FOCUS Minimising Waste, Maximising Sustainability - Winter 2021 by Business East Tamaki

Minimising Waste, Maximising Sustainability

Winter 2021

RE 14 Digital Wings Helping young NZers flourish

DUCE PURPOSE CYCLE

15 Employment Matters

20 Sustainable Packaging

Immigration law changes

BioFab’s mushrooming success

getba

Greater East Tamaki Business Association Inc.

A world-class business park Riverside Warehouses

Cnr Highbrook Drive & Business Parade North

Expected availability

July 2022

High quality warehouse development, consisting of three facilities, with sought after profile in prime location.

Warehouse A

Warehouse B

For lease options

+ Close proximity to SH1 and nearby amenity at Highbrook Crossing + Secure, fenced yard + High stud warehouses with minimum 9.5 m operational height + EV charging station + Design to cater for solar power + Targeting 5 Star Green Star rating* + A carbon neutral property development*

Warehouse C

Artist impression subject to change

Warehouses

Offices

1,420 – 3,589 sqm

300 – 400 sqm

67 Business Parade South

20 El Kobar Drive

Only one warehouse unit left Available now

Available 10 months after lease commitment

LEASED

For lease Warehouse

591 sqm

LEASED

Office

261 sqm

+ High stud warehouse with 8.5 m operational height + EV charging station + Secure drive through yard

LEASED

Unit 6

For lease

Canopy

136 sqm

Warehouse

+ + + +

William Main DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Bruno.Warren@goodman.com

William.Main@goodman.com

021 583 887

Canopy

LED lights throughout EV charging station Targeting 5 Star Green Star rating* A carbon neutral property development*

Bruno Warren DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

021 506 010

Office

Yard

10,000 sqm 400 sqm 1,503 sqm 1,300 sqm

Shared yard

+ Excellent signage opportunities + 6 car parks

Artist impression subject to change

+ Secure, fenced drive through yard + High stud warehouse with 10 m operational height + 60 car parks *

for more information:

sustainablegoodman.co.nz

This document has been prepared by Goodman Property Services (NZ) Limited and has been prepared for general information purposes. Whilst every care has been taken in relation to its accuracy, no warranty is given or implied. Further, you should obtain your own independent advice before making any decisions about any of the products and/or properties referred to in this documents. All values are expressed in New Zealand currency unless stated otherwise.

Contents 5

From the Chair

Autumn diary dates

Past events

Take a minute

10 GETBA news 11 Advocacy 12 Minimising Waste, Maximising Sustainability: Tile Depot

13 Minimising Waste, Maximising Sustainability: Western Mailing 14 Minimising Waste, Maximising Sustainability: Digital Wings 15 Employment Matters: Immigration law changes 16 Health and wellbeing

18 Sponsored content: ForsythBarr 19 Sponsored content: Aon 20 Business profile: BioFab 21 Business profile: Mint Innovation 22 Crime prevention 23 Community: Blue Light and Blueprints 25 Minimising Waste, Maximising Sustainability: TransNet 26 Sustainability news: WMIF 27 Sustainability news: Recycling made easy (pull-out guide) 29 Sustainability news: GETBA updates 31 Sponsored content: Goodman GOLD S PON SORS

25 Thanks to our Sponsors S I LVER SP ON SOR

FOCUS

BRON ZE SP ON SORS

EXPERTS IN EAST TAMAKI

INDUSTRIAL CURRENT VACANCY

0.33%

CURRENT YIELDS

2.99% – 5% OUR TRACK RECORD SOLD

SOLD

Boundary lines are indicative only

East Tamaki 13 Lady Ruby Drive

East Tamaki 8 Bostock Place

East Tamaki 2 Harris Road

SOLD

LEASED

East Tamaki 83F Springs Road

East Tamaki Unit 2, Highbrook Crossing

East Tamaki 28B Andromeda Crescent

CURRENT LISTINGS FOR SALE

CURRENT LISTINGS FOR LEASE

NEW VIEWING LISTING FINAL

East Tamaki 59C Allens Road bayleys.co.nz/1903193

NEW VIEWING LISTING FINAL

East Tamaki 8/38 Andromeda Crescent bayleys.co.nz/1903363

East Tamaki Unit 6, Highbrook Crossing bayleys.co.nz/1903089

NEW VIEWING LISTING FINAL

East Tamaki 2/59 Sir William Avenue bayleys.co.nz/1903303

The Bayleys East Tamaki team have continued into 2021 where they left off a COVID-effected 2020. Capitalising on record low vacancy and unpresented tenant, investor and occupier demand, the Bayleys team have continued to deliver record results for their clients and innovative long-term leasing and purchase solutions for customers. With such restricting market conditions, the role of an experienced real estate broker is more important than ever. Get in touch with one of the East Tamaki specialists to have a chat about your property needs.

James Hill 021 599 529 james.hill@bayleys.co.nz

George Hyslop 021 118 7497 george.hyslop@bayleys.co.nz

Mike Marinkovich 021 779 117 mike.marinkovich@bayleys.co.nz

Tim Bull 021 127 1831 tim.bull@bayleys.co.nz

Nelson Raines 021 555 673 nelson.raines@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, MANUKAU, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

getba

Greater East Tamaki Business Association Inc.

Committee Elected Members Brendan Kelly Chairman

Henry Jansen Secretary

Liz Groenewegen Treasurer

David Lindsay Committee Member

Nick Biland Committee Member

Nick Steele Committee Member

Andrew Turner Committee Member

Local Board Representatives Mike Turinsky Howick

Dawn Trenberth

Welcome from the Chair Brrrr, it’s winter! Kia ora, and welcome to this edition of GETBA’s FOCUS magazine. The New Zealand government declared a climate emergency last year, but I hear some of you asking what does this actually mean and how does it affect business. The recent typhoon at Wiri port and localised in Papatoetoe wreaked havoc, and flooding from exceptional rainfalls has left the South Island and East Coast disaster recovery zones. How do we interpret these signs in business, and what can we do in our businesses to “change”? If we are going to make carbon zero 2050, we need to be looking at zero waste, or as it has been called a “doughnut” or circular economy. This quarter’s magazine spotlights recycling and waste, showing practical small steps other businesses have taken to address this big-ticket item.

