Auckland Today Magazine 104

Issue 104 | February/March 2014

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Trelise Cooper The creative icon making it her way The king of bling Michael Hill’s rags to riches story

Getting your head in the game Are you getting the best out of your brain?

Turning it around How to turn customer frowns upside down

Tech tips for 2014 Ten technology tips to get your business booming

CV sorting Hire the right person for the job every time

News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 1173-1508

If great food, an inviting ambience and contemporary surroundings are what excite you in a restaurant or bar, Shanghai 1930 at 4/1 Bishop Dunn Place, Botany South is the place for you!

We’ve taken inspiration from the diverse cuisines of China, Japan and Southeast Asia to create a contemporary and innovative Asian fusion menu to tantalise the most selective taste buds. Delicious culinary delights created by our team of highly trained and experienced chefs will leave you wanting more.

Are you looking for a venue for that special event, birthday, engagement party or corporate event? Shanghai 1930 is the perfect option, with flexible options for functions of all sizes, plenty of space and super friendly and efficient service.

So whatever you’re in the mood for, a great meal or just a place to chill, come on down and check out Shanghai 1930. You’ll definitely find a reason to stay!

MENTION THIS ADVERT AND GET 15% OFF ON A BILL OF $50 OR MORE Unit 4, 1 Bishop Dunn Place, Botany, Auckland For bookings please contact Donny Chen - 021 588842 We are open only for dinners as of now 6.30pm onwards!

THE BAR AND LUNCH MENU COMING SOON!!

Issue 104 February/March 2014

In this issue...

Viewpoints

Features

In Business

6 The Prime Minister’s desk

16 The price of oil

34 Property and Construction

John Key takes stock of five years at the helm

Debating the pros and cons of deep sea drilling

Houston Architects, Concept Building Solutions, Elephant Plasterboard, Modcom Portable Building, Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers, Watts & Hughes work on Tairua Marina, TRIO Mt Wellington and the Pukekohe Reformed Church, Absolute Blast, Papakura Joinery and Shore Build

6 Management

Auckland Today

Issue 104

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz HEAD OFFICE

AUCKLAND OFFICE

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18 What we can learn from corporates

8 Strategies

Lessons small operations can learn from bigger businesses

Colin Clapp from Accountable Business Progress explains how to avoid the pitfalls of rapid growth

20 Getting your head in the game Are you getting the best out of your brain?

8 Branding Business consultant Sarah Davies says be bold, get noticed and get more business

9 Tactics

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Martz Group boss Martz Witty explains why it pays to keep the end game in mind

Gary Collins

OPERATIONS MANAGER Di Barclay

9 Politics

SALES MANAGER Grant Williams

Business consultant Kevin Vincent demystifies the balanced scorecard

(09) 927 7632

ADMINISTRATION

David Shearer on the economics of food in schools

Kylie Palermo ADMIN MANAGER Kelly Allen Jade Haylett Shannen Johnson Penny Duns

10 HR

SALES & ADVERTISING

Essential HR director Mike Johnson on what it takes to be a bloody good employer

Warren Wilks Steve Dando Luciana Lovrich Seth Riley Rob Cochrane Akash Sandhu Melissa Sinclair Clive Greenwood

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

HRINZ Auckland president Angela Atkins on the right way to dismiss someone

10 HR

NEWSROOM

How to turn customer frowns upside down

22 Cover story

(03) 940 4734 0800 555 054 editor@academy.net.nz

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Disclaimer: This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services.

A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2013 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

ISSN 1173-1508(Print) | ISSN 2230-6168(Online)

35,144

ABC circulation as at 30/06/13

58 Goods and Services Whatever the occasion Tomuri & Co Floral Design can arrange brilliant bouquets

Trelise Cooper - the creative icon who made it her way

24 The king of bling Michael Hill’s rags to riches story epitomises perseverance and adaptation

26 Q&A Cecilia Robinson, New Zealand’s latest entrepreneurial sensation, gets down to business

27 Little lot The revolutionary app combining social conscience and commercial viability

60 Focus

Website specialist Suzanne Carter explains how to convert browsers into purchasers

11 Events Diary

78 Transport and Motoring

This is where you find out what’s on near you

Birkenhead Transport, Eitherway Freight, Palin Auto Services, Tiger Traffic and Resin Weld

Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Davina Richards JOURNALISTS Laura Hall Marie Sherry Phone: Fax: Email:

The next generation of air conditioning systems brought to you by the Heat Pump Guys

Uniform Brokers, Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors, Age Concern NZ, Buckley Systems, Mark Sokolich Design, Leathersmiths, PPS Industries and Storepro

11 Online Shimrit Amir Evelyn Gray Tina Aiono Beth Parton

20 Turning it around

57 Ventilation Systems

88 Fabrication The winner of the Johnson’s Outdoor Kayak for hours of summer fun is Scott Harley

RR

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Reader rewards in this issue…

• Get 15 percent off your next bill at Shanghai 1930 on page 3

28 Tech tips for 2014 Ten technology tips to get your business booming this year

29 CV sorting Avoid recruitment blunders and hire the right person for the job every time

30 Lifestyles Everything from gadgets and gizmos to hat stands and baubles

94 Manufacturing Railblaza, Aquaheat, Guala Closures and Koves Plastic Industries

102 Marine, Boating and Fishing DMW Trailers, James Nilsson, The Engine Room, Dixon Manufacturing and Marine Electrics

111 Sports and Recreation

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114 Retail and Banking How Eftpos has revolutionised the way we do business

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Botany has a new and happening place for all you food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and all of you who like something a little bit different. Shanghai 1930 is the classy, sophisticated new restaurant and bar at 4/1 Bishop Dunn Place, Botany South that we know you’ll love.

Taking inspiration from the culturally diverse environment that was present in the city of Shanghai in the 30s, when people from all over the world were flocking to this bustling city to experience fabulous food and hospitality. In keeping with this idea of diversity, our team of highly trained chefs have created an innovative Asian fusion menu using influences from Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine. With a perfect blend of traditional and modern tastes, there’s something on our menu for everyone.

Shanghai 1930 is also a great function venue, with lots of space for gatherings of any size. We also have a great outdoor area to enjoy in the summer months. Ask us about our function service and we can customise an event to suit your exact needs. We promise to make it a memorable event.

Come on in, grab a drink, have a bite and see why Shanghai 1930 is the hottest new spot in East Auckland.

MENTION THIS ADVERT AND GET 15% OFF ON A BILL OF $50 OR MORE Unit 4, 1 Bishop Dunn Place, Botany, Auckland For bookings please contact Donny Chen - 021 588842 We are open only for dinners as of now 6.30pm onwards!

THE BAR AND LUNCH MENU COMING SOON!!

Viewpoints | The PM’s desk/Management

Demystifying the balanced scorecard

Five years on

By Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister

Just over five years ago, on November 8, 2008, National was elected into government amid a global financial crisis and a domestic economy that had been in recession for a year.

Treasury was forecasting never-ending deficits and ever-increasing debt for the foreseeable future.

Government spending had jumped 50 percent in the previous five years under Labour. That was simply unsustainable.

We immediately set to work on our comprehensive plan for more jobs and higher incomes for New Zealanders, as well as confronting the considerable challenges before us.

During that first term came the worst natural disaster in our history – the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

But the Government’s approach throughout that term in office, and the current term as well, has been to take the public with us by clearly outlining our actions and priorities, and always keeping in mind why we are in government – to make New Zealand a better place for Kiwis and their families.

Under a National-led Government, the crime rate is now at its lowest level in more than 30 years, with a 17.4 percent drop in recorded crime during the past three years.

We’re also spending more on educating our children than ever before. We’ve delivered 1,300 extra teachers and increased spending on early childhood education by 74 percent since we came into government.

Around 40,000 more New Zealanders are getting elective surgery this year than in 2008. And they are getting them faster.

Most children under six can now also go to the doctor for free during the day and after hours.

Our economic programme during the past five years is delivering. We are seeing steady progress on our plan to deliver a brighter future for New Zealanders and we are seeing a steady stream of good

news about the economy and prospects for Kiwis and their families.

The economy is now in much better shape than it was in late 2008. Back then, the economy had been shrinking for four quarters. In the past year, the economy grew by around 2.5 percent – one of the highest rates in the OECD. This is helping to push business and consumer confidence to their highest levels in many years.

In 2008 inflation was running at 5.1 percent; it is now only 1.4 percent. Mortgage rates have halved from an average of 10.9 percent in late 2008 to 5.9 percent now.

Food prices went up 11 percent in Labour’s last year in office, but have only gone up a little in the last year at just over one percent.

And we are getting the Government’s books back in order.

Back in 2008, Treasury was forecasting never-ending deficits and debt looked likely to get to 60 percent of GDP and never coming down. We are now forecast to be in surplus in 2014/15 and debt is expected to peak below 30 percent of GDP. In a world where we are seeing the consequences of deep indebtedness, this is a considerable achievement.

The National-led Government has a busy ongoing agenda to ensure this progress continues.

Labour and its Green allies would put at risk all the good progress made so far. They would stifle growth, depress incomes, push up interest rates, and cost jobs.

Under the National-led Government’s strong and stable leadership, New Zealand is dealing with the many challenges we face, and is making good progress in a world still facing economic difficulties and uncertainty.

It has not been easy and there is much to do, and we appreciate many families and businesses are still finding things quite challenging.

But there are increasing signs that we are seeing the benefits of our focus on what’s important to New Zealanders and their families.

6 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Kevin Vincent is a director of business improvement consultants Vincent and Nugent Limited. Visit www.vincentnugent.co.nz

Most business owners and managers will have heard of the Balanced Score Card (BSC) and many will think it is an MBA jargon-filled activity trap that is daunting to produce and requires a PHD to analyse.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. It can be a very effective and simple framework for measuring and monitoring your business activities against defined objectives. Linking vision and strategy to everyday activities is the goal of the balanced scorecard.

products and services conform to customer requirements (the mission).

The customer perspective The importance of making it easy and pleasant for your customers to buy from you can’t be emphasised enough. The implication being that if customers are not satisfied, they will eventually find other suppliers that will meet their needs. Poor performance from this perspective is thus a leading indicator of future decline, even though the current financial picture may look good.

The financial perspective Surely the ultimate goal for most companies is to make a profit. It is true that if the other perspectives are working well then making a profit will be given a better chance. Timely and accurate financial data is imperative and companies will generally need to measure liquidity, revenue growth, overhead expenses and profitability as a matter of course.

Balanced scorecards are like school reports.

They measure your performance against your desired targets. The trick is to set the targets well. The targets are usually broken down into just four perspectives.

The fundamental concept being if you can measure it, you can manage it and what you I like to think of the BSC as a screen shot measure is what you get! or photograph of a point in time. At any Each perspective has defined objectives and point in your financial year you are able to check how you are tracking against the the creation of these is very important. I have drawn the above model in this fashion pre-set objectives. to illustrate the flow of objectives. For The BSC can be simple and yet remain example, if we provide relevant learning powerful and very effective. The first and and development opportunities and have most important step is always to define well performing team members, your your company vision. This is what I call the company will be more likely to operate “arrival point” - your current state being the efficiently (internal business processes). departure point.

Your efficient company then provides better Once you have defined this you then set your service and product to your customer. This objectives, measures, targets and initiatives improves customer satisfaction, retention and new opportunities which in turn lead to for each perspective. Start with learning and growth, followed by internal business improved financial results. processes, then customer and lastly financial.

The learning and growth perspective Key benefits include: This perspective includes employee training • Better and more timely reporting of and corporate cultural attitudes related relevant items to both individual and corporate self improvement. Metrics can be put into place • Aligns measurement to strategy to focus on provision of training funds where • Links key performance indicators they can help the most.

The internal business process perspective This perspective refers to internal business processes. Metrics based on this perspective allow the managers to know how well their business is running, and whether its

• Improved revenues and profits • Keeps you focussed on the end goal (the arrival point) • Creates greater teamwork, collaboration and a unified commitment.

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Viewpoints | Strategies/Branding

Avoiding the pitfalls of rapid growth Colin Clapp is the chief thinking officer at Accountable Business Progress.

Visit www.accountable.co.nz

Business growth is almost always a sign of business success, but too often it can also spell disaster if not managed well.

Currently in Canterbury, many businesses are experiencing or predicting substantial business growth. This could be through increased workload as a result of the Christchurch rebuild or even as a result of collaboration with another business. But no matter how it comes, managing and sustaining growth can be fraught with pitfalls.

Too often I have seen small businesses in particular jump onboard a wave of increased work without putting sufficient thought into how different aspects of their business will be affected.

Those who do take time to carefully plan for growth are the ones who will ride the wave to the top and onwards, and will be well placed to take advantage of new business opportunities.

It is never too late to start planning - you may already be buried in job applications to keep up with increased customer demand or you may see a growth wave looming on the horizon. Either way, if you take time now to think about the potential pitfalls and challenges you may face along the way, you will inevitably emerge stronger and better equipped to deal with them.

Here are some things to think about if your business is entering a growth phase.

Control your rate of growth The phone is ringing, demand for services is increasing and you can see the money rolling in. But don’t be tempted to say yes, yes, yes before you are ready. Growing too quickly is a surefire way sabotage your business.

Among the first things to suffer will be customer service and quality control. Growing at a steady rate will help your business adapt without being overwhelmed.

have to factor in placing job advertisements, reviewing CVs, interviewing candidates and training new staff.

Add to that securing new office space and investing in new equipment and you’ll soon find money slipping through your fingers – unless you plan for it.

Manage your cashflow ‘You’ve got to spend money to make money’ and a growing business can certainly burn through money quickly.

Although profits may be up, so are costs and often you have to spend money before the expected returns are realised.

Failing to manage this cashflow is one of the main reasons why small businesses fail growth spurts.

Review your business plan regularly Business plans should not be set in stone, they should evolve and adapt as your business does. While most businesses undertake major business plan reviews on an annual basis, a fast growing business will need to do this several times a year as cash flow projections and the overall operating environment changes.

Get the right advice at the right time As your business grows and matures, you will encounter different challenges along the way.

Knowing when to ask for help will place you in the best possible position to face them.

There’s no point getting good advice after the fact, just as advice before you need it is likely to gather dust on a shelf, forgotten even when the time comes to apply it.

A growth phase for a business is an exciting time. Although the hidden costs and pitfalls are many, don’t let them scare you from the opportunities.

Growing at a steady rate, having a well thought-out plan and surrounding yourself with the right people will ensure your growth is sustained and the benefits are realised.

Don’t underestimate the costs of growth More space, more people and more resources all mean more time and money.

In addition to your usual workload, you’ll

Be different, get noticed and get more business Sarah Davies is a brand consultant at Purple Sherbet, an ideas generation consultancy helping companies increase revenue and build brands.

Visit www.purplesherbet.co.nz

If your business is the same as your competitors' then what’s going to make a potential customer choose you?

For example, Dominoes will deliver pizza within 30 minutes or it’s free, FedEx promises overnight delivery on all parcels and M&Ms are the chocolates that melt in your mouth and never in your hand.

A unique selling proposition, (USP), sets you apart form your competitors. Predictably, a USP refers to your company’s point of difference - the reason why people should come to you instead of any of your competitors.

If, by asking yourself this question, you realise that your business doesn’t have a USP, don’t despair – it’s never too late to develop one.

Here are some helpful tips to help you create a unique angle for your company.

An effective and clear USP is especially important for smaller businesses as it allows them to reach a niche market and carve out their own specialised path.

Subsequently, this allows SMEs to compete against corporate giants within the same sector by offering maximum appeal to a particular demographic.

It used to be enough for a company to declare their USP as being a fast, efficient service, or well made products at an affordable price, but in today’s flooded market place this is no longer adequate.

Good products and reasonable rates are now prerequisites of any successful business, whereas the USP is the icing on the cake and is usually the defining factor that can make or break a business.

Take online shoe retailer Zappos.com for example. They make good quality shoes at reasonable rates, but these days online shopping websites are a dime a dozen.

However, online shopping websites that offer both free delivery and free return postage for all domestic orders are not.

This is the USP that Zappos.com has adopted to great success and the company can now claim that 75 percent of its customers are repeat buyers.

Admittedly Zappos.com spend more on shipping costs than its competitors, but spend less on external marketing as its USP alone encourages customer satisfaction, repeat business and consequently increased net profit.

You will find that every successful company has a distinct promise, quality or guarantee that sets it apart. Asking why people should purchase your product or service instead of anyone else’s is what develops a USP.

Buy now - Direct from Seahorse or Authorised Retailers Phone 07 543 0266 | www.seahorse.net.nz 8 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

• Look for industry awards. No doubt you’ve heard winemakers promote their products as gold medal winners – try doing a similar thing within your industry • Social responsibility is no longer just for large corporates, so try aligning with a relevant charity or do something that gives back to people in some way. TOMS Shoes is a for-profit company in California with a great product and quirky brand image, but what really sets them apart is that with every pair of shoes they sell, they give a pair of brand new shoes to a child in need • Solving an industry performance gap is a clever way to create your USP. So rather than being just another hardware store that offers free trailer usage – be the only one to offer free home delivery and kitset assembly.

Once you have discovered or developed your business’s USP, make sure you do the following: • Keep it clear and concise. Having a USP that no one understands is just as bad as not having one at all • Be transparent and offer your customers proof of anything you’re doing to differentiate yourself. People are naturally skeptical, so it’s no good saying ‘for every dollar we make, we donate 20 cents to charity’, unless you can prove it • Similarly, if you say you are going to do something – do it. Or risk ruining your reputation, your customer relationships and consequently, your business.

Remember, your USP can mean the difference between success and failure. It doesn’t have to be a life altering, philanthropic movement nor do you have to invest or forgo large amounts of capital. It just needs to be exactly what it promises – unique.

Viewpoints | Tactics/Politics

Time to say goodbye?

Martz Witty heads the Martz Group, aligning chartered accountancy with the creativity of business development. Visit: www.martz.co.nz

A first question I ask any new client is, “When do you want to get out of the business?” Their look is typically the same, one of shock (sometimes horror). “I’ve just started this business, and you want to know when I want to leave?” they exclaim!

The fact is starting with the end in mind is definitely one of the seven habits of highly effective people.

Too often I encounter business owners who are in a routine. Get up, work, go home, sleep (sometimes), get up, go to work, go home, sleep, get up… sure there are goals and milestones they are trying to achieve, but what of the ultimate goal - to actually exit or be extracted from the business.

Please note that I purposely said “exit” and “extract” as opposed to retire. To some it’s the same thing, but it begs the question how can a business best serve its owners?

A very good (regrettably now deceased) colleague of mine used to state that retirement should be a function of wealth, not age. I concur.

There are a very large number of baby boomers about to head into retirement and what is to happen to their businesses? The old school thinking was (and too many still is) - sell it. The trouble there is that the new generation Y often don’t want to buy them; they think (and many can) they can build one for a fraction of the cost.

There are so many options on exiting a business when the time is right, they include selling, simply shutting the doors, handing on to a family member, selling out to management, retaining an ownership stake and merely extracting oneself from day to day activity… the list goes on.

The secret in the last sentence was exiting when the time is right. The time needs to be right for you, the owner.

This date is typically a moveable feast, but by working to a plan you can rest assured that the businesses is always groomed for exit/extract, by strategy and by design.

The key to being able to exit your business is having the right people doing the right job at the right time with the right tools for the right price. Sometimes a huge ask - but not an impossible one.

By having adequate systems you can make yourself totally replaceable in your own business and that’s exactly what you need to do to effect a successful exit and extract.

An exit plan can take time and throughout a lifecycle of business it might morph into a variety of different options. A (relatively) uncommon one in New Zealand, but one that proves very popular overseas, is a management buyout.

Typically this is effected through a mix of debt and private equity investment. The advantage of this is that the businesses can continue trading for all intents and purposes as it was in the eyes of the public at large.

With most exit options you will need to have an idea of what your business is worth.

Different businesses value up in different ways and ultimately your business (if selling in whole or part), is worth what you are willing to accept and what someone is willing to offer.

There are some predetermined methods for valuing a business and a chartered accountant can talk you through these and prepare an indicative value or an independent value for you. This can aid in your planning.

When you know the key drivers for business value you might even slightly change the way you run your business currently – with the end in mind.

Whichever strategy you chose, there are some definite things you need to consider: • Your future role (if any) in the business • Your business’ dependency on you personally • Your cash flow and liquidity needs

The economics of food in schools David Shearer is the Labour Party spokesman for energy and foreign affairs.

More than 270,000 New Zealand children live in poverty. Apart from being a tragedy for their lifetime health, it’s an economic problem New Zealand needs to solve.

Research tells us that if we can lift educational achievement across the population even just fractionally, it will pay huge dividends economically. Our international success depends on us being able to lift these children’s achievement at school.

These markers will help us measure our investment over time.

I’ve visited other brilliant low decile schools that have given me hope that families, schools and communities can work together on their own independent solutions for the long term.

When I was there the other day, children were serving up vegetarian pizza, salad and banana muffins made with honey from their own beehives and eggs from their own hens.

They’re learning self sufficiency and skills for life - and even using it as part of their maths and reading curriculum.

• Intellectual property (if any) tied up in the business.

So whatever your strategy, it’s time to plan for an exit, for in failing to plan you plan to fail.

Hungry kids won’t learn. I used to be a teacher and I know this from experience.

• Market conditions

Other countries’ food in schools programmes pay for themselves through better school attendance, better academic achievement, fewer hospital admissions and less dental decay.

I’ve got a food in schools bill before parliament at the moment. It aims to ensure that kids who come to school hungry have a I want my Food in Schools bill to strengthen meal. Effectively, it’s a hand out for those kids these community solutions, not replace them who need it. But the more I visit schools the with a blanket feeding programme. more I believe we can do better than that.

No kid should go hungry, but we need to look I still support that aim, but I’ve been speaking at some sustainable solutions. to a number of schools that has made me I’ve run feeding programmes for children all rethink my bill. around the world. In Somalia I ran one that One of those schools is Owairaka Primary. It’s at its peak was feeding 30,000 starving kids a decile two school so you’d expect many of under five. the children to be poorly-nourished, arriving I learned that there’s one thing that at school without food, and struggling to characterises a successful programme: the focus and learn. community owns it, contributes to it and eventually runs it.

But you’d be hard pressed to find a healthier or more engaged bunch of children anywhere It must be temporary. When the crisis is in the country. over they move to independence and look after themselves.

That’s because Diana, the principal, has introduced a “Garden to Table” programme, Like everyone, I want to see parents and where children grow their own food in communities who are able to care for their beautiful gardens and prepare it with the help kids instead of depending on a government of community volunteers on a roster. feeding scheme. That’s what we should be

There’s an old saying, ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’. That’s the philosophy I’d like to see applied as we address this problem.

• Your company’s future potential

But I want government assistance to schools to be short term and transitional. I also want it to give us good bang for our buck.

working towards.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 9

Viewpoints | HR

Ben’s stealing from me.

I can fire him, can’t I? Angela Atkins is GM of Elephant Training and HR, and president of HRINZ Auckland.

Visit www.elephanthr.co.nz

It seems fairly straight forward.

You catch Ben stealing from you, he’s dismissed.

Unfortunately it’s not quite that simple.

You still need to treat him as innocent until proven guilty!

There have been many situations when employers have dismissed an employee for stealing, but because they didn’t follow the right process, the employee has won their case and been awarded money.

It seems ridiculous - so make sure you know what you’re doing.

Here are a couple of cases we’ve helped our clients with here at Elephant. See if you can answer them correctly. We’ve got our favourite fake employee Ben to deal with again.

Case study 1: Credit cards You find that on Ben’s old company credit card bills there seem to be lots of personal items that’s he’s charged to the company and never raised.

This breaches your credit card policy. By law you need to invite him to a formal meeting to discuss the issue, (in this case credit card misuse) and give him time to organise a support person. What process do you think you need to follow from there?

A: Show him the credit card statements at the meeting then dismiss him with notice.

B: Show him the credit card statements and ask for his explanation. Then adjourn the meeting and consider what he’s said, before reconvening.

C: Show him the credit card statements at the meeting and tell him you will be taking a percentage of his wages until the debt is paid.

D: Reconvene and advise him that you’re considering dismissal and ask if there is anything else he wants to add. Only if he doesn’t then you could advise you are dismissing him and then put it in writing.

The answer: You’d need to invite him to a formal meeting then B) followed by D.

Many employers go wrong by making decisions based on assumptions. Ben may have a reasonable explanation.

Perhaps you had a sales manager who has now left who told Ben he could charge up to $100 a month in personal expenses and Ben shows you the email he has authorising this. So as black and white as it appears, sometimes employees are innocent!

Case study 2: Video camera What about if you have video footage of Ben stealing? Which of these is the correct process to follow?

A: Send him home then text and dismiss him.

B: Invite him to a formal meeting with time to organise a support person, show him the video footage and ask for his explanation.

Adjourn and consider what he’s said before deciding on an outcome.

C: Play him the footage so you know you’ve got him; then invite him to a formal meeting.

D: Invite him to a meeting and just have the video sitting on your desk and keep looking at it.

The answer: B, however I have had a manager suggest D before!

Case study 3: Speeding ticket Ben asks whether he has to pay for a speeding ticket he got while he was using a company car to deliver some company products to a customer. You have no policy on this. What do you tell him?

A: Yes it’s his responsibility as he broke the law.

B: No, the company pays as you don’t have a policy on this.

C: You can offer for the company to pay half.

D: No - it’s not work related as he wasn’t in the office so he pays.

The answer: Even without a policy A is correct. Of course you may want to offer C and pay for some. D isn’t correct as a company car is a place of work (except to and from work).

10 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Being a bloody good employer Mike Johnson is the director of Essential HR with significant international and local experience.

Visit www.essentialhr.co.nz

Being a good employer is good, as you are signalling to your employees that you care about them. And in many situations, this is enough to increase retention on its own. But in a highly competitive environment, being good is often just not good enough.

A good employer is an employer that provides work for their employees, pays them on time, provides a work environment that is safe, impartial, developmental and provides equal opportunity for all.

Being a bloody good employer takes things to the next level. These are the employers that people really want to work for. The culture is great, the work is interesting and varied, the values are shared and recognised, and the company’s leadership is solid and inspirational. In short their employees are motivated and get excited about their work.

Naturally, therefore, being a bloody good employer also leads to higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.

All of these factors lead to much higher levels of employee retention and a direct impact on your bottom line through increased productivity.

There are many companies that exist in general perception as anecdotally being bloody good, such as Google and Apple. In New Zealand specifically, several that come to mind include TradeMe, Flight Centre and AA Insurance.

But what can you, as an employer, do to become bloody good employers?

Well to begin with, it’s important to tick the boxes required by law, such as getting your health and safety practices into shape and giving everyone in your company job descriptions.

This should be followed by giving your employees the necessary tools to perform their jobs, such as the correct training and an ergonomic work environment. This includes things as simple as making sure your office chairs promote good posture and getting your left handed carpenters the tools that suit them.

Training, at its most basic, should ensure that employees can do the tasks that are required of them, but extends to enabling an employee to grow. I have just attended a review meeting where the employee was clearly excited about the prospect of being trained to take on HR administration responsibilities.

Critical though, is being genuinely one team, with a set of company values that are shared and recognised, and which permeate right from top management to every single employee. Management who walk the talk, and who demonstrate strong leadership, clearly model these values day to day.

Being bloody good means: Your employees have clear direction, recognising where they are now in their career and where they aspire to be in the future. Plus it means giving them the help they need to get there, setting goals, and helping them achieve.

Employees know exactly where they are at. There is open and clear communication, not just from the top down, but also from the bottom up. Employees are encouraged to share their views on business operations, and can express their ideas - whether they are a top sales executive or a cleaner. It also means they get clear performance feedback.

An open door policy, providing a safe environment for issues and concerns to be raised at any time – without fear of retribution.

Caring about your employees, not just for what they can do for you, but for who they are as an individual, making them feel valued and respected.

Every bit of advice I have shared with you in this retention series has been a way in which you can be a bloody good employer.

Canterbury, today, is an exciting place to be both as an employer and an employee, so the more you can apply these principles, the better your chance of ensuring your top employees don’t jump ship to where the grass seems greener.

You have all fought a battle to hire the right employees for your company, now you can make sure that they stay happy right where they are – working for you.

News | Events Diary

Viewpoints | Online

How to get more website conversions

EVENTS DIARY What’s happening on the business and entertainment front

Suzanne Carter is the business development manager for website design and development company Limelight Online Ltd. Visit www.limelightonline.co.nz

Read this column to get more conversions on your website.

The above sentence is what’s known as a call-to-action (CTA). Calls-to-action on your website are what drives your conversion i.e. getting visitors to your site to take the action you want them to take.

CTAs are critical for achieving any results online because visitors to your site don’t do you any good until they become leads and eventually customers.

Of course you want as many conversions as possible, as more conversions mean increased engagement and hopefully increased business. Conversions can come in the form of enquiries, bookings, purchases, newsletter sign ups, fact sheet downloads – whatever the action is you want people to take.

Usually CTAs take up the least amount of space on your website, as they come in the form of buttons, but for something so small they certainly pack a lot of power. If you get your CTA right then you will notice a huge difference in the number of conversions you are getting. Even minor tweaks to a button design and text can have a major impact.

What are the kind of changes you can make?

Wording Look at the CTA at the top of this column and see how it has been worded. I have asked for an action i.e. ‘Read’ but I have also said what you are going to get by taking that action.

There is no ambiguity. If you tell people what they are going to get by taking a particular action they are more likely to go ahead and click on your CTA button.

Adding a sense of urgency to the action also helps e.g. ‘Read this column to get more conversions on your website today’. Your CTA wording should answer the question, “Why should I click this button?”

Gone are the days where you have a ‘click here’ action on your website. ‘Click here’ says nothing.

If you do nothing else after reading this column please just promise me one thing;

that you will read over your website and replace any ‘click here’ buttons or links with wording that is appropriate to the action you want users to take.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Classic Hits Winery Tour The annual Classic Hits Winery Tour makes its much anticipated Auckland arrival at the Ascension Wine Estate at Matakana.

Headliners are New Zealand music legends The Exponents, joined by Stan Walker and the heavenly voice of Breaks Co-Op. To buy tickets go to: www.winerytour.co.nz

For more information and to book, go to: www.businessatmanukau.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

Colour

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 – JULY 7

The colour of your CTA button can have a major impact on your conversion rate. The colour acts as a visual cue so it needs to stand out. If your main call-to-action is the same colour as all of your other buttons it won’t stand out and the action may not be taken.

Diploma of Management (Intensive)

The trick is to make your button stand out from the rest of the page in such a way that it’s easy to spot and identify as a clickable button.

industry professional will take you through the ins and outs of small business tax compliance, including a post-course followup support to ensure you’re on top of everything you need to be. Don’t let your business be tripped up by these simple but often neglected issues.

Internationally recognised, the Diploma of Management qualification provides the core leadership competencies required by contemporary managers. It is delivered by expert trainers during eight, full day workshops, scheduled over an intensive 24 weeks. Participants are involved in active discussion, networking and problem solving related to building the skills and experience required to lead and manage staff.

For more information and to book, go to: www.minervalearning.co.nz

Business writing You’ll find out how to create clear, purposeful documents that connect with your audience and get results. It leads on to other more specialised workshops, such as technical writing lab, report writing, proposal writing and web lab.

For more information, go to: www.training.write.co.nz/courses

TUESDAY, MARCH 18 – MAY 6 Essentials of cooking fine food at home

Where you place your CTA button is also very important. As an action you want people to take it needs to be prominently placed.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Placing the button in several locations is OK as long as it stands out from the other buttons. Depending on the design of your footer area it is a good idea to repeat your call-to-action here too, so that when people do scroll they can see it at the bottom as well as the top of your website.

Open to people who wish to become more competent and confident in their interactions with others. Learn about the foundations of assertion - self-esteem, listening and questioning, the broken record technique, the use of ‘I’ language, non-verbal aspects of assertion, escalating assertion and working toward a win-win solution.

Through a well structured programme, you will develop skills to become a confident cook in your own kitchen. The recipes are fast, classic and interesting, and are well suited to cooking at home for dinner or for a special dinner party. The sessions start with knife skills and an introduction to stocks, which form such an important base for classical sauces. Marinades, vinaigrettes, compound butters and emulsions will also be covered. Techniques such as sautéing, roasting, braising, steaming and grilling will be taught while cooking with fish, beef, chicken and many other ingredients.

Testing

For more information, go to: www.businessatmanukau.co.nz

For more information, visit: www.eventfinder.co.nz

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

Location

Regular testing of your CTAs is an absolute must. You test by reviewing Google Analytics and seeing how each CTA is performing. Make a small tweak such as a content change or a location change and then test that. If you receive higher conversions then you know your change worked. If your conversions didn’t improve then you need to make more changes until you get it right.

In summary…

It is really easy to be complacent about your calls-to-action and if you are getting the level of conversions you need then great. However, most businesses are not receiving the number of conversions they would like, so attention definitely needs to be paid to this really small but powerful part of your website.

Assertion skills

Handling difficult people Participants will learn specific techniques to neutralise the negative effect that difficult people can have on others. They will learn to communicate confidently with their own ‘difficult people’ by recognising the different communication styles people use.

For more information, go to: www.manukau.ac.nz

Practical marketing for service businesses Are ‘marketing research’ and ‘marketing strategy’ terms you use, but only vaguely understand? Are you a service business marketing yourself like a product? Get to grips with marketing research, consumer behaviour and competitor analysis, and create your own competitive marketing strategy.

For more information, go to: www.businessatmanukau.co.nz

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Tax for smaller businesses Small business compliance can seem complex, so in this seminar an experienced

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 11

News | Local moves

‘Change maker’ wins national award A fearless fighter for disability rights, Robyn Hunt, won the Attitude ACC Supreme Award at the 2013 Attitude Awards.

In its sixth year, the national awards celebrate the excellence and achievements of Kiwis living with a disability. The evening was a black tie gala event held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.

Overcoming strong competition from more than 20 other national finalists, Robyn took out the Making a Difference category award, sponsored by the Ministry of Health. She was then selected from the winners of the seven award categories to win the overall Attitude ACC Supreme Award.

Robyn’s experience of living with vision impairment, coupled with her strong sense of social justice, has fuelled her passion

for human rights and disability advocacy for more than 30 years.

Robyn attended university and entered the workforce at a time when disability support was minimal, but this didn’t stop her proving her critics wrong and becoming a journalist and policy maker, paving the way for the inclusion of people with disabilities.

During her eight years as Human Rights Commissioner, Robyn played a major role in driving the commission to hold an inquiry into the accessibility of public transport.

She also worked on New Zealand’s National Disability strategy and represented the country in New York during the negotiations of the United Nations Disabled Convention.

Robyn now runs a communications company that ensures websites, information and communications are accessible to all. She also writes a blog about human rights and disability issues called Low Visionary and travels around the country speaking about these issues.

ACC chief executive Scott Pickering says, “The Attitude Awards are important because they remind us that we all benefit when we look at what we can do, rather than what we can’t. We all have a role to play in ensuring we live in an inclusive society. It’s great to share the experiences of the finalists and I hope that others can learn from and be inspired by them.”

The 2013 Attitude Awards were held at a gala evening early last December at the Viaduct Events Centre, celebrating the achievements of Kiwis living with a disability 1.

Craig Foss, Olivia Cartwright and Olivia Shivas

2. Gary Endacott 3. Sue Foley, Mai Amai and Benji Marshall 4. Dame Rosie Horton, Robyn Hunt and Justice Minister Judith Collins 5. Mayor Len Brown and Alexia Pickering 6. Sophie Pascoe 7.

1

2

3

4

5

6

14 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Alexia Pickering and Dan Buckingham

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News | Issues

The price of oil

By Corazon Miller

Our land of the long white cloud, green pastures and Middle Earth, is well recognised as one of the few remaining, untapped oil and gas frontiers in the world – at least for now.

the Middle East, was very easy to get, with one barrel of oil needed to get 50 barrels of oil or greater. However, as these supplies continue to get depleted, oil companies are looking elsewhere.

The globe’s century-old reliance on oil and gas is at a turning point, with humanity draining the current petroleum pools.

Is it worth it?

New Zealand and its unexplored waters are apparently ripe for the picking. With an estimated 18 potential deep-sea basins, holding billions of dollars of oil reserves, our small nation, at the bottom of the South Pacific, is attracting foreign oil giants in droves.

These international oil mongers are quickly cottoning on to the fact that the waters off New Zealand’s coasts are harbouring a potential economic goldmine. And the Government, always keen to receive any economic boon, is welcoming them in with open arms; freeing up over 400, 000 square kilometres of land and ocean floor for oil and gas exploration.

Taranaki, the East Coast, the West Coast and five offshore areas – Northland, Taranaki, the Pegasus-East Coast Basin, the Great SouthCanterbury Basin and the New Caledonia Basin northwest of New Zealand, are all now up for tender to the biggest bidder.

And there is certainly no shortage of bidders; this summer has heralded the beginning of a new oil rush, with the Texan oil giant Anadarko winning its bid to begin drilling off the coast of Raglan. And then there’s Shell announcing its plans to begin drilling in waters up to 1.2 kilometres deep in the Great South Basin off the Otago-Southland coast.

Offering up areas of our country to be raped and pillaged for its oil is something that has become somewhat of a contentious,

And as professor at Otago University Bob Lloyd points out, alternative sources present a long hard road to travel. He uses the Gulf of Mexico, with BP’s well drilled in 50 thousand feet of water and going down to 30 thousand feet to illustrate the risk and energy needed in the extraction process.

Environmental activists certainly don’t think so. They argue against the prospect of oil drilling often citing the case of the huge spill in the Mexican Gulf as an example of what not to do. emotional issue. With those on the left being labelled as ignorant hippies who favour natural beauty over the economy, and those on the right as greedy money-lovers who’d do anything to earn an easy buck… no matter the cost.

It’s true the economic returns could be massive; the oil industry is worth billions of dollars and stands to provide the local economy with thousands of jobs, if it proves a success.

These potential dollar figures are causing politicians and business folk in favour of oil exploration to become somewhat delirious at the thought of the potential riches.

With the recession a not so distant memory the current Government is quick to jump on the oil wagon, hoping to bask in the glow of any potential finds the international oil giants make.

The poster child of the oil supporters is Norway. The Scandinavian nation it seems has managed to strike it rich in the Arctic Sea, without destroying its environment.

The profits reaped are being used to feed a long term pension fund that is now worth in excess of $700 billion, or 160 percent of the nation’s GDP. Something New Zealand,

with our increasing ageing population, could certainly stand to benefit from.

Now, while it’s good to have a role model to look up to, there are some significant differences between Norway and us. Norway, unlike New Zealand, owns a significant percentage of one of the companies playing a significant role in the oil drilling in the Arctic Ocean, giving it significant control and direct access to the oil industry.

And Norway, unlike New Zealand, has proven that these offshore oil resources are viably accessible.

Despite all this talk of New Zealand’s billions of dollars of oil deep under the sea, no one is yet to strike it big, and not because there is probably nothing down there, but because it may quite simply be too hard to get.

The main question is whether the money put in, is worth the money coming out.

Understandably they have little faith in the oil giant’s assertions that safety measures are in place. The risk for the green camp is too high; our seashores, our marine life have a lot to lose if something does go wrong.

It’s a risk in their eyes that is not worth the as of yet, unrealised economic potential of our oil reserves.

It is certainly a question that has us stuck between a rock and a hard place. It seems we’re damned if we do, and damned if we don’t.

If we do, we risk (little as it may be) doing irreparable, costly damage to our environment. If we don’t, we stand to lose billions of dollars that could be used to boost our economy and quality of living.

For the meantime it seems those in favour have won.

Founding director of UK-based Peak Oil Consulting, Chris Skrebowski points out when oil is in extreme environments, the increased difficulties makes it more problematic to mobilise the oil in a cost-effective manner.

The Government in its desire to show its wholehearted support of the oil industry has even passed legislation to make it even easier for foreign oil companies to set up shop in our seas without opposition, by criminalising at sea protests.

Oil certainly wasn’t always this difficult to get.

Early oil in the United States during the 1930s and up to present, in parts of

Let’s just hope these opposing voices are wrong and that oil is in fact worth the price we risk paying.

Changing corporate culture necessary to keep New Zealand globally competitive A less certain economy post GFC has pushed some companies to respond with a drive for short term performance and results.

However, new data from Human Synergistics reveals why this approach is counter-productive.

Human Synergistics chairman Shaun McCarthy says “The drive for short term performance is on the rise, but it is incredibly damaging to longer term prospects. Our data demonstrates that only organisations with 16 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

more constructive cultures, which are focussed on longer term thinking, strategy and value creation, prosper in all economic climates. We can show that leaders who focus on constructive cultures have a 43 percent greater impact on productivity.

Impact on Productivity

“New Zealand has a globally competitive position, but to remain ahead of its Australasian counterparts it needs to step up work on corporate and institutional resilience. Culture change is actually by far the best way of unlocking sustainable productivity - which is the key to continuous improvement - but it is often overlooked in favour of shorter term measures. In fact, the most constructive leaders and managers are 27 percent more effective than those at the bottom end of the scale.”

contribution and bottom line results.

It has recorded culture transformation work with 459,000 people and can prove that when organisations become constructive there is a massive jump in efficiency.

Human Synergistics’ method is able to measure the relationship between organisational culture, employee

There is undeniably a direct relationship between management capability, culture and economic performance.

Having a long term corporate vision has been recognised as a part of good leadership but this is the first time the link between creating a constructive culture inside an organisation, with the long term commitment it involves, and realising sustainable productivity in an organisation has been proven with concrete data.

News | Ideas

What we can learn from corporates

By Mike Ashby

The conventional wisdom is that corporates are big beasts of bureaucracy and that SMEs are entrepreneurial, flexible and customer focussed. Therefore all corporates should strive to be like small companies.

Like most conventional wisdom, there’s a lot of truth in it. But it’s not the whole story.

There is a whole lot that SMEs can learn from bigger businesses without losing their focus on the customer, their entrepreneurial spirit or their flexibility.

Hundreds of small businesses have done our Breakthrough Company programmes over the last 10 years, helping them achieve business and personal growth. Prior to this I was COO at Southern Cross Healthcare and prior to this a partner at Ernst & Young, where I worked extensively with corporates on strategy and transformation.

I have no doubt that small companies could learn a lot from corporates, but people have to put their prejudices aside. Previously when I made this point about what we can learn, the reaction surprised me.

One person, who had clearly had some unhappy experiences said, “Having worked for several large international corporates, I do not see how adopting patronage, cronyism, fear tactics, lumbering decision making processes, stifling of innovation, wasteful use of resources and ensuring benefits flow only up to senior management would help small companies”.

No question about that. But not all (or even many) corporates are like that. And not all (or even many) small businesses are paragons of professionalism. In fact, I can think of a few small businesses very similar to the description above. Nothing blinds us from learning like stereotypes.

Some people think that big organisations just add costs, not quality. But here’s the thing; if you want to grow, you have to scale. And if you’re going to scale, you need systems, structures and processes.

At Breakthrough Company planning days, we always quote Thomas Watson, who founded IBM. He said that he had a vision of what IBM would look like “when it was finally done,” then he thought about how it would have to act, and he realised that unless IBM began to act that way from the very beginning, it would never get there. “In other words”, he said, “I realised that IBM would have to act like a great company long before it ever became one.”

