Central Today Magazine Issue #69

Issue 69 | June/July 2012

Field of dreams Playing host to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural show is not for the faint of heart, but new man at the helm, Jon Calder, is taking it in his stride 13-16 June

2012

Forests of fortune The rise and rise of our timber industry

Cultivating innovation How Fieldays has become an exhibition, competition and social networking event all rolled into one

The perfect storm Debt, austerity, low growth and high unemployment make for a gloomy forecast

Making your team click Tips and tricks to get your crew ticking like clockwork

THIS IS AN ADVERTISMENT

IF YOU’D SIGNED THIS PETITION 6 MONTHS AGO, I MIGHT STILL BE ALIVE. Christie Marceau, 18, died on 7th November 2011 in her mother’s arms.

The person charged with her murder was a 19 year old male.

We can only refer to him as ‘the accused’. The accused was granted interim aname suppression until 18th April 2012.

He was on bail at the time and was facing charges for kidnapping Christie just a couple of months before her death.

The judge gave the accused bail after what he had done, despite strong police opposition. It is said that the police showed the judge a Google map to illustrate he was placing the accused just 350m from Christie’s home.

Christie was terrified for her life.

It is alleged that when he turned up to Christie’s home early that morning, the accused brutally stabbed her. Christie bled to death in her mother’s arms.

The shock of Christie’s murder has resulted in an unprecedented public response and community action.

Since her death, Christie’s devastated parents, Tracey and Brian Marceau have been working with friends and the Sensible Sentencing Trust to launch the petition.

Christie’s Law petition was launched earlier this week on Monday, outside the High Court in Auckland. Over 1,000 people gathered to show their support.

Unfortunately, we can’t turn the clock back, but imagine if this petition had been around 6 months ago and we had got 500,000 signatures. The politicians and judges would have sat up and listened to the voice of the people.

Imagine if there was a public outcry because our bail laws have failed so many, like Augustine Borelle and Aalyagh Morrissey who was just a toddler. They too were murdered by violent offenders who were granted bail.

Let us not forget Vanessa Pickering.

The man who killed Vanessa was not long out of prison when he raped a woman only to be granted bail.

And now, there’s Christie.

Christie’s alleged killer has been charged with her murder, however Garth McVicar believes the judge’s decision placed the accused right back into our community and subsequently cost Christie her life. The judge has never been held responsible for his actions.

Our petition aims to change that and make judges accountable for their actions.

Judges are not above the law.

We believe New Zealanders have the right to be safe. The vulnerable have the right to be protected.

Did you know that 5,082 people were convicted for failing to answer Court bail orders in 2007? These are the latest figures supplied by the Minister of Justice after an Official Information Request. 1,313 of those people committed another crime while on bail. Christie is the latest victim.

If you believe something needs to be done about our failed bail laws, here is your chance, for Christie’s sake.

So what can you do to help?

MAKING CHANGES TO BAIL We are asking that police be given the power to appeal a judge’s decision to grant bail. This would automatically move the application to a higher court.

We want you to support making the following amendments to the Bail Act: • No bail for defendants with a criminal history for an offence involving violence, which attracts a sentence of two years or more linked to; • No bail for any person accused of an offence involving serious violence as defined in the three strikes legislation.

We also want you to support the reintroduction of meaningful bail bonds (not the current NO bond system that’s costing the tax payer over $300m per year): • NO bond, NO bail.

• An automatic and immediate inquiry after every serious bail breach, similar to a police inquiry after a police shooting.

• The views of the victims of any violent offence are given paramount consideration.

MAKING CHANGES TO JUDICIARY At present, judges are a law unto themselves.

There is no monitoring of them and they are not accountable for their decisions.

This petition calls for an annual, publicly available performance review of judges, with the right of public recall on those proven to be consistently below par or found guilty of exposing the public to undue risk.

5 ways to help Christie’s Law mean something 1. Sign the Christie’s Law Petition in the coupon.

2. Talk to your friends, business colleagues and talk to your children and family about Christie’s Law. 3. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/christieslaw 4. Please visit the site and download the petition and ask your staff to sign it.

Lead the way by signing it yourself.

5. Donate to Christie’s Law (see box below).

Please donate $20 to Christie’s Law. Simply call 0900 72 33 69 and your $20 donation will be made automatically – Thank you for your support and effecting change.

HSE 2350 Christie FP Today Mags.indd 1

CHRISTIE’S LAW Petition Help us change the Bail Act

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY By signing this petition we call on the House of Representatives to enact the following: Name: 1. Immediately amend bail legislation Signature: to help prevent similar tragedies from ever occurring again and Address: ensure public safety is of paramount consideration at all times.

2. Instigate an annual performance Email: review of judges with the right of public recall for those who expose Name: the public to undue risk.

Make your signature count 1. Fill out all sections on the petition.

2. Photocopy petition or download it online at www.christieslaw.co.nz if you need more.

3. Free post completed petitions to

Dr. Jackie Blue Member of Parliament FREE POST Parliament Buildings WELLINGTON

Signature: Address:

Email: Name: Signature: Address:

Email:

This advertisement has been authorised by Garth McVicar of the Sensible Sentencing Trust.

P.O. Box 701 Napier 4140.

5/03/12 1:50 PM

Contents

Features

Business

6 Editorial

13 Property

26 Exporting

Playing the reputation game

Olly Newland explains why commercial property investment is a better bet than residential

How Hawke’s Bay is looking to ramp up its export share

Strategic management for the modern company Issue 69

13,691

www.centraltoday.co.nz HEAD OFFICE Academy House 47B Birmingham Drive Middleton PO Box 1879 Christchurch

How important is having free WiFi when you travel?

Rebecca Harris

28 Agribusiness

14 Cover story Playing host to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural show is not for the faint of heart, but new man at the helm, Jon Calder, is taking it all in his stride

The Waikato Innovation Park’s mission to grow agriculture at home and abroad, how Winton Stock Feed takes care of the need for feed, and Irrigation Services’ ability to make water work

16 Cultivating innovation

31 Forestry

Agriculture’s big day out looks at the changing face of farming

It’s our third largest export earner, a vital component of Central’s economy and is now essential for national economic growth

18 The perfect storm

8 The mobile office

GENERAL MANAGER

The turbulent waters may have calmed and optimism is in the air, but with the Eurozone crisis refusing to abate, experts warn the worst may not be over

20 Making your team click

OPERATIONS MANAGER

9 Business online

Di Barclay

ADMINISTRATION Kylie Moore ADMIN MANAGER Kelly Clarke Kimberley Wells Judy Slater Tayla Brown

SALES & ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

Jonathon Taylor Corazon Miller Marie Sherry Karen Pasco

EDITOR

Ian Knott PRODUCTION MANAGER Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Pritchard DESIGNERS Jenna Day Jarred Shakespeare Janelle Pike

42 Transport and Motoring

9 Technology

21 What really works

Sweet sounds with Philips’ Fidelio iPod speaker dock

Eight management practices directly correlated with superior performance

Tracking the ins and outs of ABE Autobody Repairs, one of New Zealand’s leading importers and distributors of collision repair equipment

43 Focus

21 Awesomely simple

10 Working life How to stay positive and productive

John Spence’s book, Awesomely Simple, examines the key to business success

Hawke’s Bay seafood lovers can now purchase the freshest range of fish at Tangaroa Seafoods in Napier

10 Events diary

24 Local hot spots

44 Hospitality

A quick trip around the region to find great stays for all tastes

A childhood dream and a love of nature have resulted in Gisborne’s Millton Vineyards and Winery's bio-dynamic approach to producing organic wine. Full-bodied, feisty and finely aged - Meyer Gouda Cheese’s winning vintage comes of age

24

47 Goods & Services

ISSN 1174-9520 (Print) | ISSN 2230-4991 (Online)

www.magazinestoday.co.nz 4 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Out of the ashes of Christchurch and onto sturdier Hamiltonian ground, a family business, shoe repairer McCammon & Co, has been reborn

26 31

48 Property and Construction

03 940 4732 0800 555 054 production@academy.net.nz

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 2012 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

Prescott Trailers pulls ahead of the crowd, Waikato Cranes rises to any challenge and Central Directional Drilling’s part in rolling out ultrafast broadband to every home and business in New Plymouth and Wanganui

Should you blog on your company website?

03 961 5050 0800 555 054 editor@academy.net.nz

PRODUCTION

37 Initiatives

Tips and tricks to get your crew ticking like clockwork

Courses, events and seminars near you

NEWSROOM

Phone: Fax: Email:

Dispelling urban myths around trademarks

Keeping young workers on point

Gary Collins

Phone: Fax: Email:

7 Intellectual property

8 Human resources

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Grant Williams Rob Cochrane Melissa Kala Steve Dando Miranda Telfer Mogens Petersen Melissa Sinclair George Ziegler

7 Finance Savers and investors still getting it wrong

ABC circulation as at 31/12/11

in this issue...

Viewpoints

6 Management

Central Today

Issue 69 June/July 2012

14

Te Wharekura o Mauao is the first fullimmersion Maori secondary school in Tauranga - a project of significance on various levels and Marra Construction was the company charged with putting all the pieces together

Competition guidelines Conditions of entry: One entry only per person and must be sent on the official entry form or as otherwise stated. Entry is free and open to all residents of New Zealand. All entrants must be over the age of 18, proof of identity and date of birth may be requested.

Employees and their immediate families of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication are ineligible to enter. Winner(s) will be notified by email/phone. The judges’ decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. No responsibility is accepted for late, lost or misdirected mail. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever suffered (including but not limited to direct or consequential loss) or personal injury suffered or sustained, during the course of prize winning travel or in connection with any other prizes won. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication accept no responsibility for health, luggage, insurances, travel, personal expenses and transfers other than specified. Entries remain the property of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication and cannot be returned. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication reserves the right to photograph and publish winners. Entries may be used for further marketing purposes by Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication but are not made available to any third party.

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Viewpoint | Editorial/Management

Strategic management for the modern company

The reputation game

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

By Jonathon Taylor, editor for Magazines Today

As a bit of a cricketing tragic, I followed the career of Chris Cairns with interest. When he called time on his international career, I doubt anyone questioned that, when on the park, he’d done anything other than give his all. So when I heard his name associated with match fixing I damn near fell off me chair!

It was a radio report on the libel action Cairns took, and won, against Indian Premier League founder Lalit Modi for a 2010 Twitter comment suggesting Cairns fixed matches in the ICL Twenty20 competition. Cairns’ case was that the allegation was ‘’wholly untrue’’ and a libel which would destroy what he had achieved in a 20 year career if uncorrected.

Without exception, everyone I’ve spoken to about this trial had no idea in the world Cairns had been accused of match fixing - until he began formally defending himself.

Now you can’t blame a man for defending his reputation, especially if he’s convinced he’s been wronged, but if the defence does more damage to your reputation than the initial insult then you have to ask if it’s the wisest course of action.

The general consensus on defamation cases is that there are simply no winners; both sides end up with slurred reputations due to the nature of the trial being one big slagging match.

But if you throw enough mud, eventually some will stick and in the finest traditions of ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’ Cairns’ defamation suit brought to light a Pandora’s Box of goodies.

The public airing of these accusations and insinuations did illustrate one thing very clearly - if you want to protect your good name, there’s probably no worse way to do so than with a libel suit.

If all things go well, as they did for Cairns, you win the case and get given some money for the damages incurred. But this doesn’t even come close to repairing the damage your reputation has taken, ironically, during the case taken to protect that reputation.

In his attempt to defend his name, Cairns damaged himself to a far greater extent than Modi ever did.

The other aspect is just how easy it is to overstep the mark. The online world may have given a voice to any and all, but it pays to think before you tweet, because once your words are out there, there’s no taking them back.

If someone’s really managed to tear your nightie, then the temptation to take an online swipe at them is near on irresistible, as it offers an instant retort to a perceived wrong.

But before you start gleefully hurling globs of invective, take a deep breath, step away from the keyboard and consider that you may well be held accountable for your comments.

Also these kinds of comments generally reveal more about you than they do of your subject. So either way, you’re more than likely to come out second best when you play the reputation game.

From former Indian Cricket League anticorruption officer Howard Beer saying he had “no doubts” Cairns was involved in match-fixing, to four former team mates who testified to Cairns’ guilt, and the $100,000 paid into a Dubai bank account in 2008 for work with a rough-diamond trader’s business for which Cairns could produce no documentation.

Strategic planning and management has moved from highly analytical operations to that of using a more inclusive, creative, thinking process that actively engages all stakeholders and individuals within the company.

This move recognises that people who are actively involved in the business and care about their organisation, can and do make valuable contributions to planning the company’s future.

The essential principle of strategic planning remains the same – it is about making choices – between cost and or quality. Its whole purpose is to equip companies with a process to better make those choices.

The objectives are to find, develop and leverage competitive advantages that will enhance and sustain a company’s position and long term viability.

In their book ‘Exploring Corporate Strategy’ Johnson and Scholes say that strategic decisions are concerned with:

Don’t just plan – think The traditional methods of developing strategy have been usually led from the top i.e. CEO down and fewer considerations were made to those people below line management positions.

The CEO has overall responsible for strategy formulation and must be able to see the big picture and take a longer range, broader business perspective.

My advice to CEOs is; step back from the day-to-day tactical details of the business and focus on the “why”, not just the “what” and “how”.

CEOs should encourage information flow and strategic conversations. This can be done through regular briefing meetings, staff training and development, encouraging communication and creating an organisational culture that embraces teamwork and co-operation.

Always start with a clear statement of the organisation’s objectives so that provides the necessary focus to direct efforts and resist distractions or unnecessary digressions.

Strategies must be developed from insights, foresight, considering scenarios of what is • The matching of organisation’s activities to and what might be… trends, fresh ideas, its environment creativity, and intuitive hunches.

• The matching of its activities to its Organisations that actively involve their resource capability people in the process of strategic planning • The allocation and or reallocation of major will create a team with a greater ability and resources in an organisation agility to change and adapt.

• The scope of organisation’s activities

• The values, expectations and goals of those influencing strategy

An immediate benefit will be in achieving a unified acceptance of the action plans.

• The direction the organisation will move in Secondly your colleagues will know you value their opinions and ideas. the long term • Implications for change throughout the organisation – they are therefore likely to be complex in nature Strategic planning is actually deciding on which strategy is best for the organisation to adopt, planning how that strategy can be put in to effect.

There is a link – good ideas, planning and prompt implementations do lead to increased profitability. The ability to predict and control your business future is a prize worth chasing.

Strategic management is the doing – actually making the plan happen.

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6 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Viewpoints | Finance/IP

Savers and investors still getting it wrong Alan Clarke is an authorised financial adviser with 24 years experience in the finance sector

It is well known, or should be, that successful savers and investors “buy in gloom and sell in boom”. Yet right now fear abounds, with too many Kiwisavers in cash funds and investors are scurrying to their banks, or sticking their money under the bedcovers.

The question is - why would you invest outside cash or banks? The answer is probably “needs must”. A conservative to balanced portfolio over time is likely to make two percent more per year than a deposit at a bank.

So $100,000 at two percent pa more than cash/bank equals $2,000 pa.

Not much?

What about $2,000 pa over 20 years equals $40,000 more than cash in a bank! Most people, especially when retired, need this extra return.

Some people prefer do-it-yourself, but research shows that DIY investors in the US from 1998 to 2008 made 3.9 percent pa, whereas holding the top 500 shares (the S&P 500) made nine percent pa (Dalbar Research). That’s right, by just holding the market, some investors made double what the active DIY investor made.

Research indicates that no one can consistently forecast markets, exchange rates, economic events, or pick shares/ stocks. There are plenty of people around who infer that they can, with glossy brochures and sometimes lots of (not so easy to see) fees.

and Italy have been able to borrow at lower interest rates than in late 2011, a sign that the big institutions and lenders think things are getting better.

In the US data shows signs of a turnaround with an improvement in employment, manufacturing orders and a climb in consumer confidence. In addition US companies and many others around the world reacted to the global credit crunch by cutting every cost they could. It is of course Europe that is scaring everyone. Will Europe solve its problems? The general consensus seems to be that Europe will muddle through.

Just as it would be wrong to assume all is now fine in the global economy, investors would have been just as wrong to listen to the media in December and January, and miss out on the good opening returns in 2012.

However a prudent person might say “I want to feel my way rather than jumping in” - fair comment.

There is a simple strategy that every investor can use - “dollar cost averaging”.

Invest progressively at say $200, $500, $5,000 per month, or $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 every three months. Lots of variations of this strategy can be used.

Every investor should, at the outset, establish his or her risk profile and then use an asset allocation (the proportions of bonds to shares) and stick to it. A conservative to balanced investor might be 60 percent in bonds and 40 percent in shares.

Summary • Most of us need a higher return from our money, and much more diversification too

2012 forecasts and reality

• Don’t wait for good times, and pay dearly.

Be prudent and “average in”

The general view expressed by the media in December and January was “buckle up, 2012 promises scant comfort for investors”.

Yet markets in 2012 opened strongly.

• Properly structured savings and investments can also double as emergency funds

Why such a good start? Europe can hardly be described as being out of the woods, but various creditor agreements over Greece has eased nerves. Recently Spain

• Beware of advice driven by commissions • Long term Kiwisaver members should look at moving to a growth or balanced portfolio.

Dispelling urban myths around trademarks Angela Searle is a trademark attorney for Trade Mark Intelligence who works with both SMEs and global corporations

Your trademark is potentially one of your most valuable business assets – the ability to use it, unimpeded, is something many of us take for granted. Yet, if you have not registered your trade mark – your brand name, then you leave yourself wide open for someone else to swipe it from underneath you. In this article I will shed light on some of the myths and misconceptions that exist around trademarks.

I have heard that you get rights to a trade mark through use – so why should I go to the effort of registering a trademark?

Yes, you do get rights to a trademark through use, if you can demonstrate that you have built a reputation under that name or mark. The question is – what is a reputation? How far does it extend? And how can you prove it? It’s a subjective argument and one that will cost you a huge amount of money to fight if someone else comes in and uses or registers a mark the same or similar.

For example, you could be a Christchurch company trading for many years, servicing the local community - if a Dunedin company started to use or registered the same trademark, they probably can, as your reputation probably is not a strong one in other parts of South Island. If you have registered your name, then you have a certificate proving your nationwide exclusivity to that mark.

Does a trademark registration allow me to stop someone using a similar trademark – or just the identical mark?

The answer is based around whether a consumer would be deceived or confused by the same/similar mark. Similarity comes in two guises – in simple terms, the first is around the marks’ visual, phonetic and conceptual similarity. The other is around the goods or services to which the marks are applied.

If another trader used a phonetically similar mark, then you probably would be able to stop them.

I own a successful bakery in a small community. I am the only one in town and I trade under the name ‘The Bakery’.

Can I trademark that name?

Every trademark must distinguish a service or product from those provided by other traders. Because the word bakery is a descriptive and generic term, you cannot register it and prevent others using it.

You also cannot register as a trademark a geographical location, common surnames or superlatives, such as beautiful, best or greatest. For example, you could not register Whangarei Bakery, Smiths’ Bakery or The Freshest Bakery.

To uniquely distinguish your product or service from others, invented words can be used or standard words that have no relationship to the goods/services. So in the example of the bakery, by adding an invented word into the title – let’s say Breagal Bakery, or ordinary words such as Blue Skies Bakery, you would then have a distinctive mark to register.

I can register a trademark myself – why would I use a lawyer?

Do you file your own tax returns? Would you write your own will? Registering a mark is the same. Yes you can do it, but it’s a case of you don’t know what you don’t know. If you get it wrong, you might not know until someone challenges you or tries to steal your mark out from under you…they might even succeed!

Many self-filers also go wrong by defining their goods/services too narrowly, therefore not allowing them scope to expand the breath of their goods or services being provided under their existing mark – or by filing an application to register a logo, whereas they would obtain much stronger protection if just the word mark was registered.

Registering your mark is like insurance – it protects your good name. The name you have worked hard to establish. A professional puts you in the strongest possible position, now and into the future.

INTELLIGENT FLEET LEASING AND MANAGEMENT Call 0800 743 5338 or visit www.sgfleet.co.nz

www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 7

Viewpoints | HR/The Mobile Office

Keeping young workers on point

Free WiFi when you travel how important is it?

Eva-Maria is an author and certified coach who specialises in the relationships between adults and teenagers

With the start of the year, many companies would have acquired a number of younger employees.

The bad news is they will only keep getting younger as they come into your industry. The good news is that this generation can be one of the easiest to deal with… when you know how to.

The fact they are younger means they can be quicker at doing tasks, because of one key element: their energy.

Many employers I’ve talked to credit quality and pace of work of younger employees to the energy, they have to keep going. The question is: how can you find this potential energy, and gear it towards meeting your workplace’s goals and work load?

Here are a few thoughts around how you can keep the company’s younger employees’ productivity intact over the year.

Set targets Many times, I consult with companies where their younger people are under-utilised because they can sometimes perform and adapt new skills faster than other employees.

In the past, perhaps you’ve noticed some of them ‘slacking off’ while they claim all their work is ‘finished’, or they’re ‘on track’.

Have a look to see they in fact have enough work. Boredom can set in easily for young people and they won’t be the ones to come to you to ask for more tasks. Young people of today think in achievement milestones, rather than time. So, instead of sticking to the ‘you need to be working X hours on this project’, give them milestones they can achieve.

Get them on-board At your next team meeting, present the targets and results you want to achieve before your yearly quarter, or before a given number of months is up, and get everyone’s buy-in to get it done as individuals and as a team.

Young people’s competitiveness may set in to do jobs faster and as long as it’s friendly, you will be amazed at how much productivity can go up. It’s a culture you can put in throughout the year, and it’s a win-win because it gives young people not only motivation to work towards goals, but a chance for them to belong to a team, meaning less chances of them dropping the ball – because they want to get the year over and done with! Turn the working year into a time-frame to pump out the most work.

Keep the discipline intact, but allow leeway Don’t give staff the special treatment all day just because you ‘understand’ they’re busy with their social/family lives/commitments.

Work is work, so make sure you’re sticking to the rules (or a Code of Conduct you might have in your office) that everyone is aware of.

Like a common parenting principle, if you don’t stick to the rule you set once, your kids are more likely to keep bending the rules because they think they can get away with it.

Having said that, if you can allow for some extra leeway during the year, give these as rewards for target achievement, or recognition. An example could be, to give them an extra 10 or 15 minutes lunch break. It might sound simple, but they will appreciate the ‘gift’.

