Canterbury Today Issue 107

Issue 107 | June/July 2011

What shape can we expect Christchurch to take?

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

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In times of need you really appreciate the people who step up to provide support, advice and assistance.

We are proud to be 100% Canterbury owned and operated and are continuing to get stronger after the February earthquake, but we wouldn’t be in the position we are in without the unfailing support of the following businesses.

We thank these business friends and partners of ours for their support, generosity and dedication to getting Christchurch, and our business, back up and running.

We could not have done it without you!

RICHARD HARRIS

PROPERT Y MAINTENANCE

And finally to our awesome staff and contractors - you’ve all been amazing!!

Cheers GC, Bx & Di www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 3

Issue 107

| June/July

2011

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Issue 107

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

www.canterburytoday.co.nz Head office Academy House 818 Colombo Street PO Box 1879 Christchurch managing director Gary Collins General manager Rebecca Harris administration Kylie Moore admin manager Kelly Clarke Rebecca McQueen Kimberley Wells Judy Slater sales & advertising Steve Dando Melissa Sinclair Colin Morais Mandy Woods Miranda Hearn Annabel Judd Janet Campbell Robert Cochrane Kerry Wilson Jane Watson

sales executives

newsroom Jonathon Taylor Marie Sherry Bridget Gourlay Katie McKone

News Rebuilding Canterbury

In General…

8 Cover Story — The Battle at Hand Despite all the uncertainty, there is a sense of optimism and hope as, piece by piece, our city is being put back together

18 Tugging at the Heartstrings Cashing in on kiwiana by bringing popular icons to the fore

Business

19 Paying the Bills Settling up is more than a matter of reconciliation

30 Solutions Kiwicare’s advice on how to handle vermin

12 Familiar Faces What’s open, what’s rebuilding and what’s gone for good?

13 Popular Parks The pros and cons of business parks editor

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

production Carolynne Brown assistant Melanie Stanbury designers CJ McKay Hayley Brocket Ian Knott Kirsty Opie Phone: 03 961 5050 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: production@academy.net.nz Knowledge for growing business since 1985

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

A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication.

Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice.

Contents Copyright 2011 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

4 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

13 Port Return Four days after the February quake, Lyttelton Port was back in action 14 Tourism’s Shake Up Tourism NZ CEO Kevin Bowler has a mammoth task — convincing the world that, despite the February earthquake, New Zealand should still be number one on everyone’s destination hit list.

15 Bouncing Back Battered by shaky circumstances, one iconic Canterbury café is evolving with the times 15 Helping Hand Hamilton business owners are lining up to help their southern counterparts 15 Calling All Carpenters In an era dominated by the technologies, a call is being made to New Zealand’s tradesmen to shore up our future

20 Events Diary Find out what’s on near you

News Special 22-23 Communication Tips on the art of communication and avoiding getting lost in translation, either electronically or in person 24 Products 4U Tools for keeping in touch 25 Lifestyles Where to go, what to wear and drink while you’re there

Viewpoints 20 Internet Innovation Why don’t some websites work?

21 Commerce Christchurch — a boom town in the waiting

* 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.

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32 Initiatives Seagars at Oxford cooking school and café ventures, Italian flair is on the rise with the opening of a new La Porchetta in Papanui, while Cook ‘n’ With Gas continues to deliver mouth-watering food with flair 42 Agribusiness Water management strategies are helping to define the agricultural direction of our region 46 Recreation Opportunities Harewood Golf Club’s facelift is ready to tee off, and Russley Golf offers more than just a great course 50 Property and Construction Energy efficient design is making the difference for Bob Burnett Architecture 52 Engineering March Civil’s project completion mission and Dispatch & Garlick’s engineering excellence 54 Restructuring Southern Demolition is at the forefront of reshaping the city as its work crews finish off what the earthquakes started

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Across the country, nearly 400 staff work in the 37 owner operated Office Products Depot outlets. This means the company has been New Zealand owned and operated from when it started until today.

convenience through a variety of methods.

Office Products Depot caters to the needs of its customers by supporting orders placed by phone, e-mail, fax, standard mail or online via its website.

CEO Dianne McAteer puts the company’s growth and longevity down to a focus on customer service.

Each customer has their own unique login details and lists of regularly shopped products. Orders are picked, packed and dispatched with most deliveries arriving on the customer’s door step the next day. For those customers in a hurry or who like to browse the shelves, some locations feature showrooms and retail space so they can shop when it suits them.

“Our customer service is second to none and that’s something we’ve put a lot of time and effort into. We really invest in our people.

Last year our staff went on 350 training days all up – both in classroom learning and online. We have our own programme, which is quite unusual; businesses often rely on outsourced training.”

Kiwis serving Kiwis.

That’s what Office Products Depot has been about for the last 20 years. And while its branding may be changing, this key principle is staying the same.

The specialised training also creates a company culture, even though the employees live and work across the country.

“Because of our company culture, when we get together at our yearly conferences or at road shows, everyone feels part of a bigger group. This makes it easier to interact and share ideas.”

Stock and service A typical request from a company works like this. A business will discuss its needs and budget with the local Office Products Depot account manager.

The account manager will ask pertinent questions to figure out the product and service needs relevant to that customer. As you would expect, lawyers need different office supplies to manufacturers.

Once a range of products has been identified, pricing is negotiated based on the volume and frequency of the customer’s ordering behaviour and an account is set up.

The customer can then place orders at their

Another bonus for Office Products Depot customers is the smorgasbord of options.

Not only does it have 5000 items in its catalogue, but it has access to 100,000.

“We will look really hard for anything our customers need. If it’s obsolete, if it’s rare – we will go the extra mile to source it,” McAteer explains.

That’s why with its recent re-branding, Office Products Depot has chosen the slogans ‘Your Office Supply Heroes’ and ‘No one loves your office like we do,’ and a new heart shaped logo. It wanted to show in its branding how committed it is to customer service and its passion for its product selection.

While it has survived the recession successfully and is proud of its many staff, customers and outlets around the country, Office Products Depot isn’t resting on its laurels.

“We would like to take on some bigger clients,” McAteer says. “We have really upgraded our capabilities, and can support large corporate companies. But we’re still proud to support SMEs. They are the heartland of this country.”

• 5000 items, overnight delivery and 100 percent Kiwi owned and operated.

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 5

Fabricating a Nulook Strong business acumen combined with expert technical knowledge is proving to be a key factor behind the growing reputation of Nulook Enterprise, as the company becomes increasingly recognised for its superior level of production and service.

Established in November 2010 by Matthew Jones and Rae Wakefield-Jones, Nulook Enterprise operates a state of the art aluminium joinery specifically designed to fabricate doors and windows for commercial and architectural housing projects.

As a licensed fabricator of the distinguished Nulook range, the firm is in a privileged position of being able to offer a variety of leading designs that stand out in the construction industry for their contemporary styling, robustness and modern appeal.

Expertise Perhaps the most distinguishing point of Nulook Enterprise is the wealth of business knowledge sitting in the driver’s seat.

Owners Matthew Jones and Rae Wakefield-Jones both have a formidable business history, after spending nearly 20 years forging successful careers in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Jones’ expertise lies in the restructuring of large corporations, gained during his time as a director at KPMG UK and Grant Thornton, and also as a freelance business advisor.

Wakefield-Jones has a solid background in administration management, having held the position of operations manager for an international tour company.

The formation of Nulook Enterprise was regarded as a prime opportunity for the couple to effectively use their collective business history in a Canterbury market.

“We have extensive business backgrounds and we have hired the best technical knowledge to accompany that – it is this combination that will set us apart,” Wakefield-Jones says.

The Nulook Enterprise production team is led

by Saleh Jalouq at the company’s new state of the art factory in Sockburn and Jalouq is regarded as “one of the most experienced commercial and architectural fabrication managers in the region,” Jones says, “with exceptionally high standards and a broad range of skills.”

Fabricators Mark Simpson and Jon Lewis are very experienced in making joinery the Nulook way, and along with trainee Scott Elliot are constantly raising the bar in terms of quality.

Nulook Enterprise

Project-based fabrication The main thrust of the business is in project-based fabrication, concentrating on the large scale commercial and architectural housing market.

Extra demands are placed on those who specialise in this particular domain, mainly due to the added complexity and extremely high standards. Tight deadlines are unforgiving, and faultless delivery is paramount.

“The attention to detail and planning that is required is significantly greater, as are the risks,” Jones says. “But our background gives us a different mindset in this regard — we have the systems, the expertise and the right supply chains to handle it.”

Nulook Enterprise has already been involved with several large commercial projects since its conception. This includes the kitting out of a large business park development, and the major refit of a church. The company has also recently won the right to supply residential house lots for a leading building firm. Much has been accomplished in a short period of time.

Nulook Enterprise has chosen to align itself with particular suppliers that have proven efficiency and ability to enhance production capability.

This includes the likes of Metalcraft for materials handling equipment, Tasman Glass for all glass supplies and Euroglass for site glazing.

Technology and design Keen to establish themselves as a market leader in all aspects, Nulook Enterprise has chosen to invest in only leading-edge equipment and technology.

Service orientation Quality is the only standard as far as Nulook Enterprise is concerned.

Clients can expect a three-fold relationship based on professionalism, service and price, Jones says. “Service orientation is a means of differentiating ourselves in the market.

Customers should have a very favourable and distinct impression of our company, and we have already had feedback that confirms this is the case.”

Professional and accurate communication ensures the customer can consistently rely on Nulook Enterprise as a supplier.

“If information is needed we ask for it,” says Jones. “If we have a view on how to improve things, we share it.

“We are extremely thorough and pay close attention to detail. You can rely on us to deliver to the agreed timeframe, at the highest quality and specifications. The main guarantee is that this is a no complications supplier in the value chain.

“The outcome our customers hope for is the outcome that they are going to get, no exceptions.”

Nulook Enterprise Unit 5 Enterprise Business Park 4 O’Briens Road Sockburn Christchurch T (03) 348 5058 E info@nulookenterprise.co.nz www.nulookenterprise.co.nz

“Cost has not been the decision maker in this instance. Our machines and technology are our prime revenue producing assets so we wanted only the best,” Wakefield-Jones says.

An investment programme has been established for the purchase of additional equipment in line with business expansion over the next 12 months.

Nulook Enterprise’s experience and modern manufacturing equipment is aptly teamed with the extensive and reliable Nulook range of aluminium joinery offered by Nalco.

The Nulook product range is renowned for their functionality and ability to withstand even the toughest of New Zealand environments. This robustness is married with the aesthetics of modern design, and is further complimented by a broad array of unique features.

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6 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz Nulook Enterprise 60w x 100h.indd 1

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 7

News | Rebuilding Canterbury

The battle

By Katie McKone

solitary soldier dressed in army greens patiently guards the cordon in Christchurch’s central city. Behind him, you can make out large piles of concrete and rubble, twisted street signs and the Hotel Grand Chancellor on its perilous lean. White curtains on the top floor of a deserted high-rise building flap eerily in the breeze.

There is no sign of movement and all seems quiet. But the soldier’s mere presence is an instant reminder that the heart of our city, its epicentre, is still a no-go zone. Regarded as simply too dangerous to enter, safety remains the top priority for those on the ground.

Yet looking past the immediate destruction, it is evident that other parts of Christchurch have since become hives of activity. Resilient businesses have relocated to the suburbs and are beginning to operate according to the new ‘normal’.

Significant progress is being made, despite any uncertainty regarding the future. Optimism and hope is prevailing and one day at a time our city is being put back together.

Where are we now?

In the weeks since February 22 it has been heartening to witness a community band together in the face of adversity, determined to win against all odds.

There have also been scenes of frustration and despair. Business owners protested and stormed inner-city cordons in a bid to gain access to their buildings. People watched helplessly as homes and businesses came tumbling down, deemed too damaged to salvage.

Yet it now appears a corner has been turned, with increased communication between business owners, civil defence and local authorities opening up channels for progress. Safety issues are being explained in detail, and where possible businesses’ needs accommodated.

No stone is left unturned.

By early May, 749 businesses had gained access to the cordoned off red zone and more than 3000 had registered with the Canterbury Business Recovery Group, operating as Recover Canterbury, to receive daily updates and facilitate access.

The Recover Canterbury call centre has also been inundated, receiving over 5500 calls in just three weeks from businesses seeking assistance and information.

Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (CECC), general manager Leeann Watson says resilience has been a key factor in moving forward. “Many businesses have managed to relocate and are now working under different business models, co-operating with others they haven’t ever contemplated working with before and achieving positive outcomes.

“The Government’s wage subsidy has enabled people to stay and help their employer make the move to a different business model. Different parts of the city are incredibly busy due to business relocation.”

CECC is operating Recover Canterbury along with the Canterbury Development Corporation.

Chief executive Peter Townsend says initiatives such as the Government’s support package provide an important “lifeline” for the whole community. “It is essential for the future of the region that jobs are maintained, businesses survive and thrive, and money continues to flow within and into this economy”.

He also referred to a recent Horizon poll that indicates around 42 percent of employers in the Canterbury region have suffered loss to some extent, and around a third are facing possible closure for up to six months.

8 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

News | Rebuilding Canterbury

at hand “But remarkably at this stage less than 10 percent have laid off staff.

The Government’s wage subsidy has been working well, but we know it can’t last forever and the additional measures that have been introduced are needed now to enable the businesses to really get back up and running.”

The measures outlined in the Government’s $6.85 million package, targeted at the region’s economic recovery, are designed to help restore business confidence and maintain financial liquidity.

The package includes $1.7 million for recruiting new business recovery co-ordinators, a one-off donation of $2.5 million for the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust Fund, a private sector initiative that provides money for such things as relocation expenses and professional services and $650,000 for access to business training.

Short-term assistance will also be on offer for affected export businesses, with $2 million earmarked for the Christchurch Market Connections Fund. The initiative aims to reinforce relationships with international clients, by way of supporting overseas visits to, or by, existing customers, distributors, agents and the like.

show our commitment to all our employees and to everyone in the city, by stepping up and playing our part in creating an exciting vision for Christchurch”.

“Canterbury has always been a wonderful place to live and work. We enjoy many competitive advantages and these haven’t changed. We are going to work hard to maintain these, and create many more new ones,” says Elder, chief executive of Solid Energy.

The critical issue at the moment, Townsend says, is for people to actually comprehend the enormity of the situation. “This is the biggest, the largest thing to happen in monetary terms to New Zealand. It will take a lot of time for people to get their heads around that.”

Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale agrees. “Progress is being made.

While at the moment it may seem slow, when you actually look at the extent of the situation I don’t really know how you speed it up.”

Feature story continues on next page >>

More than $1.3 million of the fund, administered by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, has already been approved to support 91 export firms. the key message being that Christchurch and New Zealand, is still very much open for business.

