Business South 1 2015 by Waterford Press Limited

March 2015

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QT airport taking off Page 7

Rare optimism for wool growers Hugh de Lacy Half a century of relentlessly declining prices for coarse cross-bred wools – the sort used in carpets, and the mainstay of the New Zealand industry – appears finally to have bottomed out in the face of increasing demand from garment and furnishing manufacturers. When coarse crossbred wool hit a 21-year high in 2011, it triggered cautious optimism that the industry had at last turned a corner and was taking back some of the market share it surrendered to oil-based synthetic fibres after World War Two. That optimism has been reinforced since by the commodity’s ability to stay at or above

the $5/kilogram mark, despite the plummeting price of oil and wild fluctuations in both the New Zealand and American currencies. Towards the end of the long decline in prices last century it became apparent that dominance of the processing and manufacturing elements of the global wool industry had shifted from Britain to China, and Chinese diversification of endproducts has increased the demand for coarse crossbred wools. Where last century the producers of by far the bulk of New Zealand’s wool had only the carpet industry to supply, “more and more coarse crossbred wool is going into fabrics and upholstery,” the New Zealand CEO of international wool trader Segard Masurel, Peter Whiteman said.

“It’s not the very coarse stuff – the 38-39 micron – but the wool in the 32 to 25 micron range which is going in to coarse fabrics like women’s coats, and upholstery.” Whiteman said there was a range of reasons why crossbred wool was holding up, not the least being falling production following the more than halving of the New Zealand flock from over 70 million in the early 1980’s to under 30 million today. “But for me it’s the move away from reliance on carpet that’s the key. “It’s not that the carpet market’s not important, but when the only place you can sell your wool is into the carpet market, you quickly reach a threshold where the market’s satisfied, and that’s when the price collapses.”

End-product diversification by Asian manufacturers, and the Chinese in particular, are reducing that dependence, Whiteman said. “For example Nepal is starting to make shawls out of coarser wool now, and it’s these incremental movements of medium-micron crossbreds away from the carpet market that has really helped the price,” Whiteman said. He emphasised that the same can’t be said for merino finewool, which is used in high-end garment manufacture and comprises about 5% of New Zealand production. “The merino market over the last couple of years has really dropped dramatically, and that’s principally the result of the formal-wear market, the number of suits being sold, imploding,” Whiteman said.

Consent for $10m marina Chris Hutching Alan Kirker of Lakes Marina Projects has obtained resource consent for a marina at Queenstown. Although further appeals could delay the project it is likely to go ahead. Two objectors, one from Gore and another from Christchurch, have already prompted the appointed resource commissioners to decline consent for nine out of 31 buildings on floating pontoons that could have gleaned round $200,000 a year in rent. Mr Kirker said the loss of the buildings might be revisited at a later stage once people have seen the development under way. “It’s a bit ironic given you could berth the sixstorey Earnslaw (steamship) there.” He has yet to settle negotiations with Land Information NZ over a lease of the seabed. “Obviously the longer was can negotiate it the better it will be for the future of the company The Queenstown lakes District Council has agrseed to provide a lease for land-based activities. If all goes to plan Mr Kirker will make as market offer to boat owners to lease berths. The consent allows for 195 berths. “I think I could have 40 boats there based on current demand.” Mr Kirker says he is privately funded sop there is no requirement to seek public funds. A marina plan was previously floated by Christchurch businessman Buzz March but the local council cancelled its agreement, citing expiry of time.

INSIDE

Remarkables complex taking shape.... Construction is well underway on the new $20 million base building at the Remarkables Ski Area. Features of the building include a striking 10-metre glass frontage, and 1300sqm of outdoor decking which wraps around the building. Extensive restaurant, cafe and bar facilities on the first floor can accommodate up to 700 people inside and 500 outside.

Irrigators call for more funds - PAGE 2

Timaru Mills eye North Island - PAGE 2

The new ground floor facilities will provide improved ticketing, rentals, retail services, and access to the ski field. NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson says the building will be finished and ready for the 2015 season, which kicks off on Saturday June 20, the same weekend as the Queenstown Winter Festival. See story page 10

Cruise ship sector conundrum - PAGE 3

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March 2015 Business South

News »

Irrigators in call Leighs eying for public funding Auck market Chris Hutching

Chris Hutching Irrigators want more public funding for because farmers are reluctant to take on debt to fund schemes. Irrigation New Zealand says that the sector is “facing huge affordability issues” with proposed schemes covering 350,000ha under investigation for irrigation that will likely cost between $3 billion to $3.5 billion. One of these schemes involves a massive engineering feat taking water from Lake Tekapo over Burkes Pass. “This is well beyond the debt financing levels of a group of individual farmers, particularly as they now have significant on-farm costs to meet new environmental standards,” Irrigation NZ says. Andrew Hoggard, Federated Farmers dairy chair, claims irrigation is essential infrastructure like roads, sewage systems and broadband and everyone should pay for it. Federated Farmers Environment and Water spokesman Ian McKenzie says that the government should provide greater assistance towards funding . “The Crown Irrigation Fund is there to help in financing some projects, and will be very useful, but that finance has to be paid back,” he complains.

“This is well beyond the debt financing levels of a group of individual farmers....” The sector is lobbying government to change the funding rules of the fund to allow it to take shareholdings, which are unsecured, rather than loans secured over assets. Meanwhile, Irrigation NZ says the early cessation of irrigation from Lake Opuha in south Canterbury reinforces the need for further storage infrastructure such as the Klondyke Storage Pond proposal which has just been launched by the Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd (RDRML). “It’s devastating for South Canterbury that Lake Opuha can no longer support irrigation for the remainder of the season,” says Irrigation NZ chairwoman Nicky Hyslop. “Opuha’s early shut-down reinforces again how water-short South Canterbury is and illustrates the need for a wider network of water storage infrastructure across the region to enable reliable water supply during dry periods.”

Leighs Construction has appointed Jeff Vivian as Auckland operations manager where he will seek work for the company. The company will be coming up against major construction firms such as Fletchers, Hawkins and Naylor Love. Leighs was started by Anthony Leighs about 20 years ago in Christchurch. He is looking beyond the Christchurch rebuild and wants a presence in Auckland to carry out multi-million dollar projects. Leighs works in all construction sectors. Some of its current projects in Canterbury include the central city new ANZ and BNZ centres, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Blue Skies Development, The Hub, plus the Burwood Health Campus in Christchurch one of the largest hospital building projects in New Zealand’s public health service. Leighs is a construction company rather than developer. Mr Vivian has a background in project delivery. In 2014, he was the NZIOB’s supreme award winner for his project management of Te Uru Taumatua, which was the first project in New Zealand to adhere to the stringent Living Building challenge system. Leighs also recently appointed a commercial manager with Auckland experience - Paul O’Brien. Mr O’Brien is chair of the Auckland Branch of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors and sits on a number of industry organisations.

Farmers Mill unveils North Island plans Chris Hutching Timaru-based Farmers Mill is establishing a North Island distribution centre to supply Couplands in Auckland. The distribution warehouse is at 761 Great South Road Penrose and is owned by James Kirkpatrick Group, an industrial developer in Auckland. Farmers Mill is an independent grower-owned and operated flour producer. It is owned by 12 South Island farmers including some of New Zealand’s most successful agribusiness entrepreneurs such as Rich Lister Murray Turley, one of the biggest shareholders in Dairy Holdings, as well as a major grain producer. Another is Leighton Pye, son of Rich Lister Alan Pye. Other shareholders include Peter Callaghan. Alan Wilson, Raymond Bowan, Gerard Scott; members of the Howey family, Slater Farms, Pentlow Farms, Brian Stratford, and Farm2Flour.

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The North Island distribution centre will enable Farmers Mill to offer its products to bakery and ingredient customers there as well as Couplands Bakeries nationally, having won a national tender to supply them. Farmer’s Mill chief executive, Grant Bunting, said the company - which had had been “buoyed by its recent foray into South East Asia with support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise” - had also secured funding from stand-alone crown entity, Callaghan Innovation, to continue its product development programme “exploring high-protein and low GI products using specific, New Zealand grown grains”. This will see a continuation of its innovation into nutrition focussed flour and baking products, having been the first New Zealand-owned flour producer to receive initial funding from the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT). Bunting says the company’s growth in to the

North Island, coupled with its work in the scientific development area, represents a win for New Zealand as a whole. “It’s a sound use of Government money to be investing in and supporting companies like ours which are New Zealand owned, with a strong economic footprint.” The expansion is facilitated by grant from Callaghan Innovation and the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust. AGMARDT is a charitable Trust set up by the government in 1987 with initial funding of $32 million from the wind up of the British, Christmas Island and New Zealand Phosphate Commissions to “encourage innovative ideas and develop future leaders within the agribusiness sectors”. AGMARDT provided $80,000. The amount provided by Callaghan Innovation has not been revealed, although a public relations intermediary described it as “hundreds of thousands”.

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Business South March 2015

Cruise ship plans at ‘tipping point’ Jo Bailey A Lincoln University academic believes the debate around a new cruise ship berth at Port of Lyttelton has reached a “tipping point”. Tourism researcher Dr Michael Shone says ongoing research is needed to support decisionmaking around whether or not to build multimillion dollar facilities at Lyttelton capable of accommodating super-sized cruise ships. The existing berth was put out of action in the earthquakes four years ago. “Cruise ship tourism is an exciting and fast growing sector and is a good complement to our existing tourism base. “However it has some interesting and often costly requirements in terms of port facilities, as well as different transportation and linkage issues. “It’s clear that serious conversations are needed about how the region can provide the facilities and infrastructure required to welcome cruise tourism in a way that’s fair and equitable in terms of who pays and who benefits.” Dr Shone believes it is a complex issue, which requires a clear understanding of the disparate requirements of the Port, cruise companies, tourism operators, and the wider tourism sector to develop a long-term view. “From a university perspective and my own professional viewpoint, I think those conversations should be informed by research.” Dr Shone has already studied the impact of the rise in cruise tourism in Akaroa, and has worked on another research project looking at tourism policy and planning, how the public sector promotes tourism, how tourism facilities are paid for, and how the various stakeholders interact with each other in the region. He would also like to see some questions asked about what type of cruise tourism we want to see in Canterbury. “Do we want to invest in the facilities needed to welcome big, brand new ships, or would we rather focus on being a boutique, unique destination and continue promoting smaller port visits to both Akaroa and Lyttelton?” he says. With the control of the sector largely in the hands of the cruise companies, he says there are no guarantees when or how often the ships will come, even if the facilities at Lyttelton are upgraded. “The cruise market is diverse and even if supersized ships are unable to berth in Lyttelton, there is still a growing cruise market for smaller ports” Canterbury tourism and cruise sector leaders are lobbying hard for Port of Lyttelton to build a $40 million cruise facility capable of accommodating super-sized ships.

All aboard: the high-end “Caledonian Sky” was the first cruise ship of the 2014/15 season to berth at Lyttelton port. Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism recently released a report presenting a case for this development saying the facilities will bring “significant and enduring long term economic benefit” to the Canterbury tourism economy”. The report estimated the region could lose around $100 million in visitor spend over a 10 year period without action. By 2025 it is expected that at least 30 percent of cruise ship arrivals at Lyttelton could be in the very large cruise ship category (3,400 to 5,400 berths) that require 340 to 360 metres of wharf space and a 9.3 metre draught. The report said the arrival of these ships would increase the overall volume of cruise passengers disembarking in the Canterbury region by 40 percent, and boost international visitor numbers in central Christchurch by 20 to 30 percent on cruise ship days.

Negotiating the payroll minefield Payroll systems are a vital component of any business but it can often be a minefield for businesses to identify the best solution to suit their particular needs. Patrick Hegarty, sales and marketing manager for IMS Payroll, says that the number of options in the marketplace for payroll solutions is growing exponentially but there are some simple rules, which a company can apply to ensure they choose the right solution to meet their needs. Firstly he advises avoiding suppliers that have just entered the market and choosing a specialist provider. “Payroll is too important to be treated as a module of your accounting software for example. It can potentially cost a business a lot of time and money if they don’t get their payroll solution right. “Problems that can occur can include paying incorrectly, which can also result in tax implications. That’s why a payroll solution should be a dedicated solution, which will meet the needs of the particular business and it should be backed up with reliable support from a company who has been around for a long time,” he says. Hegarty says the system should be flexible and configurable as every business is not identical. Things such as integration with time clock/roster

systems and financial systems are important to offer seamless solution. He says that’s why IMS Payroll offers integration with most accounting and time and attendance systems available in New Zealand. “Another part of having a flexible configurable solution is being able to turn on and off required functionality to customise the solution to suit the particular requirements of the business. “A business should choose a payroll solution that offers more functionality than the business currently needs to allow for future growth,” says Hegarty. “Selecting software solutions that can grow with the business means less disruption and saves time and money as staff will not need to be retrained in a new solution further down the track,” he says. The next step is considering whether to choose a desktop or cloud based system. Hegarty advises choosing a solution which offers both. “This allows a business to move freely between the two environments so that payroll can be done anywhere, anytime from the device of choice. “The solution should offer backup and provide data security. “If a cloud only environment is selected this is particularly important and the business should make sure that data can be accessed should the business ever cease with the service.”

Late last year Lyttelton Port of Christchurch chief executive Peter Davie said that a cruise ship terminal at Lyttelton was a significant issue and the company has often stated it would welcome large cruise vessels back to the Port. However the cost of a cruise facility and associated commercial returns for the Port means it would need to partner with industry to realise this opportunity. A steering group made up of various stakeholders has so far been unable to decide how to progress the development of a new cruise ship berth at the Port. Dr Shone says the issue of who pays, and how remains a live debate. “It highlights a challenge for the tourism sector as a whole and also raises the question of how we spread the economic benefits of tourism to regional locations and centres as well as the cities.”

A more inter-connected approach could be the key, he says. “Visitors to New Zealand don’t just visit singular locations, they travel right throughout the country. A more coherent approach to the tourism experience stemming from the major points of entry could help to provide more certainty for regional tourism providers.” He says the issue links to the “broader question” of how Christchurch and Canterbury wants to be positioned now, and in the future, in the New Zealand and global tourism market. “We recognise tourism is a significant part of the New Zealand economy and our second largest export. However the possibility of spending $40 million on cruise berth facilities at the Port reminds people these conversations are ongoing and some strategic and long term planning is needed when addressing these issues, especially when significant levels of investment are involved.”

NEWS »

REBUILD » Cardno NZ March 2015 Business South

The long arm of Inland Revenue If you are tax resident in New Zealand then the Inland Revenue will tax you on any income you earn in New Zealand. It will also tax you on any income you earn from elsewhere in the world – your worldwide income. If you are not tax resident in New Zealand then Inland Revenue will still tax you on income you earn in New Zealand. This could be income from shares, interest, wages or from investment properties. Not all countries have the same approach. Hong Kong for instance only taxes income earned in Hong Kong. So if you are a tax resident of Hong Kong then you do not have to pay tax in Hong Kong on your income earned outside Hong Kong. Where this gets difficult is where two countries try to tax the same income. For instance Australia taxes Australian tax residents on their worldwide income. So if some of that income is from New Zealand, both Inland Revenue and the Australian Tax Office will try to tax the same income. This is generally dealt with by a Double Tax Treaty. A Double Tax Treaty is an agreement entered into by two countries and sets out which country has the rights to tax income. For instance take interest paid by a New Zealand Bank to an Australian tax resident. Under the Double Tax Treaty between New Zealand and Australia, Inland Revenue may tax this interest at a rate of up to 10%. The Australian Tax Office may tax at the normal rates but with a credit for tax deducted in New Zealand. New Zealand has entered into Double Tax Treaties with most of the countries which New Zealanders commonly do business. Currently New Zealand has 39 Double Tax Treaties in force. When dealing with countries where there is not a treaty, both countries may consider that they have primary taxing rights.

Don MacKenzie

If a credit is not given for tax paid in the overseas country this can result in double tax being paid. One country that takes an even more aggressive approach is the US. The US requires all US citizens to file an annual income tax return with the IRS. This is regardless of whether the US citizen is a tax resident elsewhere. For instance a US citizen who has lived in New Zealand for 30 years is still required to file an annual US tax return. Filing a US tax return may not result in US tax to pay, but it does result in making disclosures to the IRS that could prompt questions. In addition if the US citizen is in a country where there is no Double Tax Treaty this could result in double taxation. The mountain of paperwork can be so complicated that tax advisers fees can stack up even just for an annual nil return. As a result an increasing number of US citizens are giving up their US citizenship. The number of Americans choosing to give up their passports hit a record 3415 last year, up 14% from 2013, and 15 times more than in 2008, when only 231 people renounced their citizenship. Now this may not be entirely due to tax – but it is interesting that it coincides with the IRS chasing the non-filing of these returns more actively. Don MacKenzie (Partner - Deloitte)

“New Zealand has entered into Double Tax Treaties with most of the countries which New Zealanders commonly do business. Currently New Zealand has 39 Double Tax Treaties in force.”

Cardno expands rebuild role Karen Phelps Demand is continuing to grow for the services provided by the Cardno NZ structural engineering team as the Christchurch rebuild progresses, says Cardno NZ Christchurch business unit manager Richard Graham. The team was established in 2011 after the Canterbury earthquakes and initially assisted by offering damage assessment reports for insurance companies and commercial and industrial building owners and tenants. As the rebuild evolved the team provided IEP and DEE reports for commercial and industrial buildings and is now undertaking a range of structural design projects including new two to three level commercial buildings and the reconstruction of multi-unit residential dwellings. Graham says that Cardno NZ’s structural services are enhanced by the ability to utilise Cardno’s Wellington and Australian teams to provide additional expertise and resources as required which has enabled Cardno to maintain a strong turnaround time on structural projects. He says the company takes a multi-disciplinary approach to projects, employing a highly qualified team of planners, civil, environmental, mechanical, process, electrical and structural engineers, land surveyors, GIS, landscape architects and ecologists. The company’s Subsurface Utility Investigation (SUI) service, which utilises ground penetrating radar technology and a vacuum excavation truck to provide accurate mapping of underground services, has experienced strong demand since commencing services in Christchurch in mid-2014. Cardno NZ has just completed a sub-service utility location project for the acute services building at Christchurch Hospital. The SUI service is supported by the Cardno NZ survey and CAD teams making it the only company in New Zealand that Graham is aware of to offer such a complete SUI service. “The advantage of this is enhanced health and safety as everyone is on the same page, less possibility of service strikes and downtime, time and cost savings by dealing with a single company and fewer opportunities for errors to creep into the data,” he says.

“These pieces of equipment allow us to create real time information and advance data capture models so we can create extremely accurate three dimensional models.” Cardno is an international ASX-200 professional infrastructure and environmental services company with expertise in the development and improvement of physical and social infrastructure for communities around the world. Cardno’s team includes leading professionals who plan, design, manage and deliver sustainable projects and community programs. Cardno entered the New Zealand market in 2007 when it acquired Truebridge Callender Beach. Graham says a key to Cardno NZ’s success has been responding to the market. In addition to the structural and SUI examples, landscaping and ecology are relatively new services being offered by the company driven by market demand to support current client needs. Other services offered by Cardno NZ include civil, waste water, water supply, environmental engineering, mechanical, electrical and structural engineering, planning, GIS and surveying. Innovation has been a major driver as the company has forged forward in the New Zealand market. An example is the advances of the Cardno NZ team utilising laser scanning equipment. “These pieces of equipment allow us to create real time information and advance data capture models so we can create extremely accurate three dimensional models of buildings and environments for customers and enhancing the services our team can provide,” explains Graham. Recent projects undertaken by Cardno NZ are diverse and include the building and tank design for the Wanganui District Council wastewater treatment plant and resource consent approval and civil engineering design and construction supervision for the relocation of Chalmers Street around The Hub in Hornby, Christchurch, to allow for the mall expansion.

Proud to support Cardno

Commercial & Architectural Building

Peter Robertshaw 32 Saxon st, Philipstown, Christchurch peterepr@xtra.co.nz 027 4357 100

THE MAKING OF A GREAT CUP OF COFFEE

Bernard Smith tasting Vivace belnds

Vivace is dedicated to ensuring that every cup of their coffee is the best possible for each and every consumer. It starts with selecting the best beans from the best origins. Then they have to be roasted with care and accuracy. The different roasted beans are then blended in precise quantities to create the different styles that customers enjoy. Bernard Smith, a third generation Master Roaster and Master Barista, is the energy and experience behind the Vivace brands. Ultimate, Union, Organic Fair Trade, Gourmet and Tango. Each offers its own unique

flavour and experience to the consumer who expects it to be the same every time. Quality control is essential to ensure that great cup of coffee experience whenever a cup of Vivace Coffee is served. Bernard tastes every blend before it is bagged and then bags are tracked to make sure that the coffee is always fresh. Focused on quality and consistency of a blend, when a coffee fails a tasting test Bernard needs to know what other blends might contain the same roasts. He needs to know immediately and with no fuss. Likewise if a café reports a bag of coffee is not up to standard, Bernard needs to know what its age is and where the other bags from the same blend are. Is it a one off, or could it be

that somehow a whole blend has been spoilt. Jolly Good Software provides Bernard with an information system to view the entire production cycle that goes into every finished product, right down to a 250g bag. From one small bag of coffee Bernard can see the roasts that were blended to make it, the technical details of each roast as it was being processed, the sacks that went into it and the origin of the beans. To finally deliver that great cup of coffee is the job of the cafés that offer the Vivace experience to their customers. Vivace actively work with each cafe to ensure they can deliver the very best. Each café is within a call cycle of a Vivace account manager who will visit the café to make sure everything is going well for them. They ensure all the café coffee making equipment is functioning well and answer any concerns the café might have, for example about suitable bean storage. Every Vivace account manager uses an iPad to report on their visits. The report is unique for a café and is specific to its individual situation. Also the account manager can initiate a follow up by a Vivace technician if this is needed. Whenever a follow up job is created it is tracked to make sure it is completed and any additional activities that might subsequently be required are also managed. The system of managing all these requirements to support customers is the same system that manages the roasting of coffee. Jolly Good Software has the view that a business needs one system to ensure a seamless experience for the consumer from production to end market. Equally Vivace’s system is all in real time. Whenever the information

system is updated everyone in Vivace who is impacted by that update knows about it. Earlene Baker Vivace customer support manager is able to manage all of the call cycles throughout New Zealand, by café and by account manager, from the Vivace HQ in Christchurch. “Having real time information from every café visit by our team is an essential part of ensuring the highest standard of support for our customers” says Earlene. Jolly Good Software believes that it achieves success by the success of its customers. Paul Baker is the marketing and driving force that wants as many people as possible to enjoy Vivace Coffee. “With the support of the information system it is easier for Vivace to fulfil the expectations of our customers and to manage Vivace’s growth” says Paul. After the Christchurch earthquake Vivace’s production fell by 50%. They are now 25% ahead of their pre-earthquake

production. That’s a lot of great cups of coffee. If you would like to know more about Jolly Good Software and their work please contact Gil Simpson on 021 2746776.

BUSINESS INNOVATION » Ecconecx

March 2015 Business South

Ecconecx aims to make life easier An innovative Christchurch company has developed an easy-to-use, affordable and effective product called Econnecx that allows people to manage everything from their heat pumps, air conditioning, water heaters, heated towel rails and lights; to garage doors, security systems and even sprinkler systems from their smart device or computer. Founder and managing director Anthony Tucker says the Econnecx system offers complete remote on-line management of the electrical network in people’s homes, offices or from anywhere there is an internet connection. “The product is helping people to more efficiently manage their energy consumption which results in significant cost savings.” He says convenience is another huge benefit. “With real-time, remote access, people can do a range of tasks, from checking to see if a home or office alarm is switched on; to turning on lights; pre-setting heating; and even managing the hot water cylinder in a holiday home.” Tucker says 36 commercial tenancies have just taken up the product, which enables staff easy access through gates and doors with an internet device, without having to worry about site keys, alarm codes or swipe cards. “Commercial clients can also make significant energy cost savings by more efficiently controlling things like air conditioning, ventilation, heating, and water heating. “EECA studies indicate that power bill savings of up to 25 percent are possible in commercial buildings that utilise energy management. Tucker has shaved 16.6 percent off his own home power bill in the last year by eliminating power wastage with Econnecx. He founded the company with two other directors in 2011 after finding it impossible to source a practical, simple automated system that was easy to install without complex, expensive training.

“With real-time, remote access, people can do a range of tasks, from checking to see if a home or office alarm is switched on; to turning on lights; pre-setting heating; and even managing the hot water cylinder in a holiday home.”

The Econnecx system offers complete remote on-line management of the electrical network in homes or offices from anywhere there is an internet connection. “My background is in the electrical industry and after doing a lot of research I couldn’t find a product that came close to meeting these criteria in terms of simplicity and price.,” says Tucker “I approached a good software developer and electrical manufacturer I knew in Christchurch who were keen to work on developing a local product.” It took a year for them to create the Econnecx system and it was a further year of testing before it was ready to launch to the market. “Getting in front of people with the product has been the biggest challenge.

“We focused on the trade market in the South Island and Auckland when we first launched the product in November 2013,. “We have had really good uptake from several of the major building companies such as Mike Greer Homes, Milestone, Platinum, David Reid, GJ Gardner Homes, Hallmark Homes and Bainbridge Homes who are now showcasing the product in their new show homes.” Econnecx is also getting great feedback from architects and end-users after marketing to them via its website and various home shows.