Gareth Pearce heads the Development of New Zealand owned online reservation service Ezibed. Founded in 2003, Ezibed provides last minute discounts and deals on accommodation throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands

In just over 10 years the way we conduct business has dramatically changed and we are now connected to our offices in a way never seen before – and not because we want too, but mostly because we are now easily able to.

Laptops, smart phones and tablets are now all a part of our lives – both within the office and outside of it. Whether it’s sunning ourselves on the beach, skiing on the mountain, or travelling from city to city for work, we can be connected to our work lives 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There is no switching off - and this need to be connected has become infectious.

Long gone are the days where you clocked off from work at 5pm, went home to see your partner and kids, had a family dinner then sat down to watch TV for the rest of the night. Or even if you were travelling, knock off time meant a visit to the bar to meet fellow travellers. The following morning you read the morning paper over coffee then the daily work started all over again. Oh how things have changed.

Today our lives are consumed by a need to have access to television, movies, communication, and business tools wherever we are in the world – and at any time. Due to technology, rarely do we log out at 5pm as we used to.

With the ability to now access our work from a multitude of devices, comes the need to be connected where ever we are. And for those that frequently travel for work, staying in accommodation that allows you to connect at low cost has become increasingly important.

Last year, Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel review website, conducted the Traveller Survey in the US and the results showed that being connected to the internet is very important; especially when we are away from our homes or the office. And it now appears that being connected to the internet has become an expectation.

In years past when we travelled, a free breakfast included in your booking was the reason travellers chose a hotel or even a few points on the loyalty card, but today savvy travellers are willing to forgo these benefits merely for the opportunity to be connected.

The Tripadvisor survey results showed 88 percent of travellers expected Wi-Fi Internet access to be free of charge in all lodging types. But is the accommodation sector actually delivering the needs of today’s traveller? In most cases the answer is no.

Many hotels today are still locked into contracts with internet providers that initially charged excessive installation costs or hotels find that charging guests for internet use is an ideal way of increasing revenues, especially when occupancies are down and profits too. But unbeknown to hoteliers, 41 percent of travellers have never paid for Wi-Fi Internet access.

Sixty five percent of travellers said they have used free Wi-Fi Internet in an accommodation’s lobby or common areas to avoid paying for in-room access. But are hotels catering to the needs of today’s traveller? Mostly not, but it is changing. It can be the thing that will make or break a booking for you – some people will actually go to a higher priced property to avoid WiFi charges simply as a point of principle.

Many people think that charging for reasonable Wi-Fi access is just gouging. Not for excessive downloading, but enough access to check their emails and visit a few web sites for local info, to make bookings, check the weather and news etc. Pretty low data amounts.

Maybe it is time that more lodging types review whether to offer free Wi-Fi to you – right throughout their complexes. Maybe we are close to having both common area and in-room access both free of charge?

Accommodation operators are now starting to realize that it might just be the factor that gets you into their property instead of the one down the road that only offers the free turndown service.

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0800 777 444 | www.safebottles.co.nz | service@safebottles.co.nz 8 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Also at Field Days in Bledisloe site 33

Viewpoints | Business Online/Technology

Should I have a blog on my website?

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

This is a common conundrum so the aim of this column is to put forward the case as to why having a blog on your website is important to your business.

A blog provides you and your business with an opportunity to share your expertise and knowledge of your industry and your product/service. It is a good way to gain and enhance your trustworthiness and credibility to existing and potential customers.

It can also be used as a way of providing news about your company or general news about your industry.

Blogging really is a great way to interact and engage with your customers and potential customers online. If you send out newsletters a good idea is to add some introduction text to your blog topic and then link to your website so that it can be read in full.

Allow the ability for people to add comments to your blog as this just increases customer engagement.

The other reason why it is important to have a blog on your site is because it helps with the visibility of your website in search engines such as Google. Basically, search engines love fresh content on a site and monitor the frequency of content updates.

This means having a blog is a great way to have regular, new content showing on your site.

Having quality and informative blog entries also means that you increase your likelihood of building backlinks to the blog itself. And this, from a search engine optimisation perspective, is an all important part of helping to make your site more visible to search engines.

If you do have a blog, or decide to integrate one into your website, it is important to blog regularly – once a month at a minimum. Of course this can raise time issues for busy business people, so, rather than take on the task yourself, why not ask other staff members to contribute to the blog as well.

When writing a blog try and remember to include keywords - these are the words that people are likely to use when looking for your product or service online. This will help with allowing your blog to show in search results for relevant search queries.

Is social media worth the effort?

Thousands of companies have jumped aboard the social media movement, as it allows you to reach out and engage with a wider audience than you perhaps could with offline forms of marketing. This in turn can help with driving more business. Think of it as the modern day version of ‘word-ofmouth’.

Friends or followers are easily able to give feedback on products or services and feedback is valuable to a business. If it’s bad feedback you can work to fix the problem, if it’s good you can thank people accordingly.

There are so many people in New Zealand and across the world that you might not normally have the opportunity to reach out to. Social media allows businesses to do this relatively easily through a few simple Facebook posts or Tweets.

Great customer service is key to creating a great company. If someone expresses a problem with a product or service via social media platforms, you can engage with them in real time to try and resolve the issue, before too much bad ‘word of mouth’ gets out.

Businesses need to be aware of what is happening in their industry and what competitors are doing - social media allows you to track the competition.

Getting started on social media may be quite daunting at first but it can soon become fun and develop into an integral part of your marketing plan.

Sweet Sounds

Ian Knott has been commentating on various forms of technology for the last 16 years. He’s had columns on gadgets, gaming, computing and digital entertainment in many newspapers, magazines and websites in New Zealand and overseas.

The iPod speaker dock market is a saturated one to say the least.

A glance in any garden-variety electronics store will see a bevy of low-end speakers designed for teenager’s bedrooms and glorified alarm clock-radios for the bedsides of the more technologically savvy grown-ups among us.

The central gap also has a specific purpose apart from somewhere for your toddler to feed Matchbox cars and half-eaten biscuits.

It reduces interference between the left and right speakers, which in turn are covered by a standard black mesh. The front of the unit has proximity sensitive volume buttons that light up blue when a hand comes close to them and a spring-loaded, standard iPod connection. IPods or iPhones slot straight on to the connector, even with cases or bumpers attached, and will charge while playing your music.

But what about the higher-end of the market? I stop short of mentioning ‘audiophiles’ at this point, because a true ‘audiophile’ would shiver in their turtleneck sweater while hiding behind their purposebuilt rack system at the thought of listening to an MP3, let alone a speaker dock.

The DS9000 also accommodates iPads, and they look quite impressive, but attaching them isn’t an easy feat due to the curvature of the iPad’s edge where the charging port is. It takes a bit of patience to hold the spring-loaded connector forward while you slot the iPad onto it.

No, I’m talking about decent quality and stylish hardware that caters for those of us who love the convenience and portability of our digital music collection and want to utilise the content of our iDevice around home, for parties and chilling out on hazy Sunday mornings.

While you don’t need it, there is a free downloadable app, DockStudio, which acts as an interface while your iDevice is attached. You can control your music and it will also display a clock and the local weather.

Philips might not be a brand that one might automatically gravitate to when it comes to audio equipment, but from a personal standpoint I can’t honestly say that I’ve ever had a Philips product break down on me or fail to live up to promises or expectations.

Philips has a new range of eye-catching (or should that be iCatching) speaker docks.

The big kahuna of the Philips Fidelio range is the DS9000 – and an impressive looking, and performing piece of kit it is too. The DS9000 is meant to be on display in your lounge – it’s a conversation starter, yet effortlessly blends in with any décor.

The smooth, wooden rear is made using a process called ‘veneer lamination’ which forms multiple layers of lacquered plywood together to produce a stiff and weighty structure, reducing any internal vibration.

The rounded shape also eliminates any internal sound reflection. Precisely tuned bass pipes at the rear deliver tight bass performance at any volume level.

The DS9000 can envelop a room in balanced and detailed sound with impressive ease.

The high-grade passive crossovers between its dual 25mm tweeters and 100mm mid/ bass-drivers eliminate any distortion, even at organ-liquefying volume levels.

Strangely enough, the DS9000 does not support Bluetooth audio streaming like the other models in the Fidelio range, which seems out of place with the common ethos that the top-end product should include every possible feature. It’s not a dealbreaker though. The unit comes with a nicely crafted remote control that allows full control of any feature, but iPod Touches, iPhones and iPads will require the DockStudio app for this to work.

At $699.95, the DS9000 is up there in terms of luxury items, but as an alternative to an expensive component system and for pure convenience without sacrificing too much quality, this, along with the whole Fidelio range, is hard not to recommend.

Another tip is to try not to include too much jargon or industry terminology, particularly if your target audience is not likely to understand what you are talking about.

Writing for your audience is very important.

If you include reference to your products or services, then you should include a link to the relevant section of your website so readers can find out more.

If you do decide to have a blog on your site and follow the above tips the results will speak for themselves. www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 9

Viewpoints | Working life

News | Events Diary

Emotional-health goals must be your priority Dr Mary Casey is the founder and CEO of the Casey Centre, a leading integrated health and education service

Events diary What’s happening on the business and entertainment front MONDAY JUNE 4

A healthier diet and regular exercise are arguably the most common personal aspirations, but improving your emotional and mental health shouldn’t be ignored, because exercise, diet and other tangible goals are then easier to meet.

The reason we make resolutions in the first place is to be happier, more creative, more aware of our direction in life and improve our sense of wellbeing. Arguably the largest obstacles to these are negative emotional states.

Negative emotions are hugely toxic to our health. It’s now commonly accepted that holding onto stress, resentment, anger and fear for years at a time can lead to a myriad of health problems, including high blood pressure, thyroid diseases, hair loss and heart disease. In fact, it has become accepted by health professionals that most diseases in some way have a stress-related component. It’s surprising, then, that more of us don’t focus on improving our state of mind.

My top seven resolutions for 2012 1. Prioritise your happiness and health.

It’s important to decide for your health and happiness as number one. As simple as it sounds, if you don’t have these, you are not in a position to contribute to others or yourself. Everything stems from here.

2. Spend more time with the right people.

Rather than resolving to spend more time with everyone – which can be exhausting – spend time with people who are naturally positive and uplifting, and who are going in the direction you want to go in. You’ll find these people have an energising effect on you.

3. Deal with toxic relationships.

You can identify relationships by the way they make you feel. Stand your ground, set

your boundaries and make it clear to them what behaviour you won’t accept – even with family. You may need to disengage altogether from particularly toxic people.

Your health will thank you for it.

4. Reassess your happiness at work.

This is must for those in negative work culture that’s leaving them feeling overworked, uncertain of their future, anxious or stressed. It’s important to know that as an employee you can address the issue with your manager. If you know you can’t, it may be time to look for a healthier work environment.

5. Review your daily routine.

It takes courage to admit there are decisions we ourselves make that deflate us emotionally – from accepting a job with a long work commute, to running around too much, to not giving ourselves enough ‘down’ time every day, to spending too much and putting ourselves in financial stress. By resolving to develop a strategy to solve them, you can be in an entirely different place by the end of 2012. And you’ll be glad for it.

6. Don’t let any negative emotions control you.

Negative emotions – however small – can overwhelm anything positive. Resolve to develop awareness of when you’re feeling upset or frustrated before it spoils your day.

Examine what can you do personally to make yourself feel better? Each time you begin to feel down, take a walk in the park or go out in the sun to help centre you.

Nature and movement nurture positive emotions.

7. Strengthen your relationships.

Deep and meaningful relationships, not just with your life partner, but with all those close to you, are important for a fulfilling life. Make a list of all the factors you need for a meaningful relationship, identify what you do not want, and stick to your guns.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic vs Southern Steel – Hamilton Watch the round 10 match of the 2012 ANZ Championship between the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and the Southern Steel. Silver Ferns, Laura Langman, Irene van Dyk, Leana De Bruin, Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick and Casey Williams are amongst the mix of strong players making up this year’s Magic team.

For more information go to www.eventfinder.co.nz

TUESDAY JUNE 5 Opera Showcase – University of Waikato, Hamilton In this enticing showcase are some of New Zealand’s up and coming young artists presenting Benjamin Britten’s The Little Sweep under the direction of Dame Malvina Major and Glenese Blake. It’s a night not to be missed. For more information contact music@waikato.ac.nz or go to www.waikato.ac.nz

WEDNESDAY JUNE 6 Preparing a Compelling and Effective Pitch - Waikato Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton Whether you are preparing to secure funding, looking for distributors or business partners or simply wanting to improve your sales presentation, this workshop is for you.

Learn how to craft a compelling brand story that sells, tailor your pitch to the audience and all about delivery platforms. You will come out of this seminar being able to effectively convey your business to potential clients. For more information go to www.waikatochamber.co.nz

National Agricultural Fieldays – Mystery Creek, Hamilton This event is the largest agribusiness exhibition in the southern Hemisphere, held over four days every June. The current exhibition space is over 40 hectares boasting over 1,000 exhibitors on 1400 sites. For more information go to www.fieldays.co.nz

MONDAY, JUNE 18 Your Future in Farming; How to Maximise Profit - National Bank Workshop, New Plymouth An ideal workshop for farm workers considering contract or sharemilking who want to know how to achieve financial success and avoid cashflow surprises along the way.

Learn how to manage your budget to keep costs under control and maximise revenue.

For more information visit www.businessresourcecentre.co.nz

SUNDAY, JULY 1 Soundshell Market - Rotorua This lakefront market features plenty to see and lots to buy. With both indoor and outdoor stalls, there’s sure to be something for everyone in a relaxing, friendly environment.

For more information visit www.rotoruaNZ.com

TUESDAY, JULY 10 Introduction to Business Seminar - Inland Revenue, New Plymouth This seminar is ideal for anyone new to business. Learn about working smarter with the IRDs online services, business structures, income tax, expenses you can claim, GST and more. To book or find out more email advisory.newplymouth@ird.govt.nz

MONDAY, JUNE 11 Creating a Business Plan – National Bank Workshop, Hawke’s Bay This half day workshop at the Silky Oak Chocolate Events Centre in Taradale, is designed for business owners who want help with establishing or re-establishing a clear direction for themselves and their business. It specifically covers defining and creating a business plan that provides an essential map to get you to your business destination. For more information visit www.businessresourcecentre.co.nz

www.facebook.com/TaupoYouthtown

Check out Youthtown’s holiday and term programmes

10 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

WEDNESDAY JUNE 13-16

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1 Relationship Building in the Global Market – EMA, Tauranga In international trade the secret is to get the door to open. This only happens after you have forged a relationship. Learn a range of strategies for opening the door to allow you to build influential global business relationships.

For more information visit www.ema.co.nz/events

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News | Property

Putting in the groundwork

Commercial property, the alternative to residential

I have always been surprised by how some people react when I suggest they should investigate commercial property investment because it provides a very a good alternative to residential investment.

It’s “too complicated” they say. Or “too hard to understand” is another common response, as well as fear of vacancies with a consequent loss of income.

Yes, I agree, residential property is the more “liquid” of the two forms of investment, but successful residential investment is, in my view, the hardest subject to master by a country mile.

We all know the advantages of residential property and they are persuasive, that has to be said, but let me give you some of the disadvantages — just for the sake of the argument.

The main problem with residential is that it’s “political” in every sense of the word. From one day to the next there is a steady drum beat criticising those who own or invest in residential property. The media run one story after another on overcrowding, shortage of rentals, rising rents, unfair profits and lately pressure to introduce a capital gains tax or reduce so-called “tax rorts”.

It’s no wonder that there is a growing rental crisis and increasing homelessness, all aided and abetted by the recent tax disadvantages which have, as expected, had the exact opposite effect from what was intended.

All this was predicted by me for over a year or more. And let me quietly tell you something else, in the strictest confidence. As the rental crisis grows, especially with the approach of winter, be prepared for more headlines and yet more controls on residential rents. You have been warned.

On the subject of capital gains tax, I have yet to see a skerrick of evidence showing what a capital gains tax would achieve. Yes, it does exist in other countries but such taxes did absolutely nothing to stop runaway property booms (and busts) in the USA, Europe or Australia, just to name a few.

In the news at present time, we learn about the troubles in Spain and Greece where the foreclosures (mortgagee sales in our parlance)

are staggering and getting worse by the minute.

Spain already has a capital gains tax. To call it complex is a gross understatement. Or how about Greece, where matters are just as bad? They too have a capital gains tax, but it will likely only create tax credits for years to come. The call for a capital gains tax in this country is supposedly to encourage investors to put their spare funds into “more productive investments”. But again, I am still waiting to hear what, exactly, these more productive assets are.

Another problem with residential property as a landlord is the bothersome control over the market by bureaucracy and the well meaning but cumbersome Tenancy Tribunal. I would be the first to agree that tenants need some form of protection, and we probably do need some form of third party control by way of a tribunal, but the system should allow tenants and landlords to agree to opt out of the system if both parties so choose.

Why should expensive homes, for instance, be subject to government control in regard to bonds or rents? Parties to high-end properties hardly need a government watch-dog to breathe down their necks. And what law applies in the case where a property is rented out fully-furnished as many are? The current bond limitation is totally inadequate to cover damage in this instance.

There’s no doubt that, if done correctly and with due diligence and forethought, residential investment can be very profitable mainly because it’s (supposedly) understandable, easy to finance with the aid of mortgages and is happily used by banks as security when advancing other loans especially for further residential investments or business use. But there are great advantages for those who make the effort to understand commercial property.

The upsides Commercial property has become far more popular in recent years and rightly so for the following reasons: (a) There are no controls from any outside body so long as parties act reasonably. (b) You can charge whatever rent and whatever terms you and your tenant mutually agree upon. (c ) You can ask for any bond you like — again as may be mutually agreed upon. (d) You can evict bad tenants rapidly under

Olly Newland

Property Consultant Impartial, expert guidance

For an obligation-free session with Olly, call: 0800 66 22 80 12 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

the terms of the lease with little or no outside interference. (e) The only control that exists is the lease that is agreed between you and the tenant and that can be varied as when it suits. (f) Depreciation allowances are often higher than on residential especially for fittings and fixtures.

Even more importantly, depending on the lease, your commercial tenant pays for all the out-goings as well, such as rates, water and insurance. Commonly these are spelt out in the lease (i.e. a net lease) but if not then these costs are built into the rent (i.e. a gross lease). Either way, the tenant pays, which makes your returns that much better.

A few years ago the traditional return on the average commercial property (whether retail, office or industrial) was around 10 percent.

For example a property valued at $500,000 would pay a net rental of $50,000 per annum after payment of all outgoings. Over the past few years this return has fallen dramatically, to as low as five percent plus. I suspect it will go even lower for prime properties in the future. In other words, lower and lower yields mean that investors are paying more and more to buy a certain income stream.

Where the net income is $50,000, investors could now well be prepared to pay almost twice as much as before, especially if the property was good. At a 5.5 percent yield the same property would be worth over $900,000.

Not a bad return if you play your cards right - and a darn sight easier than slogging away with a bunch of slum properties filled with druggies and misfits. The trick is to find commercial property which can genuinely be “improved” so that is goes up in value - no matter what inflation or deflation are doing.

A little study and perseverance can find these deals and often such value increases can be achieved in short order with little more than a stroke of a pen.

My team and I recently assisted a client buying a run-down block of shops. With a little expense, and our constant advice we pushed the value up from $1.4 million (being the purchase price) to an estimated value if $2 million - all done within six months from date of purchase and while collecting the rent at the same time. And just to prove the point that it wasn’t just wishful thinking on our part, this particular block was on-sold at auction for $1.95 million which was just a whisker under its estimated value.

By Olly Newland

These sales are further compelling evidence that prices have moved strongly upwards as compared with the more traditional values of a few years ago. They are a harbinger of things to come.

To me and others who follow the commercial market these results are truly astounding, but interestingly, so far there hasn’t been a peep about this in the media.

If residential sales results showed similar rises in values in today’s financial climate the headlines would be screaming and the calls would be coming in thick and fast to introduce new taxes and other “disincentives” (i.e. punishments) for investors who dare make such gains.

Interestingly, the prices obtained are not that far away from those achieved for average residential properties in the Auckland region (slum-boxes excepted), but as the subject is commercial, it has no sex appeal and it’s therefore not a headline grabber.

“Commercial Property Prices Rise Dramatically” will never be found on page three of any newspaper. That’s fine for us in the business, thank you very much. We prefer it that way actually.

There are more such deals out there just waiting to be found as many commercial property owners are still asleep at the wheel.

Before long investors will wake up to what is happening — so now is the time to start learning all about the subject.

If you are tired of the stress that residential tenants can give — not to mention poor returns, mounting repairs or vexatious complaints — then the commercial property market is just the right place for you.

You could become a part of this very fascinating multi-billion dollar investment niche — an area where big profits can be quietly made providing you know what you are looking for and obtain a good working knowledge in conjunction with impartial advice.

With more than 45 years in the property game, Olly Newland provides a consulting and mentoring service for people committed to make serious progress with property investments.

Whether it be buying, selling, holding or troubleshooting. If you’re interested in knowing more, visit Olly’s webpage at www.ollynewland.co.nz

Get skilled advice on residential and commercial property investment from Olly Newland, reknowned property expert, author & Authorised Financial Advisor.

Purchasing, selling & managing property.

‘No problems - only solutions.’

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Cover Story

Field of dreams Hosting the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural show, would to the faint-hearted be a mountainous task, but the new man at the helm plays the hefty workload down, taking it all in his casual stride.

Waikato businessman, husband and fatherof-two, Jon Calder, donned his new hardhat as CEO of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society this January.

But there has been barely a moment for Jon to settle into his new chair at the Waikatobased Mystery Creek Event Centre, before he has had to charge full steam ahead into preparations for the annual New Zealand National Fieldays event.

Corazon Miller talks to Jon about juggling life with work and his plans for the future.

A new phase of life It’s undeniably an exciting transition for Jon, who is enjoying living and working full-time in his home region. “The lifestyle in the Waikato is just fantastic for both business and for living.

“I was attracted to apply for the position, as I wanted to be a part of an iconic organisation in the Waikato. I was excited about the potential life I could see in both the centre and the events it held.”