“Reassuring foreign customers that orders can and will be met is important to the region’s economic health,” Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says.

“The scheme will solidify existing relationships and almost certainly lead to new business, which couldn’t be timelier.”

The banks have also stepped up to the mark, with ASB investing $250 million to help stimulate the Christchurch economy, and Westpac has established a temporary business hub.

It provides free access to office space, key services and networks for up to 70 quake-affected small and medium-sized businesses at any one time.

The general consensus within the business community at present, Townsend says, is one of determination. “Many businesses want to stay in Christchurch and help play their part in the rebuilding of our economy and are looking forward to the huge cash injection coming our way.”

A recent survey by the Canterbury Business Leaders Group indicates that 82 percent of employees are committed to staying in the region. The findings also highlight the need for a fast rebuild, with respondents citing this as one of the leading factors that could encourage more people to stay.

The survey was sent directly to staff of organisations represented by the Canterbury Business Leaders Group, ranging from large private sector organisations through to arts and sports-based entities.

“Many busine sses have managed to relocate and a re now co-operating w ith others they ha ven’t ever contempla ted working with b efore and achieving positive outco mes.”

Leeann Wats on

CECC general

manager

Commenting on the findings, spokesperson Dr Don Elder states that “This survey reinforces the need for business leaders to www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 9

News | Rebuilding Canterbury

Cera A new acronym has entered our earthquake terminology — Cera. Standing for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, the new entity has been formed by the Government to lead and oversee the region’s recovery efforts.

Key functions include establishing a long-term recovery strategy, reviewing and overseeing existing operations on the ground, and prioritising recovery planning by central government agencies.

Cera, with a lifespan of five years, has the authority to purchase land and to relax, suspend or extend laws and regulations. Its operations will be reviewed annually, and will bring together staff from both the public and private sectors.

“We are looking closely at the different strands of recovery and really trying to work out how they can come together in a coherent way.”

While the size and scale of the rebuild is at times daunting, Ombler says this is offset by the vast amounts of Canterbury’s good will and optimism. “I wake up the odd night at 3am thinking this is going to be pretty tough, but we will get there. We have to.”

Cera will work alongside the Christchurch City Council, which has been tasked with developing the mandatory Recovery Plan for the Central Business District. To be produced within a time frame of nine months, this critical part of the overall recovery will also have input from Ngai Tahu and the wider community.

Orion NZ CEO Roger Sutton takes over from John Ombler on June 13.

Mayor Bob Parker says certainty has now been given around the role of Government, the city council and other territorial authorities.

“Given the scale of the tragedy and the multi-billion dollar cost involved in repairing and rebuilding our city, it is important that we work on this huge task in a partnership with the Government.

“We need to be upfront and say it is unlikely that the significant rebuild of the central city could start before the end of the year. The timeframe of course depends on the Earthquake Commission and the insurance companies completing their work with the property owners.”

However a lot of work is already occurring behind the scenes, Parker says, adding “there will be no slowing down of our efforts to get the city up and running again”.

“These are essentially reserve powers and there will be checks and balances on the use of these powers so “Our ultimate goal is to build the most the public can have confidence they are being earthquake safe city in the world.” used wisely and with restraint,” Brownlee says.

Tasked with the job of leading the authority in its initial stages is Deputy State Services Commissioner John Ombler, who is pleased with current progress. “We wanted a very fast start so that we could put all our focus on the recovery work as opposed to setting up the organisation. Whilst keeping things small and agile, our role is about co-ordinating, planning and communicating.”

One of the main areas of focus at this point is the transition from the Civil Defence state of emergency. “We want this step to be

a seamless one,” Ombler says.

te a m i t l u r u “O the d l i u b o t goal is afe s e k a u q h most eart ” . d l r o w e h city in t 10 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

er Bob Park ayor tchurch M Chris

Challenges

While for some it is business as normal, there are still a large number of firms facing daily challenges associated with insurance, inner-city access and simply trying to keep staff employed.

The situation is changing constantly, Leeann Watson says, adding that feedback from the business recovery co-ordinators and advisory groups is particularly important at this time.

“As time goes on I expect we will see businesses needing support and advice as their business models will need to evolve to fit the new Christchurch. We may see more retail going online if space is at a premium, we may see a definite shift in spending patterns and demands for goods and services that are quite different to what we had before.

“The issues at the moment are still around access for a smaller group within the red zone, lease obligations, particularly for those who have relocated because their buildings are in the red zone, and insurance has become the number one issue.”

Feature story continues on page 12 >>

News | Rebuilding Canterbury

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News | Rebuilding Canterbury

Moving forward Attempting to take stock of the situation leaves one wondering just how long it will be until our city returns to its former glory.

According to Townsend, focus has been put on a 10 year programme, or timeline. “The biggest part of the recovery and the rebuild will happen between two and six years. We are talking about a long term recreation of our central business district, a long term recovery for our businesses and our communities.”

We have reached a point that is critical in terms of business continuity and recovery, Watson says. “Communication, certainty and hope are key aspects for the business community. With the right help in place we are hopeful that most of our businesses will make it out the other side.”

Short term goals should be focused on re-establishing the “breadth and depth” of the Canterbury business community, she says. “We need big business and small, and across all sectors.

We need employment and cashflow prospects in the region.”

Whereas looking towards the future, Watson says the longterm focus needs to be on returning the region to one of prosperity. “This goes beyond just re-establishing the range of businesses. It is about being the best at what we do. Competing globally and locally to keep pushing the bar up.”

Familiar faces What’s open? What’s rebuilding? What’s gone for good?

The malls ➜ The Palms plans to have many shops and Countdown open again by the end of June.

➜ Northlands and Riccarton are

fully open. Eastgate is partially open, with more retailers opening all the time.

The libraries ➜ Central, Fendalton, Linwood,

Papanui, Sumner and Upper Riccarton are shut. Not all have been damaged – most are being used by the council.

Cultural attractions ➜ The museum is closed until further notice, but has been issued a green sticker.

12 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Forward planning should not be overlooked, and businesses have much to gain from the

➜ The Art Gallery is structurally

sound and hopes to open to the public again in July.

➜ The Arts Centre has sustained

severe damage and it is estimated it will be years until it reopens to the public.

➜

Science Alive is shut until further notice.

➜ Hoyts’ Riccarton and Northlands cinemas are both screening, but the Regent on Worcester and Moorhouse Ave premises are closed indefinitely.

➜

The Artfilm theatres (Academy, Cloisters, Metro Gold etc) are all closed, although their website says they are ‘returning soon’...

➜

The Court Theatre has found temporary premises in Addington and will open at the end of the year. Winter shows are being held at the Aurora Centre.

➜ The Repertory Theatre will be demolished but hopes to be rebuilt. The Mill Theatre has been demolished.

➜ The Isaac Theatre Royal will be shut until the end of October.

Tourism attractions ➜ Willowbank and Orana Park

are both running. However, the Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House in Cathedral Square has closed indefinitely.

➜ Both historic homesteads Mona Vale and Riccarton House have sustained serious damage and are closed.

lessons that have been learned during the last few months, she adds.

“We need to ensure that plans are put in place now for business continuity. It is hard at this time to think about such things, but now is probably the perfect time to cement long-term back up plans and contingency planning for any type of business continuity interruption, not just earthquakes.”

According to Lonsdale, rebuilding the heart of the city should take precedence. “I think we need to try and get a portion of it open sooner rather than later, which I think will help the healing process.”

Come October 29, this may be a reality. Plans have been announced to restore part of the central business district in time for New Zealand Cup and Show Week.

The project, called Re:Start 29.10.11, aims to have existing retail and hospitality buildings, combined with relocatable expo structures, open for business in the area bounded by Oxford Terrace, Hereford Street, Colombo Street and Lichfield Street.

Lonsdale also believes the city needs to work together in creating a vision for the future, one that inspires both New Zealanders and the international community alike. “We need the inspiration for the international investment.

Getting the vision right is the most critical aspect in this regard.”

Watson says moving forward with “certainty and hope” is essential for businesses and all those involved in the future rebuild of the city.

“It has been a hard road to here, but we know that the business community has the stamina we just need to provide the right support.”

To quote Parker, speaking at the first city council meeting since the earthquake, “the city will have to fight for its place in the sun again”.

It appears that fight is already well under way, with only victory in sight.

The gyms ➜ Les Mills has opened a

temporary site in Riccarton and is running outreach sessions in locations around the city.

➜ The council gyms are up

and running except for QEII and Centennial.

Welcome back… ➜ The SBS Marathon will still

be held. Usually in the centre city and Hagley Park, in 2011 the event will be in Lincoln.

Athletes can be sponsored to raise money for the USAR Rescue Dog programme.

➜ Punting on the Avon reopened at ➜ The Christchurch Arts the end of April.

➜ The Gondala is shut as work is done on the Port Hills.

➜ The trams are not operating due to restricted access to the city.

festival in August will still be held. The city council is also still organising Rugby World Cup celebrations.

Details on these events will be released closer to the time.

News | Rebuilding Canterbury

Popular parks

By Bridget Gourlay

Business parks have been popping up around the country in recent years. It’s easy to see why they are so popular.

The land is cheaper than inner city prices, the buildings are modern and well designed and are often surrounded by gardens.

For example, at iZone industrial park in Rolleston, thousands of native plants planted a few years ago hope to foster a large native bird population.

Landscaped walkways link the buildings together.

Port repairs One of the most crucial parts of Christchurch’s infrastructure, the Lyttleton Port, was badly damaged on February 22. Although the earthquake’s epicentre was only streets away from it, within 96 hours core services were up and running.

The locations are often ideal. Unlike our city centre, which was built in the 19th century, business parks being built today chose strategic spots near the airport and arterial routes across the South Island and to Lyttleton Harbour.

However, communications officer Catherine Kelly says almost every area of the port has been hit by earthquake damage.

“The extent is hard to quantify and the Port is working hard with assistance from engineering consultants to measure the full extent of the damage. The repairs required to establish service and infrastructure levels back to pre earthquake standards will take years.”

There haven’t been any cruise ships in Lyttleton since the quake. The cruise season was due to finish on April 4, but the port

cancelled all remaining ships after the February 22 earthquake.

Estimating when cruise ships will be back is uncertain at this stage, Kelly says. “The repair programme to ensure we can cater to cruises has to be part of an integrated wider repair programme. It is difficult to provide exact timings or guarantees, but we will be working hard with the principal aim to have things back up and running for the next cruise season.”

shopfitters • designers • builders

Urban sprawl However, not everyone is so enthusiastic. Neil Challenger, head of the School of Landscape Architecture says business parks situated on Christchurch’s fringe contribute to urban sprawl.

“If we think of the business park near the airport, well unless you live in Burnside it’s ok, but otherwise it’s not a live work play model — it’s spatially separated.

“Fuel prices have doubled –well, it feels like it — and they’re only going to get higher.

“We’ve got this hangover image of life which goes back to the mill in England and we’re thinking we better separate everything out because we can’t have business next to leisure or next to residential. That’s not true. With the exception of an abbatoir or tannery, any business can operate in the centre city.”

Central attractions Challenger lived in Barbadoes Street until the earthquake and says within the CBD, he could live, work and play.

“There was Alice in Videoland, the bakery.

Places like the Art Gallery are still fine and other spots like the Arts Centre will eventually reopen. Our city centre has got a lot of open space, it’s not as if we only have space to build in the margins.”

However, in Christchurch’s unclear future, Challenger does support business parks in the city, such as in Addington which has always been an industrial area.

“There could be a series of business places around the city. As long as they are amalgamated well with public transport they would be future-proof.

“A city is an organic being that ebbs and flows and moves around. But making the city larger than it needs to be makes no sense.”

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➜ City-fringe business

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 13

News | Rebuilding Canterbury

Overcoming tourism trauma h Interviews wit s. g in d il u b d apse t aftershocks.

Images of coll n a st n co f o s rt Repo crying people. rld across the wo s w e n e th n o ed All of this play making some , e k a u q e th r afte ken. for the weeks aland was bro e Z w e N f o ll a h believe that k of Christchurc n u ch d o o g a e rest While it’s true a few years, th r fo t u o d n a is is down of the country en unaffected. Ev the Canterbury region is fine.

Tourist towns nmer Akaroa and Ha zzing have been bu ever since the quake.

O Tourism NZ CE Kevin Bowler oth faces a mamm PR task — convincing the ite world that desp the February ew earthquake, N Kevin Bowler Tourism NZ CEO. Zealand should ber one tourist m u n a e b l il st e talks to destination. H y about Bridget Gourla d. the years ahea

14 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

How quickly after the quake did you act, and what was your immediate focus?

“Within an hour of the earthquake, an interagency group made up of representatives from Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), Tourism Industry Association (TIA), with the Ministry of Education (representing international students), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT), New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) and Immigration New Zealand was established. Representatives from each of these organisations met immediately at Tourism New Zealand’s office in Wellington to discuss immediate priorities and responses.

“Our first focus was to ensure accurate communications for visitors already in New Zealand and visitors across all markets wanting information fast. The group worked closely with Civil Defence and Emergency Management to ensure messages conveyed were precise and that issues relating to visitors in the country or with plans to visit were dealt with effectively. A key focus was to ensure a coordinated response across Government and into international markets.”

What will be the “message” about tourism in New Zealand be for the next few years?

“At the moment Tourism New Zealand is working hard to tell the world that while Christchurch city will take a while to get back on its feet, the rest of New Zealand is as amazing now as it ever was. Our marketing approach over the coming years will continue to be driven by our marketing campaign, New Zealand 100% Pure You. This global campaign will help us take New Zealand to the world in a way that better connects with our target audience. Authentic and special experiences will become the major draw card, while the beautiful scenery and environment will be a vital part of the story as the backdrop.”

What are the short and long term effects of the Christchurch earthquake and how can they be mitigated?

“Some short term fall-off in total visitor numbers was inevitable, and we do know that parts of central Christchurch city will need to take the time to rebuild and repair before encouraging people to visit, but we’re getting the word out there that

New Zealand’s doors are open and that we have continued to welcome visitors to all other parts of New Zealand over the last month or so. In an already challenging environment, I’m confident that with a ski season around the corner, the Rugby World Cup, our strong airline partnerships and supported by our international marketing, we can still achieve good visitor numbers this year, despite this extremely tragic event.”

What are the positives for NZ’s tourism future?

“The future of tourism in New Zealand remains extraordinarily positive. Not only are we seeing surging growth in arrivals out of much of Asia, particularly China, we also have Rugby World Cup 2011 to look forward to this year. Growth out of China and South East Asia is being boosted by new air routes into Auckland from Singapore and China, as well as a major new route into Christchurch from Malaysia.