“Marketing the product remains a big focus. We’ve just launched a new website which will soon have four online videos that make it easy for people to grasp the Econnecx system and how easy it is to operate.” Econnecx was one of 10 of Christchurch’s “most promising and innovative” organisations chosen by Canterbury Development Corporation for its 2014 Hi-Growth Launch Programme. “It was great to be selected for this worthwhile programme. “We learned a lot and it also gave us validation that we had made the right decision to start the company.” The Econnecx product can be installed in new buildings or retro-fitted into most existing buildings. Tucker says the company is already looking ahead, with the potential to move into export markets, and the development of add-ons already underway. “We are ready to start development of new hardware, so that in 5 to 10 years time when appliances such as fridges and dishwashers are wifi connectable, people can simply plug a new lid into their existing Econnecx system, rather than having to invest in all new hardware and multiple control systems and apps.”

TOURISM » Queenstown Airport

Business South March 2015

The new international terminal will expand the current building footprint by a third when it is finished ahead of the busy winter season.

Surge in visitors drives expansion Jo Bailey A surge in international visitor numbers is driving an exciting development phase at Queenstown Airport. Construction of a new international terminal is underway, a project that will expand the current building footprint by a third when it is finished ahead of the busy winter season. Other new offerings completed at the airport over the past twelve months include additional retail stores and cafés, a second airline lounge and a mini corporate jet terminal.

Twelve-month figures recently released by Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) show an 8.3 percent increase in total passenger volumes, which are now up to around 1.3 million passengers a year. Underlying the growth is a big jump in international visitor numbers, which Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive Scott Paterson says have been boosted by more direct flights from the east coast of Australia. “Our research suggests more travellers are choosing to fly direct to Queenstown and the availability of direct flights also makes repeat visits more likely.”

The airport is also enjoying good domestic growth, with a 3.5 percent increase over the same 12-month period. However Paterson says the airport has enjoyed double-digit growth in domestic numbers over the last three months, driven by a “remarkable” increase in long-haul capacity into New Zealand. “Both Christchurch and Auckland Airports are reporting huge growth, with quite a few of those travellers coming further south. “The upcoming Cricket World Cup and Chinese New Year are also going to be wonderful for tourism.”

• To page 8

QUEENSTOWN

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Paterson says the 4080 square metre addition to the southern end of the existing airport terminal will double the size of its international operations, allowing it to process up to 1000 passengers an hour compared to the current rate of 480. The interior of the new terminal is being developed in three stages. Stage One, which will be ready for next winter, features new international arrival and departure lounges, a new Customs area, airside retail stores, baggage claim and handling areas, a covered walkway and office space.

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TOURISM » Queenstown Airport

March 2015 Business South

Airport sees surge in passengers • From page 7

Queenstown Airport had an 8.3 percent increase in total passenger volumes in the last year, with 1.3 million passengers.

jets has also been well received, although Paterson says the lack of available land meant the corporate terminal was not as big as the company would have liked. “We’re currently trying to acquire more land

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Stage Two involves spatial reconfiguration to simplify passenger flows between Customs, baggage reclaim and the Ministry of Primary Industries’ biosecurity area, as well as housing extra staff facilities. Paterson says Stage Three, the development of a mezzanine floor, potentially for more gate lounges and retail space, could be several years away. “For the first time Queenstown Airport will be ahead of the curve with this development rather than playing catch-up. “The building has a bigger footprint than we currently need and we have agreed with the airlines not to fit it out entirely, which will help to give us some flexibility to accommodate future growth.” Dunedin firm Cook Brothers Construction are building the new terminal, with RCP acting as project managers. “Both firms are doing a great job and lots of local sub-contractors and suppliers are also on board,” says Paterson. He says the “beautifully set up” Manaia Lounge developed last year at the airport is providing a great offering for eligible Qantas and Jetstar passengers, and any other travellers willing to pay a fee to enter. The dedicated mini corporate jet terminal for international passengers arriving on private

should spell another successful winter for the airport. “We’re expecting lots of guests to come through on the back of a strong summer period, which is fantastic.”

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Business South March 2015

TOURISM » Queenstown Airport

Underlying the growth of Queenstown Airport is a big jump in international visitor numbers, which have been boosted by more direct flights from the east coast of Australia.

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TOURISM » Remarkables Base Building

10 |

March 2015 Business South

New look Remarkables set for 2015 Jo Bailey Visitors to the Remarkables Ski Area near Queenstown this winter will enjoy new world-class facilities, following the completion of a major twoyear, $45 million makeover. Construction is well underway on the skifield’s sizeable new $20 million base building, which will provide enhanced facilities to guests spread over 6000 square metres. Features of the building, designed by Michael Wyatt Architects include a striking 10-metre glass frontage, which reaches skyward towards the Remarkables mountains; and 1300sqm of outdoor decking, that wrap around the building. Extensive restaurant, café and bar facilities on the first floor can accommodate up to 700 people inside and 500 outside. The new ground floor facilities will provide improved ticketing, rentals, retail services, and access to the ski field. NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson says the new base building will be finished and ready for the 2015 season, which kicks off on Saturday June 20, the same weekend as the Queenstown Winter Festival. “Lead contractors Arrow International are progressing well with construction after a difficult start to the project. “We had a lot of snow and ice on the ground in November, which made it hard to get the foundations out of the ground. They’ve done really well to catch up and we expect to open on time.” The new building is replacing the original base building at the skifield, which is celebrating 30 years of operation this year. “The old building had become tired, and as time goes on guests demand better and better facilities.” Growing visitor numbers, especially from Australia, have partly driven the upgrade, he says.

The new $20 million base building at the Remarkables Ski Area will provide enhanced facilities to guests. “Queenstown is achieving significant year-onyear growth in terms of the number of Australians coming into the resort, and we’re seeing a lot of these people on the ski areas. “Australian visitors are quite discerning and expect a high level of service and facilities.

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These included the realignment and sealing of part of the access road; increased car parking, the addition of new snow guns, and terrain improvements, including the redevelopment of the learner’s area and new trails catering for novice to intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

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Business South March 2015 A state-of-the art, 1.2km six-seater Curvey Basin chairlift was also installed, and proved highly successful last season, transporting up to 2400 people an hour to the top of the mountain. In fact it was so successful that for 12 days last winter, the Remarkables carpark reached full capacity, and NZSki had to establish a temporary carpark three kilometres along the access road from where visitors were shuttled up to the main area, says Anderson. More carparking is planned at the top of the road for the start of the 2015 season. This season, skiers and snowboarders will have easy access to the Curvey Basin chairlift from the new base building, which is being constructed right alongside it, at the bottom of the redeveloped learners’ slopes. Anderson says another feature of the building will be the safe, flat access from the carpark area into the ground floor level. “Guests can be dropped off at the door, walk through the ground floor guest services area, and straight out onto the snow. We understand taking a family skiing can be quite a big exercise, so our goal is to make it as easy as we can for them.” Anderson says NZSki is finalising the “modern” menus in the building’s hospitality areas, as well as its interior design, which will feature interesting and comfortable areas where guests can relax, enjoy food and refreshments or spend time with family and friends. “Having such a big space is enabling us to create different zones within the footprint, including public and more intimate areas, to meet the needs of our visitors.” The ski area is a 45 minute drive from Queenstown. It rises to 1943 metres, and has 220 hectares of skiable area. Anderson says Remarkables is a “fantastic family skifield” given its friendly atmosphere and extensive beginner and intermediate terrain. “We’re definitely targeting the family market, but also have a strong freestyle component, with terrain parks and big mountain skiing. We offer a bit of everything for everyone, and are definitely excited about welcoming guests to enjoy all the great new facilities during the 2015 season.”

• Construction challenges - page 12

TOURISM » Remarkables Base Building

| 11

NZSki continues major investment programme The redevelopment of the Remarkables Ski Area is a significant project for NZSki, the privately owned company, which owns the Department of Conservation concession to operate the ski field. It holds the same concessions for other high profile South Island ski areas, Mt Hutt and Coronet Peak. The majority shareholder of NZSki is Trojan Holdings, a New Zealand owned company with diversified interests in mainly the tourism and transport sectors. NZSki owns all the infrastructure on the ski fields, and directly employs the staff to operate them.

“During summer we have a permanent workforce of around 40 including maintenance staff, and the team at our corporate office in Queenstown,” says chief executive Paul Anderson. “We scale up to around 1000 people during the ski season so it’s like starting a new business each year.” Many of these seasonal workers are “experienced and valued people” who rejoin the company each winter season. “They are really important as they carry the culture from one year to another and help to train a lot of the new staff coming in.”

Anderson says the company is hoping for “great snow” across its three ski fields in the coming winter but has also continued to invest in snow making facilities to mitigate the risk of a warm winter. He says skiing is a strong contributor to tourism in New Zealand with a little known fact that for every $1 spent at ski areas, a further $11 is spent off-piste. “The industry is a massive multiplier when you think of what it does for the transport, entertainment and accommodation sectors. It has a really important part to play in local economies.”

12 |

TOURISM » Remarkables Base Building

March 2015 Business South

Project planning a key to success Jo Bailey Unseasonal snow in September and October 2014 delayed construction of the Remarkable Ski Area’s new base building. However clever planning by main contractors Arrow International will see the fast-track eight-month project delivered in time for the 2015 ski season. “It was a frustrating start to the project, as every time it snowed we had to dig everything back out again,” says Arrow International regional director Nick Hamlin. “But thanks to the efforts of our team, who have continually looked at ways to catch up time, the project is back on track.” Hamlin says planning has been a key element of the project from the earliest design stages, given the complex nature of building, and the challenges of getting materials onto the mountain site. “We worked closely with NZSki and their consultants in front end planning for around two years before construction began. “It was crucial that build-ability was incorporated into the design to ensure the base building could be constructed efficiently over the summer months.” Hamlin says careful consideration went into how to get some of the larger elements, such as the concrete pre-cast panels floor structures, which fit below a large steel portal structure on the first floor onto the site. “Not all materials have been easy to work with and a lot of manpower and craneage has been required. “Once we had the pieces on site it started to come together pretty quickly.” Arrow International has worked with NZSki and parent company Trojan Holdings on several other projects, including the new base building at Coronet Peak, completed around four years ago, and construction of the Curvey Basin skilift at Remarkables Ski Area over the 2013/14 summer. Meanwhile a varied portfolio is keeping Arrow International busy in the southern region, says Hamlin, who oversees the company’s Invercargill, Dunedin and Queenstown operations. “We have some exciting projects underway in all three cities, and have recently completed some high profile heritage projects and sizeable commercial, retail, educational and apartment works.” Arrow has breathed new life into the historic Stavely building in Dunedin, which

Arrow International says planning was a key element of the new Remarkables Base Building project from the earliest design stages, given the complex nature of building, and the challenges of getting materials onto the mountain site.

“It was crucial that build-ability was incorporated into the design to ensure the base building could be constructed efficiently over the summer months.” was constructed in 1878 and badly damaged by a major fire in 2008. “We have just completed the substantial redevelopment of the interior of the building into 11 apartments. The uptake from the market for this unique development has been spectacular,” says Arrow’s regional development manager, Stephen Cairns. Another Dunedin project that highlights Arrow’s heritage capabilities was the $4 million seismic strengthening and refurbishment works at historic Selwyn College, Dunedin’s oldest student residential hall, which is affiliated to the University of Otago. The Arrow team also recently completely

refurbished the Salvation Army hostel in Cargill Street Dunedin. The Queenstown office has also been busy with a wide range of projects, including construction of the new 2,500 square metre Carters hardware store at Frankton, and the reworking of some of the original villas at Millbook resort. “This was quite a technical job which saw us replace tile with metal roofing on 12 villas, each containing four units. “The units were fully occupied, so a fair amount of planning went into the project before it got underway,” says Cairns. Two large Invercargill projects of late include a 700 square metre extension to the Briscoes retail store plus fitout works, and

the conversion of an historic engineering workshop into a boutique brewery for Invercargill Breweries. Nick Hamlin says there is sometimes a misconception that Arrow is focused on project management works, when in fact it is one of New Zealand’s four largest building companies, with a network of 10 offices and over 400 staff including construction teams. “Our teams incorporate a wide range of skills sets. We are also truly local, employing a huge amount of local staff, plus a few from overseas when needed to meet demand.” Arrow is also involved in putting together its own developments, looking at land opportunities and matching tenants to make projects come together. ‘We are a lot more than a building company waiting for tenders to arrive on the desk.” He says the firm is always looking for ways to add value to its clients’ projects, particularly at the “front end” design and planning stages. “Building for success is definitely one of our real strengths.”

Arrow International has been busy in the southern region: projects have included, left, the seismic strengthening and refurbishment of Dunedin’s historic Selwyn College, and, right, the conversion of an historic engineering workshop into a boutique brewery for Invercargill Breweries.

“

SECTION » Feature

When we use the word “partner” it is not lip service.

Working in partnership with our clients is our preferred approach. Real client focus starts with truly understanding the client’s objectives, challenging those understandings and then driving the project team to achieve or better the outcomes. It demands absolute integrity and a willingness to take responsibility. - Mark Hopwood, Arrow International Group CEO.

Build for Success We know from hard won experience that great projects need more than building expertise. They need shaping right from the start and getting everyone focused on the same client objectives. Finding a better way forward For over thirty years we’ve pushed ourselves and our industry to get better value for clients. We’re now doing projects of over $300 Adding value from concept to completion We think it makes sense to look at feasibility, design and construction together. By bringing us in at the early stage, we can and value. Powerful partnering We build strong physical and human structures in our projects. We harness everyone’s knowledge, ideas and drive, and focus it on what the client wants. We create the relationships and trust that allow us to push the boundaries and get outstanding results. Fresh thinking At Arrow, we like to hit every target we aim for. Some of those targets are tricky but we love a good challenge. That way, we can really stretch our thinking. It’s what gets our staff up in the morning and what our clients expect from us. Great people It’s people who make projects hum. Success requires the right mindsets. Our teams mentally ‘step into the shoes’ of our project partners. Then we apply smart leadership and our set of project management and construction skills to get the right result. Our distinctive style of working means we attract and retain some of the best minds in the business.

”

14 |

INNOVATION » Enztec

March 2015 Business South

Innovative Chch firm at cutting edge Jo Bailey A set of surgical instruments designed for a leading orthopaedic surgeon in the United States, has won two awards for Enztec at the New Zealand Innovation Awards 2014. The Christchurch firm took out the Innovation in Health and Science, and Export Innovator of the Year categories for the products it designed and manufactured to replace a collection of “rudimentary” surgical instruments being used by the surgeon to carry out quad sparing knee replacement surgery. Enztec Design and Development Manager Iain McMillan says many surgeons opt not to perform this minimally invasive yet technically challenging procedure because of the somewhat primitive tools available to carry it out. “The new suite of tools we’ve developed better accommodates anatomical structures and have improved ergonomics for surgeon comfort and ease of use,” says McMillan. “This allows them to get around patient’s soft tissues more easily and accurately control and position the knee implant, resulting in better patient outcomes.” The instruments were designed in conjunction with one of Enztec’s clients in the United States. “They asked us to work on the project with one of their high value surgeons, who was extremely technically competent but struggling to achieve his desired results with the instruments that were available. “Along the way he had developed a solution, but he was not able to achieve the levels of performance he knew he was capable of. “The challenge for us was to create a more functional suite of products for him.” The new instruments were delivered in November 2014, a year after the first meeting with the clients. McMillan says they are proving highly successful, with Enztec now evaluating feedback, to see if any further enhancements are required before they are released for wider use. Enztec was established 22 years ago in Christchurch and now supplies signature surgical instruments to many of the world’s leading orthopaedics companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, and Smith & Nephew. “These companies supply the hip and knee implants to the hospitals and surgeons, and we deliver the specialist tools and instruments that are sold with these products to enable the surgeons to successfully implant them.” Despite its longevity in the marketplace and international client base, the company continues to “fly under the radar” in New Zealand, says McMillan.

Christchurch-based Enztec supplies signature surgical instruments to many of the world’s leading orthopaedics companies. “Very few other companies know we exist. However in the average month we outsource around $125,000 to $175,000 of work into the Canterbury community. “As high tech manufacturers we also create high value jobs and currently have a team of 42 people.” Finding skilled labour is one of the major challenges facing the business, he says. “Getting good technically skilled people and capable labourers is our biggest growth limiting factor. A lot of training is required to work in the medical device industry, as what happens in our manufacturing facility has a direct impact on what happens in the operating theatre.” As surgical procedures become more complex and the marketplace more competitive, the need for more refined instruments in terms of function and aesthetics has never been more important, he says. “With our unique mix of clinical, design and production capabilities all focused on the orthopaedics sector, we can deliver those crucial differentiators which give our clients that final five percent.”

“With our unique mix of clinical, design and production capabilities all focused on the orthopaedics sector, we can deliver those crucial differentiators which give our clients that final five percent.”

Enztec is owned by Omni Holdings, a US domiciled company with a majority of New Zealand investors. “We are continuing to enjoy good growth of around 25 percent per annum, without capital injection,” says McMillan. One growth driver is the baby boomer generation “getting to the hip and knee replacement stage of life”. “There is going to be a big push from the US and Europe to get through more procedures, and we are also seeing an emerging market in China, where the huge new middle class are wanting these

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sorts of surgeries. We are riding along with our customers as they grow alongside these markets.” McMillan has been with the company over ten years full time, after spending five years with it under contract while completing his PhD. “A fair core of us in the company regard ourselves as lifers. “It is a very satisfying, rewarding and technically challenging company to be part of. “We are creating jobs, earning high tech export dollars by creating added value products, and are actively sought out by the world’s leading medical companies who want us to supply to them.”

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INNOVATION » EMNZ

Business South March 2015

| 15

EM gaining mainstream acceptance Kelly Deeks First developed 30 years ago in Japan, Effective Microorganisms (EM) is now a global technology with an enormous worldwide following. EM is used in many systems pertaining to agriculture and environmental management, with applications ranging from fertiliser enhancement, use in crop and animal production systems, to livestock and aquaculture units. The microbes in EM have demonstrated their effectiveness on ecosystem improvement of the soil micro flora, promotion of crop root development, and recovery of polluted environments. This makes them ideal for getting the natural processes to function, the way nature intended. EMNZ was founded in 2001 by agricultural and horticultural research scientist Mike Daly. His son Paul Daly has recently joined the company as sales and marketing manager, and he says the world view has changed significantly since EMNZ began. “Back then there wasn’t really anything similar in New Zealand, as a country we were still very heavily focused on chemical fertilisation,” he says. “EM was a complete change in philosophy, towards utilising what was already in the soil to impact on agriculture and horticulture.” He says over the past five years, the view has progressed even further, and now the product, which was initially used by organic farmers, is also being used by many conventional farmers in conjunction with their usual practices. EMNZ is now working alongside farmers and other companies to enhance some of these practices. In particular, soil consultants Soil Matters and Sustainable Soils are working with EMNZ to enhance their fertiliser blends and brews, and the application of those. “EM really is growing hugely around the world,” Paul Daly says. “The total volume of product sold globally has doubled in the past four years.” Daly says one of the biggest pluses of EM is its sustainability. “It helps to remediate the ground, stimulate soil biology, and promotes sustainable plant and crop growth,” he says. For farmers, EM allows for better utilisation of fertiliser inputs, making the plants’ uptake of those nutrients more effective, and providing a better yield response. “In these days of restrictions on the horizon, and people looking to put less chemicals into the ground, farmers will be able to lower the rate of fertiliser they are using.”

Effective Microorganisms are now being used in many systems of agriculture and environmental management. EM also improves soil health and provides plant protection with millions of beneficial microbes outcompeting the harmful microbes. The blend of microbes that make up EM means there are various applications it can be used for, Daly says. “Different microbes from the brew will take a dominant position or role in that specific application.” Another area of focus is odour control. EM has a very good track record of killing odour, and many farmers are using it in their effluent ponds. Microbes work on breaking down organic matter and reducing the volume of solids in the effluent pond. In this regard, EM is also used in waste water systems and various city council water treatment plants, breaking down those waste elements and restoring the biological function of those treatment systems.

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DEVELOPMENT » TIC Golf Projects

March 2015 Business South

Turf specialist on course for success Jo Bailey The opportunity to work in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations for months at a time is one of the perks of the job for TIC Projects. The Queenstown firm is a leading sports turf construction specialist, which has undertaken work on some of the country’s most prestigious golf courses, such as the Jack Nicklaus designed course at Kinloch, and Jack’s Point and Millbrook at Queenstown. Its skilled teams of mainly qualified NZ Turf professionals are currently building a new golf course at Manukau; reconstructing the Boulcott’s Farm Golf Club at Wellington; and renovating the Frankton Golf Club at Queenstown. “Our staff are from all over New Zealand and travel with us to wherever the projects area,“ says director Geoff Andrew. “They’re prepared to be transient because they love what they do and enjoy creating something unique that becomes a feature of the landscape,” he says.

Geoff and wife Belinda founded the company almost 20 years ago in Auckland. An engineer by trade he had previously specialised in the design, manufacture and sales of agricultural, irrigation and pumping equipment, and spent five years selling and installing turf irrigation systems. “I wanted to create a business which would allow me to potter around fixing irrigation systems, which is how Turf Irrigation Contractors, or TIC started off. “As the demand grew in the golf course and sports turf markets, I employed a couple of qualified guys and it grew from there. We had the expertise in drainage, irrigation and turf, but at the time, no other company was combining these disciplines in golf course construction.” TIC Projects now has a “really good” team of 38, he says. “The secret is to surround yourself with skilled, experienced, qualified people.” The Andrews shifted the company’s head office to Queenstown around five years ago after working on some large projects in the region.

“We had the expertise in drainage, irrigation and turf, but at the time, no other company was combining these disciplines in golf course construction.” At the same time they sold off two subsidiary divisions to one of their Auckland-based employees - a general turf contracting company and specialised haulage business, which carted products for the turf industry. “The move has worked well for us as golf has really taken off down here,” he says. “We built the Jack’s Point course; have completed additions at Millbrook and minor work at The Hills; rebuilt half of Cromwell’s golf club; and have constructed a private golf course for one of New Zealand’s most prominent sportsmen.” Geoff says it can take up to two-and-a-half years to build a new golf course from start to finish, with TIC Projects undertaking full project management including shaping, drainage, irrigation and construction works encompassing

greens, tees bunkers and fairways. “We can do everything from bulk earthworks and drainage, through to irrigation systems, seeding, and ongoing maintenance of the golf course which is one of our strengths.” The company used to provide similar services for sports turf, working on high profile venues such as Eden Park and the Waikato Sports Stadium. However apart from a contract with Queenstown Lakes District Council to maintain its sports grounds, the firm is now heavily focused on golf course projects. Geoff says one of the biggest trends happening in the industry is the move away from speculators building golf courses surrounded by exclusive sections, to the amalgamation of

Business South March 2015

DEVELOPMENT » TIC Golf Projects

| 17

TIC Golf Projects has undertaken work on some of the country’s most prestigious golf courses, such as the Jack Nicklaus designed course at Kinloch, and Jack’s Point and Millbrook at Queenstown.

golf clubs and courses, especially in major cities where it is becoming too expensive for clubs to get a return on their land. “There is a lot of consolidating going on, where clubs are amalgamating and selling off one of the pieces of land. “Other clubs are selling the inner city land and rebuilding elsewhere, such as the Manukau Golf Club project which is relocating to a former dairy farm on the Alfriston-Ardmore Road.”

TIC Projects is the main contractor on this Brett Thomson designed, 18 hole construction project, which is well underway and due for completion by 2016. Geoff and Belinda Andrew are both members of the Cromwell Golf Club. “We especially love travelling round the country with our caravan playing some of the fantastic natural golf courses in New Zealand. They are a great inspiration.”

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DEVELOPMENT » Belfast Park

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March 2015 Business South

Belfast project generates interest Jo Bailey There has been strong interest in the Belfast Business Park development on the northern outskirts of Christchurch since marketing of the integrated industrial subdivision got under way last September. Brendon Stewart, general manager of developers Rapaki Property Group says around half of the 24 lots in stage one have already sold, with particularly good support from companies in the construction sector. “We’ve targeted the construction industry and transport/logistics firms from the outset and are extremely pleased with the good take-up. “We are working hard to keep the momentum going in 2015.” A mix of Business 5 and Business 4 zoning allows for a flexible blend of light and heavy industry, office and retail in the development, which could also cater well to vehicle storage, showrooms, manufacturing, warehousing and workshops, he says. The $36 million, 22-hectare business park is being developed on the former site of the Canterbury Freezing Works on the corner of Belfast and Blakes roads. The site was acquired for $5.6 million in 2012 by Rapaki, which is headed by rich lister Simon Henry. It was formerly owned by South Canterbury Finance, and was later acquired and sold by the Crown to recoup assets after it bailed out the collapsed finance company. “It’s no secret we purchased the land for a very good price, which means we can offer the lots cheaper than almost every other industrial park in Christchurch,” says Stewart. Land prices are between $145 and $205 a square metre for the sites in stage one, which range from 1500 to 5,000 square metres. Stewart says flexibility is one of the development’s key advantages, with sites able to be merged or re-sized to suit requirements. “We’ve already made amendments to our original consent to adjust boundaries and introduce new lots into stage one, and expect things to change again between now and completion as we continue to accommodate our purchasers’ needs.” Custom design-build options are also available. Several of the buyers already have plans for their developments underway in anticipation of the titles being released mid-year, says Stewart. “We expect some of the smaller developments to be consented and ready to get underway as soon as the titles are issued.