Past positions • 2009 – 2012: NZ Bus, Central Region (Auckland): General Manager • 2007 – 2009: Air New Zealand: Manager International Cargo Operations • 2001 – 2007: Eagle Air; Air New Zealand: Manager Airline Operations

In a sense Jon was coming home, though he’d been living in the Waikato, working in Auckland meant he had been doing a longer than average commute between cities and was living in Auckland three days a week. Now the commute has been cut to a considerably smaller 12 minutes, but Jon says he has continued to have a full-plate – though admittedly in a different way.

Work life balance

• 1998 – 2001: Air New Zealand: Senior Operations Controller

When asked how he manages to balance work and life, he laughs, “My wife doesn’t think I’ve mastered it yet.” But he is quick to add his wife is more than supportive of his career and it is her who helps to keep his feet on the ground, “she keeps me level”.

Jon says one way he tries to burn off the stress is by integrating fitness into his hectic schedule. “I do try to take time out; I exercise regularly at the gym and try to keep fit.” And if the gym doesn’t keep him fit, having two young children, Olivia, seven and Jack, five, to run after certainly will.

14 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

It’s a choc-a-bloc schedule – his working week is anywhere from 45 – 60 plus hours, but he loves it so much he doesn’t tend to clock watch. “I’m not the type to keep track of the hours; I just do what needs to be done.”

deliver service and generate a return for society.

“To do this I have to ensure I have the best people with the best access to resources in order to achieve our goals."

With such a varied role, Jon says no two days are the same. “In the three months I have been working there has been no typical day, I love it.”

Jon attributes his ability to manage the work, despite his limited experience in the industry, to a team that has got his back. He says it is his knowledgeable team who can provide him with the nitty gritties of the industry.

From strategic planning, to reviewing event “My job is to plan and develop a vision, I have plans, evaluating finances, meeting councils and working with his team on the company’s a fantastic team – it is they who have the resources and capability to pull this through. I culture and people, not to mention meeting have been fortunate that the board gave me with sponsors and stakeholders. the mandate for the team I wanted, so I got a As heavy as all that sounds – Jon says the fantastic team which makes achieving things meeting and greeting aspect of the job makes that much easier.” it worth it. “I enjoy the people contact; at work, interacting with my team and meeting others in business.”

The vision He adds, it is a quite humbling experience at times; meeting with the range of amazing people throughout the region who are interested in working together with him.

When asked what his goal for the centre was he replies simply “to have the best multifunctional events venue”. “A lofty vision,” he admits, especially in light of all the other competition out there – but not impossible.

Past lives

Already, the Mystery Creek Events Centre is well on its way there, with its reputation as a versatile venue just ten minutes away from Hamilton. With its abundance of both indoor and outdoor space there are a myriad of events that can be hosted – all in one place.

Jon, who has an MBA and postgraduate diploma in management studies from the Waikato University, is more than adequately equipped to manage, with a lengthy CV in management, including roles with Freedom Air, Eagle Air, Air New Zealand and NZ Bus. It is the Hamiltonian’s proven commercial background that the National Fieldays Society was looking for in a new CEO. It is the society’s hope that Jon will do more than manage, but also grow the business.

Despite Jon’s days as a youth working in dairy farms during the school holidays, agriculture is a largely new industry for him.

But, as chilled as ever, Jon points out running the Mystery Creek Event Centre is much the same to being at the helm of any organisation. “There are the same responsibilities and a similar set of challenges.

I have to ensure we are fiscally strong to

Jon says Mystery Creek is unique, with “its 98 hectares of blank canvas”.

“We can hold anything from concerts to events like our flagship event – Fieldays, and weddings – we are versatile.”

The lengthy list of events at Mystery Creek include Parachute, field days, equi-days, transport expos, conferences and even weddings. “Over the summer there were 30 weddings held – the site is extremely multifunctional.”

“We are taking and leveraging the uniqueness of our site to design events and to attract events, by catering for all different needs.

Versatility is what sets us apart from the community.

Cover Story The flagship Today the fieldays remain the flagship event for Mystery Creek. This year’s fielday is John’s first – but he denies any nervous first-timer jitters.

“I have attended as a visitor before, so it will be a bit different sitting on the other side of the fence. What gives me confidence is all the planning and detail we have put into it,” he explains. Jon says he has from time to time, taken a step back and taken off his CEO hat to look at the developments, “It’s all really exciting.”

But exciting promises aside Jon doesn’t want to blow the whistle on any leading innovations that may be at this year’s fielday.

After all this is what the fieldays are all about being; “a launch pad for new innovation”.

National benefits Jon says it’s undeniable that fieldays is both beneficial and relevant to the nation. “New Zealand’s place in global agriculture is huge; we produce a 1/3 of the dairy exports.

“Fieldays are an iconic part of the industry, the go-to-event,” he says. “There is ample opportunity for businesses both big and small.” The event is a platform for a wealth of innovation, product showcases, networking opportunities as well as the place where businesses can connect off-shore with new export links.

The benefit to both the Waikato region and New Zealand is not deniable; 180 million dollars is said to be deposited into the region and a further 500 million dollars into the nation’s economy.

At last year’s fieldays Jon says there were 300 international visitors and 18 embassies present and this year he is expecting just as much, if not more.

Jon is promising 2012 will host the biggest and best fielday to date, with over 1,000 exhibitors coming and1400 sites planned. “We are 105 percent over-subscribed, with a hefty waiting list.” He says they are well on-target to the 130 – 135,000 people predicted to come to this year’s event.

What has astounded Jon, is the level of investment by the major agricultural business who exhibit at the fieldays. “Some are spending well into six figures on their exhibits,” he says. “It is a pretty impressive event.”

Come one, come all

New directions

Jon says the prime focus of the field days is the agricultural community. But they do try to cater for everyone, with areas that have a non-agri focus.

Though there is new management, there is no need to fear a complete overhaul – no radical changes are afoot. “This year is just about reviewing the process,” John says. “The focus is on business as usual, going forward we will review fitting in with the audience and make sure we stay relevant and continue to innovate and develop.”

“There is something here for everybody.”

From the art show, to the fashion catwalk showcasing clothes made from agricultural material and themes, as well as the Kiwi Best arena where there is a plethora of New Zealand’s best produce, food and wine on offer.

Jon says one thing his team has worked particularly hard on this year is to reconnect with Hamilton town-proper by bringing some of the fieldays events into town.

On the Friday night, there will be a gala dinner to celebrate the fieldays opening, as well as a cocktail function to be held at the University of Waikato the Tuesday before the event.

But he promises in the future there will be some changes – for the better. “There will be big plans to reshape and have a new focus.”

One of the big things in today’s technological age, is to look at how they can integrate technology into the industry. “We are looking at using mobile phones, to map and show us where the people are going and staying. So we can see what attracts people and use this to our advantage.”

Jon says they are optimistic about the presence at this year’s event, though the recession has impacted the previous year with a drop in sales he thinks things are on the rise.

For a practical means of connection, Jon says the centre has liased with the city council to provide a direct link from the CBD to the event “Last year the focus for a lot of farmers was to centre. retire debt, but this year things do seem to be “The idea is to move a couple thousand brighter, there is a renewed appetite, so we people a day.” are confident our spending will be strong.”

Fieldays event photography taken by Stephen Barker www.barkerphotography.co.nz and Jeff Brass www.thinkphotography.co.nz and provided courtesy of Fieldays.

www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 15

News | Fieldays

Cultivating innovation

By Corazon Miller

Right in the heart of the Waikato’s green pastures, sits the ultimate launch pad for New Zealand’s cutting edge agricultural innovation – The Mystery Creek Events Centre. For four days each June the centre becomes an exhibition, competition and social networking site all rolled into one exciting package.

New Zealand’s National Agricultural Fieldays has, in its near half-a-century long history, become the “largest agribusiness exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere”.

CEO of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society Jon Calder, says this year’s show – its 44th – promises to be the biggest and best yet. “There are over 1,000 exhibitors coming and 1400 sites.” He says visitors will enjoy an abundance of exhibitions, demonstrations, seminars, competitions and stalls.

Agri must-sees It’s a big playing field – but to help narrow down the choices for the indecisive here are a few of the must-sees.

Premier Feature: The theme for this year’s Premier Feature is the changing face of farming. Learn from the best; industry leaders who have strived to excel and maximise efficiency, despite challenging situations.

Innovation Centre: It is here where you can see the work of the Golden Standards contenders. Entrants to the competition are fighting for a $5000 innovations award. It is here where innovations are launched, kiwi ingenuity is recognised and agricultural creations and advancements are celebrated.

But to truly make the most of this once a year event, meandering through the myriad of other exhibits, witnessing the best in agribusiness, is the ultimate must.

Family must-visits Agriculture isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so for these non-agri minds in the family there is still plenty to see and do; find some perfect additions to your home or eat a range of New Zealand’s best food – there is choice aplenty.

• The Rural Living Area. In need of an outdoor campfire?

This is the place to go in search of everything you need to complement your rural lifestyle. Spread over 200 sites, both indoors and outdoors, there is plenty to see, try and buy.

16 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

• Kiwi Best is the niche area of New Zealand food and drink.

It is a smorgasbord of tastes from meat, fruit and veg, dairy products, condiments, baked goods, oils, herbs and spices and beverages.

In Kiwi Best’s kitchen theatre is this year's special guest, kiwi TV cook and traveller, Nici Wickes who is set to show off a repertoire of food using a selection of produce from the show – so turn up on an empty stomach and prepare to eat to your heart’s content.

Historic points • Fieldays was first conceptualised in 1968 by a group of local Waikato men

A little history

• Fieldays was first held at Te Rapa Racecourse in 1969 with a budget of $10,500

The story of the Fieldays comes from a time when technological innovation was on the rise in the early 60s. For the history buffs interested in reading it from the mouth of the creators you can access it here: http://www.fieldayshistory.co.nz/

• The first Fieldays event attracted an estimated 15,000 people

For the rest here’s the bigpicture; On July 25th, 1966 whilst travelling in Britain on a Nuffield Scholarship, John Kneebone wrote to the Waikato Times Farming Editor, Pat Cuming; “Would it not be possible, with a little co-operation and coordination, to have the Ruakura Farmers’ Week and Waikato Winter Show coincide so that farmers could have an annual outing in Hamilton, New Zealand, as they do at the UK Royal Agricultural Show at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire? A little imagination could make a really big affair of it.”

John points out in his excerpt about the origins of fieldays; change was in the air. “The world was changing and patronage at such events [farming festivals] were waning. I had the word, re-invention, for the winter farmer festival that I recalled as a boy, buzzing around in my head…I didn’t have the luxury of time or the means to promote the scheme I had envisioned, but Pat Cuming kept the idea alive in the public mind through his newspaper column.

“But for Pat Cuming’s persistence, I don’t believe the idea would have become airborne. I harbour a bit of guilt, that being so much younger than he, I’m still around, getting the credit which belongs to Pat’s memory. Yep, I floated a hairy idea, but it was others who did the hard yards that brought it to fruition.”

So hairy ideas, persistence and the hard work of numerous Waikato men have transformed into today’s New Zealand National Fieldays Society – the masters behind the genius of the biggest agricultural event below the equator.

Today’s site at Mystery Creek was purchased in 1971 and over the years has undergone considerable growth and redevelopment. It now proudly hosts an abundance of indoor and outdoor space and multi-functional facilities. Still owned by the society that continues to uphold its original vision, thanks to a committee of dedicated volunteers and event management team who work in harmony, reporting through to a passionate board of directors.

• The event was moved to the land known as Mystery Creek in 1971 • The Mystery Creek Pavilion and Mystery Creek Events Centre were created in 1995.

Recent times Fieldays 2011 Statistics • 2011 was the 43rd New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays

• 98 acres of exhibition and demonstration space and 170 acres of car parking • Official attendance (Wednesday - 26,476, Thursday - 32,935, Friday - 36,439, Saturday - 21,654) • 117,495 across all four days.

Fieldays 2010 Statistics • 2010 was the 42nd New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays

• 98 acres of exhibition and demonstration space and 170 acres of car parking • Official attendance (Wednesday - 26,118, Thursday - 30,997, Friday - 37,095, Saturday - 28,139) • 122,349 across all four days.

Nowadays The NZ National Agricultural Fieldays event remains its flagship event, but more and more events are being added to its list, including a Transport and Heave Equipment Expo, joint operation of the Waikato Boat Fishing and Leisure Show plus whole range of private, public and business events.

And Jon promises it will only getter better, with the society’s vision of producing the “best multi-functional events centre”.

So come along – you be the judge.

Issue | Automatic Earth

The

perfect storm

The turbulent waters of the 2008 recession seem to be calming, there is optimism in the air that maybe, just maybe, things are getting back to normal. Yet as the Eurozone crisis continues to breach the otherwise calming surface, experts warn the worst may not be over.

Weather warning

A sign of things to come

She describes herself as a roving gypsy, travelling the globe – giving the unaware a heads up about the economic, environmental and energy “perfect storm” coming our way.

The Canadian “gypsy” and economic analyst, Nicole Foss, on a recent visit to New Zealand, labelled the financial crisis as a perfect storm, with its complex financial fronts that have converged into today’s present crisis.

Nicole takes it one-step further saying Europe is just the sign of worse things on the horizon. It’s the tip of the iceberg and the globe is perched precariously on the edge, about to fall into a deep dark depression that will be worse and longer lasting than that of the 1930s.

The European Union (EU) is at risk of being engulfed by the storm, as factors including international trade imbalances, high public and private debt, big real-estate bubbles, slow economic growth, governmental monetary policies and the early 2000s easy credit conditions, encouraged high-risk lending.

Media across the globe have quoted experts saying the crisis is at a boiling point and once it overflows the implications will be felt globally – the governments of Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain with their huge debt to GDP ratio and huge budgetary deficits are struggling to repay debts and may be left in the dust by the richer nations such as France and Germany.

Though recent reports from International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde reported a positive outlook for the economy, Nicole claims such optimism will be shortlived.

On her recent visit to New Zealand, she stated it is a question of when, not if, the Euro falls. Greece will be the first of the Eurozone dominos to fall and default, followed by Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Italy with the potential for the rest of the Eurozone to follow.

She says when the Euro falls, the face of international relations as we see it will change forever. Nicole claims we are heading into an era of de-globalisation; as the economy fails things will no longer work on a large level, but on a small community level.

By Corazon Miller

Not crazy talk

Economic denial

Though Nicole aka Stoneleigh resembles somewhat the gypsy part she plays, with her stark blond windswept bob, flowing skirts and warm capes, this down to earth woman’s claims are not just wildly plucked out of the dark recesses of her mind.

Nicole says the governments have been papering over the cracks in the economic system for sometime now. “They are using public dollars to fill the gap between the buyer and the supplier, increasing the monetary value [for example the Greek government bonds] but in reality it is all fiction.”

Rather, they originate from an impressive list of qualifications; a degree in biology, focusing on neuroscience and psychology, a postgraduate diploma in air and water pollution control and a Masters in International Law development – there appears to be a reasonably broad knowledge base behind her speculative suspicions.

Other experts have also backed up her not-so-wild claims. The BBC’s Russel Hotten reported in 2011 that experts have long predicted the Euro’s demise. He quoted the British Labour Party MP Jack Straw who warned the United Kingdom to prepare for the Euro’s slow death.

Nicole and her travelling partner Raul “Ilargi” Meijer, first began their campaign to raise the awareness of the economic, environmental and energy storm through their website, which began in 2008, called The Automatic Earth. Two years later Nicole and Raul decided to take their work onto the road.

“There is no substitute about being there in person to motivate people to change, face to face enables us to find more opportunities,” she says. When challenged about the environmental cost of riding on so many planes, she laughs saying “you can’t tell me any one of those planes wouldn’t have taken off without me”.

In fact the cost of making and distributing a DVD would cost just as much – if not more – and would most likely be less effective. “We are able to tailor our presentations to match the local circumstances and help people identify to our message.”

The naked emperor “I prefer to warn people,” Nicole says.

“Our focus is not academics, rather we are interpreting complexity so anyone can understand it.”

She says at present it’s like the story of the emperor with no clothes. Everyone knows it, but no-one is willing to acknowledge it until the little boy points it out. “We are that little boy,” she says. “Not just to tell people there’s a problem, but to get people prepared.”

18 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

She highlights how Greece is now worth so much less than all the public dollars that have gone into saving it, “But people aren’t being made aware.”

Travelling partner Raul chips in saying there was one point when Greece’s interest rates were up to 400 percent. Nicole says this compounds the problem, as rising interest rates increase the risk of default, the very thing the Eurozone is battling against. This risk of default in turn raises interest rates, which in turn increases the risk of default.

“It is all a spiral of fear, which is quickly spiralling contagion throughout all of Europe.”

The first domino - Greece Greece is the predominant face of the crisis.

Many experts are saying despite its two bailouts – a combined €240bn from the EU and IMF – it may still default.

The weight of its debt may simply make it impossible for the country to grow economically, causing Greece to default from the Euro, sending the financial markets into turmoil as they try to cope with the new unchartered territory – no-one has left the Euro before.

It is certainly a terrifying situation. Nicole points out if Greece does default it will shut itself out from the world with a worthless currency, unable to trade in or out of the country.

The exact value of the Drachma will be unknown. “Its currency won’t be able to buy a single unit,” she says “You can’t do business outside of the country if your currency is not worth anything. It will end up in a civil war, there will be no jobs and there will be no money.”

And once Greece defaults, the other dominos - Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Italy won’t be far behind. The BBC’s Hutton backs Nicole’s claims saying the financial markets would take a dim view on the default and refuse to lend to Athens for years. It’s a precarious situation, one which Greece and the EU are understandably trying their best to avoid.

Issue | Automatic Earth However, economist Mark Weisbrot says despite everyone’s dire predictions, some good could come out of a default. He says people should look to Argentina. The nation defaulted from the dollar in the early 2000s and has economically blossomed in the years since – thanks to being free from monetary policies stifling its growth – Greece could yet do the same.

The domino effect Nicole says despite Greece taking up most of centre stage, Portugal and Ireland are not far behind – they are kept alive only by the EU and its banks who are desperately trying to save face.

Despite the second bailout, market confidence in the struggling Eurozone remains fragile, long term prospects appear weaker, influenced by an ageing population and economic restrictions. A virtual economic standstill is predicted, with weakened banks, high unemployment and low growth – not just for Europe but all across the globe.

“The Euro as a common currency is dying, we are likely to see countries defaulting, the collapse of a single currency within the year is a likelihood. When it does fall the impact will be monumental, it is not clear how quickly the dominoes will fall – but one thing is certain shockwaves will be felt throughout the world.”

The shockwaves The Euro is one of the currencies which dominate trading relationships, once that is gone, Nicole says no-one will have any idea of what their currency is worth or how to do business with it.

“Once the Euro dies, so too will numerous trade relations, the economy will freeze, trade-relationships break down as the level of trust disappears, trade wars will occur, credit ratings will go down – or even worse won’t exist.”

She says there is no room for complacency – the shockwaves will come and when they do they will be huge.

Globalistion is at its peak, few corners of the world are unreachable, but it all comes at a cost as already people are feeling the crunch of the Eurozone crisis.

People have watched in bated breath for Greece to be saved, not for altruistic reasons, but out of fear. John Baylis in his 2011 edition of World Politics: An Introduction to Globalisation, summarises it in one succinct sentence; “The pace of economic transformation is so great a new world politics has been created, states are no longer closed, the world is more interdependent with trade and finances ever expanding.”

If Greece had defaulted, this interdependency would have meant all would have felt the cost of the default – not just Greece – as financial markets and governments tighten their hold on their wallets in response.

As the financial crisis hits its peak it is the essentials which will become the least affordable, as they are in high demand.

Affordability is what is important, Nicole says. “It can cost $10,000 for a cup of coffee, but if everyone is a billionaire it doesn’t matter. It can cost five cents for a cup of coffee but if no-one has five cents it doesn’t work.”

She points out even countries that currently appear well-off such as the Netherlands and Germany will not be safe. She illustrates the

case of the Netherlands. Its bank holds 150 percent of the GDP, when the bank goes it will be too big for anyone to bail out.

In addition it has a huge housing bubble; no-one is paying off mortgages, real-estate debt is blowing out of control. Once this pops people will lose the value of their property, and since no-one has money, no-one will be able to buy homes at the value they are worth.

On our shores Nicole, who is Canadian-born, says she admires the strength of character New Zealand has a nation and as people. She says we appear to have an understanding that bad things can happen to good people.

In less than two years we were hit by the Pike River Mine disaster and shaken by the Christchurch earthquakes – yet we as a nation show resilience and tackle things as they come.

Our overall picture, though not on the edge of the cliff like Greece, is still not flash.

Auckland is the sixth least affordable place in the world for the housing market compared with income. There is a huge housing bubble waiting to burst. People are in debt – thanks to the relatively low interest rates which have trapped people into big mortgages, remortgages and loans.

Nicole prophesises when the economic depression really hits, the breakdown in trade relationships will hurt New Zealand.

“As a nation you rely heavily on trade. New Zealand imports 97 percent of its oil, it is virtually totally dependant on the outside for oil.”

In addition, New Zealand has a “huge moat” cutting it off from the rest of the world.

“Isolation creates an exaggerated period of boom and bust,” Nicole says. New Zealand may suffer more but recover quicker.

Another big problem is many of our banks are foreign-owned, so when the international banking system breaks up, we will be exposed to the risks associated with Europe and Australia, adding risks to our already local risk.

Action plan Nicole says there are three key things that can carry you over the financial hurdle.

1. Get out of debt

“When the bank closes its doors people will go hungry – the money will go. Having a certain percentage of something is better than 100 percent of nothing.”

Burgeoning debt is compounding the financial crisis.

3. Gain control over your own existence

How can we do this? Firstly try not to get into huge debt in the first place Nicole says. But if you’re already in debt – get rid of it. One idealistic, perhaps not realistic, idea is to use the wealth and pool it across the generations. “The older generation has a significant amount of savings sitting in the grip of the system, they could come together as a family and decide to wipe off everyone’s debt."

It seems to be a monumental ask, considering many of us are unsure of what we are doing next week. But Nicole says it’s simple. “Grow your own food, have supplies of water, be dependant on yourself as much as possible and look to the local community.”

2. Hold liquid cash Because the banks are at risk of a systemic failure, it is important to have cash on hand. Not thousands, otherwise you may become a target for brigands when the world does go under, but hold enough for a few months worth.

It’s simple (if not entirely practical for all city dwellers) advice – not just for the potential economic wobbles, but for any disaster, be they earthquakes, floods or storms.

In the next issue of entralToday we take on peak oil.

