any insulation product, due to the low heat- conductibility of its independent bubble formation. PIR is 50 percent more thermally efficient than the Polystyrene (EPS) core found in other New Zealand manufactured insulated panels.

“This superb thermal performance allows buildings to achieve premium levels of energy efficiency with some of the thinnest possible solutions. PIR is also completely stable and does not suffer from expansion or contraction,” explains Mike.

The Roofing Store is a subsidiary of KS Holdings, whose other subsidiaries are Apex Tile, Kiwi Steel, KN Building, Leading Edge Fabrication, Pearce Tool & Manufacturing, Plate Solutions and Steelhaus.

This means that for commercial and education clients the group can offer a range of services from an integrated source.

The Roofing Store employs around 100 people nationwide, over eight branches.

All products have been tested against the harsh New Zealand environment, are leadfree and come with a full and extensive warranty. The company also offers a free estimating service to all clients.

Metal Roofing • Apex Metal Tiles • Insulated Panels The Roofing Store is one of the leading metal roofing suppliers in New Zealand. We simplify the process of selecting your new steel roof, making it easy and affordable. Call, email or visit our friendly staff at your nearest branch for more information.

highest quality products at competitive prices.

QUALITY GUARANT EED www.theroofingstore.co.nz info@theroofingstore.co.nz

0800 277 271

12 |

DEVELOPMENT » Lakes Tauranga - Bella Vista Homes December/January 2016 Business North

Every new Bella Vista home is constructed under a 100 percent fixed price contract, and is backed by a 10-year Licensed Building Practitioners guarantee.

Call today and register your “Expression of Interest ” for the “Boulevard Residenza” From only $550,000 H&L

0508

Prestige Home Groomers

Where first impressions count

DO YOU NEED SOMETHING CLEANED? Prestige Home Groomers can offer you a specialised cleaning service for all your • Builders Cleans • New Commercial Projects • Window Cleaning • Scheduled Grooming

WE DON’T JUST CLEAN WE “PRESENT”!

0508 homegroomers Proudly Supporting Bella Vista Homes

PO Box 3065, Tauranga 3142 • info@homegroomers.co.nz

SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS NEED GOOD TEAMWORK That’s why PlaceMakers focusses on being at the top of our game to ensure that businesses like Bella Vista Homes can be at the top of theirs.

TAURANGA PAINTING & DECORATING LTD INTERIOR & EXTERIOR COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL Johnny O’Neill 021 323 578 Devon Collins 027 618 1403 82 Hereford Road, Oropi, RD3, Tauranga Phone: 07 543 3159 Email: oneill82@xtra.co.nz

JOHN (JP) PRICE

Bella Vista Homes Team-mate & PlaceMakers Account Manager

New Zealand’s largest national supplier of concrete products Proud to be associated with Bella Vista Homes

Business North

December/January 2016 DEVELOPMENT » Lakes Tauranga - Bella Vista Homes

| 13

European styling and super strong • from page 10 European style is evident in the company’s extensive portfolio, with many of its contemporary designs that provide a starting point for its clients’ projects, featuring flat or mono-pitch roofs.

“We can also design and build traditional style homes if clients would prefer,” says Daniel.

“However, most prefer the modern aesthetic the company is known for.”

Plans are consented to build Bella Vista’s new display home at The Lakes, which will have all the features clients would expect to find in an executive home, he says.

“This stylish four-bedroom, two bathroom home has a media room and scullery and will feature high quality soft furnishings and appliances.”

Clients of Bella Vista can choose from a range of high-tech optional extras to enhance the operation and safety of their new home, including electrical automation

Clients of Bella Vista can choose from a range of high-tech optional extras to enhance the operation and safety of their new home, including electrical automation using the latest LED technology. using the latest LED technology, security alarms, and CCTV security cameras.

Daniel says the company also has plans with council for its new show offices on a high profile site on Lakes Boulevard near the Kennedy Road roundabout.

“We will start construction of the show

offices next week, and are looking forward to having an even stronger presence in this fantastic development.”

Every new Bella Vista home is constructed under a 100 percent fixed price contract, and is also backed by a 10-year Licensed Building Practitioners guarantee.

Clients in The Lakes are also offered an exclusive five-year maintenance period for their home.

“Our overall goal is to provide our clients with an enjoyable and stress free experience, as we deliver them with a safe, secure and beautifully designed home.”

Proud to support Bella Vista Homes

P 021 419 489 E coastlinedrainage@gmail.com

07 577 1787 147 Chadwick Road, Greerton, Tauranga

• Family law

• Family trusts

• Buying and selling property

• Wills

• Commercial property

• Estate administration

• Leases

• Enduring powers of attorney

• Mortgages

• Resource management

• Refinances

• Company law

www.simplylaw.co.nz

PO Box 3089, Greerton, Tauranga

• Personally 26yrs roofing experience • Employees 12yrs roofing experience • Trained and worked in Wellington for 21yrs so know what required for complete weatherproofing • Lifetime labour warranty* • Free quotes** • New roofing and reroofing • Pride ourselves on customer service *for original owner of property **except for Real Estate purposes

WD Roofing (2009) Limited PO Box 5541 Mount Maunganui 3150 Owner: Dean Skipper Email: skip@wdroofing.co.nz Mobile: 021 458933

14 |

DEVELOPMENT » Lakes Tauranga - Harwood Homes December/January 2016 Business North

Where the personal touch matters Karen Phelps The Harwood Homes Ridgeview show home in The Lakes subdivision showcases to potential clients the company’s skills when it comes to combining concept, design and craftsmanship, both inside and out, says company director Dave Harwood, who owns the business with his wife Kirsty.

“The Ridgeview personifies how Harwood Homes’ focuses on good design even in minute details,” he says. “This level of quality has ensured Harwood Homes has remained a popular choice for new home buyers in the Bay of Plenty region for many years.”

Being involved in The Lakes subdivision from its initial release of sections, The Ridgeview sits alongside the company’s 2009 show home, which was a national winner in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition. It is just one of over 80 awards the company has won at the competition over the years.

“These awards recognise the quality of our workmanship and the innovative designs reflected in our homes,” says Dave. “But more importantly it’s a proven track record and a reminder of our commitment to our customers. We believe the effort required to consistently win awards drives innovative design, attention to detail, and uncompromised quality.

“We are looking forward to heading to Auckland later this month to collect a national gold reserve award for a home we built in the $1 million to $2 million category.”

Dave says that Harwood Homes approach is to build homes specific to customers’ needs and to provide long-lasting value no matter whether the client prefers a contemporary or traditional home.

Because Harwood Homes offers an in-house design service as well as an interior and colour co-ordinator, clients can be offered a complete package making building a new home easy.

Harwood Homes approach is to build homes specific to customers’ needs and to provide longlasting value.

Harwood Homes employs a tightknit team, some working with the business for two decades.

Dave likens managing his team to playing a game of rugby.

“You have to have a coach who spots the right talent and puts people in the right position in the business.

“If everyone plays well in their position you have

“I’ve been building for over 30 years so I know what problems are typically faced and what frustrations clients feel. We’ve sought to mitigate these things to make building a stress free and enjoyable process.”

CELCRETE INTERNATIONAL LTD

0508 CELCRETE

• AAC Panels & Blocks • Lightweight Concrete Cladding Specialists • Building Systems

Proud supporters of Harwood Homes For more information contact head office: Ph: 07 579 5277 • Fax: 07 5795299 • Email: celcrete@xtra.co.nz www.celcrete.net

MASTERCRAFT KITCHENS TAURANGA

Proud to supply Harwood Homes Tauranga with quality custom-built kitchens.

KITCHENS • WARDROBES • LAUNDRY CABINETRY • BATHROOM VANITIES

P 07 578 9641 | F 07 578 1557 | www.mastercraft.co.nz Corner 2nd Ave West & Glasgow Street, Tauranga

• Aluminium windows & doors • Replacement joinery • Free quoting service • Smartwood timber clad windows • Architectural Series • Metro Series • Thermal Heat • Shop front • Flush glazing

www.epicwindows.co.nz Email: sales@epicwindows.co.nz

45 Newton Street, Mt Maunganui 07 575 5074 or 07 575 9866

Proud to support Harwood Homes - Tauranga

Address: 43 Poturi Street, The Lakes, Tauranga

Phone: 07 574 3403

Email: o ce@baseup.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

DEVELOPMENT » Lakes Tauranga - Harwood Homes

| 15

Presto Electrical is proud to be associated with Harwood Homes New House Wiring • Electrical Maintencance • Repairs

Tel: (07) 575-9435, Mobile: 0212 797 255

prestoelectrical@ihug.co.nz

Harwood Homes offers clients complete design and build solutions, a range of plans, as well as house and land packages.

a team of stars. It is our team that plays a key part in the success of Harwood Homes,” he says.

A great deal of the company’s business is derived by word of mouth along with repeat customers. Dave says the feedback the company receives is that customers like that they can talk to the company owner and appreciate the personal touch the business and the team have to offer.

Typically a project starts with a site visit by Dave and a sales consultant. At the end of the project, the team are there to celebrate with the new home owner.

Harwood Homes offers clients complete design and build solutions, a range of plans, as well as house and land packages. Dave says the company’s aim is to reduce the typically felt frustrations in the building market.

“I’ve been building for over 30 years so I

know what problems are typically faced and what frustrations clients feel. We’ve sought to mitigate these things to make building a stress free and enjoyable process. As Harwood Homes has been established such a long time in the market this also gives our customers real security and peace of mind.”

Harwood Homes is currently offering house and land packages in Papamoa and The Lakes subdivisions and design and build services anywhere in the Bay of Plenty. The company is currently building from Waihi Beach through the Bay of Plenty to Ohope Beach.

The company offers fixed price contracts and a Master Build guarantee. Harwood Homes has a show home opening in Papamoa later this month. and a new show home in The Lakes earmarked for completion late 2016.

Busy schedule?

Bell Plumbing Plumbers & Drainlayers

Proud to support Harwood Homes Phone: 07 575 3049 or 07 575 4478 After Hours: 0274 975 591 Email: office@bellplumbing.co.nz

We value your time.

We don’t turn up late.

We fit in around your schedule. Simple.

Laser Plumbing Te Puke

Ph: 573 8249 | Emergency 24 Hr Service Available accountstepuke@laserplumbing.co.nz | Cnr Main Road & Dunlop Road, Te Puke, 3119

NOT JUST AN APPLIANCE STORE

FAMOUS BRANDS BOSCH t ELECTROLUX t LG t PANASONIC FISHER & PAYKEL t HAIER t MITSUBISHI WESTINGHOUSE TV’S t LAUNDRY t COOKINGY t REFRIDGERATION DISHWASHERSY t HEATPUMPS t LOUNGE SUITES BEDS t DINING t VACUUMSY t AND MORE!!

BEST ADVICE GREAT PRICES THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCAL

BUILDING » Caldow Builders / Bruce Barry Architect

16 |

December/January 2016 Business North

Architect delighted with accolade Jo Bailey Palmerston North architect Bruce Barry was delighted to win an international design accolade for his work on the unique and innovative Te Waiora Community Medical Centre, which reflects Foxton’s Maori and maritime heritage.

However, he and wife Jo missed the opportunity to travel to Hollywood to pick up the bronze award in the Institutional Architecture section of the International Design Awards (IDA), because he thought an email telling him he had been nominated was a scam.

“It wasn’t until we were sent a certificate saying we had won that I did a bit more investigating and realised it was true.”

Projects designed by over 1000 architects from 51 countries were chosen by the IDA and considered for the Los Angeles based awards, which “recognise, honour and promote legendary design visionaries”.

The Auckland Art Gallery was the other project chosen from New Zealand.

“We are very honoured to receive international recognition alongside such a fine building.”

The Te Waiora Community Medical Centre project also won the Public Architecture category at the New Zealand Institute of Architects Western regional awards.

As well as designing a vital multi-purpose amenity for the Foxton community, Bruce was determined to create a building that was linked to the region’s rich cultural and river transport history.

The entrance has battened fences in the courtyard, which evoke the feeling of a marae “opening like big arms to welcome people in”.

A four-gabled roof symbolises the prows of the ships that once docked in the harbour.

Inside, consulting rooms are located around the building’s perimeter, with examination rooms in the centre.

The building opened in July last year and is being used by Foxton Family Health Centre and Foxton Medical Centre.

It arose from a partnership between Maori health provider Te Runanga o Raukawa and the Central Primary Health Organisation, but wouldn’t

Architect Bruce Barry was determined to design a medical centre that was linked to the region’s rich cultural and river transport history. have been possible without the donation of some generous local benefactors, says Bruce.

“A local family funded the whole project until a board could be set up to pay them back. It was a tremendously generous gift. Without it, and the support of the locals the project wouldn’t have happened.”

Bruce says the medical centre had previously run out of a very old, run-down villa, and with Foxton’s one permanent doctor getting closer to retirement, the town was in danger of losing its medical facility all together.

“Foxton is a declining community, so this project was really important for the residents. The new facility is attracting more medical staff, and

even new residents. Foxton Beach is popular with people approaching retirement age, but they may have thought twice without a good quality medical centre.”

Bruce and Jo, who is an interior designer, were residents at Foxton Beach for 15 years and have only recently moved to Palmerston North where Bruce has practiced since 1976 and run his current practice since 2005.

Most of their work is residential, although they do take on light commercial and industrial projects.

“We have around 10 new house designs on the go at the moment, as well as some apartments in Wellington.”

Bruce remains passionate about Foxton and is part of a “small group of dedicated people” working on projects to encourage tourism back into the town, and raise employment opportunities for young people.

“We’re trying to get freshwater back into the river loop, and are also involved in a small way in the development of a new $2 million museum being designed by Pete Bossley, who designed Te Papa.

“I’m passionate about getting Foxton up and running again and working alongside people who have the same drive. In a small community you only need a few people to start making a difference.”

Complete home solutions for custom joinery work to bring your design ideas to life.

Experienced and hands-on 100% Kiwi ownership We offer an extensive range of architectural hardware Specialised trade installers Industry leading e-commerce platform

(04) 473 6966

Visit our website at www.sopersmac.co.nz

223 Throndon Quay | Monday - Friday: 7am - 5pm | Saturday: 9am - 2pm Proud to support Caldow Builders and Bruce Barry & Associates

Phone 06 363 5135 Email: office@tenua.co.nz

www.tenua.co.nz

Phone: 06 363 5119 Mobile: 0274 499 604 Email: thejoiner@xtra.co.nz

ADIN TRUSSES LTD Specialising in Pre-nail

50 Jonston St, Foxton www.thejoinerltd.co.nz

il P r e - n a ng & s Ga Frame es u Tr ss

Frames & Gang Nail Trusses | EXTENSIONS

for NEW HOMES | ALTERATIONS All Workmanship Guaranteed

06 363 6765 William Adin 027 249 7723

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL WORKMANSHIP THE BEST Structural Buildings | Farm Buildings | Agricultural Products | General Engineering

Proud to support Caldow Builders & Bruce Barry & Associates

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » Caldow Builders / Bruce Barry Architect

| 17

An enjoyable, hassle-free building experience for Caldow Builders Jo Bailey Rodney Caldow says the award-winning Te Waiora Health Centre in Foxton was a great project for his company, Caldow Builders Ltd. “It was an interesting build and definitely not straightforward given its unique design.

“However, the project was well within the capabilities of our team, who produced a very good result for the clients,” says Rodney.

Caldow Builders completed everything from the groundworks to the placement of concrete, construction and finishing of the building to a high standard, as well as prepping of the carpark areas during the eight-month project.

“We have our own fleet of trucks, tractors, diggers, Hiabs and cranes, which allows us to provide the total solution to these sorts of projects.

“This capability allows us to manage our work with greater certainty, and ensures a high standard of quality control and finish.”

Rodney says Caldow Builders had a “great relationship” with the project manager Nick Spark and architect Bruce Barry involved with the Te Waiora Community Medical Centre project and worked closely with them throughout the build.

“We also worked with some very good subcontractors.

“A significant amount of services were installed in the building, including some quite complex electronic door locks, swipe card entries, alarms and ventilation systems.”

Rodney says his team enjoyed working on the different mix of materials in the building, which included steel portal frames, timber framing, polished concrete block cladding and cedar.

Caldow Builders has a long history of more than 28 years providing cost-effective and innovative residential, commercial and rural building solutions to the Manawatu/Horowhenua region.

“We are in a strong position, with around 20 staff, and plenty of forward work ahead of us, including a good mix of projects,” says Rodney.

The firm is currently building a couple of new residential homes, and is completing a large chicken shed complex it has been working on for the last 16 months.

Caldow Builders also recently constructed new chillers for a market gardening operation, which incorporated 700 cubic metres of concrete.

“We’re also currently building a church and are putting new portal frames over a large commercial premises for Mitre 10 - effectively

“It was an interesting build and definitely not straightforward given its unique design.” building a new structure over the existing building, which needs replacing due to rotting of the roof and guttering.”

Rodney says commercial building maintenance is another important aspect of Caldow Builders’ portfolio, and the firm is regularly engaged as a subcontractor to Downers.

It also carries out renovation work, earthquake strengthening, and manufactures precast concrete.

“Precast concrete is a real niche market for us,” says Rodney.

“We custom-manufacture our own concrete panels onsite for a wide range of applications.

Making them ourselves means we can be very cost competitive.”

“With a total commitment to our customers and quality, our highly experienced team and project management systems ensure our clients receive an enjoyable and hassle free building experience.”

Caldow Builders built the Te Waiora Health Centre in Foxton and has a long history of more than 28 years providing cost-effective and innovative residential, commercial and rural building solutions.

PN Plastering Services Ltd Interior • Exterior • Gib Stopping

06 357 2704 or call 027 485 8415

Proud to support Caldow Builders 4 Summerhay St, Palmerston North, Manawatu, Wanganui

Specializing in Commercial, Residential, Roof and House Painting Interior and Exterior also Wallpapering Proud to support Caldow Builders and Bruce Barry & Associates Phone Nick Hill: 021 841 550 Email: ablritenz@gmail.com Manawatu - Wellington region

We offer innovative joinery solutions for renovations or new builds.

Installed by Craftsmen. FREE measure and quote Double Glazing specialists and suppliers of the Ranchslider,® Euroslider®, Eurostacker®, Foldback® Bifold, Pacific Suite® and Atlantic Suite® 0800 Fisher | www.fisherwindows.co.nz

Efficient, professional and responsive, Allied Concrete are your local Ready Mix experts.

Concrete is the ultimate high-performance material for quality residential construction, locally-produced concrete offers all homeowners a huge range of benefits including: • • • •

READY Super Slab; solutions for TC1, TC2, TC3 and TC3 Relevelable READY Colour; 16 contemporary colours bringing life to concrete READY Exposed; Concrete combined with the true beauty of New Zealand Riverbeds READY Glow; Ambient concrete that lights up your nights

Proud suppliers to Caldow Builders 0800 4 ALLIED | WWW.ALLIEDCONCRETE.CO.NZ

18 |

BUILDING » Steve Haycock Construction

December/January 2016

Business North

Builder aims for`enjoyable process’ Karen Phelps Two gold and gold reserve awards have been handed to Steve Haycock Construction at the 2015 Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition for the Auckland/Northland region, demonstrating the company’s skills at the upper end of the market.

Company owner Steve Haycock says that the awards are partly the result of the company’s focus on ensuring the build is an enjoyable process for clients.

“We’re going to be in each other’s pockets for up to two years on some builds so it’s essential it’s an enjoyable process for all involved.

“There are lots of unexpected things that can happen during a build and our job is to make sure that nothing gets in the way so the process remains smooth. It’s something we take great pride in so that the client feels a part of the build,” he says.

The first of the award winning homes came out trumps in the $1 million - $2 million build category.

Perched on a cliff top in Stanmore Bay the fourbedroom home draws on the natural landscape for inspiration using a mix of stained cedar, concrete, local steel and oak. The house is broken into two distinct parts, connected by a glazed entry link.

Steve says the cliff had to be stabilised before building commenced and an existing home on the site removed. Ground stabilisation work was also required to result in a stable building platform. The tight 350sqm site also includes a swimming and spa pool.

The second build won awards in the $650,000 $1 million build category. Overlooking Pakiri Beach, the home is perched on a hill above the shore.

The building’s form is sculptural, reflecting the traditional rural steel farm buildings of the area and the local landscape, says Steve.

The design consists of two primary axes – one

The unusual shapes of this Pakiri Beach home were the main challenge for Steve Haycock Construction. a long north-south-facing corridor, and another, which intersects the house east to west. The unusual shapes that comprise the house were the

main challenge of the build, says Steve, coupled with the fact the footprint of the house could only occur on one part of the site.

The site itself was located down a long right of way and sloped heavily meaning access was difficult.

“Nothing was plumb in this house,” says Steve. “Sloping walls meant everything occurred at an angle. This award certainly shows we can successfully take on a challenging build.”

Steve Haycock Construction Ltd is a company with a long history of building in Warkworth, Matakana and Omaha. Steve, a Licensed Building Practitioner, started his company in 2008 but has been building for 30 years. He joined the Registered Master Builders to offer clients the assurance that

they are dealing with a reliable, professionally run company. The company has also won awards at the House of the Year competition in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014.

Steve Haycock Construction offers a skilled team of builders and foremen. Steve says that everyone has a good camaraderie and loves being involved in the building industry.

“We believe that building a home should be an exciting and very pleasurable experience. We aim to do all we can do ensure this happens and that the process is as stress free as we can make it.

We provide a completely professional service in all facets of the building process to deliver a very high quality end product that all involved are very proud to be associated with.”

“Nothing was plumb in this house. Sloping walls meant everything occurred at an angle. This award certainly shows we can take on a challenging build.”

Room with a view: clean lines and stunning views from this gold award winning Stanmore Bay home.