Belfast Business Park has a mix of Business 5 and Business 4 zoning allows for a flexible blend of light and heavy industry, office and retail. “The first tenants could be operating on-site by the end of the year.” Stewart says the strategic location of Belfast Business Park has been a strong selling point. “Historically the industrial space in Christchurch has run west from the Port of Lyttelton to Hornby. “We saw an opportunity to provide industrial options in the rapidly expanding northern corridor of the city.” He says many directors of large or mediumsized businesses have relocated to North Canterbury towns such as Kaiapoi, Rangiora and Pegasus since the earthquakes, which is only a 10 to 15 minute drive from the development. “We can hopefully plug the gap in the middle, given that we’re only 10 minutes away from the CBD, 8km from the airport and 20 km from Port of Lyttelton.” NZTA is currently working on the Western Corridor project which is creating a four lane motorway from Belfast to Hornby, with the road

“It’s no secret we purchased the land for a very good price, which means we can offer the lots cheaper than almost every other industrial park in Christchurch.” improvements already dramatically improving access to the airport and further south. Additionally, the proposed Northern Arterial motorway extension, which will connect the northern motorway to QEII Drive, will be located approximately 500m from Belfast Business Park and help to reduce drive times to the Port of Lyttelton. Around 42 lots are planned for the entire development, with stages two and three to be launched to meet demand. Meat co-operative Silver Fern Farms remains a tenant on part of the site, which will later be part of stage three.

Rapaki has owned and developed commercial and residential property throughout New Zealand and Australia since the 1990’s. It had a significant commercial portfolio in Christchurch preearthquake. However several of its buildings were either demolished or acquired by the Crown for the city blueprint following the disaster. “Belfast Business Park is our key development in Christchurch at present. We are also repairing some other buildings and developing some residential land in the Waltham/Sydenham area. Other than that we are focused on our portfolio in the North Island and Australia,” says Stewart.

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Business South March 2015

DEVELOPMENT » Belfast Park

| 19

The $36 million, 22-hectare Belfast Business Park is being developed on the former site of the Canterbury Freezing Works on the corner of Belfast and Blakes roads.

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DAIRY INDUSTRY » Fonterra

March 2015 Business South

Fonterra unveils Studholme plans Jo Bailey The consultation process is well underway on Fonterra’s proposal to build two new high-efficiency milk powder driers at its Studholme site in South Canterbury. Managing Director Global Operations Rob Spurway says the co-operative is talking with the local community, Environment Canterbury, local councils, iwi groups and other stakeholders about the proposal, and expects to lodge consents by March or April 2015. “The purpose of the consultation period is to enable us to understand the sorts of considerations the community might have, so we can do our best to address them in any consent applications.” Fonterra acquired the 55 ha Studholme site just over two years ago. The plant currently produces a range of milk powder products for sale on the global/dairy market and processes around 900,000 litres of milk per day. Spurway says the proposed expansion would result in significant gains in capacity, with each of the new driers capable of processing 4.5 million litres of milk per day. “The driers we’re proposing in the early stage of consenting are similar in size to our Darfield 2 plant, and the drier we are currently building at Lichfield. “Within 10 years we could see the Studholme site processing up to nine or ten million litres of milk each day.” The proposed investment would help meet rising milk volumes in South Canterbury, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing dairy regions. “It makes sense for us to have the processing capacity which enables us to increase effiencies, and reduce transport costs. It also gives us the options and flexibility to make the most valuable products from our farmers’ milk.”

Rob Spurway: “It makes sense for us to have the processing capacity which enables us to increase effiencies.” Spurway says Fonterra’s farmer shareholders have been “very supportive” of the proposed development. “There are a number of very progressive farmers

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in the region who are planning their own expansion and growth opportunities. “We need to ensure we can match their growth projections by having the capacity to pick up their milk and maximise its value.” He says the expansion would play an important role in delivering the Co-operative’s own growth strategy. “With the steady increase in milk production, a strong schedule of capital investment in processing and manufacturing will be key to delivering on our V3 strategy, driving value, volume and velocity.” If approved, the expansion will take a phased approach, with construction of the first drier likely

within five years of consent, and the second drier possibly within 10 years, he says. “We have no specific time frame for the project. However it is fairly certain the first drier would be constructed within five years. “The timeframe of the second stage is less certain as it is difficult to look so far ahead to ascertain our requirements for milk capacity. “We will review the situation on a year-by-year basis and when the second drier matches up with our strategy, will seek and allocate funding to complete the project.”

• to page 22

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Business South March 2015

| 21

The Studholme plant currently produces a range of milk powder products for sale on the global/dairy market and processes around 900,000 litres of milk per day.

Providing specialist solutions for the dairy sector Since it was founded almost 20 years ago, Industrial Controls South Canterbury has provided specialist control solutions to a wide range of industries, including the dairy sector. The firm has worked on numerous projects for Fonterra, with its current major project for the dairy giant being stage two of its mozzarella plant at Clandeboye. “We’re providing a 100 percent turnkey software and controls solutions for the plant processes, as well as building services which includes one of the first total LED lighting solutions we’ve installed. We are also involved in the HVAC installation,” says co-owner Erin McNaught. Industrial Controls has developed all of the key process software for the plant, with

its large workshops giving it the capability to produce all the control panels and electrical work in-house. One of the firm’s big points of difference is that it can offer full simulation and acceptance testing of its systems at its own facilities. “This means our clients’ plant process teams and consultants can be stepped through the process of full simulation automation-wise at our offices to make sure everybody is happy before the systems go out to the site.” Industrial Controls South Canterbury’s multi-skilled team provides a full range of control solutions, covering all aspects of industrial IT and data, automation and electrical engineering.

“Our teams of electricians, electrical engineers and software engineers can take projects from start to finish, without the clients having to deal with several different companies. There are not too many businesses with this capability in-house.” Ms McNaught, her partner Dave Stickings, and Dave and Mari McIver founded Industrial Controls South Canterbury in 1996 to meet the demand for local specialists. “At that stage companies were bringing specialist contractors down from the North Island. We could see a gap in the market and on the strength of that have built a company that is 70 strong including eight apprentices.” All four owners remain fully involved in

the company’s day-to-day operations. A lot of the firm’s early work was servicing the dairy sector. It was involved with the original build and process works at Studholme when the plant was first changed from a food processing facility to a dairy factory, and the work there has been ongoing since Fonterra took it over. Industrial Controls has also worked on numerous projects at Clandeboye, Darfield, Edendale, Takaka, Brightwater and Kaikoura for Fonterra. Other sectors served by the company include food and beverage processing, energy and infrastructure, water and wastewater projects for local councils, mining and minerals, buildings, data centres and networks.

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22 |

March 2015 Business South

DAIRY INDUSTRY » Fonterra

Fonterra eyes expansion at Studholme • from page 20 Mitigating environment impacts is a high priority for the build, with plans including a range of wastewater treatment options with particular care given to the nearby Wainono lagoon. Fonterra is also looking to minimise the use of coal, and is investigating options for energyefficient boilers cable of burning biomass. Spurway says the project would boost the local economy, and provide employment opportunities. “As with any build of this scale, local employment would be one of the major winners. “With each new drier our site and tanker staff would grow by around 125 new positions, with builders and contractors to complete the build factored in on top of that.” While the capacity investments are needed, Fonterra is ensuring the investments are phased and planned carefully given the lower milk price forecast as a result of the drop in global dairy prices, he says. “Obviously we’re seeing a lower forecast payout at the moment but we expect prices to recover in the longer term. Our view is that the demand for dairy products largely continues to outpace supply. “One of the advantages Fonterra has is a very clear strategy around growing its added-value business to maximise value and returns for our shareholders. “Our development projects are informed by this strategy and continue right through the current volatility in world markets.” Although future growth of the industry won’t continue at the rate seen over the last decade,

Fonterra’s Darfield plant is part of the company’s continuing plans for growth. Spurway says Fonterra is still forecasting growth through improvements to existing farms and greater productivity, in addition to new conversions. “We have expanded to meet those requirements at Darfield, and are currently expanding at Edendale. “The proposed expansion at Studholme will

provide us with another really good processing option in the heart of South Canterbury. We are very proud of our large format milk powder plants, which are not only the largest in the world, but also the most efficient in terms of resource usage and cost to run.” Over the next few months, Fonterra will continue

to progress the consultation process, with a view to lodging its consents for the Studholme project at a suitable time. “Our teams are hard at work to complete our proposals for this potential development and will ensure that we share them with our neighbours and the wider community before they are finalised.”

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Business South March 2015

BUILDING » Versatile Homes & Buildings Cromwell

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The spacious, three double-bedroom show home with two living areas, has been designed to reflect the family-oriented nature of the Summerfield’s Estate subdivision.

Showing off the style of Central Otago Kelly Deeks Versatile Homes and Buildings Cromwell has a new show home on display at 16 Stowell Drive, in the Summerfield’s Estate subdivision in Cromwell, which is now also able to be viewed in a virtual tour on the Versatile Homes and Buildings website. Versatile Homes and Buildings Cromwell has been owned and operated by David and Marie Holden since 2000.

The show home features Central Otago schist at the exterior entranceway.

David Holden is a qualified joiner with 30 years of experience in the construction industry, while Marie Holden has a background in retail. The couple and their team have an excellent understanding of their local market. They understand the extreme weather conditions that Central Otago can produce, and how best to build a new garage, farm building, or home to cope with these conditions. The Versatile Homes and Buildings Cromwell team can assist with all building requirements, from initial site consultations and advice, to building consents, and everything else clients may require for their finished project. Versatile Cromwell covers all areas from Cromwell to Wanaka, Alexandra to Millars Flat, the Maniototo and everywhere in between. Marie says the construction industry in Cromwell has experienced highs and lows over the past 15 years, but in the past six months has really taken off. With a wide range of two, three, and four bedroom homes, farm buildings, studios/ sleep outs, and garages of all sizes the Holdens say Versatile Homes and Buildings Cromwell has something to offer all types of clients. “We’ve built farm buildings for orchards to be used for seasonal workers accommodation, garages for irrigation pump sheds, and storage buildings for local golf clubs,” Marie says. “Garages aren’t just for cars anymore.” At the end of 2014, Versatile Homes and Buildings Cromwell had five houses under construction that were all designed to suit each client’s needs. “What’s in the brochure is just the starting point,” she says.

The new show home was completed at Labour Weekend 2014, and is open to view on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm, or by appointment. “We have had lots of foot traffic through our show home already, and has far exceeded our expectations,” Marie says. “People just love it!” David Holden designed the spacious, three double bedroom show home with two living areas, to reflect the fact that Summerfield’s Estate is a family oriented area. The show home features Central Otago schist at the exterior entranceway, which flows through

to the interior entrance of the house. The Central Otago feel is further emphasised with linear weatherboard and Rockcote cladding. On the interior, use of space is maximised with the bedroom wardrobes featuring built in furniture, and a large walk in wardrobe in the master bedroom. A solar tube day-lighting system in the hallway provides bright and natural light, while a heat transfer system ensures the home is always warm. The home features lots of special features including a wood burner fire that can charge a cell phone.

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BUILDING » Nigel Anderson Building

March 2015 Business South

Home matches stunning backdrop Kelly Deeks With a passion for architectural building, Wanaka’s Nigel Anderson Building is currently turning a client’s vision into an impressive reality. Anderson and his team are building and project managing a high-spec architectural dream on Lakeside Drive, due to be completed by mid-2015. The three level, 370sqm Parker Warburton Team Architects designed home, situated at a prime lakefront location, comprises three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas, a basement, and even an elevator. Nigel Anderson Building also completed the

site works and landscaping, with Anderson saying two of his team spent most of 2014 working outside, digging out the site and constructing retaining walls. The sloping section measures 3.5m from the basement level on Lakeside Drive to the ground floor level on Beacon Point Road. “At 370sqm, the house is pushed to the limits of the 700sqm section,” Anderson says. “The whole project had to be site surveyed for elevation and even for the height restrictions we have here as well.” After the site was excavated Anderson began working on the construction of the foundations and then the basement, with extensive

engineering and design calling for expansive structural steel works and panelling. The elevator runs from the basement to the ground floor. Once the foundations and basement were complete, Nigel Anderson Building was able to start work on erecting the timber framing for the house. “It took about five months to get out of the ground and get to the stage where we could start building the house,” he says. On the ground floor of the house is the kitchen, laundry, living room, study, master bedroom, and ensuite, while the third floor has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a balcony. The house is cedar clad with a fin profile put

into it which breaks up the cedar with a fin every 900mm. Anderson says there are only four square corners in the whole house, two internally and two externally, and all the other corners are triangles. On one end of the house there is a 38° corner which was cut on an angle from one piece cedar panels. “We’ve had to do a lot of thinking way outside the box on this project. It’s resulted in the owners being really happy with our adaptability and ability to problem solve.” The house will be filled with sunshine and spectacular views of the lake and mountains

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BUILDING » Nigel Anderson Building

Business South March 2015

| 25

The three level, 370sqm Parker Warburton Team Architects designed home, situated at a prime lakefront location, comprises three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas, a basement, and an elevator.

from every angle. The indoor-outdoor flow with the built in barbeque makes entertaining family and friends a delight. Surrounded by an easy care garden of fabulous schist and cedar banks and filled with native plants, the landscaping compliments the house, making it second to none. Nigel Anderson Building plans to enter the Lakeside Drive home into the Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition next year. Nigel Anderson Building is also regularly working in a different spectrum of the new homes market, and is the sole builder in Wanaka for Jennian Homes, owned by winners of the Jennian Homes franchise of the year in 2014 Carl and Shane Hamilton of Southland and Central Otago. Anderson and his team have been involved in five Jennian Homes builds over the past year. Two of which were Jennian Homes show homes, which are then raffled off as prizes in the Heart Foundation Lottery. The first Heart Foundation lottery house raffled was designed with a miner’s cottage theme, resonating the hard working ethos of

“We’ve had to do a lot of thinking way outside the box on this project. It’s resulted in the owners being really happy with our adaptability and ability to problem solve.” Central Otago and complemented by a stunning Wanaka outlook. The second Heart Foundation lottery house has now been completed and is the current Jennian Homes Central Otago show home which is located in Niger street, Wanaka, and is to be raffled mid-2015. Nigel Anderson Building first started in Wanaka in 2010 with Anderson working as a sole trader/contractor. He built himself a reputation for skilful workmanship and attention to detail and began working for himself in 2013. Starting his building career in carpentry and commercial construction, Anderson then took his skills overseas and gained experience working in a variety of different fields.

These included set building for Fox Studios in Australia, creating large scale vehicle display stands for the motor show industry, as well as renovation and refurbishment projects, and landscape gardening in the UK. These highly contrasting building vocations helped to diversify his skill set and teach him the foundations he needed to create Nigel Anderson Building in Wanaka. He says Wanaka’s building industry has increased remarkably with abundant opportunities at present, and while Nigel Anderson Building is currently focused on the residential market, it may adapt as commercial developments in the area increase. “We’ll keep an open mind and see what happens,” he says.

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26 |

BUILDING » Central Trusses and Frames

March 2015 Business South

Truss manufacturer still going strong Jo Bailey Brian Ruddle says there have been numerous changes in the building industry in the 17 years since he and Andy Haig set up Central Trusses & Frames at Luggate, near Wanaka. “Timber grades and even products such as nail plates have changed quite a lot over the years. It’s just a matter of adapting and keeping up with it all.” Ruddle says that there has been a swing away from conventional timber framing to more engineered and laminated wood products in recent years. “The engineered products are heavier timbers that have been designed to withstand heavier loads and provide better seismic protection. “We can also manufacture these products to bigger spans which is good from a design perspective.” As its name suggests, Central Trusses & Frames is focused solely on the manufacture of pre-nailed timber frames and trusses, with around 90 percent of its product ending up in residential projects. “We get a plan from the client, submit a price, and once it’s confirmed, the job is put into the

system, the frames and trusses are cut and fabricated, then delivered to site.” The firm is possibly the only MiTek fabricator in Central Otago and manufactures the MiTek Posi-STRUT system, a light, economical method of providing large clear spans in rafter, purlin and floor joist applications. A feature of the system is the Posi-STRUT folded metal web, which is pressed onto timber chords to form a parallel chord truss. “This product is a wee bit more expensive but it works really well.” Ruddle says Central Trusses & Frames has worked on many large, challenging projects over the years, including exclusive, top-end homes. “We’re doing a few curved roofs at the moment which can be quite tricky. “In the Central Otago region snow loads and wind zones also have to be considered and calculated into the final product.” The company deals directly with architects, designers, and builders, and also prices work for merchants such as ITM, Mitre 10, and Bunnings. Strict quality control is a hallmark of the firm, which only deals with suppliers of good quality timber. Ruddle says the company supplies its products across a large area, including Wanaka, Queenstown, Cromwell, Dunedin, and up the

Central Trusses & Frames has worked on many large, challenging projects over the years, including curved roofs for exclusive, top-end homes.

West Coast beyond Haast, although most of its work is in the local area. “January is already fully booked as well as half of February so it’s been a good start to the year.” Both Ruddle and Haig have a long history in the building trade, and worked for the same

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Wanaka business owner before the opportunity came to establish their own company. They started out on their own, and now employ a team of five on the factory floor. “We never wanted to get too big. The company is a good size for Andy and I to manage, and maintain quality levels.”

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Business South March 2015

BUILDING » Central Trusses & Frames

| 27

Brian Ruddle in the workshop: Central Trusses & Frames is focused solely on the manufacture of pre-nailed timber frames and trusses, with around 90 percent of its product ending up in residential projects.

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BUILDING » Erkhart Construction / Harris Builders

March 2015 Business South

Lakeside home ticks all the boxes Other features of the home include a large laundry for drying gear after a day’s skiing; an indoor sauna; outdoor spa; four bedrooms including a bunkroom; and a sheltered courtyard protected by the home’s C-shaped form. Harris Builders completed the seven-month build in February 2013. Although the overall market in the Nelson/ Tasman region is still in recovery mode following the Global Financial Crisis, Harris says last year was the firm’s biggest yet and this year is looking equally as positive. The firm currently has two prestigious projects underway in the region for Auckland-based architects, a $3 million, 500sqm home outside Richmond ; and a $4 million-plus, 730sqm home at Mapua. “We’ve enjoyed significant growth over the last couple of years, growing from around five employees to up to 14 given the scale of homes we’re constructing. “It is satisfying these clients came to us directly rather than putting the projects out to tender.” Word of mouth and repeat business is a cornerstone of the business, he says. “We deal with a lot of return clients, some who get us to build their subsequent new home; with others calling us back to build decks, update a home we built for them a decade ago; or even carry out some light commercial projects.” Harris founded the company around 14 years ago with his wife Jo who manages its homebased office. He keeps a close eye on the day-to-day management of its projects. “I am involved with the client right from the start of the process and still swing a hammer whenever I can. The beauty of having a smaller operation is that we can offer a more personalised service. We are constantly talking with the client throughout the job.” Harris says he decided to get into building after working for a local earthworks company during his university holidays.

Jo Bailey

Erkhart Construction has handcrafted tiny homes and built architectural masterpieces.

A real passion for carpentry Kelly Deeks Now in its second year of business, Wanaka’s Erkhart Construction has become a family partnership with two sets of building skills at the helm. Erkhart Construction was originally founded by Lochlan Urqhuart, who cut his teeth as a carpenter on his family’s property on the eastern hills of Hawea, building treehouses in the pine plantation and carving wooden spoons for Christmas presents. He set up the business with a goal to build high quality, hand-crafted homes, with a focus on sustainability and incorporate the use of natural products. “With my passion for carpentry, I don’t want to be pumping out cookie cutter houses,” Urquhart says. “I like it when there are individual challenges on a build, and a chance to be creative.” Urquhart’s brother-in-law Joel Van Riel joined the company as a director in the middle of 2014. “The good thing about having both of us on board is we’ve both got different skills and experience,” Urquhart says. “In the past we’ve done everything, including tiling, gib stopping, concrete work, and roofing. We don’t have time to do these anymore, but it has given us well rounded skills which we can use when project managing to foresee any potential problems that may occur with subcontractors.” As well as a hands-on approach to building, Erkhart Construction also has a hands-on approach to liaising with clients, using years of experience of

many different building techniques and materials, both in New Zealand and overseas, to explain the different options available to clients. “We don’t just start with a plan and that’s what you get,” Urquhart says. “When we build a house, it’s an organic process and the finished product evolves from that.” He says from the start of every building project, his goal is to craft a high quality home that reflects his client’s personality and meets their needs. He knows building a new home can be stressful, and more than likely the biggest undertaking his clients will make in their lives, so he aims to make the process stress-free, easy, and enjoyable. “With Erkhart Construction managing your project, you can expect efficiency, honesty, attention to detail, and great communication.” Erkhart Construction has handcrafted tiny homes, built architectural masterpieces, and everything in between. Every project is different and has its own unique challenges, and it’s that variety Urquhart and Van Riel love about building. “A building is an engineered system these days, everything is designed and constructed with sharp precision,” Urquhart says. “It’s great to be able to build like that, but it’s also nice to work on things that are a bit more rustic, like straw bale houses.” Urquhart and Van Riel each have a keen interest in alternative construction methods, such as cob, straw bale, and light clay straw construction. Urquhart toured North America in 2013, visiting sustainable homes and being inspired and encouraged by seeing what people were doing to look after the planet.

A stunning home at St Arnaud has won Nelson firm Harris Builders yet another national accolade at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards. The modern family holiday home, perched on a sloping site in the small alpine village was the national winner of the James Hardie New Homes $450,000 to $600,000 category, after picking up a swag of awards for the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast region, including the overall supreme award. Harris Builders has made the national finals of the House of the Year competition every year since 2010, winning the overall Westpac New Homes $600,000 to $1 million category in 2012. In 2013, the firm won local category, lifestyle, gold and gold reserve awards for a substantial renovation project in Nelson, which was another national finalist. The judges at the 2014 national finals held in Auckland in November, said the St Arnaud home “ticks all the boxes” when it comes to its extensive use of unique materials and impeccable craftsmanship. “The end result is a magnificent home that really suits the environment, and is a credit to a talented builder,” they said Harris Builders also won regional gold, craftsmanship and category awards for the project. Director John Harris says there were a couple of aspects of the home that really stood out. “The interior of the front section has beautiful feature cedar ceilings on a variety of angles that tie in nicely with the family room’s cedar shelving. “Another stand-out was the use of plate Core 10 steel as a feature panel on the front of the house which created a weathered, rust-look feature in keeping with the rugged environment.” This element frames a picture window in the open-plan living space, through which the owners enjoy “incredible views” of Lake Rotoiti and the mountains beyond.

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BUILDING » Harris Builders

| 29

The winning St Arnaud home built by Harris Builders “ticks all the boxes” when it comes to its extensive use of unique materials and impeccable craftsmanship.

Insite delivers the look Some of Nelson’s most spectacular homes feature custom-made windows and doors produced by aluminium specialists, Insite.

agent for the well-respected Vantage brand of aluminium window and door systems.

“We regularly work with architects and builders on high end projects, including Harris Builders for whom we’ve proudly been a preferred supplier of aluminium joinery for at least a decade,” says director John van de Schootbrugge.

“Vantage is the largest brand of aluminium joinery in New Zealand, with all of its products designed to look spectacular and last a lifetime. The brand has been in the New Zealand market for over 30 years, so its windows and doors are perfectly matched to the range of local design tastes and to the rigours of our temperate climate.”

Although Insite is happy tackling sometimes challenging, top-end work, its expertise extends across the entire building spectrum, from residential projects of any scale to commercial projects.

Insite also represents the Smartwood and Architectural Series window and door systems.

“Every single window we produce is custom made to our clients’ needs. I don’t think we’ve ever made two windows the same in terms of size or configuration. The work is constantly changing which makes it interesting.” The Insite team guides customers through the process from the initial meeting to making a finished product to the size, colour and style of their choice. “We also take into account everything from energy efficiency, UV protection and light filtering, to noise control and whether the customer wants single or double glazing.” The company (formerly known as Window World) has traded as Insite for the last 10 years, after being purchased by former manager, Mark Cessfor. He now owns the business in partnership with John van de Schootbrugge. Insite is the Nelson (top-of-the-South Island)

John van de Schootbrugge says thermal heart systems, which provide a thermal break in the aluminium to prevent heat transfer from inside to outside a building, have become more popular. “These systems greatly reduce the risk of condensation, improving the comfort and health of residents.” Insite has a team of 14 skilled staff, who cover the Nelson Tasman region, and also provide services to Canterbury. “We’re working with a few different companies in Christchurch to help meet the demands of the rebuild.” John van de Schootbrugge says the reasons why customers should choose Insite for their next building project are simple. “We pride ourselves in supplying windows and doors that are pleasing to the eye while adding value and enjoyment to a home or commercial property, using only superior materials and employing skilled and experienced staff.”

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insite 2 Braeburn Lane Stoke, Nelson +64 (0)3 547 0562 info@insitenelson.co.nz www.insitenelson.co.nz

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BUILDING » Sinclair Builders

March 2015 Business South

Quality comes first for Chch firm Jo Bailey Fast-growing Christchurch firm Sinclair Builders has added a painting division to its operation. Owner Chris Sinclair says the division was introduced at the start of 2014, mainly to guarantee quality for its clients. “Finding painters who consistently produced a decent finish had become a big issue for us, so we decided the best solution was to employ our own team of five quality painters. It has really made the difference.” Staff numbers at the firm have jumped from 22 to 35 in the last two years, which includes the addition of the painters. However Sinclair doesn’t plan to grow the company much further.

“We’ve reached the limit. I wouldn’t compromise personal service or the quality of our workmanship by growing too big.” Sinclair set up Sinclair Builders in 2009, after running his own business in Australia for four years, then returning to Christchurch. The firm’s rapid growth saw him move off the tools into a management role sooner than expected. But it is a role he relishes. “I personally oversee every new home build and work with the owners right through the process from design, to the build and completion. “Our customers appreciate that although we are a big company, they are dealing with the business owner, who is a Licensed Building Practitioner; rather than a salesperson.”