Be today what you would become tomorrow. Remember that all corporates can trace their origins back to their start as an owner-operated business just like yours.

Perhaps we can resolve the distaste that people have for corporates by saying that small companies have a lot to learn from “bigger business thinking”.

Let’s consider good “bigger business” thinking in a few key areas.

People Businesses are a bunch of people doing processes. Bigger business companies are often not those which have a breakthrough product, they are just do the ordinary things extraordinarily well. That means they’re well organised with the right people in the right roles. They do that through working hard on: Recruitment The reason bigger businesses have such elaborate processes is because (as we’ve all heard a thousand times) you’ve got to get the right people on the bus. More than that, a good vacancy is better than a bad hire.

Take your time over getting the right people – so often small thinking employers grab whatever’s available because they wait until the last minute to go to market. That raises a more fundamental issue; bigger thinking businesses invest in capacity before they need it. Like the divers at Acapulco, they dive when they can see the rocks.

Organisational structure It seems like overkill for a small business to bother with an organisational structure, but if you’ve got 10 people, you need an organisation structure diagram. For one thing, it shows how the various roles interact, and for another it can show up the gaps.

Training Small business thinkers don’t invest in training in tough times because they can’t afford it, and then when business picks up they’re too busy. There’s a narrow window between being able to afford it and being able to spare the people for a day. And it’s usually closed before anybody realises it was there.

Structures and processes The biggest thing small business can learn from bigger business thinking is around systems, structures and processes. Until you have been inside a corporate, you can’t imagine the invisible infrastructure that holds the business together.

Here’s the important thing (and it’s related to Watson’s comment) - you might think they have those processes because they’re big. Actually it’s the reverse - they’ve got big because they’ve got systems and processes.

We all know that the growth path for small businesses involves working more on the business and less in it. But what does that

18 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“

Like most conventional wisdom, there’s a lot of truth in it. But it’s not the whole story.

There is a whole lot that SMEs can learn from bigger businesses without losing their focus on the customer, their entrepreneurial spirit or their flexibility.

”

mean? To me, “on” is about how we do our business “in” the business is what we do.

How we do our business relates to: • Operational processes being done consistently and reliably rather than made up or done differently every time we do them

what they don’t know that’s stopping them reaching their potential.

External directors have the advantge of bringing experience and insights from other businesses and other sectors.

A good director will: • Have ideas that wouldn’t occur to the owner

• How individual roles relate to each other in the performance of work, and how different units relate to each other

• Challenge an owner to think differently about the business

• How we interact with each other – our culture and the internal brand

• Make the owner uncomfortable about not reaching their potential or meeting their commitments

• Our brand promise – and how we deliver on that.

Bigger businesses work hard on these things.

They allocate time away from doing things to thinking about how they do them and how they can be done better.

Governance I remember a CEO who kept the board dates in his diary for a year after he left the company, and every time the date rolled around he would smile and be grateful to be out of it. Corporate boards tend to be stuffed (and I mean stuffed) with corporate creatures.

But at their best, boards challenge and push the management teams as well as providing support. The difficult thing for an owner involved in the business is to get a detached perspective on themselves, their performance and the business.

They are not accountable to anyone, so they can let their own shortcomings quietly slide.

They might have a sense that their business could do better, but all they can do is operate on the basis of what they know – but it’s

• Alert the owner to risks they may have missed.

A good board is like having someone ride shotgun with you; they’ve got the time to look at the things you’re too busy to see. Again, having an external board is not something you do once you’re big - it’s what you do to get big.

There are many things SMEs should not replicate from corporates. But in my experience, the risk of importing bad habits from corporates is much less than the risk of missing out on valuable lessons about growth.

Of course if you’re small and you don’t want to grow, then there’s probably not a lot to learn from corporates, or indeed anyone else.

If you’re right where you want to be, there’s no need to change.

Dr Mike Ashby is a director of The Breakthrough Company. He has been helping hundreds of SME business owners transform their businesses into highly focussed, motivated and profitable companies for 10 years.

News | Motivations/Tactics

Turning it around

By Davina Richards

Getting your head in the game

By Davina Richards

As an entrepreneur or business owner you probably will have found a whole new level of frustration and stress, so it’s essential to have an outlet. Find the time to stretch your mind and body, because a successful business means running the show with a healthy attitude and positive outlook.

It’s easy for us to work long and hard, but we all need time out at some point to refresh our minds, spend time with loved ones, have time to yourself, keep things interesting and stay productive.

Having a personal improvement plan allows us to tune ourselves mentally and physically, and sometimes we need a mental nudge in the right direction to remind us why we do what we do and why we love doing it.

Stay refreshed and maintain a strong mind by doing things that are intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually engaging. So here’s a collection of some of the top tips going around to help you stay on top of your game.

Embrace something new One of the best ways to refresh your mental self is to take up something new. It’s too easy to fall victim to everyday routines, so break old habits and take up a new hobby – learn a new language, take up painting, dancing or pick up a musical instrument.

Make efforts to change your habits as much as possible, because it’s the small changes in the things that you do in life which are most effective.

Fuel your creativity Inspiration is underrated and you can’t always predict when a burst of inspiration will strike, but when it does you can feel its power. We’re all too familiar with bland office walls, staring at it in hope that it will magically spark some kind of creativity.

It won’t suddenly evolve into something which captivates your imagination and stimulate your senses, but you can feed yourself with inspiration in other ways.

Pin up thought-provoking imagery or text, listen to podcasts, learn a new word, read about famous inspiring figures, or try to educate yourself on something you’re interested in.

Stay active Whether its yoga to improve your flexibility, balance and strength, a 15 minute walk around the block, or dishing out your stress in a high powered, physical manner at

the gym, regular bursts of activity can do wonders for the mind.

Break the rules Some say rules are made to be broken, so just for once push back that meeting to another day, sleep in on a Friday and don’t reply to phone messages or emails. After all you’re the one running the business; you’re the one in control. Who else is going to tell you that you’ve worked too hard?

Help someone else Mentor other entrepreneurs to remind yourself why you started the business in the first place and why you love your job.

Inspire, share lessons learned, guide others and enjoy a deep sense of fulfilment.

Meditate Meditation is a good way to work through your thoughts and emotions while resting your body. It isn’t for everyone, but many people find it effective. For busy people meditation allows you to reduce stress, improve health and sleep, and encourages a positive outlook.

Feed your mind When we think about getting fit we don’t always consider exercising our brain, but playing games can keep you sharp.

Crosswords and puzzles are great brain fitness regimes to strengthen your brain cells and its connections, but don’t dive straight into the easy ones! Challenge your language and memory to increase your brain function, such as testing yourself against the clock.

Hydrate In a job which demands so much of you mentally and physically, you’re going to need as much energy as you can spare to manage and complete every day tasks.

Water is vital for four reasons: maintain a healthy blood pressure, keep our body temperature cool, flushes our systems and strengthens our immune system.

Without it we are susceptible to dehydration which can bring on muscle aches and pains, fatigue and dizziness.

20 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

When feedback from a client comes your way – and I mean the negative kind followed by a sad and/or mad face, it’s your job to turn that frown upside down.

The customer is always right and a happy customer is a repeat customer, so it is up to you to make the client fall back in love with your business.

be difficult for anyone to stay mad at someone when you apologise and show a little empathy.

Customers make your business what it is and some business owners do not pay attention to them, or take them for granted. If you do not value or respect them you cannot expect high yield or a flurry of customers.

4. Reiterate

Show that you understand how they feel and use phrases which are positive and helpful.

3. Ask questions Some customers can be vague about why they are complaining. It’s vital that you both understand what needs to be addressed in order to move the situation forward. Ask questions to ensure you are both on the same page.

Once you have a good idea about what the problem is and what the customer is asking for, repeat it back to them. This way misunderstanding is reduced and both parties are in accordance from the beginning.

It pays off to treat customers how you would like to be treated if you were faced with 5. Back to the drawing board unhelpful staff or a product which doesn’t do Go the extra mile to help your customer what it says on its package. reach their needs. Show that you are actively After all, retaining existing customers is working to make them happy. Keep your always easier than finding new ones, so promise and exceed expectations; they’ll place priority and value on those who have appreciate your hard work to make amends. already paid you money to deliver a high 6. Follow up standard of service or quality product.

Give customers a reason to come back by Angry or unhappy customers can be difficult showing that you value them as a client and and challenging, but it’s also a good way not just a sale. to improve your customer skills, problemIt’s simply good customer service to give a solving, and in a broader sense, help your courtesy call to your client once you have business grow too. solved their problem. Find out if they are You will learn how to improve areas of your happy with the amendments and ask for business, how to come out with a more general feedback. Use this information positive and valued relationship with your effectively in your business. client, and how to turn negative feedback When the customer is smiling with fulfilment, into constructive criticism. you will be too.

Take a look at the system in which your 7. Know when to let go team tackles complaints and ask yourself if it can be improved. Despite the saying ‘you You will inevitably face clients who are can’t please everyone’, you can certainly try unreasonable and hard to please, so it’s and here are some top tips we’ve gathered important to know when it’s a good time to to help yourself by helping your clients. let them go; but that it wasn’t without a fight.

How to deal with an unhappy client: 1. Listen No matter what the issue is or how the client is behaving [they may be shouting down the phone or you’re watching them turn from red to blue right in front of you] listen attentively. Let them vent for however long they need to and then you can offer solutions or options which meet their needs once they’ve got it all off their chest.

Pay attention to what your customer is saying and find out what they want.

2. Thank them and apologise First and foremost, thank the client for raising the issue with you. It may help to dissolve any tension and help to keep the client calm.

Apologise with sincerity and be respectful – they will pick it up if you’re not. It can

When the client remains unsatisfied despite all of your best efforts to find a solution, it may be best to end the relationship in a professional manner. Be pleasant and recommend them to another company.

But if you show that you have done all that you can to try and resolve the issue, the client may recommend you to someone else in the future.

Let the customer remember you in a good way and you may find value in it one day.

8. Learn from the situation Ask yourself what could have been done to prevent the complaint in the first instance.

How can you do things differently in the future?

This way you have a better idea of how to respond to unhappy clients and help you to make better decisions in your business.

Cover Story | Trelise Cooper

Trelise Cooper

By Kate Pierson

It’s not often you get to spend an hour talking to one of Aotearoa’s most commanding fashion designers about what makes her tick.

Needless to say, you make the most of that hour. Because when it comes to Trelise Cooper - style magnate, wife, mother, and the darling of New Zealand’s sartorial scene - there’s much to discuss when it comes to how she does it all.

But, you know, what triggers the intrigue is not so much the fact that she was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013, or the fact that she has 10 flagship boutiques throughout the world and more than 200 stockists throughout Australasia, Asia, Europe, America and the Middle East. Oh, and we haven’t even started on her philanthropic largesse yet – that’ll come later.

Of course there is significant kudos attached to each of these achievements for they are life defining in their own right. But actually, it’s the fact that she’s able to look fear straight in the eye - despite its paralysing qualities - and then own it over and over again that gives Trelise that real je ne sais quoi.

To understand Trelise is to understand her industry, and the first thing to know about the market she plays hardball in, is that there’s no such thing as the quid pro quo.

It’s never been a ‘what you put in you get out’ type of industry, and your blood, sweat and tears - no matter how genuine - don’t guarantee you a dime.

No one will hand you a cheat sheet at the beginning of the season and you can be sure as hell, that the sartorial graveyard is full of fashion flubs that went straight from go to woe without even a hint of credit earned on the way through.

One thing’s for certain, if you want anything out at all, what you put in has to count first time, every time. You cannot operate with impunity; you will be accountable and you most certainly are touchable.

You are within the reach of unforgiving critics with acid tongues, and the naysayers hiding behind veils of Internet based anonymity that are not only thirsty for blood, but as potentially damaging to your credibility as the frontline critics holding the spotlight in weekly columns and reviews.

Scary stuff? You bet.

There’s also absolutely no opportunity for sweet-talking of any kind in this business.

Wool won’t be pulled over anyone’s eyes no matter how fabulous its quality. They either like you, or they don’t - plain and painfully simple. ‘They’ being the rather picky masses of the fashion devoted who are constantly agitating for change.

When you’re in this business, the euphoric highs come with the perilous lows, and once you’re on that rollercoaster known as ‘the fashion industry’, you best be hanging on for dear life.

The girl who could It’d be fair to say Trelise’s journey has been quite the odyssey with more than one Sisyphean climb involved along the way.

Most impressively, perhaps, is that she has honed the art of living out her own advice.

If you took this commendation for granted, only accepting it at face value, you might be

22 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

prompted to say, ‘Yeah, and?’ But think about it. Really think about it.

colours – these experiences really fueled the beginning of it all.”

It’s pretty much a full-blown rarity to meet someone who’s going to do what they say and say what they do. Most of us are walking contradictions – hey, we’re only human.

Trelise retained this imagination, but her coming years were certainly some of the tougher ones of her life, as she left school and floundered trying to decide what to do next.

And so is Trelise. But she learned a valuable lesson once upon a time ago, and she’s kept that lesson a close companion to this very day – define your dreams and fiercely pursue them – no ifs, buts or maybes.

“I ended up marrying my boyfriend at the time who was a builder and we bought a home and ran a building business together.

I did that for five years and ran other businesses too.

Her lessons have been life ones – she wasn’t really a fan of the traditional kind having left school at 15. In fact, there’s nothing traditional about Trelise Cooper at all, and it makes her story all the more fascinating.

She was married at 17, divorced at 21, and enrolled in what she likes to describe as the ‘University of Trelise’ immediately thereafter.

“I got into the top class in the fifth form at Henderson High School, which bothered me greatly,” she quips. “I didn’t want to be that nerdy and studious person, and the fact I got into that class actually prompted me to leave.

School was an unremarkable time for me because I was a bit of a dreamer by nature.”

Her love of dreaming and clothes started long before she decided school wasn’t for her – back to a time where the living was simple and she was the apple of her father’s eye.

“The love of clothes probably all began when I was a child. I was a pain in the neck and I insisted on getting changed over and over again. We weren’t rich, but my parents were young and indulged me – particularly my dad.

“When I was living in a subdivision around the ages of 7, 8 and 9, my friends and I would be out in the cul-de-sac playing in fifties frocks and lost in an imaginary world of dress ups, bags and lipsticks. I enjoyed hours and hours of playing around with jewels, textures and

“It was quite a tumultuous relationship and that pushed me to seek out greater learning – I wanted to seek out ways to know myself better. By the end of that marriage, I was already into a new way of thinking. I sought to make a better life for myself and a better attitude – that was really the key to what got me here today.”

The girl who would Trelise has kept in her possession a series of journals from the earlier days of seeking out a ‘better attitude’. She says the content of these journals is profoundly moving when she reflects on how she has made every aspiration she wrote in them come to life.

“During the hard times I did lots of creative visualisation. It’s a bit of a catch phrase these days, but there is a real formula to doing it properly. I would write down each of my goals in the most definitive detail – as though they had already happened.

“For me, those goals involved fashion and my new partner and husband who was in the fashion industry. I was frustrated because I was always on the periphery, but I had an intuitive sense that it would be something I would love to do – the passion was fired within me.

Cover Story | Trelise Cooper

“I had no formal training and no expertise in garment construction, but I wanted a shop, and to travel overseas and buy fabrics. Sure, it was audacious and bold and, yes, there was a little voice that said, ‘Forget about it who are you trying to kid?’ but I had to ignore that voice – I had to act like it was going to happen.”

Trelise took action by doing something that’s always harder than it sounds – by putting one foot in front of the other. She spent her first five years in fashion between 1984 and 1988/89 before taking a break with her first baby.

“It was the end of 1996/ early 1997 that I began the business I have now. At times there were hiccups, and sure, sometimes I felt like I was treading water, but I just kept using all the things I had learned along the way.

“If I think about the early days – I would wake up rigid with a pit of fear in my stomach. I had fear that I wasn’t good enough - fear about finances and failure. But when you’re fearful, you don’t procrastinate and you’re very careful about every step you take and the decisions you have to make.

“The year I achieved a $5 million turnover I lost the fear. I stopped right there and said, ‘I am worthy’. It first hit home what I had achieved when I was able to tick everything off in those journals. All of the things that once seemed so fantastical had happened.”

The girl who did Today Trelise’s name accompanies some of the most sought after finery in New Zealand, and the world for that matter. Her garments and jewellery are made for women in the boardroom right through to the ballroom, with fabrics, embellishments and craftsmanship radiant beyond measure. Her lines have expanded to include fragrances, interiors and

“

could say honestly that they didn’t want other people to like them, or think they were nice.

I sought to make a better life for myself and a better attitude – that was really the key to what got me here today.

”

children’s wear – each collection respected and highly sought after for the incredible tailoring and captivating aesthetics.

Trelise’s pieces are looked upon as the seasonally elite – tangible forms of fashion advice in their own right - and with good reason.

On the advice front in the fashion industry, you’ve got to be in the business of taking advice as much as you give it, and Trelise is capable of both.

“You rely on lots of people and your team is incredibly important to you when it comes to sharing ideas and looking to them for advice.

The challenging thing is that sometimes those people you bring in to represent you can’t be bothered doing what they’re meant to do.”

Although difficult for Trelise to concede because it flies in the face of her natural instincts, she says that this reality means being ‘liked’ cannot factor fully into the equation.

“If I’m completely honest, on a very personal level, my preference would be that people liked me. There would be few people who

“But, what I have recognised throughout the years, is that this isn’t always healthy – at times you have to say ‘no’, ‘stop’, ‘leave you’re not here for the greater good’, or ‘goodbye’.

“Maybe you get respect for doing this and maybe you don’t. Maybe you get liked and maybe you don’t, but I decided some time ago, that actually, in business, it doesn’t matter. I detached – I had to.

“Sometimes you just have to stop trying so hard to be liked because it can make things worse. You just have to accept that there are certain parts of society who just don’t want to like you, or that want to pull down what you do.”

Trelise is candid about the fact that she does arrive at these sessions in her Mercedes Benz, and she is aware her students are going to get their backs up when they first meet her. But what she also knows is that the disparity between her journey and her current reality – two worlds that couldn’t be further from one another if they tried command attention, and people are going to listen up pretty damn quick.

“When I turn up to work with these youth groups in my Mercedes, I know what they’re thinking straight away. I’m this rich woman with a rich life – but actually, there was never a silver spoon in my mouth and I started out like many of them - in Otara in a state house.”

The old saying ‘It can be lonely at the top’ is something that many of the ‘greats’ would confirm, and Trelise is no different. “It can be lonely when it comes down to you at the end of the day and you are the one responsible.

While Trelise is very open and transparent about her past, she is understandably private about her future, about which she says, “Our dreams are very private and personal things – a personal prayer in a way. I don’t always share because people can stamp on them, or things may not unfold as I expect.

“But I discovered an interesting piece of teaching some time ago – that everything that happens to me is for my highest good. I can see that everything that has happened to me – good or bad - has sent me on a journey that would have not otherwise happened.”

“But what I can say is that I have plans for a Kuwait store and expanding into new markets. I have this sense that the global financial crisis is receding for America and I want to build up my business there – I have never given up on America.

On the giving advice front, Trelise plays a significant role in many lives and the fortunate recipients of her guidance come from all walks of life.

“I also want to pull back a bit and spend more time with my family enjoying our life in the South of France. My son lives in New York City and I want to spend more time with him too. That will definitely be a part of my future, but I love New Zealand - I will never leave here.”

She’s not only an advocate for breast cancer, domestic violence awareness, Habitat for Humanity, and an integral part of MARITAGE International – a United Nations partner organisation connecting women in developed and developing countries - but also a mentor to youth groups.

To peruse Trelise Cooper’s exquisite fineries, go to www.trelisecooperonline.com

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 23

News | Interview

The king of bling

By Melinda Collins

Throughout history jewellery has been used as an elaborate embellishment; that little splash of colour and interest that can make or break a sartorial selection.

24 February/March 2014   www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Interview

Similarly, embellishment has been known to make or break a good story. Let’s face it - we all love a good yarn.

It’s not surprising he met his wife Christine while working at the store. They married in 1965 and had two children Mark and Emma.

When it comes to Sir Michael Hill there is little need for literary embellishment; the facts really do speak for themselves.

But in 1977, the house that had taken them four years to build was destroyed by fire.

When his first jewellery store opened in 1979, Michael Hill set himself a goal; seven stores in seven years. In 1986 he exceeded that, opening his eighth store in Newmarket.

Re-assessing his life, Hill attempted to buy his uncle’s business, an offer which was refused. So, on 13 May 1979, Hill opened his own jewellery store nearby, calling it Michael Hill Jeweller. And he took with him years of experience.

In 1988 Hill set himself another goal - 70 “I had a 23 year apprenticeship with my stores in seven years, a goal which was also uncle and father and knew what to do,” he achieved. Then, in 2002, Hill decided he would says. “This is what young people need to do, have 1,000 stores by 2022. stick with a job and learn all the pitfalls.

By the end of 2009 Michael Hill had 242 “Today they expect to know everything in a stores in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and year, but that is not possible.” the United States, with an annual revenue of about $200 million. This year Michael Hill It was a case of doing one thing and doing International is worth $590 million in market one thing well. Hill limited his store’s product capitalisation on the NZX. range to just jewellery, disregarding the silverware, clocks, porcelain and glassware Whether the 53 percent shareholder reaches traditionally found in other jewellery stores. his latest goal is yet to be seen however, history does have that little habit of repeating. “My TV offer was unique,” he explains.

“Jewellery retailing was pretty unimaginative But the most compelling story is of how in New Zealand in those days; little Hill went from having nothing, to having discounting, scant use of TV or radio press, everything; it’s the real story of the king formal shop designs with unimaginative of bling. displays, windows crammed with stock.

“

Jewellery retailing was pretty unimaginative in New Zealand in those days; little discounting, scant use of TV or radio press, formal shop designs with unimaginative displays, windows crammed with stock. We changed all of this.

”

“We changed all of this – a very wide doorway versus a small shop front, simple windows changed weekly, with only a few dazzling products, fronting my own adverts on TV and radio and doing my own newspaper creatively, running monthly promotions to attract customers, the invent of the blackboard with chalk message and we specialised in diamonds gold and watches so could take smaller premises with lower rentals.”

”

When life gives you lemons, some people make lemonade. Michael Hill took coal and made diamonds. Well, not literally, but every time life pushed him down, Hill pushed right back. The result; one of the most famous rags to riches story New Zealand has ever seen.

Michael Hill Jeweller started in 1979 when Hill and his wife Christine opened their first store in Whangarei. But the story really started many years earlier.

Hill left school at 16 to pursue a career as a concert violinist, before being told he was starting too late to be a noteworthy musician.

So he started working in the family jewellery business for his uncle, Arthur Fisher.

Hill proved a good salesman, but his real aptitude was management and through his lead the store did really well. He was winning international awards for his window dressing and he took over the store’s advertising efforts, drawing attention through his wacky advertising themes.

into shoes”, he sums up his keys to success in business as “artistic flare, uncomplicated direction, goal setting, being able to delegate, store design, artistic window dressing and great stock”.

But there’s been some real coups along the way. In 2006, following a five year trial, the Michael Hill Watch Collection was launched and the company began phasing out the sale of other watches. By mid-2008 only the Michael Hill brand of timepieces were being sold in his stores. The company describes the Michael Hill watch as one of the company’s key brand developments and says it remains one of the best watches in the world.

There was also the 2011 move into professional care plans which has been lauded for taking a one-off commodity purchase and turning it into a revenue stream. “We have developed a system that cares for the clients’ jewellery.

Jewellery is such an emotional purchase and this takes the stress out of any mishap that may develop.”

He has also managed seemingly effortlessly to conquer the Australasian and American markets, moves which involved catering

The Hills golf course

>

I had a 23 year apprenticeship with my uncle and father and knew what to do. This is what young people Against all odds need to do, stick He had developed “a will to succeed against all odds,” through being bullied at school and with a job and learn then losing everything in the fire. But he’s always been one to aim high and says his all the pitfalls. Today drive comes from visualisation. “It also helps to practice transcendental meditation to they expect to know clear the incessant self talk. Without this, one everything in a year, but cannot concentrate on the real issues.”

While he admits to making mistakes, that is not possible. including the infamous flop of “digressing

Coal to diamonds

“

his approach to meet the differing needs of these markets and he says the degree of competition means you really need to be on top of your game.

New Zealand and Australia and believes “by sticking to the basics, the whole organisation is concentrating on the same goal; everyone is aiming at the bullseye”.

He’s now also somewhat of a life coach, spurred on by the public correspondence he received in response to his book Toughen Up published in 2009. The book chronicles his journey from Whangarei jewellery store owner to chairman of the publicly listed company with 250 outlets in four countries.

It’s a roadmap to success based on his philosophy that tough times are good.

But he still believes there needs to be a balance between work and play. “Without a balance in life we lack the meaning of life; happiness through contentment.”

Tough times

He also realised he was a bit of a golf tragic when he was a member of the Mt Denby Golf Club in Whangarei and has established one of the country’s leading privately owned golf courses, The Hills. “I’m on a 14 handicap and don’t spend enough time hitting balls on the range.”

It’s during these tough times Hill says we need to reassess our businesses by asking, what are we doing well, what could we do better and what sort of business can we become?

He went on to publish Think Bigger: How To Raise Your Expectations And Achieve Everything in 2010. This time he outlines key lessons he learned during the years; clearing the clutter of your mind, positive daydreaming, letting go, thinking bigger, working smarter not harder, how to keep motivated, the power of the spoken word, having fun, thinking outside the box and helping others.

Hill is still passionate about his music and he has just seen another successful year for the biennial Michael Hill International Violin Competition, which attracted contestants from around the world.

From the modest beginnings of a little par three course, The Hills has developed into a world class championship golf course. Host of the NZ Open from 2007 to 2010, it is the home of the NZ PGA Championship and will again play host to the biggest golfing event in the country when the New Zealand Open returns to The Hills in early 2014.

He certainly knows what he’s talking about.

Sir Michael Hill revolutionised retail selling in

But then, if he ever gets bored with golf, he’s always got his superyacht WS1, named after the highest grade of diamond, to give him something to do.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 25

News | Q&A

Cecilia Robinson Cecilia Robinson is the founder and managing director of the outrageously successful companies Au Pair Link and My Food Bag.

Au Pair Link was started out of our two bedroom apartment in Auckland while I was working and studying full time.

Now Au Pair Link occupies close to 400 square metres in Parnell and employs approximately 50 staff from Dunedin to Auckland. Next year we will be placing close to 1,500 au pairs and nannies on our programmes. It’s been a massive change in the past six years and we have come a very long way.

After establishing Au Pair Link as a oneperson business, she has seen the company grow to an internationally recognised business with more than 40 staff throughout the country.

I think it’s important to remember that high growth businesses are just that – transitional. You make up temporary solutions to make things work and as your business grows – so do you. You have to be fast, nimble and willing to change, but at the same time be able to put robust processes and systems in place.

In 2012, Cecilia won the HER Business Woman of the Year award as well as the award for Best SME. In October last year, Cecilia won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award category at the EY Entpreneur of the Year Awards.

Davina Richards chats to New Zealand’s latest entrepreneurial sensation about all things business.

What is your background in business?

My background in business prior to starting Au Pair Link was very limited. I really had very little understanding of what it meant to be in business or how to run a business.

Fortunately Au Pair Link started out small and had the ability to grow with me.

You were only 21 when you established Au Pair Link, how would you describe your transition starting from scratch to becoming the owner of an internationally recognised business?

It is important to remember that a business comes from somewhere, and in the case of Au Pair Link I remind our team that I have done the roles that they are in. While I was a novice when it came to business upon the launch of Au Pair Link – I am certainly no novice now and have learnt a huge amount over the years.

And what have you learnt from the process?

I have learnt that I am unemployable so I have to ensure our businesses continue to be successful! Jokes aside - there is a huge amount I have learnt throughout the years, but I think the primary lessons are around transparency (and good governance), saying ‘yes’ and being passionate.

Since the early days of Au Pair Link we have had an advisory board and they have drummed into us the importance of

26 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“

We are changing the way New Zealand is eating from the inside out. Every day we get stories from our customers about how their lives have changed, how they are learning to cook and are eating healthier and more varied meals. transparency and good governance. There are so many shoddy deals done out there and you have to be able to look yourself (and your team) in the eye and know that you are doing the right thing.

For Au Pair Link – in the last six months I have learned about the importance of ‘saying yes’.

Having stepped back into Au Pair Link after spending a significant portion of my time on My Food Bag and (my son) Tom, I realised we had forgotten the ability to say yes.

As businesses grow and get more process and systems, they tend to get inflexible. I don’t want that to happen in Au Pair Link – so I am challenging our team to ‘Find a way of saying YES, rather than a reason to say no’.

And last but not least, passion – you have to be passionate about what you do. We have an Au Pair and subscribe weekly to My Food Bag. You don’t get much more passionate than that.

As the winner of EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 – has it all been worthwhile?

Absolutely - while winning the award was such wonderful recognition (and the team at EY are amazing) it certainly doesn’t determine whether or not the past six years have been

worthwhile. That’s more about getting up every morning and looking yourself in the mirror and being proud of what you have achieved.

”

For me, winning the award was about wider recognition of our team and what we have created – in particular my husband who has been working tirelessly alongside me. This is his and our teams’ award as much as it is mine.

What is the worst and best business decisions you have made and why do you consider them to be?

My best decision was to pursue My Food Bag when I was just about to give birth! My husband looked at me slightly bewildered (and bemused) as at 41 weeks I was navigating a fat belly while leaning over the computer typing up the business plan for My Food Bag. It’s taught me that there is never the right time to pursue a dream and that really it’s the things we don’t do that we generally regret.

The worst decisions you make are the ones that you don’t learn from.

News | Local Moves

News | Q&A

Fortunately, I consider our team sponges and we tend to not make the same mistake twice. Worst decisions can sometimes give you the best foundation for scrutinising your business and reviewing your processes. It’s simply what you make of it!

You work closely with your husband – how would you describe your working relationship and how does it complement your business?

My husband and I are fortunate to have a fantastic working relationship – we complement each other’s skill sets and enjoy working closely together.

I often say that we share our roles as managing directors across both businesses.

James is nowadays managing director of Au Pair Link while I’m managing director of My Food Bag however, our roles cross over and we lean on each other to bring out the best in each business. The reality is that we both put in an equal amount of time and effort into both businesses.

We spend our days together, we drive to work together and are in the same office at the same time (Au Pair Link morning and My Food Bag afternoon) and I still come home often feeling as if I have missed him when we haven’t had enough one-on-one time.

What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

Both our businesses change people’s lives.

In Au Pair Link we have the ability to make a real impact into the lives of Kiwi kids and make life easier for thousands of parents across New Zealand. We also get the chance to promote this beautiful country of ours to young people who return back to their home countries as promoters of New Zealand.

Having an Au Pair has changed our lives and I couldn’t imagine doing what we do without having our Au Pair (Fanny from Sweden) in ours and Tom’s life.

In My Food Bag, at the end of our first year, we will have delivered close to one million meals. We are changing the way New Zealand is eating from the inside out. Every day we get stories from our customers about how their lives have changed, how they are learning to cook and are eating healthier and more varied meals.

We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in such a short space of time and we are only at the start of our journey.

What has been your proudest moment since establishing yourself in the industry?

There have been a lot of proud moments throughout the years including some recent business awards. However, sometimes it’s the little things that make you feel proud.

This morning I dropped Fanny (our Au Pair) and Tom off at playgroup. As I was turning our car around, I could see a dozen girls emerging from cars holding the hands of little people, whispering to them in subdued voices, pointing out cars and greeting their friends on the way to Au Pair Links playgroup.

Each one of those girls was treating their host family children with such love, care and respect. Moments like that make me pause and think ‘we created this’ and that makes me feel immense pride.

For My Food Bag – the journey over the past eight months has been my proudest part. In six months we were already four times the size of Au Pair Link – it’s an incredibly high growth business and I can’t wait for what next year will bring.

Little Lot

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I think it’s important to remember that high growth businesses are just that – transitional.

You make up temporary solutions to make things work and as your business grows – so do you.

By Laura Hall

Two young Auckland entrepreneurs are making waves in the online advertising world with the recent launch of their socially conscience android app. Little Lot is a revolutionary new app that aims to achieve a lot of good for charities with little effort from the consumer.

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Why did you start My Food Bag? I saw this concept overseas and fell in love with it. Immediately I thought ‘that’s what I need’! I love cooking, but I hate the day to day grind of trying to think of what to cook.

More often than not I’d end up doing a last minute dash to the supermarket to pick up key ingredients (and over spending on items I don’t need). I love the fact that I no longer have to plan our meals and each night we go home to a beautiful and nutritionally balanced meal. My husband teases me that I create businesses that make my life easier and that’s certainly true for My Food Bag. You studied law back home in Sweden but you didn’t complete it – during that time where did you see yourself going career-wise?

The Swedish law system is quite lenient and complex and I saw myself being part of changing it. I loved studying law and saw my future in that space but when I immigrated to New Zealand I decided that I didn’t want to pursue it here.

What’s the best advice you have received?

Thinking big – it’s as simple as that.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start up a business?

The difference between being successful and not is really in the ‘doing’. People who are successful take risks (albeit calculated), they make short term sacrifice (which often turns into long term) and they put themselves out there.

If you want to start a business you have to be prepared for all of the above (and more)!

In your opinion, are entrepreneurs born or made?

Definitely born! I think there is certainly something to be said of nurture as well, and being surrounded by some hugely successful business people in the last couple of years has certainly assisted in bringing out the best in me.

Where next for Cecilia Robinson?

Right now I am just focusing on my key priority which is our family and our two businesses. That’s certainly more than enough right now – but I wouldn’t be entirely honest if I said there wasn’t more to come and this certainly isn’t the last chapter, it’s more like one of the first.

Stephen and David Hillier Co-founders David and Stephen Hillier recognised people who have a desire to donate to charities but don’t always have the cash to do so, but Little Lot gets around this obstacle. The app asks users to welcome advertising onto their android lock-screens and in return the advertising revenue is donated to their chosen charity.

How it works 1. Download the app onto your android mobile phone.

2. Select one of ten charities to support and then opt into advertising categories of your choice.

3. Advertisers and charities send designer wallpapers (ads) which appear on the phone’s lock screen.

4. Seventy five percent of the advertising revenue is channelled to your chosen charity.

The brothers received a much needed cash injection of $200,000 from seed investments and a Ministry of Science and Innovation grant early last year to kick start the development. “This was really the turning point for us. There was only so much we could achieve on sweat, equity and personal capital,” Stephen says.

Their launch in November last year generated a buzz within the charity community. The pair were approached by more than 150 not for profit organisations wanting to come onboard. David explains they decided to limit the number of charities to 10 to ‘’engage the users with the charity and create a rewarding personal relationship’’.

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We have ambitious goals, we think we can blow this estimate out of the water and change the face of charity, one click at a time - DAVID HILLIER

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Thompson already signed on. The app offers a direct and personal link between the advertiser and the user.

It offers a new tool to reach the highly sought after 18 – 30 year old demographic who are tech savvy and have a disposable income.

David says it’s the breakthrough advertisers have been waiting for.

“There’s no doubt that mobile is the hottest area in advertising at the moment. Brands face a constant challenge trying to connect with their audiences and we are thrilled to be offering the largest and most frequently viewed consumer spaces on the mobile to clients. ”

The brothers are putting a big emphasis on achieving no less than outstanding design for every ad no matter who the advertiser is.

They say it is vital the wallpapers are visually He says their early conservative estimates attractive to increase customer satisfaction. show that within the first year each charity could receive $200,000 based on an average Users can also rate the images and overtime of 20,000 users. ‘’We have ambitious goals, this enables Little Lot to build a consumer profile and provide more of what you do like we think we can blow this estimate out of and less of what you don’t. the water and change the face of charity, one click at a time.’’

The Hilliers are now looking to the future and are pursuing corporate sponsorship to expand Businesses have been quick to catch onto their New Zealand operation and potentially this new form of adverting too, with House launch into the international market. of Travel, Mighty Ape and Barfoot and www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 27

News | Top tips

Ten technology tips to get your business booming this year Well, the New Year’s here and it’s time to get cracking – so how can you give your company a strategic nudge right out of the blocks?

Bibby Financial Services Australasian managing director, Mark Cleaver says businesses need to boost their online presence and embrace the use of social media and technology to stay ahead of the competition in 2014.

Then there’s the potential audience of billions around the globe, all now much more easily accessible online.

So here are Mark’s top 10 tips to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can boost their brands and profitability, without incurring exorbitant expenses.

1. Get mobile

6. Develop an overall digital strategy

The biggest growth area in technology ownership in 2013 was via owning a tablet, with more than four in 10 SMEs reporting owning a tablet, according to the 2013 Sensis e-Business report. By the same token, the strongest technology trend displayed

by Australian consumers was the uptake of mobile devices with over two thirds of SMEs owning smart phones in 2013.

A digital strategy isn’t just about having a website - it’s about all of your digital activity.

You need to go beyond having an email address to achieve greater engagement through, for example, sms communications, developing mobile apps, search engine optimisation, social media marketing and online transaction capabilities.

Just 17 percent of SMEs with websites reported that they had a mobile specific website, up from 9 percent last year, so it’s an area where SMEs can develop an advantage.

The more broadly you act in the digital world, the greater your reach and potential sales. According to the 2013 Sensis e-Business report, only 19 percent of SMEs have an overall digital business strategy. Given so few SMEs are thinking about their overall digital strategy, this represents an opportunity for you to get ahead and develop an extensive strategy.

2. Use social media to spread the word Overall, 35 percent of SMEs that are online use social media for business purposes, according to the 2013 Sensis e-Business report. This was most likely to be a Facebook page (93 percent), Twitter (28 percent), LinkedIn (17 percent) and YouTube (7 percent).

Almost half of SMEs that used social media said it had a positive impact on their business. Social media is much cheaper to use than paid advertising and it’s an affordable way to reach millions of people in local markets and around the world in real-time.

7. SEO – more important than ABC Your digital strategy must include search engine optimisation (SEO) so that once you have a website, consumers can easily find it. You may need an expert to help you because there are several tricks of the trade that smart businesses use to make sure people land on their website first.

8. Don’t miss a real-time sales opportunity 3. Target the right audience Develop an online community where it matters. If you’re a recruiter, then a LinkedIn presence is an obvious necessity. If you sell products for young people, then you might want to be on Facebook or Instagram. Make sure you’re targeting the right audience to get the best results for your business. Social media marketing works - as long as you’re in the right places.

The number of purchases people make online is steadily climbing, so the ability to transact with the growing consumer pool in real-time can really boost your revenues. If you don’t sell online, then you risk losing business, particularly to overseas business.

9. Spend on hardware or risk being dated 4. Don’t let your size or budget get you down Approximately only 13 percent of micro business, or those with four employees or fewer, use social media, compared 52 percent of large businesses. Just because you’re small, it doesn’t mean you don’t exist. So embrace social media with regular updates about your activity and you’ll notice the difference. It doesn’t cost much to establish a website and email is free, so use the digital world to your advantage.

Despite the increase in technology ownership, the level of SME expenditure on both hardware and software has decreased, according to the e-Business report. However, investment in the latest hardware and software can make your business more productive, so budget for technology upgrades and reap the efficiency windfalls that will pay for themselves over time.

10. Take advantage of the broadband 5. Think like a youngster Business owners aged between 18-39 years are significantly more likely to be using social media (83 percent) than older business owners (56 percent), according to findings from the recent Bibby Barometer survey. To remain competitive, SMEs need to adapt to technology as quickly as their competition does. They also need to be as tech savvy as their customers and potential clients. That is the digital reality.

28 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

The roll out of national broadband networks, which will increase internet speeds, is considered to be a positive for small business owners. According to the Bibby Barometer, as many as 61 percent believe the impact will be positive with 27 percent believing it will have a very positive impact. Only six percent feel the roll out of broadband networks will have a negative impact on their business. It’s just another reason to be online.

News | Top tips

Ten tips on how to sort CVs

By Laura Hall

Angela’s top 10 tips

1. Prepare a list of the top three skills or experiences the successful person MUST already have, as well as 3 – 6 things that would be useful, and use this when going through CVs. Look at the actual tasks the candidate has done rather than job title. There might be transferable skills.

You’re advertising a job vacancy in your workplace.

You’ve just listed the position online and you already have 50 applications, and counting, piling up in your inbox, plus a heavy workload.

If you are a business owner then this scenario may sound all too familiar. Hiring new staff can often be difficult, stressful and a time consuming process. Because of these reasons the task can be carried out poorly with many inefficiencies.

Elephant Training and HR general manager, Angela Atkins, has worked in HR and leadership development roles for 17 years.

She offers up her expert tips on how to streamline the CV sorting process, avoid recruitment blunders and hire the right person for the job every time.

Angela has worked with many businesses that overlook the importance of the hiring process. ‘’Hiring the best candidate for a job is critical if you want your business to run at its full potential, so you must put some thought and time into getting it right.’’

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2. If you’re receiving email applications, set up a folder in your inbox and move applications into it. At the end of each day do a quick read through and highlight in red those without any of your top three necessary attributes, orange if they have 1 – 2 and green if they have all three (or print them off and put some time aside at the end of each day to do this manually).

3. When you turn people down send a nice rejection letter. They may end up being a client or right for another job.

SMEs treat the hiring process as a low priority when it should be their primary focus if they are serious about hiring the right person. Good candidates are hard to come by so treat the hiring process with the importance it deserves.

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But a large number of businesses put the task of reading CVs and making a short list of - ANGELA ATKINS applicants on the back burner until it is too late. This results in business owners making snap decisions about who to hire and often in her line of work. ‘’I deal with businesses all they choose a candidate who doesn’t meet the time who are advertising a job vacancy, the job description, and is inappropriate for but don’t have a clue about the type of person the role. they are looking for or the skills they want the Angela says the primary causes of SMEs person to possess.’’ making poor hiring decisions can be She says it is impossible to hire the right attributed to two reasons, which are all too person for the job if you aren’t clear what frequently made. you are looking for in an applicant. She The first pitfall SMEs face is a lack of time recommends employers form a strong idea to do the job properly she says. ‘’SME about what essential skills they are looking business owners are often swamped with for in a candidate and what they could train or work and don’t have adequate time to develop a person in. dedicate to the hiring process. Time is ‘’SMEs treat the hiring process as a low priority precious in owner operated companies when it should be their primary focus if they where the boss if frequently trying to fill are serious about hiring the right person. several roles themselves.”

Good candidates are hard to come by so treat She says spending a little bit more time the hiring process with the importance it reading though CVs and interviewing deserves,’’ she says. candidates may seem like a hassle, but will Sorting through curriculum vitas quickly, pay off in the long run. efficiently and reliably is easier said than The second mistake Angela has identified done. Angela shares her top ten tips on business owners making may seem obvious how to sort through CVs and find the but she says she sees it occurring regularly right employee.

4. Get back to your shortlisted candidates ASAP and organise an interview, otherwise you could lose good candidates if you take too long.

5. If you think you’ll get lots of applications ask people to include something specific in their application or use selection questions. Those that don’t bother probably aren’t going to be the right person. For example, we asked people applying for our marketing role to do a quick mock-up of a website page for us.

6. Take preference over candidates who are progressing their career, this shows they’re eager to learn, rather those who have had five different jobs all in the same role.