Innovation, Technology, Service, Satisfaction

ITSS OUR FOCUS

09 425 7116 24 Morrison Drive , Warkworth mse@mseng.co.nz / www.mseng.co.nz

Proud to support Steve Haycock Construction

0800 4 FLOORS www.FLOOREX.co.nz

Business North December/January 2016

BUILDING » Steve Haycock Construction

| 19

This four bedroom Stanmore Bay home uses a mixture of stained cedar, concrete, local steel and oak. Cliff stabilisation and a tight 350sqm site were some of the challenges for Steve Haycock Construction.

Raphaella

A BRUSH WITH ART

Proud to be associated with

Raphaella is your local painting and decorating specialist company servicing the Warkworth, Hibiscus Coast and surrounding districts for the past 12 years.

STEVE HAYCOCK CONSTRUCTION 021 760 310

b1young@xtra.co.nz

mandyf@xtra.co.nz • 021 507 463

STEVE HAYCOCK CONSTRUCTION

7 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

20 |

BUILDING » Mackersey Construction

December/January 2016

Business North

xxxxxx

Arts centre makes big impression Karen Phelps The Blyth Performing Arts Centre has won the prestigious 2015 New Zealand Architecture Medal at the New Zealand Institute of Architecture Awards (NZIA).

Mackersey Construction general manager and one of its directors, John Bower, says the company was proud to have been involved in the awardwinning project, which judges commented resolved both technical and architectural issues.

Designed by Stevens Lawson Architects, and built by Mackersey, the centre at Iona College in Havelock North gives an impressive welcome to the campus with a sculpted shape alluding to adjacent Te Mata Peak and suggesting the sinuous shape of musical instruments.

John says that Mackersey Construction brought over 65 years of experience to the project, which also involved the construction of an Information Resource Centre, which won the education award at the NZIA Awards. Mackersey Construction staff member John Caccioppol, who has been working for the company for 54 years, was the

project programmer. John Bower says this was an important role as both the centres were constructed simultaneously with a team of up to 40 staff on each site.

The Blyth Performing Arts Centre, which honours a generous bequest of old girl Margaret Blyth which enabled the construction of the project, contains a 400-seat auditorium. The Information Resource Centre contains a library, English department, IT centre and Year 13 common room.

The construction of the both projects took approximately 12 months. Special features of the Blyth Performing Arts Centre included the curved ceiling to the main entrance, locally designed and manufactured light fittings and specifically engineered acoustics.

Construction of the new library and information centre, with additional classrooms and study areas for final year students included a spiral staircase, which forms the main attraction when entering the building as it weaves between the library book shelves.

John says that one challenge of this part of the project was that the building had to be constructed on a steep bank with the various levels following

Visit the friendly HBR team to find out how a Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pump can keep your home cool this summer.

Perfectly Cool, Perfectly Quiet.

www.HBR.co.nz Hastings 06 878 8002 Napier 06 833 8002 809 Warren Street North, Hastings

Authorised Installer of

the natural contour of the land. Gary Lawson, from Stevens Lawson, says winning the New Zealand Architecture Medal was a great honour for the practice which has previously won 18 NZIA awards.

“The project is the result of a huge amount of effort and creative thinking from everyone involved – client, architect and contractors. Everyone really put their best foot forward to achieve the finished result,” he says.

John confirms that Mackersey Construction’s philosophy is to become part of the wider team.

“We endeavour to align ourselves to our client’s project and consultant team so that we fully understand their business requirements, ensuring the outcome of our efforts delivers a successful project.

“In doing this our aspiration is the development of a long term relationship between ourselves and our clients,” he explains.

Based in Hawkes Bay, JC Mackersey Ltd was founded by John Charles Mackersey and commenced trading in 1948. John was elected National President of the New Zealand Master Builders Federation in 1961.

The company grew and expanded, which

eventually led to a full separation of property holdings from the construction operation in 1988.

Mackersey Development Ltd today specialises in property development and property management throughout the Hastings and Napier areas.

It administers a growing multi-million-dollar property portfolio and John says that it is a good fit with Mackersey Construction undertaking the project management and construction expertise.

Headed by John Bower and John Mackersey’s son David, Mackersey Construction is one of the largest construction companies in the Hawkes Bay, carrying out all types of work from housing to major commercial buildings throughout New Zealand.

The company is a member of Registered Master Builders, the New Zealand Green Building Council and is a Department of Building and Housing Licensed Building Practitioner.

John Bower says that the company continues to grow, which has led to David Mackersey taking on the role of company chairman. John Bower’s role in the company focuses on maintaining the highest standards of workmanship as well as creating strong relationships with clients.

ATLAS FIBROUS PLASTER CO. • Fibrous Plaster Manufacturer and Installation • Supply, fix and stop gib board Good build: Well done Mackersey’s.

It was good to have an Architect who used our full range of skills.

YOU DREAM IT - WE CAN DO IT Ph (06) 878 3693 or (06) 835 3693 Email office@atlasfp.co.nz 309 Eastbourne Street West, Hastings

Business North December/January 2016

BUILDING » Mackersey Construction

| 21

The Blyth Performing Arts Centre in Havelock North, built by Mackersey Construction, has won the prestigious 2015 New Zealand Architecture Medal at the New Zealand Institute of Architecture Awards.

John says that although the company has grown over the years, Mackersey Construction still has the feeling of being a family operated business, which allows customers to feel part of the Mackersey team.

“Our clients are often comforted by the collective knowledge of our employees that add up to hundreds of year’s experience.

“Our family based structure ensures that this

knowledge and experience is shared throughout the company and eventually leads to the benefit of our customers.

“We are extremely proud to be one of the leaders in the construction industry in the Hawke’s Bay. “The aim is to keep the company as a front runner in the building industry as well as to strive to assist our clients to achieve their personal goals.”

WYNANDS MASONRY 2015 LTD Bricklaying • Blocklaying • Stone Masonry • Wall & Floor Tiling • Plastering

Main Office

Our company is pleased to be involved with Mackersey Construction on these prestigious buildings.

021 450 732 Painting by “Hawke’s Bay’s Painting Professionals”

P: 06 843 5773 F: 06 843 3945 E: wynandsmasonry@gmail.com PO Box 5135, Greenmeadows, Napier 4145 www.wynandsmasonry.com

HASTINGS & NAPIER PHONE (06) 878 8530 www.freemandecorators.co.nz

plumbing, drainage and gas

Proud to be the electrical contractors for Mackersey Construction

0508 228 899 www.advancedplumbing.co.nz

enquiries please call 0274 852 191

22 |

BUILDING » Adan Larsen Builders

December/January 2016

Business North

Going the extra mile part of service Karen Phelps “We want the best for the project and the client and we’re willing to go the extra mile to achieve that,” says Stratford based builder Adan Larsen.

His company, Adan Larsen Builders, has grown considerably since he started it in 2004, from always striving to achieve the best finished result for the client whether it be a residential new home build, addition, renovation, general maintenance work or commercial project.

It’s not merely rhetoric – Adan Larsen Builders was awarded the best service accolade at the 2014 Stratford Romeo Awards which are held every two years by the Stratford Business Association.

The company had to be nominated by a member of the public then visited by a secret shopper from the awards team as part of the judging process.

“It’s a really neat thing to win as it shows we are doing things right and our clients feel they are our main focus,” says Adan.

Another aspect of the company’s focus on professionalism at all levels is its membership in the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand.

“They are the only nationwide builders organization whose members are all trade qualified. As a member of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand we offer a ten year written guarantee when undertaking to build a new home.

The guarantee gives the new homeowner additional reassurance and belief in the quality of the workmanship we have provided,” he explains.

It also means that the company is also now able to offer clients the new CBANZ Certified Plans.

• To page 24

Top service: Adan Larsen proudly displays his Stratford Romeo Awards for best service.

Making the exceptional afforable

FARM BUILDINGS • HAY BARNS • WORKSHOPS • COVERED YARDS

• CALF SHEDS • IMPLEMENT SHEDS • AIRCRAFT HANGERS

WHATEVER YOU NEED, CALL THE EXPERTS 027 672 3143

A/H 06 765 7261

www.adanlarsenbuilders.co.nz / a.k.larsen@xtra.co.nz Adan Larsen Building Contractor Ltd • 382 Brookes Road, RD 21, Stratford

Electrical Contractor Rural, Residential & Commercial

DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST?

Broadway, Stratford

Ph. 06 765 7800

Proud to support Adan Larsen Builders

Put yourself in front of potential clients.

Call Phil on 027 444 2226 or 06 765 7868 Email: philboyes@xtra.co.nz

Architecture

For ALL your electrical requirements

Proud Service Provider to Adan Larsen Builders

“We’ll see you right’’

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Wayne Bloor

For all your structured Architecture & Advice

(06) 756 7252 Denise: (0274) 458 222 Steve (0274) 462 793 Fax: (06) 756 7252 Email: hooper.electrical@clear.net.nz

37 MOA ST, INGLEWOOD Proud to support Adan Larsen Builders

Business North December/January 2016

BUILDING » Adan Larsen Builders

Interesting design features included in the refit of Stratford Optometrists involved specialised detail work from Adan Larsen Builders

Servicing the Stratford area with industrial and domestic plumbing and drainage!

P: (06) 765 8423 F: (06) 765 7036 140 Juliet Street, Stratford

WESTEND HIRE

Centre

EQUIPMENT HIRE

Providing outstanding service to the Taranaki community with our hire equipment.

Water pumps | Portable toilets | Temporary Fencing | Vechicles | Portable Buildings Lighting Towers | Generators | Trailers | Wedding Hire | Cool Runnings For all product and service enquiries please feel free to phone us on 06 765 5300 or for after hour enquiries 027 3787 826 You can also contact us at gavin@westendhire.co.nz www.westendhire.co.nz

Cadwallader Industries Ltd

• Plasterboard Stopping • Interior/Exterior Painting We’re proud to support Adan Larsen Builders

Mark Cadwallader

027 481 8132 | 06 278 5748 info@plasteringplus.co.nz

Call Paul for all your Door & Window Solutions • • • •

Doors Windows Bi Fold Doors Euro Sliders

• • • •

Stacker Doors Ballustrades Fold Back Bi-Folds French Doors

• • • •

P. 06 765 0556 Email paul@nebulitetaranaki.co.nz M. 027 200 5556 76 Portia Street, PO Box 58, Stratford 4352

Repairs & Glazing Conservatories Security Doors Double Glazing

| 23

24 |

BUILDING » Adan Larsen Builders / Abstract Building

December/January 2016

Business North

Alterations and renovations a specialty for firm Karen Phelps

Clear polycarbonate bubbles cut into brick and cedar are a feature of the refit of Stratford Optometrists.

Challenging projects just part of the service for Adan • From page 22 “This range of architecturally designed plans is ready to build immediately or can be customised to reflect how the client lives.

“They have complete control over the entire process from start to finish and it offers clients a complete read-to-go package if they choose,” he explains.

Alternatively Adaa say that the plans can also work to provide a good starting point for clients to add to their own ideas to come up with a unique design.

Based in central Stratford, Adan Larsen Builders works in the local region.

Recent projects completed include construction of the new ITM in Stratford and extending an existing building as well as refitting the interior for Stratford Optometrists.

Adan says that this project has some interesting designer features including a frontage made from polycarbonate bubbles cut into a cedar and brick wall.

The roof of the building also includes cantilevered cedar batons creating a veranda roof down one side of the building.

“It was specialised, detailed work and definitely shows that we are willing to try

something different while ensuring functionality is maintained.

“We enjoy working with clients to tackle challenging projects such as this one,” says Adan.

Demonstrating the company’s diversity it has also recently completed a 240sqm, two-storey home at Toko.

The home was clad in schist stone and cedar weatherboard and included a large deck.

The client had initially approached Adan Larsen Builders with the photo of a home he liked then the company worked with the architect to create the client’s vision.

The company is presently working on a 100 square metre extension building a new lounge/ TV room, kitchen/dining area plus another large family/dining area.

Adan says the company has managed to secure a reputation for completing consistently high quality workmanship as he employs no labourers and has a loyal group of suppliers.

“All our guys are qualified and we have one apprentice.

“This means our clients know they have an experienced team working on their project meaning that they can sit back and relax knowing that everything is in the best of hands.”

Seeking a constant challenge led Steve Butcher to start Abstract Building Services, a building company which specialises in home extension, alteration and renovation projects.

“New home builds are too easy. When you open up an existing home you never know exactly what you’re going to find. = “Things are never plumb and in line and you really have to think outside the square at times,” he explains.

With 25 years industry experience including ten years experience in project management, Steve started Abstract Building Services in 2006.

He missed being on the tools and says being able to “swing a hammer again” was what provided the impetus for starting the company.

Based in the Manawatu, Abstract Building Services can undertake any aspect of an extension, alteration or renovation project including roofing, bathrooms, ceramic tiling, fencing and decks.

Steve is on every job working alongside his team. He says he works hard to ensure clients are satisfied and takes great pride in the fact he’s yet to have an unhappy client.

“The success of Abstract Building Services not only comes from the commitment and dedication of our team; it’s also due to the relationship we have with our clients,” says Steve.

“We have received great response and feedback from our customers providing recommendations through word of mouth.

“This has all been due to our professional approach to customer requirements and the satisfaction of our work carried out.

“We work very hard to make sure the whole process flows as smoothly as possible creating the least hassle for our clients.”

A good example of this is a recent project completed for a client in Feilding, which involved extending the front and rear of a 220 square metre home as well as gutting every room internally and undertaking a full renovation – all while the client was living in the property.

“The client needed the project completed urgently. Normally a job like this would take four months but we have a good group of workers and we managed to get it done in just nine weeks.”

Abstract Building Services employs a hammer hand/qualified painter, qualified carpenter and a fourth year apprentice.

NEW BUILDINGS ■ EXTENSIONS RENOVATIONS ■ ROOFING

• New Radiator & Repairs • New & Used Tyres • Service all Make and Models of Vehicle • Batteries • Parts for all Other Makes and Models • Valvoline Oils 390 Broadway South, Stratford 4332 P. 06 765 7170 | M. 0274 646 751 | E. centraltarauto@xtra.co.nz

BATHROOMS ■ TILING DECKING ■ FENCING FURNITURE www.abstractbuildingservices.co.nz

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Business North December/January 2016

BUILDING » Abstract Building

| 25

Manawatu-based Abstract Building Services specialises in home extensions, alterations and renovation projects.

Employing his own staff rather than using contract builders gives better control over quality and timing of projects, says Steve.

Abstract Building Services is a member of the Registered Master Builders Association of New Zealand and Site Safe.

The company is big on supporting local suppliers, which include Mitre10 Mega, Burne Aluminium and Henry’s Plumbing.

Abstract Building Supplies has just finished two extension projects.

The first was an extension to a lounge/dining

area, construction of a new master bedroom with ensuite and walk in wardrobe and a wrap around deck for a home in Mt Biggs. The other, located in Rangiotu, involved building a master bedroom with walk in wardrobe and ensuite and a large media room/home theatre.

“With any project such as this ensuring the extension flows seamlessly with the existing house is essential.

“I hate seeing an extension that is obviously an extension. It should look as if it is part of the original home and has always been there.”

Burne Aluminium Ltd The perfect complement to any home RING NOW for your free quote on windows or doors for your home or business 21 Manchester Street, Feilding · PH: 06 323 6630 Mobile: 0274 579 206 · Email: burne.aluminium@xtra.co.nz

Service with a smile, for all your plumbing needs New homes • Maintenance • Renovations Roofing repairs • Spoutings • Solar • Drainlaying

We are proud to be associated with Abstract Builders

Henry Hintz (certified plumber) Mobile: 027 276 2121 Office: 06 353 0950

henrysplumbingltd@inspire.net.nz www.henrysplumbingltd.co.nz

PROUD SUPPLIERS OF BUILDING MATERIALS TO PALMERSTON NORTH 250 - 270 Featherston Street Phone: (06) 354 4087 www.mitre10.co.nz

26 |

BUILDING » Armstrong Homez

December/January 2016 Business North

Craftsmanship, design top notch Sue Russell Hamilton residential builders Armstrong Homez have been steadily creating a niche market with their unique and highly crafted home designs and builds.

While Adrian Armstrong has been building homes for a decade his building journey extends back twenty years initially working in the family run business.

Adrian established Armstrong Homez three years ago and these days the team of 11 includes Abbey Henry-Metcalfe as Client and Design Manager, Operations Manager Dean Cotter and Leah Henry, accounts manager.

“Adrian has really come into his own since stepping away from the style of homes the family company built and we have worked hard to create a niche market around the concept that building a dream-home can and should be stress free,” says Abbey.

Part of that stress free process is centred around the way clients pay for the construction of their home. Instead of routine payments throughout when milestones have been achieved, Armstrong Homez accepts a 10% deposit on signing the contract with the balance paid when the keys are handed over.

“It is a very easy process for our clients.

There is no liability or responsibility and they have the power of ensuring that everything will be completed perfectly to their expectations before settling the full amount.”

An extensive range of house and land packages are available featuring homes in the fast growing Hamilton north-western areas of Flagstaff and Rototuna.

Abbey’s role involves managing clients through the initial stages of selecting an existing plan and pricing any modifications sought, while Adrian concentrates on building and working with his two teams of sub-contractors over the several properties at various stages of completion.

Abbey describes the business as a boutique building practice where stringent design and building criteria apply to each plan developed for a specific site.

“We simply won’t cut corners on areas like kitchens, on our standard 2.7 metre studs that can be upgraded to 3 metre high, oversize skirting, polished concrete flooring and fully tiled showers. People step into our homes and feel the size of the spaces created.”

She says it is really great to receive such positive feedback from clients who have moved into their homes about just how well the spaces work.

“Adrian is the designer and in time he hopes to step back from hands-on building to a more overseeing and future planning role along with creating more business.”

Demand is high for the homes the company designs and builds and it is not uncommon once a section has been acquired for the house and land package to sell within a month.

The company’s website features a list of all the homes either currently being built or in planning stage.

Highly crafted kitchens, oversize skirting and polished concrete flooring are hallmarks of Armstrong Homez

At any one time about seven homes are being constructed at various stages. It means the two teams of builders can work efficiently balancing outside work with inside as the

weather and material supplies dictate. Plans for the first dedicated show-home at 143 The Meadows sub-division in River Road north are well underway.

The home will show case many of the special and unique design features that have become synonymous with the Armstrong Homez design brand.

“We simply won’t cut corners on areas like kitchens, on our standard 2.7 metre studs that can be upgraded to 3 metre high, oversize skirting, polished concrete flooring and fully tiled showers.”

Free Design and Free No Obligation Quotes

m: 027 285 5445 p: 07 847 3003 e: kitchenfx@xtra.co.nz w: www.kitchenfx.co.nz

8 Bandon Street Hamilton PO Box 16021

The Base, Te Rapa, Hamilton Postal Address: PO Box 10051, Te Rapa 3241 Phone: 07 850 8700 Fax: 07 850 8701 Email: trade@megahamilton.co.nz Hours: Mon - Fri 7:00am - 7:00pm Sat - Sun & Public Holidays 8:00am - 6:00pm

HAMILTON

PROUD TO SUPPORT ARMSTRONG HOMEZ

Business North

BUILDING » Armstrong Homez

December/January 2016

| 27

Armstrong Homez accept a 10% deposit with the balance paid when they keys are handed over.

Bradnam’s, Proud to Support Armstrong Homez Stylish designs and 2.7 metre studs make for appealing spaces.

CAVITY CLAD WAIKATO

Ltd

EXTERIOR PLASTERING SPECIALISTS Quality Licensed Applicators • Aerated Concrete Panels • Polystyrene • Repair Work • Brick/Block • Monotek • Painting

As the name suggests, WeatherTight keeps water where it should be outside your home.

TM

Proud to support Armstrong Homez

JASON 0274 721 007 cavityclad@hotmail.co.nz

www.bradnams.co.nz

Bradnam’s Rotorua P 07 850 7475 E sales@bradnams.co.nz

28 |

BUILDING » W & W Construction – BP Connect Kapiti

December/January 2016 Business North

`Complex projects down pat’ Jo Bailey The new BP Connect Kapiti store in Paraparaumu is the third BP outlet constructed by W & W Construction 2010 Ltd after already delivering projects at Bulls and Wanganui for the fuel company.

“These are quite complex projects with a lot of underground work and services as well as aboveground construction, but we’re getting them down pat now.

“It’s been good to establish a working relationship with BP who are very good to work for.

“We know what they expect, and they give us postive feedback,” says construction manager, Jim Verney.

All three projects were completed within a short timeframe, just 12 weeks for the Paraparaumu and Bulls projects, and 10 weeks for Wanganui.

Similar to the other projects, W & W Construction managed everything from the civil works on the greenfields site at Paraparaumu, to the construction and fit out of a 290 square metre store with a full convenience offering, the latest store layout and Wild Bean Café.

The firm was also responsible for the construction of a carwash and eight-lane forecourt with canopy, plus landscaping works.

“It was a complex job for our site manager Paul Brockway to coordinate. “ We had approximately eight of our own team working on the project, with upwards of 50 people on site including sub-contractors at the height of construction.”

Building the canopy, which covered the forecourt was one of the biggest challenges of the project, says Jim. “We built the canopy on the ground adjacent to the side of the forecourt during the fuel installation works.

“Once it was clad and lined, the 29-tonne canopy had to be lifted into place by a 300-tonne crane. It took seven hours to set up the crane for the job and just half an hour to do the actual lift.”

A range of energy efficient features were employed at the site, such as solar power for hot water, recycled water for the carwash, re-usable rainwater collected from the rooftops, and the extensive use of energy efficient LED lighting.

The new BP Connect Kapiti was handed over a couple of weeks before its official opening on 24 August.

W & W Construction 2010 Ltd is a commercial and industrial construction specialist, which has operated in the Wanganui region for around 35 years.

The firm was originally known as Wells and Wadsworth, and had a name change in 2010, when

Construction of the new BP Connect Kapiti store in Paraparaumu. The project was completed in just 12 weeks. it was rebranded by one the founding directors, Glenn Wadsworth, who remains at its helm.

“Glenn is very much a hands on director. He visits our sites weekly, and if any decisions need to be made we go straight to him.

“There are no corporate rules here. We’re like a small family which is one of our biggest strengths.”

