Backing local business and tomorrow’s talent
It’s been a big year for the business community in East Auckland - and there’s plenty more on the horizon.
From celebrating local success to supporting our future workforce, the Howick Local Board continues to invest in initiatives that grow our economy, build connections, and create real opportunities for our people.
First, a moment to acknowledge the steady leadership of Brendan Kelly, who will be stepping down as Chairperson of Business East Tamaki at the AGM in October. Brendan has been in the role since 2019, steering Business East Tāmaki through some of the most challenging times in recent memory. His support of the Local Board's mahi has been constant, and his work in strengthening the relationship between Business East Tāmaki and the Local Board has set a solid foundation for the future. Thank you, Brendan, your leadership and contribution won’t be forgotten.
We’re also proud to be supporting the East Auckland Business Awards once again, this time through a $10,000 grant from our Event Partnership Fund. These awards are a fantastic way to shine a light on the innovation, resilience, and drive of our local businesses. Whether they’re creating jobs, boosting regional visibility, or taking their products and services to national and global markets, East Auckland businesses continue to play a vital role in our economy. The first awards event was a real success, and we’re proud to help make it happen again on 19th March 2026 at one of
our local hubs, the Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC). Looking ahead, we were also excited to see Business East Tāmaki’s Future Connect initiative come to life - with funding support of $8,615 from the Howick Local Board. This event reflected a key goal in our Local Board Plan: supporting youth into training and employment. Future Connect is about bridging the gap between school and the workplace by creating opportunities for senior students to connect directly with local employers. Held at PURC, the half-day programme featured workshops, panel discussions, and networking, all designed to help students build confidence, understand workplace expectations, and gain insight into future career pathways. For businesses, it was also a valuable chance to understand how best to support and engage with young talent.
We’ll have more on the event on page 20 of this magazine — and we look forward to highlighting the positive impact it’s having in our community.
Committee Elected Members
Welcome and farewell from the Chair
Kia ora, Ngā mihi ehoa,
In a brief moment of reflection, I look back at my more than eight years of tenure with Business East Tāmaki, (and before that GETBA) with great admiration for our growth. The post-COVID years have been tough for all businesses, first recovering from COVID, then facing a two-year-long recession.
We lost our conference centre at Highbrook, which has had an impact on breakfast meetings and networking opportunities, but we hope that will change with time. However, there is an underlying growth story; back in the day, we were some 2,200 businesses with over 25,000 employees.
According to the latest Infometrics Survey results, we now have more than 3,300 businesses and 43,000 employees. Listening to our real estate sponsors/members, East Tāmaki is approaching saturation for new industrial sites. However, that does mean there is scope for re-developing existing sites and increasing density.
as a result of businesses in proximity using it as a waste pit. The Ōtara Lake to the south of Highbrook Drive is also a concern for its possible impact on the estuary and Waitematā Harbour.
Additionally, we kick off the announcement of the 2026 Business East Tāmaki, East Auckland Business Awards, which will take place on March 19th 2026. Get prepared to submit your entry, which will be opening on our website soon.
This is my last edition of a ‘foreword’ for Business East Tāmaki magazine, so I wish all of you members, whether business operators or commercial property owners in the area, all the best going forward. May the trade winds of commerce blow well for all of you in the direction that you need. I look forward to the upcoming AGM meeting which will be my last official duty for you all.
Cheers from the Chair,
Representatives
Bo Burns Howick
Apulu Reece Autagavaia Otara, Papatoetoe Brendan
I would like to acknowledge local businesswoman Ranjna Patel, who has been named Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in this year’s Kings Birthday honours list. Dame Ranjna is a multi-award-winning leader and advocate for community wellbeing, whose initiatives have made a lasting impact across New Zealand.
In this issue, we highlight the outstanding advocacy work of Bruce Kendall in his attempts to bring public awareness to the need to clean up the Tāmaki Estuary. The estuary is in pretty poor shape, especially
Graphic design
Chris Phillips | Design Distillery chris@designdistillery.co.nz
Advertising
Plates Event, Highbrook Crossing
Kia ora and welcome to the August 2025 update on the Eastern Busway project. The latest project images can be viewed at flickr.com/photos/easternbusway and videos are at easternbusway.nz/ resources/videos
Rā Hihi · flyover above Reeves Road is opening soon
Some great news for the community is that Rā Hihi · flyover will open in October five months ahead of schedule. To enable that to happen, major work is needed on Pakūranga Road to build the access to the structure. The Eastern Busway project team will be working round the clock to get the job done and improve travel times for east Aucklanders.
From Saturday 20 September to Friday 24 October there will be fewer lanes on Pakūranga Road. Expect significant congestion and delays and plan to avoid travelling at peak times.
Rā Hihi opening dates
1 October – from Pakūranga Road to Waipuna Bridge
27 October – open in both directions
Rā Hihi · flyover will open in October providing a direct connection between Pakūranga Road and Pakūranga Highway. Image credit: Mark Barber
Building for tomorrow
View how the team is protecting and enhancing ecology around the project, guided by Jonathan Green, Environmental Lead at easternbusway.nz/resources/ videos
Burswood Park improvements
Burswood Park is being upgraded as part of the Eastern Busway project. Its design has been shaped by feedback from the community, mana whenua and elected representatives and has been positively received. It will now be finalised with construction due to start in early 2026. Here’s the concept design:
Construction updates
Information about project work in progress and detours is available at easternbusway.nz/construction
Thank you
Thank you for your ongoing support while the Eastern Busway is built and a more connected, assessible future is created for east Auckland. If you have any questions about this information or would like to talk to the project team, please contact the project team by calling 0800 287 929 or emailing info@easternbusway.nz
The project is being delivered by an alliance of Auckland Transport with Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs in partnership with mana whenua.
Meet Your Neighbours, 12 June, Sponsored by Edvance,
2025: NZ’s
@Olea Café
Wellness Series – Introducing The Weight Club,18 June, sponsored by Highbrook Medical
Wellness Series – Overcoming Burnout, 10 June, sponsored by The Psychology Group Highbrook
Budget
Blueprint Amid Global Flux – with Zoe Wallis & Minister Simeon Brown, 30 May, sponsored by Forsyth Barr
Business East Tāmaki supports Middlemore Foundation’s Jammies in June
Once again, Business East Tamaki was proud to support the Middlemore Foundation’s Jammies in June campaign, led by Dame Valerie Adams.
Thanks to the generosity of our local business community, we were able to deliver a wonderful collection of cosy PJs to help keep tamariki warm this winter.
Your support will provide warm pyjamas and winter essentials to children at Kidz First Hospital, Kidz First Community, and in South Auckland primary schools the Foundation supports through the Mana Kidz school health programme.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed – your kindness and community spirit make a real difference.
Congratulations to Dame Ranjna Patel QSM, ONZM, JP
Congratulations to Dame Ranjna Patel, who was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to ethnic communities, health and family violence prevention, in the 2025 King’s Birthday Awards.
Dame Ranjna, who was a judge for the 2024 East Auckland Business Awards, is the Executive Trustee of Total Healthcare, based in East Tāmaki , and co-founder of Tāmaki Health, a network of more than 45 clinics throughout Auckland and New Zealand. She also established Mana 4 Mums in 2019 to support young pregnant Māori and Pacific women in South Auckland. The service has provided holistic, wrap-around care to
more than 1,600 women until their children reached 15 months-old.