“Rugby World Cup 2011 will bring in 85,000 international visitors for extended holidays in both the North and South Island — an obvious win for wider New Zealand tourism.

The decision to move World Cup games from Christchurch is a disappointment for the people of Christchurch. However, the tournament is still expected to have positive impacts for the region due to the fact that many people will arrive early or stay on after the tournament and many will still travel through Canterbury.

The REAL NZ festival, organised by NZ 2011, will bring a number of exciting events to Christchurch. One of the festival’s aims is to get Rugby World Cup visitors travelling to places where games aren’t necessarily being played.”

When will you start marketing Christchurch as a destination again?

“We have already begun working to promote Canterbury and the wider South Island as a destination for visitors, particularly those coming from Australia and Asia.”

What do you hope to see tourism like in NZ in 2021?

“We hope to see growing numbers of visitors coming to New Zealand, contributing to our economy and returning home urging friends and family to also visit. Our country has so much to offer and we want as many people as possible to sample their very own bit of New Zealand.”

News | Rebuilding Canterbury

Hamilton helps Dozens of Hamilton business owners are stepping up to help their quake-affected Canterbury peers via the website, www.hamiltonchristchurch.com.

The site has fielded dozens of offers of business support from Waikato, ranging from mentoring “shoulders to lean on” to rent-free periods from landlords and manufacturers willing to fulfil contract obligations on behalf of Christchurch businesses.

The site is an initiative driven by Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker and is a partnership between Hamilton City Council, the city’s economic development agency Opportunity Hamilton and the Waikato Chamber of Commerce.

“This is very much businesses speaking to businesses about how they can help in a time of crisis,” Mayor Hardaker says.

Forging links Opportunity Hamilton is co-ordinating offers of help and expressions of need from the website, and forging appropriate business links.

Project manager Sandy Turner said the site had been well publicised in Waikato with the challenge now to ensure Christchurch business owners know about it.

“We intentionally waited until we had some really good offers before we launched a campaign in Christchurch. Now we have some great offers and we’d like Christchurch business owners to let us know their needs so we can get in touch with them,” Turner says.

Keeping businesses trading in Christchurch is a priority of the initiative wherever possible.

“There will be those who choose to relocate, and we are in a position to support them, but the priority is providing the appropriate support to help get Christchurch back on its feet.”

Stafford Engineering’s Roger Evans is one business owner offering help. Evans will assist businesses similar to his to fulfil their contract obligations and can employ staff temporarily.

Lost connections “The biggest issue for many of these businesses is supporting their existing customer base, which requires delivery as agreed. If these customers are forced to find other manufacturers, the connection is lost and the chance of re-establishing is limited,” he says.

Other offers of help include: a modern woodwork factory to make components or fulfil contracts; landlords offering free rent periods and help with relocation costs; IT servicing including repair, data recovery and database management, human resource advice; free hostel and hotel accommodation; free office space; free help finding rental accommodation; temporary or permanent vacancies.

Business owners wanting to register their needs can visit www.hamiltonchristchurch.com or email sandy@opportunityhamilton.co.nz

Bouncing back

By Bridget Gourlay

Blood sweat and tears were put into creating the iconic café and restaurant, Under the Red Verandah.

The 101 year old building was completely restored a few years ago, winning a heritage award. Until the February 22 quake, it had been successfully running for 12 years, selling delicious food in a tranquil setting.

So successful in fact, that a shop on the second floor had just opened three weeks before the quake.

Christchurch people from far and wide visited the Linwood restaurant for coffee, homemade preserves and meals eaten in the snug inside or in the beautiful garden.

But on February 22, Under the Red Verandah’s main building was damaged so badly it was demolished a few weeks later. Many small business owners with broken buildings couldn’t afford or couldn’t bear to begin again. But owner Mandy Heasley didn’t walk away.

It was hard work — a temporary kitchen had to be brought in and that was just the start.

Right now, the bulldozed site of the old cafe/restaurant remains empty. Heasley says she is waiting on the council to see what they want her to do.

Like many businesses, Under the Red Verandah is re-inventing itself.

The red verandah has been saved and will be put up on the new building, whatever that will look like.

The old brick blacksmith’s at the back of the now-destroyed cafe has just been redeveloped and it, along with a small cottage next door, is the new home of the restaurant, called ‘After the Red Verandah.’

Like most things in Christchurch, it will never be the same again. But with a bit of creativity and a lot of hard work, it will hopefully be even better in a few years time.

Calling all carpenters In an era dominated by the technologies, a call is being made to New Zealand’s tradesmen to shore up our future.

Registered Master Builders’ Federation chief executive Warwick Quinn says the skills and leadership qualities of entrants in the Registered Master Builders 2011 Apprentice of the Year, will be critical to New Zealand’s “built” future.

“The damage caused by the Canterbury earthquakes will generate an incredibly high demand for skilled builders, many of whom will be entrants or employers in this year’s Apprentice of the Year competition,” he says.

Busy future “This also comes at a time when the industry is embarking on repairing 20,000 leaky homes and as a country we are facing a real housing shortage — particularly in Auckland.

“So while we are experiencing a low right now in building activity, our young apprentices are poised for a very busy future. We are going to need these apprentices with the huge amount of work that is around the corner. Employers now play an important role, encouraging these young people to become a vital part of the industry,” Quinn says.

Carters chief executive Brent Waldron says the Apprentice of the Year competition reflects the industry’s efforts to attract and train talented individuals and recognises the efforts

of the employers who train and develop them. “It is our generation’s responsibility to ensure the industry will be in safe hands — these apprentices are our future leaders and Carters is proud to support a competition that celebrates our industry’s potential.”

Last year’s Apprentice of the Year national winner, Isaac Alder of Russell Bruce Contract

Builders in Nelson, is optimistic for the future.

“I want to use my skills now to help people, like going in after a natural disaster and helping to rebuild, or being a part of Habitat for Humanity,” he says.

“People are always going to need things built for them. If you’ve got determination and a good work ethic, the sky’s the limit,” he says.

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News | Rebuilding Canterbury

Are you considering renting your home?

“I have been working with Bridgette for the last six years for all my Christchurch property matters. Her professional and friendly approach is something I really admire and I know she always works hard to deliver the best results. She always goes that extra mile and nothing is ever a problem. I have had no hesitation in referring Bridgette to colleagues, friends and family over the years…….she is the best, that’s why I keep using her services!”

Richie McCaw All Black Captain “.... I have no hesitation in suggesting that if you are after a vibrant, hardworking and personable property manager who displays the utmost respect and professionalism at every turn, Bridgette Tapley is that person.....

Bridgette is unique in that she absolutely honours the landlord but also respects the wishes of the tenant and seems to have an uncanny ability to leave everyone feeling incredibly satisfied and happy with the result. ... I cannot think of any person I would recommend more highly if you are in the market to rent out your beloved property.....”

Simon Barnett Broadcaster

When Commitment Counts If you ask those closest to Bridgette Tapley to describe her, they would define her as an outgoing people person, who is honest and takes pride in her work. Not only does she consistently go the extra mile, she is level headed, detail focused, and a consistent high achiever.

out the national award for top property manager within Harcourts on numerous occasions during her time with the company, Bridgette frequently achieves incredible results.

“I love dealing with people, and I find it so rewarding working with landlords and finding great tenants to live in their properties. I’m passionate about achieving the best results for every single landlord and tenant I work with.”

“I have the experience, history and awards to prove myself as a first class property manager. I’m proud to say that over 90% of my business comes from referrals, which proves how highly my clients’ and my peers respect me.”

Bridgette enjoys working with each and every one of her clients, and her commitment to her career and ongoing success has regularly been recognised. Taking

If you want to work with a property manager recognised as one of the best in the country, phone Bridgette Tapley today. Surely you deserve to work with the best!

Bridgette Tapley Mobile: 0274 508 955 Phone: 03 355 6358 Email: bridgette.tapley@harcourts.co.nz 175 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch www.holmwood.co.nz

16 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

News | Rebuilding Canterbury

Wandering the Arts Centre’s bustling

quiet and dignified ceremony outside the

markets. Enjoying a picnic in the Botanical

museum in Rolleston Avenue. The first two

Gardens. Shopping on High Street.

signatories were Ms Mutze and Sue Spiegel,

Playing rugby in the local park. We all

the woman photographed in the window

have priceless memories of the good

of the Cathedral. They were followed by

times we have spent living in our beautiful

two men who had lost their wives in the

garden city. Some of us have lived here for

tragedy; Brett Chambers and Ben Willems.

generations, others moved to Christchurch to study, to work, to raise children.

Gallaway was right in thinking that most people weren’t leaving Christchurch,

Everything changed on the 22nd of

but were in fact standing by it. Educated

February. We lost precious loved ones.

opinions are that the media’s pessimism

Hundreds of jobs have gone, buildings

was unfounded.

have collapsed and homes have been destroyed. But despite this, there’s still a strong sentiment of love for our city and a commitment to see it rebuilt.

Since the launch of The Pledge signings have been held in various shopping centres around Christchurch. Numerous businesses and schools have taken part. It was

That’s what Garth Gallaway felt in the

anticipated that more than 50,000 people

immediate aftermath of the quake. The

would sign The Pledge before it closed on

Christchurch lawyer became sick and

May 15.

tired of the regular media references to people leaving the city, supposedly never to return.

All the books will be gathered and collated into a beautiful, leather-bound volume to be presented to the Mayor and Councillors

Gallaway felt that the media was

in a ceremony to be held at a date to be

thriving on the catastrophe and that, if

finalised; a permanent reminder of those

unchallenged, the so-called exodus would

who were here and who wanted to record

become reality. While watching a survivor

their commitment to remain.

from the CTV building, Clemency Mutze, being interviewed on television he was moved by her commitment to remain in Christchurch, notwithstanding her harrowing experience.

“The Pledge is a personal commitment,” Gallaway explains. “It’s not about how much money you have, what you do or how old you are. All it asks is that your commitment to Canterbury and the

It occurred to Gallaway that people

rebuilding of Christchurch be to the

needed a vehicle for expressing their

degree you are able, and most importantly

spiritual and emotional commitment

something that we all do together.”

to the re-build of Christchurch and the province of Canterbury. He telephoned John Boyle of Rainbow Print, who

Businesses can still order forms by going to

www.thepledge.co.nz

immediately committed to providing the paper for the signing pages and the website for dispatching books. The Press, through the editor Andrew Holden, quickly came on board and offered publicity and marketing staff to assist.

One month after the earthquake, to the minute, The Pledge was launched in a

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 17

News

Tugging at heartstrings

By Kate Pierson

I must say it was with a hint of sadness that I farewelled ‘Ira Goldstein’ in September 2010.

After 11 years of getting to know him and watching him in more than 60 commercials, which received multiple awards from the Communications Association Agency New Zealand, it was hard saying goodbye to my old friend.

Of course things weren’t always peachy; we had our moments. And sure there were times when his Goldsteinisms, general bumbling and sometimes pitiful subservience to gruff boss R. J. Lincoln encroached on my nerves.

But, all in all, Goldstein was a welcomed personality in my home and our enduring connection was defined by his ability to make me laugh.

As they say though, all good things come to an end and after more than a decade of exploring what made the ASB New Zealand bank different, it was time for Goldstein to return to the bright lights of NYC. My Goldstein withdrawals would be short-lived however, as the prospective candidates for his replacement could be conjured up with the click of a button and were already waiting for me within the four walls of the goggle box. In fact, the new wave of characters occupying my television screen I have an even greater affinity with as they are my fellow Kiwi brothers and sisters.

pools, rugby balls, McDonalds, snapper schools, world peace, woolly fleece, Ronald and raising beasts, chilly bins, cricket wins, fast skis…” and I’m sure you remember the rest.

Mainland Cheese men have really captured the essence of New Zealand within the structure and aesthetics of their storylines. He adds that the instinctive and intuitive nature of the New Zealanders who have pioneered these advertisements, has unearthed cultural codes Aotearoa can relate to.

Yes, we could be described as a stereotypical bunch of people if our advertisements are anything to go by. But why is it we seem to It’s interesting, comical even, that many of love these campaigns and their Kiwi-isms tug Seven legends us, myself included, can feel a bond with at our heartstrings? DraftFCB Auckland planning The seven legends identified within New someone, or as if we know them well, when in director David Thomason has the scoop.

Zealand advertising include the definitive fact we’ve never met them. And while it may Having recruited two American anthropologists relationship New Zealanders have developed elude us as to how we become so attached with their land; freedom and independence; to a fictional character, our preoccupation with to analyse New Zealand’s advertising masculinity; mateship, and the country’s sense campaigns, DraftFCB Auckland’s investigation them is never accidental. of humour. unveiled seven core cultural codes or what It is the deliberate intention of a marketing firm working their commercial magic. And as the storyline based advertisements drenched in Kiwi terminology and iconography continue to occupy our airwaves; it seems the trend for integrating strong Kiwi codes into advertisements is taking precedent on the commercial scene.

Thomason calls ‘legends’ within New Zealand themed advertisements.

“Although we did the study six years ago, we have found it has gained more traction than ever in the last two years,” he says.

“A number of Subaru advertisements have focused on roaming where you want to go and images of mountaineering and luging are included. Advertising by Toyota has made the Toyota car, which is made in Japan, a New Zealand car.

“The moment you mention sport, people can relate, because sport for New Zealand has been about people noticing us. Sport actually ties a number of the codes together.”

As for my dearest Goldstein, Thomason’s professional opinion on the matter is quite intriguing and undoubtedly spot on. The success of this campaign is not about Goldstein’s lovability or his boyish charm. Well, actually, it could be about both of those things, but, Thomason says the great appeal of the ASB advertisements lay in their promotion of New Zealand as a world contender.

As the story goes, Goldstein is sent to New Zealand by his competitive boss to find out what makes the ASB bank tick after he discovers it’s the world’s best bank according to public perception.

“New Zealand loves anything that puts us on the world stage,” Thomason says of the “It was during the 1980s and early 1990s “The sense of humour in New Zealand advertisement’s success. “We hear about that people were discovering what it means advertising is best exemplified by Billy T or New Zealanders being called the teenagers to be New Zealanders. Since then, New Flight of the Conchords. New Zealand has of the world who are looking for a pat on the Capitalising on Kiwi codes Zealand has matured in confidence and being worked to find its own distinct sense of humour back. The ASB campaign was founded on the The introduction of storylines, particularly those itself, instead of trying to be like America or and many advertisements are tied back to this.” premise that ASB was the best bank in the with a Kiwi accent is not a new phenomenon. another country.”

Sport is another legend identified by the world and New Zealanders loved that.”