7. Don’t get too caught up on grammar or spelling in younger candidates or migrant’s CVs unless that’s a key part of the job.

8. If you’ve got more than four people to interview – do a 10 minute phone interview with each person first and ask why they applied and what they’ll bring to the role to narrow it down.

9. Use computer testing or other skill testing as well as an interview to check if they really do have the right background.

10. Always call at least two referees. This will help to verify their work history and provide a second opinion on their personality. Ensure the referees number is a landline, preferably to a business. If the number is a mobile phone this can often mean it is not authentic.

Angela Atkins has worked in HR roles for the last 17 years and is the general manager of Elephant Training and HR. She is the best-selling author of business books Management Bites and Employment Bites (both published by HarperCollins NZ) and for the last two years has been the HR Institute of NZ Auckland Branch President. To contact her email angela@elephanthr.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 29

News | Lifestyles

Lifestyles

By Davina Richards

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1.

It’s raining… music

Kohler showerhead The Moxie Bluetooth enabled showerhead by Kohler could be a stroke of genius. The wireless speaker slots into the showerhead and is held in place by magnets and voila, tune into your favourite music or listen to podcasts. What could be better for your showering experience? OK, maybe don’t answer that question... but it’s pretty cool, huh?

RRP: $299 for the 12.5cm and $349 for the 20cm Available from: www.kohler.co.nz

2.

Call on me

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 OK hold the phone… believe it or not, there’s another smart phone on the market. But before you roll your eyes this thing does have a few moves considerably cooler than Miley Cyrus’s foam finger antics. As you’d expect, its slimmer, thinner, lighter, smarter and has plenty of attitude with its S Pen functionality, 5.7-inch full HD display and advanced multitasking with Multi Window. Available in jet black or classic white.

2.

RRP: $1,199 Available from: retailers nationwide

3.

3.

Be cool

Men’s trilby hat Its summer time folks! Be smart and remember to protect your head from those harmful rays by putting on a hat, such as this dashing trilby from Witchery. Complement the outfit with a casual shirt, shorts, sandals and sunglasses for the perfect summer look!

RRP: $49.90 Available from: www.witchery.co.nz

4.

4.

Centre of attention

Marrakesh wall panel There’s something exquisite about this hand carved screen which steals the limelight to become the centrepiece of any room. The elegant wall panel looks stunning as a wall feature or a room divider. A great alternative to steel and wins appeal with its Moroccan design.

RRP: $795 Available from: www.theimporter.co.nz

30 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Lifestyles

Lifestyles 5.

Defying gravity

Sky planter Household items can take up a lot of space, but indoor gardening has evolved with this fantastic upside down planter. Hang from the ceiling to create a stunning feature.

The combination of a personal expression with design is visually appealing.

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RRP: mini $39 small $49 and medium $99 Available from: www.simonjamesdesign.com

6.

Looking deeper

Vessel table lamp

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Attempting to look inside of a light bulb when it’s turned on (out of curiosity) is neither smart nor achievable, but when you look inside the Vessel lamp, the bulb illuminates and is visible to the naked eye inside the tinted glass.

This blown lamp is mesmerising and will stand out like a sculpture in any minimalistic room.

RRP: $880 Available from: www.ecc.co.nz

7.

Cutting it

Chopping block

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Incorporate earthy elements into your home by the addition of wooden kitchenware, such as this handmade cutting board with a distinctive natural touch. Its natural grain and bark element emanates beauty with its connection to the outdoors.

RRP: $106.77 Available from: www.shop-generalstore.com

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Loungin’ around

Favn sofa

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Championing design and quality wrapped into one is Corporate Culture. Favn is the Danish name meaning embrace and with 10 unique designer selections to choose from and a mix of three fabrics, you can create the ultimate contemporary sofa for your living space.

RRP: $17,930 Available from: www.corporateculture.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 31

Appliances - “Your living is our mission” It’s hard to know how to distill down EISNO Appliance’s monumental offering – its potential as a world class appliance manufacturer knows no bounds.

Distributing through the 100 Percent Group and Betta Electrical, EISNO’s already impressive reputation and strategic partnerships are palpable indications of its growing presence in the New Zealand market.

A family business encompassing traditional values, it survives the tumultuous nature of the commercial market that has a natural proclivity for taking no prisoners and is prone to extreme peaks and troughs, with a simple formula – excellent products and excellent service.

“Transparency with our products is very important, as is a direct line of education for our resellers, who in turn educate our customers. We want the reseller to understand our product 100 percent and for the customer to have the same experience.”

EISNO is the first choice for appliances including – rangehoods, ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, freestanding equipment and accessories - thanks to its distinctly compelling offering.

Here’s why EISNO should be your first choice….

Strategic autonomy When you enter a marketplace, there’s no time or tolerance for retrospective marketing strategies, or target demographic consideration. You must come prepared.

It does not take these partnerships for granted – ensuring bi-directional communication is at the heart of all its relationships. “When dealing with existing or prospective resellers, we make contact with the individual owners and establish a direct line of communication with them.

A successful direct line of communication and education has been made possible through the establishment of a Home Idea’s centre in Auckland – a concept that Xia is keen to see utilised throughout New Zealand.

Participating in experience centres throughout the country is a priority for EISNO. It takes its role in the industry very seriously and thinks laterally in terms of how it can engage its customers.

“We do not operate strictly within the parameters of manufacturing – we also involve ourselves in the design elements. For us, it is important that we can create high performing appliances, but also products with a contemporary look too. We see ourselves as being pioneers in the industry by leading and facilitating innovation.

When EISNO came to the New Zealand in 2011, it was not only prepared, but also ready to take the market by storm, and that’s exactly what it has done. With a breadth and depth of knowledge like no other, the business is an Italian Joint Venture. At the helm is Robert Xia.

“An important part of this role involves participating in shows, and playing a role in the broader industry, which includes our membership in the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association – a lot of businesses and architects work with them, and we have forged connections with them also.”

Having operated as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in China for many years through the EISNO brand exporting millions of products per year, the Xia family identified a niche in the New Zealand market – they planned to position themselves in the same league as appliance giant Fisher & Paykel.

EISNO’s industry association also extends beyond the commercial realm and into the education sector. It is a major sponsor of UNITEC’s Architecture Department and is integrally involved with the annual FESTA event.

The time it would take to establish a credible presence and command this respect was anyone’s guess – but the family has made this happen during the short space of time their business has been punching well above its weight in New Zealand.

“We like to utilise these opportunities to get industry feedback – this paves the way forward for us and our future. We want to continue to revolutionise our sector and have plans to lead the roll-out of experience centres across New Zealand.”

Aotearoa was an obvious choice for Xia and his family who recognised that the consumer culture is looking for appliances that are sophisticated in looks and functionality.

EISNO’s own showroom is the “E-cubby Kitchen Fashion Boutique” – a premium showroom destination for EISNO appliances that demonstrate the brand’s commitment to kitchen fashion and the latest designs.

“We identified with New Zealand as being a healthy economic environment, and we arrived here with very crystal clear objectives,” Xia says. “While it is a competitive industry to some extent, we knew only one major player – Fisher & Paykel - was already doing what we were prepared to do as the owner and operator of its own factory and manufacturer of its own products.”

“At the centre our display presence is striking – we imported black paint from Lamborghini for our cupboards, and the tiles have come from Spazio Casa in Italy. For us, this is about relationship building too, because we are representing not only ourselves, but also the result of our co-operative efforts with our strategic partners.

With its own direct line of import, the quality of EISNO is, quite literally, world class. In addition, the innovation and brainpower of its in-house research and development (R&D) team means the appliances manufactured are market leading – a hybrid of the most advanced technology and design.

“We can manage and streamline our entire process – from the design and manufacture of our products through to the distribution and after-sales support. Because we work out of our own factory, the service we can provide our customers goes well beyond the point of sale.

“Thanks to our specialised machinery, we can manufacturer parts for our customers should they require a replacement. We are one of only two market players that have these capabilities. Other traders do not have the buying power, or the factory access to offer this kind of service.”

Manufacturing its own products means lower margins for EISNO – a benefit that is also passed on to the customer. “The quality of our products and the efficiency of our shipments is also much higher than our competitors because we have full control of these functions.”

“We are excited about the inspiration this will create in the minds and imaginations of our clients.”

Committed to fostering a culture and identity for EISNO will be at the forefront of Xia’s attention in the coming years. This culture and identity will be defined by sophistication and elegance.

Watch this space.

EISNO APPLIANCES PO BOX 151191 NEW LYNN AUCKLAND 0640 P 09 974 3226 E robert@eisno.co.nz www.eisno.co.nz

LIM ELECTRONICS

ALBANY EXTREME

WINGATES ELECTRICAL

18 CAVENDISH DR MANUKAU AUCKLAND 09 263 4680

3 CORBAN AVE ALBANY AUCKLAND 09 451 9160

11 BINSTED RD NEW LYNN AUCKLAND 09 827 5942

is a game changer – making domesticity fashionable one stylish appliance at a time.

It’s a fashion leader marrying functionality and contemporary aesthetics and revolutionising how we identify with our spaces at home. If you want your kitchen to say ‘modern’, ‘innovative’ and ‘powerful’ then EISNO is exactly what you’ve been searching for.

Functional beauty doesn’t need to be a luxury or reserved for the elite –because EISNO is for everyone and everyone includes you.

With sophisticated products incorporating the latest technology, EISNO keeps its finger on the R&D pulse at all times. Ovens, cooktops, rangehoods and dishwashers – every piece of equipment manufactured to the highest standards.

The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for commercial giants including Whirlpool, Electrolux, CDA and Haier, EISNO has its head firmly in the game – and that head is bursting with ideas.

These ideas make your world better, simpler and more productive.

When you choose EISNO, you’re choosing efficiency and style. You’re saying ‘Yes’ to the best, and only the best.

Property & Construction | Houston Architects

Delivering inspired designs Houston Architects is an Auckland based architectural company focussing on providing leadership in planning, architecture, urban design and interior design. With more than 30 years award winning experience the business has designed residential, church, school and commercial projects.

Owner and architect Wayne Houston has been involved in architecture since 1975 and started the business in 1980. The essence of Houston Architects is total design, a holist style and creative philosophy that integrates design disciplines and characterises leadership style.

An impressive project A current design project built by Teak Construction is a $2.8 million home at Marsden Cove in Whangarei.

We use only the finest paints and paint finishes for your painting project. We will work with you to help produce the look that you ultimately desire.

SERVICING AUCKLAND WIDE CALL 09 630 5049 OR EMAIL INFO@FSBPAINTERS.CO.NZ

“When the project is handled well producing a mutually rewarding result, for the client, then we often are pleased to have another referral. Word of mouth approval is inevitably the best form of promotion to business success. As an Architect one is always striving for the best answer to a set of circumstances defined by the site, client and budget.”

“The new 650 metre square house has been an exciting development. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to do a modern design over looking the water on two sides of the house,” Houston says.

The house is white with almost black joinery and vertical louvres. The large front door is in high gloss black lacquer. Many water features will be around the home; a reflecting pond and waterfall off the formal dining.

Mini waterfalls at each step beside the front entry path and a star light ceiling in the entertainment room, with a juke box.

“Once this is fully landscaped it will be a spectacular house in the Marsden Cove development.

“First Light Electrical has had the pleasure of being responsible for everything from lighting and electrical to automation, audio, home theatre, Sonos multi-room audio, data and wireless networking, iPad and iPhone integration and remote control of lighting, fibre optics, louvers, windows, doors, water tank, waterfalls, lift & under-floor heating and security,” Houston explains.

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

Marsden Cove

Refraining from the niche Quality residential homes is a continuing interest for Houston Architects however, Houston explains that the business has refrained from niche marketing to ensure an across the board range of skills.

“Architecture encompasses a wide range of knowledge and skills and we offer a robust investigation of all elements important to the project be they design, practical and environment considerations, budget control and timing.

The Moooi Raimond LED pendant hanging in the atrium

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Houston had previously designed a timber home for the client 20 years ago and this new design is influenced by 1950’s American design.

The home has a pre-cast panel construction with large 2.7 metre high by three metre wide double glazed doors, many of them as cavity sliders.

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“Total design is fundamental to our culture and the way we think. I have an energetic commitment to the design process, the production of working drawings and control of the building site. This energy leads from working closely with clients to the completed building and resulting in the best production of good architecture,” Houston says.

Houston Architects spent a year designing the detailing for the home that has many unique features including recessed aluminium jambs top and bottom to the joinery, plus urbinos hidden hinges on interior doors to continue the theme of crisp lines throughout the project.

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Kitchens by Design “This (Marsden Cove) project included not only the kitchen and scullery, but all other rooms such as wardrobes, offices, laundry, studio and garage. My brief was for a functional kitchen with simple clean lines, no handles, light in colour with deep blue accents.

“The kitchen is centre stage within the living area and looks out onto a private jetty and possible future boat. The design is high gloss lacquer, chunky panelling, elegant and simple lines with negative detailing.

“Stainless steel accents in the canopy feature along back wall and a special elliptical stainless steel inlay in the back panel of the island looks stunning, set into the dark blue toning which picks up the colour on the feature wall adjacent to the kitchen.

“Although a long time in the planning, designing and manufacturing, everyone agrees the end result is amazing.”

- Sue Gillbanks CKDNZ

”

Upcoming plans A Bucklands Beach house on the waterfront is just about to start construction. “It is an exciting design with a client requesting an all glass two storey façade facing onto the water. Another large house design that is unique in the design response to the client and the site.

“With the recent and upcoming projects it is wonderful getting up each morning and looking forward to going to work. One can never be bored in architecture, there is so much to keep abreast of and cutting edge design demands a thorough knowledge of construction to be able to produce excellence. There are always challenges to over come and the joy of creating something beautiful produces lasting satisfaction,” Houston says. AT

Houston Architects Ltd GO2, Zone 23 Edwin St Mt Eden Auckland T (09) 623 4400 E wayne@architects.org.nz www.architects.org.nz — Advertising Feature

P: (09) 379 3084 W: www.kitchensbydesign.co.nz Showroom: 228 Orakei Road Remuera Auckland GREAT KITCHENS DON’T JUST HAPPEN THEY HAPPEN BY DESIGN… 34 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Concept Building Solutions

Bringing buildings alive Choosing the right builder to make your dream home a reality is a big decision, and one that home owners don’t take lightly. But choosing Concept Building Solutions Limited means you can sleep easy, knowing your dream home will be built to the highest quality by a company renowned for its integrity.

Concept Building Solutions was formed eight years ago by Michael Bartlett and focuses exclusively on the residential new home and renovation market.

“You can deal with one building contractor to ensure that your renovations will be completed smoothly in no time at all.”

Whether clients have out-grown their current home and are looking to renovate or remodel, or simply want to begin a home from scratch, the team at Concept Building Solutions can help.

Surface Tiling Ltd TILING & WATERPROOFING SERVICES

Bathrooms Kitchen Patios Swimming Pools Floors & Walls Ceramic Porcelain Mosiac Marble Granite Terracotta Stone Eco products available

Proud to support Concept Building Solutions

• Unique new homes built to the highest quality • Home renovations ranging from a new wall or deck to major additions to your home • Repairs to damaged or leaky homes.

Working out of its new base in Hunua, the company prides itself on being reliable, ensuring that your building or renovation is done on time, on budget and to the highest quality.

Building your new home Concept Building Solutions is in the business of creating unique new homes and does not limit customers to a set range of its own plans. Instead, the company works closely with local architects, including Mackenzie Architecture and Hill Design Engineering, to create a unique home that is perfect for you and your family.

Concept Building Solutions is in the business of creating unique new homes

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Whatever you need done, from roofing to plastering, kitchen remodelling to bathroom remodelling, Concept Building Solutions can take care of it. “We offer all of these services under one roof; concept building solutions is the only point of contact you need here in Auckland,” Bartlett says.

Concept Building Solutions can complete your residential building project, including:

The Concept Building Solutions team will handle all consent requirements and will ensure your building experience is enjoyable and stress free.

The renovation and repair experts The Auckland renovation market is strong, with a growing number of homeowners turning to Concept Building Solutions for their renovation requirements.

Bartlett says the company will do any home-improvement projects that take at least a week – from building a deck to adding a major extension onto your home.

“When it comes to renovations, our building contractors work at creating a consistent

look between the existent and the new structures,” he says.

“We can renovate walls, floors, bathroom and kitchens, as well as extend or improve your current Auckland home with minimal disruption to your family. Turn your house into a true reflection of what you need by getting us to renovate your home.”

The Concept Building Solutions team will also repair any damage to your home without breaking the bank.

“We know what a hassle damage and repairs can be to your family, so we’ll get the most important parts of your home fixed first so that you can get back to normal as quickly as possible. You can rely on our building contractors in Auckland.”

Bartlett says the company builds a lot of new homes from 300-400 square metres in size, but is just finishing a luxury 600 square metre house in Hunua. “Our latest project that was completed at the end of 2013 was a large 600 square metre architecturally designed home.

There was a lot of detailing work, including exposed internal and external trusses, racking ceilings, solid oak flooring, just to name a few. It was a challenging project but very enjoyable to build.”

A1 Surface tiling Ltd t: 09 533-5566 m: 021 935 699 e. www.a1surfacetilingltd.co.nz

Richard Mataroa REGISTERED ELECTRICIAN www.flowelectrical.co.nz

Your new lifestyle awaits, with Concept Building Solutions

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m. 021 024 26212 e. flowelectrical@gmail.com

36 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Concept Building Solutions

A reputation for excellence Concept Building Solutions receives much of its new business through word of mouth and referral, as clients sing the company’s praises.

Director Michael Bartlett is proud of the reputation for quality and professionalism his company has developed.

“As a company we take pride in our workmanship and offer a high level of expertise with building and renovation.

We can ensure that we will take away the stress out of your project and replace this with the excitement of creating your perfect home.”

Concept Building Solutions places a great emphasis on attention to detail

Quality and service are keys

Bartlett says having one large and one smaller project on the go at any one time Customers of Concept Building Solutions can is comfortable for his highly skilled team. feel confident their residential building project “I can then oversee both jobs and make sure is of the highest priority to their builder. everything is right. I think clients like that; Bartlett has made a point of keeping his they hate when I’m not there. I’m still on the business to a manageable size in order to tools about four days a week.” maintain full control on every building job.

Concept Building Solutions strives to offer “If you get too big your level of workmanship every client an honest, professional building decreases,” he says. service with a big focus on attention to “It becomes a lot harder to manage more jobs detail. “As a company we take pride in and keep your eye on everything. And it’s our workmanship and offer a high level of hard to get good builders, as most of the good expertise with building and renovation. We builders work for themselves.” can ensure you that we will take away the

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Quality construction is a key focus for the team at Concept Building Solutions

stress of your project and replace this with the excitement of creating your perfect home.”

The team at Concept Building Solutions in Hunua is known for its:

Concept Building Solutions brings a comprehensive set of specialist skills to enable it to get the job done in a strategic and professional manner.

Staff are punctual, hard-working and true to their word.

• Excellent workmanship

The company uses a productive management regime from start to finish, helping ensure a smooth and stress-free execution of your home. “You will be leaving your building needs in safe hands, with our staff in Auckland. We work with you every step of the way and stick to our promises,” he says.

• Good communication

“Our construction team take pride in their work, so you can be assured that no sloppy finishes will be present. We don’t simply deliver on time, but strive to outmatch your expectations in the process.” AT

• Professionalism

• Attention to detail • Quality finish • Punctuality

• Flexibility.

Concept Building Solutions Limited 5 Middleton Road Hunua Auckland T (09) 292 4115 M 0275 373 704 E Michael@conceptbuilding.co.nz www.conceptbuilding.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Mitchell Painting Limited Quality Painters and Decorators

Stephen Mitchell

Owner/Operator

mitchellpainting@windowslive.com (021) 144 0199 (09) 298 5942

Proud to support Concept Building Solutions <

Concept Building Solutions will help get you into your dream home

Turning your vision into your home.

NEW HOMES

EXTENSIONS OR RENOVATIONS

5 Middleton Road, Hunua, Auckland

Phone. 09 292 4115

REPAIRS TO EXISTING STRUCTURES Email. michael@conceptbuilding.co.nz

With our professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to quality, Concept Building Solutions can take your plans and turn them into reality.

www.conceptbuilding.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 37

Property & Construction | Elephant Plasterboard

The plasterboard people New Zealand consumers and builders are being urged to look further at their drywall options and consider using Elephant Plasterboard’s innovative range of plasterboard products.

A tough market

Elephant Plasterboard was the first company to offer any real competition after 61 years of monopoly in the drywall market.

Owner Kevin van Hest believes his company offers superior wallboard products and systems, but says they just can’t crack the market.

“Generally, we equal or exceed all the characteristics of Winstone boards,” he says.

“We have a stronger board and we have a solution that will save the builder money.

With our fire and acoustic systems our board

Elephant Plasterboard’s innovative range of wallboard products includes: Elephant Standard-Plus – For general wall and ceiling applications. It has a 30 minute fire rating on load-bearing timber stud walls and is a highperformance bracing system down to 400mm wide, with a medium-density enhanced standard core.

Elephant Horizontal Standard-Plus – With an enhanced, medium-density core available in both 1200mm and 1350mm widths, it is ideal for 2.4m, 2.55m and 2.7m wall studs. It has a tapered edge and square edge to reduce the number of plaster joints to provide a better quality finish.

Elephant Multiboard – A very high-density core offering a high brace performance, excellent noise control, impact resistance, and extra fire resistance.

Elephant Aquaboard – For wet area applications. Offers all the features of Elephant Multiboard as well as moisture resistant properties.

Elephant Plasterboard offers a high-quality range of plasterboard products

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Elephant Plasterboard has been around for 25 years but still finds it quite challenging to break the virtual monopoly in the plasterboard industry dominated

by Winstone Wallboards.

is denser. In some systems you might typically use four layers of plasterboard, but with ours you may only need to use three to achieve the same fire rating or similar acoustic rating.”

The plasterboard underdogs

competitor who has a lot of influence in the building industry. If people considered us more in the market it would be better for consumers.”

Elephant Plasterboard offers a range of plasterboard products that includes high-density multi-functional boards for excellent fire resistance and noise control, multifunctional boards for wet areas, and tapered/squared-edged boards for horizontal fixing.

A history of plasterboard innovations Twenty five years in business has seen Elephant Plasterboard introduce many innovations and developments the New Zealand building industry now takes for granted.

However, despite the quality products and systems on offer from Elephant Plasterboard, the company is still struggling to increase its small market share.

“We have excellent products and innovative systems but we can’t get any traction,” van Hest says. “It’s a tragedy for New Zealand and the consumer because they’re paying more for their plasterboard than they have to.”

Many consumers have never heard of Elephant Plasterboard, which is available through any of the main building supply chains, but it is not stocked on the shelves.

Van Hest believes it is due to Winstone Wallboards merchant supply agreements.

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Elephant Plasterboard has a product to suit every environment

THE PALLET COMPANY

Providing worldwide solutions for your packaging requirements

“We were the first to introduce a multiuse single product for brace and noise applications,” Manning says.

“We did a lot of testing on bracing systems and we were the first to do away with those cumbersome large head bracing nails, which were a big nail with a washer on the end that were hard to use and damaged the wallboard.

“Now you can use your screw gun and fire them in. It’s much faster and results in a cleaner finish.

“We were the first to provide bracing system solutions down to 400mm wide using 10mm “Our products are not directly in the public standard core plasterboard, giving designers eye when you walk down the aisles,” business more options, and reducing the cost to build development manager Robert Manning says. for all New Zealanders.”

“New Zealand consumers need to do their Elephant Plasterboard has also found research about plasterboard to realise that innovative ways for people to use fewer they have a choice. We’re providing an sheets for fire and acoustic applications, which innovative alternative.” also reduces cost. AT Van Hest says Elephant Plasterboard is Elephant Plasterboard Limited the underdog in the country’s competitive Free phone 0800 ELEPHANT (353742) wallboard market.

T (09) 818 7702 “Kiwis usually like to bat for the underdog.

E info@elephantpb.co.nz We have great products and great systems www.elephantpb.co.nz and we’re fighting against a very powerful

— Advertising Feature

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www.thepalletcompany.co.nz 38 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Ph: 09 818 9827

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PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH ELEPHANT PLASTERBOARD NZ LTD

Property & Construction | Modcom Portable Buildings

Buildings when and where you need them Flexibility takes on a new dimension as portable homes and offices are now widely available in New Zealand.

One of the leaders in this evolving market is Modcom Portable Buildings Ltd, established in 1998. The business is 100 percent New Zealand owned and operated, which allows it to provide a quality product and excellent service.

Modcom Portable Buildings are the best solution where speed, budget and limited space is an issue.

Modcom Portable Buildings are constructed of either EPS insulated sandwich panel or fire-resistant insulated sandwich panel; the buildings provide excellent insulation, strength and low maintenance properties.

In addition, all buildings come with a five year manufacturer’s warranty.

Modcom Portable Buildings is owned by Rex McIntyre and situated in Tauranga.

Rex and his team are fully qualified and experienced technicians.

“

We believe in the quality of our buildings and personal service.

- MANAGER, BRENDON COLE

”

Manager Brendon Cole says the business manufactures an extensive range of transportable buildings for hire or for sale including offices, ablutions units, lunchrooms, accommodation units and control rooms.

“Hiring is an excellent option if you require temporary buildings on your site.

“Just hire the buildings as you need, for the length of time you require, and when you are finished with the buildings we will come and remove them.”

All buildings manufactured by Modcom are structurally engineered and built in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code and relevant building standards.

With its own fleet of trucks and cranes Modcom can remove the reliance on outside providers and is able to provide hassle free delivery to your site.

“If you require something specific we are happy to customise one of our existing plans, or alternatively we can build a unit of your own design.

“Our buildings have a high quality finish while being low maintenance and are very easy to keep warm in winter and cool in summer.

“We are able to transport our buildings nationwide and we can do as much or as little as the customer requires.

“We believe in the quality of our buildings and personal service.”

Modcom hire buildings to many national events all around the country such as sports events, musical events, hospitals and V8 supercars.

The business is also part of the Supermac Group. With over 29 years in the industry Supermac Holdings Ltd is the market leader in the installation of insulated panels, both standard EPS and fire resistant, in New Zealand.

Supermac has worked across a wide range of sectors within industry (including dairy companies, food processing plants, supermarkets, and kiwifruit plants) to provide coolstore, freezer, chiller and canopy facilities.

As well as providing facilities for the New Zealand market, Supermac has also worked in Australia, Tonga and China. AT

WE ARE PROUD TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DESIGN OF

M O D C O M PORTABLE BUILDINGS

A big thank you Modcom Portable Buildings would like to say a big thank you to its suppliers • Metalcraft • Redco.

Providing the services of

Modcom Portable Buildings Ltd PO Box 2417 Tauranga T (07) 552 5271 T 0800 266 326 www.modcom.co.nz

Chartered Professional Engineers

— Advertising Feature

470 Otumoetai Road TAURANGA AUCKLAND CHRISTCHURCH

PH 07-571 7070 FAX 07-571 7080

red@redco.co.nz www.redco.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 39

Property & Construction | Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers

The girl in the steel cap boots A career spanning 30 years of wearing steel cap boots has taken Raewyn Sharp of Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers Ltd all around New Zealand.

From the “think big” construction projects of the Muldoon days, such as the Motonui Gas-to Gasoline plant in Taranaki and Marsden Point Oil Refinery Expansion in Ruakaka, to working on the construction of the tallest building in New Zealand in 1990, Sharp reflects on these jobs with fondness.

“My first construction job when I left college was office junior with Downer Construction on the Wellington Terrace Tunnel project, before working in the engineering department in their head office,” she says.

Today Downer is a customer of hers. Sharp owns and operates her own business which she started in 2003.

Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Based in Drury, the company offers concrete cutting and drilling services throughout Auckland.

“I started with one van; now we have seven vans on the road in Auckland and one van in Christchurch.”

Sharp offers a wide range of saw cutting, including various specialist concrete cutting services such as electric floor-sawing, hydraulic hand-sawing, and ring-sawing for

Diamond core drilling services range from as small as 12mm diameter to 500mm diameter holes. “From drilling one metre deep holes in the base of the old Victoria Park Chimney for strengthening, to saw-cutting and installing cabling on the Kingsland Railway Station for the Snapper card rollout prior to the World Cup; every job is different and has its own challenges,” she says.

Working in a big city like Auckland means people and traffic need to be regularly managed.

Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers can take care of any requirement, including: • Infrastructure • Commercial • Shutdowns • Upgrades • Interior fit-outs • Maintenance schedules • Residential.

40 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Owner Raewyn Sharp

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The concrete cutting experts

internal work where petrol-powered machines are a health and safety issue.

Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers’ environmental slurry control vacuum truck is an important part of its business, and enables the company to offer customers a one-stop shop service for booking and completing jobs, particularly on public roads and highways.

“Our vans also carry smaller slurry control vacuum tanks that hold 600 litres. These are practical for smaller residential jobs where

slurry is an environmental hazard and has to be managed,” she says.

“Gone are the days of just tipping it down the drain; we collect it and dispose the slurry to an environmental waste facility.”

We also have a small concrete placing business and deal mainly with the local Versatile Buildings Franchise at Pukekohe doing garage and house slabs.

Property & Construction | Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers

Chartered Accountants Recent projects Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers has completed a range of significant projects in the last year, including: Bracewell Construction – 19 Surrey Cresent (27 apartments) <

Members of New Zealand’s concrete cutting industry take part in a technical demonstration at Stevensons Quarry in Drury in 2012

Leading the concrete cutting industry Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers has been a member of the New Zealand Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association for eight years.

Raewyn Sharp has been president of the association for the last three years and has a wealth of experience to offer her customers.

Sharp says being president of a maledominated industry group was a bit nerve racking at first. From organising technical sessions for their annual conferences to hands-on demonstrations in 2012 at the Stevensons quarry, Sharp has recently stood down from this position to concentrate more on her own business.

“The association started in 1986 and is still going strong. Being a member means you are serious about what you do and committed to sharing and learning from other members,” she says.

“We have about 32 members nationwide and several associate members. Over the years we have developed and produced a member manual guideline with a code of practice,

a code of ethics, safe operating procedures for equipment use, and an environmental pollution control policy. We also run ‘concrete cutting specific’ safety courses for our members.

Sharp stresses the importance of having honesty and integrity in all areas of her business, which she says makes for better relationships between staff, customers and suppliers. “This payoff is evident when the first three people I hired still work for me.

The construction industry is known for its boom-and-bust cycles and it is with the loyalty of my staff, long-term customers and suppliers that has helped us get to where we are today.” AT Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers Limited 29 Firth Street Drury Auckland Free phone 0800 23 816 T (09) 294 7112 E info@sharpconcretecutters.co.nz www.sharpconcretecutters.co.nz Check us out on facebook — Advertising Feature

Bracewell Construction – Excelsior &Stanbeth Buildings Refurbishment CMP – Victoria Park Market upgrade and refurbishment Fletcher Interiors – Starship Hospital Fletcher Interiors – ANZ Tower refurbishment

Craig Periam Ltd

Manson TCLM -Telecom Buildings, Victoria St Manson TCLM - 63 Remuera Rd, 3 storey offices Leighton Contractors – UFB Rollout Year 2, Auckland City.

Some current projects Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers is working on are: Dempsey Wood – The Landing, Airport Oaks

MY WORD IS MY BOND

Fletcher Construction – Wiri Prison Correctional Facility Marin Construction – University of Auckland, Khyber Pass Mansons TCLM Ltd – Courier Post, Victoria St, Auckland City Naylor Love – Sky Chef, Auckland Airport Watts and Hughes – Manukau Courthouse.

• Talk with clients at their level; translate accounting & taxation jargon into layman’s terms so we can help them understand their business and key drivers better.

Sharp Concrete Cutters would like to thank the following businesses for their ongoing support: ANZ Bank in Pukekohe, Craig Periam Accountants, and Malcolm Rigley Insurers, both in Pukekohe, and Holer Diamond Tools in Nelson for their technical support and quality products.

W

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Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers sawcutting and removing a residential wall

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We offer a very practical accounting solution to clients:

• Focus on KPIs such as Sales, Gross Margins, Profit & Income Tax.

Malcolm Wrigley Insurance Services • We have over 100 years of insurance experience between all our staff.

• We specialise in: • • • • • • •

Domestic Travel Commercial Horticultural Farming Marine Professional Risk

PHONE 09 238 8079 enquiries@cperiam.co.nz 13 West Street, Pukekohe 2120

Congratulate Sharp Concrete Cutters on their 10th Anniversary

<

Bill Smith, of Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers, working on Great South Road, Manurewa

8B Roulston Street, Pukekohe P: 09 237 0790 F: 09 239 2184 E: admin@mwinsurance.co.nz www.malcolmwrigley.co.nz

www.cperiam.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 41

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Property & Construction | Watts & Hughes - Tairua Marina

Watts Group Investments Approachable – innovative – local You wouldn’t need to search at any great length to find tangible, significant evidence of the integral role Watts Group Investments plays in the development sector of New Zealand’s commercial landscape.

Parent company to Watts & Hughes Construction, Sanctuary Properties Australia, Cobalt Interiors and Tairua Marine Ltd, Watts Group is helping revolutionise the contemporary landscape – spearheading developments and builds defined by style, sophisticated technology and innovative methodologies.

In 2013, the company commenced a project that has been years in the making. Tairua Marine Ltd, owned by Craig Watts - also the managing director of Watts & Hughes Construction – has been at the helm of this project.

Watts & Hughes Construction is set to add another compelling build to its professional portfolio, as the project manager contracted

to supervise the construction and development of the marina.

Who is Watts Group?

As the lead project manager, Watts & Hughes Construction is responsible for overseeing and supervising the engineering design and all construction contracts.

Watts Group Investments Ltd is a property development and investment company that offers a wide range of property options:

With more than 28 years’ experience in commercial construction developments in New Zealand and overseas, it brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to this role.

• Properties for sale

Total Marine Services Limited is undertaking the construction of the marina development in association with Total Floating Systems Limited. Total Marine Services is renowned and highly respected as New Zealand’s largest marine based construction company. >

• Property management

• Properties for lease • Design build projects

• Project management.

Watts Group Investments Ltd is the parent company of Watts & Hughes Construction Ltd and Cobalt Interiors Ltd which, collectively, offer a wealth of experience in all aspects of design, building, and construction and fit-out. It is a multi-disciplined group capable of performing in any area of the industry.

Watts Group also has a development arm based in Queensland, Australia Sanctuary Properties Ltd.

Tairua Tairua is based on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula of the North Island under two hours drive from Auckland and the first town you drive through once on that east coast. It lies at the mouth of the Tairua River and is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination for visitors seeking some R&R in a peaceful environment.

Phone: 09 379 9417 www.bioresearches.co.nz

Terrestrial • Freshwater • Coastal and Marine

LET OUR EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU

YEOMANS

survey solutions

Proud supporters of

Watts & Hughes Construction

Unit 1C, 29 Karaka Street, Newton, Auckland 1010 (customer parking at 74 France Street) Contact Us: P (09) 309 0880 - F (09) 369 9210 - www.yeomansurvey.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 43

Property & Construction | Watts & Hughes - Tairua Marina

Tairua Marina The timeline for Tairua Marina has been an exceptionally interesting one given that there was a 13 year period involved with attaining consent, but the build process itself is only seven to eight months in tenure.

Attracting a diverse range of opinions in the public forum, Tairua Marina’s future was cemented only after a protracted and convoluted consenting process. The resolve and determination of its project leaders was courted by both controversy and support along the way, before consent was finally granted for the 2.1-hectare development in 2011.

In July 2013, plans for the marina and associated developments were put into motion with Watts & Hughes Construction engaged as the project manager, and Total Marine Services contracted to build the retaining walls and supply and install the pontoons and services.

Power and water will be supplied to the berths, and accessible car parking for berth license holders and their guests who are venturing out for a day on the water will also be available, as will parking permits for the designated parking area.

A rock lined breakwater and associated walkway will be constructed on the southwestern boundary adjacent to the entrance to the marina, and alongside this will be a fuel berth (diesel and petrol) and sewerage pump out facility. This walkway will also provide access to the ferry landing.

Within the marina, a series of floating piers and associated finger structures will be installed using the design and system developed by Total Marine Services Limited in association with Total Floating Systems Limited.

The design of the piers and walkways have been successfully utilised throughout a multitude of New Zealand marina developments including the Whangamata In February 2014, the ultimate vision will Marina, Orakei Marina (Auckland), Motueka be realised.

Marina, Westhaven X Pier rebuild (Auckland) Despite the challenging journey, Tairua Marina and the Tutukaka Marina extensions. has been a relatively straightforward build.

Set amongst a sandy harbour, the marina’s location meant there was no rock to clear at the outset, and the conditions were ideal for Tairua Marina at a glance installing the structure.

Upon completion, the marina will consist of a sheet pile retaining wall along the marina boundaries enclosing an area of approximately 2.1 hectares. The outer wall will be approximately 480 metres and the inner wall along the shore approximately 370 metres.

The marina will consist of permanent berths of varying lengths that will be capable of accommodating 95 boats. The berth structures will comprise three floating marina piers with associated finger jetties and gangways along the inner boundary and along the northern outer boundary. It will contain a mixture of berth sizes from eight metres to 25 metres in length.

Armstrong & McGovern Ltd Specialist Forecourt Contractors since 1982

Situated at the base of Paku Hill in close proximity to the Tairua Harbour entrance, the marina has licenses available to the public and marina facilities will be based in the proposed adjoining building, the Tairua Marina Clubrooms.

• Completed in February 2014 • A collaborative effort between Tairua Marine Ltd, Watts & Hughes Construction and Total Marine Services Limited • The 2.1-hectare development will hold permanent berths of varying lengths that will be capable of accommodating 95 boats • Berth licenses are available to the public • For the marina structure itself, PVC sheet pile was utilised, which is non-toxic and has a 50 year life span ensuring its sustainability • The marina will also be accompanied by a commercial building hosting a restaurant, dive shop and clubrooms • Marina villas and apartments are in the pipelines. The marina villas are already being marketed off of the plans.

Developing and maintaining a committed and competent team working together to honour our customer commitment.

Our Services include: • Drainage • Civil • Construction • Electrical • AMJET • Excasafe • Forecourt Installations PO Box 22259, Otahuhu, Auckland 1640 Phone: 09 2761162 or 021 950576 Email: info@armstrongandmcgovern.co.nz

Services include: • DIGGER & TRUCK HIRE • EARTHWORKS • DRAINAGE • EFFLUENT PONDS • TRAFFIC SERVICES • ROADING • BULK CARTAGE • DREDGING • SKIP BINS 25 Redbridge Rd, Tairua Phone: 07 864 8842 Fax: 07 864 8672 Email: storm@stormscontracting.co.nz www.stormscontracting.co.nz

www.skypics.co.nz Skypics Aerial Imaging offers the opportunity to capture an overview of your project or development at any stage, from conception to conclusion.

Monthly progress can be tracked and displayed to investors and business partners.

Environmental impacts can be monitored on an ongoing basis.

P: 0272227243 E: steve@skypics.co.nz

44 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Watts & Hughes - Tairua Marina

The Marina Villas The Marina Villas comprise 20 two-storey dwellings, each with three bedrooms and double garage and further visitor parking onsite.

The Marina Villas are situated on the Tairua Marina, offering owners the convenience of easy access to the nearby berths.

The Marina Apartments The Marina Apartments comprise 28 three or four bedroom units over four levels, and with a range of floor areas between 120sqm and 197sqm, plus decks or patios.

In addition to the creation of 95 marina berths, the development work has involved the removal of existing timber piled jetties, the dredging of the foreshore and seabed to form the marina basin, and other related works.

Dredgings from the marina have been utilised for beach nourishment purposes and as fill at the Tairua Country Club to raise the level of a number of the golfing fairways.

Beforehand, these became waterlogged in the winter and other periods of heavy or prolonged rain events.

In appreciation of the sensitive ecological environment, the methodologies for the build, as well as the materials utilised, were

wider harbour area has swing and pile moorings. The difficulty with these is that it is very hard to control what the boat owner Tairua Marine property development manager is going to do with their waste, including Laurie Flynn explains, “For the structure itself, raw sewerage, when no one is watching.

PVC sheet pile was utilised, which is of course Ultimately, these will not protect the non-toxic, and has a 50 year life span ensuring harbour, or the water beyond the harbour its sustainability. from waste.

“We see a marina as a place where there is a “Because we will also have a designated low risk of pollution. Our system means that marina manager, if people see things in the you can close the mouth of the marina in the water that shouldn’t be, we can identify the unlikely event of a spillage while cleanup problem at hand straight away and usually takes place. Use of the marina will be strictly find the source to mitigate any further controlled by way of the berth license rules issues. We take this role seriously and have and proactive marina management” considered the available options carefully Watts Group owner, and managing director to ensure we have incorporated the best of Watts & Hughes, Craig Watts adds, “The strategies into the build.” > environmentally friendly and designed to create a sustainable structure.

Included on-site is a basement car park and swimming pool, and the apartments are in close proximity to the Tairua Marina.

Tairua Marina Clubrooms The Tairua Marina Clubrooms will be tied to the Tairua Marina and includes management, ablution and clubroom facilities for the Marina.

This commercial building will also have space available for a restaurant and dive shop to cater for the needs of the Marina users and casual visitors alike.

Chris & Gail New 23 Ridge Road, Tairua tairua.plumbing@xtra.co.nz p. 07 8647 277 m. 027 498 7231

Congratulations to Craig Watts & the Marina Team on the wonderful progress for the Tairua Marina Specialists in Blocked Drains & Inspections.

Drain Clearing Machine - CCTV - Above Ground Locator All your Plumbing requirements, Hot Water Systems, New Work, Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations CALL US FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING & DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

Proud to support and work with Watts & Hughes Construction on the Tairua Marina project

TAIRUA ELECTRICAL LTD Contact Graeme for all your electrical and air conditioning needs.

Ph: 07-8649019 Mob: 021-893908 graeme@tairuaelectrical.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 45

Property & Construction | Watts & Hughes - Tairua Marina

Thank you to the associated contractors Watts & Hughes Construction would like to thank the following strategic partners for their support and loyalty:

Steve Mitchell Engineers – Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers based in Auckland.

Armstrong & McGovern - Specialist forecourt contractors since 1982.

Deano –Traffic control (a local).

Tairua Plumbing & Drainage - Providing exceptional plumbing services since 1981.

Bioresearches Group - New Zealand’s most experienced specialist ecological and environmental consultancy.

Allied Concrete - Operates more than 50 Ready Mixed Concrete production plants throughout New Zealand.

Yeoman Survey Solutions -A medium sized land surveying consultancy based in central Auckland, which offers personalised service to every customer.

Tairua Electrical - Firm providing all electrical, installations and landscape lighting solutions.

Storms Contracting - Aims to exceed customer expectations by delivering on exceptional service standards, time efficiency and quality civil works.

Skypics – Supplying its clients with the highest quality aerial photographs available for more than 30 years.

Traffic Design Group - New Zealand’s leading specialist in traffic engineering and transport planning consultancy.

Geotech Systems – Leading, NZTA compliant, domestic supplier of civil engineering products, PVC, sheet piles, geotextile, geogrids, gabions, erosion control, storm water chambers and drainage geocomposites.

Commercial and residential opportunity

marketed off their plans, with plans also for marina apartments.

