FYI November 2014

NORTH HARBOUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER NEWS AND INFORMATION

NOVEMBER 2014

What to expect in the next 18 months PG 16

THE WAY MEET THE FORWARD NEW FACES Our strategic NHBA’s executive plan gets the tick committee PG 10 PG 12

WHO’S WHO Spotlight on local businesses PG 14

NEW SIGNAGE BYLAWS What they mean for you PG 25

www.nhba.org.nz

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CONTENTS

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FROM THE CHAIR

elcome to our last issue of FYI Magazine for 2014. We have recently held our 2014 AGM at which members approved our 2014 Annual Report and Business Plan for 2015-2017.

This year we have produced an Annual Report/Business Plan and separately a key performance indicators booklet for our service delivery programmes. I would encourage members to download a copy of both documents from nhba.org.nz/agm2014 to gain an insight into our activities, financial and operational performance, and future plans.

It has been a significant year for the association. We have grown our core services programmes, strengthened our financial position and retained very positive support from members, key stakeholders and sponsors. We have also consolidated the expanded North Harbour Business Improvements District incorporating members on the eastern side of the northern motorway, further developed our busi-

ness capability programme, secured improved premises and recently established an MOU with Massey University. Our relationship with Massey has the potential to create a strong alliance for business development from innovation through to the creation of domestic and export capacity for both existing and new businesses.

From a governance perspective we continue to have strong interest and participation from our executive committee board. Our incoming committee members have a broad range of business/professional backgrounds and depth of experience. With a view to the future I am stepping down from the committee by rotation this year as part of our succession plan. I have very much enjoyed my involvement in the development of the association and the North Harbour Business Improvement District to what has become a leading business organisation in the wider Auckland region. The association is well placed to further consolidate its regional leadership position to advo-

IN THIS ISSUE 3 4 8 10 13 14 16 21

From The Chair In Brief Events Annual General Meeting Events Who’s Who The Next 18 Months Transport

22 24 25 26 27 28 30

cate and provide support to members at a time where the economy is on the move and there are significant long-term council plans and legislative changes such as the RMA under development.

My thanks to our members, current and previous board members, our executive team and key stakeholders for your input and support over the 11 years I have been involved with the association. My best wishes to the incoming board and I look forward to maintaining contact with, and supporting the ongoing development of, the NHBA in the years to come.

Yours sincerely, Warren Kitchin CA Dip NZIM Chairman

Crime Prevention Sale & Purchase of Alcohol New Signage Bylaws Massey & NHBA Sign MOU Sales Tips for Retailers Health & Safety Reform Bill Gold Sponsors

NHBA GOLD SPONSORS 2014 – 2015 trade colour print

Contact FYI Magazine General Manager - NHBA Janine Brinsdon janine.brinsdon@nhba.org.nz

Editor Ruth Le Pla ruth.lepla@xtra.co.nz

Advertising Elizabeth Devlin elizabeth.devlin@nhba.org.nz

Design Lewis Hurst lewis@hcreative.co.nz

Printer Trade Colour Print tradecolour@orcon.net.nz

North Harbour Business Association 12 Parkway Drive, Albany. PO Box 303 126, North Harbour 0751 Office 09 968 2222 Web www.nhba.org.nz The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers.The publisher does not endorse any person, company or organisation that advertises in this publication.

NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI NOVEMBER 2014 3

IN BRIEF

No monkeying around

C

ongratulations to local online shopping website business Mighty Ape for its recent success at the Westpac Auckland Business Awards 2014 − North.

Not only did this fast-growing company win the Excellence in Customer Service Delivery award but it also took out the Supreme Business Excellence Award. Mighty Ape founder Simon Barton recently took some time out to speak with FYI Magazine.

Tell us a bit about yourselves. Who are the people behind the Mighty Ape business?

What are the main opportunities for Mighty Ape in the future?

Mighty Ape is run by a team of around 100 hard-working monkeys located here in Albany.

We’re a diverse bunch with a common goal to revolutionise and change the way Kiwis shop and build a world-class online shopping site for New Zealanders. We’re a 100 percent New Zealand-owned company with strong roots in the North Shore. Our family is from the North Shore and most of our staff live locally.

How old is Mighty Ape?

What’s the strategy behind your business?

Mighty Ape celebrated its sixth birthday earlier this year but the company has been around a lot longer than that. Before Mighty Ape we were Gameplanet Store and before that Gamezone. Our background was in bricksand-mortar retail and we’ve really enjoyed the challenge of working out how to deliver a great customer experience online.

It’s pretty simple − to create a great online shopping experience for our customers. We are 100 percent focused on customers and finding new ways to meet and exceed their expectations. Creating customer satisfaction and loyalty in an online environment has been a fun and interesting challenge. We’ve learned to invest in lots of stock (we operate from a 5,500m2 distribution centre in Albany) so our customers can enjoy same-day delivery in Auckland and overnight delivery anywhere in New Zealand. We have an inhouse customer service team with trained service monkeys that can help our customers by phone, email and social media. We even have a pick-up service for customers on the North Shore.

How did you come up with the Mighty Ape name?

It’s a nod to our roots in videogames and one of the greatest videogame characters of all time − Donkey Kong. We always wanted something unique and a name/brand we could make our own.

NHBA’s new office Our training and member programmes keep growing. So, after three years in our former premises, we’ve moved to new digs. One of the many plus-points is a dedicated training room which can host 30 people theatre-style.

And we’re making this available to members to host their own seminars and meetings.

Please come and visit us at 12 Parkway Drive, Albany. Our office phone number will remain the same: 09 968 2222. To use the boardroom or training room facilities, please email admin@nhba.org.nz 4 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

Broadly speaking our main opportunity is to introduce new customers to our service, and to sell a broader range of products to our existing customers. We started life over 10 years ago as a games store, and quickly added movies and CDs to our list of departments. We now operate 15 departments including clothing, hobbies, baby, and fitness and nutrition which were all added in the past two years. Later this year we’re excited to launch our new health and beauty department and there will be more to follow.

What advice would you give to someone about to start up their own business?

My number one tip is to focus on the customer. Mighty Ape is often held up as an innovative online retailer but our company philosophy adheres to classic retailing truths.

We believe a website is just a proxy for what really matters − getting to know your customers − and giving them what they want.

Customers are the ultimate sounding board.

They tell you when they’re happy and they tell you when they’re not. So just listen to them.

Upper Harbour Business Sector and Migrant Volunteer Pilot Project

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on-profit community development organisation Raeburn House would like to create a network to connect new migrants seeking work experience through volunteering to suitable businesses.

Volunteers can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to businesses that are in need of vital support that they might not be able to afford, especially new start-ups that have not yet built the

capacity within their organisation to cope with extra demand.

Not only should this enhance businesses in the area in the short-term but help future growth through the retention of highly-skilled and qualified new migrants.

Each placement would last for a maximum of three months with each volunteer working a maximum of 15 hours a week.

For more information contact Delaram Khezri, Business Hub / Project Coordinator, Raeburn House. Ph: 09 480 9625. Email del@raeburnhouse.org.nz

IN BRIEF

On the up and up

A

uckland confidence is on the rise as SEEK New Zealand reveals a significant hike in the number of jobs listed. The August/September stats from the SEEK New Job Ad Index show a 20 percent increase in jobs listed compared to the same time last year.

The biggest drivers of growth? The construction industry, then hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, transport and logistics.

SEEK New Zealand General Manager Janet Faulding says her company’s findings follow hard on the heels of already good news in Auckland Council’s June quarter Auckland Economic Quarterly report.

“Auckland plays home to one third of the country’s population and one third of our businesses, making it the most influential city with the greatest impact on employment,” she says. “Substantial growth in this region is great news for our economy as a whole.”

The Crate

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heck out The Crate, a cool shared office space in Omega St and a great alternative to working at home. The Crate has doubled in size in just over a year and recently expanded to adjoining premises. Now it has 40 desks available, half of which make up a unique shared office with a “marketing agency” feel.

There’s a lively creative atmosphere with funky music while the top level has more of a professional feel, with a reception, interview room and a conference room for presentations or business lunches.

Shared office spaces help people meet others in a similar position, gain friends and associates, build up trust and make more sales.

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IN BRIEF

Success tastes good

C

ongratulations to local business Durello Traditional Brazilian Foods who won the Convenience Category at the recent NZ Food Awards 2014. Well done to Marcelo Menoita, Barbara Scholten and team.

Lots of fun: Just add water

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et set for a day of sailing, prizes, entertainment, dinner and more. Rotary Club of East Coast Bays is holding its annual charity regatta on 20 March next year.

It’s looking for teams of people to take part.

Rotary provides the boats, skipper, crew, food and refreshments.

The 28th annual Rotary Charity Regatta promises to be a fantastic day out for both corporate groups and yachting enthusiasts.

So treat your clients, staff , family or friends and help support the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education & Recreation Centre.

This registered charitable trust aims to introduce programmes to schools, special needs and youth at risk or other community groups that would otherwise be unable to experience environmental and marine education.

