Waikato Business News | December, 2023

DECEMBER 2023

Our winners keep coming

I

t’s December – and the season to be celebrating. This month’s Waikato Business News is filled with stories of people and organisations who have been recognised for excellence.

Te Kauwhata’s Invivo Wines was named the supreme winner of the Waikato Business Awards on a gala night at Claudelands in mid-November.

In this edition of the Waikato Business News Mary Anne Gill talks to another

winner, Jenni Falconer, who was named emerging leader of the year.

Gill was also at Hamilton’s CBD awards, with camera, to capture some moments at Roose Common Park.

The Kudos science awards were also held last month and saw a supreme lifetime achievement awarded to Steve Davis of Livestock Improvement Corporation.

Sport climbing champion Sarah Tetzlaff, a Waikato University student, won the

Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science. She is combining her studies with 20 hours a week training in the hope of qualifying for the Olympics.

Three Waikato companies picked up awards in the Master Builders House of the Year awards – including FV Design and Build, who built the Supreme House of the Year under $1 million in Raglan.

The month also saw the latest group of students to receive a scholarship from the

David Johnston Charitable Trust, which has now distributed almost $4 million to assist a variety of students, most from rural communities.

This month’s Waikato Business News also carries stories about 13 graduates from an apprenticeship programme run by HCL Tech who were given jobs by the company – and we report on another 21 leaders who graduated from the Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation.

Astride the river

Moving Media’s drone captured this stunning shot from high of Hamilton at night – and the Royal Laboratorie Event Hire and Design’s Hampton pitched roof marque in Roose Common Park. The marque was the venue for the Hamilton CBD awards, and Mary Anne Gill was there – see pictures, page 15.

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Raglan house a winner

CONTACTS Editor Roy Pilott 027 450 0115

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News Mary Anne Gill 021 705 213 Viv Posselt 027 233 7686 Jeremy Smith 022 317 9499

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Website wbn.co.nz Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are entirely at the discretion of editorial staff and may be edited.

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Crazy little things to love A familiar cartoon is now appearing in Good Local Media publications – and it makes its Waikato Business News debut in this edition.

The Little Things looks at the highs and lows of parenthood.

It’s written by Matt Lawrey and Matt Lawrey drawn by Peter Lole.

Waikato Business News editor Roy Pilott took on The Little Things when he edited the Taranaki Daily News, and it subsequently began an extended run in Stuff newspapers.

So he was pleased when Lawry made contact with publisher David Mackenzie last month.

The Little Things is the most published New Zealand cartoon since Footrot Flats, and has also enjoyed long runs in The Otago Daily Times and The West Australian.

The Little Things has also been the subject of two books released by Potton & Burton Publishing and says Lawry, is inspired by his own experiences of parenting.

“The original idea was to offer a laugh and solidarity to mums and dads of little kids but we soon discovered that our audience was much wider than we ever expected. Not only do parents connect with The Little Things but grandparents and kids love it too,” he said.

A “true gem” nestled between to pohutukawa on the edge of the Raglan Harbour was a winner for FV Design and Build at the house of the year awards.

The home won the National Supreme House of the Year under $1 million and the Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 - $1 million.

The judges were impressed by the detailing in the home, saying it offered a north-west facing position to soak up the sun from all areas.

“Despite its modest floor area, the home spans over three gently stepped levels, creating a sense of spaciousness. The expert

craftsmanship is evident throughout, with concrete heated floors and plywood walls.

The attention to detail in this build is truly remarkable.”

A home in Fendalton built by John Creighton Builders won the National Supreme House of the Year over $1 million and New Home over $4 million category and Glenbuild won the National Supreme Renovation of the Year and Renovation over $1.5 million category for their project in Auckland Hay Construction and SJR Builders from Waikato were also award winners on the night.

SJR builders were winners of a special award for this build.

Hay Construction collected a Master Build 10 year Guarantee Multi Unit award for this construction.

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Your MP for Waikato Backing Waikato Businesses Tim.vandeMolenMP@parliament.govt.nz 0800 GET TIM (0800 438 846)

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Briefs…

Dyet to leave

Waipā District Council chief executive Garry Dyet has announced he will finish up at the end of June. Dyet has been with the council since 1980 and has been chief executive for 15. He talks to Good Local Media about the past, present and the future at cambridgenews.nz

It’s not what you know…

By Mary Anne Gill

Coromandel news

Waikato Chamber of Commerce has heralded as “great news” the Waka Kotahi announcement that State Highway 25A between Kōpū and Hikuai will reopen to traffic in time for Christmas - three months earlier than anticipated.

Going annual

A retirement expo in Cambridge which attracted more than 100 people and was described by organiser Peter Matthews as “an information-filled morning regarding downsizing” is set to become an annual fixture.

Tea time

Waikato company Zealong Tea collected three awards at the UK Tea Academy awards (the Leafies) - including a gold for its aromatic oolong and a lifetime achievement award.

No close shave

Waikato District Council staff raised $2800 for “Movember”, which raises awareness about men’s health issues.

Post issue

A High Court decision not to grant an injunction to prevent NZ Post terminating the Waikato’s biggest rural delivery contract is not likely to be the end of the matter.

Te Awamutu couple Danny and Ian Kennedy were told

by Justice Gault that while factors weighed against interim relief, their company had an “arguable case”.

Top of the tree

New Zealand sport climbing champion Sarah Tetzlaff has won this year’s Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science. The prize recognises a Waikato University student who shows outstanding ability in water science papers

Emergency Consult chief executive Jenni Falconer in her Hamilton office days after winning Waikato’s emerging leader award.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

E

verything about Jenni Falconer’s career has been about maintaining and fostering relationships.

“I always know who to go to,” says Falconer in an exclusive interview with Waikato Business News five days after she was named Waikato Business Awards’ emerging leader of the year and Emergency Consult, the company she founded, took out the Innovation award.

Since her graduation as a nurse in 1991, Falconer has fashioned a career built on getting to know people and influencing outcomes for patients by making the environment better for those involved in clinical care.

She has taken Emergency Consult from a telehealth organisation founded a year out from the Covid pandemic to a company that turns over $8-$10 million a year and employs 90 people.

Soon there will be another 29 on the payroll and Falconer talks of increasing turnover to $65 million in five years.

Surrounded by flowers in her office on the second floor – it used to be the car park level of what was the former State Theatre on the corner of Victoria and London

streets in Hamilton – she reflects on what doors the awards will open for her and the company.

The 54-year-old admits she wants to give being a chief executive five years – so she has two years to go.

“I don’t want to be told to leave. Depending on the growth of the business, maybe there will be a chance to step aside and let someone else take the reins.

“The hard thing is when you own the business and you are an executive in the business, you have to wear different hats all the time – shareholder, director and CEO.” The decision making process is dependent on which hat she is wearing at the time.

She and her fellow founders, shareholders and directors - emergency consultants Giles Chanwai, Martyn Harvey and Mustafa Alshaar - worked in Waikato Hospital’s emergency department for several years.

Four years ago, they saw a need for a telehealth solution built like an emergency department. The planning had been done and the launch was about to happen when the pandemic came in 2020.

“Covid, as hard as it was, was a blessing in disguise because it normalised telehealth.”

Emergency Consult had to pivot – the company supported the aged residential care sector with virtual registered nurses and offered fast access to top emergency doctors when people needed urgent care.

Early last year the company helped other DHBs with their Covid responses by making virtual house calls to those isolating at home. They became the only telehealth provider offering a 24-hour service on demand without an appointment or the need to download an app.

Falconer says she has been seeking answers to New Zealand’s health woes throughout her career and always wants to make a difference. Nurses can do that. “If you want a process designed or change management done, a nurse can do it.”

She was born in Melbourne to New Zealand parents and the family moved back when she was seven, settling in Te Kuiti.

Falconer went to boarding school in Taranaki at Sacred Heart Girls’ College in New Plymouth.

When she graduated from Taranaki as a nurse in 1991, there were no jobs.

Placements in Whanganui, Taumarunui and Tokanui gave her an understanding of rural and community health issues.

“They all had a glut (of nurses) which is just criminal now when you think there are some people I trained with that never worked as a nurse because there wasn’t a job.”

She returned to Melbourne where she worked as an agency nurse cutting her teeth working in high dependency units and aged care.

She got married and moved to Dunedin where daughter Jordan was born in 1993.

“I wasn’t a very good stay at home mum; I really wanted to do some shifts, so I joined a nursing agency.”

The hospital decided to trial a three month programme training nurses in the ward to go into the emergency department when it was busy.

Falconer did it and never looked back. “That is where I found my love for ED.” In 1997 she moved north joining Waikato Hospital in an overflow winter ward because there were no jobs in the emergency department.

“Every day for three months I knocked on the door to ED with (charge nurse) Julie Law and I’d say ‘hi, it’s me, any jobs?’”

Falconer’s persistence paid off when Law took her on. Two years later the department recruited six new clinical nurse managers, including Falconer.

In 2001, now remarried, Falconer had son Steven and later went to Waikato University part time to do a post graduate diploma in management.

“While I had credibility as a nurse and had operationally done significant roles, I didn’t have the qualification and so I really wanted something to validate myself not only in my own head but to the external world.”

One of the lecturers was associate professor Peter Sun. Falconer had

introduced herself as “just a nurse.”

“He said ‘wait, let’s pull this apart. You run 240 staff, you run a multi-million budget in an acute service. You’re not just a nurse’. He took it out of the context of health and said I was running a small to medium size business and making some critical (business) decisions.”

Falconer was seconded into service development projects at Waikato and Thames hospitals allowing her to form relationships out of ED. In 2016, by then the ED nurse manager, Falconer resigned to join Counties Manukau DHB’s Ko Awatea Centre running conferences.

She also started a small company called VIP Care and picked up the New Zealand agency for the Zoono brand of hand and surface sanitisers, ideally placed she thought to capitalise on Covid but sourcing product became a huge headache.

Then came the Emergency Consult opportunity. The nurse in her drives her thinking and given it is a “hands on” profession, how does she explain arguing for telehealth?

“Hand on heart, I’m a nurse, I’m a touchy feely person, I want to rub your legs if you’ve got sore legs.

You can’t do that through telehealth but then what is the alternative?”

Eighty percent of the telehealth presentations “we can see and treat.”

Emergency Consult is about to open a nurse-led walk in clinic in Papamoa.

Doctors would be available by telehealth.

A solution to the country’s mental health crisis is also on the company’s to do list.

She wants to develop her governance skills, take on other board opportunities and find the next CEO. “I always want to know how and why – I will always be asking the questions,” says Falconer.

“Everything in my career has been about relationships, that would be the thing I would say today, you can’t get anywhere unless you’ve built those relationships.”

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DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

Kiwi ads boom, Celf celebrates cyber fears loom

By BENJI ALLEN

N

ew Zealand businesses are predicted to spend $2.6 billion on digital advertising in 2023 according to global data analysis company Statista, but chronic cybersecurity vulnerabilities are creating worries for local experts who encounter victims of scamming weekly.

The trend of Meta/Facebook users’ business profiles publishing ‘don’t click the link, we’ve been hacked’ is becoming commonplace but it is often just the beginning of a long recovery process that can cost even the most grassroots small business time and money.

The founder of Waikatobased digital advertising group Unbound, Quentin Weber, says most people aren’t doing enough to protect themselves or their business.

“Kiwis are still using the same password for their online accounts, this means that if their email, Facebook or banking information data becomes compromised, that hacker has access to everything.

“The Waikato DHB had a severe breach two years ago because someone clicked something they shouldn’t have, which led to a DHB-wide problem.”

Weber believes adding a bit of inconvenience to accessing online services and profiles, using two-factor authentication (2FA) and a password manager, makes data significantly more inconvenient for a hacker to use.

“It might be our DIY lax attitude or that we think New Zealand is so isolated we’re not at risk, but these are the first and easiest vulnerabilities to address. The hackers will

move on to easier targets, the idea is that New Zealand becomes a hard target,” he said.

The sophistication of data breaches is likely to increase and Weber says when things go pear-shaped it’s good to have the right help. He warns businesses should use Meta advertising services with caution.

“For the amount Meta makes off New Zealand businesses, we get very little support if one of our clients has been hacked.

Unbound knows how to navigate that ‘ecosystem’ but I can’t imagine what it is like for a small business [without support].”

Google, the largest digital advertising platform, does provide adequate reliable support which is reflected in the continued growth of businesses using their services, he said.

Google is expected to capture over $1.6 billion in digital advertising spending in 2023, Meta is expected to capture $110 million in social media spending.

The manager of Incident Response at Computer Emergency Response Team NZ, Cert NZ, Jordan Heersping, is part of the team making cybersecurity easier to practice for individuals and businesses.

“Based on the online incidents last year Cert NZ has a new security awareness building control, and it’s the most vital,” he said Like Unbound, Cert NZ encourages 2FA and a password manager and Heersping says that small step can stop 60 to 90 per cent of cyber attacks.

Benji Allen is a Wintec journalism student

Most of the class of 2023 Graduates – Standing, from left, Cam Corkill (BNZ), Steven Robertson (Wel), Joanne Turner (Hamilton Christian Night Shelter), Tom Jackson (Prolife), Tania Pointon (Seed), Kate Shaw (ConneXu), Denise Gemmell (Community Living), Heidi Gleeson (True Colours), Carmen Jacobson (NZ Police), Anna King (Braemar), Mary Ngaronga (St Vincent de Paul), Megan Austin (Golden Homes), Will Loughrin (NZ Police). Kneeling, Greg Carstens (Hamilton City Council), Jenni Falconer (Emergency Consult), Hugo Parcell (Power Farming), Johann Roozenburg (APL), Toby Cunliffe- Steel (Ride NZ) and Avon Polo (Surf Life Saving NZ).

The Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation (Celf) has celebrated the graduation of another 21 leaders – taking the total to more than 150.

The latest cohort made up the eighth Elevate Leadership Programme.

Graduate Will Loughrin (Waikato West area commander for the New Zealand Police) said the programme encouraged self-reflection and the courage to ask challenging questions.

“The class of 2023 and (Celf) as a whole represent a remarkable group of individuals poised to make a significant

impact on the future of Waikato,” he said.

Braemar Hospital’s Anna King Anna described Celf as the “gold standard leadership programme”.

Some learned about scientific research and its application in leadership, while others gained tools and knowledge essential for their leadership journeys,” she said.

“The ripple effect of this purpose-driven leadership will be felt in workplaces, boardrooms, sports fields, communities and most importantly, in our homes, by the next generation of leaders.”

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aving worked in the commercial and accounting sectors before completing her Legal Executive Diploma, Donna has the skills to unpick what Grayson Clements’ clients really want to achieve and then make it happen for them.