Beyond her healthcare endeavours, Dame Ranjna has also made significant contributions to the community through her philanthropic work. She founded the Gandhi Nivas family violence prevention programme in 2014. The programme partners with Counties Manukau Police and Sahaayta Counselling and Social Support to deliver services to New Zealand men considered at risk of committing domestic violence.
Dame Ranjna sits on a number of advisory boards, including the New Zealand Police's National Ethnic Forum, the Mental Health Foundation and Diversity Works,
Volunteer to feed people!
In July the Business East Tāmaki team donned their high-vis vests and got packing boxes at the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) warehouse in Penrose. They packed up 98 boxes and moved a total of more than 1,470kgs of food. That's more than 3,266 meal equivalents going into the community!
The New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) is a not-for-profit organisation that prevents good, edible food from going to landfill and instead gets it where it is needed most.
The organisation addresses two major issues in New Zealand: one in five children live in households without access to enough food, while
New Zealand's national body for workplace diversity and inclusion.
This latest award is a well-deserved honour, and we are proud to have Dame Ranjna as a member of our community.
Volunteer Activities:
• Packing boxes of food.
• Filling orders.
• Packing fruit and vegetable bags.
• Stocking shelves.
• Tidying and organising workstations.
• Breaking down boxes.
• Loading and unloading goods (some heavy lifting required, up to 20kg).
• Sorting donated food items.
If you wish to organise a team to volunteer, contact 0800 366 369.
Farewell and thank you to Inspector Anson Lin
The Business East Tāmaki team joined colleagues and community members at Fo Guang Shan temple in Flat Bush this July for an emotional farewell ceremony for Inspector Anson Lin. At the farewell event, Inspector Lin, newly promoted from senior sergeant, received his inspector epaulettes before departing for his next role.
Inspector Lin has been instrumental in leading Counties Manukau East Police's community partnerships, particularly the crime prevention partnership spearheaded
by Business East Tāmaki.
This collaboration with local police and security providers has significantly reduced commercial crime across the East Tāmaki industrial precinct.
Moving from Ormiston Road station, Inspector Lin will join the Police emergency communications and dispatch workgroup in Otahuhu. In an article by Chris Harrowell for the Eastern Times News, Inspector Rakana "Raks" Cook praised Inspector Lin's dedication, thanking him for his work "behind the scenes to support our people, our area,
to support anyone in the community, and the police."
In his farewell speech, Inspector Lin reflected on six years of collaboration: "You're so passionate. We're all working with the same goal—safer communities together."
Business East Tāmaki wishes Inspector Lin continued success in his new role serving the wider Auckland community.
East Tāmaki businesses make their mark for sustainability
Once again, East Tāmaki businesses have stepped up in our July eWaste and pallet collections. Together, these efforts help cut waste and preserve valuable resources. We appreciate your support in making our business park a greener, more sustainable place.
e-Waste
Our eWaste is recycled by Echo, one of New Zealand’s largest e-waste recycling companies, offering innovative IT asset management solutions. They work with organisations of all sizes to create tailored end-of-life e-waste solutions. Echo supports the circular, low-carbon economy by extending the lifecycle of electronics through re-use and repurposing, recovering valuable resources, and making recycling accessible through community engagement and events. Their work is driven by a passion for protecting and preserving New Zealand’s environment for future generations.
37 Business participated:
Total Weight (kg):
5,155 kg
GHG emissions avoided (kg):
1,478 kg
MetroPallets is committed to reducing pallet waste and keeping reusable timber out of landfill. Every pallet collected is carefully hand-sorted, and on average they recycle more than 90% of what comes through their yard. Depending on its condition, a pallet may be reused, repaired, or repurposed into sustainable products such as garden mulch or biofuel pellets.
Every pallet recycled not only avoids landfill but also reduces the need for new timber pallets to be produced - helping conserve valuable natural resources.
Business participated: Pallets Recycled:
61
Total Pallets collected: 3,350
2,650
Building on solid foundations - the Fraser Thomas approach
Being flexible, receptive to new opportunities, and investing in young talent are key elements to the success of engineering consultancy, Fraser Thomas.
Fraser Thomas (FTL), a Kiwi-owned and operated engineering consultancy, was established in 1969. Its head office is based in Highbrook, and it employs around 90 full-time staff across its head office and other offices throughout New Zealand.
Their multi-disciplinary team ensures they can work on all infrastructure projects, including civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, surveying, and environmental engineering.
Investing in tomorrow's engineers
Investing in a scholarship programme for engineering students has created a talent pipeline that has proven remarkably effective.
By partnering with Auckland and Otago universities, they financially support civil engineering and surveying students, who then come in to work for the business. The programme includes comprehensive mentorship with monthly reviews, plus structured professional development.
Relationships are key
FTL prides itself on its relationship-focused service delivery and collaboration with clients, which often results in repeat business and referrals. "We will build our plan with the client collaboratively," says Ollie Maddren, FTL’s Health and Safety Manager. He says it’s a plus having all the disciplines in-house, which provides clients with all-in-one comprehensive solutions.
This approach means that it’s important for staff to have the ‘soft skills’ alongside their technical skills. As Ollie explains, a potential job or scholarship candidate may be technically brilliant, but if they don’t have the skills to communicate effectively with clients, they’re not the right fit for the business.
Community connections essential
Giving back to the community is seen as an important aspect of FTL’s culture. “Our local communities have helped us grow to where we are now, and this is why we give back to them,” says Ollie. The business sponsors sports clubs and community organisations, including the Howick-Pakuranga Baseball Club, Caring Families Aotearoa, Westpac Helicopters, and, in the last three years, sponsorship of the soon-to-be-constructed Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre, (read more about this on Page 25).
Tōtika Accreditation a win for FTL
FTL has recently achieved Totika Impac Prequal Accreditation for Health & Safety practices - a significant milestone that opens doors to high-risk projects and government-funded work. It’s the company's highest health and safety accreditation to date, positioning them for more complex and lucrative opportunities in an increasingly safety-conscious industry.
Recent projects
MOTAT
• The detailed design of the development of a new carpark area and upgrade of an internal access road for MOTAT and Auckland Zoo visitors. A multi-discipline project, working across structural/civil and geotechnical departments, it included construction observation, geotechnical, structural, and contaminated land investigation, stormwater, watermain and pump station design and an erosion and sediment control plan.
EnviroWaste NZ Services Ltd Greenmount Closed Landfill – Stormwater Upgrade
• Between 2012-2020, worked on a major stormwater system upgrade on a closed landfill, including dealing with penetrations of landfill cap and exposed refuse in isolated locations. The work also included: landfill gas monitoring and mitigation of associated risks; design, construction observation and certification; dealing with Council closed landfill team, ERP, Community Facilities, Healthy Waters, Regulatory and Monitoring teams.
• Between 2021-2025, they undertook the design, construction observation and certification of landfill closure works as part of handing the landfill site back to the Council for redevelopment as a community park.
• Significant operations throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including a decade-long project in Laos, and ongoing work in the Solomon Islands and Nauru, focusing on water infrastructure and climate resilience projects.
