Business South July-August Issue by Waterford Press Limited

July / August 2014

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Curvey magic Page 5

Lack of business skills a concern Hugh de Lacy It is a lack of basic business skills, rather than the post-earthquake workflow or the cost of health and safety provisions, that has been sending small Canterbury building businesses to the wall in unprecedented numbers this year, Fletcher Earthquake Recovery (EQR) says. In the first quarter of 2014 no fewer than 16 building businesses went into liquidation and three more into receivership – double last year’s number. Nor is the problem confined to Canterbury where more than $40 billion in insurance and government money is pouring into civil and building construction following the 2010-2011 quakes. Gavin Whiting, the contractor engagement manager at Fletcher EQR which has the

Earthquake Commission (EQC) contract to manage residential repairs up to $100,000, said many of the more than 1000 small contractors his company engaged “didn’t have a clue” about running a business. “It’s actually part of the culture of construction that these guys don’t ask each other or look for business help,” says Whiting, a former business coach. “The measure of success is the quality of a guy’s ute and tools – so if I’ve got a flash ute with my name on the side of it, then I’m successful, aren’t I?” Fletcher EQR’s $4 billion repair programme provided excellent cashflow to accredited contractors. “They get paid on a weekly basis once they submit their invoices, so they’ve got all this money but they don’t understand that providing for tax is so important right from day one.”

Whiting said he was aware when he took up the job that many of the contractors Fletcher EQR was accrediting were skilled workers attempting to make the step up to business ownership, and in the first year he encouraged them to get help under the Recover Canterbury programme. This was part of a government-funded joint initiative between the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and the Canterbury Development Corporation, giving start-up businesses virtually free help and advice.“The uptake of that I could count on one hand,” Whiting said. Two factors often cited by the principals of the failed businesses was the uneven flow of work from Fletcher EQR, and the cost of implementing its health and safety regime. However, Whiting said it was not possible to provide every accredited contractor with a constant and unbroken flow of work.

He agreed that Fletcher EQR’s health and safety regime had come as a shock to many construction SMEs (small to medium-sized businesses) to whom high-vis vests and site-specific safety plans were an unwanted imposition. “They had to be brought kicking and screaming into 1992, because that’s when the [Health and Safety in Employment Act] made it a requirement to do a lot of this stuff, [and] the health and safety requirements are just part of doing business these days,” Whiting said. The chief executive of Registered Master Builders, Warwick Quinn, agreed that a lack of business skills was the main cause of the high number of failures in Canterbury. “But it’s not just a Canterbury problem,” Quinn told Building NZ. SMEs in the construction industry are falling over all the time because of a lack of business skills.”

New rules may hit investors Chris Hutching The Reserve Bank says its proposed new plans for residential investment are aimed at banks. But investors who own more than five properties are likely to feel the effects. The Bank is looking at rules that will require banks to hold different amounts of capital for residential mortgage loans than for business loans. The Reserve Bank’s external communications advisor Angus Barclay says the new rule applies to banks. “Property investors do not have to do anything. There is nothing they have to comply with.” However the rules are expected to result in banks reassessing their lending costs to investors. The background to the changes arise from an international standard for capital adequacy requirements as set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, Barclay says. “Higher risk asset classes require banks to hold more capital against those exposures. As a general rule, the more capital a bank has to hold for a loan, the higher the pricing of that loan tends to be in the long term, although the short term impact on pricing may be weaker.” Barclay says residential mortgage loans are a sub-class within the retail asset class. “Basel II tends to restrict this sub asset class to owner-occupiers barring a few limited exceptions. Loans to property investors should be included in another asset class.”

INSIDE

New lift opens up winter wonderland... Queenstown’s Remarkables ski area is celebrating the opening of its new Curvey Basin chairlift. The 1.2km high-speed lift - a multi-million dollar investment - will open up new terrain on the mountain and has the capacity to carry 2400 passengers per hour. NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said the developments at The Remarkables were part of NZSki’s commitment to continually improving the snowsports experience it offers its customers.

Kawarau Station snapped up - PAGE 2

Dreaming of coffee business - PAGE 3

Tax rules for excessive income - PAGE 4

“We’re focused on continued improvements and innovation. NZSki takes seriously its responsibility as a core part of the winter attraction market and knows how important that is to the wider tourism industry.” A new base building is set to open at the field next season. As well as opening up a wealth of new terrain, the Curvey Basin top terminal has a spectacular view of the ski area extending down the valley to the Wakatipu Basin and across to Coronet Peak. See story page 5

Recall expands Chch facility - PAGE 24

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Business South

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Queenstown company buys iconic station Kawarau River Station, one of the Wakatipu Basin’s most significant freehold land blocks, has been bought for just over $8 million at mortgagee auction. The station was bought by Queenstown Farm Ltd, a company associated with the Porter brothers, developers of Queenstown’s Remarkables Park and Shotover Park and the company behind a proposed Convention Centre in Frankton. The high country station was initially taken to the open market for only the second time in its history late last year and has received “unprecedented interest”.

New group to promote Nelson-Tasman region

Credit Control Wendy Wingfield Printed by

Jo Bailey

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The auction, which attracted widespread interest from New Zealand and Australia, was on behalf of the second mortgagee Aston Investments. Located at the foot of The Remarkables mountain range Kawarau River Station, historically known as Cone Peak Station, comprises an area of 1826 hectares of freehold property with an array of natural features along with two significant water sources - Rastus Burn and Owens Creek. The Kawarau River forms the entire northern boundary of the property which over the centuries has formed lush rolling river flats and terraces which climb up into classic high country and the Remarkables range behind.

It is with sadness that Waterford Press farewells Michael Marr, who passed away earlier this month after a short illness. Mike, who worked with us at Waterford Press for 15 years as a sales consultant on our business papers, was a respected and well-liked colleague, and will be remembered by all those in the wider business community who were involved with him over the years. He will be sadly missed.

A group of business owners in Nelson-Tasman is forming a new association to promote tourism, weddings and corporate events throughout the region. Spokeswoman Terri Everett, of The Dream Maker, says the group behind the Tourism and Events New Zealand Association are concerned about the possibility of Tasman District Council withdrawing funding from Nelson Tasman Tourism, and the impact this will have on the local economy and businesses. “Tourism is a big contributor to the Nelson Tasman economy, and there is a fear that without some level of regional marketing provided by Nelson Tasman Tourism, there will be a negative impact on the local industry.” The cost of membership to Nelson Tasman Tourism is another issue to small business driving the formation of Tourism and Events New Zealand, she says. “It is already very expensive to become a member, and when you add the cost of having cards at the Information Centre, and commissions for every sale, it can be crippling for many small businesses. We’re trying to put together an association that is affordable for members, with an annual fee of around $200.” The association’s “highly optimised” website is currently under development. It will be split in two sections, with one promoting the region, its businesses, products and services.

“Tourism is a big contributor to the Nelson-Tasman economy, and there is a fear that without some level of regional marketing provided by Nelson-Tasman Tourism, there will be a negative impact on the local industry.” This section will also feature an interactive map which is being developed by one of the association’s foundation members. The other section will be a closed off area for members, where they can network and enjoy incentives and special discounts, such as those from the association’s legal and accounting sponsors, C and F Legal, and JPM Murphy and Associates; and Bayleys Real Estate. “We’ve got a great group of core businesses and individuals giving their time freely to establish the association, as well as some excellent professionals supporting the project. “We’d also love to talk to investors keen to collaborate on the initiative and hope to secure funding for it in the future,” she says. The group hopes to attract people to the Nelson-Tasman region for weddings and corporate events, who will then hopefully stay on for a honeymoon or holiday. The Tourism and Events New Zealand Association plans to launch the new website by September.

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Business South

Deb’s dream drives coffee pioneers Jo Bailey Cafe culture has become indelibly woven into our lives. Who remembers a time before we could order blood-pumping long blacks, or sip on a frothy cappuccino? In the days when coffee was either instant, percolated, or if you were really flash, plunged. Deb Riach certainly can. She and husband Ian are pioneers of the coffee business in Canterbury, as original founders of both the Coffee Culture and Yellow Rocket cafe and bagel chains. Since the latter was wiped out by the earthquakes, the Riach’s latest venture is Coffee Worx cafe and roastery in Rangiora, which serves up top quality coffee to its own customers and supplies other coffee-makers South Island wide. What is surprising to learn about the couple’s coffee journey is that without a vivid dream Deb had one night back in 1995, these businesses, and the genesis of the coffee industry in Canterbury as we know it, might never have existed. At the time the entrepreneurial couple owned and ran Okuku Country Lodge, a wedding and function venue in North Canterbury. In her dream Deb saw “all these coffee beans and a cool, upbeat coffee place”. “The next day I told Ian about the dream and that we needed to get involved in the coffee business. He thought I was mad.” Ian had already started the successful Loaded Hog micro-brewery with some others business partners, so was used to “turning on a tap and pouring beer after beer,” she says. “He didn’t think a place where people came in and bought one coffee could be viable.” But Deb couldn’t shake the coffee company idea. She did lots of research then went to Sydney to visit her brother, utilising his “Italian connections” to visit cafes and companies that brought in and roasted their own beans. “I came home really inspired. There were only really bars, pubs and tearooms in Christchurch back then with no place where people could meet and have a proper coffee.” Just a couple of months later, an acquaintance who had worked with Ian at The Loaded Hog told the Riachs he had bought a coffee roaster and asked if they would like to get involved. This partnership led to the establishment of Coffee Culture, and its first, hugely popular cafe at Sumner. “We opened during summer and it took off. People loved it.” The Riachs sold out of this business three years later, and were still running Okuku Country Lodge when they hit on the idea for a bagel business. “We’d done bagels in a small way at Coffee Culture and realised they had a lot of potential as a stand-alone business. No one else was doing it.” The Riachs came up with the Yellow Rocket concept, which had a full bagel menu, coffee, smoothies and cabinet food designed to suit Kiwi tastes while following bagel traditions. “We opened the first Yellow Rocket in Cathedral Square in 2001. It was one of those things people had never seen before and was a big hit, especially with the corporate and tourist market.”

Deb and Ian Riach - the original founders of both the Coffee Culture and Yellow Rocket cafe and bagel chains.

Outlets at Northlands and New Regent Street followed. The Riachs also established a small roastery and distribution centre in Christchurch called Coffee Worx to supply coffee to the Yellow Rocket outlets and other customers. By the time the Canterbury earthquakes hit, the 10 year old business was thriving and the Riachs had long since sold out of Okuku Country Lodge. But in that one devastating afternoon on February 22, 2011, the Yellow Rocket chain was virtually forced out of existence, with its two innercity outlets uninhabitable and locked away for months within the Red Zone cordon. Then the couple discovered they had to give up the lease on their store at Northlands. “It was an unbelievable blow. With everything wiped out we had to take a real step back and look at what we had left. That’s when we re-focused our energies into Coffee Worx.” With so many uncertainties in the central city market, the North Canterbury-based couple decided to open a cafe and attached roastery closer to home, in a brand new retail complex on a high-profile corner site in Rangiora. “Rangiora is an up-and-coming place that we think is ready to make its mark. People come out especially from Christchurch for some of the Yellow Rocket bagels and smoothies we’ve incorporated into the menu,” says Deb.

“We’ve been in the coffee business long enough to understand the demands. We like to work alongside our customers and help them become successful too.” Coffee Worx roasts and blends its multi awardwinning bulk coffee in around a dozen flavour profiles for its own cafe and about 100 customers in the wider South Island market. “We’ve been in the coffee business long enough to understand the demands. We like to work alongside our customers and help them become successful too.” Coffee Worx’ popular Heartland Brew is available in 1kg bags through Trents, Raeward Fresh, and selected New World and Pak’N Save stores. The company also roasts a charity coffee called La Mai for Bright Hope, which works to save women and children from the sex trade in Thailand. Deb hasn’t ruled out bringing Yellow Rocket “back from the dead” when the conditions are right. “I know in my heart what we created with Yellow Rock was special and unique. “But it’s about coming back at the right time, in the right place, with people who would really love to take on that challenge with us.”

Both she and Ian love to create new businesses and operate at the forefront of an industry. “It’s definitely fun and exciting.” Deb says the couple’s different personalities are one of the secrets of their success. “I’m more of the mad, creative one at the front end of the business who looks after systems and staffing, and Ian takes care of the back end stuff and finances. “He is also a fantastic handbrake, pulling any idea into 1000 pieces. If something comes through this acid test alive, we know it is probably worth looking at.” The couple’s business path hasn’t always been smooth but coffee has remained the constant throughout it. “There have been tough times when I’ve wondered if I got it all wrong. “But then I remember my dream and the excitement, interest and passion for coffee which is just as strong today. “Somehow we’re still here and that’s pretty cool.”

SECTION » Feature

Business South

Tax rules for excessive income One of the oldest, and probably least sophisticated, forms of tax planning is to divert income from a high earning individual to a relative who pays tax at a lower rate. Not surprisingly there are a number of specific anti-avoidance measures that disallow this practice. The difficulty has always been how to draw the line between what is allowed and what is not. Over the years Inland Revenue has published various items on this subject dealing with excessive amounts paid to shareholders, directors and partners. These have now all been updated in one place and published in a new draft “Questions We’ve Been Asked”. Questions We’ve Been Asked is a special section of Inland Revenue’s website that helps taxpayers by providing guidance on specific issues. Helpfully Inland Revenue includes examples of what they consider to be OK and what they consider to be covered by specific excessive remuneration anti-avoidance provisions. The key theme is what has the person receiving the income done to earn it? Is the amount more than is reasonable for the services provided by the relative? Does the value of the partnership profit or loss exceed the value of the contributions made by the partner? Has an amount been allocated to a relative under the age of 20? One of the examples covers paying wages to children in a family-run business. The Commissioner accepts that wages should be deductible provided the wages are reasonable for the work carried out and are in line with industry norms. However it is not realistic to claim a deduction for wages paid to very young children (eg 5 years old) who are unlikely to be able to perform any useful work. Another example covers the allocation of rental losses to partners. In this example a couple, June and Jim, are partners in a partnership (but without a partnership agreement) and own several rental properties. An agent manages the properties as June works full time, while Jim is retired.

Don MacKenzie

The tax return is filed allocating 75% of the rental losses to June who has employment income which is higher than Jim’s pension. In this case, the Commissioner can reallocate the losses to a half share, as under the Partnership Act 1908 there is a presumption that partners will share profits and losses equally. It is possible to have a difference in allocation, but it would need to reflect the nature and extent of the services provided and the value of the contributions made by the respective partners. Also, if there was a genuine partnership contract that met certain criteria, the profits and losses can be allocated in accordance with the terms of the contract. A third example covers the situation in which excessive remuneration is paid to a shareholder and is re-characterised as a dividend. In this example, Sue and Peter are equal shareholders in ABC Ltd, with Sue working full time, while Peter stays home with the couple’s children, albeit he works 5 hours on the weekend cleaning the offices of ABC Ltd. Peter is paid the same $70,000 salary as Sue. The Commissioner would likely consider that Peter’s salary is significantly out of proportion to the services that he is providing to the company with the excess being treated as a dividend. The key difference being that a dividend is not deductible for ABC Ltd. All of the examples provided are at the somewhat obvious end of the scale which probably should have alarm bells ringing in any event. However if you fall into any of the examples given – you have been warned!

you could print your postage at home?

Don MacKenzie is a partner with Deloitte

Let’s just say you’re sending a lot of parcels. It occurred to us you could save yourself a lot of time by paying for and printing your postage on your computer at home, or work. That’s how we came up with print and post.

“There are a number of specific anti-avoidance measures ..... The difficulty has always been how to draw the line between what is allowed and what is not.”

Now, you can sort your postage when it suits you and drop it off at a PostShop or post box for sending. Better still, we’ve thought about other ways we can help you.

PST0423_A2

Find out more at nzpost.co.nz

LEISURE » The Remarkables Ski Area

Business South

Remarkables - ‘bigger, better, funner’! Skiing and snowboarding at Queenstown’s The Remarkables is better than ever before thanks to the investment in major developments unveiled for the 2014 season. In a significant multi-million dollar investment, the ski area has installed its much-anticipated Curvey Basin chairlift. The 1.2km high-speed, six-seater detachable lift starts at the bottom of the learner’s area at 1600m and rises to a top terminal at 1900m above sea level – just below the mountain’s ridgeline. A project of monumental proportions, the chairlift was installed by internationally renowned cable transport company Leitner Poma and has the capacity to carry 2400 passengers per hour. It’s exciting news for keen skiers and boarders who now have an additional 20% of new terrain to play on, including the wide new Curvey trail, and countless off-piste opportunities waiting to be explored. For advanced skiers and snowboarders, it’s now an easy hike or traverse in either direction to access the fantastic chutes and black-diamond runs that the high-alpine landscape of The Remarkables is known for. As well as opening up a wealth of new terrain, the top terminal has a spectacular view of the entire ski area extending down the valley to the Wakatipu Basin and across to Coronet Peak. The Remarkables Ice Bar located on the Curvey trail, is the perfect pit-stop to take in the view, rest the legs and quench the thirst. It offers hot food, cool drinks and comfortable bean bags to sit back, relax and re-charge the batteries for another run. Fifty new snow guns powered by an impressive new pump house are keeping the new runs topped up perfectly.

