Canterbury Today issue #105

Issue 105 | December 2010/January 2011

‘Adweb’

the future of brands

Spend or slash…

Can a company spend its way out of recession?

Leadership…

Force of personality isn’t enough to lead successfully — find out what is

Primary focus…

AgResearch’s new CEO on the big issues facing his industry

Corporate Christmas…

Facing your workmates after the company Christmas do

News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Information | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 0113-8340

www.calendargirls.co.nz

NOW OPEN

www.corporateaffairs.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 3

Issue 105 | December 2010/January 2011

‘Adweb’

the future of brands

Spend or slash…

Can a company spend its way out of recession?

Leadership…

Force of personality isn’t enough to lead successfully — find out what is

Primary focus…

AgResearch’s new CEO on the big issues facing his industry

Corporate Christmas…

Facing your workmates after the company Christmas do

News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Information | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 0113-8340

Canterbury Today

Issue 105

17,116 ABC circulation as at 30/06/10

www.canterburytoday.co.nz Head office Academy House 818 Colombo Street PO Box 1879 Christchurch managing director Gary Collins General manager Rebecca Harris administration Kylie Moore admin manager Kelly Clarke Rebecca McQueen Kimberley Wells Craig Mills Hanna Broadhurst sales & advertising Steve Dando Miranda Hearn Grant Williams Janet Campbell Jane Watson Mary Pattison-Sinden Mike Burke Luke Finucane Colin Morais Robert Cochrane Dallas Beckett Graeme Tall

sales executives

Family affairs What to do when the bedroom becomes the boardroom

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The Corporate Xmas guide

Cover story

How not to regret the infamous company Christmas do

Leadership

Business features

9 Help at hand local companies helping local companies

26 Defining leadership how does leadership play out in the corporate arena? Simple — it can make or break a business

34 Rebuilding Christchurch Earthquake Engineering Cluster, ITM, Steelbro, NZ Contractors Federation and Komatsu NZ

10 Management’s manager NZIM chief executive Joseph Thomas on what lies ahead 11 Face value making first impressions count

27 Leadership v management leading and managing are not the same thing 28 The right advice gems of wisdom from masters of the craft

15 Working to rule do our employment laws measure up?

Agribusiness

16 Websites that work how to stand out from the online crowd

58 Show stoppers bright ideas from the A&P Show

30 Events diary courses, events and seminars near you

58 Primary focus AgResearch’s new CEO on the industry’s issues

Phone: 03 961 5050 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: editor@academy.net.nz

manager assistants designers

Phone: 03 961 5050 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: production@academy.net.nz

50 Property & Construction Pegasus Town, Legacy Corporation, Display Manufacturing, The Cashmere Club and Ian Coombes Limited 58 Agribiusiness World Dairy Summit, Anderson & Rooney Engineering and Heartland Potato Chips 73 Motoring Archibalds Audi, First Direct Taxis, Fitzgerald Autobody and Britten Motorcycles 80 Business development Garden City Security, Ellesmere Butchery and Autoline Automation 86 Focus Hunter Civil, Allan Acott Family Winemakers, Riverstone Kitchen and Living Light Candles

33 Lifestyles the sunny season’s bestest and baddest toys nd treats for sun day fun days editor

The future of branding, mainstream media and the web are intricately linked

News

32 Products 4Ur office items then and now

newsroom Jonathon Taylor Marie Sherry Melinda Collins Kate Pierson Bridget Gourlay

production Fleur Hall Carolynne Brown Melanie Stanbury CJ McKay Hayley Brocket Ryan Carter Ian Knott Kirsty Opie Jarred Shakespeare

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Winning ways Canterbury Today has a Stoneleigh gift pack to give away, including a bottle of Stoneleigh wine and double pass to see a Rialto movie.

Details on PAGE 33

win

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Leadership

Primary focus

Motoring

Force of personality isn’t enough — discover tools and tactics to unleash the leader in you

AgResearch’s new CEO, Dr Tom Richardson talks about the biggest issues facing the industry

Audi’s big, bad and beautiful Q7 makes a definite statement

Knowledge for growing business since 1985

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 2010 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved.

No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

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HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE DANGERS OF DRINKING FROM PLASTIC? HAVE YOU EVER ASKED YOURSELF...

• What’s causing the early onset of female puberty?

• Why are there more pregnancy issues, infertility, or miscarriages?

• Why do more kids have ADHD now?

• Is male sexual dysfunction more prevalent now?

• What damage are we doing to our planet by using plastic?

• Is there more cancer around these days?

100 MILLION plastic water bottles are used each day. 86% of those bottles AREN’T recycled. In New Zealand it’s 78%.

Bottled water costs more than $3.50 per litre.Petrol costs approx $1.70 per litre. Tap water is FREE It takes approximately 4 litres of water to make just 1 plastic bottle.

Worldwide that’s 272 BILLION litres of water wasted per year just to make the EMPTY bottles!

The United Nations Environment Programme estimates there are 46,000 pieces of FLOATING plastic in every square mile of the ocean. However 70% of all plastic actually sits on the ocean floor!

On average we each use 168 plastic bottles per year costing more than $580.

They also estimate more than 1 MILLION birds and 100,000 mammals die every year from plastics - by poisoning, entanglement and choking.

Your health can be damaged by toxic chemicals such as Bisphenol-A (BPA) and other chemicals which can be leached from bottled water. BPA intake can also cause Cancerous Cells in your body.

40% of Albatross chicks die from their mothers feeding them plastic.

The environment is tainted by the Production, Transportation, Packaging and Disposal of plastic water bottles.

The following are quotes relating to BPA and chemicals found in plastic water bottles.

Taylor suggests that when pregnant women are exposed to the oestrogen mimicking properties found in BPA, it can impact the reproductive tract development and the future fertility of female foetuses. In essence this research shows that BPA may prevent the embryo from attaching to the uterus for further development.

In men the oestrogen mimicking effects of BPA have been known to block some of the more important effects that testosterone has on sexual functioning.

Those who were exposed to BPA were four times more likely than those who were not exposed to report some sort of sexual dysfunction. Associate Professor of Department of

And ironically we’re poisoning ourselves, as when fish ingest it, the plastic goes through the complete cycle of the food chain.

There are over 200 independent scientists, not in conflict financially with this chemical (BPA), saying we find it relating to obesity, prostate cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, brain disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, liver disease, ovarian disease, disease of the uterus, low sperm count for men and the list goes on. David Gutierrez Natural News Environmental Health Perspectives found that detectable levels of BPA leached into liquids at room temperature.

This means just having your plastic water bottle sitting on your desk can be potentially harmful. The best thing to do is to avoid plastic altogether. C W Randolph, MD The latest study showed that women with a history of miscarriages were found to have higher levels of BPA in their bodies. The women who had miscarriages were found to have BPA levels on average about three times higher than women who had successfully given birth.

Reproductive Sciences - Yale

David Steinman

Like BPA, these chemicals leach into the water more quickly when the plastic is heated, so don’t leave these water bottles in a hot car or out in the sun. A potentially deadly toxin is being absorbed into bottled mineral water from their plastic containers. And the longer the water is stored, the levels of poison increase, research reveals. Jo Knowsley

There are enough warning signs to show the need to act sooner rather than later. There are growing concerns about bottled water in particular in plastic bottles.

The safest option is stainless steel. Breastchek.co.nz The National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health concluded that there is “some

Do you keep bottled water in your car? You thought it was convenient, didn’t you? But consider this...

The heat in your car on the plastic bottle can cause it to leach out chemicals that can lead to BREAST and other types of CANCERS. And even though you might not keep it in the car, do you know what extreme temperatures it has been though BEFORE you bought it?

Stored in warehouses where temperatures vary from -3C to 29C Transported in trucks where temperatures vary from 37C to 65C Loaded and unloaded where temperatures vary from 7C to 37C Distributed to stores where temperatures vary from 12C to 37C

Finally to you.

concern” that BPA may cause problems in foetuses, babies and children, including breast or prostate cancer early onset of female puberty, attention deficit disorder and other problems of the reproductive and neurological systems. David Gutierrez Bisphenol A is such a dangerous chemical that I have no doubt it will one day be banned from all food and beverage products. Frederick vom Saal High concentrations of antimony can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Evidenced by the recent study which was also highlighted here at Natural News where 90% of cord blood from babies was found to contain BPA.2. Aaron Turpen To see each of the quotes in full and the source please go to www.safebottles.co.nz

y Free deliver Z N in re anywhe ing er rd o n he w 2 or more s SafeBottle

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BPA-free, toxin-free and eco-friendly

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I Fits most cup holders I FDA approved I Fits ice cubes I Doesn’t retain or leach flavours I Dishwasher safe

I Various sizes and colours available I Designed to last I 100% recyclable I No plastic liner I Free sports lid I Bottles from $23.95 www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 5

View these photos and more online at www.canterburytoday.co.nz

beenseen

Images taken and supplied by Lynne Puddy-Greenwood, Events Editor. If you have an event that you’d like covered, email Lynne at lynne.p@academy.net.nz

New Zealand Trotting Cup NZ Trotting Cup brings out the best in fashion and business networking. The ladies looked fabulous in their colourful hats and the men went all out to look dapper.

1 Greg Ayers, Irma Buchanan 2 Barbara Godfrey (Cambridge), Hilary Webber (Cambridge), Lynn Woods 3 Thomas Ben, Lindsay Kerslake, Terry Serepisos, Juliette Wells 4 Josu Laird, Nick Radford, Michael Harris, Mel (Portfolio), Evengency Aliluer 5 Grant Whelan, Greg Ayers (Owner, Ragland), Ross Johnson (International Racehorse Transport) 6 Colin Mathura-Jeffree, Pieter Stewart 7 Sue Blackmore, Susan Yule 8 Lindsay Kerslake, Terry Serepisos, Kevin Boyce, 9 Leslie Browne.

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Cup Day after-party at JDV JDV was a great venue to celebrate with drinks and dancing till the early hours after Cup day.

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17 Luciana Lovrich, Oxsana & Virginnia Scott 18 Tony Clark (Media Clearing House), Darren Willis (Multimedia Publishing) 19 Brad, Olivia, Gareth, and Darren Willis (Multimedia Publishing) 20 Olivia, Lynne PuddyGreenwood, Brad Fay.

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New Zealand Galloping Cup Day Boot Party

Canterbury Cheesemonger reopening

Riccarton RaceCourse is well known for their Boot Parties on NZ Galloping Cup Day. Not only was everybody dressed to kill, their boots were all well stocked with bubbly and lots of fine delicacies.

Hemingway Wines held a “Welcome back to the CBD, Canterbury Cheesemongers” party to promote business as normal after the earthquake.

10 Sophie & Amy Freear, Daniel McKay, Sam & Katie Britten 11 Svetlana Robinson, Hugh Robinson 12 Annah Dillon, Georgina Davison 13 Ria Van Dyke (Miss New Zealand), Angela Stone 14 Anne & Peter Sturgeon 15 Gil & Jan Marie Jenkin 16 Rod & Diana Keteles, Glenn Peach, Catherine Gould.

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21 Tony Palmer (Quick TV), Scott Wilson (On Page 1 Media) 22 Patrick Moitte & Craig Binney (Scenic Hotel Group) 23 Lewis Donaldson (Harcourts Gold), Rob Glass (Mortlock McCormack Law) 24 Shaun Knapp (Action Alarms), Brian De Lore (Hemingway Fine Wines) 25 Martin Aspinwall (Canterbury Cheesemongers).

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View these photos and more online at www.canterburytoday.co.nz Fashion Show held at Christchurch Airport Fashion Show held at Christchurch Airport showing designers from Air NZ Fashion Week.

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38 Brendon Douglas (One Big Sugarbowl), Virginnia DiSomma 39 Jacqueline Dickson, Brooke Chambers, Catherine Marshall 40 Carl Watkins, Jodi & Mark O’Loughlin 41 Rosemarie De Jong, Luise Boss, Justin Haley 42 Claire Laredo (face of NZ Fashion 2010) 43 Alethea & Rodney Laredo 44 Gina Papageorge, Kim Triegaardt, Helen Shrewsbury 45 Andy Blake, Mel Browne, Angela Stone.

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Making Memories a Charitable Auction and Dinner Brain Injury New Zealand (Canterbury/Westcoast presented ‘Making Memories - a Charitable Auction and Dinner’ on Friday 15th October at the Hotel Grand Chancellor with MC John Campbell.

26 Mike Pero (Mike Pero Mortgage), Rachel Pero 27 Brian Waltham, Debbie Lawson (Deval), Nikki Jackson (Ground Effect), Guy Wynn-Williams 28 Phil McGoldrick (Auctioneer), Alison Aitken (Harcourts) 29 Phil Crisp (Ilam Pharmacy), Karen Crisp 30 John Campbell, Shane Bass, Patsy Bass 31 Greg Shaw (Fleet Cycles), Jill Shaw (winner of Tour De France jersey) 32 Chris & Diane Clyma 33 Scott Robertson, Jane Robertson (wife of Scott Robertson) 34 Gil Jenkins, Jan Marie Jenkins, John Campbell, Mary PattisonSinden 35 Scott Anderson (brain injured), Paula Anderson (mother of Scott) 36 John Campbell, Lynne PuddyGreenwood 37 Carole Laming (Airways Corporation), Julie Briggs (Mike Pero Mortgages).

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Sweeney Todd opening night VIP event

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The Show Sweeney Todd held a VIP Evening at the Millennium Hotel after their hugely successful opening night. All the stars were there in high spirits celebrating!

46 David Sutherland (Sweeney Todd), Tess O’Rourke, Tom McBride (Southern Opera) 47 Mark Williamson, Julia Guthrie, Cameron Melville (Tobias Sweeney Todd) 48 Amy Bowie, Mark Williamson (romantic couple, Sweeney Todd) 49 Shaun Gilmore (Showbiz Christchurch), Peter Hewson 50 Cameron Mason, Erica Browne, Tim Bain (crew of Sweeney Todd) 51 Brian & Kate Hays (Sweeney Todd) 52 Markham Lee (Showbiz Board), Nickie Wellbourn (Chant Et Danse), Al Bean (ANZ Private) 53 Steph Kokay, Julia Guthrie (actress) 54 Michelle Hampton (Elizabeth Arden), Sara Brodie (Director), Mark McIntyre (Designer) 55 Clare Fahey, Jenny Wastney, Jennie Knox, Bernie Ball, Karen Fletcher (The Op Props Team).

56 Ross Benbow (Musical Theatre NZ), Peter Rosewall (Vice-President Showbiz), Angela Rosewall, Gillian Wess (Showbiz) 57 Phil Blacktopp, Peter Guthrey, Pam Blacktopp 58 Barry Mackenzie (Showbiz Sweeney Todd), Christen McGoldrick.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 7

News

The

Santa spend

By Bridget Gourlay

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so the cheesy American Christmas carol goes. While that might be debatable, the silly season usually gives retailers their biggest boost of the year as Kiwis spend up on gifts. Christmas cheer took a dive in 2008 and it wasn’t much better last year. So will this Christmas be one to get retailers singing and tills ringing?

Seismic shifts Canterbury Chamber of Commerce CEO Peter Townsend says to the surprise of Government, treasury and the Reserve Bank, New Zealanders are reducing debt, and this is having an affect on retail.

However, he predicts 2010 Christmas spending will be average instead of bad because of the earthquake. “People will be ready for knees up after the troubles they’ve been through.”

The CBD is the worst-hit shopping area.

A maze of construction workers block the roads and several buildings are still in their collapsed post-earthquake state. All this means customers may be even more tempted to hit the malls instead. Peter Townsend says consumers will need encouragement to go into the city centre.

Christmas Day falls on a Saturday this year.

NZ Retailers Association CEO John Albertson thinks many people will be heading away on holiday on Friday, December 24, meaning the big spending will probably happen the weekend before, on December 18-19.

This meant more jobs — mainly for students saving up for the academic year ahead.

“People need to understand the CBD needs all the help it can get, and the best way to do that is shopping downtown.”

But recently, many retailers haven’t taken on casual summer staff, or as many as usual. But John Albertson says with the cuts retailers have been making to their business operation in general since the recession, many are running throughout the year on a bare bones structure.

He says that means shops will need temporary staff to fill the gap.

Tax cuts and GST In October, the Government gave everyone, particularly middle and high income earners, a tax cut and put GST up to 15 percent. There wasn’t a spendup before the changes came through, but John Albertson thinks that will change.

Advice John Albertson’s most vital words of wisdom to make this Christmas a cracker are to keep it simple.

“People will have clear understanding of what the tax cuts will mean, and will have a better idea about how prosperous they are feeling.”

“It has been a tough 12-18 months with the recession and a lousy winter because of the Canterbury earthquake and the floods in Southland. People will be looking to be positive and to do something for themselves.”

More jobs

“Simplicity in shopping is what customers want. They are under huge pressure, thinking of lots of things like Christmas dinner and family and the easier you make it for them to shop, the better sales will be.”

In the golden, pre-recession days, shops were eager to take on temporary staff over December and often kept them on in January as their regular employees went on holiday.

So, the message is — get the displays up, get the new products on the shelves and hear the tills a-jingling. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, after all.

By Bridget Gourlay

Charteris Bay

Tekapo

Punakaiki

Backyard cricket. Fish’n’chips on the beach. Evenings when it feels like the sun will never set. Summer holidays dissolve any worries about deadlines or office politics. Whether it’s with mates, your other half or your family, going on holiday over the Christmas break should be enough to keep you smiling for the rest of the year. For those without the time, money or inclination to head overseas there are places closer to home which offer peace, quiet and plenty of pastimes. Try these options, my top five summer holiday spots.

It may only be a half hour drive from Christchurch, but Charteris Bay feels like another world. Quintessential Kiwi batches hide behind dripping fruit trees. The shady woods echo with the sound of native birds.

Tekapo’s stunning turquoise lake is worth more than just a half hour stop on the way to Queenstown.

It’s famous for its wild natural beauty – the ‘pancake rocks’ and blowholes, but Punakaikehe has so much more to offer.

If you ever tire of swimming, wind-surfing or boating, there’s several golf courses, and hiking and mountain biking galore in the nearby forest.

On the entrance to Paparoa National park, holiday-makers can enjoy easy and challenging walks along the beach or up the mountains.

NZ Retailers Association CEO John Albertson takes a more positive view. He predicts this Christmas will be good.

summer hot spots And the best bit is, there aren’t any shops in sight — in fact, the only sight is of the endless blue sea and Quail Island, temptingly close if you’ve got a kayak. Nearby Orton Bradley Park offers day walks, lush gardens and an historic homestead to explore.

Le Bons Bay Around the corner from Akaroa lies peaceful Le Bons Bay. Picnic the summer away by the sandy and sheltered beach, or walk through the woods and farmland.

Other than a lodge and a wonderfully stocked antique shop, there isn’t much else to this untouched paradise.

So when it does get a little too quiet, Akaroa and its cafés and tourist bustle is only 20 minutes drive away.

8 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Slightly more populated than my other picks, Tekapo has restaurants, cafés and supermarkets handy. And when the sun finally sets, the Mount John Observatory offers nighttime stargazing tours.

Peel Forest If you’re looking for serious seclusion from the modern world, head to the camping ground in Peel Forest.

For the fit, hike up Mount Peel (Tarahaoa) and be rewarded with an amazing view over the Canterbury plains or go white-water kayaking.

The less energetic can while away the days fishing, reading or picnicking.

If you’re not claustrophobic, explore the Fox River Caves, otherwise just swim, surf and sunbathe to your heart’s content.

Wherever you go this Christmas, leave the TV and the Wii at home.

If you’re up to the challenge try to turn off your cellphone or take off your watch. Lie back with a book, work up a sweat with a hike and do some serious napping.

Enjoy your time. After all, you’ll be back at your desk before you know it!

Help@hand

By Melinda Collins

WebSafety NZ

There’s an old proverb which says no man is an island. It’s certainly pertinent for business which is always more successful when conducted synergistically. So we went in search of fresh faces and found four innovative Canterbury businesses which aim is to help other businesses find success.

Cyber slacking is a productivity loss by no means limited to big business. WebSafety NZ is striving to help small businesses manage cyber slacking in their workplaces, at small business rates. “Small businesses have the same concerns as larger businesses, but just don’t have the budget for inhouse IT staff,” WebSafety owner and director Dean Stewart says. “Businesses are able to quickly identify internet abuse in the workplace by requesting an internet audit.”

News

An internet audit is done on a ‘per machine’ basis, he says. “We run a file through security software and produce data in a readable format.”

The company analyses the data and compiles a report for the customer. Stewart says they often find poor performance is related to ongoing periods of non-work related internet use. In some cases they find the trend has been going on for some time.

WebSafety NZ helps businesses tackle the ever-changing landscape of technology by developing robust Acceptable Use policies. The software products the company installs are designed for non-technical people to manage. Internet auditing provides businesses with a snapshot of what their employees are doing on the internet. It’s then a matter of deciding whether an Acceptable Use policy is sufficient, or implementing one of WebSafety’s software solutions is necessary.

For more information visit

www.websafety.co.nz

Media Secrets 101 A new online course that shows businesses how to generate their own publicity is set to save them thousands of dollars at the expense of pricey public relations companies. Media Secrets 101 has been developed by director of Seeking Publicity and former government press secretary Pete Burdon.

“Businesses pay PR companies huge money to raise their media profile. PR people like to think they have unique skills in this area, but it’s not rocket science,” Burdon says. “The problem is that until now, business people have not understood the publicity process or what journalists are looking for. Media Secrets 101 changes that.”

Burdon says media publicity is the most valuable marketing tool because of the credibility it creates. “Not many people realise that by understanding what journalists want and how the process works, just about anyone can get media coverage. This will not always be in metropolitan dailies, but there’s a huge range of general and niche media to target.”

Media Secrets 101 involves clients receiving a 15 minute video via email every week for 12 weeks. This includes a small amount of homework. The topics covered range of targeting the right media, to communicating with journalists, to taking a campaign online.

“PR companies use words like ‘issues management’ and ‘strategic communication plans’ to make their work sound difficult. Media Secrets 101 cuts through all that jargon and helps business people raise their profile at a fraction of the cost and without cutting heavily into their day job,” Burdon concludes.

For more information phone Pete Burdon (03) 4200 300 or email info@mediasecrets.co.nz or visit

www.mediasecrets101.com

PogoStick Web Services

Par Excellence Coaching

In an economy emerging from a recession, even the most generous business owner is looking twice at their expenses. But many businesses are unaware of the large savings which can be made on their website.

Are you getting the action you deserve? Do you really know how good your sales staff are? Are they delivering you the maximum results? After 25 successful years in the sales industry, Don Mackintosh has discovered the answers to improving sales performances and is delivering them to the marketplace.

While they begrudgingly admit it is a necessity for businesses to have a website, they are often paying large sums to website design and hosting companies and seeing little return.

A new Christchurch business aims to lower the price point for businesses to get online. PogoStick Web Services offers cheap websites that are squarely aimed at helping businesses struggling to meet the costs of website design, construction, hosting and email services.

The lower prices are a result of streamlining the business so the savings can be passed directly on to the client. This allows them to build a complete website that includes customised design, email services and a CMS (content management system) for almost a quarter of what other firms are offering. A full website costs around $300 and hosting and email services are provided for $4 a month.

And, while the prices may be out of this world cheap, there’s nothing cheap about the end result, with websites merging seamlessly with the business’ branding and logo, a unique appearance, professional looking email addresses, a CMS for the business owner to easily make their own changes, ongoing support and flash add-ons.

For more information visit

www.pogostick.co.nz

Ask any sales representative if they are they top performers and their answer will probably be yes. The reality is we all have blind spots when it comes to evaluating our own performance. If you are too busy to regularly evaluate your sales staff performance, you will be missing out on the level of sales you deserve.

The greatest area of under-performance for sales people is when they are in the marketplace. That’s where Par Excellence Coaching comes in. Par Excellence Coaching specialises in marketplace coaching. This includes customised evaluations tailored to the specific requirements of your company. Following marketplace assessment, Par Excellence Coaching will design action plans to enable sales people to achieve maximum results. For two months they will follow up with weekly emails to support continuous improvement, then they will repeat the marketplace assessment.

For more information visit

www.parexcellence.co.nz ✭ The Par Excellence website was under reconstruction at the time this article was being put together. Keep trying to access the webpage — it is worth it. www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 9

Manager News

anagement’s

By Kate Pierson

One could say life is like a live documentary, written and commentated by us. How we get to where we end up, particularly when it comes to our profession, is quite the journey. And when we reach a point where we can engage the philosophical tool of retrospect, we can watch ourselves on playback and recall how we came to be what and who we are today.

New Zealand Institute of Management (NZIM) chief executive Joseph Thomas can reflect on a remarkable professional adventure. Having finished his tenure with chartered accountancy and business advisory firm, Polson Higgs, late July following his appointment as chief executive of the NZIM, Thomas says his ties with the professional body were formed early on in his career.

There is a lot more emphasis now on return on investment as businesses want output after they make an investment in training.

In 2000, Thomas had already caught the eye of the NZIM when he won the NZIM /IBM Young Executive of the Year and in 2002 received the Young Chartered Accountant of the Year award for the upper South Island region. “I guess you could say I was the 2000 pin-up,” he laughs.

A testament to the humility of his character, Thomas says earnestly that the presence of public, professional and political personalities at this event, including Helen Clark and Rob Waddell, who he calls the “movers and shakers” of the business landscape, was a defining moment.

In 2007, Thomas assumed his role as a Polson Higgs senior consultant. “Part of my role was the delivery of governance and training, which was in itself a link to the NZIM,” he says.

Preferred candidate “Then earlier this year I had the honour of being offered the role as the preferred candidate for the chief executive role with the NZIM.”

This offer may have been a privilege for Thomas, but he does also concede he had During his role as Chatham Island Enterprise prior prepared in case the opportunity Trust chief executive, Thomas attended a seven eventuated. “I had done my due diligence by day residential course, from which he got more reviewing previous annual reports and via than he bargained for. “I thought this course communication with members of the institute.” would be great to polish up a few of my skills To help the NZIM evolve, Thomas believes associated with strategic planning and public an understanding of the business on a speaking. During the course however, there fundamental level is key, as is recognising its was a lot of self-awareness development and capacity and capability in terms of governance, self review weaved into it,” Thomas says. management and operation. Thomas also It was this self-discovery that was the believes a return to first principals is necessary motivational catalyst, or as Thomas comically in order to develop a better understanding of calls it, the ‘rude awakening’ that set him the marketplace. on a new professional path. He knew if he “For NZIM AND NZIM Southern going forward, was going to realise his senior executive aspirations, relocation to the main centre of the it is about understanding and ensuring we meet the needs of the market and to do this mainland (Christchurch) was in order.

it is about really getting back to the basics.

Following the world recession and financial hardship, the market and environment has changed and we have to align,” he explains.

A focus on the institute’s operational efficiencies and organisational structure will follow suit to ensure sound products, services, policies, procedures and communication channels are in place.

“A lot of players out there provide training at all levels and we need to evaluate what our point of difference is and identify our target market and how we can provide for our niche,” Thomas says.

they make an investment in training. There is a greater focus on looking at expenditure on a line by line basis. For businesses, sound investment equals smart business and we have to be smart too. We need to provide high quality learning that produces value members can take back to their organisation.”

Thomas maintains it is also critical to understanding the wants, needs and characteristics of the next generation of leaders. “It is really cool to understand what they are looking for and their values, requirements and expectations and how they interact with their employer.”

“There is a lot more emphasis now on return on investment as businesses want output after

For more information on Joseph Thomas and the NZIM visit www.nzim.co.nz

The subsequent losses eventuating from business blunders may not happen overnight, but progressively the cross-purpose decisions being made, in conjunction with general misunderstandings, misinterpretations and digressions from important tasks, will inevitably take a cumulative toll — and it’s unlikely the outcome of these professional faux pas’ will have ‘positive’ written all over it.

clarity of purpose and the role everyone had in achieving organisation goals and objectives,” Roberton says.

Communication games

By Kate Pierson

The rhetorical question “does your left hand know what your right hand’s doing” is a figure of speech that’s been bandied about for years.

While philosophers have pondered all its metaphorical and multi-faceted meanings, in the context of this discussion, this expression is aligned with the importance of effective professional communication.

survive. But challenging or not, bridging the communication chasm between co-existing components of a company is an absolute must do; it is the hallmark of business’ best friends — efficiency and productivity.

Needless to say, communication is particularly important when ‘risk creators’ such as salespeople, marketers and buyers are involved — those whose actions or inactions have a direct impact on the bottom line.

Smart business practise demands an holistic approach and this is about synchronising departments that work simultaneously.

This means ensuring your core constituents, Because having a collective team working in those who are an extension of you and your disconnected entities is like having a security business, have an open and honest relationship net with holes in it. Just pointless. You’re with each other that is supervised and pouring resources, time and energy in, but supported by you. losing it at an equal or even higher rate due to Fact is though, getting your compartmentalised poor decisions being made and a prolonged departments to work in unison is an exercise of failure to recognise that fact. Quite simply, a professional co-ordination, as is ensuring these breakdown in communication can lead to a divisions continue to feed each other the time, breakup between you and your company and energy and information they need to grow and yes, it will hurt — emotionally and financially.

10 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The facts speak for themselves. Around 220 organisations employing 32,000 New Zealanders took part in the JRA Best Workplaces Survey. Based on the results, communication and clarity of purpose were the clear characteristics of success in 2009, JRA managing director John Robertson says.

“The top 25 percent of organisations in our 2009 Best Workplaces Survey showed clear differences in the way they managed their people during the recession and significant differences in the levels of engagement they sustained. Communication became more important than ever, as did

“‘We’re all in this together’ was the rallying cry for many and 2009 became a great opportunity to demonstrate what ‘values’ really meant in practice.

“We’ve heard many stories from organisations who experienced the benefits of an engaged workforce as people responded with performance that went way above the norm.”

The bottom line? If communication was not the currency for commercial success, then organisations like the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) would not have implemented personal development programmes to enhance communication skills.

For information on how you or your staff members can attend courses including Communicate, Influence, Adapt using the TetraMap of Behaviour through the EMA, visit www.ema.co.nz

Fa¢e value

By Kate Pierson

While personality is always a professional plus, looks in business are everything. And no, we’re not talking about looks in the superficial sense, but more about the image you are presenting to your customers.

Having an attractive and appealing corporate image spells professionalism and is the vehicle for you to gain some traction on revenue road — something that is critical when the commercial highway gets bumpy.

Fact is, when you’re taken at face value and consumers are comparing you with your competitors, having a clean cut image and ensuring you’re business body is in tip top shape could be the defining factor between you or the opposition securing the sale. It’s that age old adage; first impressions count.

In business, as in any domain of life, your image is made up of a number of key constituents: your brand, product, and last, but certainly not least, your people. Problem is, to give their business the thick skin it required to withstand the economic chill of the slowly easing financial storm, companies have concentrated their efforts into streamlining their operation. In the process, these businesses have forgotten and neglected the face and frontline of their operation — their customer service constituents.

Truth is, in business, the frontline always faces the music and in the professional arena, the market is not always marching to a harmonious tune, meaning your customer service representatives need to be cool, calm and collected by nature and regularly put through their professional paces to ensure they have the skills and the solutions to rise to any challenge.

customer experiences via four main activities; customer experience strategic development, game plan seminars, skill development workshops and business speaking.

Customer Experiences managing director Chris Bell says the number of customer service staff in New Zealand who feel their work is undervalued and unappreciated is significant.

“It’s estimated that 67 percent of New Zealand employees go to work every day disengaged and this is having a dramatic effect on business performance, growth opportunities and profitability.

“When you read the numbers it becomes clear why very few organisations are delivering a consistently high quality customer experience and why there is a lack of creativity and an even bigger gap between New Zealand’s productivity performance and the rest of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).”

Identification Bell says during the recruitment process it is essential for employers to identify the right candidates for the job and when they have found these employees, treat them like gold.

He says there are too many business blinded by oblivion that fail to see when they have acquired an asset to their organisation.

“These are unique people, difficult to find and keep if you are not providing the right supportive culture. Unfortunately, based on our experiences, many organisations don’t even know they have such a person. They are working in business cultures that don’t have a total focus on their people and customers.”

Bell cites statistics from a Right Management report which indicates that companies with a higher rate of employee engagement: ■ Have on average 29 percent more revenue

There’s two dimensions to establishing a united ■ Are 56 percent more likely to have above average customer loyalty customer service network; identifying those with the gift of the gab and then empowering ■ Have 50 percent higher productivity these people with solution based skills they ■ Are 33 percent more profitable can put into practise.

Customers Experiences is a business entity specialising in the development of high quality

News

■ Have 44 percent higher employee retention rates.

Whether your forte is sales or software, there’s no debating the customer service division in any field is a fundamental and integral part of a company and should be treated that way.

tightening their purse strings, but a professional precedent in economic rain or shine.

Furthermore, a united and engaged customer service force is not just something that should be a focus for businesses when consumers are

For more information or advice on customer service within your business, visit www.customerexperiences.co.nz

Franchising with confidence A recent franchising confidence quarterly survey has revealed franchising sentiment slides further while capital constraints and franchisee concerns remain.

The highlights Franchize Consultants’ Franchising Confidence Index for the October quarter finds positive, but falling sentiment across many key franchising indicators, including general business conditions, access to financing, suitable franchisees and locations.

Meanwhile, franchisee sales levels and operating costs, and franchisor growth prospects are forecast to improve, while

availability of staff and franchisee profitability levels are expected to remain unchanged.

Franchisors remain generally positive about forthcoming general business conditions (net 28 percent). This represents a gradual decline from April (net 39 percent) and July (net 32 percent), respectively.

Overall, franchisor sentiment exceeds general business sentiment as measured by the BNZ Confidence Survey (net 18 percent in October), National Bank Business Outlook Survey (14 percent in September) and the NZIER (-9 percent in September).

Franchisors are still generally positive about forthcoming growth prospects for their organisations (net 56 percent), compared with service providers perspective for franchisors generally (net 17 percent).

An increasing, and worrying, net -19 percent of franchisors expect access to financing to deteriorate over the coming year.

Franchisors see tougher access to suitable franchisees in the year ahead (net -5 percent), down from 14 percent in July.

Meanwhile, perceived access to suitable staff holds at net 16 percent. Comparatively, service Service provider sentiment for general providers see a more positive outlook for conditions (for franchisors generally) plummeted franchisee and staff recruitment with a net 31 to net 7 percent from 62 percent in July. percent and 45 percent respectively.

Overall, while franchisors expect improvements in sales and growth, both groups clearly see tough times ahead for franchisees generally.

Franchize Consultants’ Franchising Confidence Index is a quarterly survey of 383 New Zealand franchisors and 115 specialist service providers.

The data and analysis presented represents the views of 43 franchisors and 29 service providers. Respondents are asked whether they expect conditions to be ‘better,’ ‘same’ or ‘worse.’ ‘Net’ confidence is the difference between those reporting ‘better’ and ‘worse.’

For more information contact Franchize Consultants at (09) 523 3858 or email callum@fcnzl.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 11

News

enlightened

design There’s not much worse than arriving at an ‘exotic’ location and being immediately underwhelmed. One way to avoid this is by transforming ordinarily mundane objects into design-oriented artefacts.

Perhaps something like an air traffic control tower might work?

Apparently is has. Using coloured LED lights has transformed the control tower at Christchurch International Airport, while also reducing energy consumption. “One great toy to play with,” is how lighting designer, Kevin Cawley, describes the 13-storey, 45-metre concrete and glass tower.

Designed by Paris Magdalinos Architects of Napier, the tower affords air traffic controllers the best possible view of the airport and surrounding airspace, but also

emulates Christchurch sculptor Neil Dawson’s Cathedral Square chalice.

A lighting innovator passionate about his home city, Cawley teamed up with Philips Lighting and Cosgroves Electrical Engineers to develop a proposal to illuminate the newly built tower.

Cawley describes the result as a visual symphony, saying the design of the architecture makes the tower a star, and the lighting is a great enhancement. “It’s an amazing creation and it’s already an iconic part of the Christchurch landscape.

For many visitors, and Cantabrians returning home, it’s the first thing they see on arrival.”

Philips Lighting New Zealand project manager, Allan Stephenson says the essence of working with light is the relationship with people and what they feel. “We believe we have achieved this, working as a team to deliver a dynamic feature that welcomes or farewells with warmth and excitement.”