Donna was recently promoted to Senior Associate at Grayson Clements based in Hamilton’s Innovation Park.

The firm was established in 2008 by directors Michael Grayson and Andrew Clements with the desire to grow a firm that was “a little bit different” in its value-driven, clientcentric approach. It now employs a team of 28 across a wide range of areas.

“A lot of clients come to us because they don’t have straightforward

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They have businesses they need to manage within transactions and challenging financing structures,” says Donna.

“We get a lot of referrals because other professionals have looked at their case and scratched their heads.

We have the skills to design the solutions they need, deliver results, and protect what matters most to our clients,” says Donna.

Donna liaises with clients, banks, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, insurance companies, councils and other law firms.

Her specialty is making sure the right people are doing the right jobs, at the right time, to ensure all transactions are completed as smoothly as possible and, most importantly, on time.

She often deals with

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It is challenging and complex and it can be stressful, but we want to make it as enjoyable as possible for our clients and take that stress out of the transaction for them. We hope to make them smile and get a positive outcome. property developers and commercial conveyancing, but her work also extends into helping first home

buyers into their homes as they navigate what for many has become a challenging process.

“The major trend we are seeing is everything has become more involved. In the current economic climate banks have not been as willing as they once were to lend so their financing structures can be a lot more complex,” says Donna.

Many first home buyers find they need financial help from parents or other relatives or are required to use funds from elsewhere resulting in a temporary

financing structure for the first six to 18 months of their loan periods, says Donna.

She is also seeing more complicated building inspections and buyers being choosier about issues they want remedied before purchase as they are no longer as hurried to get into the market or grow their portfolios.

“We are also finding that people who previously purchased at a time in the market where stock was turning over quickly, have subsequently discovered issues like unconsented work, or they need to

Grayson Clements – Design, Deliver, Protect Grayson Clements was established in 2008 by lawyers Michael Grayson and Andrew Clements, who both had a desire to grow a firm that focused on designing solutions, delivering results and protecting people. Their work and reputation have gained traction and their client base has grown organically to a point where they now have a team of 26 staff across a range of practice areas.

refinance with increasing interest rates.

We can design the creative solutions needed to help people in such situations.”

Her role also takes on an educational focus as she walks clients through the process and helps them understand why they are taking certain actions and what they will achieve.

Her team has many years experience between them and getting clients into or out of properties as smoothly and stress free as possible is what drives her.

DECEMBER 2023

5

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

Jobs for graduates T

hirteen people who completed a 12-month paid apprenticeship programme run in the Waikato

by Tech company HCLTech have been given jobs by the company.

The pilot programme - Rise at HCLTech - is described as an integrated learning and training programme that equips secondary school graduates with the skills and experience they need to be job-ready.

The programme has a focus on female, Māori and Pacific students and is supported by the Ministry of Social Development.

The initial group, all from Hamilton, entered the programme as jobseekers and many had no previous exposure to IT, the company said.

A second pilot with secondary school graduates will start in Hamilton next year and cover cybersecurity, coding, data analytics and AI. “Rise at HCLTech provides a solution to a real-world technology skills shortage problem,” Michael Horton, Country Head for Australia and New Zealand said.

“The programme enables someone with limited technology skills to be jobready within a year. This is a powerful proposition for our clients and partners in New Zealand.”

Kristian Te Nana, Waikato Regional Labour Market Manager for the Ministry of Social Development said it was great to see a company helping local people get jobs in the Waikato region.

NZTech chief Graeme Muller said tech skills were becoming become increasingly critical for the future prosperity of the country.

HCLTech employs more than 221,000 people across 60 countries.

Briefs…

Cody’s first

Cody Hall (pictured) from CF Reese Ltd in Hamilton, won the top award at the Plumbing World’s Young Plumber of the Year competition in Hamilton in November. He won a prize pool valued at more than $80,000 – and his employer collected prizes worth more than $4500.

From an initial field of 350, 10 finalists competed in Hamilton for the major title.

Scholars named

The David Johnstone Charitable Trust, administered by Perpetual Guardian, has been operating since 1991, the year after the death the Waikato farmer and philanthropist has provided another $168,000 to help students fund the start of their tertiary education next year. Recipients included – Cambridge High School, Ayla Montgomerie; Fairfield College, Jorja McKinnon, Rebecca Adams; Forest View High School, Ainsley Harrison, Caitlyn Haratsis, Kate Taylor; Hamilton Christian School, Luke van Kampen; Hillcrest High School, Jasmine Prenter, Charlotte Dexter; Matamata College, Jaskeerat Singh, Keeley Thomas; Morrinsville College, Ash-lee Barker, Bailee Steiner, Olivia Harris; Onewhero Area School, Joe Thackham; St Paul’s Collegiate School, Daniel Knox; Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Hamilton, Hannah Macdonald; St Peter’s School Cambridge, Samuel Smyth; Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Hamilton, Rejoice Nhemachena; Te Awamutu College, Billy Barclay, Te Kauwhata College; Mervil Francisco, Tokoroa High School, Sariel Solomon; Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, Ava Meehan, Sarah Teale; Waihi College, Jayda Williamson; St John’s College Hamilton; Joel David Castillo. See photo page 31.

Correction Abiola Onunde with Kristy McSweeney from HCLTech and trainee graduate Ike Fayomi, right, who will work as a data analyst for the company. Abiola came see her sister Ike graduate.

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We understand that to maximise the return on your property you need: Professional property management A business partner that understands your views and goals Contact the Bayleys Waikato Commercial Property Management team today.

Jacob Chetwin of Te Awamutu, who invented an educational card game and picked up the Te Pūkenga Company of the Year at the Waikato regional Young Enterprise Awards, is 17.

We had Jacob’s age wrong in the print edition of November’s Waikato Business News.

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7

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

Quick dash, back in a flash

By Mary Anne Gill

I

t took NZ Aero’s chief executive Stephen Burrows several years to fulfil his childhood passion of having a career in aviation.

Back in the 1980s he would look up when planes flew over his family’s Paterangi home and beg his father Colin to take him to New Zealand Aerospace Industries factory in Airport Road where he worked.

The first thing he did when he left Te Awamutu College at the end of 1988 was to try and get a job in aviation.

“I had a passion for aeroplanes but there were no jobs on offer.”

So instead, he became an apprentice motorcycle mechanic with Graham Wilks at Wilksbrooke Motors in Te Awamutu.

“I can still fix a motor bike and I still get chiranged (talked into) fixing motorbikes and I enjoy them,” Burrows tells The News on the day his company launches a new aircraft which has the potential to revolutionise the global aviation industry.

The $5 million SuperPac Xstol (Extremely Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft – which cost more than $10 million and took seven years to develop does not require a sealed runway and can take off in as little as 200 metres and landing on rugged terrains, including hillsides.

And it’s come from a workforce of 60 –

Stephen Burrows

expected to grow another 20 next year - largely drawn from the Waipā district in a factory where Burrows’ father once worked.

The irony is not lost on Burrows – who now lives down the road in Tamahere.

He rattles off where the plane’s Kiwi-designed and built ingenuity will pay dividends.

In his office he points to a picture on the wall of the 750XL, the pre-runner to the new plane, making a difference in Papua New Guinea bringing in supplies to remote villages and helping with humanitarian aid.

NZ Aero is the country’s only commercial aircraft maker and they are doing it in an area steeped in aviation history.

Outside Burrows’ office window is the kit set factory the Americans assembled and brought their planes to for maintenance during World War II’s Pacific campaign. It was built in weeks and 80 years later is still standing and in use.

The legendary Oswald “Ossie” James revolutionised the agricultural industry with his topdressing planes, mostly FU24 Fletchers, assembled at Rukuhia. Aero Engine Services supplied engine and component facilities for James Aviation, on NZ Aero’s site in the 1950s. It went on to become New Zealand Aerospace Industries, where Burrows’ father worked, and then Pacific Aerospace Corporation in 1982.

It was in 1996 at Pacific Aerospace where Burrows finally got a job as an aircraft assembler and then in plane maintenance.

Wanting to learn more about engineering, Burrows enrolled in a certificate course at Waikato University, only for it to close after a week.

He stayed at university for a few months, but the pull of aviation drew him back and he went on to become quality assurance manager at Pacific Aerospace.

While the company successfully developed and built planes – like Crescos and the PAC 750XL – it had its down times.

Two years ago, Covid was cited as one of the major reasons for the company going into liquidation.

Burrows, then Quality general manager, stayed on because he was responsible for oversight of aircraft certificates.

“It kind of left me as the last man standing.”

The Civil Aviation Authority took over managing and maintaining the certificates for the hundreds of planes Pacific Aerospace had flying all around the world. Without the certificates, they would have been grounded.

The SuperPac Xstol aircraft at Hamilton Airport.

Aviation attracts entrepreneurs, adventurers, people prepared to take risks.

And that is what new owners and directors Donella Bond and Neil Young were. They purchased the assets of the company, renamed it NZSkydive Ltd – trading as NZ Aero – and continued manufacturing the 750XLs, CT4 Airtrainers, E-350 Expeditions and Crescos.

“

That was me, I had a passion when I was a young fellow, that aviation was going to be my career

Their big goal was to complete the SuperPac Xstol and get it onto the market.

They asked Burrows to become Engineering general manager and then chief executive.

“I’m passionate about engineering, manufacturing and aircraft, so it’s perfect for me.

“Anything’s possible – from motorcycle groomer to CEO of New Zealand’s only aircraft manufacturing company. It seems like a made up story, but it’s not.”

Burrows can do every job at the company, except fly planes.

“I’ve tried flying, I’m not very good at it.

“But it’s important as a CEO that you understand the processes of how things are made and the complexities and the issues the staff find when they’re trying to assemble an aircraft or make something.”

What does Burrows think Ossie James would make of the new plane with its new propulsion system, electronic flight deck, touch screens, hydraulic control, air conditioning, plush seats and even a USB charger? It’s nothing like the Fletchers he

and other topdressing pilots flew.

“I think he would be well impressed. He was a pioneer, he developed aircraft like we have. This is transformative, he would have liked that.

“You can get up to 20,000 feet in this aircraft and be back on the ground in under three. That for an operator is revenue.”

Part of the new plane’s future will lie in countries where climate change has resulted in larger fires across huge tracts of land.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

The SuperPac’s flexibility means it can “land on a dime”, pick up water quickly (using a New Zealanddesigned water carrier), provide medivac services and carry just about anything on board.

“We want to make products that serve a purpose,” said Burrows.

He is also enthusiastic about providing job opportunities for Waikato youngsters.

“We’re keen to stimulate more interest, particularly among girls. It’s an industry

which offers trades and the whole gambit of different skills. In order to attract those people, you’ve got to get them young.

“That was me, I had a passion when I was a young fellow, that aviation was going to be my career.”

The interview ends and Burrows does something he has done thousands of times since he was a boy. He looks to the sky and smiles this time at a plane he knows all too well - the SuperPac Xstol as it descends towards the Hamilton Airport runway.

MEET SANTA • LATE NIGHTS FREE PARKING • GIFT WRAPPING

8

DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

Where We Are In The Cycle? What Does 2024 Hold In Store For Us ?

A

s I write this, there seems to be agreement on policy, so hopefully we are not far away from a new government being formed – at long last. Since the election we have seen greater optimism from the business community and possibly light at the end of the long tunnel we have been in – hopefully not as someone suggested to me last week, that light is actually a train coming towards us.

There seems no doubt that we are currently bouncing along the bottom of the market. While we don’t know how long we will be here, one thing is for sure, those that take opportunities presented to them now, will in the long term look like the rock stars that did so after the GFC – Matt Stark is one of those.

Commercial and industrial investors and owner occupiers only seem to have two issues when it comes to purchasing property at the moment that is access to capital and the cost of capital.

While yields have risen significantly since the frenzied peak of the market in 2021/22, buyers have pulled back, showing a reluctance to act. History would suggest that being counter cyclical around purchasing decisions, remains a prudent and successful strategy, as there is currently far less competition when it comes to purchasing.

When will the bell toll ?

At some stage during 2024 it seems highly likely that the Reserve Bank will cut the OCR or allude to an imminent cut – at exactly that point in time, confidence will start to return to the market, as will an abundance of purchasers and the competition between them. Once the bell has tolled, its too late if you were wanting to purchase at the bottom of the market - its now rising.

In this column the same time last year, I suggested that we would expect the OCR rises to have peaked by now and even the possibility of impending cuts ahead. That seems about right? It’s hard to see any sound reasoning behind the Reserve Bank raising the OCR further, as banks have already raised their lending and deposit rates recently, even though they are forecasting that the Reserve Bank will start to cut the OCR late (or possibly mid) 2024.

Crystal Ball

What will happen to commercial property in Hamilton and the Waikato?

• Vacancy rates have slowly started to increase. At this stage we are not expecting this to be significant, but some tenants are under pressure.

• Secondary grade assets have seen a greater drift in their yields, but they are also the ones that experience the greatest uplift when we experience a rising market.

• With commercial lending rates generally now being around 9% and with tough lending criteria from banks, purchasers that can borrow will have been well tested.

Those hoping that the historically low yields we saw in late 2021 and into early 2022 will return, are in my opinion living in a utopian world – as much I would like to see them return, they just won’t. The OCR levels below 1% and availability of capital that we saw, were the fundamental reason for this.

My advice for 2024, but starting right now: • If you are considering purchasing, whether you are an owner occupier or investor, now is absolutely the time. Take action today with a view to the future.

• If the deal works in today’s high interest rate environment, then it’s only going to get better as interest rates start to fall in due course.

• Set your list of criteria and then get active – those that keep changing their criteria, invariably shift the goal posts, often ending up doing nothing, having missed the opportunity. Quality assets are always quality assets in the long term.

• Before you do anything, talk to your financier or mortgage broker.

Cash is king again and we have seen some recent sales that demonstrate the value of this commodity.

• Once the bell tolls around interest rate cuts, greater competition from purchasers will absolutely return to the market.

So, enjoy your break with friends and family over Christmas and New Years, for it’s been a long year, but one that has gone quickly.

2024 will be the year of opportunity. Hamilton and the Waikato continues to come into its own, being well set up to weather any storm, with a broad and robust economy.

In the business of conservation T

wo projects making news in the Waikato are concentrating on waterways.

In Waipā a project to create an ecological corridor between Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and Mt Pirongia has celebrated its second anniversary.

The Taiea te Taiao project will link the two maunga 40km apart - by planting along the Mangapiko Stream and its tributaries, on farms and other properties.

More than 200,000 plants have been added to the corridor. Nine kilometres of waterways have been fenced and native trees planted alongside.

“Beautifying the Mangapiko Stream will enhance its mana,” Poto Davies of Ngāti Koroki Kahukura said.