Rotary is also looking for sponsors for this event.

For more information go to ecbrotary.co.nz/charity-regatta/

54

6 3

BY THE NUMBERS

6000

Santas expected to take part in the 2014 KidsCan Santa Run

43

percent of New Zealand exporters are generating sales through social media

400 million

– the estimated number of viewers in China who watched two episodes of “Dad, where are we going?” filmed in New Zealand

170 million

DIARY DATES

Diary Dates November

16 Bike the Bridge

12 NZTA Community Open Day 33A APOLLO DR, ROSEDALE

Pop in between 5pm and 8pm to learn about potential changes to transport routes on the Northern Corridor. nzta.govt.nz/projects/auckland-northern-corridor

13 NZTA Community Open Day CONSTELLATION BUS STATION

Pop in between 6.30am and 8.30am to learn about potential changes to transport routes on the Northern Corridor. nzta.govt.nz/projects/auckland-northern-corridor

13 Business After Five PLAN B, 23 ARRENWAY DR, ALBANY

– the estimated number of car trips per year on the Northern Gateway Toll Road

Your chance to ride your bike over the Harbour Bridge. 8 event options for bike lovers of all ages. bikethebridge.co.nz

25 White Ribbon Day White Ribbon is an international movement of men taking a stand against violence towards women. Each November, White Ribbon runs a month-long campaign that culminates on 25 November, White Ribbon Day. whiteribbon.org.nz

December

15 NHBA One Day Sale 60+ OUTLETS ALL OVER THE NORTH HARBOUR AREA

One huge day of great deals. Start planning your shopping trip now. nhba.org.nz/onedaysale

03 The Great KidsCan Santa Run ALBANY LAKES

A major fundraiser for KidsCan, the Santa Run concept is simple – a 2-3km fun run/walk in a Santa suit! lacticturkey.co.nz/SantaRun.htm

12 The Business Hub – Cash Flow Vs Profit

4.04 billion 5 million

STADIUM

Plan B are hosting the next NHBA Business After Five event. Join us for this networking event and to learn more about Plan B. nhba.org.nz/events

– the estimated New Zealand dollar value of this TV exposure

– the GDP generated by businesses in the Upper Harbour local board area in 2013

VARIOUS LOCATIONS, FINISHING AT QBE

THE NORTH SHORE GOLF CLUB, 51 APPLEBY RD, ALBANY

15 N ovem b

er

Network with local businesses while gaining valuable business knowledge.

Session presented by Virginia Stallard, Vision Accounting. robert@miit.co.nz

23 NHBA Office Closes 15 NZTA Community Open Day WESTFIELD ALBANY, OUTSIDE NEW WORLD

Pop in between 10am and 4pm to learn about potential changes to transport routes on the Northern Corridor. nzta.govt.nz/projects/auckland-northern-corridor

The NHBA office will be closed for Christmas from Tuesday 23 December to Wednesday 7 January.

To keep up to date with what’s on please see www.nhba.org.nz/events If you’d like to feature your events in future editions of FYI Magazine please contact elizabeth.devlin@nhba.org.nz NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI NOVEMBER 2014 7

EVENTS

Gary Bonser, Arie Estrin, Glen Maguire

Never stop starting From Telecom to Spark

L

ooking behind the statistics to see the full story and getting to truly understand what its customers want were two key ingredients in Telecom’s recent transformation into the new Spark. So, too, was having a plan to keep its brand current.

These were the messages from Chris Quin, CEO of Spark, Home Mobile and Business, who shared his insights with approximately 90 NHBA members at our September Business Lunch.

Chris outlined Spark’s transformational journey from the old Telecom into a new, vibrant organisation that places customers at the heart of what it does. Some key points from Chris’s presentation:

• When looking at market share stats don’t just look at the numbers as a whole.

Lucy Fullarton, Francis Sach, Kate Joyce, Manih Rastogi, Rowena Lee

Make sure you dissect the information to get an understanding of your position in different market segments. For example, a total market share figure of 35 percent could easily hide a three percent market share of Aucklanders aged under 30.

Given that this group is where the future lies, Chris said this was a clear signal that his business was in trouble.

• Getting to know your customers is critical

for every business – large and small. So speak directly to your customers. Ask them how they use your product or service, what they think of your brand and what you could improve for them. Spark’s customers said:

• you don’t have a relationship with me – you don’t seem to have any of my history on file;

Elsie Sinton, Neil Tuffin, Vickie Underwood

the first to do anything;

• you feel outdated and disconnected – you’re the brand for old, white, rich people; and

• you make the easy things hard.

• Spark set about fixing this by focusing on five main points. It now:

• captures customer history in a smart CRM tool;

• ensures that any offer going to

market has to be equally as good, or better, for existing customers;

• does the firsts – it’s first with wi-fi

hotspots, payment solutions and Spotify;

• builds pride in the brand – starting with staff culture; and

• aims to be the easiest to deal with.

• you don’t value my business – you’re

• Spark’s mantra is now ‘never stop starting’.

• you’re not the guys taking New

An edited video of Chris’ presentation is available in the Networking and Business Development section of NHBA’s website.

busy getting new customers and don’t do anything for your existing ones; Zealand forward – you’re not

Karin Horen’s message of hope

The 140 guests also enjoyed the opportunity to meet and mingle with a room full of like-minded business people.

The NHBA is delighted to present high-calibre keynote speakers for member events.

If there is someone you would particularly like to hear from please email elizabeth.devlin@nhba.org.nz

The Auckland Paddle for Hope event was held on 1 November. The team also will be holding an event in Napier early in the new year. For more information go to paddleforhope.co.nz

Rob Fenwick, Jackie Fenwick, Nilesh Kumar, Les Cox

Cameron Bagrie

Kim Forbes, Fleur Clough, Lisa Hill

Bagrie at his best

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NZ Bank Chief Economist Cameron Bagrie provided an entertaining off-the-record address at the recent NHBA Business Luncheon.

Bagrie delivered his witty and informative speech on the state of the New Zealand economy and some of the factors which will affect performance over the next 12-24 months, to NHBA members at the QBE Stadium.

8 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

S

ixty ladies attended the recent NHBA women’s event to hear from Karin Horen, founder of the cancer rehabilitation charity Paddle for Hope.

As a two-time cancer survivor, Karin’s story was both inspirational and motivating. Karin also shared some of her secrets for creating a successful media presence on a shoestring and reiterated the need to simply ask – if you don’t ask you don’t get!

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NHBA AGM

NHBA’s Annual General Meeting Over 30 NHBA members, its Chair, General Manager and executive team attended the organisation’s annual general meeting last month.

H

ighlights from the Annual Report for the financial year to 30 June 2014 include:

• Operations are within budget – variations which resulted in a surplus were due to programme timeline differentials or re-scoping (with the re-scope being supported/approved by stakeholders).

• Stakeholders and funders are satisfied the core KPIs have been delivered.

• NHBA Executive Committee changes – five new members were voted on at the AGM and they join the eight members who have returned.

• Personnel changes within the crime prevention and admin/finance structure had taken place throughout the year. The NHBA team is now back to full resource levels for the 2014/15 period.

• There is some uncertainty beyond financial year 2015 regarding central and local government external grant funding.

• New initiatives such as the One Day Sale are developing into annual events − demonstrating NHBA’s empathy and ability to support members in ways they value.

Overall, members were positive about NHBA’s performance. The organisation is regarded as professional, with good governance and maturity across its board and executive/ project teams.

Key points to note regarding the Business Plan I July 2014 – 30 June 2017:

• NHBA’s programmes will continue 10 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

to evolve, and remain relevant and valued. They will link back to the results of the NHBA Membership Survey 2014.

• NHBA will continue to leverage regional impact through local scale and strength.

• The ability to provide members with a voice on key policy and strategy documents is supported and valued.

• The organisation will deliver expanded business capability and crime prevention workshops, supported by quality networking and business development events.

• There will be a strong focus on business leadership

• AGM attendees approved this direction within the context of the Business Plan noting there is significant investment in infrastructure by central and regional government.

The organisation is regarded as professional, with good governance and maturity across its board and executive/project teams.

NHBA’s outgoing Chair Warren Kitchin detailed the rationale behind the special resolution 12.2.5 which was passed and the constitution changed accordingly. The resolution puts into place the potential payment of a $5000 and a $2500 per annum honorarium to the Chair and Deputy Chair respectively. This will be applied on a pro rata basis for the financial year 2015.

(This will be $5000 in total, as presented in the financial accounts.)

Incumbent Deputy Chair Kevin Moore acknowledged the retirement of Warren Kitchin from the board. Warren’s long relationship with the North Harbour area − as a trustee of Enterprise North Shore (now ATEED), as a local business owner/manager and through his relationship with NHBA (and previous reincarnations ABA, ABBA) − will be missed.