Airways Project Manager John Pringle is equally proud of the results of this project. “The control tower is an iconic structure and is looked upon with great pride by the people who work at Airways. We know that over the coming years it will become a significant part of Christchurch’s architectural heritage.

“The added element of light on the structure stops travellers in their tracks. With the Rugby World Cup coming to us in 2011, Airways intends on working with Philips to project the colours of the competing countries onto the tower as visitors arrive in Christchurch — what an amazing welcome this will be!”

spend or slash?

By Kate Pierson

Although it’s what our dreams are made of, money doesn’t grow on trees in the real world. And, despite the convictions of our youthful clones who insist the ‘big box by the bank’ is the answer to all our financial woes, an Eftpos machine doesn’t just spit out money for you on a whim. There actually has to be a healthy bank balance for it to cough up the cash.

Belts have never been tighter as the economic recession reared its ugly head forcing businesses to renegotiate their financial priorities. And for the past 18 months, there’s been no room for hit and miss; executive decisions and investments have had to be right on the bull’s-eye.

So, the economic recovery is under way, though it’s definitely progressing in baby steps.

Some days it can feel like two steps forward, one step back, but, like any experience with negative overtones, there is always something to be learned. On that note, the question of whether companies can spend their way out of a recession through increased marketing is a hot topic at present.

Waikato University marketing professor Harald van Heerde, who is leading a new research effort, was awarded a $740,000 Marsden grant to do some digging on this very subject. Here’s the low-down.

their marketing support when the economic climate changes and in what direction?

A key input for this decision is how the return on marketing investments varies with the economy. Does a dollar invested in innovation, advertising or sales promotion during a boom have a different return than the same dollar invested during a recession? The answer to this question allows firms to invest at the phase of the business cycle when the expected pay-off is the highest. This research will answer this question.”

What are your key thoughts and ideas in this area?

“We plan to study three important types of marketing investments, via product innovation, advertising and sales promotion. We will look at the effects on sales, because it is a very important driver of firm profit and firm value.

While most economists agree that investment levels in innovation move in sync with the economy, there is very little empirical evidence that the return on investment moves in sync Why did you receive a $740,000 grant? with the economy as well. We aim to shed light on this issue, which would allow firms “This Marsden grant is awarded by the Royal to launch their innovations at the most fertile Society of New Zealand. The Marsden Fund phase of the business cycle. There is similarly invests in investigator-initiated research. With little guidance on what happens with the this money they are financing my research return on advertising over the business cycle. that will try to answer the question: Can firms spend their way out of recession?

During a recession, consumers are more aware of temporary price discounts and To address our research question, we are other types of sales promotions. Hence developing a new theory on how the return most theories predict that recessions make on investments in innovation, advertising and consumers sensitive to sales promotions. price varies across the ups and downs of the However, while we have good indications economy. To test this theory, we develop a on the direction in which sales promotion novel econometric model and apply it to very sensitivity will evolve, little is known on the large datasets covering thousands of New extent of the increase during recessions. Our Zealand products.” study aims to quantify this.

What will the grant be used for?

“The money will be used to finance this research for a period of three years. We will hire a postdoctoral fellow and two Masters students who do parts of the research and it will pay part of my salary. There are also two world-leading associate investigators: professors Marnik Dekimpe (Tilburg University, the Netherlands) and Jan-Benedict Steenkamp (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).”

What prompted your research effort?

“The recent economic recession was the deepest since the Great Depression of the 1930s. During recessions, firms face strong drops in demand due to consumer belttightening. Consequently, during a recession, the typical reaction of firms in New Zealand and elsewhere is to slash marketing investments.

Indeed, marketing investments in product innovation, advertising and sales promotions (temporary actions such as price discounts to boost sales) are often the easiest to cut. Whether this is a good thing to do is questionable, leaving managers struggling with the question how much they should alter 12 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

to pay out or penny pinch… that is the question

To address our research question, we will develop a new theory on how the return on investments in innovation, advertising and sales promotion varies across business cycles. We will test this theory across multiple recessions and booms, thus avoiding focusing on one recession only.

We will develop a new econometric model that enables us to analyse both short and long run effects of the three types of marketing investments and how these are affected by the business cycle.”

How do you think your research will benefit New Zealand?

“This study will provide insights into how New Zealand firms can better navigate through economic turbulence using marketing investments. This should improve their competitive position in the global marketplace and mitigate the adverse consequences of future recessions (e.g., bankruptcies and layoffs). We also aim to establish a centre of expertise to provide guidelines on how New Zealand firms can better navigate through economic turbulence using marketing investments.”

Fleet Cycldee ssinto a n e w h o m e ri

For many, it’s one of life’s first major challenges; the wobbling tires and the excited, hurried pedalling while breaking free of your assistant’s guiding hand as you take to the asphalt for the first time.

You could say learning to ride a bike is similar to finding success in business.

Much like the skinned knees and elbows of your first two wheeled experience, the challenges and obstacles presented by the business landscape can inflict its own kind of damage.

And just as ‘it’s like riding a bike’ remains a wonderful catch phrase for something never forgotten, no Cantabrian business will forget the devastation which eventuated when the ground shook on September 4, 2010. But in business, as in life, the successful few are those best able to mitigate the challenges posed.

For iconic cycle shop Fleet Cycles, the quake changed things forever. A bike sales and servicing shop for more than 100 years, situated at 280 Lincoln Road for just as long, Fleet Cycles is the oldest cycle shop in Christchurch and a well established presence in the local cycling market.

But the extensive damage of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake which tore through Canterbury forced the company’s first move – 360 metres down the road.

Now safely situated at 359 Lincoln Road, the news is not all bad with a bright, fresh and expansive retail space to even better serve the Cantabrian cycling needs. Fleet Cycles has the pedals turning on updated branding and logos to align with the new building and it’s onwards and upwards from here, Greg Shaw says.

Having worked in the previous premises for more than 35 years; from part time after school, through his cycle mechanic apprenticeship completed in 1983 and beyond his and wife Jill’s subsequent purchase of the store in 1996 – their son Ben now makes up part of the close knit Fleet Cycles team, with Neil Falkingham and Alan Hood in the workshop.

“A lot of our success comes down to looking after our customers,” Greg says of the company’s long standing history.

Customers are people, not just wallets walking through the door, and they deserve to be looked after – it’s about the little stuff.

“Service is number one.”

There are a couple of special items to come in and take a look at with the 2010 Tour de France Yellow Jersey signed by Alberto Contador and Julian Deans 2010 Tour de France race jersey. So get to 359 Lincoln Road, check them out and discover why Fleet Cycles has been around for 100 years and 100 years to come.

While the range of bikes and cycling equipment has grown over the years, customers can still expect the old fashioned service with a smile the company has become renowned for. A close association with New Zealand’s largest cycle company Avanti Plus will also see the company become known as Avanti Plus Fleet Cycles.

In fact, while the building has changed and the signage soon to, the team knowledge, friendly help and quality service still remains.

This all starts with a special little bike shop, Fleet cycles shop 280 Lincoln Road.

This building had been a bike shop for a little over 100 years which makes it the oldest bike shop in Christchurch but when the ground shook on 4th September 2010 things changed for ever. Greg Shaw has been in this in this building working on bikes almost 35 years. He started out as a youngster working after school then went on to being offered a cycle mechanic apprenticeship which he completed in November 1983.

Greg and wife Jill purchased Fleet Cycles in 1996 and now even son Ben works in the business.

Fleet Cycle had to relocate down the road 360 metres towards town to 359 Lincoln Road to a

nice safe building. This is a bright, fresh space with more space to come and check out your favourite cycling needs. There are a couple of special items to come in and take a look at the 2010 Tour de France Yellow Jersey signed by Alberto Contador and Julian Deans 2010 Tour de France race jersey.

Do come on in and check out them out. The building has changed and the signage but not the team knowledge, friendly help and quality service.

Avanti Plus Fleet cycles A real bike shop 0800 4 AVANTI

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 13

News

Family affairs

By Melinda Collins

To love and to cherish, ‘til death do us part — it’s a nice sentiment. But marriage, both matrimonial and commercial, takes time, effort and good old fashioned hard work. Taking the boardroom to the bedroom can shake the foundations of even the strongest unions. Get it right however, and the combo can pay off for the company and perhaps the marriage.

While nobody enters marriage planning to divorce, we know from the world of celebrity and statistics, that it’s not a perfect world, we all make the occasional rash decision and it’s always prudent to plan for the worst.

Barrister and owner of approachablelawyer. com, Michael Smyth, says when one marital partner goes into business as a sole trader and the other starts assisting within that business, get incorporated and form a company.

“If you’re not incorporated you run the risk of being deemed a partnership — under a partnership, both parties are equally liable for the business’ liabilities.”

Too many chiefs and not enough Indians doesn’t work, particularly in the business arena. “I would advise that just one person is the company director. While companies have limited liability, directors do have certain obligations under the Companies Act. In some circumstances company directors can become liable for debts of the company.

“If just one person maintains the director title, just one is liable if something goes wrong.”

Top of the list, Smyth says, is that if you are both shareholders. Get it in writing. “Get a shareholders agreement. Make provisions for what would happen to the shares if either party wishes to sell, whether the other party could purchase those shares and the method of valuation of those shares in the event that the business or marital relationship doesn’t work out — this is equally applicable for family businesses.

“Family businesses can be the most complicated situations because of the emotions involved, making it even more important to have a shareholder agreement.

This determines who does what, what investment each person has, what happens if someone wants out — if you don’t have one, it can get very messy.”

The

good,

Systems in place Married and working together for 16 years, William de Ora and Louise Woodbury have outlined systems and philosophies to make the “marriage” work — personally and professionally — in their latest book The Invisible Partnership — Work With Your Spouse Without it Ending in Divorce.

“Why does combining marriage and business seem to require such heroic effort? The main reason is that life partners who work together inevitably blend their deepest, most intimate relationship into the world of business,” the pair explain.

“If there is conflict at the office, those same problems will follow them home! And if there is discord at home, those difficulties will affect them at the office.”

Their top 10 tips for a personal-professional partnership: ■ Find a business you are both passionate about ■ Set aside business-free time — nothing kills romance like a financial meeting in the bedroom ■ Communicate — working together requires honesty and openness ■ Discover individual strengths and weaknesses — helping define rules and work independently ■ Remain objective — hold each other to the same level of accountability you would any other co-worker ■ Don’t make it a competition ■ Don’t fight in public — this can alienate your team ■ Have separate interests outside of work ■ Keep things in perspective — your relationship is more important than a business decision ■ Clear the air — a good argument is sometimes the best remedy and prevents “festering”.

14 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

the

bad, & the sorted

Battle in the boardroom

She’s a multi millionaire telecommunications entrepreneur, mum and charity queen known equally for her platinum locks as her illustrious career but even Annette Presley isn’t immune to the perils of matrimonial mayhem.

Presley and her ex-husband Malcolm Dick are reported to have met in the early 1990s at a golf function.

In 1992 they moved across the Tasman where they went into business, establishing Call Australia. At its peak their toll company raked in more than $100 million a year.

They sold the company for a reported $60 million and returned to New Zealand in 1997 to set up CallPlus, a company which offers voice and data service.

The impeccably dressed blonde, known for her love of red sports cars and Versace suits, became the public face of Slingshot, the company’s residential subsidiary, which took on the telco market with its cheap internet service.

Then in 2006 the marriage collapsed and the shock announcement was made by Callplus, still jointly owned by Dick, that Presley was standing down as the chief executive of Slingshot.

It was, apparently, news to Presley, who was holidaying aboard the 68 foot (21 metre) yacht Seatoy in Fiji at the time.

The battle in the boardroom is still raging four years on — this time over 2Talk, a venture established by Dick and Callplus chief executive Martin Wylie in direct competition with Callplus, directly following the divorce.

What a wonderful ‘World’ World was established in Auckland in 1989 by Denise L’Estrange-Corbet and Francis Hooper. Fuelled by their energy and passion, their vision and work has seen their label develop from operating from a cupboard at the back of an arcade to one of the leading fashion houses in New Zealand.

They’ve written a book, collected Queen’s Birthday honours, brought up a daughter, done outrageously clever fashion shows and parties, accepted a museum retrospective — and split up and survived.

World has opened nine stores in New Zealand and sells its clothes in Australia, Europe, the US and Asia. It was the first Kiwi label to show at Australian Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.

But if you trawl the internet for stories about L’Estrange-Corbet and and Hooper’s messy split after 19 years, one child and a business together, you won’t find it.

Believed to have split in mid-2008, the pair announced the separation would not affect the company or the brand — and it hasn’t.

It’s hard to establish the exact time of the split — the separation appears to have been extremely amicable and media coverage is sparse.

The pair were understood to have continued to cohabitate with their daughter Pebbles for some time after the split. And their business keeps going from strength to strength — proving that the end of a personal partnership does not have to also mean the end of a business partnership.

News

Working to rule

By Kate Pierson

Our lives are democratically governed by an intricate web of civic laws and legislation. And despite the occasional frustrations that arise from fleeting feelings of imposition, the rational law abiding citizen in all of us knows their presence is not the result of a governmental ‘power trip’; it’s a fact of life that societal laws exist for a reason.

And, contrary to the convictions of General Douglas MacArthur, who said laws are made to be broken, the reality is, they’re not; particularly when it comes to providing professional parameters for the business world.

This means educating your organisation about the employment laws is imperative if your business is to stay above board. Furthermore, the evolutionary nature of the system means there’s often new changes and policies to absorb. “The nature of the labour market and the New Zealand economy is always changing.

The modern world doesn’t stop,” Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson advises.

“There will be someone working at any given hour of any given day and it’s important

that employment law is flexible enough to cover these situations. For employers, this means they have to know exactly what their rights and responsibilities are, just as employees should.”

Commenting that these changes will encourage greater negotiation between employers and employees so they can reach mutually appealing agreements, Wilkinson says providing more opportunities and greater flexibility for New Zealanders is essential.

Business NZ chief executive Phil O’Reilly agrees New Zealand businesses want laws characterised by flexibility, simplicity and practicality. “Business have said they want less complexity, less process and more flexibility to get more productivity and workplace harmony.”

In recognition of this fact, the most recent changes to employment legislation in New Zealand were implemented by the National Government in July. Prime Minister John Key announced the amendments to the existing Employment Relations Act 2000, which include an extension of the 90-day trial period to enable all employers and new employees to have the chance to benefit from it.

“We are making a number of other changes to improve the Employment Relations Act, many in line with the National Party’s 2008 manifesto, including making union access to workplaces require employer consent — which

“In this day and age a lot of people work harder and longer so anything that can help achieve greater work-life balance is good.

“Employment law isn’t perfect.

In some cases it can be complicated and we are constantly re-evaluating how specific provisions are working and whether they need to be amended in any way.”

cannot be unreasonably withheld,” Key says.

“We are also implementing our promise to allow employees the choice to request the trade of their fourth week of annual leave for cash. This is alongside other changes to the Holidays Act to improve this area of the law.”

For guidance and direction on the Employment Relations Act 2000, businesses can commission legal advice or alternatively, access information from the Department of Labour and organisations such as Business New Zealand, the Employers and Manufacturers Association or their local chamber of commerce.

More information, go to www.dol.govt.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 15

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F

inding the right formula

By Kate Pierson

Nothing in life is ever certain, except of course for the degenerative nature of the human condition.

One of the most unpredictable element’s within any society is economic growth, because its health is perennially vulnerable to social, political, industrial and environmental factors.

But while an economy’s state of play may often be characterised by ambiguity, it’s a no-brainer that economic growth needs to be nurtured and achieving and maintaining a strong economic pulse requires balance and strategic decision making.

In September, New Zealand Reserve Bank Governor, Alan Bollard announced the official cash rate would be held at three percent — a move that was anticipated by economists.

“While the global and domestic economies continue to recover, the outlook has weakened since our June statement. We consider it appropriate at this point,” Bollard explained of the decision. The Governor also maintained future rate hikes would be more moderate than previous forecasts given the disruption caused by the Canterbury earthquake.

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research’s (NZIER) principal economist, Shamubeel Eaqub also discussed the OCR hold, commenting, “The RBNZ will pause in raising interest rates given near term growth risks and

distant inflationary pressures. We expect the RBNZ to keep the OCR at three percent until March 2011 and then gradually increase to 5.5 percent by early 2012. Rates may rise earlier in 2011 if the recovery strengthens.”

Although the June quarter was the fifth consecutively in which GDP expanded following the recession’s five quarters of contraction, a four percent decrease in the manufacturing industry offset nearly all the growth in this quarter. “All manufacturing sub-industries, with the exception of wood and paper products were down in the June 2010 quarter,” Statistics New Zealand acting national accounts manager Stephen Oakley advised.

Crawling along

economic growth? What will the government be doing to find the right formula to stimulate economic growth moving forward?

First and foremost, Eaqub advises that New Zealand businesses should be reviewing their investment and recruitment plans, as well as evaluating their risk exposures.

In August, Minister of Finance, Bill English offered reassurance that the Government has built its long-term economic plan around six key policy drivers: ■ Strengthening our tax system ■ Better, smarter public services ■ Reforming regulation

With only 0.2 percent growth in GDP when the market had expected 0.8 percent for the June quarter, these sluggish figures confirmed New Zealand’s economy was crawling.

■ Education and skills

“The recovery is slowing. This is evident in local and global data. There is sufficient momentum and stimulus in the economy to avoid a repeat recession, but the economy will be soft in the next six months,” Eaqub said.

“The only way we can permanently lift New Zealand’s economic growth is through considered and consistent reform and change year after year. Budget 2010 took several steps in that direction — including across the board personal tax cuts from October 1, which will help narrow the gap in after-tax incomes compared with Australia,” English explained.

In the wake of the Christchurch earthquake, New Zealand Treasury published an economic brief which estimated that the consequence of disruptions to the economy will reduce New Zealand’s September quarter GDP by 0.4 percent, relative to what would have been achieved had the earthquake not occurred.

So with the slow economic recovery confirmed and financial stresses attached to the October GST hike growing, what does this mean for

■ Business innovation and trade ■ Investment in productive infrastructure.

It’s palpable there is a comprehensive plan in place to help New Zealand’s economy recover and re-energise. But whether the plan has effective potential remains to be seen.

If the NZIER’s expectation of an economic growth slump in 2011, before a rebound in 2012, is anything to go by, we could be waiting a while.

Marketing miss Duck says he knows a business who spent $30,000 on a website but never put it on their business cards, let alone marketed it properly. And once a business has a website, it should continue to asses its worth and information.

Websites

“SMEs should know how many first time and how many repeat visitors come to their website, every week, every month. “They need to know what areas of the site they visited and how many visited the parts of the site you want them to visit the most, for example signing up for email updates.”

that work

By Bridget Gourlay

In our digital world, websites are the new shop windows. They are the first glance, and if done properly, they’ll make people want to come in and look around.

Design + speed “Make sure the most important information — the ‘about us’ and contact details are very prominent. As long as you stick to making sure the most important information is no more than a couple of clicks away then everything else is just the cream on top.”

In this case, bigger isn’t always better.

Don’t think flash graphics, acres of text or expensive tools are necessarily going to drive business.

Recently I visited a property investment website which showed 15 seconds of panoramic shots of the area they were selling before I could see the homepage, which made me feel bored and frustrated.

Am I just a product of the MTV generation?

Olivier Teernstra, programmer and graphic designer at Imachination, says the best advice he can offer is to keep it simple.

No, Teernstra says. That would irritate most of the website visitors. “People hate that. The client may like the flashy images,

16 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

because it shows off the brand but the customer or visitor just wants information.”

Teernstra thinks www.apple.com is a great example of a website with a lot of information that isn’t overwhelming. He says it is really easy to navigate and is aesthetically pleasing.

Andrew Duck, executive director of Quigcorp, says many small businesses get websites built for the wrong reasons. “The thing most people miss is purpose — clients say they need a website right now, because competitors have got one. They don’t have an understanding of process, an idea of how they will use it or what you can do online.”

Duck says a well designed website is the most important factor. But he says speed comes a close second. “Statistics used to show people would wait seven seconds before deciding whether to stay or go. That statistic is now 0.7 seconds. As soon as they see first image they decide whether to trust you or not, and trust is a currency.”

Bold headings, hardly any text, quick access to information without fancy videos? It may sound like the ideal website should be designed for five year olds.

Alternatively, you may prefer to think about it in Leonardo da Vinci’s terms, who said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”.

Meadow Mushrooms major $45 million expansion nears completion Canterbury-based Meadow Mushrooms has nearly completed an extensive $45million expansion at its production facilities at Giggs Road, Norwood, and Wilmers Road, on the outskirts of Christchurch.

so this development project will help set the company up for the future.

Meadow Mushrooms Chief Executive Roger Young says the development demonstrates the company’s confidence in the future market and its commitment to the community.

“The art of mushroom growing has become very technical and science-based, so the expansion will utilise world-leading innovative techniques. The new technology involved will see composting moved into specialist buildings designed to capture and treat any contaminants,” he says.

“The expansion will create substantial additional employment, making the company one of the largest employers in the region and firmly securing its place as a major Canterbury business,” he says.

“All key processes will be computer controlled and monitored. The level of recycling will be enhanced with ammonia gas converted to a nutrient input and all wastewater returned to the process.

The business was established in Cyprus in 1968 by well-known businessman and former senior politician Philip Burdon and his business partner Roger Giles. Both men invested $17,000 in 1970 in the New Zealand company, which has since self-funded its growth.

“Rainwater will be collected from roofs and ‘hard-stand’ areas for use in the composting process to ensure we become the most environmentally-sensitive farming industry in the country.”

Staff numbers have grown from 11 in 1970 to more than 500 today, making the company the largest producer of mushrooms in New Zealand and the second largest in Australasia.

However Meadow Mushrooms Board Chairman Philip Burdon says it hasn’t all been plain sailing. “At its inception Meadow Mushrooms was mocked as a ridiculous pipe dream and it’s certainly not been a one-way success story,” he says.

“Now, however, the company can legitimately claim to have established one of the largest and most sophisticated agri-businesses in the country for which we can be very proud.”

Roger Young says growing mushrooms successfully on a commercial scale is difficult,

OUR PEOPLE Meadow Mushrooms employs more than 500 employees across New Zealand. We have an extremely diverse workforce and enjoy having employees in our organisation from all around the world.

The company offers a great range of career opportunities and strives to develop its people and promote from within. Our people are our business and without the valuable input of all our employees working in harvesting, packing, sales, production or one of our support roles, we wouldn’t enjoy the success we have today.

He says the expansion will see the overhaul of composting, where large tunnels and bunkers will be built to increase production capacity and enable composting in a bulk format.

Health and safety is a very strong focus within our company and the first accountability in all managers’ position descriptions. Meadow Mushrooms has a great group of health and safety representatives who meet on a monthly basis to keep on top of any potential hazards that might be an issue for staff. Each year we run a Safety Week with a different theme – staff enjoy getting involved and are very innovative with new ideas to make the workplace safer.

Another major part of the expansion involves the establishment of a modern,hightech growing farm based on the Dutch shelf system and construction of a new purpose-built pack shed.

“This expansion will ensure Meadow Mushrooms will be able to meet growing demand and dramatically improve efficiency and productivity,” says Roger Young.

We like our employees’ families to feel part of the wider Meadow Mushrooms ‘family’ and we will hold another Family Day at the

He says the expansion is planned to be completed by early 2011, just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Meadow Mushrooms.

beginning of next year. We’re keen to share all the exciting changes in our business with our families and give them the opportunity to see our expansion first-hand.

WHAt yOU DIDN’t kNOW AbOUt MUSHROOMS: • Mushrooms were deemed to be the food of the gods • Commercial propagation has been in New Zealand since 1930 • Mushrooms are high in nutritional value -a good source of B vitamins, potassium, selenium, copper, phosphorous and the antioxidant ergothioneine, while being low in calories, fat and sodium • Mushrooms are extremely versatile and perfect for today’s lifestyle and eating habits • Last year each New Zealander ate approximately 2.7kg of fresh mushrooms • In the 1990s, about 25% of the product was exported • Today, the company is principally focused on the domestic market • Fresh mushrooms are NZ’s 4th highest selling vegetable and 6th highest of all fruit and vegetable sales • Mushrooms have a five to seven day shelf life when stored correctly • Meadow Mushrooms produces a variety of fresh mushrooms: White Buttons, Swiss Brown • Buttons, Breakfast Portabellos, Barbeque Portabellos and Fresh Sliced • A large range of canned mushrooms is also produced at the Christchurch cannery and sold under the Emma label.

GROWING MEADOW MUSHROOMS Meadow Mushrooms grows three types of mushroom, all from the same family – Agaricus Bisporus. The whites and browns differ in that they are different strains of the same family. Agaricus Bisporus was the first mushroom to be cultivated for commercial use and is still the most commonly grown today.

Mushroom farms consist of large, dark, climate-controlled rooms in which the mushrooms are carefully cultivated.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 17

News

The Corporate Christmas guide

Drink & the office downfall…

By Kate Pierson

It’s just a jingle past lunch time and Tiffany and Roger from accounts are snogging like teenagers under the mistletoe, Bob from IT is declaring his love for Mike in management and Samantha and John from the design department have been locked together in the bathroom for a suspiciously long time.

Ah, yes, the infamous Christmas work do; drunken debauchery against a backdrop of raucous laughter, shattered glasses and ‘I’m going to regret this in the morning’ revelations. It’s that so-called wonderful time of the year that sees everyone spending the entire Christmas holiday recovering from the alcohol fuelled antics, before it’s back to the daily grind. Well, at least that’s what the stereotypical Hollywood comedies depict will happen.

Now, of course we are all far too sophisticated to descend into that kind of churlish behaviour come Christmas 2010, but as a goodwill gesture for the holiday season, we’re offering you the ultimate corporate gift; the opportunity to brush up on your Christmas party etiquette and save yourself the professional hangover with these ‘must remembers’ for your holiday Christmas party.

Meanwhile, normally mild mannered Sue’s liquid lunch of Dutch courage on the rocks has made her just a bit too honest and her diplomacy’s gone right Party politesse out the window, along with Pat We’re not the party police here to rain on the accountant’s pants, who’s now your parade; we’re your gig guide offering loudly announcing how liberated he some valuable tips about party politesse, with the help of Enthuse owner and operator, feels sans clothing.

John McKenzie.

Then before anyone can say ‘ho, ho, ho’ Sue’s telling Mary from reception just how much her habitual idiosyncrasies have ticked her off this year, and fur starts flying in a female frenzy.

A media and event business that has scored itself the title of New Zealand Entertainment Company of the Year, not once, but twice, Enthuse specialises in public relations, marketing communications activity, television and corporate events. McKenzie has some words of wisdom for those getting ready to board the celebratory train this silly season.

And, as if the celebratory chaos couldn’t get any worse, the Christmas carnage is all captured by incriminating photographs that go viral in the New Year.

So, we’ve established and emphatically so, that having a party where inebriation is rife is not good for your brain or your business. But, in the spirit of Christmas, you also don’t want your colleagues standing round a bread and butter spread of savouries and soft drinks where intermittent awkward throat clearing is the only sound permeating the deafening silence.

It’s all about a healthy balance really — finding the perfect party formula that promotes respectful decorum in a relaxed atmosphere.

We’d hope by now you’ve well and truly booked if you’re looking at taking your party off-site. But if you haven’t, get cracking.

Getting the right vibe When it comes to the logistics of workplace festivities, McKenzie says the first thing to decide is what type of party you want it to be.

Ultimately, the time of day you host the event will establish a certain vibe.

For example, if you hold a midday BBQ at a staff member’s home, it’s more likely to promote a feeling of togetherness and relaxation, whereas if you take the party off-site to a bar or a nightclub in the evening, 18 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“You don’t have to drink

at a work function… moderation is always important.” it’s like to set the precedent for a big night out. “Whatever location the party is at, people should still behave professionally. It is after all a work function and people need to remain aware of that,” McKenzie advises.

The first ‘to do’ on the list of priorities should be to think about the budget. “It is good to work with one company that can package it all up for you creatively and save you time and money.”

The second priority should be getting staff home post-party. “You don’t have to drink at a work function — that’s a given and moderation is always important,” McKenzie says. “I always stress to clients though that they need to think about transport for their staff and often things like providing them with taxi chits works best.”

While sending out a memorandum to staff with regimented rules and instructions is not necessary, McKenzie says it is also important to open the communication channels before and during the function.

“General communication is always important when people are going to be letting their hair down.

“At the party it is important managers don’t just focus on themselves. They should acknowledge others, be gracious and remember to thank their co-workers for their help throughout the year.

“It is important to let them know you value their effort. A Christmas function is also a good time for people to network as it is more of an

even playing field where senior management is interacting with other departments.”

All in all, McKenzie says a good dose of common sense should be on the menu at any Christmas bash and some light entertainment can really liven things up.

For ideas on entertainment for your corporate Christmas function and how Enthuse can help you and your party people be merry this Christmas, visit www.enthuse.co.nz

Workplace Upskilling Programme Really Works Hagley Adult Literacy Centre has

a wealth of qualifications and

run successful programmes in

experience such as maths, English

over 30 companies in Canterbury.

and other university degrees, post

These include training of staff at

graduate diplomas and literacy and

manufacturing companies, retail, aged

numeracy qualifications. Hagley even

care facilities, construction, sawmills,

has two speech therapists on staff.

transport and infrastructure.

All the tutors use laptops as a

Claire Taylor, the director of the

learning tool, so employees are keen

Hagley Adult Literacy Centre

to volunteer to join the programme.

says, “What is exciting about

This individual tuition can cover

these programmes is that they

a wide range of topics and skills

are individually based on what the

and can also support industry

person needs to upskill in to enable

qualifications. New techniques mean

them to do their job effectively.

that people who didn’t like school

This can range from understanding

can now enjoy learning again.

formulae in spreadsheets to telling the time. Employees are highly motivated because they can fill in the gaps without feeling embarrassed. We even have

“This programme has ha da massive impact on the pe ople who participated, they are more confident, they are not scared to share information and the y believe in themselves.”

“Team members have ha d the opportunit y to work on e on one with an experienced tutor for one hour per week for as many ses sions as they have needed to impro ve such things as computer ski lls, bu dgeting, Duane Peterson, mana ger literacy and maths ski lls. of Humes Th e work Pipelines. is self-paced and has be en extremely popular. The personal gro wth benefits have been great an d they “The two Coca-Cola M have also had the opportu anufacturing nit y to plants in Christchurch apply their new ski lls in took part in a bu sin ess the No Limits programm context. Real life proble e operated ms suc h as

by Ha gley Adult Litera calculating quantities of cy Centre. I materials found the level of ser vic e outstanding needed for a DI Y project are now and the quality of the tut much easier and faster ors for these team excellent. We have seen members as a result of att fantastic ending the gains from some of our tui tion through Ha gley.” staff who have completed the cou rse and highly Nick Stanbur y, mana ger of Bu recommend it. As a result nnings of this, we Shirley Complex have committed to the pro gramme again.”

Peter Kelly, the mana ger of Coca Cola Amati l NZ

“A ll employees who were part of the Ha gley upski lling progra mme went up one whole level in the Skills Based Pay system. A lot of wo rkplace practices have changed which is due to the staff having a better understanding of what they do.”

Duane Peterson

Free Workplace Staff Training

people who have come in to

work during their holidays for this tuition”.

At the Hagley Adult Literacy Centre, not only is our training free, but it can also cover a wide range of other industry-based topics such as:

Hagley Adult Literacy Centre has a staff of 28 who bring

Free

• Understanding Health and Safety • Reading workplace documentation • Filling out company forms and spelling the words correctly • Computer skills such as: WORD, EXCEL • Interpreting information and charts • Maths for the workplace • Communication skills • Skills needed for industry qualifications and support to achieve these qualifications Workplace Staff Training

Training is available for small or large companies and can be Free Workplace Staff Training

At the Hagley Adult Literacy Centre, not only is our training free, but it can also cover a wide range of other industry-based topics such as: •

If this sounds too good to be true, then be quick as places are strictly limited and will fill fast!

delivered to staff individually or in groups as required, with Understandingup to 40 hours per person.

Health and Safety For more information contact:

AtReading theworkplace Hagley Adult Literacy Centre, not only is our training documentation Director: Claire Taylor sounds to good are • Filling out company forms and spelling the words correctly to be true, then be quick as places free, butIf itthis can also cover a wide range of other industry-based Hagley Adult Literacy Centre • Computer skills such as WORD and EXCEL and will fill fast! strictly limited topics such as: • Interpreting information and charts 379 3090 ext 815 027 5888 654 •

•

For more information contact:

Maths for the workplace

ty@hagley.school.nz Understanding Health and Safety • • Communication skills Director: Claire Taylor • Skills needed for industry qualifications and support to achieve Reading workplace documentation • these qualificationsHagley Adult Literacy Centre Training is available 379 3090 ext 815 027 5888 654 for small or large companies and can be delivered to • Filling out company forms and spelling the words correctly staff individually or in groups as required, with up to 40 hours per person. ty@hagley.school.nz • Computer skills such as: WORD, EXCEL www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 19 • Interpreting information and charts • Maths for the workplace

www.radiolive.co.nz

20 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Capturing the m ment But it’s not only the number of stores which have expanded to meet demand.

Digital future The digital revolution has flipped the photographic industry on its head. But Hanafins has expanded services and capabilities to meet demand and it’s proved a winning strategy.

Hanafins has continued to invest significantly in the latest photo processing technology. “You should always save photographs in at least two places,” Jacquie says. “The first technological move was high speed scanning of slides onto CD and people have got into that in a big way. Now we can load slides onto DVD, creating ‘movies’ out of your memories.”

In life we are taught to live for the moment. But should you miss the odd moment, then thankfully the digital camera and its photographic predecessors have allowed us to capture it, preserve it and keep it with us always.

Because for the tool that makes time stand still, it’s all about capturing, developing and replicating those moments which are momentous by nature but not by duration.

The culmination of several technical discoveries, the evolutionary sequence of the photograph is much like that of iconic Canterbury photography specialist Hanafins, a name associated with the Christchurch retail landscape for more than 80 years.

Established by James George Hanafin in the triangular building at the corner of Hereford and High Streets about 1920, Hanafins Camera and Video became Christchurch’s first one hour photo service. Now run by James’ grandson Lawry and his wife Jacquie, the business has become an icon.

Still part of the High Street landscape, Hanafins has since expanded nationwide, responding to the demand for specialist photography stores, now encompassing six stores; four in Christchurch (The Palms, Northlands and Riccarton Malls as well as head office High Street), one in Auckland and a franchised store in Nelson.

Known affectionately as Shoebox Scanning, simply take in your boxes of photographs, slides or negatives and the talented staff will turn them into archived digital images for easy sharing, re-printing and storage. And with a free ‘movie’ upgrade with every shoebox, archiving just got a whole lot more exciting.

But the next biggest thing in photographic innovation Hanafins has adopted is the Olympus pen. “It’s a compromise between an SLR and a conventional compact camera – all the benefits of SLR without the size and bulk,” Lawry says. “This is going to be the camera of the future and we are fully prepared with a new range in stock.”

With some amazing Christmas deals on offer for the Olympus pen at Hanafins, it looks set to become a best seller.

“The desire to capture special moments in our lives with photography will always remain. It is simply the options we have to view the photos that will continue to expand,” Jacquie says.

“I have no doubt that photography of some form will always have a place in our lives. However, the technology will transform dramatically and that provides an exciting challenge for us as digital imaging specialists – to keep pushing the boundaries.”

— Advertising Feature

The latest technology prints images directly from your Facebook account, your i-Phone or i-Pad – any online photo storage. This allows for greater freedom with editing; removing glare and red eyes through to making photos into DVDs, complete with background music.

“The best part about it is that with our stores you don’t have to be computer literate to benefit from the technology with our helpful staff to guide you through the process, or do the job for you – and your photos are printed instantly.”

One of the latest photographic trends, and a fantastic Christmas present, is canvas prints. Images are sprayed with a non-gloss art sealant for added protection before being hand stretched around a solid wooden frame. With 350 gram canvas and a solid 50mm stretcher frame, the canvas is built to last a lifetime. The image wraps right round the edges of the canvas giving a real sense of depth, adding appeal and quality to your image. And with Christmas cut-off December 14, you still have time to order your memorable Christmas gifts.

Another popular stocking filler is personalised photo books.

Rapidly replacing the traditional photo album photo books are printed on the most advanced digital press technology, turning weddings, baby showers and other important events into stunning books.