A commercial building will join the marina development within the site area, and this building will host not only clubroom facilities accessible to members, but also a dive shop and a marina restaurant for visitors to enjoy.

Set to become an important asset for the Tairua community, Watts reflects on the journey to date, commenting, “There have been some difficulties endured, but at the end of the day all of the staff involved have done an exceptional job.

“The commercial building will also contain a marina laundry and ablution block for boaties. The first floor will serve as the marina clubrooms and marina offices, together with car parks,” Flynn adds.

Ultimately, the presence of the new marina and its associated business will create new employment opportunities for the local community, as well as increasing its recreational profile and reputation.

“While it is only 95 berths, which means it takes up less than two percent of the entire harbour, and as such, is a smaller marina than some of the others in this area, the inevitable flow on effect it will have for the economy and workforce will certainly pay dividends,” Watts explains.

“When you consider every element of what is involved with the upkeep of the facility itself, as well as the work that users of the marina will need done – it does all add up.

There will be a need for diesel mechanics, boat repairers, electricians, restaurant staff, security support, and dive shop employees.”

For those who might want to live and play in the area on a full or part-time basis, the adjoining Marina Villas are currently being

“We are particularly thankful to Total Marine Services for its role in this project. The team members working alongside us are experts in this field. The way I look at it is that when you have the availability of these kinds of experts who can do this type of construction work for you, you’re absolutely crazy if you don’t work with them because they’re that good.

“We are also grateful to both the Waikato Regional Council and Thames Coromandel District Council who have been great to deal with. Since we were granted our consents, their staff has helped us mitigate some of the tougher challenges along the way, and it is has really been a collaborative effort to make this all happen.”

For further information about Watts Group and the Tairua Marina project go to www.wattsgroup.co.nz AT Watts Group Level 4, 136 Custom Street West PO Box 68530 Newton Auckland P 09 373 5750

Traffic Engineering, Transportation Assessment, Expert Witness Creating Remarkable Journeys

TDG is proud to have provided Watts and Hughes with transportation assessment services throughout the resource consent process for the Tairua Marina.

Our contributions included data collection, trip generation and parking demand forecasting, intersection analysis, and traffic engineering design.

TDG also provided expert witness services to the project. More recently, TDG’s engineering design team prepared construction engineering drawings for the roading improvements and parking areas.

We’d be glad to talk with you about planning your next venture, development or roading improvement project.

Mark Apeldoorn P. 07 929 7636 or 021 960 402 E. mark.apeldoorn@tdg.co.nz 46 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

— Advertising Feature

Property & Construction | Watts & Hughes

Projects of significance Watts & Hughes, a national project management firm with a commercial reach that extends across New Zealand, works conscientiously to uphold the highest standards.

It pursues and is pursued for projects that are technologically unique – design construction builds that demand not only elite innovation, but also first-class workmanship.

Watts & Hughes is governed by a strong professional philosophy that resonates far and wide – “We are committed to doing the job correctly first time – every time”.

Professional flexibility Watts & Hughes is a specialist in the construction and property development sectors.

It can start its involvement in a project at any stage and specialises in multiple areas: • Assisting with budget control • Offering a broad range of construction techniques • Setting efficient timelines to overcome, or offset potential construction period difficulties.

With roots in Auckland for more than 30 years, and in Tauranga since 2004, the company benefited from an amalgamation in 2010 to strengthen a position in the market that was already rock solid.

Today, Watts & Hughes’ work can be seen, felt, and experienced all throughout New Zealand from the North through to the South Island.

The company adopts and implements robust company policies in the areas of project methodology, quality assurance, health and safety, and environmental control. These policies exist to give clients confidence that their design build construction project will be professionally managed from start to finish.

Watts & Hughes sets its accountability bar high from the outset by employing a range of quality initiation, assessment, monitoring and completion processes all to ISO standards.

These standards govern work throughout every project on every site and are overseen by the respective contract manager.

Every construction site has a quality control manual that has been uniquely developed to meet the specific requirements of that site.

A safety management plan is also put in place and an external auditor monitors all projects with regular safety audits.

Comprehensive communication underpins all elements of the construction process and accessibility and transparency are both a critical part of the business’ offering.

“

TRIO Mt Wellington

Ultimately we are all working towards fulfilling the same objectives and creating the same outcome. Ensuring the client gets exactly what they have envisioned is always at the forefront of all our minds.

Completed in December 2013, TRIO Mt Wellington is a 3,000 square metre warehouse and office space that involved a strategic partnership between Goodman New Zealand, project management company RDT, and Watts & Hughes.

We used iron cladding roofing, PT slab and aluminum joinery throughout the fit-out to ensure the highest quality.”

A five month, $3.2 million build project, TRIO Mt Wellington was a straightforward construction thanks to the synergistic relationship between all of the partners involved.

Utilising existing land within the Goodman owned Highbrook Development, Watts & Hughes led the team to ensure a streamlined build process and successful outcome.

“We see every project we undertake as a team effort. We put a high stake on our relationships with our subcontractors, and want to get the best out of them on site.

“Goodman provided its own consultants for this particular project and we provided the builders through our subcontractors. We had to clear the site and lay the foundations, introduce precast panels and structure steel.

“Ultimately we are all working towards fulfilling the same objectives and creating the same outcome. Ensuring the client gets exactly what they have envisioned is always at the forefront of all our minds.” >

”

Watts & Hughes also implements a number of environmentally friendly policies around reducing waste, reuse of materials and recycling. With world awareness growing around the need to protect our environment, the company appreciates that sustainable construction and incorporating ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ guidelines is imperative.

Its portfolio is all-inclusive - offering a range of construction management services including civil, industrial, recreational, retail, commercial, residential and educational.

Two of Watts & Hughes’ recent additions to its portfolio include the Pukekohe Reformed Church and Trio Mt Wellington.

The successful completion of both jobs adds to the business’ already stellar reputation.

Civil site works

Proud to support Trio North Highbrook For more details visit out website at www.superiorscaffolds.co.nz or contact Paul t. 09 274 8352 e. paul@superiorscaffolds.co.nz

Excavation

Concrete

Drainage

Kerbing

Proud to support Watts & Hughes in constructing Trio North Highbrook.

2/31 Victoria Street, Onehunga • p 09 636 6385 f 09 636 4454 e greg@citysiteworks.co.nz • www.citysiteworks.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 47

Property & Construction | Watts & Hughes

Pukekohe Reformed Church There is a palpable trend across New Zealand within the context of Church rebuilds and refurbishments that has been present for some time.

This is because there has been a renaissance in Church attendance – but not necessarily for worship. Churches are more widely recognised now as being places to not only celebrate religion, but also community.

In appreciation of that fact, many Churches that have historical roots are now opting for a contemporary aesthetic and structural face-lift to broaden the building’s potential as a venue.

Watts & Hughes was the contracted construction company for the demolition and rebuild of the Pukekohe Reformed Church. The church itself has followed suit with the current trend to create a space not only for prayer, but also a place for a meeting of minds and community engagement.

The $2 million project was completed in January, and was led by contract manager Steve Gutteridge. “We were contracted for the job via a recommendation and it was a design and build project.

“Our clients supplied their own architect and the project then became a collaboration with our engineer and services designers. We were responsible for designing the servicing and the

engineering within the parameters of the budget provided to us.”

Following the development and confirmation of a design brief that was committed to by all members of the construction group, Watts & Hughes engaged its demolition contractors, CMB Demolition to clear the existing building.

“The first part of the construction phase required the clearance of the site – this involved removing the existing Church and vestry. From there, the foundations were constructed.”

The ground soil conditions proved challenging for the subcontractors due to a top layer of thicker soil than anticipated.

“This mean we had to dig deeper footings for the foundations.

“From there we completed the underground services, poured the slab, erected the prenail timber framing and trusses before starting on the cladding and blockwork cladding. The installation of the roofing followed and the end of the project involved the aluminum joinery, fixed services, gib lining, decoration and then floor covers.”

INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION and MAINTENANCE BW Henderson Ltd provides experienced electricians to cover a wide range of work including maintenance and residential work such as housing and rural as well as industrial and commercial design & build.

We offer 24 hour service PROUD TO SUPPORT WATTS AND HUGHES WITH THE PUKEKOHE REFORMED CHURCH PROJECT Ph: 298 1944 FAX: 298 6759 | 37 ELLIOT STREET, PAPAKURA Email: bwhend@xtra.co.nz www.bwhenderson.co.nz

TEMPEST Air Conditioning Systems

• Leading NZ Designer, manufacturer and installer of commercial and industrial air con systems • Simple, efficient and cost effective • Large retail, commercial, education, industrial nationwide installers

(09) 415 6960 | www.tempest.co.nz

‘Zero Energy’ your Building by lighting with daylight!

Solatube Daylighting Systems are more efficient than any other daylighting system at transferring free daylight into your building.

HomeTech Solatube are proud to be involved with Watts & Hughes and the Pukekohe Reformed Church project. Solatube Daylighting Systems are featured in the main hall, commercial kitchen and ablutions area.

Call 0800 HOMETECH (466 383) for Free daylight design services 48 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

PROUD TO SUPPORT WATTS & HUGHES CONSTRUCTION

0800774725 www.spiraldrillers.co.nz

Property & Construction | Watts & Hughes

At a glance | The Orange Group

The colour of enthusiasm An iconic addition to an existing list of landmarks in the area, the new Pukekohe Reformed Church utilises the full size of the site area, and is twice the size of the existing church.

“The existing Church was very old and our client wanted a bigger and more user friendly building. We expanded it right out to the boundaries, which was an interesting design challenge – we also found the shape of the Church auditorium to be quite a challenge too.

“We worked very closely with our project manager Richard Newman, and the architect to ensure we got this right because it was somewhat of an usual shape.”

With the new development now including a church, church auditorium, hall, meeting rooms and a community centre, the Pukekohe Reformed Church will resonate far and wide throughout its community as not only an example of remarkable architecture, but a place for a meeting of minds and social, creative and recreational energy. AT

Professional partnerships Watts & Hughes Construction would like to thank the following strategic partners for their support and loyalty: • City Siteworks • Superior Scaffolds • Spiral Drillers Civil • Tempest Air Conditioning • HomeTech • BW Henderson Ltd • Drainformers • Blue Rock.

Watts &Hughes Construction 15b Vesty Drive Mt Wellington 1060 T (09) 573 5750 E steveg@wattsgroup.co.nz www.whconstruction.co.nz — Advertising Feature

You know when an event has been a hot success when you are so caught up in the experience that you go home feeling content and tingly.

But not many people would spare a thought as to how an event came together or wonder how it was such an effective experience.

Pulling off a lucrative event which has been planned with incredible detail and executed impeccably is all in a days work for the event management company The Orange Group in Auckland.

The Orange Group began as a start-up live entertainment company, but is now in the process of increasing international business in Australia and China.

Stu and Semele Robertson spearheaded the business in 2001 and aims to target corporations and high-end private customers with diverse events and memorable experiences. The Orange Group has specialist offerings in staff and stakeholder events, conferences, incentives, experiential marketing, venues, catering and ‘adventure management’ in Queenstown.

With The Orange Group, you can rest assured that your organised function will be effective, dynamic and highly memorable, and it isn’t without a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes to achieve it. The team’s efforts, creativity and obsession with detail are revealed at the forefront of every occasion, and is rightfully proud of the creative processes used to deliver a superior setting.

For these guys, painting two metre props, creating backdrops, setting up lighting and staging, or organising helicopters to circle a venue from the sky, is what they love to do and do it remarkably well.

But like any other business, challenges are what drive growth and development.

“This year we have begun exploring destination management for private and corporate travellers from China. It’s early days but initial results are good and the potential is exciting.”

The company also offers a wide range of designer furniture and accessories to decorate a venue in first class style. Bringing together key elements which have been intricately designed is driven by the passionate team – you won’t find anything ordinary here; its creative signature is unmistakably that of The Orange Group.

Transforming plain spaces into a spectacular scene is where the team’s expertise comes into play with a well thought out plan to create impact, awareness and leaves a lasting impression, all in one swift movement by the specialists who understands the importance of a high success rate for every occasion.

The Orange Group offers only the best whether you’ve got thousands of dollars to spend or just a few hundred.

For an exclusive look for any event The Orange Group is where you will expect a great deal of hard work from a group of party planners who go the extra mile to ensure that every event will have everybody talking. AT

“We are constantly delivering a broad range of activities, but one recent project was to design and deliver a tour of a new corporate marketing strategy to staff in various locations around New Zealand,” Tony Gardner, CEO of The Orange Group The Orange Group says.

50 Waimarie Street “A short planning phase, complicated St Heliers logistics and the need to engage staff were Auckland all challenges overcome with hard work, T (09) 622 2030 creativity and attention to detail.” www.theorangegroup.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

more than meets the eye CONTACT US NOW FOR AN OBLIGATION FREE

Commercial and sub-divisional drainage, new builds, renovations and also excavator hire.

021 449 034 E. drainformers@xtra.co.nz

SUPPORTING THE PUKEKOHE REFORMED CHURCH

QUOTATION

Blue Rock Civil Ltd Civil Engineering Contractor, Excavations, Siteworks, Watermain & Drainage, Laser control surface leveling, Rock breaking, Supplier of roading material, Excavators, Trucks, Bulldozers, Graders, Compactors, Bobcats, Loaders, Crushing and Screening Plant Hire and more.

PO Box 282279 Beachlands Manukau, 53 Tidal Road Mangere Auckland Phone 257 5075 Fax 256 0835

16 Kowhai St, Tuakau Town District

CONTACT US NOW!

FASTEST TURNAROUND IN AUCKLAND

Some Applications: Business Cards Flyers Brochures Manuals Price Lists Labels

Greeting Cards Invitations Letteheads CD & DVD Slicks Tab Dividers Glue Pads

Proud to be digital printing partners with The Orange Group

[A] 1 New North Road, Eden Tce [P] 377 8484 www.copysolutions.co.nz

WEDDINGS PRIVATE FUNCTIONS CORPORATE EVENTS CHAIR COVERS & SASHES, TABLECLOTHS, NAPKINS & SKIRTING LYCRA CHAIR COVERS, BANDS & BARLEANER COVERS TABLE RUNNERS & OVERLAYS EVENT DRAPES & ACCESSORIES CUSTOM MADE PRODUCTS

www.pacificlinen.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 49

Property & Construction | Absolute Blast

Surface treatment A big investment in new plant and machinery has seen Absolute Blast Limited further improve its specialist industrial blasting and coating service to customers.

Absolute Blast provides a fast, high quality grit blasting, protective coatings and industrial coatings service, using products such as steel shot, garnet and other blasting media, hot zinc metal spraying and industrial paint systems.

State of the art plant and equipment Absolute Blast has been servicing customers throughout New Zealand since 1997 and employs a specialist team led by owner Wayne Morris. The company has recently made a significant investment in new equipment, which Morris says has made a big difference.

“We have some of the latest metal spraying equipment that is available, which sprays on a galvanised coating,” he says. “We’ve invested in some new plant from Europe, which is offering a smoother finish. This new equipment enables us to do the job faster and up to 20 percent cheaper, which means we can keep our prices lower.”

“We want to grow our mobile work and our new equipment has freed us up to do more of that work.”

Absolute Blast is keen to discuss your commercial and industrial project and can undertake:

Absolute Blast has been servicing customers throughout New Zealand since 1997 and has worked with the tunnel crane for Auckland’s new traffic tunnels.

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The business covers a wide range of commercial and industrial clients in industries such as engineering, transport, construction, restoration and petrochemical. It also carries out onsite residential and industrial work and powder coating on request.

Absolute Blast offers a comprehensive mobile service and has recently picked up two substantial mobile projects. “We can do mobile blasting, industrial coatings and metal spraying onsite,” Morris says.

• Specialist grit blasting • Hot zinc spraying • Industrial coatings • Commercial coatings • Residential coatings.

Significant projects Absolute Blast has completed many big projects throughout New Zealand, including the new Otago Stadium for the Rugby World Cup in 2010.

The company worked on steel for the Manukau Rail Project, the Atiamuri Bridge across the Waikato River, and blasted and painted the red fence around the Ports of Auckland in 2007.

“Right now we’re doing a big job for Telecom that we picked up through our last feature in Auckland Today,” Morris says.

“It’s called Gemini and involves processing steel work and applying paint. We’re currently doing work in Papua New Guinea and we have a job for the Waikato District Council that starts in the New Year.”

While Absolute Blast has worked on big projects throughout the country and offshore, it prefers to focus on servicing its local Auckland customers. “We work hard to retain our local clientele,” he says.

“We stand out because we’re good at what we do and our pricing is competitive.”

The company’s residential services include: • Motorcycle frames • Bikes • Barbecue plates • Frames • Wood • Car bodies • Patio furniture • Metal shelving • Boat and car trailers • Caravans and motor homes.

WA Stroud are proud to support Absolute Blast.

w w w. s t r o u d s . c o . n z For all your protective coating and paint application needs, call the team at Stroud’s.

We provide the best single and plural component equipment available, as well as unbeatable after sales service and support.

W.A. Stroud Ltd. - 14G Vega Place, Mairangi Bay, Auckland [P] 0275 673 049 - [F] 09-479 8861 - [E] matthew@strouds.co.nz

Syntech can recommend Surface Finish Equipment For all your sandblast requirements.

DUST COLLECTION

Ph: 0064 9 820 2121 www.syntechnz.com Email: sales@syntechnz.com

Proudly Supporting Absolute Blast 50 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

BLAST CABINETS BLASTROOMS

Property & Construction | Absolute Blast

At a glance | Otahuhu Chrome Platers

The chrome restoration experts To become an iconic business where everyone in your industry knows your name, admires your work, strives to be as good as you and travels from hundreds of miles to see you is only a dream for many businesses. Otahuhu Chrome Platers is one of very few companies to have achieved this greatness.

Mutually beneficial relationships Absolute Blast prefers to support other New Zealand businesses when choosing its suppliers and products.

The industrial blasting and coating company uses only quality paints and coatings and prefers to use products from Altex Coatings and Resene Paints when it can. It also uses International Paint Protective Coatings and Dulux New Zealand.

Other key suppliers to Absolute Blast include WA Strouds, Syntech Distributors, Metal Spray Suppliers and Blastquip.

Metal spraying For the benefit of those who may be unfamiliar with thermal or metal spraying, this consists of depositing metals and other materials in the form of a molten spray; which solidifies on a surface to form a dense and strongly adhesive deposit.

The most common application is for corrosion protection of steel with materials such as zinc, aluminium or an 85 percent Zinc / 15 percent Aluminium (85/15) alloy. These are the optimal coatings for long term, low maintenance, natural protection of steel available on the market with a proven history on projects all around the world.

Providing equipment, consumables, advice and training for 30 years, the team at Metal Spray Suppliers NZ Ltd is proud to have been involved in association with Absoloute Blast Ltd and its projects. AT

Absolute Blast offers a range of commercial and industrial protective coating, spraying and blasting, including: • Structural beams • Trusses • Pipes • Brackets • Large freight containers • Frames • Onsite work.

Absolute Blast Limited 6E Morrin Place Panmure Auckland T (09) 574 0000 M 021 593 347 E absoluteblast@callplus.net.nz www.absoluteblast.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The family owned and operated company was established by Bob Pearson 50 years ago, with a passion for cars and a talent for restoring chrome he, along with his son-inlaw, Nigel Cotton, have built the company into what it is today.

He says that OCP stays ahead of the competition and continues to do it the old and proven way of triple plating to restore chrome. ‘’Copper is the key ingredient to achieve a quality product so we don’t skimp on it.’’

The company specialises in triple plating, copper, nickel and chrome on vehicles shiny parts and is renowned for the brilliant deep blue chrome finish that is the hallmark of the business.

All OCP’s work is electroplated in a copper bath for four to six hours to build up a solid coating of bright copper and then copper finished.

Nigel Cotton, who has been instrumental in the daily running of the business for the past 10 years, says their core business comes from car enthusiasts who cherish their hot rods, muscle, classic, vintage and concourse cars and motorcycles. ‘’Older cars often need to be restored, particularly the chrome elements on it and that’s where we come in, we can restore the chrome on any car from bumper to tail pipe,’’ he says.

People know Otahuhu Chrome Platers (OCP) deliver outstanding results and quality service, which is why customers travel from far and wide to have the chrome on their vehicles, motorcycles, horse carriage, super yachts and all marine vessels lovingly restored by the experienced team.

MSS wish to congratulate Absolute Blast on their commitment and dedication to thermal sprayed, long term anti-corrosion coatings.

[W] www.metal-spray.co.nz [E] jacques@metal-spray.co.nz PH: +64 9 376 0463

‘’We have dealt with customers from the South Island, Australia, Tahiti and New Caledonia; there isn’t a better metal polisher or electroplater in the South Pacific.’’

At 71 years young Bob is still an active member on the shop floor; he leads a team of four men who are dedicated to stripping, rust treatment and polishing chrome to restore it to the best possible result in a mirror finish.

The restoration process is a labour intensive job, an average car bumper can take about 15 hours to complete. ‘’The main reason for our success is the high quality product we produce, we don’t take short cuts, we take pride in our workmanship and are the very best metal polishers and electroplaters,’’ Nigel says.

Nigel is a familiar face at large annual car shows around the country, including Beach Hop and The Ellerslie Intermarque Concours. ‘’We have supported Beach Hop for many years and are the preferred chrome restoration plater and metal polisher for the Beach Hop project cars and bikes.’’

The art of chrome plating is a dying industry with only about four other companies in New Zealand offering the service, but Nigel is adamant the future of the company is bright, ‘’we’ve been running a roaring trade for 50 years and we’ll be here for another 50 years,’’ he says.

Running a successful company is part of a team effort with key business partners.

Otahuhu Chrome Platers would like to thank PPS Industries for its support. ‘’Right from day one Mike at PPS Industries has been our major supplier of chemicals and polishing gear, they do a great job and I would highly recommend them,’’ Nigel says.

Otahuhu Chrome Platers stand by their work with a five year quality guarantee.

If your car deserves the best then look no further – see the team at Otahuhu Chrome Platers - the chrome restoration experts. AT Otahuhu Chrome Platers 20 Huia Road Otahuhu Auckland T (09) 276 9689 E chrome.platers@xtra.co.nz www.chromeplaters.co.nz — Advertising Feature

P P P.P.S. Industries Limited METAL FINISHING FINISHING SPECIALISTS SPECIALISTS S METAL ABRASIVES-POLISHING-PLATING-ENGINEERING ABRASIVES-POLISHING-PLATING-ENGINEERINGSUPPLIES SUPPLIES

PPS Industries are are proud bebe associated with Otahuhu Chrome Kitchens.

Platers.

PPS Industries proudtoto associated with Stainless

FREEPHONE 0800 657 657 894 894 FREEFAX 0800 454 454 445 445 FREEPHONE 0800 FREEFAX 0800 AUCKLAND AUCKLAND--HAMILTON HAMILTON--TAURANGA TAURANGA--HASTINGS HASTINGS-PALMERSTON PALMERSTONNORTH NORTH--NELSON NELSON--CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTCHURCH--DUNEDIN DUNEDIN

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 51

Property & Construction | Papakura Joinery

Finishing touches Superior craftsmanship and attention to detail have seen Papakura Joinery Limited through more than 55 years in business, completing thousands of high quality joinery projects throughout Auckland.

Papakura Joinery was formed in 1957 by David Burnside and is today owned by his grandson Glenn Haszard. The company flourished in the building booms of the 60s and 70s and through diversification and innovation is now at the forefront of an industry that demands excellence.

Papakura Joinery can create the perfect timber products for your home or business, including: • Entrance doors • Interior and exterior doors • Cavity sliders • Windows • Shutters • Skirtings and architraves • Scotias

High quality doors and windows

• Ceiling battens • Tongue and groove flooring

Papakura Joinery’s work is split into two divisions – joinery and timber mouldings.

The joinery division manufactures a full range of joinery products including timber doors and windows.

Its finely crafted entrance doors in timeless timber provide a focal point to the entrance of any building. Papakura Joinery has established a reputation for excellence and the ability to efficiently craft custom designs to exacting standards.

The company offers a wide range of timber interior doors and can customise doors to create a unique product for customers, with almost any moulding incorporated into construction.

Papakura Joinery manufactures large sliders and bi-folding doors, which are an ideal

• Weatherboards • Handrails • Dowels • CNC machining.

way to open up the interior of your house to the outdoors. Cavity sliders are a versatile alternative to hinged doors that can be manufactured in both contemporary and traditional styles. The slider system lends itself well to sensor controlled automatic open and close mechanisms.

The business strongly promotes and recommends CS For Doors for all your cavity slider needs and manufactures a full range of windows including casement, double hung, sliding and bi-folding.

Papakura Joinery has a history of creating beautiful joinery that dates back to 1957

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• Bi-folding doors

Haszard says he has seen a lot of competitors come and go over the years, while Papakura Joinery has stood the test of time and proven itself as a reliable provider of quality timber products.

In addition, the company can manufacture beautiful shutters to provide shade and privacy in any room. All shutters are made from Canadian Western Red Cedar, which has a proven record as the most stable timber available to avoid warping, twisting or bowing.

Its unique production process uses purposebuilt machinery ensuring a perfect shutter every time.

Focus on quality and service Papakura Joinery’s talented staff operate a factory full of state-of-the-art machinery in order to make the best timber products, every time.

Haszard says the company owns high-tech machinery from throughout the world, particularly Germany. This quality machinery ensures all products are manufactured to the highest possible standards.

All products supplied by Papakura Joinery come with a five year guarantee, with great care taken to ensure good workmanship

and materials that are free of defects.

This emphasis on quality is a focus for the company’s team of talented joiners.

Haszard says two of his joiners have won national awards for their joinery and then went on to represent New Zealand at international joinery competitions in both Canada and Japan.

A great company to deal with Another reason for Papakura Joinery’s success is the comfortable relaxed atmosphere created by Haszard and his staff.

“People who come in here, including our customers and suppliers, say it’s a very friendly atmosphere. We all get along really well and respect each other,” he says.

“Our workmanship and the banter the guys have with their customers is fantastic. We strive to get it right the first time. It often doesn’t cost anymore to get the job right the first time, but it certainly costs everyone if it’s not.”

Proud to work alongside Papakura Joinery for 50+ years • Lighting • Residential, Commercial & Industrial • New Houses, Alterations & Repairs • Automation, Air Conditioning • Security Systems

Papakura

Ph 09 298 8173

For all accounting, taxation and financial services, specialising in small businesses.

The firm which has served the Counties Manukau Region for over 50 years.

Skipper Lay & Associates Limited are proud to support Papakura Joinery Email: admin@skipperlay.co.nz Phone: 09 298-8024 Fax: 09 298-8306 www.skipperlay.co.nz 16 Elliot Street, Papakura PO Box 72 097, Papakura 2244

52 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Papakura Joinery

Timber mouldings Papakura Joinery can give your house the perfect finish through its huge range of timber moulding profiles and capabilities.

The company began manufacturing timber mouldings in the late 1980s and has grown its machining operation into one of the largest in the country.

It operates three machines covering a range of machining options, from long runs of weatherboards, tongue-andgroove flooring and sarking through to skirtings, architraves, scotias and custom one-off profiles.

Modern high speed machinery is augmented by an in-house tool sharpening and knife manufacturing facility. An extensive inventory of knives

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The beautiful and intricate joinery completed by Papakura Joinery on the new Auckland Art Gallery canopy

Papakura Joinery spent two years constructing intricate kauri pods, fascias, louvers and columns for the Auckland Art Gallery

is well maintained so that most profiles and shapes can be machined to tight deadlines.

The company is also a specialist in the manufacture of one-off profiles. It operates its own tool-making shop and can make its own metal profile to machine a set of cutting tools to create a unique profile.

If the mouldings are to be cut from hardwood, the cutting tools are machined out of tungsten carbide tool steel.

Haszard says Papakura Joinery mainly works on residential projects, including refurbishments, repairs, extensions and new homes. Many are high-end architectural homes requiring the best quality finish on all joinery and mouldings.

“Our guys do an excellent job,” he says.

“We’re not the cheapest, but we’re not the dearest either.”

Auckland Art Gallery Papakura Joinery recently completed the new Auckland Art Gallery, a project which took two years and involved constructing intricate kauri pods, fascias, louvers and columns.

Haszard says the $5 million project was a major undertaking and saw Papakura Joinery double its staff to 50 and expand into additional premises. The project involved manufacturing 22 full kauri ceiling pods, six half pods and 23 kauri columns up to 15m high; a complex task that took more than 85,000 work hours.

“A prime requisite for the project was the need for a master level of timber joinery,” Haszard says. “With minimal tolerances, both the planning and execution had to be near perfect.”

Papakura Joinery project manager Jim Irvine says the bases were constructed like a house, with two sub-frames, including a laminated curved ply shape to which the kauri was affixed.

An exceptional finished result This commitment to excellence resulted in a spectacular end product.

Archimedia senior associate Russell Pinel says, “The ceilings of the Art Gallery will amaze and delight scores of gallery visitors for decades, because they have been so skilfully and expertly constructed by a very competent team of craftsmen that work for Papakura Joinery.”

Hawkins Construction project manager Grant Thomas says Papakura Joinery assisted with innovative ideas through all stages of construction. “The quality and workmanship of the kauri pods, fascias, louvers and columns is second to none and a tribute to the team involved,” Thomas says.

“Papakura Joinery were able to successfully deliver the required components to site, working to the main contractor’s programme.

“The kauri board negative detailing needed to be accurate to within 0.1mm on interlocking corners. Rainwater gutters and fixings were concealed – the timber was joined with back screwing and gluing. And every effort was made to match the colour hues on individual panels to create a unified look,” he says.

Irvine says the curves dictated that every board had to be considered individually, manufactured and then adjusted on its base with surgical precision. Papakura Joinery also built the kauri seats in the gallery, which feature 13 layers of laminated kauri.

“Jim Irvine and the construction team are to be commended for their attention to detail and standard of workmanship that was second to none on what has to be considered one of the most complex joinery projects completed in recent times.” AT Papakura Joinery Limited 45 Tironui Road Papakura Auckland T (09) 298 7145 E papjoin@xtra.co.nz www.papakurajoinery.co.nz — Advertising Feature

<

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 53

Property & Construction | Shore Build

Shore Build sure can Auckland’s North Shore is home to Shore Build Limited, a construction company that specialises in new builds, repairs and restoring character buildings.

The very name contains connotations of assurance and managing director Ash Hare can take credit for that.

Hare founded Shore Build in 2006 yet his experience in the industry runs deep.

build new homes, but 25-30 percent of our business is repairing high-end leaky homes.”

“I’ve been building all my working life, coming up to 30 years,” he says. “I called the company Shore Build due to our location on the North Shore but also, it’s a play on words, it can also make people feel ‘sure’ that we will build it right.”

As the Auckland property market continues to flourish, repair work can certainly boost that all important equity in a home.

Renovations, future-proofing and general remedial work can pay dividends. A perfect case-in-point is The Block - taking a character home back to a formerly aesthetic glory coupled with energy efficiency, the rewards can be huge and ultimately attainable with the correct expertise.

Plugging the leaks Leaky homes are an obvious yet essential target for remedial work in Auckland and Shore Build plies its trade around the higher end leaky home market. Remedial work is only a portion of the Shore Build skill set, he says.

“We do residential work of course, but we focus upon high-end work including renovations and alterations on historic buildings and character homes. We also

Working alongside some of the industry’s leading professionals in the leaky building sector has significantly added to Shore Build’s skill base.

Shore Build brings this experience when taking on each new project. Integrating this experience with the latest green building techniques is a main reason Shore Build receive such positive feedback from customers.

Case study: high-end leaky home

Testimonial from the property’s owner

Unfortunately the builder did not detail some significant aspects of the construction correctly resulting in major leaks. Faced with a major repair, the client took the opportunity to make further improvements to the property a second time as part of the leaky building remedial works.

“Dear Ash, I am writing to thank you for the construction work at my St Heliers house last year. During the job, you and your team provided professional advice and excellent communication.

The quality of your team’s work was outstanding and to a very high standard.

ALL SAFE

The scope of works involved a new bedroom and bathroom extension, new kitchen, a redesign of all decks, new entry loggia, extensive pool and landscape renovation, as well as fixing all the structural defects caused by the faulty roof and cladding systems.

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Even though the owner has spent considerable money on this property, the fact that he has owned it for several years means capital growth has offset the cost of the remedial work, making this type of renovation viable for the client.

SCAFFOLDING

PH: 0508 4SCAFF

“

This home was renovated in 1999 by the current owner to a high standard at the time.

“Your company was responsible for repairing the existing leaks and completed a substantial renovation at my house which will have lasting value. My family and I are very satisfied at having you and your team to complete this project for us.

“I can therefore recommend you and your company without any doubt.”

- Simon Tse, homeowner, February 2, 2009

”

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Property & Construction | Shore Build

“

Restoration work

Testimonial from Salmond Reed Architects

For many, the housing market represents our greatest investment and one we certainly would like to see a return on. Shore Build specialise in renovating character homes and villas which escalates the value of the property as well as the general liveability.

“We have worked alongside Shore Build on several projects. Their tenders provide clarity, a systematic breakdown and a high level of detail allowing for transparency in costs

Case study: villa restoration, Herne Bay

“For many years now Shore Build has been pro-active and open to improving its lines of communication – whether verbal or written. Compared with many competitors, Shore Build presents an organised and well managed operation.

This tired villa was given a new lease of life.

The house had undergone a previous lean to addition and the scope of work involved completely demolishing this structure, yet retaining the existing villa structure.

“All the projects Shore Build have done with us have resulted in excellent building outcomes with first-class workmanship. Their HR model is long term staffing, who are highly experienced in remedial, renovation, historic building work. This is fundamental to our practice as we value willing, experienced and thinking tradespeople.

The old villa was given a makeover including a new bathroom, ensuite and walk in wardrobe. A new modern addition was pushed out the back creating a new living area.

The owners were interested in creating an outdoor living area that was usable all year round. Salmond Reed Architects designed an outdoor patio where the outside environment could be controlled using operable louvres and roll down exterior blinds.

“The benefits to us are reliability, professionalism, quality results, open lines of communication, no hassles with any re-working if required to keep us and the client happy.”

The finished product represents the best of old world charm mixed with cutting edge modern design.

– Lloyd Macomber Salmond, Reed Architects

Working closely with a select group of architects is another string to the bow of the versatile Shore Build team.

”

“The Green Building movement is fantastic.

The houses may take a little longer to construct but they to pay for themselves from day one due their efficiency. It’s the future of building and in 2014 we’ll be making headway with a few new products in-line with green building.” >

Strategic alliances with a select group of architects provide Shore Build with a large creative scope to produce exciting, innovative solutions for their customers.

Ash Hare also believes the future is green for New Zealand building, he states;

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A belief that good joinery is an art, requires skill and care, along with sophisticated manufacturing techniques has helped maintain the company’s position as a preferred supplier to some of New Zealand’s top builders and architects.

Papakura Joinery Ltd Phone. 09 298 7145 Email. glenn@papakurajoinery.co.nz 45-51 Tironui Rd, Papakura, Auckland www.papakurajoinery.co.nz

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Dougal Taylor mob: 021 272 9010 ph: 0800 LITEWX (0800 548399) e: dougal@liteworx.co.nz www.liteworx.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 55

Property & Construction | Shore Build

Shore Build currently employs 20 onsite staff plus office staff and Ash Hare acts as the main project manager. The expansion of the company since 2006 has been built on a foundation of quality workmanship and impressive final results, award winning results at that.

Case Study: striking gold, Takapuna Beach This project received a Gold award in the category Placemakers Renovation over $500,000 in the Registered Master Builders 2008 House of the Year competition.

This is a 1970s concrete masonry apartment. The scope of work included removing 80 percent of the existing load bearing internal masonry walls to create an open plan apartment.

The main challenge with the project was completing the structural work which included propping existing floors above to allow for installation of steel beams and portals. Other works included new landscaping and retaining walls with concrete steps to the beach with new rock perimeter garden walls.

The end result is a modern contemporary space with a high level of finish.

Omega Trust, Old Post Office building The structural and leaky issues that were part of the older building have been resolved, this is ahome that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

The diverse nature of Shore Build is reflected in the projects they have undertaken, from new builds by the beach, to heritage buildings that require a specialised skillset.

Case study: Omega Trust, Old Post Office building Shore Build was the successful contractor for this job after being recommended by the project architects Salmond Reed Architects, to undertake the extensive renovation and remodelling work of the Old Post Office building.

The building is listed as category A with the Historic Places Trust. The total project cost was in excess of $1.3 million.

Because of the complexity and age of the building, it was imperative that the successful tender be thoroughly familiar with today’s complex building requirements and have the skills and experience to achieve a successful outcome.

Shore can As a respected contractor in the North Shore, it appears that Shore Build actually reads as ‘sure can’ and this has been backed up by the company’s impressive portfolio of satisfied customers.

Takapuna Beach

Word of mouth will surely help the team and its work certainly appears to speak for itself.

Even though the name implies they are Shore based, the team works Auckland wide.

“We do a varied scope, from beachfront apartments to historical restorations to high end leaky homes. We welcome enquiries from people looking to utilise our range of services.” AT

“

Testimonial from Omega Trust “In this regard Shore Build excelled.

We have found them completely professional, with a high level of integrity. There was a clear project management structure in place, which made communication straight forward and eliminated any potential misunderstandings.

“Shore Build worked to a tight time frame and I am pleased to advise that the project was finished on time and on budget with the only variations to the contract price being client initiated.

“The quality of their workmanship and attention to detail was second to none and I would have no hesitation in employing their services on future projects. As my background was in the construction industry as owner of a large residential design and construction company I am fully familiar with quality standards and achievement of exceptional work practices.

Shore Build certainly offers the market a sizeable range of services with a track “Shore Build Ltd excelled in these areas record littered with success stories. The and as a client I am happy to advise that company’s diverse nature and integrity is Shore Build have my total endorsement appreciated by its customer base and if the and recommendation to anyone who booming Auckland housing market continues wishes to employ their services.” to drive house prices up, a renovation from the professionals could be just the - Eddie de Heer, trustee, Omega Trust investment a home needs to increase in value simultaneously with the market.

Shore Build Limited 2/109 Wairau Road Wairau Valley Auckland more than meets the eye T (09) 444 8048 E ash@shorebuild.co.nz 021 449 034 E. drainformers@xtra.co.nz www.shorebuild.co.nz 16 Kowhai St, Tuakau Town District — Advertising Feature

”

Quality and value rooong and waterprooong www.cbr.org.nz Email: info@cbr.org.nz Ph: 09 444 0652 Fax: 09 444 0879 Mobile: 021 792 149

Our building services include: Heritage and character homes New houses Alterations and additions High end leaky home remedial work

www.shorebuild.co.nz

56 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

PO Box 316 008, Wairau Valley Auckland 0760 Phone (09) 444 8048 Fax (09) 444 8049 Ash Hare Managing Director Mobile 021 979 367 Email ash@shorebuild.co.nz

Ventilations Systems | Heat Pump Guys

Cool moves Is your heating and cooling system outdated, noisy and costing you too much to run?

Well there’s new technology to help solve these problems.

Heat pump/air conditioners are well established in the work environment and a ‘must have’ for most businesses. Major technological advances in these systems during the last few years however, means that most older units are considerably less efficient when compared with the new breed of systems using inverter technology and modern gases.

The solution Mitsubishi Electric has developed a unique and patented technology which allows the replacement of outdated and poor performing heat pumps/air conditioners (even other manufacturer’s products) with modern and highly efficient equipment utilising the existing R22 and R407 refrigerant gas piping, thereby vastly reducing the cost.

How does it work?

Previously it would be impossible to swap out units because the different gases, pipelines and parts used are incompatible. Older gases, traditionally work at lower pressures and many have external copper piping with reduced wall thicknesses which are unsuitable for the higher pressure modern gas (R410A).

Mitsubishi Electric patented technologies have overcome these hurdles. Through a combination of an automatic pipe cleaning process and the use of specialist coatings within the compressor to reduce friction and temperatures (that would normally destroy Unfortunately, since the different refrigerant the lubrication properties of the oil), it is gases are incompatible and work at different pressures, upgrading has also meant replacing now possible for cost effective installation of the gas pipes that link the indoor and outdoor modern and efficient Mitsubishi Electric units in place of outdated equipment. units. Obviously this can be a major expense, especially if the indoor and outdoor units are Why upgrade? far apart or involve complex/difficult pipe runs through walls and ceiling spaces. As a Modern inverter heat pumps running on consequence the capital outlay for making R410A gas can have efficiencies (COPs) up to these improvements has, more often than 4.78, giving vast running cost savings when not, outweighed the cost-saving benefits. compared to equivalent older fixed speed Since heating and cooling is a major expense for most businesses it would be financially beneficial to upgrade to the more efficient technology if it were possible.

models, running on R22. Current Mitsubishi Electric high wall heat pump models all qualify for the Energy Star mark.

Case study

Although energy efficiency and performance are the main reasons for upgrading, other advancements and improvements can also be enjoyed: • Slimmer and more aesthetic designs • Lower noise levels • Increased control • Improved air quality

Mr Wilson had two old air conditioners of different sizes and brands installed in different rooms that he wished to upgrade.

Since the pipe work was concealed in the walls and under external concrete when the property was built, it would have been, ordinarily, impossible to replace these units in their existing locations.

Using the ‘replace and reuse’ technology, two new Mitsubishi Electric units were installed quickly, painlessly, cost effectively and with no mess.

• Better temperature management • Reduction in draughts.

Future proofing With the adoption of the Montreal Protocol

by New Zealand and the implementation of the Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996 it is now illegal to import HCFC’s such as R22.

This is already causing a shortage of the gas for older systems thereby affecting the ability to service these units. Eventually it will become impossible and new systems will be required anyway.

When?

Another major benefit of this replacement technology is that because only the indoor and the outdoor units are required to be changed, and not the pipe work, the upgrading process has minimal impact or inconvenience during normal working hours.

To have your current system assessed for upgrade suitability call your local Renew and Reuse program partner, Heat Pump Guys on 0800 47 48 97 or visit www.heatpumpguys.co.nz

Who can benefit?

This technology allows for upgrade from simple single room systems right through to large, complex multi room workplace and office systems. AT Heat Pump Guys T 0800 47 48 97 E info@heatpumpguys.co.nz www.heatpumpguys.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Find out if you can upgrade your current heating and cooling system call your local Replace & Reuse program partner

Replace & Resuse

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 57

Goods & Services | Tomuri & Co. Floral Design

Petal power Where more than 10,000 beautiful flowers are lovingly arranged each week - Tomuri & Co. Floral Design is New Zealand’s largest floral design company that provides only the best variety of flowers at the highest quality, arranged with excellent workmanship and outstanding presentations.

With two locations in Auckland’s Sylvia Park shopping centre and Botany town centre for your convenience, the business was established in July 2012 by Ratahi Tomuri and his sister Kareena.

“Since then my love for flowers has grown and I will always remember that moment I had with my nan. Turned out the man who served me was later my first boss who offered me a job sweeping the floors.”

Ratahi, who is 24 years old, grew fond of flowers at the age of eight when he bought a bunch of flowers for his grandmother who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Ratahi studied business at AUT University and has been a florist for almost 15 years. “My mother and father were floral courier drivers who serviced flower shops across Auckland for almost 20 years; this is how I entered into floristry. My passion for flowers grew immensely from the age of 10 where I was arranging flowers from my Nans garden for my primary school teachers.