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“Our customers appreciate that although we are a big company, they are dealing with the business owner, who is a Licensed Building Practitioner; rather than a salesperson.” Sinclair has weekly meetings with the firm’s clients and he doesn’t miss being on the tools. “I did to begin with, but now my passion is having an overview of the business, dealing with the clients, guiding them through the process, and answering any questions they might have.” Each new home project also has a dedicated project manager for the construction works. Sinclair says the firm has also established relationships with a loyal group of subcontractors.

“Our subbies keep getting work with us because they are fair and honest, and do a quality job.” The company works on a broad range of projects, including high-end homes. Last year it built 22 new homes, and generally has five or six new home projects underway at any time. “Whatever the cost, size or difficulty of the job, it is important they are all finished to the same high standards.”

• To page 32

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BUILDING » Sinclair Builders

Business South March 2015

Sinclair Builders works on a broad range of projects, including high-end homes. Last year it built 22 new homes, and generally has five or six new home projects underway at any time.

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BUILDING » Sinclair Builders

March 2015 Business South

Sinclair Builders also constructs five or six of its own spec homes each year and carries out renovations; builds decks, patios and fences and even does small maintenance or repair jobs.

Quality comes first for Sinclair • from page 30 A current project of interest is a new home at Cust, which Chris says is “more architectural than a standard house”, with features including cedar cladding, concrete floors and bench tops, and lots of negative detailing. “This home has a lot of detail and finishing work,” he says. “It is an interesting project for our team.” Soon after the earthquakes Sinclair Builders was busy with earthquake repair work as an accredited main contractor to Fletchers, Hawkins, EQC and many insurance companies. It completed several hundred full home repairs in additional to a significant amount of emergency work in the aftermath of the disaster. However, new home projects have now taken over from this side of the business.

“At this stage our focus is on new homes, over cap insurance repairs and a small amount of light commercial work,” he says. Sinclair Builders also constructs five or six of its own spec homes each year and carries out renovations; builds decks, patios and fences and even does small maintenance or repair jobs. “If someone rings up wanting some rotten weatherboards replaced we’d do it, because you never know what could lead on from that kind of work,” he says. “I’m of the belief as a builder you do it all, or you don’t do it at all.” He is pleased with the company’s progress in such a short time frame, something he puts down “old fashioned personal service”. “We do what we say we’re going to do; price honestly and get jobs sorted which is what keeps clients coming back.” .

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BUILDING » CJ Phillips Construction

Business South March 2015

| 33

Firm adapts to meet rebuild needs Jo Bailey CJ Phillips Construction has continued to adapt and expand to meet the changing needs of the Canterbury rebuild. In the last year, the Templeton firm has purchased three diggers, to enable it to provide a complete suite of excavation, concrete and building works. “Our biggest growth market is replacement foundation works for lifted houses,” says director Clayton Phillips. “Although we don’t lift the homes ourselves, we do everything else, from breaking down the old concrete slab, to digging the hole, putting in the steel and form work, and laying the new foundations.” “With full in-house capability, the company is being engaged to carry out some challenging projects, including replacement foundations for clients on the Port Hills, where the firm is also building a significant amount of retaining walls, and replacing driveways and paths. “We started pricing hill work 18 months to two years ago, and a lot of it is starting to come through now. “This is specialised work we have picked up because we are capable of doing the whole job.” Phillips says having their own machines and staff with different skill sets means the company can offer seamless integration of the different trades, instead of clients having to wait for three or four different companies to carry out each aspect of the job. “There aren’t too many building companies who can supply the diggers and the people to put the concrete into the hole as well. It makes us pretty price competitive.” Phillips says diversity has been a hallmark of the business since “day one”. “We started as a construction company 14 years ago but always had the intention to offer the full package. “Over the years we’ve continuously talked to people and tried to anticipate the needs of the market. You can’t stand still and just focus on one thing.” Shelving is another niche market for the company. It is an installer of the quality New Zealand made Hydestor brand of adjustable steel shelving systems and accessories. Currently all of the firm’s projects are in the residential market, however it also carries out commercial work. “We are happy to work in the wider Canterbury region, and are just finishing two jobs in Amberley, with another recently completely in Akaroa.” Phillips also likes to be involved in the Templeton community, and sponsors events at the local speedway. “It’s good to give something back.” In the last couple of years staff numbers at CJ Phillips Construction have increased from 11 to 18, which prompted Phillips to employ a manager, Paul Jones, so he could focus more on project management.

CJ Phillips Construction can provide a complete suite of excavation, concrete and building works.

“One of my builders, Ben Edward who has been with me for 12 years has also moved off the tools into a project management role,” says Clayton. “Our clients appreciate they are dealing with

either myself or Ben onsite, so any questions can be answered or issues sorted straight away.” This level of personal contact with clients is vital, he says.

“There aren’t too many building companies who can supply the diggers and the people to put the concrete into the hole as well. It makes us pretty price competitive.”

“When clients ring up I know who I’m talking to and what is going on with their job. “It’s that sort of service that makes a difference to clients and hopefully keeps them coming back.”

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34 |

BUILDING » Smith & Sons Dunedin

March 2015 Business South

Smith & Sons makes sense for John Kelly Deeks John Sear has made almost a full circle in his career, coming back to the construction

industry he loves after 18 years in private and public sector senior management positions, taking on the Dunedin franchise of renovation and extension specialist Smith & Sons in November last year. Sear has extensive practical building and joinery experience gained from starting on the factory floor of his family’s Waikato joinery and production business, before moving into management. Eighteen years ago, Sear shifted down to Dunedin and embarked upon a career in local government. Sear spent three years as the economic development officer at Dunedin City Council then 13 years with the New Zealand Government’s Economic Development Agency. In this role he successfully initiated and led New Zealand’s bioscience international marketing brand strategy and delivery for the sector. In 2012 Sear began consulting in the private sector, and his very first contract with Crest Licensing Systems Limited (Crest Clean) gave him a good understanding of a well supported, well organised franchise business. When Smith & Sons South Island master franchisee Blair Myles advertised for a project/ contract manager with a possible ownership opportunity last year, Sear fronted up. “It was the opportunity of ownership that interested me most,” he says. Keen to get back to the construction industry, but well aware of the 18-year gap in his experience, Sear knew being part of a well recognised and well supported brand was an invaluable tool. “This is where a lot of business owners, if they’re not involved in a well branded and well supported franchise model, they hit the wall,” he says. “Smith & Sons is a sister company of GJ Gardner Homes, and its business model and license system has been around for coming up seven years.” Talking to colleagues, friends, and family before deciding to take on the Smith & Sons Dunedin franchise, John and his wife, Lynda Wright-Sear, discovered everyone knew the company’s branding and business activity straight away. “It made good business sense,” he says. “When you’ve got that brand recognition, people know who you are.” John has already been busy with three renovation projects completed in his first

Renovation and extension specialist Smith & Sons offers a complete service to its customers covering all facets of their project.

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Business South March 2015

BUILDING » Smith & Sons Dunedin

| 35

“Smith & Sons is a sister company of GJ Gardner Homes, and its business model and license system has been around for coming up seven years.” two months in business, as well as setting up Smith & Sons Dunedin policies and procedures that will carry the business forward. “There are various things going to happen over the course of this year which will effectively sort the wheat from the chaff, from a regulatory point of view,” he says. “The Licensed Building Practitioners scheme is already in place, bringing a level of professional responsibility to the industry. Come April when Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems and Environmental Management Systems come into play. “That’s going to place a lot more responsibility onto smaller companies, to the point where if they haven’t got their policy and procedures manual right up to spec and something happens on the job site, it will come back to the client. “That’s where it will sort the wheat from the chaff. “My first job when I started here was to get that manual and my policy and procedures right up to spec, and get it signed off by an independent third party.” Smith & Sons Dunedin was owned for the past four years by Harlem Irwin, who Sear says is an exceptional tradesman who represented the company’s brand extremely well. John and Lynda have retained the services of Irwin’s lead builder Mike Muir, giving them the opportunity to step back and get to know their business, and work on building their presence in the market. “The big focus for us is leading up to the Otago Home Show in March,” Sear says. “Within the Smith & Sons family, there is a good depth of assistance available, but more importantly for me it’s about getting the trust and support of the local community.”

Smith and Sons Dunedin has already been busy with renovation projects such as this one, before (top) and after (below).

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36 |

BUILDING » DCD

March 2015 Business South

DCD sets passive home benchmark DCD is the new builder on the Queenstown block, and the company is already setting the national benchmark in near-passive home construction. Nestled in the Wakatipu Basin, with a stunning 360 degree view of the Remarkables and Coronet Peak, DCD’s beautiful colonial-inspired ‘Homestead and Stable’ project is the first build in the area to achieve an airtightness performance rating that is twice that required of a passive house - and the best ever recorded in Central Otago. “It is believed to be one of the top two results in the country across the hundreds of tests that have been conducted nationwide, guaranteeing our building will perform beautifully as a thermally efficient home,” says founding director Dennis Dowling. Dowling says DCD’s success stems from its “solution-driven team” who think laterally and heavily research every facet of the build before they begin. “We achieved this stunning result with products and methods that have never been used in this region before, such as prefabricated, fully insulated and cladding-ready walls which were made in Christchurch and based on German prefabrication methods.” With a career spanning six countries and more than two decades, Dowling’s expert knowledge about local and international best practice for both commercial and residential projects is impressive. “From the design and quality control process to the intricacies of sound contract practices and building science, every aspect of the building and construction process is covered, including applying the extensive experience gained through leaky building repair,” he says. Dowling’s personality and attention to detail is manifested in the approach the DCD team takes to the building process. “Building is tough on clients and it’s our job to look after them. This includes ensuring they do not make design decisions without being fully informed of the cost, benefits and potential problems with any design solution they are considering.” Merging old school carpentry skills and progressive building practices, DCD’s sustainable approach to construction means the team runs a rigorous onsite recycling programme and uses chisels and hand planers to deliver what their clients want. “When constructing your living environment we don’t build with aluminium joinery, 90mm framing or cold slabs because our construction methods are proven to be better.” DCD’s unique model benefits everyone involved in the build, from the architect to the client, saving significant time and money.

The ‘Homestead and Stable’ project is the first build in the Southern Lakes area to achieve an airtightness performance rating that is twice that required of a passive house. “In the third month of our current build we asked our designer whether he was excited by the project. “He said while there is usually a mountain of work to get through helping the builder understand the plans right up until the roof goes on, he hadn’t heard from our guys at all. “That validates our DCD model is working.” Dowling says the company’s fresh approach to building methodology is perfectly suited to Central Otago’s extreme temperatures and striking, but challenging, landscapes. “DCD offers people the chance to stamp their personality on a cost-effective home that is not only beautiful and unique, complementing its surroundings, but also thermally efficient, warm and healthy.”

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Innovative Ceiling Systems Ltd is a company that supplies and installs a BRANZ Appraised ceiling product that solves the falling-from-height issues in residential construction.

Business South March 2015

BUILDING » Oakley Gray Architects

| 37

Student hall gets new lease of life Jo Baiiley Dunedin firm Oakley Gray Architects has added a $4 million strengthening and refurbishment project at historic Selwyn College to the long list of heritage projects it has completed in the city. Selwyn College is affiliated to the University of Otago and is Dunedin’s oldest student residential hall. An earthquake assessment revealed the college’s three-storey Whitehead building on Castle Street was earthquake prone, reaching only 37 percent of the new building code. Peter Porteous of Oakley Gray Architects says when it became apparent the building would require extensive strengthening work, a decision was made to upgrade facilities at the same time. “The fire protection systems and electrical wiring both needed upgrading and the interior of the building was fairly tired and needed refurbishment. A new roof was also required, as the existing tiles were starting to break and create leaks.” Oakley Gray were the architects for the project and worked closely with main contractors Arrow International throughout the build. “We also liaised with Heritage New Zealand throughout the project to ensure we respected the historic nature of the building, given its façade on the Castle Street side has a Category 2 Heritage NZ rating.” The original building was designed in 1891 by J. A. Burnside, and in 1930 the building was extended to its present size by prominent Dunedin architect H. McDowell Smith. Porteous says a challenge for the design and construction teams was meeting new building code regulations whilst being sympathetic to the character of the college which is “much loved” by its residents. However the biggest challenge of the project was the “extremely compressed” time-frame the project team had to deliver the works, he says. “The entire project was completed over the summer of 2013/2014, with construction starting as soon as the students left for their Christmas break. The building was completely scaffolded, with a temporary roof put over the top of the existing roof structure so we could continue working in all weather, in order to meet the deadline.”

The original Selwyn College building was designed in 1891 by J. A. Burnside, and in 1930 the building was extended to its present size by prominent Dunedin architect H. McDowell Smith. As part of the design, Oakley Gray were able to include 10 new bedrooms in the new roof space. “These attic bedrooms have nice angled ceilings and are quite cosy. We also created a couple of additional bedrooms in other areas. Any extra beds help to improve the economic viability of these sorts of projects.” Other features of the design include a lift, and large new staircase in the middle of the building. Much of the major structural work that went into the building has been kept hidden to retain the character of the space. Oakley Gray’s project architect Dallas Roff was in charge of the documentation for the project and spent a significant amount of time on site,

“The building was completely scaffolded, with a temporary roof put over the top of the existing roof structure so we could continue working in all weather, in order to meet the deadline.” running site meetings, overseeing the delivery of the design, and making design decisions as the project progressed. Although the budget was under pressure, he says they were able to retain some key aspects, such as the use of Axminster carpet, timber panelling in the corridors, heritage features on the ceilings, and an ornate oak timber staircase, which maintained the historic feel of the building, he says. “These finer details really made the difference and brought the project to life.” Oakley Gray Architects has completed numerous other significant heritage projects in the region, including the $7.5m refurbishment and

redevelopment of the Regent Theatre; restoration of the historic Dunedin Railway Station, Port Chalmers Town Hall, and many other landmark buildings. Peter Porteous says the firm is currently working on several rest home projects around the lower South Island; multi-unit rebuilds in Christchurch; and has a variety of educational and commercial work underway. “We enjoy a wide range of work, and are delighted to have completed another satisfying heritage project. “Everyone involved with the Selwyn College redevelopment is very happy with the result; most importantly, the college and its students.”

GREAT TEAMS MAKE GREAT PROJECTS Arrow is proud to have worked with Oakley Gray Architects as their Build Partner for the Selwyn College project.

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38 |

BUILDING » Landmark Homes Central Otago

March 2015 Business South

Landmark Homes’ new four-bedroom, two living room show home at North Lake, Wanaka is a stunning new design.

Wanaka showhome set to impress Kelly Deeks Landmark Homes Central Otago is opening its first show home in the Wanaka area in March, showcasing their capabilities and exacting standards to the wider proportion of the Central Otago new homes market. The Landmark Homes Central Otago franchise is owned by Wanaka local, Darryn Wilkie. Wilkie has a sound knowledge of building in the area and offers excellent, cost-effective, and reliable service with every build.

A qualified and experienced quantity surveyor, with a background in banking and finance, and family history in construction and joinery, Wilkie has building in his blood. He offers his clients a unique insight into both the systems and the actual construction process when guiding them through the build of their new home. Wilkie has grown Landmark Homes Central Otago rapidly since purchasing the Landmark franchise in 2012, and last year his hard work was recognised by the industry when the company received a Gold Award in the $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 category and a

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Bronze Award in the $450,000 to $650,000 category for the Southern Region at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards. Landmark Homes Central Otago was also recognised at the 2014 Westpac Business Awards Central Otago, winning the Excellence in Trade, Services and Construction Award. The company was also a finalist in the Small to Medium business category. Wilkie says Landmark Homes Central Otago was competing with very high calibre applicants. He attributes Landmark’s success to

03 441 3620

the company’s sustainable growth and its community involvement. “We’ve grown rapidly in the past year,” he says. “We have put a lot of effort into the business and the community, and with the improving economy, building is picking up in the area.” Landmark Homes Central Otago has grown from a team of 2.5 people to the current staff of 5.5 people. These include a sales consultant based in Wanaka, with another in Queenstown, a quantity surveyor, construction manager, and a part-time administrator.

• to page 40

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BUILDING » Landmark Homes Central Otago

Business South March 2015

| 39

The Landmark Homes Central Otago show home at Jack’s Point in Queenstown. The company has grown rapidly since it was bought by Darryn Wilkie in 2012.

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40 |

BUILDING » Landmark Homes Central Otago

March 2015 Business South

Landmark’s new Wanaka showhome set to impress • from page 38 Landmark Homes Central Otago is the major sponsor of the Queenstown Half Mountain Marathon, held this year at the end of February, and in which Wilkie participated in the 5km race. Wilkie & Landmark Homes also support several local scout groups and clubs, including the Queenstown Aero Club. Wilkie was originally attracted to the Landmark Homes franchise opportunity for the company’s quality, flexibility, and variety in design. “We provide the client with the quality package they want,” he says. “Landmark Homes has excellent systems, has been around for 36 years, and has had multiple franchisees for the past 10 years. “There are currently 14 franchisees throughout New Zealand, and we enjoy a great team spirit.” Landmark Homes is owned and managed by Paul and Debbie Clarke, who started with their own well-structured building company. This evolved into a national operation after documenting and implementing their business systems and procedures, combined with recruiting committed franchisees, making Landmark Homes what it is today. “Initially we ran a building company in Tauranga, and then we were asked for our beautiful designs outside the region in the Coromandel,” Clarke says. “Then we were asked to build a Landmark Home in Palmerston North, then Wanaka, all by virtual remote control. “By the end of 2005 we had finished the documentation of our systems and opened the first franchise outside Tauranga in Counties, South Auckland, in 2006.” Landmark Homes tells its customers “Don’t build a house, build a Landmark”. “We listen to what is important to our

Landmark Homes’ unique Design and Build system offers clients the ultimate in flexibility in their home design.

“We have put a lot of effort into the business and the community, and with the improving economy, building is picking up in the area.” customers and express that through design,” Wilkie says. “Our customers can save time and money by choosing a Ready to Build design that they can adapt to their needs, whether it be extending the deck or swapping the master bedroom location to maximise a view; or a unique Design and Build service that offers complete design flexibility.” The Ready to Build option centres around floor plan configurations that are successfully proven to work. The unique Design and Build system offers the ultimate in flexibility. Landmark Homes’ designers take creative inspiration directly from

clients’ needs and combine it with the site’s natural advantages, and wrap around all the design elements that make a home a Landmark. Constant communication keeps clients informed of progress enabling Landmark Homes to deal with anything before it becomes a problem. Proactive communication systems with suppliers and subcontractors allows the whole Landmark Homes team to be aware of progress ensuring a smooth flow of activity, and keeping timing and budget safe. Landmark Homes Central Otago’s office and show home at Jacks Point, Queenstown will

now be complemented by a second show home at North Lake, Wanaka, situated on a one acre section at one of the town’s newest subdivisions with 360° mountain views. The four-bedroom, two living room home is a new design by a Wanaka based designer and features a raked ceiling in the open plan living and kitchen area, and a user friendly, custom kitchen designed and installed by local joinery firm Will Build. The exterior is clad with a mixture of Scyon Linea weatherboard and vertical Scyon Stria, a chunky 400mm wide panel. There are also feature facings around the windows. Wilkie says the design of the new show home needed to comply with the covenants of the subdivision, as well as the requirements of the investor, who will lease the property back to Landmark Homes Central Otago for 18 months as a show home.

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BUILDING » Landmark Homes Central Otago

Business South March 2015

| 41

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42 |

CONTRACTING » Civil Solutionz

March 2015 Business South

Barry has equipment needs covered Kelly Deeks

Barry Van Riel: “No one else does it like I do”. asphalt, tamper ground, cut through tree roots, dig holes, chip ice in cool stores, lift flooring, punch pins on heavy machinery, and remove large tires from rims.” It also means some of those tedious and labour intensive jobs like putting traffic marker pegs in the ground can be done much faster. The Slugger has an attachment with the same profile as the marker peg meaning exactly the right shape entry can be put into the ground. “That kind of thing saves on fatigue for workers and time,” Van Riel says. Being truly multi-functional has been the key selling point for the Slugger, which is increasingly finding its way into the hands of construction and civil engineering crew, not just in New Zealand but

“Some of the companies I deal with complete a diverse range of work, so I provide a full spectrum of product to many different divisions, including engineering, mechanical, roading, drainage, and civil engineering.” also Australia and the Pacific Islands, and more recently North America as well. Van Riel has also started another new solutions business recently, providing access podiums and mobile scaffolding, born out of new requirements of the Health and Safety Reform Bill, which is due to become law as the Health and Safety at Work

Act in April this year. Van Riel is now importing a range of podium steps, manufactured in the UK to comply with the AS/NZS 1576:1:2010 and AS/NZS 1664.1:1997 standards. The steps flat pack for ease of portability and quick erection on the job site, and users don’t need to hold a scaffolding ticket.

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Since its beginnings as a mobile saw doctor 16 years ago, Dr Bas has evolved into Civil Solutionz, supplying a diverse range of civil and construction equipment and tools, covering most aspects of the trade industry. Company director Barry Van Riel says Civil Solutionz specialises in providing solutions which he trusts will ultimately save on time and capital costs for his customers. “No one else does it like I do,” he says. “Some of the companies I deal with complete a diverse range of work, so I provide a full spectrum of product to many different divisions, including engineering, mechanical, roading, drainage, and civil engineering. “I can often find quite a cost-effective solution.” With an industry background of more than 40 years in the construction industry, Van Riel knows the product he is providing. When it comes to problem solving, he aims to find something cheaper, better, or faster, providing the ultimate solution for his clients. Van Riel’s background affords him a very hands on understanding of the variables and costs associated with contractual commitments, the cost of consumables and plant, loss and theft of employers gear, and can offer recommendations and choices which will save customers time and money. “We encourage you to call us and discuss your job needs, and we can then match some product choices which we believe will add some extra profit to your bottom line,” he says. From its head office and workshop in Luggate, Central Otago, Civil Solutionz is a mobile business, working all around the South Island with Van Riel on the road for about seven months of the year. Van Riel’s focus on using his industry knowledge to source products aimed at speeding up processes and saving costs for his clients led to him spotting a gap in the market for a strong, practical tool that could be easily altered to suit a range of applications. He invented the Slugger, an ingenious evolution of the classic slide hammer with a couplet fitting on the end, so different attachments suited to different tasks can be switched out and clicked into place with a simple lock-pin fitting. “There are several different types of slide hammers out there, but each one is really only designed for one use,” he says. “Now one slide hammer can break concrete or

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CONTRACTING » Waimea Drilling

Business South March 2015

| 43

Waimea Drilling comes a long way Karen Phelps It started with a pick and shovel when one day Waimea-based crop farmer Woody Woodford was searching for water on his own property. Now Waimea Drilling Company Limited is set to celebrate 50 years in business this April. It’s a major milestone for the company and one, which founder Woodford, is understandably proud of. “Back when I started the company everyone was searching for water on their farms the old fashioned way – with a pick and shovel. I saw an opportunity,” he says. Woodford purchased his first drilling rig and started off drilling for friends and neighbours. It was a bad period of drought from 1965-1980 in this region of the South Island so demand was high for his services and the business grew steadily. At that time Woodford was completing relatively shallow drilling to a depth of around 30-50 metres largely in the Wairau, Motueka and Waimea Plains. In 1982 he made the move into deep drilling going as deep as 600 metres. This move for the company was instigated by the fact that kiwifruit farming was starting to gain momentum in the region and Woodford knew there was water in Nelson’s Moutere formation but needed to drill deeper to find it. Today Waimea Drilling Company focuses on small to large water well drilling for the top of the South Island specialising in deep bores of up to one kilometre. In addition the company supplies and installs of most major brands of submersible pumps, including Lowara and Grundfos, as well as offering replacement and reconditioning. Client pump information is kept on a special database enabling quicker servicing. The company name comes from the Maori words ‘wai’ meaning water and ‘mea’ meaning plain. Waimea Drilling Company has now completed over 6000 wells. The company has a detailed knowledge of piezometers and investigative drilling including down bore flow rates. It is this high level of expertise which makes the company sought after, says Woodford. “Because we have done so much drilling in the region we know what the formations are before we drill,” he explains saying this is a distinct advantage potentially saving his clients time and money.

Waimea Drilling Company focuses on small to large water well drilling for the top of the South Island specialising in deep bores of up to one kilometre.

Waimea Drilling Company can help clients with the whole process including test pumping of wells and preparing information for engineers to supply to local council in support of an irrigation water application to the finished job. Customers include domestic clients, dairy farmers, apple growers, district councils and the fishing and timber industries. The company uses Drillsoft presentation software for bore logs, which Woodford says enables Waimea Drilling Company clients to understand their project. “Through the use of pictorial representations of their well, clients get a greater understanding

“Back when I started the company everyone was searching for water on their farms the old fashioned way – with a pick and shovel. I saw an opportunity.”

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of the strata through which their well was drilled and the setup of their pump. Regional authorities are also finding Drillsoft presentations to be very accurate and precise for updating their records,” he explains. Waimea Drilling Company employs three full time staff and operate three drilling rigs including a 60 tonne drill rig assembly.

As farmers typically have to have their flow meters verified every year Waimea Drilling Company also offers this service. Woodford says that the company is accredited by Irrigation New Zealand and is a preferred contractor with the Tasman District Council.