Make memories into movies with a FREE ‘Movie’ upgrade, valued at $39 with every Shoebox.

City: 282 High Street, Christchurch, T 366 8049, F 365 1121, E city@hanafins.co.nz • Westfield: Riccarton Road, Christchurch, T 348 0555 • The Palms: Cnr Marshland & New Brighton Road, T 375 7007 • Northlands: 55 Main North Road, T 352 7027

News

A day at the races

By Kate Pierson

Cup Day is a time of the year when narcissism and voyeurism are at an all-time high.

Tanning booths are full, hairdressers are booked out, elbows tend to make an appearance around racks hung with frilly frocks and colour-co-ordinated ties and gowns make girlfriends gloat with sanctimonious glee and under-the-thumb boyfriends blush.

Some channel their inner Britney or Paris but most are winners in the fashion

stakes, even if the ‘garment’ in question is all-over bodypaint. This year was no exception — hats were big, feathers and bling were constants, and colour was out there.

Men looked dapper in traditional suits.

As the tattered remains of expensive frocks are buried at the back of wardrobes, livers are put on detox duty until further notice and minds start planning in anticipation of next year’s Cup Day, Christchurch is back to business as usual — until next time that is.

Above: Kendall McSorley models Melodie McColl’s winning design in The Breeze Artwear competition Left: Veronique Hocking models the Sophia Lee outfit and hat and styling by Bonita Monique which got her in the top 10 of the best dressed competition

Above: Glitz and glamour is given the western treatment while the lady in red is pretty in her petal-style dress.

Left: Funking it up in a painted halter and parasol is Alison Grant Below: Nicky McKay sports all-over aqua with body paint crafted by Design and Arts College students

Ashri Assaraf, Emma Duncan and Natalie Beavington enjoy the sun on the Stella lawn Below: Will Hall (Shortland Street’s Dr Kip Denton) and partner looking stylish

22 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Campbell Turnbull used Photoshop to craft the pattern for his magnificent suit

Market research There’s an age old adage which says failing to plan is planning to fail. It’s a philosophical saying which aptly reflects the direct correlation between planning and success.

For Live Media, the launch of the i-Poster was three years in the planning, between unit design, functions and training.

“We invested heavily in resources for technicians and designers participated in overseas training to build up the necessary skills and knowledge regarding the i-Posters,” Sun says.

Substantial time went into research before the design and specifications were settled on.

“We had to ensure the product’s design and functions would live up to our expectations.”

Technicians participated in five months of overseas training, including overseeing production to ensure they had the appropriate skills to maintain the units. The designers underwent three months of training with experienced i-Poster advert designers to gain experience and knowledge on how to enhance advert effectiveness.

The next step was trialling the product. “We implemented trail units in key locations in Christchurch and have received extremely promising results.

Surveys revealed 96 percent of participants liked the unit and were happy with the structure and design, 72 percent said they actually read the advertisements while waiting at the checkout.

“We are aiming for coverage of the entire Canterbury within the next year in order for the units to reach their full potential, then we will be looking to expand South Island wide.

“Live Media is hoping to become the front runner in modern marketing in New Zealand.”

Bringing media to life Snappy, targeted and in your face, multimedia advertising is demonstrating its power and might with a rapidly growing market presence.

Driven by consumer immunity to traditional mediums and a rapidly expanding technological presence, multimedia advertising is gaining momentum as attention spans diminish and competition accelerates.

Advertising has gone digital.

Live Media sales and marketing administrator William Sun says multimedia is quickly gaining traction as a marketing form.

“Consumers are becoming immune to traditional mediums of marketing such as posters or flyers. The modern shopping environment is so saturated with traditional advertisements that their overall effectiveness is reduced tremendously.”

Live Media’s flagship product the i-Poster - is one of the latest additions to the multimedia landscape. A digital poster offering substantial benefits to clients and consumers alike, the i-Poster is creating waves in the advertising ocean.

Combining the latest 3G and Wifi High Definition (HD) technologies, the i-Poster unit represents a growing generation of advertising mediums. It allows for real time updates along with

Contact us on 0800 007 114 | www.livemedia.net.nz Live Media Group Limited

motion media to offer a new experience in advertising.

They’re big offshore and poised to take off in New Zealand. “Right now the concept of i-Posters is still new to New Zealand. But in many overseas metropolitans, multimedia units have replaced a majority of posters and other traditional mediums.

“The contemporary design, functions and versatility has made the i-Poster units superior to traditional mediums.”

But it’s not just the product’s ambassadors who are singing its praises. “A new innovation that embraces the Kiwi psyche - and it looks fantastic,” current Labour MP for Christchurch East, Lianne Dalziel says of the i-Poster.

“A high tech innovation that will support and assist the local advertising industry,” City Council board member Jimmy Chen agrees.

The council’s interest in the product stems from the technology the units represent. All units are controlled by a central server, allowing for instantaneous change.

“With pre-recorded advertising, change is an extremely difficult and costly process. With our units, change is instant.

Utilising 3G networking and Wifi technologies, allows for the most up to date information. It allows for alterations/updates/add-ons/

New Park, Level 1, Unit 10, 14 Broad Street PO Box 19878. Woolston, Christchurch 82411, New Zealand

special promotions to be made at any time and 24 hour monitoring, ensuring a safe and consistent line of advertising.”

But the benefits are not limited to advertisers. The unit’s 46 inch screen can be divided into multiple sections, allowing for different information to be displayed simultaneously. On the top of the screen, beneficial information such as weather/date/bus timetables/ news and sports headlines are displayed, allowing free access to information for the public.

The green side of the posters are beneficial to the general society, with no paper/chemicals used and pollution and waste at a bare minimum compared to other forms of mass advertising. “Multimedia advertising is poised to replace posters in the very near future.”

The i-Poster units are currently installed in Eastgate and Hornby Malls, each with more than five million in foot traffic every year. The market is very quickly expanding, with plans afoot for sites South Island wide.

Live Media PO Box 19878 Woolston Christchurch T (03) 338 7781 E william.sun@nz114.co.nz www.livemedia.net.nz — Advertising Feature

P: 03 338 7781 | F: 03 335 0011 | 0800 007 114 info@livemedia.net.nz | www.livemedia.net.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 23

‘Adweb’

News Profile | Harvey Cameron/E2 Digital

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Can a company spend its way out of recession?

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News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Information | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 0113-8340

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AgResearch’s new CEO on the big issues facing his industry

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340

the future of brands

By Bridget Gourlay

Five years ago, YouTube had just been created, most people hadn’t heard of Facebook, and Twitter was a twinkle in Jack Dorsey’s eye.

“Technology is changing so quickly. If you look at it as a continuum, faxing was a blink. Being able to send a document (via fax) in its day was quite revolutionary — but it’s been and long gone.”

Keeping pace with change is vital, especially essential in marketing and communications.

Yes, way back in 2005 we used the Getting started now derelict Friends Reunited-style Harvey Cameron Advertising (HCA) started in 1996 when Saatchi & Saatchi packed its bags. sites to keep in contact. With Google Amid the departure manouevres, two of its Earth in its infancy, most people employees, Neil Cameron and Iain Harvey, decided to take over the client list. looked up directions in an atlas.

And to watch the latest video clip… They both loved Christchurch and believed, if structured correctly, there was still a viable well, maybe it would be screening business to be had, based around what soon on MTV. remained on the list.

New livery and branding for Allied Petroleum

aw The Richie McC Versatile campaign for

Just a decade previously, email was being hailed as a cutting edge business tool. Who would have dreamed of the realm of possibilities it would open up? Which is why Neil Cameron, co-founder of Harvey Cameron Advertising, is loathe to predict what marketing might be like in five years time.

One competitor was heard to say “they’ll last five minutes”. Fourteen years on, there is a combined staff of 40 and a portfolio of high profile campaigns. HCA has helped guide and define Mike Pero, Cash Converters, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, Babycity, Canterbury Rugby, Hertz, Versatile Buildings, Totalspan, Skellerup and more.

“It’s creativity with a business purpose.

Always. As one client said recently, ‘It’s gotta make the boat go faster, or it’s a waste of time’,” Cameron says.

With a commerce degree under his belt, Cameron tried other career options before succumbing to the lure of advertising. Once he made the career change, he says he’s never looked back.

In 2008, HCA joined forces with E2 Digital, a website/online company started in 1996 by Gary Lee and his brother after Gary finished his accounting degree. Rather than crunching numbers for a corporate body, Lee chose to explore the expanding realm of cyberspace.

Branding and advertising for NZ Tax Refunds

Wigram Skies naming, branding and website for Ngai Tahu Property

24 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Campaigns, point of sale and displays for Totalspan

A lunch meeting with Cameron five years ago saw the pair embark on a whole new direction. They realised they saw the future of advertising as a collective package — an intricate linking up of mainstream media and the web. They couldn’t see why there should be any difference between creating ads for websites and ads for TV and also didn’t see why clients should have to go to different places to create advertising for different mediums.

They joined forces and recently moved both companies into one floor of a near-new Merivale office. It was a timely move — the 7.1 quake hit a few weeks later but damage was limited to three broken bottles of wine.

HCA and E2 opened with all staff on deck on the Monday morning following the quake.

The merger has worked perfectly. Clients can get a full advertising campaign — websites made, enewsletters set up, and billboards created in a one-stop shop. E2 Digital takes care of the science behind data mining and Google adword campaigns which are now a standard part of the advertising mix.

If advertising is changing fast, then the internet is moving at light speed. Lee says 30 percent of productivity is spent maintaining skill sets and keeping up with code changes.

“And that’s just technology — the challenge is in keeping all our clients up to date,” he says.

A good advertisement What makes a good ad? The answer is… it depends. As irritating as pop-ups that block your screen are, or those proclaiming 50 percent off may be, they bring in profits. And in this day and age, that is all that matters.

“Harvey Norman, they yell at you every day.

Do they stop doing what they’re doing? No. Does it work? I bet it does, cos otherwise they’d stop yelling at you,” Cameron says.

Campaigns and point-of-sale for Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa

News Profile | Harvey Cameron/E2 Digital Left: The successful re-launch of Jockey with Dan Carter Right: National advertising, ecommerce website and store support for Babycity

Below: Website, menus and collateral for Little India National advertising and support material for Interflora

Humour works the same way. The Tui billboards are brilliantly effective at selling beer to 20 year olds. The same approach employed by a high end wine label might not have the same effect.

One of HCA’s most high profile campaigns was for Jockey men’s underwear, modelled

by Dan Carter. It didn’t have a lot of money behind it but it certainly captured the nation’s attention. One campaign featured billboards in the centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch that simply read ‘Dan’s Single...’

The lesson is, brands must be honest and authentic — always. And with the web, there’s no place to hide.

A massive change The internet hasn’t just changed the way the public get information but how advertisers get information on the public. Gary Lee says sales used to be the only measure of whether a campaign was working but now data is much more specific. However, “sales are still bloody important”, he acknowledges.

Speculation ensued, including a news story on page three of the New Zealand Herald the next day. A week later, the replacement billboards went up. They read ‘Dan’s Singlet’ and showed Dan Carter modelling a singlet and the message (at the bottom and in brackets) ‘Sorry ladies’.

If free advertising is good, does this mean the old adage ‘there’s no such thing as bad publicity’ is true?

Cameron says the furore over the late 1990s ‘Bugger’ Toyota commercials got millions of dollars worth of free advertising on the front pages of papers, creating great brand awareness.

Not so with the Ribena controversy. For a few years Ribena had marketed itself on its high levels of Vitamin C. When a teenage science experiment, later proven in professional laboratories, showed ready-to-drink Ribena contained almost no traces of Vitamin C, the story was picked up world-wide. The resulting publicity impacted on the brand’s integrity and no amount of edgy marketing was going to change that.

Brand development and design for Forrest Wines

The recession has led to a series of belttightening exercises by businesses looking to trim unnecessary expenses. Advertising could be viewed as one. “It’s easy to put it straight to the bottom line,” Cameron says.

“I have a client that aggressively advertised during last year, and it paid off. Somebody likened it years ago to a steam train.”

The analogy fits. If you consider advertising to be coal, a steam train will run for a little while without coal being put on the fire. But eventually it will grind to a halt.

“The brave companies are still feeding coal. It’s a great way for people to kill their competition in these testing times.”

Future visions

The wall at E2 Digital says it all

“With an email blast out, we know how many people have clicked through (opened a link for more product information), and how many people have placed an order within an hour.

“We can pick the best times to send it (the email), the best conversions, the best days of the week. It just gives us the metrics to refine it a lot more,” Lee says. “You can see what the most popular click-throughs are, so if you want to elevate a product you just put it to where the most popular click-throughs were.”

Advertisers are getting more and more specific in the way they find and use information. Cameron says companies can document the products an individual consumer buys a lot of and then email that customer whenever those products are on special or a new line comes in.

Google, or “big brother” as Cameron calls it, is putting ads up alongside your emails relating to what is in them. So if you are emailing your friend about your trip to Australia, ads for Australian hotels and rental cars will appear, sometimes even as you are typing. Big brother indeed.

Mike Pero Mortgages, helped along by consistent branding and new website by E2

If the world has changed a lot in the last five years, it has certainly changed out of almost all recognition in the last 50 years. On a recent (and rare) holiday, Cameron called his 80-year-old father-in-law on Skype and was able to show him the views as they travelled.

Ask the HCA/E2 creative team “what will advertising be like in five years time?” and they struggle to answer definitively.

“I think it will be more micro,” Lee says.

“Ads will be more targeted at you, as the media will allow it”.

Neil Clitheroe, HCA’s Creative Director, says it doesn’t matter what the media is. “Online, TV, magazines — there still needs to be a great strategy, idea and execution to make it work. In that way, nothing has changed, just the vehicle.”

In five years there’s bound to be more technology, more internet and the distinction between being on and off line will continue to blur. As sci-fi writer Arthur C Clarke once said “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

Advertisers like the team at HCA/E2 will continue to keep their fingers on the pulse of change. Innovation will continue to bring the inconceivable into our everyday world in an instant — just like magic.

E-commerce site for Postie

Signage, vehicle livery and advertising campaigns for Nurse Maude

“For the amount of money that was spent, the impact was massive,” Cameron says.

“Where else can you put up 20 metre billboards with two words on them and the whole country knows what you are talking about?” The same campaign offered free downloads of a screen saver of Dan Carter doing sit-ups. It put Jockey on hundreds of thousands of computer screens around New Zealand and the world.

Spend money to make money

For further information call

• Neil Cameron at Harvey Cameron • Gary Lee at E2 Digital … or just Google them

National television and radio campaigns for Cash Converters

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 25

News Feature | Leadership

Qualifying leadership

Qualities

By Melinda Collins

Leadership is the quality of spirit that enlists the aid and support of others in accomplishing a common task. It is a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen; empowering those around you to achieve.

Some people have leadership ability. Some don’t. But how does it play out in the corporate arena?

Simple — it can make or break an organisation.

Good management is vital for any business organisation — whether it is an SME or a multi million dollar corporate. But in addition to basic management skills, managers require leadership skills as well. In fact, leadership is the key quality which every manager must acquire to become an effective manager. A manager may develop a perfect strategy to make an organisation successful – but to drive that strategy to fruition takes leadership.

Leadership then takes on a bigger, broader and more important role.

Internationally renowned leadership coach and speaker Dr Myles Monroe offered this insight in his bestselling Spirit of Leadership in 2005, after personally training thousands of business

leaders around the world.

“Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, motivated by passion, generated by vision, produced by a conviction, ignited by a purpose.”

Leaders may be found in boardrooms, he says, but they may also be found in families, schools, and organisations of all kinds — anywhere people interact, nurture, create, or build.

“Contrary to popular opinion, leadership is not meant for an elite group of people who — by fate or accident — are allowed to be leaders while everyone else is consigned to being lifelong followers.”

A summary of his key leadership traits:

Influence Leadership is not about being in power, it’s about empowering others. While it does involve influencing a group or team of people, leadership is not about power and coercion.

Influence is creating the want and desire in others to do what you want and desire them to do.

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Passion

Conviction

A leader is most effective when he or she is passionate about the team, organisation, and the work thereof. Passion has to be genuine and cannot be faked. But it is contagious and when team members can sense the passion of leaders, they too will become passionate.

Leaders believe that what they do is important and purposeful. The belief is the conviction that drives the leader’s actions and passion. The conviction is communicated in the vision and nearly every statement of the leader.

Vision

Leaders have purpose for their actions and what they influence. Leaders seek what is best for the group, not the individual. Leaders are inherently selfless and hardworking. They are driven by their conviction and purpose and resonate the passion in their vision statements.

Leadership is all about action. The vision is the articulation of the action to get to where the group needs to go. The vision should be well defined and effectively communicated.

Purpose

Studying the styles exploring the options

By Melinda Collins

The study of leadership traits has been ongoing for centuries; history’s greatest philosophical writings from Plato’s Republic to Plutarch’s Lives have explored leadership and its underlying traits.

It is something we’ve learned a lot about as time has gone on. Heading a successful company today is a lot different to 50 years ago — barking orders at your subordinates won’t get staff on your side. Likewise, a hang loose, buddy-buddy management style won’t win you any points in the leadership stakes either.

But in a constantly changing business climate, leadership archetypes of the past will do nothing to ensure you meet the challenges of today’s workplace. So what are the leadership traits needed to walk the talk in the 21st century?

One of few of its kind was a comprehensive study of leadership, undertaken by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee, published in Primal Leadership in 2002, classifying leadership styles and effectiveness for the 21st century.

The following six styles they identified are listed in order of preference, with the “best” style of leadership first, and on down the list to the least effective style which is listed last.

1 Visionary Leadership Leader sets direction by creating a vision that engages people. And the people share the dream. The authors concluded that this leadership style is probably the overall most effective style, especially the higher in the organisation one progresses.

2 Coaching Leader connects individual needs and wants with the organisation’s goals. Coaching explores the person’s life and values beyond

26 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

just the work. Such leaders help employees forge long-term goals and develop plans to meet those goals. Paradoxically, while this style does not focus specifically on the bottom line, it delivers bottom line results. In their findings, it was the second most effective style in driving results.

3 Affiliative The leader connects people to each other, thereby creating teamwork and harmony. This style promotes collaboration and relationships which indirectly drive better performance, loyalty and commitment.

The two least effective leadership styles in the 21st century…

5 Pacesetting Leader sets and achieves challenge goals.

Often executed in a highly competitive way, this style is less effective in most situations because it promotes the good of one person or department with little regard for the good of the entire organisation. It can be useful sometimes with a confident and highly motivated team, but should be used sparingly.

4 Democratic

6 Commanding

Inclusion and participation show that each member is valued by this leader. This is particularly effective when the leader is genuinely looking for ideas or seeking to secure buy-in for a potential change. At some point, however, if consensus cannot be reached, the leader must make the decision and move ahead.

Leader provides clear direction and makes all decisions. A frequently misused and overused style, this was shown to be minimally effective in the 21st century organisation. It can be useful temporarily in a crisis, to jump-start a new initiative, or with a problem employee, but use of the commanding style should be very limited.

News Feature | Leadership

Management Leadership

By Kate Pierson

There have been many great men and women who have gone before us. Some have led, others have managed and some have done both. While the terms ‘leader’ and ‘manager’ may be perceived as mutually interchangeable, there is a fundamental difference between the two concepts. There will be some who can lead but not manage and others who can manage but not lead.

Knowing the difference Management has often been described as an authoritative and transactional process whereby a manager has authoritative power instilled in them by a company to govern subordinates. Leadership, on the other hand, has been described as having voluntary followers and a leader’s ability to attract this support is said to lie in their ability to inspire, or deliver personal transformation for the party who follows.

But what about management and leadership in business? To understand the difference between these two institutions within a professional capacity, a return to first principals is required, as is the knowledge of a management and leadership expert.

Throughout the past 25 years, Terry Pierson has worked in directorial and chief executive roles. Having spent significant periods of time applying and studying Sixth Sigma and Lean Manufacturing methodologies, Pierson says during his career his approach to management has been profoundly influenced by the management philosophies of W. Edwards Deming.

Of the distinction between management and leadership he says, “It’s interesting because you tend to get much better definitions of the word management than you do of the word leadership.

When you have a look at those definitions or you ask people for them, you can get a succinct definition of management, but you’re much less likely to get a succinct definition of

leadership because it is a subjective question and people provide responses that are subjective.

“I would answer the question about the difference between management and leadership by firstly distinguishing the terms and then comparing them once they are distinguished.

“You have to have an understanding of these words in their own right before you can consider the relationship between the two.”

Pierson believes management is the art of making things happen and in order to make things happen, you have to have people that are capable of managing. “The question then is how you find those people,” he says. “They are the rarest people in the world and that’s why they are the most highly paid because of supply and demand – they are so hard to find.”

Pierson says whenever he is looking for someone with management capability he asks them five simple questions. They are always the same five questions and have been the same for the past 25 years.

The first question is, ‘What is the most important attribute and characteristic a manager must possess?’ “This is a deal breaker,” Pierson asserts.

“If they don’t have this, there is no point in continuing the interview. The attribute I’m looking for is about being organised, because people running any form of enterprise are running an organisation and it is not going to be organised if the person running it is not capable of being organised.”

Pierson says the third question is, ‘Can you handle pressure?’

“If you are organised and understand the nature of accountability, you must be able to deal with pressure,” he maintains.

The fourth question is obvious — ‘Do you want to be a manager?’ And the fifth question is, ‘Why?’ “The answer to that is, ‘Because I want to make a difference; I want to organise an organisation’.”

Pierson says it is that want and drive that is the very nature of leadership. “The person that possesses that desire; the person who wants to organise the organisation and to make a difference because they have the innate capability and resolve to do so, is the leader.

“Fundamentally, when you boil it all down — and this may sound a little bit oblique, but I’m firmly of the view, that in any walk of life, the application of leadership in practical and professional circumstances can be defined in one word and that is encouragement.

“What you’re doing when you provide people with better systems to work with and guide those people to help evolve and further improve the systems, is encouraging them. You are leading by example.”

Management philosophy

Having a management philosophy that holds true in times of crisis is also as important as the manager managing and leading in these circumstances.

Rudyard Kipling said, “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you. If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too.”

While the eternally relevant poet Kipling wrote these words for his son, they resonate with compelling conviction in the professional sphere too.

Because when the proverbial hits the fan, as it always does in business in some way shape or form, and everyone is losing their cool, looking for guidance, or playing the blame game, the manager needs to be the leader of the professional pack and, most importantly, lead by example.

So how do you manage and lead in a crisis?

“Remain organised, keep cool, don’t crack under pressure and maintain your resolve,” Pierson says.

“Resolve is the counter to pressure — one deals with pressure through resolve. There is no person who doesn’t feel pressure. Everybody feels pressure, like everybody feels fear and every man feels fear in combat.”

Pierson says the thing that defines a crisis, is the lack of time available to consider the information to substantiate decisions that will be made.

Pierson believes having a management philosophy which is comprehensible, applicable “You have to the use the time that is available to you, to collect the data that you can shape and effective is critical when managing and into information that will support and inform leading in business. good decisions.”

The second question is, ‘Do you understand And while most management philosophies accountability?’ “The Deming view of what In order for a business to fulfil its potential, rotate in fads and are embraced briefly you’re accountable for as a manager is about Pierson maintains it is the role of the manager before they fail, he says that when a business providing the people that work for you with a to lead staff towards fulfilling their own. adopts its own philosophy, it should be better system,” Pierson says. comprehensible and most importantly, endure “A leader in a management capacity brings “Eighty-five percent of the result that anybody because it works. out organisational capability and creates produces is a function of the quality of the the systems which enable people to fulfil “In many cases, if you were to go into an system in place. You are the architect of the their potential. Because a business won’t organisation and take a cross-section of system so really what you should be saying as the board, executive management, middle fulfil its potential, unless the people within it a manager to your staff is, ‘What can I give you management and frontline staff and ask them fulfil theirs.” to help you do a better job?’ to describe their company’s management philosophy, chances are you will not get any “Deming’s philosophy here is straightforward; a business produces results and the results are consensus. That’s because, if anybody has a sum of the processes. You improve the result cooked up a view on that subject, they haven’t effectively disseminated it and anyway, it’s too For more information on the Deming by improving the processes and this can’t be complex for people to comprehend.”

Philosophy visit www.deming.org achieved without systems.” www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 27

News Feature | Leadership

‘right’

The

a All the leadership institutes, courses and handbooks in the world can only do so much. Sometimes you’ve got to live it to know what it’s like.

Bridget Gourlay talks to some of New Zealand’s most famous leaders about what they think separates the men from the boys.

Be accountable Ngahihi Bidois was a successful businessman by the age of 26. Instead of continuing with a seriously corporate career, he started working as an inspirational speaker, so others could benefit from his knowledge.

Bidois believes leadership is ultimately about being accountable.

“A fish rots at the head and if the head is not being accountable to the people they are leading, and if the head is not willing to be accountable to the people they should be servicing, it’s like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Until that leader leaves, things are just going to get worse.”

d

v

crucial thing is communication. People need to know what they need to do and get regular feedback on how they are doing.

“As managers we need to realise people will be motivated by different things from what motivates you or me, or anyone else. The key to successful communication is knowing and understanding people. I don’t believe you can help a person grow, or motivate the person, or create the environment for growth unless you actually know the person.”

Admitting mistakes Sam Knowles, CEO of Kiwibank, says part of being a good leader is admitting when you’re wrong. And he’s walked the walk. In May 2006, several New Zealanders from a range of banks were scammed by e-criminals.

Knowles was the only bank CEO who broke the deafening silence. He told the media New Zealand’s banking sector had ignored the need to invest in electronic payment support while they enjoyed unprecedented profits.

Good environment John Hart has spent a good part of his life being the man in the hot seat. He coached the All Blacks twice, but his lesser known accomplishments include senior roles at Fletcher Buildings.

Everyone remembers the 1999 World Cup semi-final shocker. It was almost as painful as 2007’s crushing quarter-final.

But in 1995 when Hart became the All Blacks’ coach, two successful seasons followed. The ABs won 10 of 11 tests and our first ever series victory in South Africa in 1996, plus all of our Tri-Nations tests in 1997.

So Hart’s seen his fair share of good times and bad, and believes leaders must create an environment where every individual can flourish. “I believe people will do so if they are well-led and self-motivated and I think the

28 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

i

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e

“I’m sure it did ruffle some feathers, but it was not the intention to ruffle feathers. I think it is just symptomatic of the fact that most of the other CEOs don’t talk to the media — they have people who do that. Certainly for Kiwibank it is important the CEO stands up and says what the bank means to say. If you are leading the organisation you have to do that.”

Humour Mark Orams was a close friend and team mate of Sir Peter Blake. In his book Blake: Leader, he says one of Sir Peter’s greatest leadership qualities was his ability to make everyone laugh.

“Some events became traditions. One example was the ‘dick of the day’ award. In the evening, around sundown and usually at change of watch time, nominations would be called for the ‘dick of the day’. Crew members

who had done something stupid or who had made a mistake or had done something annoying would be nominated. The accused would be encouraged to ‘fess up’ and to acknowledge — or try to explain away — the issue. There would be much laughter, a lot of exaggeration and accusation, and then the crew would all agree on who was the worst offender for that day.”

Orams says the tradition’s purpose was that it got things out in the open in a non-threatening way. Because the yacht was small and the crew were cooped up together for weeks, it was a much-needed tension release. It also taught the crew a lesson — if you were nominated, even for something frivolous, you made sure you weren’t nominated for that again.

Leadership in a crisis Leadership in good times requires skill, guts and charisma. But at times of crisis it needs so much more.

Murray Burton knows this first hand. He is the principal of Elim Christian College, where in 2008 six students and a teacher were drowned while spending a week on a school camp. Burton had to guide his shaken and distraught students, staff and parents through the tragedy.

“In my experience leadership is not just about one person; it’s not just about you or me. It’s about being part of a team.

“You have to have a balanced view of your abilities. Be quietly confident and have emotional intelligence.

“It’s also important to have self-esteem…in times of tragedy, you have to put yourself in other people’s shoes. Sometimes you have to wear different hats. Whether it’s the principal’s hat, the confidant hat, the friend hat or the parent hat.”

Burton believes leadership involves the ability to serve. “I’m not afraid to get in there and help out at working bees and get my hands dirty. You should never trade on your title and you are never defined by your title. When you start to think something is beneath you; that is a slippery slope indeed.”

Access Lock Specialists - the people inside protection For almost all of history, man has sought to conceal or protect that which he holds most dear. From invisible inks and cryptology, through to the safes and electronic locks of today, the security industry has become a critical commercial component and one of the fastest growing areas of business.

The history of the security industry is much like that of Access Lock Specialists, which has developed from a long standing mobile locksmith, to ensuring a prime position at the forefront of security technology.

Established in 2007 by owners Roger Barriball and Richard Nind, Access Lock Specialists provides full installation and repair services for digital locks, electronic locks and safes for the home and business, automotive and transponder keys, while offering a complete locksmith service through its shop, service vans and website.

“Going digital allows for convenience, audit trails, wiring the safe to an alarm system and automatic lockout when number of incorrect password attempts exceeds a set limit.”

“Safe is a broad term today,” Richard says. “Important documents now come in so many forms from USB and hard drives, to photographs and tapes which all require different levels of protection.”

Access Lock Specialists can advise and supply a diverse range of safes to meet all personal needs and insurance requirements.

But one of the biggest concerns for businesses during this time of year is security during close down periods. “Whether businesses have skeleton crews working or are on complete close down, they have increased security needs.

Security powerhouse

“We can provide free quotes and security surveys to advise businesses on what steps to take.”

The rapid growth the company has experienced is due, in part, to a diverse range of security products and services. An authorised dealer for several leading brands, products include padlocks, window locks, ranch slider locks, mortice locks, deadbolts, residential and commercial locksets, keys and key accessories.

This is complimented by full delivery, installation, maintenance and removal services. Access Lock Specialists can remove old safes, access safes when owners have been locked out and provide maintenance contracts to ensure optimal efficiency of electronic safety equipment.

But a growing sector for the company is its wide range of safes and a broad range of brands ensures all security needs are covered. “Chubb offers high security commercial, governmental and industrial products,” Roger says. “Secureline covers the lighter commercial area, allowing us to cover all commercial needs.”

Advancing technology

Further complimenting the company’s product offering is Safeguard Safes, for domestic to high security needs and, new to the market, Yale Safes for home and office applications.

Access Lock Specialists has also diversified its services to keep up with a changing technological landscape.

One such service is replacing combination dials on safes with digital keypads. “It’s a common occurrence for people relying on combination dials to leave them open when they’re in the premises for convenience, they go away on holiday and forget to relock the safe.

Commercial locking technology is advancing rapidly and Access Locks Specialists can provide a wide range of electronic locks for homes and businesses.

The company’s commercial products include high security key systems for businesses, which involve master keys and restricted systems to control the issue of keys.

The company’s success goes far beyond a diverse service offering, excellent product range and commitment to great service. “We’ve got 20 plus years’ experience each and we can put our hand to most things. We can deal with all aspects of locks and locksmithing, for residential and commercial applications.

“We want to keep moving forward. Customers come to us because we’re a small company, we’re focused very much on the service we provide and much of it is same day service. We get onto the job and get the work done.”

Access Lock Specialists Ltd 170 Waterloo Road Hornby Christchurch T (03) 344 5959 E sales@accesslocks.co.nz www.accesslocks.co.nz

The Access Locks team from left: Roger Barribal, Richard Nind, Mark Ellis and Dayle Broadmore

Access Lock Specialists is a member of the Master Locksmiths’ Association, while Richard Nind is a trade tester with the MLAA and a registered apprentice tester. “We’re keeping ourselves at the forefront of it, particularly with automotive technology. We offer automotive keys and electronic transponder keys,” Richard says of the extension into the automotive locksmith market.

The Lock & Safe Specialists • Safes sold, serviced & opened • Home & Business safes • Digital keypad safes • Fire resistant & data safes • Cash rated safes • Gun safes Free quotes 24 Hour Emergency Service

Full Locksmith Service

LOCKED OUT? BURGLED? Call us 0800 KEYLESS (539 537)

Where service & experience is everything

FREE delivery & Installation

with every safe sold within Christchurch until 31st Dec 2010

170 Waterloo Rd, Hornby Ph: 344 5959 www.accesslocks.co.nz Fax: 344 5969 sales@accesslocks.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 29

Events | Diary

business | events ▲ Tuesday, December 7 to Wednesday, December 8

Essential Training H&S — Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce This two-day course, approved under Section 19G of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, trains health and safety representatives and offers an alternative to union-based training. Cost $550+GST. To register contact Angela Rolton (03) 366 5096 or email angelar@cecc.org.nz

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Wedneday, December 8

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Saturday, December 11

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Wednesday, February 2 to Thursday, February 3

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Tuesday, February 8 to Wednesday, February 9

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Monday, February 14 to Tuesday, February 15

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Tuesday, February 22

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Viewpoint | Management

Learning to say “no” and focus on things that make a difference is an important leadership lesson

Export Canterbury Breakfast Series — Export New Zealand A breakfast series, featuring presentations from internationally successful New Zealand businesspeople and overseas business leaders. Cost $35+GST. To register contact Angela Rolton (03) 366 5096 or email angelar@cecc.org.nz Fundamentals for Success — The Centre of Excellence Key secrets to make the difference between being successful, happy and fulfilled and living an average life. Cost $75, to register www.optimum-mind.co.nz Project Management — Organisation Development Institute The discipline of project management is applicable for any individual or organisation wishing to develop a more strategic approach to delivering projects. To register contact Desley Tucker (03) 943 2373 or visit www.development.org.nz Negotiation Skills — Organisation Development Institute Build skill and confidence in negotiation situations. This course covers alternative strategies and tactics, persuasive power, structuring for optimal effect, maximising potential, dealing with difficult people, breaking deadlocks and more. To register contact Desley Tucker (03) 943 2373 or visit www.development.org.nz Financial Accounting for Non-Accountants — Organisation Development Institute An overview of financial accounting and the analysis of financial statements to help non-accountants understand accounting information. To register contact Desley Tucker (03) 943 2373 or visit www.development.org.nz Authentic Leadership — Virtual Group Business Specialists The first of three one-day workshops introducing authentic leadership theories and practices. Other sessions times are available in March and April. To register contact Desley Tucker (03) 943 2373 or visit www.development.org.nz

Wednesday, February 23 to Thursday, February 24

Contemporary Workplace Communication — Organisation Development Institute Examine working, communicating and management styles to prevent or resolve difficult situations which occur in workplace relationships. To register contact Desley Tucker (03) 943 2373 or visit www.development.org.nz

Timeless advice for getting ahead During his time as an author and management consultant, Peter Drucker shared a wealth of timeless advice for CEOs. Here is a small summary of his wisdom.

Your people must keep you well informed about their plans and progress in their area.

Clear focus

Don’t be a prisoner of your own organisation

The Great New Zealand Santa Run — Wendy’s A 3km run or walk around the city… in a Santa suit to raise funds for Kids Can Stand Tall. The $30 per person entry includes a Santa suit and $30 voucher towards Mizuno shoes from The Athletes Foot. More information, www.santarun.co.nz

Leaders must clearly communicate the strategic priorities of the company so their people know exactly what the organisation is trying to do. They say “no” to distractions and keep focused on the big things that will make the biggest difference. Too many leaders try to do a little bit of 25 things and get nothing meaningful done.

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Saturday, December 11

Build on strengths, not weakness

A Christmas Cracker — Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Traditional carols, Yuletide songs, and classical favourites to promote the Christmas spirit. Adults from $25, children from $10. For more information visit www.cso.co.nz

Successful leaders ask, “of those things that will make a difference, which are the right tasks for me to perform?”

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Wednesday, December 15

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Saturday, January 15

You have your own style for getting things done. Don’t try to be somebody else.

Effective leaders play to their strengths and learn to say “no” to tasks they aren’t naturally good at.

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Thursday, January 20 to Sunday, January 30

out of office | events ▲ Wednesday, December 8

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Twilight Farmers Market — Riccarton House Fresh local produce, live music, entertainment and more. For more information visit www.feastofcanterbury.co.nz Fly My Pretties Showcase — Loop and Tuborg In association with Black Barn Vineyards and Pegasus Bay Vineyard comes the Fly My Pretties Summer Showcase. Ticketing and information from www.eventfinder.co.nz World Buskers Festival 2011 The best street artists from across the continents amuse, bewilder and captivate with unique theatre skills, stand up comedy, acrobatics, contortionism and crazy stunts.