“The stream is the veins of the land, and the whenua is important to us all.”

Waipā district councillor Clare St Pierre, co-chair of the Maungatautari to Pirongia Ecological Corridor Incorporated Society, says an environment is being provided for “iconic” species so people can see them on their back doorstep.

The Ministry for the Environment provides funding through the Freshwater Initiatives Fund for two employees, and NZ Landcare Trust coordinates the project.

Further north Tāngaro Tuia te Ora, the Endangered Species Foundation, has named Tawera Nikau and Emma Giesen as new co-chairs.

Giesen brings a wealth of

experience in environmental advocacy and a track record of fostering tree planting initiatives across Aotearoa.

Nikau, Waikato-Tainui and a former Kiwi, is working to wipe out koi carp from north Waikato lakes.

The introduced pest was initially recorded in the Waikato in 1983 – today tonnes of koi are removed from the river by bow hunters in an annual

organisation through his leadership and emphasis on indigenous perspectives and Māori-led projects for biodiversity,” she said.

“

The stream is the veins of the land, and the whenua is important to us all

competition.

At the start of November the 33rd World Koi Classic harvested 4.11 tonnes of koi in two days.

Nikau, also chair of Te Riu o Waikato Board, said the fish would be processed into petfood, fish bait and fertiliser.

The focus of Tāngaro Tuia te Ora is to strengthen partnerships with Māori organisations, communities, and leaders who are dedicated to biodiversity restoration.

“We are entering a new era of biodiversity restoration,” general manager Natalie Jessup says.

She also paid tribute to outgoing chair Stu Muir “Stu has been instrumental in strengthening our position as a respected

Emma Giesen

Tawera Nikau

Poto Davies

Changes at the top Former Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari chief Phil Lyons has taken on the role of national manager for Trees for Survival.

And at Maungatautari, Helen Somerville is into her third month in the new role of general manager, having succeeded Andrew Peckham.

Trees for Survival has planted more than two million native plants since the charitable trust was established in 1991.

Lyons said it was wonderful to see more people choosing to give the gift of a tree or a charitable donation for birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas in lieu of a more traditional gift.

Every year, Trees for Survival plants over 100,000 native plants, in collaboration with students, landowners, schools, communities and corporate partners.

The plants are grown and nurtured by students.

Meanwhile, Somerville reported last week that three of the kākāpō brought up to Maungatautari from Fiordland had been returned – after some of the flightless birds managed to get out of the fenced enclosure.

The challenges were not entirely unexpected – the department of conservation anticipated having to jump some hurdles of its own as it works with iwi and Sanctury Mountain to eventually establish a breeding population.

Barge work continues A replacement barge for the Tamahere 94 barge used by the Waikato Regional Council Construction is expected to be heading south this time next year.

Construction of the new self-propelled vessel, overseen by Marine Management Ltd, started at Heron Ship Repair Limited in Whangarei in May. The council received $1.92 million from Kānoa – the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit’s Covid

19 Response and Recovery Fund - towards the project.

The Tamahere 94 was used by the council for 50 years as a working platform on the Waikato and Waipā rivers.

The new vessel will undertake work primarily to provide for the stability and capacity of river channels in the lower reaches of the Waikato and Waipā rivers, as well as being available for lease to other parties.

DECEMBER 2023

9

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

The Company-X lifers Company-X has grown to more than 50 in the last decade, but there’s a small team who have been with the Waikato software specialist since the start.

“I

like the Company-X ethos,” says Company-X senior developer Rob Scovell.

British-born Scovell was one of the first to join co-founders and directors Jeremy Hughes and David Hallett after Company-X began trading in April 2023.

“The Company-X ethos fits very comfortably with my personal ethos. It’s an honourable ethos. You do what you say you’re going to do, and you align yourself with the customer. So, you align what you do with what the client goals are.”

Scovell has found himself on an array of projects over the years, working for clients as diverse as big tech company Cisco in the USA, Jumpflex in Hamilton, NZ Police in Wellington, and Yabble, in Auckland.

Scovell was hired after meeting Hallett at the Innes 48-hour Business Startup competition at The Atrium in Wintec House, Hamilton.

For the first eight years Scovell split his time between New Zealand and the UK, spending about three months of every year in Britain. Scovell has divided his time between Thailand and the UK for

the last two years.

Scovell’s most memorable moments with Company-X include his first visit to Jeremy Hughes in Raglan and playing Professor X in a promotional video.

Darren Harrison joined Company-X as a contractor after working with Hughes at Ignition Software, eventually becoming a fulltime team member.

“Being the lead developer and architect for the One Network Road Classification Performance Measures Reporting Tool for the first five or six years was great,” Harrison said.

The tool, built for the transport sector, became Transport Insights – the world’s first system that provides evidencebased insights for national transport decisions.

Latterly Harrison has worked on software for Fleetcoach.

Frank Mele joined Company-X in 2013 on the recommendation of another team member who had worked with him before.

Mele is one of a handful working from an overseas office, so he particularly enjoys virtual meetings where he gets to eyeball other team members and clients.

“It is nice to talk to people,” he said.

“It is good to see people’s faces.”

Finance manager Antonia Withey has been with Company-X since day one.

“When I started with

Company-X co-founders Jeremy Hughes, left, and David Hallett.

Company-X it was just a couple of hours a week as the company was in its infancy,” Withey said. “It has been great that, as the Company grew and required more of my time, my daughter was also growing up and I had more time available. I enjoy and am proud to be working as part of the Company-X team.

“There have been many things for 10 years that I have had to learn as I go, especially with the expansion into the USA and in dealing with foreign currencies. There is always a deadline or challenge along the way.

“When I think about what has made me smile over the last 10 years it is a flashback of many of the speeches David or Jeremy have made at meetings or get togethers. They have had a way of making everyone feel part of the team, appreciated and all of us a part of the company’s success.”

Company-X co-founder and director David Hallett said he and Hughes prided

Navigate the digital landscape with us

themselves on building high-performing teams.

“It’s really exciting to see that our people want to be the best team doing the best things,” Hallett said.

“We continue to hire people who want to be part of that ethos. A rising tide lifts all boats. A rising tide lifts all waka.”

Hughes said he was thrilled Company-X still had team members, or lifers, from its early days.

“They’ve made this company what it is,” Hughes said. “They joined us at the beginning, helped paddle the waka and after 10 years we’re still having a great time creating and delivering amazing software innovations.

“One of the most satisfying things in the journey of Company-X is building the team that we’ve built, and the fact that we have Company-X lifers tells me that it’s been as much a satisfying journey for them, as it has for me.”

10

DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

Advertorial

End of year immigration update for employers

E

mployers employing migrant workers were required to be accredited by Immigration New Zealand from July 2022. Once accredited, an employer must then obtain a Job Check approval, before the worker can apply for an accredited employer work visa (AEWV).

Since this new regime began, now 16 months ago, there have been 31,000 employer accreditation applications, 49,000 Job Check applications covering 230,000 jobs, and 94,000 AEWVs have been approved. The processing of all these applications had been going very (too?) smoothly until a few months ago when a number of significant incidences of migrant exploitation surfaced. Many workers paid large amounts of money, sometimes as much as $50,000, to obtain their New Zealand job and work visa, only to find on their arrival in New Zealand that there was no job, or the job was not what they had signed up for, or that suddenly the work had dried up.

Immigration NZ has now changed the rules. The process of accreditation, Job Check and AEWV was previously able to be completed within 4-6 weeks. This process can now take 3 months or more. INZ is also now, finally, undertaking appropriate verification and checking of all applications to ensure these are credible, and supported by suitable evidence. In other policy changes 90day trial periods are no longer allowed within migrant workers employment agreements, and AEWVs will now (normally) be issued for a 5-year duration. The minimum payrate for an AEWV to be approved is $29.66 per hour (the median payrate) but lower rates can apply for some roles where there is a sector agreement (eg; care workforce, hospitality). The previous Government has signalled that this median pay would increase to $31.61 per hour in February next year – it will be interesting to see if the new National led Government ratifies this

increase or cancels/defers it due to the cost to employers.

St Peter’s school changes backed

By Mary Anne Gill

Much of the migrant exploitation is understood to be associated with third-party/labour hire employers, and within the construction sector, and INZ is tightening policies for these employers to require evidence of financial viability, and that their workforce comprises at least 35% of New Zealand workers.

INZ is also currently undertaking audits of (around 16% of) accredited employers to check they have been compliant with their accreditation obligations - including maintenance of time and wage records, and completion of settlement information and Employment NZ modules.

Currently 1,600 employer audits have been completed with another 1,200 underway. Some 1,500 complaints have been made against accredited employers, and 103 employers have had their accreditation revoked (many due to business liquidations), and 23 have had their accreditation suspended. Accredited employers should revisit their original accreditation application to ensure they are aware of, and up to date with, their obligations.

INZ is continuing to review the Green List which lists those roles, and the credentials required, for in-demand roles that enable either a straight-toresidence application or a residence application to be made after working in the role for 2 years. Another 17 roles will be added to the Green List in March 2023 including Corrections Officer, welder, fitter, metal fabricator and panel beater, among others.

Congratulations to Hon Erica Stanford, the new Minister of Immigration. It is reassuring to now have a minister who is so passionate, knowledgeable and capable in dealing with the immigration portfolio.

For any immigration matter please do not hesitate to contact the friendly Pathways team.

St Peter’s Head of School Marcus Blackburn in his office.

A

restructure of its admissions, international and marketing offices into one directorate will help maximise the potential of St Peter’s School, says its Head of School Marcus Blackburn.

He made the comment in response to rumours circulating in the community that the school was undertaking a series of redundancies. The News was contacted by several sources suggesting there were as many as 12-13 people involved.

Blackburn, who started at the school earlier this year following the controversial resignation of his predecessor Dale Burden in May 2021 amid an investigation into bullying, denied the rumours.

“It is disappointing to hear (the gossip),” he said.

“The whole concept of getting rid of people is regrettable.”

Restructuring was happening in three departments – admissions, international and marketing - which currently operate out of two separate offices enrolling students into the school.

One is for overseas students and the other for day and boarding. Bringing marketing in would clarify what St Peter’s was all about, said Blackburn.

Staff numbers would go from 10 to seven, with deployment elsewhere in the school being actively pursued for “those staff who wish to remain members of the St Peter’s team.”

Recruitment is underway for the new role of Admissions and Marketing head, who will coordinate all three functions. The merger made sense and would provide a key operation and function for the school, he said.

“We will expect there will be great collaboration across that team.”

Other staff resigning across the school and changes to the school’s sport academies probably led to the rumours.

“I feel as a leader I’m coming in to facilitate the things we need to do to maximise the potential of the school.”

The school is piloting a programme next year from years seven to 10 next year which would bring sport into the timetable as a double period every week, in addition to before and after school.

Sport is currently an elective subject with some students feeling they could not afford to do sport so they could preserve their academic options.

“I care about equity. I want our most experienced expert sports staff supporting students across the age levels and at all

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

teams. If your sport only happens after school, those staff members have to choose which teams they work with.”

Blackburn, a former regional development officer for the Welsh Rugby Union and the Singapore national rugby sevens coach, worked under a similar successful system when he was at Scots College in Sydney from 2009-2015.

Performing arts is another area under review following the resignation of the current Director of Performing Arts. The process around recruiting to that position had not started yet.

“I’m really confident in their (the staff) capacity to keep that engine going.

“I really value co-curricular activities at school,” he said.

It was something he developed during his time as Assistant Head (Co-curricular) at Hereford Cathedral School in the United Kingdom from 2015-2018.

From 2020 to 2022 in Adelaide Blackburn was deputy headmaster and Head of Senior School at St Peter’s College – a boys only Anglican boarding and day school of 1500 students.

St Peter’s in Cambridge has a roll of 1200.

He, wife Tara and sons Jack, 20, and Rory, 17, moved to Cambridge earlier this year.

Tara is a primary school teacher and an Irish dance teacher.

The first part of the year was one of getting to know the school and the community, speaking to people on sport sidelines, being at events and meeting with Year 13 learning groups to learn about their experience at St Peter’s.

“Culture is just integral. I made that real commitment to the community whakawhanaungatanga, to get to know the people and the place and the rituals, the tikanga.”

“Failing to do that would have been missing a real opportunity.”

He coached the St Peter’s under 15 girls’ rugby team and supported a basketball team.

Using his rugby sevens experience – he wrote a book 10 years ago called Coaching Rugby Sevens – he will take charge of the Hautapu club sevens team.

“I’ve come in as a leader. I do believe that schools require leaders that pay attention to school as a workplace and not just a place for young people to come to learn. I’m committed to do that. I am here to balance that support of our staff at the same time as trying to inspire their performance,” said Blackburn.

DECEMBER 2023

11

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

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12

DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

Scientific work acknowledged T

he achievements of 17 scientists and their teams were acknowledged at the Kudos Science Excellence Awards at the end of November in Hamilton.

The Emerging Scientist category, sponsored by the Hamilton City Council, recognised a major recent contribution toward advancing an emerging career in science across the greater Waikato and Toi Moana, Bay of Plenty.

The award was won by climate scientist Dr Luke Harrington, who was also named a finalist in the Waikato Regional Council Environmental award.

“The calibre of science achievement from our young scientists is incredibly inspiring.” Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said when presenting the award.

NIWA’s Te Kūwaha o Taihoro Nukurangi team celebrated two major award wins including the Waikato Regional Council Environmental Science and University of Waikato Vision Maatauranga awards.

The team works to help Māori communities access the latest scientific research and tools to manage natural

resources while respecting their unique knowledge systems.

Cardiovascular surgeon Dr Manar Khashram won the Te Whatu ora - Waikato Medical Science award in recognition of his dedication to vascular surgery and research which is enhancing the management of aortic and vascular disease. Finalists in this category included Associate Professor Lynn Chepulis from the University of Waikato and Dr Matthew Phillips of Waikato Hospital.

The Science Teacher/Educator/ Communicator award was won by horticultural science teacher Hilary Johnson from Katikati College, highlighting her contribution to results that kept her students at higher than the national average for four years.

Other significant awards included the Agresearch Cattle Urine Sensor team as winner of the Science and Technology award, and The LIC Variant Discovery team taking home the Hill Labs Primary Industry award.

A supreme Kudos Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Steve Davis of LIC. His distinguished

research career has spanned 48 years and contributed greatly to the quality of New Zealand’s dairy herd and its production.

Dr Davis has published over 120 scientific papers, 145 conference proceedings, five book chapters and over 10 patents.

“It’s always awe-inspiring to see so many potentially ground-breaking projects underway. What I find most impressive is the passion, blood, sweat and tears that goes into each of them,” Kudos Science Trust chair Chris Williams said.