Fraser Thomas engineering staff that have come through the FTL scholarship programme
A winning formula for Dominator
Sometimes the best business stories begin with the most unlikely career changes. It was a dinner conversation with his dad that prompted Jako Bekker to leave a secure career as a lecturer in sports science and join his family business. And for new owner, retired professional rugby player Charlie Faumuina, a garage door business couldn’t be further away from the professional rugby sporting world he’s been used to. But despite their unlikely backgrounds, they both share a desire for change, an entrepreneurial outlook and the skills to tackle new challenges.
The Dominator garage door brand has a network of over 30 dealers across New Zealand. In 2020, Jako's father took on the Waikato dealership, just before COVID-19 hit. While the resulting economic downturn could have been disastrous for the business, they initially concentrated on garage door maintenance and repair work, which “kept us alive at the start and gave us time to reframe everything else,” says Jako.
In 2022, the success of that venture led them to purchase the East Tāmaki dealership. It’s a small operation, but it works. They employ three staff and one contractor, and the business supplies, maintains and repairs for residential and commercial customers.
Marketing strategy and customer approach
Jako has taken a measured approach, focusing on foundational elements like website development, SEO, Google advertising, and social media. This approach has paid dividends, allowing them to scale back marketing spend as their online presence gained momentum. The business also prioritises customer feedback on Google reviews, recognising that in tough economic times, "you can't afford to lose customers.”
The mobile showroom advantage
What sets them apart as a garage door business is their mobile showroom - a large van bringing the entire product experience to customers' homes. This helps customers "see, touch and feel the product" while receiving on-the-spot quotes and measurements. This approach, combined with their commitment to going "the extra mile" for customers, has built the repeat business and referrals that sustain their growth.
The future
As Jako's father steps back to spend more time with his grandchildren, Jako is taking over the Waikato dealership, while the East Tāmaki operation transitions to Charlie and Rachelle Faumuina.
Charlie and his wife, Rachelle, explored many businesses before deciding on Dominator South & East Auckland. They were drawn to the straightforward nature of the operation, which featured clear processes, established systems, and tangible products. Additionally, the dealership offered built-in support, not only from Jako during the handover period, but also from the broader B&D network and its established customer base.
Charlie and Rachelle each bring unique strengths to the business. Charlie has a natural talent for connecting with people, which makes him well-suited for the customer-focused aspect of the company. On the other hand, Rachelle's management experience is expected to enhance the operational side. After being a stay-at-home mom for 12 years, she’s excited to transition back into the workforce and pursue her own interests again.
For a business built on practical solutions and reliable service, the combination of family values, adaptability, and genuine customer care continues to prove a winning formula, even through the most challenging economic times.
Dominator is New Zealand's most recognised garage door brand, with over 30 dedicated Dominator dealers nationwide.
Backed by the highest levels of customer service and support, all of our dealers undergo extensive training in all aspects of our products, including installation and maintenance procedures. In addition, we provide on-going support around product knowledge, industry standards and customer service.
• Specialising in residential and commercial installations
• Local manufacturing from Christchurch and East Tāmaki facilities
Go to dominator.co.nz to find out more.
Estuary Tāmaki Fighting for the
A determined and passionate advocate for the Tāmaki Estuary, Howick Local Board member and environmental advocate, Bruce Kendall, wants to see more monitoring and publicity of sewage spills and water pollution events, and a cohesive Council plan resulting in cleaner waterways.
Business East Tāmaki
When Bruce Kendall was growing up in Half Moon Bay, he and his two sisters, Barbara and Wendy, learnt to swim, sail and windsurf in the Tāmaki Estuary. It’s still very much his backyard, and he gets out on this stretch of water whenever he can. So, it’s not surprising that the Bucklands Beach local is a passionate advocate for the ecological health of the estuary.
Since the early 1900’s people have fished, swum, paddled, rowed or sailed in the water, often unaware that the estuary suffers from persistent sewage overflows, environmental degradation and the negative effects of overfishing. The fight to clean it up reveals a complex story of ageing infrastructure, bureaucratic obstacles, and community determination.
An ancient paradise lost
Before human settlement, the Tāmaki Estuary was surrounded by kauri forests and fed by the Manukau Harbour, with headwaters stretching from Grangers Point to Tahuna Torea (the sandspit) and Glendowie.
Volcanic eruptions and lava flows, from what is now Mount Richmond, temporarily transformed it into a lake, but when the lake wall eventually burst through at Tahuna Torea, tidal flushing resumed.
Pre-European colonisation, the Tāmaki Estuary flourished as an unspoiled aquatic ecosystem that served as the cultural and economic centre for Māori communities.
The marine environment supported an extraordinary diversity of native fish populations. Snapper, flounder, mullet, and kahawai filled the waters in remarkable numbers. Vast beds of shellfish - including pipi, cockles, and mussels - carpeted the seabed, while the estuary's mudflats, seagrass meadows and shallow zones created ideal foraging habitats for indigenous bird species, such as wading birds, waterfowl and now extinct native swans which bred and nested safely along the shore.
Māori used the estuary as an important water highway between both coasts, built their livelihoods around cultivating crops, harvesting fish, collecting shellfish, trade and stone tool production.
A waterway in crisis
Fast-forward to today, and the picture couldn't be more different. Much of the catchment surrounding the Tāmaki Estuary is now intensively developed and has a long history of commercial and industrial use. The pressures associated with these land uses have cumulatively removed the surrounding native forests and wetlands that filtered rainwater and spring water streams, increased sediment deposits, harmed sediment quality, which killed off the seagrass meadows, reduced populations and biodiversity of all species with gills and the food chains relying on them. Safe roosting and breeding places for shore birds are almost gone.
Urbanisation and industrialisation
The surrounding residential suburbs of the Howick Local Board area house most of Auckland's eastern population, making it the country's fifth-largest population centre after Hamilton. Additionally, the East Tāmaki industrial area stands as New Zealand's largest industrial zone, with the entire region lying on most of the eastern coast water catchment of the Tamaki Estuary.
Five major waterways feed into the estuary: the Tāmaki River, Otara Creek, Pakuranga Creek, Omaru Creek, and Otaki Creek. And when it rains, the stormwater drains overflow into these creeks and the Tāmaki River.
Each stormwater pipe and creek carries runoff from thousands of roofs, car parks, and industrial sites, collecting pollution from roads and footpaths along the way. When stormwater overwhelms the sewage system, it creates ‘wet weather overflows’ that release raw sewage directly into the Tāmaki Estuary, its tributaries, creeks, and surrounding coastal waters.
Infrastructure and monitoring shortfalls
The numbers tell a grim story. Watercare's 2023-2024 Annual Performance Report
Bruce Kendall windsurfing on the Tāmaki Estuary
identified the Upper Tāmaki Estuary as Auckland's "worst body of water" due to poor quality and frequent sewage overflows.
The estuary recorded 396 dry-weather sewage overflows in one year, often caused by tree roots creating blockages that force raw sewage through engineered overflow points into the waterway.
The ageing pipe network exacerbates this problem, yet only three sewage sensors monitor the entire Upper Tāmaki River catchment.
Beyond infrastructure failures, intensive development has created cumulative pressures that severely impact sediment quality, with pollutants settling and concentrating in the estuary's sheltered upper reaches.