Most of us are familiar with the infamous New Thomason says long-running marketing DraftFCB study and Thomason says sport is a Zealand anthems including “You’ll always be currency in New Zealand as it connects people For more information on DraftFCB Auckland campaigns including Toyota featuring the a Kiwi, if you love our Watties sauce” and the visit www.draftfcb.co.nz from all different groups and classes. quintessential Kiwi bloke Barry Crump and the McDonalds Kiwiburger song — “Kiwis love hot

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News

Paying the bills Paying your business’ bills is not just a goodwill gesture; it is about meeting your obligations in a trade relationship. In New Zealand, we are falling short on fulfilling this obligation.

In a recent report released by leading credit reporting and debt collection company, Dun & Bradstreet, it was that revealed New Zealand firms took on average 43.9 days to settle their trade accounts in the December quarter — a figure which remains two weeks above the standard 30 day payment term.

The latest business payments research from Dun & Bradstreet which examined the millions of current accounts receivable records contained on its database, revealed that an additional four percent of New Zealand businesses failed to pay their trade credit accounts during the December quarter 2010 compared to the prior year.

Denied access Image: worradmu/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“Payments are still significantly above the standard 30 day term, which means businesses are being denied access to their funds for around two weeks longer than they should be,” Dun & Bradstreet general manager John Scott says.

“New Zealand firms need to recognise the value of their accounts receivable as it is typically the largest liquid asset on an organisation’s books — mismanagement of this crucial asset has the potential to bring a business to its knees.”

Nine of the fourteen sectors examined by Dun & Bradstreet experienced a deterioration in their payment times compared to the previous quarter and the report noted that larger firms (200–499 people and 500-plus employees), are consistently slower payers than smaller businesses.

North Island based businesses were slower Image: ntwowe/FreeDigitalPhotos.net to pay than South Island based firms and of the three major cities, Auckland was the slowest to pay during the December quarter taking 45.2 days to pay accounts. The fastest payment business group was the agricultural sector followed by the mining sector and the fishing He says it is important for commercial industry was the most improved group on its organisations to recognise that businesses payment times. are not run on charitable basis and businesses need to make sure they are creditor number Commenting on the serious potential financial one not 21 and the terms and conditions implications of delayed bill payments Scott are sound. says, “A four percent increase in the number “Getting the money you are owed is the most of entities paying their accounts late has the important thing you should be doing. People potential to inflict cash flow difficulties on a have to prioritise this as a key function of number of large firms. their business’ operation and not just after the “This is a worrying trend as it can draw more fact. Take emotion and sentiment out of the and more businesses into the late payment equation, it is a business transaction.” cycle, making it increasingly difficult for firms For more information on to escape the pressures associated with Dun & Bradstreet visit www.dnb.co.nz slowing paying customers.”

Baycorp’s Top Tips for Managing Risk

Small to medium sized businesses have been bearing the brunt of the economic downturn and yet they are the backbone of our economy. That’s the view of the Baycorp team — and they’re here to help.

For nearly thirty years, in one form or another, Baycorp has been operating as a debt collection business in the South Island. The mainland is where it wants to focus its attentions.

“I’m a South Islander, I was raised here and I’m so pleased to be back,” newly appointed South Island regional business manager Greg Davey says. His position was created last year to promote Baycorp further in the mainland. “My aim is to bring the corporate experience gained here and overseas and best industry practice to the operations in the Christchurch office and hope that my drive, determination and positive outlook will result in good growth for Baycorp in the South Island. Another one of my goals is to spend more interactive, face to face time with our clients.”

Davey joins business manager Bev Wall, who has worked for Baycorp in Christchurch for 27 years, making her a wellknown name in the business community. “Her wealth of experience can’t be replicated in a lot of other companies within the industry,” Davey enthuses.

SME assistance

■

While Baycorp works with large corporations, it is also extremely proud of the work it does for its SME clients.

And now is the time they need the most help.

Know your customers — visit their premises, even if you just drive past. Does the business look well managed and active?

■

Get a reference and ask about how they pay, a two minute phone call can save thousands

■

Ask other businesses who may supply to your customers. Again this may be difficult especially in a competitive environment

■

Credit checks or company searches

■

Get a deposit

■

Personal guarantee, especially for large orders in which your business will have to invest time and materials.

“Retailers and SMEs are being squeezed from both ends and it’s hurting,” Davey says. “We estimate around $1.1 billion in consumer debt is defaulted every year. And now consumers have put away their wallets and purses.

“Businesses are more reliant than at any time in the past 25 years on the effective recovery of funds from their slow paying customers. Similarly the debt collection agent’s partnership with business is also as important as at any time in the past 25 years.”

Davey says he knows cashflow can be a major issue for SMEs and that’s why Baycorp is keen to assist. Baycorp handles debts of all sizes to help local businesses succeed.

He’s also aware of how the earthquakes have affected the Canterbury region.

“In the small business area, a lot of people have had their margins squeezed so if a SME is owed money they must keep on top of it. Come to the experts if you have come to the end of your process and we can send our specially trained field agents or do legal action on your behalf.”

Baycorp T 0800 BAYCORP (0800 229 267) www.baycorp.co.nz Christchurch office T 353 0003 Bev Wall 027 271 0583 Greg Davey 027 559 2595

An important statistic to note is that for every six months a debt is outstanding, the chances of it being paid can reduce by up to 50 percent.

“Too often we see clients become debtors themselves when they are owed money. Don’t get on that merry-goround. Start afresh by getting on top of any money you are owed and give us a call today.”

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 19

Events | Diary

Viewpoint | Internet innovation

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Exporter After 5 — Export New Zealand Exporters face unique business opportunities and challenges, and this event aims to provide a chance to share these experiences and knowledge with likeminded exporters. Venue to be confirmed. Contact Kellee Berry on canterbury@ exportnewzealand.org.nz or (03) 366 5096.

Tuesday, June 7

Employment Relations Kit — Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce This workshop aims to assist employers in improving their employment procedures so they can reduce lost time and resources, while enhancing employment relationships. Ideal for managers, supervisors, employee representatives and human resources staff, participants will receive material relating to selection and engagement of staff, leave entitlements, personal development and training. To register contact Mary Botting on maryb@cecc.org.nz or (03) 366 5096.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7

Earthquake recovery seminar — NZICA and NZLS The NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants and the NZ Law Society have put together a series of EQ Recovery Seminars. These are designed to give insight to key issues facing Christchurch businesses today. This seminar’s topic will be ‘Insurance and Learning’. To register, visit www.nzica.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

New Members Lunch — Institute of Directors Members who have joined in the last six months are invited to join the Canterbury branch of the Institute of Directors at The George. To register, visit www.iod.co.nz

Tuesday, June 14

Essential Steps to Importing — Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce This comprehensive half-day workshop provides participants with details on the importing process, including terminology, documentation, foreign exchange issues and import transaction considerations. Contact Mary Botting on maryb@cecc.org.nz or (03) 366 5096.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

Earthquake recovery seminar — NZICA and NZLS Earthquake recovery seminar run by the Law Society and the Institute of Chartered Accountants, topic TBA. To register, visit www.nzica.com

Wednesday, June 22 – Thursday, June 23

Essential Training for Health and Safety Representatives (Stage One) This two day course will cover the functions of health and safety representatives, employee participations, hazard management, workplace health and safety culture, accident and emergency, investigations and reporting. Particularly suitable for recently elected or appointed health and safety representatives, health and safety committee members, and those with an interest in, or responsibility for, workplace health and safety. Venue: Hinton’s Winery. Contact Contact Mary Botting on maryb@cecc.org.nz or (03) 366 5096.

Thursday, June 23

Handling Conflict in the Workplace — Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch.

Managers, business owners, supervisors, team leaders and employees alike will benefit form this workshop which aims to give an understanding around how conflict arises, and practical tools with which to reduce and resolve. Learn how to identify the difference between destructive and constructive behaviour, identify your own natural reaction and conflict resolution style, and how to structure a meeting to resolve conflict between others. Venue to be confirmed. Contact Mary Botting on maryb@cecc.org.nz or (03) 366 5096.

Thursday, June 30 – Friday, July 1

Advanced Training for Health and Safety Representatives (Stage Two) This advanced, two-day training course builds on the skills and knowledge developed in the first stage of training. Participants can expect to learn about gathering and interpreting accident and injury data, health and safety management systems, hazard identification and management. To be held at Hinton’s Winery.

Contact Mary Botting on maryb@cecc.org.nz or (03) 366 5096.

TUESDAY, JULY 5

Earthquake recovery seminar - NZICA and NZLS Earthquake recovery seminar run by the Law Society and Institute of Chartered Accountants, topic TBA. To register, visit www.nzica.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

Strategy in Asia/Pacific — NZCIA Asia is likely to become one of the key markets for expansion for NZ firms in the next decade. However, understanding of the complexity of the region is still in its infancy. This course provides some discussion of the differences in major Asian markets and the key challenges for NZ firms investing or seeking to invest in Asia. To register, visit www.nzica.com

MONDAY, JULY 13

Insolvency Series — NZCIA This is the first a series of six “webinars” on Insolvency. It will address the different forms of corporate insolvency options available in New Zealand. Options covered are; Liquidation, Receivership, Voluntary Administration, Part 14 Compromise and Hive Downs. To register, visit www.nzica.com

TUESDAY, JULY 18

Earthquake recovery seminar — NZICA and NZLS Earthquake recovery seminar run by the Law Society and Institute of Chartered Accountants, topic TBA. To register, visit www.nzica.com

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

Or, if you have held an event and would like to supply photos for the Been Seen section (along with 100 words about the event and a caption for each image), send to newsroom@academy.net.nz 20 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Image: Danil

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eDigitalPhot

os.net

Why don’t some websites work?

By Suzanne Carter

Most people using the internet to find a product or service are pretty impatient. If your website doesn’t meet their expectations, or they can’t easily find what they are looking for, these potential customers will leave and visit your competitors’ sites instead.

This is why it is vital that your website works because if it doesn’t, the impact on your business can be substantial.

One of the main reasons why websites don’t work is due to their design. Just as a shabby shop front will not encourage people to step inside, poor design will not encourage visitors to your site to stay and do what you want them to do e.g. purchase a product, make an enquiry, submit a quote request, sign up for your newsletter and so on.

A website may have a strong initial impact but if it looks cluttered, has a number of different graphical elements, inconsistent font styling, a variety of font sizes and a lack of white space, it will be difficult for your potential customer to focus and find what they are looking for.

Is your navigation menu intuitive? Visitors need to be able to find their way around your website very quickly and very easily. Don’t hide important pages within sub menus. These pages should be prominent.

Also, make it easy for people to find their way back to your home page. Your logo should link to the home page and also ‘home’ should be located at the beginning of your menu.

Have you looked at the content of your website recently? Are there any spelling or grammatical mistakes? Content should be clear and easy to read, so use short and concise phrases and sentences. Come to the point quickly and break up your text by using headers, sub headers, visual elements and lists with bullet points.

Another major reason why some websites don’t work is because they cannot be found on search engines. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is critical to website success and your business and should be part and parcel of your whole website development project.

We all know that it only takes a few seconds to create a first impression. Chances are that by making a few small fixes to your website, you’ll be well on your way to making sure your first impression is a great one.

Having a clear and strong call to action on your website is essential as it can turn visitors into customers.

Put simply, you need to show visitors the information they want, tell them what you want them to do and make it easy for them to do it. For example, if you want them to make a reservation then have a clear ‘Book Now’ button.

Never make it difficult for people to contact you. Your contact details should be on your ‘contact us’ page and should be clearly visible on the menu. It is best to have a number of different ways for people to get in touch with you whether it is via an online form, email or telephone.

Suzanne Carter is the Business Development Manager for Limelight Online Ltd, a website design and development company. Suzanne has over 15 years website industry experience and with that comes a passion for working with clients to enhance their business through the internet.

Viewpoint | Commerce

Christchurch… a

boom town in waiting

By Jamie Tulloch

Let’s look at some basic numbers. At this early stage, the total value of the damage is hard to quantify, but figures of $20 to $30 billion are not impossible to get to when every dollar of damage is assessed. These figures include physical damage to residential and commercial property and the city’s infrastructure. Plus of course the hundreds of millions of dollars companies will be claiming under their business interruption policies.

If we can put aside for a few moments the personal tragedy that the February earthquake has wrought on Christchurch’s citizens and visitors and look at the economic future that’s on the horizon, then we may see an amazing sight.

For the sake of this exercise, let’s settle on say $20 billion. For a town of just 300,000 people, that’s about $66,000 for every man, women and child and much of this will be spent in a relatively short timeframe of five years or so.

Economists say that every new dollar coming into an economy has an economic multiplier benefit of two, three or four times the original dollar. This is not my field of expertise, but if this is true, are we looking at an economic benefit to Christchurch of north of $50 billion?

So where is all this money coming from? The good news is the largest share is all new money coming into the city from the world’s insured population who have diligently paid their insurance premiums for many years. Anyone, anywhere who has paid an insurance premium is helping to pay to rebuild Christchurch. Yes, the city council and the government will be pouring in ratepayers’ and tax payers’ money which is a drain on the economy, but by far the largest sums appear to be from insurance claims and payouts.

In economic terms, Christchurch is sitting on the edge of a financial boom without the likelihood of a bust. We’ve already had busts

on September 4, December 26 and February 22. What the busts did was to lower the economic and infrastructure value of our city, but real money is coming back to rebuild it.

And that money has no debt and no liability associated with it. It has already been paid for.

Although most funds will, in the first instance, be directed to the construction industry, this industry engages huge numbers of associated trades and professions from relatively low skilled labourers to top end architects and engineers and everyone in between.

It’s hard to imagine why Christchurch, in 12 months’ time, won’t have the lowest unemployment in the country. Then consider the economic benefits to the whole country.

The net receipts from GST and PAYE on a $20 billion rebuild are significant.

Whether it is 10, 20 or 30 billion dollars, Christchurch is on the edge of a medium term economic boom funded by insurance money that arrives debt free. Initially our population may drop by a few thousand, but when the rebuild starts, we’ll be recruiting skilled and unskilled workers and professionals, all along with their families and keen to be part of an exciting future.

It’s amazing to consider that Christchurch’s future economic landscape was crystallised in less than 20 seconds, but was millions of years in the making. Hang in there. The future is bright. We just need to get to the future.

Jamie Tulloch is the managing director of e3 Business Accountants. Call 0800 11 33 99 or email jamie@e3accountants.co.nz

www.mychristchurchbusinessisopen.co.nz This free website was established for the local business community and set up and managed by BBX as a free service for Canterbury business owners. half page

BBX We invite you to load your company info; • Where your shop is • What your products are and when you’re open.