The company employs around 25 site staff, and five support staff.

It has built everything from prisons, to schools,

“Once it was clad and lined, the 29-tonne canopy had to be lifted into place by a 300-tonne crane. It took seven hours to set up the crane for the job and just half an hour to do the actual lift.”

supermarkets, rest homes, retail shops, pet food factories and fast food outlets.

Current projects include refurbishing two KFC outlets, ongoing refurbishment of two wings at Whanganui Prison, and flood repair works in Wanganui. Jim says W & W Construction worked

under Wallace Developments on the Paraparaumu and Bulls BP Connect projects, and dealt directly with BP to deliver the Wanganui outlet.

“We appreciate working with both companies and would definitely like to be involved with any future projects with them.”

AUCKLAND 09 263 7393 WELLINGTON 04 567 0877 CHRISTCHURCH 03 376 6080

www.petroleumsolutions.co.nz Proud to be associated with W&W Construction on the BP Connect, Kapiti project.

Metalcraft panels is proud to have been chosen as the supplier for BP Connect Kapiti Metalcraft insulated panel systems is a manufacturer and supplier of a range of EPS/PIR/Polyphen/Rockwool Panels.

Metalcraft Insulated panel System do supply and/or supply and install.

The Insulated Panels are used in Housing, Commercial/Industrial Roofs and Walls, Coolstores, Freezers, Cowsheds and Hygiene Areas.

We can be contacted on Or visit our website:

Auckland Branch Ph: 09 2 77 88 44 Rotorua Branch Ph: 07 347 3580 www.metalcraftpanels.co.nz

Fax: 09 2 77 88 42 Fax: 07 347 35 82

BP CONNECT KAPITI The new BP Connect Kapiti service station is one of the latest projects Auckland based Petroleum Equipment Services has worked on for the fuel company giant, in a relationship that dates back to 1993.

“BP was the first company I approached when I started the company in my garage. They said would support me as long as I brought in a range of good products and helped me to figure out what these were. We’re still working on BP’s projects 22 years later. They’ve been a great supporter of the business,” says managing director, Chris Davis.

Petroleum Equipment Services supplies and manufactures a range of petroleum products, equipment and accessories, specialising in products that connect service station’s underground tanks to their petrol pumps, enabling the fuel to flow and tankers to empty petrol into the ground.

developed equipment ourselves in conjunction with our clients.”

For the BP Connect Kapiti project Petroleum Equipment Services supplied all the tank equipment for the project, including the specialised valves and fittings for the top of the underground tank, under-dispenser boxes with associated valves and pipework, and forecourt amenities.

“We supply a lot of equipment to get new sites up and running, with the majority of it ending up underground, and never seen.”

Before starting the company Chris was an auto electrician and later an industrial sales specialist for Dunlop Flexible Hoses.

It was while working for this company that he learned about the petroleum industry, and gained a lot of management training and experience, eventually progressing to the branch manager’s role.

Products include petroleum dispensing pumps, piping, sumps, valves and fittings, lubrication and pumping products, fuel transfer equipment, LED, absorbents, forecourt furniture and tyre inflation towers.

“We are the major suppliers of equipment to all of the leading fuel brands in the market, along with the smaller regional fuel companies. We import a lot of products, bring in underground piping and other specialist equipment and have

“We were supplying a range of products to the petroleum industry at the time. Then Dunlops decided to focus on its core business of hosing, and give up some of its other agencies, and I could see an opportunity to pick them up myself.”

Chris started Petroleum Equipment Services in his garage, but it wasn’t long before he moved the business to the Albany Industrial Estate on the North Shore.

“We’ve been based here ever since although we’ve moved seven times within the estate due to the growth of the business.”

The company represents a range of leading brands, such as Universal Valve, DuraPipe, Nupi, Fibrelite, ShipMan, King, Flex-Ing, BlueLine, Cim-Tec, CEP Sorbents, Pneumatic Components, Risbidger, Usines de Rumaucourt, Fulcrum, Aile, ITI LubeWorks, Jinlin, Enviropeat, Franklin Fueling and PES. One of the innovative products Petroleum Equipment Services has developed is a handy wheelie bin spill kit for service station forecourts, which contains spill pads that quickly and efficiently clean up fuel spills.

“We have also just picked up a new agency for fuel dispensers over the last six months and are working very hard with these as well.”

There is now six staff on the Petroleum Equipment Services team, including Chris’s wife Judith who is an administrator, eldest son Darren who is warehouse manager, and youngest son Adam, who looks after the firm’s specialist electronic equipment and assists in the warehouse.

“We are very much a family business, and enjoy working in a niche market alongside a tightknit community of other suppliers like us in the market.”

PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT SERVICES Large enough to serve small enough to care

Proudly supplying and supporting BP Connect Kapiti 24d William Pickeing Drive, Albany, Auckland • www.pes.co.nz • P: 09 414 1119 • E: info@pes.co.nz

30 |

BUILDING » Bracewell Construction

December/January 2016 Business North

Construction almost complete Karen Phelps Construction is underway of Hypatia, Ockham Residential’s latest building.

Situated in Auckland City, the build was preceded by six months of piling with drilling going down three metres into the basalt rock surface with a specialised machine from the United Kingdom to prepare for the construction, says Glenn Bracewell, from Bracewell Ltd. Hypatia comprises two levels of underground parking and six varied levels of apartment living offering 59 apartments. The building is a concrete and steel structure designed to the latest earthquake standards.

The exterior includes decorative Maori patterning on concrete spandrels around the building. Intertenancy walls in Hypatia are double timber framed with one layer of sound insulation and two layers of plasterboard each side.

Apartments include high stud height, concrete balconies with frameless glass and double-glazed aluminium joinery, floor to ceiling windows, individual hot water cylinders, heat pump air conditioning and LED lighting. The high-quality interior fit-outs include engineered stone benchtops and green Indian marble-tiled splash backs in the kitchen, 15mm European oak engineered timber flooring and Smeg kitchen appliances.

Bathrooms contain semi-polished porcelain floor tiles and full-height porcelain tiled walls, New Zealand-made plywood vanities and ceramic quartz basins. Hypatia also contains a pool and spa complex and onsite café.

Construction started in August 2015 and the project is due for completion in December 2016.

Bracewell Ltd has just completed excavation work and has part of both basement slabs formed.

The negotiated tender project is just one of a number completed by Bracewell Ltd for Ockham Residential over the past five years. Other projects completed include The Isaac, The Turing Building, Station R, Wilkinson Road, Ockham Building and Ruawai Road.

Glenn says the long term relationship developed between the two companies has resulted in a great deal of trust, particularly important on a project such as Hypatia, which is located on a challenging site and has a tight build programme considering the general pressures the industry has been under due to demand from the heated Auckland market for resources and staff.

Bracewell Ltd specialises in multi-unit residential construction, schools, banks, offices, hospitals, hotels and apartments, ranging in value from $100,000 to $20 million.

The company was started in 1952 by Barry Bracewell. Since 1981, his son Glenn has been in charge. Glenn’s son Seth has also worked for the company for a number of years and has completed a Bachelor of Construction Management degree.

Work on the 59 apartment Hypatia development in Auckland, which stared in August 2015, is due for completion this month.

Bracewell Ltd employs around 50 staff, which has been a key factor in its success over many years of completing projects on time and on budget, says Glenn.

“In the past 50 years and over three generations, we’ve completed several hundred construction projects without ever extending the budget or the time frame. We don’t take on more projects than we can successfully handle and by employing our own staff we have a loyal highly skilled and loyal team.

“We remain focused on nurturing excellent client relationships such as that with Ockham Residential.

We do this by performing which is why our big focus is to complete projects on time and on budget every time.”

“We remain focused on nurturing excellent client relationships.”

SCAFFOLDING & FORMWORK SPECIALISTS Proud to supply Bracewell Construction

www.aplkwikform.co.nz  (09) 828 0211

 (09) 828 1050

 Email: apl@wacokwikform.com.au

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » Landmark Homes Wellington

| 31

Home showcases builder’s expertise Karen Phelps Landmark Homes Wellington is constructing a new show home in Silverwood Residential Estate. According to Carmin Young, who owns the franchise with husband Ben, it’s an extremely technical build.

The 256sqm, split level, two-storey home comprises four bedrooms, including a master bedroom with ensuite on the upper floor and living spaces and kitchen positioned just four steps down from the entry and garage level, capitalising on sun and views.

Carmin says the design has modern lines and specifically suits sites sloping away from the entry point. The show home design has worked so well it has already been incorporated into the Landmark Homes plan range and named the Fitzroy.

Carmin and Ben, who took over the franchise in November 2013, say the business has grown quickly.

Before taking on the franchise, Ben, a qualified builder, had previously operated his own construction company. When the franchise opportunity arrived Carmin says it presented the couple with the opportunity to grow their business.

Just a month after taking over the franchise a couple had already secured two contracts.

The overall Landmark Homes company is owned and managed by Paul and Debbie Clarke.

The couple initially started out with their own building company in Tauranga, which evolved into a national operation when the couple was requested to build outside the region in the Coromandel, Palmerston North and Wanaka.

Landmark Homes Wellington exclusively focuses on new home builds, largely design and build projects due to Wellington’s tricky sites. The Landmark Homes plan range is used mainly for ideas as a starting point.

A new Landmark Homes plan book has just been released giving a range of about 70 plans for people to choose from, including the cost-efficient Encore range. Customers are also welcome to come to the company with their own plans.

Carmin says Landmark Homes Wellington ensures any home built by the company is designed within the client’s budget. Landmark Homes Wellington has a contract designer inhouse. “We build the home around the budget

Landmark Homes Wellington’s new showhome in Silverwood Residential Estate is described as an “extremely technical build”.

while still managing the expectations,” she says.

“We find often when people come to us with plans the reality is the build is often over the budget.

That’s why our preference is for people to come to us at the start of the process. That way we can often save them time and money.”

Landmark Homes Wellington is one of the preferred builders in Silverwood Residential Estate, also assisting clients to select suitable sites within the subdivision, which is located around 15 minutes drive from Porirua. Carmin says they chose a tricky sloping site within the subdivision with a small building profile to build the show home to showcase the company’s capabilities.

Landmark Homes Wellington employs four office staff plus a team of builders.

PLACEMAKERS PORIRUA

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

LANDMARK HOMES PLACEMAKERS PORIRUA 15 JOHN SEDDON DR, TODD PARK (04) 237 9189

Faster Simpler Proven weathertight.

For building building, renovating or re-cladding re-cladding, ask for Jenkin A-lign. Make yours an A-lign timber home. jenkin.co.nz

0800 25 44 61

Cladding homes since 1922

Would like to Congratulate Landmark Homes on their new show home and are proud to be their preferred supplier of Braemar gas ducted central heating systems.

BUILDING » Design Builders Hawke’s Bay

32 |

December/January 2016 Business North

Show home for exclusive HB site Jo Bailey A stunning new show home being constructed

by Design Builders Hawke’s Bay in the exclusive Parkhill coastal subdivision is nearing completion.

“The build is progressing well and landscaping works are underway. We expect to open the show home to the public in early 2016,” says director, Scott Taylor The high-end, pavilion style home is being built for Parkhill developers Lyn Williams and Rebecca Turner, and will be leased back by Design Builders.

Scott says the minimalist, ultra-modern home is set on a picturesque, elevated site, and has been designed to capture panoramic views of rural and coastal Hawke’s Bay. “We are constructing the home on a raised foundation to provide extra elevation, with an impressive cantilevered deck area providing outdoor flow.

“The home has a huge expanse of glass to make the most of the sea views, particularly in the master bedroom, and main living area which features a 7.5 metre slider.”

Cedar and ply cladding, with a 400mm negative detail strip create the home’s unique exterior aesthetic, with quality materials, fixtures and fittings a feature of the interior.

“The home has French solid oak flooring, and a designer kitchen with top branded appliances and whiteware. The latest in smart home automation has also been included.”

Scott says the master suite is “spectacular” and includes a free-standing bath with sea views and skylight in the bathroom.

“The master suite also has a massive 4m x 4m walk in wardrobe, with built in furniture, including a desk. It is pretty special.”

Built-in joinery and furniture features right throughout the home, with all bedrooms having desks and top of the line wardrobe systems.

Once complete, the home will be open by appointment during the week and for extended hours at weekends.

The Parkhill coastal subdivision in Hawke’s Bay is surrounded by vineyards and farmland. Design Builders Hawke’s Bay expects to open a high-end show home on the site in early 2016.

Scott says Design Builders is proud to be one of the preferred builders at Parkhill, with its large coastal sites ranging from 2500 to 7000sqm, that are surrounded by vineyards and farmland.

“It will be great to open the new show home on this amazing piece of land which is just minutes from Hastings, Napier, leading wineries and Cape Kidnappers golf course.

“We are looking forward to completing more exciting projects at Parkhill in the future.”

The firm already has a strong reputation in Hawke’s Bay, where it has built more than 400 homes in the 20 years since Andrew and Brenda

Bell, (Scott’s in-laws) founded the company.

These days the Hawke’s Bay operation is managed by Scott and his wife Tina, and is part of the wider Design Builders Group, which has been established over the last couple of years.

“We have created unique partnership arrangements with eight leading sole trader builders throughout the North Island, which has significantly expanded our brand across this market. “ We work very closely with our partners, providing them with all the tools, systems, processes and support they need including design capability and financial systems.”

Scott says now the first eight companies in the group are consolidated and operating well, Design Builders is looking to expand into more regions.

“We are always on the look out for quality craftsman who will be a good fit for the Design Builders brand and our family-oriented focus,.” he says.

He says the market in Hawke’s Bay has lifted over the last few months, with a “massive rise” in enquiry levels.

“The region really comes into its own in summer, so we expect the strong momentum to continue.”

HARDGRAVE BOOTH PLUMBING LTD

All plumbing and drainage

hudsonhbplumb@gmail.com | 021 271 1744 | P.O. Box 8140 Havelock North 4157

Proudly Supporting Design Builders

06 878 2600 | 027 490 6596 www.doorpro.co.nz

SUPPLIERS / FIXERS / PLASTERERS Specialists in • INTERIOR Plaster Linings • EXTERIOR Plaster Claddings New & Existing Homes P 06 8779471 / E info@inexplastering.co.nz

www.inexplastering.co.nz DO IT ONCE, DO IT RIGHT, DO IT WITH INEX

Proud to Support Design Builders - Hawkes Bay

Call us for all your electrical needs MASTER

ELECTRICIANS

Phone 06 877 3443 Mobile 027 525 0425 Email: eselectrical@xtra.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » Design Builders Hawke’s Bay

| 33

The proposed show home at Parkhill features a 7.5 metre glass slider, cedar and ply cladding, French solid oak flooring and a designer kitchen with top branded appliances.

HASTINGS

tile shed LIMITED

Shane & Hari

Suppliers of all wall & floor tiles, Ardex adhesives, Ceramic, Porcelain, Natural Stone, Yunca Fires & Makita Stockist Proud suppliers of DESIGN BUILDERS Phone 06 871 0587 Mobile 021 672 884

Email sales@tileshed.co.nz 201A Southland Road, Hastings

Manufacturers & installers of roofing, flashing & spouting LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

FORD ROAD ONEKAWA PH 843 6968 admin@brroofing.co.nz EMS LTD, YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR BIOROCK & FlowKing™ products · Commercial & Domestic Wastewater treatment Drainage design and installation · Water treatment and filtration Pumps and water tanks · Council compliance and consultation Contact EMS Ltd to discuss your options: Phone: 06 879 8022 Fax: 06 879 8026 info@emsnz.co.nz or steve@biorock.co.nz www.emsnz.co.nz & www.biorock.co.nz

Exclusive agent for BIOROCK new generation wastewater treatment plant and Proud to be associated with Design Builders

34 |

BUILDING » CMP Construction

December/January 2016 Business North

Company plans for predicted growth Karen Phelps With a number of significant building projects due to commence in Auckland in 2016, CMP Construction has been making some big organisational changes to prepare for predicted constraints on supplies and people power in the region, says company commercial manager Andrew Moore.

“Resources in Auckland will be stretched and we’ve identified this as a key issue so we’re preparing ahead to ensure we continue to meet project targets,” he says.

Andrew, a quantity surveyor by trade who brings over three decades industry experience, was recently engaged by the company to focus on strengthening the business in a number of key areas. Emphasis has been placed on enhancing the company’s quantity surveying capabilities as well as pricing and allocation of resources.

The company now boasts a team of 30 quantity surveying, project and site managers. Andrew says that after identifying that over the coming year staff numbers are likely to further increase, the company has been focusing on reallocating its team to maximise efficiencies as well as ensuring each project has a dedicated quantity surveyor and project manager.

Strengthening of relationships with suppliers and clients has also been a major focus as well as adopting a fresh approach to how projects are priced, negotiated and how tenders are submitted, says Andrew.

The company now outsources the majority of its project programming, which means that a professional and dedicated organisation is committed to this important aspect of each project.

“We take programming very seriously as clients need to know how long their project will take. We now offer an even more detailed and professional programme put together by an independent consultancy which provides the client, ourselves and the funder with better information. We have updated our IT systems significantly to support these changes,” he explains.

CMP Construction was started more than 20 years ago by present managing director Ron

Tenor apartments in Albany includes three levels of living made up of 41 apartments, all with private balconies and a shared podium on ground level.

Macrae. The company has earned a solid reputation for offering professional, innovative and cost effective services for construction and civil works contracts valued from $1 million to $50 million plus.

Recent years have seen the company predominate in high quality commercial, industrial

and apartment developments throughout New Zealand. CMP Construction has completed a range of projects including hotels, multi-storey apartments and office buildings, warehouses, heritage building refurbishments, internal fit-outs and civil works.

The company head office is in Auckland where most of the company activity is located, although projects have been undertaken in other major centres of the country and the Pacific area.

The company is currently completing a number of projects including Stage 1 of Rose Garden Apartments in Albany, the largest apartment project in New Zealand, and the 10 storey Oasis Apartments in Myers Park, Auckland.

CMP Construction has rebranded to reflect the new changes the company is making and Andrew says it will be targeting specific projects and clients. He says that CMP Construction has been focusing on getting the right subcontractors and suppliers on board.

“We want to maintain our solid reputation but also embrace new technology, innovative products and methods of construction as well as generally modernise the way we do things. A “ll the changes will make us more competitive and sharper. We’re excited about the future and remaining a boutique mid-sized construction management company that is personal, user friendly and dynamic.”

New Zealand’s leading Mastic Asphalt providers

WE GO A LONG WAY TO KEEP YOU DRY.

Block 7 on Anzac Avenue – New York styled loft apartments.

working in conjunction with CMP Construction Ltd

P: 09 475 9725 F: 09 475 9726 info@asphaltech.co.nz www.asphaltech.co.nz 30 b Parkway Dr, Mairangi Bay Auckland, New Zealand

For all your residential, architectural and commercial joinery needs Call Fairview North Shore on 09 444 4286 or visit us at 12 Parkhead Place, Albany fvaluminium.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » Dave Stroobant Building

| 35

Young builder has bright future Kelly Deeks Nick Brodribb of Hamilton’s Dave Stroobant Building has a promising career and a world of opportunities ahead of him having taken out the title of the Waikato region’s Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year.

Brodribb ran a complete new house build project by himself at the end of last year for his entry to the competition, completing a unique, architecturally designed 250sqm linear weatherboard home with open plan living, a mono pitched roof, and floor to ceiling windows.

Competition judges sited Brodribb’s maturity, intimate knowledge of both his project and regulatory changes, strong attention to detail, and a high level of craftsmanship as the winning formula.

Dave Stroobant says Brodribb is an exceptional builder who has completed his apprenticeship in two and a half years.

“I knew he could do well in the Apprentice of the Year competition because of the type of person he is, and the way he does things,” he says.

“Nick has been running a gang by himself since year two of his apprenticeship. He did extremely well on the project he ran for the competition. There was nothing you could fault.”

Brodribb says he was excited to have someone put the trust in him to show what he was capable of.

“It was great to have people within the industry and outside of the industry recognise me for something they think I’m good at,” he says. “It was a real pleasure getting through the competition and coming out on top of the regionals has set me up for a world of opportunities. It’s only upwards from here.”

Since beginning his apprenticeship, Brodribb has learned it takes more than motivation and hard work to do well.

“It also takes strong time management skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and the desire to complete projects to a high standard,” he says.

He was awarded a range of building products and tools, $2000 to spend at Carters, and a spot at an Outward Bound course.

The 23-year-old would one day like to start

Waikato’s Building Apprentice of the Year Nick Brodribb, centre, with Paul Hobbs, registrar of LIcenced Building Practitioners at MBIE, left, and Ruma Karaitiana, CEO Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

his own successful building company, after gaining some more experience, and now has his sights set on the House of the Year competition.

“It’s got to be the end goal for anyone, to be in the top 10 percent of their industry,” he says.

Registered Master Builders Association chief executive David Kelly says the outstanding group of contenders in the competition this year is a reflection of a real commitment from the construction industry to apprenticeships, the

“It was great to have people within the industry and outside of the industry recognise me for something they think I’m good at.”

future of the construction industry is in extremely safe hands, and the public should be reassured these young people are intent on achieving the very best quality in their craft.

Dave Stroobant Building is a residential building company established in 2008. Stroobant

is a qualified and Registered Master Builder who started his career in joinery in 1978, then took on a building apprenticeship 10 years later.

The company completes a variety of projects from new builds to renovations, from high end to low end and everything in between.