The new Curvey Basin lift has the capacity to carry 2400 passengers per hour. Mixed with the natural snow for which The Remarkables is renowned, the snowguns are sure to keep Curvey, Sugar and Shadow basins looking fabulous all season long.

Catering for increased numbers of skiers and boarders on the mountain, there are plenty of other exciting developments to improve accessibility and the guest experience. The bottom 4 kilometres of the access road has been sealed to help improve comfort and safety for guests, with the remainder due to be sealed over the next few years. The final section of the access road has been realigned with the last few sharp bends taken out completely and car parking areas have been expanded and improved. The learner’s area has been expanded to provide extra space for novice visitors ensuring the learning process is as easy as possible.

The new chairlift is already proving a major drawcard for everyone from loyal locals to international visitors, and next year the Curvey lift will be joined by a brand new, state-of-the-art base building. In the meantime, it’s good news for Mum and Dad - kids 10 and under receive free lift passes with an accompanying adult at The Remarkables, making that family holiday even more affordable. The Remarkables is a 45 minute drive from downtown Queenstown, and for those who prefer the comfort of 4WD buses, return transport is available via the Snowline Express, departing every 20 minutes from the central Queenstown Snow Centre. Hotel pickups are also available.

“The 1.2km high-speed, six-seater detachable lift starts at the bottom of the learner’s area at 1600m and rises to a top terminal at 1900m above sea level – just below the mountain’s ridgeline.”

Proud to be associated with Remarkables Site Development www.lytteng.co.nz

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info@labnz.co.nz

021 224 3200

Investing for growth New Zealand’s largest and oldest galvanising company CSP Coating Systems is heading towards another 50 years of successful operation with new owners determined to maintain the company’s position as New Zealand’s foremost steel protection specialist. CSP Coating Systems started operating from its Auckland facility in 1963, before purchasing the South Island’s biggest galvanizing plant in Christchurch in 1987. Today, the company is the most comprehensive nationwide steel coating operation in the country. CSP Coating Systems was purchased from Fletchers last year by four new directors, giving the company real local ownership. CSP Coating Systems South Island director Gavin Visser says the months immediately following the purchase, he and the other three directors set to work introducing new systems and infrastructure, before turning their attention towards marketing the business and looking at ways to improve operations and service capabilities. “Over the decades our team has successfully worked on numerous highprofile construction projects throughout New Zealand,” he says. “Our focus is to leverage off this solid platform and continue to achieve the highest standards in every aspect of our operations.” Consistent with the commitment to the business, a new galvanising bath was installed at the Christchurch site just before Christmas 2013, and is the largest in the South Island, says Visser.

“The new bath will allow us to work more efficiently and provide greater versatility to service individual customer needs,” he says. “We will continue to invest in additional plant to ensure our customers are provided with greater options when it comes to their steel protection needs.” A large part of CSP Coating Systems client process is helping them to understand how to present their products in a ‘galv-ready’ state. “When we get involved at the design stage, we can advise our clients of the requirements to galvanise and prepare their steel products,” Visser says. “This helps ensure a cost-effective and quality galvanised outcome.” The CSP Coating Systems team also offers advice on which of its wide range of steel protection treatments will perform best in any given environment. CSP Coating Systems constantly tests its galvanising process to maintain quality and to ensure it meets customers’ predetermined specifications. With its service offering already extended under the new ownership, Visser says the directors are continuing to look at new innovations. “In a competitive market we have to keep up with the latest technology and continue to train our staff to ensure we remain as industry leaders.” CSP Coating Systems core company value is based on the principle that its success comes from its people. The company regularly invests in training and has kept an extensive experience base within the company.

the most comprehensive steel coating operation in NZ

Phone: 03 348 8522 Call free: 0800 468 347

27 Washbournes Rd, Christchurch

www.cspcoatings.co.nz

For the love of pies

Fresh is best

The direct translation of Franz Lieber’s surname is ‘love’, which is something he puts into his food every day at his awardwinning businesses, Fairlie Bakehouse and Lieber Pies.

“Like the pies, all of our baked goods are made from scratch. We also have a little mill where we mill specialty flours that we use in our own products and sell to customers.”

Lieber starts work most days at 2am and is rarely home before 5pm, putting in a full eight hour shift at the pie factory, before doing another day’s work at the bakehouse.

Over time, Fairlie Bakehouse has evolved into a cafe-style operation. It also has a stylish courtyard where there is occasionally live music on a Sunday afternoon.

The results of all his hard work are evident in the companies’ highly sought after products which are made from scratch using the freshest ingredients, with no additives or preservatives. “I enjoy my job and working alongside my staff to produce quality products. I’m also lucky my wife Christine is very understanding about the long hours.” Lieber Pies are hugely popular with locals, visitors and tourists. The unusual sounding bacon and salmon pie is the brand’s biggest seller, with its hearty vegetable, smoked chicken with mushroom, mince and cheese, creamy free range chicken, rich beef mince, beef with mushroom and beef steak pies also popular. Lieber is also known to put his chef’s creativity to good use, creating new oneoff pie flavours when the mood strikes.

74 Main Street, Fairlie, New Zealand

03 685 6063

Fairlie Bakehouse sells a full range of breads and other baked goods, with its cronuts selling “exceptionally well”.

It was five years ago that Lieber, an internationally-trained, executive chef decided to give up working for hotels and restaurants in the Mackenzie District to start the companies, which won the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce ANZ People’s Choice awards for 2012 and 2013, as well as the Hospitality Award in 2013. “We were thrilled. The awards make all the long hours and hard work worth it.” Lieber was born in Austria but has been in New Zealand for over 30 years. He met his Australian wife Christine in Wellington. The couple had a holiday home in Fairlie which is why they decided to set up shop in the township. The companies employ around 20 staff including 11 full timers. Christine Leiber makes coffee at the bakehouse, and son-in-law Sam looks after the bakery operation when Lieber is at the pie factory. Growth of the thriving businesses averages around 60 percent each year. Lieber Pies are available from several outlets throughout South Canterbury and the Mackenzie District, and can be ordered by the dozen from the company’s website www.liebers.co.nz

Kiwi kitset crew crosses the Tasman When looking for a shed, barn, garage, or even a house or a commercial building, New Zealand owned and operated company Easy Building Systems is offering a wide range of kit set options for steel framed, portable buildings. Easy Building Systems was established by builder Simon Johnson in Dunedin early in 2013, and the company has now expanded into Australia. Easy Building Systems New Zealand sales manager Eric Bygate says the company has been built on a foundation of quality, service, and competitive prices. “With a history of building combined with our hybrid design and installation expertise, we’re capable of creating sheds, carports, barns, and many other structures of any size,” he says. Easy Building Systems can either provide a kit-set and leave its clients to install it, or it can act as a one-stop-shop for the duration of its clients’ builds. “We can take care of things like wind resistance, council fees, design challenges, excavation, delivery, installation, and laying of concrete slabs,” Bygate says. “If you think you might want to put something in a tricky area, we can help you work out the details.” Easy Building Systems provides three quotes, with a kit price, a slab price, and an installation price, so clients have the option to choose as many or as few services as they require. As the products are kitset, they are delivered anywhere in New Zealand for free, whether it’s the Bay of Islands or Bluff, and can be installed anywhere. If a standard design isn’t what you’re after, Easy Building Systems can build a shed, carport, garage, workshop, or barn to any size or specifications. “You can have custom drawings and

plans drawn up and emailed to you within minutes of requesting a quote.” The company is now offering accommodation kit set systems, with 7m x 3m and 7m x 6m buildings completely self-contained with bedroom(s), living area, kitchen, and bathroom. An Easy Building Systems building offers flexibility and future proofing with the ability to resell or relocate the building after it has been initially installed. As well as having the capabilities to install a new garage, carport, or barn, Easy Building Systems can also offer a range of labour services relating to building and installation of garages, sheds, carports, barns and other related structures. “If you’ve bought a shed and realised the install is going to be a bigger job than you thought, you might need some extra help,” Bygate says. “We can install any structures you might have, and give you advice on what else to get.” Easy Building Systems provides excavation services, and often lays concrete slabs for custom building projects, and can also construct car parks, helicopter landing pads, and any other area. With an easy to navigate website, Easy Building Systems’ intuitive online store is able to provide prices for kitset, installation, concreting, and council fees for certain products, all online instantly. “When you buy online, you don’t have to worry about council approval, engineering, installation, and the associated work that comes with managing them,” Bygate says. Easy Building Systems 0800 544 322 Easybuildingsystems.co.nz easybuildingsystems@gmail.com

Easy Building Systems provides three quotes, with a kit price, a slab price, and an installation price.

20m x 12m Steel Shed

Only $19,360 Terms and Conditions apply.

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We can build your shed, carport, garage, workshop or barn to any size or specifications. You can have custom drawings and plans drawn up and emailed to you within minutes of requesting a quote. Concrete slabs, excavation or special reinforcement required? No problem, we can include that too.

GARAGES

CARPORTS

As well as having the capabilities to install your new garage, carport or barn, we can also offer various labour services on their own. If you already have a shed and need it installed, require some concreting, or require excavation, we can do it, we can provide our services to you just give us a call.

BARNS

GARDEN SHEDS

COMMERCIAL

EASY ONLINE SALES

With our intuitive online store, we’re able to provide prices for kitset, installation, concreting and council fees for certain products, all online instantly. When you buy online, you don’t have to worry about council approval, engineering, installation and the associated work that comes with managing them.

ANIMAL SHELTER

CUSTOM JOBS

We service all of New Zealand, so feel free to contact us regarding any job. We can be contact by phone 7 days a week, through our email address, or through our live chat which is active during work hours.

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SOUTHERN LAKES » Shotover Country

Business South

Township targets entry-level buyers Kelly Deeks Queenstown property developers Grant and Sharyn Stalker are offering a solution to the lack of entry level housing in the area, with the decision to change the zoning of their land in the Lower Shotover township from lifestyle blocks to more intensive development. The result is Shotover Country, set in the spectacular rural Wakatipu landscape, and designed as an appealing ‘kiwi-style’ residential neighbourhood, offering working families the opportunity to purchase affordable sections for entry level housing close to Queenstown. “We started this process about six years ago, long before a lack of entry level housing was even the issue,” says Stalker. “But in recent times the issue has been highlighted for us. There is a lack of opportunities for young people in the district to get a foothold in the property market. “With the desirability of the location of our land and where it’s positioned in the Wakatipu basin, we saw better utilisation of the land. “We looked at what the options were for people to live in the district and to live a kiwi lifestyle. That was the driving force behind the development.” The Stalkers lodged a private plan change with the Queenstown District Council to rezone the land and headed into uncharted waters. It took five years to complete and cost $2 million. Shotover Country is set in an exceptional rural environment, backdropped by the Remarkables mountain range with spectacular views of the surrounding alpine region. The development offers year-round sun and is strategically located close to Queenstown International Airport, Frankton Village and the Remarkables Park shopping centre, Central Queenstown, and historic Arrowtown. Shotover Country is inspired by the legacy of the Lower Shotover township, a once thriving settlement with a closeknit community. A focal point of the Lower Shotover township was the little school which opened in 1870 serving an extensive part of the Wakatipu until 1942. Pupils travelled to the school from farms near Arrowtown and properties beyond the Kawarau River, from Tucker Beach, Lake Johnson, Morven Ferry Hill and Frankton. In more recent times the school was used as a shearing shed and has now been converted to a permanent residence. The original schoolhouse, which was occasionally used as a classroom when the school

Shotover Country is set in an exceptional rural environment with spectacular views of the surrounding alpine region. reached capacity, also remains in the same area today. Shotover Country’s Hicks Cottage was built in the 1870’s by Thomas Hicks who purchased the section the cottage stands on in 1872. The building is now derelict but its roof is still intact complete with original timber shingles, and it will be stabilised and protected as part of the Shotover Country development. The Ferry Hotel was the centre of the town’s social and community activity and has been relocated and restored as bed and breakfast accommodation on its new site on Spence Road, close to the historic Lower Shotover bridge, also recently restored and re-opened to foot and cycle traffic.

“We looked at what the options were for people to live in the district and to live a kiwi lifestyle. That was the driving force behind the development.” Residents of Lower Shotover originally travelled by punt to cross the Shotover River and later a bridge was opened to provide access. The piles of the bridge are still visible close to the new Lower Shotover Bridge which was opened in 1975. Stalker says people who choose Shotover Country as their address today will experience a strong sense of community, reflecting the spirit of

the Wakatipu pioneering families who made their homes on the same site many years ago. “Shotover Country is focused on providing a ‘kiwi-style’ healthy and outdoor lifestyle, particularly for young families,” he says. “ Healthy living is promoted and reserves, recreational grounds, biking and walking trails are all incorporated as an integral part of the development.”

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Business South

SOUTHERN LAKES » Shotover Country

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SHOTOVER COUNTRY

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Shotover Country is inspired by the legacy of the Lower Shotover township. A total of 850 lots are expected to be created at Shotover Country. Of those, 260 lots are either

under contract or sold. The first property titles were issued in December 2013, and construction of 64 houses has started with 20 dwellings completed and occupied. Construction of Shotover Primary School started in June this year, and is due to open in early 2015, catering for 650 to 850 year 1 to 8 pupils. For future development, an area of land has been provided for an early childhood education centre, and a learn to swim school. There is also about four hectares which is being zoned for a retirement village.

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An area of about one hectare has been commercially zoned and will eventually be the neighbourhood shopping centre. “Our vision is a cafe/dairy, restaurant, bakery/ food takeaway, maybe offices or hairdressers upstairs, for servicing the community,” Stalker says. “It will be a great hub around that area and will work well as the community grows.” Shotover Country section purchasers only require a building consent and there are very limited design controls. Deposit of 5% is on an unconditional contract, with the balance five working days after title on settlement.

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BUILDING » David Reid Homes Queenstown

10 |

Business South

Affordable luxury at Coneburn Ridge Jo Bailey Coneburn Ridge, an exciting cluster development of townhouses, duplex homes and a stand-alone luxury mid-sized house was recently released to the market by David Reid Homes Queenstown. The settlement is at Jack’s Point, just 15 minutes from Queenstown, a location recognised for providing “affordable luxury living” in the Wakatipu Basin, says general manager Abi Mackenzie, who took over the franchise with husband Fraser in 2011. “We’ve partnered with award-winning local designers to create intelligently designed homes that are affordable, durable and low maintenance, yet impressive and contemporary.” She says that Coneburn Ridge is a terraced site, with the homes designed to work cohesively together in a “village-style” to maximise the stunning views of both Coronet Peak and the Remarkables. “The homes have a mix of traditional pitched and modern mono-pitch rooflines, with staggered facades and varied building heights to ensure none of the homes block the others’ sunshine and views.” Natural materials such as cedar weatherboards and schist are used extensively throughout the development, with sustainable design ideas a key part of the building programme. Each home will have a thermally-broken floor; superior insulation including earth wool Batts, passive solar heating and cooling, and waterconserving appliances and fixtures. Polystyrene blocks in the walls of the adjoining townhouses and duplex homes will provide additional insulation and sound proofing. Bespoke interior fitting and high-end bathrooms and kitchens with quality appliances have also been incorporated into the designs, along with fireplaces in each home to provide a “cosy, alpine feel”. All have separate garaging. There was plenty of interest in the development at a launch evening held in late May by David Reid Homes Queenstown and its

The Coneburn Ridge development at Jack’s Point features a cluster of townhouses, duplex homes and a stand-alone luxury mid-sized house.

joint venture partner (another local development company). “Once the ski season kicks in we expect even more interest,” Abi MacKenzie says. “However we’re marketing Coneburn Ridge to a variety of different groups. “We see them as ideal ski homes, vacation

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Business South

BUILDING » David Reid Homes Queenstown

David Reid Homes Queenstown has built many impressive homes in the Wakatipu Basin, where it concentrates on the high end of the residential market.

homes for Aucklanders or Australians, or a great option for a retired couple or professional couple looking for a slightly smaller but really smart house with easy-care, natural landscaping.” Meanwhile in late August, David Reid Homes Queenstown will also open its brand new “modern rustic” show home to the market. “The new showhome is located at 10 Caithness Court, Jack’s Point and will replace our existing eco showhome which has received lots of positive feedback, but is now sold.” The new 247 square metre show home has four bedrooms, two living areas, open plan living and a two-car garage. “This home has a traditional alpine feel with modern, clean lines. “The interior has a lot of wood, including a rich oiled timber parquet floor. The exterior is clad in oiled cedar weatherboards with extensive use of stone features.” Energy efficiency technologies have again been incorporated throughout the showhome.