“I spent all my pocket money I earnt from mum when I was her runner on the weekends for her flower courier business. It was three bunches of daffodils with orange centres and cost me $6. The man wrapped it in green paper with a yellow ribbon and I thought it was the most amazing gift anyone could have and I felt good giving it to Nan.

“From here I entered the floral trade with a gentleman named Hamish Watson, who back then operated one of the most successful flower shops’ in New Zealand. I then moved on to further my career at other specialised florists before heading to work at one of Australia’s top floral design stores in Sydney and Melbourne. Family got the better of me and I wanted to return home to open my own store and be with them.”

“

Ultimately, flowers are a gift from nature and it’s sharing the beauty of their nature in the home to bring happiness - this is what we call flower success.

- RATAHI TOMURI

”

The business ‘Tomuri’ (named after the male flower of the kiwifruit) is dedicated to providing quality, variety, and value in addition to the innovative designs that are executed by the team of 12 staff.

All of them demonstrate excellent workmanship and outstanding presentation, using only the finest flowers, grown here in Aotearoa. Ratahi explains that the flower industry in New Zealand is highly competitive, based on fashion trends and a highly perishable product.

“This means that quality, design, innovation and productivity are extremely important to our company. We believe in giving beautifully by reflecting the importance of these three key factors and implementing these factors among our staff.

“Most importantly, the focus on setting the right price has always provided not only a competitive advantage to our store, but has changed the way flowers are purchased.”

Flowers will always be a luxurious item, regardless of how much is spent on them, whether it be a bunch for $5 or a bunch for $500, people will always have a need and a want for them. However, Ratahi says that operating a flower shop isn’t easy.

“Most people think its just twirling flowers with pretty butterflies - it’s tougher than that.

High-end boutique flower shop owners need to remember that not everyone in our country has the power to splash out on flowers; this is why setting an effective and mutually beneficial pricing structure between our clients is imperative.

Office, Retail and Hospitality Design & Fitout Experts

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Phone: 09 836 5171 Fax: 09 836 5140 www.packnwrap.co.nz 58 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to help you create your individual packaging creation.

5 Southgate Place, Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand

Goods & Services | Tomuri & Co. Floral Design

“

“Ultimately, flowers are a gift from nature and it’s sharing the beauty of their nature in the home to bring happiness - this is what we call flower success.”

This means that quality, design, innovation and productivity are extremely important to our company. We believe in giving beautifully by reflecting the importance of these three key factors and implementing these factors among our staff.

The businesses focus is to provide excellence and reasonable value to every order and treat the flowers with love and respect. The new shop already has a very loyal client base and an additional 7,000 followers on Facebook from across New Zealand, Australasia, the UK and the US.

”

- RATAHI TOMURI

“Working with family can be a challenge and running two florists isn’t easy. We are constantly being tested all the time, but we love it. Everyday at Tomuri is different; I cannot image myself ever working in an environment with the same, boring day to day scene.

from Spaceworks Design Group who designed both stores. Our goal was to set a standard in the industry, and Spaceworks executed this beyond what we imagined, they’re amazing. I mean, it’s not often you walk into a flower shop with a 1.5metre, 60kg Chrystal chandelier hanging above your head.”

Tomuri & Co also pack the wow-factor - the store is set up with masses of flowers, turning two buckets of roses into 20 buckets, four buckets of lilies into 40 buckets, 20 bunches of Tulips into 2,000 bunches.

“You see the smile’s everywhere, it’s amazing. This concept mentally communicates to us, that I must have flowers. We don’t come to the mall just to buy flowers, but we end up walking out with them.

“Our biggest challenge was changing the psychological way of how people think about buying flowers. We’ve always pushed a market fresh approach to flower-buying and that’s simply because flowers bring happiness to the home, they’re powerful and they do make a difference to the lives of many people. Our challenge was communicating this to our clients and saying yes, it is okay to buy a bunch of flowers for the living room or bedroom.”

The store is adorned in black and gold, with prints and carvings and beautifully selected paints / wallpapers from Karen Walker giving it that glamorous touch.

“The initial design came from my mum and dad who then got in contact with Lizzi Hines

“We are just loving everything at the moment, summer is the best time for flowers and we get in some incredible flowers, including the famous Nelson Peonies, fragrant Lilies and the most stunning Rose varieties.

“Our future goal is to open multiple locations across Auckland and Wellington and expand to Sydney and Melbourne with in five years time - so watch this space.” AT

Tomuri & Co. Floral Design 286 Mt Wellington Highway Sylvia Park Shopping Centre, Auckland T (09) 525 2000 www.flowersbydesign.co.nz — Advertising Feature

62 Wakefield Street Onekawa, Napier ...PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE NEW ZEALAND FLOWER INDUSTRY

Congratulations Tomuri & Co on the opening of your new shop in Botany!

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•

toll free: 0800 83 4583

Stock up with our latest floristry supplies and giftware Proudly supporting the team at Tomuri and Co

Phone 0508 266 737 06 842 1468 Fax: 0508 558 467 06 842 1477 www.pacconfloral.co.nz

www.tomuri.co.nz | Ph: (09) 278 7727 | Botany Town Centre www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 59

Focus | Uniform Brokers

75 years of service tradition Fit for any profession Many of the great stories told throughout the course of history begin with the old classic, “Once upon a time”. This story won’t, but it will still be great. Not because of the writer behind the story or the style of prose used, but because of the two subjects involved in the story.

Their names are Bob Purvis and John Newick.

Bob is the best place to start, because ultimately, the story started to write itself through him. The once owner and operator of Keith and Black Ltd – we’ll get to that soon – is recognised and valued as a true gentleman.

This sentiment was widely felt not only in his lifetime, but also now, in the memories his colleagues, friends and family hold of him.

Sharp as a tack, slightly gruff and immensely kind, his legacy lives on in his business today.

That is the overarching story that shall be told alongside the journey of the man who works actively to honour Bob’s memory and fill his very, very big shoes – John.

Bob Many years ago when John Newick was on the hunt for ship officers’ epaulettes, he eventually found Keith and Black Ltd. There he discovered Bob. Such was John’s instantaneous kinship with Bob, that he extended Bob an invitation he would ultimately accept only 12 months later – the opportunity to sell his business into safe hands.

In 1911, George McBride, a merchant tailor, started a naval uniform business that would later be bought by a pair of Scottish merchant tailors who went by the names of Keith and Black. The two took over the business in 1939, and rebranded it to pay homage to their names.

In 1962, Bob made the business his own after working for the company as an employee, and having served on HMNZS Achilles and Gambia during World War II, he not only knew, but also fundamentally understood and valued men at sea.

A clothing cutter by trade, he was in his element manufacturing garments and knew the industry inside and out.

Of his predecessor John Newick says, “He knew the industry well, and was universally respected by his customers. Even now we still get customers coming in to buy uniforms who remember Bob and his business.”

Ambler & Company suppliers of corporate uniform shirts congratulates Uniform Brokers on their 75th Anniversary.

Bob and John’s relationship was remarkable – one that survived the test of time and today John’s memories of his colleague and friend have not even slightly eroded.

[P] 09 360 3610

“As Bob once said to me after I commented on the exceptional calibre of his customers – ‘John, berthing a ship is not like landing a 747.

•

www.ambler.co.nz

60 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

When a ship is berthed, it is done slowly and carefully, and these men are like that.’”

As the only specialist supplier of uniforms to the Merchant Navy in New Zealand, Keith and Black earned the respect and patronage of ship officers across New Zealand.

For decades it has been the port of call for the maritime and tourism industries, and also supplies aviation uniforms – a complementary diversification thanks to the similarities between the two industries.

Joining forces Keith and Black became a subsidiary of John’s parent company Uniform Brokers Ltd following

Focus | Uniform Brokers

“

All of our companies have a top-down commitment to excellence plus social and environmental responsibility, and we actively pursue these goals at every level.

- JOHN NEWICK

”

his acquisition of the business. With an extensive management background, John rediscovered his forte in the apparel industry when he founded Uniform Brokers in 1985 after an extended time away from the sector.

John’s drive, determination and lateral thinking throughout the years have capitalised on his already resilient and respected business foundations.

Selling men’s and women’s clothing from head to toe for all occupations, the business supplies everything from front office corporate, to smart casual, medical, workwear and safety clothing.

Today Uniform Brokers is recognised as a regional and national supplier sourcing from more than 70 importers and manufacturers.

The companies also export to the South Pacific, with a hotel in Noumea and an airline amongst its customers.

“The company strategy has always been to concentrate on customer service without the distraction of attempting to manufacture part of our range.

“This has enabled maximum flexibility in sourcing customer requirements, with the emphasis on providing value for money by taking both quality and cost into consideration.”

The additional considerations for John, and wife Jacqui, who is also a director of the business, include style and delivery.

Working at the coalface, they appreciate the importance of streamlined and sophisticated systems. “Design flair, reliable delivery and consistent product quality are therefore as important to Uniform Brokers Limited as they are to customers.

“To ensure that customers get optimum performance from their uniforms, it is also standard company practice to analyse customer job requirements wherever possible before making recommendations.”

To diversify its supply capabilities even further, Uniform Brokers Limited also purchased Corporate Trends Limited In 2002. Corporate Trends operates in a similar industry sector to Uniform Brokers, and the two businesses work in a synergistic relationship to deliver best results every time.

A man of great generosity of spirit himself, it is clear John was hand-picked by Bob for his complementary approach to life and business.

The Uniform Brokers companies are located at 176 Lincoln Road Henderson. The companies have a showroom at the same location, which is open 9.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday. AT

Uniform Brokers Ltd 176 Lincoln Road Henderson Auckland T (09) 836 4300 T 0800 99 33 00 E sales@uniformbrokers.co.nz www.uniformbrokers.co.nz — Advertising Feature

“All of our companies have a top-down commitment to excellence plus social and environmental responsibility, and we actively pursue these goals at every level.

II

“This has always been our philosophy, and I know Bob shared the same sentiments. In the twelve years after we purchased Keith and Black, I kept in touch with Bob, and about three years ago had the pleasure of showing him the new Keith and Black house flag we designed for the business.

“Bob was a man of total integrity and of the old school whose word was their bond.

He was humble and gracious, but knew his own mind, did not suffer fools gladly, and had some choice views on politicians in particular. He also had the whoelhearted help and support of his wife, Betty, an accomplished tailoress.

“Bob was a fine representative of an era of decency, kindness, and manliness. We who are left grieve for him and men like him,and have the responsibility to pass the baton of such outstanding qualities to our children and those in the wider community.”

8 Reasons to use Uniform Brokers Limited for Business Uniforms 1.We don’t pay lip service to excellence in everything we do, we practise it. How? 2.We supply top quality uniforms at very competitive prices.

3.We have over 70 suppliers, which gives us buying power and backup.

4.We have the widest possible range. Head to toe, mens and womens, in all sizes and shapes, for all occupations, ensures confidence in fitting the full range of your people.

5.We are independent brokers and are therefore concerned about what is best for you, not promoting our own manufactured range.

6.We have 28 years of knowledge and experience to offer you, including free marketing advice.

7.We are NZ owned and operated which means you deal with a business that can quickly respond to your needs.

8.Dealing with us is enjoyable, efficient and economical. Why go elsewhere?

International Hotel Systems

Keith & Black Ltd Phone (09) 836 4300 Email info@uniformbrokers.co.nz Website www.uniformbrokers.co.nz Showroom 176 Lincoln Rd, Henderson

All maritime uniforms including khakis, dress uniforms, caps, badges, epaulettes and braid.

Experience the range, the service tradition, and the can do attitude that makes Keith & Black unique.

Proud to support Keith & Black Ltd

International Hotel Systems Limited PO Box 21965 Auckland 0650 New Zealand

Uniform Brokers Limited Phone (09) 836 4300 Email info@uniformbrokers.co.nz Website www.uniformbrokers.co.nz Showroom 176 Lincoln Rd Henderson The showroom is open from 9.00-5.00 Monday-Friday. For out of Auckland customers our number is 0800 99 33 00.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 61

Focus | Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors

Peace of mind Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors understand how stressful it can be when we lose a loved one, especially when we are unsure of what to do.

For some, it can be a first time experience of personal loss. With the guidance of friendly and trained professional funeral directors, the team want to take care of your immediate needs and support you throughout your time of loss.

Whatever way you decide to plan a memorable funeral service for your loved one, Ese Tatupu Funeral Director’s caring team is committed in providing you with quality care and assistance.

The family owned funeral home is established in a highly recognised multi-cultural community. As a team it continually supports and recognises the importance and value of customs and traditions which each ethnic group represents, and so incorporating your cultural needs is something they care about.

“When I was young growing up, I attended a lot of funerals and was really goal driven to become a funeral director. I liked how the funeral home looked after my dad back in the days,” Ese says.

Sadly last year on the 3rd of February 2013, Ese’s mother passed away surrounded by her loving family, aged 68 years old. She was laid to rest at Manukau Memorial Gardens Cemetery, where she loved the beauty of the cemetery and its location. It is also where her older sisters, many family members and friends are buried.

Ese is the first Pacific Island funeral director with nationally recognised qualifications in both embalming and funeral directing in New Zealand, with an outstanding amount of experience in the funeral industry. In October 2013, Hila Tulafono, the funeral home manager, became the first qualified Pacific Island female funeral director in the country.

It is a special achievement for the team in offering a unique and professional service to the community. Adding to this remarkable achievement Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors is currently the first and only Pacific Island owned Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) funeral home member in New Zealand.

Something the Pacific Island community should be proud of, knowing that high standard of service is maintained at all times with the code of ethics, code of professional conduct and the requirement for FDANZ members to participate in continuing professional development.

Hila • Qualified funeral director • National Diploma in Funeral Directing • Registered Funeral Director.

Ese • National Certificate in Funeral Directing and Embalming • Qualified embalmer • Member, New Zealand Embalmers Association

“

As a team it continually supports and recognises the importance and value of customs and traditions which each ethnic group represents.

”

Ese Tatupu & Mum in Wellington

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Ese Tatupu, the founder and owner, was inspired to become a funeral director at the age of six years old after the death of his father in 1983. His father was transferred back to his village of Salelavalu, Savai’i, Samoa, where he remains today.

Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors are members of FDANZ, the prime funeral industry organisation in New Zealand, and its personnel hold the following qualifications:

• Qualified funeral director • Registered funeral director.

you and your family, with professional funeral services and quality care with compassion and empathy. What you will find dealing with Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors, is the caring compassionate team is readily available to attend to your needs on a 24 hour, seven day funeral operational service.

They are also specialists in National and International Transfers to any funeral home or destination around the world.

A big thank you Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors would like to sincerely thank, all there client families for there trust and confidence in their work. And also extend a huge thank you to Manukau Memorial Gardens, Noelene Mudgway and her team, and GS Shaplands, Bruce Reid and team, for their ongoing support. AT

Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors 8 Lambie Drive Manukau Auckland T (09) 2623700 E info@tatupufunerals.co.nz www.tatupufunerals.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The business believes that first impressions count and this is why you can expect the experienced and qualified team to provide www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 63

Focus | Age Concern Auckland

Caring for our elders with dignity Our older people are often considered a symbol of wisdom; vessels of knowledge filled with many years of experience.

Native American elders often play the roles of teachers and caretakers of the younger generation, Hispanics consider old age a positive time in life and the Vietnamese have their elders make the final decisions.

For the most part our Kiwi elders, are beloved parents, grandparents and great grandparents, loved and cared for. However, with an increasingly ageing population stories of elderly neglect and even abuse are also on the rise.

The Government often talks of the “rising costs” associated with the ageing population, and how costlier healthcare will drive the Crown’s books into the red.

Some of Age Concern’s key recommendations • Increase Government funding to help prevent and protect the elderly from abuse • Help increase public awareness of elder abuse and promote positive attitudes to older people and ageing • Government funding to help reach ten percent of lonely socially isolated older people nationwide • Support the establishment of agencies to make home maintenance more affordable and manageable

This outlooks, reduces our older people to nothing more than a statistic, turning those who’ve raised and cared for us, into a burden.

The human face of our elderly loved ones are forgotten, these views lose sight of the fact that our elders too are paying a price… the price of being labelled a burden on society.

Fortunately, one dedicated group of people are doing their best to try and remind people of the importance of respecting our elders.

The national charity, Age Concern, has made it its mission to ensure that our older people are remembered, respected and cared for with compassion, respect and dignity.

A voice for the elderly Age Concern is a charity made up of a nationwide network of 35 offices around the country that provides services, information and support to older people in response to their changing needs.

It’s a job Age Concern has spent the past six decades dedicating itself to, under its vision of ensuring “all older people are valued and live in an inclusive society”.

However Age Concern points out New Zealand is not there yet. Many obstacles for the elderly still exist, including elder abuse and ageism, social isolation and loneliness as well as the cost of healthy living, inadequate care and support and a lack of affordable age-friendly housing.

The Age Concern story 9 September 1948: The first part of the organisation that is now Age Concern was founded as a result of investigations done by journalist HA Glasson and Sister Tingey of the District Nursing Service.

The public meeting on September 9, chaired by the then Dunedin mayor set up the Otago Old People’s Welfare Council.

Late 1948 - early1949: A similar council was established in Auckland a few months later.

1950s: Canterbury and Wellington Councils established.

Late 1960s: Independent councils were operating throughout the country and the need for national coordination was pressing.

February 1972: The National Old People’s Welfare Council was incorporated.

1984: The Welfare Council became Age Concern New Zealand.

64 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

• Extend the scope of the Community Services Card to cover power bills in winter, GP fees, regular dental and eye care and increase the subsidy for hearing aids • Government funding for age-friendly rental housing • Require DHBs to make hospitals more age-friendly • Combat ageism in the health sector.

This is something Age Concern is working to change, helping to educate the public that growing old can be done with dignity, providing that appropriate support is given.

IIt acknowledges that these solutions don’t come without a financial cost, something that may seem “unpalatable” in the current economic climates. But Age Concern also argues that these costs of action must be weighed against the cost of inaction.

Age Concern’s vision is to ensure that as the population ages every individual is able to live their extra years of life “without disability and as active, valued and contributing citizens to society”.

Through its range of support services, advocacy work and research it shows that our older people can have positive and independent lives. AT Age Concern New Zealand Level 4, West Block, Education House 178-182 Willis Street Wellington T (04) 801 9338 E national.office@ageconcern.org.nz www.ageconcern.org.nz Blog: http://acnzonresearch.wordpress.com/ — Advertising Feature

Focus | Buckley Systems

A chip off the old block

By Kate Pierson

Where to start with Bill Buckley… where to start?

Well, he’s a bit of a quiet soul, really. But nevertheless, a big fan of having a laugh, a pretty damn good story-teller, oh, and yes, he’s the founder of Buckley Systems Limited – wait, brace yourself – the manufacturer of precision electromagnets, ion beam physics hardware and high vacuum equipment used in the semi-conductor ion implant industry, laboratory research and particle accelerators.

Bill’s business is also the leader in the ionof ourselves once upon a time. And then we implanter manufacturing industry supporting grew up. around 80 percent of silicon chipmakers across Bill Buckley was a little boy on the farm the world. before he grew up and created a business of Sound incredible? That’s probably because epic proportions. And that business happens it is. But we’re not going to focus on that to be a chip off the old block – no, we’re not too much in this story – instead we’ll be being smart, it’s true. Like him, his business concentrating more on the man behind the is resilient, dynamic and flexible, but that’s business. He’s a pretty interesting cat himself, pretty much where the similarities end to and it just so happens that he’s won the 2013 be honest.

Flying Kiwi Award for innovation and business.

Because, unlike his attention seeker of a But don’t mention that the next time you see business – Bill’s not. He is distinctly fazed him. He’s a humble guy – ask him about his by the attention he receives here and beloved wife and kids instead – he could talk abroad, but we’re putting the story to you from now until forever about the pride together on him anyway. he has for these blessed people.

Bill’s business is right out of Silicon Valley – mind out of the gutter, please. It’s not the Little boy on the farm place where plastic is fantastic in the form of lips, bottoms and boobs. Nope, this is It’s hard to imagine ‘the greats’ as little kids, the real deal Silicon Valley and Bill is the isn’t it? It’s a bit of a giggle to think of the brightest minds learning to walk and talk and real deal too. And, if the number eight-wire terrorising their parents. But that’s the reality mentality really does exist then he is surely of our existence – we were all ‘mini’ versions proof of that.

But there was no silver spoon for this kid – no charmed childhood with all the trimmings. It was a very simple beginning.

“It all started back on the farm. I was one of 13 kids, and I was actually raised by my aunt – my mother left when I was about four. There were no roads to our farm – there was just us in the middle of nowhere.

“Eventually they started a school, and of the 14 pupils enrolled at the school – 12 of those kids were me, my siblings, and my cousins.

The school ran for many years until my last sister finished her education there, and then it closed down. There was 27 years between my oldest and youngest siblings.”

The ambition for Bill’s generation (he and his siblings included) was to get into a trade and stay there. “I came out to Auckland and started to work as a fitter and turner apprentice for Mason Brothers, which was

one of the biggest businesses in town doing big things – bridges and ships.”

Bill always wanted to build big things, but even with that goal in mind, he probably didn’t realise what giant things he was capable of achieving. “I led their machining shop for a while, but I was really inspired by my older brother.

“He went to university and got a university degree in civil engineering. After that I started working for Hurst Precision, and I stayed with them for eight years during which time I met Hilton Glavish.”

Hilton was a nuclear physicist who encouraged Bill to pursue his growing interest in magnets. “When I really knew this is what I wanted to do, I approached my boss at the time about making them – he didn’t like the idea, so I cleared out.” >

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Supplying to the furniture and joinery industry for over 30 years Phone: 0800 146 739 | Email: sales@impeys.co.nz | www.impeys.co.nz 17 Carpenter Road, East Tamaki, Auckland 2013

66 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

79-81 O’Rorke Road Penrose, Auckland Ph. 09 579 8196 Fax. 09 579 1392 E. sales@steelmasters.co.nz Branches in Auckland, Whangarei, Palmerston North & Napier Visit our Website at www.steelmasters.co.nz

We meet our deadlines, so you can meet yours!

UnitedEngineering Structural Steel Design & Innovation

United Engineering Services has been going strong for over 40 years; the company has maintained its position in the industry because it has a reputation for being committed to providing customers with top level service, and for bringing the right people and brands on board to get the job done.

Bevan Sands established United Engineering Services in 1973. In those days you called a spade a spade, he believed that if something was worth doing it was worth doing right. Bevan prides himself on providing quality fabrication to the construction industry and making lifelong friends while doing it. One of those friends being Bill Buckley of Buckley Systems Ltd. Together these men have shaped most of Auckland; It could be argued in Bill’s case that’s he’s reshaped most of the world.

In 2000 Bevan left New Zealand to establish a successful coffee roasting business

in Australia, and Arron Sands took the reins at United Engineering Services.

Arron Sands made a start in the business from ground up when he was 14 years old, when he was 19 he had completed a Fitter/Welder apprenticeship and by the time he was 21, Arron had embarked on a career in estimating - today Arron sits in the company director’s chair.

During the years United Engineering Services continues to proudly support Buckley Systems Ltd, and other local and off shore businesses. Part of this work has been the supply of 20+ Konecranes gantry systems to Buckley Systems and in 2009 United Engineering Services was appointed the North Island reseller for Konecranes lifting equipment.

Konecranes’ advanced lifting technologies and comprehensive programmes support steel businesses in the management of safety and productivity in the workplace. Konecranes are industry leaders in crane safety and produce industrial cranes with a range of advanced features to increase efficiency and productivity, while ensuring the highest levels of safety for workers.

Konecranes technology is at the forefront of safety innovation, with features such as anti-collision, sway control, zone limiting, warning devices, remote control systems and speed control. Its CXT cranes have become the industry benchmark by offering superior safety and ergonomics; easy and effective load handling and the most favourable dimensions for space saving solutions.

Arron’s objective for establishing this partnership was to ensure that United Engineering Services moved with the times and remained progressive, while preserving the true attributes that his father demonstrated. Both companies share a common philosophy, to increase profitability by way of improving workplace efficiency and taking care of people. In addition to general fabrication the company’s recent work includes waste water treatment plants, steel fabricated tanks, site installations and steel supports for the high voltage sector.

Steel products are all around us. No matter how advanced the world becomes we will all rely on steel for shelter, transport, innovation and technology. It’s Bevan’s passion for heavy engineering that built United Engineering Services, that passion for excellence stands strong today.

Steel is a part of everything we do, why not do it well?

www.unitedengineering.co.nz www.konecranes.com.au

United Engineering Services Limited 6 Ponui Place, Mt Wellington Auckland, New Zealand Ph +64 9 2766090 Fax +64 9 2766092 Email. info@unitedengineering.co.nz

Focus | Buckley Systems

“

the business, and I could pay back my loans to people that had faith in me from the outset.”

I care more about the guys working for me than any sort of money. You know, it’s about trying to make a happy place. You live so much of your life here, so much of the time, so it’s about keeping the tough stuff in perspective, and making your work environment the best place to work in the country.

”

- Bill Buckley

Yes, really - just like that – he cleared out.

“I did make a beeline for these magnets and I set up a company to go about doing that, and did some tool making on the side just to keep the wheels turning. I ended up winning a contract with an American company and from there went from strength to strength.

“The first year I had four guys working for me and the business was virtually self funded.

Yep, there were some pretty scary moments along the way, what with market crashes and all, but you know, we kept going.”

Perseverance was Bill’s combatant for fear – always has been and always will be. His courage is pretty up there too – he’s willing to take some risks. “It’s interesting that I am this way actually. My grandfather once owned the biggest building company in New Zealand.

In 1929, at 50 years old when the depression hit, he lost everything. But he had 500 pounds

in his back pocket and he used that to set up a farm.

“My father, who was at university at the time, was called home to work the farm.

He became very affected by that situation, and when I started my own business and was looking for a bit of a start up loan, he said, ‘Why do you want to do that?’ – he was worried for me.”

Bill’s business got a kick-start with a loan from an uncle and some friends. “I was also fortunate that a bank manager I knew left his original role at BNZ and took up a role at BNZ’s head office. He was tasked with finding new entrepreneurial talent and providing that talent with seed funding.

“I got in there to see him and pitched my idea. Luck was on my side that day because he went for my idea. He backed us, which meant we had money to support the future of

The break No matter how bloody good you are – someone’s always got to be prepared to give you a break. Bill’s had a few of those, but only because he’s got quite a knack for finding the right people. He’s also the ultimate huntergatherer when it comes to finding talent too.

“I was producing magnets for research labs around the time the silicon chip industry was going into chemical deposition. A guy from Boston by the name of Peter Rose who was a nuclear physicist had started the ion implantation in the chip industry.

“He needed magnets to start with, and then between him, myself and a friend of mine – the three of us became the foundations of the ion chip industry.”

The staff members Bill brought into the fold along the way were guys he had managed in his previous role, and he hand-selected them knowing their incredible capabilities. “I went to guys that I was working with previously and I asked them to come with me.

“They actually said, ‘Shit, Bill – what are you doing? Why are you leaving? Ok, well if you’re leaving then I’m leaving!’”

“Peter and Alan [‘the guys’] had both known me for years. Peter actually came out to New Zealand as a sponsored immigrant, but the business he came out to work for ended up closing the next month.

“They rung me up and said, ‘We have a Swiss guy, he’s a great engineer, but he can’t speak English’. So I went in to see him with a photo of our machinery and a drawing and I asked

him, ‘Can you do this? Can you work this? ’He nodded, and that was it – he started working for me the next day.”

The lady’s touch in Bill’s business came in the form of, well, a lady certainly – but a pretty tough one at that.

“I’d met this women some time before – she was a lot older than me – 15 to 20 years older maybe. She was working in the cosmetics manufacturing industry and she was tough as anything – a real negative sort of woman.

“Back in the day I went in to fix her machine and she was really angry because the teams she always had in to fix the machine when it broke down never knew what they were doing. ‘It’s bloody hopeless!’ she said to me.

“Some time later this company making magnets ended up hiring her – she became a coil wrapper. I actually ended up bumping into her when I went down to a close down auction held by that company.

“She was there buying equipment because she was starting to make her own magnets that she used herself. After the auction she was getting ready to load everything onto the truck and I went up to her.”

Etna didn’t even crack a smile when Bill asked her if she wanted to come and work with him.

“She said to me, ‘Whereabouts?’ and when I told her she said, ‘That’s a long way to travel – probably half a mile more than I have to travel now’” Bill recounts with laughter.

“You know, my aunty and her were very similar – little women, probably only four foot nine or ten, and very skinny. They both smoked like trains, and then when I introduced them they really hit it off and became quite good friends,” he says chuckling.

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO BILL BUCKLEY ON WINNING THE 2013 FLYING KIWI AWARD The Fletcher Easysteel service centers are geared to meet the requirements of all sectors of the New Zealand economy - including the construction, engineering, natural resources and manufacturing industries.

575 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland P: 09 525 9400 | F: 09 525 9401 www.easysteel.co.nz 68 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Focus | Buckley Systems Etna may have demonstrated a softer side throughout the years, but she never lost her stubbornness. “I eventually made her foreman and I’d come in and see her with a frown on her face. She’d say to me, ‘I’m not bloody working.’ When I asked her ‘Why not?’ she replied, “I’m not working til those young buggers do’ – she used to drive everybody crazy like no tomorrow, but she was a real good sort.”

Buckley Systems Limited would like to thanks its strategic partners for their support: • Fletcher Easysteel • ISCAR Pacific • United Engineering Ltd

All around the world And so it was, Buckley Systems and Bill took the world by storm, transcending every major geographical market. The chip industries in Taiwan, Korea, Japan, America, and England all stemmed from Bill’s work.

What it took to achieve this all was some mighty perseverance and a lot of creativity.

The manifestation of that creativity may look generic to the untrained eye, but it is the culmination of years of technological experimentation.

“How to go about machining our products was always a challenge for us. It was almost like a cross between art and racing cars in my

his admiration for his journey is even more palpable.

“When I went to Auckland, I retained those formalities and still respected those around me by referring to them with their surnames or ‘Mr’ and ‘Mrs’, but I became accepted, and I was able to go on to do what I always wanted to do – build big.”

Bill had four children with his first wife, inherited two from his second marriage, and then he and his wife adopted a child later on in their lives. It’s an experience that has clearly and understandably had a profound influence on him.

“You know, I really believe the achievements I’ve had in this lifetime go so far beyond work.

My kids are everything to me, and my wife.”

“I was actually the first one to feed our adopted son and my wife cut the cord. It has been an incredible experience for the both of us. Kids have always been such an important part of my life – I love them. I’ve always been the kind of person that can’t understand why But, like his pension for being able to many people have limited patience with continually build on his professional greatness, them. Kids need to be able to be kids.” racing was not enough for him in sporting So, from the guy that truly has done it all, context. He decided to steal the attention of the Japanese, who dominated the sport at the what advice can he part with? time, by building the first 500cc motorcycle.

“I care more about the guys working for Bill’s passion for big machines has been nurtured in both the yachting and motor cross sports arenas too. As a young man he raced motorcycle sidecars, becoming a national speedway champion in the 1960s.

For decades now Buckley Systems has been a leader in the ion-implanter manufacturing industry supporting around 80 per cent of silicon chipmakers across the world.

It is arguably one of the world’s leading suppliers of electromagnets to the ion implantation manufacturers. For the technologically challenged like us, ion implantation is a key process in wafer fabrication plants that produces silicon chips for use in modern technology like computers, television screens and communications equipment.

“For me it’s about the fact that I was able to leave the farm and get out to the big city. I grew up in a world that was rich in formality, where you had to refer to everyone as ‘Mr’ and ‘Mrs’ in a little country place where we were isolated from everyone else.

opinion. We had to try and do things fast, but produce things that looked good at the end of the day. I think engineers are quite good artists actually.

“I really studied what nuclear physicists wanted. There are not a lot of engineers out there who go back to first principles and develop a robust working relationship with the people who can help them most. We did that, and this business was the outcome of those efforts.”

So, with all of that said, what’s been the best part of this pretty epic ride? It’s a fully loaded question given the longevity of the journey, but in keeping with his ability to get straight to the point, Bill offers the following.

This was in the early days of his business venture, and he says he found the traditional approaches to gaining access into Japanese business unsuccessful. “You can spend a fortune going up there to pester them, but I was keen on motor racing and I thought that if I built a big motorbike and went up there and raced it, they would notice.”

me than any sort of money. You know, it’s about trying to make a happy place.

You live so much of your life here, so much of the time, so it’s about keeping the tough stuff in perspective, and making your work environment the best place to work in the country.”

It was a solid strategy, but before he even had the chance to complete his bike, Bill’s attempts to break into the American market were realised, and the Japanese were soon knocking on his door asking for his help.

Buckley Systems Ltd 9 Bowden Road Mt Wellington Auckland T (09) 573 2200 E bill@buckleysystems.com www.buckleysystems.com

The professional achievements of Mr Bill Buckley have been beyond extraordinary, but when he speaks about his family –

Well said, Bill. Well said.

AT

— Advertising Feature

Many years ago a young and eager Nathan Stronge started a carbide tooling company. Meanwhile across town the ingenious Bill Buckley was starting Buckley Systems Limited.

The men worked hard to get their businesses off the ground and eventually crossed paths, becoming loyal comrades.

Through the years the men faced trials and tribulations, but perservered to become industry leaders. Today BSL is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision electromagnets, ion beam physics hardware and high-vacuum equipment, while Iscar Pacific has become New Zealand’s #1 carbide tooling supplier.

Iscar Pacific www.iscar.co.nz

0800 808 477 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 69

Focus | Mark Sokolich Design

A golden art Many girls dream of the perfect ring, how it would look, how many stones it would have and how they’d be set. Guys too, undoubtedly spend some time imagining the ring they’d give their special someone.

Rings, or any other forms of jewellery for that matter, can hold more than just a large financial value. Iconic pieces of jewellery often carry a much more important sentimental value; they tell stories, often passed down through generations, to make any precious metal more than just a pretty trinket.

When searching for your own piece of jewellery to make history with, it’s easy to spend many hours traipsing through stores to no avail. To take the unnecessary challenge away from the task – look no further than Mark Sokolich Design.

Auckland’s own goldsmith.

Mark Sokolich has spent many years honing his skills in the “magic” of being a goldsmith.

While Mark hasn’t quite mastered spinning straw into gold - he does have a special gift with gold. Mark performs his own magic, creating unique jewellery designs and turning these ideas into exquisite, handcrafted jewellery, from special rings, to necklaces, pendants, bracelets and brooches.

Mark’s gallery of carefully designed and crafted jewellery pieces holds proof he is the goldsmith for the job. His gallery of work shows a great range of skill and talent, from the more traditional princess cuts to a more modern-contemporary look. His fine jewellery range offers its own unique distinctive design that is made with excellent craftmanship, careful attention to detail.

Mark’s specialty lies in transforming 18-carat white, yellow and rose gold into something

uniquely laid with high grade quality diamonds and other such precious gemstones.

In more recent times he’s also branching out with his craft into noble metals; in particular platinum - a more sturdy durable, yet equally beautiful type of metal.

It is Mark’s promise to provide all customers with a “courteous, confidential, reliable and professional service”. It is his vision to ensure all jewellery that is requested is made to the highest of standards, in-line with their budgets and according to the agreed design.

Mark promises his services aren’t just for those with large wallets, but for a range of clients with different budgets and tastes. As the designer, jeweller and business owner he’s able to control the process from beginning to end and accurately follow through any request to achieve the desired result. He strives for 100 percent customer satisfaction.

After a good decade of working for others in the industry Mark decided to venture out on his own. In May 1991 he established his own business, what is known today as Mark Sokolich Design.

Today it remains a successful business serving many a jewellery lover.

Platinum

“Dealing with people in this line of work is largely positive. It has a feel good factor,” Mark says. “You can make someone pleased with the work you do and it’s also pleasing to do as an art form. And when you achieve the vision… it’s all the better.”

Mark Sokolich has considerable experience in working in Platinum and can supply any design as required.

In the beginning

With its exceptional value and strength, there are considerable demands on the jewellers’ skill and technique honed during many years, which is exactly what mark Sokolich delivers.

It’s no surprise Mark’s gallery of work is spotless - having spent more than 30 years working in the golden craft Mark’s had the time, the training and the experience to know just how to get the job done and to get it done well.

It was at the young age of seven that Mark first thought of a career in jewellery.

Lacking what he believed was the IQ needed to enter into an academic career such as law, Mark decided to use his “practical bend” to become a jeweller.

He began his career as an apprentice to one of the largest jewellery manufacturing companies in New Zealand. Mark also worked hard to train in gemology, metallugy, drawing and design, leading to his obtaining the New Zealand Jewellery and Watchmakers Manufacturing Trade Certificate, and a trade-sponsored design award was won, for excellence in jewellery design and manufacture.

Precious Gem Imports Proudly supporting

Mark Sokolich Design

Mark also spent the 1980s working as a designer and pattern maker within the industry. His talent was quickly recognised with his designs being turned into massmarket production lines before being sold throughout Australasia and further abroad to America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Islands.

1/400, Titirangi Rd, Titirangi, Auckland Tel/Fax : 09-8173080 E: titirangicopycentre@hotmail.com

Platinum is 30 times rarer than gold, more valuable, heavier and whiter than white gold and also surpasses gold in strength.

Sparkling gems Mark Sokolich can source a vast range of precious stones to crown your jewels with, before inlaying into an attractive and special setting to best showcase its brilliance. A certificate of authenticity is also presented in all cases with the gem.

Sapphire, ruby, emerald, opal, garnet, aquamarine, amethyst, topaz, tourmaline, pearl, turquoise, fire opal, tsavoraite, malacite and tanzanite are just some of the gem varieties to choose from.

Simply get in touch with Mark to discuss your requirements. It’s a flexible, no rush and no obligation experience, with free quotes offered without the pressure. AT

Golden facts • 24 carat gold is 99.9 percent gold, but it is rarely used because it is so soft, so it is usually mixed with other gold to make stronger jewellery and create different colours and styles • 18 carat is the most popular choice for bridal jewellery as it is durable, tarnish free and is a warm colour against all skin tones • Gold is the most malleable metal of all metals • An added bonus - gold never goes out of fashion.

“

Sharing the good news Mark attributes a lot of his success and business growth to his clients. A high proportion of his work comes to him via word of mouth recommendations.

Here are just some of the words of praise from his clients.

“Thank you so much for creating our rings. We are enjoying wearing them. I’m presuming you also made the earrings given to me-very talented!”

“I have been meaning to give you a call or email to thank you for the ring you made, It was a perfect fit, she loves it and will turn the car around to get it if she has forgotten to put it on in the morning.

I have given your name and number to a friend who is looking for a ring.”

“Thank you for meeting us on Friday, it was great to meet you and see what you can do for us. Very exciting thinking about all the different designs we could come up with. I checked out your amazing work on your website. WOW.”

Mark Sokolich Design PO Box 60 - 115 Titirangi Auckland T (09) 817 3646 E msoko@ihug.co.nz www.gem.co.nz — Advertising Feature

”

www.morrisandwatson.com

AUCKLAND • CHRISTCHURCH • GREYMOUTH • GOLD COAST • BRISBANE • SYDNEY • BANGKOK

Head Office - Call 0800 500 654 70 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Focus | Leathersmiths

The leather repair experts “You get what you pay for” is an old saying that applies to most goods, but none more so than leather.

Buying top quality leather furniture and goods is an investment in longevity, and Leathersmiths Limited in East Tamaki has the knowledge to get the most out of your leather products.

Furniture - cleaning, removing stains, repairing scratches, replacing worn panels, recolouring and sealing, automotive and marine.

The company offers a leather drycleaning service and does pick ups and deliveries throughout Auckland.

Clothing garments - cleaning, removing stains, repairing marks, removing mildew, new linigs, new zips, take in, lengthen, recolouring and sealing.

Kevin says there is a huge variation in leather types and finishes used in both the furniture and garment industry and many need specialised cleaning and refinishing.

Shoes - cleaning, recoloring and sealing of leather, vinyl, satin, silk and suede shoes.

Cow skin can be split into two or three layers, with the lower split leather used with an artificial grain, making leather quality harder to recognise. In the past only the top grain leather tended to be used.

The solution is to redye the leather and apply a sealing topcoat to protect and enrich the colour. Leather can be cleaned and dyed back to its original colour, while panels in furniture can be replaced with new leather that is dyed to match the suite.

Recolouring increases the life expectancy of leather and will make an older couch look modern.

The belt was used as a match to recolour shoes

Leather hides - sides and pieces to specific colour or finish.

“

The experienced leather repairer

explain to people the risks involved, as it’s never straight forward.”

”

Kevin spends a lot of his time solving problems. “It’s hard to tell what type the leather is but I know leather inside and out; how it’s made, why dyes bleed and the best way to try and solve the problem. That’s my strong point.”

Many professional upholsterers use Leathersmiths, and customers will often come to Kerrigan after being sold the wrong product from a cobbler or furniture repairer.

Leathersmiths is factory based and doesn’t offer a mobile service, meaning staff can take their time and ensure the job is done properly. “If it’s made of leather and needs TLC, we’re the people to see.”

Repairing leather garments and shoes

The big difference between Leathersmiths and other leather repairers is Kerrigan’s huge knowledge base and ability to tell the difference between the many different types of leather.

Leathersmiths can also extend the life of your leather garments and shoes and offers a full cleaning, recolouring and repair service.

“I have about 20 years’ experience, while just about everyone else in the industry is a franchise and they get a couple of months’ training,” Kevin says.

Stains and body oils can be removed and the item redyed to look like new. If an aged look is preferred a clear top coat can be used.

“They really don’t know the difference between leather types and what sort of finish to use. We stand by what we do and we

Barry Moon Upholstery

The second was to restore effect coat

Home products - a range of cleaners and sealers to use at home and supply dyes, sealers and topcoats to industry, DIY and crafts people.

It’s hard to tell what type the leather is but I know leather inside and out; how it’s made, why dyes bleed and the best way to try and solve the problem.

That’s my strong point.

- KEVIN KERRIGAN

Handbags - recolour, restore, repair, shorten, lengthen handles, clean.

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Most full-grain leathers are oiled and waxed without the use of pigment. This type of aniline leather ages quicker than pigmented leather, as there is no protective surface to help prevent fading, damage and staining.

Belts - recolour, shorten, lengthen, make bespoke.

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Leathersmiths can undertake a full repair and refurbishment service, which can transform your leather furniture, clothing and shoes like new again. It can repair scratches and marks on leather, as well as undertake a total refurbishment service.

Leather drycleaning

<

He says full-grain leather is well worth repairing and refurbishing, unlike some of the cheaper leathers, which just won’t last as long. “A well-made suite can last 30 or 40 years; we can just change the panels on the seating and arms, which suffer the most wear.”

The first part of this job was to repair damage caused by a very large puppy

<

Leathersmiths is owned and operated by Kevin Kerrigan, a trained leather technician with 20 years’ experience in the industry.

Leathersmiths sells a lot of leather polish and cleaner, which it makes up under its own brand.

The skilled and experienced team at Leathersmiths can help bring your leather furniture and products back to new, including:

Job done

“I get the chemicals quickly and I mix them all here. We get different resins for different jobs and we mix them specifically for each job; we don’t use the same recipe for every lounge suite,” he says.

