Lexus hybrid model sparks new buzz, double treat for Kiwi motorists Page 6
Holland Beckett attracting the best and brightest Page 7
Te Puia Rotorua launches Winter Hākari Nights Page 15
Local Mount Maunganui drone company scores huge UK defence contract
Go to www.bopbusinessnews.co.nz
> By DAVID PORTER
Bay of Plenty tourist operators are increasingly opting into an industry focus on growing the low season arrivals market – and that’s an important development for the Bay.
Tourism NZ spokesman, Paul Ford, told Bay of Plenty Business News (BOPBN) that international tourism is already New Zealand’s second-largest export sector.
“International visitors spent $16.9 billion in New Zealand in the 12 months to March 2024.
Note that 20 per cent of international tourists visited the Bay of Plenty, making it their fifth most visited region.”
As noted by RotoruaNZ chief executive, Andrew Wilson, Rotorua has long been known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
However, in its first major campaign under the Reset in Rotorua brand platform, the organisation has launched its Robe Trip initiative encouraging couples feeling tired and stressed to reset in the relaxation capital of Aotearoa.
“The Rotorua Robe Trip campaign was developed to showcase the fun, welcoming spirit of Rotorua in a way that felt fresh, relatable and uniquely ‘us’, Wilson confirmed to BOPBN
“We wanted to encourage Kiwis to reconnect with the playful side of travel, to embrace slowing down, switching off and enjoying all the relaxing and rejuvenating experiences Rotorua has to offer [as a] world class spa and wellness destination. Robe Trip captured that spirit perfectly – it symbolises relaxation, spontaneity and a touch of
good-natured Kiwi humour.”
Early signs from the campaign are encouraging.
“It has resonated particularly well with our Auckland target market,” Wilson said. “While full campaign data is still being collated, initial feedback suggests it has struck a chord and helped keep Rotorua top of mind, particularly in Auckland.”
The campaign is designed to position Rotorua as a luxurious and rejuvenating getaway for couples, helping drive domestic visitation to the region. It includes a welcome video – star-
ring Rotorua Mayoress Tania Tapsell, and her not-so-official security detail ‘Barry.’
“It’s pretty incredible that, as a district of almost 80,000 people, we manage to host around three million visitors a year,” Tapsell said.
“Because of this, the tourism and hospitality industries provide the most jobs for locals. The past few years certainly were a challenge, but we went hard supporting the visitor economy and being smart about investment to get our city pumping again.
> Continuedonpage3
> Continued frompage1
“We know we’re not the only destination trying to bring visitors back, so creative advertising such as the Robe Trip campaign, [plays] on the fact that many people are feeling stressed – we encourage them to come and enjoy a weekend of rest and relaxation.”
Tapsell confirms the campaign had been “a massive success” and had also resulted in new businesses opening recently. Internationally, Asia is one of the few markets yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
“We’ve been strategic with our investment. I recently led a North Island road show to China with 20 businesses from Rotorua and Auckland including Auckland Airport, Wētā Workshop and accommodation and activity providers from Rotorua. We’re already seeing the benefits, but it’s been deeply concerning that other councils are not supporting, strategically, a key industry for all of New Zealand.
“Councils are very reliant on rates as their main income so, in Rotorua, we’ve created ways to reduce this burden on ratepayers and introduce new revenue through a new rating policy for short term accommodation such as Airbnbs. We then reinvest this straight back into marketing Rotorua.
TaniaTapsell-Manukura|MayorofRotorua(centre)with RotoruatourismoperatorsduringaNewZealandRoadshow.
“To ensure we have a steady flow of visitors all year, we’ve also restructured council operations to provide excellent and efficient services to those hosting events in Rotorua and using our venues,” said Tapsell. “We have a great team at RotoruaNZ helping attract conferences and also events, which are a real boost to us over the quieter winter months.”
Paul Ford from Tourism NZ said: “Rotorua and the wider Bay of
Plenty region have a spectacular range of experiences, adventures and activities frequently featured in our marketing collateral and across our social media channels.”
Tourism NZ has offices in Rotorua and Tauranga. It is focused on building the destination brand, attracting international visitors and promoting year-round travel that delivers significant economic benefits to New Zealand.
“Tourism NZ targets 15 markets where there is a significant number of people considering vis-
iting New Zealand – Australia, US, China, UK, Germany, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand,” Ford confirmed.
The recent hosting of TRENZ 2025 (New Zealand’s largest international tourism event) is another key development signifying increasing development of the region’s tourism sector, RotoruaNZ’s Andrew Wilson confirms. The event helps reinforce the region as a world class, must-visit location.
“Hosting TRENZ is an extraor-
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dinary opportunity to showcase our innovation, manaakitanga (hospitality) and vibrancy to the international travel trade – we are proud to be entering this moment on such a strong footing.”
Tourism NZ is focused on growing off peak visitation to support sustainable and productive growth of tourism through the organisation’s strategy for 20242028, chief executive, René de Monchy, said.
“We’re aiming to grow international tourism by $5 billion over the next four years, with 70% ($3.5 billion) of that coming from visitors in the off-peak.”
With the government aiming to double export value in 10 years, tourism’s contribution can support exports and the economy as the industry faces tough economic conditions, de Monchy added.
“Tourism can provide a fast start to the goal of doubling exports as it can be achieved quicker than other sectors and has broader benefits for other sectors. Tourism New Zealand will support the government’s export growth goals and alleviate the industry’s seasonal visitation challenge by growing off peak visitation alongside its work to support peak visitation.”
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In case you missed last month’s edition
President Donald Trump’s chaotic approach to imposing tariffs on most US trading partners might best be described as embodying the concept of ‘scofflaw’.
Originally coined to describe a person who flouts a difficult-to-enforce law, the word describes merchants who defied the prohibition era’s edicts prohibiting the sale of alcohol.
Unsurprisingly, even the supposed paramount legal authority of the US Supreme Court is being flouted by Trump now. The court recently ruled that his regime’s scooping up of a law-abiding member of the community by mistake and consigning him to an El Salvadorian prison, should be overturned and his return ‘facilitated.’
The Trump administration responded by misrepresenting the Supreme Court decision and claiming it was unable to abide by the rul-
ing. The US regime is actually paying El Salvador millions of dollars to house these exiled prisoners.
It is difficult to feel too much sympathy for the Supreme Court as it’s (partly) responsible for the current situation by its earlier ruling essentially giving all US presidents a ‘get out of jail free’ card.
However, as Lucian K Truscott recently noted in Salon magazine:
“Democracies don’t necessarily die in darkness, but in the sunlight of outright defiance of the law by a president charged with its enforcement.”
The sloppy incoherence of Trump’s erratic tariff plans has seen a massive and ongoing destruction of value on seesawing global stock and bond markets. Financial luminaries, such as JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, are now on record decrying the tariffs’
impact and suggesting their imposition would slow world growth.
Realistically, the imposition of blanket, high tariffs will never replace the steadily rising government revenues globally from domestic income taxes, which have been increasing for decades.
New Zealand has not been spared the tariff onslaught, but our government has stated it is appreciative that the new US tariff is, so far, only at 10 per cent. NZ had been welcoming steadily rising exports to the US. Still, we are already seeing reported concern about rising export costs for our exporters. This said, Trump’s tariff proclamations could change at any time.
The key holdout to this tariff blackmail has been a competing superpower. Unlike many countries that have (according to Trump) been lining up to placate the US, China promptly responded to his
massive tariff imposition with a hefty tariff of its own on US goods.
Trump is now fully engaged in a worldwide trade war aimed at subduing US global trade partners while targeting numerous domestic enemies, as he appears to perceive them. In my opinion, we are seeing revenge for indignities Trump feels he has suffered.
As former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis, James Bullard, recently said on CNN: “Who wants to invest when you don’t know what the rules are going to be?”