LEADLIGHT GLASS STUDIO & CAFE S.H 3, OHAUPO

TRADITIONAL LEADLIGHT WINDOWS & DOORS

Design, supply and install: • heatpump-air conditioning • underfloor - ventilation • residential and commercial • ducted system specialists

Proud to support David Stroobant Builders ALL PAINTING REQUIREMENTS 021 131 4562 WWW.ADPAINTING.CO.NZ adpainting@ymail.com

Ian Grant 6 Oliver Street Unit 14, Cambridge Phone 827 7258, 0275 14 15 21 www.aircondirect.co.nz

0800 LEADLIGHT (532 354) INFO@LEADLIGHT.CO.NZ

ADVERTISING IS GREAT FOR BUSINESS! Get new clients with regular print media Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

waterfordpress.co.nz

36 |

BUILDING » DRD Builders

December/January 2016 Business North

Masters in heritage remedial work Sue Russell Hadleigh de Reus and Jesse Dyson were originally individual contract builders until three years ago when they teamed up and started DRD Builders Ltd. Based in the Hutt Valley and servicing the wider Wellington region, DRD Builders has concentrated on a mix of renovations and extensions, often to Wellington’s heritage and historical villas, and also full rebuilds due to fire damage.

“We thought back then, given we’d worked together as sub-contractors doing a fit-out of a Wellington building, why not take the punt and go out on our own?” Hadleigh says.

In 2006, Jesse was awarded Wellington region Master Builders Apprentice of the Year.

The residential building sector in Wellington is a competitive one, given the amount of remedial, strengthening and renovation-type work the city and surrounding area constantly demands. Hadleigh puts the success of the company down to the exceptional level of communication with clients and architects that DRD Builders focuses on and which has become its hallmark.

“We are very hot on trying to answer or quickly get back to every phone call or email. We’ve come to understand how important it is to our clients and the professionals we work with to know we will respond.”

Currently, the DRD Builders team comprises 14 employees or contract staff, enabling the comfortable management of up to five jobs at any one time. Hadleigh says the aspiration is definitely to grow, but in a considered way.

“Jesse and I worked the business on our own for the first six months and that was only two and a half years ago so growth has been considerable. We’re keen to get bigger but in a more manageable way.”

While many builders choose not to undertake remedial work, given the uncertainties and challenges inherent in these builds, Hadleigh says this type of work is an area of construction they have become familiar with.

“We understand remedial work has its own unique nature and we have developed systems to allow us to engage in this successfully.”

He describes the challenges of working out how to build around and into complicated spaces as a challenge he and Jesse thrive on.

Their key passion he says is working on architecturally designed high-end extensions and renovations to homes, and scattered around

DRD Builders Ltd specialise in remedial work on heritage homes and villas in the Wellington region, as well as extensions and renovations.

Wellington are many fine examples of their work.

“The biggest kick we get is that owners are happy in their transformed home. Often they have lived in their home for many years and to see it have a new lease of life, brought up to modern spec but in a way sensitive to its original bones, is a really positive process.”

Last year, DRD Builders completed a complete rebuild of a circa 1910 fire- damaged home in Seatoun. The couple who owned the property had lived in it for half a century and he remembers seeing their tears of sadness turn to tears of joy in the process.

One of the company’s latest projects, a concrete block column stack minimalist detail home hugging

a steep hill in Kelburn, is proving challenging given the nature of the build and the site. Before construction could begin, 1200 blocks were carried up the hill by hand and a massive 50 cubic metres of dirt removed.

“I come from Christchurch where almost everywhere is on the flat so the whole approach to building and project management in Wellington is significantly different.”

He is also keen to see schools encourage the more capable students to consider a trade in the building industry.

“Operating a building business carries a huge responsibility and a great deal of liability. It calls for highly professional behaviour. Gone are the days when the trades were seen as an alternative career option for those considered less able to stand the rigours of university life.”

www.drdbuilders.co.nz We take the same pride in your project as you do Innovative Scaffolding Solutions 0800 4 SCAFIT Palmerston North, Wellington, Wanganui www.scafit.co.nz Phone: 04 586 9365 Freephone: 0800 4 SCAFIT Email: wellington@scafit.co.nz

• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Home renovations • Shop fit out • Alterations and additions • Home maintenance • New homes • Restoration work • Partitioning • Landscape construction – decks, fences, retaining walls, pergolas, patios, etc Servicing the greater Wellington region

info@drdbuilders.co.nz

Business North

BUILDING » Ezyline Homes

December/January 2016

| 37

Property investors are buying these high quality transportable homes for rental accommodation.

Investors snap up pre-built homes Jo Bailey Property investors in the North Island are snapping up affordable, high quality transportable homes from Tauranga firm Ezyline Prebuilt Homes, says director, Wallace Stewart.

“Around 70 per cent of the homes we build are purchased as investment properties for rental accommodation. Investors like the fact they are competitively priced, low maintenance, and brand new homes, which attract higher rentals.”

Ezyline homes are unashamedly compact and simple in design, with floor plans ranging from

60sqm to 120sqm and construction materials including Hardiplank, aluminium joinery and Colorsteel roofs.

“Our solid, practical homes are constructed very conventionally, similar to a home built on site, apart from some extra bracing added to provide strength during transporting.”

All are double-glazed, fully insulated and prefinished before being taken to the site, with only the carpets and drapes to be installed once the home is connected to its services.

It is the simplicity of the homes that creates the savings, he says.

“This is what enables us to provide a well-built, low maintenance home at a very competitive price,” he says.

Wallace says investors have taken over from farmers as the firm’s biggest client group.

“Until the downturn in the dairy sector, farm workers accommodation was the biggest part of our business by far, but this has dropped to around 20 per cent, with the final 10% being mainly private homes and baches.”

He says a transportable home is a cost effective option for remote areas, or where builders would have to travel a long distance to the site.

“We are only on site for about a week, instead of the two to three months a conventional build might take. This saves considerable time and labour costs.”

There is some flexibility for clients wanting to change one of the company’s standard one to four bedroom floorplans, he says.

“We can vary the cladding or even add an ensuite or extend a living room to suit peoples’ requirements.”

Wallace started Ezyline Prebuilt Homes eight years ago.

• To page 38

Proud to support Ezyline Homes New Home Insulation • Retrofit Underfloor and Ceiling • Glass Wool and Polyester options Acoustic Insulation • Prompt professional service from experienced installers Competitive rates • Free quotes or onsite appraisals

P. 07 574 9801 M. 021 044 5150 E. graeme@premierbop.co.nz www.premierbop.co.nz

We build NEW transportable homes!

Avoid the hassle and delays that come with building on-site.

Phone: 07 572 0230 Visit www.ezylinehomes.co.nz 41 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui

Our pre-built houses are easily transported to your farm or investment property.

From Whangarei to Wellington, we can help.

38 |

BUILDING » Ezyline Homes / Form Construction

December/January 2016 Business North

Driven by doing things right, on budget, on time Karen Phelps

Clean modern kitchen interior from Tauranga company Ezyline Prebuilt Homes.

Niche for transportable homes • From page 37 The firm operates under the umbrella of WA Stewart, alongside Coastline Homes, the highend building company he established in Tauranga around 18 years ago.

“I saw a niche in the market for a lower priced, but still good quality home that could service a broader base than our local market with Coastline Homes. The companies work well alongside each other, with Ezyline now servicing the entire North Island market.”

With the Ezyline system, clients are able to avoid the hassle and delays that come with building on site, he says.

“There is no construction to oversee, or mess on site, to worry about. Clients can get on with their daily lives until their home is delivered.”

If needs change in the future, the homes can be easily transported again, says Wallace.

“It is no problem to shift it to another site, or for farmers to move it to other areas of their farm, or to a new farm.”

Wallace says Ezyline has established a strong niche in the market, and has worked with a wide range of customers over the years.

“I really enjoy being part of the transportable homes sector, as I get to meet and work with a lot of great people from right throughout the North Island.”

Establishing a clear programme from the outset coupled with regular meetings to ensure the project was on target were the keys to the successful remediation of Hamilton Girls’ High School, says Form Building & Developments construction manager Alan Sumner.

Form tendered for the project – the remediation of the administration building of the school due to weather tightness issues - in 2014.

The project also involved a new roof, cladding and detailing around windows and was completed in three stages.

Works commenced in January 2015 and the project was completed at the end of September.

Building had to take place so the school could remain in operation the whole time.

“This meant segregating sections off and working on the project piece by piece as the building was the main financial/administration hub of the school,” says Alan.

Form focused on managing vehicle movements and access to the site, managing contractors as well as controlling noise and dust.

Alan says the company planned work, which might present noise issues, outside the school’s main hours of operation.

“We were in constant contact with the school regarding what we were doing so they could advise staff who needed to relocate at certain points in the project.

“This ensured the project remained on target and communication channels were always open.”

Alan says that Form always seeks to collaborate on projects with communication being a key aspect.

He says the successful completion of projects such as Hamilton Girls’ High School highlights the company’s skills in this area.

Form Building & Developments is the result of a merger between Moyle Construction and Eaton Developments in 2007, resulting in a team with over 65 years’ experience in the industry. Form now offers a team of over 60 people in the Waikato, Auckland and Bay of Plenty regions.

The company’s services include commercial and seismic re-strengthening, commercial feasibility assessments and valuation services, weather tight remediation, high end architectural homes, residential restoration, renovations and extensions and development projects.

Alan says that Form has created a unique culture based on experience and partnering with their clients and business partners, such as on the Hamilton Girls’ High School project, for the greater success of all involved.

“While we see our clients as a key part of the Form team during a project, we take care of the trivialities and the difficulties, leaving clients to positively contribute to their project in their own way,” he explains.

Alan says that Form has a unique ability to apply experience and capability to resolve building challenges to achieve successful project outcomes, on budget and on time.

PROUD TO BE PREFERRED SUPPLIER TO EZYLINE HOMES

BATHROOMS

Inspired Design. Trusted Expertise.

0800 844 448 www.mico.co.nz

The Trusted Name In Roofing For all your Roofing and Spouting Requirements • New Roofs • Re-Roofing • New Spouting • Re-Spouting • Fascia & Gutters

Preferred supplier to Ezyline Homes & Coastline Homes

Phone: 07 578 5012 admin@taylors4roofing.co.nz • www.taylors4roofing.co.nz

“Safety & Security combined with lasting good looks” ........................................................................................

• • • • •

Framed Balustrades Frameless Glass Frameless Showers Semi Frameless Glass Pool Fencing

• • • • •

Euro Slat Screening Glass Splashbacks NZ Designed & Made Safety Glass Free Measure & Quote

0508 PROVISTA (776 847) m: 027 452 5017 e: nick@provista.co.nz www.provista.co.nz

Business North

BUILDING » Form Construction

December/January 2016

| 39

Form Building & Developments specialises in commercial and seismic re-strengthening, commercial feasibility assessments and valuation services, high end architectural homes and residential restoration and renovations.

“Form is a specialist in exposing risk and providing systems and expertise in reducing them. From feasibility to completion, we look after clients and the warranty is with Form, not with the project contractors or suppliers.”

He says that having the right people drives the company’s collaborative approach for project success.

“It’s about experience as well as bringing new people into the company. We look for businesses and people with a collaborative approach.

“For example, Form’s sub-contractors are vetted and qualified through our in-house pre-qualification process to ensure their capabilities and standards are in line with Form’s culture. Where possible we aim for early contractor and subcontractor involvement.

“No one person knows everything and it makes the project flow much more freely to get everyone’s

expertise on board early, assisting with planning and limiting risk.”

Recent projects include expansion projects for Seeka Kiwifruit Industries and Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool expansion project.

Presently underway is the construction of a new childcare facility in Mount Maunganui and a remediation project for Rangitoto College in Auckland.

Alan says Form aims to be a long-term business and it is this which drives the company’s approach.

The company is a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council and the Registered Master Builders Association of New Zealand.

“We’re looking to be the go-to construction company for the Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

“It’s about continuing to do things right and to deliver successful projects.”

Domestic | Commercial | Industrial | Rural + Power & lighting installations + 24 hour on call service + Maintenance & servicing + Design & build+ Data

Proud to support Form Construction PO Box 10384, Te Rapa, Hamilton | info@e4.co.nz | Phone: 07 850 8222 | 0800 e4 new zealand ( 0800 34 63 99 )

FORM is proud to have provided remediation and contract management services to Hamilton Girls’ High School and the Ministry of Education.

Our relationship contracting approach covers projects in: • Weather tightness remediation • Commercial/Industrial design & build • Seismic re-strengthening • High end residential

“Partnering in your success”

BOP - Head Office 22 Tukorako Drive, Mount Maunganui PO Box 4448, Mount Maunganui 3149

Auckland 248 Marua Road, Mount Wellington PO Box 11401, Ellerslie, Auckland 1542 Ph. 09 579 5079

Waikato

www.formnz.co.nz

133 Collingwood Street, Hamilton PO Box 14049, Hamilton 3252 Ph. 07 574 7705 Email: info@formnz.co.nz

40 |

BUILDING » John Seward Builders

December/January 2016 Business North

This complex Takapuna renovation by John Seward Builders includes a new roofline and carport.

Happy clients, satisfied builder Karen Phelps Seeing the clients’ happy faces at the end of the job

is what spurs John Seward to keep building.

“Because I’m working directly with the clients, seeing the results at the end of the job is what makes it worthwhile. Building is quite an emotional thing for clients – it’s a big investment in their home – so it’s really satisfying to do a job where we can make people so happy,” he says.

John started his business, John Seward Builders, in 2009 with an initial focus on renovations. As a Licensed Building Practitioner John leads the team and has over 15 years of building experience. Since then, the team has worked for hundreds of clients in the Auckland region and completes a variety of projects including new home builds.

As members of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand, the company offers

clients the new range of Certified Plans. The range of architecturally designed plans has been designed for urban living, rural living and seaside areas with spectacular views.

The plans are ready to be built immediately or customised to the client’s requirements, says John.

“With Certified Plans our client deals directly with me, the builder, from day one rather than a sales person.

“Because all the plans have been approved by the Certified Builders Association they are very buildable,” he explains.

Clients can of course still come to the company with their own plans if they choose or undertake an entire design and build process from scratch.

John says that open and honest communication from the outset is the secret to successful building.

Need Quality?

John Seward Builders are specialist residential builders who service clients Auckland-wide. We focus on renovations, new homes, alterations, decks and fences and we believe that no job is too small.

S

P S

SHORE POWER

SERVICES LTD

James Kibblewhite

For All Your Electrical Needs Phone: 021 266 2921 Email: shorepowerservices@gmail.com

Specialising in residential renovations, new builds and maintenance work

North Shore based electricians

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » John Seward Builders

| 41

John Seward Builders has worked for hundreds of clients in the Auckland region and completes a variety of projects including new home builds, decks, renovations, and alterations.

“We pride ourselves on our commitment to building client relationships and providing continuous communication on our projects.

We believe that our client’s home is their most important asset and deserves nothing less than outstanding quality workmanship,” he says stating that much of the company’s work is through referral.

All homes built are guaranteed for 10 years and as a Certified Builder the company can offer the Home First Builders Guarantee.

John Seward Builders employs three full time staff, giving good control over project quality and timing. The company generally focuses on one project at a time giving that client their full attention.

“I’m still a hands on builder. I like to be on site every day,” says John.

“By focusing on one project at a time we can complete projects quickly and efficiently.”

John Seward Builders is working on an architect’s home in Takapuna.

John says the project is an architecturally complex renovation including a new roofline, carport, joinery and cladding. Internally walls are being shifted to enhance the space.

The project will be completed by December then the team will move onto a renovation project in New Lynn adding around 60sqm onto a home, gutting the interior then adding a new kitchen and bathroom as well as new insulation.

John predicts future growth for the business as the Auckland market continues to be extremely busy.

“Growth comes with time and I’m only 34 so there is plenty of time to grow the business.

“I love the fact that with building every day is different and we are creating something new.

There’s a lot of job satisfaction that comes with being a builder.”

“Seeing the results at the end of the job is what makes it worthwhile. Building is quite an emotional thing for clients – it’s a big investment in their home – so it’s really satisfying to do a job where we can make people so happy.”

PROUD TO SUPPORT JOHN SEWARD BUILDERS

Plumbing | New Build & Renovation | Maintenance | Gas Fitting e: kirk@baylineplumbing.co.nz

021 179 3657

2/5 Mcdowell Crescent, Hillcrest, Auckland Auckland’s Central City, North Shore & Rodney District

713 ROSEBANK RD, AVONDALE PH: 09 828 9791 DAYLEITM.CO.NZ

PROUD SUPPLIERS TO

JOHN SEWARD BUILDERS

42 |

BUILDING » Housing Concepts

December/January 2016 Business North

Tightknit team the secret to success Karen Phelps Establishing a tightknit team of builder, developer, sales agent and architect has helped Warkworthbased Housing Concepts to establish a reputation for building in premium subdivisions in the region.

Housing Concepts director Dave Dohrman says it is a model that has proved successful as the company has focused its attention on the Jade River subdivision.

“It’s a team approach and it has worked very well. In fact, the same model is now being sought by another developer in the region,” says Dave.

Dave started his company about 20 years ago and now offers his clients over 25 years industry experience.

Initially focusing on large architecturally designed homes, the company soon hit its stride when it started to focus on spec housing for Jade River, which is located next to the Mahurangi River in Warkworth, in 1999.

Dave says his role as part of the Jade River team is very hands on: He’s on site every day liaising with clients and the rest of the subdivision team. Dave is also on the tools himself working alongside his building team of mainly local subcontractors. The team is currently working on its 28th build in the subdivision.

“Quality, liveable, affordable architect designed houses. That’s the thrust of Jade River,” says Dave.

“I ensure the build quality is extremely high as I’m on site all day keeping an eye on every aspect of the build.

“In fact, with council inspections in the news recently we are pleased to have a 90 percent pass rate on the first inspection when the industry average is considerably lower. Any little problems we fix quickly to ensure every home we build is of the highest standard possible.”

Housing Concepts has been building a mix of spec homes and contract builds in Jade River. Dave says the advantage is fixed price contracts with Housing Concepts taking care of every aspect of the build including excavation.

“There is no variation to the company’s fixed price contracts unless the client wants to make additional changes after the contract has been signed, he says.

All homes are individually designed to suit

Housing Concepts has been building a mix of spec homes and contract builds in Jade River, a subdivision located next to the Mahurangi River in Warkworth. client requirements by an architect. The main site architect that is part of the Jade River team is Philip Guy Architecture.

When it comes to house and land packages and spec homes, Housing Concepts is often involved in the planning and design stages. Otherwise the company doesn’t get involved until the architect presents the design for Housing Concepts to begin to build.

• to page 44

“Quality, liveable, affordable architect designed houses.

That’s the thrust of Jade River. I ensure the build quality is extremely high as I’m on site all day keeping an eye on every aspect of the build.”

North Glass DESIGN • MANUFACTURE • INSTALL

Phone: 09 422 2001

12 MORRISON DRIVE, WARKWORTH | SHOWROOM AND FACTORY

ALL ASPECTS OF GLASS WORK

Windscreens & Flat Glass H o m e & Ve h i c l e

We can replace and install all types of glass

ADRIAN CLARK info@northglass.co.nz Phone: 0800 70 40 10 or 09 431 4999 Email: adrian@northglass.co.nz 2/194 Molesworth Drive CALL OUT SERVICE Mangawhai Heads 09 431 4999 www.northglass.co.nz HOUR

24

AUCKLAND’S LEADING INDEPENDENT TIMBER MERCHANTS We offer our clients a wide range of drainage services which include:

Blockages • Blocked sewers • Storm water • Sink wastes • Toilets Drainage repairs • Full drainlaying service • Pipe Bursting Call J G Wech Plumbers And Drainlayers for more information and to discuss all your requirements today.

027 4811 127 • Fax 09 422 5291 • jason.wech@gmail.com

ALBANY - BIRKDALE - EAST TAMAKI - WARKWORTH - WAIHEKE ISLAND

Proud to be Housing Concepts Major Building Material Supplier 1km North of Warkworth

0800 45 2020

E-mail: sales@timbermart.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » Housing Concepts

| 43

Housing Concepts offers a 10-year workmanship warranty on all new builds and employs five full time staff and is a member of Hazardco.

Superior steel roofing The Roofing Store supplies longrun steel roofing with a difference.

All products are severe marine grade and, more importantly, offered to customers at the same price point as standard grade products sold by competitors, says The Roofing Store national sales manager Mike Edwards.

It is this extreme difference in quality at a competitive price that has set The Roofing Store apart in the New Zealand marketplace where strength and durability is particularly important.

The company’s longrun steel roofing comes in three finishes: Vitor+ (a super polyester paint which is graded as suitable for roofs located 100m from marine environments), Zenex+ and Lux (both of which are a PVDF paints, suitable for locations 50m from salt water).

The company’s Lux range showcases The Roofing Store’s focus on bringing the latest innovative products to the market, says Mike. The range offers a variety of architectural finishes, including wood, zinc or corten looks.

Mike says that the company’s longrun profiles are lightweight yet incredibly durable, and manufactured by The Roofing Store in New Zealand. Custom cut lengths of roofing are continuous from ridge to gutter, which minimises the number of overlapping joints required on the roof.

Safety features are also an important aspect of the product and longrun steel roofing has been proven during seismic activity.

“An assessment by independent

specialists found that chimneys collapsing onto tile roofs (made of concrete, clay or slate) often fell through into the house, causing structural damage and injury to people within. In comparison, chimneys falling onto corrugated steel roofing often caused no damage. Longrun steel roofs are about 1/8th the weight of a concrete tile roof, and are recommended as a cost-effective method to improve safety,” explains Mike.

The Roofing Store’s longrun roofs are available in an exciting variety of retro and contemporary designs, styles, textures and colours to complement any style of architecture. The Roofing Store also supplies architectural roofing, insulated cladding systems and Apex steel tiles, enabling the company to meet the roofing needs of home owners, roofers, architects, developers, commercial construction and builders, such as Warkworth-based Housing Concepts, who is a highly valued client.

The Roofing Store is a subsidiary of KS Holdings, whose other subsidiaries are Apex Tile, Kiwi Steel, KN Building, Leading Edge Fabrication, Pearce Tool & Manufacturing, Plate Solutions and Steelhaus. Mike says The Roofing Store’s commitment to the steel roofing industry has been demonstrated by significant investment in roll forming and pressing facilities, with plans to continue to expand its investment and increase its range of products and geographic coverage.