Otara, Papatoetoe

GETBA Team Ruth White General Manager

Shanu Gounder Marketing, Communications and Events Manager

Karen Hadley Operations Manager

Julie Davies Administrator

EVs are practically down the timeline for most businesses while we wait for utes and vans, two to three years from production/ import. As building owners/operators, solar energy rooftop installation (we will need 70 per cent more electricity to power all the EVs) is something we need to plan investment for. That leaves recycling and waste as the biggest lever we have to address our TODAY climate change challenges. Let’s face it, we are all pretty poor at recycling, and there are few real recycling options open to us Kiwis. It’s very early days

compared to Europe’s capability. So, let’s take the opportunity to look at what we can do now from the examples shown in this issue, and consider how to make one or two key changes. Take action in your business. The other thing that’s getting my attention at the moment is immigration, visas and an almost universal shortage of staff, skilled or unskilled, fuelled by closed Covid borders. I recently attended a GETBA Copeland Ashcroft employment/ immigration update workshop, and, like me, most business owners there reported running under capacity because we can’t get people. The government is way behind the eight-ball on this resourcing front, and, as business leaders, we need to be championing our cause with politicians and influencers to spearhead change. Write to Grant.Roberston@parliament. govt.nz (Min Fin) Kris.Faafoi@parliament. govt.nz (Min Immig) and copy Stuart. Nash@parliament.govt.nz (MBIE). We need people! Meanwhile, enjoy your read of FOCUS. Brendan Kelly Chairman, GETBA

Upcoming events TBC

Scaling Up Your Business Seminar (Check website for upcoming dates)

TBC

Maori Learning Course (Check website for upcoming dates)

Editor Lizzie Brandon | Writesphere Ltd lizzie@writesphere.co.nz

Graphic design Chris Phillips | Design Distillery chris@designdistillery.co.nz

16 Sep

Breakfast with new Area Commander, Scott Gemmell

Advertising enquiries Shanu Gounder p 09 273 6274 e comms@getba.org.nz PO Box 58260 Botany Auckland 2163

getba.org.nz

24 Sep & 06 Oct St John First Aid Course: First Aid Level 1 28 Sep

Mental Health First Aid

For more information and/or reserve your seat visit our website at getba.org.nz/whats-on

FOCUS

PAST EVENTS

4 May Waipuna Conference Suites Highbrook

Breakfast with Jarrod Kerr, Kiwibank Chief Economist An entertaining, insightful and predominantly upbeat presentation from an accomplished public speaker. “We always underestimate the adaptability of business.”

18 May Foley Industries, Bishop Dunn Place

SME Group Tour of Foley Industries Foley’s has been fabricating flue systems and components for leading manufacturers, retailers and installers in NZ’s heating industry for more than 20 years.

FOCUS

PAST EVENTS

27 May RSM House, 62 Highbrook Drive

Highbrook Young Professionals (HYP) ‘Our Path to Sustainability’ “By starting sustainability efforts early, businesses can remain ahead of the regulatory curve and avoid a hefty lump sum bill to hastily change their processes to comply with new regulations.”

18 June Waipuna Conference Suites Highbrook

Breakfast with Christopher Luxon and Paula Bennett A collection for Ronald McDonald House’s Join the Fight to Fund a Night campaign raised nearly $600 on the day, with many guests also taking donation forms back to their business.

FOCUS

Eastern Busway Brief TAKE A MINUTE

Proposed Lose yourself in a book Kia ora project neighbours

The size and sca

On a chilly winter’s night, is there anything cosier than The Eastern Busway will be a dedicated, reliable, high-frequency busway between curling up on the sofa under a blanket, with a mug ofBusway Project m Botany and Panmure that will carry more than 7,500 hot passengers during chocolate and a good peak book? These four bestsellers being constructe are being adapted TV, so why not pop into your local hours when it is completed in 2025.The project team is building on for community is due for comple bookstore, grab them from your local library or upload feedback gathered during the 2018 consultation period will be seeking further themand to your eReader before they hit the screens proposed timelin feedback on an updated design in mid-2021. We encourage everyone to have their say as part of the next round of consultation and will be advertising how to do that nearer the time. Anatomy of a Scandal

production boasts a starry If you would like further information please contact the Eastern BuswayNetflix’s Alliance cast, including Sienna Miller and October 2020 at info@easternbusway.nz or on 0800 BUSWAY (0800 287 929) Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery.

Alliance is formed

“A nuanced story line perfectly in tune with our #metoo times.”

Be fire safe this winter Project stages

- People, Book of the Week

As heaters come out and fireplaces are lit, Fire and Emergency New Zealand encourages everyone to fire delivered in three stages: The Eastern Busway project is be being safe during the cooler months. National adviser fire risk Stage - Panmure Station surrounding road upgrade - complete management Pete1Gallagher says that in May,and before winter even started, six people died in house fires – making it one Stage 2 – Panmure to Pakuranga – under construction of the worst months for fatal fires on record.

Stage 3 - Pakuranga to Botany – being planned and designed

“So, we really want you to make sure you and your whānau stay safe while keeping warm this winter,” he says. “Keep anything flammable at least one metre from the heater – any closer and you risk it catching fire.

Currently in production for the BBC, starring Fleabag’s Sian Clifford

‘Dazzling, witty, moving, joyful, profound. Wildly inventive, deeply felt. Hilarious. PANMURE TO PAKURANGA Late 202 Humane. Simply put: it’s one of the (NEARING COMPLETION) Consenting best novels I’ve read this century’ proces

ã City Centre

PANMURE (COMPLETE) mournful,

“Don’t over-plug your multiboard. Make sure there is no more than one heater plugged in, so it doesn’t overload.

PAKURANGA TO BOTANY (PLANNING AND CONSENTING PHASE) - Gillian Flynn, bestselling

ON R D

expected to begin

IN G T

R IN

author of Gone Girl

P IL K

MOR

“Make sure you dispose of ash carefully and make sure T RAIMV AE RK I your chimney Te has beenRoad cleaned. Ashes stay hot for up to five Horeta days so make sure they are fully out and in a metal bucket. Panmure Station “Doing these (nowthings open) will

Life After Life

Panmure of intersection reduce the likelihood a fire in your home this winter. So, stay toasty this winter, but do it safely.” EL PAN

P A N M U R E

Queenie

Pakuranga Station

Panmure to Pakuranga busway

M T

W E L L I N G T O N

ELSMORE

PARK

RE EV

“[B]rilliant, timely, funny, heartbreaking.” B OTANY

202 - Jojo Moyes, #1 New York Times Constructio bestselling author of Me Before You DOW NS

A RD

ES RD

TI RA KA U

A H In late June, Auckland Transport WY (AT) announced that it was delaying completion S Y L Vof I A the Eastern Busway RK project byP Atwo years, due to reduced Grade separated funding as determined by Auckland’sintersection 10-Year Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP).

PAKUR ANGA

Pakuranga to Botany busway

PAKURANGA GOLF

Pakuranga Creek bridge

TA MA KI RIVER

GO O

R DD

HIGHB R OOK

completed i sections an targeted to open

CLUB

Killers of the Flower Moon

Based on the non-fiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The T I R A Osage Murders and the Birth KAU One of the projec D of Rthe FBI, this Apple TV+ film give you certaint will chronicle one of the USA’s darkest unsolved criminal of the busway an Botany conspiracies. Martin Scorsese Station infrastructure. W directs, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert de Niro star. through regular c

engagement wit

T E IR IR A

GETBA shares members’ concerns and frustrations at this news. At the time of FOCUS going to print, our team is engaged in active dialogue with AT to clarify several key questions. For the latest updates, please visit getba.org. nz/advocacy/transport-roading and keep an eye on GETBA’s e-newsletters.