(1) With acknowledgment to US song writing team, Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart
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The phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’ originates from the end of the last stanza in Thomas Gray’s poem ‘Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College’. Written in 1742 but not published until 1747, the poem is about the return of a disillusioned adult to the site of his schoolboy years.
The last stanza of the poem, in full, is:
To each his suff’rings: all are men, Condemn’d alike to groan, The tender for another’s pain; Th’ unfeeling for his own. Yet ah! why should they know their fate?
Since sorrow never comes too late, And happiness too swiftly flies. Thought would destroy their paradise. No more; where ignorance is bliss, ‘Tis folly to be wise.
Unlike in Thomas Gray’s poem, the phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’ is today often used in the absolute, i.e. ignorance is bliss. Period. Unfortunately, however, ignorance is not always bliss and it is certainly not a defence to many legal claims, including claims for misleading or deceiving consumers as to their rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA).1
Many readers of this article will know of the CGA and may, at some time, have personally exercised their rights under the CGA against a manufacturer or retailer.
Many readers, too, will know that the CGA is a truly powerful piece of legislation – as Woland Limited, which trades under the Look Sharp brand, found out in February this year when it was fined $292,500 in Auckland District
BY BEN CAIN
Court after pleading guilty to making misleading representations about product prices and consumers’ rights under the CGA, in breach of the Fair Trading Act.
In relation to consumers’ rights, Woland reportedly2 made a number of representations between January 2021 and August 2023 about customers’ right to refunds and exchanges for faulty products. These representations, made via receipts, signs inside stores and the Look Sharp website, restricted the timeframe for returns on faulty products to seven days and prohibited refunds and exchanges for specific product categories2 –all in direct contradiction of the rights set out in the CGA.
As liability under the Fair Trading Act is ‘strict’, it mattered not if Woland was ignorant of consumers’ rights under the CGA or if it had no intention to mislead or deceive consumers.
Despite the attention the Look Sharp story received in the media,3 consumers continue to be misled or deceived as to their rights under the CGA, as I, personally, can attest to.
In February 2024, I pur-
chased an electrical product of reasonable value from a local retailer, which I shall call Retailer X. A few weeks ago, the product developed a fault so I took it back to Retailer X to get either a refund or replacement.
I was told, in summary, that because the retailer only offers a 12 month warranty on electrical goods, and my purchase was 14 months ago, the retailer could and would do nothing for me as a matter of policy.
Somewhat taken aback by this reply, I informed Retailer X that it didn’t matter what its policy was; I had rights under the CGA and the CGA trumped Retailer X’s policy because Retailer X cannot contract out of the CGA.
Retailer X refused to budge and said I should just throw my electrical product away.
I left the store not exactly a happy camper. I subsequently called another store in the Retailer X chain and Retailer X’s customer care line, both of which re-confirmed Retailer X’s apparent policy and said there was nothing they could do.
I am pleased to advise that following further correspondence with Retailer X, during which I advised I would be filing a complaint with the Disputes Tribunal, Retailer X changed its position and decided to refund me the cost of my purchase.
Despite this outcome, I am left wondering and troubled as to how many consumers, ignorant (not blissfully) of their rights under the CGA, have been misled or deceived by Retailer X’s policy; a policy, I would hope, pursued out of ignorance and not intent to deprive consumers of their
rights.
You might be wondering how consumer rights are relevant to the subject of intellectual property.
This is how. Many businesses rely on ‘reputation’ or ‘goodwill’, a concept particularly associated with unregistered trading names, rather than registered rights to underpin the overall dollar value of their businesses. The value of a business’s reputation or goodwill will usually go up over time, but it can also go down. A key influencing factor in the value going down can be negative consumer experience.
If a business, like Woland and Retailer X, misleads or deceives consumers as to their rights under the CGA, therefore, then the value of that business’s reputation or goodwill will take a hit.
That hit might be minor and temporary, but it also might be significant and permanent. As I quoted in my BOPBN column in September 2024, “People no longer head to the shops simply to purchase products. They go for the experience –and that explains why 61% of customers will switch to a competitor after just one bad experience.”4
My advice, then, to all consumer-facing businesses is to make sure you and your staff know your obligations under the CGA. In an age when ‘reputation’ and ‘goodwill’ can be so easily and quickly impacted by social media especially, it pays to do so.
Ben Cain is a Partner at James & Wells. He can be contacted at 07 928 4470 (Tauranga), 07 957 5660 (Hamilton), and ben.cain@jamesandwells.com
1. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0091/latest/dlm311053.html 2. https://comcom.govt.nz/news-and-media/media-releases/2025/sharp-fine-on-the-way-for-look-sharp-after-comcom-investigation
3. For example, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/retail/look-sharp-fined-almost-300k-for-misleading-pricing-ignoring-complaints/5BNQSBQPEFC6FB4OKJ33G5NONY/ 4. https://bopbusinessnews.co.nz/intellectual-property-issues/sorry-for-the-inconvenience-are-you-really/
Rotorua’s Scion Research and Mamaku Blue are set to produce a recipe for sustainability.
“Repurposing our blueberry byproduct is a fantastic opportunity for our business and the environment,” owner of Mamaku Blue, Michaela Frost, says. “We repurpose some of our waste for certain products, but not all can be stored indefinitely or processed in time, leading to some disposal. Exploring moulded fibre packaging is an exciting step forward.”
All going to plan, trays will be infused with blueberry pomace, turning agricultural waste into a sustainable, compostable alternative to plastic packaging.
With funding from the Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA) Summer Student Internship, Scion researchers are working with partners to explore whether incorporating agricultural byproducts into moulded fibre trays can enhance their strength and moisture resistance.
A global drive to eliminate single-use plastic packaging has created a need for high performance, eco-friendly alternatives, Scion’s Kate Parker confirms.
“Moulded fibre packaging is a sustainable, compostable option, but it often falls short in strength and moisture resistance compared to plastic,” she says. “By incorporating agricultural byproducts, we hope to improve the functionality of fibre trays and provide an innovative use for materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.”
This project aligns with Scion’s mission to drive a circular bioeconomy, repurposing organic waste into valuable products, Parker adds. This approach maximises resource efficiency while minimising environmental impact.
“The horticulture and agriculture industries generate large volumes of organic waste. Instead of seeing these byproducts as a problem, we are exploring how they can become part of the solution. By integrating waste streams into new materials, we can help New Zealand move away from plastic and support local producers.”
The moulded fibre trays were showcased at the inaugural BPA Sustainable Solutions Symposium in Nelson last month.
With the buzz around battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continuing and fuel prices sporadic, many New Zealanders are beginning to look more closely at Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) as a smart and balanced alternative.
Among the most compelling vehicles in this space are the Lexus PHEVs, offering ideal solutions for people who want to make meaningful reductions in fuel use and emissions without the compromises that sometimes come with fully electric motoring.
A Lexus PHEV offers the best of both worlds
For the daily commute, most drivers will find the battery-only range of a Lexus NX 450h+ or RX 450h+ is more than enough to cover their typical driving needs. Plug in overnight at home and you can enjoy zero-emissions driving for up to 80km in some models, which should be more than enough for the school run, the daily commute and a few errands in between. The result is a quieter, smoother and more sustainable drive, without burning a drop of fuel.
Unlike a full BEV, a Lexus PHEV doesn’t force you to plan your life
around charging stations. When the battery runs out, the petrol engine quietly takes over, giving you a total range of up to 800km or more.
For Kiwi drivers who regularly take road trips, head away to the bach or simply enjoy exploring the country’s vast landscape, this seamless transition between electric and hybrid power means no range anxiety, and no mucking around with public chargers on the way.
It’s this flexibility that makes PHEVs particularly appealing in New Zealand, where infrastructure is still catching up. While more public chargers are being installed every month, they’re not always conveniently located or available when you need them most.