“New Zealand’s banking system can expect some disruption – so be prepared and do what you can to fix it.”

But on the plus side, New Zealand also has a more robust power system, and covers a land mass that is not overpopulated. It has good soil and good rain, all that we need to do now is learn how to live with the resources that we do have.

Never too early It’s never too early to prepare. If you don’t, Nicole says, “it’s like the rug will have been pulled out from under your feet”.

Though no-one can predict exactly when the system will go belly–up it is still important to prepare, because as the near-complete financial crash in 2008 showed, it can happen in one night.

“The Euro will die,” Nicole says, “In a year or two at the most. Credit will get tighter, we won’t be able to get the same credit for homes, it will become harder to borrow dollars – it could happen this year or the next - we simply don’t know." What is known, is there is a general risk out there – but once it does happen it will take some time to get out of it. www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 19

News | Teamwork

Making your team click

By Kayte John

This leads directly to the benefits of building teams and, of course, team building exercises.

Team building exercises can be used by any business, large or small, to promote teamwork in the workplace, and as most business owners and managers know, great teamwork is one of the key factors associated with a company’s success.

Common teamwork blunders Communication If you have a problem with someone in your group, talk to him or her about it.

Letting bad feelings brew will only make you bitter and want to isolate yourself from the group. Not only does it feel good to get it out, it will be better for the team in the long run.

The blame game People in your group will lose respect for you if you’re constantly blaming others for work that’s not getting done. You’re not fooling anyone; people know who isn’t pulling their weight in a group. Pointing the finger will only make you look cowardly.

Be open and honest - it will earn you a lot more respect.

Support ideas If a teammate suggests something, always consider it – even if it’s not the best idea you’ve ever heard. Considering the group’s input shows you’re interested in other people’s ideas, not just your own.

20 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Managers need to inspire their staff to ensure top-performing people remain with them so that their business flourishes as the economy improves.

There are many non-financial incentives employers can put in place to inspire people and ensure their company is a great place to work. What is clear, is that motivating staff is more important now that employees are feeling more confident about their career prospects and may be searching for other opportunities.

Teamwork is defined as, “co-operative or co-ordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team and work done by several associates with each doing a part, but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole”.

In simple words, teamwork is a set of activities, performed by team members, to fulfill a common goal that is decided by the organisation.

Leading your team

One of the most effective means of motivating your staff is to recognise their achievements. One-on-one coaching is another effective method of firing up your staff and scheduling refresher training sessions with all staff. So here are some great ways to keep staff on point, motivated and enthused: • Be able to easily communicate the organisation’s vision, missions, and values to others • Be adaptable and flexible and not bound by a plan. A leader can easily move from one set of circumstances to the next There are many different reasons why companies use team building exercises, these can include: improving communication, boosting morale, motivation, ice breakers, learning effective strategies, improving productivity, learning about one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Teamwork can be rewarding, but at times it can be difficult and downright frustrating.

If there are poor communicators on your team, you may often feel confused, let down or misunderstood. Here are six common blunders to avoid in the workplace in order to create a successful team.

Boasting It’s one thing to rejoice in your successes with the group, but don’t act like a hero.

Doing this will make others regret your personal successes and may create tension within the group. You don’t have to boast to let people know you’ve done a good job have faith that people will recognise when good work is being done.

Listen Look at the person who’s speaking to you and make eye contact. If you’re unclear about something that’s been said, ask for more information to clear up any confusion before moving on. Effective communication is a vital part of any team, so the value of good listening skills shouldn’t be underestimated.

Get involved Share suggestions, ideas, solutions and proposals with your team members. Take the time to help your fellow teammates, no matter what the request. You can guarantee there will be a time in the future when you’ll need some help or advice. And if you’ve helped them in past, they’ll be more than happy to lend a helping hand.

• Be decisive. A leader must be able to wade through information, understand what’s relevant and make a well considered decision, taking action based on that decision

• Staff morale in many organisations may be in the doldrums in the aftermath of the downturn as employees have struggled with heavier workloads, and possibly longer hours, with no additional pay or other compensation.

Managers should take steps to turn any pessimism around before it hurts productivity • Make your employees part of the solution.

Employees need to be involved in decision making, because their buy-in is critical for motivation and performance • Offering non-monetary benefits is another great way to inspire staff. Offering new training programmes, career development, cross training, even flexible work schedules are great alternatives when your organisation can’t afford to pay salary increases • Make sure employees can measure their own performance against Key Performance Indicators. This is a key element of employee motivation, because if a worker cannot measure their progress, it’s unlikely their progress will improve • Finding a way to reward your people will inspire staff. It’s especially important that employees feel a sense of accomplishment in their work. Set up proper recognition and rewards, so they can feel a sense of teamwork and can be acknowledged for their efforts during difficult times.

Communication is key

By Corazon Miller

Imagine the freedom – gone are the four walls holding you in, no chains attaching you to your desk, your hours are yours to do as you please – no it’s not unemployment – but the reality for many people working in a “virtual team”.

Humanity in the virtual world “Caring, talk, personal conversations and story telling are forms of discourse which can establish a mood of support and encourage self-disclosure and the sharing of feelings,” Holton says.

“As social beings, face-to-face interaction will continue to play a very important role in our relationships regardless of how virtual Globalisation, technological advances and our environment may become. A wise tightening budgets have pushed a boom in virtual team leader will also seek to build the number of virtual teams. opportunities for face-to-face meetings into Such a team doesn’t conform to the traditional virtual team work whenever possible as a means of enhancing team understanding and office structure; rather they are spread across the globe, communicating virtually by phone, accelerating intra-group bonding.” email, Skype, text – saving both money So how should we do it? As a starting point and time. we have provided three quick keys, to unlock the door to virtual success.

The bonuses aside – there are challenges to creating a sense of team work within a virtual team.

3 keys to managing a virtual team

Facing the challenges

Innovative leadership

Strategies need to be put in place to deal with such challenges. Virtual teams, like any other, need the same things all teams need – a clear mission, an explicit statement of roles and responsibilities, effective communication pathways and learning opportunities.

A virtual team needs a manager who provides clearly defined direction. Team leaders need to formalise roles and responsibilities.

Judith Holton an executive consultant for the Holland College on Prince Edward Island in Canada says a virtual team needs a solid base of trust and collaboration to work effectively.

She says techniques can be borrowed from the face-to-face environment and adapted to virtual work, in order to enhance trust – but there is no quick fix. “By focussing attention and time on virtual team building it is possible a team will experience enhanced collaboration and cohesiveness.”

Creative decision making Having a virtual team means a vastly different culture of decision making. Try out different ways.

Communication – use your body A stagnant image peering out of the computer screens lacks authority, body language can help you develop interpersonal skills which cross the virtual medium, and can help you develop influence.

News | Tips and tactics

What really works Successful companies don’t just grow simply through good luck or fortune. There are many similarities between those who have succeeded in expanding their businesses. The Evergreen Project researched 160 companies in equivalent industries during a 10-year period and found there are eight management practices directly correlated with superior performance.

The four secondary practices: (excellence in 2 out of 4 is required)

• Leaders and managers need to build strong relationships with their people

i. Talent: Make talent stick around and develop it

•

The research not only looked at successful companies and unsuccessful companies, it looked at companies whose performance changed for better or worse and identified the cause and effect of these changes – thus identifying which management practices really work.

ii. Leadership: Make sure your leaders are committed to your business

Here’s what really works:

• Senior managers must be personally involved in finding and retaining talent • Preference for developing talent from within the company (hired guns are less loyal) • Provide top education and training for staff at all levels • Retain talent with work that is meaningful and challenging for them • Always have replacements for each role groomed from within the organisation.

• The leader’s style or personal characteristics do not matter – but the leader must be fully committed to the business • The CEO accounts for 15% of a company’s performance (good or bad)

The four primary practices: (excellence in all four is required for superior performance)

•

On average 50% of executive pay was linked to performance in winning companies. Miss your target – miss your bonus

1. Strategy - make your strategy clear and narrowly focused

• Leaders need to communicate their vision convincingly so others will adopt it

2. Execution - flawless execution 3. Culture - build a performance-based culture

• Leaders need integrity in their words and actions so people trust them

4. Structure - make your organisation fast & flat.

• Future focused – leaders need to see opportunities and spot problems early

in review Title: Awesomely Simple Author: John Spence Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Awesomely Simple examines the key to business success and is based on the author’s work with thousands of organisations (including GE, Microsoft, IBM, and Abbot Labs). This success is tied to the disciplined application of the Six Principles of Business Success: 1. Vivid vision 2. Best people 3. Robust communication 4. Sense of urgency 5. Disciplined execution 6. Extreme customer focus Application of these principles may be simple, but not easy. Whether you lead two people or 2000 it is critical that you have a clear, compelling and extremely well-communicated vision of where the organisation is headed and what it stands for.

The mission (or purpose) is why the company exists, the values are the guidelines for behaviour, and the vision provides a vivid description of where the company will be in the future.

The success of your business is directly tied to the quality of the people you have on your team. Many companies say, “Our people are our most important asset,” but very few have put in place a system to make talent management a key strategic advantage.

Attracting talent is a strategic commitment that will take ongoing time and effort. Leaders should maintain a roster of great people for every position, whether the position is currently vacant or not (talk to people now who may fill a position five years from now) and spend time identifying and keeping in touch with these individuals

Board of Directors must have a substantial financial stake in the business, thoroughly understand the business, and be passionately committed to its long- term success

• The board must not rubber stamp CEO decisions - they must play an active strategic role. iii. Innovation: Make industry-transforming innovations • Introduce disruptive technologies and business models (not just focus on continuous improvement) • Anticipate rather than react to industry changes • Continually create new products to make your existing products redundant (launch a new model, open another branch etc). iv. Mergers and partnerships: Make growth happen with mergers and partnerships • Merge for growth and synergy, not for diversification • Buy a business for its customer base, or one that complements your strengths

What doesn’t work: The project found no correlation between the following and total shareholder returns: • Investment in information technology • Corporate change programs • Supply chain management programs • Learning organisations • Team-based management • Total Quality Management (TQM) or outsourcing execution • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) • Whether business is structured geographically, or by product • Whether business units have profit and loss responsibility or not • The quality of HR staff or fast track development programs • Formal mentoring programs or 360 degree performance appraisals • CEO’s personal characteristics or attracting high quality outside directors.

Which two out of the four secondary practices is your company truly excellent in?

• Partner with companies to create synergies for both parties • Make small, regular strategic deals rather than occasional mega-mergers • Have a planned process for spotting and processing deals, not ad-hock, spur of the moment acquisitions.

Article kindly supplied by business execution experts RESULTS.com. For more information visit www.results.com

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Communication breaks down in many organisations at two levels, interpersonally and organisationally.

Strong interpersonal communication involves open dialogue, building rapport, active listening, awareness of body language and a willingness to engage in constructive conflict. Constructive conflict is difficult and requires courage and honesty.

In business today, speed rules. If you cannot move quickly the competition will - not to mention that customers hate waiting and are becoming more and more conditioned to instant response. Speed requires making decisions, often in an environment of imperfect information. To make good decisions information must flow easily within the organisation. There can be no ‘hoarding’ of information, knowledge or learning and it must move without friction and intended results or outcomes must be clear.

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Article kindly supplied by business execution experts RESULTS.com. For more information visit www.results.com www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 21

Growing global agriculture It is by no means a Silicon Valley – but it is New Zealand’s own agri-tech version of it; a concentrated hub of agricultural innovation. Centrally placed among 17 hectares of Hamilton farmland this high-tech park, at first glance, looks like nothing more than a bunch of office buildings – but don’t be fooled as it is so much more.

Simply ingenious Waikato Innovation Park, owned by Innovation Waikato Ltd, is the growth hub of New Zealand’s agricultural technological innovation. It is the home for a melting pot of science, technology, and business - research fired up and continually being catapulted onto the international field; thanks to the entrepreneurial ingenuity of the park’s associated companies both on-site and off.

The park’s CEO, Derek Fairweather, says the vision behind the park is simple; to use our claim to fame – farming - to generate wealth.

“Our vision is to have a blend of agri-tech and agrifoods companies creating wealth in New Zealand and in country with our offshore partners, through what we are world famous for.”

Derek says, this one-of-a-kind park is already making a huge impact on the international pasture based dairy industry.

Going offshore “We now have 50,000 cow farms in progress overseas that use New Zealand farming technology,” he says. “Farms offshore are being built with the ‘best-of-breed’ NZ technology and systems.” This assures offshore agribusinesses are interested in taking up what the park has to offer, that it delivers world class quality products with world class sustainability – all at a globally competitive cost.

and development and funding capital to commercialise or adapt novel value creating technologies are key ingredients for success.”

The whole package These opportunities are all presented in an even prettier package through the modern commercial and laboratory facilities on the Waikato Innovation Park’s attractive rural setting. It is a physical cluster of 50 companies which range from start-ups to multi-national centres of excellence – a collaborative range of brilliant minds, all in one spot.

There is a central hub, housing an upmarket café, a shared reception space, causal breakout spaces for both staff and visitors alike, private meeting rooms and larger open spaces perfect for business or social functions.

High-speed internet connections, in a state of the art server capacity, makes the Core Facilities Building the place to make global connections.

Budding innovation

The Innovation Park is a true story of New Zealand home-grown success – it was one of the highest ratios of scientists per established from a public-private partnership capita in the world”. to enhance Waikato’s economic growth by strengthening innovation in the region’s world In addition the Waikato boasts of numerous leading agri-tech and agBio sectors. institutions such as Wintec, DairyNZ, LIC, the University of Waikato and AgResearch – who Derek says the idea for the park came out of are all important to the Innovation Park. the Raukura agResearch centre - a 50 year The company has taken advantage of its old cluster founded on world class research strategic relationships and partnered with, that provides good quality innovation to the global market, to accelerate growth of farmers, meeting the needs of farmers, Today looking at tomorrow resources and businesses. This growing export supplying processing businesses, and offering pipeline is making New Zealand world-famous Since its opening in 2004 the park has grown bio security and environmental agencies a for its pasture based technological ingenuity. from the 19 original companies to the present better understanding of the environmental 50. “It is a blend of entrepreneurs and multiand biological systems on-farm, as well as Which is why Waikato Innovation Park national centres of excellence,” continues to strive to connect with businesses educating around the practical application Derek says. of technology to farming processes and the that are the “best” in Agri-tech. “Together impacts of pastoral farming on these companies work to create an export When full, the Innovation Park is forecast to the environment. pipeline worth over 100 million dollars,” have 15 buildings hosting 300 businesses Derek says. contributing an estimated 3,000 jobs to From here Innovation Waikato ltd, which developed the idea for the park. Derek says the city. many of those who have invested in the Derek who has been at the park since the getMaking its mark Raukura campus wanted a commercial base go says it’s exciting to see where the future for the technology that would generate The pipe-line is the invaluable by-product of is headed. revenue for New Zealand businesses. a park that has done more than just provide a physical space for companies to grow in, “The original idea was promoted to several Catch the Train but also offers the support and opportunity agritech companies,” Derek says, and the rest For anyone drawn to the attractive to develop and make a mark in a hugely is history. competitive industry. opportunities that the company offers, the park is willing to talk. Every year they head Waikato Innovation Park can facilitate access to the National Agricultural Field Days – to be Research base to funding for growth and expansion. “As held mid June at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek – a TechNZ Regional partner, we assess and Having such a strong connection with deliver research and development grants. where Derek says, “he and his team will put agResearch, the park’s location couldn’t be on our backpacks and go shape a deal,” to more perfect; the Waikato is already seen as “We have worked with innovative agrianyone with value in making large tracts of the country’s leading location for science and technology companies and helped to grow land, productive, globally competitive and research with approximately 1,000 research them into valuable exporting businesses. scientists working in Hamilton, “the city has sustainable.

We have recognised that financing research 22 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

The field day, which promises to be the largest agribusiness exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, is one place Derek says they can connect with businesses. The field days are often the ultimate launch platform for cutting edge agricultural technology and innovation – people who’d fit right into the vision of the park.

Derek says its focus will be business to business; picking up some of New Zealand’s best brands for deployment offshore. “As we mature as a business there is a huge demand for good farmers and agritechnologists to come onboard.”

He says they are looking to develop skills, not just agri-tech, but global skills. “Like Spanish,” he says in reference to the huge farming market in South America.

“It is certainly an opportunity for those people who are looking for an adventure deploying what NZ is famous for to developing agricultural countries.”

The offspring Innovation Waikato Ltd, which owns the park, has three subsidiaries that have grown out of the park. Using the park as the driving force, the New Zealand brand in agriculture and biotechnologies is making its stamp on the globe. “We lead a consortium of technology and service providers who are targeting new market segments by offering turnkey, large scale agricultural solutions.”

NZFIW – New Zealand Food Innovation Waikato Ltd Primarily funded by Innovation Waikato Ltd it focuses on new ingredient product development.

The network is a government initiative to encourage innovation in the food sector – with, of course, the ultimate goal of increasing exports. It has four centres around New Zealand, each with a completely different complementary focus to each other. The Waikato hub’s focus is on dairy – with plans of expanding to meat in the future.

The first stage of development for the Waikato centre is an independent development dairy processing facility at the Waikato Innovation Park – a multi-purpose, NZ Food Safety Authority export certified, nominal ½ tonne per hour powder spray drying facility.

It is taking in milk (and other ingredients) and evaporating it, and drying it in the following three step process:

1 – Milk Receiving and Storage

Dairy SolutioNZ

The milk reception allows the unloading of milk tankers and milk storage (chilled) of up to 80m3 volume. NZFIW has plans for future milk separation, standardisation and batch tanks to be added to enable the processing for the manufacture of infant formula and skim milk powder.

New Zealand is a recognised world leader in low cost farm production systems. Waikato Innovation Park acts as the central partner in a commercial consortium of established agricultural producers and suppliers with Dairy SolutioNZ (NZ) Ltd.

2 – Evaporation and Drying At present on-site there is A Tetra Magna TVR evaporator which has been designed to concentrate whole milk from approximately 13% TS to 52% TS. Design consideration in this phase has also been made for future production of infant formula and skim milk powder. Pasteurising also occurs in the evaporator. A high pressure pump and homogeniser will allow for 2 stages of homogenisation and the flexibility to adjust product specifications at the concentrate injection stage.

A very flexible Tetra Magna Wide Body drier is installed. 57 product groups - hundreds of individual products - have been manufactured on Tetra Pak wide body driers, making this an ideal choice for this development facility.

Beef SolutioNZ (NZ) Ltd

The Park at-a-glance

This subsidiary offers a package much the same as for Dairy Solutionz, but for red meat.

Beef solutioNZ is a farm pasture based beef technology system for large offshore clients.

It provides export deals by combining the vast experience, technology and delivery capabilities of the red meat processing This association combines the vast experience, industry in combination with leading technology and delivery capabilities of the edge, low cost, sustainable farm AgBio cluster, providing a leading edge in production systems. the industry with low cost, sustainable farm production systems.

A physical network of widelyrecognised expertise and companies primarily focused in Agri-tech, and Agrifoods sectors

Dairy SolutioNZ design and build -or convertlarge scale farm operations that adopt leading low cost technologies and systems as well as provide support and education for ongoing farm operations. A feature of its offering is the “Best of Breed” turnkey solutions for large scale land development and technology deployment.

The Piazza building, currently in design, for larger multinationals and mature agribusinesses

The Dairy SolutioNZ (NZ) Ltd team works with its clients to develop and design a commercial model suitable for both parties.

The benefits are substantial; landowners can transform land use and its returns through the application of knowledge, skills and technology sourced from Dairy SolutioNZ. 3- Powder handling and packing “Conceptual business cases indicate a 25% (minimum) return on assets for dairy A vacuum transport system conveys the development in most developing nations with powder from the sifter to the Packing Line. high natural rainfall. Larger scale projects The product is packed into a high spec 25 are forecast to achieve still greater returns kg gas flushed packing/sealing machine. through economies of scale.

With the wide range of products being manufactured, the facility considers protecting “The Dairy SolutioNZ (NZ) Ltd participants customer intellectual property as a high have demonstrated continuous improvement priority and will have systems in place to to farm performance of approximately ensure IP is well protected.

2.5% per year in NZ. Our customers/ partners benefit from future performance The centre will be operated as a contract improvement, derived from the NZ manufacturer and is a 100% owned IWL subsidiary. community of researchers and developers.”

“Industrial agricultural land development utilising the latest technology and systems will deliver improved performance and profits. Corporate farmers, meat processors, and regional and national bodies are all recognising the need to maximise both the quantity and quality of production. Beef SolutioNZ (NZ) Ltd offers the pathway to achieving export success in offshore Beef operations”

A culture of collaboration and innovation between research, entrepreneurs and business A Core Facilities Building providing business infrastructure ready to accelerate and develop new business The Tetra Pak building as a more permanent location for large and multinational businesses

Onsite export dairy ingredient processing and product development Shared services to allow businesses to focus on their core processes, services and products Set in 16.8 hectares of pasture among large trees for business, commercialisation and product development functions A regional hub of networks to provide resources to innovation Waikato Innovation Park Ruakura Rd PO Box 9466 Waikato Mail Centre Hamilton 3240 T (07) 857 0500 F (07) 857 0501 W www.innovationwaikato.co.nz

www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 23

Hot Spots | Whakatane/Taupo

Great stays for

all tastes

By Corazon Miller

Adventure in Whakatane Whakatane sits in the Eastern Bay of Plenty of New Zealand; in a spectacular spot right beside the Pacific Ocean. Its warm waters are world-famous for incredible deep sea fishing and a wide range of marine sports.

Relax on the creamy golden sands at Ohope beach, explore New Zealand’s only live sea volcano – White Island. Go whale watching, take a plunge with the dolphins, walk or run through some native bush, watch rare sea birds in flight at the Ohiwa harbour, go on a mountain-bike tour. For the adventurous at heart it’s the ideal playground to run amok in.

Where to stay: 37 Landing Motel For the perfect place to crash, after a day of thrills and spills, try 37 Landing Motel, just a short drive away from Whakatane town centre. This boutique motel is run by Jason and Rhonda Good, a couple who through their years in the industry have honed their hospitality skills to a tee. Finalists at the 2011 AA Supreme Host of the Year Award, Jason and Rhonda provide all guests with a heart warming home away from home, with complimentary hot drinks, biscuits and a newspaper.

All rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated with all that’s required and more - from the king size beds, to the large modern bathrooms and the 42” LCD TV with 52 channels of Sky TV. An added novelty to most of the rooms is the large spa bath with

multiple jets – the perfect place to slide into and spend a night of peace – just don’t forget the bubbles.

For a stress-free in-house dinner there are two options; the bbq outside for a typical kiwi grill, or inside a more homey kitchen to fix that craving.

For more information visit www.landingmotel.co.nz, call 0800 437 526 or email info@landingmotel.co.nz

What to do: Fishing For those who enjoy the thrill of catching their own kai, there are numerous large charter operators based in Whakatane who will take you out to win a catch. From in-shore fishing, Snapper and Gunnard, to off-shore fishing, there is game aplenty.

White Island Whakaari, as it is known in Maori, is one of New Zealand’s many jewels. The only active marine volcano in the nation; it can be seen puffing away on the horizon. Guided tours are available via boat or helicopter. A quick walk on the island is quite safe for those who want to get a close look at the corroded ruins of past mining efforts and watch how nature has reclaimed her hold on the island.

Animal encounters The area is rife with the natural beauty of New Zealand wildlife; dolphins, seals and whale encounters are just one of the many must-dos in Whakatane. On offer are a wide range of tour operators at a reasonable price – just ask at your hotel.

Family Fun in Lake Taupo In the middle of a varied landscape offering a range of activities and sights sits a sparkling Lake Taupo against a scenic backdrop of volcanic mountains.

It’s the ideal base for a family holiday, exploring restaurants, nature sights, arts and craft galleries and hot thermal pools, not to mention the water adventures on offer by local tour operators.

Where to stay: West Wellow holiday property On the hills above Acacia Bay is perched the ideal luxury holiday property for a family in need of a break. Unwind and relax amongst the tall trees, manicured lawns and colourful flower gardens that surround this colonial style villa, while the kids explore the glorious surrounds.

The lodge offers 5 double rooms complete with en-suite bathrooms and dazzling views of Lake Taupo. Fully equipped with a kitchen, laundry, secure storage, entertaining lounge, home theatre, pool room, table tennis and patio with a BBQ, there is plenty for a family with restless kids to effortlessly enjoy.

For more information visit www.westwellow.co.nz, call (07) 378 0435 or email enquiries@westwellow.co.nz

Hot acid lake in volcanic crater, White Island volcano, New Zealand

24 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Huka Falls

What to do: Visit Huka falls Watch 220,000 litres of water tumble over the edge of the water. This glorious waterfall is a nature photographer’s dream. For those wanting a closer look there is the Huka Falls jet boat that takes you within a few metres of the bottom of the fall. Free transfers are available from Taupo.

Take a dip Taupo Hot pools are for adults and children alike. Kids will endure hours of fun on its interactive playground, slides, the mushroom shower, children’s pool and the giant game of chess. Let them play the day away while Mum and Dad can relax and enjoy adult time.

Water fun Try FunSki Taupo for a day of exciting water sports, including Wake and Knee Boarding and Banana Boat Rides. Novices to experts can all partake in the range of fun lessons on offer that promise to provide a fun-filled day on the water for all the family to enjoy.

West Wellow holiday property

Exporting | Exporting Hawke's Bay

Breaking boarders

Exporting trends The Hawke’s Bay is home to a diverse range of industry and business. Much like these businesses are suited to a specific local customer base, they are also suited to specific international customer bases. So let’s look at the latest exporting trends.

Export New Zealand – Hawke’s Bay business development manager Amanda Liddle says since signing the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement in 2008, New Zealand exports to China have grown by 135 percent, from $2.3 to $5.4 billion. “It is now New Zealand’s second largest trading partner and export market. China is a growing market for Hawke’s Bay businesses.”

What are the Hawke’s Bay’s most likely international markets?

Exporting; it’s the difference between a domestic market of four million and an almost unlimited global market of billions. To our little corner of the South Pacific, it means the difference between sinking and swimming in the financial waters of the global market.

Quite simply, exporting is vital to New Zealand’s economy.

With a population of less than 150,000, exporting offers Hawke’s Bay businesses the opportunity to tap into a global network well beyond its own geographical borders.

While getting established as an exporter is not easy, particularly with the recent changes in the exchange rate, businesses can become successful exporters with good advice, planning and focused support. Hawke’s Bay is working to achieve a significant increase in local exports.

Export performance In New Zealand, just four percent of businesses are exporting. In the Hawke’s Bay, only 270 businesses are reaping the financial rewards of this extended customer base. So just where are we going wrong?

According to Export New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay business development manager Amanda Liddle, exporting means increased growth for the country. “Think of it like this; there is a certain amount of money that a country generates for itself, like a money cycle.

The more money you can bring in from an external source, (ie another country) the bigger the cycle gets.

“This cycle results in a higher GDP which in turn benefits us all with more money to pay people, leading to higher employment, which creates more national wealth. That leads us to improved services in hospitals, schools and other institutions.”

So then what is with these disheartening figures? “There are challenges for a company starting out in the export market,” Liddle explains. “The high dollar, initial set up costs, establishing distribution markets and relationships, overseas travel to name a few.

“But if there is a long term strategy in place the journey can be mapped out to ensure you stick to what it is you want to achieve.”

Few Kiwi companies are taking advantage of this because businesses simply don’t know how to make the next move and head offshore. “What they need to know is there is lots of help out there.”

In order to improve these figures, we need government support such as the Ministry of Science and Innovation’s Tech NZ programme, she explains. “This is a 50/50 business fund that supports research and development into new technology. Not only does it partly support the business financially, but it also places confidence in the business that they have a worthwhile product that can be marketed internationally.

The logistics We’ve all read the headlines; foreign exchange rates are up, exports are down, compliance issues are closing down businesses... So what’s the deal? Is exporting all it’s cracked up to be? And how difficult is it really?

While it can seem daunting, Liddle says it is well worth the effort and help is available.

“With the right help it can be a very rewarding process, but of course it takes hard work and commitment and perseverance to establish the networks and business model you want.”

So, what is the first step to starting a rewarding export journey? “Go to the websites, Export NZ, NZTE where there is a wealth of information. Talk to your Chamber of Commerce or whoever issues export documentation. Get involved in the export community so you are linked into the general export programme of the region, e.g networking events, training courses and specific market seminars and roadshows.

“Export NZ , the regional business partner programme, Chamber of Commerce and NZTE who has an office here and the 0800 number 0800 555 888 are excellent sources of help and information.”

The most important factors to take into consideration before making the first move are how is your company operating, do you have a strategy for export market, do you have a business plan, what is your cash flow like, do you have any existing distribution channels set up, what is your path to market and do you have a contingency plan.

26 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

“Australia is our closest country with the most similar culture to us,” Liddle explains.

“Often this can be a good starting point. We have exporters doing business in the UK, Europe, USA, Middle East, South America, Indonesia, Japan to name a few. In fact you name the country and we will probably have an exporter presence in that market.”

Are there international markets we should steer clear of?

“Due dilligence on overseas businesses is important Liddle says. “You need to check and understand the non tariff trade barriers like quotas, levies, embargoes, sanctions and other restrictions on trading with a particular country. It is also important to know who we have Free Trade agreements with, such as China, Australia and the ASEAN countries.”

How does someone decide what markets could work for them?

“Once you know your market it is about investigating the opportunities and knowing what your product’s unique selling proposition is. How does it work in other countries? New Zealand is blessed with a clean green image (whether you agree or not - perception is everything) and is held in high regard for our food safety standards.

This pure, natural image stands us in good stead for our products, particularly the niche, high-end products such as wine, honey, olive oil, ice cream and of course dairy, to name a few.”

Fast facts • In NZ, just 151 companies generate almost 80 percent of merchandise exports • Only 270 Hawke’s Bay businesses currently export • More than 80 percent of income in European countries results from exports.

In NZ and Australia the figure is less than 25 percent • In Australia only 4 percent of companies export • In Australia 1 in 5 jobs depend on exports. In regional areas, the figure is 1 in 4 jobs.

Exporting | Exporting Hawke's Bay Case study – from Hawke’s Bay Exporting workshops for Hawke’s Bay to Hong Kong Hawke’s Bay wine has gone global, with the number of local wineries exporting to Asia continuing to grow, according to Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. executive officer Lyn Bevin.

“At last count, we had 18 Hawke’s Bay wineries exporting to Hong Kong and 23 to China and we know from research that Asia, in particular China, has a growing desire to buy our wines. We are working hard to better understand this market and are developing relationships that work well both ways,” she explains.

Fongyee Walker and her husband Edward Ragg, are founders of Dragon Phoenix Fine Wine Consulting; China’s most successful Wine & Spirit Education Trust that works to educate Chinese about wine and assists wine companies from around the world to establish Chinese markets.

Fongyee says that to be successful exporting to China you need to be very serious. “You need to be committed, you need to work at it, visit regularly, be prepared to create a buzz, create an identity,” she says. “If you want a meaningful relationship then you need to do the legwork. The Chinese market is open but you need to choose with care, target one or two places and then be prepared to help educate about wine with simple messages.”

Exporting links

Innovative and international

Export New Zealand holds breakfasts with the Chamber of Commerce, meetings, workshops and other informative events for exporters.

Sign up to the Export NZ newsletter in HB (by contacting Amanda Liddle on the details below) and the national newsletter through www.exportnewzealand.org.nz

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Here are some innovative and internationally competitive Hawke’s Bay owned and operated companies:

NZTE now has a dedicated export newsletter that provides weekly updates on any new information they have at a global level.

Free of charge, it includes regular export intelligence reports highlighting critical export market developments as well as current business trends and issues. Sign up to NZTE exporting newsletter at www.nzte.govt.nz

www.business.govt.nz

The Chamber of Commerce has a dedicated China specialist to help with any enquiries about trading with China.

Contact Jim Poppelwell: jim.poppelwell@hawkesbaychamber.co.nz

www.nzte.govt.nz Market New Zealand www.marketnewzealand.com Business Info

Export New Zealand www.exportnewzealand.org.nz Regional Business Partners This is a programme to help your business, providing vouchers for business training and funding for Research and Development

- Future Products group - manufacturers of food service temperature controlled displays and shop fittings - Wood Mallets - polo mallets and cricket bats - SirTrack - electronic animal tracking technology

- Te Mata Estate - premium wine - Brownrigg Agriculture - Wagyu live cattle

http://www.business.govt.nz/ growing/assessing-capacity-andcapability/regional-business-partners

- Rush Munro - gourmet ice cream

Contact Jenny Brown on jennyb@hbrc. govt.nz for Tech NZ enquiries

- ABB - power disaster protection products.

and Karen Cooper for business training - karen.cooper@hawkesbaychamber. co.nz Market Intelligence for New Zealand Exporters http://www.nzte.govt.nz/exploreexport-markets/Export-Intelligence/ Pages/Export-intelligence-reports.aspx

Alwyn Corban, managing director of Ngatarawa Wines has been exporting into China for the past three years. “It is definitely about developing relationships and your networks and being patient. There are masses of opportunities but you need to take the time to sift through them. It’s also important to maintain your brand position and your integrity.”

- Furnware - ergonomic school furniture

Beachhead Programme http://www.nzte.govt.nz/accessinternational-networks/Join-theBeachheads-programme/Pages/Jointhe-Beachheads-programme.aspx

- Village Press - olive oil

Export New Zealand – Hawke’s Bay Amanda Liddle T (06) 835 2528 or 027 705 4668 E Amanda.liddle@eccc.org.nz Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce Exporting to China information Jim Poppelwell E jim.poppelwell@hawkesbaychamber.co.nz New Zealand Trade and Enterprise T 0800 555 888 — Advertising Feature

Fleet expansion opens doors to business growth The addition of more than 500 new wagons to The stand-out performer for freight was the the KiwiRail train fleet has enabled solid and Import Export (IMEX) division which recorded on-going growth in the rail freight business. an increase in volume of 16 percent and a revenue increase of over 12 percent to more The new wagons have quickly taken their than $61 million. place as the workhorse on the rail network, says KiwiRail Freight general manager In the first six months of this financial year Iain Hill. bulk freight revenue increased by almost 10 percent due to the highly productive dairy “There is no question the expanded wagon season and continued demand for forestry fleet combined with our new intermodal products. containers, the 20 new locomotives and the extended Aratere is providing a significant operational upside for our customers and we have seen growth as a result of this.

“Not only has the new rolling stock delivered extra capacity particularly during critical timegates, but we are now in a much stronger position to respond to short notice requests by customers for additional volumes.”

KiwiRail last year oversaw the first phase of a major fleet replacement programme with the arrival of 535 new container flat deck wagons, each with a tare weight of 56-tonne, 20 new locomotives and 258 curtain-sided containers - aimed specifically at the domestic freight market. The Aratere ferry last year received a 30 metre-long mid-body extension allowing for an additional eight rail wagons per sailing.

KiwiRail’s half-year results show that its core business of rail freight has experienced an 11 percent increase in revenue to over $220 million. Bulk, domestic and import-export freight, carried on the rail network and across the Cook Strait represents more than 60 percent of KiwiRail’s revenue.

The larger containers are known, in their combination with flat decked wagons, as XF. They are dedicated to existing freight forwarding customers and have a pallet footprint of 26 pallets rather than the 20 or 24 in the older wagons.

Big, red and out there They are big, red and out there, providing user-friendly additional capacity for freight forwarders keen to use rail as their line haul provider.

The new curtain sided containers, now being deployed onto the rail network to supplement older wagons, are getting a positive response from customers pleased with the arrival of new rail equipment.

Two versions of the container – a 48-foot and a 25-foot - are in use and present a similar set up to that used by the trucking industry and already familiar to shippers. The all-important capacity boost these containers give has been quickly absorbed by customer demand.

The 25-foot version, to be known as ZXTs, are available for general inter-island siding traffic between Auckland and Invercargill. These will supplement the old ZH fleet, and allow the retirement of older curtain-sided wagons. www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 27

Agribusiness | Winton Stock Feed

Supplying the need for feed

Benefits of feeding molasses • Stimulates appetite at any stage of the lactating season.

• Boosts herd energy levels and promotes animal health.

• Maximises days in milking.

• Helps with rumen digestion.

• Can assist in pregnancy rates.

• Helps reduce heat-related stress during summer and cold-related effects in winter.

• Acts as a palatable food source when training animals onto other feeds.

Typical Chemical analysis g/100g

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Tanker trucks deliver molasses onto farms from seven Winton Stock Feed depots nationwide.

New Zealand dairy farmers have been quick to recognise the benefits of feeding molasses to their cows.

Winton Stock Feed began sourcing and supplying molasses in 2003, in addition to its palm kernel feed product. It now supplies hundreds of dairy farms throughout the country. “We’re the only fully New Zealandowned molasses importer,” director Nelson Lindsay says.

Only the best molasses will do

Dry matter

74.5g

Sucrose

44.0

Crude protein

4.8

MEest mj/kg dry matter

12.7

Winton Stock Feed has experienced massive growth in recent years due to the growth in its molasses operation. The product is sourced from a variety of countries, including Fiji and the Philippines.

Seven depots located throughout the country ensure ease of supply for farmers in all regions.

Nelson says his company supplies only the highest quality molasses containing high sugar levels. Molasses from Fiji is particularly high in sugar. The product is a thick dark brown liquid which is the by-product of the sugar refining industry.

With high sugar and low protein levels, molasses has excellent palatability for all classes of livestock.

Palm kernel feed <

A container of molasses is collected from Southport in Bluff for unloading at Winton.

Winton Stock Feed also supplies the Southland region with palm kernel, distributed from its new store near the Port of Bluff.

The company has its own auger trucks to deliver into silos and sheds, ensuring complete product control from ship to farm.

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A flexitank of molasses in a container ready for pumping out.

Containers are key Transporting molasses by container is one of the main reasons for Winton Stock Feeds’ success. Nelson believes Winton Stock Feed is the only company in the world transporting the feed supplement by container. The product is typically transported in bulk tankers.

Nelson says using containers offers great flexibility. “Using containers means you don’t have to have a huge inventory everywhere you can put a few containers into every port.

If there’s a spike in demand we’re able to put smaller amounts into every port, whereas bulk ships benefit from minimal number of discharge ports.”

28 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Transporting with containers also allows Winton Stock Feed to buy from smaller international locations that might have trouble filling a ship tanker load. It can offload containers in smaller ports, such as Nelson, which was previously supplied from Timaru.

Another benefit is in the cost of freight and storage. The company does not need to have expensive port-side storage terminals.

“We go places which have container surpluses and where shipping companies want to get the containers out of there. We are taking them from container surplus areas, such as Fiji, and putting them into container deficit areas, such as several locations around New Zealand.”

Agribusiness | Winton Stock Feed/News

HortNZ says bring back the x-rays Horticulture New Zealand is calling on the Government to abandon its ‘Direct Exit’ policy at airports and re-introduce 100 percent x-ray of passenger bags at the border.

President Andrew Fenton says “We want 100 percent x-ray of all passengers arriving from offshore. And we want the beagles back at Wellington Airport”.

Continuity of supply and competitive prices

Winton Stock Feed deals directly with sugar mills in Fiji and the Philippines. It employs its own staff in both these countries and has its own vehicles.

The company buys from the country offering the best deal, forwarding those deals onto its customers.

It has investments in several countries that are critical to maintaining a reliable supply chain.

Winton Stock Feed’s existing storage facilities include 4000-tonne storage tanks in Timaru, a 1700-tonne pond at Winton and 2000 tonnes of storage in the Bay of Plenty.

The company’s storage facilities offer customers continuity of supply.

Containers of molasses are inspected in Winton Stock Feed’s yard in Fiji, prior to filling.

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Winton Stock Feed’s detailed supply and delivery processes have much to offer its customers:

Winton Stock Feed operates a high-quality devanning process in New Zealand when moving molasses from container to tanker trucks for delivery.

The company deals directly with the sugar mill and the end customer, cutting out the “middle man” and keeping costs down.

Winton Stock Feed PO Box 132 Winton 9741 T (03) 236 6089 F (03) 236 7671 Freephone 0800 MOLASSES (66527737) E office@wintonstockfeed.co.nz www.wintonstockfeed.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The group believes this country might still be able to claim we have the world’s toughest biosecurity protection, but it’s not good enough for New Zealand’s growers.

“It’s got to the point where we are relying on 2,000kms of sea to provide our biosecurity protection. We know where the fault lies. This Government’s determination to cut costs has now cost all of us big money and risked billions of dollars in national earnings,” Andrew says.

HortNZ has confidence in the passionate and capable people working on the ground responding to this detection.

“We thank them for all their effort and also thank all the people in the controlled areas for their co-operation. But those people, and the rest of New Zealand, don’t want to be going through a scare like this every six months. That’s exactly what will happen if we don’t very quickly put back all the protection that’s quietly been taken away.

“We have heard too much about creating a ‘domestic-like travel experience’ and reducing passenger processing times. Biosecurity is a national issue.

It is a serious business and can’t be compromised.”

HortNZ believes cuts at the Ministry of Primary Industries have cut too deep, with long-serving, extremely knowledgeable and passionate staff lost. HortNZ say figures provided show a reduction in frontline biosecurity staff of 12 percent since 2007, to just 280 people at airports country wide. At the same time, passenger arrivals have increased by 14 percent, from 4.3 million to 4.9 million.

Wellington airport has had no detector dogs since September last year and nationally there are two less x-ray machines in service than there were two years ago.

“I have had former and current MPI staff tell me how worried they are. That makes me, and all 6000 growers HortNZ represents, very worried and very angry,” Andrew says.

The ‘Direct Exit’ policy which aims to speed up a traveller’s trip by 15 minutes has been criticised by HortNZ in the past, and will be again if this Government’s policy does not change.

“We want the 100 percent x-ray back. We want all the beagles back. And it needs to happen now.”

Kiwi app set to be farming game changer Auckland-based IT company Sush Mobile has developed an application that might change the way farmers spread, monitor and measure fertilisers on their farm, saving them time and thousands of dollars on purchasing the GPS devices usually used to track farmers’ activities.

BULK LIQUIDS FARM DELIVERY

The Precision Farming android and iPad application was designed as an innovative ‘all in one’ tool used to order, monitor, measure and record the activities of fertiliser spreader on farms.

The application was thought up by Central Transport managing director Brendon Cane last year. Brendon came to Sush Mobile last December with the idea of the application, not knowing how he would implement it in the digital space.

“I saw a gap in the farming market for an application that would not only save farmers time, but thousands of dollars in equipment,” he says.

“I took the idea to Sush Mobile, not knowing whether it was possible to create. A few months later I have a fully functional

application that will increase productivity for farmers globally.

“Currently, farmers are spending up to $5000 on hardware to manage their fertilising systems, whereas the Precision Farming app retails at $280 on Andriod and $499 on the iPad, so farmers will literally save thousands.”

Sush Mobile director Sulabh Sharma says the Sush team, which specialises in creating apps that deliver business solutions, worked with Mr Cane to bring his vision to life.

“When Brendon came to us, he had the seed of an idea, but we could see it was a brilliant concept that would make a global impact on the agricultural sector,” Sulabh says. “It was very exciting to bring the idea to life as an app and push the boundaries of technology in the farming world.”

He says applications are not only changing the way businesses market themselves, they are also allowing consumers to interact with them in new innovative ways that bring meaningful solutions to everyday business problems.

“We don’t just create applications that look pretty - we design them to serve a business need. Precision Farming is an example of an application that will help farmers save time as well as money on the job.” www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 29

Agribusiness | Irrigation Services

Working wonders with water

Irrigation services lined an 8000 squaremetre sewerage pond for the new Riversdale Beach community.

• Irrigation Services offers a wide range of high-quality irrigation services, including:

The irrigation specialists

• Specialist project management.

Irrigation Services is New Zealand’s leader in drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation to horticulture and frost protection systems in orchards and vineyards, and has also developed its expertise in lining ponds.

• A full design service detailing soil analysis, plant requirements, water availability and climate.

• The supply of all major brands and componentry to ensure the best quality outcome.

The company meets the full range of irrigation, filtration, effluent and pumping needs to agricultural and horticultural customers.

It offers a full project management and turnkey package for any sized project.

Irrigation Services is based in Hastings and has branches in the Wairarapa and Central Otago, employing about 20 staff, who are experienced in all facets of design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance.