Look at the growing list of business that have already registered. www.mychristchurchbusinessisopen.co.nz No Cost. No Obligation. Just a BBX Community Service BBX Specialise in helping businesses use excess stock & downtime to save your valuable cash.

Call us on 03 372 1562, we can help!

www.ebbx.com

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 21

News Special | Communication

Connecting the dots

By Bridget Gourlay

It’s 2011 and we’re starting to move on from the idea that the only way work can be done is behind a desk from nine to five while wearing a tie or high heels. Telework is getting more common as people work from home, from other offices or from other countries while away on business trips.

How can management make sure staff members are doing their jobs without actually seeing them perform?

Bevis England, from Telework New Zealand has been working from home for decades.

He first became a supporter of teleworking because he felt it reduced emissions and supported communities. As he became a consultant on the issue, research showed him that good teleworking greatly improved productivity, supported staff retention and recruitment and lowered business costs.

His most vital piece of advice for management looking to use teleworking is to have a formal plan in place.

“Successful telework arrangements focus on performance management. This can be

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a jolt for organisations without good people management. The first step is to ensure what the deliverables are — since it’s not hours in an office, what is the outcome?

“Should they process x number of claim forms, or reach this target in sales? What time should the worker get up, what times should they always be contactable, what about workwear?”

England says most of the problems he hears about with organisations and teleworkers stem from not thinking through how remote work was going to work for them.

The other point he stresses is that meetings and discussions can still happen even if telework is happening.

“Look at what the best alternative is if you can’t meet in an office — go to a coffee shop. Or have team meetings at the office and staff can work from home the rest of the time. There are software programmes that allow you to have online meetings.

“At a not for profit I was involved in we had ‘meetings by paper.’ An agenda with questions was sent out, responses were expected within a certain timeframe, and at the end the minutes were sent out.”

Face to face time, if possible, is still important, England says. He says, for example, an organisation with offices throughout the North Island could meet quarterly somewhere central such as Taupo.

On the social side of workplace interactions, England says an instant messaging system can keep everyone in touch.

“Have something so people can interact, so if they have an idea they can flick it on.

A social club provides important face to face interaction. In fact, I’ve noticed that organisations with remote workers often have really proactive social clubs.”

From the horse’s mouth

By Katie McKone

The office water cooler is not only helping staff meet their eight glasses a day, but is also feeding their appetite for information.

Why? Because communicating with employees still seems somewhat of a taboo subject for many businesses, despite the obvious gains to be made.

“When people are not informed the rumour mill starts,” says Kate Thompson, owner of communications business On Message.

“If staff members are not clear about what is happening, or what they are doing, then they simply do not feel a part of things.

And it’s a small market in New Zealand.

If an organisation doesn’t communicate, word gets around that it’s not a great place to work.”

New Zealand Institute of Management administration and registry manager Victoria Purdie says the intangible practice of encouraging open communication starts at the top. “Even though people say it comes from all levels, it also has a lot to do with leadership.”

Engagement = profit Human capital is perhaps the most important resource in an organisation and can have a significant impact on its bottom line. Engagement, a term referring to the level of employee involvement and commitment to work, is therefore an element that cannot be ignored.

The Ministry of Economic Development refers to “people policies” as being a key 22 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“If an organisation doesn’t communicate, word gets around that it’s not a great place to work.” factor in the capacity of a business to experience growth, as they provide the “skills, motivation and energy”.

According to research by UK firm Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), barriers to engagement were identified as being a “lack of fluidity of communication and knowledge sharing, poor visibility of senior management and quality of downward communication”.

CIPD adviser Rebecca Clake says the findings highlight the importance of imparting business vision to staff, particularly in difficult economic times. “Leaders need to make sure that their sense of clarity for the future direction of the organisation is shared by their people.”

Respect The importance of imparting values within all levels of an organisation should not be overlooked.

“I think it is all about respect,” Thompson says. “The best thing you can do is tell staff how they are doing, and why what they do is important — it’s a natural human want to be involved and informed.”

Research in this field often alludes to the “psychological contract”, referring to the mutual beliefs and informal obligations between employer and employee.

“Call it what you will, but I think we all have our psychological needs, and that includes being thanked and acknowledged now and then,” Thompson says.

As the PricewaterhouseCoopers Clever Companies Insight 2009 report aptly states, “regularly communicating with your people will reinforce their commitment to your business and increase your chances of retaining them now and into the future.”

Keep it simple The initial, knee-jerk reaction for many firms is to engage in yet more training, Purdie says. “But really people just need to look at their business and see what the issues are and actually start communicating with staff — that is the bottom line of the problem.”

She says installing a whiteboard within each department for in-house messages is a simple, yet effective, initiative.

A return to the grass roots level, forgetting about the latest communication tools or methods, can also reap dividends.

“In every case, no matter how big or small the organisation, people benefit from face-to-face communication. You shouldn’t automatically think another email or better intranet is what’s needed, because often it’s not,” Thompson says.

News Special | Communication

s p i t n e t Top ut abo s busines EMAIL … e t t e u q i t e

Making sense

By Bridget Gourlay

1

Err on the side of formality. For example, begin an email with ‘Good morning’ instead of ‘Hi’ and titles and last names instead of first names unless you know the person fairly well. Better to be known as polite than forward.

Picture perfect

By Katie McKone

Offices all around New Zealand are being used as portals to the rest of the world. Not the kind that will transport you through time and space — but, then again, close to it.

Innovative businesses are using video conferencing technology to hear and see people in other locations. Live, real-time conversations are able to take place with participants from all corners of the globe without even leaving the office.

Asnet Technologies communication manager Denise Hansen says the concept has been utilised by New Zealand businesses for 15 years, adding it has experienced major growth and change since conception.

“It has grown from a ‘nice to have’ to a ‘must have’, from standard definition quality to high definition, from ISDN and pay-asyou-go, to use of own IP networks and the public internet, from a business expense to a business saving.”

Pros A reduction in travel costs is the major drawcard for many businesses, as employees can collaborate and make decisions despite their locality.

Meeting virtually has allowed many travel budgets to be reduced to a “need to travel scenario only”, Hansen says. “The savings are also not just in travel but in people’s ability to conduct business from the office to wherever they need to be, all in a day, while saving on energy.”

Gen-i’s video conferencing capability manager Keith Block says it also appeals to remote or transient employees. “They are able to use video conferencing to attend meetings they otherwise would not be able to make, and this is now happening in hotels all over the country and all over the world.”

Increased productivity has resulted from accelerated decision making and efficiency,

particularly evident with on-going projects, Block adds. “Workers are able to get together quickly; they can bring in extra people via video or audio, and can also record the meeting for those unable to make it.”

The devastating Christchurch earthquake has left hundreds of organisations and businesses without access to their premises or resources. Video conferencing in this instance, and as a crisis management tool, is invaluable, Hansen says. “For example we were able to immediately link up Civil Defence with the bunker in Wellington, providing a valuable face-to-face communication tool.”

Cons The initial cost of installing a video conference system may seem insurmountable. Block estimates a business will spend $20,000 to install two high-end video conferencing sites, each featuring a room-based system with screen.

“But then if you run it over three years it is only around $500 a month, and the way I look at it that is really only one flight.” He adds that the average return on investment is 12 to 18 months.

It goes without saying that technology has its moments. Video conferencing relies on it to function, and any unexpected technical difficulties will no doubt create some problems for the user. Block says this can usually be avoided if there is an adequate support system in place.

Network dependence has also provided a number of challenges over the years, says Hansen. Performance issues can have a significant impact on user adoption, satisfaction and return on investment.

“A good video conferencing experience requires 384k of reliable and consistent network. The advent of fibre opens up Canterbury to the world of a high-definition voice and video experience, already a reality for many organisations as fibre rolls out.”

2

Put an introductory sentence at the start of an email, reminding the recipient of who you are and why you are emailing. Even if you just spoke with them a few hours ago, they may receive a hundred emails a day and will appreciate the quick reminder. Or they might need clarification when re-reading it a week or so later.

3

If you want to be taken seriously, ensure the email has no grammatical and spelling errors. This simply means you run the spell check and read over it before it is sent.

It’s really easy to accidently forget a punctuation mark or for the autocorrect to change an error into a different word.

4

Your email must make sense.

Write clearly, to the point, and re-read it before you send it.

This saves a lot of guesswork at the recipient’s end and nips any miscommunications in the bud.

5

Make sure there is nothing that could be read inappropriately, ie a comment that could be seen as sexist or racist. Save the jokes for your friends and keep it polite.

6 7

Make sure your full contact numbers are beneath your email address so you can be reached.

Use paragraphs for a longer email.

A massive single block of text can be overwhelming and vital information or key points can get lost in the crowd.

8

Always check the recipient. Sending the wrong email to the wrong person has sunk plenty of careers. Always check who’s receiving it, whether it is one person or many.

9

Make sure you have attached the document. It’s easy to forget but for the person urgently waiting for it at the other end, it can be very frustrating if you forget to send it.

10

Don’t send enormous files that clog up an inbox unless the recipient really needs it. www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 23

News Special | Products 4U

communication tools

products

the … with ols right to ion icat commun from changes ore ch being a ze… e to a bre

Passing on the message…

… have you got that?

Times have changed since the humble telegraph, telephone or fax machine — communication tools in the 21st century allow for instant contact at the push of a button, regardless of time or place. The products featured here help you navigate our digital world: Apple iPad 2 Now 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter, the second generation post-PC device has been stepped up a notch or two in terms of performance and design. Featuring Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor, the iPad 2 is significantly faster than the original and has crystal clear graphics. Front and rear facing cameras allow for video chat and high-definition recordings, all while maintaining the 9.7 inch LED-backlit LCD screen.

Add that to the whopping 10 hour battery life and you are away laughing. Go on, treat yourself.

Video Conferencing Solutions: Polycom HDX 6000 Series Increase productivity and save on company travel expenses by investing in this High Definition video conferencing unit. The Polycom Stereo Surround with 22 kHz audio enhances voice clarity, and the EagleEye camera has a powerful 12x optimal zoom. Integrated room systems are available for smaller meeting rooms and executive offices. ROI is enhanced through a simplified setup process and easy to use features.

Available: Apple stockists, www.store.apple.com/nz RRP: From $799

Electronic Whiteboard

Available: Asnet Technologies, www.asnettechnologies.co.nz RRP: $10,000 plus GST

Efficient, cost-effective and a major productivity booster, this device should take pride of place in all boardrooms.

Available with an in-built printer, participants will be free of note-taking and able to concentrate on the presentation.

Information can also be downloaded to softcopy, after which any editing or enhancements can be made.

Smartphone: Ideos X5 Newcomer 2degrees has released the high-end Ideos X5 Android Smartphone, at a price that will put a smile on your face. Equipped with a large, high-definition 3.8 inch display screen, powerful 800MHz processor and a fivemegapixel camera, it is bound to please.

Available: OfficeMax, www.officemax.co.nz RRP: $4375.75

Available: 2degrees, www.2degreesmobile.co.nz RRP: $549.00 (handset only)

iPhone 4 To quote Apple, this is the “biggest thing to happen to iPhone since iPhone”. Advanced video calling features allow for interactive, realtime conversations, and resolution is significantly enhanced with four times the pixel count of previous iPhone models. But it doesn’t stop there — high definition video recording and editing, five mega-pixel camera with LED flash, built-in noise suppression, and a brand new design of glass and stainless steel makes it the thinnest smartphone on the market.

Available: Vodafone outlets, www.vodafone.co.nz RRP: From $1100 for a 16GB model

24 |

June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Plantronics Savi Office Wireless Headset This intelligent little device can be used for PC audio, including web conferencing and multimedia streaming, as well as being able to switch between both desk phone and soft phone calls at the touch of a button. With an impressive nine hours talk time and a range of 115 metres, the versatile headset can be worn over the ear or the head. The noise cancelling microphone means unwanted background noise is shut out.

Available: OfficeMax, www.officemax.co.nz RRP: $723.25

News Special | Lifestyles

lifestyles

enjoying the journey… to … where o tt go, wha hat dw wear an while to drink re… he you’re t

trail blazers Summit Ecolite Boots We’re lucky in New Zealand that our winters are milder than other countries, allowing us the opportunity to get outside on a sunny day and go for a hike. And as any outdoors person will tell you, there’s few things more important than a good pair of hiking boots. Fortunately, Green Coast’s Ecolite footwear is just the ticket.

The Summit boots are light, waterproof and designed for maximum comfort. They have been specially crafted for comfort and durability, with features such as ergonomically moulded cushioning foot beds to their extra support on the head and toe of the boots.

Better still, the Ecolite range is what it says it is — environmentally friendly. From its recyclable packaging to its low energy manufacturing process, rest assured the boots you are wearing aren’t destroying the precious environments hikers love.

RRP: $249.95 Available: Green Coast’s Auckland shop or www. greencoast.co.nz

destination

top drop Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2009 When we think of a good New Zealand red wine, often the first thing that springs to mind is a Central Otago Pinot Noir. But Villa Maria’s 2009 Syrah is proving New Zealand has the climate (and talent) to do something different.

The Royal Easter Show Wine Awards is New Zealand’s oldest wine competition and in 2011 a record 1500 wines entered from 276 wineries around the country. This year, the Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2009 took out the award for the champion wine of the show.

Villa Maria says the Syrah is a blend of fruit from its most premium vineyards in Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels.

“Deep red hues lead to a brooding nose of pepper and liquorice, alongside hints of violets and red berries. Powdery tannins encase concentrated classic Syrah characters on the palate.” The winemakers say careful cellaring “will be rewarded.”

RRP: $59.99 Available: Supermarkets and wine shops nationwide or www.villamaria.co.nz

Elephant Hills, Thailand

cuff’em class Silver Fernz Cufflinks The Rugby World Cup is almost upon us and it’s time to show our national pride in every possible way. With these cufflinks, bringing a touch of Kiwiana to the business suit is easy. The team at Silver Fernz has a range of New Zealand cufflinks, from tikis to silver ferns to kiwis, including an All Black cufflink set, released to celebrate the World Cup.

What better way to ward off the winter blues than a trip to sun-soaked Thailand. If exoticism and luxury is what you crave, then a stay at the Elephant Hills is for you.

Situated in a rainforest, you can spend the days trekking through the jungle or learning (and eating!) delicious Thai food. Best of all, spend time with the camp’s domestic elephants, rescued from a life of illegal logging. You will have the rare opportunity to help their handlers feed and clean these gentle giants.

RRP: All inclusive tours start from approx $350 for a two day trip Visit: www.elephant-hills.com

RRP: Prices range from $39 to $53 Available: www.silverfernz.com

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 25

Do you have a fussy dog?

All theNatural Goodness your pet deserves

in the palm of your hand Add to Dry Food for a Wholesome Meal Experience!