With a Lexus PHEV, you get the benefit of EV driving without becoming completely dependent on the charging network. It’s a compelling value proposition for those who want to do their part for the environment without sacrificing practicality.
Beyond the powertrain, the Lexus PHEV experience delivers everything we’ve come to expect from the marque – refined crafts-
BY MITCHELL HANDCOCK
manship, premium comfort and a quiet confidence behind the wheel. Every element is engineered to enhance your experience, from the smooth acceleration to the whisper-quiet cabin. With the latest technology and safety features on board, the modern Lexus PHEV is every bit
just greener, they’re better – more refined, more capable and more attuned to the real-world needs of New Zealand drivers.
as advanced as it is efficient.
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of automotive policy and infrastructure, the Lexus approach to electrification stands out. Instead of pushing drivers to extremes, Lexus invites them into a more sustainable future with models that are not
> By ANDREWFAIRGRAY, CHIEFBUSINESSOFFICER, 2DEGREES
Anewreportcommissionedby2degreesand preparedbyDeloitte AccessEconomicsfindsNew Zealand’sproductivityislaggingandsuggeststhecountry mustembraceaninnovative mindsetandacceleratethe adoptionofexistingtechnologiestoremaincompetitive.
2degreescommissionedthe reporttohelpfosterconversationsaboutincreasingproductivityacrossNZInc–anddrivingbetterresultsforthefuture.
The2degreesteamisatthe coalfacetalkingtoKiwibusinesseseveryday.Theyknow theyneedtoincreasetechnologyadoption,butfacebarriers suchasskillsshortages,shorttermriskaversion,limited collaborationwithtechnology partners,andtheregulatory environment.
Asanation,weneedaroad-
maptoincreasedtechnology adoption,andthisinturnwill leadtoamoreproductiveand prosperoussociety.
LizaVanderMerwe, DeloitteAccessEconomicsLead Partner,DeloitteNewZealand, notedthattheneedforaproductivityupliftisgreaternow thanevergivenNewZealand currentlyranks63rdoutof67 OECDcountriesintermsofproductivityandefficiency.
ThestudyrevealsthatNew Zealandiscurrentlyspendinganaverageof1.4%ofGDP onR&D,wellbelowtheOECD medianof2.7%,andwecurrentlyfacerelativelylowrates oftechnologyadoptiondueto severalbarriers.
ThereportfindsliftingR&D to2.5%ofGDPby2035 andtriplingtheadoptionrateofnew technologieswouldprovide $46billioninincrementalbenefittotheNewZealandeconomyin2035.
Thereportsuggestsafourpointpathwayforward.
Firstly,ensuringR&Dtax
creditsarefit-for-purpose.Secondly,addressingthebarriers toscalingstart-upsthrougha rangeofways,includingaccess tocapitalaswellaspolicyand regulatorychangesthatwill increasedomesticdemandgenerationforstart-ups.
Next,itrecommendsthat innovationfundinggapsare addressed.
Finally,itsuggestswe encouragefirmstoself-monitorandimproveproductivity, noting:“ManyfirmsinNew Zealandlackthetoolsand incentivestoeffectivelymonitorandimprovetheirproductivity,particularlyintermsof integratingnewtechnologies andtoolsintheiroperations.
“Toimproveproductivity, weneedtoencouragefirmsto adoptself-monitoringframeworksthathelpbusinessesto assessand improvetheirdigitalcapabilities.”
At2degreesweareworking hardtoplayourpart,providingKiwibusinesseslargeand smallwithtechnologytohelp
drivetheirproductivityona day-to-daybasis.
2degreesFlexisaproprietary,custom-builtportalthat makesmanaginglargefleetsof mobiles,multiplefibreconnections,andothertelcobuilding blocksquickandeasy.
Itoffersreal-timeservice activation,detailedbillingand powerfulendusermanagementtools.
Theportalhasbeendevelopedby2degrees’teamof morethan400softwareandIT professionals,anditis,quite frankly,oursecretsauce.
Everybusinesscustomer cantakeadvantageof2degrees Flex–savingtimeandmoney, andallowingthemtofocus valuableresourceontheircore business.
NewstarterjoiningonMonday?Youcanloginandorder anewphone,portanexisting number,andhavethatstaff memberreadytogofromday one.
2degreesFlexisjustone example ofhowtechnology
Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your running costs, or simply enjoy a better drive, a Lexus PHEV offers a compelling, future-focused solution. It’s the smart step forward without the compromise.
Mitchell Handcock is the Sales Manager at Lexus of Tauranga. He can be reached on 027 224 3314 or at mitchell@lexusoftauranga.co.nz
candriveproductivity.We knowKiwibusinessleaders aretimepoor.Iencourageyou tofindtherightpartnerswith therightproductivitytoolsfor yourbusiness.
Holland Beckett (Hobec) recognised as NZ’s third top law employer for graduates (according to Prosple), as Amanda Russo explains.
Holland Beckett is proud of its reputation as a great place to work.
The development of Hobec’s internal culture is no accident. Instead, it is the result of the firm’s leadership understanding, valuing and nurturing their people. The refreshing workplace culture translates into positive people and better work for clients.
Holland Beckett is a full service firm, advising on the full spectrum of legal matters from a simple will to complex financial transactions. The firm has long been recognised as a leader in the Bay of Plenty region, but as it continues to grow, it is now competitive with the large national firms, both in terms of legal expertise and as an exceptional employer.
Holland Beckett continues to attract expert and specialist senior lawyers who value the work-life balance on offer with challenging and rewarding legal work complemented by the lifestyle of the Bay of Plenty. However, the firm also attracts the next generation of legal talent. Where once the best young graduates had to begin their careers in the ‘big city rat race’, Hobec offers a welcoming and supportive alternative where you can start and develop a successful legal career… and go for a surf after work!
Recently recognised by Prosple (a top platform that offers internships, graduate programs and jobs), Holland Beckett has been named as the 3rd Top Law Employer for Graduates in the country, placing 56th across all workplaces in all sectors. Based on student popularity and programme quality, this is an incredible achievement which demonstrates the firm’s commitment to its people.
Over the years, the Partners and People and Culture team have been dedi-
cated to building a range of benefits and initiatives to help their people to maintain a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle, inside and outside of the workplace.
Among these is a generous parental leave policy supporting both primary carers and partners of primary carers, the option of flexible working arrangements, a study benefits policy that supports employees to obtain relevant tertiary qualifications and a comprehensive training programme to support professional development.
In addition, the firm have an annual wellness package as well as regular wellbeing and personal development presentations, and a community focus including team-based community service days, an employee driven charitable trust fund and emphasis on pro bono legal work.
For those starting their careers in the legal profession, Hobec offers a summer clerk programme, Ngāti Whakaue Internship Programme and a graduate programme. Summer clerks and Ngāti Whakaue interns join the firm for two rotations over the summer holidays gain-
ing paid, hands-on experience in various practice areas. Along with valuable training, summer clerks join Hobec’s many social events and sports teams, build their network and see what life is like as part of a busy, full service firm.
Holland Beckett’s graduate programme focuses on hiring, growing and retaining the best legal talent. Graduates work on challenging and interesting legal work, enjoy group training sessions to develop legal and professional skills, and are supported through Profs. They are also offered retention bonuses and extended paid leave options to encourage young professionals to stay in the Bay of Plenty.
This year, Holland Beckett welcomes 11 graduates:
• Succession and Estates: Maia Adams
• Corporate: Ella Thomson
• Commercial and Property: Victoria Stanbridge (Tauranga) and Joshua Cairns (Whakatāne)
• Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Caitlin Booth, Maddison Thornton and Benjamin Verhaaren
• Family Law: already the largest in the region, this team welcomes Michelle Bruce, Jaimi Bell and Romy Tennent (Tauranga) team, along with Madeleine Anderson-Hodge (Rotorua).