Water quality rated the worst in Auckland
According to Auckland Council's 2022 River Water Quality Technical Report, the Pakuranga, Botany, Otara and Omaru Creeks feeding the Tāmaki Estuary consistently rank among Auckland's worst streams for water quality.
Large quantities of plastic waste containing cumulative carcinogens accumulate in the estuary, consumed by fish and birds, with fatal consequences. Bird Care Aotearoa reports receiving seabirds that have likely died from internal bleeding caused by plastic ingestion, while the impact on fish populations remains unknown.
Despite this contamination, people continue to use the estuary daily. Local anglers still try to catch fish, though Bruce recalls how abundant fish were in his youth - now largely gone. Even more remarkably, killer whales and dolphins still travel up the river hunting stingrays or smaller fish, making the ongoing pollution even more concerning.
Community determination and action
Recognising the urgent need for action, in the 1960s, community advocates formed the Tāmaki Estuary Protection Society (TEPS) to oppose plans to use the area next to Tahuna Torea as a rubbish dump, and later to prevent it from being turned into a marina.
TEPS recognised they needed regular communication with Council, so they created an offshoot organisation, the Tāmaki Estuary Environmental Forum (TEEF). This organisation was designed as a platform for coordination, planning, and advocacy - bringing together representatives from five local boards from the areas bordering the Tāmaki Estuary, with community stakeholders and technical experts.
ENVIRONMENT
Initially, TEEF received strong support. Auckland Council's Healthy Waters department was actively involved, and environmental consultants like Envirostrat staff were employed for technical guidance. The forum operated effectively through annual public boat tours with experts, bi-monthly environmental presentations, policy feedback, published articles, stream cleanup coordination, and public awareness campaigns. It consistently lobbied council to create a cohesive plan addressing the Tamaki Estuary's water quality issues.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, TEEF managed to achieve one of its key goals: installing real-time water quality sensors in streams throughout the catchment. Each of the five local boards contributed around $1,000 to fund these devices, which measured water height, temperature, and electrical conductivity [EC] - indicators that could reveal pollution events in real-time.
The sensors proved their worth quickly. “Pure water has an electrical conductivity [EC] reading of zero. Healthy streams are around EC 145. One of our sensors hit over EC 12,000,” says Bruce.
When he called the pollution hotline about an EC 6000 plus event at Elm Park stream, they failed to investigate. He says that this experience highlighted a big problem – a lack of council ability to respond effectively when pollution events occurred. Without proper follow-up, even the best monitoring technology couldn't drive meaningful change.
Bureaucratic breakdown
TEEF's initial success couldn't overcome mounting obstacles. Support was withdrawn first from Envirostrat consultants over inadequate council payments, then from Auckland Council's Healthy Waters team citing poor Local Board and community meeting attendance. As bi-monthly meetings consistently showed council failing to meet community expectations for water quality improvements, the five local boards gradually withdrew funding until TEEF was effectively shut down.
While TEPS continues as a registered
We need communityowned monitoring and data we can trust that can help us to educate the community on best practices to reduce water pollution.
organisation running community cleanups, TEEF operates only informally with the same volunteers organising stream cleanups and educational presentations. Bruce argues that by shutting down TEEF, the council has removed the community's best tool for holding them accountable and advocating for a cohesive plan to solve the Tāmaki Estuary's water quality and environmental issues.
Technical solutions on the table
Despite the organisational setbacks, some progress is being made on technical solutions.
• Healthy Waters plans to address the ageing sewage infrastructure through a pipe relining programme. The proposed solution involves coating old concrete pipes with plastic through a chemical process, making them smoother and preventing tree roots from entering.
• Auckland Council says it is looking to increase sensor monitoring throughout the sewage network to complement the existing three, which are inadequate for an area serving hundreds of thousands of people.
• But the Upper Tāmaki Estuary won't benefit from Auckland's Central Interceptor wastewater project, which is designed to reduce overflows in the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours. It operates on a separate pipe system, meaning the Tamaki Estuary needs its own targeted solutions.
A pollution event in Pakuranga Creek, beside Avimore Drive November 2023
A call for renewed support
TEEF's shutdown has intensified calls for proper organisational support. Howick Local Board has asked Auckland Council to create a new TEEF, modelled after the successful Manukau Harbour Forum, which coordinates restoration efforts across multiple agencies and community groups. This new structure would have a constitution, clear terms of reference, and involve both Healthy Waters and Watercare - creating the coordinated forum TEEF originally aimed to be, capable of developing and implementing a cohesive plan to restore the estuary's water quality.
This is about public health. It’s about our environment. It’s about doing better, because we can.
The vision – a community-owned stream sensor network
”
While waiting for bureaucratic solutions, Bruce is pushing for immediate action. He wants to establish a comprehensive network of water quality sensors in streams throughout the Tamaki River catchment, where the community owns the data and can alert the pollution hotline, educate the community and hold the council accountable.
How the system would work:
Real-time monitoring system features:
• Sensors and alerts: Track water conditions and send SMS alerts to volunteers when electrical conductivity exceeds normal levels around 145.
• Rapid response: Volunteers investigate incidents, document with photos/ videos, collect samples, and report to the pollution hotline (which needs better resourcing).
• Pattern identification: System tracks pollution sources and events that may last only 20 minutes but kill fish while leaving no lasting evidence.
Modern technology makes real-time water quality assessment more accessible than ever, including E. coli monitoring that could directly, in real time measure health risks for swimmers and fishers and alert the community on an app.
"The technology exists. It's just that no one's using it in the Tāmaki Estuary," Bruce says.
“We just want to fix stuff”
The story of Tāmaki Estuary reflects New Zealand's broader environmental challenges: ageing infrastructure overwhelmed by urban growth; fragmented bureaucratic coordination; and communities fighting for clean and thriving waterways.
Yet it also demonstrates the power of persistent advocacy, with organisations like TEEF and TEPS continuing to push for change.
The solutions exist. What's missing is the political and bureaucratic will to implement them and sustained, funded community pressure to ensure action.
The question isn't whether we can fix the Tāmaki Estuary, but whether we'll choose to do so before it’s too late.
What needs to happen?
Bruce’s call to action is simple:
• Install real-time water quality sensors throughout the Tāmaki catchment.
• Make the data public so communities can educate polluters and hold councils accountable.
• Invest in infrastructure upgrades, like relining old pipes to prevent leaks.
• Recognise the ecological and recreational value of the estuary and streams and protect and restore it accordingly.
Want to help?
Bruce urges Aucklanders to ask questions, stay informed, and speak up. If you live near the Tāmaki Estuary, a creek, a stream or simply care about your local waterways and their flora and fauna, this affects you.
The Tamaki Estuary Protection Society (TEPS) also needs funding for a coordinator and administrator to help with environmental advocacy, run and fund the water sensor programme, stream clean-ups and annual boat trips with experts so the community can see the issues.
Please join, contact or donate to teps.org.nz.
Breaking the cycleFighting back against youth unemployment
“Talent isn’t just about experience on paper — it’s about potential, drive, and giving someone the chance to prove themselves.”
At a time when businesses are increasingly hesitant to hire and entry-level roles are becoming more and more casualised, a stark reality is emerging: young people face more competition than ever from experienced workers for the same positions. Yet this challenging cycle presents a strategic opportunity that forwardthinking employers cannot afford to ignore.