Warren acknowledged the services of the 2013/14 Executive Committee members throughout the past twelve months. He thanked those restanding for elections and acknowledged Tracy Meyer, Jenny Watson, Heather Stonyer and Geoff Ashenden who had retired from the Executive Committee during the past twelve months.

However, with the depth of expertise and experience on the board, plus the quality of new board members, Warren stated he was confident the association was in good hands.

In closing, Warren acknowledged the commitment and achievements of the executive and project teams, led by Janine Brinsdon – General Manager. Janine added her thanks to Brigid Rogers (Transport Programme Manager), Elizabeth Devlin (Marketing and Member Services Manager), Raimond Donk (Crime Prevention Programme Manager), Tracey Begovic (BCP and Project Support) and Moe Robinson (Admin and Finance).

Janine added her welcome to the new board members, thanked the returning members for their ongoing commitment and said that it was going to be an exciting 24 months, as NHBA works to lift North Harbour to the next level.

NHBA AGM

The key achievements are reported in the Annual Report FY 30 June 2014 available at nhba.org.nz/AGM2014.

Below are some highlights of the year.

150 SECURITY MEETINGS HELD WITH

ADVOCACY WITH NZTA ON NORTHERN CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT:

$596–718M INVESTMENT

BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS

950 MEMBERS $450,000 + ECONOMIC BENEFIT AND ATTENDED BUSINESS LUNCHEONS, BREAKFASTS AND AFTER FIVES

REDUCED CONGESTION VIA ROUTE OPTIMISATION MODELLING

715

EMPLOYEES GIVEN PERSONALISED JOURNEY PLANS

4 FYI ISSUES THAT GENERATED

32,000 POINTS OF CONTACT

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED BY 33%* *NZ POLICE

40% OF MEMBERS’ PRIORITY

IS FOR CONTINUED ADVOCACY BY NHBA FOR REGIONAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN NORTH HARBOUR

STATISTICS

The priorities across the core member programmes and service elements for the 2014-2017 business plan are:

One Voice – Together Stronger • Provide a communication portal to ensure the needs of North Harbour are understood and represented within local and central government.

• Leverage ongoing local and national government investment.

Advocacy – Formal submissions – Public meetings

Grow and strengthen your business • Harness the collective skills and resources within the region through collaboration between members, stakeholders, educators, economic agencies and industry experts.

• Provide training and support to areas identified in the latest NHBA membership survey.

• Provide businesses with capability to maximise their business lifecycle: innovate, incubate, establish, expand nationally and export.

• Ensure NHBA’s business capability programme reflects national/regional economic strategic plans. We need to promote growth and enhance productivity across our region.

Business capability programme – Leverage technology – Special interest groups – Economic development – Social responsibility

Keep your property and business safe • Ensure all members benefit through increased safety and reduced crime.

• Provide access to best practice crime prevention training and resources.

Protect your property – Protect your business – Value your staff – Enhance community safety

Keep your business moving • Ensure all members benefit through improved access and less congestion, and world-class infrastructure.

• Through exceptional communication and education, provide timely knowledge to mitigate business risk and disruption during significant infrastructure projects.

Reduce congestion – Improve safety and access – Commuter education – Representation

Build local connections • Build further on the strength of FYI magazine and deliver a reference publication that supports both business growth and local economic investment.

• Celebrate successful collaboration between members.

• Provide member access to business leaders and best business practice advocates via networking events and specific industry forums.

• Streamline the media platforms through which members can connect locally, while simultaneously creating regional and national profile.

• Support the growth in business units within the UHLB area through connection to NHBA members.

Networking events – Media – Membership NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI NOVEMBER 2014 11

NHBA AGM

New on board Thank you to the five new members who are volunteering their time and expertise on the NHBA executive committee.

Katheryn Chivers

Peter Jollands

Katheryn Chivers Solicitor (representing NHBID member Easy Forms)

Katheryn Chivers describes herself as extremely driven, with an outgoing personality and an ability to get things done. She has a task-orientated and structured work style.

She has lived and worked on the Shore since moving to New Zealand from the UK 11 years ago. She was previously a member of NZ Police based at the North Shore policing centre − part of a team tasked with reducing crime in the NHBID. She says her most valuable asset on the NHBA committee would be her crime prevention experience. She has a general understanding of the types of crime most businesses are likely to experience and potentially has some practical skills to assist with the NHBA’s crime prevention agenda.

She also brings to the team work experience with government agencies and understands how these organisations operate. Coupled with her legal skills, this means she has the ability to understand/negotiate and assist with drafting workable policies and complete draft submissions on behalf of the NHBA. According to Katheryn, the area’s most pressing needs include transport, roading and general infrastructure (parking facilities) which she says must be right in order to attract and sustain business growth in the area.

Peter Jollands

Partner Business Advisory Services, Jollands Callander Peter describes himself as extroverted, analytical and team-orientated. He’s a Non-Executive Director of Credit Union Auckland, a Founding Chairman of Ecoworks and on the board of trustees of The New Zealand Community Growth Trust.

He’s a Sitting Justice (Ret.) Presiding on the Bench (ten years) at Manukau District Court relating to criminal matters. He’s also a 12 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

Nicky Lukar

Steve Plummer

Visiting Justice (Ret.) Presiding on the Bench at Auckland Men’s Prison, Auckland Women’s Prison and Auckland Remand Prison.

On top of that, he’s a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Awarded for Services to Youth as Chairman of The Rotary Youth Suicide Prevention Foundation.

He says the area’s most pressing needs are continued good communication, pedestrian safety, bus and road services, parking, continued good professional seminars and good governance.

Nicky Lukar

Auckland North Manager, Bank of New Zealand Nicky Lukar and her husband have been in New Zealand for three and a half years, and she says she just loves being here. She describes herself as a fun-loving person with a relaxed approach to life, says she’s passionate about the causes she supports and gives herself to these projects 110 percent. She tempers that with a common sense approach to life and business decisions.

Nicky says her job with BNZ enables her to work in the two areas of the business that she feels most passionate about − people, and business networking and development.

Her current projects span Massey University at Albany, financial literacy, diversity in the work place, internship programmes, a South African night and a business boot camp. She’s also part of the regional board for BNZ on the North Shore and can bring matters of local importance to the table. She says the North Shore’s most pressing areas of concern include job opportunities for young people, addressing traffic congestion and financial literacy – especially for young people.

Steve Plummer

CEO, Centurion Management Services Steve Plummer describes himself as a pragmatic and committed individual with a good

Vaughan Reed

sense of humour. He values honesty and integrity with transparency and is open to diverse views provided they are constructive and objective.

Centurion Management represents a large number of commercial unit title properties within the BID area as well as being managers for the Interplex@Albany Association which became a part of the NHBID in 2013.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Business in Business Management and International Business plus a Diploma in Policing. He has held previous executive and trustee roles in non-profit organisations and committees.

He started his professional career as a Police Constable with the NZ Police, firstly in front line policing on the North Shore and then in several specialist investigation squads. He’s also worked in the UK as a company investigator and then as contract manager.

He lists traffic control and the broadband rollout as some of the area’s most pressing needs.

Vaughan Reed Labyrinth Solutions

Vaughan Reed says he likes to be kept busy and is always looking to improve how things are done. He’s not one to procrastinate and once his mind is made up wants action to be taken straight away.

He believes his experience in the digital space will help NHBA streamline certain aspects of its organisation by adopting smart technology.

His 20+ years’ experience in the IT industry mean he understands the technical requirements for business and can translate these requirements into solutions that streamline operations and deliver a business asset.

He says organisations in the region need to embrace technology to get, and stay, ahead within a global landscape. He says many organisations need help and direction in this area and NHBA can provide the platform for facilitating this need.

EVENTS

Plan to be at Plan B P

lease join us on Thursday 13 November for our Business After Five event hosted by Plan B, one of New Zealand’s leading providers of business continuity services.

Part of NHBA’s family of gold sponsors, the Plan B team work out of a base in Arrenway Drive, Albany, and are keen to share their passion about how they help local, national and international clients keep their businesses running no matter what.

Plan B’s tools and expertise make sure their clients can continue to service their

own customers during an unplanned event and recover their business within required timeframes.

This event is your opportunity to learn more about Plan B. It’s also a great chance for you to meet and mingle with fellow NHBA members over some drinks and nibbles.

There’s more about Plan B and its services and expertise on page 31 of this issue.

Meanwhile, reserve your place at this, our final Business After Five Function for the year. RSVPs are essential.

We look forward to catching up with you there.

Ian Forrester, Managing Director

SAVE THE DATE

When: 5pm – 7pm, Thursday 13 November Where: Plan B, 23 Arrenway Drive, Albany RSVP: nhba.org.nz/events Cost: Free for NHBA members. Non-NHBA members are welcome at a cost of $25 +GST.

NEW ZEALAND’S ONLY MASTER OF ANALYTICS (BUSINESS) Organisations can use data to gain an improved understanding of their clients and to tailor their offerings, to become more competitive or improve service performance. Massey’s Master of Analytics (Business) will equip your staff with both the technical ability and the competence in critical thinking needed to transform massive amounts of data into essential organisational intelligence.