Holland Beckett is set to move its Tauranga office to the new Northern Quarter building in mid-2025. This marks the next chapter in Hobec’s story and shows the firm’s dedication not only to their own people, but to clients and the wider Tauranga community.
In 2008, when Holland Beckett moved into their current offices (at 525 Cameron Road), there were 14 lawyers – they now have more than 70 lawyers, 130 people in the Tauranga office. A larger, purpose-built space is needed to allow the growing legal team to sit together in an open plan environment, encouraging collaboration between experts, strengthening the firm’s culture and resulting in superior work for clients.
Hobec looks forward to the move and being an active participant in the revitalisation of Tauranga CBD, now and through its next generation.
An octopus dish by a Toi Ohomai cookery graduate has claimed the Judge’s Choice award during Flavours of Plenty’s Battle of the Snack contest.
Rikayla Bridge-Zwezerynen’s chargrilled octopus, romesco, potato, herb, and squid ink caught the attention of co-host and judge, Kelli Brett, editor and owner of Cuisine magazine.
Festival director, Rae Baker, says the Battle of the Snack provided a fun and tasty evening showcasing the region’s beautiful flavours and the talented people who work in its hospitality sector.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all our incredible chefs who donated their time to upskill
our region’s rising culinary stars,” she said. “Rikayla’s win means her octopus dish will feature in an upcoming article in Cuisine, which is really exciting. It’s a great way to share her culinary feat with a national audience.”
Rae also thanked sponsors and supporters including Saltwater, Bay Distilling, Mount Brewing Co, Leveret & Mills Reef, Herringbone Wines, and Southern Hospitality.
Four aspiring chefs were matched with four of the Bay of Plenty’s most experienced chefs to produce eight snack platters for Battle of the Snack held at Saltwater, Mount Maunganui.
Rikayla, who now works as a
commis chef at Solera, was mentored by chef Shane Yardley. For the second year running Shane has mentored a Judge’s Choice winner after supporting Aditya Raut when he claimed the title last year.
A renowned chef with global experience, Shane has led some of New Zealand’s best restaurants. A chef tutor at Toi Ohomai, he also offers private catering, pop-up dinners and cookery demonstrations.
Battle of the Snack also saw diners vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice award. Nathan Turley’s curry Malay-flavoured stuffed chicken wing and sambal mayo pipped two other
close contenders to the post. Owner of Somethin’ Somethin cafe, Mount Maunganui, Nathan was mentored by Paul Patterson, who has more than 17 years in the culinary sector and owns
Lisa Lloyd, sales manager for LINK Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington, is no stranger to the world of business sales. Her career in business broking began in 2013 and over the years she has built a reputation for professionalism, insight and commitment to excellence. As a leader within LINK, Lisa drives performance and fosters the culture of collaboration and support for which LINK’s Bay of Plenty office is so well known.
A business broker is a professional with specialised training who assists people in buying and selling businesses. It is a role that requires a balance of technical knowledge, interpersonal skill and strategic thinking. Brokers guide clients through the entire sales process – from value appraisal to settlement – ensuring that each transaction is handled with care and confidentiality.
The process begins with a detailed appraisal to determine a fair market value for the business. This involves analysing financial statements, assessing stock and assets, reviewing market trends and calculating future maintainable earnings.
Once a business value has been established the broker works with the vendor to complete an authority to act, which formalises the listing.
From there, the marketing process begins – tailored campaigns are launched through a variety of platforms to attract qualified buyers while protecting the identity of the business.
A key part of the broker’s role is negotiating the sale. Acting as a mediator, the broker manages price discussions, terms and conditions between both parties.
Once a buyer is found, the broker facilitates the drafting of a sale and purchase agreement, often working alongside solicitors and accountants to ensure accuracy and legal compliance. They also co-ordinate due diligence, ensuring timelines are met
and that both parties are fully informed throughout the process. From initial enquiry through to handover, the broker plays a key role in keeping the deal on track.
Success in business broking requires a blend of technical and personal attributes. While financial literacy and an understanding of profit and loss statements are important, many of the technical skills can be learned with time and support. A background in business, accounting, finance, or real estate is certainly advantageous, but not essential. More importantly, effective brokers are honest, trustworthy and diligent. They com-
municate clearly, solve problems creatively and have the resilience to manage deals that often take several months to complete.
Building relationships is also vital – a strong network of buyers, sellers and professional advisers is a major asset in this industry.
To enter the profession in New Zealand, you must complete the Level Four Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson), a qualification available through providers such as the Open Polytechnic, Toi Ohomai, Unitec and Skills Ignite. Once qualified and licensed, you can begin your journey as a business broker.
The career offers both financial and personal rewards. Brokers earn commission on each transaction, with significant potential when dealing with medium to large businesses.
It is also a role that brings professional satisfaction – helping someone retire or assisting a buyer in acquiring their dream business are outcomes that matter deeply. The variety of businesses with which you will engage ensures the work remains dynamic and intellectually engaging.
The role offers lifestyle benefits and flexibility with a strong decade ahead as a wave of baby
Fisherman’s Wharf in Ōhope. Held from late March until mid-April, Flavours of Plenty again showcased the best of BOP produce to locals and tourists alike.
BUSINESS
BY LISA LLOYD
boomers prepare to sell up for retirement, which creates consistent demand. With limited competition in this specialised sector of real estate, the future looks promising.
Why LINK Bay of Plenty?
At LINK Bay of Plenty, our culture is one of support and camaraderie. Our office has won awards for best culture nearly every year for the past decade. We share knowledge, support each other’s deals and celebrate our collective success. Unlike many firms, LINK offers the backing of fulltime, noncompeting sales managers and outstanding systems such as ValuLINK, which streamline value appraisals and marketing processes.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are seeking a new challenge in a rewarding and fast paced field, I encourage you to consider business broking. Your future in business sales could begin today.
Lisa Lloyd is the Sales Manager at LINK Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay & Wellington. She can be reached on 027 685 4556 or at lisa.lloyd@ linkbusiness.co.nz
> By MAHÉ DRYSDALE, M ayor of Tauranga
Earlier this year, I had the great privilege of attending the 2025 Farmer Autovillage Tauranga Business Awards organised by the Tauranga Business
Chamber. The sheer diversity, innovation, expertise and commitment of the 18 finalists was a real eye-opener.
All finalists were worthy contenders for higher recognition and they serve as role models to the wider business community –unfortunately, they couldn’t all be award-winners.
In no particular order (while saving the Business of the Year winner for last), the winners were:
Employer of the Year: Stratum Consultants’ specialist team of civil, structural and geotechnical engineers, resource management planners and surveyors provide comprehensive, wrap-around services to help realise the potential of our city’s land. Local knowledge and technical expertise are combined in this industry leading enterprise
to ensure landowners find the best possible solutions for their properties.
• Excellence in Manufacturing: the winner, GAS Manufacturing (trading as Archishade), is committed to providing homeowners with solutions to their all weather, all year outdoor living needs. The company’s premium shade and wind protection structures are designed in Tauranga with functionality, usability and beauty in mind.
• Excellence in Innovation: this award winner, Bovonic, helps farmers detect and treat mastitis in their herds. Using its patented milk sensor and detection algorithm, this easyto-use and install, no frills product detects mastitis in its early stages, telling farmers what they need to know at a competitive cost.
• Excellence in International Trade: this award went to Oasis Engineering, a specialist in high precision turning and machining services for the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) industry. Oasis supplies valves, couplings and a continuously evolving range of sustainable energy products, made from difficult-to-use materials such as stainless steel and titanium, to customers in more than 40 countries.
• Excellence in Māori/Pacifica Business: Future Focus Early Learning received this award in recognition of its leadership role in early childhood education. With three Tauranga locations, Future Focus fosters a supportive and loving environment where ‘learning meets play’, celebrating diversity by sharing home, language, stories, food, dance and music.