R KU

IS RD

BA SIN

HA RR

Eastern Busway project update

MER D R

Panmure bridge

PANMU RE

GO S S A

Further South Productions owns the TV rights and is developing a series for the UK’s Channel 4. LLOY D

S L IE

RE HW For more winter safety tips go to Y fireandemergency.nz/at-home/winter-fire-safety

NGI

LER

This dedicated busway will connect Botany, Pakuranga and the surrounding suburbs to the rail network in Panmure. It will be supported by cycling and walking improvements and a new grade separated intersection (known as theFOCUS Reeves Road flyover) between Pakuranga Road and Waipuna Bridge.

TAKE A MINUTE

Jammies in June Approximately 125,000 children live in Counties Manukau, and nearly half of these tamariki live in areas of high socio-economic deprivation. That’s why, every year, Middlemore Foundation gives pyjamas, blankets, beanies, socks, and slippers to thousands of children in need across the region. 2021 is Jammies in June’s 10th year, and GETBA’s members really pulled out all the stops, making this year’s collection one of our biggest so far! Thanks to everyone who donated items and to Kreem Café for once again being the local drop-off point.

13-19 SEPTEMBER

Helping to keep our backyard beautiful Keep New Zealand Beautiful Clean Up Week is a great opportunity for friends, family, business colleagues or local community groups to get together and participate in New Zealand’s largest clean up event. By getting involved, you can make a significant difference in your local area. In 2020, nearly 58,000 volunteers took part cleaning up an area equivalent to 4,935 rugby fields and collecting a total of 561,979kg of rubbish. This year’s Clean Up Week runs from 13-19 September, and registrations are now open at knzb.org.nz/programmes/clean-new-zealand-beautiful/clean-up-week FOCUS

GETBA NEWS

Partner With Us GETBA is committed to supporting our business community by providing opportunities to increase your business profile in person, online and in print.

Whether you want to build your customer base or increase brand awareness, our new tiered sponsorship and advertising opportunities gives your business access to events, database and media channels to ensure you can select what suits you, your brand and your budget. We are proud to confirm our new Gold Sponsors Goodman and Bayleys, Silver Sponsor Nautech Electronics, and Bronze Sponsors Wynyard Wood, Forsyth Barr, Matrix Security, Aon and BNZ. We look forward to working with you all and providing support as, together, we navigate the challenging business landscape ahead. GETBA Sponsorship is available to all Member or Associate Member businesses. Please contact Ruth White on 027 234 0885 or gm@getba.org.nz for further information.

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

getba

Greater East Tamaki Business Association Inc.

getba.org.nz FOCUS

ADVOCACY

Proposed changes to the Auckland Council Water Supply and Wastewater Network Bylaw 2015 An update from Dr Grant Hewison, on behalf of GETBA Every day, businesses obtain drinking water and discharge their wastewater through the public water supply and wastewater networks. Sometimes, the network can be damaged, contaminated or misused by people connecting to or disconnecting from the network, undertaking work near the network, or making illegal connections to the network or illegally discharging waste in it. This can result in local water shortages and health risks. Auckland Council has recently checked how the rules are working and identified improvements to the bylaw that manages the network. The proposals are limited to the infrastructure of publicly owned water and wastewater pipes and do not address privately-owned networks and assets. GETBA has provided feedback on these improvements. GETBA has agreed that the subject of illegal water use should be clarified, as only illegal use from fire hydrants is currently captured. GETBA has agreed with the proposal to amend the bylaw to clarify the types of illegal water use by mentioning any unmetered point as an illegal use (including fire hydrants and service leads). There is also an increasing problem with waste disposed of through the wastewater system or being dumped illegally in the network.

asked that this be accompanied by education and implemented in a balanced way, recognising the rights of the owners of the landon which these assets are located. Watercare holds concerns regarding digging around its assets and the need to better protect its networks from works on and around them. GETBA agreed that the bylaw should be amended to specify the types of restricted works. GETBA’s submission can be found online at getba.org.nz/advocacy/getba-submissions

This is due to new chemicals being manufactured, increased adoption of new consumer goods (such as wipes) and policy changes such as the potential of an increasing landfill levy. GETBA has agreed to support the bylaw being amended to include emerging and problematic waste (such as wipes, sanitary products, fats and grease). GETBA has further agreed with the proposal to clarify that people need approval to discharge to the public wastewater network and improvements to the existing rules regarding unauthorised connections. There is also a concern that Watercare is occasionally having difficulties accessing its assets because Watercare padlocks have been replaced, or access points covered by containers or other structures. While GETBA agreed with the proposal to amend the bylaw to reduce these obstructions, GETBA also

Dr Grant Hewison is the director of Grant Hewison & Associates Ltd, a firm specialising in local government and environmental legal and consultancy services. Outside his day job, Grant enjoys playing music and joins a blues/jazz/mellow rock band, which performs fortnightly at the Grey Lynn farmers market.

Improve your career skills

Certified Health and Safety System Manager 2 DAY COURSE

Ensure compliance for your business with the Certified Health and Safety Manager course. This 2 day course will not only teach you the requirements of health and safety system management but also arm you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the health and safety system in your work place.

Visit www.hastrak.co.nz/health-safety-courses Contact Craig Carlyle: email craig@hastrak.co.nz or call 027 41 44260 to find out more.

MINIMISING WASTE, MAXIMISING SUSTAINABILITY | TILE DEPOT

Collaborating for the greater good Inspired by the article in Focus Autumn 2019, Tile Depot approached TransNet for help with its environmental policy. There were site visits, constructive discussions, and a plan put in place. And then, Covid happened. Like so many businesses, Tile Depot’s immediate priorities switched. As Kiwis spent their overseas holiday funds on their homes, the Tile Depot team was running just to keep up – juggling safe working practices with customer orders and expectations, stock supplies, and shipping challenges. All of which meant that the sustainability strategy was temporarily shelved. Now though, things are getting back on track. Due to transport damage, wastage, and off-cuts during installation, as much as 20 per cent of all tile products ends up in landfill. Every pallet is plastic-wrapped in all sorts of colours, adding extra complications to potential repurposing or recycling. Plus, most boxes of tiles come with four plastic corner protectors to help prevent transport damage. General manager Mike Syddall estimates that the company “indirectly” imports one million of these per year and, despite Tile Depot’s best efforts to change packaging practices at overseas supplier level, change seems a long way off. Tackling all this waste has been a significant and complicated process. “Working with Envirowaste, we’ve found a use for discarded ceramic tiles. If we can separate them from our general waste, they’ll be crushed for roading fill,” says Mike. “From August, we’ll have recycling facilities at our main distribution centre where we can collect damaged, broken, samples, and end-oflines to be diverted from landfill to recycling facilities.”

Concept sketch for the plastic corner protector collection boxes. Designed by ad agency Blackfoot, and incorporating the Future Posts recycled product (Spicers Paper initiative).