This was the central message delivered by Simon Bridges, CEO of Auckland Business Chamber, which collaborated with Business East Tāmaki at their inaugural Future Connect event in August. Speaking to senior students and local employers,
Employers who invest in youth now will be ahead of the game when the market tightens again.
Closing the gap between the world of school and the world of work
The Future Connect initiative, generously funded by the Howick Local
ECONOMY
for budding entrepreneurs and Chamber Drive, which helps over 1,000 high school students annually gain their driver's licence – often a critical employment barrier.
The Chamber's own hiring practices demonstrate this philosophy in action. Of their 70 employees, approximately a quarter were recruited through their employment programmes, with a similar percentage under 30 years-old. Simon shared the story of Nicholas, a graduate with degrees in International Relations and Law who struggled to find work before joining one of the Chamber's services. Starting in the International Export Documentation team, Nicholas's curiosity and drive quickly elevated him to International Manager, now managing experienced staff and engaging with major exporters like Fonterra.
The morning's structured approach featured targeted breakout sessions addressing workplace readiness from both perspectives. Students attended ‘How to be Work Ready’ workshops led by Amelia Campbell, Recruitment Business Partner at OfficeMax, while employers participated in ‘How to be Employee Ready’ sessions facilitated by Leah Gates, Chief Operations Officer for Auckland Business Chamber.
Following lunch, the ‘Future of Work Starts Here’ panel discussion enabled direct dialogue between student and employer representatives, addressing practical questions about workplace expectations, career progression, and industry trends. The programme concluded with ‘From Classroom to Career’ networking time, allowing students to engage directly with potential employers and begin building professional relationships.
Simon challenged both groups during his keynote speech: "I encourage young people to be curious, ask questions, and share honestly. I encourage employers to listen deeply, think long-term, and challenge old assumptions." His closing message underlined the event's ambitious vision: "If we can match the energy and ambition of our young people with the experience and opportunity offered by our employers, we will not only build better careers - we will build a stronger Auckland."
The diverse business participation at Future Connect showcased the breadth of opportunities available in East Tāmaki:
Utilities: Citycare Water
Construction and Trades: BCITO construction training, Laser Plumbing, Topland Building
Financial Services: Forsyth Barr Financial Advisors
Engineering: F&P Healthcare, JLE Industrial Electrical Specialists, Foley Industries, Howick Ltd,
Innovation and Technology: Seen Ventures AI training programmes
Healthcare: East Health Trust, Resonate Health
Manufacturing: Peacock Bros Label Makers, Santo Industries office furniture, Howick Ltd steel framing machinery, Lead Windows and Doors
Public Sector: NZ Police
Training and Education: EarnLearn, International Travel College of New Zealand
Retail and Wholesale: NXP, OfficeMax
Logistics: Rocket Freight customs and freight services
Digital: Buzzly
Student
Spotlight: Charlize Chan
Charlize Chan, Head Girl at Edgewater College and Year 13 student, exemplifies the potential that events like Future Connect aim to unlock.
Currently studying Health, Social Studies, Biology, PE, and "Edge" - a programme specific to Edgewater College - Charlize has clear ambitions in healthcare. Her ideal career involves "taking care of people's wellbeing and the vulnerable," with midwifery as her primary goal for 2026.
She has applied for a Bachelor of Midwifery as her first choice, alongside a Bachelor of Health Science and BioMed degree at the University of Auckland. While she can only choose one path, her commitment to healthcare remains unwavering.
"After speaking to one of the businesses today, I'm reassured that even if you don't have a certain skillset, if you show the willingness to learn, you're more likely to be given an opportunity to upskill," Charlize reflected after the event. "Skills can be taught, but attitude is more important."
This insight captures exactly what Future Connect aimed to achieve: bridging the gap between academic learning and workplace reality while building confidence in the next generation of Auckland's workforce.
A world of research, knowledge and advice is at your front door. Whether you’re starting out, or you’re an experienced investor, our advisers can help you build a portfolio to match your personal ambitions.
It may be to maintain a certain level of income, or to grow funds to help future generations reach their financial goals. Whatever your requirements, they can provide expert help.
Contact your local Auckland East Investment Advisers for a no-obligation review of your existing investment arrangements.
After the success and popularity of last year’s inaugural awards, the 2026 East Auckland Business Awards are back
The East Auckland Business Awards recognise, highlight and showcase the best of our vibrant and diverse business community.
In 2024, we launched the inaugural East Auckland Business Awards. They were so successful, we resolved to hold them on a bi-annual basis. If you didn’t enter your business last year, now here’s your chance to do so.
At the heart of our awards programme lies a commitment to showcasing the accomplishments that define East Auckland’s dynamic business community. We understand that every business is unique, facing its own set of challenges and opportunities. The East Auckland Business Awards honour your hard work, dedication and the innovative spirit that sets you apart from the rest.
Each award will be separately sponsored by a different business, each a stand-out in its own industry.
The awards are once again being managed by Business East Tāmaki but we couldn’t do it without the financial assistance and contribution from the Howick Local Board and our sponsors.
Key dates
Entries Open: 15 September 2025
Entries Close: 14 November 2025
Finalists Announced: 19 February 2026
Awards Evening: 25 March 2026
The Business Awards - Highlighting East Auckland's exceptional organisations, leaders, and teams
What these awards can do for your business:
Celebrate your wins: Whether you're a new business making a difference or a company that's been around for years, your hard work deserves to be noticed. Get noticed by more people: Not just in your local area, but by businesses and customers across the region.
Show off what makes you different: Get attention for the creative ways you solve problems and improve your industry.
Build your reputation: Win an award that shows customers and partners you're a quality business they can trust.
Attract great employees: Show potential staff that you're a company worth working for and current employees that you value excellence.
Meet other business owners: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry leaders who could become valuable contacts.
With the aim to grow the awards, we will be using a software platform (Awards Force) this year to manage the entries and judging process to make it easier for all.
Further information is available on our website businesset.org.nz.
The 11 categories - something for everyone
Excellence in Sustainability
Excellence in Innovation
Excellence in Community Impact
Excellence in Hospitality and Retail
Excellence in Healthcare and Wellbeing
Excellence in Business and Advisory
Excellence in Creative and Digital Excellence in Trade and Specialist Services
Excellence in Industry and Manufacturing
Best New Business Supreme Award - selected from the winners of the above categories.
After listening to your feedback, we introduced three more categories, while at the same time combining Excellence in Retail and Excellence in Hospitality into one award.
These new categories are:
Excellence in Business and Advisory –For businesses in recruitment, legal, book keepers, mortgage brokers, accounting, Real Estate, Workplace Safety and safety solutions.
Excellence in Creative and Digital Services – to cover Marketing, branding, design, communication services and printers.
Excellence in Trade and Specialist Services – to cover building and construction, Plumbing and Gas, Cleaning, Electrical Services, HVAC Services, Security Services, facilities management, IT Infrastructure Installers, mechanics, sign writing and vehicle wraps, appliance repair, flooring or any operational or facilities related services with a physical or practical focus and typical service the industrial, commercial or domestic environments.