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44 |

CONTRACTING » CW Drill

March 2015 Business South

CW Drill covers all drilling bases Kelly Deeks Geotechnical drilling expert CW Drill now proudly holds two Telarc registered certifications in quality and health and safety, ensuring its customers know they will get a quality product backed up by a comprehensive health and safety policy which encompasses every aspect of the drilling projects that the company undertakes. Managing director James Chapman says after CW Drill was involved in the devastating Pike River Mine disaster in 2010, he could see there would be significant changes made to the industry and to CW Drill’s workplaces. “As a small business, we wanted to make these changes for ourselves, so we started working towards obtaining ISO 9001, and AS/ NZS 4801,” he says. “We’re now the only drilling company in New

Zealand that holds both of these qualifications. We may be a little company, but we set very high standards.” CW Drill health and safety, quality management, and drillers assistant Leicester Moss was put to task in steering the company into seamless implementation and integration of its improved health and safety, quality assurance, and environmental systems. “He undertook that with a passion,” Chapman says. CW Drill has never had a serious accident or lost any man hours on a job. “As you’d expect, I’ve received the odd bump and bruise on the drilling site, but nothing major,” Chapman says. “Whether working on a geotechnical drilling project or soil nailing on a construction site, our safety record is second to none in New Zealand,” he says.

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) also shares this opinion, and CW Drill passed the ACC audit and met all health and safety standards for the Workplace Safety Discounts. CW Drill can provide a health and safety plan specific to each site and the work it is undertaking on each drilling project. The company has also engaged Zero Harm Consulting to develop a comprehensive occupational health and safety and injury prevention system, including health and safety

training, correct drilling equipment handling procedures, an accident recording system, and emergency procedures. CW Drill has a proven track record on drilling jobs in New Zealand over the past 18 years,. Chapman says that experience has taught him every single drilling project has its own set of unique challenges. “Our reputation has been built on consistently delivering customer-focused results no matter those challenges.” He says CW Drill works because it is a small,

“We’re now the only drilling company in New Zealand that holds both of these qualifications. We may be a little company, but we set very high standards.”

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CONTRACTING » CW Drill

Business South March 2015

CW Drill has a proven track record on drilling jobs in New Zealand over the past 18 years. CW Drill can provide a health and safety plan specific to each site and the work it is undertaking on each drilling project.

professional team of the right people with good drilling industry skills, using the correct drilling equipment under operating systems that have been proved over the past 18 years, and are now also certified by Telarc. “I knew we would never be the biggest mobile drilling company in New Zealand,” says Chapman. “But I am confident we are the best when it comes to geotechnical drilling and exploratory drilling projects with budgets between $500 and $150,000,” he says.

With more than 27 years of experience in the drilling industry, Chapman has worked extensively in Australia, South America, the South Atlantic Islands and also throughout the South Pacific Islands. He is a trade certified fitter welder, a member of the New Zealand Drilling Federation (NZDF) and currently sits on the NZDF Board. He also holds International Association of Drilling Contractors’ Well Control and Drilling Industry Certification and Training (DICAT) qualifications.

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No revolution, say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;new boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

WINTER 2013 SUMMER 2014

Mark Rawson (left) and Kelly Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Driscoll have taken the directorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reins at Plunket Electrical after nearly 10 years as shareholders. They are not planning any GUDVWLF FKDQJHV 7KH Ă&#x20AC;UPÂˇV UXUDO interests have evolved into grainIHHGLQJ V\VWHPV URERWLF PLONLQJ V\VWHPV DQG FRQWURO V\VWHPV

Winning Style - page 28

Korean trade deal nearly there Hugh de Lacy The long-sought after goal of a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth largest trading partner, is virtually a done deal. However, New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prepared to say so just yet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After walking across broken glass on this negotiation over many years I am now prepared to say in public that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very confident we can get this thing together, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not quite there,â&#x20AC;? Groser said. Groser recently met with his South Korean

counterpart on the fringes of the Asia-Pacific Economic conference in Beijing and again at the East Asia Summit in Myanmar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All I can say with necessary caution on my part is that nothingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done till itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After all Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m one of the millions of New Zealanders who thought when we were leading 8-1 in the Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup with nine sailing days to go that it was pretty well assured â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and how wrong that proved,â&#x20AC;? Groser said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Apart from the pain it just showed once again in the real world, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count your chickens until they hatch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a simple truth of human behaviour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not prepared to say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done: weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve

got one or two final steps, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looking very good.â&#x20AC;? Negotiations towards an FTA began in 2009 soon after the then South Korean President Lee Myung-bak visited New Zealand. Seven rounds of largely fruitless negotiation followed before current President Park Geun-hye gave new impetus to the talks which resumed in February this year in Wellington. The sticking point has been the impact of New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural trade on South Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Last year trade between the two countries was worth $3.59 billion, slightly favouring South Korea which imported $1.63b worth of products

from New Zealand and exported $1.96b worth to here. New Zealand has the largest expatriate South Korean population in the world, with around 30,000 ethnic Koreans living here. It is also the fourth largest source of foreign students in New Zealand and the seventh-largest source of overseas visitors. An FTA would save New Zealand exporters about $230 million in tariffs, including 89% on butter, 45% on kiwifruit, 40% on beef and 11% on processed wood products. Korean exporters would save only about $5m in tariffs, but their home economy would benefit from a wider range of cheaper goods.

â&#x20AC;˘See page 28

Migration rise a major factor

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economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to produce goods and services without generating inflation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the so-called inflation speed limit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is higher than we thought, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good news story.â&#x20AC;? Only months ago home mortgage holders were rushing to fix their interest rates against an expected rapid hike as the economy shrugged off the hangover of the 2008 global financial crisis. But the feared 2-3% jump over a year or less, which would have seen many mortgagees struggling to meet their payments, simply hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happened. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Markets are re-rating their expectations of where the overnight cash rate (OCR) is going over the next year or two. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not looking at cuts, but whereas a year ago financial markets might have expected three or four [interest rate] hikes over 2015, now theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at one or two,â&#x20AC;? Stephen said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With low inflation the Reserve Bank will be able to keep those interest rates low for longer than previously thought, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing at the moment is fixed mortgage rates coming down.â&#x20AC;? Other factors holding inflation in check include the plummeting price of petrol, down below $2 a litre for the first time in years, and relatively low upward pressure of wages. A two-speed economy was developing in an environment of â&#x20AC;&#x153;fairly strongâ&#x20AC;? economic growth, with challenges to the export sector from dairy and forestry which will affect some regions of the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Equally weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the Canterbury rebuild and Auckland construction activity, and my expectation is that house prices will start rising again pretty smartly on the population boom.â&#x20AC;? The strengthening US economy has pushed the New Zealand dollar well under the US80c mark,

enhancing the attractiveness of our exports, with the meat industry taking particular advantage. The low kiwi dollar is also helping put a floor below dairy returns which formerly comprised a quarter of total exports but which have plummeted to half their level of a year ago. That said, the latest Fonterra monthly dairy auction has shown further weakness in global demand that suggests a new floor price has yet to be reached. The net effect of these sometimes contradictory factors would be a slight worsening of the economic imbalances, such as a relatively small current account deficit and a shrinkage in overseas debt, that had been improving under a more inflationary environment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up with decent domestic demand propping growth up, with major faltering in the dairy sector detracting from growth to an overall average [GDP growth] similar to the last couple of years.â&#x20AC;?

New factory for Skellerup Hugh de Lacy

INSIDE

Ram breeders ready for sales PAGE 8

Services target rural market - PAGE 16

Silage specialists strut their stuff - PAGE 29

Promise on deer market - PAGE 43

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Church plans coming to fruition... More than 170 years after the land was first purchased, and nearly 60 years after the foundation stone was laid, the race is now on to finally complete Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holy Trinity Cathedral. Bishop George Selwyn purchased the land In 1842 with the vision to build a cathedral for the Anglican Diocese of Auckland that would become a centre for

educational, social, charitable and missionary work in the city. There are currently three projects underway at the cathedral, which will effectively complete it: a new organ for the cathedral, construction of the Bishop Selwyn Chapel and projects at St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-in-Holy-Trinity church located next door to the cathedral. See story page 9

Now offering

Bruce Hore Consultant

INSIDE

Low inflation keeps economy robust

Shake up for demolition industry - PAGE 2

Seafood technology a winner - PAGE 3

Holy Trinity plans on track - PAGE 9

0275 760 303 bruce@agriganics.com www.waterfordpress.co.nz

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Christchurch rubber manufacturer Skellerup Industries has unveiled plans for a new factory in Christchurch. The $30 million new plant at the Wigram Business Park will replace its quake-damaged Woolston factory where much of its agribusiness supplies are made, for the dairy industry in particular. Partly funded by earthquake insurance money, the new 18,900sqm factory is 20% bigger than its old one and is expected to be occupied progressively by the existing 200 staff in about December of 2015. Skellerup chief executive David Mair said he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual revenues of about $200m would be greatly affected by the halving of New Zealand dairy farm revenues in the past year, because the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s domestic markets represents only a small part of its turnover. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you pulled it right down to how much revenue was generated by things that New Zealand farmers buy, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of the order of 10% to 12%,â&#x20AC;? Mair said. Dairy equipment was a major part of Skellerupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s domestic and export business, along with the gumboots that made it a household name in New Zealand, but dairying was still in expansion mode. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is an expansion of [dairy] farms under way in the South Island through Ngai Tahu, and there have been irrigation schemes finished, but what it comes down to is credit for farmers, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to tighten up or loosen.â&#x20AC;?

INSIDE

All bound for Queenstown .... Queenstown Airport is expanding its facilities at a rate unparalleled by any other transport business or agency in New Zealand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it continues to expand in both passenger traffic and services at the airport. The first stage of an estimated $12 million project to expand international

Protection for sub-contractors - PAGE 2

Visitor levy for Queenstown? - PAGE 2

operations at Queenstown Airport is expected to be completed by June next year. The expansion will more than double the size of the international terminal and comes on the back of a big increase in both domestic and international passenger numbers. See story page 2.

Passion for organics drives business - PAGE 3

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Environment Technology - Page 6

the Pacific

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Volume 20, Issue 2 2014

EVENTO SUPREMO

Surfing Pacific

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per cent larger than the old building, with improved workshop facilities and a showroom. This means capacity to hold more stock and a larger range of filters and pumps. â&#x20AC;˘ďż˝ďż˝More on Moa: page 35.

A Feilding High School troupe brings wearable arts to life in a guest performance at the Palmerston North Cossie Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 125th celebrations. The group presented some of the routines that have made the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual wearable arts show, Evento, a hit over 18 years. â&#x20AC;˘ See page 4.

IN PARTNERSHIP WTH

Summer 2014

Moa rises from ashes A little over a year after its premises were gutted by fire, Moa Milking & Pumping is back on the same site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bigger and better than ever. The company has continued to operate, but now has a base in Inglewood that is 50

the

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INSIDE

Find out more on page 11

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to find a better wastewater system

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LPC - moving ahead 12-page liftout

New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy is holding firm - with inflation remaining lower than expected, while the continuing rise in immigration is also helping to drive growth. This is despite plummeting returns from both the dairy, in particular, and forestry sectors. Westpac chief economist Dominick Stephens said inflation is defying all predictions of a year ago and refusing to accelerate wildly. Also contributing to a continuing economic robustness and steady Gross Domestic Product growth of around 3% is the immigration boom, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The inflation picture has been very surprising over the past year: much lower than anybody expected,â&#x20AC;? Stephen said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What that indicates is the New Zealand

Hugh de Lacy Suggestions the Christchurch post-quake building boom has already peaked, and has only a couple more years to run, have been rubbished by Bank of New Zealand chief economist Tony Alexander. Current record net increases in migration, tipped to reach 50,000 a year by the end of 2014, would ensure an extension of Christchurch building well beyond the actual repair programme, and offer a similar boost to the highly buoyant Auckland market, Alexander told Business North. The Canterbury Development Corporation said recently that economic growth in the region is set to slide over the next two years because post-quake building has already reached its peak. But Alexander said most economists have â&#x20AC;&#x153;been struggling for the past three years to figure out what the profile of the rebuild will beâ&#x20AC;?, and the net migration boom clouds the picture even further. Immigration would have a three-way impact on construction. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Number one, there will be a few extra builders around so I would expect extra houses to be built than would otherwise be the case. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Secondly, I think that the accommodation demand will exceed the speed with which extra supply will come forward, therefore it will tend to place upward pressure on rents and house prices as well,â&#x20AC;? he said. The third factor arose from the familiarity investors already have with the impact of immigration changes on construction demand, especially in the Auckland market, which â&#x20AC;&#x153;will add even further upward pressure on pricesâ&#x20AC;?.

December 2014

INSIDE

Early arrival sparks career - PAGE 9

Continual learning - PAGE 18

Mochaccinos to milking cups - PAGE 25

Gipsea Surf Charters s Can apply rates below 7mm/per hr and depths down to 3mm, while still dealing with raw effluent

Romance in the Pacific

Fish beat stormy start - page 8

Plantation Island Fiji www.gotravelthepacific.com

Dance sports challenge - page 15

White Xmas in Howick - page 23

Surf, club pumping - page 27

s 4HE '"-AGNUM HAS A MOUNTED RAIN GUN TO PROVIDE TWICE THE APPLICATION AREA YOU WOULD COVER WITH A CONVENTIONAL TRAVELLING IRRIGATOR s ,OW !PPLICATION RATES WHILE CUTTING DOWN THE LABOUR INPUT

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Good effluent advice â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;criticalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - PAGE 43

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Business South March 2015

CONTRACTING » Gotta Digg Contracting

Gotta Digg earns a top reputation Kelly Deeks Two year old business Gotta Digg Contracting has forged its reputation in Christchurch’s construction industry, hauling, digging, grading, knocking down, and cleaning up for many happy customers with the skills and machinery to provide top quality excavation and earthmoving services. Gotta Digg Contracting was established in January 2013 by Lance Curtis, who learned his trade working for his father’s residential construction company in Nelson. This involved many hours operating excavators and earthmoving equipment, specialising in foundations, landscaping, and drains. Following the Canterbury earthquakes, Curtis took a truck and digger and headed south to help out, cleaning up silt and liquefaction and clearing sites. The high standard and quality of work soon became apparent and as a result Gotta Digg Contracting grew. With many referrals from satisfied customers, Curtis then entered talks with major rebuild companies in Christchurch including Arrow International, Southern Response, and Downer New Zealand. Shortly after, he was and still is entrusted with major contracts. “They gave us a few small contracts at first, and continue to supply us with lots of work now,” Curtis says. “I was lucky because I fit in quite nicely with the skills I had previously acquired.”

After completing several large projects through these referrals, Lance Curtis was able to purchase his own equipment and increase staff numbers to twelve. These include his father who has had more than 39 years of experience in designing and constructing commercial buildings and residential homes. Lance and his team display the utmost pride in their work. He is in fact a perfectionist and his staff follow the same principles. All of his workers are trained to the highest level of health and safety procedures and hold the correct licenses for every aspect of excavation work, including working on hill sites. “Our excellent record is testament to our commitment to the highest standards,” he says. “All of our earthmoving operators are fully certified and experienced. “We know how important workplace safety issues are to the earthmoving and construction industries, so we make sure we go above and beyond the standard requirements.” The Gotta Digg Contracting team now also includes four concrete placers completing driveways and all types of concrete finishing and sealing work. Gotta Digg Contracting remains motivated by new challenges and pioneering solutions for each client’s unique situation. Through his hard work and dedication, Curtis has attained a level which is undoubtedly second to none.

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• Subdivisions • Excavation & Earthworks • Roading • Kerb & Channel • Footpaths • Drainage • Cartage • Aggregates Supplies • Site Filling • Plant Hire Ph: 03 343 5555 Fax: 03 384 3969 AH: 03 383 3300 AH: Mike 027 457 1087 AH: David 027 431 3038

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m: 027 696 4772

e: metrobuildersltd@hotmail.com

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CONTRACTING » Francis Ward Ltd

48 |

March 2015 Business South

Francis Ward Ltd specialises in designing and constructing engineered solutions for difficult site works and foundations on TC3 and hill sites.

Integrated approach paves the way Jo Bailey Christchurch site works contractor Francis Ward Ltd

is offering an integrated package of demolition, excavation and foundation works to simplify projects for builders and housing companies. “As the one contractor carrying out this broad scope of works, we simplify and streamline the early stages of construction,” says general manager Simon Maindonald. “We take a raw site and hand back a finished floor,” he says. “This helps the builder get on with what they do best – the above-ground work. “This saves the builder time by not having to organise several other contractors themselves,” Maindonald says.

He says that Francis Ward Ltd specialises in designing and constructing engineered solutions for difficult site works and foundations on TC3 and hill sites. The firm focuses on engineered rib rafts, Type 2 foundations, and is an accredited installer of the Firth TC3 RibRaft foundation system. “Providing these services for housing companies and high-end architectural builders is our long term future.” Maindonald took on the newly created general manager’s position at Francis Ward Ltd around six months ago and is helping to drive the firm in its new direction. “We knew it was important to reshape the company to solve a problem our clients have – the time to arrange many contractors to construct a finished floor,” he says.

“We are steadily growing a business with clients who understand the benefits of total service from a reliable contractor who will back their work.” He says a growing number of clients are taking advantage of the firm’s package of services. However Francis Ward continues to offer demolition, excavation, foundation works and driveway construction as standalone offerings. “The easy flat land demolition will not last but we are finding orders increasing as clients put a priority on a reliable contractor. We have the expertise in demolition to take on the difficult hill work that is yet to come”.

He says the company has had demolition crews operating full time since the earthquakes and has removed hundreds of residential and light commercial buildings in the city. “We intend increase the crews this year to meet the continued demand.” The firm also has four crews with the latest equipment dedicated to excavation works, predominantly on TC3 land. “These projects usually involve a deep dig, and the installation of an engineered gravel raft. We also provide piling where this is included in the foundation.” Former schoolmates Adam Ward, a licensed building practitioner with his own building

“We knew it was important to reshape the company to solve a problem our clients have – the time to arrange many contractors to construct a finished floor.”

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Business South March 2015 company Forum Construction; and Daniel Francis, operations manager for third generation South Island quarrying, trucking and aggregate specialists Road Metals; founded the company around three years ago, after seeing the opportunity to combine their skills to service the Canterbury rebuild. “Adam already had a good network of contacts in the region and Daniel was experienced in providing logistics, equipment and materials to the construction industry,” says Maindonald. “They were a good fit to put together a civil construction company.” The pair started with a digger and truck providing demolition services for insurance companies. They quickly moved into driveway construction and hard standing, adding more diggers, excavators and staff to the operation as it developed. The firm’s capability continued to grow into excavation, site and foundation works, and it currently employs 25 people. “Although the firm continues to grow steadily we expect to cap numbers at around 35 in order to maintain quality.” Francis Ward Ltd has three project managers on the team backed by a qualified quantity surveyor. “Our project managers are responsible for the project from quoting, through delivery to the final close out. “They are the clients’ one point of contact throughout the entire process and provide full accountability.” Maindonald says the company is content to remain a medium-sized company. “This allows us to concentrate on quality and efficiency. “Having a leaner operation means there is one person with a full understanding of all the detail who is speaking to the client and the team on site. “This creates efficiencies which allows us to be competitive across the package of demolition, excavation and foundations.”

Francis Ward Ltd is offering an integrated package of demolition, excavation and foundation works to simplify projects for builders and housing companies.

CONTRACTING » Francis Ward Ltd

| 49

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50 |

CONTRACTING » Aircon NZ

March 2015 Business South

Solar systems offers huge savings Kelly Deeks Air conditioning, heat pump, and ventilation specialist Aircon NZ has appointed a new sales and marketing manager this year. With considerable industry experience, Blair Reed brings a new focused enthusiasm for sales and service to Aircon NZ clients New Zealandwide. Aircon NZ was originally established in Christchurch by Stephen Tucker, as a small, family-owned electrical business with 26 years of electrical contracting experience in Canterbury. The company’s commitment to providing professional and trusted advice has seen it become a leading nationwide supplier of heating and ventilation solutions, with branches all over New Zealand from Warkworth in the north to Dunedin in the south. Local branches specialise in residential and commercial heat pump and air conditioning installations, maintenance, repairs, insulation, and ventilation systems including positive pressure and heat recovery solutions. In recent years, Aircon NZ has begun supplying, installing, maintaining, and repairing solar photovoltaic systems, or solar PV. Tucker says with electricity prices on the increase, home owners are looking for ways to slash their power bills, and solar PV is now becoming more affordable for the average home owner. “Solar PV has reduced more than 50% in capital cost in the past three years,” he says. “It’s a far more efficient way of capturing energy than solar hot water, and has very low maintenance costs.” He says his own solar PV system at home produced 27kW of electricity per day in the early summer, while the average home only uses about 9kW per day. This has resulted in credit balances on his electricity account. Aircon NZ supports its clients through their solar PV installation, teaching them how to maximise the benefits of their system by consuming power while it is being generated, and also helps out with how to put unused power back into the national grid. Tucker warns home owners to be mindful of “inexperienced companies” selling solar PV “as a hot water heating system, rather than an electricity generation system”. Aircon NZ supports reliable and trusted brands like Fujitsu, Panasonic, and for solar PV Mitsubishi Electric, so it can provide varied and unbiased solutions its customers can rely on.

Aircon NZ specialises in residential and commercial heat pump and air conditioning installations, maintenance, repairs, insulation, and ventilation systems including positive pressure and heat recovery solutions.

Aircon NZ provides true heat recovery ventilation systems, assisting in creating a major reduction of condensation and creating a warm, comfortable, and healthy indoor environment. “A well designed and well installed home ventilation system can offer the convenience of providing very good ventilation by delivering required air replacement continuously and independently of weather conditions, while reducing home energy costs,” he says. The performance of any ventilation system can vary widely depending on a range of factors like the type of system, how well it is installed, the local climate, and the type of building. “With all this to consider, people need to ensure they are getting reliable information tailored

“Solar PV has reduced more than 50% in capital cost in the past

to their ventilation requirements,” Tucker says. Tucker offers more advice for those installing a new heat pump, as he is aware of a trend amongst builders to install heat pumps that are under budget, but far too small. “The people don’t get their house heated

properly, and it ends up costing them more,” he says. “We will only sell you a product that will do the job.” This claim is backed up by Aircon NZ’s $50,000 workmanship guarantee on all installations.

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CONTRACTING » Central Heating New Zealand

Business South March 2015

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NZ catching on to central heating Jo Bailey Although popular in the rest of the world for decades, warm water (hydronic) central heating is only just catching on in New Zealand, says Lyall Smith, of Central Heating New Zealand. “There is definitely a growing awareness as people recognise the benefits of coming home to a warm, dry house and the greater comfort levels this provides.” Even building companies are starting to embrace hydronic central heating technology, with firms such as Horncastle Homes and Mike Greer Homes now offering this type of system as a standard option for home buyers. “We’ve started to work closely with these companies and other builders over the last couple of years,” says Smith. “It’s good news as the greater exposure has definitely raised the profile of central heating.” In addition Central Heating New Zealand has built relationships with consulting engineers, designing systems and supplying products for commercial projects across the country like the Christchurch Civic Centre and LDHB Taupo Hospital. Smith says unhealthy cold and damp conditions persist in a lot of Kiwi homes and buildings, with many people tending to heat their living areas with one heat source, leaving the rest of the home freezing. “It makes no sense when people invest hundreds of thousands in a new home then put in a single log fire or heat pump. “Central heating is a fantastic alternative. It is a clean, efficient heating system that warms every room evenly and is affordable to run.” Smith and his brother Lewis Smith founded Central Heating New Zealand in Christchurch in 2001, after spending some time living in the UK and both marrying Irish wives. “When we came back to New Zealand, our wives put the pressure on us to provide better comfort in our homes, which is where the business idea grew from.” The company started small, but within two years was selling central heating systems outside the Canterbury area. These days, its biggest markets are in Canterbury, Central Otago, Auckland and Wellington.

Central Heating New Zealand can provide a flexible, custom-designed hydronic central heating solution or work alongside engineering consultants to supply the right products to fit any project. “Our growth has been strong, and continues to be fairly evenly spread across the whole country,” says Smith. Central Heating New Zealand’s team of design engineers, energy efficiency experts and installation specialists can provide a flexible, custom-designed hydronic central heating solution or work alongside engineering consultants to supply the right products to fit any project, “big, small, residential, commercial, old, or new,” he says. Outside Christchurch, the firm uses a network of

trained installers to deliver the suite of products that make up a central heating system. “We place a heavy emphasis on training as New Zealand is one of the few countries, alongside Australia and South Africa, who don’t include central heating installation as part of a plumbing apprenticeship. We have our own training school where we train installers to be proficient in central heating installation, and also work closely with polytechnics.” Most of the firm’s warm water or ‘hydronic’ central heating products, including gas and diesel boilers, hydronic heat pumps, radiators and underfloor heating, come straight from top quality European manufacturers. Smith says the main benefits of a central heating system are that it can efficiently and effectively heat

a whole house or commercial building to an even, comfortable temperature, which makes it feel better to the human body than any other form of heating. It is also safe, quiet, and easily controllable, with the warmer environment providing significant health benefits. These qualities make it the preferred heating method around the world. Smith says given the advantages, an upfront capital cost to install a central heating system is well worth it. “Installing a central heating system is one of the cheaper parts of a new home or building when you compare it to other components such as a kitchen, aluminium joinery, roof, or interior decorating. “And ultimately, the health and comfort of family or employees is not something you can put a price on.”