0800 MASSEY (627 739) | MASSEY.AC.NZ/ANALYTICS

NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI NOVEMBER 2014 13

WHO’S WHO

When we surveyed NHBA members earlier this year, you told us you’d like to hear more about local business people and their companies. So, welcome to this new regular section of FYI Magazine. If you have any suggestions on who you would like us to profile in future issues please drop a note to Elizabeth Devlin on elizabeth.devlin@nhba.org.nz

Paul Bradshaw − Active Sport Online

P

aul Bradshaw is Managing Director of racquet sports specialist business Active Sport Online. His company started trading in April this year, selling online and through the Apollo Drive retail store. It focuses on badminton, squash, tennis and table tennis equipment.

Typically, who are your customers?

The opening of our shop coincided with the badminton season so our customer profile has been predominantly badminton players so far.

Our business focus, however, is to ensure our customers are completely satisfied with their shopping experience.

We’re committed to delivering not only on price but on quality and product supply. We have an expectation that what we offer attracts a broad cross-section of customers.

What do you like about being based here?

Apollo Drive and the greater North Harbour commercial area have

a significant volume of people who are either based in the area or travel through. Our location ensures we can minimise overheads and offer the best possible value to our customers. Feedback from customers confirms that we are conveniently located with easy access and good parking.

What are your goals for the next 12-18 months?

We want to establish our business as a key destination or one-stopshop for all racquet sport participants and general consumers. We also want to be in a position where we can provide financial or other support to sports and individuals to the benefit of the greater

community. We don’t want cost to be a barrier to participation.

Where do you go for your morning coffee?

What are you most proud of?

I usually start my day with a coffee from Mangiammo in Mairangi Bay.

We constantly receive positive feedback.

What do you like most about your job?

Working in an industry that’s fun and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. It’s particularly good to see young families participate in badminton.

Can you recommend somewhere local for a quick lunch?

Pickles on Apollo always delivers great food and coffee.

What’s different about your workplace or your job?

My retail store is based at the new Apollo Badminton Centre at 46 Apollo Drive right in the middle of the Apollo Drive commercial area. My business caters for four racquet sports which is unique for a specialised pro shop environment. Normally a shop connected to a particular sport focusses only on the sport where they are based. I’m a small Rebel Sport but provide a high level of service and knowledge.

Les Probert − Thexton Armstrong Probert

L

es Probert is a Director of business consultancy Thexton Armstrong Probert.

He has worked in business consultancy for over five years and in his own business for over 30.

What does the business do?

I work long term with SME business owners to help them and their business become more successful, profitable and valuable. After running and owning more than a dozen businesses of my own I have already made the mistakes and learnt the lessons that I can pass on to my clients.

This, coupled with the excellent systems and process in the Thexton Business Success Programme, makes for a very strong combination.

Typically, who are your customers?

SME business owners experiencing some pain in their business. I work with them as a “business doctor” to get rid of the pain, make them fit and healthy and get them back on track to personal and financial success.

14 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

What do you like about being based here?

community, serving two terms on the board of Enterprise North Shore and six years on the NHBA board as well as serving on the travel agents board and chairing OTOC the outbound tour operators committee.

It’s a great area. I have always lived close by in the Bays and it was a very happy day when after 20 years of going over the bridge every day I was able to give it up. It’s an excellent pro-active business community well served by cafés and great facilities.

Can you recommend somewhere local for a quick lunch?

What is something great that your business has achieved?

A lunch box from Tokyo Japanese Restaurant at 372 Rosedale Road takes a lot of beating.

I get great satisfaction from seeing my clients become more successful. My book of business tips “What I didn’t know I didn’t know” has proved surprisingly popular and can be downloaded free from www. ebooksnzonline.com/lesbook

Where do you go for your morning coffee?

What are you most proud of?

My family. My wife Diane − my partner for 34 years − and two great kids Anna and Gareth. I have also really enjoyed contributing to the wider business

Spuntino’s café on the corner of William Pickering and Rosedale is a great place for coffee and upstairs is excellent for a business breakfast or meeting.

Tell us something out of the norm about your workplace or job.

I have always strongly believed work should be fun! It should be your happy place (well at least most of the time) and if you can get paid for doing something you love you have one of the keys to a very happy life.

WHO’S WHO

Steve Lewis and Suzanne Cragg -- mycoffeecapsules and mypooltable

S

teve Lewis and Suzanne Cragg have two businesses − mycoffeecapsules and mypooltable − and say their titles “co-owners” just means they have to do everything. They started the businesses in May 2013 but it wasn’t until four or five months later that their first consignment of stock arrived in New Zealand from the UK.

What are your goals for the next 12-18 months?

What does your business do?

The way our children have adapted to the move and become part of the New Zealand scene.

The business is divided into two arms: Games Room Equipment: slate bed pool tables, pool table diners, dartboards, cabinets and oche mats, cloth, cues, racks, balls, tips and other related items; and Single Serve Coffee: Nespresso and Impresso coffee capsules, latte glasses, syrups and other coffee items.

Typically, who are your customers?

We ship all over New Zealand pool tables that can be easily installed in under an hour by two fit guys. We sell a lot of pool table diners to small businesses looking for a dual purpose piece of furniture and our more modern-look pool tables fit well in the modern homes that are being built around New Zealand. Our award-winning Caffe Impresso pod has really taken off too. We have about 3500 regulars

Our business is a start-up and so we want to achieve growth. We have decided to grow organically rather than via the supermarkets giving us a little more control over where our business goes.

What are you most proud of?

now and more than three quarters of them choose Impresso over Nespresso.

What do you like about being based here?

It is really good for business. A lot of our clients pop in to buy their coffee. There are lots of other businesses that are local which are potential customers. There’s a good courier service and good transport from our home in Gulf Harbour.

Any awards or key accomplishments?

We are the exclusive distributor for Impresso in this country. Impresso was new to the New Zealand market and we have gone from zero clients to nearly 3500 in about 12 months.

The coffee has won awards in the UK Fine Taste Awards.

What do you like most about your job?

Progress is key. Making things better. Seeing our customer database grow day by day.

Can you recommend somewhere local for a quick lunch?

Nope. Bring a sandwich from home.

Where do you go for your morning coffee?

We have it at our warehouse. We own all the Nespresso machine models for compatibility testing and so usually have an Impresso Flat White to kickstart the day.

Tell us anything quirky or out of the norm about your workplace or your job.

By trade, we’re an estate agent and a lawyer.

We’re British and lived in Portugal before coming to New Zealand.

LOOKING AHEAD

LOOKING AHEAD

What to expect in the next 18 months The economy, employment and the one big technology play.

What will be the game-changers for business in the next 18 months?

FYI Magazine went in search of answers and some practical advice.

D

on’t go asking BNZ Chief Economist Tony Alexander for specific figures around what the New Zealand economy will do in the next 18 months. He’s wise and experienced enough to know it’s a fool’s game to make such fine-tuned predictions.

He’s also smart enough, though, to paint a pretty comprehensive picture of the economic landscape to come. And it’s largely going to be a good news environment, he says, just as long as New Zealand doesn’t get sideswiped by unpredictable international events such as ebola or a major new military conflict near ourselves.

A key point to remember, he says, is that New Zealand is in quite good shape compared with the rest of the world where some “relatively long-curve, almost intractable, problems” remain to be solved.

“This will tend to keep migration numbers up for New Zealand so we will have naturally occurring growth in the customer bases for most companies and especially in Auckland which is where most migrants go.”

This will all be underpinned by projected huge amounts of construction activity − not just where the buildings are going up but in other parts of the country providing architectural or consenting services, building materials and other related activities.

Add to that increasing demand for earthquake strengthening services for commercial buildings around the country, major infrastructure projects, leaky buildings remediation work, and an upkick in engineering work relating to expansion in the dairying sector, and the big picture doesn’t look too bad at all.

“We’re talking about factors which will stimulate an economy,” says Alexander, at the same time warning that the level of uncertainty

16 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

remains high. “In this whole post-GFC environment numbers are really hard to pin down.”

Nevertheless, he’s happy to predict that Auckland in particular will be reasonably vibrant over the next 18 months on the back of catch-up housing construction work. There will also be stimulus from commercial property construction in both the CBD and on the North Shore, particularly in Albany, as Auckland continues to focus on building upwards rather than out.

When it comes to exchange rates, he says there’s a risk that the Kiwi dollar will move lower “but one cannot predict the pace at which that is going to happen and I don’t believe it will fall rapidly”.

We will have naturally occurring growth in the customer bases for most companies, especially in Auckland.

He says exporters can generally look forward to our currency moving lower against the greenback and the pound. “But I wouldn’t get optimistic about the Kiwi dollar doing much downward movement against the yen, the euro or the Aussie dollar.”

The recent reinstallation of a pro-business government will tend to be positive for economic growth, he says. “But all the changes they are looking at will just be little bits at the margin.