All of The Roofing Store’s products have been tested against the harsh New Zealand environment, are lead-free and come with a full and extensive warranty. The Roofing Store offers eight branches nationwide and a free estimating service to all clients.

Metal Roofing • Apex Metal Tiles • Insulated Panels The Roofing Store is one of the leading metal roofing suppliers in New Zealand. We simplify the process of selecting your new steel roof, making it easy and affordable. Call, email or visit our friendly staff at your nearest branch for more information.

highest quality products at competitive prices.

QUALITY GUARANT EED www.theroofingstore.co.nz info@theroofingstore.co.nz

0800 277 271

44 |

BUILDING » Housing Concepts

December/January 2016 Business North

xxxx

A tightknit team the secret to firm’s success • from page 42 Housing Concepts is about to begin building at a new subdivision called Matakana Green and is already receiving a heavy level of inquiries, says Dave.

The subdivision, which will comprise 35 lots spread over 800sqm, is distinct in that all homes at Matakana Green are required to meet the energy and environmental efficiency 7 Homestar certification performance rating or above.

The homes include many sustainable and energy-friendly features and options including solar water heating and power generation, doubleglazing, eco-friendly insulation and passive solar architecture.

The development fits in well with the philosophy of Housing Concepts, which only uses high quality, tried and true building materials, which stand the test of time.

The company offers a 10-year workmanship warranty on all new builds. Housing Concepts employs five full time staff and is a member of Hazardco.

The company mainly builds in Warkworth as demand is strong in the region, says Dave.

The company is presently in talks with another developer keen to also build a team and utilise

Housing Concepts has a simple philosophy of using only high quality, tried and true building materials, which stand the test of time. the successful builder, architect, sales agent and developer model that has been working so well in the region.

“Warkworth is booming due to the flow on effect from the Auckland market and as long as the work’s there we’ll keep building.”

residential and commercial new houses and additions design and build packages

t 09 423 0444 m 022 423 4444 e guyarch@xtra.co.nz

Proud to be associated with:

DAVE DORHMAN and Housing Concepts ▪ Residential Series ▪ Metro Series

▪ Smartwood ▪ Architectural Series

▪ Thermal Heart ▪ Commercial

OMPOSITE JOINERY

23 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth Phone: 09 425 7510 Email: sales@compositejoinery.co.nz Mobile: 021 423 686

philip guy architecture Philip Guy BA. Dip Arch

VANTAGE ALUMINIUM JOINERY

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

waterfordpress.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » Bosanac Builders

| 45

Lofty goals for Bosanac Builders Karen Phelps Kylie and Nick Bosanac, of Bosanac Builders, are tremendously proud of the achievement of their apprentice builder Shaun Lovell’s third place in this year’s Registered Master Builders Auckland regional awards, hot on the heels of being runner-up in the same event last year.

“Shaun is a very mature and extremely capable builder who has a very bright future in the building industry,” says Kylie.

While Nick, a registered master builder and licensed building practitioner, has been swinging a hammer for many years, he made the decision back in 2007 to go out on his own, finally registering the company in 2009.

From small beginnings and even through the challenging years when the global financial crisis finally impacted on new building in New Zealand, the business has steadily grown to the point where the couple now employ a team of six.

“We found ourselves still busy during the crunch years because people turned to doing renovations and additions rather than complete rebuilds, though these days the bulk of our work is new buildings.”

Kylie has just come on board full time doing the books, writing the contracts and taking care of the all important health and safety, along with general office management.

“It is such a fun job, especially getting to work with clients and be part of their excitement as their home is built. I’m often asked to help them in the selection of colours and soft furnishings.”

Kylie is enjoying this aspect of her work so much that she has decided to gain some formal qualifications next year.

While Shaun came out of his building apprenticeship the same week his award was announced, Kylie says the company has two other apprentices on their books at this time.

“When you get them young you can teach them really good skills. That’s how we like it.”

Bosanac Builders services mainly the Counties/Manukau and Papatoetoe market offering a range of specialisations, including complete new builds of architecturally designed homes, renovations and additions, recladding and retaining walls.

“Nick is extremely versatile and flexible in the work he undertakes and he is very busy. We are always monitoring demand for our services with maintaining strong client relationships and delivering top quality work,” says Kylie.

One new home nearing completion stands out for Kylie as being really special, not for its size but for how really smartly its designed and the products the owners chose work for the family’s lifestyles.

“It is such a fun job, especially getting to work with clients and be part of their excitement as their home is built.”

FROM HOMES TO GARAGES ...RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS

Bosanac Builders specialises in complete new builds of architecturally designed homes, renovations and additions, recladding and retaining walls.

“The home is in Awhitu and absolutely works beautifully for the indoor outdoor lifestyle of the family of five. They are kayaking mad and have an outdoor shower and mudroom space that leads into the house.”

Other stand out features of the mono-pitched house include the minimal yet dramatic use of stunning colour features that work perfectly with the mostly neutral inside tones.

“Even the bathroom is spectacular with the clever use of a set of 16 black and white

Proud to support Nick Bosanac Builders

domestic • commercial • tv aerials

patterned tiles, each tile with a different pattern, cleverly affixed on the floor and wall. It’s a really workable family home with the smart features.”

The goal in the next five years is to concentrate more and more on the higher end of the “middle-class” housing market.

“That is where the architectural diversity is. Nick is from Detroit and grew up amidst its architectural golden era.

“These images have remained with him through his life and they inspire him as a builder,” says Kylie.

With over 25 years experience we can provide your complete site preparation package

There’s no job to Big or Small

Damian Munden

Call us to discuss your requirements

021 713 001

Ph (09) 299 6213 or (027) 4959 551 or visit: www.pascoe.co.nz

NZ registered electrician

www.electricalsolutions.co.nz

• New Homes • Renovations • Reclads • Additions • Retaining Walls • & much more...

Auckland Construction Specialists

Call Nick Bosanac Builders - (021) 989 636

Office:09 236 8413 31a Rangi Road, Takanini Email:nick@bosanacbuilders.co.nz

46 |

BUILDING » Redmond Builders

December/January 2016 Business North

Ben Redmond, left, and Troy Matheson, from Redmond Builders, a residential construction company established in Havelock North in 2005.

Calibre high at Redmond builders Kelly Deeks Hawke’s Bay construction company Redmond Builders has continued its success at the Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year competition this year, with Troy Matheson taking out the title for the Hawke’s Bay East Coast region, and becoming the third finalist Redmond Builders has had in the competition in the past three years.

Competition judges found Matheson to be a well-presented, well-spoken and well-prepared candidate, who was enthusiastic about building and his future in the industry.

They said it was good to see this calibre of apprentice only just starting out his career, and learning correctly from the start.

Redmond Builders owner Ben Redmond also put in a fair bit of effort to prepare Matheson for the competition.

“I knew he’d do really well because he’s

a fantastic builder and a fantastic person,” Redmond says.

“Personality comes through in a competition like this.

“We helped as best we could to prepare him, we chose the right project for him to run, got his portfolio together, and practiced interviewing.”

With Bill Harkness, of Redmond Builders, winning the national competition in 2013 against a field of 3000 apprentices, and William Ellis taking out the regional title last year, Redmond believes Redmond Builders has worked out a winning formula for success in the competition.

“It takes a lot of commitment from the young guys and also from myself, to put the applications in properly, choose the right projects and get them prepared,” he says.

“Redmond Builders gets a benefit out of the competition, and I can see the benefits the boys get out of it, too. Troy is a really confident builder on site now, and if that’s the least they get out of the competition that’s a good thing.”

Free Quotations Water Blasting Spray Painting Paper Hanging Exterior/Interior Painting

Pirovano Painters

Proud to support Redmond Builders Craig Marshall 021 0225 3116 craig@pirovano.co.nz

“Personality comes through in a competition like this. We helped as best we could to prepare him, we chose the right project for him to run, got his portfolio together, and practiced interviewing.”

Redmond Builders is a residential construction company established in Havelock North in 2005.

Over the past 10 years, Ben has built a working relationship with prominent Hawke’s Bay architect Andy Coltart, building a number of his designs, and has been chosen by architects from Auckland to build their designs as well.

“We’ve ended up doing quite high end homes, that take one or two years to build,” he says.

“The homes we are building now are some of the nicest homes in the country. That’s very rewarding.”

Redmond Builders has a good, keen, enthusiastic team of eight builders, and Ben is happy with the size of the company which allows him to maintain control.

“I’ve been called a control freak, but I only do that because I’m working on the clients’ behalf,” he says.

“Like any relationship, it’s built on trust and I take it seriously.”

Ben is on site every day with his tool belt on, and says this is why his apprentices get such a good apprenticeship.

SOUTHERN STONE & TILE Tim Bruce Mobile: 0275 587 720 A/H: 06 8444 684 Email: southern.stone@clear.net.nz

Proud to be associated with Redmond Builders and their awesome team

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » RJ Alderton Builders

| 47

Quality workmanship a focus for building firm Kelly Deeks Quality workmanship, robust product selection processes, and strong customer relationships have always been the focus of Hamilton’s R J Alderton Builders.

Roland Alderton established his construction business in 2000 and today, the company completes a variety of work, including one-ofa-kind new homes, major and minor alterations/ renovations, hard landscaping and light commercial projects, including earthquake strengthening.

He particularly enjoys developing and producing custom solutions for unusual customer requests. A recent example was the design, fabrication and installation of a toilet roll holder through a frameless glass shower screen, as wall space was unavailable.

Alderton takes great pride in having a small, four person, close-knit team, allowing him to be on site and on-the-tools for every project.

He works alongside Alex Lynch, who started his apprenticeship with R J Alderton Builders in 2002, and Andrew Theobald, who was once the company’s cedar door manufacturer, and is now completing his building apprenticeship. Roland’s wife, Jorinde, rounds off the team by providing the administrative support.

In addition to maintaining a tight team, Roland engages predominantly similar small-crew, quality sub-contractors, with whom he has longestablished working relationships.

Both of these aspects, Roland says, allow RJ Alderton Builders to work closely with its customers and sub-contractors to ensure continuity between all elements of the building project, and create a product everyone involved is proud of.

Roland has always taken a very considered approach to issues such as product durability, weather-tightness and moisture management.

Being onsite, and through the design and development of custom details, he is able to make sure weather tightness details are 100%.

“We’re always reflecting on the work we’ve done and looking at our processes to see if we can develop something to make it better,.”

He is a firm believer in the requirement for top vented cavities, and has developed a passive roof space ventilation system which uses the natural flow of moisture and convection to draw moisture out of attic and ceiling cavities and replace it with fresh air from outside.

In 2014, Roland’s custom roof ventilation system generated enough interest from Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) to perform numerous air-flow tests and publish the positive findings in the highly-regarded Build magazine. This research is ongoing as more R J Alderton Builders projects become available to be tested.

Recently, the top-vent cavity system was used on a 280sqm, three-level home built on a hill with an outlook over the river in Hamilton’s central city (pictured).

As well as the roof and cavity ventilation systems, other products used in the build were selected to improve the home’s durability. Solid zinc Euro-Tray cladding on the top wall is coated for colour, but protects itself and is maintenance free. “If the building is not easily maintained, you need to be careful with product selection,” Roland says.

In terms of future development, Roland plans for R J Alderton Builders to continue to be a small, tight-knit team, producing durable, quality products, and always striving to provide customers with a positive build experience.

RJ Alderton Builders completes a variety of work, including one-of-a-kind new homes, major and minor alterations/renovations, hard landscaping and light commercial projects.

Unlock your Property’s Potential

DUPLEX / HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENTS RURAL & URBAN SUBDIVISION PLANNING ADVICE & RESOURCE CONSENT INFRASTRUCTURE / ASBUILT SURVEYS ENGINEERING / SETOUT SURVEYS GPS & TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS SITE INVESTIGATIONS / FEASIBILITY

Proud to be associated with

R. J Alderton Builders

266 Clyde St, Hamilton East

PHONE 07 856 4955

email: dan@landformsurveys.co.nz

Metal Design Solutions Ltd Wall Cladding completed by MDS Ltd. Proud to be associated with RJ Alderton Builders

Address: PO Box 33, Drury, 2247 Auckland NZ

Ph: (09) 640 0009 | Fax: (09) 268 6968 | Email: info@metaldesignsolutions.co.nz

www.metaldesignsolutions.co.nz

WARM, FRIENDLY, HELPFUL, HONEST

ELITE SERVICES (2005) LTD Your Rural Building & Engineering Experts

Specialising in all Residential & Commercial work

GENERAL ENGINEERING INDUSTRIAL & FARM BUILDINGS COWSHEDS & FEEDPADS HOUSING STEEL WORK MACHINE SHOP

Registered electricians with 28 years of combined experience in the trade

Phillip & Charlotte Brisco

Nathan: 027 2817 706 | Aaron: 027 9411 090 | ke.electrical@yahoo.co.nz

108 TE RAHU ROAD, TE AWAMU TU

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING RJ ALDERTON BUILDERS LTD

PH. 07 871 3624 MOB. 0274 996 428 FAX. 07 871 5539

48 |

BUILDING » Next Level Construct

December/January 2016 Business North

A high-tech approach to building Karen Phelps Technology plays a big part in how Next Level Construct does business from project planning to client liaison, says company owner Brendon Sowerby.

“We utilise the most up-to-date scheduling technology to detail the entire job and ensure that it is completed on time and budget,” says Brendon.

“Clients can access this online 24/7 through their unique login and see everything to do with their project all in one place,” he says.

“The system also prompts customers when their colours, fixtures and fittings need to be approved so everyone is on the same page and there are no rushed decisions. Streamlining the process also means fewer opportunities for error and speeds up the overall build.”

Importantly, the technology, which Next Level Construct has been using for approximately six months, is backed by “real human contact”.

“It allows clients to message the builder on site and ask questions, meaning a prompter response to any queries,” says Brendon.

To ensure the day-to-day smooth running of the project there are weekly site meetings with the foreman, project manager and client to go over the previous week’s work and what is scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

Brendon founded Next Level Construct in 2010 and since that time the business has come a long way from its beginning as a two-person building team to now employ four teams of builders.

Brendon says that from the outset his passion for residential construction and forming strong client relationships drove him to grow the business.

Next Level Construct undertakes architectural new home builds and renovations and extensions to existing homes.

Brendon says that as Next Level Construct doesn’t have its own in-house architect, the company has the flexibility to come in and pick up a project at whatever stage it is at.

“If a client has the land or vision for their home but nothing further we have a strong relationship with a very reputable architectural company we have been using for years. If they already have plans we can jump in and get started,” he says.

Next Level Construct undertakes architectural new home builds and renovations and extensions to existing homes.

Next Level Construct uses a qualified quantity surveyor to give clients an all-inclusive fixed price and ensure there are no surprises along the way.

Brendon says the focus is placed on working

Name:

Phone:

Business name:

Fax:

Your position:

Signature:

to the client’s budget and the Next Level Construct team always seeks to offer cost saving tips and suggestions to ensure the end result will remain to the highest standard but remain within budget, he says.

Postal address:

Post To: Waterford Press, P O Box 37 346, Christchurch P: 03 983 5500 | F 03 983 5552 | www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Please tick your payment option Invoice me Cheque enclosed

To ensure your copy arrives at your desk, join our mailing list TODAY for PROMPT delivery

1 YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION FOR ONLY $42.65 (Inc GST)

“Our experience in building and renovating means that we have gathered extensive knowledge, expertise and resources to be able to guide, assist and point clients in the right direction so they are able to make the important decisions

Business North

BUILDING » Next Level Construct

December/January 2016

| 49

Next Level Construct is a member of the Registered Master Builders Association and the company is also a Licensed Building Practitioner. along the way to keep within the budget and time frame requirements.

“If they decide to make changes along the way and we work with them and advising accordingly to any cost and time-frame variations so they are always completely informed,” he says.

A 999-point checklist to assess all aspects of the build and to ensure that it is structurally sound backs up the company’s stated focus on quality building.

Next Level Construct is a member of the Registered Master Builders Association and the company is also a Licensed Building Practitioner.

Next Level Construct services customers throughout the North shore and Central Auckland district. Brendon says his focus for the company is on growth: “Next Level Construct is still small enough to take pride in every project yet big enough to take on projects of vast sizes.”

“Next Level Construct is still small enough to take pride in every project yet big enough to take on projects of vast sizes.”

VA N TA G E D E S I G N CONTEMPORARY ALUMINIUM WINDOWS & DOOR S FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

Plumbing With A Passion

Proud to support Next level construct

Vantage Windows 58 Ellice Rd Glenfield P 09 444 7035 E sales@vantagewindows.co.nz W www.vantagejoinery.com

We sell, install and service DOMINATOR Garage Doors and Openers • Free Measure and quote • Available in Coloursteel or Powdercoat • Insulated Doors Available • Cedar Sectional doors also available • Product and workmanship guaranteed Proud to supply doors to Next Level Construct Ph: 835 3781 | Mob 022 362 7212 | Email : sales@domwest.co.nz

With MCB Plumbing, you can be sure that your professional plumbing, gas fitting and drainage requirements are in the right hands. With over 16 years experience in the industry, our team have handled numerous residential and commercial plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting installations. MCB have a highly qualified and friendly team who are ready to help you with your requirements today.

Phone: 09 415 8269 Email: office@mcbplumbing.co.nz

MCBPLUMBING.CO.NZ

50 |

BUILDING » ASAP Contracting

December/January 2016 Business North

Success built on customer focus Karen Phelps Wes Cooper, owner of busy Hamilton-based building company ASAP Contracting, says he was caught a little by surprise at the rapid growth of the business since going out on his own less than four years ago.

“Actually it took me completely by surprise to be honest. I wasn’t expecting to grow to where we are today with 17 guys on the tools and a busy admin/ management team of 5 in the office,” Wes says.

Having said that, he can see just why the journey so far has been so successful.

“It is all about customer focus and we never turn any work down, from a small fix-up job to a major new build.”

ASAP Contracting has also built up strong relationships with major insurance companies as a preferred construction provider. Wes describes the insurance work as the constant backbone of the ASAP’s activities.

“It allows us to take on the private work and it also engages all the skills my team of experienced carpenters has.

“There is always a wide range of work coming across my desk and to help me with that I have recently employed an operations manager to look after and oversee the smaller jobs.”

The 24 hour on-call arm of the company’s operation evolved out of the insurance work and even with the unexpected work and unknown timeframes this work creates, Wes says that the lead-in time for the bulk of his projects is three weeks or less.

A major full restoration of a completely burnt-out house in Hamilton East has just been completed.

So extensive was the damage that the insurance company seriously considered demolishing the home.

“The insurance company asked us to go in and price the reconstruction of the house and we won the tender. It was major work, replacing all the flooring, the roof structure, half the internal walls and a third of the cladding. It’s now rebuilt and is a beautiful home again.”

A-SAP Contracting has also built up strong relationships with major insurance companies as a preferred construction provider.

The bulk of the businesses work is renovation and restoration projects and Wes says it takes a particular eye to see just what can be achieved when at first glance it seems the build can’t be salvaged.

ASAP Contracting also offers a complete ongoing maintenance programme, along with rural work, light industrial builds and commercial fit-outs.

“We find it really satisfying to bring a building

“You can contact us for a free quote and you will hear from us within one working day, then someone will be out to visit you within two days, backed up with a quote within five days.” back to its former look, back to something beautiful.”

Wes says he’s happy with the size and capacity of the company; despite its whirlwind growth and though over time further expansion is likely his priorities remain centred around maintaining exceptional quality of work, responsiveness to enquiries and the focus on customer needs and expectations.

“You can contact us for a free quote and you will hear from us within one working day, then someone will be out to visit you within two days, backed up with a quote within five days. That’s our commitment to every potential customer.”

The company services an extensive area from its Hamilton base, including Raglan and districts to the West, from the Bombay hills down south to Te Kuiti and to the Kaimai ranges.

SHOWER INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS

LB Maintenance Ltd Contact Dave at: M: 027 231 5921 P: 07 856 3363 A: Galway Ave, Hamilton East E: lbmaintenance@xtra.co.nz The bulk of ASAP Contracting’s work is renovation and restoration projects.

dvance oinery 71 Higgins Road, Hamilton

Proud to Support ASAP Contracting • Timber Joinery • French Doors • Window Frames • Double Hung Windows • Stairs • Kitchens • Vanities All Domestic and Commercial Joinery

Ph 846 0026 Mobile 027 52 11170 Fax 846 0064 Email kris@advancejoinery.co.nz

Potholes2007‘N’Ltd Patches Specializing in asphalt repairs & construction

Going above and beyond, to provide the right solution for you.

New asphalt driveways Overlay existing driveways Asphalt and concrete reinstatements

Entrance ways Pothole repairs Free estimates

Ph: 027 495 8989 PO Box 5349 Frankton kenbowater@yahoo.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » European Stonemasons

| 51

Passionate about stonemasonry Sue Russell Since starting in 1996, initially as a partnership and then incorporating as a company in 2004, European Stonemasons based in New Lynn Auckland has grown and evolved.

Founder Mark Gryzbowski, who moved to New Zealand 25 years ago from Poland, is passionate about the place of high quality stonemasonry design in the New Zealand building landscapes.

“We began with mainly residential work and kept evolving to the point where we now employ 17 staff, including our own quantity surveyor and cover landscaping, high-end residential, corporate, industrial, civil and projects with an emphasis on design flair, beauty and longevity,” Mark says.

European Stonemasons holds a strong niche in the world of stonemasonry in New Zealand. Rather than broadening out into supply and manufacture of stone construction products, Mark has chosen to concentrate the company’s activities around the design and installation of stone architectural elements.

There are many reasons, Mark says, why stone is such a fine building and design material and he is pleased to see more and more stone being embraced by architects and designers.

“Stone gives you a lovely look, its durability is second to none and the maintenance part is very low. If maintained well, stone can easily last 100 years.”

On the completion of every contract, European Stonemasons provides owners with a maintenance manual and should the owner want, the company is happy to regularly service the stonework they have created.

As a material stone has evolved into a number of modern-day products, including small stone lightweight aluminium laminated panels, reducing the weight for structural purposes by 80 percent.