The next challenge is to find a way to get tile off-cuts and wastage back from building sites where the bulk of tile waste accumulates. As for the corner protectors, collection bins are being rolled out at each store to have these returned. “We’ve teamed up with another GETBA business, Spicers Paper, who have a cool ZERO WASTE initiative,” Mike explains. “They introduced us to Future Post, who can recycle these corner protectors into durable, sustainable fencing for farmers.”

The courtyard area between the showroom and the warehouse is being developed and planted with a row of citrus trees and raised vege garden beds.

FOCUS

”We believe these measures, plus improved cardboard and timber recycling, will divert about 41 per cent of our existing waste from landfill to recycling facilities. Plastic is phase two. We have issues with the type of plastic our pallets are wrapped in, and finding a suitable recycling option is not so straightforward unfortunately.”

MINIMISING WASTE, MAXIMISING SUSTAINABILITY | WESTERN MAILING

Wrapping up customer expectations putting pressure on them,” explains business development manager Rakesh Kesha. “They simply don’t want to receive marketing collateral or magazines wrapped in plastic.” Alternative wraps that promise to be “compostable” or “degradable”, can still be problematic. For example, the temperature may not appropriate for the process, or the material breaks down into microplastics – which can end up in the ocean. Western Mailing’s MD is a keen sailor and, like many boaties, feels distressed when he sees so much plastic in the waterways. “Our paper wrap is 100 per cent recyclable and, even if it does somehow find its way into the sea, it will break down properly harmlessly,” confirms general manager Annette Rangi.

Western Mailing’s paper wrapping machine. “We want to partner with like-minded companies. We always ask our suppliers about their environmental accountability.”

She goes on to explain that one of the most significant challenges has been ensuring that pricing is comparable to film wrap and pre-printed envelopes. “Cost can be a barrier to change, so we are always looking at alternative approaches to reduce cost, extend our environmentally friendly options, and work with our suppliers to do the same.”

If you receive your copy of Focus through the post, you may have noticed that it’s wrapped in paper rather than plastic. GETBA has partnered with Western Mailing for this more sustainable option.

One potential concern from customers is around water resistance. Western Mailing therefore produced a short video of the wrap being submerged in water to demonstrate its efficacy. “It’s definitely at least as effective as a normal paper envelope,” Annette says.

As a response to increasing customer enquiries – and as an integral part of its environmental commitment – Western Mailing first introduced paper wrapping in November 2019. Its wrapping machine is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and, indeed, the whole southern hemisphere. “Our clients’ customers are

Employees are at the heart of the business’ overall eco strategy. “We regularly ask the team, ‘Is there anything we can do better?’” This environmental commitment is part of onboarding new staff members too. “It’s a central part of our company culture, and we want to find people who fit with that.”

Our specialist legal teams will work alongside you on a wide range of legal services. Our goal is always to create a comprehensive state of affairs for both your personal and business endeavours.

MINIMISING WASTE, MAXIMISING SUSTAINABILITY | DIGITAL WINGS

Digital Wings: helping young New Zealanders flourish Remarkit Solutions is mentioned a couple of times in this issue of FOCUS, relating to its e-waste recycling and repurposing partnerships with local organisations. In 2017, Remarkit supported the creation of the independent charitable trust Digital Wings, which works with businesses to pass on redundant, quality IT equipment to charities and community organisations. There’s a particular preference to support groups working in youth education for employment, but donors can nominate their chosen charities. Remarkit helps by providing one-year warranties and tech support, as well as a commitment to take back and recycle equipment at end of life.

Research from the UK suggests that extending the life of existing IT equipment by just one year would be the equivalent of taking 30 million cars off the road! Di Daniels MNZM is Digital Wings’ programme director. A past recipient of the TechSoup Lifetime Service Award for Technology Service in the Charity Sector, she says that the purpose of the trust is to enhance digital opportunities and advance education, employment, health and wellbeing of people living in underserved communities. “We are also committed to keeping e-waste out of landfill, so provide the business sector a means to repurpose their decommissioned kit whilst helping the community sector as well. Digital Wings helps businesses realise their goals for sustainable business, circular economy and social responsibility, all in one simple cost-neutral process.” Digital Wings has received financial support from the MfE’s Waste Minimisation Fund. More than 470 community groups around New Zealand have so far benefited from the initiative, which also means that nearly 530 tonnes of e-waste has been diverted from landfill.

Just a few of the social enterprises to which Digital Wings has been able to donate IT equipment: LIFT in the Hawkes Bay, New Zealand Down Syndrome Association, the Graeme Dingle Foundation, and Whenua Iti Outdoors in Lower Moutere.

Are you a socially and environmentally responsible business that would like to help enrich the lives of New Zealand’s youth? Do you have unwanted IT equipment in your workplace? If so, please contact Digital Wings on 0800-DIGI-WINGS, e-mail info@digitalwings.nz or go to digitalwings.nz/contact.html and complete the message form.

Locally Owned & Operated

EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

Preparing for immigration law changes On 7 May 2021 Immigration New Zealand (INZ) released some additional information about the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), although finer details are yet to be confirmed. Here’s a summary of the changes and some guidance for employers.

What should employers be doing right now? To get prepared, employers should consider:

Accredited Employer Work Visa

1. Supporting current employees with new work visa applications prior to the changes coming into effect and before INZ’s median wage threshold increases to $27 per hour in July 2021

The AEWV comes into effect on 1 November 2021, replacing key employer-assisted work visa categories, including the Essential Skills and Work to Residence – Talent (Accredited Employer) visas. The AEWV is an employer-led process, which means that employers must take the following steps to hire a migrant worker on an AEWV:

2. Carefully checking which AEVW requirements apply to them, and get admin and processes in order early to ensure readiness for a successful application

1. Obtain compulsory employer accreditation (initially valid for 12 months). 2. Apply for job check to ensure there are no New Zealand citizens or residents available for the position. 3. Request the migrant worker apply for the visa.

Step 1: obtaining employer accreditation It is important to note that employers currently accredited will not have their accreditation status automatically transferred on 1 November. They will need to reapply; applications will be open from late September. This indicates that accreditation under the new AEWV policy could be substantially different to the accreditation policy currently in place, with three standards of employer accreditation: •

Standard accreditation: up to five migrant workers on AEWV at any one time

•

High-volume accreditation: more than five migrant workers on AEWV at any one time

•

Accreditation for labour hire companies (or other employers wanting to place AEWV holders with third parties) and franchisees

Step 2: job check This is to confirm there are no New Zealand citizens or residents available for the position. There are essentially three ways for employers to satisfy the job check: • • •

High pay A regionalised labour market test Sector agreements

High-volume accredited employers must submit job checks for roles paying at least 10 per cent above the minimum wage, unless that job is covered by a collective agreement.

Kate Ashcroft is a partner at Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers. Kate is passionate about providing commercially pragmatic, tailored solutions to clients’ workplace law issues. She acts for employers across a range of industries, giving strategic, compliance and best practice advice on non-contentious matters, as well as providing representation in disputes. Kate is recognised by the international legal directory Asia Law as a “Leading Lawyer” in New Zealand.