John Key has no programme for overwhelming change in the New Zealand economy, although we will see some improvements in the effectiveness, one hopes, of the RMA and some further deregulation of the labour market.”

Employment Alexander cautions employers to keep an eye on an upcoming push for higher wages as the labour market tightens (see box story “Get ready now”).

In a similar vein, Auckland Mayor Len Brown sees part of the solution could lie within his Mayor’s Youth Employment Traction Plan.

Launched in April this year, and set to gather pace over the next 18 months, the plan aims to help the 23,000 young Aucklanders who are currently not in education, employment or training.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor Len Brown said the initiative would back young people to succeed “by helping them find practical and supportive pathways to training, jobs or further education”.

He says research shows that employers want young people with the right attitude and the scheme will help match employers with the right young people.

“I would encourage all businesses to become involved in youth employment. The traction plan provides an opportunity for business leaders to leave a legacy of responsible leadership by nurturing young talent for an economically and socially prosperous Auckland.”

The plan includes:

• A coordinating hub, based at Auckland Council and Auckland Tourism, Event and Economic Development (ATEED’s) downtown office bringing together council and external agencies to work with businesses on youth employment;

• Tindall Foundation funding ($1.85 million) over three years to continue supporting Youth Connections Across Auckland, which matches

LOOKING AHEAD

young people and local employment and training opportunities; and

© Marcus Bailey

• Regular summits to focus on

Get ready now How to prepare for the next 18 months? BNZ Chief Economist Tony Alexander suggests three key points.

1. Exercise a degree of caution.

Try to keep debt at “lowish” levels because uncertainty remains extreme. Nobody has an economic model that is proving all that useful in the post-GFC environment so adopt generally risk-averse approaches in your financial management. Try not to go out on too many limbs in terms of your debt levels. And try not to get over-optimistic with your cash-flow projections.

2. Recognise that the labour market is tightening up and staff availability is going to get more difficult. Especially towards the end of this 18 month period it’s going to get a lot worse so take steps to hold on to your good staff. Although wages pressure is currently fairly minimal outside of the construction sector, start thinking about giving some wage increases. Otherwise your staff are going to feel you’re taking them for granted. Keep an eye on this.

3. Continue to have healthy scepticism about anybody’s forecasts about the exchange rate. Don’t set up open foreign exchange positions. Alexander says a number of people have recently told him they’re buying a house in New Zealand and are thinking of funding it in an overseas currency where the interest rates are lower. “Do not do this,” he says. “You would be massively vulnerable. If we get a foot and mouth scare in New Zealand, for example, and the currency drops 30 cents you’ll be out of business.”

18 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

specific issues, bringing together young people, business leaders and organisations which work with youth employment, to design joint solutions.

Two summits have been held and the third is planned for March 2015.

The initiative enables civic, business and community leadership in designing a framework (training, apprentices, education, mentorship) to build a pool of talent with the skills and right attitude towards business needs now and in the future.

Youth connectors can match a business to a young person who is work-ready. Young people are being prepared for work by a number of organisations and those young people then get involved with Youth Connections and matched up.

(See youthconnections.co.nz for more information, including ways your business or organisation can get involved and to meet Youth Connectors on the ground across Auckland.)

“Our business community is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of our young people, both to their own businesses and the success of Auckland’s economy,” says Mayor Brown.

NHBA supports an increased focus on youth employment. The recent signing of a memorandum of understanding with Massey University and involvement in their youth portal are a testament to this. Details are included in the current NHBA annual report and business plan, and on page 26 of this magazine.

Ultra-Fast Broadband Meanwhile, for many NHBID organisations the chance to significantly ramp up their business already sits at their door. And those who don’t take up this game-changing opportunity in the next 18 months will get left behind.

Crown Fibre Holdings continues to encourage NHBID businesses to tap into the productivity gains that ultra-fast broadband provides. Earlier this year, the Crown-owned company released a report showing what it says is “startling” evidence of the benefits some companies are already reaping from connecting to the new broadband network.

Crown Fibre Holdings was established to manage the government’s investment in ultrafast broadband (UFB). Strategy director Rohan MacMahon says the Innovation Partnership report shows businesses with a high level of internet usage are substantially more productive than those using less.

“In fact, such businesses are six percent ahead of the average productivity in their sector,” he says. “That’s a productivity head start of about four years over the average operator in each industry. And of course, they’re miles ahead of competitors with low internet usage.”

Ultra-fast check • You can find out more on the Innovation Partnership’s ultrafast broadband study on InnovationPartnership.co.nz

• For more on how existing customers are benefiting from ultra-fast broadband go to thebigupgrade. co.nz or visit Crown Fibre Holdings at crownfibre.govt.nz.

• If you want to check availability of UFB in your area, visit the Chorus map at chorus.co.nz/maps.

• Providers offering UFB services are listed at chorus.co.nz/getting-ufb.

The Innovation Partnership − a collaboration between Google, Chorus, Internet NZ, Crown Fibre Holdings, MBIE, NZ Trade & Enterprise and others – looked at how businesses in the retail, professional services, agriculture and tourism sectors are using the internet. It also based its findings on Statistics NZ data and interviews with over 70 businesses.

MacMahon says businesses may have any number of reasons to use the internet. These can include the need to “engage with customers and suppliers, to allow staff to collaborate faster and more effectively, for financial and government transactions, to run your business applications from the cloud and so on.

“But if you are going to use the net heavily, you will need the best possible broadband connection, and, happily, North Harbour businesses have UFB available, offering the fastest possible broadband speeds and high reliability.”

Back in 2012 Albany was one of the first areas in the nation where deployment of UFB (over fibre optic lines instead of traditional copper) was completed.

MacMahon cites Brian Holgate Panelbeaters of Albany & Browns Bay, which is using UFB to upload digital photos of the cars it is repairing – so insurance claims can be processed faster. “You’ll get your car back sooner and the panelbeater’s staff spend less time waiting for images to upload,” he says.

“Owner Tim Holgate estimates his administration staff are 10 to 15 percent more productive using UFB. With phone calls going over the UFB line too, Tim says he’s even saving money at the same time.”

He also says Columbus Coffee of William Pickering Drive, Albany, is using its UFB service to enable much faster WiFi. “This encourages new customers to drop in and existing customers to stay a little longer and ‘maybe have a muffin with that coffee’. Café owner Danny Wrigley says he’s selling more coffee since his UFB connection went live − and for a café that’s clearly the main thing.”

Have you noticed an increase in your electricity bill?

If so, there is a chance that you might have been affected by the increase in power factor charges last April.

In recent years, Auckland’s electricity distribution company has started to look into electricity users presenting poor power factor – using energy inefficiently.

With the economy expanding, the country’s generating capacity and transmission network is limited. Improving energy-efficiency is infinitely more appealing – and cheaper – than building more power stations. Users can improve their power factor by installing capacitor banks, and high penalties are an obvious incentive to invest in the technology. The step is doubly attractive because in addition to eliminating the penalty charges, power factor correction equipment offers numerous benefits to end users.

What is power factor?

All electrical networks consume two types of power: •

•

Active power – produces work by converting electricity to product light, heat or mechanical energy Reactive power – required to produce magnetic fields for motors and machines (but does not perform any actual work)

Their sum is the Total Power you pay for.

Power factor is the measure of the electrical efficiency of a site or installation. It is the ratio of the active power over the total power.

In an ideal world, that ratio would be 1 (where ALL the power is used to produce work).

A glass of beer offers a useful analogy. If the beer’s been poured correctly, the glass contains 95% beer and 5% froth, giving you a good ratio of 0.95. If the barman’s ham-fisted, you’ll get a glass with 60% beer and 40% froth, giving a poor ratio of 0.60. No prizes for guessing which you’d prefer.

Reactive power Active power

Total power

The solution Solving a troublesome power factor is a relatively simple process. It sees the installation of a bank of capacitors at your site. The technology enables the lines company to see that the site is using lesser reactive power and presenting the appropriate power factor level.

“Fitting a capacitor bank isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution,” says Adrian Duque, Schneider Electric’s Product Manager. “The size of the bank is determined by a variety of factors, including the site’s load and the kind of the equipment it operates.

“Yes, it requires an investment, but the return on that investment is typically around one to two years.

And in addition to eliminating penalty charge, the capacitor bank offers end-users other benefits such as more available power for anyone interested in expanding operations or installing additional equipment.”

About Schneider Electric As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the company's 150,000 plus employees achieved sales of 24 billion euros in 2013, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations “Make the most of their energy.”

0800 652 999 www.schneider-electric.com

TRANSPORT - NZTA UPDATE

Hi,

my name is Sarah Cronwright. I’m a Principal Transport Planner at the NZ Transport Agency, and the Project Manager for the Northern Corridor project.

I’ve been with the Transport Agency (formerly Transit) for nine years now, and have worked on a variety of projects including the Newmarket Viaduct, Manukau Harbour Crossing and the Old Mangere Bridge. I live on the North Shore with my husband and two young children and am very excited to be working on a major transport project this side of the bridge.