These include R5.0 insulation in the ceiling and internal walls; a thermally broken slab; thermally broken windows; an air-to-water under floor heating system; and gas fire. Otherwise, David Reid Homes has “plenty going on” in Queenstown’s high-end residential market with some “really beautiful homes” underway, says Abi Mackenzie. “About half our current builds are sited in Jack’s Point with the rest located around Queenstown or in the Dalefield area overlooking Lake Hayes. “We don’t build quite as many homes as some group home builders, as our focus is very much on high-end quality rather than on quantity.” Construction at Coneburn Ridge will get underway as soon as a couple of homes are sold off the plans, she says. “We are excited to progress this development to the next stage and also by the potential to do more of these sorts of cluster developments at Jack’s Point in the future.”

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12 |

BUILDING » Landmark Homes

Business South

The new Landmark Homes Queenstown showhome was opened in May at Caithness Court, Jack’s Point, Queenstown.

New showhome a real standout Kelly Deeks The establishment of a new Wanaka satellite office, followed just six months later by the completion of a new showhome in Queenstown, highlights the significant growth of Landmark Homes Central Otago since the franchise was purchased by Darryn Wilkie just over a year and a half ago. Wilkie is a qualified and experienced quantity surveyor Otago-born and raised.

He brings to his clients a sound knowledge of building in Queenstown combined with 13 years of practical building industry experience including accounts management and project management. He decided to join Landmark Homes being impressed by the company’s quality and calibre of plans. “I also liked the fact the owners are still very much involved in the business, after being around for about 36 years,” he says.

“It shows they have a passion for the industry and that they are still keen to work on growing the brand.” Landmark Homes Central Otago has “got some runs on the board” over the past 20 months, with eight medium- to high-spec homes completed since the business began, and another seven currently under construction. Increasing enquiry from Wanaka convinced Wilkie to open a satellite branch there in November last year, and he now has a new

home consultant there providing a timely and local service for Wanaka and Cromwell, while the main office in Queenstown handles enquiries from Queenstown and other parts of Central Otago and Southland. Company growth has also seen Wilkie take on a construction manager in the Queenstown office in February this year. The new Landmark Homes Queenstown showhome was opened in May at Caithness Court, Jack’s Point, Queenstown.

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BUILDING » Landmark Homes

Business South

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Two massive floor-to-ceiling raking windows in the master-bedroom and in the lounge take full advantage of the surrounding views,

A link to the Central Otago geography is exhibited with the use of a natural schist stone chimney for both the indoor and outdoor fireplaces, while the cedar cladding provides an alpine finish, with colours that blend with the environment. Wilkie says that the showhome is the easiest place for locals to go to check out the quality and style Landmark Homes Central Otago can offer its clients. The showhome was constructed from a specific design by Hofmans Architects in Arrowtown. Wilkie says the show home is showcasing a variety of features. “We’ve got a very functional, high quality family home, with excellent flow through between the kitchen, dining, and family rooms, and a separate lounge,” he says. Two massive floor-to-ceiling raking windows in the master-bedroom and in the lounge take full advantage of the surrounding views, while floorto-ceiling sliders in the dining room allow the sun to flood in to the home. The showhome features three large bedrooms

and a study, with the master bedroom complete with a fully customised walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite. A link to the Central Otago geography is exhibited with the use of a natural schist stone chimney for both the indoor and outdoor fireplaces. The cedar cladding is a modern, horizontal shiplap profile, providing a seamless look and an alpine finish, with colours that blend well with the environment. The loft space has been future-proofed with wiring, flooring, and floor insulation so that it can easily be transformed into another bedroom or playroom after being lined and painted. Landmark Homes Central Otago is now working on another new showhome design for Wanaka, this time designed by with Tab Architecture in Wanaka.

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14 |

BUILDING » Russell Lilley Group

Business South

At the heart of Rolleston community Jo Bailey

Russell Lilley Group works in both the residential and commercial sectors; below, the company is also involved in producing transportable homes.

Strong ties to the Rolleston community have the Russell Lilley Group perfectly placed to continue to play a significant part of the town’s development, remaining committed to the ongoing growth of this thriving part of Christchurch. Lilley has been living and working in Rolleston for the past 41 years, and even did his apprenticeship there at age 15. He started his business there at age 23, then known as Russell Lilley Building. Since then the company has expanded its services, and Lilley has expanded his business interests, and today Russell Lilley Construction is part of the wider Russell Lilley Group. While continuing with its mainstay business of house-and-land packages, design and build packages, and commercial construction projects, about eight years ago the group got involved in the transportable homes market, wanting to provide a series of thoughtfully-designed plans, designed to produce robust transportable homes which were both cost-effective and highly functional. “Built onsite at our Christchurch yard our transportable homes, which can be delivered anywhere in the South Island, offer affordable housing options without compromising on quality,” Lilley says. “Fittings can be customised and upgraded to suit the individual needs of each client, with the total package including everything from door hardware, mirrors, towel rails, and toilet roll holders to plumbing and electrical fittings, bathroom vanities and fully equipped kitchens.” Following the Canterbury earthquakes, the Russell Lilley Group started a specialist foundation division called CRM Contracting, installing everything from traditional concrete foundations to the latest RibRaft Waffle floating foundations,

Ashton Wheelans gladly support Russell Lilley Group for all their business advisory and taxation needs admin@ashtonwheelans.co.nz

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Business South

BUILDING » Russell Lilley Group / Watson Building Company

| 15

Delivering the best in quality Kelly Deeks

Russell Lilley Group has worked on many projects in Rolleston, where Lilley was one of the first nine original developers to start the town’s development in the late 1990’s. a technology being utilised frequently throughout Christchurch following the earthquakes. As Christchurch’s construction industry and deconstruction industry ramped up following the earthquakes, the Russell Lilley Group was finding it increasingly difficult and expensive to secure scaffolding, so bought some of its own and started its own scaffolding and security fencing division. Security fencing in 2.2m wide by 2m high sections is available for hire, and the group also offers an innovative, safety-oriented roof edge protection system which increases construction site safety without the use of commercial scaffolding. Today the Russell Lilley Group is involved in many subdivision projects, mainly in Rolleston, where Lilley was one of the first nine original developers to start the town’s development in the late 1990’s. “We had to build our own sewer company and

water works company and then went from there,” he says. “Now The Russell Lilley group has a share in Rolleston’s shopping centres and owns the Rolly Inn.” Lilley says he is very community minded, and a huge rugby fanatic. “Rugby is my main passion,” he says. “I’ve been to just about every All Black game, and every Canterbury game.” To bring rugby to the local community, with exAll Black and Rolleston resident Tiny Hill on board, Lilley started the Rolleston Rugby Club and built the clubrooms. Development in Rolleston continues with the Russell Lilley Group currently building three house and land packages on a quarter acre subdivided lot, a 12-unit motel complex called Rolleston Highway Motels, and about to start a 25-section subdivision which will offer both house and land packages and sections.

“Fittings can be customised and upgraded to suit the individual needs of each client, with the total package including everything from door hardware, mirrors, towel rails, and toilet roll holders to plumbing and electrical fittings, bathroom vanities and fully equipped kitchens.”

Residential construction business Watson Building Company has built its success from applying the same high standards of quality to all of its projects, whether it be a home in a new subdivision or a high spec architecturally designed home. Watson Building managing director Peter Watson says he has never compromised on quality in the 28 years since he started building. “I know our standard of quality is why we’ve got where we are,” he says.

“The projects we work on are normally fairly high-spec, and that demands high quality workmanship and a high skill set as well. “We like to do things the same way so we take that into the smaller jobs as well.” He says one of the residential building industry’s biggest failings currently is that some companies don’t offer a consistent product. “The quality on different projects can be vastly different. Ours isn’t, and that’s the reason we have many referrals and customers coming back time and again.” • to page 16

Watson Building Company guarantees the highest quality standards.

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16 |

BUILDING » Watson Building Company

Business South

Watson Building Company works on many top-end architecturally designed homes, bringing a quality finish to everything it does.

Delivering the best in quality • from page 15 Peter Watson says he is still very much on the tools, still enjoying building quality houses and running all Watson Building projects himself, seeing everything the company turns out. Watson Building now has a team of five staff, including his wife Karen in the office, who is of course, the main part of the business. Watson has to ensure his standards of quality are upheld by all his staff, and as the company grows he ensures that new staff are on the same page as himself when it comes to quality and timing. In the beginning Watson was a one man band, with vast experience in New Zealand and

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abroad from shop fitting to commercial builds and everything in between. He initially completed contracts for housing companies, and says that experience proved people wanting to build a house didn’t want to be left in the dark about the details of their project. So when he started working for his own private clients, he decided to run an open book policy so his clients can see exactly where their money is being spent if this is what they prefer. He also ensures his clients are involved in their projects to the level they want to be involved, and are kept informed all the way through. Watson Building offers a design and build service with many plans been created by local design company Creative Habitatz.

Contact: Jeremy Chan, Director M 021 880 883 P 03 343 0986 F 03 343 0987 jeremychan@calca.co.nz 50 Riccarton Road PO Box 2123, Christchurch 8011

“The projects we work on are normally fairly high-spec, and that demands high quality workmanship and a high skill set as well. We like to do things the same way so we take that into the smaller jobs as well.” The relationship is a two way street, with Watson Building the go to building company for constructing Creative Habitatz’ turn key projects. Watson Building has a loyal base of existing clients from the Waimakariri to the Selwyn district, including property developers and clients with both residential and light commercial projects for the

company to tackle, and even some EQC and concrete repairs for existing clients in recent years. Watson says there is scope for future growth of Watson Building, as the company has never been short of work so he knows it is doing a good job, but it will come down to being able to get the best possible staff.

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Business South

BUILDING » Copland Building

| 17

Versatility lends strength to team Kelly Deeks Dunedin’s Copland Building is a residential and commercial construction company with a broad range of skills on staff, allowing the company to complete a wide variety of different projects from townhouses, to large architecturally designed homes, to commercial builds. Licensed Building Practitioner and Certified Builder Jared Copland started his company as a one-man-band back in 2009. His high standards, quality workmanship, and effective communication style enabled him to grow the business, taking on a new staff member every year. He now has six staff, and three foremen each with a different background of construction experience. “One of my foremen is experienced in heavy commercial work, one in high-spec architectural homes, and another in medium-range housing work,” he says. “I’m able to assign them to jobs according to their individual strengths, and I’ve also been able to give each one experience in other areas, giving them the ability to take on more work.” Copland Building’s philosophy is one of building excellence, and the company takes pride in being reliable, tidy, and committed to environmentally friendly building practices. Copland Building tailors its services to meet the unique needs of its clients.

“Whether they require consultation, labour, or a full build, we consult carefully to understand our clients’ vision and deliver to deadline,” Copland says. Copland Building has built strong trade relationships with its suppliers over the past five years, which help the company to achieve the best outcome for its clients. It has also built some strong relationships with architects around Dunedin, after building its biggest architecturally designed home three years ago which really broke the company into the architectural homes market, bringing new enquiries and new projects to price. Copland Building recently completed another architecturally designed home in Dunedin from Queenstown-based architecture firm Kerr & Ritchie. The 220sqm home was built on the edge of a cliff face on Portobello Road, which runs along the edge of the harbour. While it wasn’t a large building, the tricky site required a lot of planning to be put in to the project. Copland says his company has had previous experience in hill building, but a cliff face build is a different story from a hill build. “The whole house cantilevers over the edge of the cliff,” he says. “The project began with about three weeks of breaking through rock so we could get the structure in place and pin the building into the rock.”

This 220sqm home was built on the edge of a cliff face on Portobello Road.

Very limited access on the site meant Copland Building had to be on the ball with ordering materials, making sure the orders were precisely what was needed for that week’s work, and that there was space available on site to keep the materials. Materials would arrive on a truck and be

craned out over the edge of the 6.5m wide building and into place. One of the standout features of the building is its reverse run Colorsteel wall cladding, helping to create a new dimension for the unusual looking building with enhanced aesthetic appeal and a flat profile.

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18 |

BUILDING » Niveau Pools & Construction

Business South

Pool specialist widens its services Kelly Deeks Christchurch’s Niveau Pools and Construction has upskilled, and restructured its services, to allow the company to become more involved in fulfilling all of its customers’ needs. With swimming pool and spa pool construction a mainstay for the company, its services now also include landscaping - small to heavy - change and plant rooms, summer houses, pergolas, entrance ways, excavation, and much more. Niveau Pools and Construction is a family business, established by Tony van Kekem in 1985. It was initially a civil construction company for about five years until van Kekem expanded the company’s expertise and ventured into the swimming pool construction market. Tony’s son Dion has now taken over the on-site task management and running of new projects. Tony Van Kekem is passionate about the family business and keen to build the company’s future. He is also a qualified carpenter and his pursuit for excellence is driven by putting the customer’s needs first and working to gain success in every endeavour. Van Kekem says that Niveau Pools and Construction has a recognised reputation as one of the country’s leading pool and construction companies. He says the company takes a personal interest in its customers’ needs and desires to create a comfortable and suitable indoor or outdoor entertainment area, whether building a residential or large-scale commercial pool. Niveau Pools and Construction specialises in concrete pools using the latest shotcrete technology, and is also able to construct pools using other specified materials. Van Kekem says that custom-made concrete spa pools are now becoming very much an essential part of any indoor/outdoor water entertainment area. Niveau Pools and Construction works with its clients to construct and design, if needed, a spa pool to fulfill their needs and desires and incorporate any features they would like to build into their specific spa experience. The company has also been involved in the development of many residential, public, and commercial landscaping projects in Christchurch.

Niveau Pools and Construction has a recognised reputation as one of the country’s leading pool and construction companies.

It has developed machinery and skill to deal with most landscaping projects. “Our company is particularly accomplished in developing swimming pool projects with surrounding fencing, block work, small buildings, planters, outdoor entertainment areas, water features, and other landscaping aspects incorporated in our clients’ specific projects.” “We have been directly contracted to local councils with many of their public access projects, park and reserve works and other related civil works for more than 20 years. “These projects continue to advance us into new and exciting aspects of the construction industry and it is undoubtedly an important asset

“We have been directly contracted to local councils with many of their public access projects, park and reserve works and other related civil works for more than 20 years.” to our ever increasing skill and ability levels.” As a construction company, Niveau Pools and Construction has worked for and alongside development companies to construct innovative and outstanding entranceways, and has also been involved in other specific projects for their aesthetic and foundational needs.

With fully qualified carpenters on staff, Niveau Pools and Construction has also been engaged in house building projects and seen them through to completion to the highest standard. While it is not the main focus for the company, it is nevertheless an important asset to the company’s abilities.

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Temporary address: 223 Brougham Street

• CCTV Drain Inspections • Hydro Blasting • Root Cutting • New Housing • Alterations & Repairs • Commercial Drainage • Excavation

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Can provide you with the following services SUBDIVISIONS • BULK EARTHWORKS • LAND CLEARING • SHINGLE & SOIL SCREENING WOOD GRINDER FOR STUMPS AND LOGS WHICH CAN BE USED FOR CALF BEDDING DAIRY CONVERSIONS AND DAIRY LANES • HEAVY HAULAGE

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Business South

BUILDING » Niveau Pools & Construction

Niveau Pools and Construction specialises in concrete pools using the latest shotcrete technology, and is also able to construct pools using other specified materials.

Niveau Pools and Construction has also been involved in doing pile driving for more than five years, specifically in the construction of timber piling with lengths ranging from 2 metres to 6 metres and from 100mm round to 250mm in diameter. “We can do piling for residential housing, pedestrian and vehicle access bridges, commercial buildings and for many more structural, fencing and display applications,” van Kekem says. “We have leading expertise in pile driving through swamps, marshlands, and sandy areas.

“By using steel beam structures and driving upon the piles, we are able to work our way through the wet, and even sandy, areas to achieve the desired structures.” To be a leading specialist in its field, Niveau Pools and Construction sets going the extra mile as the standard and it looks to hand over a finished product that far exceeds the client’s expectations. It is the understanding that “another happy customer” is all the advertising the company needs that continues to drive its precision and quality work.

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 Niveau Pools & Construction Contact Niveau Pools on 03 3296 098 for a free quote. www.waterheating.co.nz

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20 |

BUILDING » The Builders

Business South

Arrowtown firm enjoys growth phase Jo Bailey The former manager of high-profile tourism business, Kawarau Bungy Centre has taken on a new position with up-and-coming Arrowtownbased building firm, The Builders. In February, Richard Mackley became general manager of The Builders, which was founded by owner Andy McRae in 2006. “Leaving a high-profile role was a risk,” says Mackley. “However I was motivated by the opportunity to provide management support to a business at the start of an exciting growth curve. It was time for a fresh challenge.”