Students were also recognised for their achievements in science. The $1000 Braemar Charitable Trust/Science Spinners Scholarship was awarded to Mya Komene, Aiga Tasi/Fraser High school to support her academic pathway in medical/health sciences.

The master of ceremonies was Forest and Bird chief executive Nicola Toki.

“The fact that the Waikato region is the only region to hold such significant awards and has done so year after year for 16 years, is a positive reflection of the high calibre of the Waikato

Steve Davis, of LIC, was presented with a life time achievement award by trust chair Chris Williams.

scientific community,” she said.

“Even better, is the degree of collaboration and courage

demonstrated by this innovative group of scientists to tackle some of our most challenging issues”.

Miriama’s rose translates into books

By Mary Anne Gill Mike Dreaver was quite specific when four years ago he asked Hamilton’s Amoré Roses to create a rose for his wife, television presenter Miriama Kamo.

It had to be brown and a climber, he told owner Jan Barnett. Last month Kamo was at the company’s Newstead premises for the annual open day where the rose was launched.

Proceeds from sales of the Miriama Kamo rose go to the couple’s Kotahi Rau Pukapuka Trust which translates books written in English to Māori.

Catholic bishop Steve Lowe, a family friend of Kamo’s from Christchurch, blessed the rose and gave a reading from St Matthew.

For Jan it was yet more proof that she and husband Paul made the right decision when they pursued the opportunity to become rose

importers.

The Barnetts were in Osaka, Japan in 2006 – she had written the successful citation to the World Rose Federation to have Hamilton Gardens’ rose garden given a garden of excellence award and he was at a property conference.

Jan has been fascinated by roses since she was a girl and went on to become a national rose judge. Paul is less knowledgeable so when he met acclaimed American rose breeder Frank Bernadella at the bar one night, he had no idea of what a legend he was with.

Bernadella, who has since died, was complaining that he could not get his awardwinning miniature roses into New Zealand.

Paul said he would see what he could do.

On their return, Jan and Paul set up a business to import and quarantine the

The Amoré ladies: Briony Nash, Janette and Melanie Barnett.

Photo: Supplied

plants. Originally it was to be established rose growing firms which would get the roses to market but delays in getting quarantine units set up left Jan on her own.

They sold their retirement beach home, bought several hectares in Vaile Road, Newstead and set about getting the new roses into circulation.

Seven years later there are now some unique and beautiful varieties of Amoré Roses released in New Zealand about the same time as Europe.

Jan has breeders from Belgium, Australia, Germany, France, Netherlands, Canada, Ireland and America.

“We all think she is awesome and will do really well. She talks about being a boutique business but if the New Zealand public want to see beautiful roses in their garden no matter how small the garden, then Jan could be very busy,” said Paul, a successful project manager and property developer for nearly 40 years.

Jan recently picked up three awards for her roses – children’s choice, hybrid tea and most fragrant - at the Pacific Rose Bowl Festival in the Rogers Rose Garden at Hamilton Gardens beating out roses from around the world.

Some of Jan’s roses are perfumed, some are small bushes but with big flowers, some are almost thornless, some striped, some speckled but all are disease tolerant.

“The beauty of these roses is that they bring colour into the garden and can also fit into small apartment gardens,” said Paul.

Their daughters Briony and Melanie are now co-directors and help in the business.

Miriama Kamo, who now has her own rose, at Amoré Rose’s open day.

Photo: Supplied.

Electric bus debuts in Taupō

Waikato’s first electric bus is doing the rounds in Taupō.

Waikato Regional and Taupō District councils launched the bus at an event last week. It carries up to 56 passengers at a time and can tilt towards the curb and extend a ramp to provide easier access for passengers.

The new cleaner, quieter and emission free Taupō Connector replaces a diesel vehicle which has been a mainstay of the Waikato public bus system for years.

Tranzit Coachlines operates the buses. A 120kW charger at Tranzit’s Taupō depot takes two hours to charge the battery and uses a smart charging system that takes advantage of off-peak power prices.

The 281kWh on-board battery powers the engine and in-built regeneration technology recharges it when the bus brakes, enabling the bus to travel for about 300km on a single charge.

Waka Kotahi says electric bus trials in Auckland reduced operating costs by 70 to 85 per cent compared to diesel vehicles running the same route.

The Taupō Connector travels for about 270km each weekday, making seven return loops (six on the weekend) between Wharewaka in the northwest of town and Nukuhau in the south.

Mich’eal Downard, Waikato Regional

Councillor for Taupō-Rotorua and chair of the Regional Transport Committee, said zeroemission buses were critical for achieving Waikato’s public transport objective to make services net carbon neutral from 2025 to 2050: “EVs are a game changer for reducing emissions across our network, so this is a big deal and I’m very happy that it happens to be in Taupō.”

In Cambridge at the start of 2023 medical professional Luk Chin suggested a small electric bus service for the community.

Waikato’s public transport network covers approximately 730km of roads outside of Hamilton City and daily passenger numbers this year are up 28.4 per cent on 2022.

The network carried an average of 7948 passengers a day last year but was carrying 10,208 at the end of October 2023.

The regional council’s public transport manager, Trudi Knight, says continual improvements to services and options are making a difference: “The great thing about the increasing passenger numbers is we’ve done it without increasing the average number of bus trips each day. We had 760 last year and 758 this year.

“On an average day, we’re taking the equivalent of 8876 car trips off the road.

Obviously, this is great for reducing emissions but every EV bus we can add to our network makes it even cleaner and more efficient.”

DECEMBER 2023

13

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Local couple purchase David Reid Homes Waikato franchise Eagle-eyed residents of Te Awamutu will have spotted the change in signage at Lunix Homes in Mahoe Street. That’s because they’re now David Reid Homes Waikato. Here’s what is behind the move...

of offering quality products and workmanship which has seen demand for their services grow.

To sum up the new David Reid Homes Waikato owners Tau Haimona and Felicity Haimona-Kay in one word, we would say “passionate”.

“We knew David Reid Homes had a reputation for building high quality architecturally designed homes, so to be sitting alongside them and know that our work was up to that standard was awesome,” says Felicity.

The husband-and-wife duo have built a reputation of trust for themselves under their previous business, Lunix Homes, but knew that under the David Reid Homes brand they could take things to another level.

Tau’s extensive building background, strong work ethic and attention to detail is matched equally by the proficiency with which Felicity supports client relationships and build planning. Their commitment to each aspect of the build process has earned the pair a solid reputation

In 2022 Tau and Felicity entered their show home situated in Frontier Estate, Te Awamutu, into the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards. In a testament to their team’s hard work, the home won a Gold and Category Award at a regional level, and was also named in the Top 100 nationally alongside multiple David Reid Homes regional teams.

felt right. The couple felt their values, work ethic and attention to customer care aligned with the David Reid Homes ethos.

Alongside the David Reid Homes national brand, Tau and Felicity look forward to growing the franchise across the wider Waikato, as far north as Te Kauwhata and as far south as Te Kuiti.

“The construction of our new display home in Pirongia has begun

and we are excited to present a sophisticated entertainer’s home, built with impeccable craftmanship,” Tau says. “We plan to open the home for public viewing in mid – 2024, so keep an eye out for updates on David Reid Homes Facebook page.”

“If you’re planning to build your new home or want to talk through ideas, get in touch with our David Reid Homes Waikato team. We offer a wide range of house plans to inspire your new build journey, while also having the tools, skills and experience to create a home that is uniquely yours. We take the responsibility of delivering a premium, custom-built home for our clients every time. We invite you to get in touch with us and take the first step toward building the home you and your family will love to live in.”

Visit their office at 74 Mahoe Street, Te Awamutu or contact Tau on 027 476 2271 tau.haimona@davidreidhomes.co.nz Felicity on 027 710 4966 felicity.hk@davidreidhomes.co.nz.

When the opportunity to become a part of David Reid Homes presented itself earlier this year, it just

New David Reid Homes Waikato franchisees, Tau and Felicity.

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14

DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

TOURISM

OUR ENVIRONMENT

Visitor experiences boost tourism

Ambitious plans – good and not so

By NICOLA GREENWELL

By PHIL MACKAY

It’s an exciting time to be involved in tourism in Hamilton and Waikato. After some challenging years, our region has bounced back strongly and there are some amazing new tourism and hospitality experiences emerging.

Just last month Made - a food, retail and creative precinct providing a colourful food and beverage and shopping experience opened in Hamilton East. This is a fantastic addition to our city, which is well and truly coming in to its own as a must-visit foodie New Zealand destination with other new eateries establishing themselves here as well over the last 12 months.

There’s also much to be excited about for arts and culture lovers too, with construction of the $80m Waikato Regional Theatre continuing on Victoria Street.

Pleasingly, we’ve also seen new accommodation popping up to support the growing number of people visiting the Waikato for leisure or business events. These include the boutique Te Karaka Lodge in north Waikato, and the impressive Clements Hotel in Cambridge.

Quality properties like these provide additional capacity throughout the region, helping to spread the load and alleviate some of the shortage of approximately 160 hotel rooms and serviced apartments identified in a hotel report published by Hamilton City Council at the end of last year.

Many people come to the Waikato for our open spaces and nature experiences, and there’s been a lot going on in this area over the past 12 months.

Hamilton’s Te Kāroro Nature Precinct launched in April, providing a conservationthemed visitor destination that combines

Hamilton Zoo, Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, Hamilton Observatory and Everyday Eatery. This new precinct adds further to our region’s outdoor and nature credentials.

The 13-year project to create the 65km Te Awa River Ride finished at the end of last year, and now provides a continuous cycleway from Ngaruawahia to Karāpiro.

New cultural experiences have launched including Rangiriri Pā tours and Te Puna Wai Tours in Ngāruawāhia.

With domestic visitors spending $1,491 million in the region for the year to October, the fourth highest in the country, and international visitors spending $393m, the fifth highest in the country, it’s clear to see why there is interest in capitalising on the bright future of tourism in the region.

And we need to keep fostering this interest as there are gaps to fill in our regional visitor offering such as accommodation in Hamilton’s CBD and experiences around and on the Waikato River. Tourism is the shop window for economic development.

Part of our role is to seek out and encourage new tourism related investment and support new operators when they are entering the sector, offering industry insights, statistics and advice. We have been working with several parties, large and small, keen to invest in experiences and accommodation in various parts of the region.

The new developments and strong interest in our region bode well for the future, as does our industry’s increasing focus on ensuring the return of visitors benefits our region environmentally, socially and culturally, as well as financially.

BUSINESS

Small businesses challenged

By BRIDGET SNELLING As many Kiwi households tighten their purse strings to combat inflation and the rising cost of living, it’s clear small businesses across the Waikato have been feeling the effects.

Xero’s latest Small Business Index has painted a picture of how small businesses in the region are faring, with the results reflecting the challenging ongoing economic climate for communities across the country.

Sales growth for small businesses in the Waikato usually tracks closely with the national results, however there was a surprising contrast in September. Small business sales growth in the Waikato fell 8.1 per cent year-on-year - which was much softer than the national average of a 1.5 per cent decline.

For sales growth in the September quarter, Waikato was the second weakest region in the country, experiencing a 2.3 per cent drop, followed only by Taranaki (-3.9 per cent).

Sales are inconsistent across the country, with some regions facing more challenging times than others.

Across Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s clear Kiwi households are reducing their discretionary spending, which has a flow on effect to spending with small businesses in their community.

Despite the weak sales, small businesses across the Waikato remain eager to hire talent, with the region experiencing 5.3 per cent jobs growth in September.

These figures are impressive and consistent across the country as small

businesses continue to compete with large businesses for talent.

However, if sales continue to trend downwards, this fast pace jobs growth could be difficult for small businesses to maintain.

Wages for Waikato small businesses rose 3.6 per cent year on year to September, which was broadly in line with the national average. For the September quarter, wages averaged 3.6 per cent growth for Waikato small businesses, which was the third largest rise of all regions. Wage growth still remains below inflation and this puts small businesses in a vulnerable position as real wages are falling, meaning small businesses could remain under pressure.

Waikato small businesses were paid on average 5.9 days late in September, closely in line with the national average of six days.

Thousands of Kiwi small businesses fold each year. More often than not, it’s because they’re unable to overcome cash flow issues.

The drop in small business sales is a concerning factor that shouldn’t be overlooked.

It is clear the road ahead remains challenging for our small businesses as inflation, interest rates and the cost of living stay top of mind.

That’s why it’s crucial to keep supporting them wherever possible and shop local when we can.

We also encourage small businesses from around Waikato to look into the digital tools available, which have been carefully designed to help cash flow and improve productivity.

We (finally) have a new government, and with an ambitious programme of work they have quite a number of policies that are likely to affect the housing market, construction industry and the built environment.

Firstly, there are several noteworthy policies relating to property investment.

• The reintroduction of mortgage interest deductability.

• Landlords to be able to give 90 days notice of eviction, without stating a cause.

• Likely reduction of the brightline test from 10 years to two years.

These each make property investment more attractive and are likely to result in more investors entering or staying in the market. This in turn is likely to give more momentum to property prices, which are already on the way up again.

In a nutshell – good news if you own property, great news if you’re a landlord, not so great if you’re a first home buyer.

On the flip side, the coalition’s 100 day plan says they will “Begin work to enable more houses to be built, by implementing the Going for Housing Growth policy and making the Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councils.” In theory this policy could help to moderate housing prices, though probably in the medium, rather than short term.

One of the key components of the Going for Housing Growth policy is “unlocking land for housing.” Councils in major towns and cities will be required to zone land for 30 years’

worth of housing demand immediately.

Along with some new tools for infrastructure funding, this has potential to increase the supply, and decrease or at least control the cost of new housing in the medium term.

Depending on your views on suburban sprawl and the use of productive land for housing, this may or may not be a positive change. Probably great news if you work in land development or civil construction though.

Finally, the coalition parties have talked quite a bit about improving housing affordability by reducing red tape.

The coalition has said that they will repeal the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 and the Spatial Planning Act 2023, and replace the Resource Management Act 1991 with new resource management laws premised on the enjoyment of property rights as a guiding principle.

In theory this could also help to reduce costs and make housing more affordable.

I’ll reserve judgement for now, governments have been talking about reforming the RMA for quite some time, but the devil’s in the detail.

Between these and other proposed policies, the current economic environment, and interest rates, no one can predict with any accuracy what the impact will be on our housing and construction markets over the next year or two. I’m sure the Reserve Bank, like many others, will be watching with great interest.

TECH TALK

How to avoid being captured

By RICHARD RAYNER In the modern workplace, technology has become an indispensable tool, seamlessly integrated into our daily routines. Like the captivating Venus fly trap, it beckons us with its allure, promising increased productivity, and efficiency.