Kevin pays significantly less for his chemicals than many of his competitors and is able to pass this cost saving onto his customers. “We can almost do an entire seat for the price that others will charge to fix up a single mark.” AT

The economical option Leathersmiths sources all its leather treatment chemicals locally and is able to keep its costs down to customers.

Kevin says its chemicals are sourced from Chemcolour Industries on the North Shore, an international supplier of raw materials and chemical products.

Leathersmiths Limited 29A Sir William Avenue East Tamaki 2013 T (09) 273 4940 E leathersmiths@xtra.co.nz www.leathersmiths.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Quality Recovery Service 136 K Marua Rd, Ellerslie Ph: 09 579 0599 Fax: 09 579 0805 PO Box 109 217, Newmarket www.barrymoonupholstery.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 71

Focus | PPS Industries

Finishing touches In today’s enormously competitive engineering supply market nothing is more important than versatility, backed up by knowledge and experience.

PPS Industries has proven itself a leader in New Zealand’s metal finishing industry, through both its longevity and its huge depth of knowledge.

Company history Professional Plating Services was formed in 1974 by owner and managing director Michael Evans, who initially focused on supplying chemicals to the electroplating industry.

During the early years the company was one of six chemical companies supplying electroplating chemicals to more than 100 electroplating shops New Zealand-wide. Today PPS Industries Ltd is one of three, supplying about 20 shops throughout New Zealand.

During the mid-1980s polishing compounds and polishing buffs were added to the range of products to be sold, followed by abrasive belt products. A name change to PPS Industries Ltd was instigated as PPS moved more into engineering and woodworking abrasives arena.

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The company manufactures a range of chemicals and products for the metal finishing industry. It also imports, sells and distributes abrasive products, polishing buffs, compounds, chemicals, welding consumables,

power tools and finishing products, and most recently, machine cutting coolants.

PPS Industries services the general engineering industry

General manager John Davidson says PPS industries diversified to embrace servicing the general engineering industry, which has grown significantly over the years.

This flexibility has meant PPS Industries has been in a strong position to embrace the constantly changing industries it supports.

In 1997 PPS Industries moved from its five scattered locations throughout Auckland to a new purpose-built factory in Hugo Johnston Drive, Penrose.

Davidson says this merger of the company’s various divisions, including its chemistry facilities and testing labs, into one location where they could work side-by-side was a turning point for the company, setting it up for further growth. The company also has branches in Hamilton and Christchurch.

A great company to work for John Davidson has been with PPS Industries for more than 20 years and says it’s not uncommon for staff members to remain with the company for such a long period of time. <

PPS Industries has a number of exclusive European, American and Asian agencies

This staff longevity is a key strength of the business.

Key people Managing director Mike Evans An industrial chemist, Evans founded PPS Industries in 1974 and has 50 years’ experience in the metal finishing industry.

General manager John Davidson Davidson is a qualified engineer with more than 47 years’ experience in the engineering and manufacturing industries.

He has extensive experience within the metal fabrication, metal finishing and related industries. Davidson has worked for PPS Industries for more than 20 years.

PPS Industries employs about 40 trained staff, including four industrial chemists and a range of qualified engineering staff with a broad cross section of backgrounds.

“We have been very lucky with our staff. We have some who have been with the company for well over 20 years and even though in the last 8-10 years we have seen a lot of the younger ones go to Australia, the average term of our staff is about 10 and-a-half years,” Davidson says.

Are you ready to get the most out of your abrasives?

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72 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Scotch-Brite™ Surface Conditioning Discs with Centre-Pin System Work safely with the new centre-pin back up pad.

• Less vibration • Reduce risk of “fly-off” • Faster attachment

Scotch-Brite™ Durable Flex Hand Pads Expect more from your hand pads during paint preparation.

• Faster results • Extremely flexible • Uniform finish

Focus | PPS Industries

An extensive product range PPS Industries in Auckland offers a huge range of metal-finishing chemicals, polishes and abrasive belt products to its big customer base throughout New Zealand.

PPS Industries has a number of exclusive European, American and Asian agencies that include brands such as Pferd, Rex-Cut, Rebuff, Hsing Feng and Lea. The company also has its own range of products, including the German VSM brand of ceramic fibre discs and sanding belts, which have been found to out-perform most other

competitor products due to their unique ceramic makeup.

Rex-Cut products from America use a unique processed blend of cotton and abrasive to produce a quality product that can be used Within the Pferd range, which is manufactured extensively in the stainless and aluminium in Germany, the RSG and PSF grade of industry for grinding, cutting, blending, thin cut-off discs are found to be one of the deburring and polishing. most popular brands and grades available, Lea Manufacturing’s range of products giving outstanding performance in both cut includes polishing and buffing compounds, and durability. polishing buffs and wheels, automation, barrel polishing and finishing products, Pro-fin Pferd’s range of products is very comprehensive and includes grinding wheels, DIY products and abrasives. engineers’ files and rasps, wire brushes, NCC In addition to these lines, PPS carries a range tungsten burrs, flapwheels, flapdiscs, spiral of screw hole punches, a deburring range, jig bands, policaps, polirolls and mounted points. saw blades, reciprocating blades, tungsten hole saws and SDS hammer drills, HSS twist drills, taps, die nuts and buttons.

Keeping up with new products

PPS Industries’ comprehensive product base includes: • Coated and bonded abrasives • Polishing and mass finishing • Products for the marine industry, such as bonded and coated abrasives and polishing compounds • Engineering supplies including tungsten burrs, hole saws, wire brushes, drill bits and taps • Chemicals, compounds and equipment.

Cutting Oils/Coolants • Manufacturing chemicals, polishing buffs and compounds and abrasive belts.

PPS Industries general manager John Davidson particularly enjoys learning about new products and upskilling his enthusiastic sales While new companies supplying cheap team. “We have really strong relationships products are a continual threat to the with our suppliers overseas,” he says. industry, Davidson says many customers end up returning to PPS Industries after “We source our products only from world trying the cheaper substandard products. industry leaders in their area and our reputation stands on the quality of product and service we provide.”

Davidson says PPS Industries is the number one supplier to New Zealand’s stainless steel fabrication industry.

Maintaining this position requires vigilance and an interest in the constant stream of new products emerging on the market. Davidson makes annual trips to Europe and America meeting suppliers, seeing and talking about their new materials and products.

<

PPS Industries in Penrose

The ‘fly-by nighters’ come and go, but PPS Industries continues to stand the test of time. AT PPS Industries Limited 86 Hugo Johnston Drive Penrose Auckland T (09) 579 1001 E sales@ppsindustries.co.nz www.pps-industries.com — Advertising Feature

“When you are up there as an industry leader, somebody is always biting at your heels to take your position. A key strength we have is in the amount of stock we carry.

“A lot of companies just don’t carry anywhere near our stock because they don’t have the financial capacity to do so. We’ve probably got, at any one time, about $3.5 million of stock at arms’ length.”

Proud to support PPS Industries Ltd

Thinking ahead p: 09 582 1120 62 Aitken Terrace Auckland 1021 Kingsland

<

PPS Industries manufactures a range of chemicals and products for the metal finishing industry

www.bosch.co.nz

Faster than Seafreight Cheaper than Airfreight PROUD TO SUPPORT PPS INDUSTRIES LTD

SKY360 LIMITED

P: +64 9 215 5766 F: +64 9 275 3330 E: operations@sky360.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 73

Focus | Storepro

Intelligent storage solutions Storepro, as the name suggests, provides a range professional storage solutions and have been doing so for 10 years. Based in Mt. Wellington, Storepro offer intelligent answers to increase spatial capacity for commercial warehousing by using shelving systems and pallet racking.

Proudly New Zealand owned and operated The only storage and racking company currently working in the country who can claim to be New Zealand owned and operated, Storepro is immensely proud to be a Kiwi entity.

an Australian firm, but I saw the opportunity to form a New Zealand storage company to service the expanding market here. In typical Kiwi fashion, Storepro started in my garage and now we are celebrating our 10th anniversary and gearing up to move to a bigger warehouse for the 5th time due to the exponential growth we’ve experienced.”

Director and owner Aaron Young details the birth of Storepro as the traditional ‘garage start-up’. “With 15 years of experience in the racking and storage industry, I previously worked for a company that was acquired by

The classic go-it-alone, cavalier attitude has helped Storepro evolve into one of the market leading storage providers in New Zealand with a nationwide presence and a number of large, reputable clients as satisfied customers.

“

Testimonial – Air New Zealand, Christchurch “Hi Aaron, You’re welcome and we appreciate the efforts you and your team have put in over the project, particularly having to navigate our way through the earthquake and subsequent council requirements. We too are very happy with the end result and we continue to get positive feedback.”

”

- Warren Jones, procurement and logistics manager, Air New Zealand

RNF & Associates –Supply Chain Practitioners- congratulates Storepro.

Together we have completed a number of very successful projects.

We provide practical experience in all aspects of supply chain functions.

Warehouse : • Racking Layout Planning • Capacity Planning • Process Reviews • Organisational Structure Reviews • Process Improvement Projects • Freighting Requirements • Stock Control Other : • Purchasing / Materials Planning • Vendor Management • Customer Services • Quality Control • 3PL Selection and Management • Meaningful KPI Development • Benchmarking Services We provide practical solutions to all your supply chain challenges.

E. rayf1@xtra.co.nz M. 0274 822 832

HELPING YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Level 3, 139 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket Telephone: 09 307 8500 www.hwi.co.nz

PROUD TO PROVIDE ACCOUNTING, TAX AND BUSINESS ADVICE TO: Storepro Solutions Ltd

Providing North Island businesses with economical, protective packaging shelving components cut to customer’s requirements.

Budpac North Island Ltd is one of New Zealand’s leading board based packaging suppliers, with products available such as MDF, Particle Board, Triboard and Plywood.

Budpac North Island Ltd specialises in shelving, bearers, coversheets, export crates/pallets and all other relevant products for the rigid protective packaging market; all cut to size.

74 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Budpac North Island Ltd PO Box 105 157, Auckland mail centre 156 Main Road, Kumeu, Auckland PH: 09 412 7503 FX: 09 412 7510 Email: alan@budpacni.co.nz

Focus | Storepro

“

The business of racking and storage in New Zealand is complicated by Mother Nature; yes the Shaky Isles poses issues for safe storage, case in point the Christchurch earthquakes.

Testimonial - Fisher and Paykel Healthcare

“The Christchurch earthquakes brought storage safety issues to the forefront of people’s attention. Storepro have always practiced safe installations, but after the severity of the Christchurch events, the entire industry had to become overtly conscious of how they built structures at height.

“I’m writing to express my gratitude and thanks in relation to the exceptional performance and delivery by the team at Storepro in our recent NZ1 warehouse implementation.

Without a doubt Storepro were the easiest supplier we dealt with during our project and this is largely due to the fact that they offered a total customer solution and employed quality staff that communicated throughout the project. From our initial consultation we knew Storepro were the company to deal with. They offered a complete package from quotation, consent, installation, inspection and final delivery.

“There is now a vigorous compliance code to adhere to and many warehouses without consented racking will not be insured, which has a severe knock-on impact for building owners, tenants etc.”

Gone are the days of DIY racking systems, nowadays the modern warehouse has to be safe as well as practical, two elements Storepro strive to achieve on every job.

All Storepro racking is tested and certified by local independent consulting engineers and conforms to all relevant standards including 4203 and 1170 – both very current in terms of seismic activity. Storepro’s installation teams are all fully compliant with current Site Safe passports and fork-hoist tickets.

Recently, Storepro was asked to install 3,000 pallet locations at eight meters high on Class D soil in Wellington which has the highest seismic zone factor in New Zealand and it was the only supplier capable of achieving this standard. Storepro also managed to complete the install within just five days, ahead of schedule for it’s client. >

Dealing with Storepro was easy; all the staff were well presented, professional, courteous, responsive and adaptable to any request from Fisher & Paykel Healthcare – no matter what the request, we had nothing but great response from the team at Storepro.

Storepro highlight reel • Air New Zealand Chch Airport new Logistics and Warehouse Centre • Fisher and Paykel Healthcare new facility Highbrook • Mercedes Benz National

Unlike many major warehouse implementations, our project had an unusually tight deadline. Again the team at Storepro worked with us around the clock, after hours and really thought outside of the box on how to get our project in on time.

• Dunlop Living National • Online Distribution Auckland • Sandvik Auckland and Christchurch • Goodyear Tyres Christchurch • General Cable Christchurch

A key advantage point with Storepro was that they use standardised product and

• Flyway Logistics Christchurch • Hyundai New Zealand.

hold stock on-site in NZ ready to start a project at any time. For Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, this meant we could begin implementation from the date we signed off the contract and run our project concurrently with many other subcontractors. As a result, we were able to reduce our off-site storage facility costs earlier than expected which again was an added bonus of dealing with Storepro as competitors could not offer this service.

The installation process was excellent, the team were well mannered, efficient, and acted in a safe and productive manner throughout the project. The team would always report in and keep us informed and though good project management by Storepro, we didn’t have to worry at any stage of our project.

Storepro’s cost break-down was 100 percent transparent and the payment plan was very reasonable. They delivered our project on budget and before the deadline requested and took care of all aspects of our project including the consents process.

I wish to thank everyone at Storepro for the fantastic job done in our facility. I will be highly recommending Storepro and using them for any future projects.”

- John Rhodes, group logistics manager, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare

”

7 Kingsford Smith Place, Mangere

LeadLogistics

P 09 255 5535 | F 09 255 5536 E info@leadlogistics.com | W www.leadlogistics.com

Global Logistics and Distribution

Proud to provide Oceanfrieght & Customs Brokerage services to Storepro Lead Logistics is built on the principles of experienced quality people, delivering consistently high levels of service to our customers.

We provide comprehensive & cost effective daily airfreight services ex Auckland to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Perth.

We provide a full range of supply chain logistics solutions: International Ocean Freight Forwarding Customs Brokerage Contract Logistics and Distribution Supply Chain Audits and Consultancy

International Airfreight Forwarding Domestic Forwarding Origin Value Added Services Tariff and Trade Consultancy Services

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 75

Focus | Storepro

“

Testimonial – Ateco “We are now nicely settled in our new building – all the hard work from my team and yours has come up with a fantastic result. I must admit, I had misgivings that any supplier could contemplate such a project within the tight time frame our company gave; but you came through with flying colours, to the delight of our CEO. I found the difference between Storepro and other prospective suppliers was the way you comprehend our needs, and thought outside the square to get the job done.

Marc and Ron were excellent to deal with and showed a great deal of patience when I made some last minute alterations to the design. I’m aware that Marc worked after hours to ensure each part of the project was ready on time; and that you and Aaron were prepared to become personally involved also – so many thanks to you both.

Please pass on my thanks to all of your team for a job that exceeded expectations; you will be our preferred racking supplier as our business expands, and of course I would highly recommend you to any prospective client.”

- Bruce McIntosh, parts manager, Ateco

”

Storepro is proud to employ an in-house maintenance and installation crew with three work vans on the Auckland roads at any given time. This represents another competitive edge over competitors who frequently use sub-contractors to complete their work, losing any ability to set a company standard or work to a consistent level.

“We employ all the staff in-house and we’re the only company who can claim to do that.”

Holding stock can be a form of ammunition for Storepro, whereas other companies may have to order from overseas, Young says. “Our Mt Wellington warehouse consistently stocks enough steel racking to complete a building that could hold about 10,000 pallets… which is quite a lot.”

Free measure, free quote and free consultation Storepro offer any interested clientele to approach and take advantage of its free measure, free quote and free consultation.

“I genuinely believe we would be the quickest in the industry at tending to quotes and measure. We attend to the matter fast and have paper work in front of the client as soon as possible, it’s all part of the Storepro service,” Young says.

The next time you find yourself racking your brains about storage issues, think of the professionals – New Zealand owned and operated Storepro; it doesn’t just think outside of the box, it’s the company that makes more fit inside it! AT

Storepro 3 Donnor Place Mt Wellington Auckland T 0800 RACK UP (0800 7225 87) E info@storepro.co.nz www.storepro.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Your Specialist in Labour Hire

BOLTS & NUTS SCREWS FASTENERS HINGES RIVETS STAINLESS FASTENERS WASHERS THREADED ROD DRILLS Allfast Auckland: Unit 4, 103 Cryers Road, East Tamaki, Auckland P (09) 272 2203 F (09) 272 2263 E auckland@allfastsolutions.co.nz

www.allfastsolutions.co.nz

ImpEx Blue are proud to be associated with Storepro for supplying all their Temporary, Casual and Permanent Recruitment Solutions.

If you require labour hire services for your business contact Lisa 0800 00 22 59 ref: SP. Address: Cargo Central Building, George Bolt Memorial Drive, Auckland Airport P: 09 256 6599 E: lisa@impexblue.co.nz W: www.impexblue.co.nz

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0800 RACK UP 7 2 2 5 8 7 • Pallet Racking & Shelving Solutions • Materials Handling Equipment

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76 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Focus | Kukri NZ

Hospitality | Vinnies Restaurant

Vinnies

For the team

Chef and owner Geoff Scott has many skills and combining French cooking techniques with classic Kiwi flavours is one of them.

His restaurant, Vinnies, located on Jervois Road in Herne Bay, explores a new frontier of flavour which dishes it up as one of Auckland’s top eateries. Named Restaurant of the Year 2009 it raises standards by exacting perfectionism.

A lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into sport and this is exactly the kind of passion founder Phil Morris poured into his international sportswear brand Kukri (pronounced cook-ree).

When you’re on the field there’s no denying the adrenaline rush which grabs you from the inside out; fringing the field you are cheered on by friends, bystanders or at the highest level, roaring crowds of supportive fans waving their banners, wearing your team’s shirt and applauding with joy. There’s a beautiful power in the air when you’re part of a team.

Sport is a great activity to be involved in and you can reap in the benefits both physically and mentally, which is why Kukri isn’t just about throwing on stylish and sport-appropriate clothing. It’s the meaning behind the brand which encourages all types of people to get off the sofa and become actively engaged.

icon the Gurkhas and their Kukri knife – all representing discipline, teamwork and a winning spirit. The addition of the Chinese character was incorporated into the logo (the Kukri K) which means long life.

Mark McConnell brought the Kukri brand to New Zealand in 2006 and looks after the Waikato region. Ray, who has been with the business for three years, runs the Auckland region, Shannon, who came from sports administration, took on the Wellington role, and Steve, who finished playing rugby for Tasman, runs the fast growing South Island branch. The office is looked after by Deene (operations), Dan (finance), Duncan (design) and Laura (retail).

www.kukri.co.nz — Advertising Feature

SEAfreight

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Proud to be associated with Kukri New Zealand.

AUCKLAND Ph: 2551370

MELBOURNE Ph: 61 3 93105353

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Geoff trained in London at Le Gavroche and worked in Italy and France before finally landing a job working for Alain Ducasse at his Michelin three star restaurant ‘Le Louix VX’ Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo. Geoff writes for bite and cooks on TVNZ Good Morning, so there’s no surprise why Vinnies’ menu manages to tease and entertain diners.

memories to life and creates new ones, too. Because in a pursuit to deliver Kiwis a tantalising thrill to the stomach, Vinnies serves sensational and mouth watering dishes, such as the puha with wild James Cook boar, and pheasant cooked in an old pinot noir barrel.

“I love to be able to cook and serve food for people - hearing their comments and feedback - that’s the buzz.”

Every Wednesday Geoff and his team cook up something very special indeed. You’ll fall victim to the irresistible seven for $70, which lets the creative chefs put their hands to work for a special seven course tasting menu.

“It’s a fantastic adventurous way to try out new dishes and have a little extra to spend on some lovely wines or a bottle to share over dinner.”

“We are always developing new garments and improving current ranges. Rugby jerseys offer ‘Elite Fit’, which has no side seam, fits the body and has a new bridge collar,” Mark says. “We can tailor make any garment to suit any body type.”

Kukri is an international sportswear company currently supplying bespoke sports kit to more than 76 different sports to teams, clubs, universities and schools worldwide. With offices all around the world, including Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Mark loves being out and about in schools, China, and Ireland, with a ‘clubhouse’ based in clubs in the regions and helping a good sales Preston, Lancashire, UK. team grow. He says that forming relationships Founder and group managing director, and with large schools and clubs which have Welshman, Phil Morris set out to establish had success on and off the field is the key to his brand in 1999 along with his Scottish business success. wife, Woody. With a strong philosophy for The business partners with elite teams, encouraging people to be active and enjoy including Waikato Rugby, Counties Rugby, sports, he built up a reputation for a brand Hamilton BHS, Napier BHS, St Peters of which promotes confidence, responsibility, Auckland, Auckland Marist Rugby and Kukri humility, discipline and teamwork, as well as NZ also do all the merchandising at the guaranteeing the best sports performance for Wellington Sevens. men and women.

Contact Kukri for any team, school or Kukri provides the best kit at the best price corporate uniform requirements. AT for schools and clubs all around New Zealand, including thermal base-layers, sport bags, rugby kits, netball kits, training equipment, school uniforms, hats and more. And because Kukri Sports NZ Limited Kukri custom makes all uniforms for a unique 415 Victoria Street look, clients can personalise their kits using Hamilton the online kit designer.

T (07) 838 2993 ‘Kukri’ comes from a well travelled British rugby team ‘The Flying Kukris’ and its

A chef needs to understand the different uses of flavours and textures, have a sensitive palate in which they have the ability to taste and smell their dish at various stages of the cooking process and take creative measures in an organised manner to deliver an exceptional meal, which is why many people flock to Vinnies for its love of quality food served with an intelligent twist and a touch of humour.

Geoff has been leading Vinnies for eight and a half years. His 11 staff members are trained to be intuitive, anticipate each request and deliver in a timely manner with genuine delight. One of his most loyal staff is head chef Andrew Hanson.

“Andrew is a brilliant head chef. He has worked for me for seven years, we are like kitchen brothers. The way he works and his style is very similar to me and that is great for the team and for the consistency of the food. He has got great ideas, a superb touch for presentation,” Geoff says.

You’ll also find the friendly maitre’d and sommelier, Rachel Haughton leading the front house who will be more than happy to help you with any questions you may have about the food, wine or its services, including catering for special events or corporate dinners.

If you’re taken away with the food at Vinnies you’ll enjoy an evening in the warm, unobtrusive, private and intimate setting where the interiors are garnished with natural NZ steel and wood. It’s not very common for restaurants to have changing scenery, but here the walls transform every four months, without fail. NZ artists showcase their work to provide a fresh backdrop to complement the restaurant’s fresh food and evolving cuisine.

In the name of good service there’s all you can expect and some things you won’t expect… but of the good kind. Check your dining calendar, people. Vinnies restaurant will hit your foodie spot. AT Vinnies Restaurant 166 Jervois Road Herne Bay Auckland T (09) 376 5597 E info@vinnies.co.nz www.vinnies.co.nz

If you love food, you’ll find a dish which resonates with your taste buds, tickles your

— Advertising Feature

EQUAGOLD®

www.equagold.co.nz 0800 VANILLA

Proud supplier of premium NZ olive oil to Vinnies Restaurant

CUSTOMS Clearance

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Import and Export

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2012 season we have won 2 gold medal winners, 2 silver medal winners and 1 bronze medal awarded.

P. 09 530 9180 w. www.riverestate.co.nz 150 Wades Road, Whitford www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 77

Transport & Motoring | Birkenhead Transport

Eight decades in the making It’s time to raise a glass to celebrate the 80 year anniversary of an iconic Auckland company, Birkenhead Transport. The company carries approximately three million patrons per year, around double the population of Auckland, on its trusty buses.

The family owned Auckland institution has graced the roads and serviced the people for 80 years - consistently to its own lofty standards. While the company is always looking forward, an 80th anniversary is an occasion to look back at a glorious history.

In 1932, Charles Winchester Inwards, an Englishman who had arrived in New Zealand in 1919, took the advice of a friend and road around the area on his pushbike buying shares in Birkenhead Transport from the local resident.

The Northcote Wharf held Birkenhead Transport’s 80th anniversary celebrations with around 180 people in attendance and according to the attendees; the event was a rip roaring success and a number of long serving staff (25 years and more) were recognised for their commitment to the company.

What started as a small shareholding in the company grew rapidly and by the end of the year he had become the major shareholder which resulted in him becoming the Manager in December 1933.

The early days During the depression of the early 1930s there were two bus companies in Birkenhead; the co-operative of Blue Star and Marine Suburbs, and the other was the original company that was named Birkenhead transport.

A new era

During the pre-war years the fleet was updated with a number of buses with some bodies being built locally in Birkdale by the Shepherd brothers. Most of the buses at that time were built on truck chassis such as Morris, Stewart and Diamond T.

Being the astute businessman that he was, Charles soon set about buying the remainder of the shares and also those in the other companies and by 1936 had built a bus depot at Verrans Corner for his new enlarged company.

The services in those pre-harbour bridge days mainly serviced the ferries and ran from Birkenhead Wharf to Beach Haven, Birkdale, Highbury and Pupuke Road.

Today the company is still based in the same premises although the depot and yard are now many times bigger than the original.

The advent of World War II saw passenger numbers increase as petrol became scarce.

This resulted in an increase in services, but growth was limited due to petrol rationing for bus companies and the shortage of manpower, as many of the males in the district had joined the military and were based overseas.

World War II

Military work also became part of the timetable with scheduled trips for both military and civilian workers to the Devonport Naval Base, Kauri Point Ammunition Depot and Beach Haven Wharf, where there was a connection to the Air Force ferry across to Hobsonville. Most of these services continued for some years and well into the 1960s.

Post war The post war years saw New Zealand in a period of prosperity as Britain clamoured for our meat and wool products and money flowed into the country.

In 1944 a company called Ingham and Donahoe was purchased, resulting in the addition of two buses and a service from Birkenhead Wharf to the top of the Albany Hill. During 1952 the company branched out from its original services as a ferry feeder and pioneered a new service to Takapuna from Highbury.

One of the main reasons for the new route was the continued expansion of the Chelsea Sugar Works and the need for more workers to be brought into the area daily and in fact, the sugar company originally subsidised the service.

One of the social services that the company provided in the area at this time was the delivery of medicines from the chemist at Highbury to Birkdale and Beach Haven. The chemist, Mr Brown, would give the package to a bus driver at Highbury with instructions as to which stop the customer would be waiting at and the driver would deliver it as requested.

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Transport & Motoring | Birkenhead Transport

The Auckland Harbour Bridge The opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge in 1959 completely changed the character of the North Shore and the company was basically reborn as a new entity.

Instead of a 30 minute ferry trip, the North Shore was now just a five minute drive away from downtown Auckland City. The resulting growth in the population of the area north of the bridge was unprecedented with the once quiet rural farming areas now becoming home to thousands as new subdivisions were developed.

The opening of the bridge saw Birkenhead Transport increase in size literally overnight, with nine buses working the services on the Friday prior to the official opening and 23 on the road the following Monday.

The company purchased a number of secondhand Mack buses from New Zealand Railways Road Services in order to build up the fleet, before later concentrating on British built Bedfords. Interestingly the Macks were the last secondhand buses purchased by the company and for the last 50 years all additional front line buses have been bought brand new.

The initial timetable across the bridge had a half hourly city service at peak times, but within a very short time this proved inadequate and was increased to a 20 minute frequency, and barring a few exceptions, it remains today.

Early in 1960, discussions took place with North Shore Transport, the other area bus company, to rationalise some of the services in the North Shore. One of the outcomes of this transfer of services was that Birkenhead Transport was licenced to uplift and set down passengers in Onewa Road (the main arterial route from the Birkenhead area to the harbour bridge) which until then had been forbidden by their licence.

As one can imagine, the original restrictions on Onewa Road were obviously illogical as well as being insufficient and confusing to the public. The ultimate result of this change was another rapid increase in the size of the fleet to 33 buses.

Growth and consolidation The rapid population growth of the North Shore continued through until the 1980s and during this time the company was to the forefront in supplying services to many of the new suburbs that sprung up in their area.

During the early 1970s the company fleet was composed completely of British Bedford vehicles, but by the end of the decade the British motor industry had almost disappeared.

As a result the Japanese Isuzu and Hino buses began to appear in the fleet and they were joined by a number of Volvos during the 1980s.

The advent of large numbers of Japanese used car imports in New Zealand saw the company going through a period of consolidation which lasted through until the mid 1990s.

Around this time the low floor MAN vehicles started to join the fleet and they were followed from early in the new millennium by the super low floor buses which compose a large part of the fleet today. >

Pensioner fares introduced – a New Zealand first In 1961 the business became the first bus company in New Zealand to introduce pensioner fares.

The idea originated from a scheme that Charles had seen during a visit to Scotland and as the company was making a good profit due to the increased patronage, it was decided to give something back to the community.

The first day of issue saw the office inundated with residents wanting to uplift their new pass and although they were valid for all services, it was requested that they not be used at peak times.

Congratulations Birkenhead Transport Ltd for reaching their 80th anniversary!

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Transport & Motoring | Birkenhead Transport

Keeping it in the family Birkenhead Transport is the embodiment of a family run business. Director Robert Inwards is the 3rd generation of the Inwards family to be employed in the business and he shares his director’s duties with his cousin.

“From the 12th December 1933, my grandfather Charles Winchester Inwards was appointed the general manager when we had only three or five buses, now we’re celebrating our 80th anniversary,” Inwards says.

Mark Jackich and his mother Mary Jackich are also involved in the company as director and shareholder, respectively. The collaboration between the Inwards family and the Jackich

family has helped the business retain a family feel while operating as seamlessly as their fleet of buses.

a daily basis, to get out there and be on the buses, even though I’m supposed to be away from the wheel in an office somewhere.”

Robert Inwards is continuing a rich tradition of transporting history in the North Shore and with 68 buses on the road and three more en route, the company certainly has flourished in it’s 80th year.

The managing director’s hands-on attitude is testament to the personal approach Birkenhead Transport prides its reputation on.

As long standing servants to the North Shore, the company likes to keep standards at an optimum to ensure they stay ahead of the transport game.

“The modern, new buses are built by a South Island company and we are looking forward to getting the extra numbers on the road in 2014.”

As the managing director, Robert Inwards isn’t content with just driving a desk, he likes to be on the front line, driving the buses. “I like to see what our staff have to deal with on

80 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“We like to ensure that we are punctual, well presented, this includes our staff and also, we like to stay competitive when it comes to pricing.”

Much alike the Jackich family involvement, Robert Inwards also has his son and daughter

employed within the business, carrying on the family feel of Birkenhead Transport. “My son is our head inspector and my daughter handles HR, it’s nice to keep the company family-run; it helps to retain the company ethos and values consistent when we’ve grown up in the business.”

Robert Inwards’ uncle started with the company in 1947 and although he is technically retired, he still loves to be involved in Birkenhead’s day to day running and can often be found helping out on occasion. Robert’s father was managing director for many years after taking over from his father, and the baton seems to be passed to the deserving hereditary ‘next-in-line’.

Transport & Motoring | Birkenhead Transport

Birkenhead Transport today Today the fleet is largely composed of super low floor and low floor MAN buses, both two and three axle, and the company continues to serve mainly the western side of the North Shore, linking it with Auckland City, Newmarket, Ponsonby, Albany and Takapuna.

billboards, we have our own brand - we’re proud of it and we’re providing a service to our customers without the need for our image to be blemished.

“At the end of the day we’re in the public service industry and we’ve maintained a solid standard for 80 years now, our passengers come first.”

Ironically, during the last few years services have once again been reinstated to Birkenhead Wharf, the place where the company has its roots. School services and charters have always been a part of the operation and remain a solid part of the business today, with a small number of specialised charter vehicles included in the fleet.

As a pioneer in many ways over the past few decades, Birkenhead Transport always sought to innovate in order to please its loyal customer base. As an early adaptor of the Hop Card, the Birkenhead buses kept abreast of changes in the payment methods in order to appease their clientele which has resulted in almost 60 percent of the payments received now coming via Hop Card.

During the years the company has built up a solid reputation for an efficient and safe service with clean reliable buses. Today the company operates almost 70 vehicles from its original site at Verrans Corner and the management is in the capable hands of the third and fourth generations of the family.

“We are traditional in many ways but we like to keep our finger on the pulse when it comes to standards within our industry. As we did a number of years ago, we offer our community the best level of service we possibly can.”

Birkenhead the brand Birkenhead Transport is proud of the long standing brand that has transcended to become one of the most recognised on the North Shore roads.

Operating a strict no advertising policy on the buses, the company forfeits the potential peripheral revenue yet retains a pristine public image.

“Branding is something that often gets lost in the transport industry. We’re not just moving

Running predominantly from Birkdale, Beach Haven, Birkenhead, Glenfield into the city and Takapuna, among a few other smaller routes, the sizeable fleet has more than 90 staff from all four corners of the world assisting its passengers’ daily commuting needs.

The future of Birkenhead Transport The next few years will prove to be pivotal in the Auckland transport arena as new routes go up for tender and with many large companies looking to secure the cities bus market, it could unfortunately end up

“

We are traditional in many ways but we like to keep our finger on the pulse when it comes to standards within our industry. As we did a number of years ago, we offer our community the best level of service we possibly can.

”

- DIRECTOR, ROBERT INWARDS

being a ‘race to the bottom’ as far as pricing is concerned.

“Well it is usually the lowest price not the best service that is chosen, which is a shame, as the smaller companies such as ourselves focus on quality rather than quantity,” Inwards says.

“If it comes down to this, I’d rather operate in a smaller area and do it better, than operate on a large scale and offer a mid-tier service.

As the ultimate form of car pooling, buses can represent a huge cost saver and time saver compared to car ownership and Birkenhead has seen an increase during the last few years of people coming to this realisation.

Catching the bus also helps reduce personal carbon footprint, reduces the numbers of vehicles on the road and saves on parking demand in busy central locations. >

“Outside operators aren’t aware how expensive it is to run a fleet in Auckland and if they oust an existing operator, it’s bad news for both really.”

Birkenhead prides itself on value, quality and service and with 80 not out, the company has certainly struck a chord with its customers.

Even if Robert Inwards describes the future as ‘a little hazy in the crystal ball’, there is assurance to be had in the consumer society we now live in, also appreciates dignity and reliability - two characteristics Birkenhead Transport possess in droves. There is no need, in Robert Inwards mind, to ‘expand for the sake of expanding’.

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Transport & Motoring | Birkenhead Transport

Serving all manner of requests Birkenhead Transport service the community in a number of ways including day charters for schools, clubs, over 60s club, the bowling clubs, the RSA. Birkenhead Transport also help out with special events such as CocaCola’s Christmas in the Park for which they supplied five buses this year.

For all the weekend revellers in Auckland, the Birkenhead Transport night rider provides the cheaper alternative to a taxi and runs through into the early hours of the morning.

This year could potentially see more of the Birkenhead Transport buses on the roads of Auckland as schedules get tighter and buses run more frequently. With three more purpose-built buses en route from the South Island, the presence on the road will be greater in 2014.

With clean, punctual buses and a professional staff Birkenhead Transport aims to do its best in a congested environment.

“We run at about 94-95 percent on-time running, which is hard to maintain due to traffic, illegal parking issues and tight timetables, but we also move heaven and earth to ensure we don’t drop a trip (a passenger).”

Birkenhead Transport’s commitment to its chosen cause is underpinned by a strong company unity that spans generations and nationalities alike. “We have a great range of staff here at Birkenhead Transport and at the last count we had around 15 or 16 different ethnicities from right across the world from Russia to Somalia.”

Robert Inwards has been part of the Birkenhead Transport fabric for 37 years and, as his father was before him, is a life member of the New Zealand Bus and Coach Association. The company itself has been part of the organisation for as long as Inwards can remember; “Myself and my father were made life members of the New Zealand Bus and Coach

We’re proud to support Birkenhead Transport Limited

AT2315

Auckland Transport congratulates Birkenhead Transport Limited for providing 80 years of quality bus services to the people of Beachaven, Birkenhead and Glenfield.

We look forward to the next 80 years.

82 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Association which is a great honour, but I wouldn’t be able to remember how many years Birkenhead Transport has been involved with the association, it’s been that long.”

Birkenhead Transport is held in high regard within the industry and also by the vast majority of its loyal patrons who rely on their timely service to move around the busy Auckland roads.

Robert Inwards is currently looking forward to assisting the company in overcoming the challenges of the next few years and he certainly relishes the prospect of seeing the company turn 90, and ultimately hitting the big 100 - a century not-out!

Inwards and upwards As for Robert Inwards, when asked who the baton was going to be passed to when he retires, there was a swift, meaningful response; “I don’t intend to retire!”

The passion for the company still lives on through the Inwards and Jackich family dedication and with the respect of the industry and the appreciation of the loyal customer base, Birkenhead Transport will undoubtedly march on towards the next company milestone.

In the meantime, a reflection on the past 80 years will invoke nostalgia for the Inward’s and its loyal band of staff.

Next stop, 90 years!

AT

Birkenhead Transport Ltd 2-22 Verran Road Verrans Corner Birkdale Auckland T (09) 483 9119 E office@birkenheadtransport.co.nz www.birkenheadtransport.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Transport & Motoring | Eitherway Freight

The local transport specialists Surviving in the competitive transport industry has never been easy, but Eitherway Freight in Whangarei attributes its longevity to its commitment to servicing the local market through a comprehensive freight offering.

Oakden says the company moves a wide variety of freight, including timber, fertiliser, tiles, food, plants and goods sold on Trademe.

Owned by Colin and Colleen Oakden, Eitherway has been transporting goods throughout Northland since 1996 and has developed a strong reputation for doing a great job.

“We are contracted to take 25 tonnes of freight daily to Auckland. We bring goods back to Whangarei and distribute them around the local loop daily, and we also use on-forwarders, or other transport companies, that take freight as far north as Cape Reinga.

In addition, we receive freight from onforwarders that travel out of the region.”

“Ours is a specialised service for local customers,” Colleen Oakden says. “Four years ago we expanded to Auckland with the line haul run and it now goes every day during the week.”

Eitherway Freight provides everything clients need to safely and effectively transport their freight. The company’s small team delivers the highest quality service, with its fleet of trucks and vans having all the latest features to keep freight well secured.

Eitherway Freight specialises in moving freight from Auckland to Northland

>

Eitherway Freight specialises in moving freight from Auckland to Northland and offers a pick-up and delivery service across greater Auckland.

While Colleen and Colin have no plans to expand their transport service south of Auckland, they would like to grow the local Northland market further and say customers who choose Eitherway Freight get a great value service.

If you have a single package, a larger item, or a whole truck-load of goods, Eitherway Freight can provide safe and effective transportation.

Eitherway Freight can take care of all your Northland transport needs. Its service areas include: • Auckland

The company has access to whatever type of equipment it takes to move your freight. Its first priority is to locate the safest option, then the quickest, and then the least expensive.

• Whangarei

“Time and time again we have satisfied customers who continually praise the care and efficiency with which we handled their transportation needs.”

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Eitherway Freight offers a high quality transport service

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Transport & Motoring | Eitherway Freight

At A Glance | E&H Motors

The performance specialists

“

Service is the big thing for us, as well as communication, I make a number of telephone calls to each client to communicate and give that personal touch.

”

- OWNER, COLLEEN OAKDEN

The family team at E & H Motors don’t just work on cars, they race them too. With nearly a decade of professional racing experience under their belts, the two brothers have competed in a number of top level championships and have the accolades to prove it. So when customers bring their performance car into E & H Motors they are getting top quality knowledge and service that only comes from years of racing experience.

Co-director Hans Ruiterman and his brother Carl have developed the 41 year old business from strength to strength since taking over from their father three years ago. ‘’We have experienced consistent and steady growth of 15 to 20 percent per year since purchasing the business,’’ Hans says. And it’s easy to understand why, when attributing the success to their vast experience on the race track.

Hans is a circuit racing pro; he took out the D1NZ National Time Attack Championship at Hampton Downs 2012, was 5th overall in the GT2 series last year and is a pit crew member for the BMW Race Driver Series.

While Carl is one of New Zealand’s premier drift car drivers, he won all three New Zealand drift racing championships in 2008 and returned in 2009 to retain his title.

Eitherway Freight provides everything clients need to safely and effectively transport their freight

Customers of Eitherway Freight in Whangarei enjoy all the benefits of dealing with a small family business offering excellent service and communication.

Providing a great service The team at Eitherway offer a handson approach and personalised service, meaning customers deal first hand with just one person.

“Service is the big thing for us, as well as communication,” Oakden says. “I make a number of telephone calls to each client to communicate and give that personal touch.”

Oakden places a large focus on ensuring that each client knows exactly what’s going on with their goods pick- up and delivery.

“If the customer has any problems they can ring us directly.”

The staff at Eitherway Freight has many years of combined knowledge on how to move a variety of goods as quickly and safely as possible. “We pride ourselves on making all your freight needs as easy as one simple request. With our team you won’t have to worry about a thing.” AT Eitherway Freight Limited Mangapai Road Whangarei T (09) 432 2132 E eitherwayfreight@gmail.com www.eitherwayfreight.co.nz

The company has a strong reputation in Pukekohe for its motorsport performance work, offering top quality dyno tuning, engine building and full race car preparation for circuit, drag and drifting vehicles.

But maintenance on road cars is also a significant portion of their business with warrant of fitness’s, services and

Hans says ‘’customers come to us looking for more power in their road vehicle, while still retaining the functionality and features in their car, and that’s exactly what we offer them at a reasonable price in a tailor made package deal.

“Our specialised team can fit an after market engine management system and dyno tune the car; this popular service achieves impressive results with an average power increase of 20 percent.’’

E & H Motors recently secured the contract as the sole agent of KAPS Transmissions in New Zealand. The motorsport gearbox is popular among rally drivers in Europe and America due to its faster, smoother shift, strong build and overall quality performance.

Hans says customers are coming to them from across the country to get their high performance car fitted with a KAPS gearbox.

He says the new development has generated a higher profit turn over and has been great for business.

If you want the best results from your vehicle the fully qualified technicians at E & H Motors can modify your street or race car to achieve its optimum performance. AT E & H Motors 179 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe T (09) 238 8987 E hans@ehmotors.co.nz www.ehmotors.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Competing at the top level in their motorsport fields means they know what improvements need to be made to get the edge over opponents and they have proven their products work. ‘’We have spent years developing and researching what works best on the race track and we bring the same passion and knowledge to our customers’ cars to get the best results.’’

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Transport & Motoring | Tiger Traffic

The traffic tamers With more than a million vehicles on Auckland roads today congestion is a fact of life for many people. The heavy usage of the network means maintenance and upgrades are necessary, so proper organisation of road works is crucial to keep the roads safe and the traffic moving.

But not all traffic management companies are equal, and if the right one isn’t selected this can lead to disaster.

Tiger Traffic is the new boy on the block in the traffic management industry and is teaching the competition a thing or two about how to do a stand-up job. The company was established in 2009 by current co-director Kevin Fairbrother and more recently Dave Pakieto has come on board as co-director after working within the business for the last three years.

The pair has quickly earned themselves a reputable name thanks to their emphasis on high safety standards and presentable sites.

Dave says there is so much more involved in traffic management than a line of cones and some shiny signs. ‘’This job has a massive responsibility - roadwork’s are very dangerous areas, particularly at night and it’s our job to keep the public and various contractors working on the site safe. They rely on us to protect them and that’s a critical responsibility we hold very high.’’