Mackley and McRae have known each other for several years. But it wasn’t until October last year that a “chat over dinner” led to the possibility of them working together. “The business had grown to the point where management support was needed so Andy could continue to be hands-on in its day-to-day operation and maintain close client contact. “It made sense to start looking at the wider picture.” As general manager, Mackley says his focus is to continue to diversify The Builders’ portfolio of work, and cement recognition of the brand in the local market, particularly when it comes to luxury homes.

“We’ve built a couple of very nice executive homes in Queenstown in the last year and are currently working on a highly-specced home in the prestigious Bendemeer semi-rural development near Arrowtown. “Our teams enjoy the opportunity to apply the highest levels of craftsmanship required for these projects and to work with the unique and often expensive products they utilise.” The Builders also operates in the renovation, civil and light commercial markets. Requests for references for completed premium It recently won a two-year contract to supply residential, commercial and special projects welbuilding works to Queenstown District Council. come “The Council owns around 100 structures in Site Certiﬁed. theSafety Southern Lakes district that we are providing Over 40 yrs combined tile installation experience

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preventative maintenance and building works for. It’s one of the ways we’re diversifying the portfolio and increasing brand awareness as people see our trucks and branding in the community.” The Builders also has some light commercial fit-out work in Queenstown coming up and is exploring opportunities for similar projects in Wanaka. In May the company launched a new website, which highlights its full range of services and profiles many of its recent projects. Mackley says the Queenstown construction sector has picked up following a dip due to the global financial crisis.

Business South

BUILDING » The Builders

| 21

The Builders has an impressive portfolio of work to its name, including several high-end houses in the Queenstown Lakes district.

“During this time The Builders worked on a significant contract with Vodafone, putting up rural cell phone towers throughout the South Island. This work kept the team busy when the housing market was tight.” The company’s owner Andy McRae is a Licensed Building Practitioner with over 20 years building experience. He grew up in rural Southland and did his apprenticeship with Amalgamated Builders in Dunedin before moving to the UK with his wife Angela where he ran a building company. On their return to New Zealand, the couple

settled in Arrowtown, and established The Builders, which has grown steadily to now employ 10 staff. The company is a member of Site Safe and CBANZ, with its key foremen also Licensed Building Practitioners. “The way the business is growing I’d say we’ll soon reach around 15 to 17 staff, which would be optimal. “When you focus on the high end of the residential market it’s important not to grow too big in order to maintain a close liaison with clients and deliver the premium quality and finishing these projects require.”

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Arrowtown, Southern Lakes 03 442 0387

info@taylormadeplumbing.co.nz www.taylormadeplumbing.co.nz

22 |

BUILDING » Inside Out Building Services / Foreshore Construction

Business South

Jetty construction Inside Out - building hope as well as houses specialist at home in Marlborough Kelly Deeks

Dunedin’s Inside and Out Building Services is a professional home renovation company offering new living environments to its clients, and new lives to its employees. The company was established in January 2013 by qualified and licensed builder Brent Phillips. Phillips grew up in Wellington and had a troubled young life, with time spent on the police’s radar and in and out of jail. His final sentence was 13 years ago when a judge ordered him to complete a residential rehabilitation course at Moana House in Dunedin. The course set Phillips on a path to turn his life around, and on completing it he realised he needed to get some value on himself. Having worked on and off in the building industry since age 15, Phillips took himself to polytech to gain further education and formalise his qualifications. He completed an adult apprenticeship then landed a job in construction for Calder Stewart, where he spent the next six years. He was then asked to return to Moana House to teach the return to work programme that had been so successful in his own life. After teaching adult male offenders for a couple of years, Phillips realised if he ran his own business, he would be able to offer people like himself the opportunity to learn a trade and keep out of trouble. He started Inside and Out Building Services with one apprentice, and has grown the company in just over a year and now employs one qualified builder, three apprentices, and a general labourer. With extensive building experience on the team, all work is completed to trade standards with quality guarantees in place, including guaranteed customer satisfaction. Phillips says Inside and Out Building Services gets a lot of its work from referrals. A a common recommendation will include the fact that, while the guys may not look the best with tattoos and all, they do the work they say, in the time they say, for the price they say. “We haven’t had any complaints yet,” Phillips says. “It’s hard for any builder to gain that level of trust with their clients, so as company director I meet with the clients first and do all the quoting. We have a professional attitude and our clients pick up on that.” Inside and Out Building Services has created its own culture to offer a new and successful life on the outside to its employees. Phillips says he needs to offer something pretty special for these guys to leave their old lifestyles behind them. “If you’re involved in a gang or something you can make money pretty easily, sure you can lose

it easily too, but I needed to turn their thinking around to value money,” he says. “I make them earn their money hard, and by the time they get home they’re tired and too stuffed to get into trouble.” The company has a touch team and all the guys are involved and love rugby. They even play with local detectives whose interest in them these days is merely sporting in nature. Currently Inside and Out Building Services can provide a full range of construction services to residential and commercial sectors from planning to completion from new builds to decks, roofing, renovations, extensions, and landscaping services. Phillips’ next goal is to go back to polytech to study architecture so he can add design services to the company. He has been interested in architecture from a young age, completing technical drawing at school. He says one thing he learned from his rehabilitation course was “you can never have too much education”. He plans to return to polytech next year.

As company director I meet with the clients first and do all the quoting. We have a professional attitude and our clients pick up on that.”

Kelly Deeks Sixty years after helping build his first jetty on his parents’ Tennyson Inlet property in the Marlborough Sounds, Neville McCallum has refined the process and today provides a complete solution for all foreshore structural needs and individual jetty design options. The McCallum family has a history of more than 150 years serving rural Marlborough, initially in cartage, bringing timber from the Cook Straight to build one of the region’s first big homesteads, then in agricultural contracting. McCallum has continued this family tradition with his business Foreshore Construction Marlborough Limited, which was established in 2000 as a commercial jetty construction company. He used the experience gained after helping his parents build a jetty from rock and concrete in 1954 - which is still standing – to construct his own jetty on his Four Fathom Bay property during the slow winter months when the family farm-stay business was quiet. Three other land owners in the bay also wanted a jetty, and Foreshore Construction was born.

The company’s services now include jetties, boat sheds, walls, building foundations, marinas, plumbing and water tank systems, earthworks, designs, engineering, and resource consents and hearings. McCallum is vocal on the point of compliance costs, saying when his clients are paying about 30 percent of the cost of their jetty for compliance, something must be wrong with the system. “It wasn’t too bad when I started commercial jetty building in 2000, but in the past eight or nine years the costs have really started to take off with council fees and engineer fees,” says McCallum. “In the old days you could present a plan to council yourself. “The engineer at council would decide whether it was safe and could be built. “Now the council doesn’t even have an engineer.” McCallum pushes the point that increasing compliance costs are stopping production and development in the community. “You can see that when people who may have been prepared to spend $100,000 locally suddenly walk off the job because the compliance costs are too high.”

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Business South

BUILDING » Foreshore Construction Marlborough

| 23

Foreshore Construction’s services include jetties, boat sheds, walls, building foundations, marinas, plumbing and water tank systems, earthworks, designs, and engineering

Foreshore Construction now employs McCallum’s son and grandson, and his plumber grandson-in-law is now also helping out to provide all plumbing requirements on various projects. The McCallums work in an interesting environment and some pretty harsh conditions in the Marlborough Sounds, travelling up to as far as D’Urville Island and sometimes tackling 4 metre high seas to get home. With the commercial boats helping to get them to these difficult-to-access locations and building sites, and a 16-tonne bulldozer, Foreshore Construction completes house

foundations on some rough hill sites, putting in piles and bearers and enabling builders to start their building work. McCallum says around 30 percent of Foreshore Construction’s work is repairs to old jetties, which often involve demolishing part or all of the jetty and rebuilding it. He says that Foreshore Construction is currently seeing a rise in demand for floating pontoons. These are being chosen over fixed jetties as they eliminate the need to carry out ongoing jetty repairs, and can cater for any size boat from a dinghy to a 60-foot launch.

“It wasn’t too bad when I started commercial jetty building in 2000, but in the past eight or nine years the costs have really started to take off with council fees and engineer fees.”

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24 |

BUILDING » Recall NZ

Business South

Recall expands Christchurch facility Kelly Deeks Information management company Recall New Zealand has expanded its Christchurch records and archives storage facility, situated at Dakota Park at Christchurch International Airport. The 2000sqm expansion adds another third to the size of Recall’s Christchurch facility, expanding its physical storage space that also contains temperature and humidity controlled vaults which are all fire rated and equipped with state of art detection and alarm systems. The expansion is in response to the increasing demand in the region from businesses with a highly developed sense of information security, disaster recovery and business continuity. Recall is a massive, international business with approximately 3500 employees spread over 23 countries. It provides businesses and other organisations with complete control over their information with an integrated approach to securely managing physical and digital information assets. The company operates in four main lines of business: physical document storage; secure destruction of documents; a digital business which has the ability to transfer physical documents to a range of digital formats as well as managing workflow; and a data protection business which stores tapes and backs up information in a variety of ways tailored to suit small to large business enterprises. Recall New Zealand’s general manager, Paul Flatt, says because the company works on a standard operating platform it operates essentially the same across the world. “Every item is bar coded or radio frequency ID (RFID) tagged, and our processes and procedures around all the relevant secure destruction and archiving protocols throughout the world are secure and robust. “We know how to retrieve the information and return it, giving people the security of knowing their information and assets are stored safely and securely.” Flatt says the way people are using information

The 2000sqm expansion has added another third to the size of Recall New Zealand’s Christchurch facility. in business is changing, and with that change Recall’s digital business is growing. “Physical document storage has always been a big part of our business, but now more people want to access and store that information in a digital format,” he says. “The Christchurch market is very much in tune with disaster recovery and continuity planning, and today people are much more aware of the need to manage their information (both physical and

“The Christchurch market is very much in tune with disaster recovery and continuity planning, and today people are much more aware of the need to manage their information to protect from everyday events.”

SPECIALISTS IN PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT FULL HR SERVICES Proud to Support Recall New Zealand

electronic) to protect from everyday events. “These can include such things as servers failing through to the possibility of more significant events where easy access to information stored on site is not always possible, and then how to recover and store that information. “We’ve added staff to our Christchurch facility in the past 18 months to accommodate the growth of our digital and data protection business.” The facility’s expansion, which was completed at the end of July, was originally planned to take place in a few years’ time , but the growth in Christchurch region, particularly post earthquakes saw that plan moved forward.

Recall New Zealand’s Christchurch facility was built at the newly developed area near the Christchurch International Airport called Dakota Park on Ron Guthrey Road following the September 2010 earthquake. The freshly poured concrete pad was cracked in the September earthquake, and the build had to be restarted, but the result was one of the best of Recall’s facilities around the world. Flatt says Recall is committed to Christchurch and Canterbury, and this latest investment into its facility will provide the company with more capacity, a wider regional reach and allow it to grow with its Canterbury clients.

Our major areas of work include: • Electrical for Mechanical Services • Electrical Servicing and Maintenance • Commercial and Industrial Contracting

Proud to be associated with Recall New Zealand

Phone 03 365 7077 Fax 03 365 4638 www.melray.co.nz

ryan.co.nz

Ryan Recruitment Limited | t: 03 365 0294 | e: mail@ryan.co.nz

J.B.Joinery Ltd J B Joinery Ltd are proud to support the team at Recall New Zealand For all commercial & residential joinery contact J B Joinery Ltd

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

18 Hands Road, Addington PO Box 6062, Christchurch

Ph 03 338 4159 Fx 03 338 9998

Business South

BUILDING » Recall NZ

| 25

Recall New Zealand’s Christchurch facility was built at the newly developed Dakota Park industrial area near Christchurch International Airport.

Orix ready for growth With the Christchurch rebuild gearing up over the next year or so, many businesses in the Canterbury region will be looking for innovative ways to capitalise on the inherent growth opportunities that this will produce. Releasing valuable capital tied up in non income generating assets, while maximising the efficiency and value of your company’s vehicle fleet, are highly effective methods of increasing the amount of capital available for the expansion of profitable income streams. Vehicle leasing, with its inherent advantages in removing initial capital costs and allowing structured and flexible monthly payment terms, offers significant advantages to businesses looking to grow while simplifying ongoing vehicle management. Prominently located at 115 Moorhouse Avenue in Christchurch, ORIX New Zealand has over 25 years experience in providing vehicle leasing, asset finance and fleet management to the Canterbury and Southland markets. Part of ORIX Corporation Japan, ORIX is one of the world’s oldest

and largest non-bank finance organisations with operations in over 34 countries. ORIX New Zealand has extensive experience working with a wide cross section of New Zealand businesses, from single vehicle sole traders, to large multinationals with hundreds of vehicles. ORIX is able to leverage on this wealth of experience to provide an intelligent and tailored financial solution that will provide immediate benefits to any businesses, big or small. With a range of lease and fleet management products on offer, from traditional fully maintained operating and finance lease arrangements, to new innovations such as Novated Leasing for enhanced employee salary packaging, ORIX has the product portfolio and experience to add demonstrable value to any business. ORIX New Zealand is ideally positioned to enhance your businesses vehicle operations and financial position. ORIX New Zealand 03 353 1900 www.ORIX.co.nz

We know Christchurch Driving Christchurch and Recall New Zealand with unique Lease and Finance Solutions

Vehicle Lease Fleet Management Novated Lease Used Vehicle Sales Fleet Management Equipment Finance Fuel Card Truck & Trailer Lease Rent-a-Car To find out about a solution for your business contact us at www.ORIX.co.nz or 0800 50 6749

26 |

BUILDING » Mike Greer Homes

Business South

Housing plan has exciting potential Kelly Deeks Residential construction company Mike Greer Homes is aiming to build 1000 houses a year, a goal that will be more achievable thanks to a new joint-venture manufacturing enterprise which will prefabricate wall, floor, and roof panels, and potentially halve build times. Mike Greer Homes has entered into a $14 million, 50/50 joint-venture partnership with Spanbild Holdings, to create NZ Panelised Buildings. The company has a 500sqm factory under construction in Rolleston. Mike Greer Homes chief executive Richard McEwan says that German technology combined with Spanbild’s proven manufacturing capability and Mike Greer Homes’ design creativity and experience will be a “game changer” for the New Zealand housing market. Walls, floors and roof panels will be wholly constructed in the factory with insulation, cabling, plumbing, and plastering included, for any type of building from a simple twobedroom house, to classrooms, right up to architecturally designed commercial buildings. When construction is completed in December, NZ Panelised Buildings’ 5000sqm factory will need a staff of about 75 to churn out the panels for 1000 prefabricated homes a year. These will be marketed by Mike Greer Homes and Versatile Home and Buildings.

• To page 30

26 Belfast Rd, Belfast, Christchurch. Ph 323-8887.

Moore Stephens Markhams has been supporting Christchurch business for more than 100 years and is proud to be associated with Mike Greer Homes. T (03) 379 6710 /ChristchurchAccountants Moore Stephens Markhams is a network of independent firms that are each members of Moore Stephens International Limited – member firms in principal cities throughout the world.

www.moorestephensmarkhams.co.nz

Enjoy Rinnai Warmth and Style in your Mike Greer Home. More than 8kW of heat output from the new Rinnai Evolve 950 gas �ire will help make your new home the warm friendly place you want it to be. Choice of burn media options and frames will re�lect your style while features like thermostatic control, a set and forget dual timer and a child lock on the remote give you all the reassurance you want. Simply Heat has the new Rinnai Evolve 950 and more than 30 working gas �ires in their showroom, plus heat pumps, wood burners, water heaters and central heating systems give you the largest range of choices in New Zealand.

Serious about Success

Business South

BUILDING Âť Mike Greer Homes

Mike Greer Homes is aiming to build 1000 houses a year, a goal that will be more achievable with the establishment of a new joint-venture manufacturing enterprise.

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BUILDING » Mike Greer Homes

Business South

Mike Greer Homes is a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council, and is subject to ratings from Homestar and Lifemark Design Standards.

Find out why Mike Greer Homes choose us for all their Flooring needs.

Telephone: (03) 348-0639 or

0800 4 CARPET

(0800 422 773) 147 Blenheim Road (Matipo Street cnr)

www.theflooringcentre.co.nz

Best price guaranteed

“ Smeg appliances, the home of great design Standard in all Mike Greer Homes ”

www.smeg.co.nz

Read More Online VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.waterfordpress.co.nz FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS

BUILDING » Mike Greer Homes

WHAT IS IT? A 16mm thick horizontal weatherboard with deep shadow lines. Scyon® Linea® Weatherboard is the weatherboard that weathers well.