Step 3: employee check Under this, the migrant needs to apply for an AEWV and meet identity, health, character, and employment skills/ experience requirements.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Is New Zealand’s immigration system fit for future? The Productivity Commission is undertaking an enquiry about what immigration policy settings would best facilitate our country’s long-term economic growth and promote the wellbeing of New Zealanders. “The success of this inquiry relies on the input, knowledge, and advice from a broad range of sectors and communities…Your perspectives will help us to understand issues and identify useful research for us to make decisions and recommendations for change.” Anyone with an interest is encouraged to read the commission’s issues paper and make their submission by 24 December 2021. Visit productivity.govt.nz/inquiriesimmigration-settings to learn more.

FOCUS

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Blue September is the annual fundraising and awareness campaign for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCFNZ). The money raised is used to fund life-saving research, education programmes, and multiple support initiatives, including 45 support groups across the country. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand men. One in eight men will develop it in their lifetime, and about 3,500 NZ men are diagnosed with it each year – that’s 10 a day! This means more men are diagnosed with prostate cancer than women with breast cancer. Sadly, around 650 men in NZ die from prostate cancer every year. The main message for men over 50 is to get checked, because early detection leads to better outcomes. It is just a simple blood test to measure the PSA (prostatespecific antigen) level. PCFNZ receives no government funding and aims to raise $1 million this Blue September to carry on providing its vital support. Friends, fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers – if you haven’t been directly affected by prostate cancer, it’s likely you know someone who has. Find out how easy it is for you to do something blue to help a mate through and register your “blue do” at blueseptember.org.nz

Future-Ready Money Confidence Course A new course to raise financial capability for your people Fully funded by MBIE and delivered through Auckland Unlimited’s Project Ikuna programme

A unique way to look at financial literacy from a Pacific perspective This engaging course covers: • Financial goal setting • Compound interest • The power of saving

• The Fonofale model of wellbeing • Keeping a spending diary • The real cost of debt

Graduates from this 16-18 hour programme gain an Otago Polytechnic micro credential to recognise their learning.

upskills.co.nz/course-future-ready-money-confidence

Find out more 021 969 6o4.nz2 sarah@upskills.c Sarah Balfour

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Cognitive boosters

Winter wellbeing

Be mindful - Mindfulness is about being present, aware and non-judgemental in the moment. Mindfulness lowers your stress cortisol, heightens empathy, improves sleep, aids concentration and boosts your immune system. You can mindfully brush your teeth, walk between meetings or talk to a friend. Headspace and Calm are two great apps to try for mindful meditation. Take bite-sized recovery breaks - Taking breaks between

mentally challenging tasks enables us to sustain our wellbeing and performance over time. It also reduces mental fatigue.

Actively fostering our mental health is crucial, as positive mental health (to “flourish”) enables us to manage life’s daily challenges, utilise our strengths, engage in meaningful connections, boost our performance and lead a purposeful life.

Learn new skills - Perhaps a new hobby or work skill. The Mental Health Foundation highlights learning and development as an important wellbeing booster.

It is important to acknowledge that proactively engaging in meaningful wellbeing activities doesn’t always feel easy and can feel particularly challenging during the winter months. Alongside gloomier days, it is during these midyear months that work demands appear to ramp up, holiday frequency drops and barriers to self-care appear.

Effective winter wellbeing boosters are: Physical boosters Activate and move - When we are physically active, our body releases serotonin and endorphins. These neurochemicals have many benefits, including fostering active recovery, improving our mood and enhancing concentration.

Social boosters

Take a tech break - Our brains weren’t designed to be on

Prioritise helpful relationships - Social connections boost

all the time, so living amongst technology can create mayhem for our wellbeing. Create periods of your day where you can unplug and reboot.

our mental health, support recovery and add purpose to our lives. Who in your life leaves you positive and with energy? Schedule time with them!

Enhance your sleep - A good night’s sleep is known to lower

Mentally show up - When you are with people, actively listen.

Nurture your body - Choose the most nutritious foods you

Be kind - Research demonstrates that when we are kind to others, dopamine (our “reward hormone”) is released. This has a two-hour lasting positive impact on our body as well as helping us feel connected to others.

stress, improve mood and boost memory, concentration and creativity.

can, and stay away from the processed, energy-sapping choices.

Spend time in nature - Experiencing moments where you feel connected to nature is associated with reduced levels of stress, anxiety and depression. It has been shown to increase resilience, engagement with learning for children and adolescents otherwise disengaged from the education system, improved self-esteem and increased capacity to engage socially.

Look them in the eye and put your phone or other devices away.

Emotional boosters Increase the frequency of positive emotion - Engaging

in small, daily activities that enhance your positive emotion is imperative for mental health and productivity. Small is the operative word; think bubble baths, reading a good book, seeing a picture of your loved one on your phone’s lock screen, etc.

Turn music on - Listening to music is known to release serotonin which in turn helps you regulate your mood. Jacqui Maguire is a registered clinical psychologist and highly science communicator. She specialises in providing practical psychological theory and strategies to optimise personal wellbeing, work and relationships. She is one of New Zealand’s prominent mental health and wellbeing thought leaders, and a sought-after keynote speaker. Jacqui works closely with organisations across the private and public sector, is the founder of the #1 ranking Mind Brew podcast and the author of When the Wind Blew. jacquimaguire.co.nz

FOCUS

SPONSORED CONTENT | AON

At Aon we are proud of our strong and active role in business and also in the community. Our latest partnership is with Will&Able, who you may have first seen last year on Seven Sharp during lockdown. Will&Able is a social enterprise, designed to enable New Zealanders with disabilities to gain meaningful employment by making and selling eco-friendly cleaning products. We were inspired by the Will&Able story and are proud to support them on their journey.

Issy and Richard from Will&Able chatting to ex-Prime Minister, Bill English who turned up to say hello.

We are also proud to be part of providing tangible opportunities for everyone to get involved with the Will&Able initiative in their own community.

Enterprise CEO Martin Wylie, and Olympic gold medallist Eric Murray. Encouragingly, many of the attendees expressed their willingness to take action and shared the same sentiment as Aon around how important corporate support is to help organisations like Will&Able flourish.