Imagine having dry, meat-flavoured cookies for dinner every day. While our pets may never have complained, it is only logical to think that having too much of the same thing ruins the joy a meal should bring.

FAQs 1.

Won’t feeding a Topper with normal food cause my pet to put on weight since he is eating more than his usual?

Canino Toppers help provide a more satisfying meal for your dog, and encourages your dog to finish up the kibble. Canino Toppers is an all-natural topper made only with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It provides nutrients in the best form available, with high digestibility. If you have been feeding your pet a dry diet exclusively, we encourage you to transition your pet by decreasing the amount of kibble slowly. Canino Toppers should make up an approximate 10% of the entire meal.

2.

If I’m feeding lamb and rice kibble, can I still mix it with Beef and Potato topper?

Canino Toppers is all about providing a healthy variety to nutrition.

Containing only fresh, whole ingredients of the best quality, our products strive to turn each mealtime into an event worth looking forward to. With bite-sized morsels of human grade real meat and vegetables, Canino Toppers can be mixed into your dog’s kibbles for a different texture and taste whenever you think your furry best friend deserves a better meal.

Believing that the best way to ensure our dogs gets the best nutrients is from consuming an assortment of proteins, Canino Toppers can be fed by rotating between the meat, poultry and fish varieties. This means your dogs receive everything they need for a pleasurable and healthy meal experience.

We think it’s really wonderful that you are able to be your dog’s veryown chef, but unfortunately, not every one can afford the time. What’s great about Canino Toppers is that we use the same natural and fresh ingredients, cooked perfectly, and served straight from the can. It is hassle-free, and can provide an extra source of protein on top of the original diet. It is convenient, economical, and adds variety to life!

There can never be too much of a good thing; treat your best friend to a hearty serving of prized Mackerel and Lobster. Turn that boring meal into a fancy occasion with DEEP SEA TREASURES, because every day should be a special day.

The connoisseurs love Canino’s freshly caught Tuna from the ocean, which is why they prefer eating it on its own. Simmered in simple gravy, BIG COAST TUNA is a wonderful addition to an everyday meal.

It’s difficult not to love a healthy and tasty meal of Tuna and Chicken, especially when they are freshly farmed and quaranteed of good quality. FISH AND FOWL is low-fat and nutritious perfect as a daily topper for your dog’s dry diet.

Give your dog something to howl about - a deeply satisfying TUNA AND BEEF JUMBO. The firmness of the choice cuts add extra bite to a simple dish. Mixed with kibble, this topper is a hot favorite.

should I switch to using a 3. Why topper instead of feeding an occasional canned food?

Unless your dog is allergic to a certain type of protein, Canino Toppers complement all dry diets. Providing your dog with different types of proteins in a single meal ensures that your dog receives nutrients in different forms, which is a good thing. Apart from being extremely convenient, Canino Toppers are created to give you and your dog more variety in life so each mealtime is worth looking forward to.

I cook my dog’s meals myself at home, why should I still feed Canino Toppers?

Sometimes, a Shrimp cocktail just isn’t enough. Pile the succulent OCEAN ENSEMBLE on top of his usual dry food and watch your doggie smacks his lips with appreciation. Bon Appetite!

Most canned foods are designed to be complete meals, with added vitamins and minerals. In our efforts to keep nutrition simple and natural, you’ll find that “what you see is what you get” with Canino Toppers, which means there are no by-products or unnecessary vitamins. Our raw ingredients come in fresh every day, with no preliminary processing.

That’s because we believe in feeding our pets the best, naturally.

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Puppies have different nutrient needs from the adults; can I feed them Canino?

Unlike complete meals, Canino Toppers act as a topping to make your dog’s meals more satisfying.

Imagine the usual dry diet as a plain pizza and Canino Toppers as your ‘pepperoni’. A good quality kibble will properly nourish your puppy for its life stage, while Canino Toppers provides the fresh proteins that will make your dog a happy healthy one.

Perfect for staving off that meat craving, HOMESTYLE GOULASH is deliciously flavourful. Quality cuts of Beef combined with bite-sized Sweet Potatoes ensure your dog has a growlingly good time at dinner.

Ditch the “Chicken or Beef” dilemma and have them both! Pair the versatile Chicken chunks with the robust taste of gently cooked Beef for a delightful combo.

ROOS AND MOOS always hits the spot.

For the delicate palate, this all-vegetable topper is light and chock-full of vitamins. With the colourful salad steamed and then simmered in gravy, GARDEN FIESTA can be used on its own or served with your dog’s usual dry or wet diet.

Nothing beats the wholesome taste of tender Chicken, accompanied with soft-stewed Carrots and a thick, delicious gravy. CHICKEN STEW POT PIE is like a doggie cuddle on a cold day - heartwarming and comforting.

$39.95 + free delivery incl gst | Box of 24 Servings For more detailed information call on 0800 101 729 level 3, 818 Colombo St, PO Box 1879, Christchurch. Fax 03 961 5112 - Email: info@canidae.co.nz - Web: www.canidae.co.nz 26 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 27

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Hazardous Goods made easy Chemical Freight Services Ltd (Chemfreight) is a modern, nationwide Hazardous Goods Storage and Distribution company specialising primarily in packaged chemicals, both raw materials and finished goods.

Started in 1989, Chemfreight was the brainchild of Harry Price.

Having worked in the chemical industry for a number of years, he saw an opportunity and industry need for the specialist third party storage and distribution of hazardous goods.

Starting with a small warehouse and utility, this highly motivated innovator worked tirelessly to establish what has become arguably New Zealand’s leading Hazardous Goods storage and distribution company.

Twenty-two years on, with fully compliant state-of-the-art facilities in both East Tamaki, Auckland and Hornby, Christchurch, Chemfreight is continually growing and looking for improvements in all facets of its operations including plans to establish a Wellington operation in the near future.

With over 100 mainly long term clients, staff take seriously their obligations to helping clients meet ever-changing Dangerous Goods legislation and compliancy in the supplying of raw materials to manufacturers nationwide.

With a healthy blend of both experience and youth, Chemfreight invests greatly in its staff, training and regulatory systems in order to meet compliancy in both our warehousing and transport operations.

With IT systems developed specifically for the storage and distribution of chemicals Chemfreight is continually improving these systems to meet ongoing changes in compliancy regulations, while also allowing for the passing of information in real time through B2B technology between clients and Chemfreight.

Approximately 10 years ago through client demand, Chemfreight took a side step into “Toll Blending” and formed another division called Chemblend. Starting life as a one-man operation, this has very quickly grown into a very busy six-men operation and due to ongoing demand Chemfreight has plans to expand this side of the operation in the near future.

Chemfreight offers the ability to blend/decant, store and distribute hazardous and non-hazardous goods on behalf of its clients.

Through a hands on approach and leading from the front Harry has surrounded himself with a team of experienced, passionate people who are continually striving to take Chemfreight to the ”next level” and beyond.

Please direct enquiries to: • Harry Price, Managing Director, phone 09 272 5522 • Debra Pickering, General Manager, phone 09 272 5521

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 29

Solutions | Kiwicare

Perfect conditions

for a plague Just the thought of a scampering black rat is enough to send chills up the spine. And there’s a warning that without action, Christchurch is in for an outbreak of vermin this winter.

Yes, not only do we have a locked-down CBD, liquefaction-hit suburbs and cracked roads to deal with, but the earthquake has Kiwicare, one of New Zealand’s most reputable manufacturers and suppliers of pest-control products, very worried.

“A warm moist summer and a devastating earthquake leaving many buildings empty has left Christchurch vulnerable to an outbreak,” explains Kiwicare’s David Brittain. “The media has already been reporting large numbers of rats and mice in the CBD. But this is a problem for all of the damaged parts of the city.

“Damaged pipework and sewage all comes together to provide lots of access to buildings for rodents. Even before the February earthquake we were worried about the warm moist weather in summer because it has meant plenty of food through summer for rats.

“All these rodents will be looking for shelter now it is colder and food has dwindled - and they come looking for places to live. That means people’s houses — in numbers far worse than usual.”

It is very easy for rats and mice to get into a house. “Mice only need the width of a pencil under a door to get in,” explains Brittain.

“They have a collapsible spine and can push their heads through tiny spaces. Roof-rats, which most people encounter, get onto the roof from climbing up vegetation or from overhanging trees.”

Once in a building, rats will establish a nest and breed. And their breeding rates are horrifying. Females are sexually mature at three months, have a gestation period of three weeks and will often re-mate within 24 hours of birthing.

“This means they produce up to seven litters per year, with six to twelve babies in each, approximately 200 babies to each female rat a year — who thankfully only live for a year. Luckily the attrition rate is astronomical so only rarely do rat numbers escalate out of hand.

“But, given good conditions and a plentiful supply of food their numbers can rise very rapidly. And that is what Kiwicare is worried about will happen this winter.“ The havoc rats and mice can wreck on your building and its inhabitants are numerous and costly. Their constantly growing teeth means they need to gnaw on something often — this could be important parts of your home such as cables or pipes, which cost thousands of dollars to fix.

Vermin also spread diseases. Most famous for killing a third of Europe with the Bubonic Plague in the 14th century, today’s nasty germs they spread include salmonella and typhus.

“An important and often overlooked aspect of controlling rodents is to remember they are agoraphobic, they fear open spaces and prefer to be under cover. A wide clear area around a building will deter rodents from reaching and entering the building.”

Brittain also recommends putting Kiwicare’s NO Mice and NO Rats bait stations outside your property to deter any unwanted visitors.

Be proactive But there is good news. Brittain says Kiwicare has all the products and advice you need to rat-proof your home.

“Be proactive!” he advises. “Get out and take a look around your homes this time of year. Look for places they might get in. Any damage or gaps under weatherboards, or broken vents — seal them up! A good way to do this is to stuff wire wool into gaps.

“There are often gaps around pipes or cables which run into a house, either from the quake or from builders not sealing them properly.

Rats and mice make them their home. This doesn’t take very long.

“These are designed to be safer by reducing rodent poison bait scatter. The rat and mouse bait stations are easy to handle and can be fixed in place with staples or tacks.

“Our poison is much safer than other types on the market and it won’t affect other animals, so pet owners shouldn’t worry. It’s also a lot more humane.”

However, there are almost always other possible entry points around any building. So Kiwicare says it is always wise to keep fresh bait in place ready to deal with rodents when they enter first. Place bait in vulnerable places such as the roof void so that any rodents that get in are dealt with before they set up a nest and cause damage.

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Phone: 03 343 1800 www.owensglobal.com Passionate People Professional Team 30 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Solutions | Kiwi Care

Catching them If you have seen a rat or mouse in your home, or evidence of one, then Kiwicare has options for getting rid of them. Firstly, use the bait stations outside the building to stop more of them getting in. Then try No Rats & Mice with Tracking Powder inside your home or business.

This product is a finely ground cereal bait which kill rats and mice when they eat it. The bait also contains tracking powder which clings to the paws and fur of rats or mice as they run through it and is taken back to the nest and further ingested through grooming. This means the rat and mouse poison works even where the bait is not eaten directly.

The tracking powder makes this a very suitable rodenticide for use in dry areas where other food sources are readily accessible by rodents and where it is known where rodents are travelling.

If you do not wish to use toxic bait then Kiwicare’s Natural NO Rats is bait that is harmful only to rodents. However, it should only be used in dry areas where other food sources can be controlled.

NO Mice Traps are useful for when you cannot use bait or to catch rodents that are ‘dopey’ from eating baits.

Even if you are using one or more of Kiwicare’s rodenticide products, a No Mice Trap can catch those that have already taken bait and are more susceptible to being caught, so that they can be removed. It may also catch rodents that are not hungry and are less likely to take bait.

Brittain says the Kiwicare website gets about 20,000 hits a year. It has extensive information on what pest infestation looks like and how it can be treated. For individual advice, Kiwicare is happy to give information to its customers over the phone.

If the trap is placed correctly it can catch rats even if a bait is not used on the trap. Bait the trap with peanut butter or chocolate, set the trap and place it at right angles to a wall or place where rodents are travelling. Rodents prefer to stay close to vertical surfaces such as walls and rarely move into open space.

Why Kiwicare?

Bugs

It has gone from strength to strength over the last quarter century and is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. “A great deal is going on here,” Brittain says. “Matthew O’Brian is pushing the company forward. He’s not just looking at New Zealand but is expanding our exports. We are regarded worldwide as a manufacturer of quality products.”

A vermin outbreak isn’t the only pest issue stemming from the February earthquake.

Brittain says insects are also a concern.

“Broken sewers mean ponds have been disturbed quite a bit and there’s ponding with nutrients exposed, so mosquitoes and fly numbers took off during summer. A lot of people were really bothered by them. It has reduced with the cold weather but on warm days there will be more flies about. I’ve certainly seen more about in Christchurch since the quake. Our biggest seller is our NO Bugs Super which solves those fly and mosquito problems. It has sold very well this year.”

Kiwicare is one of the world’s most reputable manufacturers of pest-control products. Started 25 years ago by John O’Brian, his son Matthew is now the CEO. Despite the quakes, it is proud of its Canterbury origins and the factory and head office are remaining here.

Recently the company built a clean room for producing its products in, which escaped extensive damage in the earthquakes. It will be opening soon. More than 30 staff work for Kiwicare and Brittain says they are currently looking for more employees. Not only does it sell pest control products, but there’s also a

Kiwicare homecare and gardencare range too for protecting your home and garden against mould and fungus. Brittain says its organic home and garden range is also popular in today’s environmentally aware society.

“We have received great feedback on how well our organic range works. And it’s not green-washing, we don’t just call it organic — it’s all certified with BioGro, New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency.”

Don’t let the earthquake contribute to another infrastructure problem this winter. Take Kiwicare’s advice and block off any possible pathways to your home or office and lie bait, powder and traps to kill any vermin which make their way in.

With a large selection of internationally recognised quality pest control products, any rat and mice infestation problems can be taken care of quickly and effectively.

Kiwicare 225 Maces Road Bromley Christchurch T (03) 389 0778 F (03) 389 0669 E sales@kiwicare.co.nz www.kiwicare.co.nz — Advertising Feature

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 31

Initiatives | Seagars at Oxford

Country

flavour It all started with Jo Seagar’s dream of creating a country cooking school, where people could increase their culinary repertoire in a spectacular rural South Island setting.

That dream, since realised, has mushroomed into much more than that. Seagars at Oxford is now also the site of a bustling café, kitchen store and a beautifully appointed bed and breakfast.

People come from all around New Zealand to attend one of the renowned cooking classes, which are consistently booked out months in advance, or to sample the traditional, home-style cooking in the café.