Yet, just as the unsuspecting insect falls prey to the plant’s enticing nectar, we too risk becoming ensnared in the digital web, our attention consumed by the incessant demands of technology.

This pervasive presence of technology in our workplaces can transform us into automatons, our eyes glued to screens, our minds preoccupied with endless streams of emails, notifications, and virtual meetings.

This relentless digital onslaught disrupts our focus, diminishes our creativity, and erodes our human connection.

Like the Venus fly trap’s digestive enzymes, technology can gradually consume our vitality, leaving us drained and disengaged, or as someone more articulate once said, ‘comfortably numb.’

As organisational leaders, we must recognise this and proactively work to ensure our teams stay free from its clutches.

By reclaiming control over our digital engagement, we can emerge from the technological mire, revitalised, and empowered.

Just as the Venus fly trap releases its prey after digestion, we too can release ourselves from the clutches of technology, rediscovering our human potential and fostering a more harmonious workplace environment.

We can do this by cultivating a culture fixated on outcomes rather than checkboxes. Here is how: Focus on outcomes, not tasks Encourage your team to view their work

through the lens of outcomes and achievements.

Rather than asking, “What are you doing this week?” ask. “What does success look like for you this week?” It is about moving from a taskoriented mindset to a results-oriented one.

Share the vision - people want to be part of a purpose that they belong to. So, ensure that every member of your team understands the big picture, the strategy, and the current focus of the business. This should not be a one-off.

Get learning - provide opportunities for your staff to upskill, especially in areas that enhance their ability to achieve and measure outcomes.

Encourage a culture where knowledge sharing is the norm.

Align Technology and Business KPIs Technology should serve the business, not the other way around. Ensure that your Key Performance Indicators for technology are inextricably linked to your business KPIs. Reward achievement, not compliance recognition should go beyond merely ticking off tasks.

Be bold in your decisions -Sometimes, progress requires tough choices. Be prepared to ‘slaughter the sacred cow’ if necessary - be willing to abandon practices and technologies that no longer serve the company’s best interests.

Trust your team - Have faith that your staff will fulfil their responsibilities. This trust fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.

Lead by example - embody the change you want to see. Use technology as a tool to achieve outcomes, not as an end in itself.

Let us not be slaves to the screen; let us be masters of our digital domain, using technology to propel our organisations to new heights.

Richard Rayner is an Associate of Waikato software specialist Company-X.

DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

15

A night on the town Hamilton central businesses have had their challenges in recent years so they grasped the opportunity to finally celebrate getting through the other side when the annual Hamilton Centre CBD awards were held recently. Senior writer Mary Anne Gill was there to capture some of the celebrations held under a Hampton pitched roof marquee in Roose Common Park on the banks of the Waikato River in Grantham Street, Hamilton.

True Store’s Andrea Downey accepts the award for Customer Service, won jointly with Fiona Platje of Precious Metals and Marcus Potroz of Texas Radio.

Gothenburg’s Andrea Mazariegos and Carl Bloxam won the Eat and Drink Bars and Restaurants category.

Cheers! Fiona Platje and Rachael Hunt from Precious Metals, Centre Place, joint winners with True Store and Texas Radio for Customer Service.

Lab Brows & Body won the Health and Beauty section. Taking a selfie from left are Penelope Mahoney, Monique Grant, Selina Peterson, Ella Davies and Tamzyn Fordham.

Cambridge residents Camille Guzwell, left, and Mary Anne Gill take time out to pose for this shot.

Photo: Moving Media.

A section of the audience at the Hamilton CBD awards held under Hampton pitched roof marque in Roose Common Park.

16

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

DECEMBER 2023

Leading plumbing company wraps up its year of celebrations FB Hall & Co Ltd in Hamilton is marking its centenary this year. It’s not just a celebration of 100 years of success for this leading plumbing and drainage company … it’s a time to appreciate the past, enjoy the present and embrace the future.

F

B Hall & Co’s unwavering dedication to old fashioned integrity and trust has earned the company an enviable reputation throughout the region, but it was winning the coveted title Waikato Master Plumber of the Year 2023 title that was the cherry on top in the company’s centenary year.

Manager Joe Calkin was delighted.

“This is the major award for Waikato … the timing couldn’t be better.”

Joe was already fully qualified on the tools when he joined the company in 1996 having done his apprenticeship and put in a few years with his family’s

business in Turangi, Calkin Plumbing. He joined FB Hall & Co Ltd after moving to Hamilton and became manager in 2015 when he took the role on after longtime company stalwart Ken Douglas retired.

In 2003, when an opportunity arose to become a shareholder, he jumped at it. “I was at the point where a decision had to be made – do I start my own business or commit to this one? I made the decision to stay and have never regretted it.”

Today, he and his team steer a staff of 47. All are keenly aware that their 100th anniversary reflects a century during which challenges have been turned into opportunities and setbacks into comebacks.

The company applies a tried and true approach to all types of plumbing. At any time when a client or staff call the workshop, there can be 150 years of experience in the office ready to bounce ideas off and help through a sticky situation.

Their field of work includes domestic bathroom, kitchen and hot water installations, domestic and commercial maintenance, gas-fitting, drain-laying,

FB Hall & Co Ltd manager Joe Calkin holds the company’s precious founding document in front of the firm’s photographic history board. roof repairs, and sheet metal work, as well as small stainless steel fabrication together with large scale contracts. Just a few of the more recent contracts they have completed across some of the city’s most significant developments include, Tetra Pak, Innovation Park new building,

Waikeria Prison, the Union Square development, the University’s Pa project, and Tainui Project Hauata-ACC. Fuelled by their predecessors’ vision that anything is possible, they continue to forge ahead as leaders in their field.

The company’s 100th anniversary celebrations turned its workshop space into party central for the occasion.

COMPANY HISTORY The FB Hall & Co story starts in 1923, at a time New Zealand was growing its economy in the wake of World War One and new immigrants from England, Fredrick Benjamin ‘Fred’ Hall and his wife Beatrice, were settling into life in Hamilton.

Pictured with the company’s Model T Ford are, from left, Burt Hall (the founder’s son), Mrs Beatrice Hall, George Hayes, Bill Cannell, Ted Coombes, foreman Jack Wainscott, founder and manager Jack Hall, Burt Asplin in the car (the company’s first apprentice), and George Kernow.

R

ecords of the foundation meeting for the company, dated 1st September 1923, list Fred Hall, Jack A Wainscott and Frances L Lound as being present and said it was agreed that all three would draw wages of seven pounds a week as company directors, amounting to around NZ$14.40

F.B. HALL & Co. Ltd Since 1923

in today’s terms.

Fred had gained his engineering and plumbing skills in England, and Jack Wainscott, who became the foreman, was an adept sheet metal worker and solderer, soldering cream cans for the Matangi Dairy Factory Glaxo plant.

The trio started operating from premises in Alexandra St, serving the region while also providing products for the dairy industry, notably manufacturing large dairy cylinders.

Plumbing a century ago had its challenges. Water pipes were run in galvanised metal with lead basin connectors, soil and wastes in either lead or cast iron, drainage in glazed earthenware with cement joints, and excavation was done with a team of drainlayers and labourers. Transport

DECEMBER 2023

17

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

SHAREHOLDERS’ COMMENTS Shareholders at FB Hall & Co Ltd have a much in common - an impressive longevity of tenure and optimism for the future. Here is what they have to say …

FB Hall & Co Ltd manager Joe Calkin is the longest-standing of the current bunch of shareholders, taking up his place in 2015 after the retirement of longtime company man Ken Douglas.

Joe joined the company as a qualified plumber in 1996. He has since had a range of roles, including running sites until 2007, then moving into the foreman’s role before becoming the company’s contracts quantity surveyor two years later, handling all the finer details of negotiating, pricing and managing contacts.

Like his fellow shareholders, Joe says FB Hall & Co is a special place to work. Staff tend to stay for years, even many who test the waters elsewhere come back. He says: “That is largely because the goals of this company are more generational than purely financial.

The focus is as much on caretaking the company and its staff as it is for ringing every dollar.”    Mike Wilson began his 27 years with the company as an apprentice. He says the opportunities provided by FB Hall & Co across many different aspects of the industry meant he never wanted to leave.

He has moved through the ranks in the ensuing years and is now the company’ contracts quantity surveyor.

“I guess you could say I’m institutionalised,” he laughs, “but in reality, this company has given me every opportunity to try different business avenues, which I have always appreciated.

It’s meant I have never had the urge to look elsewhere.

“I enjoy managing the contract side

was by pushbike, hand cart or, if lucky, a model-T Ford truck.

Hard times hit around 1927 as the Great Depression of the 1930s loomed, but FB Hall & Co survived. By 1937, it was decided things were going well enough to allow the company directors to take two weeks’ holiday each year.

By 1939, at the onset of World War Two, the company had one Ford car (290 pounds), one Ford truck (363 pounds), and one bicycle (4 pounds, 16 shillings and 3 pence) on the books.

They moved across the road into larger premises equipped with a showroom and continued to enjoy a period of growth, based largely on the increased demand for agricultural produce needed for the war effort.

In 1954, Jack Wainscott and Burt Hall

of things, running the teams of contract workers and dealing with clients, some of them I’ve known for more than 20 years.”    Bruce Wallace reckons he’s the ‘old man’ amongst the company crew. He joined the team 23 years ago after being in the accounting game and says it’s the company culture that makes FB Hall & Co the place it is.

Now nudging retirement, he says: “It is the sort of company that I’ve been happy to contribute to over the years … the sort of place where I feel I can do my bit to help younger fellas coming through.”

Bruce tackles pricing around the smaller jobs. When he joined the company, gas-fitting was something he specialised in. He’s found fulfilment in growing that side of things and likes the way the company has helped him to fulfil his own career ambitions.    Jason McLaren’s tenure with FB Hall & Co goes back to 1998. He started his apprenticeship that year, and apart from a brief OE, has worked for the company ever since.

Having worked his way up, he is now part of the team pricing and running the bigger commercial contracts. It’s something he finds presents the challenges he enjoys, and working with a great bunch of colleagues makes coming to work a pleasure.

“There’s a really good vibe around here and a great bunch of guys to work with.

It’s almost like an extended family here,” he says.

Like his peers, he appreciates a business structure that makes becoming a shareholder a possibility. Taking up that opportunity was a natural progression for him once he had put time in on the tools and was looking around for his ‘what’s next’.    Glen Mackintosh began his tenure with FB Hall & Co in 1997, starting as an apprentice and working through to 2004

(Fred’s son) retired, selling their shares to Hanwell Seymore, Eric Douglas and their first apprentice, Burt Asplin.

Fred Hall died in July 1956. His widow Beatrice kept the company going until 1959 when she sold her share to the remaining directors. It was during their era, with Eric Douglas and Hanwell Seymore at the helm, that many of the systems still used today to increase productivity were introduced.

Rapid growth saw a new workshop built in Pembroke St in 1965 (in use today as Placemakers Clarence St timbers store), where an old house was converted into office space. After 30 years there, they relocated to the present site at 50 Greenwood St. FB Hall & Co have long specialised in work suited to a wide range of projects,

Skin in the game … FB Hall & Co’s fine bunch of shareholders. They are, from left, Jason McLaren, James Nixon, Glen Mackintosh, Mike Wilson, Bruce Wallace, Matt Hart and Joe Calkin. when he did a two-year OE, much of it in Scotland. He came back to FB Hall & Co for another four to five years, before moving to another company for about 19 months.

“Then I came back, and have stayed ever since,” he says. “The grass isn’t always greener elsewhere, and sometimes it takes a move away to recognise that.”

He enjoys the ‘half-office, half-site work’ nature of his role, taking on compliance and gas-fitting work and valuing the opportunities to work on larger projects that working for a bigger company offers.

The company’s focus on a good work/ life balance has added to that appeal, and made his decision to become a shareholder a very easy one.    It took a few years working abroad for James Nixon to fully appreciate what a great company FB Hall & Co is. He started with them as an apprentice in 2004, then took off overseas, working in Canada until coming home in 2013.

“Being away made me realise what a good company this really is,” he says. “I think it’s because all of us have been on the tools, we’ve started at the bottom

and worked our way up. It’s not a heavily corporate structure … here, all the owners have done their time in the trade and that makes a big difference.”

That element, plus a working environment that offers the rigors of the bigger commercial contracts he enjoys, made James feel it was the place for him long-term.    Matt Hart first started with FB Hall & Co in 1997, completing his apprenticeship and working in the company for 13 years before testing the waters elsewhere.

However, it wasn’t long before he was back, this time determined to stay.

Like other staffers, he has a deep appreciation for the wide range of work experiences FB Hall & Co has provided.

“The variety they offered was very appealing. Because it’s a big company, we cover a lot of bases. We do a lot across the commercial sector … jobs you don’t get an opportunity to do with a smaller firm.”

Matt also likes the fact the company structure with its revolving shareholder opportunities means that there is a real career pathway should incoming staffers elect to go that way.   

COMMERCIAL SPECIALISTS Design build capable Collaborative approach Strong local relationships

The company’s workshop in Alexandra St, showing the early manufacturing of dairy DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL M shed hot water cylinders. big and small. In the 1920s its workload included the Waikato Hospital and Waikato University’s science blocks; in the 1960s it handled many of the buildings making up the city skyline; in the ‘70s and

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Gasfitting service and install

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Roof and

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Programmed maintenance contracts •

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‘80s, it was the dairy factories of greater F.B. HALL & Co Waikato.

It is that sense of adaptability and Since 1923 A preferred innovation, bedded in over 100 years, thatand trusted sup Proud to be the plumber of cho characterises the company today.

New Zealand Blood Service Ham

07 847 4780 | service@fbhall.co.nz | 50 Greenwood St, Hamilton | www.fbhall.co.nz

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service@ 50 Gree www.fb

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DECEMBER 2023

FEATURE

2023 WAIKATO C

2023

WAIKATO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS AWARDS Connect - Grow - Inspire - Represent

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR AWARD WINNERS AND FINALISTS

SUPREME AWARD SPONSORED BY: Foster Construction Group

INVIVO WINES

BUSINESS GROWTH SPONSORED BY: Deloitte WINNER: Treadlite NZ

FINALISTS: MS Civil Construction, Pure Lighting

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION SPONSORED BY: Montana Food & Events WINNER: South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT) FINALISTS: Dive Zone Whitianga, Ninja Valley

INTERNATIONAL TRADE SPONSORED BY: Skypoint Technologies WINNER: Invivo Wines

FINALISTS: Helix Flight Manufacturing Machines, Manta5 Hydrofoil Bikes

INNOVATION SPONSORED BY: Company-X WINNER: Emergency Consult

FINALISTS: Flight Structures, Helix Flight Manufacturing Machines

PEOPLE & CULTURE SPONSORED BY: Hamilton Airport WINNER: Ninja Valley FINALISTS: MS Civil Construction, Wyreframe

MARKETING SPONSORED BY: Chow:Hill Architects WINNER: Pure Lighting FINALISTS: Hamilton Airport, Treadlite NZ

Invivo wins Supreme business award, SMEs feature strongly Wine and spirits company Invivo Wines has been named the supreme winner at this year’s Waikato Business Awards, supported

by Foster Construction Group.