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P 03 963 8899 E info@cq.co.nz 359 Lincoln Rd Christchurch

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52 |

CONTRACTING » EIS

March 2015 Business South

EIS helping to make industry safe Kelly Deeks Multi-disciplined engineering and electrical company EIS provides innovative solutions to industrial sector businesses in New Zealand and around the world, enabling them to achieve greater efficiencies and ultimately improve profitability. EIS holds an industry-leading health and safety record. In the past 13 years of operations, there have been zero lost time incidents. This record, together with a strong health and safety culture, comprehensive procedures, and annually audited ACC Tertiary Accreditation, EIS was recognised at the 2013 Southland Business Awards where the company was awarded the ACC Workplace Safety Award. EIS operations manager Johnny Mauchline says the company is now drawing on this expertise to assist other businesses to improve their safety practices and meet their obligations under the new Health and Safety at Work Act expected to come into force later this year. “Two areas in which we have distinct capability to provide consultancy and project services are hazardous area electrical safety and machine safety,” he says. Electrical equipment can pose a significant explosive risk in many industrial operating environments, including those with fuel oils, fuel dusts, coal dusts, milk powder, paint spray booths, and chemical processing and storage. “Ensuring safe operations in these areas requires specific construction and installation techniques, along with the rigorous application of a complete suite of standards,” Mauchline says. EIS offers a comprehensive range of design, installation, inspection, and documentation services for electrical equipment which is utilised in hazardous areas.

EIS engineers performing maintenance at a milk powder processing plant.

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CONTRACTING » EIS

Business South March 2015

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EIS engineers are experts in the area of machine safety, with qualifications including the industry-leading TÜV Functional Safety Engineer Certificate. This includes not only ensuring companies meet their requirements under Worksafe standards, but also other preventative measures such as lightning protection and uninterruptable power supply. In the past six months EIS has undertaken extensive hazardous area zoning, audits, assessments and preparation of dossiers for operations at Fonterra and New Zealand Aluminium Smelters. All members of the EIS Hazardous Area team have achieved competency in AS/NZS 4761.1 and have completed recognised, accredited unit standards in their areas of expertise, including Qualified Electrical Inspector accreditation. Mauchline believes machinery operation now poses one of the greatest risks to personnel safety. “It is therefore essential that machinery design, installation, and operation is carefully planned and executed according to internationally accredited

safety standards,” he says. EIS engineers are experts in the area of machine safety, with qualifications including the industryleading TÜV Functional Safety Engineer Certificate. They have recently completed evaluations on machine safety for Clifden Lime Works and Donaldson Engineering. These evaluations involved reviewing factory processes and making recommendations as to how the companies can meet their obligations under the new Worksafe standards and guidelines. Mauchline says EIS also designs, installs, commissions, and validates safety systems for all existing and new industrial machinery, ensuring it is compliant with the latest standards and provides a safer, more productive working environment for operators. “As well as ensuring human safety, machinery with fail-safe operations leads to less down-time and ultimately improved operational efficiencies.”

We congratulate EIS on the success of their business and look forward to future opportunities for Enertec and EIS to continue to work together

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54 |

CONTRACTING » Max Contracts

March 2015 Business South

Max team pitches in at CPIT project Kelly Deeks Christchurch contracting company Max Contracts recently provided Pace Project Management with a managed labour team to complete earthquake repairs at the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) Department of Food and Hospitality. CPIT’s U Block houses classrooms and teaching kitchens, as well as Visions Pantry, CPIT’s delicatessen/café where chef and bakery students prepare and sell food, and Visions on Campus Restaurant, which teaches and trains students in chef, front of house, and management programmes. U Block has been functional since the earthquakes, but damage to its floor has now been remedied over the 2014/2015 summer holidays. Beginning on December 1, 2014, Max Contracts provided a team of labourers and carpenters, led by project manager John Reese, to soft strip the ground floor of the three storeyed U Block, deconstructing non-structural elements of the building to allow for a third of the 500sqm ground floor to be removed and replaced, and the remainder to be lifted and relevelled. “We stripped out the internal walls and removed several stainless steel kitchens,” Reese says. “We had to protect all the elements we removed, as well as the external floor to ceiling windows which were removed then reinstalled by Raylight Aluminium, so we could reinstall them after the floor was repaired by Tricon Construction Services.” Part of the building was handed back for use by CPIT in late January, while Max Contracts continued to refit the remainder of the building which reopened to staff and students in February. The time constraints of the project were challenging, however the structure of Max Contracts enables the company to deal with the demands of primary contractors. Max Contracts offers a highly motivated, well presented, structured, and skilled workforce for residential, commercial, and civil construction projects, and has the flexibility to deliver a whole team package from a site supervisor to a general labourer. Max Contracts has worked and is working throughout New Zealand on a variety of bridge, drainage, and roading projects, with some highlights over the past few years including Auckland’s Newmarket Connection and Christchurch’s Southern Motorway. Since the Christchurch earthquakes Max Contracts has worked on some high profile rebuild projects including Lyttelton Port, the iconic

Max Contracts recently provided Pace Project Management with a managed labour team to complete earthquake repairs at the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) Department of Food and Hospitality.

Antigua Street footbridge, and the Colombo Street bridge. The company has completed earthquake repairs contracting to CRL and Hawkins, and also the delivery of more than 50 housing units. Max Contracts director Dave McSorley says the success of these projects so far shows the company’s commitment to working safely and in harmony with the environment. “We are also working for primary contractors on the commercial rebuild throughout Christchurch,” he says. “This involves us assembling crews and helping in the day to day organisation of each project. Each of these projects is carried out while implementing our strict health and safety policies, ensuring we have a safe and productive workforce.”

“We had to protect all the elements we removed, as well as the external floor to ceiling windows which were removed then reinstalled....”

CPIT’s U Block has been functional since the earthquakes, but damage to its floor has now been remedied over the 2014/2015 summer holidays.

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Business South March 2015

CONTRACTING » Mclellan’s Plumbing and Heating

| 55

Making a difference in Central Otago Kelly Deeks Celebrating 25 years in business last year, Alexandra-based family owned and operated company Mclellan’s Plumbing & Heating has built its reputation on providing exceptional plumbing and heating solutions, and making a difference to the Otago region. “Over the past 25 years we’ve completed more than 100,000 jobs, we’ve employed more than 60 people, we’ve trained more than 20 apprentices, we’ve installed plumbing and heating in more than 2000 houses, and we’ve installed more than 3000 heaters and heating systems,” says Rory Mclellan. “That’s making a difference.” Rory says as the business has evolved, it has grown into a mature and credible company which instils its values into its experienced team. “Reliability and customer satisfaction are our priorities,” he says. In 1994, Mclellan’s opened a showroom on Deel Street in Alexandra, where clients are able to view the various specialist heating and plumbing options available. 10 years later the company took on the 4 Seasons Home & Leisure franchise, offering a range of heating options, spa pools and saunas, barbecues, and outdoor furniture, all designed to stand the test of time. In 2014, Mclellan’s was granted a specialised dealer license for Weber barbeques and accessories. Weber is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of charcoal gas, and electric grills. This has been a real coup as Mclellan’s is the only specialised dealer south of Christchurch. Rory believes that as a customer, buying a Weber barbecue is all about the experience and his knowledgeable staff share their passion to demonstrate how to cook the perfect steak, roast, and pizza.

“As you can imagine we’re always being asked which barbecue to buy,” Mclellan says. “These days we tell everyone what we tell our family and friends - don’t even think about buying a barbecue until you’ve had a look at the Weber QTM range and eaten something from it. “It’s amazing, the difference is like comparing the latest high definition colour TV with an old black and white model.” Mclellan’s offers freight free delivery on any Weber Q barbecues for customers in Otago and Southland. This coupled with the excellent in store service has seen Mclellan’s build a reputation as the go to Weber experts in the region. Mclellan’s also has the Rockgas LPG delivery franchise for the area, a natural addition for the company which specialises in the appliances that are fitted to gas. Mclellan’s is the area’s local Master Plumber and has completed the Master Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers quality assurance programme ensuring its business practices meet the high standards of safe, superior, and professional service required by the organisation. Residential work is covered by the Master Plumbers Guarantee. Mclellan’s supplies and installs New Zealand’s widest range of heating appliances, from wood, diesel, gas, pellet, or multi-duel, freestanding or in-built, as well as radiator and under-floor heating systems. 2015 will see Mclellan’s build a brand new showroom and office space at its current location in Alexandra, three times the size of the existing building. This new state of the art showroom will firmly cement Mclellan’s as the destination for heating, outdoor furniture and barbecues in Central Otago. Mclellan says he will strive to make his clients’ purchasing experiences with Mclellans as stress free as possible.

“These days we tell everyone what we tell our family and friends - don’t even think about buying a barbecue until you’ve had a look at the Weber QTM range and eaten something from it.”

Alexandra-based family owned and operated company Mclellan’s Plumbing & Heating celebrated 25 years in business last year.

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56 |

LANDSCAPING » Evergreen Landcare

March 2015 Business South

Company thrilled with Ellerslie win Kelly Deeks Evergreen Landcare, in partnership with Outright Landscape Design, took out the only gold medal out of a line-up of 16 large exhibit gardens at the 2014 Ellerslie International Flower Show in Christchurch. The large exhibition garden called ‘Outside the Box’ was designed by Emily McEwan of Outright Landscape Design, and constructed by an Evergreen Landcare team, led by the company’s South Island manager Gavin Slaughter. The construction took more than two weeks to complete, and many, many hours of prior planning. ‘Outside the Box’ was a bright and modern courtyard garden, which presented the paradoxical concept of enjoying life through embracing difficulties and challenges. Viewers were asked to step outside the safety and familiarity of their box (represented by a louvreroofed/walled pergola) and explore a series of spaces around the garden, which there was some difficulty in doing. A wall maze, prickly plants, and stepping stones through a pond were some of the obstacles to overcome to arrive at places of retreat. Central to the exhibit was the ‘Hope Springs’, a bespoke water feature that represented the willingness people must have to carry on despite adversity. Evergreen Landcare managing director Hamish Cunningham says winning Gold in the large display category was a great achievement, and something the team is extremely proud of, especially given the landscaping detail involved in the project. Cunningham and his wife Sally have grown Evergreen Landcare about five-fold since they took over the business in 2003. At the time the firm specialised in hydroseeding, and had just two trucks, two permanent staff and one casual employee. Today Evergreen Landcare employs up to 40 people during peak seasons from its Rotorua head office and branches in Christchurch, Auckland, and Taupo.

Evergreen Landcare completes everything from the smallest domestic work to large commercial, environmental and land restoration projects. It has a wide range of equipment allowing it to complete everything from the smallest domestic work to large commercial, environmental and land restoration projects.

“We could see a lot of growth potential in the environmental market as no one wants to see a big scar on a hill or sediment going into the waterways,” Cunningham says.

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“Since taking over the business we have introduced a much wider range of services which includes site stabilisation, straw mulching, erosion control, and re-vegetation, as well as domestic and commercial landscaping.” The addition of the couple’s son Ben to the team in late 2010 has also played a major part in the firm’s development. “Ben has a good business head and brings a valuable mix of practical and theoretical knowledge to the company. “Client liaison is a major part of his role, and as general manager he is also responsible for the continued expansion and development of the business, and improving its operating systems.” Evergreen Landcare moved into the South Island market about nine years ago, when Cunningham literally jumped in his ute and visited as many contractors and councils as he could. “We got a small opening and away we went. We now have 10 staff based in Christchurch plus our managers,” he says. “Since the earthquakes, the commercial landscaping side of the business has grown there significantly.” The firm continues to enjoy strong growth, and the Cunninghams haven’t finished yet. “We want to increase our product offering and emulate the landscaping work we’re doing in Christchurch in the Auckland market. “We still have some big, audacious goals to achieve.”

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Business South March 2015

LANDSCAPING » Southern Landmarx

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Carving a niche in harsh climate Jo Bailey Specialist expertise is required to provide landscape design and construction services to the Central Otago region, given its harsh climate, says Joe Nutting of Queenstown firm Southern Landmarx. “It is a challenging environment, particularly in the middle of winter when everything freezes “Extensive plant knowledge and appropriate plant selection is crucial to ensure plants grow well and clients’ money isn’t wasted on plants that won’t thrive.” Southern Landmarx owns Burn Cottage Nursery at Cromwell, which supplies a lot of the plants for its projects. “Having our own nursery enables us to ensure the plants are of a high quality and durable. They endure at least one winter before they are used, proving they can handle the Central Otago conditions,” he says. The company also sources plants from several other nurseries, both in Central Otago and outside the region. The Queenstown landscape architectural and construction firm has 12 staff who work mainly on high-end residential projects. “Our team of talented landscape architects, builders and garden experts are dedicated to sustainable design for quality outdoor spaces. “As a company we have earned a reputation for creating landscapes that are in tune with both our clients’ desires, and the environment in which they are built.” Southern Landmarx takes a high-tech approach it its design work, with the use of AutoCAD and computer generated 3D imagery enabling the firm to “walk” clients through the landscape design. “This approach allows clients to experiment with materials and plants in a virtual world, before signing off on the final design.” Nutting says another point of difference is the company’s ability to offer a full suite of services in-house. “We can cover all aspects of the landscaping process, from design to implementation, and ongoing maintenance.”

Southern Landmarx takes a high-tech approach it its design work, with the use of AutoCAD and computer generated 3D imagery. Southern Landmarx also provides construction services to other landscape architects in the region. Recent high profile projects in this line include landscaping works at numerous Registered Master Builders House of the Year award winning homes; and providing soft landscaping and grass laying services to stages 3a and 3b at Millbrook West.

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“We regularly carry out projects at Millbrook Resort and have several private clients from throughout the region for whom we provide maintenance services including lawns, edges and fertiliser applications. “This is a significant part of our business given many of our clients are not based here full time.” Nutting says the firm has carried out commercial work in the past but prefers to focus on the high-end residential market. “Residential projects tend to be larger and a bit more dynamic. Every project is unique which makes the work varied and more interesting for our teams.” Nutting completed a landscape architecture degree at Lincoln University and worked for a

number of landscaping firms in New Zealand and internationally before he founded Southern Landmarx in 2003 with wife Jaye, who has a background in marketing and the rural and tourism industries. The firm has been a finalist in several categories at the Landscaping New Zealand awards, and one of its former staff won the New Zealand Young Landscaper of the Year award in 2012. “Our staff and team culture are extremely important to us. We tend to employ people who are industry-qualified, and generally try to keep them year-round. “This maintains the level of quality and consistency which is so important when you work at the top end of the market.”

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58 |

MANUFACTURING » Precision Cutting and Processing

March 2015 Business South

Ashburton firm continues to grow Jo Bailey After 10 years operating under a business partnership, Josh O’Malley has taken over full ownership of Ashburton firm, Precision Cutting and Processing. “I set up the business with a business partner, but when he decided it was time to do other things, my wife Amanda and I jumped at the opportunity to take over the firm 100 percent,” he says. Precision Cutting and Processing was established in 2004 to manufacture custom high quality steel components for exporters, manufacturers, structural and agricultural customers throughout the South Island. “Back in 2004 when the company was established, most corporate-owned steel companies and merchants were focused on selling steel and not processing it. “Their processing plants were often separate from their steel stores, which led to delays for customers. “We were able to alleviate this issue by setting up a business with the ability to supply and process a full range of quality products to required deadlines, at an affordable price.” The business model has paid dividends, with the company enjoying strong growth. “There was just the two of us when we started. “Now the company has 11 staff, and has basically trebled in size plant-wise.” Key to this is a strong South Island-wide customer base that has been with the firm from “day one”, he says. “Building relationships with our customers and consistently delivering quality service and workmanship has led to a lot of repeat business. We are lucky to have a stable, loyal workforce who also gets on well with our customers.” Precision Cutting and Processing supplies and processes a range of steel plate, componentry and profiles. Most of its products are destined for general engineers, production manufacturing, agricultural manufacturing and structural steel fabricators, which has been a growing market since the earthquakes. All profile orders are processed to customers’ specific individual requirements, utilising CNC high definition plasma cutting and brake press equipment.

Precision Cutting and Processing has enjoyed strong growth, with staff numbers increasing over the years.

“Mostly our customers send drawings through, which show the grade of steel required, its thickness, and the dimensions, and we provide the profiles to match. “The technology we use enables us to precisely cut, drill and bend a variety of thicknesses of steel plate to exact specifications.” O’Malley says when the customer receives their profiles and components they should be able to pull them off the pallet and weld or fit them straight into their fabrication, without having to do any downstream processing. “This is the service upon which the firm’s reputation is based.” The company produces many different shaped components ranging from simple rectangles,

circles and rings through to more complex designs. “Our machinists are regularly cross-trained and help each other to deliver the best possible product.” Precision Cutting and Processing is “wellstocked” with a range of Grade 300 and 350 plates, from 3mm to 100mm thick. Plate types include mild steel, medium tensile, high tensile, wear plate, aluminium and stainless steel. The company has also also moved into full plate, or ‘merchant’ plate sales. “This has added a new dimension to the business and is an area where I see a lot of potential for growth.”

Phone Fax

03 348 7625 03 348 7624

PO Box 10254, Christchurch

With up to 500 metric tonnes of product in stores, orders can be processed quickly, and without delay. As the new sole owner, O’Malley is keen to put his own stamp on the business. Keeping up with the latest technology is a priority, and he has ambitious plans to move into a better purpose-built facility in the future, so the company can operate more efficiently. “This will be an exciting step for the company as we continue to expand and grow. “However my immediate focus is building on our strong position in the market under the new ownership, and assuring customers they can continue to expect the same level of personal service and quality workmanship.”

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MANUFACTURING » Precision Cutting and Processing

Business South March 2015

| 59

Precision Cutting and Processing was established in 2004 to manufacture custom high quality steel components for exporters, manufacturers, structural and agricultural customers throughout the South Island.

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60 |

MANUFACTURING » Kennedy Aluminium

March 2015 Business South

New premises to boost production Kelly Deeks Timaru’s Kennedy Aluminium has a new facility in Washdyke, three times the size of its previous building and enabling the company to double its production capabilities in order to keep up with ever increasing demand for high quality aluminium joinery around Canterbury, Otago, Southland, and the West Coast. Kennedy Aluminium is part of the Architectural Profiles Limited group, which is based in Hamilton and supplies the First, Altherm, and Vantage brands. Architectural Profiles Limited is the largest privately owned aluminium joinery group in New Zealand with its own extrusion plant including two presses, its own powder coat line and anodising plant, a large warehouse in Hamilton, a store in Christchurch carrying most standard lines, and its own freighting company delivering extrusion direct to Kennedy Aluminium’s door, where the team builds a range of doors, windows, conservatories, security products, balustrading, and composite joinery. Kennedy Aluminium managing director Mike Kennedy says this allows his company to guarantee good customer service, competitive prices, and quality product. Kennedy Aluminium’s Timaru factory employs 21 hand-picked staff with more than 100 years of combined experience in the aluminium joinery industry. “I’ve got the best team around me now that I’ve had since I’ve been in business,” Kennedy says. “We’ve got a very energetic, young, and dynamic team. All the way through from fabricators to sales, their knowledge is huge.” Kennedy Aluminium has grown three-fold since it began with seven employees in 2004. The rebuild of Canterbury has contributed to Kennedy Aluminium’s growth in recent years, and Kennedy says the company’s trucks are now running product north two or three times a week. “Oamaru, Ashburton, and Timaru are all growing as well,” he says.

Kennedy Aluminium moved into its new 1200sqm premises at Washdyke in November last year. The efficiencies of aluminium joinery have increased its popularity, and these efficiencies have been improving particularly in the past three years. “The rebuild of Christchurch brought on a huge change to the market,” Kennedy says. “Two years ago we launched the thermally broken residential suite to help with the Christchurch rebuild, and that has taken off everywhere.”

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He says thermally broken aluminium joinery in a residential application increases the R-value or thermal resistance of a home, which is a top priority for today’s new home builders and renovators. The technology called Thermal Heart is stitched into the core of specialist Architectural Profiles Limited window and door profiles to minimise the transfer of cold. “The Thermal Heart insulator, made from polyamide nylon, is an excellent thermal break.” Kennedy says. “When combined with double glazing the result is a window with the market’s most advanced barrier system. “Typically, Thermal Heart windows offer around 35% better thermal performance over and above standard double glazed windows.” Kennedy Aluminium moved into its new 1200sqm premises in November last year. Kennedy says with the new facility enabling the company to increase its production volume dramatically, the focus this year will be on ensuring the most effective health and safety protocols are in place, then increasing the volume of sales.

Your ultimate destination for everything your office could need Ph: 03 688 1189 admin@dowells.co.nz

Business South March 2015

MANUFACTURING » Dyno

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Targeting a more efficient workplace Karen Phelps Businesses are always looking for opportunities to make their business work smarter, increase efficiency, reduce costs and streamline processes. Scott McLean from Dyno says that the free operational efficiency audits offered by Dyno invariably reveal opportunities to achieve gains in these key areas. “Changes can be small and low cost but help businesses considerably,” he says. Although Dyno specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of conveyor systems and components the company takes a multi-faceted approach to the audits and works alongside automation companies to achieve this. “It may not be the actual conveyor system that can be improved. “It could also involve other facets of the business such as how a business is operating, the setup of the system, labour etc. “We often find that things have changed in a company over time, for example expansion, but their system has not kept up with these changes so they are no longer operating at peak efficiency levels,” explains McLean. The company provides customers with outcomes resulting from audits including capital expenditure of recommendations and savings that could be achieved if they are implemented. McLean says this is important so that customers can see the exact results that could be gained and why. “For example replacing a piece of machinery might result in reduced downtime and maintenance, which saves money long-term. “Increasing productivity could mean one less labour unit is needed. “We can show our customers what the different outcomes might be.” Dyno is a New Zealand-owned and operated company started over 25 years ago with offices in Invercargill, Auckland and Canterbury. Based in Invercargill it supplies products and solutions nationwide and internationally. The company has its own range of products, which can be customised to suit customers’ specific needs. It can also design and manu-facture solutions from scratch ranging from small specialist bearings, conveyor rollers, and powered conveyors to full custom turn-key systems. McLean says on-going research and development is an important focus for the company.

Dyno specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of conveyor systems and components, as well as doing operational audits. “This ensures that we remain at the forefront of the industry. The fine-tuning of our existing products and our ability to design and manufacture new products means that out range is ever expanding,” he says. At the moment one new product that the company is developing due to customer demand is a portable trough belt conveyor for use on difficult to access sites. “It’s under trial at the moment and being tested on sites. It should be ready to release to the market in about six months,” says McLean. Rapid development of products is one advantage the company has in the market place, he says, with development times as little as six to twelve months depending on the product.

“Because we are not a large corporate company we can move quickly,” he says. One recent new product released to the market is the Dynoglide 600, a non-lubricated conveyor chain system. Combined with the company’s Dyno UltraSlip on a conveyor, “huge energy savings” of close to 60 percent can be achieved, says McLean. Other key advantages of the product include longer life and lower maintenance requirements as well as being a cleaner system with no need for lubrication – which is a key factor for companies

that require a clean environment. McLean says the innovation hinges on the material the product is made from. “We worked with a raw materials manufacturer to change the chemical properties of the material to result in a more efficient product. “The Dynoglide 600 is very low friction while still retaining its strength meaning a new innovation for the marketplace and is just one example of the innovative approach we take in all aspects of the business.”

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March 2015 Business South

MANUFACTURING » Milmeq

Stock system transforms handling Late last year the firm won the Supreme Business Excellence Award at the Westpac Auckland Business Awards 2014 for South Auckland (the country’s main manufacturing hub), after winning the Excellence in Exporting award and also being nominated in the Excellence in Innovation Category for the MFAST system. In late January, Milmeq was announced as a Special Category finalist in the 2015 New Zealand International Business Awards, in the areas of Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Design. These awards are organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and will be presented at a black tie dinner in March. “We’re pleased to have been recognised for our innovation and the fact we have pioneered equipment that has become a global standard in meat processing,” says chief executive Mike Lightfoot. Milmeq was founded more than 60 years ago and was the pioneer of inverted processing of lamb in New Zealand. Today it is an international company that delivers full turnkey solutions to food processing operators worldwide. Products encompass the design, engineering, manufacture, controls and project implementation of everything from customdesigned primary food processing systems; to materials handling systems and chilling and freezing solutions. “We can offer a total package from the minute animals arrive at an abbatoir through the killing

Jo Bailey Innovative manufacturing company Milmeq has recently picked up several prestigious awards and award nominations for its pioneering fully automated stock transfer system called MFAST, which has been custom-designed for the foodprocessing sector. The robot-controlled system has introduced automation into the process of sorting, storing and retrieving packaged food product. It can operate in a low temperature environment such as a chiller or freezer, withstanding temperatures of up to minus 52 degrees, says Milmeq chief executive Mike Lightfoot. “MFAST can put new hot product away in a chiller or freezer, sort cartons as they enter the storage enclosure and identify the priority of the product for palletising and distribution. “One of the benefits of the system is that it has been designed to collect or retrieve product orders on the way back out to ensure complete management and stock turnover.” Lightfoot says the system eliminates human error when it comes to picking and packing orders; and is faster, cleaner and more sustainable that using forklifts and pallets to do the same tasks. “The secret with meat and protein is to chill it as quickly as possible to ensure quality and taste. “This is where the MFAST system really comes into its own.”

The MFAST system eliminates human error when it comes to picking and packing orders; and is faster, cleaner and more sustainable that using forklifts and pallets to do the same tasks.

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Business South March 2015

MANUFACTURING » Milmeq

| 63

Milmeq won the Supreme Business Excellence Award at the Westpac Auckland Business Awards 2014 for South Auckland (the country’s main manufacturing hub); right, Mike Lighfoot celebrates the company’s awards success.