Situated on Oxford’s Main Street, the establishment is run according to the simple philosophy of creating a fun destination for food and wine lovers. Seagar aims to instil her passion for New Zealand and its produce in all her customers.

Living the dream “The whole thing was born out of a dream really, one of those things to do on your bucket list,” Jo Seagar says.

“While my friends wanted to sail around the world or live in a villa in Tuscany, I simply wanted to establish a country cooking school.

My husband (Ross Seagar) and I have been working all our lives for other people, and we both wanted to start doing something for ourselves.”

“I simply wanted to establish a country cooking school … The idea just grew like a mushroom.”

Jo Seagar

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32 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Seagars at Oxford was established in June 2006, and has since become a destination in itself. “The idea just grew like a mushroom.

After the cook school we thought ‘why not create a cookware store’, as everyone likes to use the right equipment. Then we realised that you can’t go anywhere without a good cup of coffee so we opened the café, and as we are in the country and regarded as a rural destination, the bed and breakfast side of things soon followed.”

Word has got around and the successful cooking classes are booked out the minute new dates are posted on the website. The establishment has also seen an increase in inbound tourism, she says.

“Not everyone comes to New Zealand to bungy jump. Quite a few people are interested in learning how to cook with the local produce, or experience cheese making, for instance,” Jo Seagar says.

Initiatives | Seagars at Oxford

“The idea of a getaway weekend is also popular, and if you can learn something at the same time then that is a bit of a bonus too.”

The Kitchen Store is host to a wide range of cookware and equipment, a concept that grew out of Seagar’s appreciation for working with quality tools. You can expect to find KitchenAid stand mixers, Magimix food processors, cast iron ware and numerous other gadgets such as mini tongs, can openers and the humble lemon squeezer.

l Cooking Schofoclao sses,

a range Seagars at Oxford offers rience, including: irrespective of age or expe Jo – The original ◆ Lunch and Learn with and most popular class ing produce readily ◆ Seasonal Courses – Us d available during that perio ◆ Men’s BBQ Dave Milner ◆ Cheese making with ◆ Italian Class with Jo Emily Cross ◆ Kids Cook Class with Group Classes. ◆ Corporate and Private

Meanwhile the rural-themed bed and breakfast is proving to be a popular option among those wanting to team their cooking class with a weekend away, or people who simply can’t bring themselves to immediately return to the city after taking in the spectacular countryside views.

Lunch and learn The first cooking class to be established was the Lunch and Learn concept, which is still to this day the most popular.

Groups of 10 to 14 participants arrive at around 10am, and the course runs through until 4pm that afternoon. Classes can be booked directly from the timetable, or private groups can also book out the whole session.

The day begins with a hearty country morning tea, then everyone puts on their aprons and gets down to business. Demonstrations are followed by the preparation of 12 to 15 recipes, concluding with a sit down, leisurely lunch.

Menus are changed according to the seasons, but the main emphasis is on achieving maximum effect with minimum effort, Seagar says. “You don’t need a PhD in nuclear physics to cook the things we teach. We also try to use ingredients that are easily sourced — I mean it is all very well cooking with pomegranate molasses, but if you can’t get it at the local shop it is no good.

“A really good cook can make something out of nothing, and I love the Italian way of cooking where all you have is maybe some rice or pasta, tomatoes and olive oil. It is that whole idea of food being born out of frugality.”

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Every year Seagar takes a small group on a cooking tour to the Italian region of Umbria, where they learn directly from ‘mamma’ how to make simple, rustic fare.

The recipes are brought back and adapted to suit our modern, busy lifestyles, and a regular Italian cooking class has also been introduced.

The Lunch and Learn concept has since expanded to include many more facets.

Proud to support Seagars Cooking School and Cafe

Feature continues on next page >>

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 33

Initiatives | Seagars at Oxford

A taste of the country Open seven days a week from 8am to 4pm (apart from public holidays), the Seagars at Oxford Café aims to showcase local produce and wine within a casual atmosphere.

Below is a sneak peek at what is on offer:

For example the seasonal range of courses concentrates on cooking food which is available during that period, taking advantage of fresh asparagus and berries in the spring, apples and pears during the autumn and the array of root vegetables in the winter.

Spuddy Fry-Up

There is also a two-day option for those who really want to broaden their knowledge and skills. And there are a growing number of specialty courses, such as men’s BBQ, cheese making, gluten-free or children’s classes.

Crispy fried bacon, garlic, potatoes and onions with parmesan and parsley. People come from far and wide to feast on this dish

Both experienced and novice cooks alike can learn from any of the courses on offer, says Seagar, who continually encourages people to look past “menu one, two and three”.

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict Smoked salmon on warmed English muffins, poached eggs and hollandaise

“Everyone needs fresh ideas and inspiration.

I find it refreshing to learn, as there is always a new taste or flavour to be tried. We try to instil the sense of doing less things but better.”

Belgium Buttermilk Waffles A towering stack made to order with crispy bacon, bananas and maple syrup

Just like nana made The overriding principle at the café is to focus on fresh, local produce without any pretence.

Simple, home-cooked food is the name of the game, and what people have grown to love about Seagars at Oxford.

Seagar’s Famous Chicken, Leek, Tarragon and Cider Pie This specialty needs no further promotion…

The café is particularly famous for its enormous stack of buttermilk waffles, piled high with crispy bacon, bananas and maple syrup. The chocolate mud cake, described by Seagar as “pretty much vitamin-free but darn gorgeous”, is also a hit among young and old alike.

“We cook good food that people want to eat, it is that easy. At the moment we are offering little individual Shepherd Pies, and people just take one bite and it takes them right back to what their Nana or Aunty Doreen used to make.”

The meat, which is slow-roasted hogget sourced directly from Castle Hill Station, is minced and topped with fluffy mash, then served with homemade farmhouse chutney.

“There are no chickpeas or modern takes on the original Shepherds Pie, it is what it is and people just love it,” she adds.

The Fabulous Oxford Chocolate Mud Fudge Cake Gorgeously rich, served with berry sauce.

… even in the depths of a snow-swept Canterbury winter, Seagars at Oxford Café is warm and welcoming… and the array of country fare is always memorable…

Situated a mere 30 minutes from Christchurch, Seagars at Oxford is an ideal destination to experience rural hospitality at its best. “It is not the two hour trip that some people think it is – you just need to zoom down Tram Road or South Eyre Road and you are here,” she says.

The next time you are yearning for a taste of the country, or want to broaden your culinary repertoire, you know where to go.

Seagars at Oxford Cook School, Café, Kitchen Store and B&B 78 Main Street Oxford T (03) 312 1435 E jo@joseagar.com www.joseagar.com — Advertising Feature

Ph: 09 415 1096 www.dksh.co.nz Unit C,14 Omega Street Albany, Auckland 0632

Proud to support Seagars Cook School and Cafe 34 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 35

Initiatives | La Porchetta

Eat, live, love Italian La Porchetta Papanui owners, Mike and Vicky Vincent welcome you to their La Porchetta restaurant in Cranford St, Papanui.

With more than a decade in the service industry, Mike and Vicky are passionate about customer service and providing value.

They also love Italian food and delivering a great dining experience — so much so that this is their second La Porchetta restaurant in Christchurch.

“We purchased our first La Porchetta in Riccarton three years ago,” Mike and Vicky say. “We really like the value for money that La Porchetta offers and so do our customers.

Word spread quickly about our pizzas and pastas and the restaurant is now a local favourite.“

La Porchetta’s Movie and Meal deal in conjunction with Hoyts at Northlands and Riccarton costs $55 for two people and includes two meals, two drinks (as specified in-store) and two adult movie tickets. The popular deal is available at the Papanui and Westfield restaurants, Monday-Wednesday for lunch or dinner.

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36 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

They opened the Papanui restaurant one year ago and it has become popular for takeaways, family dining and groups.

La Porchetta offers European-style dining at value for money prices. You can get fabulous pizzas, risottos and pastas, as well as meat, chicken, fish, gluten free options and a range of different items on our specials board. Meals are prepared from scratch, using only the finest local and imported ingredients, including sundrenched tomatoes grown in Italy.

There are seven La Porchetta restaurants across New Zealand, with more planned to open soon. At La Porchetta Papanui, you can enjoy home-style Italian food, the way it’s meant to be at prices that are guaranteed to please. All of La Porchetta’s meals are also available as takeaways.

You’ll find La Porchetta Papanui at 484 Cranford St, about three minutes from Northlands Mall, and open daily from 11am. While there, ask about the Movie and Meal deal in conjunction with Hoyts at Northlands and Riccarton.

Initiatives | La Porchetta

An ideal venue for your next function Whether you’re planning a special event such as a birthday or anniversary, or just a fun meal with friends, La Porchetta Papanui can offer you a space on one of their mezzanine levels to enjoy home-style Italian food in a welcoming atmosphere at value for money.

La Porchetta opened one year ago in Papanui and is fast becoming one of the most popular spots locally. That’s because at La Porchetta you’ll find great meals and friendly service at prices that please.

There are two separate function areas available at La Porchetta Papanui. The larger space offers booth seating for up to 60 people, while the smaller one has an open fireplace — ideal for the cold winter months — and can seat up to 20.

Both are away from the remainder of the restaurant and offer some privacy.

When the weather is warmer, you can also hold your function in La Porchetta’s sunlit outdoor courtyard.

La Porchetta opened one year ago in Papanui and is one of the most popular spots locally … great meals and friendly service at prices that please.

La Porchetta’s menu offers something for everyone, with a great range of traditional and gourmet pizzas, pastas and risottos and meat, chicken and fish dishes, as well as daily specials. There are sides, salads and to finish, a great range of delicious desserts prepared by La Porchetta’s internationally trained pastry chef.

Located in the heart of Papanui, in Cranford St, about three minutes from Northlands Mall, La Porchetta is also the perfect place for office functions. Give La Porchetta Papanui a call on 352 2094 to discuss holding your next function.

Kids love La Porchetta… so do mums!

Are you looking for something different, engaging, fun, educational and offering value for money for your child’s birthday party? Or perhaps you just want somewhere to have coffee or lunch with other mums, where your children can be entertained nearby.

Last year La Porchetta Papanui launched “Make Your Own Pizza” parties for children five years and over. They learn how to prepare their pizza using the right techniques and ingredients.

These are popped into the oven and best of all, children get to eat their creations and share a meal they cooked themselves! Parties include a birthday cake to share, drinks, invitations, certificates and a voucher for each child. The birthday child gets a “mini chef” apron and hat that they get to take home afterwards.

La Porchetta’s internationally trained dessert chef prepares a mouth-watering range of sweat treats every day. They include Rich Chocolate Mud Cake, Fruity Cheese Cake, Apple Raspberry Crumble, Black Forest Gateaux, Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Hazelnut Torte to name a few. There are also classic Italian sweets like tiramisu and a range La Porchetta’s children’s parties are a great way of delicious gelato ice creams. to help kids learn about food preparation and La Porchetta is a great place to have a value have some fun along the way. for money home-style Italian meal or come in And if they are too young for a party, there’s and enjoy a coffee and cake at any time of the day or evening. And if you’re preparing a party still plenty to do for children aged under five at home, or have a family of sweet-tooths, you at La Porchetta Papanui. There’s a special area in the restaurant set aside just for them with a pre-order and purchase whole cakes as well. playhouse and toys, so their mums can enjoy La Porchetta Papanui lunch or a coffee right nearby, while their 484 Cranford St children play. So call La Porchetta Papanui to T (03) 352 2094 discuss your child’s birthday party.

La Porchetta Westfield Mall 20 Rotherham Street Sweet treats at La Porchetta Papanui T (03) 348 7990 With cakes and sweets so much a part of the Italian culture, it’s little wonder that La www.laporchetta.com.au Porchetta Papanui specialises in desserts.

— Advertising Feature

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 37

Initiatives | Cook’n’With Gas

Food with flair In the days immediately after the February 22 earthquake, Cook ‘n’ With Gas staff members were handing out roast pork sandwiches on the street, with all donations going to the City Mission.

A couple of weeks later and the head chef was tasked with painting the central city restaurant’s exterior, as all hands were on deck to get the establishment back in business.

Cook ‘n’ With Gas, on Worcester Boulevard, has hit the ground running after reopening in March. The business is thriving, with clientele from all over the city eager to return to the popular establishment.

Run by Bruce Griffiths and Kate Kennedy, the restaurant prides itself on providing classic, seasonal cuisine in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

Award winning classics Since establishing in 1999, Cook ‘n’ With Gas has grown from a bistro-style restaurant to a renowned dining establishment offering modern, New Zealand-influenced cuisine.

Griffiths was originally a chef specialising in the fine dining scene. However, he soon realised that classic, traditional cuisine without the pomp had much to offer in Canterbury. Cook ‘n’ With Gas was born, and over a decade later the restaurant is now regarded as the epitome of Christchurch dining.

But don’t be fooled on the concept of traditional cuisine — this is food with flair.

Starters include New Zealand green-shelled mussels steamed in locally brewed spruce beer, or dill-cured Akaroa salmon with shallot and caper salad.

For mains, the classic pork belly with crackling, or the seared southern venison medallions are just examples of the award-winning combinations on offer.

There are no hidden costs when ordering at Cook ‘n’ With Gas. A common practice among many restaurants is to order sides on top of the main course, which is not the way things are done at this establishment. The servings are generous, and all dishes are exactly what they say they are.

Popular items such as the mussels and pork belly have been around since day one; however the menu is changed frequently throughout the year to reflect seasonality.

How to get to

Cook ‘n’ With Gas The best route to access the restaurant is to head down Montreal Street, take a left onto Cashel then a right onto Rolleston Avenue. Worcester Boulevard is further down on your right, and Cook ‘n’ With Gas (number 23) is opposite the Court Theatre. Bookings are recommended and can be made online at www.cooknwithgas.co.nz

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38 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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Initiatives | Cook’n’With Gas

“We focus on using fresh produce all year round, and practically all of our products are locally sourced,” Griffiths says. “If we can’t get produce from within a 100 mile radius we then try to be parochial in terms of keeping it within the South Island.”

The restaurant takes pride in making all of its own breads, stocks and desserts on site.

“Generally if we can’t make it in the kitchen then we won’t make it at all. We specialise in classic and traditional cooking done well.”

It seems the method is working, with a long string of accolades to the restaurants name.

This includes being named Canterbury’s Most Outstanding Restaurant in 2006 and 2008, awarded the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Gold Plaque every year between 2000 and 2011, winners of the Corbans Wine and Food Challenge in 2000, and recent Blues, Brews and BBQ’s champions.

Griffiths maintains that the sentiment of providing seasonally fresh, quality food still holds true. “We are not trying to reinvent the wheel here. We concentrate on what we are doing and don’t try to out beat anyone. We take pride in supporting local suppliers, and we never look at cookbooks for inspiration.”