WHERE DO YOU USE IT? In residential applications wherever a contemporary design is required, including external walls in composite construction, upper-storey and ground-level extensions, and internal feature walls.

WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS? DESIGN OPTIONS. The 16mm thick profile creates consistent deep shadows. The range of corner finishing details – aluminium, PVC or Scyon® Axent™ Trim – means that a range of different looks can be achieved. Face or concealed fixing rounds out the options. The boards are available in 3 widths – 135, 150 and 180mm.

LOW MAINTENANCE. Scyon® Linea® Weatherboard will maintain its integrity and general appearance1. Scyon® Linea® Weatherboard will resist shrinking, swelling and cracking1 to hold paint longer. Scyon® Linea® Weatherboard pioneers James Hardie’s breakthrough Scyon® material technology, allowing for enhanced durability and stability and can be painted in any colour.

ENHANCES ENERGY EFFICIENCY. When Scyon® Linea® Weatherboard is used with the right insulation and in accordance with Clause H1 of the New Zealand Building Code, an R-Value of up to 2.2 can be achieved for the wall.

EXTRA SECURITY. James Hardie provides a 25 year product warranty on Scyon® Linea® Weatherboard. MADE FROM SCYON.® Linea® Weatherboard is made from Scyon,® the advanced lightweight cement composite with heavy-duty performance. Not only is it resistant to fire and moisture damage from rot1, but it can also be gun nailed and is easy to cut. When installed and maintained correctly and to the extent set out in James Hardie’s published literature current at the time of installation.

For more information ASK JAMES HARDIE on 0808 808 868 or visit jameshardie.co.nz

30 |

BUILDING » Mike Greer Homes

Business South

Mike Greer Homes committed to rebuild • From page 26 Mike Greer Homes was first established in Christchurch 20 years ago, and now has branches throughout Canterbury, and also the West Coast, Wanaka, and Auckland. Now New Zealand’s leading supplier of house-and-land packages, they make up about 80% of the company’s business. Mike Greer Homes sold 799 houses last year, 92% of those in the wider Canterbury region. It currently has 460 houses and 360 house and land packages under construction.

McEwan says Mike Greer Homes’ success can be attributed to Greer’s own drive and vision, daring to be different, and providing homes that are warm, inviting, and are full of flair. As a local company, Mike Greer Homes has an unshakeable commitment to the rebuild of Canterbury. McEwan says immediately after the earthquakes, Mike Greer Homes set aside its new home focus for a year, moving a large part of its workforce to emergency repair work.

“That has been a key driver behind Mike Greer Homes getting involved in a number of subdivisions that are focused on affordable housing, and our team of designers providing smarter designs.” The company now has its sights set on filling the enormous need for new housing in Canterbury, and in particular, new affordable housing. “That has been a key driver behind Mike Greer Homes getting involved in a number of subdivisions that are focused on affordable housing, and our team of designers providing smarter designs,” McEwan says. “We’re accessing those subdivisions to build our houses earlier. “-We have encouraged the council to provide a product the market needs, and are now building our houses in line with subdivision road construction, rather than waiting for the whole subdivision to be finished.” Mike Greer Homes is a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council, and is subject to ratings from Homestar and Lifemark Design Standards. The company currently has a show home on Berwick Street in St Albans with an 8

Homestar rating, which requires whole house sustainability, including selection of materials, orientation of the house to the sun, as well as how it responds to the natural environment and how it fits within a community, such as its proximity to public facilities. Steps also need to be taken to generate onsite electricity supplied from renewable energy, such as from photovoltaic solar panels or solar or heat pump water heaters. The Berwick Street show home includes sustainable features such as LED lighting throughout, additional insulation, and double glazing. There is also a rainwater harvesting system, collecting up to 2000 litres for toilet and washing use, and a grey water recycling system to clean up water suitable for vegetable garden irrigation. Environmentally friendly materials were used including Strand Floors, gib board, New Zealand Steel roof, and low VOC paints, glues, and sealants.

kamomarsh LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Award-winning Landscape Architects Landscape planning, Design and Project Management Level 2/71 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch P: (03) 366 8181 W: www.kamomarsh.co.nz

“ Proudly supplying Mike Greer Homes for over 10 years ”

Unit 3/97e Sawyers Arms Rd, Papauni phone: 352 3210 email: info@simplysigns.co.nz web: www.simplysigns.co.nz

Jake Lewis 021 415 426 www.entireelectrical.co.nz Specializing in New Home Wiring

Proud to support Mike Greer Homes

BUILDING » Mike Greer Homes

Business South

Mike Greer Homes sold 799 houses last year, 92% of those in the wider Canterbury region.

www.minstone.co.nz • Pure Stone / Schist Light Weight Veneer Cladding for Walls, Fences, Fire Places etc • Stone / Schist Letter Boxes • Stone / Schist Pillars • Slate Tiles & Paving Email: minstone.nz@gmail.com Phone: 0800 373 3420

Giovanni tiles can be located at ALL Carpet Court Stores Nation Wide

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Proudly Supporting Mike Greer Homes 291 Dyers Road. Bromley, Christchurch

t: 03 373 6049 e: info@dyersroaditm.co.nz

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NELSON FOCUS » Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce

Business South

Celebrating region’s achievements Jo Bailey The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce (NTCC) is preparing for two major events on its annual calendar that will inform and inspire local business owners and celebrate their successes. The first, on July 31, is NTCC’s annual one-day conference called Aspire, which is open to its 500 members as well as non-members. This year’s theme is focused on leadership with an “impressive list of speakers” brought together by NTCC to share their own experiences and challenges, says chief executive, Dot Kettle. “We always try to tap into thought leaders from outside the region for our annual conference and speaker series, as we don’t have ready access to them in Nelson like bigger cities do.” Confirmed presenters include Shay Wright, head of Maori development at The Icehouse; Rachel Goodchild of The Marketing Company; GenY coach Johny O’Donnell; Meg Mathews the outgoing CEO of WOW; the Reserve Bank Deputy Governor; and Canterbury Student Volunteer Army founder Sam Johnson. “The speakers will cover a range of topics and provide an insight into the sorts of skills and attributes business owners need to be successful into the future, including the importance of being flexible and adaptable, and energising their teams in a shared vision.” Ms Kettle says Aspire also provides an opportunity for local business owners to network and build connections. Entries have also now opened for the Westpac Business Awards which will be held on Friday, November 7. This annual event is organised by NTCC and principal sponsor Westpac to encourage business excellence and celebrate regional achievements in the business arena. “The awards are in their 27th year and are a well established part of the business calendar. “They are a great opportunity for businesses to shine and benchmark their success against others in the region.”

Proud to support Nelson Chamber of Commerce

The Nelson-Tasman region has a diverse economic base spread between fishing, forestry, general agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. Ms Kettle says both the awards and Aspire conference are well supported by local business owners who see the benefit of investing in development and building business capability in the region. Overall, the Nelson-Tasman economy is growing well, with latest statistics showing GDP up 4.6 percent, ahead of the national average of 3 percent. The region also has a growing number of business entities; and has shown a “slightly higher” recovery from the recession than most other regions.

The Nelson-Tasman region doesn’t have a large dairy industry, so for the economy to achieve solid growth without being underpinned by this sector is significant, says Ms Kettle. “We’re lucky to have a diverse economic base, which is quite well spread between fishing, forestry, general agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. “This allows us to weather most storms and perform better than regions which depend on only one or two sectors.” Providing support to the Christchurch rebuild is another area of growth for the Nelson-Tasman

Dot Kettle

Call us first, the friendly team at

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economy, with many local businesses and manufacturers delivering products and services to the city, ranging from building materials, scaffolding and insulation, to architectural expertise and other professional services. “Our region is very much outward facing and as an export driven economy the performance of off-shore markets is quite important to us. “We also continue to perform well as a destination for tourism spending, ranking third in the South Island behind Christchurch and Queenstown. “Overall the regional economy is growing well and Nelson-Tasman continues to be a great place to live and do business,” she says. Architectural Residential & Commercial Construction • Earthquake Strengthening • Quantity Surveying & Project Management • Concrete Placing, Finishing, Precast • Specialist Flooring • Retail Fitouts & Retirement Villages

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Business South

BREWING » Gladfield Malt

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Niche malt producer taps into craft beer market Jo Bailey Great beer starts with great malt. And when you’re dealing with the highly discerning and demanding craft beer market, malt quality is even more critical, says Doug Michael of Dunsandel firm Gladfield Malt. “Craft brewers demand a more diverse range of malts and because they don’t always have the resources or plant like the big brewers to guarantee the consistency of their beers, rely on good quality ingredients to achieve this.” Gladfield Malt produces in excess of 20 different malt flavour profiles which it supplies to some of New Zealand’s leading independent boutique brewers. These include Three Boys, Boundary Road, Harringtons, and The Twisted Hop, as well as Tuatara Brewing which has won several best of classes with beers brewed with Gladfield malt, including the best pilsner 2012; and Blenheimbased Renaissance Brewery winner of the champion brewery title twice in New Zealand and Australia using the company’s malts.

Gladfield Malt also supplies home brew stores throughout New Zealand and launched export sales a year ago when it started selling malt to Victoria. “We’ve received a really good reception from Australian brewers and are getting hit from all sides as far as export potential goes. However we intend to be very careful how we open up our overseas markets to ensure we can deliver what we promise.” Doug Michael is a fifth generation Mid Canterbury grower of prime malting barley. He started Gladfield Malt on the family farm 10 years ago. “It was hard to make a mixed-crop and sheep operation pay when we were at the mercy of the market and getting left behind due to the dairy boom. We decided the only way to call our own shots and dictate the price we received for our produce was to get into value-added products.” He says the early days establishing the company were “pretty tough”. “We’ve had to grow the business from scratch, including the development of our plant, technology, products and marketing. That’s why it’s taken so long to get off the ground.”

Where it all starts: prime malting barley as used by Gladfield Malt. The perseverance has paid off with Gladfield Malt earning a solid reputation for delivering good service and for the close relationships it enjoys with its customers. “This is something the bigger mainstream malting companies can’t do and is where we come into our own. “We’re small and flexible enough to work with our customers and deliver what they want.” Michael’s wife Gabriella is a “big part of the business”, he says. “We wouldn’t be where we are now if it wasn’t for her passion, drive and work ethic. Gabi is from Brazil and is a fully qualified vet. She is now focused on the front end of the business, dealing with customers and growing our markets.” When the company started, the Michaels grew all the malting barley for the plant themselves. Today their 160 hectares of annual crop services around one-third of the plant’s needs. The rest is brought in from farmers throughout Canterbury.

“We’ve got a good group of loyal growers who are all part of our story and team. We try and keep a good geographical spread between the growers so if there’s a weather bomb in one part of the region we won’t lose our whole crop.” Gladfield Malt has a technical specialist and home brew expert on the team who looks after product development, laboratory analysis of every batch of malt, and “makes sure the rest of us are doing the best job for the brewers”, he says. “We’re looking to install a pilot brewery for testing our malts and products and to help our customers with any technical brewing support.” The company is making a by-product from the malting process into calf meal and stock feed which is proving a good sideline business. Although its beginnings were tough, Michael says the company’s timing has been ideal. “We’re lucky the craft brewing industry is really starting to take off, not just here, but around the world. It’s an exciting industry to be involved with.”

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ENGINEERING » Action Engineering

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Business South

Versatility driving strong growth Jo Bailey Action Engineering is a multi-talented Dunedin firm that is gearing up to serve a growing nationwide market. Director Mark Cameron says the company is taking on new staff and has increased automation and technology across its three adjacent workshops which cover 4500sqm, or half a city block, in Dunedin’s waterfront industrial area. “Versatility is something that defines our company which has continued to show strong growth in recent years,” says Cameron. “We have three executive directors, who are all qualified tradesmen, and also own the company. “We tend to become involved in technically challenging projects that capture our imagination and we have become known for delivering outstanding quality, safety and innovation.” Civil and mechanical projects involving treatment processes for both potable water and sewage is the core business of the multi-faceted company. Its broad portfolio also includes marine and road transport engineering; structural steel fabrication and on-site erection; and general engineering. “For the last 25 years, we have largely concentrated on projects that move liquids or process liquids,” he says. “This can involve industrial processes, irrigation schemes, or water and waste water treatment systems for both municipal and industrial clients.” Action Engineering has, in conjunction with others, pioneered technology in anaerobic systems, bio-gas and in the treatment of water and waste water. “We have commissioned over 70 installations in this time, and each one has been unique in terms of the design, operational and manufacturing processes we have needed to consider. “Most of our projects are completed in New Zealand. “However we have provided solutions for projects in South Africa, Indonesia, Australia, China, and the Pacific Islands.” The company has recently been sub-contractors on the New Plymouth Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade. “This project involved making significant operational changes to the treatment process at the existing plant, using the advantages of the latest technology in aeration processes, which ensures the plant meets or exceeds treatment standards, and uses less energy over the whole process.”

Civil and mechanical projects involving treatment processes for both potable water and sewage is the core business of the multi-faceted company. Action Engineering is also working on a number of infrastructure projects in Christchurch as part of the rebuild. It has also just started work on a large irrigation scheme, involving steel pipe-work of up to two metres in diameter. The company makes extensive use of SolidWorks 3D modelling software to design components for its projects,. These components are then grouped into assemblies, and pre-tested in the company’s workshop before being shipped to site for final installation.

“We tend to become involved in technically challenging projects that capture our imagination and we have become known for delivering outstanding quality, safety and innovation.”

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Business South On the structural side of the business, Cameron says the team has been involved with a “trilogy” of high profile projects in Dunedin - the regeneration of the Dunedin Town Hall, Chief Post Office/Distinction Hotel, and Harvest Court Mall. “It was a pleasure to be involved with these landmark buildings which involved seismic upgrades using structural steel as bracing and strengthening elements, which have also allowed for internal changes to the buildings such as opening up spaces, and creating new work spaces and levels.” The company’s structural steel operation has moved into a much larger workshop which has been carefully set out to optimise the flow of materials through the workshop and significantly reduce material handling. Last year the company commissioned a new CNC beam line for the structural division which as “completely revolutionised” the way the company processes steel, says Cameron. “The machine has substantially improved productivity and virtually eliminated the task of marking out steel by hand - leading to increased accuracy.” Cameron says that the on-going growth of the firm is being driven by the strong leadership and governance of its board. The board is chaired by Graham Crombie, a fellow and past president of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants, and fellow of the Institute of Directors of New Zealand. “All board members have participated in personal development programmes such as the Governance Development Programme offered by the Institute of Directors. “One of our biggest drivers is to provide governance of the highest standards, and create a work environment where our team starts each day with a sense of purpose and ends each day with a sense of accomplishment.”

ENGINEERING » Action Engineering

Action Engineering has been involved with several high-profile regeneration projects in Dunedin recently- including at Harvest Court Mall, above, which involved seismic upgrades using structural steel as bracing and strengthening.

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CONTRACTING » Armstrong Smarter Security Canterbury

Business South

Big increase in range of services Kelly Deeks After 13 years under the ownership of locksmith Wayne Fisher, Armstrong Smarter Security Canterbury has increased its range of security services. Located at 235 Annex Road, the team at Armstrong Smarter Security now not only provide locksmith and door hardware services, but now also offer access control, security alarms, and CCTV all over the Canterbury region. Fisher says with the devastation of the Canterbury earthquakes, Armstrong Smarter Security Canterbury experienced a drastic change it the type of work it had been doing. Traditionally a locksmith company, the maintenance aspect of its business was severely affected by the earthquakes. “With Christchurch moving in to the rebuild phase, it became fairly obvious that we needed to focus our efforts in to the new building market,” says Fisher. With the move into the electronic security industry in 2011, the company now employs 14 staff. “By adding the electronic security division to our already well-established locksmith and door hardware business, we have been able to provide a one-stop-shop for businesses and developers alike,” Fisher says. “The electronic security and locksmith businesses have always been closely linked, but with the large need for new development in Christchurch and the rapid advances in technology over the last five years, it was fairly obvious to me that people where going to be looking for smart security and this was going to mean less need for keys and a greater focus on electronic technology.” Armstrong Smarter Security Canterbury still offers a fully-fledged locksmith service dealing with anything a key goes into, from cars, boats, forklifts, and aeroplanes to doors of houses, businesses, prisons, and hospitals.

Armstrong Smarter Security has industry recognition as a leader in providing controlled access management systems.

Armstrong Smarter Security has industry recognition as a leader in providing controlled access management systems. “Businesses today have a large requirement for controlled, auditable access,” Fisher says. “Master key systems are used in conjunction with electronic access control systems to restrict access of different areas for different people, and

Armstrong Smarter Security Canterbury offers a fully-fledged locksmith service dealing with anything that a key goes into.