The overall engineering for the scheme was prepared by CPG, with Irrigation Services designing and building the reticulation system, with treated effluent then used for New dam lining work irrigation. Irrigation Services also lined an 8000 square-metre sewerage pond at the site. Adrian says the company started lining dams about two years ago and is working hard to Principal Adrian Mannering says the project grow that area of business. required a high level of quality and technical “We used to subcontract that work out, but monitoring to ensure no effluent was leaked into waterways and no irrigation took place in to streamline the project and to ensure the highest quality output for our customers, we adverse climatic conditions. started doing our own lining,” he says.

“This is a pretty typical job for us but working “We decided to do the work ourselves so we with the Masterton District Council was new can have more control. We’ve now got some for us,” he says. very experienced staff that we’ve taken on “Traditionally we’ve done large projects but board in that area.” in the area of viticulture, horticulture and the Irrigation Services has developed a mobile farming sector. We haven’t done so much council work but we’d like to grow that area of pond lining unit who will line a pond business more.” anywhere in the country.

• Full system installation.

• Complete irrigation and frost control maintenance contracts.

The team at Irrigation Services lays mainline for linking land-based effluent areas at Riversdale Beach.

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About 270 properties have been connected to the new $10-million scheme, which involves underground gravity reticulation to transport raw effluent from properties to a main pumping station nearby. The effluent is then pumped to a treatment and irrigation area that includes three large effluent ponds.

What Irrigation Services can do for you

• Effluent pond lining.

Irrigation Services worked closely with the Masterton District Council in the lining of the Riversdale pond.

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Irrigation Services designed and built the field reticulation scheme and lined a large sewage pond at the beach scheme, 55km east of Masterton.

Irrigation Services’ commercial background within the viticulture and horticulture industries means the company is used to working under strict guidelines and to high standards. “We’re good at project management and working within a timeframe to a high standard.”

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With an eye to creating a better community for the future, a land-based effluent system has successfully been installed at the Riversdale Beach community, replacing the old sceptic tank system.

Important professional relationships Irrigation Services has developed strong relationships with large vineyard and orchard operators. When a high level of precision is needed in Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, these operators trust Irrigation Services to do a good job.

Adrian has worked hard to establish good relationships with Delegats, Pernod Ricard and orchard companies.

“We work pretty closely with those businesses and have done a lot of work for them,” he says.

“They’re a lot bigger than us but they feel comfortable dealing with us. They know what they’re going to get and it’s good pricing and good service delivered on time.”

Irrigation Services 450 Lawn Road Clive Hastings 4172 T (06) 870 0658 F (06) 870 0581 www.irrigationservices.co.nz — Advertising Feature

WATER AND EFFLUENT STORAGE FARM IRRIGATION • WATER SUPPLIES 450 Lawn Rd, Hastings 118 Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton

We will assess, design, install and maintain a solution for any water requirement.

Contact us on 0800 433 367 Irrigation Services Ltd.

30 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Forestry | NZ Forest Industries

Forests of fortune The third largest export earner in New Zealand, creating $4 billion of revenue annually - the forestry industry is a dominant force in this country’s economy. It was one of the nationals first industries of this nation and continues to provide a livelihood for many who still work in forestry today.

Forestry Industry Contractors Association spokesman John Stulen says the Chinese are our leading export market, with New Zealand earning $936 million annually from China bound exports. “They use every little last bit of wood fibre. The logs are used to make boxing for construction for concrete highrise buildings. Some is used as construction material and the rest of it goes into MDF and pulp and paper.” Japan, Korea and Australia are the next biggest markets taking a mixture of timber products.

Historically the United States has been a top importer of New Zealand’s processed timber however, the recession and downturn in construction has meant a drop off in demand.

Emerging markets include India and Vietnam whose rising populations mean the demand

for housing and wood-based products has increased.

Logs and chips, and lumber are the two top timber export earners with wood pulp, paper and paperboard, panel products and other products making up the balance. From 2000 to 2010 logs and chips exports have almost doubled.

About 1,751,000ha (about seven percent) of New Zealand’s land use is in plantation forestry with around 92 percent of New Zealand’s plantation forests privately owned. These include private companies, partnerships, individuals and trusts (including Maori trusts and incorporations). Four percent are owned by central government and three percent local government with the remainder owned by registered public companies and state-owned enterprises. In 2010, the total harvested area was 43,500ha – up 1700ha from 2009.

Wood is the only construction material which absorbs C0² from the atmosphere when produced – not emitting more. No other material stacks up as well; during production one tonne of:

The land which has predominantly been used for forestry is often unsuitable for agricultural or pastoral usage. The introduction of new technologies within the industry has now allowed forests to be grown on very steep and often inaccessible places which were unsuitable in the past allowing for more land to become productive.

The boom of investment in forestry, in the mid 1990s, has not been repeated since. But John says unlike other industries, the timber industry has not suffered like others during the recession. A flourishing world population and the demand for timber brought about by the Christchurch rebuild means interest in investing in the industry is inevitable. “People start talking about their returns so others get interested and go and plant on their farms.

This will happen again.”

• Concrete releases 159kg of C0² into the atmosphere • Steel releases 1.24 tonnes of C0² into the atmosphere • Aluminium releases 9.3 tonnes of C0² from the atmosphere • Wood however, absorbs a net of 1.7 tonnes of C0² from the atmosphere, over and above the energy expended in growing, harvesting and processing.

New Zealand’s main forestry species Radiata Pine Radiata Pine has a number of structural uses including decking, fencing exterior cladding, window sashes, pergolas, landscaping, shingles, barge boards and exterior trim.

Panel products such as plywood, MDF and laminated veneer lumber, are also available from Radiata Pine resources.

Macrocarpa Macrocarpa has a range of uses including ceiling sarking, exposed beams, flooring, wall panelling, framing, furniture, solid wood bench tops, architraves and skirtings.

It can be used outside for weatherboard, soffit, facia, pergolas, decking and outdoor furniture. It is not recommended in-ground for construction purposes (including inground posts for fencing, decking and pergolas).

Eucalypts

Douglas Fir Douglas Fir can be used for roof trusses and framing, internal panelling and glue laminated beams. As well as being popular for light timber framing, the larger dimensional stock is sought after for exposed interior posts and beams because of its good stability and freedom from twist.

Glue lamination to produce beams, arches and scaffold planks is also common.

Eucalypts have a number of applications.

The Blue Gum group is suitable for tongue and groove flooring, in-sequence parquet, overlay, joinery stairs, doors, furniture, panelling, decking, outdoor furniture and sliced veneer. The Stringybark group is suitable for flooring, joinery, decking, cross arms (mainly E. microcorys) and sliced veneer. The Ash group is suitable for joinery, furniture and sliced veneer.

Friday Offcuts

Wood Week

Forestry new, equipment, tenders and technology, Friday Offcuts is a leading weekly electronic newsletter read by Australasian forest products companies.

WoodWeek is a leading weekly electronic newsletter that goes out to New Zealand and Australian forestry contractors, forest managers and forest owners.

What is is?

Who reads it?

www.fridayoffcuts.com

www.woodweek.com www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 31

Forestry | NZ Forest Industries

The history of the timber industry in New Zealand Before humans populated New Zealand, about 80 percent of land was covered in native forest. Maori made little impact on the forests but when European settlers arrived in the 18th century they saw the potential to export wood for sea-going vessels manufacturing, as well as for new houses to accommodate the growing population on this side of the world.

The growth of the Australian colonies from the 1830s saw an increased demand for timber used to build houses and ships. Soon building materials were sent from New Zealand including kauri, kahikatea, rimu and totara.

Trade also began with England to provide kauri spars for naval ships.

Systematic tree felling began and by 1840, when organised European settlement started, forest covered about half of New Zealand.

Unfortunately not all trees were logged. As the increased population saw the potential of farming, forests were burned or cleared with the wood often going to waste.

Sawmills were set up all around the country as the economic benefits were realised by many. These were often in remote locations, sited near the forest and families would set

32 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Species sawn included rimu, matai, kahikatea, totora, red beech and kauri. Logs were transported to mills by bush tramway – anything from 3km to 30km away – by steam locos, rail tractor or pulled by horses.

From 1940 roads and trucks were also used for logging. Sawn timber was transported to market principally by rail with road and coastal shipping also playing a role.

The timber industry was an arduous and hazardous working environment. The evolution of technology within the industry has made the occupation less demanding, but has also seen a drop of employment levels as machinery has replaced man.

As the forests were eliminated from the landscape, it became evident there was a need to ensure trees were planted so wood would be available for industry both here and overseas. Production of exotic timber, principally radiata pine, began in the 1930s, dominating by 1953. The indigenous industry eventually faded away in the 1980s.

The boom of the forestry industry in the 1980s and 90s was a result of mum and dad investors, who were scorched by the share market demise, seeking alternative ways to invest their money. With the harvest of those investments in the next few years, there are predictions of more people looking to invest their capital within the forestry industry.

up in primitive accommodation nearby. These small communities would disband normally after about 15 years, when the mills closed down.

Your Total Harvesting and Marketing Solution A Feilding based Harvesting & Marketing Service Provider, servicing Primarily the Southern North Island, Taranaki & Hawkes Bay Regions, but now able to provide this service in the Central North Island and Gisborne regions.

What we offer •

A free, no obligation assessment of your trees, with personal service and advice.

•

A NZ owned and operated company

•

Guaranteed Payments

•

Pre-Funding of road and skid construction, to agreed levels, with no finance charges.

•

Highly experienced staff to manage the Harvesting & Marketing of your trees.

•

Experienced, quality contractors to harvest and transport your trees

•

A range of hauler & ground based contractor harvesting options available

•

Access to all domestic sawmills in the region

•

Export Sales through NZ’s largest log export company

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Options of, managed or graded sales, and/or lump sum purchase, where appropriate, to provide a solution that suits each individual forest owner.

•

Foreign exchange options for export grades

Forest Owner Marketing Services Ltd (FOMS) is an independent Harvesting & Marketing Services provider and major player in harvesting & marketing of privately owned forests in the Southern North Island, Taranaki and Hawkes Bay regions & with a new representative in the Central North Island covering the CNI & Gisborne regions.

FOMS was formed seven and a half years ago from scratch and has grown today to be arguably the largest independent harvesting & Marketing service provider in the region, if not New Zealand, projected to harvest and market well in excess of 400,000 tonnes over the next 12 months.

All of this volume has come from forests owned by private investors, from Woodlots planted on privately owned farms ranging from 500 tonnes to 50,000 tonnes, to syndicated forests of several hundred thousand tonnes planted around 30 years ago when forestry was seen as the “growth” industry in NZ. At that time SMP’s had been discontinued, Farmers were

struggling and many thousands of hectares of marginal farms (at least they were marginal in that particular economic climate) were planted in Radiata pine by private individuals & syndicates looking to cash in on the expected wood shortages of the future. Many farmers saw forestry as good utilisation of an unproductive part of their farm and that this “nest egg” would provide cash in the future a part of their self-funded superannuation.

Many of these woodlots and syndicated forest, planted by individual farmers or groups of investors are now maturing, and what better time to be entering the market and harvesting these trees planted with great expectations all those years ago, with the sleeping giants, China and India, awakening and on the cusp of massive demand.

FOMS is seeing many of these forests reaching maturity in the current market, and can

offer excellent options for the harvesting & marketing of these trees.

From the strong base we have built, FOMS provide an absolute guarantee of payment to forest owners for whom we harvest.

The experience of the FOMS team is second to none, and FOMS exports through the TPT Group, the largest log exporter in New Zealand.

If you have some trees that might be ready or near ready to harvest, and you are looking for options and/or advice, contact FOMS representatives: Marcus 0274 921 081 E: marcus.musson@foms.co.nz Chris 0274 921 072 E: chris.maher@foms.co.nz Dan 0275 859 339, Central North Island & Gisborne E: dan.gaddum@foms.co.nz Or ring 06 323 5621 or Fax: 06 323 5372

PREVENT YOUR INCOME GOING UP IN SMOKE HOW MANY MINUTES WOULD IT TAKE FOR FIRE SERVICE TO RESPOND TO YOUR SITE?

PORTABLE FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM FITS ON A UTE Have your own “insurance” onsite fire porotection that fits on your ute. A small cost for protection of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of machinery.

Low water use unit - best available for small fires.

Personal fire protection kits also available.

A new, portable fire-fighting system that fits in the back of a ute is now available to forest owners, managers and harvesting crews as an ideal ‘first response’ choice.

Aptly called the Fire Attack System, it consists of a base unit on to which a pump, one or two hose reels, water tank and foam attachment are fitted.

Similar in concept to locally created “smoke chasers”, the new system is deemed more effective because it delivers its water and wetting agent at very high pressure for maximum cooling and extinguishing.

P 0800 FIRESOURCE 0800 347 376 W firesource.co.nz

The standard nozzle can be used at high and low pressure with jet or fan spray for the correct application for the fire. A simple click of a valve on the lance can also produce aspirated foam, very similar to CAFS. This is great for creating fire breaks and protecting machinery and personnel.

According to Jared Chisnall of Firesource, fire and rescue equipment specialists, the British-made system can douse a car fire using as little as 50 litres of water, thanks to the high pressure delivery.

“It’s ideal for use as a first response unit for forest fires because it can quickly be mounted onto the back of a ute and taken directly to the source of the fire in a very short time,” says Mr Chisnall.

“There are utes with every harvesting crew, so there would always be a vehicle available to transport the FAS unit to a fire and prevent it from getting out of control – often fires are in places that are difficult for full-size fire tenders to reach so this is an important feature.”

The unit can also be mounted on a frame for transport around the skid site via forestry machinery.

Contact us today for a free trial!

0800 347 376 or visit our website www.firesource.co.nz

www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 33

Forestry | NZ Forest Industries

The carbon friendly industry The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a comprehensive component in an overall climate change policy involving all significant greenhouse gases and all sectors including forestry, agriculture, industry, energy, waste and liquid fossil fuels.

The ETS is the price-based mechanism established by Parliament to: • Reduce net greenhouse gas emissions below business-as-usual levels • Comply with international obligations, including Kyoto Protocol obligations.

Forestry was the first sector to enter the ETS, effective January 1, 2008 because of its potential to remove and store carbon emissions from other sectors.

34 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Under the ETS, forest land is defined as being at least 1 hectare with forest species that has, or is likely to have tree crown cover of more than 30 percent on each hectare. Forest land does not include land that has, or is likely to have tree crown cover with an average width of less than 30 metres.

Forest species are trees capable of reaching five metres in height at maturity in the place they are growing, excluding tree species grown primarily for the production of fruit and nut crops.

Post 1989 forest land Post 1989 forest land is land that was established in forest after December 31, 1989.

Land that was in forest before this date, but was deforested between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2007 is also eligible.

Post 1989 land can be exotic or indigenous species, providing it meets the forest land requirements.

Pre 1990 forest land Pre 1990 forest is land that was in forest on December 31, 1989 and remained in predominantly exotic forest on December 31, 2007.

Owners of post 1989 forest land, and those with rights to post 1989 forests can voluntarily enter the ETS and earn New Zealand Units Old-growth indigenous forest is not subject (NZUs) as their forests grow. Alternatively, to the rules of the ETS, and therefore not pre they can enter the complementary scheme, 1990 forest. the Permanent Forest Sink Initiative (PFSI).

Under the ETS, owners of pre 1990 forest The Government retains responsibility for land will be required to surrender NZUs if the credits and liabilities of post-1989 forests they deforest. Deforestation is clearance of whose owners do not join the ETS or the PFSI. more than two hectares of forest land in each

five-year commitment period from January 1, 2008, followed by: • A change in land use out of forestry e.g. into dairy farming, or • The forest species not reaching specified thresholds.

Pre 1990 forest owners do not receive NZUs as their forest grows, but the Government made available a one-off opportunity for an allocation of NZUs or an exemption to the deforestation rules of the ETS.

Forestry | NZ Forest Industries

Forestry organisations Two prominent forestry organisations, which support the industry in New Zealand, foster development for itstechnology and workers.

companies, key product suppliers, researchers and technology providers from throughout the world are targeted and involved with the programmes. In addition to these events, new resources from the technology programmes are being supplied to New Zealand and Australian companies.

The organisation provides the industry with weekly news updates and also funds tertiary institutions by way of equipment and scholarships – to encourage and support outstanding students who are training for a career in the industry.

The Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) has been running an extensive series of technical programmes for forestry and wood products companies since 1998 – for both New The Forest Industry Contractors Association Zealand and Australian operations.

(FICA) was formed almost 10 years ago for contractors, to give a common voice on An independent forum for local relevant issues and to foster development and companies is provided by FIEA to evaluate improvement within the New Zealand forestry new technologies. Networking with contracting industry. other companies and leading local and international technology providers is also FICA’s role is to improve profitability of a significant benefit of the technology forest contractors and their clients. This is programmes. achieved through professional development Forestry and wood products companies, programmes including regional seminars, largely distant from most major technology workshops and networking meetings as well providers, can through FIEA, evaluate a wide as lobbying on behalf of the industry. range of new and emerging technologies Its vision is to encourage forest industry suited to their own operations. It is well contractors to “work smarter”, providing recognised as providing one of the most information, training and updates on industry effective vehicles for technology transfer for developments and technologies. companies.

There are a regular series of conferences, practical workshops and managed exhibitions run every year. Forestry and wood product

As a part of this goal FICA acts as the voice of all forest industry contractors in New Zealand on policy and issues relevant to the industry.

www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 35

Foundations in Forestry The Certificate in Foundational Forestry Harvesting delivered by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa offers students an opportunity to learn the core skills required for working in the forestry industry throughout Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Toka Pekepo is one of our successful graduates who enrolled in the programme in 2010.

these processes. I’m working on a chainsaw 90% of the times, so I need to keep myself safe.”

Initially a little wary of returning to study, Toka quickly took to the programme. “I thought it was going to be like being back at school, but it’s nothing like it. Here, everyone is treated with respect and as an adult. The focus is on our studies.

If you don’t listen or learn you’ll get caught out with the practical work.

Sometimes it’s just the little things, but they’re the things that count, the things that keep you safe”.

Completing this programme has supported Toka in achieving a new direction in life. “I want to teach my tamariki (children) about this way of life,” he says. “My family are buzzing out on what I’m doing. I’ve got friends that didn’t think I’d last; now I’m laughing at them. Some of those same people are now doing the course themselves.”

Safety is a huge issue across the forestry industry. “While you’re on the course, you get to go out with different logging crews and learn the different safety practices. The Certificate in Foundational Forestry course gives you this knowledge so you can recognise and understand

36 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

“The support offered during the course was awesome. The tutors were always there with us, and not just for those nine hours a day. You build up some good relationships; none of us wanted to finish.”

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa offers the Certificate in Foundational Forestry Harvesting at sites throughout the North Island. This is just one of

Toka Pekepo now works in the forestry industry after studying at Te Wānanga O Aotearoa. the many programmes we have designed to give tauira a positive educational experience in a unique Māori learning environment.

The Certificate in Foundation Forestry Harvesting programme includes: • practical hands-on experience where you’ll get to work in forestry crews or with logging contractors at one of a number of North Island locations • A chance to see your efforts

rewarded if you’re recommended for employment at the end of the programme.

Skills gained in this programme will prepare you for: • A job as an entry-level cable logging/ground based crew member in forest harvesting/ logging operations • Further study which will provide entry to higher level jobs in the forestry harvesting industry.

Initiatives | Prescott Trailers

Pulling ahead New Zealand; it’s a rural industry-based country and while rural sectors may differ considerably in operation, there is one product which links them all – trailers.

Much like the industries which utilise them, trailers too can differ considerably, both in quality and capability.

For more than four decades, Prescott Trailers has been designing and manufacturing trailers to suit both the rugged Kiwi terrain and the strong Kiwi mentality.

Established in 1968 to fill a gap in the market for strong, quality trailers, Prescott’s trailers are designed to suit all areas of the Kiwi climate, according to owner John Grierson.

“We supply trailers to every area in the community; we cover the full spectrum which keeps us busy. There are at least 30,000 Prescott trailers working in a diverse range of industries around the country.

Forging success through partnerships Like all success stories, the Prescott Trailers story is one of teamwork. While there are a number of loyal suppliers which have played a part in the success of the company, Perry Metal Protection has played a significant role. The company involved with galvanising all Prescott trailers is not only a strong and reputable organisation, but it is also produces work to the highest quality standards which aligns well with Prescott’s expectations. “Before the zinc coating technology we use today was available, trailers lasted 25 to 30 years, today you can expect them to last 40 plus years. We have always found Perry Metal Protection great to work with; they give us great service and do a great job. “Perry Metal Protection makes selling trailers a lot easier.”

From lockable cupboard trailers, boat trailers and small farm trailers, to 4x3 dog trailers and large commercial trailers, Prescott has the trailer to suit the job. “A large part of our workload is servicing as we carry out servicing and repairs on both our trailers and other imported trailers.”

“

There are at least 30,000 Prescott trailers working in a diverse range of industries around the country.

”

- Prescott Trailers owner John Grierson

It’s a competitive industry and it takes some time to build a reputation, Grierson explains, but with 44 years of experience, Prescott Trailers competes well. “Why we are so strong is because we have been around for so long.

This has allowed us to learn what to do and what not to do. We have a reputation to keep and it’s in our interest to maintain the highest standards of quality we have become known for.”

The company uses as much New Zealand componentry as much as possible and where these materials are not available, Australian products are used. “We find these products are much higher in quality compared to a lot of the imported parts. New Zealand and Australian products have stringent quality control and standard which must be adhered to.

“There is no point making a good trailer out of poor material.”

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3.0 x 2.0 m flatdeckx

“We do a quality job at a reasonable price.

While we specialise in heavy duty trailers for farming and industry, we do one-off jobs made to order.”

Fast facts • Established in 1968 • Supplies a range of 29 standards trailers • Supplies car trailers, farm trailers, horse floats, quad bikes and boat trailers • Manufactures custom made, one off products • Supplies trailers for commercial, farming and boating applications • Provides full servicing and repairs for Prescott Trailers and other makes and models • Supplies a range of trailer crates and other accessories • 100 percent New Zealand owned and operated • Has produced more than 30,000 trailers nationwide.

Prescott Trailers is known for producing quality product and much of its work in gained through repeat business or word of mouth. It is for this reason alone that the company stands by its two year warranty, on all its trailers.

It is quickly heading into the busy months of the year as farmers start getting some breathing space after their busy season.

Also coming up is the National Agricultural Fieldays, the largest agribusiness exhibition in the southern hemisphere, and Grierson says this is the prime time to look into trailer purchasing. “It is the key opportunity for people to compare all brands at the same time and same place.”