“We’re pleased to have been recognised for our innovation and the fact we have pioneered equipment that has become a global standard in meat processing.” process, to the packaging and chilling or freezing of meat at the other end,” says Lightfoot. Some of the company’s other world-leading innovations in addition to its MFAST system include “the tunnel”, which is used to rapidly cool products for the meat and dairy industry; and the development of the largest plate freezer in the world. Milmeq’s business development teams work all over the world, supported by international agents, and employees in South America and Australia. “We work directly with the end user.

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“There is no middle-man. Every customer has different needs and we work alongside them to develop what they require.” Lightfoot says that around 90 percent of the company’s current business comes directly from clients “wanting to use Milmeq branded product”. “Across the board New Zealand is looked up to as an agri-sector leader. I also believe that government and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise does a very good job of working with and supporting companies like ours that reach a global market.”

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64 |

MANUFACTURING » Ellison’s Aluminium

March 2015 Business South

Ellison’s continues to grow market Jo Bailey When Ellison’s Aluminium reached 25 years in business last year, there was little time for the Dunedin-based firm to reflect on its achievements, says managing director Tony Cooke. “We were so busy the anniversary went by relatively unheralded. However it was a fantastic milestone for the company.” During the last two-and-a-half decades, Ellison’s Aluminium has grown from a small aluminium manufacturing company in Dunedin, to a group with four companies including three factories that gives it the capability to manufacture joinery for residential, commercial and renovation projects in “every corner of the South Island”, says Cooke. The company has enjoyed remarkable growth over the last decade, which included the establishment of a branch and factory at Cromwell under Ellison’s Aluminium Central. This was followed in 2008 by the development of a service outlet, office and warehouse in Gore under another subsidiary company Southern Aluminium Joinery, which allowed the company to provide enhanced services to its customers throughout South Otago and Southland. Then in 2013, Ellison’s branched into the Christchurch market with the acquisition of a major shareholding in Canterbury Aluminium. “Entering the Christchurch rebuild was a very focused, deliberate action on our part. “With our scope to manufacture and supply aluminium joinery for architectural projects, new residential homes, replacement joinery and commercial projects, we believed we could find a place in that market quite happily and indeed we have.” Canterbury Aluminium has retained its own management team and board, with Ellisons providing additional manufacturing services to the northern operation. “The Christchurch and Cromwell plants manufacture our residential suite of products, with the fabrication expertise for large commercial and high-end architectural projects found in our Dunedin operation.” The Christchurch and Dunedin factories also manufacture additional sideline joinery such as conservatories, skylights and balustrading.

Ellison’s Aluminium is one of the larger fabricators aligned with Fairview Systems, a quality aluminium profile supplier, located in Auckland.

Cooke says taking a stake in Canterbury Aluminium has provided the company with a buffer given the more “pedestrian” nature of the Otago market in recent years. “Ever since the Global Financial Crisis it has been a highly competitive market in the south and is still quite limited. “The work from Christchurch is keeping our southern manufacturing facilities busy and we also have the ability to create capacity for a sudden influx of work as orders arise,” says Cooke.” Ellison’s is one of the larger fabricators aligned with Fairview Systems, a quality aluminium profile supplier, located in Auckland.

“The work from Christchurch is keeping our southern manufacturing facilities busy and we also have the ability to create capacity for a sudden influx of work as orders arise.” “We get all our extruded lengths to order from Fairview as well as much of joinery hardware such as door and sash handles. Fairview also has a glass company which supplies all of the glass to our company in Christchurch.” Builders, architects and homeowners can approach Ellison’s directly for the whole aluminium joinery package, from sales,

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estimating and design, to fabrication and installation. “Our products are built to the highest industry standards, using quality products chosen to suit each unique project and environment.” Cooke says Ellison’s Aluminium employs around 100 “highly skilled” staff across its four operations, which are key to its success. FAIRVIEW

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MANUFACTURING » Ellison’s Aluminium

Business South March 2015

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Ellison’s Aluminium manufactures joinery for residential, commercial and renovation projects throughout the South Island.

“We rely on a great group of people. Amongst these are a couple of staff who have been with the company the entire 25 years and they do us proud.” The firm also has skilled installers working on new and replacement joinery in all four centres who carry out the installation work on residential and commercial projects. Ellison’s Aluminium is a member of the Future Proof Building organisation and of the Window Association of New Zealand. The company is committed to delivering quality products manufactured to the highest international standards, says Cooke. The firm can trace its beginnings back to 1989, when John and Carol Ellison started a small aluminium joinery company in Dunedin and did an exceptional job in growing the operation.

Carol Ellison continued to run the company after John Ellison died in 2005 and then sold the business in 2007. A group of Otago-based shareholders now own the company and are steering it on its next stage of growth. Some of the shareholders are actively involved in the running of the company. “Although we have enjoyed a sustained period of growth over the last few years, with Dunedin being the mainstay, we believe there is more room to expand in all markets. Sales are improving in Central Otago and Dunedin is starting to pick up again. “Clearly the main thrust of our short-term growth will be in Christchurch, reacting to the demand from up there. “It is exciting to be involved in this market, and to contribute to the rebuild.”

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66 |

TRANSPORT » McLaren Transport

March 2015 Business South

Serving the Maniototo for 50 years Kelly Deeks

Ranfurly’s McLaren Transport boasts a 25 strong fleet, 20 employees, and has five directors, including four shareholders.

The key to 50 years of successful service lies in the loyalty and commitment of staff, clients, and suppliers, says McLaren Transport director Chris Spratt. Last year the Ranfurly-based McLaren Transport celebrated 50 years since Kit and Mike O’Malley (who had started O’Malley Brothers Transport in 1960) along with Dennis Stumbles bought the company. McLaren Transport was established by Colin and Sandy McLaren, and had been operating for 20 years before it was purchased. The company’s first depot was in Bute Street with just two trucks, moving to then Charlemont Street West (now Mitchell Street) in 1966. The 50th was celebrated with a reunion over Labour Weekend. The reunion was organised by Robin Reid of Wanaka and Rock McRorie of Ranfurly. A bus trip on the Saturday afternoon was planned for those who were interested in seeing the dairy farm developments in the area. Grant Williams of Dairy Farm Partnership spoke and took the visitors on a tour. That evening, more than 80 employees and past employees registered for the reunion dinner, some travelling from Australia, the West Coast, and the North Island. The Ranfurly Rugby Club Rooms were transformed with hay bales, wheel nuts for napkin holders, and tables labelled ‘wool’, ‘concrete’, ‘stock’, ‘coal’, ‘fertiliser’ and ‘log book’. A themed cake was contributed by the Diack family from Havelock North. Even the music reflected the truck driving culture with a good

TRANSPORT » McLaren Transport

Business South March 2015

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McLaren Transport has added a 350sqm workshop, including open pit, to its Mitchell Street depot.

belting out of C.W. McCall’s ‘Convoy’. Digger Creighton was the eldest in attendance at the age of 88. An honours board acknowledged the 28 people who had worked 10 years or more for McLaren Transport, with some boasting 50 years of service with the company. Today, McLaren Transport boasts a 25 strong fleet, 20 employees, and five directors, including four shareholders. “No one is the general manager or the managing director,” Spratt says. “Everyone has their own roles, and they overlap at times which allows people to come and go.” In June last year McLaren Transport added a 350sqm workshop, including open pit, to the Mitchell Street depot. The ‘drive through’ mechanical space means a truck and trailer can be worked on under cover. “This upgrade to our truck service and

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“This upgrade to our truck service and repair facility enables the company to continue providing an efficient transportation service...” repair facility enables the company to continue providing an efficient transportation service to the area,” he says. “Community has always been at the heart of the company. There won’t be many events or projects in the area that haven’t been assisted by McLaren Transport in some way, whether it’s sand for a playground or a truck for a stage. “The ethos for the past 50 years has remained focused on servicing the Maniototo.” Spratt says McLaren Transport will be focused on more of the same for the next 50 years, with keeping up with compliance the biggest issue of the day.

Jerry Kavanagh Phone: (03) 466 4944 Mobile: 027 437 3781

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Cooke Howilson Isuzu 52 Teviot Street, PO Box 511, Dunedin 9054 • www.cookehowlisonisuzu.co.nz

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TRANSPORT » NZ Trucking Association

March 2015 Business South

Association offers plenty of benefits Kelly Deeks When you are involved in a transport business, you’re a busy person. Keeping up compliance is one thing - understanding it can be another. Knowing whether the contract you have just been given is going to be sustainable and profitable is quite a worry. Located in Christchurch, the NZ Trucking Association has a wealth of knowledge, with CEO Dave Boyce having spent many years running his own transport business. “We all have significant business backgrounds and can help or advise our members on any issue,” he says. “If we don’t know the answer, we do know who does and that can save a hardworking transport operator a lot of valuable time.” The NZ Trucking Association’s cost models are detailed and can assist members who are looking for finance for a new vehicle. Boyce says taking into account the contract and vehicle, NZ Trucking Association cost models will show in black and white whether everything lines up to be sustainable and profitable. “The cost models are free and independent, and have been extremely helpful to some members when they need to go back and negotiate for a better rate. For members this service is free. “While we can’t solve every issue, we certainly are active in various community and agency groups, such as road safety, cycle safety, and other forums that are connected to transport in some way,” Boyce says. “While our members run their businesses, we go out and make sure we have our say before any adverse decisions are made that might affect our members’ businesses.”

The NZ Trucking Association represents anyone who operates a vehicle for their business, from self-employed tradespeople to large transport operators.

Boyce says that buying schemes are another huge advantage for members of the association. Fuel schemes give members cheaper fuel,

“While our members run their businesses, we go out and make sure we have our say before any adverse decisions are made that might affect our members’ businesses.”

Freephone

0800 888 324

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS In-truck CCTV from Viewtech can be custom designed for use within the transport and logistics industries. Integrated systems can be designed that utilize multi-camera systems for both safety and security. Cameras can be used for reversing and blind spot monitoring and at the same time be recorded for security purposes including forklift loading and unloading and stock theft. Call us today to discuss a wide range of camera options to suit any kind of commercial vehicle.

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and considering fuel is usually one of the biggest costs of a transport business, this is another very good reason to join. Other bulk arrangements organised by the association include tyres, insurance, and this year there are more deals and discounts available for members. The association has members throughout New Zealand, and t represents anyone who operates a vehicle for their business, from small self-employed trades people to large transport operators. In October last year the Association organised the Trucking 2014 event at Wigram Air Force Museum in Christchurch. This was well attended with over 10,000 people coming through to have a look at what’s new from the 84 trade exhibitors. “More than 269 large working trucks travelled from all over New Zealand to line up alongside

each other, which showed they had more bling and shine than a large jewellery shop,” Boyce says. “The show gave us the opportunity to give something back to the community. All proceeds of donations were given to Ronald McDonald House and Child Cancer Canterbury.” NZ Trucking Association also worked with Can and Spokes to create a hands on safety demonstration at Trucking 2014 to promote sharing the road safely. Truck drivers got to jump on a bike and see the issues from the cyclist’s point of view, and the cyclists got the chance to jump in a truck and see what the truck driver sees. “This was a light bulb moment for most people who took part. “Sitting in a large truck it is impossible in some situations to see a cyclist who may just ride up beside a truck at an intersection.”

Business South March 2015

TRANSPORT » NZ Trucking Association

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The NZ Trucking Association organised the popular Trucking 2014 event which was held at Wigram Air Force Museum in Christchurch in October.

Jimmy - ex Heat Exchanger Services can now be found here! We are able to Service all types and sizes of Heat Exchangers and specialise in heavy duty radiators, intercoolers and oil coolers for mining, earth moving, marine, industrial and transport applications.

Aluminium Oil Cooler, Intercooler and Radiator Specialists Industrial Radiators carry many makes of top quality radiators and intercoolers on the shelf. We can offer an exchange service to minimise “down-time” for those customers who are unable to wait for a repair to be done. James’s knowledge ensures the correct identification of the unit you require.

I have been a customer with James ever since he became established in NZ. In 1998 there was no one who could manage the size of radiators we have in the mining industry nor was anyone able or willing to turn them around in the same time frame as it took to change an engine out. I have been impressed with his ‘can do’ attitude & his ability to work within the tightest schedules & delivery times... even to the point of direct delivery to site if transport is going to be a problem. I have not experienced any deficiency in work quality nor required any re-work where Industrial Radiators have been involved & will continue to utilise & support their services for this industry. Cliff Webb, Group Maintenance Manager, OGL (NZ) Ltd

40 Hands Road, Middleton, Christchurch 8024 Ph: (03) 338 8016 | Fax: (03) 338 8017 | Email: jimmy@industrialradiators.co.nz

www.industrialradiators.co.nz

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AUTOMOTIVE » South Island Forklifts NEW ZEALAND

March 2015 Business South

Celebrating 15 years of success Leading the world in quality material handling products for lift trucks

Kelly Deeks Ph 09 273 9136

Email cnewzeal@cascorp.com Fax 09 273 9137 www.cascorp.com South Island Forklifts (SIF), established in 1999, Proud is proudly celebrating 15 yearssuppliers in business having to SOUTH ISLAND FORKLIFTS over this time established a satisfied customer base of hundreds throughout the South Island by providing reliable forklift and logistics solutions. “We are a New Zealand-owned forklift business offering a beneficial mix of industry experience and enthusiasm which provides us with a firm appreciation of the industry’s requirements,” says managing director Roy Howell. “Forklifts are our sole business which allows us to offer smarter and faster logistic solutions,” says Howell. “Being the sole South Island Agent for three top international brands of forklifts, TCM, HELI, and Junghienrich provides SIF with the ability to offer a great product range for sale, hire or lease which are excellent options for our customers.” As the leading independently owned forklift company in the South Island, SIF has an unsurpassed reputation for offering the best equipment to suit all applications at competitive pricing. Providing a full range of services to suit all forklift requirements backed by a very experienced service department including 12 mobile van technicians, reflects SIF’s total commitment to customer satisfaction. SIF is also one of the few companies in the South Island with its own specialist forklift transporter allowing the company to offer the complete forklift package, including free advice and on-site visits from one of their experienced sales staff. “Most importantly, we hold the firm belief that our clients’ success is our success, meaning we are passionately committed to providing the very South Island Forklifts provides a full range of services to suit all forklift requirements, backed by a very experienced service department. best material handling solutions, sales, hire and service to every one of our valued customers,” He says forklift hire is a popular option these “We understand that every company has specific needs so we’ve Howell says. days, offering quality products, hassle-free “Our professional sales team has years of maintenance, and the ability for a client to change developed packages that are cost-effective and competitively industry experience and knowledge and is ready equipment as their business grows or equipment to evaluate client material handling requirements requirements change. priced to help reduce operating costs and increase productivity.” and formulate a customised program to fit, with A hire machine offers SIF customers the benefit an overall aim of reducing operating costs and of not tying up capital, while still providing new Making sense of all the data is a complex task Hire costs are paid monthly, include all enhance health and safety.” machines tailored to specific requirements. maintenance costs, comply with health and safety that takes time and can also take the focus away requirements and ensure a suitable replacement from core responsibilities. “Every year businesses waste millions of dollars if necessary in the unlikely event of a major in operating costs related to their material handling. breakdown or accidental damage. So we offer fleet management solutions to control SIF’s parts department has a proud reputation for providing the right part at the right time which is and minimise these costs. 9 Edmonton Road, essential for keeping forklifts on the move. “We understand that every company has Hornby, Christchurch From a comprehensive stock holding, SIF supplies, specific needs so we’ve developed packages that or if necessary rapidly sources, parts including are cost-effective and competitively priced to help (03) 349 6818 forks, tyres and attachments for most makes and reduce operating costs, increase productivity and www.drbritton.co.nz models of forklift. improve health and safety.” SIF is the only genuine TCM and Junghienrich Although their workshop and sales base is forklift spare parts supplier for the South Island, and in Christchurch, SIF has for a number of years the company supplies after-market parts for most delivered workshop servicing into other parts of the makes and models as well. South Island including the West Coast, Ashburton, Howell says many businesses don’t realise the Timaru, Dunedin and Invercargill. extent to which a poorly managed and inefficient “The first 15 years have been great, and we are forklift fleet can impact profitability and health and genuinely excited about the opportunities that lie safety. ahead, that we plan to take full advantage of.”

Partners in Performance with South Island Forklifts

Proud to be the supplier of Heli Forklifts for South Island Forklifts

NEW ZEALAND

Heli is a top 10 world supplier & offers fantastic value for money!

Leading the world in quality material handling products for lift trucks

Heli proudly imported by Central Group since 2005.

Ph 09 273 9136 Fax 09 273 9137

24 hours, 7 Days Phone: 0800 538-735 www.centralgroup.co.nz enquiries@centralgroup.co.nz

Email cnewzeal@cascorp.com www.cascorp.com

Proud suppliers to SOUTH ISLAND FORKLIFTS

Business South March 2015

AUTOMOTIVE 損 South Island Forklifts

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As the leading independent forklift company in the South Island, SIF has an unsurpassed reputation for offering the best equipment to suit all applications at competitive prices.

20 Parkhouse Road, Christchurch Tel: 03 348 2060 Fax: 03 348 2078 Email: info@siforklifts.co.nz www.forkliftschristchurch.co.nz

We are proud to support South Island Forklifts

ITS are pleased to support South Island Forklifts Group

Specialists in all aspects of commercial tyres; trucks, forklifts, loaders and agriculture tyres with full fleet service provided. We can supply, fit and balance your car or SUV while you are at home or at work, with an experienced team who can provide you with friendly professional advice.

Mobile TyreLAND Christchurch Ltd Family owned business and part of the South Island wide TyreLAND Network Phone 389 5005 We are on call 24/7, 365 days per year

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Need parts? Freephone 0800 459 662

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SIF are the proud distributor of TCM Unicarriers and Jungheinrich Forklifts and material handling equipment

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AUTOMOTIVE » KB Panel and Paint / McLellan Motors Cromwell

March 2015 Business South

Committed to Cromwell Jo Bailey

KB Panel and Paint has the latest state-of-the-art repair equipment.

KB Panel gets work flow right Kelly Deeks Ashburton’s KB Panel and Paint Services has diversified its business with the acquisition of the local 24-hour towing firm in mid-2014, setting the 12-year old company on a path towards future growth and expansion. Passionate panel beater Kieran Breakwell established KB Panel and Paint Services at 154 Dobson Street, Ashburton, with a purpose built collision repair shop, set up to enable high quality repairs and a fast turn-around. During the planning stage of the shop’s design, Breakwell undertook research of high quality and efficient collision repair shops throughout New Zealand, to ensure he understood how best to lay out the shop’s floor plan, and also which types of equipment he would need. “I talked to a lot of industry professionals and specialists who showed me the ins and outs. “In a panel shop, it is all about work flow. You don’t want to have bottle neck situations in a high turn around insurance shop. If the shop isn’t built right, you might have to move 10 cars to get to what you need to do, and you lose the work flow.” KB Panel and Paint Services is set up so any vehicle in the shop can always be accessed, no matter where it is in the repair process. Damaged vehicles come in to one end of the building where they are stripped, then damaged panels are repaired, then undercoated, then in to the spray bake oven for painting. Then the vehicle comes back up to the front of the shop for

reassembly, and then cleaned and checked. The purpose-designed building layout is backed up with the latest state-of-the-art repair equipment and modern spray bake oven. “We bought the best equipment you can get in the world,” Kieran says. This includes a Car-O-Liner alignment bench and a Car-O-Liner 3D measuring system, which allows KB Panel and Paint Services to measure vehicles to pin-point accuracy, speeding up the repair process and increasing the quality of the repair. “This system also allows us to print off before and after details of how the car was while it was damaged, and how it is after it is repaired and 100% back to factory specifications.” As well as plant and equipment, KB Panel and Paint Services is continually investing into staff training, with the company’s eight staff regularly attending I-CAR training courses through the Collision Repair Association (CRA). “As a CRA member, we are required to gain a certain amount of training credits every year. “We well exceed the credit requirement. A lot of the courses are model specific where we learn the correct repair methods required for the latest vehicles. “When new models come out with new technology and new safety systems, sometimes these are things the industry has never seen before so it is so important to keep up to date with training.” KB Panel and Paint Services now operates KB Panel and Paint Towing, Ashburton’s only 24-hour towing company.

Grant McLellan says he thought “long and hard” about closing his long-standing Invercargill car sales yard in mid 2014 to focus on his Cromwell operation, but is happy to have made the decision. “With hindsight I should have done it a long time ago. We’re very busy at Cromwell, and because the branch was established here six years ago, it’s been pretty much business as usual since we closed Invercargill.” Grant has been selling quality used cars for 35 years this April, the last 25 trading as McLellan Motors. The firm still has close ties to Invercargill even though it is no longer based there. Two of the branch’s former staff transferred to the Cromwell operation, and many of McLellan Motors former Southland clients still deal with and make the trip up or Grant arranges delivery to them. “After so long in business we have built good relationships with our clients, which are based on looking after them and making sure they are happy. In February a lady came up from Invercargill to see what we had in the yard and ended up buying a car,” he says. The unique needs of the Central Otago market has seen McLellan Motors Cromwell specialise in SUVs ,double-cabs, 2 and 4WD vehicles which are “pretty prominent” in the area, he says.“It’s a different type of market here. We also sell a few European cars, but try to stay away from the run-of-the-mill car makes and models. We stick to what the market wants.”

Most of the vehicles come from the same vehicle wholesaler in Christchurch Grant has dealt with for 30 years, apart from a few vehicles he sources direct from Japan. McLellan Motors also provides finance options and comprehensive insurance cover to its buyers, 80 percent of whom are from outside Cromwell. “Cromwell is a small place but is the hub of the wider Central Otago region in close proximity to all the major towns. The construction industry is also flat out here at the moment, so we’re selling a lot of light commercial vehicles to local tradespeople.” In the last few weeks McLellan Motors has sold vehicles to Wellington, Timaru, and Christchurch. “We’ve even have people come down from Auckland and drive cars home. You’d think there would be enough cars up there for them to choose from.” Grant says his staff all play a part in the success of the business, particularly long serving sales manager Malcolm Ferguson and groomer Evelyn Hansen, who works out of a separate grooming/ sales yard a little further down McNulty Road “Malcolm and a good team. He does most of the sales and I do most of the buying so we tick along good. Evelyn has been with us a long time too and is extremely fussy. She makes such a fantastic job of the cars.” Good old-fashioned southern service is what sets the company apart, he says. “There are no hidden costs, GST is included in all vehicles, and we provide a warm southern/ central welcome to everyone who comes onto the yard.

McLellan Motors Cromwell specialises in SUVs and double-cab 4WD vehicles.

BP Workshop Cromwell Ltd Incorporating Cromwell Towing & Salvage THE AUTOMOTIVE PARTS PROFESSIONALS PANELS - ENGINES - LIGHTS - RIMS - TYRES

YOU NAME IT, WE’VE GOT IT!

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PHONE 0800 767 267

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40 Robinson Street, Ashburton

ross@roscos.net.nz

Newlands are agents for Tait, Hytera and GME two way radio communications. We supply, install and programme a range of two way radios. For anything auto electrical, air conditioning, batteries or communications call the experienced team at Newlands today.

Business South March 2015

AUTOMOTIVE » Cromwell Collision Repairs

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Cromwell Collision takes big strides Kelly Deeks Since opening in Cromwell in 2010, Cromwell Collision Repairs has built a reputation for providing superior collision repair services to the Central Otago region, and the company’s growth has seen its owners reinvest into the business in 2013, purchasing the premises it had been leasing. Managing director Johno Shaw says he and his panel beater business partners have secured the future of Cromwell Collision Repairs with the purchase of the premises. “We’ve made a large investment between the business and the building, and it is starting to pay off now,” he says. “When we first opened, the insurance market was our main target. “Over the past five years we’ve been able to get our insurance company approvals in place, and now the work is being directed to us.” The standards set at Cromwell Collision Repairs saw the company named last year as one of an elite group of stringently selected approved repairers for New Zealand’s largest general insurer, IAG New Zealand. “There was quite a process to go through, and we needed to have a certain amount of equipment and constant staff training, which is a big thing in our industry due to regular changes in vehicle manufacturing, technology, and repair methodologies,” Shaw says. Cromwell Collision Repairs staff are kept up to date with the latest changes by attending regular I-CAR courses. “Every vehicle we repair is different,” Shaw says. “Every model has a different repair schedule, and they are constantly changing. “Combining our expertise with new techniques and technology, we can make a damaged car look amazing all over again. Our clients feel confident on the road, and excited to show off how their car looks.” Cromwell Collision Repairs’ fully equipped workshop contains a Car-O-Liner chassis

Cromwell Collision Repairs is Cromwell’s only Collision Repair Association (CRA) approved structural repairer.

machine and 3d measuring system, and a spray booth with the capacity to hold a large van. In five years, Cromwell Collision Repairs has grown from a one man band to seven staff, including two panel beaters, two painters, an apprentice painter, and two office staff. Shaw says Cromwell itself is also growing, with a lot of new businesses coming to town, and an increase in construction activity in the

region has seen more builders and associated trades putting more vehicles on the road and having the occasional collision. Situated between Queenstown and Wanaka, Cromwell Collision Repairs is well placed to take advantage of the business generated in these towns as well. Cromwell Collision Repairs is the preferred repairer for Mainfreight Cromwell, and also

repaints new Mainfreight vans joining the fleet. The company is Cromwell’s only Collision Repair Association (CRA) approved structural repairer, and as a member of CRA is audited annually on its equipment and staff training to ensure it is operating up to CRA standards. Cromwell Collision Repairs is also an approved repairer for Holden and Suzuki, and Motor Trade Association (MTA) approved.

“Combining our expertise with new techniques and technology, we can make a damaged car look amazing all over again. Our clients feel confident on the road....”