Kevin puts an emphasis on installing a sense of pride into their 12 full time staff

and 20 casuals. The team understands the importance of their job and are instrumental in erecting and manning 30 plus roadwork sites per week across Auckland. ‘’Arguably our sites are the most presentable in the industry,’’ Dave says. Tiger Traffic is a high quality brand and the team ensures this standard is maintained. It’s this attitude that means all their equipment from their six trucks, dozens of signs and hundreds of road cones are clean and branded with the tiger logo.

The business ethos Dave and Kevin hold is one of the reasons Tiger Traffic is a success. ‘’Our growth has been largely thanks to a number of repeat customers who are happy with our service.’’

The company’s largest customer is Fulton Hogan and Tiger Traffic is one of a few preferred subcontractors to the transport infrastructure giant. ‘’Securing this supply agreement really confirmed to us we do an unbeatable job at competitive prices,’’ Dave says.

Because Tiger Traffic is an independently owned SME it means you deal directly with

Counties Toyota ‘’We’ve been dealing with Counties Toyota since day one; we bought our first two Toyota Hilux’s from them and continue to trust and rely on Counties Toyota to supply us with vehicles. The whole team from service, finance and sales is great, we’d recommend them any day,’’ Dave says.

the bosses. Dave and Kevin work on the road with their men, which help them to understand their customers’ needs. ‘’Because we are still a small business we can give our clients a personal touch, we follow up with them to make sure everything went well rather then just asking for the cheque. ‘’This business is our baby, we’ve grown it and we’re committed to its long term future. We started out in the recession with three trucks and a lot of debt, but we held it together and now we’re turning a corner.’’

In the short term their goal is to update and expand the fleet of trucks and in the to long term Dave says they want to diversify the business.’

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Transport & Motoring | Resin Weld

A business you can buy into Resin Weld in Auckland is offering customers a wealth of experience and opportunities – not just to get their windscreens professionally repaired, but to become franchise owners of their own exciting repair business.

Resin Weld not only repairs windscreens, it sells the internationally renowned Delta Kits equipment from America to customers wanting to do their own repairs. Established 30 years ago the company remains 100 percent New Zealand owned.

Director Peter Callender believes he’s repaired more windscreens than anyone else in the country and has the experience to help new franchise owners get their businesses up and running.

Resin Weld has been repairing stone chips and cracks on vehicle windscreens since 1984 and uses the most advanced repair technology and state-of-the-art resins available in the world today.

The company offers a fully mobile service and will visit customers all over Auckland to repair their windscreen.

“You’re dealing with a company that has 30 years’ experience and a lot of that is hands-on experience with the repair process. There’s nobody else in New Zealand, as far as I know, who has repaired the number of windscreens that I’ve done.”

Customers and businesses can also purchase the Delta Kits equipment to do their own windscreen repairs. This is ideal for business owners with a large number of vehicles on the road.

“What’s unique about us is that we’re the only New Zealand-owned windscreen repair operation that also has the opportunity to sell the product used in the repair process, which is the Delta Kits,” he says.

“We repair windscreens, we sell the equipment to do it yourself and we can also sell the franchises.”

Peter says his repair system and products are second to none. He believes them to be superior and longer lasting than any other system available in New Zealand.

The majority of windscreens fitted to motor vehicles today are manufactured from laminated glass.

Resin Weld franchise opportunities

The construction is a sandwich made up of two layers of glass with an inner layer of PVB plastic. The repair process involves injecting, under controlled vacuum and pressure, a glass bonding UV curing resin into the crack or stone chip on the windscreen.

Owning a Resin Weld franchise gives people the chance to be part of a great business model and product. There are good financial rewards on offer, as well as comprehensive marketing and training.

Once all the air has been removed from the break the area is exposed to UV light which cures the resin. The process restores the clarity and strength of the original glass and complies with AS/NZS 2366 1999 parts 1 and 2 standards, which Callender helped establish as a standards committee member.

Delta Kits windscreen repair technology is the best there is and can be purchased directly by Resin Weld customers wishing to repair their own windscreen.

• A mobile windscreen repair service throughout Auckland using the finest quality vehicle glass repair products • Purchasing your own Delta Kits windscreen repair system to repair your own windscreens • Becoming a franchise owner of an exciting business that is working to grow a nationwide network of franchises.

Resin Weld has an exclusive distribution agreement with Delta Kits in America, which has been a premier windscreen repair supplier since 1984. Delta Kits manufactures only the finest quality vehicle glass repair products and is constantly evaluating new technologies to keep customers on the cutting edge.

Its premium glass repair resin products were developed specifically for the windscreen repair industry and meet the most stringent tests for strength, clarity, cure time and longevity. Each Delta Kit will allow you to repair windscreen chips and cracks with sufficient resin for at least 100 repairs. AT

A Resin Weld windscreen repair franchise is a mobile van-based business, generally run from your home address, and based on a proven business model that Peter will help you establish in your protected area.

Peter is a chartered engineer with an MBA and has a wealth of experience and support to offer franchisees. He is a member of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and undertakes business mentoring and consultancy.

Delta Kits windscreen repair kits

Resin Weld offers a variety of opportunities to its customers, including:

Resin Weld and Delta Kits PO Box 10014 Dominion Road Auckland T 0800 858 888 E resinweld@clear.net.nz www.resinweld.co.nz www.deltakits.com You can see clearly now – with Resin Weld

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“Customers come to us because we’re a New Zealand-owned company and we’re a

Peter is currently in the process of establishing a nationwide network of franchised businesses trading under the Resin Weld name and its associated trademarks.

Resin Weld in Auckland offers an expert mobile windscreen repair service

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Advanced glass repair technology

specialist in the business. The technology we use is well proven internationally,” he says.

— Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 87

Fabrication | Grayson Engineering

Structural solutions Stagnancy in the commercial market simply won’t do.

You’ve got to be dynamic, evolutionary by nature and learn to roll with the punches. More often than not those punches come in the form of some fairly hefty economic challenges – extenuating circumstances that are beyond your control, but demand the engagement of an unflappable strategy.

David Moore of Grayson Engineering knows this all too well. As the general manager of one of New Zealand’s leading structural steel manufacturers, he doesn’t sugar coat or beat around the professional bush. He acts with purpose and a clear strategy in mind.

When you’re at the top it’s easy to become estranged from the coalface. The stereotype of the white collar sitting in the Ivory Tower certainly exists for a reason – but not within Grayson Engineering’s management structure.

“My first role was in factory maintenance before I moved out to a role working on building sites. It wasn’t until six years after I started at Grayson Engineering that I took on the general manager role, and I do believe that my hands-on experience in the beginning “In 1996, we purchased our first full set of has been an excellent foundation for me to section rolls and that was followed by a work from.” second set of section rolls that we purchased in 1998. In 2000, we procured two sets Established in 1972, Grayson Engineering of plate rolls and in 2013 we added two has grown exponentially since inception. significant pieces of machinery into the mix Throughout the years its consistent growth - the Durma HRB-H-3040 plate roll and the hasn’t necessarily been a sign of the times Durma ADS3400 press brake.” either, as the global financial crisis created The acquisition of this new technology significant fallout across most trade sectors. has propelled the business even further It has, in fact, been the dedication of Moore, forward enhancing its abilities and lifting its commercial manager Colin Berger and their team that has got the business through during throughput of processed steel. even the toughest times, and seen it go from “The commissioning of the new machines strength to strength. took place back in early December 2013,

David Moore entered into the world of Grayson Engineering in a hands-on capacity, and he’s worked actively to stay well acquainted with that role despite his ascent over the years. “It was about 1994 that I joined Grayson’s, which is my family’s business – something we believe really sets us apart.

“We employ around 105 people all together and 20 subcontractors periodically. We did enter the market primarily as a structural steel fabricator and erector, and then about 15 years ago we decided we would start a plate rolling and press brake division of the business, so we purchased just a single machine for section rolling to starting with.

Since he moved into his executive role in 2000, Moore has been working towards diversification – capitalising on an already strong presence in the marketplace, and helping Grayson Engineering fulfil its potential.

Hands on

great because we have had some very challenging installations throughout the years.

“A special thanks to the supplier of the machines, Leabourn and Rose Limited, for ensuring that the assembly and commissioning process was so efficient. This in turn ensured that the two machines were earning their keep within a short time.”

and the process was actually completed by December 10 – only the matter of a week or so.

Business activity levels are starting to increase at Grayson Engineering and the quality and size of the contracts is also on the rise again. This year, 2014, is already offering some encouraging signs and a substantial workload was waiting for the business when it re-opened following the Christmas break.

“We were incredibly pleased with the outcome and the installation of the two machines was one of the best results we have had to date. The machines were up and running with no hitches, which was

Its growth is well accommodated by the premises it relocated to in 2007, and Grayson Engineering is now in a position to deliver further quality services and offer value solutions to engineering challenges.

Air Liquide is proud to provide industrial gases and gas related services to Grayson Engineering Ltd At Air Liquide, we strive to provide innovative solutions to industries in this very competitive market. Whether you are supplying your products locally or internationally, you need to be more efficient than your competitors.

Developments with gas and gas related services such as reticulation systems and the ALTOP™ Integrated Regulator provide this competitive advantage.

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Gillespie Engineering Ltd 51-53 Maurice Road, Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand.

Phone: 64 9 634 2356 or 64 9 634 3956, Fax 64 9 634 0359 Email: info@gillespieengineering.co.nz Website: www.gillespieengineering.co.nz

88 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Fabrication | Grayson Engineering

WORK INVOLVED Stadiums Stadiums have played a major part in Grayson Engineering’s portfolio. As well as the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, Grayson Engineering provided the roof on the new South Stand at Eden Park also in preparation for the Rugby World Cup. Other Stadiums / Arenas include North Harbour Stadium, Waikato Stadium, Mt Smart Stadium, Vector Arena, and the Telstra Clear Pacific Arena.

Bridges Bridges fabricated from steel have become more prominent in recent years.

Grayson Engineering has supplied road bridges at Orewa north of Auckland, Gilchrist Street in Hamilton, Ormiston Road in Auckland, and Atiamuri near Taupo.

Commercial Commercial buildings have been numerous, and those of note include the Sky City Casino, Sky Tower and Convention Centre, Auckland Hospital, University of Auckland Business School, Prince’s Wharf development, Auckland Museum upgrade, Britomart East development, and the new ASB Head Office at Wynyard Quarter.

Industrial Industrial buildings have included power stations in Huntly, Taupo (Te Mihi

Geothermal) and Samoa. Other projects include piperacks, conveyors, chimneys, tanks and ducting work at industrial sites such as Glenbrook Steel Mill, Kinleith Paper Mill, Stockton Mine, Kupe site, and SLN Nickel Mine (Noumea).

Sculptures Sculptures have become somewhat of a side venture as Grayson Engineering’s stellar reputation continues to grow. It has completed a number of large sculptures for Alan Gibbs on his property on the Kaipara Harbour. These have been commissioned by international artists such as Marijke De Goey, Bernar Venet and Anish Kapoor.

A number of sculptures for Anish Kapoor have also been exported to London, Singapore, Korea and France.

Towers Towers can be required for a number of reasons - the most notable tower being the Sky Tower in Auckland. Other towers include Transmission Towers and Communication Towers. Grayson Engineering also has the ability to construct wind towers.

Cranes Cranes fabricated by Grayson Engineering include the main and rear booms for a container crane at the Ports of Auckland, log handling cranes in New Zealand and Australia, and a number of box girder gantry cranes.

“We moved into all new premises at the start of 2007, and this was quite a progressive journey. We used to operate out of a site on Mana Place not far from our current space, and then we started developing another site.

It’s clear these changes have paid incredible dividends for the Grayson Engineering team – not only does it have a loyal client base, but it is also scooping awards here, there and everywhere.

“We moved part of the business into the new site in 2007, and then the final part of the move didn’t happen until 2011. It was quite the logistical exercise as we had a lot of machinery to move.

Projects completed for the University of Auckland Business School, Auckland Museum and Forsyth Barr Stadium won the business awards for excellence in steel construction through Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ).

“It was important we made this move though, just as it is important we continue to acquire machinery as we grow. Ultimately, our infrastructure must be upgraded to cope with new market demands and customer expectations.”

Post-relocation, a rearrangement of the factory also followed suit to accommodate new machines. “That has been a mission in itself and involved moving a whole section of the fabrication machinery and relocating our rolling equipment so it is all under one roof.”

It has also won multiple awards through the AceCad International Drawing Competition Awards including a first place overall for the Forsyth Barr Stadium, 2nd place overall for the Vector Arena, and regional winner (Australia and New Zealand) for the Waikato Stadium.

“We are very proud of how the business has grown over the years and the fact that it is now considered to be one of the leading structural steel fabricators in New Zealand. There’s no doubt it has been quite

competitive throughout the last three to four years because of the global financial crisis.

Even when times are good, we still have to operate in an extremely competitive market.

“Like any business, our success is the sum of many parts. For us, price is one of our strongest points, as is our ability to undertake complex work and deliver our projects on time and to budget.”

Moore also praises his staff for their considerable efforts and skills, acknowledging their invaluable input and loyalty throughout the years. “I am very proud that we have such a high quality of staff working in every element of the business. We do have very long-serving employees who we have brought into the business to uphold the high standards we set for ourselves.

“We consider it to be of the upmost importance that our staff members have a very good demeanor towards our clients, that they are team players, and of course, that they have sound technical knowledge and expertise in this area.”

What’s ahead?

As for the future of Grayson Engineering, Moore says more of the same is on the cards – delivering excellence and fostering strong partnerships with clients.

“We have a big work force, and our aim is also to keep all of the staff in jobs and keep the business profitable. For a long time, we had nil investment in plant and equipment because we had to act cautiously with the economy the way it was.

“We were always working away on investment plans though, and it was always our intention to continue replacing and acquiring new equipment so we could improve our productivity further.

“We see positive signs that the market is improving out there, and are looking forward to new challenges and a high volume of work for the future.”

If you would like to talk to Grayson Engineering about its new machinery or services, please get in contact with David Moore on (09) 278 3366. >

Easysteel congratulates the team at Grayson Engineering for their outstanding achievements over many years and are proud to be a supplier to one of Auckland’s iconic engineering firms.

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Visit our website for more information www.kerf.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 89

Fabrication | Grayson Engineering

Grayson Engineering’s Services Include: Shop drawings Shop drawings are completed in-house by associated detailing company Cadtec Draughting Ltd who utilises 3D modelling software called Tekla. Established in 1995, Cadtec Draughting started detailing with StruCAD and has gained a reputation for its professionalism and meticulous attention to detail.

As a consequence, the business has received many international awards for its work. As well as providing the workshop drawings for fabrication, the software produces CAD data for Grayson’s fabrication machinery, and documentation for quality assurance.

Plate cutting Plate cutting is all done in-house utilising CNC machinery. The mainstream production is done by a Peddinghaus FPDB 1800, which has the ability to alter the cutting process from plasma to gas, and the hole forming from punching to drilling, depending upon the plate thickness involved. This is supported by other profile cutting machines, and the Peddinghaus Anglemaster, which has the ability to punch and crop flat bars, as well as angles.

Section cutting Section cutting is all done in-house utilising CNC machinery. The steel sections are unloaded and stored in a 2500 M2 uncovered yard with a 20 tonne semi-goliath crane.

They are then transferred into the workshop by conveyor and processed (cut, drilled, and profiled for copes, penetrations, and weld preps) through a production line of Peddinghaus saws, beamlines, and coping machines.

All the machines are linked by a series of conveyors and transfer beds to minimize the handling. A Jesco pipe profiling machine with robotic arm does the cutting and profiling of CHS sections.

Plate and section rolling Plate and section rolling is all done in-house within a dedicated rolling shop.

Grayson Engineering has a number of machines and formers, which cater for the differing sizes of UB, UC, PFC, CHS, RHS, and SHS members.

Plate is commonly rolled for the fabrication of pile casings, tanks, debarker drums and ducting. The business also has a 300 tonne brake press for pressing channels, trough sections, and stair treads etc.

Fabrication Fabrication of components is generally limited in size only to what can be transported, and the maximum in-house lifting capacity of 40 tonnes.

Each of the three main workshops is 120 metres long by 24 metres wide with gas, air and water reticulated to all workstations.

Workstations are set up with overhead swing boom wire feed welding units, and are serviced by a combination of 2, 3 and 5 tonne semi-goliath cranes, and 10, 16, and 20 tonne overhead gantry cranes with an under-hook height of approximately 9.5 metres.

All work is carried out by qualified tradesmen to strict QA procedures and

independent testing authorities undertake weld inspections.

Trial assemblies Trial assemblies are often undertaken in-house to ensure the accuracy of the fit up on site. This can mean that extensive jigging is needed to support the structures while fabricating.

Transport Transport is generally carried out inhouse using Grayson Engineering’s own trucks with trombone trailers, or by hiab.

Occasionally external transport is used, particularly for out of town projects, or over-dimensional loads.

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Fabrication | Grayson Engineering

Painting Painting is currently sourced off site at specialist paint shops, which allows the business to have more capacity for fabrication. Sometimes there is a need to paint components that are too big or heavy for paint shops to handle, and therefore these are painted on Grayson Engineering’s premises in a 36 metre x 15 metre facility.

Erection Erection is carried out by a combination of in-house and sublet rigging crews, cranes, and access booms. Often projects require considerable co-ordination and planning to ensure lifts are safe. Grayson Engineering try’s to complete as much ground assembly as possible and minimise the work done at height. It is not unusual to have multi-crane lifts, or occasionally utilise other methods of lifting such as jacking, or even helicopter in remote areas.

Cellular beams Cellular beams are fabricated under license to Westok UK. Grayson Engineering has formed a subsidiary company, Cellbeam NZ Ltd, for the promotion and the fabrication of cellular beams in New Zealand.

A cellular beam is the modern version of the traditional ‘castellated beam’ and consists of a UB or UC member that is cut using patented ‘Ribbon Cut’ technology, and then re-welded to form a new beam 40 to 60 percent deeper.

Typically cellular beams are up to 2.5 times stronger than the parent section, and therefore can provide huge benefits where

long column free spans are required. Also, the open cells allow for services to be run through the beams rather than underneath, thus reducing the floor heights on multistorey buildings.

Buckling Restrained Braces (BRB’S) Buckling Restrained Braces are currently being promoted as a new revolution in the seismic strengthening of existing and new buildings, as an aftermath of the devastating Christchurch earthquake.

Grayson Engineering is partnering with the National Centre for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE) in Taiwan for the promotion and fabrication of Buckling Restraint Braces (BRB’s) in New Zealand.

The BRB can be viewed as a high-efficiency energy dissipation device as it can dissipate the earthquake energy through its development of the full yield strength in both tension and compression.

A typical BRB commonly consists of a core member and a buckling restrainer, separated by an unbending layer. AT

Grayson Engineering PO Box 97-550 Manukau Auckland 2241 T (09) 278 3366 E davidm@grayson-eng.co.nz www.grayson-eng.co.nz

SPECIALISTS IN - STRUCTURAL STEEL, MECHANICAL & PLATE FABRICATION FABRICAION WORKS

TELEPHONE +649 278 3366 FACSIMILE

+649 278 8595

SECTION ROLLING

DDI NUMBER +649 279 7785 FACSIMILE EMAIL

+649 279 7784 rolling@grayson-eng.co.nz

25 Langley Road ,Wiri, Manukau City, Auckland 2104 PO Box 97-550 Manukau City, Manukau, Auckland 2241 WEBSITE www.grayson-eng.co.nz EMAIL EMAIL

davidm@grayson-eng.co.nz colinb@grayson-eng.co.nz

We offer a complete range of services from the detailing of fabrication drawings, manufacture, to the on-site installation of finished product.

We have one of the best equipped structural fabrication, plate cutting, and mechanical fabrication workshops in New Zealand.

The company has the only computerised CNC structural and plate fabrication machinery of its type in the country.

WWW.GRAYSON-ENG.CO.NZ www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 91

Fabrication | Parfoot Engineering

The backbone behind big projects Steel is at the heart of every big construction and infrastructure project and Parfoot Engineering in East Tamaki offers a total steel solution on the major infrastructure projects throughout Auckland.

It works with some of the country’s top civil engineering and construction companies to achieve demanding objectives on heavy fabrication and infrastructure projects.

Parfoot Engineering specialises in heavy steel fabrication and can fabricate to any specification or design and build project.

The company can fabricate for one-off projects, batch work or large quantities of steel fabrication.

Its welding and steel fabrication techniques mean it can successfully meet any requirement. These projects include steel handrails, balustrades, footbridges, bridge work, temporary steel works, support beams, wharf repairs and large machinery repairs.

All work is completed to the highest standards by experienced, qualified tradesmen who finish projects to standard, on budget and

• Heavy fabrication • Contract welding • Site welding • Certified welding

Parfoot Engineering provided maintenance services on “Big Blue”, the crane used on the Newmarket Viaduct replacement project

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Heavy fabrication and welding specialists

Parfoot Engineering’s range of services includes:

• Structural steelwork • Heavy plant repair and servicing • Fitting and machining • Sandblasting and painting.

on time. Hard facing, both in the workshop and onsite, is another area of specialisation.

This work is normally undertaken on drilling equipment and crushers.

Parfoot Engineering undertakes heavy plant repair and modifications and will work outside normal working hours to minimise disruption to the clients’ business.

As well as having a modern well-equipped workshop, the company also has fully set up site staff who are completely self-contained, with each site vehicle set up with its own generator/welders and wire feeders.

Staff are qualified in all major areas of welding for structural, which includes steel framings, bridge steel work, false works, portal frames, beams, curved steel sections, flitch plates and lintels.

Comprehensive workshop and site works service Paul Jensen says one thing that makes Parfoot Engineering stand out from its competitors is its combination of the modern workshop and fully set-up site crews.

“Clients like the combination of the modern workshop, where we can manufacture to their requirements, with the site crews, who can provide a full range of site services,” he says.

“We do a lot of site works. Recently we’ve done a lot of maintenance at the pre-cast site for the Waterview Project, which is part of the Well Connected Alliance. For us the emphasis is on having trained, ticketed, independent site operators who are able to meet clients requirements for site works.”

Jensen says clients really appreciate Parfoot Engineering’s ability to meet tight project time-frames.

“A lot of the work we do is very fast turnaround work; there’s a lot of urgency with it.”

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92 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Fabrication | Parfoot Engineering

Successful recent and current projects include:

Big improvements at Parfoot Engineering

Shed 10

Since taking over Parfoot Engineering in July Paul and Libby Jensen and their management team have been working on developing the company’s systems and procedures. They have considerable experience at managing a large operation and previously ran a successful business within the cleaning industry.

“We’ve made a number of changes, including processes to improve quality control and ensure that we deliver a consistent service to the client. We’ve applied to join the ACC workplace safety management programme as part of our commitment to the health and safety or our staff, customers and visitors in the workshop and on-site.”

He says there is now a real emphasis on managing every aspect of the operation to the highest possible standard. “As well as quality systems, it’s also about managing the information systems. We’re trying to improve those so we get better visibility on things that are happening in the company.

“We’re developing a company culture which we call ‘The Parfoot Way’, which is about achieving excellence in everything we do.”

Equipment within Parfoot Engineering’s large workshop in East Tamaki has been upgraded, while a large investment has also been

The Waterview project Completed for The Well Connected Alliance, Parfoot provided a variety of products and services, from tabletop falsework to pedestrian bridges and a range of site works.

The rail electrification project Parfoot Engineering provided AEP electrification screens and site works for this joint venture between Fulton Hogan and John Holland.

Parfoot Engineering carried out a major steel remediation programme on Auckland’s Shed 10

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The result is that Paul is happy with the direction the company is taking. “We’re transitioning the company through upgrading systems and procedures to get things functioning really well,” he says.

Parfoot carried out a major programme of steel remediation for Macrennie Construction.

made in its back of house infrastructure to support the efforts of its talented management team.

Project portfolio

A better service to customers

These include a large rail project for Fulton Hogan-John Holland joint venture, fabricating safety screens to prevent public access to the electric cables.

Paul says Parfoot Engineering customers are noticing improvements in the company’s responsiveness.

“We’ve had some changes of personnel and we now have people who have a shared passion for what we’re doing and are committed to improving the company,” he says.

“A lot of our customers are really appreciative of what we do in terms of getting work done on time and to budget. We’re building some really strong relationships, which is something else we’re focused on.”

Parfoot Engineering has undertaken several major infrastructure projects in recent months.

Parfoot Engineering is also undertaking work on the Waterview Tunnel project and the support structure and roads surrounding it.

It recently completed a large tabletop falseworks, which is a type of steel boxing that will hold more than 500 tonnes of concrete to form a support platform to part of the new motorway at Great North Road.

“The Well Connected Alliance is a significant customer of ours. We’re about to start work on another new pedestrian bridge for the project,” Paul says. AT

The Ameti project Parfoot is undertaking a large packet of work for NZ Strong, manufacturing and installing handrails and balustrades in a variety of finishes.

The redevelopment of SH16 A significant site works project for the Causeway Alliance.

Parfoot Engineering Limited 11 Neales Road East Tamaki Manukau T (09) 272 3674 E admin@parfoot.co.nz www.parfoot.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Manufacturing | Guala Closures NZ

The seal of success The next time you open a bottle of wine, the chances are the screwcap or closure was made

by Guala Closures NZ Ltd. The company produces millions of closures for some 250 wineries in New Zealand.

Established in New Zealand in 2006, the business is the only screw-cap manufacturer in the country and is the market leader in the supply of closures to the wine industry.

The business was founded in Italy in 1954 and has grown to be the largest global closure manufacturer today. The Guala Closures Group is a multinational leader at international level in the production of non-refillable and aluminium closures for spirits, wine, oil and vinegar, water and beverages, food and pharmaceuticals.

It operates in five continents through 25 production plants and a sales network covering over 100 countries. Global production exceeds 12 billion closures per year. Guala Closures NZ Ltd only manufactures closures for wine bottles, and imports other closures from its sister Guala sites as required.

Sales manager Andrew Twiname says the New Zealand wine industry is investing more into packaging in order to market its products. “This can include different types of glass bottles, revamped artwork on labels and closures, and many who are now top embossing their closures.

“Over the past two years we have developed a cost effective way of producing top

embossed sample caps which we can present to our customers to aid in their marketing decisions. This has paid off and we are top embossing considerably more screw-caps than we were. We are also able to print ultra violet marks on screw-caps which allow our customers to align the print on their closure to the label on the bottle when they bottle their wine.”

Guala Closures NZ Ltd is in the process of introducing a new pre-threaded wine closure to the New Zealand market called Savin Premium™. When the closure is applied to the bottle there is no visible thread on the top of the closure. Visually the exterior of the cap is smooth.

“This is the second pre-threaded closure we will offer The first is called the WAK™ cap and has a bulbous top which when applied to a bottle looks similar to a traditional cork and capsule finish. Benefits of both of these closures are the lack of visible thread, the ability to decorate the entire side of the closure and a more secure seal is achieved as both caps have internal capsules which aid in protecting the top against heavy knocks, which can dislodge the seal,” Twiname says.

Manufacturers of Bins, Pallets and Crates Proud suppliers of: Pallets to Guala Closures NZ

Phone: 09 236 3672

Fax: 09 236 3581 Mobile: 021 991 320

94 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

In 2012 the business introduced to the market the first high pressure sparkling screw-cap in the world called Viiva™. This closure which is manufactured in Guala’s Australian plant is for carbonated wines.

“Constellation NZ was our first customer to adopt this new closure for their Kim Crawford first pick sparkling and latterly for another, Selaks Breeze. In Australia De Bortoli and Treasury Wines are now bottling a number of their big brands under this closure.

“Benefits are Viiva™ closures are more cost effective than cork, wire and foil on traditional bottles, fully recyclable and create far less waste. For the consumer they are easy to open, safe, and you are able to screw the cap back onto the bottle and reseal the product holding the ‘fizz’ in their wine for days.

“This means you can have a glass of sparkling on a Monday reseal the bottle and finish it later in the week, knowing the wine will still have the fizz and you will not have to pour it down the drain,” Twiname explains.

To meet the growing market Guala Closures NZ Ltd is making a major investment in a new

closure printing line which is in the finishing stages of construction in Italy.

“This will arrive early in the New Year and be commissioned in time for the 2014 bottling season. Along with the new printer we are also investing in a new redraw machine which forms the cap from flat sheet aluminium.

“With this new equipment we will have state of the art plant with increased capacity and improved quality to meet the high expectations of our very discerning customers,” Twiname says.

The business also supports the local industry sponsoring trophies at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards and the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards as well as a few smaller sponsorships and donations of caps for research and trials. AT Guala Closures NZ Ltd 610 Rosebank Road Avondale Auckland T (09) 820 9090 www.gualaclosures.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Proud to support Guala Closures NZ 68 Harris Road, East Tamaki Ph: (09) 271 4030 | Fax: (09) 271 4050 | www.straitfreight.co.nz

Manufacturing | Railblaza

Hold everything Raiblaza hit the market in blaze of glory four years ago and hasn’t looked back since. It was Ross Pratt’s very smart response to a market that was crying out for a lot of innovation on the mounting systems front.

Railblaza is a niche business within a niche market and, better yet, it’s in a league of its own. Still in its relative infancy – four years and counting – the business has revolutionised outdoor recreation with its range of mounting systems and accessories for leisure and adventure sports on and off the water.

A niche identified

Lean manufacturing

Since dispatching its first shipment in March 2010, Railblaza has continued to honour its commitment to providing diverse, flexible, user-friendly products to the marine, RV and farming sectors, here and abroad. The business has continued to capitalise on this offering through a process of continual refinement of its product line and customer service that is second to none.

With six part time staff and three full time staff, including Ross and his daughter who is “learning all the ropes”, Railblaza benefits from strong workmanship and a sophisticated manufacturing process.

The scope and the capabilities of the business are testament to Ross’s foresight and ingenuity. “I designed some stuff for a quad bike and then I soon realised it would have real potential within the marine industry.”

With an extensive background in the marine industry Ross was certainly the right guy to determine what the sector was missing.

“I started a company with my father, BEP Marine, in 1980. Our company took on other partners in the 1990s and then we sold it to an America corporation in December 2005. The business is still doing extremely well now, which is something we are quite proud of.

“From there we pushed into the marine industry. We knew what we wanted and needed to do was a little ‘nichey’ and we entered into the market as quite a unique and distinct business.”

Not withstanding the fact that he had conceptualised an innovative concept, Ross concedes it was a challenging commercial ride, and there was nothing laissez faire about the process. “It was really hard to start with – ultimately we were establishing a brand new concept, new brand and new business.

“Sure, we had all the contacts and of course they paid dividends, but the first year was undeniably tough. After that first year of establishment though we really started to gain traction and for the last three years leading up until now, we have been reputation building and successfully diversifying.”

“We are very fortunate to have the expertise of our operations manager Mike Edgington, who was responsible for implementing very strong lean manufacturing principles.

“One of our greatest strengths is that we have been able to develop our own strategies and systems from the outset instead of inheriting someone else’s bad habits, which is often what can happen when you purchase an existing business.”

Lean manufacturing has been a significant win for the business enabling it to drive labour times and therefore costs down.

It is the sophistication of its products and processes that earned Railblaza recognition in the 2013 Westpac North Auckland Business awards.

“Mike entered us into the awards – it’s not something we would usually do, but we were pleasantly surprised and a little bit shocked actually. We were entered into the ‘best emerging business’, ‘best start-up planning’, and ‘best in exporting’ categories, and we were thrilled to win the best emerging business award.

For the future, Ross says further diversification and growth is on the commercial cards.

A snap shot of Railblaza products BOATING RailMount 19-25 • Railblaza Rail Mounts are simple to use mounts, allowing the easy attachment of Railblaza accessories and many other things, to your rails. Combine them with a Railblaza Platform or TracPort Dash 500 and the possibilities are endless.

• The RailMount 19-25 can be mounted onto any 19-25mm (.75-1’’) rail in minutes, they come either as a pair of RailMounts, or packaged as a single RailMount & StarPort combo.

• All RailMounts come complete with adapters, rubber grips, self-adhesive grip tape and the necessary stainless steel mounting screws.

“We will keep developing and diversifying our product range. Since inception, we have been running at about a fifty percent growth rate per annum – that will probably be our growth for some time. This will be achieved through our market maturing, and also through us manufacturing and delivering new products.” AT

This diversification is all part of Railblaza’s commitment to providing dynamic solutions.

These solutions are also stylish, practical and will meet most budget requirements.

The simplicity of its StarPort mount has resonated far and wide. StarPort can be surface mounted and remain low profile, or the profile can be reduced even further with minimal rear intrusion. It can also be mounted on a rail.

Exporting to Australia and to 20 countries across the world, it’s clear the business isn’t just a trailblazer in its home country.

Display Stands Consumer Boxes Presentation Boxes

Railblaza 6 Tavern Road Silverdale T (09) 426 1475 E ross@railblaza.com www.railblaza.com — Advertising Feature

Wine Boxes Industrial Boxes Stock Boxes

Boxkraft is a packaging supplier with a difference Congratulations Railblaza Ltd for your ‘Best Emerging Business’ award.

We are proud to support Ross and the team and wish them every success for the future.

Call us today for a free quote or see our website

09 525 5477 • www.boxkraft.co.nz

Total Solution Providers Concept

Finished Product

Proud to support and be associated with Railblaza Ltd

Product Design Design Analysis Tooling Design Tool Manufacture Injection Moulding P 06 843 4386 F 06 843 9449 E ntd@ttntd.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 95

Manufacturing | Aquaheat NZ

Climate control specialists Established in 1950, Aquaheat has expanded to become a market leader in a number of specialised areas and services a multitude of different sectors including commercial, education, industrial, infrastructure and manufacturing amongst a host of others.

So, what does Aquaheat offer?

Aquaheat has become the go-to company for a number of industries looking to have systems including air-conditioning, ventilation and piped services designed and installed by professionals with a wealth of knowledge complimented by a strong skill-set.

With more than 220 employees countrywide based at branches in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch, forms a national operation with tailored solutions to a range of building services.

From large-scale project management, design and build, estimating, servicing and maintenance, to specialist mechanical solutions for hi-tech environments, Aquaheat is able to guarantee high quality installation and service throughout the mechanical process.

Aquaheat offer mechanical solutions across a wide variety of industries and building types. The talented team can assist with the design of many systems to provide a turnkey solution that meets and exceeds all the client’s necessary requirements.

National company, distinctly local Although Aquaheat has a national presence, potential customers may have a misconception that it is too big to cater to the smaller companies. This couldn’t be further from the truth as Brett Laurent, Auckland regional general manager, explains.

“We value our clients, no matter the size.

Aquaheat are proud to offer services to a wide range of companies, large or small – we treat both with the respect and attention they deserve.”

As one of the top tier mechanical contractors in the Auckland region (and nationally) Aquaheat is capable of delivering complex projects. Some notable recent projects are the Britomart East building, ASB North

Wharf, Rotorua Hospital, and the University of Auckland Medical School Boyle building and Central Plant.

Laurent explains how the company’s focus on quality management and project delivery has developed long term relationships with clients and subsequently has positioned the business well for continued growth.

“Our strength is our people and the skills and experience they possess. We invest time in training and developing our staff so that we can be sure to provide our clients with quality work and the best solutions,” Laurent says. >

“The past three years has been particularly tough for the construction industry and we have seen main contractors and competitors fail. With the commercial strength of our parent company Horizon behind us, and the loyalty of our repeat clients, combined with our focus on delivering the required quality on time, Aquaheat has survived in good health. We are now well positioned for growth in response to the increasing project demand that is currently evident in the construction sector.“ Aquaheat offers an array of experience in a number of diverse fields with its knowledgebase a primary component and selling point.

On offer: • HVAC and refrigeration services • Process heating systems • Process piping systems, medical and industrial gas systems • Routine and reactive service and maintenance • Specialist fire protection systems • Plumbing and drainage systems • Design and engineering using the latest AutoCAD and Revit BIM software • Colt products and systems • General mechanical and engineering services.

COOKE INDUSTRIES

Providing quality and innovative commercial air conditioning product solutions.

Proudly NZ owned and operated for over 80 years

Air Handling Products

Refrigeration Products

Heating Products

Ducting Products

Telephone 09 579 2185 | www.cookeindustries.co.nz 96 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Acoustic Products

Manufacturing | Aquaheat NZ

Case study – ASB North Wharf

Green Star buildings with the help of Aquaheat

ASB’s headquarters located on Auckland’s North Wharf presented Aquaheat with an opportunity to contribute towards the building’s Green Star 5 Rating design – a natural progression for a company actively involved in the New Zealand Green Building Council.

• Ormiston Senior College, Auckland Green Star Rating 5 • Deloitte Centre, Auckland Green Star Rating 5 • Asteron Centre, Wellington Green Star Rating 4

The energy efficient complex planned to reduce operational costs through intelligent design including the tailored heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVAC).

The open-plan, activity based design of the building, was well suited to a mixed mode building that combines a displacement airconditioning system with opening windows and a roof mounted funnel that induces air movement through the building.

This means the HVAC systems installed will only operate for approximately 60 percent of the time resulting in a sizeable 40-50 percent reduction in energy consumption.

Aquaheat’s expertise and experience were put to good use for the execution of such a complex commercial build, where the majority of spaces have no ceiling and the building services were on display and needed to be installed to achieve a high standard of finish.

A unique example are the main supply air ducts that drop through the central atrium that have no visible means of supports, but achieve the required seismic ratings using a bespoke designed internal structure.

• BNZ Centreport, Wellington Green Star Rating 5 • Britomart East Building, Auckland - Green Star Rating 5 • Conservation House in Wellington Green Star Rating 5 • Solid Energy Showplace – Christchurch Green Star Rating 5.

Green by nature Aquaheat, as proud members of the NZGBC, has been involved in a number of buildings that have achieved an impressive level of environmental sustainability and have been rewarded with the coveted Green Star rating.

Maintenance It is important to Aquaheat that the company ensures the systems installed continue to give clients reliable and efficient service for many years after the installations are completed.

Aquaheat has experienced service technicians to maintain the air-conditioning systems, equipment and provide a 24/7 call out service to attend to any breakdowns.

In August 2013, as part of Aquaheat’s growth strategy in the service market, it purchased Airpro Service and Clean Air Management.

This acquisition was made to complement Aquaheat’s existing contracting business in the Auckland region and was consistent with their strategy to build a business that could support their clients in all aspect s of HVAC installation and maintenance.

Airpro offers tailor made programmed preventative maintenance and 24 hour service to the full range of mechanical services. Airpro provide on-going support for systems installed by Aquaheat and for existing buildings HVAC systems.

Airpro have a full range of technical ability from fully qualified and highly experienced refrigeration engineers, registered IQP inspectors, and air systems cleaning specialists.

Colt International Ltd Alongside the maintenance and contracting services, Aquaheat is also the New Zealand licensee for Colt International Ltd, providers of smoke and fire control systems, natural ventilation, car park ventilation and solar shading.

This extra ‘string to the bow’ compliments the Aquaheat’s core business and provides extra services for potential clients to choose from which reduces the logistical issue of having extra contractors on-site.

Industrial and infrastructure During the last few years, Aquaheat has completed jobs in the industrial and infrastructure sectors including dairy processing plants, waste water treatment plants, pumping stations, power generation plants and manufacturing facilities.

This market has become a key part of the future growth of Aquaheat as the company increases its reputation for offering turn-key, quality solutions based from experience.

The future certainly looks bright for the Aquaheat team as it continues to build on success founded on more than 60 plus years of history.

When planning your next construction project, Aquaheat New Zealand welcomes the opportunity to have early input into the mechanical services design, to offer solutions and add the maximum value to your project. AT Aquaheat New Zealand Limited Unit B, 483 Rosebank Road Avondale Auckland T (09) 828 5400 M 021 578 352 E john.forsyth@aquaheat.co.nz www.aquaheat.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Johnson Controls is a global multi-industrial company with an established core New Zealand business in the HVAC industry, serving customers both on the north & south island. Our 170,000 global employees continuously design, manufacture and deliver the right innovative, sustainable solutions at the right value.

At Johnson Controls, we deliver on our promises.

For more information, contact Martin Tucker at: +64 9 984 3957 | www.johnsoncontrols.com.au 98 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Manufacturing | Koves Plastic Industries

New product development Four decades of providing quality injection moulded components to the industrial, commercial and retail sectors, while also creating specialised customerspecific components, has seen Koves Plastic Industries Limited ‘break the mould’ in its line of work.

Koves work across a wide spectrum of industries, supplying customers with high quality, unique products that have seen the company flourish within its chosen market.

The precision injection moulding market is everywhere and certainly far-reaching; for example, the headphone jack’s on air-craft, if you’ve used one of these, then most likely you’ve used a Koves Plastics product without even knowing it.

With 40 years of experience behind the team, Koves is the go-to company for advice and a knowledge-based service, especially valuable for solving product related issues, not to mention it runs a 24/7 operation.

Knowledge is power

Moulding a vision

Accompanying Koves’ comprehensive service is an in-depth knowledge of polymers; this ensures a product development flows consistently through from design to material selection and tool making.

Koves Plastic Industries work with clients to ensure the products it produces are of the highest quality and best value, while ensuring it stays atop of the plastic injection moulding market.

From concept to production, the Koves’ team apply its accumulated industry experience and knowledge to produce market-ready products that align with a client’s initial vision and requirements.

Business Employment Franchising Family Law

Property Wills Trusts Estates Our lawyers:

• Guy Newlove • Brendan Wood • Peter Oliver

• John Waugh • Tim Goulding • Jane Goulding • Josephine Munro

• David Gray • Bronwyn Hantz • Maria West • Ross Reddy

• Georgia Read • Tara Wratten • John Goulding[consultant] • David Daniel[consultant]

We are proud to have been lawyers for the Koves Group for 40 years.

We are your local lawyers, providing legal services to the Onehunga community, since 1945.

33 Selwyn St, Onehunga Auckland 1643 Phone 6222222 Fax 6222555 Email: enquiries@doglaw.co.nz

www.doglaw.co.nz

So what does Koves offer?

Managing director Andrew Weisz-Koves says “Our Company philosophy has always promoted long term associations in all areas of our business. We have clients who have been with us for over 30 years. Many members of our team have given more than 25 years service and the average period of employment is 15 years. The long service of our team, gives us consistency and stability in all our operations.“ The Auckland-basd operation includes 28 injection moulding machines with clamping pressures varying from 22 to 360 tonnes.

Such a large scale operation also has the capacity for smaller production runs, anywhere between a few thousand, and hundreds of thousands. >

• Concept – Bring your ideas or concepts to Koves • Design – From new products to product improvement • Prototypes – Latest technology and rapid prototyping • Tooling – In-house design team with over 30 years experience • Moulding – European injection moulding machines ranging up to 360 tonne • Assembly – Drill, tap, clip and twist.

Koves takes care of it • Packaging – Koves can deliver to the client ready for the market • Quality – ISO9001:2008 certified TQM administered.

Machinetech Ltd

IMPORTERS OF QUALITY MACHINERY

Proud supplier to

Koves Plastics

Offering New Zealand’s largest stock of plastics machinery, ancillary equipment and spare parts

for Plastics Machinery & Cooling Equipment.