The biggest issue with people comparing brands is the use of email. “People flick emails out to trailer companies and all they want to compare is price. They don’t ask about quality, features or strength. What they don’t take into consideration is cost over the whole life span of a product and our products are built to last.

“When purchasing a trailer the question people need to ask is ‘why are your trailers better’?”

But the biggest drawcard for Prescott Trailers, he says, is they are built for New Zealand conditions. “Some trailers are just too heavy, making them difficult to use and requiring more fuel to tow. Others use cheaper or lighter componentry, which can’t stand up to the average Kiwi who is going to give it hell.

“Our trailers are both affordable and provide value for money in the long term.”

Prescott Trailers Ltd 29 Station Road Te Puke Bay of Plenty T 0800 888 323 E enquiries@prescotttrailers.co.nz www.prescotttrailers.co.nz — Advertising Feature

HOT DIP GALVANISING Proud to support Prescott Trailers Bath size 6.0m x 0.9m x 2.4m FOR QUALITY AND SERVICE Ph: (07) 541 2222 or (07) 541 1344 Fax: (07) 541 0813 119 Oropi Road, Greerton, Tauranga www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 37

Rising to the challenge Towering buildings dominating the cityscape, motorways and many industrial plants have one thing in common – their installation was probably assisted by a crane.

This piece of equipment has added value in many industries to allow the safe movement of machinery, buildings, products or equipment – that is either beyond the human capability of carrying, or which is required to be placed in an otherwise inaccessible space.

For Waikato Cranes managing director Tony Gibson this business provides him with a diverse range of customers which the company has been able to assist in both domestic and commercial settings – from transferring pianos to moving buildings.

“We’ve been involved with industry from all sectors – commercial construction, infrastructure and energy, such as transmission lines, power generation plants (including thermal, wind and hydro energy), processing plants such as steel mills, dairy factories, paper and timber mills and oil refineries…the list goes on.”

He is also well aware of the investment, companies and people have made in the products his company is being asked to move. It is because of this, Waikato Cranes implement techniques and use equipment which provides the lowest risk while still delivering the outcome required by the client.

Recent projects have included erecting the drill rig that Lucy Lawless and six other Green Peace activists staged their “sit in” protest. Work for local and national government agencies and assisting in the Rena salvage effort. “Long term relationships with our key clients are essential to successful business in our industry. To achieve this we have to be flexible and innovative,” Tony says.

Management of these projects has led the company to gain a reputation of top performance and reliability and Tony is under no illusion how these have been achieved. “Our staff is our most important asset. We grow our own talent. They all undergo training on a regular basis and are kept well informed on best practice and safety requirements.”

The staff has not only proved their worth to their employers but also their peers, with their work being recognised as the best in the Crane Project of the Year Awards in 2002 and 2009. “Most of our 38 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

crane operators were qualified tradesmen before commencing work in the crane hire industry. This gives them a better understanding of the job from the end user perspective.”

These employees are also well aware of the necessity to provide the best service. “They’re the ones liaising with the clients on a day-to-day basis. They know they are the face of our organisation and the lasting memory our customers have of our business,” Tony says.

It is evident that employees have great job satisfaction, many have reached 25 years service with one clocking up more than 40 years for the company. Tony should know, he started in the business as an employee in 1985, became a 33 percent shareholder in 2002 and increased his shareholding, to own half the company, in 2005. He now owns the company in partnership with civil engineer and consultant Albert Smith.

For Tony the ability to meet customers’ needs is down to a simple philosophy of business; “we say what we do, and we do what we say”. As a result many customers return time and again to use the services of Waikato Cranes and its sister company Auckland Cranes.

Waikato Cranes staff representatives can come and meet you on site to discuss your project and prepare a lift plan or can offer a complete turn-key project providing the following services with its staff: • Customer support representation and site visits • Project management and logistics co-ordination • Lift planning and hazard identification • Taxi and project crane work • Riggers and site fitters for plant installation, extraction and relocation • Hiabs, riggers and rigging services Waikato Cranes and Auckland Cranes offer a full range of cranes and services. Specialising in: • Taxi hire • Long term hire • Heavy salvage • Pre-cast concrete placement • Plant installation or relocation • O/D Transport

Growth in the industry Waikato Cranes has grown from 14 cranes to more than 40 in the past seven years. They were the first company in the Southern Hemisphere to purchase a 300 tonne lifting capacity crane with an 80m boom and the company now boasts a 350 tonne capacity crane.

This means it is able to meet the requirements of the customers who present the most challenging tasks and also provide flexibility in the service it delivers.

“Equipment in our fleet includes cranes ranging from 2.5 tonne to 350 tonne and specialised transporters

for transporting over-dimensional loads. It is our mandate to treat challenging specialised heavy rigging and small lifts with the same attitude for safety and efficiency. We especially thrive on projects where cranes, heavy haul trucks, engineering staff and innovative thinking all must be co-ordinated,” Tony says.

An online menu is available to prospective clients to gauge what equipment may be suitable for the task.

As well, the company’s telephones are manned 24 hours per day, seven days a week, by dispatchers who have previously operated cranes. This makes choosing a crane for projects easier as their experience is vital when making crane selections. A representative can also come on-site and meet to discuss particular requirements of a project.

All cranes arrive on site with current certification, safety devices, licensed and experienced operators and communications systems, to assist with immediate problem solving. Auckland and Waikato Cranes conforms to all Department of Labour, Land Transport New Zealand, Transit NZ and local authority site rules and regulations.

SOS answered

by Waikato Cranes

Site safety

Cranes are dynamic machines. They demand and deserve the respect and safety consciousness of everyone associated with their use, maintenance and operation. People are the biggest influence on safe working conditions. The single most important factor is having competent and reliable personnel, who are safety conscious, operating the machinery and managing the site.

Effective instruction and training in the basic safety principles of crane operation and accident prevention measures are essential and vital requirements for all people involved with cranes.

Since more larger cranes are being used on today’s major construction sites, it is increasingly necessary all site personnel, involved or in charge of, crane and lifting operations, be trained in the basic principles of crane safety.

Waikato and Auckland Cranes site supervisors, riggers, doggers and everyone who works around cranes, constantly observe and assess worksites having regard for their own safety and the safety of others. The site manager has a clear understanding of the work to be done, considers all dangers at the site, and develops a plan to do the job safely, including explaining the plan to all concerned.

All personnel setting up cranes or handling loads know proper machine erection and rigging procedures. The primary duty of a dogger is to assist the operator in the safe and efficient operation of the crane and the job in hand including the safe slinging of the load.

When an operator’s vision is obscured or when operating in hazardous areas such as near power lines or near people, a dogger must be used. A dogger may also be necessary at other times. Waikato and Auckland Cranes are able to evaluate when a dogger is required and provide one for the job.

The company was recently contracted to undergo salvage work on the Rena shipwreck. This meant engaging a navel architect to ensure all Maritime Safety Authority standards and practices were being met. “It was a big process to go through, to ensure the safety of the people and equipment involved in the salvage process,” Tony says.

It also meant the company has worked tirelessly manning and maintaining the cranes throughout the salvage process.

This included the need for staff to work on Christmas Day and Easter.

Assisting in this huge task has provided a “steep learning curve” for Tony and his team. “I think we had 18 days after it went down to the time we were able to start the salvage. We went to great lengths to ensure everything was in place. It’s a constantly changing environment and you have to be able to adapt to that.”

It has shown the company is willing to go to great lengths to ensure its customers’ requirements are met, even working all hours to get the job done, as well as maintaining the level of accuracy and safety the company is renowned for.

Insurance • •

•

Public liability limited to $10,000,000 Contractor all risk is limited to $150,000 Goods on hook limited to $250,000

Professional body membership •

•

•

Power Crane Association of New Zealand New Zealand Heavy Haulage Association New Zealand Road Transport Association

Waikato Cranes, 86 Sunshine Ave, Te Rapa, Hamilton | T (07) 849 3846 | F (07) 849 3579 | www.waikatocranes.co.nz www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 39

Initiatives | Central Directional Drilling

Getting people connected

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CDD is currently helping connect every home and business in New Plymouth and Wanganui with ultrafast broadband.

What Central Directional Drilling can offer

Central Directional Drilling (CDD) is undertaking the largest job in its history, helping to roll out ultrafast broadband to every home and business in New Plymouth and Wanganui.

CDD is a specialist drilling company that has been operating in New Plymouth since 2003.

It opened a depot in Wanganui last July for the broadband project and now has a team of 35 working from that branch.

UFB project Director Gary Stonnell says the ultrafast broadband project is the biggest job CDD will probably ever undertake. It is running from North Cape to the Bluff, with CDD involved in the Wanganui and New Plymouth regions for the next five years.

“There’s a lot of work out there for a long time to connect every house in the country,” he says.

CDD began work on the project in Wanganui last July and just started in New Plymouth in late March.

The company has bought two large new drilling rigs for the project, bringing its total number of drills to six, with additional rigs planned.

The new drills have 45,000 pounds of thrust and can put in 300-400 metres of pipe on a good day, with a reach of 210 metres.

They were custom built in China to CDD’s specifications.

The optimum depth for the bore holes is 1m, and they have to stay 1m-1.5m away from trees to avoid damaging roots.

• Central Directional Drilling is owned by Gary and Erin Stonnell. Gary has drilled in oil fields throughout the world for 14 years, working in Russia for two years before returning home to start CDD in 2003.

• The company has grown steadily from a two-man operation to a major player in the drilling industry, employing more than 60 staff.

“Most cities have a history of 100 years and as they grow, so does the infrastructure. To put this system in place and get it across those services and into every house, there’s a fairly high risk of wiping out those other services.

There’s a lot of time and care taken to ensure that doesn’t happen,” he says.

• In its nine years of operation, CDD has worked all over New Zealand, drilling and laying cables, drains, pipes and gas mains for councils and large infrastructure companies.

• CDD has worked extensively with the New Plymouth City Council on such projects as laying sewer pipes up to 7 metres deep in the township of Oakura.

• It has also laid new gas mains, power lines in city centres and upgrades for major power companies.

The orange pipe fed out into bore holes is 180mm round and contains many more smaller colour-coded pipes, one for each property.

Each drill is fitted with a transmitter that signals its location to a worker above ground holding a computer. The signals are accurate to the millimetre.

Once the pipes have been laid, those smaller internal glass or plastic pipes have to be tested to make sure every one of them works before the holes in pavement can be sealed. Each cabinet is connected to 80-110 properties, and the testing process can take weeks.

Staff use a digital mapping system to locate the underground services they need to avoid, and dig test holes to make sure of their depth.

Central Directional Drilling is currently ahead of its target, with the project progressing extremely well.

Complicated drilling process Stonnell says the biggest challenge of the job is avoiding other underground pipes and infrastructure.

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40 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

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Initiatives | Central Directional Drilling

Mutually beneficial relationships

The company opened a branch in Wanganui last year for the broadband job and took on more than 30 new staff in the town.

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Central Directional Drilling (CDD) is helping grow the economy in Manawatu through its growth and additional employment for the ultrafast broadband project.

Several major infrastructure companies have supported Central Directional Drilling’s growth during the past nine years.

Director Gary Stonnell says his company has worked closely with Transfield Services for many years.

All staff are trained from the ground up at CDD.

“We’ve put in a lot of kilometres of fibre for them between cities and around the streets, which is indirectly going to be part of the ultrafast broadband rollout,” he says.

Director Gary Stonnell employs people with a keen attitude who are willing to work hard.

Every staff member is trained from scratch and works their way up the ranks. Staff training is an ongoing focus for the company.

“We’ve also done a lot of work for Powerco Tenix in Taranaki and Manawatu. That’s why we’ve gone to the big rigs now, because they’re upgrading in size what they’re doing and we’ve had to upgrade our equipment to meet their needs. They’ve been great companies to deal with.”

“I think a lot of our success is due to recognising the ability of those people that are coming through our system and trusting them, giving them responsibility,” he says.

“That’s been the reason the company can grow. We start everyone at the bottom - I don’t care what they’ve done in the past. They start on the shovel and work their way up.”

Stonnell says these design-and-build relationships have worked extremely well. Designers from these major clients often approach CDD staff to work out how best to design their major projects.

Company with big abilities While CDD’s clients these days are mainly councils and infrastructure companies, Stonnell says it has taken many years of growth to secure that customer base.

Central Directional Drilling Limited 254A Mountain Road Brixton New Plymouth T (06) 752 0867 E office@centralhdd.co.nz

He has a background in drilling predominantly oil, gas and geothermal, and believes the company’s methodology and abilities make it stand out from its competitors.

— Advertising Feature Central Directional Drilling is a specialist drilling company, undertaking a wide variety of infrastructure projects.

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“We can do stormwater up to 1 metre in diameter - you need big equipment to do that,” says Stonnell.

Proud to be Lawyers for

CENTRAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING LIMITED (Gary & Erin Stonnell)

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Phone (06) 7589484 www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 41

Transport & Motoring | Auto Body Equipment

<

The team from ABE accepting their award

Diversifying Shane says the industry has been changing drastically in recent years with technology < Managing director Shane Harvey becoming more advanced and materials Consumer guarantee becoming more challenging. In response ABE guarantees all its products and services ABE has diversified its product range to fulfil to be among the very best in the world. “We the specialist field that the collision industry constantly travel and view the world for now is – with design and layout products and products and services available to the industry manufacture and model specific equipment. keeping up to date with the many changes However, Shane is quick to add its business is in our industry. We are a member of the not all about the cars – it also provides for the CRA (Collision Repair association of NZ, EMA achieve. “We are small,” he says “but we have and Waikato Chamber of Commerce, which industrial industry, marine and even makes weekly meetings and talk about productivity vacuum systems for companies like the New ensures that we remain active in and customer feedback; it helps us to focus on our community.”

Zealand Bus Company. what is important.”

The ABE of business excellence Eighteen years ago in the back of an automotive shop, a “little umbrella business” opened. Today ABE (Auto Body Equipment) Ltd is one of New Zealand’s leading importers and distributors of collision repair equipment.

Its success was recently recognised at the 2011 Westpac Business Awards where it won the NZ Chamber of Commerce Wintec Award for Business Excellence in a small company (less than five fulltime staff).

Small but focussed Managing director Shane Harvey says ABE stood out as a company that has slotted into a market niche and has constantly worked to

The recent win is but one sign of the company’s growing success which in less than two decades, with the Harvey family at its helm, has grown into a collision repair industry leader in imports, exports and local supplying.

Today the company is more than just an equipment supplier. “The business is a two tiered business,” Shane says. “The first tier is all about importing and distributing and the second tier is all to do with the equipment itself.”

On its first tier, ABE works in partnership with Prestige Manufacturers and other importers on new car models and predictions around the New Zealand markets.

On the second tier ABE has a range of products and services in-country including equipment sales, services and training for automobile body shops, and consumables such as paint preparation and finishing products.

Growing up “We have grown from being a little umbrella business in the back of an auto shop to becoming a leading New Zealand supplier,” Shane says.

ABE products and services • Paint and Preparation consumables • Protection, after paint and detailing • Sanding and Polishing tools

ABE was created by his father John Harvey, who started in the industry on a panel beating apprenticeship in 1970. Three years later he started his own collision repair business which was sold in 2002.

• Vacuums

John’s experience formed the foundation of knowledge for ABE and as he continued to struggle with the shortage of good reliable products in the industry, John took matters into his own hands and ABE was born. Things fell into place and the company went from strength to strength.

• Lifts and jacks

Today John’s son, Shane, owns and manages the business. Shane’s story is not un-similar to his father; he started his career as an apprentice panel beater at Fairview Motors in 1989, before taking a career break in 1994, leaving for his OE and working as a commercial diver. Upon his return from overseas, Shane was drawn back into his parent’s business eventually buying it off them.

• Gun washers and solvent recyclers

• Air tools • Carts, stands and trolleys • Assessment and chassis machines • Panel and glass removal • Pulling, welding, riveting and gluing • Dent pulling and paint curing • Spray booths, preparation areas and mixing rooms

ABE Ltd 27 The Boulevard Te Rapa Hamilton T 0800 227236 www.abe.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Phone: (07) 847 5730 Email: prestigerefinish@xtra.co.nz 11 & 15 Bandon Street, P.O Box 5532 Frankton, Hamilton

Approved Collision Repairer

• The only BMW, AUDI, VW & SKODA approved repairer in the Central Region • European trained staff • Specialists in Euorpean, American & Japanese • Latest technology in automotive repairs and re-finish

Auto Body Equipment Ltd is pleased to announce that we have product videos on our website www.abe.co.nz & a Preferred supplier Capricorn Society New Zealands' leading importer & distributor of automotive collision repair equipment.

42 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Focus | Pacific Trawling

From Pacific

to plate

Pacific Trawling Limited is working hard to grow the amount of product going through its own fish processing facility in Napier.

The plant in Tangaroa Street opened in 2009 and processes fish caught by Pacific Trawling’s fleet of fishing boats, which fish from the East Cape south to Wellington and out to the Chatham Islands.

Hawke's Bay seafood lovers can now purchase the freshest range of fish at Tangaroa Seafoods in Napier.

Popular retail outlet Tangaroa Seafoods was established in April 2010 as the retail outlet of Pacific Trawling Limited.

Co-owners Chris Robinson and Sue Taylor say the retail store in Tangaroa Street is a great place to come and learn about the fish you’re buying. "We try and have a range of around 20 species in our retail store, which is steadily growing in throughput and popularity,” Robinson says.

Co-owner Chris Robinson says the fishing boats range in size from 18-31 metres and fish both inshore and offshore.

Pacific Trawling’s processing plant, which operates under the name Tangaroa Seafoods, supplies to the local hospitality industry in Hawkes Bay, as well as to restaurants around the North Island.

“We try to promote the lesser known species and encourage people to try them, as they’re really good eating.”

Tangaroa Seafoods staff have a lot of knowledge on each species and how to prepare them. “Our staff provide great service and quite often we have a social gathering at the shop,” Robinson says. “It’s an interesting environment and our staff are happy to stop and chat.”

Tangaroa Seafoods smokes its own product, which is extremely popular with customers, with smoked salmon being particularly well sought after.

While the plant currently processes about 500 tonnes of fish per year, Robinson says it has the capacity to double that amount. The majority of Pacific Trawling’s catch is sold to other processing companies, who both export and onsell it to customers throughout the country. Pacific Trawling supplies fish to a number of large fish processing companies, including Moana Pacific Seafoods, Star Fish Supply and Bay Packers in Tauranga.

“We’re probably as big as we want to go on the catching side,” Robinson says.

Tangaroa Seafoods stocks a wide range of export-quality fish.

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Tangaroa Seafoods stocks a wide range of export-quality fish, including such varieties as tarakihi, gurnard, snapper, trevally, flounder, blue nose, ling and groper. It also sells a number of lesser known species such as gemfish, alfonsino, southern boarfish and white warehou.

New processing plant

Building a strong business • Pacific Trawling was formed in 1993 as a merger between Barron Fishing, which is owned by Chris Robinson’s family trust, and Sue Taylor.

“But we want to increase what’s going through our own processing facility. We want to improve the returns from vertical integration, as opposed to supplying only to second parties.”

The plant is running at accreditation level six of New Zealand Food Safety. The plant is new, with all systems meeting the current requirements.

Why choose this product?

The high quality of seafood supplied by Pacific Trawling Limited and Tangaroa Seafoods is what makes customers come back for more.

Chris Robinson says because the company doesn’t export, its highest quality product is available within the New Zealand market.

“We try and control the quality of our product right from how the fish are caught and chilled on the vessels. We stand out from quite a few other companies both at the vessels and onshore, to ensure the quality of each fish is preserved for as long as possible,” he says.

“Once the fish has landed we have a very good reputation in the marketplace for the quality of the fish we’re landing and presenting to the market. We don’t export, so we’re putting export-quality fish onto the market.”

Pacific Trawling Limited Tangaroa Seafoods 7 Tangaroa Street Ahuriri, Napier T (06) 835 3336 or (06) 835 0461 — Advertising Feature

• Robinson and Taylor employ more than 50 staff, who run the company to the highest possible standards.

• Pacific Trawling works closely with many local supply companies, which have all helped the Napier-based company grow.

• Opening its own processing facility in 2009 means Pacific Trawling can manage the high-quality processing of its own product.

• The company’s new retail store, Tangaroa Seafoods, is helping to boost its profile within Hawke's Bay.

The team at Aimex are proud to support the engineering needs of the Pacific Trawling fleet of vessels.

• Ship Repair • Ship Refits • Vessel Construction • Heavy and Structural Fabrication • Aluminium and Steel Welding • Marine Diesel and Automotive Engineering • Mechanical Fitting • Shipwright Services • Marine Engine Supplies and Services

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www.aimex.co.nz

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Transpacific Industrial Solutions is a leading specialist in industrial cleaning, environmental services, facilities management and total waste management business solutions.

• • • •

Abrasive blasting • Vacuum Loading • High pressure and ultra-high Protective coatings • Tank cleaning pressure water jetting Marine coatings • Protective coatings Road sweeping retail sales

*We have a nationwide network of branches servicing Cape Reinga to Bluff For more information contact Transpacific Industrial Solutions on 0800 65 24 24

Pleased to be associated with Pacific Trawling Ltd www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 43

Hospitality | Millton Vineyard and Winery

A tale

of four vineyards A childhood dream and a love of nature have combine to result in a “clean green” 100 percent New Zealand winery, full of unique flavours unmarred by science.

A winemaking philosophy Gisborne’s Millton Vineyards and Winery has, for the past 28 years, produced organic wine grown in a traditional bio-dynamic manner.

Winery owner and wine-maker, James Millton says organic wine is wine which has been produced without the use of “many of the commercially available chemicals and certainly not using herbicide, insecticide, systemic fungicide nor soluble fertilisers”.

Most of us are familiar with this concept of organic produce associating it more often with fruit, vegetables, poultry and pork – but bio-dynamic, though it’s not a new concept by any means, is for many a new term.

James explains bio-dynamic as a method of wine production which focuses on looking at how the land is influenced by things, such as the “cosmic details; how the moon and the sun affects the seasons, the plants, the animals and the people”.

“

James & Annie

Millton

I practice bio-dynamics for no other reason than I have a burning desire to grow the best wine and produce - James Millton

”

production, use of local resources, and of course the use of an astronomical sowing and planting calendar.

It is a method of organic farming that emphasis a holistic development and interrelationship of the soil, plants and animals as “I practice bio-dynamics for no other reason than I have a burning desire to grow the best a self-sustaining system. wine and produce,” James says.