Pricing is key when balancing profitability in Tauranga’s construction and facilities management sector. Characterised by its steady growth and strong emphasis on construction and facilities management, Tauranga’s commercial business economy faces a critical challenge – pricing effectively while maintaining quality and profitability.
Over the past six years, the local industry has undergone significant transformations, yet labour sell rates have stayed relatively flat since 2020, prior to the Covid pandemic. This trend mirrors national industry dynamics where competitive pressures have limited growth in wages and service pricing.
In Tauranga’s competitive landscape, businesses are tasked with two key objectives: preserving financial stability and expanding market share within the region.
However, in striving to meet these goals, many companies neglect the importance of sustainable mark-ups and margins. This oversight has often led to price wars that undermine long term viability, harming businesses and the wider local economy. Ultimately, this is a race to the bottom.
It is crucial to distinguish between temporary cashflow management solutions and enduring business strategies. Reducing prices may appear a good way to attract clients, but this approach can inadvertently set a precedent that proves harmful to all stakeholders. Suppressed labour sell rates risk stagnating wages and slowing economic progress, especially as inflation and living costs continue to rise.
The practice of pricing services at cost, as seen in some local businesses striving to retain employees, further contributes to a low value job market. Employers, compelled to hire the least
expensive labour available, often encounter diminished service quality and heightened disputes over project variations. These strategies, while understandable during periods of economic difficulty, should be approached cautiously to avoid eroding ethical business standards.
To succeed in Tauranga’s construction and facilities management sector, businesses must recognise the unique contributions of skilled technicians who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Balancing quality service delivery with profitability requires thoughtful and strategic decision-making.
Achieving profitability is a cornerstone of long term business success, but it must not come at the expense of transparency, eth-
ical practices, or quality. While clients frequently prioritise securing the lowest costs, this tendency can intensify unhealthy competition and degrade service standards.
Businesses that invest in skilled labour, quality materials and innovative techniques not only deliver superior results but also position themselves as leaders who justify higher pricing.
Transparent communication and building strong client relationships are essential for fostering trust and loyalty. These practices not only secure repeat business but also generate valuable referrals, allowing businesses to compete on the merits of their services rather than solely on price.
Navigating the art of pricing in Tauranga’s construction and facilities management sector requires a deliberate approach that emphasises sustainable margins and the fundamental
• Business of the Year: the overall winner was Aquaholics, a plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying business with a catchy tagline: ‘Your fix is our fix.’ Founded in the Bay of Plenty 11 years ago, Aquaholics opened a Hamilton branch in 2018 and takes on jobs large and small, residential and commercial. The company takes pride in the high level of attention and effort that goes into every job with competitive pricing and personalised service as common factors.
The professionalism that comes through strongly from all of the finalists was inspiring to see and I’m already looking forward to hearing about more great Tauranga businesses at next year’s awards.
Congratulations to all involved – your success is Tauranga’s success.
BY ESTIAN DU PLOOY
value of quality work.
By maintaining profitability without compromising service standards, businesses can contribute positively to the local economy while ensuring their long term viability.
This balanced approach will not only benefit Tauranga’s commercial business landscape but also strengthen the broader community fabric.
Estian du Plooy is the CEO at Facilitate Group, Tauriko, Tauranga. He can be reached on 027 416 7671 or at estian@facilitate.nz
In last month’s Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) article, we shared top tips for reducing your fourth quarter FBT liability. Since then, there have been developments in relation to both the FBT policy review and Inland Revenue’s view on vouchers and gift cards. These will be important to keep in mind for the current FBT year and if you are planning any changes in how you provide benefits to employees.
The review proposes some fairly significant changes to how vehicles and unclassified benefits could be taxed in future. The goal is to establish rules embracing a ‘close enough is good enough’ approach to give a better approximation of a benefit’s remuneration value and reduce compliance costs for employers.
One of the key proposed changes is to increase the standard calculation of taxable value, the amount on which FBT is paid, from the current 20 per cent per annum to 26% per annum for petrol and diesel vehicles. Slightly lesser rates would apply for electric and hybrid vehicles.
This increase in the base taxable value represents the increased cost of operating vehicles since the calculation was last reviewed. It is also proposed that the ability to use tax book value, instead of cost price, could be removed.
The other significant proposed
change is to take a ‘remuneration approach’ to how much FBT should be paid on any vehicle based on the limitations placed on an employee’s use of the vehicle.
The following three categories are currently proposed with FBT payable on the appropriate portion of the taxable value of the vehicle:
This change could have a significant effect on the amount of FBT liability for employers with large fleets of vehicles.
The unclassified benefits category was created to cover all non-cash benefits, often small value items without real remuneration value. The review proposes two options to refocus FBT on genuine remunerative benefits:
• Remuneration test: this would exempt most benefits that cost less than $200 each, provided they are not substituting for remuneration
• List of non-remunerative benefits: this would define excluded benefits, such as flowers, one off prizes under $200 and token gifts.
Currently, businesses can (typically) only claim a 50% deduction for work related entertainment expenses in their annual tax return. The proposal suggests moving entertainment, including client entertainment, into FBT with a new category taxed at 49.25%, simplifying record keeping for businesses.
Separate from the review on FBT, Inland Revenue has finalised its position on ‘open loop cards’, which are vouchers and gift cards that can be used at most merchants.
Inland Revenue has confirmed that, as these vouchers are close enough to money, they should be
treated as such and taxed under the PAYE system not FBT. This approach is inconsistent with how most businesses have been taxing these benefits.
The treatment of ‘closed loop cards’ (vouchers that can only be used at select merchants) will still fall under FBT rules. From April 1, Inland Revenue has been expecting all businesses to apply this treatment and pay PAYE where appropriate.
The draft legislation for the FBT changes is expected in August, so keep an eye out for future articles which will cover this. In the meantime, for more information or further guidance about how the FBT review and gift card changes could impact your business, consult your tax advisor.
Andrea Scatchard is a Tax Partner at Deloitte, based in the Bay of Plenty. She can be contacted on ascatchard@deloitte.co.nz
Always look on the bright side of life… and business. For the first time in five years, MYOB’s Business Monitor sees optimism lead small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) economic outlook for the year ahead.
The 2025 Business Monitor shows SMEs expecting the economy to improve over the next 12 months with optimisim at its highest since 2016, MYOB chief executive, Paul Robson, confirms.
“It’s clear SMEs are ready to build on the gradual improvements of the last year and accelerate this positive momentum,” he says. “Key to this will be a focus on business fundamentals – such as cashflow, stock management and profitability – balanced with seizing opportunities to innovate operations to improve productivity and boost sales as conditions improve.”
In its 16th year, the annual survey of more than 1000 SME owners and operators indicates 46 per cent expect the economy to improve over the next 12 months, while 32% forecast a decline and slightly almost a quarter (21%) believe economic conditions will remain the same. This is in stark contrast to the same time last year
when 40% expected the economy to decline and only 37% believed conditions would improve.
“The confidence and performance of SMEs has turned a corner. Over the next couple of years, increasing revenue and growing their business are the top goals for owners,” Robson explains.
“To help realise growth ambitions, we need an economy that is firing and an environment in which Kiwi businesses can innovate, leverage a skilled workforce and remain competitive without the burden and additional cost of unnecessary red tape.”
The lift in confidence is reinforced by steady improvements in business performance, the Business Monitor contends. Twenty-eight percent of respondents reported revenue increases – a slight rise on 2024 (at 25%) – and 43% say revenue has stayed the same. The proportion reporting a decline has fallen slightly from a third in 2024 to 29%.
Some sectors noted particu-
larly strong performances. Yearon-year revenue increased for agribusinesses (41%), transport and logistics businesses (35%) and manufacturing and wholesale (32%).
Almost twice as many SME operators (35%) are expecting income to increase on current levels, compared to those expecting revenue to be down (18%), by this time next year.
SME owners are ready for a positive change as the economy moves in the right, Robson contends.