For more information visit www.worldbuskersfestival.com

Friday, February 11 to Saturday, February 12 Speight’s Coast to Coast More than 800 competitors will vie for places in the 29th anniversary race. The Coast to Coast is the benchmark by which other multi-sport events are judged, both here and overseas. From Kumara Beach to Sumner Beach, from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. For more information visit www.coasttocoast.co.nz

If you have events you would like featured in the Events Diary, email newsroom@academy.net.nz at least two months before the date of the event.

Or, if you have held an event and would like to supply photos for the Been Seen section (along with 100 words about the event and a caption for each image), send to newsroom@academy.net.nz 30 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Yes, they make sure the other things get done — but not by them. They leverage the talents of people who are strong at performing those other necessary tasks.

Creative abandonment A critical question for leaders to ask themselves is “what are you going to stop doing?” Stop investing in past activities or things that have achieved their purpose. Ask, “is this still worth doing?” A dangerous trap for leaders is to continually pour resources into those “not quite” successes — those projects where everybody says that if you just give it another big push it will go over the top.

Geographically dispersed companies Don’t travel so much — you will get very little done. It is important that you see people maybe twice a year. Other times, make them come to see you or use technology.

Likewise, you must keep people well informed of the overall company’s plans and your own priorities. Don’t make them have to guess what you are working on.

The moment you are in the office, everybody comes to you wanting something. You cannot be too available — or you will never get anything done.

Make sure your people clearly understand the top priorities they are accountable for and how their progress will be measured.

Meet regularly to hold people accountable for progress. Ask them what support they need from you in order to achieve their goals.

Discourage constant interruptions.

Create sufficient time and space to be alone to focus on the achievement of your own priorities.

Measure and review your own performance Once you have clarified your targets and strategic priorities, you must review your own performance against them regularly.

What did you personally do well and what did you do poorly? Did you select the right priorities to start with?

Achievement is meaningless if you are working on trivial things.

Peter Drucker (1909-2005) was a writer, management consultant, and self-described ‘social ecologist’. His books and articles explored how humans are organised across the business, government and the nonprofit sectors of society.

Article kindly supplied by results.com which specialises in identifying key elements companies needs to turn business potential into results.

News

Make sure your meetings aren’t

time wasters Staff meetings, project-status updates, training sessions, video-conferences, performance reviews, brainstorming sessions, management pow-wows, monthly staff socials — no matter what type business you run, your calendar is probably packed with gatherings such as these.

Meetings are a standard feature of business life for a reason; they can be a good way to foster collaboration, resolve problems, improve processes or strengthen team cohesion.

Not every meeting is crucial however, and some could probably be eliminated without repercussions. In fact, executives polled in a Robert Half International survey said that 28 percent of meetings they attend are a waste of time.

Given the time it takes to prepare for meetings, along with post-meeting follow-up, unnecessary meetings represent a significant block of time for most managers that could be better spent elsewhere. Frequently take a fresh look at your company’s meetings.

The goal is not to do away with meetings entirely, but rather make those you do hold more productive. The following guidelines will help you turn time wasters into useful, purposeful gatherings.

Question habits Some meetings occur simply because they always have. One example is weekly staff meetings where everyone gets together for an hour or more to “touch base” with no clear agenda.

This type of meeting is often maintained despite workloads that are peaking, deadlines that are looming and participants who don’t really have time to spare.

Cashing out annual leave

If you’re about to call a meeting out of long-standing habit, critically evaluate whether it still serves its original purpose.

It seemed like an ok(ish) idea at the time when four weeks annual leave was announced.

Good for employees in that they have more opportunity to refresh and enhance their work/ life balance which clearly is now at the top of employees’ priorities lists.

You may decide to shorten it or decrease the frequency — switching from weekly to bi-monthly, for example. Another option is to survey participants to determine an appropriate frequency.

The impact of four weeks annual leave has been huge on us this year. It took a while to figure out why we were running round chasing our tails, not getting far and also “feeling” understaffed. The writing was on the wall even prior to the disruption of the September quake.

Keep it focused

Even though we close down for two weeks and statutory holidays over the Christmas period the impact of the remaining leave owing on, for example a 12-person department, is that potentially every second week of the year they will be one person down.

Some meetings waste time because they’re rambling and digressive, due either to the lack of an agenda, or one that’s too ambitious.

Keep your meetings from turning into marathons by putting the agenda in writing and limiting the number of topics you’ll cover. In general, a one-page agenda is the maximum reasonable length.

When you have a lot of material to cover, a good alternative is to hold a series of brief, single-subject meetings. If your company is rolling out a new product, for example, you might decide to hold individual meetings about distribution, advertising and promotional events, rather than trying to cover all these topics in a single long session.

Limit participants As you develop the agenda for your next meeting, consider whether all invitees are involved in every item you plan to cover.

You may find that some participants need only attend a portion of the meeting to provide input on a particular issue. Another idea is asking each division or department to send one representative who will give colleagues a summary afterward.

Similarly, when you’re invited to a meeting, ask which topics will be covered to determine if your attendance is strictly necessary

Streamline presentation In an effort to liven up potentially dull meetings and keep participants’ attention from flagging, some organisers rely heavily on the use of visual elements, technological enhancements and interactive components.

While these tactics may engage the audience, avoid becoming overly dependent on them. A detailed slide presentation, multiple hand-outs, elaborate visuals or clever games can easily cause a meeting to run longer than it really should.

Given the variety of communication technologies such as e-mail and company intranets, you may be able to eliminate some meetings entirely.

Your best strategy could be adhering to a policy of reserving in-person meetings for sensitive or confidential exchanges of information or when immediate feedback is essential.

Released on behalf of Robert Half Finance & Accounting by Goode PR, Auckland. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Melissa Dobson of Goode PR at melissa@goodepr.co.nz

This, especially during the colder months, coupled with the increases in bugs flying around air conditioned offices and (what appears to be) lower immune systems results in increased sick leave, making our temporary staff and short term contract expenses go through the roof. Never in my 12 years with this group of companies have we had so many temporary staff.

And, might I add (in case you didn’t think about it already) this skyrocketing expense is on top of paying the staff to not be here! Don’t get me wrong — I’m not saying at all that employees shouldn’t be entitled to this amount of leave. (I’m an employee myself and need this amount of leave myself especially after a year of worrying about this stuff.) What I’m saying is, and it has been said before, not much consideration of the expense to businesses was given at the time of the decision.

Even a little more flexibility to cash out annual leave (if requested), rather than taking the actual time off would be a really big help.

As I understand it, the proposed Holidays Amendment Bill provides for this. Having passed through its first reading and now with the select committee, if passed the bill will come into force on April 1, 2011. Personally, I can’t wait!

This decision will take the pressure off the extra expense of hiring additional staff to sit in all the empty chairs. Next step is to then try and deal with the hygiene and the winter coughs, colds and runny noses.

You can only tell people so many times to put their hands over their mouths, use hankies and wash their hands, but whether they do it or not is a different story. I see three and four year olds who are more adept at coughing into their bent arms than most adults, who should understand and know better.

Talking with other employers, it’s pretty common for the first thing mentioned when a cold goes around the office for the company to cough up (excuse the pun) and provide sanitisers or flu shots. Better yet, why don’t we wrap everyone up in cotton wool. Some things just can’t be controlled!

Here’s hoping the decision is made early in the year for the cash out of annual leave, and that the flu season doesn’t give us a double dose as it appeared to this year! It would be nice to be able to function normally next year, with the required level of staff!

See ya 2010 — it’s been a blast!

Bring on 2011.

Rebecca Harris is the General Manager of the Academy Group of Companies.

All correspondence regarding this column to: Email rebecca@academy.net.nz Post ’Rebecca’s Rant’,

PO Box 1879, Christchurch 8140

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 31

Living | Today

By Bridget Gourlay

techo evolution

products

In 1990 big hair was in, Paula Abdul was hot and New Kids on the Block were top of the pops. If you remember grooving to them on your walkman while wearing acid-washed jeans, you’ll certainly remember the gadgets of the day.

Comparing ‘then’ with ‘now’ shows how far technolgy has come in a realtively short space of time.

Computers Then The foundation stone of the computer revolution, the PC had styling to match. Blocky and brutish, much like fake fur collars and neon MC Hammer pants, the desktop PC increasingly became an anachronism as the decade unfolded. In the early 1990s home and office computer technology was cutting edge with a machine packing a 250mb hard drive, floppy disc and a megabite of memory, running an early Microsoft operating platform such as Windows 3.1. All this lead to the now infamous ‘blue screen of death’ when the machine crashed.

Now By contrast, today’s best offering is light, simple and effortlessly chic.

Unlike most computers even today the iMac’s hard drive is in its screen meaning there’s no external features to knock your knees against. A one terabyte hard drive and four gigabytes of ram means you can go crazy downloading documents, movies and music. A bluetooth mouse and keyboard completes the minimalist look.

Available: Apple shops and stockists RRP: From $3065

Portable Info One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the desperate panicky feeling when, after hours of work, your computer throws a hissy fit and you haven’t backed up your data.

Then Back in 1990, floppy discs were the saviours in an accidentally-deleted situation, although they could only hold a laughable 21 megabytes. But even then the format wasn’t stable and every time you inserted a disc you had your fingers crossed as well…

Now Sony Mirco-Vault CLICK Today’s Sony Mirco-Vault CLICK pen-drive holds eight gigabytes and is sleek and stylish. Put it on your keychain and with just one ‘click’, the hidden USB connector is ready for action — no cap to be lost.

You can store movies, songs and thousands of files with this amount of memory.

Available: Sony shops and stockists RRP: 59.95

Tape USB For those who like the vintage look, check out this USB from musichype.com. A bit of vintage and Kiwiana in one.

Available: www.musichype.com/ nz-indie-mix-tape-usb/ RRP: $25.00

Recording Then

The mobile phone Then When the cellphone was invented it was revolutionary. Being able to call anyone anywhere and not be reliant on payphones meant a quicker, more productive business model. These days “the brick” — unable to send a text, let alone go on the internet — would only be snapped up by a museum or nostalgia buffs.

Now Today’s iPhone does it all — go on Google Maps when you’re lost, skype the office from overseas and read your hometown’s newspaper from an airport in Japan.

You can even make a phone call!

Available: Apple shops and stockists RRP: From $1123

32 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Back in 1990, a secretary would have been frantically typing up letters and meetings, in between fetching cups of coffee for the boss. Tape recorders certainly existed but everything still had to be transcribed afterwards.

Now Now there’s software that does it all for you. The hours and manpower spent on transcribing are gone with Dragon speech recognition software. It turns your voice into text three times faster than most people type, with up to 99 percent accuracy. It learns to recognise your voice instantly and continually improves the more you use it.

Available: Available from Nuance authorised resellers throughout New Zealand or contact the New Zealand distributor Mistral Software Limited (09) 271 4661 sales@ mistralsoftware.co.nz or visit www.mistralsoftware.co.nz RRP: $379

Living | Today

By Kate Pierson

summer starters

lifestyles

The quintessential Kiwi ideal is said to be “BMW, boat and bach”. Add a jet ski and super deluxe BBQ into the mix and you may be getting close… for some.

Here’s grab-bag of the best, baddest and most beautiful tools and treats to put the topping on wherever and whatever you’re doing this summer.

Moving on

Must have

Yamaha FX HO Cruiser

Jute Shapla Hammock

Whether you’ve got a need for speed that must be appeased or you’re a lazy-day cruiser, the Yamaha FX HO Cruiser will satisfy your needs. This bad boy is the great white shark of jetskis — big, tough and ferocious in the water when you want it to be.

If summer for you is all about R&R, here’s the perfect accompaniment for lazy days. It’s good looking, strong and — best of all — doesn’t talk back. Trade Aid’s Bangladesh-made Jute Shapla Hammock wants to be the way for you to enjoy a snooze fest over summer.

With a 1812cc high output engine, the FX HO Cruiser has a reverse with traction control feature, which allows for smooth maneuvering during launching and docking by limiting RPM’s and reducing cavitation.

It’s quite the show pony with waterproof storage, a reboarding step and cruise assist mode.

Available: www.tradeaid.org.nz RRP: $89.99

Available: www.aucklandyamaha.co.nz RRP: $22,990

Simply Super Deluxe Electrolux Jeppe Utzon BBQ When something seriously impresses a colleague he cranks out the expression “super deluxe”. His signature lingo sums up the Electrolux Jeppe Utzon BBQ. This fine looking model is the product of a twoyear collaboration between superstars Electrolux and designer Jeppe Utzon, grandson of legendary Sydney Opera House designer, Jom Utzon.

Destination

A minimalist interpretation, this sleek and sexy design in marine grade brushed stainless steel will have your mouth watering.

Kimi Ora Spa Resort You can have your slice of paradise at Kimi Ora Spa Resort this summer. You can also have your Christmas cake and eat it too, because Kimi Ora is a revitalisation for mind and greedy bodies.

Available: www.electrolux.co.nz RRP: $15,499

Top Drop Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Gris Everything is fine in moderation — but good luck putting that into practise once you’ve wrapped your laughing gear around this little viticultural gem. Stoneleigh’s Marlborough Pinot Gris is quite a complex character. With a warm richness and subtle fruit aroma, this top drop has a tropical essence and like its counterparts, is made with the magic of Stoneleigh sunstones decorating the land on which the vines are planted.

Nestled at the top of the South Island, the clean, green accommodation and health spa is perched above Kaiteriteri beach and takes the meaning of relaxation to a whole new level — literally. There’s even a rock grotto. With an infrared sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor pools, a vegetarian restaurant and organic beers, wine and juices on tap, we’ve got a feeling you’ll never want to leave.

Available: www.stoneleigh.co.nz RRP: $22.95 STONELEIGH SUMMER FILM SEASON

Available: Visit www.kimiora.com for more information.

Win a Stoneleigh Prize Pack

win Suit up Lover that style If you want to “freestyle it” this summer, you and your birthday suit are probably best to venture to a place that doesn’t mind if you show off what nature gave you. We’re a bit of a conservative ol’ bunch in New Zealand and unless you want a criminal conviction for indecent exposure, you’re best to cover up at the beach this summer.

Do it in style with these swimsuits by Lover, which set hearts aflutter with uber-sweet one and two piece bathing suits. Gents can get prim and proper with ATG’s ‘Sailor Stripe’ Swim Shorts or get ghetto on it with Ksubi boardies.

Available: www.superette.co.nz RRP: Lover Underwire Tube and Trunk $399, Lover Square Neck One Piece $389, ATG Sailor Stripe Swim Shorts $119, Ksubi Ghetto Boardshort $149

Stoneleigh is delighted to be partnering with Rialto Cinemas for the Stoneleigh Summer Film Season — celebrating the craft of winemaking and the art of cinema. Visit your nearest Rialto cinema from December 2010 to February 2011 to enjoy the fine film on offer and discover the taste of Stoneleigh wines. To celebrate, Canterbury Today has a gift pack to give away that includes a bottle of Stoneleigh wine and a double pass to Rialto.

To enter, email your name and contact details to promotions@academy.net.nz with the name of the wine in the subject line by Friday December 31, 2010 and be in to win. All entrants must be over 18 years of age.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 33

Rebuilding Christchurch | New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering

Quake lessons learned It may have been a good three months since the September 4 earthquake struck, but the memories of being jolted from sleep to the feel of the earth shaking and the sound of glass smashing will probably be with us for many years to come.

The response to this seismic event — cordons and clean-ups, inspections and infrastructure durability — is being studied around the world. And while international engineers and emergency planners are praising it, New Zealand officials are not resting on their laurels and looking at ways to improve.

“This was a 7.1 magnitude event,” New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) executive officer Win Clark says.

“People were expected to die in such an event so close to an urban centre. They do in similar events overseas — as evidenced by the lives lost in the recent Chile and Haiti earthquakes.”

Dr David Hopkins, chairman of Earthquake Engineering New Zealand, says the

performance of modern reinforced concrete buildings is testament to the research and teaching during many years by Professor Bob Park and Professor Tom Paulay at the University of Canterbury. “Many of their students have gone out to be consulting engineers using good principles as the result of this research. This can be seen in the quality of New Zealand’s modern buildings.”

As predicted Clark says from a general public perspective, Canterbury was not regarded as being at high risk of a severe earthquake. But for those working in the engineering, seismology and geotechnical areas, the September 4 quake held very few surprises.

“The potential of an earthquake from a source of faulting under the Canterbury plains had already been identified and accounted for in the seismology model for the Canterbury area.

“Areas of liquefaction had been identified a number of years ago, and included in publicly available material from Environment Canterbury (Ecan).”

Clark says it was predicted that brick and stone buildings would be damaged or collapse at ground shaking intensities experienced during the September 4 earthquake. “A positive that can be taken from this experience is that, despite the devastation caused, by international standards the built environment of Christchurch has withstood the earthquake very well indeed.”

While modern buildings fared well, many heritage buildings did not. Hopkins says the September 4 earthquake has shown that a bit of strengthening goes a long way.

“It’s a pity about 160 Manchester Street. It’s a great shame to lose something like that, a great shame something wasn’t done prior to the event.

“Legislation has been in place since 1968 which was aimed at strengthening old masonry buildings. Many heritage buildings were strengthened throughout the country.

Checking lead rubber bearings after the 7.1 Christchurch earthquake

“Even though places like the Arts Centre suffered significant damage, the limited strengthening carried out allowed them to survive as part of our heritage.”

The other dilemma when earthquake strengthening heritage buildings is that sometimes it can detract from the appearance when done. Hopkins says a building on Durham Street has steel over its brick façade, but it survived the quake and aftershocks. “It’s still here to think about and enjoy.”

The Building Act 2004 defines a building as earthquake-prone if it is 33 percent or less of a new building’s standard.

“If the building is more than 33 percent then it is not earthquake-prone under the Building Act. The council can’t require you to do anything about it. Owners are inclined to think that, ‘all we have to do is get to 34 percent and then we’re off the hook’. And people are off the hook legislatively, but a 34 percent building is still a high earthquake risk.”

He says since the earthquake, he’s heard about owners of older buildings in Christchurch deciding to strengthen them to 100 percent of new building standard, or at least as close as they financially can.

Hopkins says this earthquake should remind owners, territorial authorities and the community of the reasons behind the earthquake-prone building requirements in the Building Act 2004, and the need to make progress in reducing the earthquake risk of our most vulnerable buildings.

International reputation Win Clark says as well as there being, remarkably, no loss of human life given the intensity of ground shaking, the level of damage seen in modern buildings and bridges in Christchurch was much less than that experienced in similar earthquakes in many other countries.

“Even though the ground shaking was not as great as allowed for in design, this a tribute to New Zealand’s building practice including statutes, codes, designs, site preparation, construction and maintenance.”

Hopkins says the September 4 earthquake has illustrated our knowledge about earthquake engineering to the country and the world. “It is gratifying to know that we have the depth and breadth of engineering skills to help reduce earthquake impacts on our major buildings.”

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Rebuilding Christchurch | New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering

Hopkins says the damage due to liquefaction and lateral spreading in the Darfield earthquake was as extensive as in any other earthquake around the world. “The physical and social impacts were significant. It is pleasing to think that we had the technical and organisational skills to assess the extent of the impacts and come up with solutions in a relatively short space of time.

“I spent two months in west Sumatra, and the level of knowledge about earthquake resistant design is a lot less. The top people are really good, but there’s not the same depth in the design profession.”

Many earthquake engineers, scientists and other professionals here are keen to improve the situation in developing countries.

Earthquake Engineering New Zealand — www.earthquakeengineering.com — a business network of professionals, has been promoting New Zealand’s skills in earthquake-prone countries since 1998.

The generally good performance of engineered buildings and infrastructure in the Darfield earthquake will, Hopkins hopes, help to secure more involvement for members of the business cluster, now part of Earthquake + Natural Hazards New Zealand.

“Helping out developing countries with our knowledge is so important.”

Dr Hopkins personally brought a team of Iranians to Christchurch to tour the buildings.

They were particularly impressed with Christchurch Women’s Hospital, which is built on lead-rubber bearings, invented by Dr Bill Robinson in the 1970s to protect structures and their contents in earthquakes.

Emotions Despite the life safety aspect, the enormous impact of the Canterbury earthquake cannot be underestimated, Clark stresses. “There is significant damage, which will take time to repair. Inevitably people’s lives will be disrupted for months and potentially years.

“The public is coming to terms with the fact that the problems are not going to be fixed by someone — generally local or central government — in a time frame that they consider to be acceptable.”

Clark believes our society is used to having problems fixed fairly swiftly and therefore the effect of an earthquake — or any other disastrous event — of this magnitude is totally outside most people’s experience.

“They have an expectation that they should be able to return to normal life patterns within weeks. It is understandably very difficult for the layperson to comprehend the scale of the work that has to be done to bring the infrastructure or service that they have come to expect back to pre-earthquake condition.

“Communication and managing expectations is vital. No matter how much effort an authority puts into the recovery operation, they will still face criticism and it will be impossible to satisfy everyone in terms of the time taken for recovery.”

The future David Hopkins says the international reputation of New Zealand’s earthquake engineering may mean more jobs for our experts.

While we have been praised internationally, and Hopkins says this is satisfying, he believes the earthquake brings an obligation for learning in number of areas.

Win Clark agrees. “We were quite well prepared but even so the damage has been substantial. However, if the earthquake had occurred at a different time of day the losses could have been so much greater. More research and development, and its uptake, is required to ensure the inevitable losses are acceptable. We can’t make New Zealand earthquake proof.”

NZ Society for Earthquake Engineering PO Box 2193 Wellington 6140 New Zealand T/F (04) 565 3650 E exec@nzsee.org.nz Earthquake Engineering NZ PO Box 10-681 Wellington 6143 New Zealand T (04) 470 5554 F (04) 917 1221 www.earthquakeengineering.com

obinson

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eismic

Lead rubber bearings, invented by Dr Bill Robinson in the 1970s to protect structures and their contents in earthquake, at Wellington Hospital

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td

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 35

Rebuilding Christchurch | ITM

… le p o e p d o o g d n a n o ti ra e p -o o c , rk o Teamw

Synergy for success ITM is all about people — a philosophy which has seen the company go from strength to strength since its formation almost 20 years ago.

Back in 1991, a group of six individuals formed the board of the ITM Co-operative Society.

It was based in the north of the North Island and formed in the belief that independently owned businesses could not only survive, but thrive when they combined their efforts. It proved so successful it wasn’t long until the society spread throughout the country.

of consistency in both quality and service and strived to make this ideal the philosophy of the ITM group. That commitment soon manifested into the ‘Tim Timber’ radio commercials, which became a favourite and proved a great success with the brand becoming a household name.

The initial focus of the group was clear. They wanted to gain buying power and capitalise on the marketing advantages that pulling together would bring. Each member of the board realised the importance

By the mid 90s the brand and market presence of ITM was a force to be reckoned with, having established itself quickly as a major player in the building materials distribution arena.

But unlike so many good business ideas, the focus of the operation was never compromised during its development. It was still about the people. Today the ITM group has a strong and rock-solid relationship with its 280 suppliers. All ITM stores are independently owned, ensuring customers’ specific needs can be more effectively met.

The support office is there to make sure that each member receives the services its customers need. It’s all about ‘maximum synergy with minimum control’. The office is there to get involved when it’s needed, and leave the members to get on and do their own thing when it’s not.

Strength in numbers

●

Above: The Hamptons store in Ferry Rd is a popular choice with local trade

●

Right: ITM staff have a huge knowledge of their many products, including paint

36 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

For the past 14 years ITM has continued to grow, achieving an enviable market position as a timber, hardware and building supplier.

It’s all about teamwork, co-operation and good people. ITM is now well positioned in the market with a strong trade focus in an everchanging environment. Its main emphasis is on the trade and serious DIY markets.

The group involves 91 stores nationwide, with 26 in the South Island and eight in the Christchurch area, including Kaiapoi, Amberley, Rangiora, Dyers Road, Hamptons in Ferry Rd, Hillside, Darfield and Leeston.

Chief executive Gordon Buswell says ITM employs 1300 people, with new stores opening in Greymouth and Otorohanga. “We are one of New Zealand’s leading timber, hardware and building supply merchants in terms of product range, brand marketing strength and our ability to respond quickly to changes or demands of the market,” he says.

Rebuilding Christchurch | ITM

●

Left: ITM operates eight stores throughout Canterbury

“The old saying ‘strength in numbers’ rings true at ITM. Except our strength is in our buying power, ensuring that members can offer their customers the most competitive prices.

“Not to mention the fact that members benefit greatly from nationwide promotional campaigns and superior marketing ability. And the loyalty programme which offers customers added incentives to purchase products at any ITM store,” Buswell says.

Members are encouraged to voice their opinions and to make decisions as part of the

co-operative and help determine the path for future ITM

●

ITM in Darfield has a strong rural presence

growth. All members are equal shareholders with a vested interest in the success of ITM.

Trade and DIY customer base ITM offers its trade and DIY customers many advantages they wouldn’t receive at ordinary hardware stores, including the ability to build a business relationship with the store owners.

ITM has two streams of business — trade customers who make up 85-90 percent of sales, and the remaining smaller percentage of serious DIY customers, Buswell says. “DIY customers come in because they have a project and need professional advice,” he says.

“We have a lot of information on our website

telling people how to build a fence or a deck.”

ITM’s extensive website contains a large number of brochures for DIY and trade customers, including information on sustainable building, products, timber grades, specialist installers and contractors, building business, trade club and codes of practice.

ITM has a rural presence around Canterbury, at Rangiora, Amberley, Darfield and Leeston.

Buswell says ITM differs considerably from other large hardware chains with up to 90 percent of business done on account. “Other chains are in retail locations. A trade business like ITM is a destination business — people drive there with their trucks and trailers and the location isn’t as important. What’s important is the service you get when you arrive,” he says. ITM offers a huge range of building materials and hardware, including a wide variety of timber for any application, landscape supplies, roofing materials, paint supplies, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry products. Services include estimating, rural buildings, national accounts, installers and contractors, sustainable building and onsite waste management.

ITM can help with any building project, including new homes or commercial

properties, renovations, landscaping, retaining walls, fencing, rural buildings and decks.

Benefits of local ownership Buswell says one of the big advantages in dealing with ITM is that each store is locally owned and operated. “We’re owned by our members. One of our competitive advantages is that we have owners in stores, and those owners are part of their local communities.

They tend to be there for quite some time.”

This system of ownership means ITM’s trade customers are dealing with the store owner, who is a like-minded business person. “It’s a business relationship and they share a lot of the same issues and challenges,” Buswell says.

“The other advantage is that they can build a relationship. The trade business isn’t a transactional business where the relationship stops when you walk outside the door. It goes well beyond the store front. We’re involved in what our customers need in terms of making their business work, such as deliveries to site and reps visiting sites. We offer loyalty advantages that are designed for builders. It’s a very intimate relationship and it’s a businessto-business relationship with some depth.”

Feature continues on next page >>

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 37

Rebuilding Christchurch | ITM

● The success of ITM is in line with the success of

other New Zealand co-operatives such as Fonterra and Foodstuffs.

“The advantages of the co-operative model are varied but it basically means the leadership of the company must be very inclusive.”

Gordon Buswell ITM chief executive

Building on disaster Canterbury builders involved in rebuilding after the September 4 earthquake are being urged to consider ITM for all their building supplies.

ITM chief executive Gordon Buswell says while the 7.1 magnitude earthquake was disastrous for many Canterbury home and business owners, it has brought about significant opportunities for builders in the region.

claims from homeowners for residential building work arising from the earthquake.

Project teams will interface with homeowners, contractors, suppliers, consultants, council and many others to achieve a satisfactory outcome on each individual property on behalf of EQC and the homeowner.

“The conditions of the contract being awarded are that it is a community-based response, which means that people within Canterbury should benefit from the reconstruction of Canterbury,” says Buswell.

“For our customer base the opportunities will come in the reconstruction. Some of it has already resulted with making buildings safe but the majority of that work will come in the next “The second aspect is that any actual or perceived conflict of interest will be managed. three to six months,” he says.

“Fletcher Construction will maintain integrity, in “For the reconstruction of Canterbury, EQC has ensuring that builders who are accredited will awarded a contract to Fletcher Construction, deal with their suppliers of choice.” which is aimed to bring about a communitybased response favouring Canterbury stores and builders.”

Fletcher Construction will manage the reconstruction of residential homes with damage between $10,000 and $100,000.

This will be a major undertaking involving the establishment of a project management structure to manage the work of many capable contractors and tradespeople for each local area affected.

This project will be unique and challenging, as it will involve dealing with more than 50,000

The reconstruction of homes with more than $100,000 of damage will be handled through insurance companies, who will appoint contractors to deal with their suppliers of choice.

Builders will individually determine where their products will come from, based on their historical relationships.

All builders interested in participating in the reconstruction programme are required to register on the EQC’s reconstruction website www.eqc.co.nz

38 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

●

ITM in Dyers Road (top) and in Leeston, serving heir local communities

ITM ideal for reconstruction With an extensive history of dealing almost exclusively within the trade market, ITM stores are the perfect choice for builders seeking high-quality products to reconstruct quakedamaged homes and buildings.

time on site and resulting in better built houses which take shape quicker and more cheaply than traditional on-site methods.

A handy offspin from networking in timber, building supplies and hardware purchasing is that ITM has ensured an increasing level Whether it is providing complete precut/prenail of recognition and support from suppliers frames and roof trusses, or manufacturing pozi throughout the country. struts, long-reach floor trusses and flitch beam With more than 90 ITM stores countrywide and lintels, ITM stores will go out of their way to eight in Canterbury, customers benefit from supply what builders need. serious buying muscle, offering buying prices and rebate structures that are competitive with All prenailed wall frames and roof trusses are corporate retailers nationwide. fabricated in-house or under contract, saving

Rebuilding Christchurch | ITM

Thriving co-operatives ITM’s business model as a co-operative follows a history of highly successful co-operatives within New Zealand.

ITM was formed in 1991 as a co-operative between six men, with new members buying into the business as the company grew and others saw the advantages of joining.

Chief executive Gordon Buswell says the success of ITM is in line with the success of other New Zealand co-operatives such as Fonterra and Foodstuffs.

“The advantages of the co-operative model are varied but it basically means the leadership of the company must be very inclusive,” he says.

“The benefits of any actions or strategy have to be transparent to the membership, which provides for a very effective business model.”

While the building market has been restrained during the past couple of years, ITM has still enjoyed reasonable growth.

“The growth isn’t as large as we would like but it mainly comes from winning market share, as the market itself hasn’t grown,” Buswell says.

“One of the ways that ITM has differentiated itself over the last two years is that while many others have been battening down the hatches and cutting significant costs to manage profitability, ITM has, where possible, made an effort to maintain it’s capability for the lift that will ultimately come,” he says.

“Sometimes the best way to safeguard your position in a downturn is to minimise the negative impacts on your structure and capability” says Buswell.

High profile sponsorship “The other area of strength for ITM is that while others have been reducing investment in brand, we have been not only maintaining, but in some cases expanding, our brand presence.”

ITM has three major sponsorship brand carriers, including the ITM Cup, which provides

●

ITM offers a huge range of building materials and hardware

national exposure through the highly successful rugby competition. The ITM Cup represents provincial pride and passion, bringing out the best in provincial rivalry.

It brings out the diverse cultures of communities and also the tribalism where fans proudly wear their provincial colours.

“Our research has shown that these are front of mind to members aged 25-55 years and our building trade. It must be something that promotes pride in our membership and staff and it has to build credibility with our supplier base.”

ITM PO Box 101556 North Shore City 0745 T (09) 415 2787 F (09) 415 2788 www.itm.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Motorsport support Another major sponsorship is the ITM 400 round of the V8 Supercar Championship, which provides exciting racing around the streets of Hamilton, along with spectacular entertainment. ITM is proud to be associated with Andrew Anderson’s V8 racing team and the Dean Sumner rally team in the 2010 New Zealand Rally Championship.

ITM is also the main sponsor of New Zealand’s most exciting fishing show. Host Matt Watson and his amazing team have created some of the most exciting fishing footage ever seen on television through the ITM Fishing Show.

Buswell says the criteria for this kind of sponsorship is that the events must be of interest not only to ITM’s customer base, but also to its members.

Manufacturers and Suppliers of: Reinforcing Mesh (Plain & Ribbed) • All Standard Sizes Stocked • Security Mesh •Special Sizes Manufactured Hard Drawn Wire for • Concrete Pipes & Tanks Reinforcing Rounds (Deformed & Plain) • To AS/NZS 4671:2001 Nails – Bright, Galvanised & Stainless Steel • Loose & Gun Reinforcing Products • Stirrups & Links, Hoops & Spirals Tie Wire Coils – Cut to length in 1kg bundles and 25kg Coils • Plastic Bar Chairs • Polythene & Poly Tape WIREPLUS is proud to be associated as a preferred supplier of reinforcing rod, reinforcing mesh and associated steel products to the ITM Group of Companies.

WIREPLUS recognises that in a changing world it is reliability and relationships that last, and we continue to dedicate ourselves to those principles.

We value highly our relationships with ITM members and look forward to servicing their requirements into the future.

www.wireplus.co.nz | Ph: 03 348 9540 Fax: 03 348 9541 22 McAlpine St, Riccarton, Christchurch www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 39

Rebuilding Christchurch | Steelbro

Innovation & keeping spirits

lifted

The Steelbro Sidelifter has a lift capacity of 12 to 40 tonnes

At A Glance Started in 1878 by Joseph and David Steel on £5 capital The invention of the Steelbro Sidelifter in 1979 signalled a change in company focus Steelbro is now the world’s largest manufacturer of the sidelifter All staff members were back at work on the Monday after the September 4 earthquake

Steelbro has a long history of endurance, survival and success. For 130 years it has modified, moulded and adapted its business to cope with the ever-changing demands of the market.

The company has enjoyed worldwide growth and today is the world’s largest manufacturer of the sidelifter, successfully operating in 100 international markets.

Yet at its heart, Steelbro is still a Christchurch family business, proud of its mainland roots and with local community spirit being an important focus for its 70 person team. The September 7.1 earthquake was just another challenge for the business, and as usual its people pulled together — this time to help support their South Island customers as well as each other.

Steelbro general manager Rob Mercuri credits the team at Christchurch. “Our staff were obviously affected. Some of them had homes

damaged and we were all a bit rocky but to their credit, all our employees turned up on the Monday morning and worked through the week.” It was a difficult week, with constant aftershocks. One strong one centred near Christchurch on September 8 meant the company had to be evacuated and the building briefly lost power.

exponentially, adapting its workflow and product range to the times. This varied from making parts for cars to working on government contracts during World War II, creating items such as grenade castings.

As times changed economically in the 1980s, Steelbro wound down its vehicle assembly and motor-body building facets to But Mercuri says everyone at the company had concentrate on a new product, the Steelbro the same desire. “It’s really about making sure Sidelifter. Invented in 1979, this award-winning container management solution is now the we do our bit in difficult times. We wanted to company’s main focus as the world’s leading be supporting our business community.” manufacturer of sidelifters. Steelbro has forged an international reputation for design About Steelbro innovation and excellent workmanship.

Started in 1878 originally making equipment for the transport industry such as horse drawn carts, it now has distributors all over the world Peak demand After the September 4 earthquake, a landslip for its state-of-the-art transportation and in Kaikoura blocked the rail service. This meant placement products. road-going transport was at peak demand.

Steelbro has produced innovative and imaginative solutions for the transport industry Service Works, the service branch of Steelbro, was flooded with enquiries from some of its for 130 years. regular South Island customers and had to It was started by Joseph and David Steel cope with the higher than usual demand for in 1878 on £5 capital. Steelbro grew products and services.

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40 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Rebuilding Christchurch | Steelbro

E R ’ WESTILL ! g n i d n sta

The Steelbro Sidelifter self loading container trailer now operates in 100 countries worldwide

“We continued to ensure the Steelbro Sidelifters were up and about and still operational,” Mercuri says.

HAS YOUR BUSINESS RE-LOCATED AS A RESULT OF THE EARTHQUAKE ON SEPTEMBER 4TH?

Steelbro was lucky. Unlike some businesses, especially those in the CBD, the Steelbro headquarters in Sockburn were largely unaffected by the earthquake. The building was not significantly damaged and power and communications were quickly restored.

However, communication with their clients was key in the week following the earthquake, especially as aftershocks wreaked havoc, shutting roads and airports and damaging more buildings.