“By adding the electronic security division to our already well-established locksmith and door hardware business, we have been able to provide a one-stop-shop for businesses and developers alike.” provide owners and managers with information about who goes where. “CCTV cameras are also widely used today and offer 24 hours, seven days a week eyes on the important and security sensitive areas of peoples business and homes.” Combining the electronic security and CCTV with its door hardware supply and installation service, means Armstrong Smarter Security Canterbury is one point of contact for all aspects of new building security. “We have schedule writers who can design your security system and building door hardware to work exactly the way you want it,” Fisher says. Today’s locksmiths are also moving from mechanical processes to electro-mechanical processes, with the advent of transponder car keys, which are fitted with an electronic chip, which the vehicle recognises. “If you drive a vehicle less than 10 years old there is a very real chance your car will be equipped with the transponder technology.” “There have been considerable advances to the technology available to locksmiths over the last few months, and we are now able to reproduce a wide range of these keys.

“The main benefits for using Armstrong Smarter Security for these types of keys is that they can generally be reproduced while you wait with no need to have your vehicle off the road,” Fisher says. “In some cases we are able to store transponder information for the client,” says Fisher. “So if keys are lost or additional keys are required, a sample key is not needed to produce this key.” “The other major factor of concern around transponder keys is the need for you to ensure that you always have a spare key. “For many vehicles fitted with transponder technology, the cost to supply keys for a vehicle where all keys have been lost has greatly changed. “The cost to make keys for cars with this technology can range from $400 up to as much as $1500 and often considerably more through the dealerships. “If there is chance your vehicle has a transponder type key, call in and see a member of our team and we will be able to give you all the relevant facts regarding your vehicle to ensure you are not at risk from lost keys.”

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38 |

CONTRACTING » Bond Contracts Ltd

Business South

BCL expanding on core business Kelly Deeks Invercargill’s Bond Contracts Ltd (BCL) is a recognised leader in the construction, maintenance, and management of infrastructural assets. Established in 1995 from the Invercargill City Council Works Department, BCL is a reticulation, supply, underground services, and infrastructure development and management specialist. It works on both large and small projects across a range of industries in the lower South Island. BCL chief executive officer Paul du Mez says the company’s core business is in solid waste management in which it operates collection services for Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council, and Gore District Council. These collection services are complemented by the management of waste transfer stations for all three councils, with six in Southland, two in Invercargill and Bluff, and one in Gore. BCL also manages several 40-foot container recycle stations throughout the Southland District. Other mainstays in BCL’s project portfolio is the design, installation, and management of water and wastewater supply for local authorities, and the company also undertakes a variety of cable installation work throughout Southland. “We have a dedicated department installing electricity and phone cables and ducts, ranging from a domestic household supply through to high capacity mains,” says du Mez.

BCL’s project portfolio includes the design, installation, and management of water and wastewater supply for local authorities, and it has done a variety of cable installation work throughout Southland.

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Business South

CONTRACTING » Bond Contracts Ltd

“We are the maintenance trenching contractor and provide on-call cable repair services for PowerNet, and we assisted with the UFB project for Downer EDI Engineering.” BCL can also install cables without open trenching through existing roads or driveways with thrust boring technology. Du Mez says BCL’s staff of 50 are both highly and multi skilled. “They have the experience to handle everything from large and technically challenging projects, right down to the simplest drainage project,” he says. “We have a strong management structure and an emphasis on ensuring our staff are properly trained for each job.” BCL has developed a Safety, Health and Environmental manual to provide guidelines for all its operations. Du Mez says that BCL management and key project staff always work collaboratively with the company’s clients to ensure they are aware of all aspects of a project, and are involved where necessary to assist in service delivery and decision making. “All of our key management staff have vast experience in project management and delivery in the private and public sectors, and have worked on major construction projects,” he says. “Collectively our senior management team has about 110 years of experience in construction and contracts. “Our stable and long-standing workforce also contributes many years of experience to the management team.” BCL also has a new plant acquisition this year, with a new Green Machine 636 series air sweeper machine allowing the company to complete its street sweeping contract more effectively and efficiently than the previous small walk-behind machine. “The previous machine was at the end of its useful lifespan, and we needed to upgrade and improve the service we were offering,” du Mez says.

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Above: BCL’s core business is in solid waste management in which it operates collection services for Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council, and Gore District; right, the company has a new plant acquisition this year, with a new Green Machine 636 series air sweeper machine.

“Now we can get out to the suburbs and service a lot more of the city.” The new machine features an on-board pressure washer, vacuum, and scrubber.

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CONTRACTING » Worthington Contracting

Business South

Worthington’s widens rural reach Jo Bailey Tightening regulations around effluent disposal is opening new markets in the rural sector for leading Canterbury civil construction firm Worthington Contracting. Director, James Worthington, says the longstanding company has become agents for GEA Houle effluent handling technology which includes solids separators, pond pumps and agitation systems. “Using this technology, we are able to design and install dairy effluent systems that separate the solids from the liquids before they enter pond storage. “The liquids can then be recycled as a greenwater wash for dairy sheds and yards, reducing water usage in some cases by up to 75 percent.” The green water is pumped by a high-flow pump and dispersed through a series of valves at the top of the yards. “The valves operate in sequence to provide a flood wash of 9000 litres per minute. “Everything is washed away. No hosing down is required afterwards which saves farmers time and money.” The solids remain in a bunker and are well on their way to compost at 20 days, he says. “Recycling the green water immediately increases the pond storage capacity, and with the solids removed from the pond it’s now possible to discharge effluent to land through any existing irrigation systems.” He says Worthington Contracting can help farmers work through the “red tape” associated with an effluent project, handling everything from design and resource consent, to full project management including cost estimates, construction, sub-contractor management, risk management and reinstatement. “We can help farmers plan for the future with

Ready to go: Worthington Contracting provides a wide range of civil construction services in both the rural and urban sectors. a proven fully compliant solution that takes the headache out of the process for them. “It’s about working through it responsibly, and not just arriving with a truck and digger and hoping for the best. “We turn up with an engineer and designer who come up with initial drawings, a timeline and

budget tailored to each farmer’s operation and requirements.” Once this is agreed, Worthington Contracting uses three dimensional GPS surveying equipment to plot out the existing infrastructure then fully design and construct the pond around it. The company also provides a range of other

services to farmers including lane construction, gravelling of farm tracks, culverts, underpass construction, single span bridges and retaining walls. The rural market is the foundation of the company which was established by Worthington’s parents Russell and Gill in Fernside, North

Business South

CONTRACTING » Worthington Contracting / Revolution Plumbing

Worthington Contracting is working on large scale civil and drainage projects. Canterbury around 30 years ago. Back then the company was known as North Canterbury Excavation and Drainage, with its focus on rural septic tank and residential drain-laying work. In the last few years James, a qualified engineer, and his brother Josh, a registered drain-layer have joined their father (who is still the company’s managing director), on the management team and helped to expand the business into large civil and drainage projects, particularly for the Christchurch rebuild. The firm contracts to many local councils and major civil works contractors such as Fulton Hogan, Downer, Fletcher, City Care and McConnell Dowell. Worthington Contracting has won several Contractors Federation Awards in the last few years including Sub-Contractor of the Year and Most Progressive Company of the year two years running. The company still has a home base at Fernside. However its head office with nine full time staff including management is now based in Richmond alongside a temporary yard facility.

A new general manager has just been appointed to the company to allow James to focus on new markets, innovation and entrepreneurship, and Josh to continue to lead the firm’s projects as operations manager. Worthington Contracting employs 40 staff in the field, a “steady and consistent” gain from around 25 pre-earthquake. In Christchurch one of its major current projects is the $5 million stage one and $3 million stage two works of a gravity sewer catchment and pump station in Linwood. The company is also involved in a joint venture rural-residential development of 50 hecatres in Loburn that will be subdivided into five 10 acre blocks. “We’ve built huge capability within the company,” says James. “With in-house resources including our own mechanics, electricians and engineers. Going forward we will continue to develop an exciting breadth of services for the urban and rural markets.”

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Revolution Plumbing and Gas has brought some of the best skills in the industry to Christchurch.

Revolution Plumbing - the small company big on value Kelly Deeks Revolution Plumbing and Gas has brought some of the best skills available in the industry to Christchurch, and offers them at some of the lowest prices. Certified plumber Owen Crump and certified plumber/gasfitter Simon Lines set up Revolution Plumbing and Gas two years ago, seeing a gap in the market for a competitively priced plumbing company. Lines says Christchurch’s earthquakes created an even higher demand for plumbing and gas fitting services, and as the pair had been talking about starting their own business since they met on block courses during their training about eight years ago, it was a great time to get in and fill that gap. Lines and Crump were part of the 20% of students on their course that passed, getting through with flying colours and Crump achieving the highest marks in New Zealand for the plumbing exam. They went to work for the same Christchurch plumbing company, and were both managers and had learnt as much as they could about quoting and managing a business when they decided it was time to go out on their own. “There are a lot of overpriced plumbing and gas fitting companies out there, we’re talking 50% above our prices,” he says. “People think we’re under-priced, but we charge what we need to survive. “A small company has little overheads and they are covered in our hourly rate.”

The next thing Lines and Crump needed to address was the fact they are plumbers and not businessmen. Lines says a Xero accounting system has made that transition a lot easier. “There is a lot to learn about being a company director,” he says. “Xero is a great system and it makes the financial side of the business a lot easier for a plumber to deal with.” Revolution Plumbing and Gas is still a small company, with Lines and Crump supported in their work by one apprentice plumber. The team has been completing work for Fletchers, in particular with the Fletcher EQR Chimney Replacement Programme, which replaces earthquake damaged chimneys with new, efficient heating. “The Chimney Replacement Programme has seen us installing a lot of gas fires, and repairing and reinstating flues,” says Lines. Another specialist area for Revolution Plumbing and Gas is doing gas hotwater conversions. The company offers a set fee to remove a low-pressure hotwater cylinder and convert a whole house to mains pressure hot-water with a continuous-flow gas hotwater heating system. From fixing annoying dripping taps, to helping clients achieve their dream of building their ideal home or renovation, to fast plumbing and gas fitting solutions for commercial buildings, Revolution Plumbing provides efficient, personal service and competitive pricing, while delivering a certified standard of workmanship and customer satisfaction.

“People think we’re under-priced, but we charge what we need to survive. A small company has smaller overheads and they are covered in our hourly rate.”

• House & Factory, Garage & Carport Floor Slabs • Barsaw for Ground & Wall Cutting to a Depth of 270mm Deep • In Yard Cutting & Drilling • Floor Grinding • Decorative Cutting • Soffcut Early Entry Saw • Residential & Commercial • All Aspects of Ground Sawing up to a Depth of 500mm Deep • Core Drilling up to 600mm Diameter • Fumeless Cutting for Indoors • All Aspects of Concrete Cutting

• T: 03 327 8341 • F: 03 327 8343 • M: 027 497 1683

E: goscut@xtra.co.nz W: www.goscutconcretecutter.co.nz

Supplying both the Trade and Retail Markets with an extensive range of Plumbing, Drainage and Bathroom Fittings.

REVOLUTION PLUMBING LTD PREFERRED SUPPLIER Edward Gibbon Christchurch 293 Cranford St, St. Albans Phone: 03 366 7137 Fax: 03 371 9125 75 Kingsley Street, Sydenham Phone: 03 366 7199 Fax: 03 365 9201

42 |

CONTRACTING » Lift N Shift

Business South

Nelson company lives up to its name Kelly Deeks Offering a prompt and professional crane truck hire service, Nelson’s Lift N Shift specialises in picking up and moving almost anything to almost anywhere in the upper South Island. With 32 years of lifting and shifting under its belt, the company has grown from a couple of small crane trucks to 13, including two transporters, with the largest crane truck capable of lifting 1000kgs to a height of 30m. Lift N Shift director Steve Eggers has worked in the business since it began, and bought it from its founders Roger and Dave Humphreys 10 years ago. Eggers is a qualified diesel mechanic who is now focused on maintaining Lift N Shift’s reputation as a quality service provider with prompt service and professionalism. “Nothing is too big or too small for us to lift and shift,” he says. “We have the ability to respond quickly to specific requests for any kind of lifting and shifting, from vehicle recovery to fishing nets, to portable buildings, to shipping containers, to transporting steel and concrete panels and erecting them on site. One truck does the lot.” Lift N Shift’s modern, well-maintained fleet of crane trucks ranges in size from smaller four-wheel units through to six- and eight-wheelers, including a special concrete panel trailer unit that makes lifting and shifting concrete panels affordable and cost effective. Lift N Shift also has personnel buckets available to assist in various areas including live power line work for electrical companies such as Delta and Electranet. There is also a range of different length semitrailers available, including trombone trailers that can carry lengths of up to 30m. With a vehicle recovery license, Lift N Shift can assist with any driving misadventures or vehicle relocations.

Lift N Shift’s modern, well-maintained fleet of crane trucks ranges in size from smaller four-wheel units through to six- and eight-wheelers. Class 1 and 2 pilot vehicles and drivers are also available. Based in Nelson, Lift N Shift routinely works around the Marlborough region, and has travelled as far as Haast in the past. Christchurch is a regular destination these days, with Eggers saying building materials, heavy

“We have the ability to respond quickly to specific requests for any kind of lifting and shifting, from vehicle recovery to fishing nets, to portable buildings, to shipping containers, to transporting steel and concrete panels and erecting them on site.” machinery, and shipping containers by the millions have been typical loads. Lift N Shift’s 13 drivers are certified crane operators qualified to NZQA standard, and each holds a class 2 pilot license. All staff practice Site Safe management. Lift N Shift is a member of the Crane Association of New Zealand. With a focus on training and safety, the association has raised the standards of operation and efficiency across the crane industry, and supports its members in these and other operational objectives.

Recently Lift N Shift has been instrumental in commercial development in Nelson, providing crane trucks to lift and place a 25-tonne press and other new plant and equipment in a tight area for an extension at Nelson Pine Industries. It has also carted and erected steel work for the builds of both the new Warehouse and Kmart premises. Lift N Shift maintains its own fleet at its Quarantine Road workshop, but for more sophisticated engineering work, new trucks are sent to Waimea Engineering to have their cranes fitted.

Lift N Shift is a member of the Crane Association of New Zealand.

OFFICES • CLASSROOMS • ABLUTIONS • SITE FACILITIES CAFETERIAS • CONTROL ROOMS • ACCOMMODATION

Proud to be associated with Lift N Shift PO Box 3143, Richmond, Nelson Ph: (03) 544 9266 Fax: (03) 544 4364

Proud to be associated with Lift N Shift CALL NATIONWIDE 0800 476 782

www.portacom.co.nz

Business South

CONTRACTING » Ashburton Crane Hire

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Commitment to business paying off Jo Bailey There are not many business owners who would sell their house and move into a garage for five years to establish a new business. But that’s exactly the sacrifice Warren Galbraith and his partner Audrey made when he started Ashburton Crane Hire 12 years ago. He says it was a conversation with John Kuyf, from REL that lead to the formation of the company, with Kuyf becoming a business partner. “Cranes require a big capital outlay so I was lucky Audrey was all for the idea. We were only supposed to live in the garage for the first year or two, but business was going so well by then we decided to buy another crane, so it got stretched out another couple of years,” he says. Last year Galbraith added a 90-tonne mobile crane to the fleet, which included the existing 50-tonne and 25-tonne machines. “The 25-tonne crane is a great, versatile bread and butter machine that we use for a variety of jobs from doing pump work, to putting up structural steel.” All the company’s cranes come with a comprehensive range of chains and slings for lifting, and because they are mobile, can travel to wherever they are needed. “We provide services to many different industries, with the construction, rural and irrigation sectors providing the bulk of our work.” Services for the construction sector including moving beams, putting roof iron in place, erecting concrete slabs, putting structural steel in place, demolition work, and moving small building structures. “The 90-tonne crane has allowed us to get involved in several large commercial projects in Ashburton including the new sports stadium and Art Gallery and Heritage Centre. There has also been several buildings come down in Ashburton since the earthquakes, so we’ve been involved in quite a bit of demolition and rebuild work.” The company’s irrigation and rural projects include installing submersible pumps and removing them for maintenance and repairs, placing pond aerators, and assisting builders and contractors during the construction of dairy sheds and other farm buildings. Galbraith has over 40 years experience in crane operating and rigging. He worked in the industry all over New Zealand for other companies before deciding to set up on his own.