T

he company was named the supreme winner at a sold-out gala dinner at Claudelands tonight celebrating the strength of the Waikato business community. It also won the International Trade Award.

Invivo was founded by friends Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron (Invivo’s winemaker). The Invivo vision is to produce the best of New Zealand wine and bring this to the world in an innovative and contemporary approach.

Since then, the company has won more than 600 medals and trophies and has teamed up with celebrities Graham Norton and Sarah Jessica Parker to help market their wines and spirits. Headquartered in Te Kauwhata, Invivo has wine operations in New Zealand, Australia, Italy, France, Argentina and produces gin and vodka in Ireland.

Judges said Invivo impressed through its bold approach to marketing, business development, funding, diversification strategies and collaborations with influencers.

MICRO BUSINESS SPONSORED BY: Sleepyhead WINNER: Wyreframe FINALISTS: Neuow Projects, CFO 4 U

FOR PURPOSE SPONSORED BY: Trust Waikato WINNER: Central Kids Early Education FINALISTS: South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT), Hospice Waikato

SERVICE EXCELLENCE SPONSORED BY: Tompkins Wake WINNER: My Mortgage FINALISTS: Normans Transport, Safety Genius

SUSTAINABILITY SPONSORED BY: Wintec | Te Pūkenga WINNER: NZ National Fieldays Society Inc FINALIST: Dive Zone Whitianga

CEO OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY: The University of Waikato WINNER: Lisbeth Jacobs, Gallagher Animal Management EMERGING LEADER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY: Mitre 10 Mega Hamilton

WINNER: Jenni Falconer - Emergency Consult FINALISTS: Adam Norman - Normans Transport,

Carl Saywell - MS Civil Construction

“The team understands the art of standing out in a crowded marketplace and this has clearly led to the positive results the company is delivering. For a winery that started in 2008 and saw its real expansion in 2016, delivering in excess of $20m revenue last year and being profitable

is a very commendable achievement, especially given the 700 plus wineries with much longer heritage in New Zealand.

“Their success can be boiled down to two things: focusing on their customers’ needs and innovation.”

Waikato Chamber of Commerce CEO Don Good said it was heartening to see a raft of SMEs in this year’s line-up of finalists and taking out category awards.

“This year’s business awards has exceeded our expectations,” Good said.

“The increased number of entries and the impressive diversity of participants demonstrates the flourishing entrepreneurial spirit within our region. We had 77 entries – an increase of 11 entries from last year – and of those they were predominantly SMEs.” And of those 77 entries, there was widespread regional representation with entries from as far as Taupō, Whitianga and Te Kauwhata. Head judge Dr Heather Connolly of the University of Waikato’s Management School said there were record entries for the People & Culture and Innovation Awards.

“Awards entries showcased the strength of the export community in the Waikato,” Dr Connolly said.

“The Waikato Business Awards have once again proven their importance in recognising and celebrating business excellence in the region.”

Gallagher Animal Management’s Lisbeth Jacobs won CEO of the Year while Emergency Consult’s Jenni Falconer won Emerging Leader of the Year. Good said it was clear to see that the region is thriving.

“The Waikato is making a name for itself as an economic powerhouse in this country. We have a strong farming foundation, a booming tech industry, strong construction and manufacturing sectors, an uptick in tourism post-Covid, and an efficient and well-located logistics industry.

Coupled with our proximity to Auckland opening up enhanced opportunities for trade and collaboration, it makes for a region that really is a terrific place to live, work and play.”

Supreme Award Winner, Invivo Wines and Award Sponsor, Foster Construction Group

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD SPONSORED BY: Air New Zealand WINNER: Central Kids Early Education

THE 2024 WAIKATO BUSINESS AWARD ENTRIES OPEN IN APRIL FIND OUT MORE AT :

waikatochamber.co.nz/business-awards PHOTOS: Barker Photography

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DECEMBER 2023

19

FEATURE

O CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AWARDS

CEO of the Year Lisbeth Jacobs When Lisbeth Jacobs joined Gallagher in April 2021, Covid-19 made some aspects of her role as the Global General Manager of Animal Management a bit tricky.

“I CEO of the Year, Lisbeth Jacobs and Award Sponsor, Professor Neil Quigley, University of Waikato

10 Years Judging Service Award, Dick Breukink

t wasn’t easy to see people offshore. In New Zealand, we were free to move around but it was quite some time before I managed to get a spot in MIQ which meant I could hop on a plane and see my teams in the US and Europe. But we were used to using Teams, so we made do.

But nothing beats face to face.”

Today, Lisbeth is Gallagher’s Animal Management chief executive and was named CEO of the Year at the Waikato Business Awards, supported by Foster Construction, on November 17.

“For me, the team nominating me is the greatest honour. This award is theirs too. We make decisions together, we build our strategy together, we debate and challenge, and share a desire to drive the business forward sustainably while keeping it real.

“This award is also acknowledgement that we’re building on the success of those who came before me: Sir William Gallagher, [Board chair] Steve Tucker and

[Group CEO] Kahl Betham. As Gallagher celebrates 85 years, being entrusted with a part of its legacy is a privilege.”

Judges said: “Lisbeth is an inspiring and talented leader and CEO. She demonstrated extensive knowledge of Gallagher Animal Management and had a clear passion for the business, its future, and her team. People are at the heart of Lisbeth’s approach to leadership. She is a humble and impactful leader who has used her experience to build a strong team and to set a clear vision and strategy for the business, empowering and supporting her team to set them up for success. The impact of Lisbeth’s approach to her role as CEO is demonstrated by the nomination from her team for these awards, and from the business results achieved since she started in April 2021. The future of this leading locally founded global company is in safe hands.”

Lisbeth previously held senior leadership roles at New Zealand-based and international companies including Fletcher Building, UniServices, The Icehouse, and global company Bekaert in Belgium and China. She is currently an independent director of Goodnature and BRANZ and member of the Steering Committee of the Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP).

Lisbeth holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Auckland, a M.Sc. Engineering from KULeuven (Belgium) and completed the General Management Programme at INSEAD (Paris).

At Gallagher, Lisbeth leads the Animal Management business with offices in New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, and Chile, joint ventures in Europe and South Africa, and long-standing distribution partners in Latin America and Japan.

The essence of the business is to deliver smarter, fit-for-purpose solutions that make animal and land management more sustainable, profitable, and productive.

Kahl Betham said he’s grateful that Lisbeth is investing her time and career with Gallagher.

“Not only has Lisbeth added an impressive level of strategic acumen, customer focus, and energy that is propelling us forward faster than ever, she’s also demonstrated that she’s an extraordinary people-focused leader who is committed to developing and caring for people along the way.

“Lisbeth leads by focusing on global mega-trends that we are best positioned to add value to, setting clear expectations and supporting people to get there, and relentlessly putting our customers at the centre of everything we do.”

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As the sole tyre recycling plant in New Zealand processing end-of-life rubber-based products, we’re dedicated to making a significant impact on the environment and communities, driving towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Based in Cambridge, our Head Office is the hub of innovation and excellence in the recycling industry. Our facilities utilise cutting-edge technology to transform used tyres into valuable raw materials.

Through our innovative approach, we actively promote a full circular eco concept, ensuring that every part of the recycling process contributes to a cleaner and more efficient recycling loop.

With depots in Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Taranaki, Gisborne & Waikato, we’re accessible across New Zealand, providing tyre recycling services. We take pride in working with innovative ideas and companies that share our vision of a fully circular economy.

Premium products produced from recycled rubber; • Granules – used for roading, playgrounds, artificial sportsfields & gym flooring • Equestrian arena mix

2023 WAIKATO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AWARDS BUSINESS GROWTH AWARD WINNER SALES TRACY SMITH E: sales@treadlite.com P: 021 928 231

TYRE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL E: accounts@treadlite.com P: 0800 430 800

20

FEATURE

DECEMBER 2023

2023 WAIKATO CHAMBER O

Business Growth Award - Treadlite

Community Contribution Award - South Waikato Investment Fund (SWIFT)

Service Excellence Award - My Mortgage

International Trade Award - Invivo Wines

Marketing Award - Pure Lighting

Innovation Award - Emergency Consult

For Purpose and People’s Choice Award - Central Kids

Micro Business Award - Wyreframe

Sustainability Award - NZ National Fieldays Society Inc

People & Culture Award - Ninja Valley

DECEMBER 2023

FEATURE

21

R OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AWARDS

Emerging Leader of the Year Jenni Falconer

W

hen Jenni Falconer was working as a nurse along the three other co-founders of Emergency Consult in the late 1990s, they would see around 50 patients per day through the hospital’s emergency department. And patients weren’t waiting hours to be seen.

Fast forward 20 years and Jenni and “the boys”, as she calls them, could see something needed to change. The number of patients presenting at ED and afterhours clinics had exploded, wait times were horrendous. So they came up with a novel solution: Emergency Consult provides 24-hour urgent care remotely. An expert team of doctors and nurses see and treat patients on-demand via web-based video chat.

And now Jenni has been named Emerging Leader of the Year at the Waikato Business Awards, supported by Foster Construction, for her commendable leadership and strategic acumen as Emergency Consult’s CEO. While Emergency Consult picked up the Innovation Award.

“When set it up in 2019 we were working in emergency medicine and saw all these people turning up to ED and wondered ‘how do we take ED to the people?” Jenni said.

“We thought we could help people who were time poor and who could afford to pay to see a doctor.”

Then Covid came along and nobody could

get in to see a doctor, which is when Emergency Consult was approached by the Waikato DHB to support people stuck at home and needing to see a doctor.

at home rather than be transported to an ED. Jenni was humbled to learn her team had nominated her for Emerging Leader of the Year.

“It quickly became evident that there was huge demand for remote specialist support from within the healthcare sector itself,” Jenni said.

“It was a really nice surprise to find out they’d nominated me and then to read what they’d written. The judging process was a great opportunity for reflection. You do forget how far you’ve come. Talking with the judges about our business gave me the chance to pause and reflect. I was very humbled to even be a finalist, let alone win.

Today, a range of healthcare providers leverage the on-call service. Emergency Consult’s team of emergency medicine specialists provide virtual support to hospital EDs, rural clinics, nurse-led clinics, ambulance services and pharmacies. And a team of senior registered nurses provide Covid care, acute care triage, and aged care support.

Emergency Consult has grown rapidly, from approximately eight staff initially (including the four founders) to almost 90.

Jenni said that while “telehealth” has been emerging internationally as a cost effective and convenient means of delivering health care in recent years, Emergency Consult has taken the concept a step further by offering 24-hour care on-demand. And the benefits of having timely access to emergency medicine clinicians is obvious: hospital avoidance, healthcare savings and better patient outcomes.

Perhaps the best example of that is the pilot that Emergency Consult has underway with St John in Auckland. Of the 2800 patients seen by Emergency Consult remotely, 82 per cent managed to remain

“And to be a leader you need to have a team. I’ve surrounded myself with people who’ve helped make this journey easy in some ways and certainly enjoyable.”

While Jenni still classifies Emergency Consult as a start-up, they have many opportunities for expansion and scaling up. They’re set to open a bricks-andmortar clinic in Papamoa soon.

“That seems contrary to telehealth, but we’ll have a highly skilled nursing-led team supported by the telehealth model.

So you’ll come in, been quickly seen by a nurse who can either help or direct you through to a virtual consult with a doctor.”

They’ve chosen Papamoa as the trial because they know the population has mushroomed and Tauranga Hospital’s ED is under considerable pressure. If it’s successful, they’ll look to roll out the same model in other locations.

Emerging Leader of the Year, Jenni Falconer and Award Sponsor, Mitre 10 Mega Hamilton

“We’re always looking at where the next need is. We know that’s an acute mental health service, paediatrics, and in palliative care.”

The Awards judges said of Jenni: “In the business world, transformational leaders often emerge from unexpected paths.

Jenni’s journey from nurse to strategic business leader is a testament to this transformation. Jenni’s competence led her to become a nurse manager.

However, her entrepreneurial spirit could not be contained. Together with her colleagues, they sought innovative ways to improve healthcare for Kiwis.

Jenni’s vision drove her to harness online telehealth. Today, Jenni leads a rapidly growing enterprise. Her leadership goes beyond profit, focusing on improving customers’ lives and well-being. She seamlessly transitioned her management skills into visionary leadership, demonstrating adaptability, innovation, and inspiration. Jenni’s story reminds us that determination and the right mindset can transform a competent manager into a strategic business leader.”

22

DECEMBER 2023

FEATURE

A Central City Extravaganza With fanfare and festival the CBD Awards once again delivered a night of recognition and celebration of Hamilton’s central city business community. The annual awards sponsored by Spark and delivered by the Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA), saw nearly 100 businesses compete in their respective sectors across 12 categories for a podium finish.

The CBD Awards is the time for businesses to put their best foot forward. HCBA General Manager Vanessa Williams says “It is such a pleasure to see such a fantastic range of businesses enter the awards. Our local businesses are achieving a great many things from set-up to expansion and they should be recognised for this. Shouting about achievements is not a natural space for many people and I admire those who take the plunge to put themselves and their businesses out there to be judged. I think it actually surprises a lot of entrants to realise as they are writing their entry how much they have achieved.”

All award entries were judged twice. Entrants submitted a written entry assessed by a panel of judges and then depending on the type of business, they were also judged by a mystery shopper or had a video created to be assessed by another judging panel. Overall, the entries were superb and feedback from judges was on the difficulty of choosing a top three in each category.

“Spark Business, a major sponsor, has been supporting the CBD Awards for five consecutive years. Fabian Pathirana, Manager Spark Hub Hamilton, stated that the local business

community is of paramount importance to the city. We are proud to put our name to support their recognition and celebration. The CBD Awards evening is a highlight of the social calendar for many, and, like Spark Business, the awards epitomize connection, empowerment, and success.”

The CBD Awards was held in the Roose Common Park, with Stu & Camille from the Breeze MCing the evenings proceedings. With the Waikato River, Hamilton’s best natural resource, providing the backdrop for the evening, Royal Lab event designers created a splash of glamour with a Hampton pitched roof marquee on the riverbank. Attendees were welcomed into the event hearing the rich baritone voice of professional crooner Steve Carlin with decor, furniture and lighting adding to the elegance of the venue.