Last year’s East Auckland Business Awards 2024 Winners & Sponsors
RESONATE HOWICK
Supreme Award Winner
Also won: Best New Business, Excellence in Healthcare, Excellence in Innovation
sponsored by
Resonate Howick is a revolutionary audiology business disrupting the hearing health industry. They offer an innovative monthly subscription model instead of large upfront payments for hearing aids, making hearing health more accessible and affordable. Their patient-focused approach utilises innovative technology and agile business models.
RSM HIGHBROOK
Excellence in Professional Services
sponsored by
RSM stands out through their innovative use of AI, machine learning, and automation, positioning it as a technology pioneer in East Tāmaki. Their ambitious 2030 Global Strategy aims for 100% growth, supported by 820 branches globally. They demonstrate commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, community engagement, and staff well-being while providing tailored, high-quality advice that adapts to market changes.
LEANNE'S KITCHEN
Excellence in Industry & Manufacturing
sponsored by
This East Auckland food manufacturer produces high-quality frozen dumplings for retail and food service sectors in New Zealand and the Pacific. Through significant technology investment, automation, and lean manufacturing principles, they can produce over 180,000 dumplings per shift. Their state-of-the-art equipment includes spiral freezers and dumpling machines, enabling consistent quality while maintaining pricing to supermarkets for eight years and achieving 43% market share.
ECO BAGS
Excellence in Sustainability
sponsored by
Ecobags demonstrates entrepreneurial innovation by providing sustainable alternatives to plastic bags across different price points. They adapt to evolving market conditions and regulatory requirements while ensuring independent validation of their sustainability claims. Beyond their products, they integrate sustainability into operations, including investment in electric forklift trucks.
DAISY CHANG
Excellence in Hospitality
sponsored by
This standout local restaurant identified and filled a market gap with thoughtful innovation during COVID-19, building strong community connections. They focus on authentic food, nurture younger staff creating loyalty and career pathways, and feature creative, sustainable design. The ownership shows long-term community commitment with recent expansion nearby.
POPPIES HOWICK
Excellence in Retail
sponsored by
Located on Howick's Main Street, Poppies is a quality bookstore emphasising old-fashioned customer service. Owner Tony Moores brings 40+ years of bookselling experience and was instrumental in developing BookHub, connecting over 70 bookstores nationwide. The store features meticulous presentation, social media engagement, and diverse events including book clubs, chess tournaments, and author meetings.
KIWIHARVEST
Excellence in Community Impact
sponsored by
Since 2012, KiwiHarvest has rescued over 16 million kg of food, prevented 43 million kg of carbon dioxide emissions, and provided the equivalent of 36 million meals to charities. Operating from East Tāmaki and four other locations, they work with 250 food donors and 235 recipient agencies, aiming to double annual food volumes from two to four million kg while supporting families experiencing food insecurity.
Making a difference in your business community
Apply to be a part of our Governing Board Committee
Our role at Business East Tāmaki is to serve as a collective voice for businesses, advocating for policies and measures that support economic recovery and stability. A key role is the liaison and engagement with Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and other authorities to bring about improvements to the area.
Business East Tāmaki is governed and guided by an elected executive committee representing the business association registered members. If you would like to make a difference to our business community, why not put your name forward to be on the board?
Meetings are held monthly with the exception of January. Elections of candidates to the Executive Committee will be held at the Annual General Meeting in October.
To find out about our current board members, go to businesset.org.nz/committee.
Interested? Contact gm@businessET.org.nz for more information.
Goodbye & thank you to Brendan
Chairman, Business East Tāmaki
2019 - 2025
Brendan Kelly has been a familiar and valued presence in our community for over a decade. As a founding member of Highbrook Rotary in 2013, he played a key role in establishing the Highbrook Fun Run in 2014 – first as Event Coordinator, and later as the MC for several years. He also served as Rotary President in 2015/2016, always driven by a desire to make a positive impact locally.
Beyond Rotary, Brendan’s leadership extended to our business community. He joined the Board of GETBA in August 2017, becoming Chair in February 2019.
General Manager Ruth White says, “Since stepping into my role at the end of 2020, Brendan has been unwaveringly supportive, forward-thinking, and deeply committed. He has balanced strong governance with an inclusive, good-humoured, and down-toearth approach. When the idea arose to transition from GETBA to Business East Tāmaki, Brendan welcomed open discussion, embracing change while keeping our collective goals firmly in sight.”
Those who know Brendan will remember not only his leadership, but also his flair – including an impressive collection of colourful jackets! In his time leading the team at Quest, he was known for genuinely caring about staff wellbeing and encouraging personal development.
Brendan leaves with our deepest thanks and warmest wishes. His legacy of community spirit, steady leadership, and good humour will continue to inspire us.
A new water sports centre is coming
Sponsorship opportunities for businesses - align your corporate social responsibility goals with a project that promises significant community impact.
Plans and fundraising are moving fast to build a new water sports centre on the Waiouru peninsula at Lady Fisher Drive.
Once built, it will be an accessible hub for a range of water sports, including rowing, waka ama, canoe, kayak, beach sprint rowing, and dragon boating.
The Auckland Region Outrigger Canoe Association (AROCA) and the Auckland Rowing Association (ARA) picked up the challenge to develop a new centre. In 2021,
Not just for a select few, but an accessible facility for all. “ ”
the Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre Trust (HRWC), an independent Charitable Trust, was established to continue its work and fundraise for the facility.
Progress
is impressive but we still need your
help
They have worked hard to achieve some impressive milestones. In July they let the contract for the first two stages of the Clubhouse build to Aspec Construction Ltd,
works started on site in August, and they expect the two contracted stages to achieve completion by August 2026.
Fundraising for the latter construction stages is still on-going.
This is where your business can get involved
Businesses have the opportunity to become Corporate Platinum Club Members and support the development of the Highbrook Watersports Centre. Opportunities include:
• Prominent signage opportunities on and in the clubrooms.
• Access to the Club Lounge facilities for hosting off-site meetings, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual boardroom.
• Team-building activities through structured learn-to-paddle or row sessions led by top coaches.
• Entry into an annual Platinum Club Corporate paddling or rowing showdown, fostering friendly competition and networking among Highbrook sponsors.
• Opportunities for local suppliers to donate or provide building materials at attractive rates to help reduce construction costs.
The benefits for businesses are multifaceted
Supporting the Watersports Centre offers more than just visibility. It provides powerful ways to strengthen teams, enhance workplace culture, and contribute to the community through sports that promote health, teamwork, and discipline – and can change lives.
To find out how your business can become a valued partner in this exciting endeavour, please contact Barry Brown on 027 477 3647 or barry@colbar.co.nz
. Together, we can make a real difference and ensure that the waters of the Tāmaki River become a source of opportunity for all.
Thanks to the sustained support of Goodman, Auckland Council, the Howick, Southern and Central Local Boards, new sponsor Business East Tāmaki, plus numerous community and gaming trusts.
These include Foundation North, Four Winds Foundation, Lion Foundation, Grassroots Trust, NZ Community Trust, Pub Charity, Milestone Foundation, NZ Racing Board (Bobby Foundation), Blue Sky Community Trust, Akarana Trust, plus a large number of private individuals.
Thanks also to a team of supportive consultants who have given their time and efforts to the project at little, or reduced, cost. They include Jasmax Architects, LM Structural, LMP Project Management, Hope River Ltd and Fraser Thomas Engineers.