The company’s irrigation and rural projects include installing submersible pumps and removing them for maintenance and repairs, placing pond aerators, and assisting builders and contractors during the construction of dairy sheds and other farm buildings. “I’d always wanted to have my own business. When we shifted to Ashburton I worked as a crane operator for a local building company but could see the opportunity for an additional stand-alone service in the region.” Galbraith employs one “highly skilled and experienced” crane operator, Gerard Bradley, who has been with the company around five years. “Crane operating is a specialised field. You can’t just put anybody on these sorts of machines.” He says there are opportunities for growth, but with around 18 months left until he retires, doesn’t plan to grow the company too much bigger in the short term. “If we build the company up too big it limits the market we can sell too.” He has no regrets about the sacrifices he and Audrey made in the early days of the business. “We’ve established a good local clientele and have the support of numerous local and even outof-town companies who have entered the market here. Things have definitely worked out good.”

“When we shifted to Ashburton I worked as a crane operator for a local building company but could see the opportunity for an additional stand-alone service in the region.”

YOUR ZIMMATIC IMPORTER & DISTRIBUTOR • Experience, Innovation & Skill • Pivots, Laterals, Pumps, PVC and all associated equipment • Variable Rate Irrigation, Pivot Monitoring Control • Service & Maintenance PROUD TO SUPPORT ASHBURTON CRANE HIRE LTD

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0800 ZIMMATIC 25 McNally Street, Ashburton Ph 03 307 2027 81 Hilton Highway, Timaru Ph 03 688 7042

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McIntosh Precast is proud to support Ashburton Crane Hire

Precast Wall Panels Columns & Beams Stairs & Landings Architectural Finishes Insulated Panels John McIntosh Estimator / Director McIntosh Precast Limited 38 J B Cullen Drive, Ashburton Phone: (03) 307 2667 Cell: 027 258 0668 Email: precast@mcintoshbuildersltd.co.nz

Concrete water/Feed troughs • Precast Panels • Silage Pits • Water Tanks / Effluent Tanks • Concrete Bunkers • Pump / Agri-chemical / Killing Sheds

For any quotes or enquiries contact us on 03 308 4816 or call into the yard at 205 Wilkins Rd, Tinwald Ashburton. Email: info@hanhamconcrete.co.nz

Commercial Residential Alterations Dairy Sheds

Proud to support Ashburton Crane Hire Ltd Phone Dave 03 308 1583 Cell 027 475 3002

44 |

CONTRACTING » Canterbury Siteworks

Business South

New business takes its opportunities Jo Bailey Driveway preparation for residential homes in new subdivisions currently accounts for around 80 percent of Canterbury Siteworks’ portfolio, says director and operations manager, Daniel Hicks. “We are sub-contracted to three building companies to provide site preparation, excavation and preparation works for concrete or asphalt driveways,”says Hicks. “We also provide a full, stand-alone service, laying stone or limestone chip driveways ourselves in addition to the site preparation works, while contracting out the concrete and asphalt works.” Hicks and wife Carly started the company in August 2012, partly in response to new opportunities following the Canterbury earthquakes, but also for lifestyle reasons after the birth of their first child, he says. “I had spent the previous 13 years in the forestry sector, running logging crews, driving diggers and bulldozers, and building roads on the hills. “I used to leave home at 4am and not get back until around 6pm at night. It wasn’t much of a life.” Hick’s diverse background also includes stints working as a financial advisor; and five years working in engineering including the use of CAD and CAM programmes, welding, cutting and fabrication. “The combination of these practical skills with the responsibility of managing a large team and ensuring their safety in a dangerous work environment has translated well to the business,” he says. As well as site scrapes and preparation for concrete and asphalt laying, Canterbury Siteworks has specialist skills in site preparation for new building foundations; landscape excavation; trenching for services; post hole boring; property clearing; demolition, cartage, and digging foundations and footpaths. The company has completed a smaller amount of rural and commercial projects, including subdivision development work, he says. “We were contracted by Grounds and Services

Canterbury Siteworks has specialist skills in site preparation for new building foundations; landscape excavation; trenching for services; post hole boring; property clearing; demolition, cartage, and digging foundations and footpaths.

to dig hundreds of holes for tree planting at the Izone industrial park in Rolleston; and carried out similar work for them along the new Southern Motorway. “We enjoy providing advice, expertise and labour on all manner of work and would definitely like to expand more into the commercial sector.” Hicks started with one employee and a temporary truck driver. In September last year he took on a second full time employee and purchased another truck and digger.

“We enjoy providing advice, expertise and labour on all manner of work and would definitely like to expand more into the commercial sector.” The fleet now includes a 2.5-tonne and 3.5-tonne digger which come with a variety of attachments. “We are currently looking for more staff but there are pretty slim pickings in the market at the moment. “It’s hard to find people with the right kind of experience.” He would like to continue to grow the small to medium family-owned business to the point where it can be working on three or four jobs at a time.

“I don’t really want to build a huge empire but it would be great to have a nice solid company with a few more good staff. “Carly and I have twins on the way so having a work/life balance and family time is also very important to us.” In May, the couple signed up with Business Mentors New Zealand to help them grow the business to the next stage. “It’s quite exciting to have a new set of eyes on the business to help us figure out where we want to go and what we have to do to get there.”

Canterbury Siteworks Ltd

The fleet now includes a 2.5-tonne and 3.5-tonne digger which come with a variety of attachments.

Moore Stephens Markhams has been supporting Christchurch business for more than 100 years and is proud to be associated with Canterbury Siteworks Limited. T (03) 379 6710 /ChristchurchAccountants Moore Stephens Markhams is a network of independent firms that are each members of Moore Stephens International Limited – member firms in principal cities throughout the world.

www.moorestephensmarkhams.co.nz

Serious about Success

Business South

CONTRACTING » SouthRoads

| 45

SouthRoads paves the way with excellence Kelly Deeks With specialist knowledge and experience in all roading, site development, earthworks, and civil engineering activities, Otago and Southland progressive construction contractor SouthRoads has built a reputation for excellent results which it will not compromise. SouthRoads’ operational background dates back to 1989 when SouthRoads was formed from the Southland District Council district works division. This was the amalgamation of various County Council’s in Southland works operations. SouthRoads was formed into the present company in 1996 when it was acquired by transportation, concrete, and construction specialist H W Richardson Group. A proud supporter of local businesses and community projects, SouthRoads uses local suppliers and subcontractors on its projects and supports the community with extensive sponsorship and donations to sporting infrastructure, events, and people. SouthRoads Otago regional manager Dean Elder says the company’s history has given its staff considerable experience in the construction and maintenance of civil projects and building relationships with clients throughout Southland and Otago. SouthRoads is proud to have completed some of the largest major site work project contracts in Southland and Otago. SouthRoads Otago is currently involved in two major subdivision projects in Mosgiel, Dunedin, Heathfield which offers 85 elevated, sheltered, and easy to build on sections, and Highland Park, a new community located in the heart of the Taieri which will house approximately 212 properties once complete. Elder says these two subdivision projects saw SouthRoads Otago utilising its Lecia Geosystems

3D machine control solution system for improved efficiency and accuracy. The system is used in conjunction with large earthmoving machinery for large scale and technical projects. SouthRoads Otago had to meet strict environmental controls from Dunedin City Council for dust and noise suppression during the subdivision projects. This required planning and management to ensure work was completed within strict time frames to minimise noise disruption, and continual monitoring and suppression of dust. SouthRoads also had to build large sediment retention ponds to control the run off of sediment and not allow it to make its way to nearby waterways. SouthRoads work at Highland Park will continue for another 18 months as it has been awarded the next two stages of the development. Another recent project recently completed had the Lecia Geosystems 3D machine control solution system out in force again, when SouthRoads replaced a 100m section of Upper Junction Road above Sawyers Bay. The road was damaged during a large flood event in early 2013, when a slip occurred below the road taking out about 30m of road and leaving a 20m drop. It was one of the largest slips the Dunedin City Council has ever had to deal with, and its damage saw the road closed for eight months, and cost more than $400,000 to repair. SouthRoads Otago worked on the road for three months, first clearing what was left of the slip rubble and moving it out of the area while contending with very restricted access, then rebuilding 100m of road to a depth of 15m. Elder says SouthRoads has a great team of staff undertaking its projects, with good local knowledge and experience in all facets of civil construction and maintenance.

SouthRoads is proud to have completed some of the largest major site work project contracts in Southland and Otago.

ALLAN CONTRACTING FOR YOUR MACHINE LAID KERBING & ALL YOUR CONCRETE NEEDS

• PLUMBING • DRAINAGE • ELECTRICAL • SITE WORKS • GASFITTING

Proud to be the preferred contractor to Southroads New Zealand ........................................................................................................................................................................ Dunedin & South Otago 03 489 3916 ● Central Otago 03 445 4916

www.adamsnz.com

Subdivisions Commercial Carparks Residential Carparks Concrete Driveways Foothpaths Karl Hawkes: Patios M: 027 407 0745 P: 03 215 9330 BBQ Areas F: 03 215 9340 www.allancontracting.co.nz

E: kerbies1@hotmail.com A: PO Box 1614, Invercargill 9840

46 |

CONTRACTING » Adhesion Sealing

Business South

Keeping water where it’s meant to be Jo Bailey “Keeping your building dry and your pool wet,” is a catchphrase of leading South Island sealing and waterproofing suppliers and applicators Adhesion Sealing. “We keep water where it’s supposed to be,” says director Steve Moodie, who took over the company with his wife Michelle, in 2007. The company was founded in Dunedin in 1987, with a Queenstown division opened in 2003, followed by a Christchurch branch a year later. Moodie says the current demand from the market is mainly for the company’s waterproofing, sealant, membrane roofing and resin flooring services, although it offers a wide range of other services. These include tanking basements and belowground structures; swimming pool sealing and coatings; concrete strengthening repairs and protective coatings; crack injection and seismic strengthening. In Christchurch, Adhesion Sealing has several high profile projects underway including installing membrane roofing at two new commercial buildings in Victoria Street. “We recently completed another similar project in Victoria Street, and also installed the resin flooring at the new Selwyn Aquatic Centre. This product is well suited to applications requiring a non-slip, hygienic, or chemical-proof floor.” The Dunedin head office and branch has recently installed resin flooring at the Gore Swimming Pool and has completed concrete repair work under the wharf at Port Otago, among many other projects. “We have a very strong, loyal customer base in Dunedin for whom we provide the biggest variety of work. At the moment we’re fixing plenty of leaky basements and doing a lot of resin flooring work.” The company also works with several local contractors on construction projects in the Dunedin market.

Adhesion Sealing installed the resin flooring at the new Selwyn Aquatic Centre. “The longstanding relationships we have with our core clients are very important to the business,” says Moodie. In Queenstown, the company generally works for commercial builders, he says.

“The commercial market is starting to move again in Queenstown. “During the downturn we worked more on high-end residential homes when the commercial builders moved into this sector.” Adhesion Sealing often works with clients’ projects at the design stage to recommend the most appropriate products and solutions for each application. “We have a wide variety of high-quality, specialist products available to us from a number of New Zealand and international suppliers,” says Moodie. “From these, we pick and choose the right product to meet each job’s specifications and budget, while ensuring whole-of-life effectiveness, aesthetic finish and minimum environmental impact.” Sika New Zealand is one of the company’s biggest suppliers of sealants, waterproofing and concrete repair products. Other leading brands include Nuplex construction products; Volclay clay-based waterproofing products and accessories; and Radcon waterproofing membrane.

“We get great technical support from our suppliers and good discounts that we are able to pass onto our clients,” says Moodie. Quality assurance and health and safety policies are also taken extremely seriously by the company, he says. “We were pleased to recently pass tertiary level in ACC’s Workplace Safety Management Practices programme.” Moodie says overall he is happy with the company’s progress. “We have a team, with eight applicators in Dunedin with less in Queenstown and Christchurch, but we are always on the look out for skilled people.” In Christchurch he says the rebuild hasn’t kicked off as quickly as everybody expected. However the company has a good base work load. “It’s all new build work up there, which are good clean jobs to get into. “Winter weather is the only real constraint we face at present. “Most of our work is exterior, and with many of our products requiring a dry surface, wet weather does occasionally hold things up.”

New premises? Our readers want to know!

Waterproofing solutions from the basement to the roof for your building, including; plaza decks, podiums & seismic joints Christchurch, phone (03) 365-0914 www.adhesionsealing.co.nz Also Dunedin and Queenstown

www.allco.co.nz alex@allco.co.nz Alex Valentine 0275 420 228

Nuralite Waterproofing Ltd is proud to be associated with Adhesion Sealing www.nuralite.co.nz 0800 NURALITE 53a Victoria Street, Onehunga, Auckland

Business South

CONTRACTING » Knock-Out Concrete Cutters

| 47

Concrete removal expert looks ahead Kelly Deeks With the majority of Christchurch’s earthquake demolition work now done, Knock-Out Concrete Cutters is currently focusing on commercial renovation demolitions. Knock-Out Concrete Cutters was first established in 1994 and has spent the past 20 years providing Canterbury with concrete drilling, cutting, breaking, crushing, and removal services. Company director Raymond Liong bought the business in 2002. Formerly a construction project manager, Liong spent the first years of his working life putting up buildings, and now he is taking them down. The industry has experienced a lot of legislative changes since Liong started at Knock-Out Concrete Cutters, and he recognises the importance of keeping up with the times. Liong says that through a combination of upskilling and multi-skilling in recent years the company’s operators are now all “multi-skilled generalists” who possess a high level of knowledge and understanding “across a number of technical areas of the business”. This has allowed the company to reduce staff numbers but also increase revenue by 25%. Training materials were sourced from overseas and locally, and staff learned add-on skills to complement their existing skill base and enhance their value to the business. The benefits derived from the changes of upskilling and multi-skilling have been consistent operating procedures, a versatile workforce, and improved confidence of Knock-Out Concrete Cutters operators. Today Liong says the market has quietened down in the past couple of months. “While many house builders are busy, we are still looking for work,” he says. “We’re flat tack tendering for jobs on the open market.” Knock-Out Concrete Cutters was recently involved in subcontract works at the Lyttelton Port in its new wharf construction. So far, the company has drilled more than 1000 150mm diameter by 600mm deep holes and completed 500m of 500mm deep cuttings so that the existing wharf could be dismantled and removed. Liong says subcontracting on large construction sites today requires the subcontractor to comply with stringent quality and health and safety requirements.

Knock-Out Concrete Cutters is currently focusing on commercial renovation demolitions. “We’ve made changes to our health and safety policy to suit the times,” he says. “We’ve upgraded our operators’ skills with first aid and health and safety training programmes. We’re very conscious of what we’re doing in terms of safety.” Planning is now a big part of Knock-Out Concrete Cutters’ activities as the company is now taking on more sophisticated works. It works in closely with the project team in planning its works in order to complete the works on time. “A well planned job is efficient, safe, and delivers the quality demanded of us,” Liong says. “We thrive in this kind of environment.” Knock-Out Concrete Cutters has also recently started its own training records, to comply with the latest 2014 legislation.

“We’ve upgraded our operators’ skills with first aid and health and safety training programmes. We’re very conscious of what we’re doing in terms of safety.”

Gainsborough Auto Services 2013 Ltd Proud to support

Ph 03 384 4957 Fax 03 379 2597

Knock-Out Concrete Cutters

50 Riccarton Rd, Christchurch 8011 Phone: 03 343 0986 Mob: 021 880 883 Fax: 03 343 0987 Email: info@calca.co.nz

FREE QUOTE

Hydraulics sales servicing and design

Toll Free: 0508 268 268 Fax: (03) 349 6674 www.knockoutconcrete.co.nz knockout.concrete@paradise.net.nz 191 Maces Road, Bromley, Christchurch

gainsboroughauto@gmail.com 281 Dyers Road, Bromley - Christchurch • FULL MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL REPAIRS & SERVICES • SCAN TOOL / SCOPE DIAGNOSTICS • WOF • TYRES • EXHAUSTS • PETROL / DIESEL / LIGHT COMMERCIALS • BRAKE TESTING AND MACHINING • FLEET SERVICING • WINZ QUOTES

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Rock Splitting Core Drilling Floor Grinding • Concrete cutting Decorative - tile effect- cutting Expansion cut / Soft cut Demolition and removal Service throughout South Island

Christchurch 03 344 3030 Timaru 03 688 2902 24/7 SERVICE www.scarlett-hydraulics.co.nz

48 |

CENTRAL OTAGO » Alpine ConneXions / Taieri Gorge Railway

Business South

Niche transport operator adds to range of services Karen Phelps Alpine ConneXions has added a taxi and private transfer service to its offering. The company now offers a standard service seating for up to four people, executive service seating up to four people and a shuttle service seating up to eight people. The taxi service can also take complete Wanaka or Queenstown airport transfers. According to company director Peter King the new service is just another example of the company’s efforts to keep up with the latest customer demands. Alpine ConneXions had its beginnings in 1989 as a basic transport service to and from ski fields operated from Outside Sports, a retailer of snow sports and outdoor equipment. The service proved so popular that Alpine ConneXions quickly grew to a standalone business and has experienced exponential growth of 20-30% year-on-year. The company operates a fleet of cars, vans and coaches and offers a wide variety of services and tours. Just over two years ago Alpine ConneXions added a scheduled bus service to its mix, which has now become the mainstay of business shuttling passengers between Wanaka and Queenstown several times a day. The company also offers a once daily service between Dunedin, Queenstown and Wanaka including the Dunedin and Queenstown airports.