European Stonemasons has designed and produced some amazing stone structures on several key Auckland sites.

STAIN FREE STONE SINCE 1953

“Overseas there are some amazing technologies around the look of stone being developed such as imprinting stone designs on to porcelain. This is probably a couple of years or so away from being available here.”

As a building modality stone doesn’t carry the history of European countries and elsewhere in the world, which Mark says has left New Zealand desperately short of skill stone craftsmen.

“There are two qualifications that can be attained through the BCITO but these don’t cover the sort of architectural design work that we do.”

Leading-edge products Mapei New Zealand Ltd delivers leading edge technology, supplying adhesives, construction grouts and myriad other complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings.

Mapei’s Marketing Manager, Melanie Taylor, has a good way of summing up just what the business offers to the building industry.

“We have solutions for every situation, offering an extensive range of systems to the construction sector backed up with comprehensive research and development by labs throughout the world.”

Mapei New Zealand Ltd is one of 71 subsidiaries world-wide and Melanie can’t speak highly enough of the support Head Office based Milan and its Asia/Pacific production facilities provides to the team in New Zealand.

“We are very lucky that we have great support from Head Office and our sister companies in the Asia Pacific region.

Whenever a new product line evolves our sales and technical team receive expert training regarding its applications.

Over 5 percent of Mapei’s total worldwide turn-over is committed to research and development, every product released to the construction and building sectors has been stringently assessed and proven in rigorous testing before being made available to the market.

Mapei leads the world in the research and development of adhesive and chemical

products for ceramic and stone materials, structural strengthening, masonry repair, waterproofing products, protective and decorative coatings to name just a few.

“We are more recognisable in the NZ market for products for the installation of ceramic tiles and natural stone. However, undergoing huge growth for us at the moment are products for structural strengthening. These have become increasingly important given the stringent building codes that now apply since the Christchurch earthquake. Another area of growth are masonry repair products.

Mapei’s products are particularly suited to the restoration of historical buildings due to their technical characteristics, which makes them compatible to the building materials used in New Zealand in the past.”

She describes Mapei’s products as especially environmentally sensitive and eco-friendly.

“We take the words ‘green’ and ‘sustainability’ seriously and many of our products are free of or have very low VOC levels. The focus of our R & D teams is to create ecologically sustainable products, free from solvents and pollutants.”

Use of the company’s resin and cementitious products in the food industry (food processing plants dairy factories, fish processing plants) is increasing, with products being installed in some very high profile projects. “It is exciting to see how far we have come and the opportunities to continue to grow that the market offers us.”

The company has designed and produced some amazing stone structures on several key Auckland sites, including the Auckland Art Gallery in 2011, the ANZ Centre in Albert Street and the Auckland Library steps.

The company is also busy in Christchurch’s rebuild contributing to the Avon River project and a large family park facility.

A raft of stone-related services are offered, including consultative and design, exterior cladding, paving, interior floor and wall, mosaics, handchiselling and inspections of existing facades.

PROTECTS AGAINST PENETRATION OF OIL, GREASE, AND WATER INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE • NO GLOSS EFFECTIVE FOR MANY YEARS

P 0800 803 932 E sales@cdkstone.co.nz

52 |

BUILDING » Touchwood Solidwood Homes

December/January 2016 Business North

Solid wood timber is hard to beat Karen Phelps Building a home from solid wood timber has a number of key advantages. But what many people may not realise is that they can choose to combine the benefits of solid wood with other types of building materials, says Stephen Emm, from Touchwood Solidwood Homes.

“Touchwood has developed a unique and revolutionary building system that combines the best of both worlds by offering a conventional floor and roof with a solid wood interior/exterior wall system. “ The end result is innovative modular wall panels that offer design flexibility and speedy assembly – all of course minimising materials and labour costs – while offering a great deal of design flexibility,”he says.

Stephen is a second generation builder born and bred on the North Shore. He and wife Cherie started their building company over three decades ago and have been part of the Touchwood group since 2013. Touchwood Solidwood Homes is new build and renovation specialists.

Stephen says that timber is an ageless medium that works well with both contemporary and traditional living styles. Homes made from solid wood are strong and tend not to show wear and tear as easily, he says.

People can bring their own plans or Touchwood Solidwood Homes offers an in-house designer.

As members of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand, the company also offers the association’s range of Certified Plans.

“We guaranteed our clients the flexibility to achieve their new build just the way they want it. It is their project and we ensure that they are comfortable throughout the process and their ideas and suggestions are accommodated,” says Stephen who cites communication as being a key factor in a successful build.

Touchwood Solidwood Homes aims to ensure that the whole build or renovation process is as stress free for clients as possible, says Stephen. The company utilises a New Zealand designed scheduling and budgeting system that is in real time, giving clients up to the minute access to the progress of their project 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Touchwood Solidwood Homes also offers a range of transportable homes that are already built and can be customised to suit client’s needs.

“The main benefit is that there is no waiting time frames for the house to be built and no variations that they have not factored in their budget,” says Stephen.

“The whole process from start to finish is managed by our project manager, including council consents, ensuring the home fits the site and transportation.”

The Touchwood Solidwood Homes show home, located at the company’s premises, is a transportable home giving customers an opportunity to see exactly what can be achieved in this type of build.

Timber is an ageless medium that works well with both contemporary and traditional living styles.

Touchwood Solidwood Homes employs 14 staff and the business is strongly family orientated with the couple’s three sons all working for the company in some form – two are

presently completing their apprenticeships and one works part time for the company in sales.

Touchwood Solidwood Homes focuses mainly from the Harbour Bridge to the north.

PAUL SCHIRNACK DECORATING LTD Quality & Service

WE BUY – WE SELL – WE MOVE HOUSES

Leader in the house removal industry

Paul Schirnack Decorating Ltd proudly supports Touchwood Solidwood Homes

M: 027 275 4319 P: 09 376 6969 E: paul@psdecorating.co.nz www.psdecorating.co.nz

Fisher West Auckland

Proud to supply Touchwood® Solidwood Homes We offer superior service, and are specialists in bespoke aluminium joinery projects.

76 Delta Ave, New Lynn | fisherwest@ihug.co.nz

Phone: 09 827 5200

(09) 412 6405 134 Main Road, Kumeu

www.cwbr.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » Whipps Construction

| 53

Whipps Construction offers a range of services including light commercial, new home builds, renovations, additions, bathrooms and decks.

Tough times sharpen business skills Karen Phelps Tim Whipps says that starting his company, Whipps Construction, during the global financial crisis has made him a better businessperson.

“Financially it was very tough so I had to learn a lot about how to run a business efficiently. In this way it was a good time to start a business because now that the economy has improved I have good business systems and practices in place,” he explains.

Based in Palmerston North, Whipps Construction was started in 2005 when Whipps had just five years building experience under his belt after completing his apprenticeship. He now offers his clients over a decade of experience, hard won by fighting for his position in the marketplace during tougher markets.

Word of mouth has worked well for Whipps Construction with satisfied customers recommending Tim’s services to friends and family.

He says that growing up in a rural area has given him a good understanding of his clientele, which is mainly rural based.

“We are direct and open in our approach. Our transparency means our clients always have a clear picture of the final outcome of their project. Our main goal is to finish their build according to their budget and requirements,” explains Tim. Whipps Construction offers a range of services including light commercial, new home builds, renovations, additions, bathrooms and decks.

The company also specialises in specific rural projects, such as pole sheds, storage sheds and wool sheds. Clients either come to Tim with their own plans or he puts them in contact with an appropriate architect then works with clients

through an entire design and build process. The company employs one full time staff member and one full time contractor plus subcontractors as required.

“We’re not a large company so I’m usually on site,” says Tim. “Clients really like the fact that the company owner is on the job so I can see the whole process through from pricing to finished project.”

Whipps Construction typically undertakes a couple of projects at a time and although predominantly works in Palmerston North, Tim is not averse to travelling further afield as required.

The company has just completed a 265sqm home build in Palmerston North. The four-bedroom home, clad in Linea Weatherboard and plaster, includes two bathrooms, extra lounge and three-car garage.

Whipps Construction also completed the

landscaping for the project, something Tim prefers, to offer clients a complete service and seamless integration between build and landscape. On this particular project he also designed the floorplan.

“It gives us great satisfaction to be able to take care of the entire project for clients right down to landscaping. We can ensure the whole design – interior and exterior – works together. It also makes it easier for the client just having to deal with us.”

Whipps Construction is currently working on a pole shed, which includes a bathroom and will then go on to build a new home on the same property for the client.

Tim says demand for the company’s services has been strong with lots of activity in the Palmerston North market.

“Palmerston North tends to be a steady market all the time so if you’re a good builder you’ll be kept busy,” he says.

Personalised kitchens Better-looking, better quality and better priced kitchens for you!

Proud supplier to Whipps Construction for all their kitchen joinery needs.

JS Kitchens Ltd | 156 Fairs Road, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand Phone: 06 353 0745 Fax: 06 353 0746 Email: james@jskitchens.co.nz www.jskitchens.co.nz

021 025 06616 whippsconstruction.co.nz 51 (Liberty Grove) Kelvin Grove , Palmerstron North

Locally owned and operated Timber and Building products supplier based in Palmerston North.

Selling direct to the public at trade prices!

138 Napier Rd, Palmerston North Phone: 06 3542244 Email: info@lumberland.co.nz www.lumberland.co.nz

54 |

BUILDING » MB Brown

December/January 2016 Business North

Family firm going strong 60 years on Karen Phelps One of Masterton’s oldest construction companies is still going strong under family ownership almost 60 years after it was first established.

Mervyn Brown started building on his own account in the Wairarapa in 1958, and registered his company MB Brown Ltd, a decade later.

Today, his son Stephen is at the helm of the firm, which made its name building “high-class” architectural homes, but these days is more focused on commercial and education projects.

“We still do a bit of residential work, building one or two new houses a year, but it’s not our core business now. In addition to commercial projects, we’ve done a lot of school work over the last 10

years, building new classrooms and technology blocks, and carrying out earthquake strengthening and refurbishment projects.”

MB Brown Ltd has worked on five large school projects this year and is preparing to re-roof an entire school over the Christmas holiday break.

Current projects include a “facelift” to the office block at Breadcraft, a large bread manufacturer with an international client base.

“We are also carrying out a couple of house extensions, with one over the $1 million mark, and have another big earthquake strengthening job on a commercial building in town due to start soon.”

The company employs 17 staff, and has its own joinery workshop, employing a foreman and two tradesmen.

“Dad was a joiner by trade before he went into

building, so joinery has always been an important part of the business. We manufacture all the joinery for our own building projects, and service other building companies as well.”

Late last year, MB Brown bought out Affordable Sheds, the Wairarapa franchise holder for Fair Dinkum Sheds, which has added further diversity to the business, says Stephen.

“It is run as a completely separate company, but gives us the ability to move staff between the businesses when one is busier than the other.”

Although he retired from the business several years ago, Mervyn Brown, who turned 80 this year, still puts in a full days work almost every day in his small workshop at the back of the joinery factory.

“Dad has worked with his hands all his life and loves it. It’s brilliant. He does voluntary work for the community most of the time, and was the main driver behind the Henley Men’s Shed in Masterton.

It is huge now and its members do a lot of great work for the community.”

Mervyn has already been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for his services to the community, and Stephen is carrying on the family tradition of giving back, as he is setting up a trust to develop mountain bike trails throughout the region, in association with the Department of Conservation.

“We will eventually put up shelters and wash down areas for the bikes once the tracks are established. I’m sure Dad will be involved with that too.”

Stephen says the last couple of years have been relatively tough in the construction sector in Masterton. However, the company is managing to hold its own. “We are generally a couple of years behind the big cities when a downturn strikes, then it can takes us a couple of years to recover again.

Hopefully the market will pick up again next year.”

M.B. BROWN LTD Registered Master Builders Factory & Office 67 Ngaumutawa Rd Masterton P O Box 664 Masterton Ph 06 3789898

Digital Prints • Posters • Billboards • CNC Routed Signs • Footpath signs • Street Flags Vehicle Signage • Apparel • Pull up Banners • Safety Signs • Trophies & Engraving

06 378 7179 45 - 47 Victoria St, Masterton

www.signfactory.co.nz

MB Brown Ltd builds one or two homes a year but is focused on commercial and education projects.

21 VILLA STREET MASTERTON Office phone: 06 370 3200 OR call Ray: 027 435 4649 • Pat: 027 524 8723 Fax: 06 370 9357 • Email: verlaff@xtra.co.nz • P.O Box 202

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » Westmoreland Homes

| 55

Westmoreland Homes was established by managing director Willie Hewitt in 2011 and has built a strong reputation for its family values, quality stylish homes and value for money.

Auckland exodus fuels growth Jo Bailey Mangawhai firm Westmoreland Homes, one of the biggest building companies in the north, is about to build its fourth show home, this time in the Whangarei region.

Operations manager Ceri Smith says the demand for affordable housing and flow-on effect of Aucklanders quitting the city in search of a better lifestyle has contributed to the company’s huge growth.

“Within the last year we have opened new show homes in Warkworth and Marsden City

in addition to our flagship show home at 7 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai, construction is due to get underway on our latest show home in Whangarei before Christmas,” she says.

The company will build around 45 homes in 2015, a significant leap from the 30 homes it constructed last year.

“We are encountering a lot of new work and expect similar growth over the next 12 months, with projections to reach 60 homes in 2016.”

Factors driving the company’s growth include the brand becoming established in a wider catchment, which now reaches from Auckland’s North Shore to Whangarei.

“We’re seeing an increase in demand across all markets for affordable, good quality homes, from people building lifestyle baches to the younger generation looking for their first home and people attracted to retirement living in the north.”

Ceri says the new three bedroom plus study, single level show home to be built at Whangarei will be another great example of the quality of design, materials and workmanship Westmoreland Homes’ clients can expect.

“The exterior will be clad in Midland Euro brick, a beautiful new product that is only just hitting the market. Features inside the 196sqm home

include a designer kitchen with stone benchtop, formal lounge with separate entry, master with ensuite and walk in robe. We are looking forward to opening the new show home around Easter 2016.”

Westmoreland Homes was established by managing director Willie Hewitt in 2011 and has built a strong reputation for its family values, quality stylish homes and value for money.

“Willie is a straight up, honest individual who goes out of his way to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients,” says Ceri.

• to page 57

For all of your Pre-cast Concrete Product needs.

Fortress One-Piece Pre-cast Concrete Water Tanks & Septic Systems

PROUD SUPPLIERS TO WESTMORELAND HOMES SH1 KAIWAKA • Phone (09) 431 2211 • Email: sales@absoluteconcrete.co.nz

we deliver fast, efficient, cost effective insulated concrete floors

Supporting Westmoreland Homes in Northland Stuart 027 454 7590 Shayne 027 454 7006

56 |

BUILDING » Westmoreland Homes

December/January 2016 Business North

Westmoreland Homes is seeing an increase in demand across all markets for affordable, good quality homes, from people building lifestyle baches to the younger generation looking for their first home.

Midland Brick are proud to support Westmoreland Homes The beauty of brick is now with your reach Build your dream with Midland Brick Safety Fall Bags and Nets SYSTEM… Safety Fall Bags

Inflated onsite clipped

Domestic | Industrial | Commercial

WAIWERA ELECTRICAL

and easy to move, ideal for mid floors or standing trusses.

FULL INSTALL & REMOVAL SERVICE!

Our SYSTEM!

Waiwera Electrical provides domestic and industrial wiring services to the Rodney district and the Auckland region.

Proudly supporting Westmoreland Homes

Contact Jonathan Bennett 027 4507 365 A/H 09 426 8637 waiweraelectrical@gmail.com

We talk to the builder before we start, confirm HOW the trusses are to be stood to MAKE SURE the NETS are NOT in the way!

By combining Safety Fall Bags & Safety Fall Nets we can offer the BEST safety, and the FASTEST way to STAND TRUSSES!

Don’t just NET try the SYSTEM!

FREE QUOTES: 0800 32 55 22 Email: info@safetyfallbags.co.nz Web: www.safetyfallbags.co.nz

0800 MIDLAND www.midlandbrick.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

BUILDING » Westmoreland Homes

| 57

Auckland exodus fuels firm’s growth • from page 55 Westmoreland Homes has three plan ranges: Holiday, Investor and Executive, which are a convenient starting point for most clients to modify and personalise into their own unique home design.

“Alternatively, we can design a home completely from scratch to incorporate the key factors required to enhance our client’s lifestyle and every day living.”

Ceri says the company’s niche market is predominately mid to high end.

However, she says that more and more of its work over the last 18 months has been about creative designs for Aucklanders building out of town baches.

“We can pretty much build anything. It all comes down to the client’s site and budget at the end of the day.”

Ceri joined Westmoreland Homes in the newly created role of operations manager nearly a year ago to oversee and manage the company’s rapid growth.

She says “having the right people in the right seats” who share the company philosophy is critical when working through this process.

“Our staff levels have increased considerably over the last 12 months, with additional administration staff and supervisors, as well as new outside contractors and suppliers joining the team.

“We’ve also refined processes and streamlined a few things to create better continuity and progression of projects. Overall things are going very well and we look forward to working with many more new clients in the coming year.”

She says the firm’s show homes are a testament to the quality of build offered by Westmoreland Homes to all clients regardless of their budget.

“We invite people to call into one of our show homes and see for themselves why we are becoming the number one builder in the north.”

Westmoreland Homes has three plan ranges: Holiday, Investor and Executive, which are a convenient starting point for most clients to modify and personalise.

Making the most For ideas and information about our windows and doors talk to MD Aluminium on 09 832 1736.

Here at Edge Safe we have the solution....Our Edge Protection Solutions are the newest form of commercial scaffolding, designed to offer fall protection and safe work platforms for workers on construction sites often as a more cost effective solution than traditional scaffolding hire.

ACTIVE ADVERTISER? HOW WILL PEOPLE REMEMBER YOUR BUSINESS? Put yourself in front of your readers with print media Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

waterfordpress.co.nz

www.edgesafe.co.nz

0800 007 123

Todd Kilmister - 0274 935 346

58 |

BUILDING » Str8up

December/January 2016 Business North

Str8up by name, Str8up by nature Karen Phelps

Str8up focuses on three main areas of building: slab, retaining work and new home construction; renovating homes for property traders and smaller jobs and maintenance.

BRITESIDE PAINTERS INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING ROOFS/WATERBLASTING

DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? Put yourself in front of potential clients.

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP NO COMPROMISE

DEAN LARSEN PH: 09 556 5506 MOB: 021 235 0570

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Their company name Str8up says it all – straight up by trade, straight up by nature.

Str8up building company was founded in 2011 by builders Richard Singleton and Conan Hendriks and has focused on no surprises, hidden extras or unconfirmed labour costs and a dedication to keeping customers informed at every stage of their build, says Richard.

Based in Auckland, in just four years the company has grown to employ 30 contractors on its team with the opportunity to double the company next year due to market demand for the company’s services, says Richard.

“We never say no to any project that is offered to us,” says Richard. “From putting in a letterbox to building a school there’s no limit to the size of job we are willing to take on.”

The company focuses on three main areas of building: slab, retaining work and new home construction; renovating homes for property traders and smaller jobs and maintenance.

Richard says that one thing that sets Str8up apart from other building companies is that both he and Conan are still very much on the tools.

“We enjoy being hands on with each project and working alongside our team. There’s a good chance you’ll find us a house somewhere or with a hammer in our hands. Therefore, the skills and attention to detail that led us to form the business in the first place are still very much alive at the core of the business,” he explains.

While Richard and Conan both have building backgrounds, over their time in the industry they have also lent their hand to almost every trade. Richard says that they have therefore accumulated a wealth of knowledge in all facets of building, project management and problem solving.

“This allows us to hand pick sub-contractors who share our professionalism and straight up

Business North

BUILDING » Str8up

December/January 2016

Str8up building company was founded in 2011 by builders Richard Singleton and Conan Hendriks.

“We enjoy being hands on with each project and working alongside our team. There’s a good chance you’ll find us a house somewhere or with a hammer in our hands.”

approach to support the plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing and plastering aspects within each job,” says Richard.

As well as being a qualified builder, Richard has also worked in the past as a truck driver, a profession which relies heavily on keeping to schedule. He says the skills he learned have translated into timely scheduling of building jobs and ensuring projects are finished on time and on budget.

As part of its ‘straight up’ philosophy, the company also offers fixed price contracts to ensure clients know exactly how much their project will cost.

Both Richard and Conan stress the developing a successful business in just four years also requires sound business as well as building skills.

“When you build a business from two

builders to 30 in four years you need to have good business skills to manage the growth. We place emphasis on getting the right systems in place to ensure things operate smoothly to back up the build.”

Currently, Str8up is working on super lot developments at Hobsonville Point, subcontracting to Classic Builders, as well as working on a Waterford Retirement Village at Hobsonville Point.

The company is also completing a large extension to a home on Herald Island, a twostorey architectural refit of a home in Epsom and several smaller projects.

Richard and Conan say the business has now grown to the point that they plan to move into spec housing and development, as well as continuing to offer their current range of services to clients in the Auckland region.

Interior professionals 587 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024 Phone 021 283 0884 | Email info@apg.kiwi.nz www.apg.kiwi.nz

Covering Plasterboard Fixing & Finishing with full Interior & Exterior painting services to complete your project.

| 59

Wayne Reynolds Skyworks Hamilton - Domian road interchange

G N I C R O F N I E N R O I O T C A O N E E R H T REOCO Ltd completes the $455 MILLION Tauranga Eastern Link Project (TEL)

R

eoco Ltd has recently completed the Te Puke Bypass project, also known as the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL), a joint venture between Fulton Hogan and HEB. The massive project has seen the construction of 7 bridges over the past four years and is the largest project to be undertaken in the Bay of Plenty region in the past decade, says Reoco’s director Mike Fox.

He says the project was a logistical challenge as Reoco undertook the full scope of works for all reinforcing steel components incorporating Pile Cages, Columns, Beams, Abutments, Bridge Slabs and extensive Approach Slabs.