Utilising their expertise SBI Productions rose to the challenge of providing full event production and lighting at a site with little infrastructure and Moving Media recorded the beauty of the evening, the attendees and the award winners, with a range of stunning imagery captured on the night.

HCBA Chairman Dwight Egelhof summed the evening up best saying “After the numerous challenges that have faced local businesses over the past three years, it is an honour and a privilege to provide an evening that recognises, celebrates and rewards business achievements. We know the local business community is what makes our city unique and to have the opportunity to share their achievements with an audience of their peers is what makes the CBD Awards truly special.”

Vanessa Williams & Vicky Redwood (HCBA)

DECEMBER 2023

23

FEATURE

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 CBD AWARD WINNERS

SHOPPING

EAT & DRINK – DAYTIME

EAT & DRINK – BARS & RESTAURANTS

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Winner Found Store

Winner Cream Eatery

Winner Gothenburg

Winner Lab Brows + Body

Runner Up Texas Radio

Runner Up Hello Sunshine

Runner Up Last Place

Runner Up Off & On

Runner Up True Store

Highly Commended This Little Cakery

Highly Commended Madam Woo

Highly Commended ProStyle

ACTIVITY

CUSTOMER SERVICE

NEW BUSINESS

Winner The Meteor

Winner Precious Metals

ESTABLISHED BUSINESS

Runner Up Confinement Escape Rooms

Winner Texas Radio Winner True Store

Winner Wild River & Co

Winner Biddy Mulligans

Runner Up Shanghai Restaurant

Highly Commended River Riders

Highly Commended Kapadokya Kebabs

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

NOT FOR PROFIT

PUBLIC GOOD

MARKETING & PROMOTION

Winner iCLAW

Winner Dress for Success

Winner The Cake Detective

Winner Last Place

Runner Up Soda Inc

Runner Up Trade Aid

Runner Up The Lawrenson Group

Highly Commended Unbound

Highly Commended The Meteor

Highly Commended Rainbow Kids

Runner Up Confinement Escape Rooms

Cream Eatery

Biddy Mulligans

iCLAW

Last Place

Found Store

Gothenburg

Dress for Success

SPONSORED BY

lovethecentre.co.nz/awards

True Store

The Meteor

Precious Metals

The Cake Detective

Highly Commended Gails Floral Studio

Wild River & Co

Lab Brows + Body

Texas Radio

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Photo Credit: Moving Media

24

DECEMBER 2023

FEATURE

Award winners deliver excellence to Hamilton CBD This year’s Hamilton CBD Awards threw up a real challenge for the judges. The 2023 appraising panel was faced with a plethora of choice amid some 100 entries, businesses that have gone ‘above and beyond’ in adapting to our living, breathing inner city.

Sponsored by Spark and organised annually by the Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA), the awards were held last month at the idyllic Roose Common Park overlooking the Waikato River.

in recovery. The initiative promoted public feedback and asked people what they enjoyed about the central city.

It is largely because of that campaign that ‘Love the Centre’ now sits at the heart of the annual awards, and HCBA general manager for the past seven years, Vanessa Williams, is delighted with how the 2023 event turned out.

They started in 2010, aiming each year to celebrate and recognise centrally based businesses that successfully draw people to the CBD while underscoring their ability to be agile, particularly with the challenges Covid wrought on the business community.

She says it’s been a real pleasure to see so many businesses come on board: “Our local businesses are achieving a great many things, from set-up to expansion, and they should be recognised for this. Shouting about achievements is not a natural space for many people and I admire those who take the plunge to put themselves and their businesses out there to be judged.”

It was in that post-Covid world that the ‘Love the Centre’ brand was launched, primarily as an inner-city campaign intended to breathe life back into a CBD

Organisers and judges look not only for excellence across the various categories, but also consider how much each business impacts the vitality

of the CBD and therefore how much its absence would be felt were it not there.

A successful city centre relies on having space that is fit for purpose, Vanessa says, and it should accommodate businesses that give people what they want in terms of shopping, events, or the provision of professional services.

Award entries are judged twice. A written entry is initially assessed by a panel of judges and then, depending on the type of business, each is either visited by a mystery shopper or required to submit a video.

Categories are something of a movable feast, Vanessa says, with new ones added from time to time to keep abreast of changes.

“It’s great to see so many businesses growing in confidence enough to enter the awards. They often say the process itself is good for

them – it’s a time to take stock away from the busy day-to-day and reflect on what they’ve achieved.”

A one-off change this year was the use of special bricks as trophies for the 2023 winners.

They were excavated from the Victoria St site of Hamilton’s world-class theatre currently under construction, retrieved from the grounds as teams demolished the inner part of the old building.

The awards evening itself is always a blast. While Spark sponsors the awards, the evening sponsors - Royal Lab, SBI Productions and Moving Media - work seamlessly to make it a gala occasion.

SPONSORED BY

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

lovethecentre.co.nz/awards

20

Our legal advice is as solid as a brick outhouse.

F

in cr st e cu o u th b th ti th fe

W to M q

Which might explain why we won this award.

Winning a Professional Services award isn’t an everyday occurrence for a law firm. But then again, we’re not your everyday lawyers.

At iCLAW, we’ve boldly challenged the status quo and tossed aside the stuffy traditions of the legal world. Boring legal jargon? Not here. We’re everyday people who speak your language

and provide practical advice for your business, personal wealth, and important life decisions.

We’re on a mission to help you succeed, whatever that may look like for you.

So, why not give us a call or pop into our vibrant CBD offices? Meet our friendly, approachable and fun-loving team and discover how we’ve made exceptional service and successful outcomes the foundation of our professional services.

ES

SC

CR

MU

CR

TA

E Level 2 / 286 Victoria Street, Hamilton iclaw.com

Everyday people, but not your everyday lawyers.

DECEMBER 2023

25

FEATURE

Celebrating those who give something back The Lawrenson Group is no stranger among the winners at the Hamilton CBD Awards, but their runner-up placing in the Public Good category this year was a first.

They’ve won awards in the event before, says founder John Lawrenson, but this year’s placement in the Public Good category is recognition for something he has been doing quietly for years – giving back where he can. Each year he links with Barnardos to provide toys for children who don’t get much of a Christmas, and with Paws 4 Life to help feed unwanted animals that end up in shelters. Anyone bringing in a Christmas gift when dining at one of his restaurants will find the value of that gift matched by a donation to their bill, and those bringing cans of pet food into his bars can swap them for drinks.

“We generally raise between $10,000 to $15,000 a year,” he says. “It’s something we have done for so long that our customers look out for it now. I was once told … ‘if you ever have the ability to make a difference you have an obligation to do so’. I think that’s important.”   

The Cake Detective took out the top slot in the Public Good category, which is unsurprising given the not-for profit’s aim to bring joy to children facing serious illness or other life challenges by gifting them a birthday cake.

Founder Laura Casey says: “We at The Cake Detective Charitable Trust are elated with our win. This victory holds profound significance for us, especially considering it was our inaugural entry into the awards.”

Crucial to the Cake Detective’s success are its links with referral agencies who identify the recipients, and its partnership with Sweetpea Parties.

“The CBD award in the Public Good category is not just a recognition of our work; it’s a celebration of the collective goodwill generated by businesses and individuals coming together to make a meaningful impact.”    Highly commended in the Public Good category was Rainbow Kids Childcare, the organisation responsible for creating the annual Anzac Day display of ‘poppies’ in Garden Place.

They launched it four years ago, believing the significance of Anzac Day should extend to displays beyond those at the Cenotaph. Their initial ‘poppies in the field’ grew and now incorporates the education of children on Anzac Day – starting in the classroom and later with the ‘planting of poppies’ in Garden Place.

Lou Gibson says they are thrilled at the overwhelmingly positive response from the public and the respect always shown towards the display. “Remarkably, over the course of four years, there has been no damage incurred.”    There was a three-way split win in the 2023 Customer Service category, something organiser Vanessa Williams says resulted from the judges finding no single point of difference between all three. The title was shared between Texas Radio, Precious Metals and True Store.

Texas Radio has entered the awards every year since its inception and amassed seven wins to date.

Customer service is something the outlet prides itself on, says Marcus Potroz. “We love helping people … we get a genuine kick out of making somebody smile. Winning for us

helps us gain a stronger sense of purpose. It confirms we are on the right path and encourages us to go forward.”

Precious Metals & Diamonds also knows its stuff when it comes to good customer service. Fiona Platje says they are no stranger to awards and placed as runner-up in the same category last year.

“It we were to win any award, this is the one to win,” she says. “In our view, it’s all about creating the right sort of environment, the right aesthetic, and having a great interaction with our customers. We are there to resolve their needs. It’s all about relationships at the end of the day.”

True Store won the category last year and is delighted to be up there again this time around. Andrea Downey says it goes hand-in-hand with the business of selling beautiful fashion in Hamilton and caring about their customers.

“It’s really who we are as a team … we are all passionate about what we do, and we all love people. It makes it really easy and helps build those great relationships with our customers.”

2023 CBD AWARD WINNER FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

F

or us it was never about trying to compete with the big players of our industry. Instead we wanted to create a shining little corner store with passion, innovation, experience and exceptional customer service. We wanted our customers to remember us, to talk about us. We wanted them to be greeted at the door by friendly faces and whether they were arriving for the first time, or we were welcoming them back, we wanted them to feel like they were home.

We wanted them to stay awhile, to soak up the sounds of Motown or feel soothed by the quiet rhythm of the Jazz.

We wanted to be known as that little Corner Store, a small family business, with a lot of soul. We wanted to go on a journey with our customers. We wanted to have conversations with them and what's more, we wanted our staff to remember those conversations. We wanted to source that special gift, the edgy concert bag, the sparkling Swarovski Tennis bracelet, or that dazzling custom design engagement ring (created by our very own in house jewellers). Our plan was simple, we wanted to wrap small things in little boxes, with big experiences. We never wanted to compete.

Active. Creative. Local.

WE WANTED TO STAND OUT!!!

Precious Metals & Diamonds. Phone 07-957 0137 Email centreplace@preciousmetals.co.nz Centre Place Shopping Centre, 501 Victoria St, Hamilton

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26

DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

F E AT U R E

Waikato Master Painters

Make Waikato Master Painters’ Association your first port of call Perhaps you’re looking for a someone who can provide a top-notch painting and decorating job for your home or workplace … or maybe you’re a qualified painter looking for the best way to market your skills? Either way, your best first port of call is the Waikato Master Painters’ Association.

T

he key is in its name …

The Waikato Master Painters’ Association is a grouping of qualified master painters and decorators able to provide quality workmanship and professional services for whatever size job you might need doing.

Through their affiliation with Waikato Master Painters’, members are able to provide certainty that industry standards and regulations will always be met, which means clients and customers across the board can be assured of the best possible outcome for their particular project.

The Association prides itself on offering everything that makes it a highly-professional and ethical body of workers using cutting-edge modern technology, but besides that, it

Dulux Awards Conference 2023

Resenes Conference 2023 Christchurch Resenes Apprentice of the Year Awards PHOTO RIGHT: From left to right: Trinh (Jade) Nguyen Queenstown – Lower South Island Region, Sally Gaudin - Timaru – Upper South Island Region, Ellie Moyer - Nelson - Lower North Island Region & Winner of Apprentice of the Year, Tania Loveridge Hamilton - Northern Region.

also offers plenty of ‘good oldfashioned service’ – something not always seen today.

Its members believe in extending good old-fashioned

“That gives our customers a sense of security they might not otherwise have” courtesies at all points of customer contact and demonstrating good oldfashioned patience when listening to their concerns, from the beginning of a job to its completion. They take care with your property, treating it as they would their own, leaving everything clean and tidy once the job is done. The only trace of their presence is the excellent job on view to all.

With close on 40 members, Waikato Master Painters’ Association members are wellrepresented across the region, from south of the Bombays down to Taupo, and across from Raglan to Coromandel/Te Aroha. They tackle anything

– large or small commercial, industrial, and residential projects, interior or exterior, painting and wallpapering.

On the residential side, they’re available for those wanting to give their home’s interior a bit of a face-lift, or perhaps keen on changing up the colour of their pool or outside area. They handle new-builds, renovations and everything in between, providing whatever paint or wallpaper treatments are required.

Likewise, no job is too big or small on the commercial or industrial side. Master Painters have loads of experience with massive outdoor and indoor projects, applying the highest standards of craftsmanship throughout.

Better still, using a Master Painter means there is a level of guarantee for any repairs or remedial work that might be necessary – which is extremely valuable in providing customers with peace of mind.

“That gives our customers a sense of security they might not otherwise have,” says one of their number. “Our members come with assurances in terms of training and professionalism, and if something goes wrong on a job, there is some form of redress. We will find a resolution.”

All of which goes to suggest there can be no better first step in your painting job than looking for a Waikato Master Painters’ Association member to do it.

DECEMBER 2023

27

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

F E AT U R E

Waikato Master Painters

Unlocking the rewards of membership Support and innovation are at the heart of membership to an organisation like the Waikato Master Painters’ Association. By joining them, painters and decorators can be certain they will gain a distinct business advantage for years to come.

F

irst, they will enjoy the credibility that being linked to a national brand provides. Then there are the regular updates around trade news, plus the many perks and savings that members can enjoy when it comes to some important elements of the job, such as insurance, telephones, trade discounts and the like.

Training and networking opportunities, wider visibility through association advertising and sponsored opportunities for ongoing advancement are also a drawcard, as is access to annual conferences and trade awards.

A member can put themselves up for a range of national awards at the annual Master Painters’ Conference, entering any of various categories ranging from small residential to large projects.

There have been several Waikato winners in the past.

Becoming a member of Waikato Master Painters’ Association seems to be something of a no-brainer.

One longstanding member says: “I have been a member for many years. I joined to meet like-minded businesspeople in the painting and decorating industry, and joining the association at that early stage means I have met

some great people along the way.

“I went on courses put on through the Master Painters.

You can join a local committee and grow your knowledge as you grow in yourself, and by being active in the association, you can keep up with new knowledge and problem solving on a local and national scale.

“Being a member means I have a strong organisation standing behind my company and me. It also provides assurance for clients, letting them know that the quality work we produce is of trade value and above. My membership has brought me

great benefits over the years.”

The Waikato Master Painters’ Association’s has ties with the national body – the Master Painters’ New Zealand Association (MPNZA), which works to advance, encourage and recognise the highest standards of craftsmanship and ethical business practices in the industry. The national body was founded in 1913 and operates as a non-profit organisation representing firms and individuals working in the painting, decorating an sign-writing trades across New Zealand.

Committee members and how to join The Waikato Master Painters’ Association has an energetic and busy team at the helm. Here they are, with their contact details. Also listed is the person you need to be in touch with if you want to join.