Help close the loop Drop your Will&Able empties at your local Aon branch Will&Able products are now available in supermarkets nationwide, or they can be ordered directly from willandable.co.nz. To help “close the sustainability loop”, when people finish their product, they can drop off the empty product containers at local Aon branches up and down the country and we will arrange to get it back to Will&Able, to be cleaned and refilled, ready to use again. To find a local Aon branch, visit www.aon.co.nz/Contact-Us We have actively encouraged New Zealanders to get on board and support this unique social enterprise - helping people with disabilities and helping the environment, and around the country

Starting conversations A breakfast with Will&Able In March, Aon hosted a breakfast with some of the top business minds and leaders in New Zealand, to not only celebrate our partnership with Will&Able, but foster discussions around driving social responsibility with a business outcome. Starting important conversations that will drive positive social and environmental change in the private sector was the theme of the day, with guest speakers that included our own CEO Geoff Blampied, Altus

CEO and Chairman of Asia Pacific, Geoff Blampied with Olympian Eric Murray (who was a guest speaker) and some of the W&A staff present at the event

Will&Able + Aon Another community we’re proud to be in At Aon, we are proud of the support we give to New Zealand through the insurance services we provide but equally proud of our efforts in giving back to the local community through sponsorships of youth sport, the environment and other initiatives. We believe we have a responsibility to take action and the ability to make a positive difference with organisations like Will&Able. We are a big company that thinks small and we are committed to contributing to the future of the community that we are all a part of. To find out more visit will&able.co.nz or aon.co.nz

FOCUS

BUSINESS PROFILE | BIOFAB

Interest in sustainable packaging business is mushrooming Could fungi help overcome some of the packaging industry’s environmental challenges? One innovative East Tamaki business hopes so! BioFab’s story begins with a serendipitous meeting at a Tech Futures Lab event in 2018. Co-founder James Ferrier was listening to a presentation by US scientist (and future BioFab advisory board member) Andreas Mershin about how mycelium (fungal) technology could be used for housing and, potentially, space exploration. Having made a modest investment in hemp a few months earlier, James was stoked when Andreas commented that hemp was one of mycelium’s best growing environments. “That was the point for me,” James recalls. “I thought: ‘I’m interested in this, I’ve got a background in packaging, and I’m connected to a raw materials supply in New Zealand.’” He waited at the end of the presentation to ask more questions, along with one other attendee: Michael Khuwattanasenee, who would become his co-founder and CFO. Andreas recommended that they follow the US approach of setting up a “fab lab”, focusing on a short sprint period to see if there would be any value in commercialising it. With no-one in this country working with mycelium technology – other than a few universities at lab level – James reached out to global leaders Ecovative Design in upstate New York. “I cannot speak highly enough of the power of LinkedIn Premium, being able to send a direct message to people!” With their guidance and the promise of a licence, if key goals were achieved, James approached Phil Matheson, the largest grower of exotic mushrooms in New Zealand, who brought his mycologist Lennart Prinz with him. All this occurred in just six months. Their application for Callaghan Innovation’s C-Prize was approved in late 2019. Then, of course, Covid slowed everything down. For James and the team, there was a thin silver lining: C-Prize ran for more than double the intended three months, so they spent all of the March/April lockdown with access to mentors galore and making valuable digital connections. “Covid relieved the pressure of us feeling the urgent need to get out to market.”

James and Beatrice, his favourite co-worker

During the early stages of this research and development, James had been pitching to scientists. Now, the company is several months into its capital raise track, with a lead investor (hopefully) signing on the dotted line soon. Once that happens, BioFab will build its first manufacturing plant in Auckland. “We’ll be setting up in Australia at the same time,” James says. “Most of the production will happen in New Zealand, and we’ll be sending raw materials to Australia probably for the first 12 to 18 months.” BioFab’s mycelium packaging will be custom made to suit clients’ products. To enquire about product or to invest, contact James Ferrier on 021 422 449 or e-mail james@biofab.co.nz.

FOCUS

BUSINESS PROFILE | MINT INNOVATION

There’s gold in them there hills of e-waste In 2018, a United Nations-commissioned report estimated that 44 million tonnes of e-waste (electrical and electronic product waste) had been generated in the previous 12 months. Furthermore, it named New Zealand as one of the worst producers of e-waste. Last July, e-waste was one of the harmful “priority products” included in the government’s list of regulated product stewardship schemes to be established under the Waste Minimisation Act. Typically, only 2 per cent of Kiwis’ e-waste is recycled – and that’s typically meant shipping the waste to smelters in the northern hemisphere where it can be melted down into an alloy. But one pioneering East Tamaki business is at the forefront of tackling this global problem. Based in Lorien Place, cleantech company Mint Innovation has combined biology and chemistry to devise ways of extracting valuable metals (such as gold, platinum and copper) from discarded circuit boards. “It’s been suggested that e-waste could contain as much as 7 per cent of the world’s gold,” says business development manager Jason Herbert. “And other valuable metals found in e-waste are at risk of running out. That’s why we’ve created a circular solution for what we call ‘urban mining’.”

Previously, cyanide has been used to extract precious metals. Instead, Mint uses dilute chemicals (which are recycled as much as possible) and metal scavenging microbes. This biometallurgical process requires less energy, less CO2 and less water, and only takes about 24 hours. Currently, it is the only process of its kind in the world.

Inside Mint Innovation’s bio-refinery

“Our ultimate vision is to provide a low-cost, sustainable solution to recover precious metals from the urban mine by having a biorefinery in every major city around the world.”

How it works

E-waste is ground into a fine powder.

A proprietary leaching solution is added to the powder to recover more

reactive metals like copper.

Because gold is unreactive, therefore making it harder to extract, gold-absorbing microbes are added to the solution. The microbes become heavy from absorbing the gold and are then centrifuged out, forming a paste.

The paste is heated in a kiln.

Pure gold remains.

Mint partners with Remarkit Solutions for its supply of circuit boards. Remarkit’s managing director Tim Findlay says his team is thrilled to be involved. “What Mint are doing is incredibly inspiring. And what I love is how they’ve taken an idea, developed it, tested it, and evolved it into a fully functional plant. This kind of vision and innovation are precious and important for New Zealand.” Despite the numerous challenges of 2020, in December, Mint announced it had achieved a capital raise of $20 million to build biorefineries in Sydney and northern England. Speaking about the Australian venture, CEO Dr Will Barker said: “Once commissioned, the plant will be able to process up to 3,500 tonnes of electronic waste each year. That’s enough capacity to turn all the waste circuit boards in New South Wales and Victoria into precious metals, including gold and copper. Ideally, those metals will be sold back to local businesses, such as jewellers and manufacturers, creating a truly circular economy.”

FOCUS

CRIME PREVENTION

New Area Commander for Counties Manukau East Inspector Scott Gemmell

Area Commander Counties Manukau East Area HQ

IF IT’S HAPPENING NOW CALL 111

After seven years as area commander of Counties Manukau East, Inspector Wendy Spiller has stepped down. Quoted in Times Online, Inspector Spiller said she felt "so lucky" that her successor is Inspector Scott Gemmell, bringing with him "his experience, his passion, and his mana". Scott grew up in Onehunga, and describes being back in Ormiston as a "kind of homecoming". He first joined the police in late 2002 and was posted to Counties Manukau District. He was initially based in Manurewa, followed by Papakura, and then as a detective with the Counties Manukau criminal investigation hub. He has held various roles in the likes of serious crime and the armed offenders squad, as well as Māori Responsiveness Manager for Auckland City. Scott's tactical and operational skills are complemented by empathy and an awareness of social justice. To help forge stronger connections between police and the community, he believes it's important to mindfully separate a person from their offence and consider the longer-term effect on that individual's whānau, especially children, of witnessing an arrest or other intervention. "We need to work to minimise the impact," he explains. "It's the principle of 'consider the footprints you leave behind.'"