In addition to having to meet the deadline driven programme, there were also multiple work fronts spread across the 24 kilometre project.

Kaituna River Bridge (TEL) Project

The entire project was supplied from the company’s Auckland manufacturing facility in Beasley Ave Penrose, operating 24 hours/ six days a week. A large crew of Steel Fixers were relocated from Auckland to manage the onsite installation of the steel, supplemented by local contractors when required.

“We utilised HEB’s transport company and Transflow in addition to Reoco’s trucks to ensure all deliveries were met.” The multiple transportation options and resulting flexibility greatly streamlined the geographical challenges of steel distribution over the duration of the project.

Kaituna River Bridge (TEL) Project

Reoco had traditionally enjoyed a 14 year history of importing but had been let down poorly on the Sulphur Point Project by our long term supplier of imported product. Their last minute inability to coordinate shipping of a substantial and pre-arranged, over length steel order, specifically required in the Sulphur Point Wharf design, caused Reoco serious supply and corresponding cost issues. Reoco’s decision in making a transition to Pacific Steel supply midway through the 4 year Tauranga Eastern Link project definitely enhanced Reoco’s overall performance. “Pacific Steel proved their

Kaituna River Bridge (TEL) Project

Domain Road Bridge deck construction

worth when the pressure was on in the later stages of the project, particularly when fire badly damaged the Domain Road Abutments that had to be demolished and completely rebuilt. With the additional demands placed on Reoco to service both the original project and the rebuild simultaneously, Pacific Steel added great value in Reoco’s supply chain, diverting 25 ton deliveries to Te Puke, directly from their Otahuhu based rolling mill.”

This initiative combined with Pacific Steel’s ability to supply the over length products up to 18m long, across multiple diameters, added huge value to Reoco’s serviceability”.

Fox says that the successful completion of the Tauranga Eastern Link project had nothing to do with “Luck”. Reoco Ltd made a strategic move in reacting to the down turn in the Construction Industry following the GFC and focused on breaking new ground into the Civil / Bridge Building market. “I was confident Reoco’s commercial reputation could be replicated. With service being our proven point of difference, we targeted potential civil clients, particularly given the fact they had historically been supplied by our cooperate competition, who seem to struggle with every aspect of the word service.

Buying the market is one issue,servicing it is another”.

Kopu Bridge

Reoco is now large enough to undertake any project in New Zealand, while small enough to care and our staff have a genuine dedication to service The Tauranga Eastern Link project is just the latest in a series of coups for Reoco Ltd over the years, which has seen the company complete some of the country’s most prestigious commercial, precast and now civil projects.

Reoco Ltd now counts the Aotea Square Redevelopment, Auckland Art Gallery, Britomart East and West, Queensgate Shopping Mall, the Sylvia Park Shopping Complex, Westpac Charter House, BNZ/ Delliote Building, the Geyser Building in Parnell, a ground breaking 6 Green Star rated complex and the Eden Park 2011 Rugby World Cup redevelopment among the projects it has successfully completed over the past decade.

However, the initial turning point in establishing Reoco’s reputation in the civil and infrastructure industry was securing the Kopu Bridge Project, linking Thames with the Coromandel Peninsula. It was the first major civil project Reoco Ltd completed for Transit New Zealand (now New Zealand Transport Agency). Awarded the project by HEB in 2010 Reoco was instrumental in turning the project into one of Transit New Zealand’s most successful ever, says Fox. This was despite the project starting under a cloud, with industry speculation that HEB would struggle to meet both their budget and completion deadlines, given the challenging nature of the project, spanning 450 metres over water. This clearly opened the door for Reoco to add value to HEB where others could not. Reoco seized the opportunity to utilise its extensive intellectual property with regard to the original reinforcing design.

In conjunction with HEB’s forward thinking site engineers, the largely complex Insitu works were redesigned into prefabable sections.

Manawatu Gorge Abutment Beam for HEB

This enabled multiple sections to be prefabricated on dry land, rather than over the water and well ahead of the insitu formwork. Reoco’s proven expertise in both supply and installation of the reinforcing components assisted HEB in massive time and labour costs. As a result the Kopu Bridge project was completed a staggering $7million under budget and six months ahead of schedule, being as previously mentioned above, one of NZTA’s most successful ever projects. “Not to mention the local accolades HEB received for the bridge being opened early for Christmas traffic in December 2011”.

On the back of this success, HEB then awarded Reoco Ltd the Sulphur Point Wharf Project, with our innovative and proven reputation for working over water being enhanced. Reoco again immediately proved its worth on the Sulphur Point Wharf Project where early project and design issues caused a 3 month delay in starting the reinforcing package. With the initiative of setting up 2 separate installation crews, Reoco established a dedicated Pile Cage division on site at Sulphur Point which enabled Reoco to complete the initial 9 month programme within the now shortened 6 month deadline.

“In striving to establish Reoco’s reputation for both service and performance, regardless of the size or location of the projects, we have co-incidently developed some serious production capacity over the years.”

Reoco’s nationwide production capacity was further enhanced in 2013 with the formation of Reoco Reinforcing Ltd, a Christchurch operation, to assist with the post- earthquake rebuild. “I was constantly approached by our established North Island client base to service their Christchurch operations that were experiencing serious delays with local supplier capacity. Reoco Reinforcing Ltd was launched in conjunction with the Waitaki River Bridge Project being secured by Mc Connell Dowell Ltd. Having previously completed Mc Connell Dowell’s 3 most recent bridging projects throughout the North Island, being Bridge 298 at Mercer, Atiamuri Bridge Replacement north of Taupo and the Upper Hatea Bridge in Whangarea. With this track record it was only a matter of time before our level of service would be sought after in the South Island. Reoco Ltd was awarded the Waitaki River Bridge project by Mc Connell Dowell on the understanding that it would establish a Christchurch operation to service the project. The first delivery deadlines were meet via 25 ton Flat Racks ex our Auckland factory until Reoco’s Christchurch branch was operational. Reoco Reinforcing Ltd took up the challenge and successfully delivered over 300 ton to the remote Waitaki River Bridge project in Kurow, connecting North Otago and South Canterbury, to complete our fourth consecutive and hugely successful bridging project for Mc Connell Dowell.

Fox says that the company has always been deadline driven with quick turnaround time and service being Reoco’s point of difference in the market, consistently performing well ahead of industry standards. “We work in a very demanding industry and it’s one we dominate with service, as there are major cost implications for any delays. We never set out to be the biggest, we simply aim to be the best.”

For reinforcing steel fabrication contact Reoco Ltd

(09) 579 4646

Reoco Ltd, 15 Beasley Ave Auckland 1061 Please visit our website at www.reococommercial.co.nz

62 |

LEISURE » Mayfair Pools

December/January 2016 Business North

New pool brings summer of fun Karen Phelps Residents of Summerset Mountain View retirement village in New Plymouth are looking forward to a summer of fun in the new swimming pool that has just opened at the complex.

The 12.5 metre by 5.5 metre pool was constructed by Taranaki Pool Centre, the New Plymouth-based agents for Mayfair Pools, one of New Zealand’s largest and longest serving pool manufacturers.

Aaron Hinton, of Taranaki Pool Centre, says the pool has a concrete block fiberglassed structure with the colour Mediterranean Blue.

“In this case, the block structure of the pool was constructed along with the building foundations

by Pepper Construction, of New Plymouth, a long standing family business much like ours. The pool is fully insulated with polystyrene and heated by a hot water heat pump, which will provide year-round warmth for its users. It is treated by salt water chlorination.”

The pool is housed in a standalone building with an additional spa pool, and full changing and bathroom amenities. “It is a great asset for the village and there has been a huge amount of interest from residents during the construction works.”

Aaron says the standard, rectangular-shaped pool has safety handrails, non-slip steps and a reduced water depth of 1150mm to provide extra safety for its senior users.

“The slightly shallower pool is ideal for aquaaerobics, but is still deep enough for swimming.”

Aaron says the building process “went very smoothly”, with the Taranaki Pool Centre team working alongside Pepper Construction, which also built the pool buildings.

Pepper Construction have been around about as long as us and were great to work with.”

Aaron and his father Don have been building swimming pools together for an incredible 39 years, covering the Taranaki, Taumaranui and Wanganui regions.

“Dad became a Mayfair Pools dealer in 1973, just a couple of years after Mayfair established the business, and I started with him in 1976.

“He is a cabinetmaker by trade, and his father was a brick layer and plasterer who taught him those trades as well.

“Between us we have expertise in lots of different areas.”

The new 12.5 metre by 5.5 metre pool at the Summerset Mountain View retirement village in New Plymouth was constructed by Taranaki Pool Centre, the New Plymouth-based agents for Mayfair Pools.

The father and son team completes nearly all aspects of swimming pool construction themselves, from excavation and site preparation, to forming the concrete structure, installing the fibreglass pool, and providing tiling, filtration and plumbing services.

The only things they don’t do are the electrical work, and fibreglass manufacture that is contracted to another of Don’s sons, Kelvin Hinton, who runs his own fibreglass business in Auckland.

Renovating old concrete domestic and school pools is a big part of Taranaki Pool Centre’s operation with Don and Aaron able to return them

For ALL your Glass Fibre Requirements COMPOSITES

PLUS

QUALITY & EXPERTISE ASSURED FREE PHONE 0508 RESINS (737467)

“Being a small team we’re quite happy going from job to job, an approach which has kept us busy for over 40 years.” to almost new condition with the addition of a fibreglass lining.

The Hinton’s involvement in the swimming pool business also extends to the wider family, with Don’s two brothers, originally joining the Mayfair Pools franchise around the same time as he did in the early 1970s.

“My uncle Bernard Hinton is still a Mayfair dealer in the Hawkes Bay, and two of his sons are

also involved in the business. We all work together as a team, sharing advice so every client gets a top quality pool.”

Aaron says he and Don are happy with their operation, which continues to “tick over nicely”.

“We’ve got a few projects ahead of us and a lot work to price. Being a small team we’re quite happy going from job to job, an approach which has kept us busy for over 40 years.”

Swimming Pool Heating Specialists New Zealand manufacturer of high performance heat pumps for swimming pool heating.

Hot Water Heat Pumps Ltd are proud to support Mayfair Pools Contact Mayfair Pools on 0800 629 324 for a free quote.

Proud Suppliers To Mayfair Pools 4 Bostock Place, East Tamaki • Phone 09 271 3100 • Email admin@compositesplus.co.nz

www.waterheating.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

BUSINESS SYSTEMS » SimPRO

| 63

Software to keep businesses moving Jo Bailey Many New Zealand contracting and service businesses are harnessing software from simPRO to help manage their operations, both in the office and out in the field.

“Our product suite is designed to refine processes, improve productivity and increase profitability for these markets, with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, security and fire being the five key industries we service,” says simPRO’s Australasian general manager, Mark Alfred.

The company has operated in New Zealand since 2010 and now has well over 300 customers, with 1000-plus office users, and 2500-plus field users.

“Our system is cloud-based, allowing us to provide daily hosting and back up for our customers’ data. We also provide 24 hour/six day support via phone, online chat and email, as well as face-to-face visits for sales and training.”

Included in the simPRO product suite are Service, Enterprise and Corporate software packages, which are built on a single code base, allowing clients to upgrade easily from one product to the next in line with their growth.

These packages cover everything from project and service management, to quoting, scheduling, invoicing, purchasing and stock, and accounting integration.

An add-on product called Connect, which runs on a tablet or smart phone, enables staff in the field to update time, materials and details used for each job; and technicians to accept payment on their devices at the completion of the job.

Mark says another add-on offered by the company is simPRO eForms, which can be used standalone, or coupled with simPRO’s Enterprise package.

“The eForms allow businesses to digitise their existing paper forms so they can be used on tablet devices in the field. Completed forms are submitted electronically to the eForms portal where they are stored securely in the cloud for easy access, anytime, creating a seamless integration between field and office staff.”

The company has also developed vehicle

Mark Alfred says simPRO’s product suite is designed to refine processes, improve productivity and increase profitability. software tracking called simTRAC which allows companies to monitor the exact location of their entire fleet in real time, says Mark.

“Fleet visibility assists driver safety, provides accurate reportable activity and reduces administration. This product can be used standalone or integrated with both our Service or Enterprise product suites.”

Companies wanting a tailor made solution can work directly with simPRO’s Corporate Solutions team, which provides consultation, planning, design and development to create a unique software solution for their workflow.

simPRO’s Connect software, which runs on a tablet or smart phone, enables staff in the field to update time, materials and details used for each job.

“Our system is cloud-based, allowing us to provide daily hosting and back up for our customers’ data. We also provide 24 hour/six day support via phone, online chat and email, as well as face-to-face visits for sales and training.”

“As part of the Corporate package implementation process, we provide a dedicated account manager, project management, scoping, training, business analysis, and customisation solutions. For high volume clients our network administration team configures a dedicated server environment to cater for high volume traffic.”

A global company, simPRO software has offices in Australia, New Zealand, UK, and the USA, with additional support teams based in the Philippines.

“Our New Zealand operation, comprises sales, implementation and administration teams, with our

head office based in Auckland, and remote teams in both islands. We also utlise our global support and development teams to provide extended service capability.”

Mark has been with simPRO since 2010 and became Australasian general manager in 2014.

“We are expanding rapidly, with particularly strong demand for our field service management software. We are keen to partner with more New Zealand businesses in the contracting and service sectors to assist them to become more efficient and profitable.”

64 |

December/January 2016 Business North

CONTRACTING» Saul Maintenance/ Steve’s Welding

Based in Wanganui, Saul Maintenance and Construction works for a variety of clients.

Steve’s Welding has made its mark in engineering and welding work.

Saul Maintenance to the rescue Adpatability the key to success Karen Phelps When the floods hit Wanganui on June 21, 2015, local building company Saul Maintenance and Construction proved invaluable in helping to save people’s drenched homes.

The company was quickly called in by insurance companies and initially assisted by stripping houses in the affected areas so they could dry out and to prevent further damage from occurring.

The company is now in the process of completing the necessary remediation works on some of the homes.

Saul Maintenance and Construction owner Warren Gillespie says the disaster was a good example of the company’s ability to rapidly respond when required.

“It was an emergency situation and people needed help quickly,” he says.

“We stripped out GIB board linings and removed furnishings and appliances from homes so they could dry out. We used dehumidifiers and air movers to assist the process. We also removed silt from underneath homes. Now we are installing new GIB linings, skirtings and trims, as well as repairing kitchens and bathrooms etc. We’re trying to get people back into their homes as quickly as possible.”

Warren, a Licensed Building Practitioner, founded his company in 1999.

The company takes on projects from small repairs and maintenance jobs to new home builds.

Saul Maintenance and Construction also operates a Quin Buildings franchise.

Quin produces a range of kitset buildings and houses, which Warren says offer Saul Maintenance and Construction’s customers real value for money.

A New Zealand owned company, Quin Buildings has been operating for over 60 years.

The Quin Buildings range includes garages, roofing, garage doors, sleepouts, kitset homes and rural buildings.

“The kitset is delivered to the site so our customers are cutting out the middle man, as they are essentially buying direct from the factory, and we take over from there,” says Warren.

“Site works, plumbing and electrics and building consents are all taken care of by us and our team of sub-contractors.”

Saul Maintenance and Construction also offers a dedicated commercial service. Warren says his team has experience in completing projects to a high standard with minimal disruption to the business.

Commercial projects undertaken by Saul Maintenance and Construction include renovating or extending a current building and upgrading existing areas of a workplace such as wall protection, roller doors, disability ramps, floor covering/repairs and concrete/tar seal for car parks and courtyards. The company also offers a repair and on-going facility maintenance service.

Sue Russell Steve Lacey has been in the engineering business all his working life.

His Lower-Hutt based welding and engineering firm ‘Steve’s Welding’ has existed for nine years, servicing the greater Wellington region with general engineering as well as mobile welding services, but his engineering background stretches back four decades.

“I started off as a trainee fitter welder from school working on fuel tankers. The work taught me a wide range of welding skills as well as a good knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems,” Steve says.

Over the years he has evolved his services from general engineering jobs to general transport engineering to working on structural steel, seismic steel and architectural metal work projects.

“Our work is a lot about problem-solving.

Customers come to us often with an idea of what they want and we work out the best way to go about engineering it.

“To be successful in this industry you have to be versatile and adaptable.”

The team comprises three permanent staff and three contractors and currently about 70% of the work is centred around seismic strengthening.

Steve is as hands-on as the boss of a busy medium size engineering company can be.

He says the seismic work is often challenging.

“It is usually very difficult when you are retrofitting buildings. My guys get a lot of satisfaction out of producing the steel work to exact order for these jobs.”

He says right-hand man Phil Knight has been with the company for 7-plus years and has the enthusiasm of a real ‘tinkerer’.

The mobile welding service comprises a truck with attached crane, enabling on-site steel and aluminium welding to take place around the Greater Wellington areas north to Porirua and Paremata.

Steve’s Welding has been involved in supplying the steel work on several significant buildings around Wellington, including the complete rebuild of Miramar’s Roxy Theatre, seismic upgrading of The Batts Theatre in Wellington and many awardwinning residential properties.

Describing the business as small to medium Steve says he’s quite happy with its current size.

“Through the years we have had more staff on board at times but with the permanent and contract team we have now all highly skilled operators we are in a good position.

“Our workshop carries good basic engineering equipment able to manage a wide range of work.”

That work includes structural steel, beams and posts, engineering earth-moving equipment, aluminium fabrication and repair, transport engineering, and truck and trailor repairs. “ We’re known for our problem-solving capabilities and we have the reputation that we’ll turn our hand to most things.”

Heavily experienced Wellington welders

For the biggest range of hire equipment in town • MARQUEES • MACHINERY HIRE • PARTY HIRE & SALES Proud Suppliers to Saul Maintenance & Construction Two 100% Wanganui Owned & Operated Companies

06 345 7017 | 26 CHURTON STREET www.hiremasterwanganui.co.nz

Thinking outside the square to ensure your problems are solved Structural Steel Beams and posts Earth moving equipment Aluminium fabrications Aluminium repairs Tank repairs Boat repairs Balustrade repairs

Seismic Strengthening Maintenance welding Transport engineering Stairways Trailer repairs Truck repairs Stainless steel fabrication Anything and everything!

PROUD TO SUPPORT A GREAT TEAM Bunnings are proud to support Saul Maintenance & Construction Ltd on all their projects. We like to think our Trade Promises contributed to making your jobs a success.

For your nearest store visit bunnings.co.nz/stores or call 0508 BUNNINGS Trade Promises terms and conditions apply.

See Trade Desk for details.

Proud to support Steves Welding

Business North

December/January 2016

CONTRACTING » Craig McKenzie Directional Drilling

| 65

The ability to get the job done Karen Phelps What makes Craig McKenzie Directional Drilling stand apart from the crowd is the company’s ability to offer not only one-off services but endto-end solutions that save clients time, money and eliminate the need for dealing with more than one contractor, says company owner Craig McKenzie.

Working in the Auckland region, the company has lately been busy helping clients to subdivide sections, which is a good example of the value the company can add by offering a complete service, says Craig.

“We sell the products we install, we provide answers to problems we have years of experience solving and we create, manage and complete the projects our clients need done. We can work in with other contractors to put in utilities such as stormwater, sewerage, power and phone. This means clients just have one company to deal with – us – making the process much simpler,” he says.

The company operates a state-of-the-art fleet of drilling machines to cut through any material quickly and easily. Its directional drilling services are suitable for trenching, directional drilling, underground thrusting and drainage solutions.

Craig established his company in 1987 after undertaking trenching work for other companies and seeing the need for a specialised directional drilling company in Auckland.

Since that time the company has built up a reputation that it now counts a number of highprofile companies amongst its clientele including Telecom.

Craig says when it comes to directional drilling experience counts.

“Skilled drilling services requires expertise and at Craig McKenzie we are trained to make sure every rock we drill, every pipe we lay and

every piece of advice we give draws on our training and experience so our clients can trust the quality of what we do and what we say every time. I offer nearly 30 years of experience and my company foreman has around 20 years of industry experience.”

Past projects completed by the company include contributing to the Crown Fibre Holdings ultra fast broadband project. Craig McKenzie Directional Drilling installed the fibre optic cable in various parts of Auckland, sub-contracting to Leightons Contractors.

The company has also completed 50km of gas lanes in St Heliers and East Coast Bays for Eneco, water mains for Auckland Council and drilling and installation of new cables and ducting for Telecom.

Craig McKenzie Directional Drilling has recently completed 2km of fibre optics at Kauri Point, Birkenhead, sub-contracting to Outsouce Communications.

He says that Craig McKenzie Directional Drilling contractors don’t compromise on health and safety, which means that the company’s clients are never compromised either.

“Safety on our Auckland worksites is a top priority and we make sure to adhere to the safety rules and regulations set down by government.

Craig McKenzie Directional Drilling is a member of Site Safe.”

Craig says the company is happy to undertake both large and small contracts for a variety of clients including developers, utilities companies, regional councils and private clients.

“We work within budgets and we know how to communicate. We are time efficient and we offer solutions to the problems clients can see and the ones they can’t.

“Our drilling contractors are known around Auckland for their hard work, professionalism and ability to get the job done.”

Craig McKenzie Directional Drilling operates a state-of-the-art fleet of drilling machines to cut through any material quickly and easily.

Saint Electrical, commercial electrical and communications.

www.saintelectrical.co.nz 09 2151010 info@saintelectrical.co.nz

Proud to work with CD McKenzie installing underground services.

66 |

CONTRACTING » Waikato Demolition

December/January 2016 Business North

The skilled art of deconstruction Sue Russell When Andrew Proudlock, owner of Hamilton company Waikato Demolition, slows down long enough to describe how he feels about the demolition industry his business is actively engaged in his answer is simple.

“What a dream job this is! While building is in my blood, the demo business is in my heart.”

He formed Waikato Demolition, based in Hamilton North’s industrial quarter, 10 years ago.

It’s founding evolved out of the original concrete recycling facility called Waikato Concrete Crushing.