“As the economy starts to show some signs of recovery, it’s encouraging to see more reporting growth and feeling more sta-
ble when it comes to their overall financial position,” he says. “For many businesses, we’re beginning to see a reprieve from falling interest rates and lower inflation can’t come soon enough.”
Despite growing optimism, business owners noted some continuing concerns. Respondents indicated the threat of inflation (63%), consumer confidence and spending (46%) and rising utility costs (42%) as troubling. One in five said they are ‘very concerned’ about rising energy prices.
Threats of higher costs and their impact on sales comes as SMEs continue to feel the pinch from inflation. Owners surveyed reported costs have increased by an average of around $1600 per month over the past 12 months.
Meeting compliance costs is also worrying owners – estimates of regulatory and compliance costs increased by an average of more than $1100 since this time last year.
SMEs have been clear about initiatives and policy they believe
would help them succeed, MYOB’s Business Monitor reveals.
In Budget 2025, SME decision makers want reduced compliance and red tape (45%), reduction of the company tax rate to 25% (44%) and increased investment in skills and training programmes (29%).
Balancing costs with needs for more capital to help fuel growth, changing the low asset write off to become an instant asset write off of up to $10,000 also proved popular – more than a quarter of SMEs (28%) said they’d like to see this in the budget.
Considering which tax and compliance policies would be the most beneficial for businesses, a reduction in ACC levies for small business was the top response, selected by 54% of those surveyed. This was followed by a reduction in the company tax rate (41%) and a permanent increase to the provisional tax threshold (29%).
“We hope [SMEs] receive the support they deserve in the budget. It’s important their needs and potential are recognised and targeted as the government moves in pursuit of its growth agenda,” Robson adds.
“Ensuring efforts to maximise business productivity will be critical to paving the way for the economy to succeed long term.”
When it comes to relationship property law in New Zealand, one of the most misunderstood aspects is when and how a relationship becomes de facto. The legal threshold for this catches many off guard.
You don’t have to walk down the aisle together for the law to consider you a couple. In fact, after only three years of being in a relationship, your property may be treated the same way as if you were married if your relationship is deemed de facto.
What’s more, if the relationship ends, the starting point is a 50/50 split of any relationship property – any property assessed as relationship property in accordance with the provisions of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. This is regardless of whose name is on the title or account.
What counts as a de facto relationship?
A de facto relationship is defined as a relationship between two people (aged 18 or over) who, in most cases, live together as a couple. That might sound straightfor-
LAW
BY OLIVIA MORGAN
ward, but the legal criteria goes well beyond just sharing a roof. If a couple does not agree that they were in a de facto relationship, or for how long, the court can look at various factors to determine if the relationship is de facto. These include whether you:
• live together (you don’t always have to)
• have a sexual relationship
• share finances or support one another
• have bought assets together
• committed to a shared life or raise children together
• undertake household duties for each other
• how others perceive your relationship
Not all of these factors need to be present and the list is not exhaustive. The court will take a holistic view of the relationship and circumstances – this means even casual arrangements could qualify as de facto relationships under the law.
Once they’ve passed the threeyear mark (or earlier, if you have a child together), couples start building up relationship property. This includes, but is not limited to:
• the family home, no matter who paid for it or when it was acquired
• furniture, vehicles and household items
• income earned during the relationship
• KiwiSaver accumulated during the relationship
• any assets bought using shared funds
At the end of the relationship, whether through separation or death, relationship property is usually divided equally. That’s the default unless you’ve entered into a formal contracting out agreement.
Even if a relationship lasts less than three years, relationship property law can still apply in some situations. If there’s a child from the relationship or if one partner has made substantial contributions (financial or otherwise), a claim can still be made. In these cases, division is based on contributions rather than a 50/50 split.
If you’re in a serious relationship, or think you might be, it’s worth understanding how the law sees your situation. Many people don’t
realise that what they consider ‘mine’ might legally be ‘ours.’ You need not be alarmed, but you do need to be informed. Whether you’re buying property together, moving in, or starting a family, it pays to understand when relationship property law kicks in and what that means for your future.
If both partners take legal advice on these issues, they can enter into an agreement so they can decide for themselves what should be divided in the event of the relationship ending.
Olivia Morgan is a Senior Associate at Tompkins Wake, Tauranga. She can be contacted on 07 245 0537 or olivia.morgan@tompkinswake.co.nz
On average, approximately 6.8 billion pieces of kiwifruit fruit are handled by TKL Logistics Limited each season, enough to feed everyone in India and China more than twice over.
TKL (Formally Tauranga Kiwifruit Logistics) coordinates the arrival and dispatch of all Zespri branded kiwifruit through New Zealand ports to key international markets.
“We’ve seen an increase in volume this season and hearing that the total is getting close to seven billion pieces of kiwifruit is astonishing,” TKL’s Ian Mearns says. “It is great
to be part of the process and industry that sees our national fruit delivered to consumers around the world.”
Owned by New Zealand post-harvest companies, TKL operates road transport services and port logistics. TKL transports pallets of kiwifruit from packhouses to a coolstore in Mount Maunganui wharf. The fruit is then shipped worldwide.
A bespoke logistics application makes such epic movements possible, Mearns confirms.
“The app is used to dispatch and track our transport
fleet and pallets while, at the same time, sending detailed information to coolstores as to what is to be loaded in a specific container It also allows GPS to track real-time location of trucks and share this with our customers [and] the application handles all the administration functions relating to our accounting systems.”
Based in Tauranga, TKL operates nationwide, Mearns adds.
“Anywhere kiwifruit is packed for export in New Zealand, TKL is responsible for the logistics of getting it from the packhouse onto vessels.”
Access to world class leadership education can be a game changer, not just for individuals but for organisations and regions as well. The University of Waikato’s globally recognised Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed to help professionals lead with confidence, underpinned by a future-focused curriculum and strong regional connections.
Applications are now open for the May and July intakes of our MBA programme, delivered in the heart of Tauranga.
Among those already on the journey is Natasha Bennett, national training and professional development manager at Qube Ports NZ, who began the programme in March. One of our four recipients of the Emerging Leaders Entrance Scholarship this year, Natasha was awarded $10,000 to help with the cost of study.
“I applied for the MBA because I wanted a broader understanding of how business works beyond my training background,” she says. “I wasn’t sure I’d be accepted on the programme as I hadn’t studied at tertiary level before and I almost didn’t apply for the scholarship because I thought I wouldn’t stand a chance.
“My partner encouraged me
to go for it and I’m so glad I did. Receiving the scholarship made [studying] financially possible and it has pushed me to think beyond what I believed was possible for myself.”
Waikato Management School holds the prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation, placing us among the top one per cent of business schools worldwide.
Accredited by the Association of MBAs, our MBA programme is designed to build strategic thinking, leadership capability and the confidence professionals need to lead in today’s fast moving business environment.
With a longstanding presence in Tauranga, the programme enters a new chapter in 2025, fea-
turing refreshed content, a flexible delivery model and a renewed focus on growing local talent and further strengthening leadership capability in the Bay.
Students in upcoming intakes will complete most core papers in Tauranga with the remainder delivered in Hamilton. This blended model supports regional access while expanding networks across both campuses and connecting students to the wider business community.
Travel is minimal, with weekend sessions and a university supported shuttle taking approximately 90 minutes across the Kaimais. With Saturday classes and online learning, the programme suits professionals bal-
ancing work, study and personal commitments.
Our curriculum continues to evolve in response to the needs of modern business.
This year, a dedicated module on artificial intelligence has been introduced, alongside new elements focused on sustainability and commercial law in New Zealand, Māori business and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Together, these updates prepare graduates to respond to emerging trends and lead effectively in environments that demand adaptability and informed decision making.
A key strength of the Tauranga MBA programme is its close connection with local business lead-
ers. Students gain direct access to influential leaders across iwi business, economic development agencies, key industries and community organisations.