Hopefully, as many readers will know, the $450 million Northern Corridor project is one of several Auckland projects that the government announced it would accelerate by way of a loan, bringing forward the start date by up to five years. The Northern Corridor project is actually five individual projects, packaged together to provide greater benefits and savings than the projects by themselves allow. The first component of the Northern Corridor – Upper Harbour Highway to Greville 3-laning – is well underway and due for completion early 2015. The other components of the Northern Corridor are illustrated at right, and construction is estimated to start in 2016/2017 on these.

We have a lot of work to do before then though – and in my opinion the key success factor for the Northern Corridor is ensuring that we understand the community’s issues and constraints, and that the community understands the options and decision making process as we progress, bringing you on the journey with us. The Transport Agency will act in a transparent manner, keep stakeholders informed throughout the project, listen to and acknowledge concerns and aspirations, and provide feedback on how stakeholder input influenced our decisions.

At this stage in the process, our team is busy collating information from previous studies which looked at the projects individually to develop a long list of options for

the Northern Corridor as a whole. We will then narrow down the long list of options through a comprehensive assessment criteria process. We’ve asked some of our key stakeholders including Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, NHBA, iwi and the Upper Harbour Local Board to provide input into the criteria, to make sure we’ve covered all significant issues. Once this process has been completed we’ll then have a shortlist of potential options, which is where you come in. We need to find out what you think of the options, what issues or opportunities you can see within them, what key considerations you think we should be aware of, as well as anything else you think we should know about.

As part of this process we will be holding a number of Community Open Days for the Northern Corridor:

The Northern Corridor Team. From left: Kenny See, Gareth Mills, James Dyer, Rikash Kumar, Rob Mason, Sarah Cronwright, Rebekah Pokura-Ward , Ashlie Carlyle, Alex Jepsen, Jala Shekho 20 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

• Wednesday 12 November 5pm-8pm at the Northern Corridor Information Hub, 33A Apollo Drive, Rosedale

• Thursday 13 November 6.30am-8.30am and 4.30pm-6.30pm at Constellation Bus Station

• Saturday 15 November 10am - 4pm at Westfield Albany, outside New World.

The Community Open Days will have information about the shortlisted options and what they mean, and it’s really important that we hear what you have to say. We’re looking forward to seeing and hearing from you.

If you want to know more about the Northern Corridor project outside the Community Open Days then there are a number of ways to do so. If you’d prefer to talk to someone in person, our Northern Corridor Information Hub is located at 33A Apollo Drive, Rosedale – drop in and say hi to one of the team. We are open 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday or via appointment. Information and further contact details can also be found on our website nzta.govt.nz/projects/ auckland-northern-corridor or email us at northerncorridor@nzta.govt.nz.

Thanks, and I’ll update you on the Northern Corridor Community Open Days in the next issue of FYI. Sarah

TRANSPORT

Albany Highway – Meet the stakeholder managers The long-awaited work on Albany Highway is about to start. The first stages will take place off the highway so there will be minimal impact to traffic. This work will take place between 7am and 7pm and will identify the location of services such as power, gas, stormwater and communications. Work will then begin in earnest early next year and there will be noticeable changes along the route. NHBA interviewed the two people who will be the main points of contact for the project and this is what they had to say.

How can people contact you?

0800 300 007 – straight to my mobile.

Will you be based on site?

Yes.

Nettie Bird is Fulton Hogan’s Communications Liaison Manager. She’s been in the business for 18 years, the last seven with Fulton Hogan, and says she’s lucky to work directly with the excellent team delivering the job. “If people have any queries or concerns regarding the works, I’m their point of contact.”

What questions can you help answer?

Anything at all about the Albany Highway upgrade. If I don’t know the answer – I’ll find someone who does!

What advice would you give to businesses affected by the construction?

If you have any concerns, let’s have a chat. I’ll be regularly dropping by to all businesses along the route so there will be plenty of opportunities.

And if you would rather talk to someone from Auckland Transport, you can talk to Greg Horne.

Do you live locally?

I wish!

What do you like most about your job?

He tangata … the people.

What do you do to relax/unwind?

Unwind, with an 0800 number straight to my mobile? You must be kidding!

Auckland Transport Stakeholder Relationship Manager Greg Horne has been in the business for eight or nine years. He’s the face of the project for Auckland Transport on the ground, working with Nettie to help minimise disruption to local residents, businesses, schools and road users during the construction period of the Albany Highway North upgrade.

What questions can you answer?

Anything that arises or becomes an issue during

construction. If I can’t answer this immediately, I’ll obtain the information and relay this to any concerned parties.

How can people contact you?

Phone: 09 355 3553 or 027 606 8948. Or email: greg. hor ne@aucklandtranspor t. govt.nz Will you be based on site?

Yes, for some of the time. I have several other projects throughout Auckland.

What advice would you give to businesses affected by the construction?

If there’s an issue, contact me immediately so that we can work together to resolve it.

Do you live locally?

Browns Bay. What do you like most about your job?

No two days are the same.

What do you do to relax/unwind?

I don’t have time for that (joke). I read, go walking and listen to music.

CRIME

Beat holiday crime

The risk of crime often increases during holiday times as people head off for summer breaks and criminals take advantage of homes and business premises being empty.

Here are some ways to help keep your property safe.

• Check your alarm, ensure that it works and always set it when you leave.

• Take photos of your possessions and note all the serial numbers.

You can use the NZ Policeapproved website snap.org.nz to record this information securely.

• Use the SelectaDNA product from the NHBA Toolkit to mark your valuable possessions. Think laterally about what to include: you can mark jewellery, art and many other things with this product.

snap.org.nz

even car keys − and then drive off in your car. Lock your doors when you’re not near them, close roller doors when you’re not in the warehouse or garage space or at least have a security gate over the entrance.

• Ensure your doors and windows are locked when you’re not present.

Assess your locks and consider installing security stays on easyto-reach windows (even smallish ones) and deadbolts on doors.

• Do not leave computer screens and televisions on. And consider putting a light on a timer or leaving a radio on quietly.

• If you’re going away and you have a letter box, arrange for a neighbour or friend to clear the mail often.

• Be aware of stair dancers. These people come into your home or premise while you are present but busy, uplift items and walk out. They target jewellery, phones, wallets and

Please always take note of suspicious people and vehicles, and notify police of the details (either North Shore Police on 09 477 5000 or crime stoppers on 0800 555 111). For serious activity call 111.

New homes for pallets

P

lease let NHBA know if you’d either like to have some pallets or have some extra ones for other people in the area. Our pallet redistribution scheme helps keep your business area tidy. It also helps prevent crime by ensuring pallets are not left lying around for possible use as ladders to gain access to buildings or in other crimes.

If you have pallets that you no longer require − even if you only have one or two − please complete our online form so we can pass your details onto someone looking for good reusable pallets. Similarly, if you’re looking for reusable pallets please complete the form and we will match you up with someone who has pallets available.

“Having old unused pallets lying around soon detracts from the cleanliness of the area and tends to encourage dumping of other rubbish,” says NHBA’s Crime Prevention Programme Manager Raimond Donk.

“So let NHBA help you recycle them.”

If you have any queries regarding this scheme please contact Raimond on 09 968 2222.

NHBA emphasises that all pallets must be in good condition.

To let us know you’ve either got or want pallets, fill in the separate forms on our webpage www.nhba.org.nz\pallets

Here to help – just ask With 21 years’ experience in the Police, then five years running his own ICT business, NHBA’s Crime Prevention Programme Manager Raimond Donk says he finds the chance to focus on helping North Shore businesses each day very rewarding. “I never know what each day will bring.”

R

aimond’s day may involve a meeting with NHBA’s security patrols, the police or council to ensure NHBA’s services are keeping ahead of crime trends. Or he could be responding to a call from a business owner on how to avoid random visitors or stair walkers.

He might be helping someone who suspects an employee is being bullied – either online or at their home − or who thinks fellow workers have issues with alcohol or drugs. Some want advice about their internet security, and are keen to learn how to avoid being a victim of fraud.

Property owners also contact Raimond for a survey of their property and are able to make simple changes that make a big difference

22 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

when the survey highlights areas of risk.

“It’s great to be able to assist with these things,” says Raimond, “either one-on-one or through free hosted workshops.”

Raimond says people often tell him they didn’t know NHBA provides all this advice and services “and it’s very helpful”.

Raimond’s role at NHBA focuses on:

• providing a safe and secure place for people to work and invest in;

• offering a service to businesses in the area;

• overseeing NHBA-funded security patrols for members;

• sharing crime prevention advice; and • advising on crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).

“Ask me about it,” he says.

Raimond says that if he had to share one message it would be that if something or someone doesn’t look right, it may well not be.

“Listen to your instincts,” he says.

“And if you wish to talk about any crime or safety issue or if you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call. I’d love to talk with you.”