SUPPLIERS TO THE PANELBEATING AND SPRAYPAINTING TRADES

375 Tuam St, Christchurch and 72 Williams St, Kaiapoi

Proud to be associated with Cromwell Collision Repair • Tools • Equipment • Fillers • Safety Equip. Cromwell Collision Repairs’ fully equipped workshop contains a Car-O-Liner chassis machine and 3d measuring system.

• Thinners • Sealers • Polishes • Abrasives

• Tapes • Air Tools • Power Tools • Spray Cans

Professional Coating Systems

STANDOX

TOLL FREE 0800 108 206 • Ph: ( 03 ) 375 5040 • Web: www.rjp.co.nz

JOINERY » Misco Joinery

74 |

March 2015 Business South

New factory to meet growing demand Jo Bailey A new Kaiapoi factory will more than double the size of Misco Joinery’s operation when it is completed later this year. Company director Glenn Colenso says the company hopes to start construction works on site in April, once the plans are consented. “We’ve had the land on the southern outskirts of Kaiapoi for quite a while and were going to build the factory about six years ago, but put it on hold due to a downturn in the market,” says Colenso. The firm has grown significantly since the earthquakes, putting significant pressure on its existing facilities at Mairehau Road in Christchurch, he says. “We have outgrown our existing operation and with no room to expand, the time was right to develop the Kaiapoi site. It is a big step forward.” The new, purpose-built factory will have a large showroom in front featuring kitchen and product displays; a sizeable manufacturing facility in the back; and a mezzanine floor for office space. “Car parking for our customers will be greatly improved, as well as loading and unloading of trucks, which will be able to drive in one end of the factory and out the other.” Misco Joinery specialises in the design and manufacture of residential kitchen and laundry joinery, as well as wardrobes, storage and feature shelving. The company provides the whole package from concept and design, to the manufacture, assembly and installation of the joinery, which is made from high quality products sourced from “top” suppliers. A team of in-house kitchen designers work under head designer Stacey Williams, who can guide clients through the design process, helping them to maximise space, select colours and products, and pair their new kitchen with their lifestyle and needs. “We sometimes ask clients to write down their daily kitchen routine for a week to provide them with a snapshot of how they use the

STAYBRITE Stainless Fabricators (2003) Ltd

Misco Joinery specialises in the design and manufacture of residential kitchen and laundry joinery, as well as wardrobes, storage and feature shelving.

kitchen space, and how they would like it to function,’ he says. Once a design is agreed, clients are provided with a 3D image of their new kitchen before it is manufactured.

Proud to be associated with Misco Joinery

“We normally have two or three meetings with clients before we get to this stage. “We have five teams of experienced installers, which has grown from just two teams before the earthquakes.”

White kitchens with sleek clean lines are the current big trends. “After 26 years in business we’ve seen lots of trends come and go. We’re definitely not making any blue or green kitchens these days.”

Residential, Commercial & Hertiage Glass

• Manufacture of commercial & domestic benching • Extract hoods • Work tables and trolleys • Tanks and troughs • Handrailing • Urinals

Specialising in one off work Treffers Rd, Sockburn Ph (03) 348 0733 Fax (03) 348 9136 Email: staybrite@xtra.co.nz www.staybritestainless.co.nz

Marbello International Ltd is one of New Zealand’s premier manufacturers of solid surface bench tops. Exquisitely crafting customized masterpieces from the world’s finest Granite, Quartz, and Marbello Acrylic. P. +64 3 384 8133 F. +64 3 384 8045 E. enquiries@marbello.com 9 Francella Street Bromley Christchurch

Unit 5/26 Parkhouse Road, Christchurch (03) 343 6722

• Granite bench tops • Engineered Stone Quartz • Kitchen hard service tops • Bathroom Vanities • Affordable Prices

Phone Matt 022 620 8684 Email jobs@rocktops.co.nz

JOINERY » Misco Joinery

Business South March 2015

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Misco Joinery provides the whole package from concept and design, to the manufacture, assembly and installation of the joinery, which is made from high quality products sourced from “top” suppliers.

“We have outgrown our existing operation and with no room to expand, the time was right to develop the Kaiapoi site. It is a big step forward.” Misco Joinery was founded in 1988 and remains very much a family-run business. The firm covers the entire Canterbury region and the West Coast. However most of its work is currently manufacturing joinery for earthquake renovations, rebuilds and new homes in Christchurch, North Canterbury and the surrounding area.

AUTO PRO.

“Although we do produce joinery for high-end projects, most of our work is in the mid-range market, where our focus is on delivering top quality, affordable joinery products that enhance the home. “We pride ourselves on our customer service, which is reflected in the amount of referral work we carry out.”

03 390 1099 029 982 2174

CAR & TRUCK SERVICING

• We service popular makes and models of vehicles • Over 33 years experience in the automotive trade • WOF authority • Work on both petrol and diesel • Wheel alignments • Brakes and suspension

We are proud to be the service professionals for Misco Joinery

Arkay Benchtops Ltd are a long-standing Christchurch company specialising in residential and commercial kitchen benchtop manufacture.

• A full removal and installation service • Free measure and quotes • Templating • Gloss laminate specialists • Supply and installation of sink bowls

Proudly Supporting Misco Joinery Email: mark@arkaybenchtops.co.nz Website: www.arkaybenchtops.co.nz

03 349 6607

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BIO-ENERGY » Bioenergy Association of New Zealand

March 2015 Business South

Promoting the benefits of Biomass Jo Bailey Switching to biomass as an energy source has three key benefits, says Brian Cox, executive officer of the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand. “There are significant economic and environmental advantages. Wood fuel is all around us, and most of the biomass is currently wasted so it makes sense to turn this renewable, sustainable resource into a viable product. “The third benefit is the new employment opportunities that will be created as a result of the growth of the wood-fuel market.” In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, Cox says more companies are looking to generate heat from wood-fuelled, rather than the gas and coal fired boilers. “Companies are finding they can make considerable savings in energy costs, particularly if they utilise their own green waste. “The sustainable message biomass sends out to the market is also beneficial, particularly for the likes of dairy factories, and others selling on the international stage.”

Biomass fuel could also potentially be used to generate electricity or transport fuel in addition to heat, although for those applications it is not currently economic to do so, says Cox. “The commercial opportunities lie in heat generation which is the most economic application of biomass technology at this time.,” he says. The Bioenergy Association of New Zealand (BANZ) was established in 2000 to support its members’ business interests; and to promote and coordinate the expansion of the New Zealand bioenergy sector. It also advocates on its members behalf, and provides information, training and networking opportunities for its members, which encompass any business or individual with a commercial interest in bioenergy. These include everyone from organic matter resource owners, landowners, wood processors and feedstock suppliers; to fuel and energy suppliers; energy researchers; educators, equipment suppliers, consultants, contractors, service providers, manufacturers, private and government sector asset owners, regulators and investors.

Access to a reliable fuel supply is one of the critical considerations for businesses committing to a wood fuelled boiler.

BANZ says that wood fuel offers significant economic and environmental advantages.

“We are focused on helping our members to create viable commercial businesses through the promotion of their products and services, and assisting them to work together as a sector and leverage off each other.” Cox says access to a reliable fuel supply is one of the critical considerations for businesses committing to a wood fuelled boiler, which is why the association is launching a new accreditation scheme for wood fuel suppliers. “Large industrial clients and dairy companies need to be sure they are dealing with a supplier who consistently delivers a quality product, in a timely manner. Choosing from a list of accredited suppliers can provide them with this certainty.” BANZ is also launching a registration of wood energy advisers to ensure the competency of any suppliers and installers scoping and installing biomass plants. “We are also developing technical guides to help companies designing these plants to ensure they are doing it well.” Cox says the transition to biomass technology continues to happen gradually throughout the country, with a particularly good uptake in the Otago and Southland regions.

“Splash Palace, the aquatic centre in Invercargill has successfully used a wood-fuelled boiler for some time, along with numerous rest homes and schools in the regions, including Dunstan High School.” BANZ is also looking at other bioenergy fuel sources. These include the potential to collect dairy effluent to produce biogas, which could be used to generate fuel or electricity. “This could have economic and employment benefits as well as helping to prevent environmental degradation which is becoming quite a significant driver.” Cox says that the higher capital costs to invest in systems which convert organic by-products to energy are negated by the savings in energy costs. “The economics are definitely there. “It’s our job to help de-risk the market so people can see the benefits; and know they can be confident about the supply of wood fuel and the consultants they are dealing with. “Although bioenergy production is still a small niche market, it is getting to the stage where it is working for more and more people.”

Taymac tapping into growing market for wood fired boilers More businesses and organisations are becoming aware of the benefits of waste wood and wood pellet fired boilers for hot water generation, says Geoff Paynter, general manager of Christchurch firm Taylors Manufacturing (Taymac). “These boilers are definitely a growing market for us. They are particularly suited to clients with access to either cheap or free waste wood fuel, such as timber mills and timber processors. We have also supplied wood pellet fires into schools.” Taymac produces wood-fuelled boilers ranging from 100kW to 2MW. “We can deal directly with the end users, and have a full design team to carry out planning, selection of boiler size, and associated drawings.

We can also provide pollution control equipment for boilers and can organise installation if required.” To further enhance the environmental benefits of the carbon-neutral boilers, Taymac is developing a new “high efficient” boiler model, which will be able to succesfully burn wet wood waste. “A lot of imported boilers have issues with wet wood as a fuel source. We are excited about the new boiler and other new products we have under development for this market.” Other products designed and manufactured by the medium to heavy engineering company include coal-fired and diesel-fired boilers, industrial fans, emissions control systems, and tanks. A recent project was the delivery of large

QUALITY PRODUCTS

stainless steel industrial fans to Westland Dairy, through Tetrapak, with the largest being over four metres high coupled to a 350kW high efficiency electric motor. Taymac also recently delivered a large coal hopper to a client in Indonesia. The firm exports to Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea and has a presence in Australia through its subsidiary Fowlerex Technologies. Taymac has been operating for over 100 years and has undergone numerous changes of ownership and focus, with particularly strong growth over the last decade under its current owner. The firm’s other subsidiary companies include

FOCUS ON SUPPORT

Taurus Engineering, (a structural steel specialist with a strong focus on the Canterbury rebuild), Airtight Solutions and Taymac Stainless. A metal castings division has also been incorporated into the company, offering competitively priced imported castings, forgings, spinnings, pressings and repetitive maching services, covering all grades of metals from proven overseas suppliers. Taymac also offers general engineering capabilities. A well-equipped workshop utilises a full range of modern CNC plant and equipment. Taymac also has an in-house machine shop, spray booth and fitting shop.

TECHNOLOGY

VERSATILE

With over 100 years in the business of design and manufacturing,our reputation is built on our belief of providing high quality product and service at a very competitive price

SALES@TAYMAC.CO.NZ | WWW.TAYMAC.CO.NZ

BIO-ENERGY » Pellet Fire Solutions

Business South March 2015

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Pellet fires offer ‘clean’ alternative Jo Bailey With clean air rules banning the installation of wood fires in new homes in many regions including Canterbury, the pellet fire is proving the perfect alternative, says Wendy Dunn, of Christchurch firm Pellet Fire Solutions. “Pellet fires are an extremely clean form of heating. The flame and heat provides the ambience of a wood fire, without the pollution caused by wood smoke.” Pellet Fire Solutions markets two main brands of pellet fire - the top-of-the-range Ravelli imported from Italy, and the Enviro range from Canada. “These two ranges cover any requirement from a good, solid, reasonably priced entry level pellet fire; to a top end Ravelli fire with all the bells and whistles, such as built in thermostats and timers - and everything in between.” The pellet fires can be free standing or inbuilt and come in many different colour options depending on the homeowners’ needs. Wendy Dunn and Trevor Hale are equal shareholders in Pellet Fire Solutions, which they formed in 2014. Both have extensive experience in the pellet fire industry, with the company being an extension of their previous employment. They started working for a private pellet fire company owned by Steve Cunningham 18 years ago with Trevor Hale installing the fires and Wendy Dunn managing the office and administration work. “A few years later Solid Energy bought the company, then in 2008 Trevor and I bought the retail and installation business from them for the Christchurch region. “Last year we purchased the nationwide wholesale and distribution business from Solid Energy as well and formed Pellet Fire Solutions,” she says. Prior to this acquisition, the couple was working full time in their Christchurch retail showroom and installation business called Heatstore, which has a large number of pellet fires on display, including many working models. They still own this business but have “left it in the hands of capable managers” to concentrate on growing Pellet Fire Solutions, she says. “Our main focus is on importing the pellet fires and building up a reliable nationwide retail and installer network.

Pellet fires can be free standing or in-built and come in many different colour options depending on the homeowners’ needs.

“It is critical for us to use only registered and trained installers to provide pellet fire installations and the appropriate service and back-up. “We already have a number of excellent retail and installation agents throughout New Zealand, and we put a lot of time into finding the right people.” Wendy Dunn says she and Trevor Hale have come “full circle” from when they first started out as employees in the pellet fire industry. “Back then we were doing the whole package of importing, distributing, selling, installing and servicing pellet fires, and 18 years later we’ve brought it all back under one ownership. It’s very satisfying.”

472 Blenheim Road, Sockburn Phone 03 343 1651 www.heatstore.co.nz

CANTERBURY

PELLET

SALES

INSTALLATION

SERVICE

Industries Limited

Precision Sheetmetal components and fabrication; supporting Pellet and Log Fire, building and electronic companies. 03 384 3099

www.davin.co.nz

ﬂues@davin.co.nz

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BIO-ENERGY » K & L Nurseries

March 2015 Business South

Biomass boiler a winner for nursery Jo Bailey An innovative, New Zealand-first bio-energy project has won Christchurch flower growers K&L Nurseries several accolades in the past year. The Springston firm was named supreme winner at the 2014 EECA Awards, after taking out the Small to Medium Business category; and went on to win three Ballance Farm Environment Awards for Innovation, Harvest and Excellence. At the heart of these wins is a biomass boiler, manufactured by Austrian firm, Polytechnik, which K&L Nurseries installed in mid-2013 to provide a critical heat source for its year-round flower growing operations. The boiler is run on renewable, carbon neutral biomass, utilising the company’s own green waste as a fuel source. It replaced K&L’s old coal boiler, which had become costly to run and was inefficient, says director, Paul Loader. “Over the last five years we’ve become focused on becoming a more green, sustainable and environmentally-friendly business. When it came to a new boiler we wanted to look at long-term energy options with low costs. After researching different systems for over a year we decided on the Polytechnik boiler. It was a big decision and a lot of time and money went into getting the right thing.” The major advantages of the Polytechnik biomass boiler over other wood boilers is the superior fuel handling (with its unique ram design) and the ability to handle fuel with moisture content of 20 to 60 percent. “The fuel is dried in the boiler before it is fired, which gives us a lot of flexibility,” says Loader. Since the installation of the new boiler, K&L’s energy costs have been cut by around $100,000 a year and the firm has avoided around 3,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year. The boiler has also given the flower growers a marketing edge, he says “The industry is going through a period of consolidation with imported flowers coming into the market. However many of the flowers from overseas are chemical laden. The boiler gives is a real point of difference along with our use of only the safest sprays.” An additional benefit of the process is that the resultant ash can be used as fertiliser, as opposed

K&L Nurseries’ biomass boiler system provides a critical heat source for its year-round flower growing operations, utilising the company’s own green waste as a fuel source. to the toxic coal ash from the company’s old boiler, which had to be disposed of. K&L Nurseries has also installed an innovative in-ground thermal tank, which can store up to 400,000 litres of hot water, keeping the boiler at or above 90 percent efficient. In future, Loader plans to use the boiler to provide heating for four houses on the property, and may invest in a chipper to enable them to use neighbours’ green waste as fuel. K&L Nurseries specialises in growing roses and gerberas, producing more than two million cut stems per year. The company grows 70 varieties of gerberas, supplying 70 percent of the South Island market for the bloom and 20 percent nationwide.

It also grows 24 rose varieties. All stock is sourced from the world’s finest breeders. Paul Loader and his wife Lyn started the business 22 years ago. The former market gardeners used to some flowers on the side to supply their shop, Andrea’s Florist in Avonhead, which they still operate as well as Hornby Florist. Eventually the flower growing business took over the market gardening operation. The Loader’s daughter Michelle and her husband Ian Kempthorne now also work in the business full time.

Paul Loader says it was hugely satisfying for the company to be recognised for its biomass boiler project, by particularly by the EECA judges who called the project a “splendid example of courage, innovation and excellence.” “We came up against some pretty big players at the EECA awards so it was a great achievement. He says the awards have raised the company’s profile throughout Australasia. “A couple of bus-loads from the Flower Growers’ Conference came to have a look and we’ve had visitors other than flower growers.”

MAUGERS

MAUGERS CONTRACTING LTD

We specialise in • Subdivision Development • Earthworks • Drainage • Roading • Mulching

All Enquiries Phone 381 1018

FREEPHONE 0800 MAUGERS • FAX 381 1020

www.maugers.co.nz

K&L Nurseries specialises in growing roses and gerberas.

Phone/Fax: (03) 358 9408 Avonhead Centre Cnr Withells Rd & Merrin St Avonhead, Christchurch www.andreasflorist.co.nz

K & L Nurseries two retail shops

Phone: (03) 349 8719 The Hub, Shop 22 416 Main South Rd Hornby, Christchurch www.hornbyflorist.co.nz

Boilers making most of wood waste Last year proved pivotal for Polytechnik Biomass Energy, which in 2011, entered the Australasian market with state-of-the-art low emission technology for the utilisation of biomass for energy generation. Christian Jirkowsky, general manager of the Austrian firm’s New Zealand operation says there were “many highlights” during 2014, including the company’s first local customer, K&L Nurseries winning the EECA Supreme and Small to Medium business awards for its Polytechnik biomass boiler system. “We also enjoyed the successful start-up of our first boiler plants in Australia; and the installation of New Zealand’s most advanced wood energy plant at Zealandia Horticulture in Christchurch,” he says. Among other projects the firm was also awarded the contract to establish an advanced and high efficiency steam boiler plant system at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch, which will see it supply two wood fired boilers and one diesel back-up boiler, replacing its old and inefficient coal boiler plant. “We are now dealing with large New Zealand companies, with our plants getting bigger and more sophisticated as time goes on. It is very pleasing.” One of the main advantages of Polytechnik biomass boilers over other wood boilers is superior fuel-handling capability allowing its customers to tap into wood waste streams. They are also designed to accept fuels with moisture contents of up to 60 percent, with the fuel dried in the boiler before it is gasified and completely combusted. “This means customers can use much cheaper fuel sources and significantly reduce running costs,” says Jirkowsky. K&L Nurseries was able to use wood and green waste as a fuel source, and are already saving around $100,000 a year in energy costs. The biomass boilers are also a far greener alternative to coal boilers, which produce thousands of tonnes of carbon and sulphur dioxide as well as other hazardous emissions each year. Polytechnik has more than 50 years experience in the engineering, manufacture, installation and commissioning of biomass fired heat and power plants, which generate energy from renewable biomass.

Polytechnik has more than 50 years experience in the engineering, manufacture, installation and commissioning of biomass fired heat and power plants, which generate energy from renewable biomass. Its boilers have a thermal output ranging from 300kW to 30,000 kW with various combustion systems and combinations able to be employed depending on the available fuel. A range of mediums such as hot water, air, hot gases, super-heated water, saturated and superheated steam, and thermal oil can be utilised within the system to transfer the resultant energy. “Our engineers work closely with clients to tailor the solutions specifically to their needs,” he says. The firm opened its New Zealand office Polytechnik Biomass Energy Pty Ltd in 2011 and is the only European wood/biomass boiler manufacturer with an established base here.

Polytcehnick says its biomass boilers have superior fuel-handling capability allowing its customers to tap into wood waste streams.

“Although the initial capital outlay may be greater, a 50 percent saving in fuel costs provides a significant return on the investment, and helps the system to pay for itself in a very short time.” “We are a fully established subsidiary branch, and part of the Polytechnik worldwide group which means our customers don’t have to worry about additional mark-ups. “They are also provided with full financial guarantees and warranties on the products and can talk directly with the boiler supplier if they have any questions or ideas.” The firm has partnered with Energy Plant Solutions in Palmerston North and Energence in Australia who provide distribution and installation services. “We operate in a specialised boiler market, so rather than compete with these firms, we contract their resources when we need them, which works well for everyone. This arrangement also allows us to keep our overheads low and plants cheaper for our customers without compromising the support,” says Jirkowsky.” Some other New Zealand projects which Polytechnik has been involved with include working for Energy Plant Solutions on the installation of a 14MW gas-fuelled boiler for Guardian’s dairy plant in Balclutha, and on a 32MW gas-fuelled plant for Fonterra in Pahiatua which it is currently installing. Jirkowsky says the timber and sawmill industry is a logical target market for Polytechnik

in New Zealand given Energy Plant Solutions’ expertise in servicing wood boilers for these industries; and the fact Polytechnik’s has 3000 reference plants and is a market leader in Russia’s sawmilling industry. “We’ve already had numerous enquiries from firms in these sectors which look promising. “Once we’ve demonstrated the advantages of an advanced biomass boiler systems to the New Zealand sawmilling industry we believe we can make a difference in terms of lowering their energy and operating costs and emissions.” Polytechnik was recently honoured with Austria’s Coat of Arms, which recognises industry leaders in their fields, and was a “great honour”, he says. Overall Jirkowsky is happy with the company’s progress in Australasia. “It’s still early days but after selling ten boilers with a thermal capacity of over 20 MW in New Zealand and Australia in the last two years we’re getting more and more enquiries as people begin to appreciate the benefits of advanced biomass systems. “Although the initial capital outlay may be greater, a 50 percent saving in fuel costs provides a significant return on the investment, and helps the system to pay for itself in a very short time.”

81 St Andrews Road, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand

T: +64 6 211 3496 F: +64 6 877 4607 E: office@polytechnik.co.nz W: www.polytechnik.com

80 |

BIO-ENERGY » Wood Energy South

March 2015 Business South

Southland focused on wood energy Jo Bailey New Zealand’s first regional renewable energy hub was launched late last year in Southland in a bid to establish a cluster of new commercial and industrial wood energy users over the next three years. The pilot programme called Wood Energy South is a joint initiative between its facilitators Venture Southland, and EECA, which has invested $1.5 million into the project. “Wood Energy South is assisting numerous businesses, community facilities and schools to explore the benefits of converting from fossil fuel to wood fuel as a renewable energy source,” says project coordinator Cathy Jordan. As well as providing economic and environmental advantages to those utilising the technology, the wider spin-offs for the region include lower carbon-emissions, cleaner air, and new business and employment opportunities. Ms Jordan says Southland is the ideal place to set up the hub, as it can provide ready access to waste wood fuel. “The region has forestry and wood processing facilities which could generate around 300,000 tonnes of potential wood fuel annually. “Several processors are already turning waste wood and other biomass into user-friendly forms of fuel.” Southland already has several early adopters of wood fuelled boilers, such as Splash Palace Aquatic Centre and McCallums Drycleaners; with Takitimu Primary School, located right in the heart of coal country, about to install its new wood-fuelled boiler to heat the school. “Splash Palace manager Peter Thompson is a strong advocate for the cause and presented at our recent launch event. “His key message was that although coal may be cheaper than wood chips, the savings gained from a wood-chip boiler are ongoing in terms of supervision and maintenance of the boiler and future clean air requirements,” says Ms Jordan. Instead of the pool sending two skips of coal ash to the landfill every week, it now produces just half a wheelie bin full of wood chip ash that can be composted. When Southland drycleaners McCallums Group

Wood Energy South is looking at the long-term potential demand for wood fuel and the availability of waste wood over the next 10 to 30 years. switched from LPG and light fuel oil to a wood chip fired boiler they cut their fuel costs by two-thirds. In addition, wastewater from the firm’s washing process is now recycled through the emissions scrubber, recovering heat and saving more energy. Around 70 people attended the official launch of Wood Energy South in October, including a range of stakeholders such as engineers, consultants, heat plant providers, fuel providers and potential end users of the technology. “A steering group made up of local and national

representatives is governing the project, while a local technical advisory group led by technical support advisor Lloyd McGinty is providing local insight and input. “The focus is on generating a lot of stakeholder engagement which is really driving it forward,” she says. The feedback from Southland businesses so far has been “positive”. “A lot depends on timing and when companies might be ready to make this sort of large capital investment. “ However this is definite interest.” There are opportunities for businesses considering wood fuelled heat plants to seek funding for feasibility studies, and possible capital grants or loans. In addition to working directly with potential end

users of the technology, Wood Energy South is also looking at the long-term potential demand for wood fuel and the availability of waste wood over the next 10 to 30 years from a variety of sources in order to build confidence in the supply chain, Ms Jordan says. This work leads on from the Southland Wood Energy Demand Assessment completed in June 2011. Wood Energy South is also looking at the potential for the utilisation of a centralised wood chip-burning unit to provide heat energy to multiple users located within close proximity; and is developing a range of technical resources including written material and videos. If successful, the model being established in Southland could be rolled out in other New Zealand regions, says Ms Jordan

Southland’s largest wood fuel supplier are pleased to be associated with Wood Energy South For all your Wood Fuel enquires contact David Blue 021 228 6050 The Southland region has ready access to waste wood fuel.

Specialist Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Engineers Biomass projects currently in progress: Waihopai School - 200kW Wood Chip Ascot Park Hotel - 1000kW Biomass • Kings High School - 800kW Biomass

Proud to be working with Wood Energy South Dunedin 03 477 4775

Invercargill 03 218 9552

Email service@rayners.co.nz