These looking over the horizon engagements bring sought-after regional insight into the classroom and reinforce the practical relevance of the programme.
While often perceived as a qualification for senior executives only, our MBA attracts people from a broad range of sectors and career stages. They share a desire to grow, lead with purpose and contribute meaningfully to their organisations and communities.
Every leadership journey begins with a single decision. For those ready to challenge themselves, broaden their perspective and make a lasting impact, the Waikato MBA offers the environment to take that step.
To learn more about the Waikato MBA and upcoming intakes, contact me at leon.fourie@waikato.ac.nz or on 027 405 8620. For general information, visit waikato.ac.nz/mba.
Dr Leon de Wet Fourie is the Associate Dean at Waikato Management School, Tauranga and the MBA Academic Director. www.waikato.ac.nz
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is owned by local tribe, Ngāti Whakaue, and built on their legacy of cultural traditions, healing practices and warm hospitality (manaakitanga).
The stunning cultural, architecturally-designed building and carvings of ancestors combine to deliver an impressive and inviting welcome. This is further enhanced by striking craftsmanship and artistry, witnessed on entry, before visitors receive a hearty greeting.
Wai Ariki Spa offers holistic wellness through a haven, in which to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, where visitors invest in quality ‘me-time,’ unwinding, recharging and reconnecting.
The spa’s two-hour Restorative Journey is a unique, ‘must-do’ experience, crafted to relax and rejuvenate mind, body and soul. This multisensory seven step process combines traditional Māori healing practices with the natural elements of geothermal heat,
water, mud and steam. Your body, skin and spirit will thank you!
The Spa Sanctuary, Āhuri Mōwai, is an exclusive area of grandeur, peace and tranquillity. Facials, body wraps and massage treatments (including traditional Māori treatments for spiritual and physical wellbeing) are all on offer.
Newly introduced, the morning and evening one-hour Restorative Bathing experience features five healing waters – pure mineral alkaline, herbal, hydrother-
apy and cold plunge.
Wai Ariki Spa is open daily, 8.45am until late. Enjoyable year round, its stunning high roof provides shelter from rain and sun.
Unlock Wai Ariki’s gift of wellness special (using promo code PlentyWellness) when booking online via www.wai-ariki.co.nz.
Visitors are invited to embrace the spirituality, the healing and magic of Wai Ariki.
Phone 07 349 7111 or visit www.wai-ariki.co.nz for more information.
Acquisition of Olivado will benefit Seeka’s bottom line, the Te Puke-based produce company’s CEO, Michael Franks, expects.
“This purchase complements our existing business supporting avocado growers in the far north,” he says. “It has good alignment to Seeka’s growth strategy, expanding its footprint in the growing market for healthy and sustainable food oils.”
Founded in 2000, Northland-based Olivado was placed in liquidation in February.
Olivado will be integrated with Seeka’s Delicious Nutritious Food Company (DNFC), which includes an avocado oil business. Staff have been offered employment as part of the purchase.
“We are very pleased to announce the completion of a sale of the company assets to Seeka, “Garry Whimp from liquidator, Blacklock Rose, confirms. “This is an excellent result for the staff and the creditors. We believe [Seeka] will service the existing clients and grow the business, ensuring continued employment for the existing staff.”
Te Puke-based Seeka will integrate new staff and processing into its DNFC Northland facility.
PekaIndustrialParkis proudtoannounceits firsttenant,MixUpConcreteRotoruaLtd,markinga majormilestoneinthedevelopmentofthepark.
“It’sgreattohaveMixUp withus;wearewalkingthe sameenvironmentalpathway whichisgoodforeveryone,” saysHelenBeckett,Chairof PekaLandsTrust.
TheparkissettomakeasignificantimpactontheRotorua economy.“Theeconomic developmentforthecitywill behugeintermsofbringing industryherethatisn’there already.”Beckettsaid,“It’s hugeforRotoruaandit’shuge forouriwiandhapū.”
ForMixUp,theopportunity tobuildfromthegroundupat PekaIndustrialParkisagamechanger.Insteadofadaptinganexistingsite,theycan designapurpose-builtfacility thatmaximisesefficiencyand sustainability.
“Thebiggestbenefitweget fromthePekasiteistobeable tostartonafreshsitewithouthavingtopurchaseland.
Wecantailor-maketheplant tohowwewantit,designthe layoutandnothavetobreak thebank,”saysToddMatchett, GeneralManagerofMixUp ConcreteRotoruaLtd.
Matchettcontinues,“Our newconcreteplantwillenable ustoproducelowcarbonconcretewhichwillbethemarket leaderinlowcarbonconcrete inNewZealand.”
MixUp’scommitmentto sustainabilityalignsperfectly withPekaIndustrialPark’s values,makingthisanideal partnership.
Flatindustriallandsitesare ontracktobereadybyJuly 2025.PekaIndustrialPark offersarareopportunityto secureheavyIndustrial-zoned (Industrial2)landinaprime Rotorualocation.
Withstronginterestand severalsitesalreadyunder negotiation,businesseslookingforheavyindustrial-zoned landinRotoruaareencouragedtosecuretheirplacenow.
“Businessesarerealising that,toprosper,theyneedan appropriateheavyindustry
zoningenvironment,andthat isjustwhatPekahas,”says DevelopmentManagerMike Beattie.
AnynewbusinesslookingtorelocatetoRotoruawill meetasupportivecouncil environment.
RotoruaNZCEOAndrew Wilsonsays,“Atacouncillevel, we’rereallykeentosupport anynewbusinesscominginto Rotoruawhichcouldinvolve allocatingadevelopmentsupportpersontohelpnavigate theregulatoryprocesses.”
“We’reupforhavingthediscussionwithanynewbusiness aboutwhatelsetheymight needtomakethattransitionas smoothaspossible.”
Pekaofferssecure,longtermleasesofupto99years, givingtenantsthefreedomto developtheirsiteexactlyas theyneed,withtheMāoriLand Court’sapproval.
Theparkissituatedatthe southerngatewaytoRotorua andiswelllocatedtoserve local,regionalandnational businesses.
“Oncecomplete,thepark
willbeamodern,industrial environmentthatwillsupport someoftheregion’skeyindustriessuchasforestry,agriculture,woodprocessingandgeothermal.”Helensaid.
Theparkwillbedeveloped inmultiplestageswithstage onegenerating13hectaresof industriallandandstagetwo afurther7hectareswhichis partlyincludedinthecurrent earthworks.
PekaLandsTrust
PekaLandsTrustisanahu
whenuatrustresponsiblefor managing600hectaresofland SouthofRotoruaonbehalfof over2000beneficiaries.
Askaitiaki(guardians)ofthe whenua,PekaTrustaredeeply committedtopreservingthe healthoftheenvironment throughoutthedevelopment process andintothefuture.
ForallPekaIndustrial Parkenquiries,contact MikeBeattie,Development Manager,PekaTrust, 0272219835,mike@peka.nz, www.peka.nz
It’s an exciting time with new frontiers for Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute as these four new staff members have joined the team in significant roles:
• New Tumu (head) of Te Rito o Rotowhio (National School of Weaving), Cori Marsters, Te Arawa, Te Whakatōhea.
• New Pou Tuarā (head of the Wānanga and Cultural Adviser) Ranginui Rikirangi-Thomas, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Ranginui.
• New funding and commercial innovation manager looking after the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Foundation – Tatiana Kiwi-Knight, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hinerangi, Ngāti Tapu.
• Executive assistant and Wānanga administrator, Miri Morrison-Hare, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Haka Patuheuheu, Ngāti Rārua ki te Waipounamu
Tumu (head) of Te Rito o Rotowhio (National School of Weaving), Cori Marsters has come from being Kaiako Raranga at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and has a bachelor degree in Māori art, Maunga Kura Toi (Raranga). He was drawn to weaving initially as he was embraced and nurtured by his grandmother (Nan) and many others in mahi raranga and whatu.