Phone Raimond Donk on 021 560 287 or email raimond.donk@nhba.org.nz

CRIME

White Ribbon Day

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ovember 25 is White Ribbon Day, the end of a month-long campaign to raise awareness of men’s violence towards women.

The international White Ribbon movement aims to change men’s attitudes and behaviours, predominantly through men talking to men. It supports men as role models for children and encourages everyone to nurture a culture that encourages respect and rejects violence.

The movement says everyone can help fix the problem and sees men as part of the solution.

Whether a husband, father, son, brother, uncle or granddad – we all have women in our lives that we love and wouldn’t want to see subjected to violence.

NHBA’s Raimond Donk says every business owner should be conscious of violence against woman, be it at home or in the workplace.

“Apart from the obvious physical and emotional effects on the victim, there’s also a flow-on effect to businesses,” he says. “This could be due to the woman not being able to work to full capacity due to the effects of violence. Or the offender may be a worker who does not turn up to work due to police action. These are very tangible consequences to business profitability.”

Violence is not just physical. Many women and

Prime Minister John Key White Ribbon Coordinator Rob McCann and Chief Executive Families Commission Paul Curry with the White Ribbon pledge.

Why White Ribbon Day Matters • One in three women will experience partner violence at some point in their lives.

• On average, 14 women are killed by their partners or expartners in New Zealand every year.

• Over 3500 convictions are recorded against men each year for assaults on women.

• Only a fifth of abuse cases are reported. children experience psychological and/or emotional violence. Many women say it’s the worst kind of abuse: it’s about manipulation and coercion, and affects their emotions and personality.

Play your part in combating violence of all kinds towards women by: Being aware of what might be happening around you and

thinking about how you could help.

Checking that your actions and those of your mates are OK. Be man enough to make a call on inappropriate behaviour.

Making sure the women you know are OK. If not, start a conversation with them, with their partners, or with someone who can help.

For advice, call the helplines: It’s Not Ok 0800 456 450 or Women’s Refuge 0800 733 843. Or visit nnsvs.org.nz Some information in this article is taken from the NZ white ribbon website. To find out more go to whiteribbon.org.nz

Protect your valuables Theft from vehicles happens fast but can be averted with a little care. Large parking areas, and even roadside parking, are magnets to thieves.

There’s been a recent increase in the number of vehicles being broken into and valuables stolen in the North Harbour area. Please call Police or NHBA’s Crime Prevention Programme Manager Raimond Donk if you see someone who looks out of place or is acting suspiciously.

“You don’t have to be away from your vehicle for very long to have something stolen,” says Raimond. “So remember to lock your car and remove your valuables.”

You can call Community Constable Troy Williamson on 09 477 5000 or contact Raimond on 09 968 2222 or email raimond.donk@nhba.org.nz

Some simple steps The North Shore is a fantastic place to live, work and play; and the Police would not have been as successful without the continued assistance and contribution of the greater North Shore community.

We enjoy lowering crime rates on the North Shore and this is not by accident.

The work completed by Police in partnership with the committed community has been tremendous and instrumental in making North Shore a safer community.

North Shore Police are blessed to work in cohesive partnerships with a number of very active and dedicated groups and organisations. The North Harbour Business Association, with its significant membership, is one of these organisations. Some great work has been done in the Albany business area: the Business Expo, the change to Safer Plates Motor Vehicle Crime programme and the work conducted around the Rosedale Park are such examples in recent times.

The excellent working relationship between the NHBA and North Shore Police is one important aspect of the continued goal of lowering crime rates within the business district. Another equally important facet is the contribution you, the members, can and have made.

Take a few moments to think about the simple prevention activities that you and your team can take that can help. Ensure that your premises and vehicles are always secure and items of value are out of sight and secured when not in use. Target hardening is an easy win over the opportunist criminal and overall crime.

Pretty much everyone now has access to a cellphone and something as simple as taking a minute or two out of your day to report suspicious people, vehicles or activity in your neighbourhood is an incredibly effective and easy way for you to help the community.

Please remember Police cannot reduce the incidents and effects of crime on their own. By taking the initiative and being pro-active in the North Harbour business district you can and will make it an even better place to work and play so we will continue to have safer communities together.

Senior Sergeant Scott Cunningham, Youth & Communities Prevention Manager, North Shore | Waitemata District | New Zealand Police. Safer Communities Together.

If you have any security concerns please contact Raimond Donk at NHBA 09 968 2222 or Community Constable Troy Williamson on 09 477 5000.

NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI NOVEMBER 2014 23

ADVOCACY

Sale and purchase of alcohol

Changes afoot N

© JMR_Photography/flickr.com

HBA has presented to council’s Hearings Panel on its submission to the draft Local Alcohol Policy (LAP). The policy aims to help encourage the responsible sale, supply and consumption of alcohol and will focus on reducing alcohol-related harm.

The policy will control:

• where new alcohol licences are allowed to establish;

• how many new alcohol licences are allowed;

• when bars, restaurants and nightclubs can be open;

• when bottle shops and supermarkets can sell alcohol; and

• when clubs (such as sports clubs and RSAs) can sell alcohol.

It will also set out conditions that can be applied to alcohol licences to improve standards across Auckland.

NHBA’s submission focuses primarily on ensuring our on-premise and off-premise licensees will be able to remain competitive within the North Harbour - Albany area. This will be increasingly important when the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP) comes into effect

as there are several key business zones and associated activities in close proximity to the North Harbour Business Improvement District (BID).

The key elements of our submission were the:

• 10pm closing time for off-licences.

In order for our retailers to remain competitive, we requested the same closing time also applies to supermarkets and other off-licensees within the adjacent Albany mega centre and retail area, which is zoned metropolitan under the PAUP.

• 3am closing time for on-premise licensees such as clubs. We raised concerns regarding patrons’ safety on their way home, especially those

travelling back on public transport from the CBD. Our concerns included the anti-social behaviour that patrons could encounter if stranded at a park and ride waiting for local public transport connections to arrive.

• Our member feedback showed the majority believe current licensees within the BID already provide adequate coverage even allowing for population growth.

We will know the outcome of all submissions later this year and will post an update as soon as it is available on our website.

To see NHBA’s full submission go to tiny.cc/io8dnx

ADVOCACY

New signage bylaws NHBA is calling on members to ensure they understand the proposed changes to Auckland Council signage bylaws before investing in any new signage.

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uckland Council and Auckland Transport’s jointly-drafted new bylaw aims to ensure safety is not compromised by poorly designed, located or maintained signs.

It seeks to ensure users of footpaths and other public places can move freely and safely, and that businesses still have the opportunity to use public spaces to promote their services, products, goods or events.

The bylaw includes general requirements for all signage except election signs, and has further requirements for particular types of signage including portable signage, posters, event signage and real estate signage. It has been developed to work alongside the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan.

NHBA has recently completed a submission to council on the proposed changes and requested to present our key issues to a hearing panel.

Signage plays a very important role in business marketing. NHBA will continue to put the views of members and businesses to council so they do not put in place bylaws which will impact negatively on economic development.

In essence, we stress that council needs to fully consider and understand the nuances of the operational environment if the bylaw is to be relevant.

NHBA consulted with members and signage manufacturers during the submission process.

Most agreed with the need for consistency across Auckland, and within business and commercial areas.

However the majority also raised concerns about the extent of the proposed changes – in particular the variances between what is currently permitted under the legacy North Shore City Council District Plan and the proposed bylaw.

Most concerns focused on the proposed maximum size of just 5m2 for signs attached to commercial buildings within general business, light and heavy industrial zones. If this change were adopted it would give businesses with existing larger signs a distinct competitive advantage over any business entering

the district and having to comply with the new bylaws.

The other key concern was the restriction of portable signage such as flags and A-frames to one per street frontage. The footpath depth requirement would also not be appropriate for a commercial/industrial area.

If adopted, the Auckland Council Signage Bylaw will come into effect on 1 July 2015.

This is important If the bylaw comes into effect, it will alter your marketing options.

Please review NHBA’s submission and advise NHBA General Manager Janine Brinsdon of your feedback janine.brinsdon@nhba.org.nz.

To read NHBA’s submission go to tiny.cc/pb4dnx

BUILDING BUSINESS CAPABILITY

Massey to work more closely with local businesses

M

assey University and NHBA have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on projects including internships, networking events and educational programmes, and develop a research programme relevant to the local business community.

Massey’s Director of Engagement and Enterprise Dr Jeff Stangl says the collaboration will grow opportunities for students to gain realworld experience and give North Harbour firms access to the university’s academic expertise.

NHBA Chair Warren Kitchin says a strong relationship between the two organisations will add real value to the North Harbour and wider Auckland regional economy by stimulating

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey speaks with NHBA Chair Warren Kitchin

growth and economic development.

“It will enable local businesses to utilise Massey’s education and business services whilst establishing an effective channel for engagement with the business community to refine education programmes to provide workready graduates for our members.”

He says NHBA will develop opportunities to work closely with Massey by facilitating business engagement with the university focussing on areas such as innovation, business incubation, research and development as part of the NHBA Business Capability Programme.