It is fair to say that the company makes reaching New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations accessible to both local and overseas tourists. Other transportation services include offering bike, bag and people transfers to the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge Cycle trails. The company offers transport to the Mt Aspiring National Park tracks and in the winter provides scheduled transport to both Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts. The multiple cycle trails around the Wanaka and Hawea basin are also serviced by scheduled services. Another area of business is charter transport for special events such as weddings, birthdays or private groups and tours. Alpine Connexions has also joined forces with the Taieri Gorge Railway excursion to offer a Track and Trail Tour between Dunedin and Queenstown or Wanaka. Alpine ConneXions also offers bus, car and van rentals for those that prefer to drive themselves. The company also has a freight service. “If you need to move a small parcel from one town to another we may be able to help,” says King. “As our motto says – we go everywhere. “We’ve been operating for over 20 years now and it’s offering our customers such a wide variety of transport services that has proved a winning formula.”

...the company makes reaching New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations accessible to both local and overseas tourists.

The Dunedin Silver Fern Railcar is the newest addition to the Dunedin railway experience.

Charter options with ‘wow factor’ Kelly Deeks What better way to explore the beautiful scenery of Otago than by sitting back and relaxing in the comfort of a train. In addition to a successful tourist train, Taieri Gorge Railway offers the unique opportunity to charter a train for a memorable event or occasion. “We can help make an event that much more memorable,” says Taieri Gorge Railway marketing manager Barbara Reid. “Whether it’s a for conference or someone planning their own event, this is a very special option for creating the perfect ‘wow factor’,” Reid says. Chartering a Taieri Gorge Railway train is easy and gives the flexibility that a scheduled service does not. “We can tailor a package to suit, arrange entertainment, meals, and beverages, and provide staff to meet every wish,” Reid says. “Charters and catering can be tailored to meet specific requirements, group sizes and budget. “Options include BBQs, spit roasts, or light meals, barn dances, gold rush trains, hold ups, or themed trains. “We also work with many restaurants and conference facilities, including those in Oamaru, Moreaki, Seacliff, Middlemarch, and the Porters Lounge which is Dunedin Railway Station’s very own conference venue.” The Silver Fern Railcar runs on the main line

New product?

north and south of Dunedin and holds up to 94 passengers. Other trains can carry up to 500 passengers and can run anywhere there are rails. The trains are licensed, have wheelchair access, and if desired, a full and interesting commentary can be provided. Taieri Gorge Railway is a locally owned company, specialising in scenic train trips into the spectacular Central Otago hinterland and up the rugged Otago Coast north of Dunedin. Reid says the company’s excursions - the Taieri Gorge Railway, Seasider, and Dunedin Silver Fern - all offer unique and panoramic views over ever-changing scenery. Reid says the most popular excursion is a fourhour return trip to Pukerangi. “There is a diverse range of scenery on this trip,” she says. “The train travels through Dunedin’s southern suburbs then out through the Taieri Plains to the gorge. The Taieri Gorge is a narrow gorge which starts off pretty and tranquil, and gets more spectacular as it nears the top.” Most trips run to Pukerangi, a peaceful outcrop out the other side of the Taieri Gorge and twice a week in summer and once a week in winter the train extends its journey to the very end of the railway line to Middlemarch, a lovely example of a country railway town and the beginning of the Otago Central Rail Trail. A trip growing in popularity is the Seasider which takes in the highlight of the old Southerner

enjoy Dunedin with us

Aaron Lodge TOP 10

Our readers want to know!

www.aaronlodgetop10.co.nz 0800 879 227

Business South

CENTRAL OTAGO » Taieri Gorge Railway

| 49

The Taieri Gorge is a narrow gorge which starts off pretty and tranquil and gets more spectacular as it nears the top. route which travelled between Invercargill and Christchurch. The train travels around Otago Harbour, climbs the hill above the Pacific Ocean and travels the cliff tops above Blueskin Bay before arriving in Palmerston. The Dunedin Silver Fern Railcar is the newest addition to the Dunedin railway experience, and runs regular short trips over the summer months along the cliff tops overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Blueskin Bay and is a shortened version of the Seasider trip. “On all trips, the train will stop or slow down at various scenic points along the way for photo opportunities.

“Passengers can also stand on the open air platforms while the train moves, or enjoy a quiet drink and food from the on board cafe while the train manager tells the story of the nature and history of the area in an entertaining and informative live commentary.” Throughout the year Taieri Gorge Railway run special trains to events, including the bi-annual Middlemarch Singles Ball, The Wingatui Races, The Dunedin Marathon, The Port Chalmers Seafood Festival, events in Oamaru and many others. Now carrying close to 80,000 passengers every year, including 17,000 New Zealanders, the Taieri Gorge Railway is actively promoting its service to Kiwi tourists, in addition to overseas markets.

Daily services between Dunedin, Wanaka and Queenstown.

To book phone +64 3 443-9120 or visit www.alpineconnexions.co.nz

EnviroWaste Cruise Ship caters to

Taieri Gorge Railway

EnviroSolutions

Website: www.thesavoy.co.nz Email: the.savoy@clear.net.nz Phone: (03) 4774 649 Mobile: 021 352 994

0800 240 120 or 03 477 7722 www.envirowaste.co.nz

Ironic Cafe & Bar along with Evoke Coffee are very proud to support the Taieri Gorge Railway with this stunningly scenic way to travel to Queenstown - It really doesn’t get better than this! Café & Bar

ron c café & Bar Anzac Av

Here’s a spectacular and unique way to link Dunedin with Queenstown and Wanaka. Catch a train through Taieri River Gorge, and Alpine Connexion’s coach. It’s the best way to see Dunedin and Central Otago.

DRILLING » Waimea Drilling

50 |

Business South

Drillsoft package a market leader Jo Bailey Richmond firm Waimea Drilling has developed a clever computer programme called Drillsoft which it says enables clients to “understand the mysteries” of their water well. The Drillsoft software package consists of a library of over 500 pictures of various strata formations. When combined with well logs created from samples collected at various points during drilling, the software can produce a colour pictorial view of the client’s underground strata up to several hundred metres deep. “People can see all the different ground formations at a glance. It is quite fascinating,” says Wimea Drilling director Woody Woodford, who believes the package is a world first. “There are plenty of other figure data loggers or strata loggers out there but they report with numbers, not pictures, so mean nothing unless the person understands what they’re looking at.” The technology can be used with water wells, investigation and sample wells, and piezometer wells. Pump installations and set up are also presented in a pictorial form. “Together these logs form an accurate and precise record of all data relating to wells drilled.” Woodford started Waimea Drilling in 1965 to provide a range of drilling services to the Nelson, Marlborough and Golden Bay regions. After nearly 50 years in the game he has developed extensive local knowledge of aquifers and underground water in the Nelson region. He also has a detailed knowledge of piezometers and investigative drilling including down-bore flow rates, which allows the company to drill deep bores of up to one kilometre deep. Waimea Drilling’s range of drilling and sampling services includes geotech, building site and landfill investigations. However water wells are its core business. “We are the home of water well drilling for domestic water, irrigation and commercial purposes in the top of the South island. It is the biggest part of the business and something we’ve focused on since we started,” says Woodford.

Waimea Drilling provides a range of drilling services to the Nelson, Marlborough and Golden Bay regions. He has seen a lot of changes in technology during his time in business, especially when it comes to monitoring water levels and quality. “The technology these days is amazing. Many wells use pressure transducers called trolls, which are capable of reading water levels up to 8000 times a day. They can pinpoint the date and time of each reading, with settings for either saline or clean water.”

Waimea Drilling are suppliers and installers of most major brands of submersible pumps such as Lowara and Grundfos which are suitable for almost any water well from domestic supply, to a large irrigator on a dairy farm, or 100 hp municipal water supply. The company also does pump replacement and reconditioning and can help clients to obtain drilling permits for their projects. During its height in the 1970’s the company had 11 staff and six drilling rigs. “These days we’ve got three staff and a versatile

Gardner Denver 1500 rig which we’ve modified to do the work of three rigs. It weighs 22 tonne loaded with all the gear.” Most of the company’s current workload is water wells, and sampling and monitoring work for the district council including observation of the wells around local sewerage effluent ponds. With his fiftieth anniversary coming up next year Woodford says retirement is “in the back of his mind”. “Once we reach this milestone I might be ready for someone else to take it on.”

Proudly supporting Waimea Drilling

Fabrication & Structural Steelwork for over 50 years 2 Poutama Street, Richmond Nelson Ph: (03) 544 8024 www.trinder.co.nz

LOWARA GENERATIONS OF WELL DRILLING EXPERIENCE IN CANTERBURY

Agents for AQUA WELL SCREENS & GRUNDFOS PUMPS

OVER 100 YEARS OF DRILLING Specialists in:

• Municipal Wells • Household Wells • Geotech Drilling • Site Investigation • Irrigation Wells • Well Sealing • Video Well Cameras

PHONE 03 327 4300 or 0274 325 646 Fax 03 327 7799 A/Hrs 03 327 9487

65 Main North Road, Kaiapoi, Canterbury E: dave@clemdrill.co.nz

• • • • •

Water Supply Stock Water

Waimea Drilling Company Ltd

NEWS »

Business South

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Recognition for sustainable guru Jo Bailey Christchurch architectural designer Bob Burnett’s advocacy for energy efficiency and sustainable building design has led to a commendation at the 2014 EECA Awards which attracted around 150 entries from throughout New Zealand. The award was one of three handed out in the Vector Energy Leadership category. “It’s great to receive this recognition for our practice for showing leadership in energy efficiency and sustainability, and not just for one project,” says Burnett. The EECA judges said Burnett is a “very good influential practitioner” working in a tight circle. “His work has longevity and integrity. We expect his advocacy to have more impact as the rebuild gathers momentum in Christchurch,” they said. Burnett has championed energy-efficient home design throughout his 25 year career, with a particular interest in passive solar home design, high-performing thermal envelopes and low running costs. He has been involved in the technical development group for the Homestar rating system and is a certified Homestar practitioner and assessor. Two demonstration homes in Christchurch are among the first seven and eight-star homes he has designed, which are already some of New Zealand’s most energy efficient, he says. “These homes are a great tool for showcasing what is possible in these sorts of designs. “We are just about to start construction of two more demonstration homes in Christchurch for which we’re targeting nine stars. These will be the best to date.” Burnett says he also “strives to educate others” about design of efficient and environmentally sound homes and is regularly asked to give talks to his peers, industry bodies and groups; tertiary institutions; and trade events.

The Mi House project aims to provide high quality, environmentally sound, energy-efficient, pre-fabricated homes. His already busy practice, Bob Burnett Architecture, is going through a growth phase. “Around 80 to 90 percent of clients come to us because we’re known for environmental design, energy efficiency and better quality homes, which is really satisfying.” The company is also involved in an exciting $45 million joint venture project called Mi House, being developed by a Christchurch firm and a Chinese company that already exports high specification, pre-fabricated homes to Europe and North America. “We have designed the first home for the Mi House project, which aims to provide high quality, environmentally sound, energy- efficient,

“Around 80 to 90 percent of clients come to us because we’re known for environmental design, energy efficiency and better quality homes, which is really satisfying.” pre-fabricated homes to the New Zealand market, particularly in Christchurch and Auckland where demand is greatest.” Burnett says the homes would suit infill, brownfield or hill sites; with the developers planning to commit 20 percent of houses to social housing. “The combination of multiple dwellings erected

on small lot sizes with advance prefabrication construction can help to reduce costs without compromising quality.” Although the homes are being designed for the New Zealand market, Burnett says there is the “interesting possibility” of designing similar homes for off-shore markets.

NZ building industry still “woefully short” of apprentices The construction industry is still woefully short of building apprentices despite a massive 55 percent increase in new apprenticeship sign-ups in 2013, according to the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO). In 2013 there were 3230 new sign-ups to the BCITO, in comparison to 2083 in 2012. Although this is by far the largest increase in trainee numbers the BCITO has seen in recent times, chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says the industry is still short of 5000 apprentices. “The building and construction industry is going through a period of rapid growth and demand, particularly in Auckland and Christchurch. “The challenge – and the reality – of the nature of work in both cities is that everything is high priority,” he says. “In Christchurch, people can’t cope with living

in damaged homes for another year. In Auckland, the housing shortage is now so acute that starting the build is vital. “It’s estimated that because of the sheer magnitude of these projects, we’re in urgent need of another 5,000 building apprentices to meet demand.” Karaitiana says the 2013 increase in apprentice numbers signals business confidence in the sector, following a decline resulting from the recession. “The reality with apprenticeships is you can’t have apprentices unless you’ve got employment. During the recession, builders cut back on costs and many had to reduce their staff,” he says. “Now we’re seeing builders bring on more staff, which is a strong indicator that things are looking up in the building and construction industry.

“Most builders have strong order books, and they are feeling much more confident about the future. They are willing to make the commitment of taking on apprentices.” Karaitiana says that if Kiwis are looking to make a career choice or change, this is a fantastic opportunity to enter the industry. “Building and construction is a cyclical industry. “Everyone recognises that it has its boom periods, and it also has its quiet patches,” he says. “This is the best time you could hope for to enter the industry. “The scales have tipped and our job matching service is seeing a huge surge in employers requiring apprentices, but the number of apprentices we have is nowhere near able to meet demand.”

Ruma Karaitiana

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EVENT PLANNING » The Dream Maker

Business South

Helping to make dreams come true Jo Bailey Creating a wedding for an earthquake-stricken American couple in just 24 hours led Terri Everett, to evolve her charter boat business into a thriving event planning business called The Dream Maker. “The couple planned to get married in Christchurch but were diverted to Nelson after the earthquake. “They called me after someone told them she might be able to help. “In less than 24 hours they were married on a lovely little island in the Abel Tasman in perfect weather. The day went fantastically well and the couple was thrilled. Caitlin, the bride, was the first to call me The Dream Maker.” Terri Everett, set up her wedding and special event planning business alongside Sea Limousines, a boat charter service she owns with her husband Jim, which has recently gone on the market. The UK couple settled in Motueka several years ago with their family, after falling in love with New Zealand on their honeymoon and have been “living the dream” ever since. The Dream Maker specialises in planning boutique weddings and special events in unique locations, such as the Abel Tasman, Kahurangi National Park, Farewell Spit and Takaka Caves, for which it holds all the necessary Department of Conservation concessions. Terri Everett is a licensed marriage and services celebrant and has affiliations with a wide range of local wedding tourism industry businesses and transport companies, allowing her to put together a unique package of services for her clients to suit each occasion. “We can arrange everything from beach island weddings to heli and sky diving to simple garden weddings, and even weddings in caves. We also specialise in civil unions and same-sex weddings.” She says it is important that all the companies promoted by The Dream Maker have the appropriate experience, contracts and insurance and are not biased when it comes to sex, colour or religion. “I need to be assured my clients will receive a warm welcome and a great, safe, experience with all the providers under The Dream Maker umbrella.”

The Dream Maker specialises in planning boutique weddings and special events in unique locations such as the Abel Tasman. Although weddings are a big part of The Dream Maker’s business, the company also plans events for any occasion such as anniversaries, proposals, birthdays, corporate celebrations, themed events, or team building activities. It can arrange helicopter, boat and bus charters, and puts together tour packages. Last year, Terri Everett took the wedding/ business collaboration concept a step further, when she organised the Dream Maker Dream Wedding competition, which saw a local couple

“The idea behind the competition was to promote the region as a

wedding destination and network many businesses together as a way to cross-promote each other.”

Happy to support

The Dream Maker

“Keep up the good work Terri” Roar and Rebecca Kristoffersen PROPERTY AND MARKETING CONSULTANTS M: 021 041 0282 E: roar.kristoffersen@bayleys.co.nz

win a $30,000 exclusive wedding and honeymoon package. Up to 50 local businesses participated in the initiative, donating their time, money, products or services for free, with local country music star Ali Cook writing and performing a song for the event. “The idea behind the competition was to promote the region as a wedding destination and network many businesses together as a way to cross-promote each other. It was a real labour of love. I spent 18 months working on it day and night.”

The lucky winners were Conor O’Riordan and Louise Hutterd who won the all expenses paid wedding after completing three weeks of challenges against other entrants. Terri Everett says some businesses have benefited more than others from the initiative, but it was a great kick-start to Nelson Tasman becoming recognised as a premier wedding destination. “I’m in year three of a five-year business plan to reach this goal, and we’ve already achieved more in that time than I thought possible. It’s really exciting.”