Specialising in the importing of equipment for the plastics industry since 1994

PO Box 12899 Penrose, Auckland 112A Mays Road, Penrose, Auckland P: 09-633-0071 E: info@machinetech.co.nz www.machinetech.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 99

Manufacturing | Koves Plastic Industries

“

Testimonials

“Koves Plastic Industries has supplied moulded plastic components to Phitek Systems for over 10 years. We have found Koves to be helpful and knowledgeable and the mouldings are world class. Koves is a reliable and supportive supplier. Koves’ attention to detail, quality, service and delivery on time is invaluable.”

- Phitek Systems Limited

Taking an idea from concept to reality is a difficult process but Koves has the ability to act as a one-stop-shop for all injection moulding requirements.

Koves’ operations • Highly experienced staff • Modern in-house tool room

• Simple to complex tools

Assisting with design, material choices, it can also build the tooling in-house, find the correct plastics and mould on time to specification. Once created, products can then be electro-plated, PAD printed, screen printed, EMI shielded, vacuum metalised, painted or powder-coated.

• Total tool management -safe storage and scheduled maintenance

40 not out

• Mold-flow Analysis • In-house CAD/CAM • Tool designing and tool making

• In-house facility for tool modifications • Experience with over 700 polymer materials • Precision moulding to fine tolerances • Small run capable and large run competitive.

With the Koves team about to enter its 5th decade in the business, it has certainly seen some interesting changes in the market. In fact, Koves itself was incorporated in 1969 by ‘Papa Koves’ and originally began life as a jewellery and button manufacturer.

Nowadays the Auckland-based team has an array of customers with a diverse product requests including components for fishing

lures in the United States, to Phitek Systems Ltd headphone jacks for international airlines.

“One of the joys of this industry is being involved in the development of products in New Zealand that our client will export around the world,” Weisz-Koves says Quality is continually at the forefront of Koves Plastics operations and is proudly ISO 9001:2008 certified. The company also runs a stringent in-house ‘total quality management’ to ensure quality is consistent throughout an essential requirement for large scale production runs.

Tooling Tooling is an integral element of the Koves Plastics business and one that many of its clients consider invaluable. As with the injection plastic moulding side of the business, Koves have the knowledge and industry experience to solve a problem – simply put – they have the tools for tooling.

“Koves have produced mouldings for Compac on several product developments. Koves have been involved from concept and prototyping to product design, material selection, tool construction and development.

Their expertise is extremely valuable to Compac and we like their team approach.

I can definitely say that Koves have helped us succeed in markets all over the world. We look forward to working with Koves as we bring future products to market.”

- Compac Industries Ltd

“Koves’ quality, service and price made our system cost effective and definitely contributed to our rate of production on this project and ability to meet a very tight programme (1.8 km of duct trench along Ti Rakau Drive). Koves’ plastic beam and cradle system proved excellent to support these ducts and maintain the dimensional accuracy required.”

- HEB Construction

Shaping the future

”

Rolling back the years, 40 years ago Koves Plastics set out on a journey into the business world that is decidedly different from the position the company now finds itself in.

A stable of satisfied and loyal customers trust the team at Koves to provide quality plastics to help attain a cutting-edge in their chosen market. The future is certainly shaping up to be interesting for the diverse Onehunga-based operation as they continue to power through the decades. AT

Proud to have been associated with Koves Plastic Industries Ltd for over 20 years

www.rplnz.com

Koves Plastic Industries Limited 143 Captain Springs Road Onehunga Auckland T (09) 634 4410 E koves@koves.co.nz www.koves.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Celebrating 40 years ENGINEERING PLASTIC SOLUTIONS PRECISION INJECTION MOULDERS AND TOOLMAKERS

WE SUPPORT NZ INDUSTRY 143 Captain Springs Rd, Onehunga 1061 PO Box 13-416 Auckland 1643, NZ Phone 09 634 4410 Fax 09 634 2649 Email sales@koves.co.nz www.koves.co.nz ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED 100 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Marine, Boating & Fishing | DMW Trailers

The boat trailer specialists DMW Trailers Limited in Hamilton can design and build a trailer for any type of transportable boat; large, small, old or new.

The business celebrated its 40th year in 2013, which is a significant milestone. The company is believed to be the only New Zealand trailer manufacturer specialising exclusively in boat trailers. DMW Trailers is naturally very proud of this achievement and that of continuing to be a family owned business.

“The criteria for the larger trailer is the on-road weight, which is up to 3.5 tonne,” Dutton says. “Last year we made a boat trailer for a 9.2m boat, which was made out of composite materials. It was light weight for its size, so it met the 3.5 tonne limit.”

Owner Greg Dutton has been in the marine industry his whole life; he’s been either selling boats or building boat trailers since he started working in 1976.

“In the marketplace there are cheap import trailers but we are very much at the quality end, which has been one of our strengths.

People who want to buy quality boats want to buy quality trailers as well.”

This extensive history and experience means DMW Trailers has a wealth of knowledge to help create the ultimate trailer for every boat. “The added advantage for us is that I know boats; I know all the products, even the old boats,” he says.

Building quality trailers DMW Trailers builds trailers for jet skis and small dinghies through to trailers up to about 8.6m long.

Quality is a big focus for DMW Trailers, which targets those at this end of the market.

DMW Trailers uses quality Trojan trailer components, while all parts and accessories used meet the high standard required.

The company offers a five year structural warranty on the chassis and a one year warranty on all components.

Whenever you call DMW Trailers for parts, accessories or servicing, just quote your serial number and they will be able to tell you exactly what trailer you have and what is required.

DMW Trailers DMW Trailers is celebrating 40 years of building high quality boat trailers.

New Stabicraft contract

The company builds trailers for a huge range of boats, old and new, ranging from jet skis up to 3.5 tonne capacity.

DMW Trailers has recently secured a contract as the preferred trailer supplier for Stabicraft Boats in the North Island.

DMW Trailers is the preferred trailer supplier for Stabicraft Boats in the North Island.

It manufactures for re-sale through boat manufacturers and dealers throughout New Zealand, as well as for the export market.

DMW Trailers specialises in general trailer repairs, refurbishing, regalvanising and WOF work.

Growth and success DMW Trailers services customers throughout the North Island, but also sends trailers to the South Island and offshore. While the financial downturn in 2008 saw tough times for the company, Dutton says business has begun to thrive again now.

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“I have a great team at DMW Trailers and they have worked really hard and it has paid off; business at the moment is great.”

Greg Dutton says the contract is a huge coup for his company, as Stabicraft is the largest manufacturer of aluminium boats in the country. “We’ve just got that contract and it’s quite significant for us and is at the top end of quality boats in the marketplace for aluminium.

“Stabicraft now sits alongside the already strong associations with Haines Hunter, Buccaneer, Senator, Smuggler, Profile and Nautiques, and various other boat builders who we deal with exclusively.” AT DMW Trailers Limited PO Box 20116 Te Rapa Hamilton T (07) 849 4721 E greg@dmwtrailers.co.nz www.dmwtrailers.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Trojan is proud to have had a long association with all of its customers and we are pleased to congratulate DMW Trailers on their 40 years of outstanding contribution to the industry.

Happy to be associated with DMW Trailers.

Strengthening Trailers through Hot Dip Galvanizing since the early 1970s.

As a specialist manufacturer of light trailer components including suspensions, braking systems, couplings, springs and accessories we strive to support an industry that is synonymous with New Zealand culture.

14 Manchester Place, Hamilton P 0800 650 724 or 07 8500 120, F 07 8500 129 www.perry.co.nz

0800 TROJAN (876 526)

www.trojan.co.nz www.dmwtrailers.co.nz

Specialist manufacturers of: Quality Boat Trailers, Parts & Accessories WOF & Braking Systems, Repairs & Re-galvanising Extras available on request 102 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

12 Karewa Place PO Box 20116, Te Rapa, Hamilton Ph 07 849 4721 Fax 07 849 9104 E greg@dmwtrailers.co.nz

Marine, Fishing & Boating | James Nilsson

Pulling power New Zealand’s marine industry expertise covers the entire spectrum of boat building and fitting.

The industry’s reputation is built on knowledgeable companies delivering quality products.

One such company is James Nilsson Limited which is continuing its tradition of designing and manufacturing internationally leading capstans and winches.

The Auckland company operates three main areas of business: marine winches for pleasure craft, custom-built captive reel winches and customised component manufacturing.

A major portion of the business is in the design and manufacture of marine winches for pleasure craft. These are the Seawinch brand, which cover anchor winches, docking, mooring, long line fishing, davit winches, Cray pot hauling and furling capstans, as well as a rope/chain combo winch and all chain models.

The company operates a multi-axis lathe, standard CNC lathes, two machining centres with CAD CAM facilities, gear cutting and other machine shop plant. A large floor area is allocated to winch assembly, service work and parts storage. The company also regularly sub contracts work to other engineers and offers service to all brands of winches.

James Nilsson has its origins in a company founded by Jim and Faye Nilsson in 1965, to manufacture components arising from a winch built for his father out of washing machine parts, a starter motor and a sold drum, which started a significant winch manufacturing business that had a solid export base by the mid 1970s.

Today James Nilsson is a registered private company now owned by Grant and Debbie Nilsson and one of New Zealand’s most experienced winch manufacturers, often breaking new ground with innovative designs driven by customer needs.

Total staff including the working director and his wife is around 10 people. Grant Nilsson joined the company as a machine operator on the shop floor in his early 20s back in the 1980s. Grant later teamed up with Jerry Bennett as a business partner in 1991 and they bought the business from Jim Nilsson.

Grant Nilsson is responsible for the operation of the workshop and computer systems and design work. Debbie Nilsson takes care of winch sales and helps in the office with administration. Sheila is responsible for accounts and office administration.

“

The good thing about this company is that it’s a family-owned business. We stand by our product and perform full repairs and servicing in house.

”

Jerry Bennett is semi-retired but still doing some design work.

“We have a great team of people here who work hard to produce a high standard of parts for the winches,” the company says.

Customers serviced include most of the New Zealand marine industry, including direct sales to end uses, the super yacht industry and a number of varied engineering component customers.

Much of the super yacht business entails a high degree of technical liaison with builder and designers both in New Zealand and offshore. This is achieved by extensive use of email and CAD facilities based at the company and in the private offices of Grant Nilsson and Jerry Bennett.

The company is strongly computer oriented and adopted CNC technology early in its history.

finding that there is more call for specialty winches, such as winches for pulling cables under ground, pulling punts through sewers to clean the walls, winches for lifting decks; the options are endless.

“The good thing about this company is that it’s a family-owned business. We stand by our product and perform full repairs and servicing in-house.

CH400 SS marine cover

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The other significant business area is precision and production manufacture of components to the customer supplied specification.

This partnership lasted many years until Jerry decided to semi-retire in 2008, when Grant bought Jerry out.

It has always specialised in custom manufacturing as well as production engineering and this has led to a thriving business in the supply of captive sheet winches for the super yacht industry during the years, each set being varied to suit the requirements of the yacht being equipped.

“Although most of our winches are for the pleasure boat market, these days we are

“Our products are New Zealand made and the Nilsson name is well-known all over the world.” AT James Nilsson Limited 69 Hillside Road Glenfield Auckland T (09) 444 5219 E sales@jamesnilsson.co.nz www.jamesnilsson.com — Advertising Feature

T H E RMO

POLYCOATINGS High Quality Surface Preparation

All your sandblasting needs Proud to support James Nilsson with their sandblasting and painting requirements.

P. 09 443 0183 M. 021 990 540 E. thermopoly@ihug.co.nz

» » » »

ANCHOR WINCHES SPECIAL PURPOSE WINCHES MOTOR SPARES SERVICE ANCHORS

Email: sales@jamesnilsson.co.nz Phone: 09 444-5219 0800 4-WINCH | Fax: 09 444-5222 69 Hillside Rd, Glenfield, Auckland 0627, New Zealand www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 103

Marine, Boating & Fishing | The Engine Room

Nautical by nature The Engine Room is the heartbeat of many boats, it is also a servicing and repair centre based in Birkenhead, central to many of the major boating marinas.

Like all good boats, The Engine Room has a reputable skipper at the helm of the business with experience on the water, and under it!

Andrew Winter took the wheel at The Engine Room in December 2002, 10 years after the business was founded. Winter served as a marine engineer in the UK Navy for many years and when asked if he’d seen the world on the waters, he sharply replied “well, through a periscope!”

Winter was deployed as a marine engineer on submarines, hence the periscope quip, yet his passion for marine engines extends as deep as the depths he used to be employed at.

“I’ve always been interested in marine engines, I’ve been playing with them since I was 17 and considering I’m now in my 50s, you could say I have a fair wealth of experience to bring to the company,” he explains.

Winter assists a two man team at The Engine Room who focus their core expertise on helping customers with spare parts, engine evaluations, engine installations and even sea trials. Andrew Winter’s partner Vicki also helps steady the ship in an admin role.

Can Etiam Help With All Your Accounting Issues?

Yes, Certainly!

As national stockists for John Deere, Scania, Bukh and Beta Marine – the company has a wide range of different horsepower engines available for the Auckland boating community to choose from.

Business Management Taxation Accounting Accounting Systems

“The company specialises in marine engines, particularly marine diesel engines, engine sales, servicing, repairs and spares parts with some major engine brands to offer the marine market,” Winter says.

P: (09) 486 7005 F: (09) 486 7050 E: admin@etiam.co.nz 6 Como Street, Takapuna Auckland, New Zealand www.etiam.co.nz

The Engine Room not only has an impressive range of engines and the ability to recondition, it has the added value of a manager with 17 years’ navy experience and, more importantly, a passion for the line of work.

“

The company specialises in marine engines, particularly marine diesel engines, engine sales, servicing, repairs and spares parts with some major engine brands to offer the marine market – such as Beta Marine and John Deere.

”

- ANDREW WINTER

Earning his sea-legs during the years has certainly helped Winter when giving advice to customers and his experience certainly adds an extra element of trust when approaching the doors of the Birkenhead branch.

Weathering the storm It is no secret the marine industry suffered as a result of the global financial crisis. As one of the perceived luxuries of the rich, yachts and pleasure boats were inevitably pushed to the bottom of the priority list for many of the wealthy lucky enough to own them.

The industry however, is beginning to see the ramifications of such necessary neglect as Winter explains. “We are now seeing twice as much repair work due to the boats being left in the shed until the economy has righted itself; now slowly but surely, the covers are coming off the toys. We seem

to have seen the bottom, hopefully it’s an uptrend from here on in, taking us back to the heyday of 2003 - 2004.”

The America’s Cup, as painful as the final result was, captures the attention of the global yachting industry and New Zealand’s involvement in both teams certainly did perk the ears of marine world.

Winter, a resident Kiwi now, explains that “The Americas Cup still leaves a bitter taste, but it did New Zealand no harm. The coverage continually pointed out the Kiwi involvement in both teams.

“Obviously a win would have boosted our reputation a bit further, but the eyes of the world were still on New Zealand’s boating ability, building and sailing.”

Christmas and summer is always a hectic rush for the team at The Engine Room as the many seasonal marine enthusiasts decide to prep their boats for the fine weather and hopefully finer fishing!

Complete engine reconditioning | Aluminium and cast welding | Full cylinder head servicing General engineering | On site broken bolt, stud removal and thread repairs Crankshaft snout and keyway repairs in chassis | Full drive in /drive out engine fitting service Full vehicle servicing and mechanical repairs 6-10 Auburn Street, Auckland | Phone. 09 377 8404 | Email. taylorautomotive@xtra.co.nz 104 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Marine, Boating & Fishing | The Engine Room

“

In their words “The Engine Room are genuinely a really good crowd providing a top service.

They always go the extra mile for us and they understand our unique needs.

With a ferry service in the morning and afternoon we have little room for error and downtime can be costly, therefore we appreciate their prompt turnarounds and ability to get a team to us, if needs be.

They have a succinct knowledge and accompany it with a great deal of honesty. If something is wrong and it needs to be fixed, they tell us and inturn we listen!

John Deere

The Engine Room are always flexible and they also show us a great deal of loyalty as one of their clients. They’re a very personable company and we have a good working relationship, they’re competitive with their pricing and their access to parts is second-to-none.

Here at Belaire Ferry, we always look to preventative measures rather than ‘wait and see’; therefore we appreciate the mechanical input from the team at The Engine Room.

All in all, The Engine Room are a genuine company and we look forward to working with them in the future.’

– Adam Tallentire, managing director, Belaire Ferry Ltd

”

The engines John Deere Most famed for the agri-machines, John Deere has transferred the experience of land based engine ability and adapted it to marine engines. Used for either pleasure of marine use, their engines range from 4.5, 6.8, 9.0 and 13.5 litre capacities and between 75 to 750 horsepower.

Built with performance and longevity in mind, John Deere is one of The Engine Room’s most popular engines.

Bukh The Engine Room is the distributor for Bukh, another quality engine brand to add to their line-up.

Beta Marine Beta produce quality, quiet, economical and smooth running engines and The Engine Room consistently receive good feedback from their sales or recommendations of Beta Marine.

Howick Coast Guards are a long term client of The Engine Room and the ‘Coast Guard 1’ boat uses a Scania engine so it provides priority service due to the nature of its work.

Private craft The pleasure boat industry represents the main bulk of work for The Engine Room.

The company can cover 90 to 95 percent of engine requirements with the Beta Marine and Bukh range. Accompanying the large product range is a solid sales support from the knowledgeable team at The Engine Room.

Commercial boats Andrew Winter can also claim to have experience in the commercial fishing industry after a number of years as an engineer onboard a variety of commercial catchers. The Engine Room also caters to the requirements of the commercial boating industry including Belaire Ferries whom they have had a long standing working relationship. AT

With the Beta Marine popularity in mind, The Engine Room launched a new website under the name of www.betamarinenz.net which includes a breakdown of the offerings, as well as a link to The Engine Room’s Facebook page.

The Engine Room Ltd 34 Enterprise Street Birkenhead North Shore City T (09) 480 2248 E theengineroom@xtra.co.nz www.betamarinenz.net — Advertising Feature

Simms Diesel & Turbocharger Service Ltd 77 Leonard Road, Penrose, Auckland

The competitive pricing and solid build has captured the market’s attention and The Engine Room will be looking to increase their market share as a distributor of the Beta Marine engines and Beta Marine generators.

Beta Marine

Beta Marine

Simms Diesel & Turbocharger Service Ltd is proud to support The Engine Room now and in future.

Scania

• We specialize in Supplying and Servicing all Brands of Diesel Fuel

Scania, the reputable Swedish marine engine company, trusts The Engine Room to be a service agent for its electronic and mechanically controlled variants. Scania also represent the most powerful engine in The Engine Room’s arsenal at just over 1,000 horsepower.

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[t] 09 5791159 [e] sales@simmsdiesel.co.nz [w] www.simmsdiesel.co.nz

For all your onboard engineering requirements, we can offer:

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- Marine diesel engine sales and installations - Service, maintenance and repairs for a large range of engines - Comprehensive stock of spare parts

Ph: 09 480 2248 Fax: 09 480 2258 e-mail: theengineroom@xtra.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 105

Marine, Boating & Fishing | Dixon Manufacturing

Delivering all things marine Dixon Manufacturing, MarineXpress and Euro Boats are three companies in the same fleet captained by Andrew Wilkes and Jane Warren, as they look to buoy their business through growth and acquisition.

“

The waters certainly run deep at this collection of companies and it will be ‘all hands on deck’ as 2014 shapes up to be exciting year with new products complementing the existing range.

MarineXpress was started by Andrew Wilkes and Jane Warren in 2001 to import marine chandlery and electronics to service the demand in the New Zealand market. In true Kiwi start-up fashion the pair built the business from the ground up.

“We grew the business from our home and now we have three separate companies which all inter-connect and we stock a huge range of products to cater for marine enthusiasts’ chandlery and electronic requirements,” Warren says.

“We also import products that are onsold through various marine retail outlets countrywide, from Kaitaia to Bluff.”

Indeed, Warren and Wilkes expanded their business at a time when many others in the marine industry were contracting theirs.

In 2006 the pair acquired and took over the operation of the Dixon brand and continued to manufacture the large range of Dixon quality boarding ladders, toasters and hand rails.

The Dixon brand is globally recognised in the marine industry, a benchmark for quality in the handmade stainless steel boarding ladders market. The company website, www.marinexpress.co.nz, lists the extensive range of products; enough choice to find the ideal solution to grace any boat.

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Established in 1970, Transcon Warkworth Ltd are locally owned and operated.

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Call us now on: 09 423 9300 - Warkworth | 09 377 3620 - Auckland

The fact that the Dixon range of products is wholly made in New Zealand has created awareness around the world and provided the business with a growing export demand.

“We export our products to Australia, Europe, UK and United States. We’ve even expanded our production to encompass a diverse product range suitable for campervans, freight trucks and items for the dairy industry. We pride ourselves on keeping to our rule and producing only high quality items designed for durability.”

The ability to expand into different marketplaces is a key element of diversity that has helped the three businesses, MarineXpress, Dixon Manufacturing and Euro Boats, continue a growth trajectory.

The Dixon Marine range of ladders, hand-rails and toasters have been proudly made in New Zealand for over 35 years and we endeavour to provide competition to those imported stainless steel brands of ladders - JANE WARREN

”

The mission The Dixon Manufacturing and MarineXpress mission statement outlines the lengths the company will go to in order to provide quality products.

“Our goal is to source, manufacture and supply, without delay, high quality, fairly priced marine and recreational products... to liaise with our customers, to develop and deliver new products to satisfy changing needs. To create ongoing market opportunity for our products in support of our customers,” the company says.

The integrity of the company is under-pinned by its ongoing support of local and national causes; Marine Xpress is a proud supporter of the Buy New Zealand Made Campaign, the Auckland District Kidney Society, Westpac Rescue Helicopters and NZ Marine and Export Group.

Stimulating the New Zealand economy by manufacturing and supplying within the country (and exporting) is important for the team at Marine Xpress.

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Phone (09) 421-0352 info@steelbydesign.co.nz www.steelbydesign.co.nz

106 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Marine, Boating & Fishing | Dixon Manufacturing

“The Dixon Marine range of ladders, handrails and toasters have been proudly made in New Zealand for over 35 years and we endeavour to provide competition to those imported stainless steel brands of ladders,” Warren says.

“Our competitive advantage is our ability to be flexible enough to accommodate clients only requiring small production runs on our items, yet still being big enough to handle large orders.”

Industry experience The team recently moved bases and now operates from Warkworth. At present the company employs 14 staff with a depth of industry knowledge to complement its craftsmanship and manufacturing skills synonymous with the Dixon brand and the MarineXpress service.

Unchartered waters – Euro Boats Not the type of business people to rest on their laurels, Warren and Wilkes are set to makes waves in the industry once again with the recent acquisition of Euro Boats.

Euro Boats provide a range of alloy hull inflatable boats ideal for low-fuss water fun.

After the previous manufacturers mothballed production to focus on its kayak business, Marine Express stepped in to refloat this well-recognised RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boats) brand.

Fully manufactured in New Zealand, Euro’s range of inflatable boats are available in a range of sizes and power options. They are lightweight, easy to tow and launch, and economical on fuel.

As the stainless steel industry can quite often conjure interesting and tricky jobs for the team, Warren and Wilkes are proud of the in-house ability to improvise and provide solutions for all customers.

The unique ‘jockey seat’ steering console gives the driver ease of control, similar and just as much fun as a jet-ski. Ideal for fishing or diving, this new addition to the business fleet of MarineXpress has already began to show its potential in the market place.

The durability of Dixon products has been highlighted in instances where a Dixon ladder of “mature” age has been brought back into the workshop for modification and been refitted, re-polished and the customer goes away with a seemingly brand new ladder for a fraction of the cost – real value for money from the inital outlay cost.

“We have been very encouraged by the interest and sales for the Euro Boats so far,” Warren says. “Needless to say we are excited about growing this new venture and providing an affordable means of boat ownership. The boats are currently sold by our agent in Auckland Marine Centre in Pakuranga - so go and check them out!”

“

In their words Just wanted to say we are delighted with our ‘new’ boat ladder. The existing base of our old RTF5 looks as new as the longer extension you added. Got to use it a couple of weekends ago after a fairly bracing swim and it works a treat. The old one only just reached the water’s surface and must have made things a bit challenging for more than 20 years. Will be letting people know about your great ‘pimp my ladder’ service and how easy and reliable you are to deal with. Thanks again.

- Murray and Jo

RIBs are an economical entry point into boating ownership and the acquisition of Euro Boats opens a whole new market for MarineExpress and no doubt they will integrate nicely with Dixon Manufacturing’s quality products.

This synergy between three companies with aligned interests is testament to the business acumen of Warren and Wilkes.

”

Whether it’s recreational a recreational boat, a toaster that won’t burn your fingers onboard, a ladder or a flash new handrail – the team based at 29 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth is undoubtedly working on the latest and greatest products for the local and global marine market.

The all-encompassing businesses are certainly riding a wave of success, and as the fleet grows, so will the good old fashion Kiwi garage start-up’s reputation. AT

Dixon Manufacturing Limited 26 Glenmore Drive Warkworth T (09) 422 3595 E mx@pl.net www.marinexpress.co.nz www.euroboats.co.nz www.dixon.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 107

Marine, Boating & Fishing | Marine Electrics NZ

For all your nautical electronic needs Marine Electrics NZ Limited specialise in marine electrical and marine electronics. The company supplies, installs and services all major brands of electrical and electronic equipment.

Increasing customer demand has seen the business recently relocate to a bigger premises to cater for the workload. Now based at the Orams Marine Village in Auckland’s Westhaven Marina precinct, Marine Electrics NZ continue to provide the utmost in service to all of Auckland’s Marinas and boat parks.

A quick visit to the showroom reveals the latest technologies where the team can demonstrate the equipment that’s best suited to your boat. Walk through the thoroughfare into the Orams Marine Yard and you will see Marine Electrics NZ on your left – so drop in for a coffee and a chat about the best solutions for your boat.

Marine Electrics NZ Ltd was established for boat owners that demand experience and expertise.

After observing a shortage of electricians in the industry that are actually trained and qualified to a marine electrical standard, and that have the impeccable attention to detail and skill required for such work, Royal New Zealand Navy trained director, Gavin Dakers announced the launch of Marine Electrics NZ Ltd in 1990 to cater for this specialised market.

The ever-growing team includes a wide range of expertise and knowledge with each team member bringing specialised skills from their respective fields to the operation.

Just like boating it’s imperative to be surrounded by a skilled crew that can offer different perspectives, sound knowledge and support at all times.

“Having 230 Volt qualified guys on our team is essential with the new high voltage regulations that have recently been implemented by the New Zealand government.” Dakers says.

It is imperative that you can completely trust and rely on people that have access to your boat. You can feel confident in the knowledge that Marine Electrics NZ is a long standing and successful business established some 23 years ago and a with a crew of seven having a combined 75+years in the marine industry.

The company is proud to be New Zealand agents for Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, Nexus, Victron, Marinco, Mastervolt, Raymarine and CZone to name a few.

108 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Marine Electrics NZ is regarded as an industry leader. The company’s knowledge and skills are highly sought after. The client’s safety on the water along with their boat’s security is paramount.

To further ensure clients receive the most current technical advice, Marine Electrics is recognised members of NMEA – National Marine Electronics Association; a worldwide, self-sustaining organisation committed to enhancing the technology and safety of electronics used in marine applications.

Founded in 1957, the NMEA has led the way in establishing technical standards for data exchange in marine electronics, with the widely accepted NMEA 0183 data protocol, NMEA 2000® and certification standards for marine electronics technicians. NMEA standards and programs focus on ensuring that the boating consumer is provided reliable products and professional service.

What’s on offer…

Marine Electrics NZ offer a complete marine electrical and electronic service, just ask and they will research and source anything you require, listed below are some of the services they provide just to name a few.

• Electrical WOF • Pumps & Water Systems • Solar Panels • Inverters • TV, SAT TV, DVD • Battery Monitoring • Anchor winches • Engine Wiring, Gauges • Underwater Lighting • Shore Power • Generator Sets • Electronic Engine Controls • Windscreen Wipers • Air-conditioning • Alarm Systems & GPS Tracking • Marine Toilet Systems • DC Battery Systems • 230 VOLT AC Registered • Wind Generators.

Quality assured As the discerning boat owners of Auckland began to recognise the quality workmanship and service, the Marine Electrics NZ brand began to become synonymous with top tier electrical work.

With technology constantly changing the company ensures the team is always up to speed through ongoing education and training, both nationally and internationally.

Staff members recently returned from the NMEA conference in San Diego, California, training with some of the best in the world and flying through their exams, constantly achieving scores of 95 percent or higher.

“The decision to take myself and our service manager away from the business for a week to attend the NMEA conference in San Diego didn’t come lightly. However, the experience far exceeded our every expectation.

The cutting edge knowledge gained on technology was invaluable and the new business contacts we made will benefit our company for years to come. Marine Electrics NZ will definitely be attending the next NMEA conference.”

Marine Electrics is also a proud member of the New Zealand Marine Industry Association. The MIA represents New Zealand’s leading marine service companies. Members operate under a code of ethics to protect the interests of the boating public of New Zealand.

Opportunity knocks Marine Electrics NZ is always on the lookout for industry leaders to join the team. You may have been in the marine industry for years, or you’re recently qualified with a keen interest in the marine sector with a natural flare in electronics and IT. Email your C.V to Gavin at Marine Electrics NZ to express interest. AT

Marine Electrics NZ Limited Unit 29, 142-150 Beaumont Street Westhaven Auckland T 0800 4 MARINE E info@marineelectrics.co.nz www.marineelectrics.co.nz — Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 109

IS THIS THE BEST AND MOST COST EFFECTIVE PET FOOD AVAILABLE IN NZ? We are certain it is and here’s why Not all dog foods are equal – in many respects Firstly not all bags of dog food are the same size, making it hard to compare costs. But most people can soon work out what the cost is per kilo.

However what most people don’t have time to calculate is what it costs to feed their dog per meal, as some require a lot of food to meet the correct daily requirements, and others, not so much.

The reason for this is that quality foods generally require less as they have less fillers such as corn, soy, grain etc. And it’s these fillers that are the main reason for allergies. Which can be costly if you need to visit the vet. And of course if the dog is eating less and able to digest more of the human grade ingredients

(as in Canidae) then it means there’s less “excess” on the lawn.

Below is a comparison between some of the “premium” brands available in NZ. This is based on a 10kg dog, so if you have a large dog the savings will be multiplied.

These guideline amounts are based on the recommended feeding requirements per day as stated by the manufacturer.

They are a starting point and your dog may need more or less food depending upon age, breed, activity and climate. In order to reach optimal body condition, you may need to adjust food intake.

Grams required Cost per feed Cost per Kg

CANIDAE 96gms $1.12

Orijen 150gms $1.72

$11.73 $11.50

Nutrience

180gms

$1.43

$7.97

Purina

158gms

$1.36

$8.62

Eukanuba

140gms

$1.24

$8.88

Hills Science Diet

181gms

$1.81

$10.00

SAVE UP TO 38%

on other “leading” brands with Canidae These calculations are based on a 10kg dog. These figures are correct as at 18/2/13.

We assumed an active dog, older than 1 year, that is exercised. Based on buying 15kg bags or the nearest the manufacturer had.

Goes beyond just feeding your pet The Confidential Dog Food report recently assessed over 2000 dog foods, including all the brands you’re familiar with that have huge marketing budgets and selected the best nine in the world.

Canidae was one. The others aren’t available in New Zealand.

Each year the Whole Dog Journal, one of the most respected dog journals in the world, generates a list of approximately 25 ‘Approved Foods’ from around the world. Once again Canidae is on this list and has been for many years. In fact here’s a quote from their publication “I’d like to quickly dismiss the idea that any of the giants – Iams and Eukanuba, Purina, Science Diet, et. al. - could possibly make dry foods that are as good as the foods that have a regular presence on WDJ’s ‘approved foods list’. The fact is, though, of course they could; they have all the resources needed to do so.

They could bury most of the competition in the “natural and holistic” niche... if they followed through and used only the same high quality ingredients typically used by the smaller boutique brands. But they generally stop short – perhaps because they are unaccustomed to paying a lot for their raw materials, or marketing the products at a correspondingly high sales price?”

Call now for a

Both of the independent studies above look at the ingredients, the manufacturing plant and most importantly the nutritional benefits to the dog. They aren’t swayed by marketing hype.

At Canidae Pet Foods we are committed to providing you, our valued customer and your pets, the highest standard of excellence in product quality and customer satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied with any of our products, please call our team for a no questions asked refund. In fact if you don’t become a raving fan of Canidae/Felidae by the end of your first bag I would personally like to know about it.

Kind regards, Gary Collins - Managing Director

FREE SAMPLE and info pack ph 0800 101 729 or www.canidae.co.nz

Sports & Recreation | Canvas Crew

Cool coverings New Zealand’s harsh sunlight and unpredictable weather can make outdoor living and entertaining a challenge. Canvas Crew can offer you a variety of different solutions to cover or enclose your outdoor area.

The business only uses the best materials, supplies and fabrication methods to manufacture and install its products.

Part of the service includes an onsite consultation at your home or workplace with one of the experienced sales reps; this will help to determine your individual needs, as each project is different.

Once onsite the team at Canvas Crew will take the time to establish your requirements and recommend the best suited product for your situation. The business specialises in outdoor weather protection products, which includes various outdoor drop screens/blinds, shade sails, outdoor canopies, awnings and commercial grade outdoor umbrellas.

Established in 2009 in the midst of the recession, Werner was able to position himself in the market and achieve success within a short time frame. “It initially started as a custom canvas manufacturing company providing a wide range of products. But it became apparent within a short time that there were select products the business was experts in the manufacturing and installing of, and so focus shifted to these particular products,” Werner says.

Canvas Crew was recently called to a café/ restaurant in Kumeu. Werner says the unique aspect about this project was the fact that this particular business had screens installed recently by another company.

“The café had large archways and because of the high winds and extreme weather conditions experienced, the screens were Canvas Crew was founded by Werner Le Roux, failing.” who set up roots in Albany, Auckland. Werner Canvas Crew quickly determined that it was a has more than 15 years experience in the design flaw. “Taking the design of the building industry and saw a niche in the market for and the needs of the client into account, we products he could provide.

We also have the ability to think outside the box, often providing the customer with solutions that fulfil design and function needs that may not have been readily Canvas Crew has reached its level of success apparent. Alongside this is the quality and through a number of factors. First would workmanship that is put into every single probably be the driving force of its owner who project,” Werner says. has always had a very clear idea of what he wanted to achieve. The business is one of the Because of this approach, each project is completed with the attention to detail and few companies that is relatively small and is able to compete with the larger companies in personal touch that would be given as if it was being installed at Werner’s own home. the industry with exceptional results. were able to, by means of a lateral approach, come up with a solution that not only complemented the architectural

“We have a hands-on approach with every product that is manufactured and installed.

“

Testimonial “Thank you so much for your services. We absolutely love our new outdoor screens!

They have created a space, that we can know use in any weather conditions and effectively has given us another room.

“The service we received was friendly and very professional. We have had a number of friends admire the screens and we would highly recommend your products and services.”

- Evette and Peter Gourdie

PERFECT COLOR P OWDER

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”

He demands perfection and this is what makes Canvas Crew a company that can be trusted to deliver. The business has experienced a huge growth spurt during the past few months, prompting Werner to look at various possible opportunities that will enable exciting new ventures.

Canvas Crew is also looking at expanding across New Zealand in the near future and into Australia in the next few years. AT Canvas Crew P.O. Box 301 487 Albany North Shore City T 0800 CREW4YOU (0800 273 949) www.canvascrew.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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0800 CREW4YOU (0800 273 949) www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 111

Sports & Recreation | Northern Arena

Helping people take the plunge Swimming is a staple part of the Kiwi recreational and exercise diet. It’s also the sport that has propelled some of our most talented athletes onto the world stage – sporting heroes who in turn influence, motivate and educate aspiring generations.

When you take these factors into consideration, it’s no wonder that aquatic facilities need to have the ‘X factor’ if they want to be considered as the ideal backdrop for not only athletes, but those learning to find their way in the water.

In a league of its own, Northern Arena in Auckland doesn’t just have the X factor, it is the X factor in a sporting landscape that, prior to its arrival, was crying out for a training environment capable of hosting the world’s best swimming infrastructure and trainers.

Northern Arena has not only fulfilled this niche in its market, it is, creating a streamlined teaching and training system for potential and achieved national and international class swimmers.

Best of the best While it certainly doesn’t guarantee success, establishing an aquatic and fitness facility utilising the experience and invaluable knowledge of both former Olympic swimmers and Olympic managers is certainly going to give you the rock solid foundation you need when building a business like this from the ground up.

The trio involved in the inception of Northern Arena includes former Olympic and Commonwealth Games manager Mark Saunders – also a master swim teacher, Dean Kent – yes, Dean Kent the three time Olympic

swimmer and Commonwealth Games silver medalist, and Matthew Saunders - former competitive swimmer and international fin swimmer.

“We opened in January 2011 and we worked full time for at least 12 months on the strategy before we opened the centre – there was intensive planning involved. We were each able to contribute key elements to evolve our concept,” Matthew says.

“Dad was involved with Swimming New Zealand for many years and his involvement in managing Olympic swim teams meant he understood what was needed on the educational front – Dean contributed to this too.

“We recognised this even before we starting planning Northern Arena – we identified that there was a massive gap in the market and nobody was doing what we are able to do now.”

Global research While attending competitions around the globe, Matthew, Mark and Dean were able to undertake research – surveying the international scene and assessing the best options to bring home to Aotearoa.

Northern Arena has four world-class, Italian Myrtha Pools, which are made out of steel with a rubber lining. In the infant “My background is in swimming, but also in pools a soft underlay has also been an accounting and finance capacity within a introduced as a safety mechanism. field removed from swimming, so we pulled A unique filter system within the pools all our knowledge together.” utilises UV filters to kill bugs and permits It would be all too easy to understate just how the chlorine levels to be reduced. significant this knowledge is, but you need “We wanted to be as good as, if not better only look at the tangible evidence itself – the than, equivalent facilities overseas. Our Northern Arena as it stands today. underlying goal was to create a swimming It is an icon amongst other bread and butter styled facilities that lack the same specialist skills and resources. “We definitely believe that in Auckland in particular, and also around the country, we are not delivering great products when it comes to learning to swim.

programme at a facility that was comparable to the best we had seen in Australia and America.

“In these countries they have a real focus on progressing swimmers from a learners level right through to competition level should they demonstrate the desire and potential.”

Despite being in its relative infancy, Northern Arena has made this happen while creating a learning environment that attracts some of the largest numbers of learner swimmers every week.

“We’re a little nation and we ourselves are only three years old, but the number of children we have swimming in our training schools each week is right up there – there’s probably only one other school in Australasia that has the same numbers as us.”

The numbers really do speak for themselves – more than 3,600 children are involved in Northern Arena’s learn to swim programme and these children attend the centre every week.

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112 February/March 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“These kids are enrolled privately by their parents, so this number doesn’t include the number of children we also have coming in through the schools too. Nor does it include swimmers in the fitness squads or the local swim club. We have about 13 schools coming in for water safety too.

“This exponential growth has certainly taken us by surprise and this summer we are hoping to build another car park. We certainly future proofed our pools in terms of the technology and approach utilised, but we had no idea we would grow so much and so fast that we would need another car park.”

Northern Arena’s growth and potential has resonated far and wide and has seen the facility build strong strategic partnerships.

“Manuka Doctor actually sponsored baby swimming lessons in term three of 2012 and 2013 with us – these are for children under three years and we have had more than 2,200 take part in the initiative.”

Like the broader community this programme benefits, Matthew and his team consider these opportunities to be of incredible benefit to participants, and also their parents who have the chance to network. “It is definitely about the positive benefit for parents who can meet other parents, and of course it is also about introducing children to water safety very early on.”

From the age of two months, children enrolled in the programme are introduced to the water. By three years of age they are kicking and by five they can swim freestyle or backstroke for 25 metres.

“We have just taken over the coaching of the local swim club too – this is something we didn’t start out with as our own, but we are proud to have it.

“The other programme we actually have going is for adults. A lot of the time adults will come in and see us after the school holidays and say, ‘My child was able to swim out to the buoy in the sea, but I wasn’t!’ That’s the thing – sometimes we learn to swim when we are younger, but then we may not practise again for 20 years.”

In recognition of the profound influence Northern Arena is making on swimming in Auckland and across greater New Zealand thanks to its precedent setting, the centre has scooped up multiple prizes in the last several years.

It has been awarded Swim School of the Year for two consecutive years by the New Zealand Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, as well as being awarded Swim Teacher of the Year in recognition of the work undertaken by its coaches Michael Weston and Dean Kent.

Trainer Simon Leach also won Rookie Swim Teacher of the Year.

The facility won the Excellence in Innovation and the Excellence in Social Responsibility and Sustainability awards at the 2013 North Auckland Business Awards. AT Northern Arena 8 Polarity Rise Silverdale Auckland T (09) 421 9700 E info@northernarena.co.nz www.northernarena.co.nz — Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz February/March 2014 113

Eftpos, Retail & Banking | Eftpos Now

The way people pay It is one of the most indispensable elements of our commercial and trading landscape and has revolutionised the way we do business.

Eftpos – yes, it is our present and our future, and the part of our past that made life a lot easier. At the helm of this technology is Eftpos Now. Providing cutting edge Eftpos solutions to its customers, it is a leading, independent supplier of Eftpos facilities and point of sale equipment.

You choose

Managing director Therese Turley says, “For long term rentals in Auckland, we provide a free, face to face consultation with each of our clients.

To assess and determine a client’s needs, an Eftpos Now consultant will visit in person to ascertain exact needs and preferences. From there, the consultant will put together a proposal, and following approval of this, will co-ordinate a face to face Eftpos facility installation.

Eftpos Now can also provide cash registers to suit any business’ requirements. “We have excellent pricing structures with our cash registers and eftpos paper rolls, and we offer a freight free service for orders of 50 rolls or more.”

On top of an already competitive service offering, Eftpos Now guarantees that it will beat any existing supplier’s deal on long term rental rates – conditions apply. AT

Eftpos Now Level 2, Tamariki House 7 Tamariki Avenue Orewa T 0800 33 3304 E sales@eftposnow.co.nz www.eftposnow.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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“This is a point of difference for us as well – a lot of the time, within the context of this industry, installations are arranged via means of a courier. We ensure that our service is personalised from start to finish.”

“We also service large events, such as exhibitions and festivals and can offer a discount on short term rentals. We provide fixed or mobile terminals too, which gives that added flexibility.”

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“Our point of difference is that we listen to individual customer needs. We can deal with all types and sizes of business – from a small, corner shop to a large, corporate chain store.

The key for us is to establish exactly what our client’s requirements are. Do they need a stand-alone eftpos terminal, or a more advanced point of sale solution?

With regard to its short term rentals, the business can cater from one day to six months. “This type of service is great if someone is at an event, wants to run a temporary pop-up shop, or if their business is increasing around the time of a sale.

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Eftpos Now is all about choices – its extensive range of services has been designed with businesses and the end user in mind and is defined by flexibility. From short to long term rentals, through to cash registers and accessories, it has businesses well and truly covered – and then some.

Following installation, the consultant then becomes their client’s account manager meaning they have a direct line of communication should they need any after sales support. “Our account managers can always be contacted during office hours, and if a client needed after hours support, we have a 24 hour, seven days a week 0800 number that people can call.”

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