IF IT’S ALREADY HAPPENED USE 105

His goals for this new role are focused on people feeling safe and valued. "For the team here at Ormiston Road, I want them to feel secure and know they have the support and resources they need to succeed. And for the people in our community, they deserve to feel safe as they go about their everyday activities and to have confidence that the police will respond to their requests for help, energetically and with integrity." In just a short space of time, Scott says he's been "really impressed" with the team's culture and commitment to the community. Culture and heritage are integral to Scott's professional and personal life. As part of this, and to further help build those improved police/community bonds, he would love joining the police force to be the "number one choice" for young people graduating from kura. When he's not in uniform, Scott treasures quality time with his wife Grace (a teacher) and their five children. They enjoy life on their small lifestyle block in Papakura, and, when possible, at the family beach house up north.

Proudly supporting

COMMUNITY

Blue Light and Blueprints ‘Turning the tide’ for young wāhine and ‘mapping out a better tomorrow’ for young men NZ Police partners with businesses and community groups to deliver two lifechanging youth programmes. Both initiatives aim to reduce the risk of young people becoming perpetrators or victims of crime by helping them to: •

Build better relationships with their peers, whānau, community and police.

•

Improve their self-esteem and discover pathways – free of drugs, alcohol or violence – towards a more positive and productive future.

New Zealand Blue Light For more than 30 years, New Zealand Blue Light (NZBL), a registered charity, has run programmes and activities for girls and young women (aged 14-18) throughout New Zealand. Locally, Ōtara Blue Light (ŌBL) is a registered branch of NZBL. In 2020, ŌBL, in partnership with Counties Manukau East Police Youth Aid Services, was a national finalist for the NZ Police Evidence-based Problem Orientated Policing Awards and received an award for Excellence in Reducing Harm in a Local/District Level, in recognition for the team’s work with Te Huringa ō te Tai ō nga Wāhine in the community.

Anahera is 17 and is one of the leaders for the programme’s current cohort. She is enrolled at ATC Military Prep School to complete her NCEA credits and assist with her application to join the Navy. She is also an IC (In-Charge) Leader at her course and helps with the fitness and correctional training for her peers. In addition, Anahera is a casual worker at Horton Media and enjoys volunteering at community events such as Fun Fest and the Easter Show. Erena is 17 and has been part of the programme since 2018. She is currently working full-time in housekeeping to assist her family financially, although she hopes to gain work experience in other areas. She also helps her mother with looking after her younger siblings at home. Erena is a hard worker who takes on challenges with a positive attitude. She is very friendly and enjoys helping others

emotions, and respectful and healthy relationships. Participants then have the ongoing support of a social worker for up to 12 months.

of “the world of work”. So, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, could your company benefit from a young, keen pair of extra hands? If you can offer any period of work experience in any field at all, the young people selected as graduates of the programmes would welcome the opportunity.

Blueprints Blueprints is a joint venture with White Ribbon Charitable Trust and local police youth services to educate and empower young men. The intention is to support participants to achieve their chosen positive goals, which could include further education, apprenticeships, employment, work experience, or continuation of their current study, along with personal goals such as engagement in sport or music. The programme consists of eight sessions over 10 weeks, each focusing on a different aspect, including identifying and managing

Supporting Blue Light and Blueprints graduates The young people who participate in these initiatives are trying to break at least one negative cycle. They are keen to learn, grow, and work, where local businesses can play an invaluable role. Gaining work experience as an intern helps bring the programmes’ theory to life and further broadens participants’ perspectives

Sylvia Pau'uvale Youth Coordinator | Ōtara Blue Light sylvia@bluelight.co.nz | 027 208 8292 50 Ormiston Road, East Tamaki, Auckland

FOCUS

Pam Hughes National Relationship Manager White Ribbon New Zealand pam@whiteribbon.co.nz | 027 200 5419

Good business insurance is a meeting of minds

I see business insurance the way you see it. Through a business owner’s eyes.

I know what really matters – making sure everything is covered and your risk is minimised. The lessons and the learnings from taking care Let Northcrest provide a tailored insurance package, put together by drawing from the best

Rely on Northcrest to do the business – so you can get on with yours. Gerard Tilleyshort Northcrest Insurance Brokers, Director

09 271 3963

gerard@northcrest.co.nz

northcrest.co.nz

MINIMISING WASTE, MAXIMISING SUSTAINABILITY | TRANSNET

‘It’s too easy to install the wrong EV charging infrastructure’ TransNet’s e-mobility division manager, Glenn Inkster, urges businesses not to waste their money – and offers a fresh perspective on the role of solar power. Along with environmental benefits, electric vehicles (EVs) can offer significant advantages, being smooth, quiet, powerful, and costeffective to run. However, a common assumption is that charging an EV fleet is simply impractical for many businesses. In fact, in TransNet’s experience, clients often find that the convenience of being able to charge EVs virtually anywhere, especially when parked for extended periods, negates the perceived need to charge up quickly. The important thing is not to waste your money. Charging infrastructure needs to be set up to work with the building, rather than the electrical infrastructure to work with the charging. In some cases, people are rushing, not fully understanding what is needed, and spending significant amounts on electrical upgrades that are not necessarily required. Fundamental power is generated and transmitted in three phases. Commercial buildings with large electrical machines use three-phase power, while smaller electrical devices (like office equipment) run on single-phase power. People associate threephase as being more powerful, and so they think it will charge a car faster. In reality, single-phase is better suited for EV charging. Many people have installed three-phase charging infrastructure, thinking it will charge the vehicles faster – but it won’t. All charging is slow (relatively) and should be set up to use power when it is available, not when it is being used to run other things.

What does the future look like? Could EVs make better use of solar energy? Future-proofing is not all about faster charging. It’s about better control of charging so that consumers have the energy they need when they need it and at the lowest possible price. Solar energy (PV) and EVs go together like roof water catchment and water storage tanks. Just 10sqm of solar panels can provide enough energy in a day for an EV to do the average daily commute. Moreover, PV has limited use without the ability to store the energy. EVs have excess battery capacity on most days, which gives them the ability to take energy when it is available, and always have enough energy to do most trips. Developing technology will, in time, enable the EV battery to feed energy back into the electricity grid reducing demand during peak times. Eventually, owners of commercial buildings will either install solar panels themselves or rent the roof space to a company that installs and maintains them. In 10 years, East Tamaki’s future-proofed commercial buildings and car parks will have significant capacity of PV that can be used to power the buildings until there is an excess that will be diverted to the plugged-in EVs. The EVs provide a flexible demand which is a perfect fit with solar energy. Smart systems will have cars assigned to people like mobile phones currently, so that the transfer of solar energy from where it is generated to where it is needed is as seamless as the transfer of data is today, which will create a private sector for energy generation.