Why using AI for HR documents might be costing you more than you think
What could go wrong?
We’ve reviewed AI-generated employment agreements that missed key clauses like 90-day trial periods, incorrectly applied the Holidays Act, or suggested deductions that are unlawful under New Zealand employment law. These errors might seem small, but they can quickly lead to employee disputes and personal grievances.
In a time where AI tools are just a few clicks away, it’s tempting for business owners and managers to use them to create policies, employment agreements, or other HR documents, especially when budgets are tight. But what seems like a cost-saving shortcut often ends up being more expensive (and more stressful) in the long run.
At Freerange, we’ve worked with businesses across New Zealand who have gone down the DIY AI route, only to discover that the time, effort, and cost of reviewing and rewriting those documents quickly adds up. Here’s why.
AI can’t replace HR expertise
While AI tools like ChatGPT and CoPilot can generate generic HR policies, they don’t understand your unique business context, New Zealand employment law nuances, or the practical realities of your workplace. That means the documents often:
• Miss legally required clauses
• Contain inconsistencies or vague language
• Lack alignment with your values, processes, or industry standards
And even when the law isn’t technically breached, vague or inconsistent wording in HR documentation can create misunderstandings and erode trust with employees.
You still need a human to get it right
We regularly get asked to “just review” AI-generated policies or employment agreements. But reviewing often turns into full-scale rewriting. We have to:
• Cross-check legal compliance
• Remove ambiguous language
• Restructure documents for clarity
• Add in the details that were missed because the AI didn’t know your business
In almost every case, the review takes longer and costs more than if clients had simply purchased one of our proven, customisable templates from the start.
Why our templates + customisation make sense
At Freerange, our HR templates are designed specifically for New Zealand businesses. They’re clear, compliant, and written by experienced HR professionals –
not robots. Even better, we customise them to fit your business, your people, and your way of working.
That means:
• Faster turnaround
• Less time spent going back and forth
• Confidence that your documents are fit-for-purpose
Good documentation doesn’t just tick legal boxes it sets expectations, reflects your culture, and helps people understand what it means to work at your business.
It’s a smarter investment, and your future self (and your team) will thank you.
The bottom line
Cutting corners on HR documentation with AI might seem like a smart move, but the reality is it can lead to more time, more money, and more risk. If you want people processes that actually support and protect your business, you’re better off partnering with someone who knows what they’re doing.
If you’re ready to ditch the guesswork and get documentation that’s done right the first time, contact us at sarah@freerangeworks.co.nz and ask about our HR templates and support services.
Freerange is an award-winning team of HR consultants based in Auckland. Our mission is to create better workplaces to improve business outcomes. We partner with businesses to provide ongoing People & Culture consulting services – all with the look and feel of your very own internal HR team.
us take care of the people, so you can focus on growing your business!
Thanks to our new sponsor
Business East Tāmaki is excited to announce that we have a new Silver sponsor on board – NXP.
SPONSOR
Kiwi-owned, NXP is a provider of business supplies, supporting thousands of organisations nationwide. They offer an extensive range of over 11,000 product lines across core categories including Office, Paper, Café, Cleaning, Technology, Safety and Furniture.
Operating from their East Tāmaki facility since 2009, NXP serves a diverse customer base encompassing government agencies, large enterprise organisations, and small to medium-sized New Zealand businesses.
With three strategically located distribution centres in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, they provide same-day despatch for orders placed by 3pm, sending some 1,280 deliveries each working day.
At NXP, they are committed to getting it right - first time, every time. For more information, make contact on 0800 800 547 or yes@nxp.nz.
We would like to thank NXP for coming on board, and renewed thanks to all our other sponsors below.
Thanks to all our sponsors
SPONSORS
Is your business sending the wrong things down the drain?
You’re finishing up another busy day at your business. Maybe you’re cleaning equipment, washing down work surfaces, or doing final rinse-downs. In your everyday operations, you produce wastewater that flows down the drain – but have you ever stopped to think where all that wastewater goes?
What is trade waste?
Trade waste is any liquid waste that flows from your commercial or industrial premises into the wastewater system – excluding regular domestic sewage. Think oils from your commercial kitchen, cleaning chemicals from your laundry operation, or manufacturing byproducts from your workshop.
Trade waste isn’t just something that happens in big factories — it’s created by many everyday business activities, often without owners even realising it. That splash of leftover oil in that is rinsed from your kitchen or food processing area? Trade waste. The mix of soap, detergents, and vehicle grime from your wash bay? Also trade waste.
Understanding what counts as trade waste is the first step to keeping your business compliant and avoiding unexpected costs.
What we're seeing
In industrial hubs like East Tāmaki, monitoring has revealed worrying levels of oils and grease that can cause blockages, heavy metals from untreated industrial discharges, and hydrocarbons from equipment washing and manufacturing processes. These substances not only pose serious health and safety risks for maintenance workers but also create
environmental issues downstream and can impact the operation of wastewater treatment plants.
Why should you care?
When businesses discharge oils, fats, and other substances incorrectly, they can cause serious blockages in the wastewater network, create dangerous conditions for maintenance workers, and also significantly harm the environment. Auckland's wastewater treatment plants are designed to treat domestic waste, not industrial-strength chemicals.
Under Auckland Council's Trade Waste Bylaw 2013, all businesses discharging trade waste must comply with specific standards. Non-compliance can result in penalties of up to $250,000.
Do you need a trade waste agreement?
Businesses that commonly require agreements include food and beverage manufacturers, industrial facilities, pharmaceutical companies, commercial laundries, vehicle wash bays, and metal finishers.
But requirements vary depending on your business activities and discharge volume. Some businesses might only need a properly maintained grease trap, while others require full agreements.
We're here to help
Watercare has developed a comprehensive support programme to make compliance as straightforward as possible:
• We come to you – Our team meets you on-site during your business hours.
• Language support – We provide assistance and can talk through application forms with you.
• Collaborative approach – We work alongside you, guide you through completing the necessary documentation, and support you in ensuring ongoing compliance.
• Regulation guidance – We clarify how Auckland’s trade waste rules apply to your specific business, so you know exactly what’s expected.
Ready to get started?
Taking action is simple:
1. Review your business activities to identify potential trade waste discharges
2. Contact us to discuss your specific situation
3. Apply for a Trade Waste Agreement if required
Remember, most people want to do the right thing; they just might not be aware of what the right thing is. That's where we come in.
Get in touch
Contact Danielle Finestone: 021 193 6733 or danielle.finestone@water.co.nz
Or reach out to our team: tradewasteinfo@water.co.nz
Don't wait until there's a problem –let's work together to make sure your business operations are compliant, safe, and environmentally responsible.
Menopause at work: what employers need to know
Menopause is something all women will go through, yet it remains one of the least discussed topics, especially in the workplace. With women now spending up to one-third of their lives post-menopause and more remaining in the workforce longer, this is no longer a fringe issue. It’s a business and well-being priority.
What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural part of life — it marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Every woman will go through it, usually around the age of 51, although the timing varies widely.
The transition begins earlier, during a phase known as perimenopause, which can start 7–10 years before the final period. That means many women in their early 40s — or even younger — may already be experiencing hormonal shifts.
The process is deeply individual, with each woman’s experience and symptoms being unique.