“We did our best to be available to any of our users to meet their needs,” Mercuri says.

Luckily our phone lines were up and running.”

Future plans Since the earthquake, the team at Steelbro has been looking at its systems and focusing on how it can better deal with emergencies in the future. “As an organisation, we’re looking at the manner of which we were able to assist staff and make sure services are as robust as possible. For us, the focus now is on continuing to move forward making sure we are bigger and better than ever.”

HAVE YOU IMPLEMENTED NEW STRATEGIES OR BUSINESS PRACTICE AS A RESULT OF THE EARTHQUAKE?

Mercuri says the crisis has brought the staff closer together. “Community spirit has come to the fore and that’s evident in our business.

There’s more of a focus on looking out for one another. It’s not that we didn’t beforehand, but people have stepped up, there’s a difference in everyone’s approach to their fellow workers.”

Steelbro PO Box 11077 Sockburn Christchurch 8443 T (03) 348 8499 F (03) 348 5786 E marketing@steelbro.com www.steelbro.com — Advertising Feature

Call us now to discuss your business profile in the next issue of Canterbury Today. Herald the success of your business, share with our readers your earthquake recovery story and demonstrate your capabilities to the wider business market in our region.

Since 1985 we have devoted Canterbury Today to highlighting the successful growth and development of business throughout our region. We have continually focused on the positive aspects and growth of New Zealand companies through our range of regional business publications and can provide feature profiles to businesses great and small.

Phone 03 961 5050 today! www.magazinestoday.co.nz

>hhjZ &%) q DXidWZg$CdkZbWZg '%&% In the hot seat

Celia Wade-Brown’s vision for the city

Smart Selling

Tactics to get cash registers ringing

Dealing with disaster

Lessons from the Garden City

The hunt for hospitality

www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Are consumers regaining their appetite?

Working at war

Keep your friends close and your colleagues closer

The Santa spend

Will this Christmas be a cracker?

Balancing act

n Rising from the rubble How Christchurch is about to build its way out of recession

Love him or loathe him, the one thing you can’t accuse Sir Roger Douglas of is sitting on the fence

n Recovery planning What lessons has your business learned?

n Counting the

cost of recovery

www.centraltoday.co.nz

In the wake of the quake… an economic forecast

In the

n Change management What to and not to do when instigating organisational change

SEAT Keith Quinn talks about his life’s calling

n Working at war Keep your friends close and your colleagues closer

Incubating Innovation Turning good ideas into practical business solutions

n Pardon the interruption

Pressing concerns Wine exports have hit $1 billion but the industry’s got issues

Workplace distractions – a pest or a path to creativity?

Pardon the interruption Workplace distractions — a pest or path to creativity?

Rural connections Looking to speed things up

Arrested development

n Foreign property

Reversing our commercial competitiveness decline

When this land isn’t our land

Crisis control Many Cantabrians showed their true colours after the earthquake and none more so than Bob Parker

News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Information | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 0113-8340

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

The

beautiful game Inside New Zealand Fashion Week with cosmetics style icon

Phoenix Renata

Change Management

What to and not to do when instigating organisational change

Dealing with disaster

Lessons from the Garden City

Pardon the interruption

Workplace distractions — a pest or a path to creativity?

Supercity business

Can a united council overcome local agendas?

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 41

Rebuilding Christchurch | New Zealand Contractors’ Federation

Rebuilding with reliability “It’s nation building,” NZCF executive More than three months on from officer Malcolm Abernethy says. “You hear the September 4 earthquake, a lot about that phrase these days — it’s damaged parts of the city have become a bit of a buzzword. But contractors really are building the nation. Whether it is gone from being surrounded roads or the telecommunications broadband by debris to being covered in roll-out or smaller projects such as office scaffolding. Economists are buildings, these crucial predicting a boost to the economy parts of infrastructure need to be quality.” and a much needed shot in the arm First response for the construction industry.

But while the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation is pleased about the scale of work after two recession-hit years, they are issuing a warning to those needing rebuilds to keep their eyes open for ‘cowboy operators’.

About the NZCF The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation (NZCF) is the national organisation representing the civil construction and general contracting industry. Established in 1944, the NZCF cut its teeth in the post-war building boom years.

As peace reigned in the 1950s, suburbs exploded onto the country’s landscapes. So did all the infrastructure that goes with them, such as schools, roads and civil works like wastewater systems.

The aim of the NZCF has stayed the same since inception. It wants to build an environment where members can prosper and contribute to the development of the infrastructure that underpins a healthy economic and social environment. Through advocacy and lobbying of central and local government, consulting on legal and regulatory issues, industry profile-raising and providing tools and ongoing support, it aims to create a healthy industry environment.

“Today the civil construction and general contracting industry plays a very important role in New Zealand’s economy,” CEO Jeremy Sole says. “We provide and maintain the country’s infrastructure of public services — the services needed by a modern developed country that must compete professionally in world markets to maintain and improve its high living standards.”

The NZCF has more than 600 members and associates countrywide, from owner-operators to multi-million dollar businesses covering every facet of contracting including civil, road, rail, energy, ports and property.

The quality of New Zealand’s buildings was demonstrated in Canterbury on September 4. Damage ranged from knick-knacks to precious heirlooms, toppled chimneys to totalled houses but no lives were lost. Timing played a part in this, with the quake happening at 4.35am.

New Zealand’s earthquake safety-focused building codes were also a factor.

In the first few hours after the earthquake most Cantabrians were cleaning up their homes and checking on family and friends.

Contractors around the city geared into action with emergency repairs to infrastructure services and shoring up damaged buildings as the aftershocks continued.

Malcolm Abernethy says the strength of the relationships NZCF members had with the Christchurch City Council was shown by the CCC using a number of reliable NZCF businesses to secure the city in the hours after the earthquake. “The city council knew which contractors to contact immediately for reliable work. This was very important in terms of getting the recovery under way straight away.

“Putting up cordons around the CBD and that sort of thing done ASAP proved to be effective in the initial recovery. A time of crisis showed professional relationships are really important,” Abernethy says.

Cowboys and consciences After the earthquake, a substantial amount of buildings need to be knocked down and rebuilt, or fixed up. Choosing the right company is crucial. Both Sole and Abernethy stress the importance of choosing someone who is part of a professional representative body which has a strong code of ethics.

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0800 50 40 50 | www.trgroup.co.nz

42 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

NZCF members are also able to provide the federation’s guarantee, which has three elements to it — Completion, Defects Liability, and Loss of Deposit — and requires the parties to have a written contract. This doesn’t have to be formal but it must be in writing so everyone understands what is to be done.

Sole emphasises the alternative to this is not good. “People could potentially be ripped off by ‘cowboy operators’, rampant profiteering by callous individuals and companies seeking to profit from the misery of others. There’s also the possibility work could go to well-meaning but simply not qualified contractors.”

He recommends using NZCF member businesses for contracting — local companies with a history of quality workmanship.

Joining the NZCF is not easy, and unsavoury businesses are weeded out. Not only do the companies have to agree to the stringent NZCF guarantee but they are peer-reviewed before being granted entry. “The fact that they belong to an industry association means their peers allowed them in and know the quality of their work. So from time to time our branches will turn down someone, either because they don’t know them or because they’re not comfortable with the quality of work that they do.”

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Rebuilding Christchurch | New Zealand Contractors’ Federation

NZCF guarantee…

other than a quality contractor or tradesperson do the work for you. The risks are not worth it.

Completion

Website

“The guarantee scheme the federation has developed eliminates contractors who come in and try and exploit people — residential property owners in particular, although this also happens to commercial properties and smaller repair jobs,” Sole explains.

“With the repair jobs coming up around Christchurch within the next year, what you could find is a cowboy operator moving in to do a job for you, then, if he finds something more lucrative, he’ll zoom off and do that. The guarantee is there to give confidence that won’t happen. Although that wouldn’t happen with Federation businesses anyway, because we’re local companies with reputations to protect and ethical charters.”

Defects liability Customers of an NZCF company can claim up to $100,000 if in the 12 months after a build there is a defect due to the workmanship. This is rarely if ever claimed, but gives peace of mind to clients.

Loss of deposit The loss of deposit clause protects property owners from the possibility of someone doing a runner with their deposit cheque and not doing the job.

Contract Having a contract is essential, Jeremy Sole stresses, which is why it’s part of the federation’s guarantee. “Contracts are vital for the protection and safety of the client. There needs to be a contract and not just a handshake, because verbal communication errors are so common. A contract makes sure everyone is on the same page and it’s all in writing.”

Consequences The Auckland leaky homes scandal was the fault of systemic problems, Sole says, but it was “compounded by unskilled and sometimes unscrupulous operators not understanding how the cladding systems were designed to work. This is not an uncommon scenario when tradespeople do not have access to the support and information available from a professional body.”

Organising to rebuild or repair your building is a stressful and expensive undertaking. The message here is simple — don’t let anyone

To find out which companies and businesses to use for a quality rebuild or repair job, visit the EarthquakeFIX web portal www.earthquakefix.com A collaborative initiative between the Contractors’ Federation and Certified Builders, there are now 19 national membership organisations. The website has been launched to ensure quake victims can confidently search out qualified and registered tradesmen.

“We’ve launched this initiative to help provide peace of mind for everyone affected by the earthquake,” Sole says.

“A lot of concern has been expressed about people potentially being ripped off by cowboy operators. Anyone using companies sourced from this new website can be confident they are dealing with professional, competent and fair service providers who traditionally operate in Canterbury.

“It is our hope that this will help to stamp out the threat of cowboy operators and those who are well-meaning but simply not qualified to carry out the work.”

The initiative has quickly attracted widespread support, with the Insurance Council of NZ, NZTE’s Industry Capability Network, the Construction Industry Council, Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, the Building Research Association of NZ and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker all endorsing the move.

Each of the participating organisations is a national representative body with specified entry criteria and a strong set of rules and code of ethics.

“It’s important to note all the organisations have a code of ethics for members to adhere to,” Abernethy says. “Much like the NZCF, if a contractor doesn’t operate in an ethical way he’s not going to become a member of any of these organisations. That should give anyone using a company that is a member of these organisations — be it an electrician or a builder — considerable peace of mind.”

Fletcher Building is running the Earthquake Commission’s project management office to oversee the rebuild and repair of private homes after the Canterbury earthquake, a contract worth around $1 billion. The companies registered with them will be identified on the earthquake fix website, which will be regularly updated.

Feature continues on page 48 >>

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 43

44 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 45

Equipment with a community in mind Corporate responsibility relates to accountability. In business this translates to a level of professionalism that does not waver. It is about meeting customer expectations every time and providing them with maximum return on their investment.

These fundamental principals of corporate responsibility are at the core of Komatsu New Zealand; a company that represents industry leading technology, innovation and round the clock productivity.

Komatsu and Canterbury After the September 4 earthquake that rocked Canterbury to its core, Christchurch city and its neighbouring regions are struggling to their feet, as residents prepare to execute a comprehensive process of recovery.

Behind the impending restoration of existing infrastructure and the development of new economic assets, are companies with innovative technology and equipment that will play an integral role in this aesthetic and structural journey.

Komatsu is one of the companies ready to provide the new and used equipment required for the rebuild. The company is committed to providing world leading equipment to facilitate the revitalisation of Christchurch city and its customers moving forward.

“This commitment is not just for today, it is about the longevity of these relationships going forward,” national sales and marketing manager Philip Dring says. “It is about being able to assist, having the right machines and the people on the ground to assist. We can also use our global positioning to add further value as and when required.”

An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Komatsu designs, manufactures and supplies one of the world’s most comprehensive ranges of earth moving equipment. It is also one of the largest suppliers of earthmoving, mining, construction and utility equipment in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

At its Christchurch branch located at 788 Halswell Junction Rd, Komatsu has a significant range of parts and services and new and used equipment available.

The Komatsu philosophy Komatsu’s Dantotsu philosophy promotes a unique and unrivalled approach to the design and manufacture of industry leading products that include features such as ecot3 low-emission, the low fuel consumption engine range and the proven and trusted HydrauMind hydraulic technology.

46 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Komatsu’s Total Customer Support package provides a wide range of quality parts and services, including:

service is an integral part of Komatsu’s commitment to maximising machine capacity and longevity.

• Undercarriage • Ground engaging tools • Service and maintenance • Monitoring software • Analysis and testing • Oils analysis • Remanufactured components • Used parts • Lubricants, filters and coolants

The company undertakes the following tests to monitor the ongoing efficiency of equipment:

Komatsu understands that knowledge is power and undertakes an evaluative analysis of surroundings to identify the machinery that will best complement a specific environment, working conditions and the unique application of the equipment.

“We sell solutions to a particular application challenge and in this respect, Komatsu is a world leader. The quality, technology and engineering that goes into the machinery is at the forefront without any doubt,” Dring says.

Komatsu’s adopted vertically integrated production systems means that parts and components for Komatsu equipment are designed and manufactured in-house for optimum efficiency and synchronicity.

“Komatsu is a premium brand - one of the top three globally. We are respected through all economies in which we are participating, whether it is agricultural, forestry, industrial, construction, mining or hire industries,” Dring explains.

South Island territory sales manager Dean Riordan says approximately six to eight percent of Komatsu’s annual turnover goes back into research and development. “The way our components are manufactured means they are synchronised instead of like a patchwork quilt. Our health and safety practises are second to none and the policies we adhere to are strict. We are a very organised and very structured company.”

Christchurch branch manager Rob McGregor says the company wants to be a seen as the first choice for customers when they are looking for parts and service, new or used equipment. “We want to make sure that those who are doing work and those in Christchurch at present, are supported in the best possible way.”

Dring adds that systems have been designed to protect not only the machines, but also the environment and community at large. “Our philosophy around the safe matching of machines to applications and add on attachments to machines is a priority.”

The investment in Komatsu staff is also significant as the company recognises the importance of a highly educated workforce. “We are very proud of our operator and maintenance training and this pays dividends in our operators’ skills,” he adds.

Through its Condition Monitoring Service and an extensive suite of analysis and reports, Komatsu can provide regular health checks for equipment. This

• KOWA – Komatsu Oil Wear Analysis • Coolant analysis • Grease analysis • Vibration analysis • Metallurgical testing and evaluation • Thermal imaging • X-ray analysis • Stress/Strain analysis • Fuel burn • Oil consumption • Tyre inspection and measure • Site audits • ECAM reports for quick results online.

Aligning expectations While Dring acknowledges there are comparable commercial enterprises representing a similar level of professional pedigree to Komatsu, he believes the cost efficiencies offered by Komatsu from procurement through to operating and exiting costs are invaluable to an operator or owner.

“We are privileged to have one of the highest levels of value offerings in the industry and our professional approach to satisfying expectations is renowned. It’s all about managing and aligning the expectations of both Komatsu and our customers.”

Komatsu New Zealand welcomes direct communication from existing and prospective customers and invites Canterbury customers to visit the branch or have telephonic contact with Rob McGregor and Dean Riordan.

Komatsu New Zealand Christchurch Branch 788 Halswell Junction Rd Hornby Christchurch 8042 www.komatsu.co.nz Rob McGregor Branch manager - workshop, parts and service T (03) 349 0404 / 0292 746 296 E rmcgregor@komatsu.co.nz Dean Riordan Territory sales manager - new and used equipment T (03) 349 0404 / 0292 599 655 E driordan@komatsu.co.nz Philip Dring National sales and marketing manager T (09) 969 6710 / 0292 550 669 E pdring@komatsu.co.nz

FiX …

Earthquake

For your peace of mind use only competent and qualified tradespeople and contractors Is this site for you?

Rebuilding Christchurch | Earthquake Fix The EarthquakeFIX web portal is a collaborative initiative between the organisations below and funded by sponsors. This initiative is intended to provide you with confidence that you are able to access professional, competent and fair service providers, who traditionally operate in Canterbury, to assist you in remedying damage caused to your property as a result of the earthquake.

Each of these organisations is a national representative body with specified entry criteria and a strong set of rules and code of ethics, supported by a desire to enforce these, so as to maintain the image of their sector in the building and construction industry. You will see that this portal has strong support from a number of authorities as listed on the right side of this page. Please note that the goods and services offered by members of the organisations listed below are provided by those members, not by the organisations or the authorities listed on this portal.

If you are a commercial property owner…

YES — this site is for you.

If you are a residential property owner and your claim is greater than YES — this site is for you. $100,000…

If you are a residential property owner and your claim YES — this site is for you. is less than $10,000…

If you were not insured prior to the earthquake…

YES — this site is for you If you are a residential property owner and your claim is between $10,000 and $100,000, you need to use the Fletcher Construction project NO this site is not for you… UNLESS if you are a management process so residential property owner covered by EQC but you have opted out of the Fletcher Construction Project management process in favour of managing YES — this site is for you. your own suppliers for repairs, then

Please select the service area from which you would like assistance or information and you will be directed to further information and a list of approved members of their organisations, along with their contact details.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 47

Rebuilding Christchurch | New Zealand Contractors’ Federation The NZCF’s key goal, for the crucial next few years for Christchurch as well as the future for New Zealand is a healthy civil construction industry.

What exactly does this look like? Sole believes it’s one where skilled and qualified consultants and contractors collaboratively produce innovation and whole of life value for money at mutually acceptable prices for their clients.

“A healthy civil construction industry is the result of forward planning, fair and consistent procurement strategies, competition in the supply stream and growth opportunities for those at any level who are willing and able to take up the challenge,” he says.

“We want to come through this earthquake crisis with robust quality buildings and infrastructure and stronger professional relationships forged. Then we can keep cementing these trends in projects done throughout the country.”

Why join the NZCF? Currently more than 600 members, representing 11,000 employees, enjoy NZCF membership nationwide. Federation members are engaged in providing a wide range of services, on a contract basis, for both public and private sector customers. The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation ensures the voices and views of members and the industry as a whole are heard when and where it counts.

Rothbury Insurance Brokers are proud to support NZ Contractors Fediration

The federation maintains close links with central and local Government, and with relevant industry organisations. “There’s the intangible benefits of what we do, talking to politicians downhill from our office in Wellington.

It’s our aim to make the environment in which our contractors work better.”

Monthly branch meetings and social functions allow members to meet their fellow contractors for networking opportunities and industry advice. At the annual conference they hear about and discuss issues of concern to contractors, decide on the business plan for the Federation and elect the Executive Council. Other benefits include a phone-line for technical assistance.

“Many federation members regularly use this service,” says Abernethy, who runs the phoneline. He is a registered civil engineer and is on hand to assist with technical advice for all members including advice on engineering problems they may be facing.

Members of the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation receive: ■ Local and national government representation ■ Members handbook ■ Industry documents and publications ■ Branch meetings ■ Annual conference ■ Opportunity to enter industry competitions ■ Contractor magazine ■ Technical support ■ Education and training ■ E-newsletter ■ Information booklets ■ Annual report.

Abernethy also runs regular seminars around New Zealand on issues such as the Construction Contracts Act and the NZ3910 contracts. NZCF members are also kept up to date with industry issues via a magazine and e-newsletters.

Sole says there are different aspects of membership that appeal to different firms.

“The large firms would say it gives them a voice in the halls of Government and in Government departments. By the time you get down to the smaller ones, the guy next door who wants to know how we can get $900 dollars for his $800 dollar membership fee. We pretty much cater to both ends.”

Specialists in business and domestic insurance since 1950. Rothbury Southland are committed to you and your business, focusing on exceptional service & quality products which are exclusive to Rothbury.

For expert advice and better advocacy, contact Sarah Money, Broker on 09 526 8389

Rothbury Insurance Brokers Level 7, Building 5, Central Park 666 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland P. 09 526 8389 F. 09 579 9532 www.rothbury.co.nz

GENERAL HIRE | HEAVY HIRE | EVENTS HIRE ACCESS HIRE | GENERATOR HIRE | EQUIPMENT HIRE Proud to be associated with NZ Contractors Federation P. 03 353 6307 | F. 03 353 6309 | www.hirequip.co.nz

To provide quality hire equipment solutions that deliver sustainable value.

48 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Rebuilding Christchurch | New Zealand Contractors’ Federation

NZCF key objectives Advocacy and lobbying ■ To be the leading industry advocate and influencer with central and local Government and other key decision makers ■ To be recognised as a leader in the industry by key media organisations and regularly sought for public comment

Networking

■ To be consulted on all legal and regulatory changes that affect industry

■ Continue to host and improve the annual conference

■ Be a key source of in-depth information on the industry to support activities in this area

Maintain & enhance member benefits ■ Develop benchmarking schemes for members to assess their performance ■ Promote quality management systems such as the federation’s Quality Environment and Safety Management system ■ Develop and maintain a suite of member services ■ Continue and improve the current level of technical services ■ Develop an environmental best practice “green book” ■ Build and develop a Continuing Education (CE) policy

■ To support and promote branch activities

■ To host two social events annually for members and contacts ■ To ensure attendance at the industry summit and other relevant national and international conferences

Industry promotion ■ To promote the industry generally by raising its profile ■ Improve media coverage both nationally and locally ■ Seek additional sponsors and advocates ■ Commit resources and personnel to succession planning ■ Seek funding for developing a recruitment resource New Zealand Contractors’ Federation P O Box 12-013 Wellington New Zealand T 0800 692 376 E accounts@nzcontractors.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

The 4th September earthquake has directly affected all of those living in Christchurch, including the staff of Trimble New Zealand Ltd. and GeoSystems New Zealand, a Trimble owned company since 2009. The news of the earthquake has reached far and wide and there has been an outpouring of concern, support and a desire to assist from around the world.

Trimble Navigation Limited, based in the US but with long-standing operations in Christchurch, regards the city as one of its homes. As a result, Trimble is providing local professionals with both product and technical expertise to assist in the recovery efforts. They have made a substantial contribution to the local Mayoral Fund, which assists individuals and families who have been impacted.

Part of the reconstruction process will require state of the art tools and technology. To assist those involved in the earthquake clean-up and reconstruction work, GeoSystems is currently offering a 10% discount on in-stock Spectra Precision construction laser products. GeoSystems and Trimble will also be providing a Trimble Net R9 base station, located at Wigram.

Martin Hewitt, Business Development Manager for GeoSystems explains, “This base station will be added to GeoSystems’ iBASE

network and will provide both real time and post-processed data to Canterbury based Surveyors and Construction users. Used in conjunction with the Christchurch iBASE station this will allow the establishment of a survey using orientation derived from satellites without the need to set up additional base stations.

“As part of this effort GeoSystems will be extending their offer of free use of the iBASE service to those in the affected area and to include the use of the Ashburton iBASE Station. This is to be provided until the end of the calendar year.”

The offer is extended to all GPS and GNSS users not just those using Trimble equipment. It is hoped that this offer will significantly boost and quicken the reestablishment of survey control and cadastral marks and assist in speeding the recovery efforts in the region.

www.geosystems.com

0800 GEOSYS (436 797)

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 49

Property and Construction | Pegasus Town

Pegasus slice More than just a subdivision, Pegasus Town encompasses sports grounds, natural wetland environments and a growing retail centre

In the hustle and bustle of every day life, it’s good to have an environment in which you can unwind. Most seek out the sanctuary of their home to recuperate and revitalise, which is why your home really does need to be your castle.

Infinity Investment Group has a reputation for producing quality developments that visually complement the landscape they inhabit. At present, the company is undertaking $1.5 billion of development in the South Island and is committed to delivering excellence.

“We are creating a new town with Pegasus, not a subdivision, as we are not just turning hectares into metres. We are providing an environment that represents a great economic boost to the South Island, wider Canterbury In recognition of the important relationship people develop with their homes, one investor, and New Zealand,” Pegasus Town’s residential sales manager Darryl Maclean says.

Infinity Investment Group, set about creating a residential oasis — Pegasus Town which is a Nestled in idyllic North Canterbury, Pegasus hybrid of practicality, functionality and, most can accommodate up to 7000 residents, importantly, fun. although Maclean says they estimate twice as many are visiting the area each month in a As one of New Zealand most innovative social capacity. With more than 200 residents property development companies, living on site, 747 sections have been pre-sold which equates to approximately 90 percent of the 838 sections listed on the market so far.

Pegasus is set at the heart of a unique coastal eco-system only 25 kilometres north of Christchurch in the Waimakariri District.

With approximately 250,000 native trees and plants planted in the wetlands and conservation areas, the town is accessed by a landmark entrance way off State Highway One. With direct routes to the central city and Christchurch International Airport, there are regular bus services provided to local schools, neighbouring communities and the innercity. Pegasus Town is also close to the Scenic Triangle, Hurunui District’s famous tourism trail.

Immediately adjacent to the Kaiapoi Pa, the ancestral home of the Ngai Tahu-riri hapa (subtribe) of Ngai Tahu, Pegasus has a remarkable history. The entire Pegasus site was once populated by Ngai Tahu-riri hapa ancestors and significant losses which resulted from tribal conflict inevitably rendered this land tapu.

Recognised as a significant historical and cultural site and a place of immense importance to Ngai Tahu-riri and Ngai Tahu as a collective, representatives from this sub-tribe have worked alongside the Pegasus development team throughout the project.

Given the site has archaeological cultural value, a team of archaeologists and Ngai Tahu-riri observers have also been involved.

50 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property and Construction | Pegasus Town

of paradise The Waimakariri District Council district plan zone rules required all planning, design and development for the town to be undertaken in accordance with specific cultural zone rules and in a way that is respectful to Tangata Whenua (local Maori). Certain areas of the site were also preserved — predominantly the Western Conservation Management Area — as they have specific cultural and historical significance.

The man-made lake at Pegasus features with four kilometres of shoreline, 11 sandy and pebble beaches, a central island, waterfall and suspension bridge

Pegasus is what could be called a cultural, recreational and residential haven all merged into one. Conceived for the traditional Kiwi family, Maclean says the area is welcoming to all and there is no one demographic that predominates or takes precedent.

“The master plan for the town will ensure a community unlike any other. We have reinstated significant wetlands and birdlife is migrating back to the area and we are all about drawing people towards outdoor activities,” Maclean says. “It really is for everyone. People often ask me about the makeup of the population and there is a good cross-section. This is so important as the day you target one end of society it fails because that’s not what New Zealand represents.”

As an ongoing work in progress, Maclean says Pegasus currently has 150 houses built with another 50 houses awaiting consent and the aesthetics of the environment continue to flourish. “When people come to Pegasus that perhaps haven’t visited for a few months, they really notice the new developments and changes. First time visitors here just can’t believe the further in they come, the more there is happening. Activity breeds activity and we have events on every week.”

Every week is by no means an overstatement as the social calendar is full of events from the South Island Waka Ama Springs and Aoraki Dragons Ice Breaker Regatta, to the House of Travel Triathlon Festival and the Pegasus New Zealand Women’s Open. “There are amenities and events for everyone,” he says.

“Pegasus is like a playground and residents I talk to always tell me how much it enhances their lifestyles. The greatest milestone to date has been the opening of our golf course and hosting the New Zealand Women’s Open in February (to be held again in February 2011).

“We have a genuine championship golf course and the carpark is full most days. The second milestone is the man-made feature lake with four kilometres of shoreline, 11 sandy and pebble beaches, a central island, waterfall and

All About Pegasus Town suspension bridge. People cannot believe this has been made possible.”

The focus for the next 12 to 24 months is to continue to develop recreational amenities such as the swimming bay and hot pools and create a town centre with more than 100 retail and service outlets. “There will be strong disciplines so it is a special environment. For example, one book shop, one shoe shop and so on. It will be situated by the lake so kids can swim first and afterwards mum and dad can go shopping,” Maclean says.

At present, Pegasus offers a general convenience store with thousands of grocery and hardware items and the Flat White Café and Bar which opened in 2009 and it also has its own on-site coffee roastery.

up facilities. For residential and development enquiries, the Pegasus Sales and Development Office is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Whatever lifestyle needs or budget prospective residents have, Pegasus is committed to finding house and land packages that will suit people from all walks of life.

Pegasus Town Corner Pegasus Main Street and Pegasus Boulevard T (09) 920 3050 F (09) 920 6069 E dmaclean@pegasustown.com www.pegasustown.com

— Advertising Feature

● Pegasus Town, 25km north of Christchurch, is recognised as a significant historical and cultural site ● There are more than 200 residents living there now, with capacity for 7000 residents ● The town has already hosted the House of Travel Triathlon Festival and Pegasus New Zealand Women’s Open ● There are approximately 250,000 native trees and plants in the wetlands and conservation areas ● The town features a championship golf course, tennis courts, gymnasium, café and bars, a general store, ocean beach access and feature lake

The Bunker Café and Bar complements the golf course, along with tennis courts, a gymnasium and covered driving range with automatic tee-

North Canterbury, 122 Main North Road, Woodend • 03 310 0247 Canterbury, Cnr Barters and Main South Road, Templeton • 03 344 0331

Proud to be associated with Pegasus Town Traffic Engineering - Transport Planning

www.tdg.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 51

Property and Construction | Legacy Corporation

Building a legacy in

residential

living

As an innovative and youthful company, Legacy Corporation has firmly established itself within Christchurch’s residential development market.

It was formed seven years ago by Gary Gordon, who also operates a project management company and a construction company called Homes by Legacy.

Based in Auckland, Legacy Corporation specialises in a diverse range of residential developments, including lower and higher-priced apartments, terraced houses and stand-alone houses.

Legacy Corporation is undertaking several housing developments in Christchurch

Development manager Mitchell Jefferson says about five years ago the company was offered an opportunity to work in Christchurch and ended up focusing on the city as its main market.

“We moved away from doing any work in Auckland at all. We’ve been really busy in Christchurch on about six different projects because it’s been so successful,” he says.

• Earthquake Repairs • Earthmoving & Civil works • Driveways and Paving • Concrete Placing • Mayfair Pools

“However, we’re starting to build stand-alone houses in Auckland again and we’re also building stand-alone houses in Wellington and have a high-rise apartment project planned for central Wellington as well.”

Longevity R.A. Shearing Contractors Ltd 210 Main South Rd, Sockburn Christchurch PO Box 16291, Hornby Christchurch, 8441

Phone: 03 348 5420 Fax: Web: Email:

03 3485 400 www.shearings.co.nz info@shearings.co.nz

Legacy Corporation believes the quality of its work is a critical component of the company’s success. Lasting relationships and longevity are the cornerstones of its philosophy.

“With the advantage of being a youthful company, we have established ourselves as strong players in a competitive environment.

Legacy brings energy and unique skills to an industry that thrives on innovation and creativity,” he says.

Legacy Corporation only employs experienced high-quality subcontractors and master builders. The company works closely with Higgs Builders and Whyte Construction in Christchurch and has developed a history of trust and reliability with both companies.

New developments Legacy Corporation is currently working on a number of quality Christchurch developments, including 18 new apartments in Nursery Road, Linwood, and another similar apartment project in Cashel Street, Linwood.

All the apartments are either one or two bedrooms contained within a low-rise building.

Permanent construction materials are being used extensively in the construction, with the exterior cladding a stylish mix of Coloursteel and stacker bond concrete blocks.

The site layouts have been carefully designed to provide the apartments with carparking and common areas within the development. There will also be extensive planting and landscaping around the grounds, reflecting the feel of the existing neighbourhood. The developments benefit from numerous carparks, security gates

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P.OBox 24-084 EASTGATE CHRISTCHURCH 8642 innovativepainters@xtra.co.nz

52 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Cabinetwork, Bench tops, Reception Counters, Vanities, Doors & Windows, Shutters & Louvres and shop fittings

18 Hands Road, Addington, Christchurch Ph. 03 338 4159 | Fax. 03 338 9998 Email. jbjoinery@xtra.co.nz

and intercoms to each apartment, separate pedestrian entrances, off-street visitor parking and bike racks.

Jefferson says work on the Nursery Road and Cashel Street projects is under way and is expected to be complete by July 2011. The apartments are currently being presold.

Easy access Legacy Corporation has also recently completed its second development on Bordesley Street, Phillipstown. The 83 Bordesley development involves 10 quality new townhouses conveniently located just metres from the four avenues, giving residents easy access to the CBD and various amenities.

The Bordesley townhouses have been constructed over two levels from quality permanent materials, using a tilt-slab concrete structure.

There are three double bedrooms in each apartment, with a bathroom, open-plan living room and kitchen, private patio area and deck. Carparking is provided in tandem layout beneath the townhouses, all which have a northerly aspect.

Property and Construction | Legacy Corporation

Christchurch moves Legacy Corporation recently completed its first subdivision in Christchurch — a boutique development of four family homes within its own enclave on Rudds Road in Linwood.

The Rudds Road development is only a fiveminute drive from the Christchurch CBD. It contains four architecturally designed fourbedroom homes, which feature a separate bathroom and ensuite, double internal access garage and an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area.

Each house has an outdoor living area with a northerly or westerly aspect. Permanent construction materials are used throughout the houses. Each house is finished to a ‘turn-key’ level, including landscaping, clotheslines and window coverings.

Legacy Corporation development manager Mitchell Jefferson says the Rudds Road development has been a big success for Legacy Corp, with all four houses sold within a week of the original marketing programme early this year. “They are mid-priced houses and are all finished. We’re just waiting on codes of compliances now,” he says.

Major city apartment development Legacy Corporation is under way with the second stage of its large St Albans apartment complex, Calibre St Albans.

Located in a prestigious area close to the city centre and within top school zones, Calibre is being constructed on the site of the old Caledonian Hotel.

“The first stage involved 25 apartments and was finished last year,” Jefferson says.

Legacy Corporation believes the quality of its work is a critical component of its success

The second stage involves 22 apartments.

In the final finishing stages, nearly all the apartments have been presold. “It’s been a long project and has taken nearly four years but is looking really great,” he says.

we’re quite low risk. We only do as much as we feel comfortable with as we see the market improving. We had a flat period after the Canterbury earthquake but people are buying again now.”

Calibre is well priced to provide the best returns to investors, both from rentals and capital gain. The apartments involve permanent construction materials and have been designed and built to last. Calibre features plenty of green space, extensive landscaping and car and bicycle parking.

Jefferson says all of Legacy Corp’s properties survived the September 4 earthquake undamaged, with the company employing an engineer to check them out thoroughly.

Focus on Christchurch

“We have one-bedroom apartments from $230,000, which enables us to sell them to a lot more people. We’re a young company so we really make sure that the quality is high

Jefferson says while Legacy Corporation is working hard to grow its Auckland and Wellington business, it will maintain its strong focus on the Christchurch market.

Legacy Corp places a big emphasis on keeping the price of its developments down to make them as affordable as possible.

and nothing will come back on us, as we plan to be around for a long time,” Jefferson says.

“Legacy Corp owner Gary Gordon’s background as a quantity surveyor has helped us a lot.

It’s really important to make sure the costings are right and we understand that we don’t go overboard. We’re lower risk and we’ve survived through the recession, which means we haven’t bitten off more than we could chew.”

Legacy Corporation 124 Hurstmere Road Takapuna, Auckland 0622 T (09) 488 9990 F (09) 929 1161 www.legacycorporation.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

“We’ve got so many good contacts in Christchurch that we’ll keep going there,” he says. “Even though we’ve got quite a lot on

Legacy Corporation recently completed its

first subdivision in C hristchurch - a boutique development of four family homes on Rudds Road, Linwood. The development has been

a big success with all four houses sold within

Proudly Supporting Whyte Construction and Legacy Corporation

a week of the marketing programme.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 53

Property and Construction | Display Manufacturing

Display Manufacturing specialises in retail fit-outs and offers a complete display service to customers

Distinctive displays Display Manufacturing in Christchurch is one of the South Island’s leading shopfitters and retail display unit manufacturers, offering a total solution to its customers.

Display Manufacturing was formed 17 years ago by managing director Rick Vander Zwet, who employs five staff at the modern manufacturing plant in Hands Road, Middleton.

The company can manufacture everything from shelving to signage, from ceiling to floor.

It builds supermarket checkouts and counter units and offers a complete retail fit-out service — from initial plans to custom-build work and installation. Display Manufacturing also carries out maintenance, alteration and repairs to existing displays.

Vander Zwet says the company services clients throughout the South Island, as well as undertaking some work in the North Island.

“Our specialty areas are supermarket work — we do a lot of work for Foodstuffs and Progressive — and book stores,” he says. “We specialise in book and card display units for bookshops and stationers and have done work for some of New Zealand’s largest retailers, including PaperPlus.”

project for clients, without the need to deal with many different contractors.

Display Manufacturing prides itself on having a personal approach with its customers.

Display Manufacturing has a wealth of design experience and can offer imaginative and costeffective ideas on how to achieve high-impact displays in any store.