Brendan Mclean. P 027 220 8969

Justin Toomey. P 021 797 406

Rob Taylor. P 027 451 9193

Luke Orr. P 027 424 9574

Trevor Reid. P 027498 7571

Tim Wilton. P 027 463 2775

Dave Vea. P 021 722 665

Darryl Stuart.

Kevin Harmsworth. P 027 220 2607

P 027 284 8588

Tony Schoen. P 027 449 78408

Brendan Cranfield National Board member P 027 475 0800

Mike & Paul Green.

P 027 251 9589

Kathy Reid Secretary P 027 288 8404 To Join MPNZ Contact: Ash Leatherby P 021 485 299 E ash.leatherby@masterpainters.nz or visit MPNZ website https://masterpainters.nz

Back row: Paul Green, Dave Vea, Luke Orr, Brendon McLean, Tim Wilton, Justin Toomey, Brendan Cranfield, Darryl Stuart Middle: Kathy Reid (secretary), Kevin Harmsworth Front middle: Trevor Reid, Tony Schoen, Mike Green

Master Painters and Your Business Significant savings on your insurance. The only insurance packages designed specifically for the pain�ng industry

Member Benefits Why Should You Join Master Painters?

Joining Master Painters NZ Association Inc., gives you a distinct business advantage.

Membership deals on mobile phones, landlines & home broadband.

Mobil Fuelcard scheme saving you money on petrol and diesel.

Member Benefits App. Discounts from a number of major suppliers.

 You have the credibility of a na�onal brand behind you  You can make savings by using the Perk & Perk+ sec�on on the MPNZA App.  You receive regular trade news and updates  A digital copy of the Painter &

Decorator e-magazine (produced every second month)  You have the opportunity to network with others in the industry  Subsidised Lead management courses (sponsored by Resene)  Your business details are displayed on the Master Painters website providing visibility for the consumer  You have access to the MPNZ Members website, providing you with a wealth of business and technical informa�on  5 Year Workmanship Guarantee  MPNZ Fact Sheets

5 Year Workmanship Guarantee: Protec�ng You and Your Client Supported by:

 Annual Master Painters Conference  Annual Master Painters of the Year Awards – showcasing our members workmanship  Annual Master Painters Appren�ce of the Year Awards, held at the Master Painters Conference  Workmanship Inspec�on Services  PainterCra� Trust (sponsored by Dulux NZ) held annually, providing newly qualified appren�ce painters, with poten�al, an insight into running an exis�ng paint contrac�ng business, or their own business

Quality Assurance Programme Op�on

Master Painter of the Year Awards – celebra�ng

excellence in our industry.

For more informa�on about joining, please contact our Na�onal Office E: na�onaloffice@masterpainters.org.nz www.masterpainters.co.nz P: 04 472 5870

28

DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

F E AT U R E

Waikato Master Painters

What people say about us …

How do you know you’re going to get the best service possible when you need a painter? Well, one way is to find out what the Waikato Master Painters’ Association is all about, and the other is to read these testimonials from a few happy folk who have dealt with their members.

Here’s what they are saying …

We are delighted with the exceptional painting job completed by this Master Painters’ Association member. Their attention to detail, professionalism and commitment to delivering highquality results surpassed our expectations. The transformation of my space is truly remarkable, and I highly recommend using a Master Painters’ Association member for peace of mind.

– Brendon

A professional job carried to a high standard by a leading commercial ‘Master Painter’, working in with the Inghams team with their busy day-to-day operation of their business.

– Inghams Prestige

We hired a Master Painter for the whole interior of our house.

The workmanship and friendliness of the firm was brilliant. We would recommend a Master Painter to anyone, as you know that if there is a problem, you will be able to get it sorted out without any hassles.

– Sindy

Another satisfied customer, with the successful repainting of the exterior of ‘House on Hood’, the client working with a leading commercial ‘Master Painter’ to successfully complete this project.

– House on Hood

Definitely recommend using a member of Master Painters.

Their workmanship was outstanding; staff trustworthy and customer service and advice was very professional.

– Joanne

We always use a registered Master Painter for our jobs as it gives us the reassurance that they can handle any project and complete the job within the scheduled time frames. Our projects range from bathroom renovations to multi-duplexes, and when you choose a Master Painter, you not only get a skilled professional, but also the peace of mind that your project, regardless of size, is in capable hands.

– Red Developments

DECEMBER 2023

29

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

F E AT U R E

Waikato Master Painters

Members J L CONNOLLY LTD E darryl@jlc.nz P 0272 848588

CANTEC SERVICES - HAMILTON E brendon@cantecservices.co.nz P 027 220 8969

J. THOM LTD E johnthomltd@xtra.co.nz P 027 4978370

DECORATIVE PAINT EFFECTS LTD E info@painteffects.nz P 027 4978408

KEITH MAHON PAINTERS E admin@kmahonp.co.nz P 021 797 406

M R (BOOF) BOLAND E jenboof@outlook.com P 0274 367 254

ANGLO PAINTERS & DECORATORS E anglopainters@xtra.co.nz P 027 493 8713

HARMSWORTH & BOURKE DECORATORS LTD E harmsworthx4@hotmail.com P 027 2202 607

GMR HOLMAC LTD E admin@gmrholmac.co.nz P 027 4953417 WAIKATO DECORATORS (1999) LTD E accounts@waikatodecorators.co.nz P 0274 937 943 ROB TAYLOR PAINTING LTD E robtaylor@hotmail.co.nz P 0274 519193 WILTON CONTRACTING LTD E luke@wclgroup.co.nz E tim@wclgroup.co.nz P 274 249574 P 0274 632755

MIKE STENT DECORATORS LTD E m.stent@xtra.co.nz P 027 2904484 BRENDAN CRANFIELD DECORATORS LTD E bcranfield6722@icloud.com P 027 475 0800 P & M QUALITY PAINTERS LTD E info@pmpainters.co.nz P 027 669 3738 P 027 251 9589

STRAIGHT PAINT LTD E info@straightpaint.co.nz P 022 4726882 DANIEL CATTLE DECORATORS LTD E dcdecorators@outlook.com P 021 242 2602 PAINTSMART HAMILTON E goddens@outlook.co.nz P 021 158 4430 P & P DECORATING 2016 LTD E office@ppdecorating.co.nz P 022 697 8915 S M CONTRACTORS LTD E shaun@randmbuilders.co.nz P 021 316104

ACADEMY PAINTERS & DECORATORS E acadpd@xtra.co.nz P 027 474 5656

PAINT CREATIONS LTD E yardley@actrix.co.nz P 0274 711 891

RS PAINTERS & DECORATORS LTD E rs.paintpro@gmail.com P 027 276 8084

RENAISSANCE DECORATORS E pauldebbiejennings@xtra.co.nz P 027 4720658

UNLOCK PAINTERS E lucas@unlockpainters.co.nz P 021 131 6969

BROMLEY DECORATORS E admin@bromleydecorators.co.nz P 027 278 0083

RIVERSIDE PAINTING SOLUTIONS LTD E riversidepainting@xtra.co.nz P 021 722665

RRB CONTRACTING E contact@rrb.nz P 0210 2819698

REID DECORATORS E trevkathyreid@xtra.co.nz P 0274 987 571

I T C LTD E ian@itcltd.net.nz P 027 4912346

PMD PAINTING E peter@pmdpainting.co.nz P 027 6215786

30

DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

F E AT U R E

Waikato Master Painters

Waikato members’ fabulous work Here are some of the spaces where our Master Painters’ Association members work has left a lasting impression.

PAINTING AND WALLPAPERING RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS

REPAINTS

SCHOOLS

SWIMMING POOLS

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

BUSINESSES

OFFICE SPACE

DECEMBER 2023

31

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

Out and about…

Waikato Real Estate staff have celebrated being named Property Management Agency of the Year during a two day event in Wellington. The award is contested by agencies managing more than 1000 properties.

Community thanks: Representatives from Waikato disability organisation Enrich Group Johnathan Tan, general manager, left, and Operations manager Janne Nottage, right, at the Celebrating Waipā event at Lake Karāpiro last month hosted by deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk and mayor Susan O’Regan.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

The Waikato Regional Council Environmental Science Award at the Kudos Science awards in Hamilton last month was presented to Te Kūwaha o Taihoro Nukurangi, NIWA. They were pictured with council chair Pamela Storey, right.

The latest list of recipients of an education scholarship with a rural focus were celebrating last week. They each received $6000 from the David Johnstone Charitable Trust, administered by Perpetual Guardian, to help fund the start of their tertiary education next year.

Pictured at a retirement expo in Cambridge were, from left, Peter Carr, Nicole Stanley, John Collyns and organiser Peter Matthews, who says the event is set to become an annual fixture.

Wines and spirits company Invivo Wines were the supreme winners at last months’ Waikato Business Awards, and it also won the International Trade Award. Pictured from left were Yasmina Pena, Aaron Coxhead and Alan Gregory.

Photo: Barker Photography.

32

DECEMBER 2023

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS

Left to right: David Fredericksen, Left to right: David Fredericksen, Tonyto Letcher,David LouiseFredericksen, Cassidy Left Tonyright: Letcher, Louise Cassidy Tony Letcher, Louise Cassidy

“When “Whenititcomes comestoto “When itsolutions, comes to building building solutions, building solutions, Fosters Fostershave havealways always Fosters have always provided us with provided us withthe the provided us with the total totalpackage.” package.” total package.”

Tony Letcher, Director & CFO Tony Letcher, Director & CFO Tony Letcher, Director & CFO

Hamilton business Convex prides itself on providing Hamilton business Convex prides itself on providing innovative packaging solutions for its customers as it strives innovative for its as itand strives Hamilton business Convexsolutions prides itself oncustomers providing to push thepackaging boundaries of sustainability, performance to push the boundaries of sustainability, performance and innovative packaging solutions for its customers as it strives shelf appeal. shelfthe appeal. to push boundaries of sustainability, performance and shelfMirroring appeal.that continued focus on quality, innovation and Mirroring that continued focus on quality, innovation and environmental responsibility, Fosters has been Convex’s first environmental responsibility, Fosters has been Convex’s Mirroring that continued focus on quality, innovation and choice in construction companies for nearly three decades.first choice in construction companies for nearly three decades. environmental responsibility, Fosters has been Convex’s first “When it comes to companies building solutions, Fosters have always choice in construction for nearly three decades.

“When it us comes solutions, Fosters have always provided with to thebuilding total package,” director and CFO Tony provided us with the total package,” director and CFO Tony Letcher said. to building solutions, Fosters have always “When it comes Letcher said. the total package,” director and CFO Tony provided us with “Our relationship with them stretches back to the 1980s and Letcher said.

“Our relationship with them stretches back togot thedepth 1980s we’ve always found them excellent.

They’ve of and we’ve always found them excellent. gotand depth of easyback toThey’ve deal we’ve “Ourknowledge, relationshipwe’ve with found them them stretches to with, the 1980s and knowledge, we’vewith found them easythey’ve to dealdelivered with, andfor we’ve been very found happy project we’ve always themevery excellent.

They’ve got depth of us.” been very happy with every project they’ve delivered for us.” knowledge, we’ve found them easy to deal with, and we’ve So Fosters was immediately engaged when Convex embarked beenon very happy everyand project they’ve delivered forembarked us.” its So was immediately engaged Convex aFosters project towith demolish replace itswhen offices and expand on a projectspace to demolish and replace its offices and expand its warehouse in 2021.

So Fosters was immediately engaged when Convex embarked warehouse space in 2021. on a“We’d project to demolish and replace offices and expand its always planned to place ouritshead office facing out on warehouse spaceDrive in 2021.

“We’d always planned place our facing to Kahikatea with to a design wehead wouldoffice be proud ofout andon features that would stand to those passing Tony said. to Kahikatea Drive with a out design we would be by,” proud of and “We’d always planned to place our head office facing out on features that would stand out to those passing by,” Tony said. to Kahikatea Drive with ahe design we would befeedback proud ofon and Particularly valuable, said, was Fosters’ architectural plans, which were carefully scrutinised before features that would stand out to those passing by,” Tony said.

Particularly valuable, he said, was Fosters’ feedback on architectural plans, which were carefully scrutinised before Particularly valuable, he said, was Fosters’ feedback on architectural plans, which were carefully scrutinised before

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work began in mid-2022. work began in mid-2022. work began in mid-2022.

“Fosters’ ability to provide opinions on the costs of those “Fosters’ ability to provide opinions onbe the costs of those to designs features and how things could done differently designs features and how things could doneofdifferently “Fosters’ ability toreally provide opinions on thebecosts those to save money was helpful.” save money was really designs features and howhelpful.” things could be done differently to He felt Fosters’ strong save money was reallycontractor helpful.” relationships were one of He felt Fosters’ strong contractorinrelationships one of the company’s greatest strengths being able towere manage the greatest strengths in being toamanage He feltcompany’s Fosters’ strong contractor relationships were one construction challenges and deliver the build able within tightof construction and deliver the build a tight timeframe. the company’s challenges greatest strengths in being ablewithin to manage timeframe.challenges and deliver the build within a tight construction “We began this project when there was high demand and timeframe.

“We began this project whenconstraints there was high significant material and labour in thedemand buildingand significant material and labour constraints the building sector,” he said.

“We began this project when there was highindemand and sector,” he said. significant material and labour constraints in the building “Fosters were able to mitigate those challenges, so they were sector,” he were said. able to mitigate those challenges, so they were “Fosters not an issue for us. I think that comes back to their experience not an issue for us. I think that comesand backother to their experience and theirwere relationships with contractors industry “Fosters able to mitigate those challenges, so they were and their relationships contractors other industry professionals that they’vewith established overand many years.” not an issue for us. I think that comes back to their experience professionals that they’ve established over many years.” and theirfounder relationships with contractors and other industry Convex David Fredericksen and supply chain manager professionals that they’ve established over many years.”

Convex founder David andFosters’ supply chain manager Louise Cassidy were alsoFredericksen impressed with excellent Louise Cassidy were also impressed with Fosters’ excellent time management, proactive communication and ability to Convex founder David Fredericksen and supply chain manager timearound management, proactive communication and ability to work a functioning manufacturing business.

Louise Cassidy were also impressed with Fosters’ excellent work around a functioning manufacturing business. time management, proactive communication andfinished ability to “We’ve come to expect a lot from Fosters, but the work around functioning quality ofcome theabuild still managed to Fosters, exceed business. our “We’ve to expect a manufacturing lot from butexpectations,” the finished David said. quality of the build still managed to exceed our expectations,” “We’ve come David said. to expect a lot from Fosters, but the finished quality of the build still managed to exceed our expectations,” David said.