“Being tumu of Te Rito o Rotowhio is a huge responsibility for me because I know the people who’ve done it before me and I aim to do this justice and make them proud,” he says.
“Māori culture and the arts are an intrinsic part of me and I see this as an opportunity to not only give back to the arts, but to also inspire growth and direction in our changing world, while maintaining cultural integrity and values.”
Marsters knows the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute well, having been a tauira (student) himself in the 37th intake for Whakairo Rākau (wood carving), graduating in 2012 and going on
to become a Matanga Whakairo (specialist carver).
He has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally, including at the Spirit Wrestler Gallery in Vancouver. In the 2016 Creative New Zealand Te Waka Toi Awards, Marsters was awarded the Ngā Manu Pirere, Emerging Māori Artist Award and in the same year one of his kete was used for a New Zealand stamp in the Matariki collection.
Marsters has had a big year – Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue won Toa Whakaihuwaka at Te Matatini and he took the honour of Manukura Tāne alongside others. He says it’s important to him that the tauira learn everything they can so they can take it back to their people.
NZMACI also has a new Pou Tuarā (Head of the Wānanga and Cultural Advisor).
Ranginui Rikirangi-Thomas comes from Toi Tangata as Mātauranga Māori and Relationship Adviser for governance, education, iwi and government agencies, as well as a Kaiako and curriculum designer.
He has experience as a lecturer and teacher as well as qualifications in Te Panekiretanga o te Reo Māori (The Institute of Excellence in the Māori Language).
Rikirangi-Thomas says he’s very excited about the role as Te Puia | NZMACI has a rich history in Māori arts and crafts.
“We speak about this place in oratory, we speak about its involvement in the revitalisation of the language and how it binds people together. When you speak of Hone Taiapa and the many carvers who have come through the school and the art forms, I’m just very honoured to be a part of an organisation with such a rich culture and history.”
Rikirangi-Thomas has also recently returned from Te Matatini where he performed with Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao.
The new funding and commercial
innovation manager looking after NZMACI Foundation, Tatiana KiwiKnight, has come from finishing a year at He Kāinga Mō Te Reo full immersion language course. Prior to that, she was Ngāti Whakaue Assets Trust Kaitaurima Tohanga Hua, portfolio manager – distributions. She has a wider background in project and event management.
“I’m excited to play a role in weaving our partners and stakeholders into the journey that is this next phase for NZMACI so we can reach te pae tawhiti faster and stronger together,” Kiwi-Knight explains.
“This is a one of a kind institution with an incredible legacy that I’m so honoured and excited to be part of.”
Miri Morrison-Hare
Executive assistant and Wānanga administrator, Miri Morrison-Hare, comes from previous roles as a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) marker and verifier, as well as the executive officer and Māori Performing Arts teacher at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Waiohau.
“I’m really excited about this role,” she says. “For me, koinei te wāhi e pupuri nei i ngā taonga ā kui mā, ā koro mā. This is the place where our treasures are pre-
Operating onsite at Te Puia in Rotorua, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) is home to:
• Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau (National Wood Carving School)
• Te Takapū o Rotowhio (National Stone and Bone Carving School)
• Te Rito o Rotowhio (the National Weaving School)
Operating under the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Vesting Act 2020, NZMACI is intended to encourage, foster and promote ahurea and toi Māori (culture and Māori arts) of
served and created. It’s a beautiful space to be in, culturally.”
NZMACI general manager, Eraia Kiel, says the strength of any institution lies in the depth of its cultural leadership.
“Here at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, we are not just preserving our taonga tuku iho, we are shaping the future of Māori artistry and identity. Strong leadership grounded in our values and traditions ensures that our arts, crafts and culture continue to flourish for generations to come.
“I am incredibly grateful to have such exceptional team members who uphold these traditions with skill, passion and dedication. Each of them brings a unique strength that will not only sustain but continue to uplift the mana of this institute. Together, we are carrying forward the legacy of our tūpuna while forging new pathways for the future.”
Kiel says the next tauira (student) intake at NZMACI starts in June after Matariki as the institute looks to continue its legacy of sharing mātauranga Māori across wood carving, stone and bone carving and weaving.
There are also tauira graduating at the beginning of June and returning to their hapū.
Aotearoa New Zealand.
At its core, NZMACI is about the protection and transfer of traditional mātauranga Māori knowledge. The Institute is focused on education with national and global outreach.
As the days get colder, thoughts of warmth, delicious kai and Matariki reflection make for a special winter ahead. Over June, July and August, Te Puia is launching Winter Hākari Nights – with foodie events each month to experience – perfect for corporate groups to come and check out. Book now www.tepuia.com/winter
Matariki buffet dinner
Experience seasonal dishes connecting to:
• Tupuānuku – the whetū (star) associated with food grown in the ground.
• Tupuārangi – associated with food that comes from above, such as berries and birds.
• Waitī – connected to fresh water and all of the creatures that live within rivers, streams and lakes.
• Waitā – associated with the ocean, representing the many kinds of food gathered from the sea.
The featured kai in the buffet dinner includes steamed garlic and watercress green lip mussels, BBQ tuna (eel) with dry-fried noodles and shiitake mushrooms, smoked kahawai pie, roast vegetable salad with pistachios, almonds, sesame, fennel and horopito, mānuka smoked king salmon, wild NZ venison osso bucco merlot and a lot more.
Every Thursday & Friday night
$99 per adult
Table of 10 – $899
Warm your spirits this Mid-Winter Christmas and celebrate with your colleagues or whānau – start with a festive eggnog on arrival, then enjoy a buffet dinner featuring Christmas turkey, mānuka smoked ham, seasonal sides, and classic pavlova to finish.
Every Thursday & Friday night
$99 per adult
Table of 10 – $899
6-course degustation with drink pairings
Let your senses lead the way through an unforgettable evening of flavour and aroma. Each course in this carefully crafted degustation draws inspiration from seasonal ingredients, cultural connection, and culinary creativity — designed to awaken a different sense with every bite.
From the earthy essence of Aotearoa’s native ingredients to the vibrant freshness of the coast and forest, every dish is paired with a perfectly matched wine or handcrafted beverage to enhance the experience.
Every Friday night during August –$150 per person (including paired drinks) Table of 10 – $1350
5am – 7am
Our Matariki Hautapu Ceremony will showcase a deep respect for ancestral practices that acknowledge the past, present, and future through three key parts of the dawn ceremony.
The first part, Te Tirohanga, looks to the stars for forecasts. Based on these observations, tohunga make predictions about the upcoming year.
The second part, Taki Mōteatea, remembers loved ones who have passed away since the last appearance of Matariki. By calling out the names of those who have passed in the presence of the star cluster, Māori believe when Matariki rises again, those spirits become stars in the sky.
The third part, Te Whāngai i ngā whetū, means ‘feeding the stars’. Kai (food) representing each of the four different stars associated with food is gathered and cooked in umu, then the steam is released into the sky as an offering that replenishes the stars.
The act of gathering, sharing kai, singing waiata and telling stories fosters a sense of community and collective iden tity. It provides an opportunity for indi viduals to come together, reconnect with their environment, and find solace in the company of others.
9am – 3pm
Enjoy a fun day with your whānau, including scenic train rides through Te Whakarewarewa Valley to see Pōhutu Geyser in action. Take part in pā activities such as tītī tōrea (stick games), poi and haka. Expand your knowledge with Matariki wānanga with NZ Māori Arts & Crafts Institute and see carving, weaving, pōhiri and cultural performances. Explore the Matariki taonga market with contemporary Māori artists and especially for the tamariki, there’s a bouncy castle, crafts and face painting. Feed the whānau delicious kai from Pātaka Kai, Hiakai Café, and market food stalls.