“We do our best to deliver something they require within budget,” Vander Zwet says.

Staff work closely with Christchurch-based designers to meet customers’ needs. Any highquality paint finish is a possibility, with floor-toceiling installation included in the package.

He hopes to continue growing the company into the future and expanding its capabilities further in order to stay at the forefront of the manufacturing industry.

Specialty manufacturing

Vander Zwet says the retail display industry has Display Manufacturing Limited becoming increasingly competitive, particularly 33 Hands Road with the downturn in the economy.

Middleton “A lot of joiners have tried to get into it but Christchurch many have disappeared,” he says.“We’re a T (03) 963 6373 Its team of joiners, cabinet makers and painters specialty manufacturing business offering a F (03) 963 6374 allow the company to take on any project from complete retail solution. We offer a full service E displayman@clear.net.nz and we’re price competitive.” start to finish, resulting in a well-managed www.displayman.co.nz — Advertising Feature The majority of Display Manufacturing’s products are built from timber, with the company operating a complete manufacturing and spray painting facility.

TOWN AND COUNTRY BROKERS Town and Country Brokers are proud to be associated with Display Manufacturing Ltd

504 Buchanans Road, RD 6, Christchurch 7676 l john@townandcountry.co.nz phone: 03 342 5646 l fax: 03 342 5647 l mobile: 027 6555 499

We design and manufacture to your specifications We guarantee value for money

• Display Stands • Sweet Dispenser

• Acrylic Shop Fittings • Till Covers

• Acrylic Slatwall Fittings • Card Stands

Plastic Fabrications Ltd Phone: 377 7640

Fax: 377 7258

82 Coleridge Street, P.O.Box 7572, Christchurch • Email: t.mclardy@xtra.co.nz

We design and build: • Shop Counters • Book/Magazine Stands • Card Stands • Retail Shelves • Checkout Counters

33 Hands Road Christchurch New Zealand Phone: (03) 963 6373 Fax: (03) 963 6374 Mobile: 021 365 238 Email: displayman@clear.net.nz Web: www.displayman.co.nz

54 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property and Construction | Cashmere Club

Established club gets more than a facelift Like most charted clubs, the Cashmere Club is a great place to go for a meal, a beer and to watch the game. It was started in the 1970s and many of the founding members are still part of the club.

For 30 years teams have held prize-givings and meetings there and locals have spent their leisure time watching sports and playing a game of pool.

This move brought in more patronage, with the result being the 1970s building was bursting at the seams. So Whyte commissioned builders to upgrade the kitchen earlier this year.

Significant facelift Along with this, the interior has had a significant facelift. The restaurant has been upgraded and the bar and gaming room extended, along with the creation of an outdoor dining area.

With a beer garden and playground the Cashmere Club is now an ideal spot for the entire family during those lazy, hazy, warm summer evenings.

Popular place The upgrade means the club is now in an even better position to provide for larger groups and is a popular spot for conferences, reunions and wedding receptions. It is here where Whyte hopes the alterations to the kitchen and outside dining area will make the club more attractive to event holders.

“There’s nothing better than seeing people enjoy themselves… whether it’s at a wedding, a competition or just some friends meeting up for a drink.”

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“The chefs and wait staff are really impressed.

It hadn’t had an upgrade since we opened in the 1970s. They’re very pleased to have such a fantastic area to work in.”

One of the contractors and a man with a lengthy association with the club is Express Electric owner Mike Dean. His opinion is the revamped inside, along with the upgraded outdoor dining area is going to revolutionise the club and of course, that this is all coinciding with start of summer beautifully.

Unlimited Access

Manager Don Whyte put a focus on food last year, with the club now offering delicious, yet inexpensive food such as Mount Cook salmon, flintstone steak, pork belly and flounder fillets.

hopes the alterations to the kitchen and the addition of an outside dining area will make the club even more attractive to event holders.

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Company Profile

If you feel like meeting up in any manner, then this club has your need catered for. Contact the Cashmere Club, (03) 332 0092

Level 3, 818 Colombo Street, Christchurch, NZ.

Proud to be associated with the Cashmere Club

Fax: 366 7705 Phone: 382 5713 Mobile: 021 332 842 Email: expresselectric@coolkiwi.co.nz

*

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Kiwi Owned

Express Electric Ltd

Domestic and Commercial We take on any Job no matter how big or small! www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 55

Property and Construction | Ian Coombes Limited Ian Coombes Limited supplied pumping, filtration and disinfection systems for Rangiora’s Dudley Park Aquatic Centre

Aiming for p Ian Coombes Limited is the place to go for any swimming pool project, water treatment or maintenance work. The Christchurch-based company was formed in 1979 and has grown to become one of New Zealand’s leading manufacturer and supplier of systems and products to the Australasian swimming pool and water treatment industry.

Commercial pool focus Managing director Ian Coombes says his business has experienced huge growth since its formation. In addition to its head office in Acheron Drive, Christchurch, the company has branches in Auckland and Wellington. In 2005 Ian Coombes Ltd opened a company in Melbourne, with plans to grow its Australian presence further.

Ian Coombes Ltd is a specialist in the swimming pool and water treatment industry,

e

r

f

e

t

i

o

n

offering a wide range of products and services including pumping and filtration, pool water disinfection systems, insulating pool blankets and reel systems, heat pumps, vacuum systems, pool deck hardware, overflow/ drainage channel grating, chemicals and testing, sauna and steamroom products.

The company offers a variety of filtration and disinfection systems for both the commercial and residential swimming pool markets.

“We’re a one-stop shop — with the exception of building the pools,” Coombes says. “A lot of our work is design and build and our range of products and services has continued to grow.

We’ve extended the insulating pool blanket side which is a big part of the business now.”

The latest in CAD technology is utilised in conjunction with its full design and consultation services, maximising full design flexibility and ensuring customer benefits.

Significant projects Ian Coombes Ltd has undertaken many significant commercial and local authority projects over the years. “The main thrust of our business in recent times has been commercial At Brown Glassford & Co Ltd we provide specialist accounting services to the rural and commercial sectors.

• Financial Planning • Tax Planning • Succession Planning • Annual Accounting • Cashflow Budgeting • GST/Periodic Reporting Phone: Peter Glassford (03) 365 0881 Email: peter.glassford@brownglass.co.nz www.brownglass.co.nz

Proud to be associated with Ian Coombes Ltd

Ian Coombes project work,” Coombes says. “We’re currently involved in the expansion of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, as well as the Norman Kirk Memorial Development in Manukau for the supply and installation of pumping and filtration and disinfection.

“In Australia the big issue is discharge or wastewater,” he says. “Water has become quite precious over there and there’s a lot of focus on the best use of water, in terms of evaporation and how to harness the heat.”

Growth and success

“These are among the largest projects we’ve Ian Coombes Ltd is totally committed to taken on for pumping and filtration. All of our other products have applications there as well.” supplying the highest level of customer service and is able to supply superior systems Other recent significant projects of similar and products. nature include the new Dudley Park Aquatic Its ability to provide customised and costCentre at Rangiora, the Solid Energy Aquatic effective solutions for customers has given the Centre at Westport, the installation of two UV company a constant demand for its products systems at the Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre and a design-build project at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and services. Its commitment to providing safe and easy-to-use products ensures that any which comprised a complete pool water equipment investments are maximised. services fit-out of a 25-metre lap pool.

Special features

“Working together with Ian Coombes Ltd to grow their business.”

Your Focus... Your Business Our Focus... Your Business

c

The main thrust of our business in recent times has been commercial project work

Coombes says many modern public swimming pool facilities now have “water play” features for children in shallow lagoon pools.

“There’s quite an interest and demand for that equipment and we manufacture some of our own, as well as importing some products from overseas,” he says.

“Our success is due to us sticking to what we know best and offering the right choice of equipment for each individual application.

Coombes says. “We aim to give people value for what they get.”

Ian Coombes Limited 34 Acheron Drive Christchurch The company has been fortunate enough to T (03) 348 2072 have plenty of local authority swimming pool F (03) 348 2075 work through the recession, with the Australian www.iancoombes.co.nz market now starting to pick up.

— Advertising Feature

• Swimming Pool & Spa Heating • Underfloor Heating • Domestic Hot Water Heating • Hydroponic Nutrient Heating and Cooling • Water Chillers • Aquaculture Temperature Control and more...

0800 336633 3 Corban Ave, Henderson, Auckland Phone: 09 838 9444 Fax: 09 838 6223 Email: info@waterheating.co.nz www.waterheating.co.nz 56 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 57

Agribusiness | News

Show stoppers

By Bridget Gourlay

Late spring is the time of the year when city slickers and farmer mingle at the Canterbury A&P show.

While urban schoolchildren enjoyed petting lambs and flop-eared bunnies, the annual show was offered more than just a taste of the country for townies.

New Zealand’s ingenuity and innovation was also on display with a variety of ideas coming through to improve the lot of agricultural endeavours.

A willowy model minces along the catwalk — face painted, hair styled, expression haughty. She’s clad in a tight fitting, colourful dress. Music blares. Spotlights shine. The waiting media and fashionistas take note. What on earth does this have to do with AgResearch? Isn’t it all about effluent management and sheep vaccinations?

Seaweed solutions AgriSea NZ Ltd was showcasing its range of seaweed concentrates for soil, foliar and animal health. The company makes its solutions via a natural brewing process which eliminates the use of processing with heat, chemicals, freezing or dehydration that might ‘denature’ the sensitive nutrient balance, allowing the natural growth stimulants and micronutrients to be released in an active form to enhance soil and plant health.

Think again. New Zealand’s primary industry isn’t resting on its laurels, as new AgResearch CEO Dr Tom Richardson explains to Bridget Gourlay.

Fish meal starter At Verte Fert there’s a different idea.

Its solutions contain fish meal, proteins, enzymes and amino acids with added carbohydrates, minerals and naturally occurring growth promotants. It’s non-toxic and not harmful to beneficial insects, birds or livestock. When you’ve got thousands of acres to spray and imprecision is cutting into your margins, technology is here to solve the problem for you.

Setting boundaries TracMaps is a GPS system for farms.

Farmers and/or spraying subcontractors can send all jobs to the TracMap unit’s mapping system, which is easy to view and download in various formats. This provides valuable information about the time and place of applications.

The frustration of knowing you are overlapping because you can’t see your boundaries is eradicated, meaning expensive fertiliser is not wasted.

Innovation on display (from the top) with products from Agrisea NZ Ltd, Verte Fert and TracMaps

Natural application The Easy Grazer, on display at the show, is designed to make life more natural for horses. Nature intended for livestock to graze throughout the day but in a farming environment that’s not always possible. However, singular feeding can be detrimental to the health of livestock, leading to obesity, ulcers and boredom.

The Easy Grazer simulates a natural grazing environment, slowing down the feeding process which helps the animal’s digestion and reduces boredom.

Ideas out of left field Duck herding

Log rolling

“It’s an obstacle course for ducks!” a preschooler yelled excitedly as she watched Marlborough man Don Stuart and his dog Rose manoeuvre four ducks around a course more traditionally the domain of woolly stock. The competitive duck herding event was a crowd-pleaser with hundreds of people watching the quirky sport, which was clearly mastered by Stuart and Rose.

Children also enjoyed watching the North American sport of log-rolling.

An innovator of duck herding since 1986 — which also makes him a veteran of the niche ‘sport’ — Stuart directed Rose in a low voice as she calmly rounded up the ducks and guided them over bridges, into puddles and though tunnels before they were finally herded into their cages.

Half way through both the ducks and Rose were rewarded with a squirt from the garden hose on a scorching day.

Stuart and Rose received an enthusiastic round of applause once they’d finished.

Primary

For those unfamiliar with this competitive encounter, two people balance on a log floating in the water and, on the starter’s command, then try their best to make send the opposition in for a dunking.

Log-rolling was inspired by Canadian and American lumberjacks, who, after bringing their logs downriver, would compete to see who could balance on a log the longest.

The sport has a strong following in North America, where competitions are held and sometimes televised on ESPN. For many Cantabrians this was their first up-close look at a sport which, on a scorching hot show day, appeared to have no losers. After all, the chance for to take a refreshing dip in such weather conditions was not to be taken lightly.

58 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Dr Tom Richardson

The man Dr Richardson became the CEO of AgResearch in September this year. Originally from the United States, he grew up in a small town in rural Pennsylvania, spending most of his childhood playing on his extended family’s farms.

Richardson finished his PhD at Penn State in 1990, and “about three hours later”, left for New Zealand. He was originally moving here for a two year post-doctoral fellowship but fell in love with both the country and a Kiwi girl and now considers New Zealand to be his home.

The challenge One thing that hasn’t changed since the 19th century is the importance of our primary industry. Federated Farmers calculate agriculture makes more than 15 percent of our total GDP — beating out tourism and manufacturing.

Let’s compare it to wine. Last year the wine industry hit a billion dollars worth of exports.

No mean feat. But a billion dollars of exports was about a fifth of our meat exports or a tenth of our dairy exports.

So agriculture as a whole brings in serious money to New Zealand, giving us our enviable quality of life. But to many members of the public these fields of gold are a point of controversy. Farming practises in our green countryside are increasingly getting a bad rep for not being green at all.

This, says Richardson, is the biggest issue facing the agriculture sector at the moment and as a consequence, one of the biggest issues facing the nation.

“How to increase production and how to feed more people, without increasing our environmental footprint? In the decades to come a significant increase in production is desired, but off the back of no greater and in many cases a smaller environmental impact and natural capital utilisation. Those are the big challenges.”

Agribusiness | News

focus That’s why sustainability is the goal of most of AgResearch’s programmes. And it’s not like the demand for agri products is going to wane in the near future. The world’s exploding population, and particularly the emerging middle classes in rising powers like China and India, will mean a serious re-think of how we are going to feed everyone.

“You name the statistic — whether it’s 50 percent more protein by 2040 — it’s a colossal increase in the food required,” Richardson says.

“And it isn’t going to come from increasing what we do today. Because the planet and most of our productive landscapes can’t handle that level of production increases using today’s technology. That’s the big challenge for the planet really.”

The markets Another big issue — although Richardson calls it an opportunity — is the fact that New Zealand’s not the only country in the world that does agriculture well. Brazil and China are the rising juggernauts. “Their production increases will swamp anything we can do here in New Zealand,” Richardson says.

“Look at the scale of the untapped Brazilian agri-systems and the productivity they’re getting and the sustainability they are achieving on some of their newer conversions. It will become more and more difficult for New Zealand to compete in a pure commodity play.”

The strategy What does a small fish in a big pond do?

Something different, Richardson says. New Zealand can’t compete on sheer size so we’ll need to market ourselves as a niche brand.

Take buying shoes. If you’re looking for something that will last one season, or for a growing child, you’ll buy cheap chainstore Taiwanese-made leather ones. But if you’re looking for something fashionable and of quality it’ll be Italian boots from a boutique.

“At the end of the day we will be a small player and we’ll need to find the right storyline with the right set of attributes — whether it’s around food safety, sustainability, or being a quality or high end product. The question is identifying how what we’re producing is different from what they’re producing in Brazil or China. It’s a big challenge.”

This is where the willowy models from Fashion Week fit in. This year, 10 of the designers created garments using the fine, durable, high quality merino material devised

by AgResearch’s wool scientists. It’s early days yet, but the feedback from designers was overwhelmingly positive. And the commercial backers of these designers are just as passionate about the product.

New Zealand can’t compete on mass-knitted generic socks and jumpers. Much like our milk or meat, we don’t have the size or the resources to do that.

Instead, if high quality and attractive merino clothes are marketed as such, using New Zealand’s clean and green image, then we can carve out a niche for ourselves.

Richardson is quick to point out that this is not an original AgResearch idea. Jeremy Moon’s Icebreaker and Peri Drysdale’s Untouched World and Snowy Peak brands already sell quality New Zealand made clothes, capitalising on our clean green image and making serious in-roads into overseas markets.

The road ahead may take some careful navigation but it’s not as if we haven’t found our way so far. Richardson’s vision for AgResearch is to make sure it plays a vital role in the future of New Zealand — be it food, farming or frocks. www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 59

Agribusiness | World Dairy Summit 2010

Standing out from If you opened your fridge right now, Centre, the World Dairy Summit provided an opportunity for the minds and agents of chances are you’d find at least one the dairy industry landscape to meet and dairy product in it. As a household share knowledge. Discussions regarding sustainability, science and technology and staple, dairy has become a fixture health and nutrition were also on the agenda. in our diets and a key financial contributor to our economy.

Defining statements

2008 and 2009 was NZ$10 billion. Throughout the past five years, the dairy industry in New Zealand has experienced significant growth and the number of cows and heifers in milk has increased by approximately 10 percent throughout this period.

With no signs of this expansion stagnating, New Zealand produces about two percent The words ‘New Zealand’ and ‘dairy’ go hand In Aotearoa, our green pastures are speckled of the total world milk production at in hand. It’s seems that you can’t have one with livestock and as of 2008 and 2009 our approximately 16 billion litres per annum without the other as each defines the other. dairy cows represented 4.25 million of these and is the world’s largest butter exporter, animals. With Holstein Friesian cows the The first Shorthorn cows from a New South accounting for approximately 44 percent of all prevalent breed in New Zealand making up Wales herd arrived in New Zealand in 1814 traded butter. The country is also an important 43 percent of total dairy cows, the New Zealand with missionary Samuel Marsden. Today’s exporter of skim and whole milk powders dairying industry is a competitive global earner. dairy herds are part of a worldwide commodity contributing about 27 percent and 38 percent representing a significant proportion of the respectively of world trade.

Between November 8-11, 2010, in New Gross Domestic Product of most economies.

Zealand’s City of Sails, Auckland, the annual With key industrial strengths including its International Dairy Federation World Dairy Today, it’s not hard to see why the relationship efficient all-grass farming system, largeSummit was held with support from major scale processing, creative marketing and between New Zealand and its dairy exports is organisations including the event’s platinum high research and development investment, a healthy one, as the industry has gone from sponsor, Fonterra. Held at a state-of-the-art strength to strength. According to DairyNZ, the New Zealand’s dairy industry has expanded significantly through diversification. facility at the SkyCity Auckland Convention value of New Zealand dairy exports between

World Dairy Summit 2010 Founded in 1903, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) is a non-profit private sector organisation representing the interest of various stakeholders in dairying at the international level. It has a global presence and to date, is represented in 56 countries around the world. Its membership, which accounts for approximately 85 percent of the world’s total milk production, is still growing.

Organised into national committees, IDF members are comprised of representatives from all dairy-related national interest groups including dairy farmers, the dairy processing industry, dairy suppliers, academics, governments and food control authorities.

As a science based organisation representing the dairy sector worldwide, IDF represents the dairy sector across the globe by providing the best global source of scientific expertise and knowledge in support of the development and promotion of quality milk and dairy products.

Best practise is at the heart of the organisation, as IDF recognises the critical importance of environmental matters. Putting its environmental foot forward is the enterprise’s professional prerogative, as is maintaining a fluid dairy sector where the dairy production chain functions at maximum capacity.

The summit has taken off from the first in 2000, organising committee chair Andy Williams says.

“It has been held all over the world including China, Mexico, Germany and Ireland.”

Approximately 2100 people attended this year’s World Dairy Summit in Auckland, compared with Germany which 1230 people in 2009. “New Zealand is a seen as a pre-eminent location for the summit as the country is an attraction in its own right,” Williams says.

“There is huge interest around dairy trade globally and New Zealand’s trade, research facilities, farms and factories.

“About one hundred came from the United States and 50 percent came from Australasia.

The rest came from 64 countries as diverse as Costa Rica, Sudan and Bangladesh.”

From the heartland to the City of Sails… dairying made the leap from country to city for the annual International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit held November 8-13

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“The value also, is that we can prove New Zealand is not a threat.

New Zealand is definitely seen as a credible source of information and dedication to the dairy industry.”

Williams says the meeting sessions and business events the IDF arranged prior to the evolution of the World Dairy Summit continue to be an integral component of the programme. The introduction of scientific programmes, some tailored specifically to New Zealand’s industry, also contributed a new dimension to the summit.

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Beyond the immediate benefits including the breadth of trade opportunities and New Zealand’s exposure to the world stage, Williams says the value of such an event lies in the opportunity to open the communication channels and for participants to benefit from the cross-pollination of knowledge.

Representing New Zealand’s dairy farmers, DairyNZ is a sponsor and associate organiser of the event and its chairman, the Honourable John Luxton is the patron. Funded by a levy on milk solids and through government investments, the organisation was established in November 2007 through a merger between Dairy InSight and Dexcel.

Agribusiness | World Dairy Summit 2010

herd

For more information on the World Dairy Summit and the topics addressed at the annual event, visit www.wds2010.com

the

DairyNZ chief scientist Doctor Eric Hillerton says the role the WDS plays in the dairy industry’s evolution is significant. “It is the only true international and inclusive forum for all aspects of the dairy industry. We need to be in touch with what is happening. That the world wants to come to New Zealand is flattering and it is a good opportunity for our dairy industry to further improve what it has to do to be profitable, sustainable and competitive.”

production and consumption and to discuss current and potential policies and economic developments that impact the industry.

Speakers at the Dairy Policy and Economics conference included current and former government representatives, specialists from international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), as well as eminent dairy industry experts from New Fonterra’s chief technology officer Doctor Jeremy Hill also commented on the significance Zealand and around the world. of the event. “This is the premier event on Topics of interest in 2010 included the impact the international dairy calendar and it was of the global economic crisis on the dairy only natural for Fonterra to take the lead in industry, market volatility, opportunities for supporting the IDF World Dairy Summit 2010. managing price risk and agricultural policy The last time the summit was held in New reform in key dairy producing regions.

Zealand was in 2001, at the time of Fonterra’s At the Dairy Science and Technology formation, and it was widely recognised as conference, four keynote speakers who are a huge success which reflected well on New Zealand’s dairy industry and Fonterra,” he says. leading specialists and researchers in their respective areas, presented the latest findings “There are numerous benefits. From on nanoscale soft food materials and future showcasing the New Zealand dairy industry, dairy foods — the interface between structure the opportunity for more New Zealanders to and flavour, modified lipids and the impact of attend the event than would otherwise be dairy matrices on the delivery of bioactives. possible, networking opportunities with the Fifteen speakers and 43 poster presentations rest of the world and of course the financial defined the programme. Topics included: benefits of having a large number of overseas delegates visit our wonderful country.”

■ Understanding that microstructure of

World Dairy Summit overview Attendants were spoilt for choice at this year’s World Dairy Summit with nine concurrent conferences throughout four days. These seminars were titled:

foods is key to ongoing success and future applications

undertaken by the global dairy industry as part of the Global Dairy Declaration to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions was also discussed.

The second environmental session addressed work conducted by the IDF throughout the past 12 months to develop a carbon footprint methodology so to enable comparison between different dairy products. The final session highlighted what can be achieved by reducing waste within the dairy industry.

The two day Health and Nutrition conference was considered a summit highlight with a compelling line-up of local and international speakers who shared the latest findings from current research, as well as insight and reviews which channelled their knowledge of nutrition and dairy products.

In the first day of this conference, guest speakers included internationally renowned journalist and author Gary Taube, who penned Good Calories, Bad Calories. Doctor David Bier and Professor Paul Nestle also discussed recent ideas surrounding dairy fat and transfat and sessions on nutrition and sustainability, milk, and human genetics also followed.

At the World Dairy Summit Product Integrity Workshop, participants were presented with specific examples of upcoming analytical technologies, as well as regulatory developments in this field.

■ Dairy Farming

The Environment conference focused on four major sustainability issues:

■ LactoPharma

■ Climate change

■ Dairy Science and Technology

■ Carbon foot-printing

Social and culinary events where guests were invited to indulge their palates included the NZIFST “Welcome to New Zealand” technology showcase the Orica welcome function and the Summit seafood social tour where participants were involved in wine tasting and a cooking class. To conclude, a Tetra Pak Gala Dinner was held on Wednesday November 10 where guests’ senses were fed with food and entertainment.

■ DIAA Cheese Science Symposium

■ Water use and disposal

A sustainable future

■ Waste reduction/recycling.

In the lead up to the World Dairy Summit, a team was established to investigate ways in which the environmental impact of holding the event could be reduced. Areas reviewed included transport options, accommodation in Auckland, meals and facilities at the summit and also the technical and social tours held.

■ Dairy Leaders Forum ■ Dairy Policies and Economics

■ Marketing ■ Environment ■ Healthy and Nutrition.

The Dairy Policy and Economics Conference was a significant highlight of the World Dairy Summit. With a collective of world experts present to share knowledge, the conference provided an opportunity to evaluate the outlook for global dairy

■ Developments covering a range of scales and technique to probe microstructure ■ How current and future dairy products behave when consumed by humans.

In the first session, participants investigated the science behind climate change policy with input from one of New Zealand’s leading climate change scientists and New Zealand’s representatives on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The work

Working in association with the summit partners and venues to measure the environmental impact of holding the summit and to provide options to reduce this impact, the team was also supported by a Masters student from Massey University’s Centre for Energy Research, Andrea Gibson.

The focus on sustainability reflected growing interest around food security and sustainability and the growing interest among consumers regarding the way their food is produced. The summit fostered the exchange of thought provoking dialogue about the implications of global climate change, policy, research developments and the impact of sustainability drivers on the dairy supply chain.

In March 2010, Fonterra released the results of an 18 month study into the carbon footprint of its major dairy ingredient and consumer products. This study, a world first, accurately measured Fonterra’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as providing a common GHG assessment methodology.

The study, part funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, was undertaken by the University of New South Wales, SCION and AgResearch and is being used to drive emission reductions in business and onfarm. By identifying opportunities to reduce emissions, the study is a significant step in fostering an agreement between global dairy producers so a common methodology can be used to measure the carbon footprint of dairy products produced in different geographies.

Given the significant use of energy within the dairy industry, Fonterra is also committed to being able to harness renewable forms of energy and mitigate the rising costs of energy consumption. In response to these commitments, Fonterra operates one of the largest energy efficiency programmes in New Zealand and in 2007, was awarded the EECA Contact Energy Management Award for its achievement in reducing energy consumption by 10 percent. Since 2003, Fonterra has reduced its energy consumption by 13.9 percent per tonne of product.

■ Fonterra PO Box 92032 Auckland 1142 T (09) 374 9190 F (09) 379 8284 E kobus.retief@fonterra.com www.fonterra.com ■ DairyNZ PO Box 3221 Hamilton 3240 T (07) 858 3750 E sarah.fraser@dairynz.co.nz www.dairynz.co.nz

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Agribusiness | WDS 2010 / Anderson and Rooney

62 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Agribusiness | WDS 2010 / Anderson and Rooney

The right

tools to help herds

Across Canterbury, thousands of cows are milked daily. And whether it is added to coffee, gulped down in milkshakes or turned into butter, cheese or milk powder, New Zealand’s economy is heavily reliant on dairy sales and exports.

The right equipment is needed to keep the industry booming. Temuka-based Anderson & Rooney Engineering is at the centre of reducing on-farm costs and improving operating efficiencies in the South Island.

Started 37 years ago, Anderson & Rooney has become one of Canterbury and North Otago’s largest and most reputable provider of equipment and technology to the dairy industry. The 44 staff members work as sales and structural engineers, milking machine technicians, fitter turners, fitter welders and stainless steel welders.

Anderson & Rooney managing director Tim Scott says the company is the Canterbury and North Otago supplier of DeLaval products.

Feature continues on next page >>

n o i t a m o t u a s s Harne arming

DeLaval Smart F

Integrated decision tools and automation for profitable dairy farming = Smart Farming Drafting your cows is a key component of Smart Farming.

Drafting your cows saves time by sorting them when you require them, you don’t have to go to the paddock to see or get your cows.

Either automatically create sorting criteria or review the information about an individual cow that needs some attention.

Why sort your cows?

Milk yield deviations: Ailments & treatments: Breeding events: Breeding status: Management decisions:

Low yields or yields trending down Vaccinations Heat signs, inseminations, pregnancy checks Due to calve, due to dry off Colostrum herd, change groups for feeding, culling, high SCC’s

Integrate sorting with the following DeLaval modules outside the farm dairy:

Weigh scale – weight trends are an important aid to managing your cows.

Hand held reader – read the ear tags automatically and transfer the information to your database.

Integrate sorting with the following DeLaval modules inside the farm dairy:

Automatic cup removers – consistent cups off procedures, no over milking of your cows.

Milk meters – milk yields for each cow.

In parlour feeding – efficient feeding of your cows.

Contact your local DeLaval dealer or phone 0800

222 228. www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 63

Agribusiness | WDS 2010 / Anderson and Rooney “We are really pleased to be their dealer in this region because DeLaval has been involved with milking technology for over a century. They lead the world in the development of automatic technology for dairy farmers,” Scott says.

One of the best DeLaval products currently on the market that Scott and the team are excited about is the ALPRO™ Herd Management system.

It efficiently organises daily activity and future planning by accurately collecting then evaluating data from every animal in a herd — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Customers can assess trends, evaluate strategies, pro-actively implement correct decisions and calculate the outcome.

Milk yield recording, feeding to production, automatic drafting, cow health status and trends and live weight recording are just some of the functions the ALPRO system uses to assist farmers to optimise their herd’s performance.

New codes The new industry-led Farm Dairy Effluent standards and Codes of Practise will be coming into effect around Christmas time.

Anderson & Rooney is well ahead of the game and already has several products created that will help farmers meet these codes.

DODA effluent pumps These pumps are specifically designed to pump effluent through a variety of irrigation systems. DODA is a specialist effluent pump manufacturer whose pumps are world renowned for their combination of efficiency and reliability.

The range of pumps available means that a pond of any size can be configured.

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Hi-Tech three blade propellers are ideal for lifting sludge from deep ponds, tanks, sumps and breaking up crusting The DODA floating pump (above and left) and the sump pump (below) are just two options specially designed to pump effluent through a variety of irrigation systems

The AgRural pontoon and boom configuration is designed to provide a stable and durable platform for the pump and stirrer to operate from.

Below: The WSP Press Separator, a new generation advancement

Hi-tech stirrers Hi-Tech’s three blade propeller is ideal for lifting sludge from deep ponds, tanks, sumps and breaks up crusting even on large ponds.

Hi-Tech stirrers effortlessly mix heavy waste even in very large effluent sumps making it the ideal product for feedpads and separators. Thorough mixing of effluent waste is essential to avoid blocking effluent lines and to ensure a homogenous mix is achieved, in order to maximise the return of nutrients back to the pasture.

64 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

WSP Press Separator The WSP Press Separator is the new generation of dairy effluent solid and fluid separation.

The WSP Press Separator has brought to effluent separation a practical, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for New Zealand dairy farms.

Made from 304 S/S and high quality engineering, the WSP Press Separator is built to The support provide years of consistent effluent separation.

Anderson & Rooney supports the users of its dairy buildings and milking equipment. “At New Zealand is different from most other Anderson & Rooney our relationship with you parts of the world and in many circumstances doesn’t end after we have delivered your dairy products from overseas do not handle New shed and dairy farm equipment,” Scott says.

Zealand conditions.

Agribusiness | WDS 2010 / Anderson and Rooney

“We know the real difference is made after the sale on the farm. We offer a comprehensive after sales service to ensure you can get the most value from your dairy shed and milking equipment on an on-going basis.”

Anderson & Rooney forms alliances with other contractors who organise and oversee your project. This means you incur no additional costs but get the benefit of having someone else do all the hard work for you.

Anderson & Rooney facilitates with the other contractors to ensure there are no gaps in your dairy shed project and nothing is missed.

“Our process makes dairy buildings and dairy farm equipment easy as Anderson & Rooney becomes your single point of contact,” Scott says.

Located in Temuka at 20 King Street, Anderson & Rooney’s retail store offers everything you will need for the day to day running of your dairy farm. Either pop in and shop or call for equipment to be sent to you anywhere in the Canterbury and North Otago.

Urgent post haste courier can be arranged.

Scott says he wants Anderson & Rooney to keep up its good work. “We want to continue

to provide high quality farm dairy milking equipment so we can attract more customers. This must be balanced with improving the already good service and support we have for our existing clients.”

Anderson Rooney Engineering 20 King St Temuka T (03) 687 8008 F (03) 615 0031 E enquiries@anderson-rooney.co.nz www.anderson-rooney.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Agribusiness | Heartland Chips

chicken

Heartland’s

It’s like the modern day version of the Sunday roast chicken but it’s milder and tastier, with no mess and no fuss.

The only problem you’re likely to have is remembering what Mum always said about sharing — you’re just not going to want to.

The Heartland chicken chip is that familiar taste we all know and love with a lot of Heartland’s heart thrown into the mix. Dip them, dunk them, or enjoy them on their own.

No genetic modification, no palm oil, no hydrogenated fat, no trans fat Gluten free Servings per package: 3.75 Serving size: 40g

As a world food, potatoes are second in human consumption only to rice.

An in-demand commodity locally and internationally, potatoes have found their way into recipes of every name and nature.

crunch or their ability to comfort. Whatever the reason, potato chips have well and truly made their mark on the market and show no signs of falling from popularity.

In 1853, a unique potato preparation method discovered by chance opened up a whole new avenue for potatoes. Thin slices of white potato that were cooked until crisp soon saturated the marketplace and attracted hungry customers in their droves.

In late October, the five flavours of Heartland Potato Chips went to market. It may have been crunch time for a new product but consumers were soon coming back for more.

In New Zealand we call them chips; in the States they call them potato chips; in Spain it’s papas fritas and Germany, kartoffelchips. If you go to Britain you’ll find they call them crisps and in Japan, potetochippu.

The Heartland Potato Chip is a chip off the new block, so to speak.

Call them what you will, there’s no denying potato chips are the word and flavour on everyone’s lips. So why do they have such an attraction? It depends on who you’re asking. It could be the moreish flavour, the sound of the

In a market dominated by commercial giants, there is one New Zealand potato chip manufacturer that has a heart — Heartland Potato Chips. The company’s vertical integration approach to growing and production makes the Heartland product fresh, unique and quintessentially Kiwi.

A chip off the new block

It’s a product made inside a manufacturing plant that underwent a significant renovation after it was purchased by veteran potato grower Raymond (Ray) Bowan in late 2009.

The Heartland Potato factory as it stands today has come a long way from its former self. In February 2009 Bluebird closed the doors on the Washdyke factory.

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We are proud and humbled to have been asked to assist the Bowan Family in their latest challenge.

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66 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

WE’VE GOT THE

POWER

crunch time Following a month-long assessment of the plant, the company decided the cost of upgrading the factory was prohibitive and relocated production to its Wiri plant in Auckland. The empty factory was spotted

by Ray and Adrienne Bowan who saw an opportunity to realise their aspirations.

It was a professional partnership that was meant to go the distance. “I had a dream which I thought might never eventuate, but after much thought and discussion to see if it was viable, we did it,” Ray reveals.

“The consents for water and effluent were still in place and when we realised we were going to be able to purchase the old factory, we found out all the consents were to be passed on with the title.”

Ray Bowan is what people call a ‘quiet achiever’. With farming in his blood, he was the second son of a dairy farmer and as a teenager during the school holidays he worked carting hay and hand picking potatoes into sugar bags. At 18, Ray Bowan started growing his own potatoes and supplied a fish and chip store in Timaru.

Today, having his own crops, factory and a committed and loyal team, has meant Ray can realise his dream and, in the process, he is making a lot of hungry consumers happy. It’s a ‘win win’ situation.

As a supplier of Mr Chips, Talley’s and an ongoing supplier of Bluebird, Ray knows the industry like the back of his hand and his Fallgate Farm has provided the quality resource for these major food distributors for many years. Fallgate was named more than 80 years ago when its previous owner discovered multiple farm gates on the property were hanging off their hinges — hence the name For the past 35 years, Fallgate Farm has been home to the Bowan family of Ray, Adrienne and their three children. Today it is also home to the next generation of Bowans and is the first part of a significant process that brings Heartland Potato Chips to consumers. With its ideal soil conditions — free draining, little to no stones and able to be irrigated — Fallgate Farm harvests delicious potatoes.

As cropped paddocks need to be rotated to maintain health levels of nutrients, Fallgate Farms grows cereal crops and runs sheep in addition to the 250 hectares of potatoes planted every year.

Potato goes from late August to early November. With more than 40 years of experience, Ray has discovered that of the many varieties available, there are only five types that produce the perfect colour and crunch that makes a Heartland potato chip.