“I identified the way forward was recycling.

The concrete crushing yard led to us pulling down buildings and from this we started to create markets for the recycled materials. It was a logical progression of services and it also meant we controlled most aspects of the business we were engaged in, which gave us security,” Andrew says.

These days, Waikato Demolition is a multidisciplinary business offering mobile concrete crushing and recycling, demolition and recycled building products, earthmoving and asbestos clearing services from Whakatane through to South Auckland with branches in the Hamilton and Tauranga and employs 45 staff.

Leaving the most environmentally sustainable footprint with its concrete harvesting, crushing and general demolition processes continues to be a core value and goal of the company. As much as possible, materials procured from building sites are made available for recycle or transformed into new value-added products.

“A substantial percentage of the crushed concrete is actually directly reused as aggregate for civil roading projects. It feels really good to see this product, which would have once been used as landfill, now serving a useful purpose.”

A range of aluminium, iron, native timber and plumbing hardware are just a few examples of products the company breathes new life into in achieving its goal to minimise waste.

The commitment to recycling is amply demonstrated in the businesses residential building company’s last show-home where recycled stone is a key feature.

“More and more these days people want to live in a house built on green principles where the

Waikato Demolition has an extensive range of plant, including heavy machinery with very high reach capability. carbon footprint is minimal. Recycled native timber, for instance, is not only a beautiful product in itself but ticks the environmentally sustainable box.”

Removing asbestos is another core speciality Waikato Demolition offers. Capability to work safely and design and manage systems to remove the dangerous product results in constant demand for this skill-set.

“Myself and a number of my staff have their specialist tickets and we are very qualified with years of experience dealing with asbestos

recovery.” Having worked hard to evolve several co-related arms to the company, including more recently, the ‘Hookbin’ waste bin technologies used on all their demolition site, Andrew is mostly occupied with consultancy work.

“When we took over the Hookbin service it was with a view to adding value to our whole operation and to pass those benefits on to our clients.”

Waikato Demolition has an extensive range of plant, including heavy machinery with very high reach capability.

Training drivers to operate a digger in a completely different way is a passion of Andrew’s, describing it as a highly evolved level of competency.

“Most people think that you just go and smash a building down but it has to be deconstructed

properly and our drivers have to constantly assess risk and appreciate every aspect of the way the building was originally constructed. Demolition practice is extremely skilful work.”

Andrew says he is happy with how Waikato Demolition has grown and the quality and variety of projects it takes on. Above all, he holds his team in the highest of regard and any new team member is taken through a rigorous and extensive training programme.

All Waikato Demolition staff are Site Safe certified and all contracts are run using an extensive safety system plan.

“We feel just as proud looking at a completely empty site, deconstructed skilfully and left ready for future development, as any builder would looking at a well-built structure.”

Residential and Commercial Building Proud to support Waikato Demolition

Main Office Phone: +64 7 849 9997 Fax: +64 7 849 9996

Andrew Proudlock Manager Mob: +64 21 823 653

P O Box 10275, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3241,New Zealand

Email: andrew@apconstruction.co.nz | Website: www.apconstruction.co.nz

Business North

December/January 2016

CONTRACTING » Crowley Excavation

| 67

The future looks bright for Crowley Sue RussellCraig Crowley has been operating machinery all his working life and admits to having uncanny capabilities with diggers and excavation gear.

“I first started working for another company back in 1985 and over time became quite popular with a lot of the customers because I had good communication skills and got on with anyone,” he says.

Based in Whakatane, Craig remembers the first machine he bought, a JCB Back Hoe in the days when he sub-contracted his services to other earthmoving companies operating in the Bay of Plenty. This first acquisition to the fleet was eventually replaced having served faithfully for five years.

“I have been a sole operator for 30 years but to be honest, it has only been since I grew the business that I have had the motivation to really develop it to its full potential, thanks to my partner Neisha, who encouraged me to really look hard at how the business was operating and to step up to a new level,” says Craig.

The couple met in 2010 and with complementary skills, hers with bookwork and planning and paying attention to detail, and his on the tools of the trade, Crowley Excavators soon began to take on more specialised work many excavators wouldn’t choose to do.

These days, the company’s niche activity is in the challenging and potentially dangerous work of maintaining and constructing environmentally sensitive wetland areas.

“Environmental earthworks, operating around sensitive water ways, taking care of plants in the process, creating channels to free water-ways requires a keen eye and understanding around how water moves.”

Neisha says the business aligns well with the couple’s personal environmental philosophy.

Creating beautifully landscaped spaces which work in with, not against, nature brings an enormous level of satisfaction.

“I liken Craig to an artist when he operates his machinery.

“It’s an extension of himself,” she says.

The company has a long-term working relationship with the Eastern Region Fish and Game Council, undertaking all their wetlands maintenance and construction programmes.

Craig also takes on work for DOC, as well as mitigation projects in forestry blocks.

A year ago, another excavator was bought, adding to the existing fleet. The 15-tonne Hyundai 140LC-9 joins the Komatsu D41P-6 as the main work-horses. On the human resources front, Craig’s 22-year-old son Brandon returned home to work in the business.

Admitting to be very fussy about the qualities he’s expecting in any employee, Craig says he is in no hurry to take on more staff soon.

“It’s having the ability to work right through a job because not every job is straight forward coupled with being a very precise operator and looking after the machinery; these are the stand-out qualities that separate a driver from an exceptional one.”

The couple made the decision at the start of this year to further professionalise their business by joining Civil Contractors NZ. Neisha says it was driven by a desire to ensure their knowledge base was always up to date.

Crowley Excavation specialises in the challenging and potentially dangerous work of maintaining and constructing environmentally sensitive wetland areas.

“It certainly helps with our credibility to be aligned to this professional body.”

With plenty of work ahead, the future looks bright for the team.

It’s very much a case of upholding longestablished standards of work and really enjoying the challenges that come with it every day.

“Environmental earthworks, operating around sensitive water ways, taking care of plants in the process, creating channels to free water-ways requires a keen eye and understanding around how water moves.”

Whakatane p 07 308 5453 f 07 308 6308 261 The Strand, PO Box 88, Whakatane Tauranga p 07 578 6069 f 07 578 2186 Level 1, 115 The Strand 3110. PO Box 13574 Tauranga 3141

Brandon, Neisha and Craig, from Crowley Excavation.

DIESEL MECHANIC Phone SAS - 027 447 7225 • 7a Ashley St, Rotorua

Phone Bruce: 027 497 3820 After Hours: (07) 533 6228 Email: readie@outlook.co.nz

68 |

ENGINEERING » Modern Construction

December/January 2016 Business North

A reputation built on experience Karen Phelps Modern Construction has just supplied structural steel for the biggest building, in terms of size, it has ever undertaken. The 30,000sqm dry store for Ebert Construction was constructed for client Fonterra.

“On every project we aim to achieve a result the client can be proud of,” says Modern Construction director Phil Counsell. “We work very hard to deliver the most cost effective build in the time frame.”

Modern Construction Ltd is a privately owned general and structural engineering company based in Hamilton with over 45 years experience in heavy engineering.

Phil says the company’s reputation means that it is a major player in the structural steel market working closely with some of New Zealand’s leading construction companies.

Demonstrating the depth of the company’s skill and diversity some of the other projects the company has completed include Claudelands Event Centre, ANZ/Mighty River Power building Grantham Street, Wintec Engineering and Trades building and Classics Car Museum.

Modern Construction has also completed oil and gas projects off the coast of Perth, built 150 tonne side tippers and made specialised truck chassis to handle loads of up to 600 tonnes for a transport company.

The company has also made specialised towers and conveyor systems for an Auckland

“We take pride in the quality of our work and service. At Modern Construction we have the expertise to bring our customers’ ideas to reality.” company to be used in nickel mines in Noumea.

“We have an enthusiastic team that is willing to go that extra mile to meet our clients’ requirements.

“At Modern Construction we always look to up-skill our staff to further enhance their skill set because at the end of the day our staff are our biggest asset.

“If they have real pride in what they do this

also has positive effects on their personal lives,” says Phil.

Modern Construction offers a design and build service and is capable of working on a variety of projects from small house steelwork to multi storey buildings.

The company employs in-house steel detailers to deliver quality detailed drawings using a high-end software system.

Cowper Haulage Ltd Proudly supporting Modern Construction

Piloting Services (2009) Limited ALAN COWPER 027 4902 506

0800 HAULAGE

Proud to be associated with Modern Construction

alan@cowperhaulage.co.nz

Industrial: Radiography, Ultrasonics, Crack Testing, QA/QC, Welder Quals, Welding Inspection and Procedures, Eddy Current, Hardness and Leak Tests – on Weldments, Forgings and Castings.

We also offer: Heat Treatment - (Preheat, Postweld Heat and D.H.T.)

• BESS registered company with BESS accredited pilots • Class 1 pilots • Helpful friendly service • Members of the NZ Heavy Haulage Association • Free quotes

‘ATC’ - IANZ Accredited Inspection Body No.13 - is NZ Owned and Operated ATC IS PROUD TO SUPPORT AND BE ASSOCIATED WITH MODERN CONSTRUCTION Hamilton Operations Manager: Glenn Pilkington Ph: 07 846 6366 Fax: 07 846 6362 Email: glenn@atcl.co.nz

Mt Maunganui Operations Manager: Roger McGregor Ph: 07 575 5499 Fax: 07 575 5498 Email: roger@atcl.co.nz

Barry (Boof) Sutherland: 021 884 535 Email: ba.sutherland@xtra PO Box 14, Horotiu 3262

Business North

December/January 2016

ENGINEERING » Modern Construction

Projects Modern Construction has completed include Claudelands Event Centre, ANZ/Mighty River Power building Grantham Street, Wintec Engineering and Trades building

“We also utilise our skills and knowledge offering advice and generating improvements and savings for the client where possible,” says Phil.

Fabrication is carried out to the shop drawings and then fully welded by the company’s team of ticketed welders.

All welds are internally tested and ticketed to the NZS 1554-1 standard. Modern Construction is presently in the process of gaining the SCNZ graded welding code and is modifying quality and assurance systems to meet international standards.

When it comes to erecting the steel, the company has two site cranes with a lifting capacity of 25 tonnes to 60 tonnes plus access equipment. All site crew carry current Site Safe Building Construction Passports.

Modern Construction employs 36 staff.

The company is a member of Hera and Steel Construction New Zealand.

“We take pride in the quality of our work and service. At Modern Construction we have the expertise to bring our customers’ ideas to reality.”

Waikato

Sandblasting Jo Bailey

PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH MODERN CONSTRUCTION Suppliers of an extensive range of roofing and cladding profiles, metal tiles and metal fencing. Also the most comprehensive range of purlins and top hat sections manufactured in New Zealand

24-26 Trugood Drive • P: 09 273 2820 • F: 09 274 0251 Visit us online at www.metalcraftroofing.co.nz

Services Ltd

Proud to be the preferred abrasive blasting and protective coating specialists to Modern Construction 14 Manchester Place, PO Box 10103, Te Rapa, Hamilton Phone 07 849 1332 Fax 07 849 1308

| 69

70 |

ENGINEERING » A & S Engineering-

December/January 2016 Business North

Taking the hassle out of steelwork Karen Phelps A & S Engineering was started in a garage.

Now 30 years later, the company operates from a purpose-built factory in Albany, Auckland, and employs 20 staff. A & S Engineering general manager Jim Marsh says that the successful structural steel and fabrication business has been developed around offering excellent customer service.

“We take pride in making it easy for people to do business with us. We go the extra mile when required and do whatever it takes to get the job done. Every customer is important. People can still come to us with a small job, like fixing a wheelbarrow. We still service customers we have dealt with for decades so we must be doing something right,” says Jim. He says that since its establishment in 1985 A & S Engineering has built up a reputation for quality workmanship, accuracy and reliability.

The company, which is owned by Sue Mill, offers a complete service from supplying free quotations to site measuring, CAD drawing facilities, preparation of shop drawings, manufacture and on-site installation.

Operating a modern well-equipped steel fabrication workshop, the company has a full range of coatings systems at its disposal including hot dip galvanizing, zinc metal spray with seal or epoxy over coating, blasting, zinc silicate and multi coating systems, powder coating, electroplating and power wire brush clean, spray or brush application of Resene Armourcote steel primers.

Some of the more common items the company manufacturers are structural steel, balustrades and handrails and gates and fences. The company also typically completes welding projects and machinery

maintenance, as well as a variety of general engineering jobs. “ We say we take the hassle out of steelwork,” he says.

“We deal with all types of clients from large to small. For example, 3D modelling is getting more important as larger projects get increasingly complicated. But we can still go out and do a sketch by hand for smaller jobs. We pride ourselves on being cost-effective no matter what the size of the project.

“We also enjoy repeat business from customers who need a one off machine or item built. These jobs give us an opportunity to exercise the 50-plus years of problem solving and manufacturing skills we have in house,” explains Jim. He says that A&S Engineering Ltd operates with very low staff turn over giving a great deal of expertise in-house. The company employs tradespeople qualified to weld under New Zealand Standards 4711. Employing staff is important rather than engaging contractors.

“Although the industry is moving away from employing staff on wages we want to support our staff and in return they remain loyal to us,” explains Jim. The company is currently completing the structural steel for two four-storey buildings in Kensington Park, a large development in Orewa.

A & S Engineering works Auckland-wide but projects on the North Shore and in the Central City generally keeps the company busy. The company is a member of the Heavy Engineering Research Association.

“We don’t want to be the biggest structural steel company; we want to be the best,” says Jim. “We are always trying to improve on the business so we can be as successful in the next 30 years as we have been up till now.”

A & S Engineering, which started in a garage 30 years ago, has built up a reputation for quality workmanship, accuracy and reliability.

NZ WELDER REPAIR SERVICES LTD

We are proud to support A & S Engineering with their welding requirements

Lincoln Electric Co, Cigweld, Kemppi master repair agents · On site repairs and pick up, MIG, TIG hire · Lincoln “submerged arc” welding specialists · Spare parts · Service with knowledge New machine sales · For all your welding needs · Competitive hourly rates Call Rod Rugg 09 826 1425, Unit 4/5 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland email: info@nzwrs.com · web: www.nzwrs.com

marine, architectural, domestic, wine and beverage industry producing quality products. We tailor make products to suit your design.

GENERAL GALVANIZING INDUSTRIAL PAINTING GRIT BLASTING Phone: 09 579 0063 Call free: 0800 468 347 www.cspcoatings.co.nz PROUDLY SUPPORTS

2 A Manga Rd, Silverdale, Auckland Telephone: (09) 426 8856 | Email : dave@coastmarinestainless.co.nz

Structural & Steel Fabricators

Business North

December/January 2016

MARINE » Thomson Towboats

| 71

Towing power to get the job done Karen Phelps A new tug purchased by Thomson Towboats due to demand for the company’s services has broadened the scope of work the company can tackle, says Thomson Towboats owner Lance Brown.

The 22 metre tug offers a 16 tonne pull, making it the most powerful offered by the company and the Azimuth tractor drive means better manoeuvrability, enhancing the safety of jobs.

Lance says the new tug will be mainly used as a ship handling and harbour tug for clients such as the Royal New Zealand Navy and Stolthaven New Zealand. The addition to the fleet means that Thomson Towboats now offers a total of four tugs.

Based in Auckland, Thomson Towboats is owned by Lance and wife Virginia Brown, who took over the family business in 2010. Thomson Towboats was established in 1988 by Virginia’s father Jim and her brother Mike.

The company was started with just one boat providing harbour towage and workboat services within the Auckland area. Demand resulted in the company’s fleet numbers and types of vessels changing since the company was formed.

Thomson Towboats offers a wide variety of services, including towage, salvage, wreck removal, project cargoes, barge hire, pilot and crew transfer, stores, fuel and fresh water delivery and dredge support. The company has one fixed contract and is available 24/7 for emergency services.

Work is extremely varied from towing over dimension loads that some cargo ships find difficult and moving a house by water to towing hopper barges and removing spoil as dredges complete their job. Since 2014, the company has been towing a 72-metre bunker barge carrying 380-grade bunker fuel and gas oil for Stolthaven for ship refuelling. Thomson Towboats also offers a marine consultancy service covering areas such as tug, barge and workboat design, marine engineering and systems design, methodology and project management.

“Over the years the work has changed and a lot of the everyday work the company was built up on is not there anymore. This means that we have to keep chasing work. Basically anything that floats we will tow it,” says Lance.

Although the company had primarily been working in Auckland Harbour since the Browns took over the company, they have sought jobs further afield in order to expand the business.

For example, in 2013 Thomson Towboats towed three vessels simultaneously from Whangarei to Noumea.

A new tug for Thomson Towboarts, below, means the Auckland-based company has been able to broaden the scope of work it does.

Lately though, the company has been focusing its efforts closer to home due to market conditions, which have seen more local demand for the company’s services, such as launching and moving super yachts, sometimes transporting them on a pontoon away from the shallower harbour waters where they have been constructed to deeper water for launching.

The company also has a tug stationed at Whangarei towing barges back and forth loaded with equipment for Brian Perry Civil, which is undertaking the wharf upgrade at Golden Bay Cement ship loading facility at Portland. Lance says that it is indicative of the high standing of the company that such trust is placed in it for contracts like these.

He says the industry is tightly regulated, which means Thomson Towboats always has to ensure its systems and procedures are fully compliant.

Thomson Towboats vessels, crew and equipment are certified for the area and type of operation to the rules, guidelines and standards of Maritime New Zealand, Flag State and any other applicable organisations.

“We work closely with clients to ensure that

their Health and Safety in Employment policies are met and adhered to during the duration of their contract.”

Thomson Towboats employs nine staff, with Virginia taking on the office work.

Thomson Towboats is presently completing a contract started in December 2014 at the Sandspit Marina development, which has seen Thomson Towboats so far complete 110 voyages moving around 70,000 tonnes of spoil.

Repairs & diagnosis of heavy diesel engines & transmissions Marine | Construction | Power generation | Forestry Proudly supporting Thomson Towboats Ltd 18 George Tce, Onehunga Auckland 1061, New Zealand

TOTAL HYDRAULIC SERVICES LTD INDUSTRIAL

•

MOBILE

•

MARINE

Your one stop shop for Sales and Service of any brand of Hydraulic Equipment Authorised Distributors for Eaton Hydraulic Equipment 43 Allens Rd, East Tamaki, Auckland, PO Box 58-313, Botany 2163 Phone: (0064) 9 273-9142 Fax: (0064) 9 273-9146 Email: sales@hydraulics.net.nz www.hydraulics.net.nz

pat@bmib.com

Lance Bonkovich Mob: + 64 274 945 304 www.prodiesel.co.nz

72 |

MANUFACTURING » Glasshape

December/January 2016 Business North

Revolutionising glass printing Sue Russell Prime Minister John Key attended the official opening of new plant at specialist glass solutions company Glasshape at its New Zealand base in Warkworth on Friday, November 13.

New glass printing technology valued at $750,000 was unveiled for the first time and promises to revolutionise the aesthetic applications of commercial, industrial and residential glass design.

The new plant can digitally print ceramic inks in ultra-fine detail to create sophisticated designs or life-like photo representations embedded into glass, something managing director Rick Forrest describes as very exciting. The Prime Minister experienced this first-hand when on the day of the opening he was presented with a piece of glass carrying his own photo embedded in it.

“Our business philosophy has always been to focus on niche opportunities that others find too challenging,” says Forrest “Kiwi ingenuity and a commitment to delivering excellence has been pivotal in our international success and we are celebrating that today with the official opening of his new plant.”

With this revolutionary printing technology, Glasshape are able to deliver unique glazing solutions that enable owners, architects and designers to realise their visions.

Glasshape is New Zealand’s leading specialised glass manufacturing and supply company servicing both domestic and international markets. It manufactures an extensive range of highly evolved glass products suited for the most challenging of applications.

Founded in 1986, the 100 per cent New Zealand owned company has grown to include offices in Australia and the United States.

It’s forged its reputation on delivering unique glass solutions to industries that experience demanding conditions, including high-end architecture, marine, security, health, rail, forestry and mining to name a few.

As a result, expectations for global sales in 2016 are tracking at an increase of 40% and when the company’s performance is considered for the previous two years it represents a massive hike of 200% growth.

The new VisionInk process can be applied to all the company’s range of glass products and when applied to balustrades, partitions or in the creation of facades, VisionInk can completely alter the look of these functional spaces.

Key to the company’s success has been its innovative approach and commitment to refining and applying the science underpinning a range of highly specialised glass technologies, including curved and bent glass, toughened glass, laminated and double glazed glass.

Prime Minister John Key attended the official opening of new plant at specialist glass solutions company Glasshape at its New Zealand base in Warkworth.

“With the addition of the VisionInk printing technology and enhanced glass processing facilities, Glasshape can now give clients a full end to end service – toughening, laminating, printing and curving, or any combination of these processes.

“The secret is in VisionInk’s ceramic inks that fuse into the glass in the furnace. It resists practically anything you can subject it to and is fully recyclable.

“This significantly extends the possibilities for what is already a remarkable substrate,” Forrest says.

With an expanding market share, coupled with a commitment to produce glass to meet the exacting standards in performance that come with demanding environments, the future of the company looks set to continue on its meteoric journey.

“Our business philosophy has always been to focus on niche opportunities that others find too challenging. Kiwi ingenuity and a commitment to delivering excellence has been pivotal in our international success.”

Backing New Zealand Businesses with strong Accounting and Tax expertise

Proud to support Glasshape You’d be surprised how far we’ll go for you.

Audit • Tax • Advisory

www.bdo.co.nz

.

Commercial | Industrial | Domestic | Sportsfield Lighting

Pr o u d t o s u p p o r t G l a s s h a p e Wa r k wo r t h PH: 0508 4 DAVCO | (09) 425 8339 | Unit 3, 9-23 Morrison Drive, Warkworth Phone: +64 9 915 6200 Email: Ebenezer.Mohan@expeditors.com Web: www.expeditors.com

www.davcoelectrical.co.nz