James' vineyards are an illustration of this It is his belief that the best grapes – and the holistic method; among the typcial hectares best wine – come from a vine that is grown of vines are orange trees, a natural habitat with sensitivity to the environment and with of grevilleas and bottle brush trees to little or no reliance on chemical inputs. “In attract the native nectar-eating birds, not this age of carbon foot printing. food miles to mention the natural wildlife in the areas surrounding his four vineyards - all appearing and sustainability, it is organic bio-dynamic wine growing that can be called innovative – to live in natural harmony through they involve both science and technology. the seasons.

The exact methods of bio-dynamic farming are much like the organic approach which emphasises the use of manures and composts as opposed to artificial chemicals.

It also uses animal, herbal and mineral preparations in place of chemical sprays, integration of farm animals and plant

44 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

“I like the philosophy, the discipline and the reward [of bio-dynamics]. I like the enthusiastic people the subject attracts, I like the spiritual science and metaphysical attitude. I like the mindfulness, I like it as well for the fact that when you do it well, it becomes easy.”

Hospitality | Millton Vineyard and Winery The philosopher This method grew out of the work of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, social reformer and architect, who founded a spiritual movement at the start of the 20th century. This philosophy has been labelled by many as a pseudoscience; a manifestation of spiritual science; however, as current trends are showing it’s a philosophy that is emerging from the fringes and is growing in great strides.

The spread As of 2011, bio-dynamic techniques were said to be used in 142,482 hectares in 47 countries, Germany accounting for 45.1 percent of the global total.

But James says despite the majority of the thrust behind bio-dynamic wine-growing occurring in Europe, it is also picking up stride in New Zealand. “Individual winegrowers have openly embraced the method.

There are around 10 bio-dynamic vineyards at present in New Zealand.”

James says becoming a certified organic vineyard is no easy feat, to receive the certified organic trademark “Bio-gro” that Millton has, requires standards that are up to scratch and can be audited to an international requirement. “It is also the very best business plan any farmer can do.”

Safeguarding our health and future James says though others may see it as an overly complex process, not worth the while, that is not the case. “In actual fact it is easier – the bio-dynamic method puts us at ease and makes us work with more enthusiasm.

The land is cared for and its quality of life is enhanced for future generations.”

He adds it’s not a marketing tool, but a way of protecting our own health, wealth and happiness. “The environment in which we and our co-workers practice motivates us to pursue this direction. We would like to think we are enhancing the working environment for ourselves and co-workers.”

But James admits despite their obvious success in the industry now, in the beginning things were not so easy, “ridicule was strong”.

“We were young and naïve yet determination and change were opposing forces which have now come together in a very good harmony.”

James says today it appears times are changing, knowledge is diversifying and society has become more accepting.

The vineyards – four-in-one Today Millton Winery and Vineyards is comprised of four vineyards, tendered to by James and his supportive family and team.

Making wine was James’ dream since he was just 14 years old. In pursuit of his dream he went to Europe, studying the art of traditional wine making in France and Germany, followed by work in the vineyards.

So from the famous wine regions of France and Germany to the banks of the Te Arai River in Gisborne, where James planted his business in 1984, this knowledge was brought and developed.

James enjoyed the traditional influences of the European winemakers, which he says stems from more classic methods rather than the use of chemistry. This has subsequently shaped the “innovative approach” he takes to the business. “We are not bogged down by technology.”

In a good year the winery would sell around 15,000 cases, however in recent years, climate change as well as the redevelopment of the land has led to sales of around 12,000 cases.

Te Arai Vineyard is the home of the Millton winery, offices, gardens and a vineyard full of Chenin Blanc, Malbec and Merlot grapes.

Millton Wines

Originally a bull paddock and later a citrus nursery, James and Annie planted the block in 1984 and turned it into their home. It sits right on the riverbank bounded on three sides by the Te Arai River which originates way back in the hills of the Wangake Valley.

Chenin Blanc Millton’s trademark wine Its vibrant acidity with fresh fruit aromas and a waxy deliciousness enhances the sour palate.

The cellar door is open during the warmer months between 2-4pm or alternately private bookings can be arranged. James says it is about focusing the business on what is needed.

“We want to devote time and care to any customers who come in. Since a lot of work needs to be done concurrently to when the cellar door would be open – appointments are the best way to get a tasting of Millton wines.”

Opou Vineyard on the Southern side of the Waipoao River was originally planted in 1969 when the New Zealand wine industry started expanding.

Today Millton Winery has planted it with a vast selection of Chardonnay clones and Riesling of famous selections from both Germany and France.

In a quirky twist of nature, a hedge of naval oranges divides the vineyard – primarily to give the workers fruit to eat whilst working in the vineyard.

A beautiful aroma of citrus blossoms permeates the vineyard when the trees are in blossom, which James says adds to the Millton Riesling aroma.

Naboth’s Vineyard sits on a very steep hillside down the end of Papatu Road.

James originally planted this block in 1980 on his return from Germany. “I wanted to experiment with compatible grape varieties growing on varying degrees of a quite steep slope.”

It is best eaten with white meat such as seafood or chicken with a touch of Asian spice.

Regional flavouring

Voignier

James says it is the unique terrain that gives Millton wines their distinctive qualities.

“I believe the terroir [region] gives the wine its flavours and characteristics,” he says. “We do not disguise nor dress up the unique character with outside influences or winemaking manipulations, soil and climate play the major roles.

Stimulates the salt and savoury tastes.

“The future will see the addition of more noise to the orchestra coming from the plantings of Muscat a Petit Grains, Marsanne, Petit Mansang and Gewurtztraminer as well as derivatives of Malbec and Syrah,” says James.

Best with umani foods – Asian and Japanese influenced cuisines.

Riesling It’s off dry [sweeter] flavour stimulates the sweet palate.

It is best with sweet soft cheeses, ripe and fresh fruits.

Chardonnay The dry [less sweet] nature of chardonnay brings out the astringent or biting nature of your taste buds.

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And experiment he did, with 13 varieties of grapes; the quest materilised with the final classic pair of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The success was so immense that in 1989 a further 3.5 acres of vine were planted.

Clos de Ste. Anne estate is the fourth and final vineyard to take shape, at the dawn of the millennium, on the slopes next to the Naboth’s vineyard.

James says in the future Clos de Ste. Anne will be a totally separate estate with its own winery, subterranean cellars and housing that includes a writer’s accommodation.

www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 45

Hospitality | Meyer Gouda Cheese With the range of Gouda tastes, the options of how to eat it are endless. Miel says his personal favourite is the classic grilled cheese sandwich. But of course Gouda would go well in pastas; a mild cheese would go nicely with a glass of white wine. “My Dad says vintage goes well with a good red or a strong port.”

But Miel says at the end of the day there is no hard and fast rule; everyone has to go with their own ideas.

“See what you enjoy about it, talk amongst peers and develop a palate for what you like.”

Golden gouda aged to perfection Full-bodied, feisty and finely aged are the characteristics of the vintage gouda which swept away adjudicators at the 2012 Champion of Cheese Awards, resulting in a Champion of Champions win.

The Meyer Vintage gouda cheese, which in certain restaurant circles can replace Parmesan with its strong robust flavour, is just one of the family business’ champions driving it to the top of the cheese scene.

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Yealands Estate Champion of Champions winner Miel Meyer (Meyer Gouda Cheese) and Garry Critchley (Yealands)

Meyer Gouda Cheese general manager, Miel Meyer says the company has consistently been in the spotlight since 2008, winning awards and generating a name for itself in the industry. “Our success is a testament to our consistent quality,” he says.

At this year’s awards Meyer Gouda Cheese entered six of its cheeses and lugged home seven medals, four gold, two silver and the champion of champions title.

Let the cheese do the talking These awards in recent years have generated a natural propulsion towards an export market in Australia. Miel says it wasn’t an aspect of the business he sought out; rather “it was a natural evolution, more a question of meeting demand”.

“We are letting them want the cheese, rather than directly pushing and marketing it, the quality of the cheese sells itself. People want it.”

Miel adds part of the company’s success can be attributed to its one track focus on Gouda cheese, a single milk supplier and a sole focus on supplying rather than retailing. “We concentrate only on gouda, with milk from a single supply [within the family]. By keeping it in the family we can monitor quality – better milk equals better cheese.” Miel adds that it is for this reason too that they do not have an on-site shop.

Turning the wheel

The recipe

All the Meyer Gouda cheeses are made the traditional way – “the only way,” the company claims. This recipe, which was brought by the family to New Zealand, came from a Dutch Cheese Maker in the early 1970s.

Making cheese sounds so easy – the recipe is simple, albeit time consuming, but to consistently make good choose takes years of practice and refining – something the Meyer Cheese Company has done.

Gouda cheese is made from fresh cows’ milk and pasteurised before use. At 29 degrees celsius cheese starter and rennet is added to coagulate the cheese after a short 30 minutes.

The coagulated milk is then cut into blocks called curd. During this process a watery fluid known as cheese-whey comes free, by heating up the mixture of cheese-whey and curd and constantly stirring the curds become smaller and harder. The whole process to this point takes three hours.

“Anyone who knew our family knew we were cheese,” Miel says. “Cheese and our family comes hand and hand.” As a typical Dutch family he says cheese was often a key figure on lunchtime table spreads.

Next the curds are gathered and put into Gouda cheese moulds to give a distinctive flat round shape. The curds in the moulds are pressed for three hours to form a solid block of Gouda cheese.

Miel’s father, the original cheese maker, started his trade in Holland before he migrated to New Zealand in 1984. The Meyer Cheese factory was subsequently set up in Cambridge and later moved to its current site in Hamilton.

Now the new cheese develops for four more hours in their moulds before going into a salt-bath – for the next three days - to form a protective rind.

Miel says his father is officially retired, but his invaluable expertise comes in handy and he is pleased to have him poke his nose in now and then. “Though, we do have the cheese making process down pat.”

Today Meyer Gouda Cheese is sold from as far south as Invercargill all the way up to the tip of New Zealand, in a range of stores from specialist supermarket NOSH, to Foodstuffs, deli’s, butchers and fruit and vege stores.

On a plate The range of Meyer Gouda to choose from is extensive, from the vintage gouda, to the mild creamy Amsterdammer, cumin, cumin and clove, fenugreek, garlic and chives, holey Maasdam, pepper and of course the onetaste-suits-all – plain Gouda.

Meyer Gouda Cheese has even developed a cheese for the lactose intolerant in its range of sheep milk Gouda.

The cheeses are then cured on wooden shelves at 15 degrees celsius for up to 18 months. Each day the cheese is turned to give it character and full-bodied flavour.

Miel who prides himself on being a hands on general manager personally does the turning every second day. “I don’t think I could not be, it keeps me fit, in tone and of course I do it for the sanity,” he says.

“I love doing the ‘dumbest’ jobs, coating the cheese and turning it. It’s a lot of work; we make half a ton of cheese each day, 40 – 70 tons of cheese every year.”

Each cheese only weighs 5 – 10kg but turn a thousand of these everyday and you can understand how Miel stays so fit.

Meyer Gouda Cheese 62 Barrett Road RD10 Hamilton T (07) 8461666 E manager@meyer-cheese.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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46 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Goods & Services | McCammon & Co

Putting their best foot forward Out of the ashes of Christchurch and onto sturdier Hamiltonian ground, a family business has been reborn. Among the Cantabrians who fled the shaky city were the Arnesens, a family who uplifted home and business to escape the trembling and find a new lease of life for their business.

Sanity in stability

A new fit

Why Hamilton? “Because it doesn’t shake,” Toni Arnesen says simply. “Sanity is priceless, we couldn’t move to another shaky city with three kids, so Wellington was out.” Toni and her husband Merv bought a key-cutting and shoe repair business in Hamilton’s Glenview Mall - McCammon & Co.

The size of the business has certainly changed, but Toni says its shape is much the same, with an equal focus on key cutting and shoe repair. She concedes Hamilton is smaller than Christchurch, so there isn’t the same amount of foot traffic through its doors.

“We used to do 14-hour-days,” she says. “It would be nice to be a bit busier, but it is also nice to have the time to reflect on what has happened. There’s a limit to how long you can go on doing 14-hour-days. The quiet won’t be forever – just watch this space.”

Toni and Merv Arnesen previously owned key cutting and shoe repair business in Manchester Street, but as February 2011 came tumbling around them so did their trade. In a shake, the 21-year-old business was gone, with the CBD in pieces the Arnesens’ clientele also dissipated. Add into the mix the eternal shaking and Toni says enough was enough – the decision to move was a no-brainer.

Sandals and jandals In fact, Hamilton with its warmer climate has paved the way for a whole new market for the Arnesens – sandals and jandals. “People here love their jandals,” she chuckles. “I’m wearing a pair today actually – I’d never have done that in Christchurch.”

The jandals and sandals are all custom-made to fit every foot, with a variety of soles, colours and designs on offer, “just give us a foot tracing and we make it fit for you,” she says.

with Christchurch the way it is. “With our clientele and our physical shop gone we wouldn’t have been able to rebuild.”

The climate is also a bonus, “it’s a lot warmer”. Though born and bred Hamiltonians are less likely to agree, telling the Arnesens the summer hasn’t been nice at all.

“The whole situation took years off our life,” she says but they had to look at it like it was an adventure – unplanned but an adventure nevertheless. Now it is time to move forward.”

Learning from the locals

Old laces stay tied

Toni and Merv share the Hamilton shop with In Hide Leather Works’ owned by Fiona Thomson. Because the Arnesens did not know a single soul in their new city, having a local presence in the shop has been a blessing.

As much as Toni is keenly looking forward, she also admits that there are ties that still connect them to Christchurch. “New Zealand is just too small to lose contact completely.”

“It’s been nice sharing with Fiona,” Toni says.

“She teaches us all the local knowledge. If a visitor asks us a question about the area, we can go, ‘Fiona?’.”

Cantabrians, born and bred, the Arnesens always had a wealth of local knowledge, but not any more. “Being in Hamilton is a learning experience; we are learning it is okay to ask for help.”

A second chance

Toni adds not only are their products made in New Zealand, but a lot of the materials are also home-grown. “We are the only shoe repairer in the Waikato using New Zealand made rubber products from our supplier Rubber Developments.”

On the whole Toni says the move has been a good decision. “We regret the people we have left behind, but not the reason for leaving.

Our kids have relaxed and they are getting opportunities they would otherwise not have had.”

At $85 for a pair of 100 percent NZ-made jandals or sandals it’s a bargain.

She says they have gotten a second chance which she believes was simply impossible

From family, their oldest son is studying at the local polytechnic, to numerous local suppliers,

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lawyers and accountants – all are still in Christchurch. And even in Hamilton, there are Cantabrians aplenty. Old customers from Christchurch have come into the Hamilton store looked up at Merv and said; “Oh you’re that man from Manchester Street.”

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www.centraltoday.co.nz June/July 2012 | 47

Property & Construction | Marra Construction

Designed for education For almost as long as buildings have existed we have sought to adapt them to our specific needs. For almost as long as we have been adapting our buildings, we have been grouping students together in a centralised location for learning.

Little surprise then that schools have become a high architectural priority.

High quality schools are critical to good communities; they are an essential requirement for a skilled, creative, and productive workforce, which is a key component in growing a stronger economy.

While New Zealand’s schools provide some of the best education in the world, many of our school buildings are old, leaking, deteriorating, earthquake-prone, and out-ofdate for the needs of today – let alone the challenges of tomorrow

Te Wharekura o Mauao Te Wharekura o Mauao is the first fullimmersion Maori secondary school in Tauranga. It is a valuable initiative to provide an alternative to the mainstream school system for Maori children in the Tauranga area. The Maori language is a key component of the school and it is governed by Maori Tikanga.

Te Wharekura o Mauao was established for the benefit of children of the local iwi and the community of Tauranga. It is located on a Greenfield site on the edge of wetlands in Bethlehem and has a commanding view of Mauao (Mount Maunganui). With the capacity to educate 450 students from Year 7 to Year 13, Te Wharekura o Mauao was officially opened in February 2012.

The school consists of six buildings; a multipurpose building, an administration building, two teaching studios, a cultural learning centre and a caretakers shed, with an overall building footprint of 3,300m2. The design of the buildings embrace the community’s vision for a unique school that reflects their current and future educational, cultural and sporting requirements.

Marra Construction was awarded as the main contractor of the $8 million construction segment of the project and construction started back in March, 2011. The building design ranged from simple to very complex, including curved structures and specialist insitu concrete wall systems where very skilled labour resources were required.

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48 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz

Challenging aspects included the large floor area and achieving completion of a difficult build within a tight time frame. Features include curved in-situ concrete wall systems, laminated timber and steel beam roof structures which were curved or faceted.

The central theme of the building’s design sought to replicate the curvature of Mount Maunganui’s base and other features such as the mountain’s north-eastern bluff. This central theme proved one of the wharekura’s key challenges, according to Marra Construction’s senior project manager, Dean Lawrence. “The architectural design of the buildings was challenging given there weren’t many straight lines; instead there were a lot of curved and faceted edges.”

Early on in the build, the Ministry of Education issued more stringent weatherproofing guidelines. Although the designed cultural centre roof had building consent and had been peer reviewed for weather tightness, the ministry decided this was a high profile project so they should be seen to be building a more conventionally constructed and clad roof. This had major cost and time implications and the team, including Marra, worked hard to stay within overall budget – the contract was officially extended to complete the changes.

Marra Construction’s experienced site team, led by site manager, Aidan Marra, with support from Mark Rose, was able to rise to the challenge, adapt to the changes and complete the project on time.

“It was a tight programme with interesting challenges however Marra’s site team thoroughly enjoyed working on the project and we achieved the highest standard of results on time and within budget. We’re very pleased with the outcome,” Aidan Marra states.

In February 2012, Te Wharekura O Mauao moved from their temporary premises into their newly constructed home, and welcomed more than 100 students to begin the new academic year. With the capacity to educate 350 students, from Year 7 – Year 13, Te Wharekura o Mauao will be an asset to the community.

Property & Construction | Marra Construction

Marra Construction It’s far from the first successful project of its kind for Marra Construction. The Marra Group of companies has operated in the Bay of Plenty for more than 30 years and has grown to become one of the largest and most respected Bay of Plenty-based commercial builders in the marketplace.

Marra Construction has been involved in a wide range of construction projects throughout the Bay of Plenty region and has worked on virtually the entire spectrum of building projects, including industrial, commercial and residential developments.

The group works within all areas of commercial and industrial construction including development and design and build projects.

Marra Construction offers a full range of construction services including a complete professional design service, from architectural through to interior and landscape design, enabling the client to fully integrate their concepts within one company.

The company covers all project types such as commercial, education, government infrastructure, industrial, residential and

retail projects and its services range from the construction of new buildings to the refurbishment and re-development of existing buildings.

Marra Construction generally undertakes the carpentry, concrete and demolition trades and sub-contracts out all other required trades, while retaining total control and final responsibility of the entire construction process. Ongoing communication with clients, sub-contractors and other involved parties ensures that projects remain on target, according to pre-determined construction programmes and within budget.

Quite simply, your project is completed on time, within budget and to the highest specifications.

No man stands alone Due to the synergistic nature of success, no man stands alone. It is the story of Te Wharekura o Mauao which came to fruition thanks to the dedication and talent of a strong band of organisations and individuals.

While the Ministry of Education appointed Marra Construction as the main contractor for

the Te Wharekura o Mauao project, a number of consultants, suppliers and subcontractors contributed towards its overall success. The consultants involved in the project included Ignite Architects, Arrow International, Kirk Roberts and Innerscape. Suppliers and subcontractors included Firth Concrete, Harkins Roofing, CraftBuild, Morgan Steel, Placemakers and NZ Stone.

“All Marra Construction’s suppliers and subcontractors performed well and worked together to an exceptional standard,” Dean Lawrence from Marra Construction explains.

“I think it was a very successful project, particularly taking into consideration the challenges we were faced with including the construction period itself and the nature of the building design. Overall the success was evident in completing the project on time and on budget, as well as the quality evident in the final project,” Lawrence explains.

“We want to thank all of Marra Construction’s subcontractors along with the project manager Arrow International and the consultant team for the project. We are very proud of the result,” Lawrence says.

Marra Construction projects • Mount Ocean Sports Club • The Game Fishing Club • Ultimate Motor Group - John Dyke Ford • The European • Greerton Rugby Club • Salvation Army • Zespri • Kerepehi Water Treatment Plant Upgrade • Bay of Plenty Polytechnic • Arataki Community Centre • Bayfair Entry Upgrade • Baypark Speedway Canopy • Bethlehem Primary School • Hamilton Street Boutique Offices • McLarens Falls Visitors Centre • Mt Maunganui Cosmopolitan Club • Omokoroa Medical Centre Complex • Pahoia School and Apata Community Hall • Tauranga Squash Club • Sulphur Point Coldstores at the Port of Tauranga • Owens Place Toyota Dealership in Mt Maunganui • Mataatua Wharenui Marae in Whakatane • Brookfield New World Refurbishment • Tauranga Police Station Temporary Fitout in Tauranga.

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Property & Construction | Marra Construction

Ignite Architects An important role in any successful construction project is the architecture, according to Marra Construction senior project manager Dean Lawrence. “Ignite was great to work with. They were responsive and proactive.

"We worked alongside Ignite during the Golden Sands Primary School design and build project in Papamoa in 2009 and we were very happy to have had the opportunity to work with them again.

Projects such as these are very much a team effort and we had a great team to work with.”

This was the 4th major project that Ignite and Marra have worked together on in recent years, the others being Fashion Island in Papamoa, the $25m Bethlehem Town Centre and the design build of Golden Sands School in Papamoa.

The Ignite Group goes beyond just an architectural service, including Ignite Building Consultancy, Ignite Interiors and Ignite Managed Environments.

However the group centres around Ignite Architects, which was formed in 1987. An established Australasian practice with offices

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located in Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch and Sydney and a strong network of partners throughout the Pacific, Ignite is a big name in architecture. The core team comprises more than 50 staff in its New Zealand offices and a further 10 in Sydney, who service both New Zealand and Australian projects.

Ignite successfully delivers masterplanning, architectural, interior and building consultancy projects throughout New Zealand and other worldwide locations. The Ignite team has a range of international experience which enables it to adapt international best practices and develop relevant property solutions for the unique regional contexts of each project.

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50 | June/July 2012 www.centraltoday.co.nz