Feature continues on next page >>

Agribusiness | Heartland Chips

green onion It’s the quintessential Kiwi chip that we relish with all our senses. It’s got the full flavour of a rich meal in a bite size portion.

promises to be your constant.

With its refined flavour and clean cut profile, it doesn’t need to work hard at all to win you and your tastebuds over.

Unlike some over the top gourmet chip flavours which you may have a love/hate relationship with, the Green Onion Heartlands Potato Chip

No genetic modification, no palm oil, no hydrogenated fat, no trans fat.

Gluten free Servings per package: 3.75 Serving size: 40g

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Agribusiness | Heartland Chips

“We’ve got good traceability because our potatoes are grown on our own farm and they come straight off the paddock and into the plant.”

RAY BOWAN Heartland owner and potato grower

salt &

vinegar

It’s that traditional kick of flavour, the one that makes you slightly pucker on the first crunch before you practically inhale the rest of the bag in enthusiasm.

It is full of flavour and true to the traditional recipe of all that makes the salt and vinegar combination so memorable.

Yes, the trusted salt and vinegar potato chip can always be relied on to offer a quick hunger fix and the Heartland version of this flavour is right on the button.

No genetic modification, no palm oil, no hydrogenated fat, no trans fat.

Gluten free Servings per package: 3.75 Serving size: 40g

“It’s a New Zealand, family owned business, whereas all the other big players are owned by people overseas,” Ray says of his enterprise.

“We own the process and we’ve got good traceability because our potatoes are grown on our own farm and they come straight off the paddock and into the plant — it’s a very short distance and you can’t get much better traceability than that.”

The distance Ray refers to is just 30 kilometres.

“There was an Australia company advertising that their distance from farm to factory is 48 hours, but our travel time is a new benchmark,” he says with pride.

With the exception of an operator producing Kettle chips near Nelson, Heartland Potato Chips is the only privately owned crisping factory in New Zealand.

Released in the South Island market in October, the company’s sales manager Brian Kirby says the sales are “gangbusters” and pallet loads of stock are flying out the door.

So what is so special about this new product?

Kirby is happy to answer that.

“The packaging is different and consumers love the fact it is local and manufactured in South Canterbury. The product is fresh and the old original potato chip cut which is nostalgic for people.”

The manufacturing and packing process as Ray explains it sounds relatively simple, but the simplicity of the operation is no doubt down to Chipping in They say many hands make light work and Ray the skill of the engineer employed to design and Adrienne Bowan are full of praise for those and refine it. who have chipped in to make their vision a “When the potatoes come to the factory they reality. are tipped out on to the production line and The support they have received during the any defects are removed manually. development includes civic and local bodies “If need be the potatoes are blanched in a like the Timaru District Council and Aoraki hot water wash before they go into the fryer.

Development Trust, whose mission is to enhance the economic wellbeing of the Aoraki Before the potato chips are packed they region by sustaining, growing and attracting go through a colour sorter where they are business and visitors checked again for colour defects.”

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Agribusiness | Heartland Chips

“There are really only five core flavours that are the popular ones, which was our rationale for choosing those.”

BRian Kirby sales manager

“The bank also advised us to organise a business plan and recommended a business consultant in Christchurch who could help us with this and has since become like a mentor to us,” Adrienne Bowan says.

Heartland Potato Chips’ engineer, Graham Ward, who was contracted by the company to work on the factory renovation, is also credited by the couple as being a significant and integral contributor to the process.

“He’s been a very important part of our success and has a nice, quiet way about him.

Graham is very well prepared and because of his detailed expenditure plans we have not gone over budget once. In fact, we have come in under budget,” Adrienne says.

Factory initiative She adds that the five factory staff who are responsible for running the plant are an integral part of the business and choose to rotate their duties so the work stays stimulating. “Factory work can sometimes get repetitive and then the job satisfaction is not so good. The good thing about being a small business is that people know and respect each other and their strengths.”

Ray agrees. “We were very fortunate to get back the employees who were working in the Bluebird factory. They are very conscientious staff, efficient folk and are really excited to be a part of it.”

say the flavours were tried and tested during a taste-testing day. It’s smart business to have the consumer try before they buy and the company knew it.

Kirby, who started working for Bluebird 23 years ago, says his experience has taught him what fires on the commercial front and what to avoid. “Over the years I have been involved in so many flavours, although there are really only five core flavours that are the popular ones, which was our rationale for choosing those. “Of all the new flavours that make it to market, about 80 percent of these are deleted in the first two years. When we get into the premium end of the market with kettle chips we will have the opportunity to bring out some deli flavours and experiment with those.”

Another instrumental asset in the evolution of the company is sales manager Brian Kirby.

“I was working as a regional sales manager at the time before I was approached by Ray asking if I was interested in becoming a sales manager for Heartland Potato Chips.

“It was hugely exciting, especially with factory manager Bill Cockburn on board as I knew he could make a really good potato chip,” he says.

“I also knew with Ray’s potatoes this product was going to be special and there are not many sales representatives who could say that they have been involved with a company from day one. It was also good moving away from the corporates to a locally owned business.”

As for Ray and Adrienne chipping in, both attest they see themselves as part of the team and there is no hierarchical management structure in plant. “We are just part of a close team taking pride in the finished product and that’s the way we want it,” Adrienne says.

Factory manager Bill Cockburn says that when he was approached by Ray to become a part of the business, it was a significant opportunity.

Having spent 25 years in chip processing and 10 years in food processing, Cockburn says he was encouraged to become factory manager because of the people involved.

Public opinion has also played a role in the product development process as the couple

“I knew if we got the right team together we could develop something different. To get the

You’re going to feel anything but sour when you have Heartland Sour Cream and Chives Potato Chips.

track down an equal, let alone a superior.

They’re a Kiwi chip that reminds us of home and Heartland is offering something a little bit special with their brand.

Well, that’s sugar coating it really, because, fact is, you won’t find a Kiwi-made gluten free chip that is as good looking as the Heartland’s Sour Cream and Chives kind.

You could travel the world searching for a sour cream and chives chip that would rival the Heartland version and you’d be truly hard pressed to

No genetic modification, no palm oil, no hydrogenated fat, no trans fat.

Gluten free Servings per package: 3.75 Serving size: 40g

product to a certain standard we have invested in top notch technology and I think the fact it is made in New Zealand makes a big difference,” he says.

Consumers are becoming more conscious about the products they are purchasing, Adrienne says. “It’s quite amazing — one of

our local supermarkets kindly created a display for our product and we noticed how many people were stopping to look at the packet and read the back of it. Today’s consumers want to know what is in the product and what their family is eating.”

Feature continues on next page >>

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cream & chives

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“When we started out we did discuss our plans with the Aoraki Development Trust who pointed us in the right direction.

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Carter Holt Harvey Packaging congratulates the team at Heartland Potato Chips Limited on producing its great products here in the mainland www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 69

Agribusiness | Heartland Chips

salt

southern

We’re all fans of delicious up by the fire. It’s the culinary tradition — and that’s exactly companion that wants to be what comes in a bag of Heartland eaten any time.

Southern Salt Potato Chips.

There’s no nasty surprises, no outrageous flavour, just the clean cut simplicity of a good old salted No genetic modification, no palm oil, no potato chip. trans fat, no hydrogenated fat.

Gluten free It’s just what you need for those Servings per package: 3.75 hot summer days on the beach or in the cool of winter cuddled Serving size: 40g

Ray Bowan says that unlike other factories that are producing multiple lines at any one time, the Heartland’s factory only manufactures chips, which makes it a very safe operation. “Our product is gluten free, has no genetic modification or palm oil, no hydrogenated fat and no trans fat. That’s quite a point of difference.”

So, have there been any regrets for the couple along the way? It’s unlikely with the Bowans as they are always pressing forward. But with the opportunity for retrospect, Ray says it would have been good to see the product hit the market just a bit earlier.

“By the time we completed a feasibility study and a business plan, it was a bit later than we expected and now we are at the end of the growing season. It would have been good if we could have gotten into the market earlier but it took a very long time to secure the name ‘Heartland’. Everything has gelled together now though,” he says with optimism.

As they say, good things come to those who wait and for those who are looking to develop their own professional nest egg, Ray Bowan advises, “If you have a dream, pursue it. You need a good financial and business plan — this is something I stalled on for a while but it has to be done. You also need key people that you can trust and who will support you. Be realistic and don’t be afraid to get advice.”

Feature continues on next page>>

Bleeker & Weith 2004 Ltd ENGINEERS - TIMARU

Fallgate Farmers’

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June–July: Work top soil of paddock July–September: Soil test for nutrients September: Plough paddock then ridge it before planting begins November: Potato plants begin emerging November–February: Monitor crops for moisture and irrigate if necessary December: Monitor crops for pests January: Early crop is lifted March–June: Main crop is lifted

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70 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Agribusiness | Heartland Chips

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 71

Agribusiness | Heartland Chips

The history of the potato chip

Who would have guessed that one of the world’s favourite savoury snacks with almost more global power than the Queen herself had somewhat of a fortuitous origin?

It may come as quite a surprise to many crisp-lovers that this beloved potato snack was not the result of strategic innovation or the experimental effort of an innovative inventor. No, this savoury specialty was born from the frustrations of one Saratoga Springs-based American Indian chef George Crum.

In 1853, the exasperated chef was dealing with a particularly pedantic patron who continued to send back his French-fried potatoes complaining they were too thick.

After several failed attempts to please this customer, a disgruntled Crum sent out a plate of super thin and ultra crispy potatoes, which, ironically, were exactly to the liking of the picky customer.

This marked the beginning of the crisp phenomenon as this popular paper-thin, crispy potato become a fixture on the chef’s Moon Lake Lodge menu. Later the crispy chips

were packaged and distributed throughout the New England area.

With the emergence of the mechanical potato peeler in the 1920s, the status of potato chips moved from specialty item to a household staple.

For several decades after their creation, they were largely a northern United States dinner dish until in the 1920s a travelling salesman from the South introduced the product from Atlanta to Tennessee.

Lay’s potato chips, founded by Herman Lay — the very salesman who helped popularised this chip in the deep south — went on to become the first successfully marketed national brand.

Today, potato chips are a ubiquitous commodity and, true fact; Americans eat more potato chips than any other nation in the world. Retail sales of potato chip are more than $6 billion a year and in 2003 the United States.

The potato chip industry employs more than 65,000 people.

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“If you have a dream, pursue it… Be realistic and don’t be afraid to get advice.”

RAY BOWAN Heartland owner and potato grower Heartland Potato Chips RD 22 Geraldine T (03) 688 7510 F (03) 693 8701 E fallgate@farmside.co.nz www.heartlandchips.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Proud to work with Heartland Potato Chips, from concept to production.

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72 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.southcanterbury.org.nz

Transport and Motoring | Test Drive

is beautiful — Audi’s Q7

By Jonathon Taylor

I want you to think of something really big. No — bigger than that.

In fact, think of biggest thing you can possibly imagine, then double it, and you’ll still only be about half way to the size of a Q7. I’m not joking, this thing’s practically got its own weather system.

This however, is nothing to be concerned about. The trick is not to be intimidated by her size — it just means there’s more of her to love. Because, in the case of Audi’s Q7, big is beautiful.

She’s got curved haunches and sprinkles of bling, which lend proportion and style to her not inconsiderable substance.

But what Audi’s engineers do so well, and the Q7 is no exception, is make vehicles fit for their task.

This thing’s got space on a galactic scale, but is still designed to be a driver’s car — which it is. If this is motoring’s magic formula, then it’s one Audi seems to do better than pretty much anyone.

For a family you’d struggle to find a finer friend and you can call it a family car because that’s how it drives. The Q7 manages to hustle with the best of them thanks to, well… air.

This kind of car has to deal with massive road surface differences to the point where roads

are optional — so suspension is a bit critical.

What the Q7 has is air suspension and an electronically controlled damper system, sitting it like a saloon at speed and sucking up the bumps and humps.

It passed the pothole-handling test with a flying five stars. This simple yet effective test (of course, adhering to the rigorous edicts of scientific method), is to find the biggest pothole you can, drive over it as fast as you dare and measure how much coffee exits your cup in the centre console holder. This five star rating is as good as it gets — it means the Q7 is essentially an ultra hi-tech living room (only with better seats) that moves.

And move it does; nought to 100kph takes 7.9 seconds thanks to a fuel injected, three-litre six diesel, delivering 176 kW/240 bhp.

This is delivered courtesy of the full time quattro power train and 8 speed S-tronic duel clutch transmission.

Fast and fluid And it must be said — Audi’s S-tronic transmission is a gem. Changes are fast and fluid and if you want to really rumble, then there’s a pair of flappy panel shifters. It’s here where you’ll have the most fun, peeling up and down through the gears with the flick of a finger.

As you’d expect, there are more hi-tech toys onboard than an AWACS — all controlled via Audi’s driver information system (DIS); an intuitive, easily laid out and user friendly system. You name it and it’s here, but what matters most is the cool stuff.

The parking aid might not be sexy, but it is cool because it’s useful. A rear view camera shows what’s behind you with a digital guideline displaying your path, based on the steering angle. It’s the kind of thing that makes large vehicles small and worth its weight in gold in tight spaces.

I love, and I mean love, the automatic boot opener. With a truant child under each arm and shopping bags in both hands, all you need is the keys in your fingers and then the whole lot can be thrown in the massive boot in one smooth motion. Perfect!

But coolest of cool is it’s got KERS. You know, the kinetic energy recovery system from Formula One. In basic boffin speak, it converts kinetic energy into electrical energy under breaking, then when the car accelerates, the battery directs the temporarily stored energy back into the vehicle, to relieve the load on the alternator, thereby saving fuel. Of course this is hugely environmentally friendly, but who cares — what’s important is it’s seriously cool because it’s from F1.

Simply put, if you need space, want style and demand quality, then the Q7 should sit right at the top of your hit list.

There are four Q7 variants: The 3 litre TDI quattro tiptronic for $125,500, 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic S-line (the model reviewed) for $133,500, the 4.2 TDI quattro tiptronic S-line at $158,500, and for the more adventurous in both spirit and pocket, there’s a six litre V12 quattro tiptronic for $281,000.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 73

74 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 75

Transport and Motoring | Archibalds Audi

Built in Germany, made for It’s been number one in New Zealand’s luxury car market for three years and looking to add a fourth, has just expanded its market offering and looks set to assume the mantle of global leader.

Audi may have high aspirations but if history is anything to go by, the brand always delivers.

The company said its A4 would dethrone the BMW 3-series as the best selling luxury mid-range model in Germany — that happened in 2008.

It said it would continue to boost its share in the world’s main markets as it worked towards global sales of 1.5 million units by 2015 — that happened the same year.

Internationally Audi is breaking sales records, selling more than 450,000 cars in the first few

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months of 2010, an increase of more than 20 percent over the same period last year.

New Zealand too is ahead of the curve in its preference for luxury European motor vehicles, having chosen Audi as its number one premium brand for the past three years.

Statistics recently released by the Motor Industry Association show that Audi has held its position as local market leader for the first six months of 2010, up a significant 36 percent on the year to date and outselling its closest competitor by 11 percent.

So, when Audi New Zealand general manager Dane Fisher says globally the brand will follow suit to become the number one premium brand in the world, it pays to sit up and listen.

“Audi’s global popularity has steadily grown to the point where it is poised to take over the world number one spot by 2015,” Fisher says.

“It won’t happen in 2010 but it will definitely happen within the next few years.”

There’s no doubting the brand’s popularity.

“Audi’s success in New Zealand is largely due to how our cars fit with the active Kiwi lifestyle,” Fisher says.

“We choose Audi vehicles because they are luxurious, powered by cutting edge technology and are designed with both form and function in mind.

“Audi fits New Zealanders’ lifestyles more than any other luxury brand — we want luxury vehicles whether we are dropping the kids off at school or heading out fishing,” he says.

“Audi produces luxury models, but they’re functional to use. Built in Germany, made for New Zealand.”

A new car built on tradition and innovation — the A1 is on its way Audi has stood for technological progress ever since 1909 and can look back on nearly a century of automotive tradition and innovation.

Even the vintage models demonstrate the high standards of technology and design that have always driven the company.

Promise of excellence Audi’s story is one of the most fascinating in automotive history. The Audi emblem with its four rings identifies one of Germany’s oldestestablished automobile manufacturers.

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Transport and Motoring | Archibalds Audi

Transport and Motoring | First Direct Taxis

Green fleet Running a taxi business and being a greenie. Two things you might not ordinarily think go together, but Sue Jackman of First Direct Taxis has managed to combine driving with an environmentally friendly business model.

First Direct Taxis was bought by Sue’s parents, Pam and John Jackman, in 1992 and has been run by the family for the last 18 years. Sue took over as general manager last year.

Eco-cabs The company feels it is important to be a good corporate citizen. “Over the last five years we’ve been increasingly concerned about the environment. It’s become obvious that changes are happening and key resources like fossil fuels will not last forever,” Sue Jackman says.

New Zealand and available by request. “Audi really is an “Progress through technology is more than a slogan and more than a philosophy,” Archibalds outstanding brand, the cars are sporty and advanced with unbelievable build quality.

Audi dealer principal Eric Swinbourne says.

There’s no way I could be involved in a product “It is a promise to our customers to bring them I don’t believe in.” safer, more efficient and brilliantly satisfying Archibalds Audi also incorporates a fully cars to drive. functional inhouse parts and servicing “It is Audi’s focus on the single, ultimate goal departments with all genuine parts covered by of delivering excellence to its customers.” factory warranty.

Representing that excellence is the newly released Audi A1. If early orders are any indication of success, the A1 supermini looks set to be a global hit. But then, great models which tick all the boxes are only one part of what makes Audi a market leader.

Competitive finance is readily available — all part of the Archibalds Audi promise to get you on the road quickly, efficiently and in style.

“Audi is the fastest growing luxury vehicle in the country. I’m privileged to get to work with such an iconic brand.”

Premium offering “We are the first company in the market to really offer a small premium car that delivers first class comfort and drive in a compact car.

Archibalds Audi 32 Tuam Street Christchurch T (03) 977 8200 F (03) 977 8230 E eswinbourne@archibalds.co.nz Known primarily for the larger, executive cars it www.archibalds.co.nz — Advertising Feature produces so well, Audi’s foray into the smaller car segment is set to bring a higher level of luxury to the supermini market. “Our focus in on offering an attractive model range to discerning drivers.

This concern prompted the Jackman family to introduce a range of eco-cabs, or hybrid vehicles, to the company’s fleet in 2007.

Originally of the fleet of 140 vehicles, there were only four or five eco-cabs. Today there are 40, and First Direct’s policy is to replace a car with a hybrid vehicle when it is no longer up to scratch. “Of course, there are other advantages to hybrids,” Jackman says. “They only use a fraction of petrol regular cars use.”

First Direct Taxis also has a fleet of diesel-run vans for large groups of people and customers who use wheelchairs. Because hybrid diesel vehicles aren’t readily available in New Zealand, the company uses low emission 20 percent biofuel diesel for these vans.

Carbon zero In May 2010, First Direct Taxis received carbon zero certification from Landcare Research.

Being carbon zero certified is not an easy status to achieve. A business has to produce a “greenhouse gas inventory” of all the greenhouse gases they have produced in the

past year. They must then develop a plan to actively reduce their emissions in future and purchase emissions credits for the greenhouse gases they cannot reduce. This money goes towards environmentally sustainable schemes, such as tree plantings and sustainable power generation.

“To show our commitment to New Zealand, we only purchase emissions credits generated from New Zealand based projects,” Jackman says. “One current one is with a hydro power scheme up north. There are a variety of credits you can purchase. We do ours via Landcare Research. Their technical team is rigorous in its scrutiny of these projects, they have to meet Kyoto standards.”

Sustainable driving First Direct Taxis developed a sustainable driving course in 2007 in conjunction with the Sustainable Business Network. All of their hybrid drivers go through the course, which covers everything from vehicle maintenance to driving habits. It even teaches drivers to be aware of where the waste water is going when they wash their vehicle.

Green customers Sue Jackman says the feedback from their clients has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Many other businesses feel the need to address the impact they make on the environment. One way they can demonstrate they are committed to sustainability is to do with taxi travel. Many companies are choosing to come onboard with us, because we can prove how environmentally friendly our ecocab fleet is.”

First Direct Taxis PO Box 225 Lyttleton Christchurch 8841 T (03) 377 5555 F (03) 377 1047 E info@firstdirect.net.nz www.firstdirect.net.nz — Advertising Feature

“It’s a fine example of what can be created when a company invests substantially in new technologies and products, which is what Audi did during the recession when many other brands put on the brakes.”

“I’m confident that Audi’s momentum as the world’s most prestigious brand will continue to grow both locally and around the globe.”

With the A1, the recently released A8, RS5, R8 and upcoming Q3 in 2012, the world is too.

The Archibalds Audi promise Archibalds Audi stocks the highest in quality coupled with one of the best support service records around.

It is committed to providing absolute customer satisfaction, from the showroom to the workshop with top quality after sales service, equal to that of the vehicles it stocks.

Archibalds Audi stocks a diverse range of vehicles carrying the four-hoop Audi badge, including the much anticipated A5 and A6 range, the staunch seven-seater Q7, the iconic TT — a sporty suburban rocket and the incredible R8 — the jewel in Audi’s crown

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 77

Transport and Motoring | Fitzgerald Autobody

The right fit for any auto ‘Accident’ is a word that makes us and our bank balance cringe. And while it’s not often this negative term enters our vocabulary, the fact is that accidents do happen and if your car gets bumped and bruised in a bumper to bumper altercation, Fitzgerald Auto has the handy hands required to mend and repair.

Specialising in collision accidents, insurance claims and corporate services, Fitzgerald Autobody is located on Fitzgerald Avenue, in close proximity to Christchurch city centre.

With a background in the insurance industry, the business knows how to get your car in shape as soon as possible. Courtesy cars from Fitzgerald Autobody can also provide interim transport so you can get from A to B with minimum disruption to your schedule.

A network of experienced qualified tradesmen, Fitzgerald Autobody staff utilise the latest

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technological innovations which are coupled with the most effective equipment.

As a certified Structural Repair Centre and a member of the Collision Repair Association, Fitzgerald Autobody is also a recommended repairer for State, NZI, AA, Lumley, Vero and SIS. General services at Fitzgerald Autobody include panel work and automotive refinishing.

Because the company is a certified Structural Repair Centre, a Guarantee of Workmanship covers all repairs and the workshop contains all the equipment required to restore a vehicle to a manufacturer’s specifications after an accident.

i The Fitzgerald Autobody corporate service provides: ■ Visits to your workplace to access the damage to the vehicle ■ On-site repair quotes ■ Free courtesy vehicles so staff can maintain their regular routines ■ Help in minimising the delay associated with vehicle assessment and claim approval

With extensive experience in ■ Quick processing repairs private and insurance accident repair work, Fitzgerald Autobody ■ Free accident pack for each vehicle in can assist with anything from the fleet minor cosmetic repairs to more ■ Peace of mind ensured by quality serious structural damage. workmanship The business’ paint specialists also have a comprehensive understanding of the latest paint technology which enables them to ensure the paint job they undertake leaves your car looking as new as when it was manufactured.

A computerised paint mixing system delivers a quality finish every time with accurate colour matching and Fitzgerald Autobody also utilises a dustless sanding technique that improves the working environment for workers and helps maintain a clean working environment.

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The company offers a competitive corporate service which means businesses have a definite point of contact. Fitzgerald Autobody can also provide fleet tidy ups or services for lease returns.

Fitzgerald Autobody PO Box 10037 Phillipstown Christchurch 8045 T (03) 366 4951 F (03) 366 2628 E chris@panelandpaint.co.nz www.panelandpaint.co.nz

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Transport and Motoring | Britten Motorcycle Company

What started out as a hobby in a garage became a world-class motorcycle recognised the world over for its engineering brilliance.

In the mid 1980s, Christchurch born John Britten began building motorbikes and in 1991 took on all major competitors with the dramatically different Britten V1000.

In 1998 the factory completed and sold the last of the 10 Britten V1000 motorcycles. The majority of the bikes are now in museums or private collections, but despite their current value, some owners still put their bikes on the

Today, the Britten Motorcycle Company is still going strong although the factory closed in 2006 and the Britten moulds, patterns and spares were put into storage. The bikes and some paraphernalia were moved to the family business headquarters of Brittco Management in Worcester Street where a small gallery and merchandise outlet operates.

One Man’s Dream, the Britten video, has just been released on DVD. Britten Motorcycle Company 103 Worcester Street Christchurch 8001 T (03) 3662469 E sales@britten.co.nz www.britten.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Britten and his team of dedicated assistants persevered through trial and error to win the World BEARS Championship series in 1995. This high point was one of the last for John Britten.

Tragically, he died of cancer that year, leaving behind a wife and three young children.

track for demonstration runs. Although they are not competing, the roar of the bike is always a crowd pleaser.

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 79

Business Development | Garden City Security

Getting your Your small business means everything to you. You’ve spent hours doing the accounts, training staff and building up a customer base. Don’t let it all be ruined in a matter of minutes by burglars. Have a reliable security system installed by a professional company and sleep well at night.

Garden City Security can do everything for you. An SME themselves, with qualified and experienced technicians, it will sort out the best security options for your business based on your individual needs.

Started by James Seaward in 2003, Garden City Security has grown to seven staff members in the last seven years and despite its name, covers the area from Timaru to Kaikoura, not just Christchurch.

“In September 2010 we shifted premises and amalgamated three sites into one. With the help of Garden City Security we were able to find a suitable security solution to our array of requirements. Nothing was a problem for the Garden City Security team, they worked closely with us to provide a practical solution. Their professionalism and friendly staff made us feel they had our interests in hand.”

Debbie Gordon, Elite Trailers and Floats Ltd

“The after-sales service aspect was above and beyond that offered by similar companies. We are happy to recommend Garden City Security to others looking for a competitive deal, efficient products and ongoing service.”

Jackie & Mark Taylor

Sales manager Peter Erridge explains James Seaward saw a hole in the security market when he began the business. “The key to our business is customer service — there’s a lot of big companies out there who weren’t doing that and people were becoming disgruntled.

That’s where we stepped in.”

The three Garden City Security technicians have full industry training and all have about ten years experience each. The six-strong team efficiently and effectively integrates a wide range of resources and core competencies to provide unique and timely solutions that exceed customers’ needs and expectations.

“Clients get peace of mind with our recognised brands and fully qualified technicians.”

As a training assessor himself, James Seaward hand-picked his dedicated team to provide the best security service Canterbury has to offer. He also takes on apprentices to provide a strong backbone for the future of the company.

“Our staff constantly receives on-going training to keep them up with the latest security technologies. Upskilling is important to us and all our technicians,” Seaward says.

The company is on call 24/7 and provides extensive product and labour warranties on all systems it installs. Clients go into a database, ensuring regular maintenance reminders.

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80 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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Bermuda Motors are proud supporters of Garden City Security.

Bermuda Motors 47 Wrights Road, Addington, ChCh 03 338 9256

Business Development | Garden City Security

One client, Elite Trailers & Floats, moved into new premises with an external sales yard and Garden City Security set up a comprehensive security system for them. It also installed a pager system including a portable pager that is carried by a salesperson and beeps whenever “We pride ourselves on providing a consistently a customer enters the sales yard or reception high standard of service from the smallest of area. This ensures customers are not kept jobs, such as changing an alarm code, right waiting and staff can move between sales/ through to our larger commercial projects.” reception and factory areas.

“Garden City Security provided excellent and prompt service and came up with a fabulous, easy solution to our security needs both inside and in our grounds. The installation was trouble free and Garden City Security provided excellent follow up service to fine tune the system to ensure our total satisfaction.”

Security

“We have been dealing with Garden City Security for many years and they have provided security equipment for both our home and business premises. We have found Garden City Security to be very helpful and knowledgeable in all aspects of what we have requested from them. We have no hesitation in recommending Garden City Security to anyone that needs any type of security. It has been a pleasure to deal with a company that is genuine and upfront.”

“Every time we’re on site, we leave a record of what’s been completed to assure the client the alarm systems are operating correctly and provide a three month warranty on all work carried out,” Seaward says.

When people think about security, they tend to just think about alarms, Erridge says. But the security systems Garden City Security can provide are far more diverse than that.

“We cover everything from alarm systems, video surveillance, intercoms, access control and monitoring options. Alarms are paramount but we are seeing a lot of business and residential customers implementing video surveillance — that’s a huge growth point.

“When you have a good security system installed, most insurance companies will give you a reduction on your premium. If those security systems are monitored, then you usually get a further reduction which can work out to around 10 percent.”

A building can, for example, have an invisible security beam put in place so the owner will know when someone has come up the driveway or entered the property perimeter.

Other forms of external security for homes or small businesses include sensors to turn lights on/off and a CCTV camera to record who is approaching the building.

This footage can also be viewed from remote locations — peace of mind for business owners going away over the Christmas period.

All of this technology means that anyone studying or approaching the building at night can be picked up on before they try to break in, meaning potential burglars can be thwarted before they rob your business. Security grade CCTV images also provide evidence for police.

Alarms Alarms can be used for customer service purposes and not just for security, as a recent Garden City Security job demonstrates.

“This comprehensive security and pager system was specific and unique to the job. This type of project is something we’re happy to do,” Erridge says. “Our customers need only speak to us about their needs and we will do our best to match them.”

Earthquake The earthquake presented challenges for Garden City Security — ones they met.

Immediately after the earthquake, many alarms went off. But the biggest problem for was that when the power goes down for several hours, back up batteries in alarm systems runs flat, rendering them inoperable even after the power comes back on.

In the few days following the earthquake Garden City Security was busy replacing batteries and helping set up new or temporary security systems for customers whose premises were damaged or destroyed.

“Criminals know alarms stop working without power. We had to quickly adapt and adjust.

This was a crucial time for our customers.

But we are customer focused and will do everything we can within our means to keep everyone happy,” Erridge says.

Future plans Garden City Security has ambitious future goals. The key ones are increasing their business’ size and customer base throughout the South Island and into the North Island. It plans to use its initials GCS as a brand outside the Canterbury region.

Another future goal is to make sure the company is keeping up with new technology.

“It’s really important we’re constantly seeking and offering the best solutions. There are always new technologies coming onto the market. We need to keep abreast of these

Roger & Trish Smith

Brian & Marlene Victor

trends and adapt and learn about them so we can continue to provide for the ongoing needs of our clients.”

That’s one thing that isn’t changing. “We will maintain our good customer service. That’s the reputation we’re building and going to keep.”

Garden City Security PO Box 2030 Christchurch 8140 T (03) 377 7763 F (03) 377 7764 www.gardencitysecurity.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Phone: 03 338 0867 raxworthy@xtra.co.nz www.bruceraxworthy.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 81

Turning Washdyke into an energy centre A new energy centre being built in Washdyke, Timaru next year aims to create jobs, support businesses, improve air quality and pass savings onto customers with its economies of scale and renewable energy use.

An ambitious task, but project manager Jerome Parkinson says the company is up to it. “In 2001, we took over an existing energy centre in Dunedin. We upgraded and re-consented it, to allow on-going supply of steam to crucial infrastructure down there like the university, the hospital, several commercial buildings and a high profile food processing plant. The Washdyke project will be very similar so we will be utilising our existing knowledge.”

The plan: Energy for Industry Ltd (EFI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Meridan Energy. It will build, own and operate the centralised energy plant and steam distribution network in Washdyke, north of Timaru.

Stage one of the Washdyke project site works will begin in January and the centre is expected to be operating mid-way through 2011.

The energy centre will have two boilers, one run on 100 percent wood based fuel.

The other boiler will run on South Island lignite coal. “Both boilers will generate steam,” Parkinson explains. “And steam is still one of the most efficient ways to transport heat. The steam is like a gas and when the heat is removed it converts back to water.

“Process industries in the Washdyke industrial area currently face challenging coal supply conditions and a requirement to reduce their air emissions. These changes are causing significant increases in operating costs and are a potential barrier to new industries establishing at Washdyke.”

In March 2009 EFI presented the energy cluster approach to a number of businesses in the area. DB Mainland, NZ Light Leathers and Juice Products NZ all came onboard.

“Timaru has many primary production heartland businesses and we’re so pleased to be working with these companies. We hope as time goes on, others will see what we can do and want to get onboard.”

EFI has purchased land and has secured long-term (10 year) agreements with the three companies to provide their manufacturing and processing plants with steam.

“Benefits for these businesses are significant in that customers are able to enjoy the benefits of energy cost reduction, achieved from the economies of scale the cluster will provide and improve competition for its customers,” Parkinson says.

The build: Stage one will cost around $10 million and the plant will be capable of producing 10 Megawatts of steam initially. That will double to 20 Megawatts with a further investment of $5 million once demand increases.

The build beginning in January 2011 will be the first of many boosts to Timaru’s economy. Parkinson expects 2-3 main contractors will be involved, and they will be using many local sub-contractors for the six month construction project.

Throughout 2010 preliminary engineering work and design work has continued in the background preparing for the build beginning next year.

The future:

and/or clean construction and demolition wood wastes. This comes as part of EFI’s commitment to year on year targeted lower carbon intensities and reduced green house gas emissions on its sites as a Landrearch CEMARS® accredited business.

“EFI already has established agreements with foresters and councils through its Wood Energy NZ (WENZ) business unit currently operating in Central Otago and Canterbury,” Parkinson says.

Jerome Parkinson says there are green-field sites nearby the energy centre in an area the Timaru District Council is re-zoning as an industrial business and manufacturing area.

“WENZ specialises in the recovery and supply of naturally seasoned quality wood chips and works closely with EFI and other regional customers with a secure and efficient sustainable fuel supply chain.

“On the back of that, we’d like to see more businesses buying those sections and working there. Hopefully, those businesses will want to use our energy once we prove to them how efficient and cheap it is.”

“Protecting the environment is fundamental to our business model – clean green energy production is what we want for the Washdyke project in Timaru and for the entire country.”

Energy for Industry is also focused on the environment. The future-proof design of the energy centre will give EFI the versatility to substitute and use a growing percentage of renewable fuels which over time will include wood residues and low grade logs from local forestry operations

Energy For Industry PO Box 10-840 Wellington 6143 T (04) 381 1330 F (04) 381 1331 www.energyforindustry.co.nz

Your need for energy will always be there. That won’t change.

What will change is how you manage it and how it is generated.

We can help you on both counts.

For cost effective, operationally reliable energy supply solutions, talk to us.

T +64 4 381 1330 82 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.energyforindustry.co.nz

meat: The best in town and country Business Development | Ellesmere Butchery

Bacon has long been a mealtime favourite, as a meal in itself or in partnership with eggs.

And then there is the part it plays as a crisp accompaniment to a salad, adding impact to a burger or even dipped in chocolate…

And last, but far from least, one of Ellesmere Butchery’s apprentice butchers, Steve Watts, won apprentice of the year through the Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation (RMITO).

Good bacon takes time, says Ellesmere Butchery co-director Chris Brown. “The most important aspect in good bacon is patience, taking the time to dry it properly.”

Quality products

It’s a qualified perspective; Ellesmere Butchery took out two of the five gold awards available at the 100 percent New Zealand Bacon Competition run through New Zealand Pork.

This includes not hurrying with the basics.

“With beef, for example, good steak has to be aged, so dry hung for about three weeks — that’s butchery 101, back to the basics.

Twenty-four judges tasted 184 different bacons. The panel included the president of the National Chefs’ Association and renowned chef Anita Sarginson, Dish magazine food editor Claire Aldous, TV3 political editor Duncan Garner, well known chef and food writer Simon Holst and bacon expert Jason Cunningham.

The bacon is judged uncooked and cooked on taste, aroma, texture and appearance. Taste is the key element with saltiness, sweetness, aftertaste and overall good taste evaluated by the 24 judges.

Ellesmere Butchery took out the gold medals for its middle bacon and streaky bacon, two prime categories.

“It was just such a shock to win two out of five golds,” Brown says. “I remember getting a call on the Monday after the competition. I was sure they were calling to disqualify me for not filling out one of the forms correctly or something,” he laughs. “I was told ‘you’re going to get much busier,’ and then told how we had done.”

Tradition aspirations It’s been more than three years in the making since Chris and his wife Sue purchased the popular Leeston butchery. “We really wanted to create a traditional old country butcher shop,” he says.

Ellesmere Butchery co-director Chris Brown says “we’re not going to start resting on our laurels because perfection isn’t possible, but we can keep striving to get as close to it as we can.”