The impact at home and at work
Menopause doesn’t just affect physical health — it can ripple through every part of a woman’s life. Common symptoms like poor sleep, hot flushes, fatigue, low mood, and anxiety can make it harder to manage daily responsibilities at home, especially in parenting or caregiving roles. Relationships can become strained as energy and emotional reserves are stretched thin.
At work, the effects are often just as significant. Women may find themselves:
• Struggling with concentration and productivity
• Taking more time off to manage symptoms
• Stepping back from leadership opportunities or shifting to less demanding roles
• Avoiding conversations about what they’re going through, for fear of being judged or misunderstood
Without the right support, these challenges can lead to missed opportunities — not just for individuals, but for businesses too.
What employers can do
Supporting employees through menopause doesn’t have to be complex or expensive.
Practical steps can make a significant difference, including:
• Creating awareness and normalising menopause
Run regular education sessions for staff, managers, and HR.
Provide access to information via websites, books or internal resources.
• Encouraging open communication
Foster a culture where people feel safe talking about how they’re feeling. This removes stigma and shows empathy.
• Offering flexible work options
Consider flexible hours or remote work to help manage fatigue or attend medical appointments.
• Reviewing uniforms
Opt for comfortable, breathable, and non-restrictive clothing where possible.
• Revising absence and performance policies
Recognise menopause as a legitimate health need. Avoid treating symptoms as performance issues.
• Providing confidential support
Make counselling or EAP services easily accessible.
A broader perspective
While many women manage symptoms with lifestyle changes, medical support or hormone therapy (MHT/HRT), the workplace can be a vital ally in maintaining their wellbeing.
By leading the conversation and making meaningful changes, employers have an opportunity to foster a more inclusive, resilient, and empowered workforce.
Dr. Su Kour, (AMS and Member of The Menopause Society), is part of a growing number of GPs who are specialising in women’s health and committed to supporting women through their menopause journey. Su provides expert advice and peer support to her colleagues within Highbrook Medical, as well as from her own clinics in Mission Bay and Remuera.
Su provides personalised, evidencebased care to support women through all stages of hormonal change, including guidance on symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and lifestyle modifications.
She recently ran a menopause information session at Highbrook Medical Centre, as part of the recent free Wellness Sessions - a collaboration between Business East Tāmaki and the Highbrook Medical Healthcare teams.
IUpdate from Inspector Rakana (Raks) Cook
n this update, Inspector Rakana (Raks) Cook highlights recent successful police operations in the Counties Manukau East area, demonstrating the positive outcomes of community partnerships and proactive policing. These achievements, alongside ongoing crime prevention advice, show how police and community collaboration continues to make our area safer.
Recent police successes
Counties Manukau East Police have achieved significant results in recent operations targeting retail crime and burglary across the area. These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of dedicated investigative work and community partnerships in holding offenders accountable.
Catching repeat retail thieves
Police have caught several repeat offenders who had been stealing from shops across the region. In July, officers stopped a car on Israel Ave, Clover Park, and found a well-known shoplifter who was wanted on 13 separate warrants for theft.
Police searched the vehicle and found several bags of stolen perfume. It turned out this person was facing 18 theft charges in total, with nearly all of them for stealing perfume from Chemist Warehouse stores.
Gas heater thief caught
After a string of thefts, where thieves were stealing califonts (gas heaters) from homes and businesses, police caught the person responsible. Since arresting this thief, the trend of califont thefts has significantly decreased, showing how catching one active criminal can make a real difference to the community.
Quick response stops burglary
Police showed how effective teamwork can stop crime in action during a break-in attempt in Whitford on July 16th.
Area Prevention Manager for Counties Manukau East Remember:
When homeowners heard glass breaking downstairs, they called the police who arrived quickly and found a smashed front window where someone had tried to get in. Security cameras showed two people had been checking out the property earlier. Police brought in dog handlers, regular patrol officers, and the helicopter. The helicopter crew spotted a man running through nearby bush, and he gave himself up when cornered.
Crime prevention advice
While celebrating these successes, residents and businesses must remain vigilant and take personal responsibility for crime prevention.
Report suspicious activity
Police emphasise the critical importance of reporting suspicious activity promptly. Trust your instincts – if something doesn't look right, it probably isn't. Call 111 for immediate dangers or suspicious behaviour. Even minor incidents should be reported as they help police build a bigger picture of criminal activity patterns.
Vehicle security
The most frequent preventable crimes involve vehicles. Do not leave valuables in your car visible to potential thieves. If you must leave items, secure them in the boot or out of sight, and always lock your vehicle. This simple advice, while repetitive, remains essential as unlocked vehicles with visible valuables continue to be targeted.
Community Connections
Effective crime prevention depends on strong community partnerships. Residents should join local Crime Watch Patrols and Community Patrols NZ, while businesses should connect with their Business Associations. These organisations facilitate vital communication between communities and police.
• Call 111 for immediate dangers
• Report all suspicious activity promptly
• Secure vehicles and remove visible valuables
• Trust your instincts about unusual behaviour
• Engage with local community safety groups
At last Spring is on its way and we're heading towards warmer days—the perfect time to refresh your reading list with some great new titles. This season's selection offers something for everyone: escape into the sensual drama of Parisian romance, feel your pulse quicken with a high-stakes art heist thriller, or get into the gritty realities of sports leadership and war reporting. Whether you're drawn to intimate character studies or curious about history's most bizarre and unconventional deaths, these five reads promise to make those longer, brighter days fly by.
One Night in Paris
by Nina George
Claire Cousteau is one of France's most esteemed biologists, with a seemingly perfect family life, but she has become increasingly frustrated by her marriage and her husband's affairs. Sensual, provocative, and stirring, One Night in Paris is a story of becoming who you were meant to be by breaking apart the things you’ve always known.
An Inside Job
by Daniel Silva
Sometimes the only way to recover a stolen masterpiece is to steal it back... Silva returns with another powerhouse novel showcasing his superb skill and brilliant imagination that is a must-read for everyone! With action moving at breakneck speed from the galleries and auction houses of London to a shocking climax in St. Peter's Square, where more than one life hangs in the balance.
Leading Under Pressure
by Ian Foster
This is a fascinating look into the pressure cooker inner-sanctum of the world's most high-profile rugby team. Not only does it contain explosive revelations about Foster's time in the job, but it delves deep into the background and character of a coach to show how he coped with an impossible situation and yet came out with the nation's respect and his reputation enhanced.
No, I Don't Get Danger Money
by Lisette Reymer
A world away from the Waikato farm she grew up on, Lisette Reymer suddenly found herself reporting from one of the most dangerous places on earth. And she kept going back! This is a funny, brutally honest account of what it was really like to cover some of the most perilous and extraordinary moments in recent history. Take your seat. It's in the front row.
History's Strangest Deaths
by Riley Knight
History's Strangest Deaths offers fifty extraordinary deaths, spanning thousands of years of history to recent times. Many people are supremely unimaginative in death, embracing the tired old cliché of dying peacefully in their sleep surrounded by loved ones. History's Strangest Deaths has tracked down those select few who have instead made their mark in the history books by exiting this world in thrillingly unconventional ways.
83 Picton St, Howick 2014
www.poppiesbooks.co.nz howick@poppiesbooks.co.nz 09 5329642 Poppies Howick