Certified Maintenance Planner Improve your career skills | Add value to your operation with the Certified Maintenance Planner course. This 3 day course will not only teach you the theory of maintenance planning but also arm you with the knowledge to achieve maintenance reliability through effective work scheduling.

3 DAY COURSE

" ree days that have changed my world. Knowledge is nothing without wisdom"

Visit www.transform.net.nz/certified-maintenance-planner Contact Craig Carlyle: email craig@transform.net.nz or call 027 41 44260 to find out more.

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS | WMIF

The waste levy has

increased! From 1 July, waste costs rose by an initial $10 per tonne. This is set to rise by a further $50 per tonne by 1 July 2024. In practical terms, this means that waste companies will be charging more, possibly by as much as 40-50 per cent.

A flooring company was awarded $13,695 as a contribution towards skip purchase, as outlined in the application Purpose: to recycle and reuse the scrap marble generated at marble and granite fabricators by crushing the material and turning it into terrazzo products.

Every year, Auckland’s business community sends about 1.2 million tonnes of waste to landfill. Shockingly, that’s easily enough to fill Eden Park to the height of the Sky Tower. Auckland aspires to be zero waste by 2040, and waste from commercial activity currently accounts for around 80 per cent of Auckland’s total landfill – but, especially with the construction and demolition sectors in mind, it could also hold the greatest potential for being diverted. An Auckland Council spokesperson told FOCUS: “Our waste has the potential to be a valuable resource for Aucklanders – creating jobs and boosting the economy, while allowing us to take better care of our environment. “Zero waste is about making the most of the resources we have, using them for their highest and best value, and sending nothing to landfill. Zero waste is a long-term goal, but there’s a lot we can do right now. The Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund seeks to support projects from businesses, local iwi, and education and community groups that will divert waste from landfill.”

An insulation contractor was awarded $8,112 towards the design and set-up of polystyrene waste collection bins, as outlined in the application Purpose: to build and set up 50 collection bins with signage for polystyrene to be recycled at retail stores and community recycling centres, which will divert it from landfill. You could use the fund to explore a creative recycling solution for one of the waste streams coming from your business. Maybe put it towards the cost of a recycling system you’ve seen in other Kiwi organisations or overseas. Or build something new and innovative that will reduce the waste you create in the first place. Talk to your waste and recycling partners – could you collaborate? The scope for projects eligible for funding is broad, as long as they reduce the waste you create or divert your waste from landfill.

How could your business reduce waste or recycle it better? Funding is available for waste innovators. Funding for the Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund (WMIF) comes from the waste levy. Fifty-one Auckland businesses and community organisations were awarded grants from the WMIF earlier this year, collectively worth nearly $650,000. Are you putting valuable material into your skip bins? Have you got an idea about how your commercial waste could be recovered or repurposed? You can receive up to $50,000 towards your waste project costs from the WMIF. Online applications are open from 1-31 August.

To find out more, visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/grantscommunity-support-housing/grants/regional-grants/ Documents/waste-minimisation-innovation-fund-guidelines.pdf Additional resources for construction and demolition firms can also be found at makethemostofwaste.co.nz/construction-waste

FOCUS

Recycling made easy You can recycle plastic, glass, metal and cardboard packaging containers. Only grocery packaging containers are recyclable, as well as paper and cardboard from the home. Simply empty and rinse all your recyclables and place them loose in your recycling bin. • Please don’t put soft plastics in your Auckland Council recycling bin – they get caught in the sorting machines. You can drop these to collection points at local participating retailers. • Wondering what items can go in the recycling bin?

Just ask Binny! Your recycling buddy. Message Binny

Connect with Binny now

Please note: • • • •

Rinse all containers. Leave the lids on all bottles and containers. Containers should be no larger than 4 litres. Include paper, cardboard, milk and juice cartons e.g. Tetra Pak cartons in your recycling bin.

Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz FOCUS

21-PRO-1122

Yes please! plastic bottles

glass bottles and jars

advertising mail and envelopes

plastic bottles from the bathroom and laundry

clear plastic food containers

aluminium cans milk and juice cartons steel and tin cans and empty aerosols e.g Tetra Pak® cartons

newspapers and magazines

No thanks!

plastic containers

paper and cardboard packaging

egg cartons

plastic bags (full or empty)

food and garden waste

hazardous waste and chemicals

polystyrene meat trays and packaging

all types of batteries

nappies

clothing, shoes and textiles

window glass, mirror glass and lightbulbs

cookware, Pyrex and drinking glasses

electronic and electrical items

building waste

medical waste

650 Total Items Collected

233 Reused

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS | GETBA UPDATES

417

Coming Soon

Recycled

1989kg

Total weight of items collected

1136kg Reused in weight

853kg Recycled

Great job!

GETBA members help divert almost 2 tonnes of e-waste from landfill Huge thanks to all the businesses that signed up for GETBA’s inaugural e-waste collection. We partnered with Remarkit Solutions, who not only ensure that no equipment goes to landfill – it’s either reused or recycled against ISO14001 and ASNZ 5377 controls – but is also a carbon neutral company, so all its collections and services are off-set.

Food waste and inorganic collections Hot on the heels of our first e-waste collection, there are two upcoming initiatives to support local businesses, employees, and property owners with their sustainability efforts.

Food waste Within the next few weeks, GETBA members will have access to a food waste collection service. The indoor bins and your first six collections are FREE (funded by GETBA) and carried out through a partnership with Green Gorilla. At the end of this initial period, members can continue the service by signing up directly with Green Gorilla.

Inorganics Did you know that all businesses are able to register for a free inorganic collection via Auckland Council? It’s the same as you can access at your residence. Collections will take place in the GETBA district during the first half of October, and bookings close eight days before the collection date.

Go to aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ rubbish-recycling/inorganiccollections/Pages/bookinorganic-collection.aspx to book your spot.

Turn health & safety into a positive part of your business

Und ersta ndin

SAFE USE OF MAC HIN ERY

Best Practice Guidelines

Guarding and The Safe Use of Machinery 1 DAY TRAINING SESSION

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Safe Use of Machinery MAY 2014

TRAINING WO

Reality based training to build your confidence and competence in implementing the requirements of WorkSafes Best Practice Guideline on the Safe Use of Machinery. From the organisations’ responsibilities as a machinery user to using the Best Practise Guide to navigate through AS/NZs4024, this training will demystify machine safety and provide a pathway to achieving compliance. C R A I G C A R LY L E

RKBOOK

Visit www.hastrak.co.nz/guarding-safe-use-of-machinery-training/

Contact Craig Carlyle: email craig@hastrak.co.nz or call 027 41 44260 to find out more.

Take all the sustainable space you like We’re working hard to make all of our new developments carbon neutral and 5 Star Green Star. Because sustainability’s not only good for New Zealand, it’s good for business.

Find out more: 0800 375 6060 SustainableGoodman.co.nz