Zealand Beef and Lamb. The company’s sirloin steak placed first in the South Island and second overall.

“We’re all about supplying good quality products in the traditional way; butchery as it’s meant to be,” Chris says.

“We stay true to that rather than trying to pump out the amounts — quality not quantity — and it’s paying dividends.

“People want good quality meats,” he says.

While the business is where they had planned to be when they got involved, it’s not time to rest for the team.

“We’ve been working hard for three and a half years to get the business to where we are now. We’re not going to start resting on our laurels because perfection isn’t possible, but we can keep striving to get as close to it as we can.

“At the end of the day, our customers are the real judges and if they’re still coming back, we must be doing something right.”

Ellesmere Butchery 79 High Street Leeston T (03) 324 3419 www.ellesmerebutchery.com — Advertising Feature

“It had the reputation and we’ve got a good catchment out here — we’re all country folk, so it’s a hub of Leeston life, a bit of a meeting place for the area.”

The company is a dual operator, with retail premises as well as processing homekill from local farms. “Processing homekill has traditionally been the hub of the business.

“I have focused on growing the retail side of the business and this has had a flow-on effect to the wholesale business. Now we’re supplying restaurants, chefs and caterers.”

Steak success And it’s not just the company’s bacon which is attracting attention with Ellesmere Butchery taking out second place in the New Zealand Steak of Origin competition run through New

VISION INSURANCE ARE PLEASED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH ELLESMERE BUTCHERY AND WISH THEM WELL FOR THE FUTURE

For Your Insurance Needs Phone 03 307 1990 | www.visioninsurance.co.nz PO Box 66, Ashburton 7740 | Email: david@visioninsurance.co.nz

Supplies quality New Zealand Pork to discerning customers.

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Proudly Supporting the Ellesmere Butchery www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 83

Business Development | Autoline Automation

The

automation station In the last two recession-hit years, sales have plummeted for many companies. Autoline Automation has bucked the trend.

The company was started in 1985 by an innovative pneumatics engineer based in Wellington, initially providing pneumatic automation solutions.

In the early days the primary market was Wellington and the lower North Island. As business grew, the focus shifted to more

general automation solutions and extended to introducing high quality aluminium slot profile systems throughout the entire country.

“We can custom design machinery or come up with a concept and then fabricate it as kitset prior to dispatch,” Fisher explains.

In January 2009 Matthew Fisher bought the business and relocated it to Marlborough, as Autoline had developed a national focus instead of a regional one.

“This gives short lead times onsite. Our products can be assembled easily, like a meccano set.

That’s one thing we love about this job. It’s like big boys meccano.

Despite the unfavourable economic conditions during the last two years Autoline has defied the odds and grown considerably. “The old owners were Wellington based but we moved our operation to the Marlborough region.

“We regularly custom design machines or guards for customers, this enables us to provide a customised solution and economise on the design,” he says.

“We are rapidly expanding our presence and business in our home territory — Nelson and Marlborough obviously, but also Canterbury and the West Coast,” Fisher says.

“We put our growth down to a strong reputation for service and quality, People also are currently looking for ways to save money. They need better ways of doing things, they need to make the whole process more affordable and efficient and that is where we come in and help.”

Doing their homework Autoline Automation invests heavily in research and development — something the team really enjoys.

Another good example of Autoline Automation’s passion for R&D is the conveyor system it has developed. “We’re constantly developing our product range, with a recent addition being our AluPro elevator conveyors.

“We took it from being just framing to a conveyer. It’s like Lego,” Fisher says, using the toy analogy again. “You don’t see Lego marketed as just plastic blocks, it is sold in kits, actual toys, an end product.”

Investing in staff Like any successful business Autoline recognises that its staff is its greatest asset and frequently invests in further training. It also has plans to grow the team in the new year.

Great staff is how Fisher thinks his business did so well in the recession. “We’ve got a real solid focus on our customers’ needs. We are constantly looking for new customers, knocking on doors, shaking hands and meeting people, telling them about our products.”

Going the extra mile is also shown by their willingness to allow the customers to see and trial products.

Proud to be associated with Autoline Automation Ltd CROMBIE LOCKWOOD (NZ) LIMITED Ph: 03 543 9021 Email: nelson@crombie.co.nz | www.crombielockwood.co.nz Locally focused, nationally resourced, internationally endorsed.

Koru Customs & International Freight offers a full range of services to meet your international and freight requirements Phone: +64 3 357-9029 Fax: +64 3 357-9089 info@korucustoms.co.nz www.korucustoms.co.nz Address: I.C.E Building, Ivan Jamieson Place, Christchurch Airport

EriEz MagnEtics congratulatE autolinE on the growth of their company and are proud to be associated with them as recently appointed Eriez agents for the South Island of New Zealand.

The Eriez range of products is comprehensive covering all industries be it manufacturing, mining, recycling or food processing.

Autoline is the Exclusive agent for the MayTec Aluminum slot Profile system used for construction of machine frames, safety guards, conveyors and displays.

Its modular design makes assembling frames simple

food Processing Plates, grates, ferrous traps, magnetic conveying, vibratory feeders and metal detectors

recycling Suspended magnets, eddy current separators and vibratory feeders.

Mining Suspended magnets, pulleys and drums, heavy media wet drums, flotation columns and metal detectors

Manufacturing Magnetic conveying and lifting, coolant cleaners and floor sweepers

154 Northbourne Road, Campbellfield, Victoria 3061 Ph: 03 9305 4099

Email: sales@eriez.com.au

Fax: 03 9305 4042 Website: www.eriez.com World Authority in Advanced Technology for Magnetic, Vibratory and Metal Detection Applications

84 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

and the unparalleled connection system provides extreme strength and durability. MayTec connectors will not vibrate loose or fail.

Business Development | Autoline Automation

“We demonstrate our stuff — our customers don’t just see it in a catalogue. We have samples and say this is what you can do.

That’s how our AluPro conveyors got off the ground, we take them to customers and do a demonstration and will often leave it with a client for them to see how good our product really is.”

Autoline Automation now has a solid group of regular clients. “When people trust you they buy from you. It’s as simple as that.”

Other techniques Another way Autoline Automation focused on customer service was keeping in touch with them. It started mailing quarterly newsletters to its clients to ensure they are always up to date with their latest innovative products.

Autoline Automation constantly works to short leads times, offering overnight delivery for ex-stock items. “This is crucial for the industry. We have a huge range of ex stock product, so we have the ability to turn complex projects around within a few days. Product build times are becoming increasingly shorter in today’s competitive market and we are very successful at consistently meeting customer’s requirements.” the MayTec connector holds firm over years of use — providing a dependable option for Products manufacturers.

Autoline’s core product range focuses on “Versatility is another key attribute,” Fisher automation of equipment and making its says. “With over 250 profile styles and 200 customers’ processes more efficient. “The key connection options, MayTec has the goods no focus of our business is to provide solutions that increase a company’s bottom-line through matter how specific your requirements are. safety, efficiency, and recovery of valuable “The lightness of a MayTec aluminum profile resources,” Fisher says. system belies its proven strength.

AluPro Conveyors The AluPro Conveyors is one example of this. Cleverly designed, the AluPro conveyor systems have minimal pinch points, no exposed rotating shafts and are possibly the safest belt conveyors available.

“We certainly haven’t seen anything else that comes close to this. It is a compact modular conveyor that is revolutionising the New Zealand market.” The AluPro conveyors have very low energy consumption with Autoline’s standard version, using less than 90w of energy.

“The high quality alloy developed by MayTec offers unparalleled robustness and a high quality of surface finish, combined with a world patented connection system and vigorous product line development.”

(ADI) bowl feeders and orientation equipment. ADI is a market leader and excellent solution for handling and feeding parts like screws, bottle caps, moulded parts which need to be further handled by robots, servos etc.

Herrblitz press feeders. These are perfect solutions for automation of metal stamping presses. This range of pneumatic press feeders are cost effective and Autoline Automation offers no- obligation estimates.

Gratis Guard modular safety systems.

A one-stop solution for all of your machine guarding and safety needs. This system is flexible and covers a wide range of solutions.

Autoline Automation Ltd PO Box 45017, Blenheim 7240 T 03 577 1970 F 03 577 1971 E sales@autolineautomation.co.nz www.autolineautomation.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The only tool required to set up one of the best systems in the market is a 5mm hex key — making adding new parts onto the system a breeze.

Other products

Eriez Magnetics Pty. Eriez is a world authority on magnetic separation equipment, this product range consists of a complete MayTec Aluminium Slot Profile range of magnetic solutions; magnetic grates, Offering both durability and supreme strength, lifting magnets, Eddy current separators, large MayTec aluminum profile systems are a state suspended magnets and wet drum separators of the art option for machine safety guarding for the quarry and mining industry. Eriez also and work station frames. has extensive experience in vibratory feeding The key difference MayTec provides is a totally and conveying with a complete range of linear feeders, mechanical conveyors and bin vibration proof system. Similar aluminium profile systems can ‘shake loose’ over time, but vibrators available.

Autolines range of ALUPRO Conveyors are one of the most compact designs on the market, available in widths of 100mm to 1 metre and lengths from 250mm to 12 metres.

Flat belt, plastic modular belting or inclined conveyors are no problem for the Alupro system.

Axis Motorized druMs Axis 72 Motorised Drums are compact, efficient and specifically designed for both intermittent and continuous belt conveyor applications. Powered drums simplify construction of conveyors and can come with matching tails drums in both stainless steel and zinc coated finishes. The all-steel planetary gear system optimizes the load power relationship by sharing the load across several planet gears.

• 0.025 - 0.09 kw motors • Thermal overload • Assembled in NZ • Overnight delivery NZ wide

The Gratis modular safety system is a fully customisable solution for all your guarding needs.

Using the MayTec slot profile system we are able to create safe guards for virtually any situation.

Flexibility sets the Gratis guard system apart.

• 250mm to 1000mm long • Single/Three Phase • Class F insulation • Radial/Axial cable

9 Wood Street, Invercargill 9810 P. 03 218 4168 | Fax. 03 218 4164 E. sales@southquip.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 85

Focus | Hunter Civil

NEWBLE TIMBER TIMBER: Prenail & Truss Framing, Foundation Piles, Joists & Rafters, Fascia & Exterior Trim, Panelling & Mouldings, Decking, Fence Components, H4, H5, H6 Roundwood & Poles, Landscape Timber, Dressed Boards, Outdoor Framing Timber.

Bridge Beams & Decking - H4, H6.

BUILDING MATERIALS: Veneered Boards, Plywood, MDF, Particle Board, Interior Linings, Prehung Doors, Exterior Claddings, Insulation, Building Paper & Foil, Construction Fasteners , Concrete Products & Masonry , Reinforcing Steel & Mesh.

HARDWARE: Adhesives & Sealants, Plumbing, Locks & Security, Hand Tools, Power Tools, Paint , Garden & Outdoor, Electrical.

SERVICES: Project Information, Trade Contacts, Delivery, Estimating.

Congratulations To Graham & his Team

Phone: Fax: Email:

03-3134862 03-3134863 newbletimber@xtra.co.nz

86 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Newble Timber ITM 5A Cone Street Rangiora

project ward-winning A management

Focus | Hunter Civil

A disciplined approach has enabled Christchurch’s Hunter Civil to take on and complete significant projects.

The company was formed by Graham Hunter in early 2009. It undertakes a variety of civil works including bridge construction, concrete repairs, marine construction, precast and in situ concrete, wastewater treatment and drainage, design and build, and project management.

Each project is precisely managed and delivered to ensure client’s requirements are met, with a strong focus on providing cost-effective delivery on time every time.

With experience in bridging, from complete new build options through to superstructure replacements, the company offers complete design and build services for bridging and culvert structures. Hunter Civil has also worked extensively on concrete structures in a variety of situations, including traffic, industrial, wastewater and marine environments.

Precast components manufactured in the company’s yard include bridge deck units, precast piles, box culvert, wingwall units and manhole structures.

A sewage treatment upgrade at Mt Cook being undertaken by Hunter Civil

With a background in wastewater, Hunter Civil’s staff combine the civil construction skills for The technical complexity of the project, wastewater structures with a comprehensive the innovative approach, the isolated nature of understanding of associated drainage. the site and challenging marine environment were recognised in August when Hunter A significant marine project completed last Civil won the 2010 New Zealand Contractors’ year was the replacement of the Owenga Federation national construction award Wharf on the Chatham Islands, which was for Category 2 — projects valued between particularly challenging due to the location, $500,000 and $5 million. weather and sea conditions.

Extensive experience Graham Hunter has a strong background and practical base in civil engineering, having worked for large construction companies both in New Zealand and overseas.

“I’m a contractor who is also an engineer. I have an acute understanding and ability to empathise with many engineering consultants and provide some practical design input, while balancing the buildability aspects,” he says.

“I’m familiar with how things work in providing that service and how to utilise subcontractors the way large organisations would.”

Hunter says while his company is starting off reasonably small, his own track record in the construction industry has enabled him to secure a number of larger projects.

These include replacing a splash ford with a box culvert structure in Fox Glacier for the Department of Conservation in Westland National Park and strengthening work in remote areas for Kordia Communications.

Hunter Civil only employs qualified and reliable subcontractors and utilises the New Zealand Contractor’s Federation QEST integrated management system, tailored to meet specific requirements. It is also working towards

ISO 9001 and 14001 and a New Zealand Transport Agency bridging prequalification.

Graham Hunter says the company is in the process of building a track record and reputation based on high level project management expertise and experience.

“As the company grows, it will grow through people, not through an asset base involving machinery. I believe people make successful projects, not machinery,” he says.

“The company is going to be very carefully grown. The thing that is of critical importance to me is that the company is focused on providing solutions through qualified and experienced people who have the practical skills as well as an engineering appreciation.

“They understand the value of systems in the workplace and are able to deliver through a core base of really good subcontractors and suppliers.”

Hunter Civil Limited PO Box 7308, Sydenham Christchurch 8240 T (03) 332 7094 F (03) 332 7095 www.huntercivil.com — Advertising Feature

Hunter Civil undertook the replacement of the Owenga Wharf on the Chatham Islands last year

Trans Pacific Timbers Trans Pacific Timbers Limited is a New Zealand company involved in the import/export/wholesale of Australian hardwood, New Zealand native, and exotic timbers.

Trans Pacific Timbers specialises in the supply of Australian Heavy Hardwood timber for piles, poles, crossarms as well as large sawn sections.

Proud to support Hunter Civil Project Management and Construction

Phone/Fax: 09 444 5393 • Mobile: 027 472 9052 • Email: murray@transpacifictimbers.co.nz • Web: www.transpacifictimbers.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 87

Focus | Allan Scott Family Winemakers

Between the vines … … growing a family’s legacy When hands work vineyards they have to be educated and passionate. They need to act with instinct and intuition and be driven by an innate sense of knowledge that can only be acquired through an inherent pre-disposition for winemaking, or a long-term involvement with the industry.

Making wine may be a common practise, but making good wine is a completely different story. Since the earliest known cultivation of the grapevine Vitis vinifera was recorded around 6000 BC within the borders of Georgia and Iran, winemaking has become an art.

Producing wines with a local accent are the Scott family — a generational collective of individuals who live and breathe what they do as the owners and operators of renowned and respected Allan Scott Family Winemakers. Patriarch Allan Scott helped plant Marlborough’s first vineyard in 1973 and planted the first family vineyard with Müller-Thurgau in 1975.

Catherine and Allan Scott (centre) and their children Victoria, Josh and Sara, the team behind Allan Scott Family Winemakers.

In 2010, Allan Scott Family Winemakers is celebrating 20 years of not only good, but great winemaking.

from Renwick. The winery building was constructed in 1990 from rammed earth and rough-sawn timber.

Located in the heart of Marlborough’s “golden mile”, Allan Scott Family Winemakers is eight kilometres from Blenheim and five kilometres

Today it is accompanied by the Cellar Door where patrons can purchase wines, branded products and gifts, and the Twelve Trees Restaurant, a leading daytime eatery named after the walnut trees that lined the entrance to the winery.

Most of the Allan Scott Family Winemakers business operates out of Marlborough. Defined by the unique ecology, Marlborough is New Zealand’s driest and sunniest region. The climatic juxtaposition between day and night temperatures creates conditions in which grapes flourish. With the annual sunshine hours sitting at approximately 2450, the annual rainfall for Marlborough sits at 700 millimetres and the soil varies from stone gravel to fertile silt. Gravelly soils infuse the grapes with a distinct aromatic flavour.

Traditionally made chardonnay and pinot noir is also produced by Allan Scott Family Winemakers and when seasonal conditions permit, late harvest wines are made from riesling grapes or botrytised chardonnay or sauvignon blanc.

A family affair Allan Scott Family Winemakers is certainly a family affair, as a lunch meeting scheduled every Tuesday ensures everyone is on the same professional page.

Marketing manager Victoria Scott says the family owned and operated business benefits from open communication, regular interaction and the absence of bureaucracy attached to many corporate organisations.

“It’s nice to come together because everything we do on a grand scale is sanctioned by the family and decisions have to be a family consensus. The beauty of being a family business is that things get settled very quickly and it doesn’t take weeks to get something into motion.”

So how have each of the family members gravitated towards their current positions within the business?

“It was a natural progression,” Victoria says.

“Mum and Dad never said ‘this is your destiny’ but Josh was always interested in winemaking and Sara inherited Dad’s love of plants so viticulture is her forte.”

Label Professionals Ltd congratulate Allan Scott Wines on 20 years of winemaking.

Lets raise our glasses to the next 20 years.

88 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

3/330 St Asaph St, Christchurch P O Box 2352, Christchurch 8140 T 03 366 0587 F 03 366 0532 www.labelpro.co.nz sales@labelpro.co.nz

Focus | Allan Scott Family Winemakers Left: Allan Scott and viticulturalist daughter Sara, tending to the vines, and (below), relaxing in the Twelve Trees restaurant

So what about Victoria, the big sister of Sara and Josh? “I’m a ‘Jack ’,” she laughs. This means Victoria has her eye on all elements of the trade, but her primary area of expertise is in marketing. “I am always looking to find new ways to do things. I organise wines shows and events and pretty much everything which comes flying across my desk,” she says.

“In my second to last year at school, I got caught up in hospitality when the Twelve Trees Restaurant opened and then went and worked for a wine importation and distribution company in the United Kingdom. I came back to start a family, then worked for Destination Marlborough before I moved back into the family business full-time. We really are a true family story and that is what sets us apart.

for disease and pests, as well as to upgrade our records a little.”

Sensitive to wider ecological concerns and changing consumer wants and needs, Sara says the objective is to be clean and green.

“Only organic products were used for the winemaking process. We used recycled bottles and recycled paper to label the finished wine.”

For Millstone Vineyard to become fully organic, chemical sprays generally utilised on vineyards were replaced with organic agents including compost teas, seaweed and other oils.

In 2008 Allan Scott Family Winemakers launched its own organic wine — Millstone Sauvignon Blanc 2008, which was grown on Millstone Vineyard.

“The restaurant has been successful in its own right and so is very important to us. Mum is the one behind the restaurant and this has been her side of the business. She is now semi-retired but she’s a great sounding board and offers a good perspective. She is the backbone to everything.”

“Sustainable viticulture is about working with the environment to produce a product without harming the environment in any way.

Having joined the Sustainable Winegrowing Programme in 2006, Victoria says their organic vineyard, Millstone, is also a milestone. “It is a sign of the changing times and the influence of Sara, Josh and I coming through.”

The Millstone Vineyard is audited twice a year by an independent auditor from BioGrow to ensure it complies with all the key sustainable farming regulations and progressively, each of the family’s vineyards will become organic.

Of the business’ integration of sustainable practises, Sara Scott says that compliance was never an issue as the business was already doing most of what this programme prescribes. “The only changes we had to make were to increase our monitoring of the vines

Beyond the commitment to a cleaner and greener operation, Victoria says the business is not focused a specific goal for the future.

“In the current economic climate it is all about working hard to maintain your position. This means doing your thing and doing it well.”

“Sustainable viticulture aims to sustain and enhance the fertility and life-supporting ability of the land,” Sara says.

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Feature continues on next page >>

Proud to be associated with Allan Scott Wines Dealers of Agricultural and Vineyard Tractors, Mowers, Mulchers and Spray Equipment Agents for: Massey Ferguson / Gregoire / Fendt / Iseki / Landini / Sprayrite 42 High Street | Renwick 7204 | Marlborough | T. 03 572 5173 | 1 Wakefield Street | Seddon | T. 03 575 7195 E.sales@tractorrepairs.co.nz | W. www.tractorrepairs.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 89

Focus | Allan Scott Family Winemakers

Meet the Scotts…

Allan Scott

A farm boy who began his career in viticulture when the wine industry started taking off in Marlborough, Allan knows the land like the back of his hand. He helped plant the region’s first vineyard in 1973 and many of the vineyards he developed have won wide recognition. While working as a senior manager in a national wine company, Allan bought land in the Rapaura district in 1985. This became the platform for Allan Scott Family Winemakers. With his children taking integral roles in operational aspects, Allan has maintained a production management role in the company.

Catherine Scott Catherine is a Marlborough winemaker through and through. A born and bred Marlborough winemaker, she has used her knowledge and expertise to boost Allan Scott wines and specifically the Cellar Door and Twelve Trees Restaurant.

Josh Scott Brought up in the heart of Marlborough, Josh has a Diploma in Viticulture and Wine Production from the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. He has worked beyond Marlborough in France and California’s Napa Valley. When he isn’t making wine, Josh Scott indulges his sporty streak and works in his own boutique brewery, Moa.

Sara Scott With a specialist interest in sustainability and organic production practices, Sara attained a Diploma in Viticulture and has experienced wine production in Marlborough and California. She is focused on propelling the business forward through a commitment to cleaner and greener practises.

Victoria Scott After high school Victoria trained to become the restaurant manager in a large hotel in Christchurch. After exploring the UK and working for a wine importation and distribution company, she returned to take over management of Twelve Trees Restaurant and the Cellar Door shop.

To broaden her experience, she took a marketing position with Destination Marlborough before returning to the family fold to take on the marketing mantle there.

Marlborough vineyards The Moorlands

Established in 1980 with Riesling vines, The Moorlands adjoins the winery and was the first in the district to be planted on grafted stock.

The varietal mix has been expanded to include Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

are gravelly and free-draining with a slight variation to clay loams on the eastern side, supporting mainly Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir with small areas of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Merlot.

Millstone Vineyard

Established in 2007, this was the first of the Allan Scott Family Winemakers vineyards to The Hounds run on completely organic principles. It is cared Established in 1982, this vineyard is a for with organic agents such as compost teas neighbour to The Wallops and is planted and seaweed. The vineyard is independently primarily in Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot audited twice yearly to ensure it complies with Gris, with small areas of Merlot, Chardonnay the sustainable farming regulations. and Semillon which will eventually be Contract growers replaced by Gewürztraminer and Riesling. The Allan Scott Family Winemakers sources grapes Hounds become a part of Allan Scott Family from contracted growers in selected locations Winemakers Estate in 2004. to complement grapes from its own vineyards.

The Wallops Providing viticultural guidance and harvesting Established in 1985 this vineyard is an integral equipment enables more fruit and blending part of the Sauvignon Blanc production. options to experiment with.

Originally planted by Allan and Catherine as contract growers for neighbouring winery Cloudy Bay, The Wallops hosts the family’s With a long-standing love for Central Otago, nursery for grafting rootstock and budwood. the Scotts have strong ties with the region.

Interaction with pioneering winemakers has Omaka established strong relationships and today the Apples decorated the Omaka landscape family has two vineyards in its catchment. when the Scotts acquired it in 2000. The soils

Central Otago

Prou dly Su pporting

Alla n Scott Winery

Scott Base Central Otago Located at a T-intersection of SH6, familiarly known as the Wanaka to Queenstown Highway, with the Pisa Range as a backdrop, Scott Base vineyard was established in 1994 by Martin and Sue Anderson. Ten years later, the couple sold the vineyard, wines and brand to a consortium in which the Scott family held a 25 percent shareholding. In 2007, the Scotts sold its interest to the remaining shareholders to pursue its interest in Marlborough.

Their connection with Central Otago and the convenience attached to an already established and reputable vineyard saw the family invest in Scott Base again when the consortium later decided to sell the home block.

The Scott Base Vineyard is mainly north facing and planted predominantly in Pinot Noir with small plots of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. As group viticulturalist, Sara Scott is responsible for the overall management of the vineyard.

Allan Scott Family Winemakers Jacksons Road RD3 Blenheim 7273 T (03) 572 9054 E info@allanscott.co.nz www.allanscott.com — Advertising Feature

you made it home. the wine didn’t.

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90 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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Focus | Riverstone Kitchen

The Cuisine New Zealand Restaurant of the Year for 2010 has a rural heartbeat. Located on the Waitaki Plains, 12 kilometres north of Oamaru in North Otago, awardwinning Riverstone Kitchen is committed to its motto: ‘Buy local, think seasonal, eat well’.

is the staff, menu, deli or kitchen. It is all about relentless attention to detail,” Smith says.

With a new Riverstone Kitchen book scheduled on the market at the end of 2011, Bevan Smith says he is looking to continually improve the business.

Riverstone Kitchen 1431 State Highway One RD5 Oamaru T (03) 431 3505 F (03) 431 3506 E mail@riverstonekitchen.co.nz www.riverstonekitchen.co.nz

These values underpin the award-winning establishment opened by Bevan and Monique Smith in November 2006. “We wanted it to be a culmination of many of our ideals and ideas from the experiences we had overseas,” chef Bevan Smith says.

“We thought it was worth taking a punt. With the opportunity to build on my parents’ land, we had unrestricted views to the Southern Alps. The location is fairly rural, but it is right off State Highway One which means we have a good market for passing travellers.”

The pursuit for fresh produce began in the Smiths’ business backyard. The couple built a vegetable garden while waiting for resource consent approval. “It’s hard to find ingredients like raw beans, artichokes, fennel and celeriac.

When you grow them yourself you can pick them when you want them.

“The thing we are most proud of is that most of our ingredients are produced and sourced locally. This is something that doesn’t happen overnight because it is a hard thing to source everything locally, but it is continuously evolving as we find suppliers that tick all the right boxes.”

By working closely with local suppliers, relationships can be built up and reliability is heightened. “It makes more economic sense this way and means we have more control and

— Advertising Feature

can explain what we need. It is a trust thing — if you get your produce through local suppliers, you don’t get any surprises when it turns up.

What they don’t do, we grow ourselves.”

It’s a trusted formula for success. For example, the locally sourced pork from Waimate is free range and antibiotic and hormone free.

“Ethically this pork is fantastic and taste wise it’s fantastic too,” Smith says. Dorset Down lamb, a mouth-watering addition to the menu, is farmed only fifteen minutes away.

brands. We don’t stock anything we wouldn’t be prepared to use ourselves. It’s not about mystery, it’s about good food.”

There are 25 to 30 New Zealand boutique beers on the menu, rounding out the local food offerings, plus Riverstone deli treats.

The restaurant’s success in the 2010 Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year competition was a significant happening. “There were a significant number of entrants this year and the only criterion is that you have to be open for six “We pay a premium price for the meat because months,” Smith says. the selling process cuts out the middle man.

“The competition is judged anonymously. The It is good for business as we are observing thing about it is that there is nowhere to hide. a significant movement in the hospitality A judge will come in anonymously and if you industry where people want traceability when haven’t got what they are looking for, you can’t they are purchasing food,” Smith says. just go out the back and pull out a new menu.”

Quality first, foremost The business is all about quality, not commercial brands. “We choose quality over

Evidently, the judges loved what they experienced at Riverstone Kitchen. “It’s about attention to detail across the board, whether it

• Real Dry Cured Bacon!

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WHITESTONE CHEESE, RIVERSTONE SUPPLIER AND SUPPORTER www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 91

Focus | Living Light Candles

candle Company Candles. There’s something about their flickering beauty that turns a bath into something luxurious, adds class to a dinner party or creates a romantic mood.

One Takaka-based company capitalising on the timeless quality of this age-old light source is Living Light Candles.

Bought by Cynthia Baur 13 years ago, the company now has two galleries, sells to shops around the country and exports to Australia, Singapore and Germany.

The products may come in a variety of colours, but all of them are green. “Our love and care for the environment has led us to focus our product development on sustainable candles.

“We either use recycled wax, plant and bees wax or soy wax. We’ve also developed recycled packaging.”

Expansion Success, even in a recession, means this company is expanding. Iconic Christchurch department store Ballantynes has been buying Living Light Candles for years but in August made more of an investment.

“Richard and the team at Ballantynes knew there was candle craze out there. And I had always dreamed of having a mini-concept shop within a large department store.

TNL Takaka is locally owned and operated.

“We set it up the way we wanted, because we know our product, and our sales have been phenomenal. In one month we sold as much as we did in the half year beforehand.”

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Baur’s inspiration comes from everyday life.

One evening she was enjoying a few candlelit glasses of wine with her friends when she realised how beautiful the flickering light through glass was.

N AT U R AHand L H A NCrafted D C R A F New TED N E W Z E ACandles L AND CANDLES Zealand

Cynthia Baur managing director 027 316 6302 (03) 525 7575

cynthia@livinglight.co.nz www.livinglight.co.nz

mobile

email

office

website

Phone: 03 5257575 Fax: 03 5257576 Email: info@livinglightcandles.co.nz Web: www.livinglightcandles.co.nz

Cynthia Baur managing director

CONTACT: GRANT CLEMENTS PHONE: (03) 525 9521

FAX: (03) 525 8621

MOBILE: 0274 844 934

EMAIL: grant.clements@tnl-group.co.nz

92 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Living Light Candles

shines bright From there, she developed the idea of cutting old wine bottles and using them as holders for soy candles.

look and scent of this spa candle aims to captivate the spirit of New Zealand’s summer Christmas.

They are sold in recycled packaging and come in varieties such as ‘riesling’ and ‘pinot gris’. Wine bottles are given to the company by the community who receive 20 cents for each donation.

Cynthia Baur never imagined herself as a candle-maker. Her diverse career involves being a dressmaker at 16, working as an actress and model in LA, working in theatre and later as a fashion designer. But she loves her business and she loves Takaka.

Another example of Living Light Candles’ beautiful handmade work is their soy pohutukawa candle.

Described as a “festive blend of cinnamon and clove essential oils and red currant,” the

“Candles are all about beauty and I am constantly inspired by my surroundings.

Flowing alongside our workshop and gallery is a crystal clear stream with a quaint

swing-bridge built in natural timber. I wouldn’t dream of living or working anywhere else.”

Living Light Candles 34 One Spec Road Takaka 7183 T (03) 525 7575 E info@livinglightcandles.co.nz www.livinglightcandles.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Ph 0800 367 728 Fast, covenient and trouble free freight movement

www.canterburytoday.co.nz December 2010/January 2011 | 93

Have you ever asked yourself...

Is there more cancer around these days? Why are there more pregnancy issues, infertility, or miscarriages? Why do more kids have ADHD now? Is male sexual dysfunction more prevalent now? What damage are we doing to our planet by using plastic? What’s causing the early onset of female puberty? Read on and you may find the answers...

What is BPA (Bisphenol A)?

BPA is widely used to make polycarbonate plastics such as those in baby bottles, water bottles and compact disc cases and is an ingredient in the resins used to line food cans. The chemical has been shown to leach into food or water. To see a complete definition of BPA, please go to www. safebottles.co.nz. The following is a direct quote from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). As you will see they acknowledge that BPA and other chemicals do leach into food and liquid. However, they also say that it’s not proven to be harmful and doesn’t cause cancer.

“In some circumstances, chemicals in food packaging can migrate into the food product and vice versa, depending on the nature of the packaging and the food contained within.”

Food Standards Australia New Zealand “the most toxic chemical known to man.”

Dr Frederick Vom Saal

The facts on BPA The following are quotes relating to BPA and chemicals found in plastic water bottles. To see the full quote and source, please visit our website, www.safebottles.co.nz In men the oestrogen mimicking effects of BPA have been known to block some of the more important effects that testosterone has on sexual functioning. Those who were exposed to BPA were four times more likely than those who were not exposed to report some sort of sexual dysfunction. Associate Professor of Department of Reproductive Sciences - Yale

But even though PETE (used in many plastic bottles) doesn’t contain BPA (as seen on 60 Minutes 9/6/2010), it does contain other chemicals called phthalates - which are also believed to be endocrine disruptors. Mindfood.com Like BPA, these chemicals leach into the water more quickly when the plastic is heated, so don’t leave these water bottles in a hot car or out in the sun. A potentially deadly toxin is being absorbed into bottled mineral

water from their plastic containers.

And the longer the water is stored, the levels of poison increase, research reveals.

There are enough warning signs to show the need to act sooner rather than later. There are growing concerns about bottled water in particular in plastic bottles. The safest option is stainless steel. Breastchek.co.nz

Jo Knowsley

Our findings suggest that exposure to low-dose BPA may have widespread effects on brain structure and function. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to classify BPA as safe, basing its ruling only on the findings of two industry-funded studies.

There are over 200 independent scientists, not in conflict financially with this chemical (BPA), saying we find it relating to obesity, prostate cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, brain disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, liver disease, ovarian disease, disease of the uterus, low sperm count for men and the list goes on. David Gutierrez Natural News After years of insisting Bisphenol-A (BPA) posed no threat to the health of babies, six larger manufacturers of baby bottles have announced they will stop shipping new baby bottles made with the chemical. Mike Adams, Natural News A 2007 review of 700 studies involving BPA, published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology, found that infants and foetuses were the most vulnerable to adverse effects from this toxic substance. C W Randolph, MD The researchers indicated that such damage is a possible predictor of reproductive diseases in women, including fibroids, endometriosis, cystic ovaries and cancers. Earlier studies linked low dose BPA to female reproductive-tract disorders, as well as early-stage prostate and breast cancer and decreased sperm counts in animals. Andreas Moritz In 2004, one researcher counted up all of the studies done to date on just BPA. Of 104 studies done by independent researchers, 94 found adverse effects.

Donna Jackson Nakazawa

The latest study showed that women with a history of miscarriages were found to have higher levels of BPA in their bodies. The women who had miscarriages were found to have BPA levels on average about three times higher than women who had successfully given birth. David Steinman

The National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health concluded that there is “some concern” that BPA may cause problems in foetuses, babies and children, including breast or prostate cancer early onset of female puberty, attention deficit disorder and other problems of the reproductive and neurological systems. David Gutierrez Bisphenol A is such a dangerous chemical that I have no doubt it will one day be banned from all food and beverage products. Frederick vom Saal The following are countries which have taken action against BPA - Canada, Denmark, Belgium and France - so far.

Those with the most BPA in their urine had nearly three times the risk of heart disease more than twice the risk of diabetes, as well as signs of liver damage.

Unfortunately, the levels of BPA that were associated with disease are within the EPA’s industry-friendly levels of safety.” Byron Richards The following research is by world expert Dr William Shotyk - who has vowed never to drink bottled water again - “I don’t want to shock people but here’s what I know: Antimony is being continuously released into bottled drinking water. The water in PET bottles is contaminated”.

Antimony finds its way into water by ‘leaching’ from the plastic in the same way that water absorbs flavour from a tea bag. Jo Knowsley If you have a baby that you are formula feeding, you are likely to be exposing your child to BPA through the formula itself, which is almost assuredly packaged in a BPA-lined can. Aaron Turpen In most countries, BPA is legal in food storage including baby bottles, containers and so forth. Very few companies are using BPA-free containers for anything. Aaron Turpen To see each of the quotes in full and the source please go to www.safebottles.co.nz

Call 0800 777 444, text SAFE to 244 or go to our website www.safebottles.co.nz to order your SafeBottle today P.S. There’s an iron-clad, lifetime money-back guarantee on all bottles.

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94 | December 2010/January 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The effects of plastic on the environment are already well documented...but what about the effects of plastic on our bodies?

Research is showing that under special circumstances, certain chemicals from plastic bottles and containers are able to leach into the water (or food) held within. One such culprit is a toxic chemical known as Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical with estrogen mimicking effects that is linked to obesity, diabetes, breast cancer and hyperactivity. Another two common toxic chemicals present in plastic bottles are antimony and phthalates.

Make a change for the better. Buy stainless steel BPA-free SafeBottles and reduce the impact of plastic on the environment and our bodies.

For more information and to see the full range of SafeBottles, please visit www.safebottles.co.nz or call our friendly team on 0800 777 444 or text SAFE to 244.

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