“Initiatives in these areas will accelerate the capacity growth and profitability of businesses in the region, generate increased export

potential and create a path to high-value local employment for Massey graduates.”

Representatives from both organisations will meet at least three times a year to discuss opportunities and develop joint projects.

“NHBA members will have access to the research and teaching capabilities of the Massey Business School, allowing them to undertake a wide range of studies,” Dr Stangl says.

“Down the track we hope to develop specialised training courses for local businesses.

Partnering with NHBA also means the university will have a better understanding of the issues confronting local businesses so our research is of direct benefit and relevance to them.”

If you would like details as to how this MOU can directly benefit your business please contact NHBA’s General Manager Janine Brinsdon on 021 212 4942 or email janine.brinsdon@nhba.org.nz

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT_RETAIL

One two three... SELL How to make your next sale a success

S

easoned retailers know a well-run sale can have a significant impact on the bottom line. With the One Day Sale and Christmas just around the corner, here are three quick commonsense tips to help make your next sale a winner. They aren’t rocket science but it’s surprising how often they’re ignored.

1. Work out your offer and do your sums There are lots of different types of offers you could run. These could include 20 percent off, a loss leader/door buster, three for two, a free gift with purchase, or a chance to win XYZ. So work out an offer that will attract customers and sales while still turning a profit. There’s no point in achieving record revenue if it comes at too high a cost. Before you set up your sales promotion make sure you know how much your products are worth and where your breakeven point lies.

2. Tell the world There’s also no point in having a sale if no one knows about it. Be sure to allocate a pot of money to promote the event.

Depending on your budget you could look at print advertising in local circulars, a letterbox drop, a direct mail piece or radio. You could also look at some outdoor signage and there are numerous ways to promote sales online for next to no investment. Don’t be afraid to use your networks to spread the word.

3. Be ready

• On the opening morning of your sale make sure staff are ready to serve your customers.

• Dress staff so customers can easily find them when they need help. This doesn’t need to be an elaborate uniform: an inexpensive t-shirt, lanyard or cap is just fine.

• Make sure your door is open and any signage is up. There’s nothing more welcoming than an open door.

• Your products should be in stock, appropriately displayed and clearly priced.

Ensure the details of your offer are clear, including any terms and conditions.

• Customers need to pay, so make sure you have a cash float on hand and, if possible, an eftpos and/ or credit card payment facility.

At the end of the day, if it’s easy for your customers to spend their money with you you’re a good way towards making your event a great success.

Happy selling.

NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI NOVEMBER 2014 27

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT_LEGAL

Out of harm’s way

In her second article on the Health & Safety Reform Bill, Simpson Western Partner Candice Murphy explains that workers must be aware of their obligations under the new legislation.

T

he Health and Safety Reform Bill, due to be enacted by the end of 2014 and to come into force on 1 April 2015, will herald a significant change to health and safety legislation in New Zealand.

My article in FYI Magazine’s September issue (see “Major changes ahead” on page 20) focussed on the primary duty holders under the Bill and the extent of those duties.

This article focusses on worker participation and enforcement.

Worker engagement and participation in health and safety matters is a critical focus of the Bill. The Bill imposes stronger duties on Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) to encourage worker participation in health and safety matters, provides for more powers and responsibilities for health and safety representatives, and provides stronger protections for workers who raise health and safety concerns.

Workers have their own obligations under the Bill and can be liable for convictions and

28 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

penalties if they breach them. However, the significant focus is on requiring PCBUs to actively engage with workers on health and safety matters.

The Bill requires PCBUs to have practices that provide reasonable opportunities for

Workers have their own obligations under the Bill and can be liable for convictions and penalties if they breach them.

Health and Safety Representatives The Bill enables one or more workers to require the election of a health and safety representative, who will be chosen by the workers, rather than by the PCBU. Health and safety representatives will be taking on a significant responsibility. The representative’s role is to:

• Represent the workers on health and safety matters;

• Monitor steps taken by the PCBU to enquire into risks in the workplace;

• Make recommendations to the PCBU in relation to health and safety; and workers to participate effectively in improving health and safety in the workplace. This requires workers to be consulted and involved in any decision affecting health and safety policy and processes within a workplace, and to allow for the appointment of health and safety representatives, committees and workgroups.

• Promote the interests of workers who have been harmed and be involved in rehabilitation and return-to-work programmes.

PCBUs must consult with their health and safety representative about health and safety matters, allow the representative paid time off from normal duties to perform their function,

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT_LEGAL

and provide them with information, resources, facilities, training and assistance. If a health and safety representative makes a recommendation, the PCBU must adopt it or provide a written statement as to why not.

Those health and safety representatives who have undergone a minimum prescribed training (which is yet to be determined) can issue Provisional Improvement Notices which can require:

• The PCBU to take steps to remedy the breach or prevent a likely breach from occurring;

• Workers to cease work if they may be exposed to a hazard; and

Under the Bill the penalties are separated into three categories:

• For breaches arising from what is considered “reckless conduct” the maximum penalty for an individual, which will include an officer of a PCBU, is $600,000 or five years’ imprisonment. Companies have a maximum penalty of $3 million;

The penalties set out in the Bill have increased sixfold from those under the Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992.

• May direct that unsafe work cease.

Health and safety representatives will likely hold their position for three years and can only be removed from their position before the end of their term by a regulator from WorkSafe NZ.

Penalties The penalties set out in the Bill have increased sixfold from those under the Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992. At present the maximum penalty for reckless conduct is two years’ imprisonment and/or a $500,000 fine.

• Where a person fails to comply with a duty which exposes a person to a risk of death or serious injury or illness, the maximum penalty for an individual is $300,000 and $1.5 million for a company; and

• Where a person has failed to comply with a health and safety duty (which doesn’t fall within the two categories above) the maximum for an individual is $100,000 or $500,000 for a company.

The Court can also require someone convicted of a breach of the Bill to make payment towards WorkSafe’s costs in relation to the prosecution and investigating the offending and “any associated costs”. The Bill introduces adverse publicity orders, which require any person or company convicted of an offence to publicise the offence, its consequences and the penalty imposed, which could have considerable reputational and commercial damage.

Penalties can be increased or decreased depending on actions taken by the convicted person or PCBU. There are also ways to prevent a conviction, such as by providing enforceable undertakings and injunctions which can operate similar to a suspended sentence currently available in the criminal jurisdiction. It is therefore essential that any PCBU, officer, worker or other person who is potentially liable for a breach take legal advice at the earliest opportunity to avoid conviction or certainly reduce the consequences of a breach of health and safety obligations.

For more information regarding your health and safety obligations under the Health and Safety Reform Bill please contact Candice Murphy, Partner, Simpson Western. DDI: 09 489 0723. CandiceM@simpsonwestern.co.nz

GOLD SPONSORS

AUT Millennium

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UT Millennium, a charitable trust, is committed to helping New Zealand’s best athletes win on the world stage and community members to live longer, fitter lives. We provide a world-class environment for high-performance sports training, community sport, health and wellbeing, and related research and education.

Our onsite services include a gym, swim school, lodge, athlete development, conferences, clinics (running mechanics, endurance physiology and human potential), and schools and holiday programmes.

AUT Millennium is a proud supporter of North Harbour Business Association and the work it does in the local business community.

For more information on any of our services please visit autmillennium.org.nz.

AUT Millennium 17 Antares Place, North Shore, Auckland, 09 477 2000, info@autmillennium.org.nz

Plan B Limited

P

lan B provides managed business continuity solutions for a range of local, national and international clients with all services fully hosted within New Zealand.

We focus on providing tools to ensure our clients can continue to service customers during an unplanned event and recover their business within their required timeframes.

Our services include:

• Managed cloud and tape backup • Standby office facilities • Urgent access to standby IT infrastructure • Managed exercises to test recovery plans • Business continuity consulting • Data centre hosting • Hosted dedicated infrastructureas-a-service All of our services are supported by a local team who are passionate and responsive (and completely focused on business continuity).

We are proud of our achievements:

• We complete nearly 2,000 successful server recovery exercises every year 30 NOVEMBER 2014 FYI NHBA.ORG.NZ

and help our clients know what to expect in a real recovery situation.

• We own five standby offices and significant client-ready infrastructure throughout New Zealand.

• We own a network of high-quality independent data centres with locations around New Zealand offering hosted equipment colocation, connectivity and embedded cloud backup.

• We continue to invest in our people and facilities to ensure we have the specialist expertise and solutions we need to meet our clients’ expectations.

• We enable our clients’ in-house IT staff to focus on their core functions while we manage business continuity and recovery services.

• Our years of focus on business continuity and disaster recovery have allowed us to build an enviable client base and depth of knowledge.

In a highly technology-focused world, businesses are more dependent on access to

their data and core systems than ever before.

At Plan B, it’s our job to make sure you can achieve that.

To find out more about Plan B please visit our website at planb.co.nz or call us on 09 916 6054.