Informal dining Upon entering Cook ‘n’ With Gas, the various artworks and old-style prints adorning the walls create a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Situated in a historic 1860s villa, the restaurant is full of character and colour, with any pretentiousness left at the door.

The menus are a simple affair, with two A4 pages in a clear plastic sleeve and the tables are adorned with paper held on by clips. Yet it

is a concept that appeals, with return customers making up a considerable part of the restaurant’s clientele.

Many people tend to visit for the whole evening rather than just a meal, says Griffiths, making Cook ‘n’ With Gas a destination in itself. “It is all about convivial dining with friends over a prolonged period, which is very relaxed and informal. We are first and foremost a classic New Zealand restaurant, you don’t have to get your suit and tie on — just come on in and have a good evening.”

Early bird dining is a newly introduced concept that allows people to dine from 5pm onwards, rather than the standard 6pm. It is proving popular with young families, who are more than welcome, adds Griffiths. The restaurant can be divided into four different areas, with the capacity to cater for intimate gatherings or large functions.

The added experience of the staff, both front of house and in the kitchen, are a further testament to the restaurant. Beef and Lamb Ambassador 2006, World Junior Chef 1999, New Zealand Festival Chef of the Year at Hokitika Wild Foods in 2001, Sommelier of the Year in 1999 and 2000, and Canterbury’s Most Outstanding Maitre’D of the Year in 2004, are all titles associated with Cook ‘n’ With Gas. The main aim of the business is to ensure that no customer walks out the door unhappy, says Griffiths. “We focus hard on our return business, and we don’t take it for granted that people are just going to walk up.”

Feature continues on next page >>

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 39

Initiatives | Cook’n’With Gas

Cook ‘n’ With

Gas Sample

MENU

Starters

Desserts

Gold Medal Mussels

Crepes a la Gas

New Zealand green-shelled mussels steamed in Spruce Beer, glazed under gruyere and speck, with Swiss chard salad

Flambéed in Mandarine Napoleon served with fresh and frozen vanilla creams

Southern Burnt Cream

Chicken Liver Parfait Creamy baked parfait with toasted ciabatta, rocket, beetroot and cherry chutney

A tangy lemon curd glazed in sugar, served with hokey pokey icecream and sugared biscotti

Mains Classical Gas Belly of Pork Sliced onto a truffled kumara and olive whip, gingered bok-choy, X-factor sauce, crackling, sweetcorn and brassica

Seafood @ The Gas Baked herb-crusted grouper on creamed mash with roasted tomato, silverbeet, parsley and lemon dressing

Wine and beer aplenty

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proudly boasts a wide variety of leading national wines that For those who appreciate quality New Zealand will please any discerning beer or wine, there are more than 200 palate. Featured wineries different varieties to choose from on the include Omihi Road, Mt Rosa, extensive beverage list. The focus is on Charles Wiffen, Blackenbrook profiling boutique breweries such as Invercargill and Pegasus Bay. Brewing Company, Wanaka Beerworks, Three Boys in Christchurch, Marlborough’s Moa Room for more Brewery and Auckland’s Epic Beer.

With an increasing number Traditional Kiwi classics are not forgotten however, with Speight’s Gold Medal Ale and Old Dark, along with the Monteith’s Radler and Original Ale taking their rightful place on the menu.

For the more serious beer drinkers, full malt or wheat Belgian beers provide a refreshing change to the national lagers. The spicy Chimay Bleu Trappist Ale in particular is characterised by redcurrant fruit and hops aromas, acquiring port-like notes after around five years.

From the fragrant Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, to the buttery Chardonnays or a musky Central Otago Pinot Noir, Cook ‘n’ With Gas

of patrons wanting to relax with a drink before the meal, plans are being established to expand the back area of the restaurant to incorporate a covered beer garden. While still in its early stages, Griffiths envisions an informal area with boutique beer on tap and a pizza oven.

“At the moment we are really just a dining establishment, yet we get a large number of people who just want to come in and have a drink and something small or casual to eat. This new, laid back area will cater to this market, and I think it will be really popular.

“Our main dining area will still remain the same, and the two areas will be quite separate in that regard.”

For now, Cook ‘n’ With Gas is still running hot, with numbers no less than they were before the earthquake. The simple focus of providing fresh, locally sourced cuisine is proving to be

Underground Coffee Company are proud to be supplying Cook ‘n’ With Gas with out finest 100% ethically traded organic beans.

a winning factor among clientele, who continue to keep coming back for more.

Cook ‘n’ With Gas 23 Worcester Boulevard Christchurch T (03) 377 9166 www.cooknwithgas.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

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Pleased to support Cook ‘n’ with Gas 40 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 41

Agribusiness | Water Management Strategies

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Cosio Industries Ltd Toll Free 0800 109 093 www.cosio.co.nz www.firestonebpe.com 42 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

well and maintained well then managing Efficient and effective use of our water, one of our most important resources, water resources has been the will work well.” cause of numerous newspaper However, irrigation does involve “a bit of headlines during the past few years. science” and making sure each farmer has the right system for their individual needs can be Agriculture, our primary industry, tricky without the right background knowledge. needs water to ensure consistent But that’s what Irrigation New Zealand is there and quality production, but farmers to help with. are often criticised, rightly or About Irrigation NZ wrongly, about their efficiency of Working to promote excellence in irrigation use and pollution levels in the water throughout New Zealand, is Irrigation New Zealand. Formed in 1978, and now with more they are discharging. than 3,600 members representing over half

Andrew Curtis of Irrigation New Zealand says like most things in life, good irrigation is actually quite simple. “If an irrigation system is designed well, installed well, operated

the country’s irrigated area, the organisation is constantly working to make irrigation more profitable whilst achieving future environmental performance targets.

Irrigation now accounts for at least 18 percent of farm gate earnings or one percent of national GDP. This grows to well over three percent if the added value component is included.

Agribusiness | Water Management Strategies

Irrigation involves “a bit of a science”… making sure each farmer has the right system for individual needs can be tricky without the right background knowledge.

Of particular concern to the industry body, CEO Andrew Curtis says, is highlighting the importance of good installation and design of irrigation systems.

“A lot of the problems we’ve come across to date are to do with design. Understanding a farm’s irrigation requirements is technical.

There are all sorts of factors involved.

“You need to first know what you’ve got and from this determine what you need.

“That’s why Irrigation NZ developed the ‘irrigation decision support package’ available on our website, which walks you through things you need to have thought about to have a system designed properly.

“It asks for the basics which differ from farm to farm. Firstly, there’s climate. Things like rainfall

and potential evapotranspiration differ hugely from Alexandra to Canterbury to Northland.

“Then there’s your soil. How much water does it hold and how fast can water enter into it are both key factors. Deeper soils store more water, so you don’t need to water them as often, whereas shallow soils have low water holding capacity and so need watering little and often.

“What plants are you growing? That is also important as different plants have different water needs at peak summer and also throughout the season. What might you do in the future? That’s also important as well. These are the basic building blocks in designing something you need.”

Feature continues on next page >>

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 43

Agribusiness | Water Management Strategies

Curtis says a lot of farmers fall into the trap of buying a cheap system at the start and wind up spending more on the operating cost then they need to.

“It’s amazing how many farmers go for a cheaper system because they want to get going – then end up investing in something better a few years later.”

“Don’t take shortcuts on the capital cost and go with the cheapest possible quote — you need to compare the capital cost with operating cost of the design, particularly in the case of energy as electricity prices are only going one way!

Also from the point of view of labour — it’s better to spend more and put in a system that’s less labour intensive because there will be fewer headaches.

Case study There are many examples of where a farm has used a system that wasn’t the best for them, costing time and money, which could have been avoided with proper design and installation.

For example, if one Central Otago vineyard had used the Irrigation Decision Support Package

to assist with obtaining designs and quotes it would have led to avoiding two years of poor irrigation performance (approximate cost of $50,000 per year), avoiding costs to fixing performance (consultants’ fees and replacing components which together total around $20,000) and gained knowledge of how to operate and maintain the irrigation system.

the upland areas consist of Manuherikia moderately deep fine sandy loams. The estimated profile available water (PAW) in these soils is 15mm and 40mm, respectively.

This case study is of a 57 ha property, located on rolling hill country with primarily northwest facing slopes. There are two main soil types on this property. Lowland areas consist mostly of Molyneux stony fine sandy loams, while

Water is distributed to each irrigation block individually by a system of solenoid valves.

The requirement is to apply enough water to each vine, without spreading water to areas where it is not needed or cannot be used.

The New BCI scheme in Mid-Canterbury is up and running. The scheme intakes are controlled through gates supplied

by ANDAR Holdings of Timaru place at TrustPower’s Highbank power station on the Rakaia River and at the Methven by-pass on the RDR. Designed by Riley Consulting and TYCO, the scheme takes water from the Rakaia, and pumps it into the RDR main canal to supplement the main RDR take from the Rangitata River. Controls for the intake / by-pass are designed and supplied by Industrial Controls.

The BCI is designed to supply up to 8-cumecs of irrigation water to farmer members through a series of five storage ponds located from Highbank to Mayfield. Constructed by FultonHogan for the BCI, the storage ponds then distribute the water through a closed pipe system designed by TYCO to the five sectors of the scheme. The pump outtakes are protected by ANDAR debris screens mounted onto concrete

44 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The vineyard is irrigated by a pressurised surface drip irrigation system. This is fed by four surface pumps that take water from two small ponds near the centre of the property.

structures designed by Riley.

ANDAR supplies river intake and diversion gates, in-scheme distribution gates and farm turn-out gates to NZ irrigation schemes and farmers, as well as debris, Didymo and fish protection screens for a range of applications.

ANDAR Project Managers work with designers, consultants and directly with the client to provide cost effective solutions to the industry.

For more information or to discuss your needs, contact ANDAR – (03) 687-4444 or e-mail: r.maxwell@andar.co.nz Rob Maxwell Operations Co-ordinator ANDAR Holdings Limited Timaru PH: (03) 687-4444 E-mail: r.maxwell@andar.co.nz

Agribusiness | Water Management Strategies “Once we gain critical mass we will be promoting that farmers should be asking whether their irrigation designer holds this certificate and if not, think twice about using them. This benchmark qualification gives the farmer a degree of confidence as it shows the irrigation designer knows their stuff... as opposed to mustering cattle in the wild west!”

Measurement, reporting regulation Water measurement and reporting service providers are being urged to ‘get accredited’ as part of implementation of the national regulation for water measuring and reporting.

Irrigation NZ strongly supports the national regulation requiring water takes to be measured as part of a wider programme to improve fresh water management. “Accurate water measurement is consistent with the future direction of the irrigation industry. In order to move forward and optimise water management in New Zealand water measuring is an essential part of the equation.

“As from November 10, 2010, new national regulations required the majority of permit holders to measure and report their irrigation water use. You can’t manage water if you don’t measure it,” Curtis says.

“Accurate water measurement is consistent with the future direction of the irrigation industry.”

Water must be delivered at specific times and in specific quantities to obtain optimum fruit quality and yield. Drip irrigation is often used to accomplish this.

supply of the system. It should have stated the criteria that needed to be met as well as who was responsible for the commissioning and testing of the system.

As is the case with many vineyards, light soils require frequent watering at low application depths at key points throughout the season because the soils have a high sand content, infiltration rate is not likely to be limiting.

This would have highlighted the performance issues immediately, and steps could have been taken to correct them. Two years of reduced production could have been avoided.

Any changes to the system should have been checked by an irrigation professional, even for basic do-it-yourself ‘upgrades’. This would have avoided additional mistakes made by trying to fix hydraulic issues without a working understanding of them.

Designing irrigation for this property was particularly challenging because of elevation differences across the property, and the irregular shapes of many of the land parcels.

This irrigation development progressed in several planned stages over a number of years.

Pumps were added to the system, as required, during each upgrade, but the fourth stage of the process was put in by a separate irrigation designer to the first three. The owners became aware of performance problems soon after stage four was installed. They tried modifying the system to fix the problems themselves, but had limited success. As a result, they suffered two seasons of poor performance before they employed a consultant to conduct a performance evaluation of the system.

In the two years after the installation of stage four, production in several of the newer blocks was extremely poor. In both years, nearly two hectares of grapes were dropped out due to problems directly related to poor irrigation performance. Reduced yield resulted in reduced juice volumes to the winery (the equivalent of an estimated $50,000 per year).

Irrigation NZ says there are many things the vineyard owners could have done to save themselves time and money. Before development began, it was known that this property would be developed in stages. One design should have been prepared for all four stages at the beginning of the process.

This would have avoided having to deal with designs from multiple irrigation companies, varying management requirements between blocks, the performance problems that were experienced because stage four was a shift away from a design that was proven during the first three stages.

Verification of system performance should have been included in the contract for the

Proper training on operation and maintenance should be included as part of the supply contract for the system. Training in the operation and maintenance of the system could have helped avoid many of the performance problems discovered during the evaluation (e.g. knowing how and why to adjust the pressure to each irrigation block). Regular measurements of water use, operating pressure, and soil moisture would have indicated performance problems sooner, meaning they could be fixed sooner.

RILEY

Irrigation NZ has proactively led the water measurement taskforce since its inception. The national body representing irrigation interests is now championing the introduction of a ‘National Water Measurement and Reporting — Industry Accreditation Programme’.

Lack of design specifications and plans was a major contributor to the cost of troubleshooting this system to fix the poor performance issues.

Detailed plans showing the pipes and solenoid valves (as-installed) were not provided. These had to be determined in the field.

Irrigation design certificates In conjunction with the New Zealand Water and Environment Training Academy (NZWETA), Irrigation NZ has developed the National Certificate in Irrigation Design.

Twenty-six people are currently enrolled in the programme and one person, Peter Gant from Parkland Products, has now been awarded the qualification. There are two options, a full course for those who have been working in the industry for a couple of years and an accelerated pathway for those ‘old grey heads’ amongst us who have years of experience.

“This is a Level 5 and 6 qualification so it’s not intended to be a walk in the park,” Curtis says.

“This will soon be the benchmark for irrigation design in New Zealand. The majority of the larger irrigation companies and a number of the smaller ones have now committed to it.

“Irrigation NZ has strongly urged all service companies to engage in this industry programme. All regional councils and unitary authorities have indicated they will adopt the programme to reduce regulatory compliance requirements and thus reduce the cost to irrigators and industry.”

Irrigation New Zealand 6 Sonter Road Wigram, Christchurch 8042 T (03) 341 2225 F (03) 372 2205 E acurtis@irrigationnz.co.nz www.irrigation.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Outputs from the programme provide irrigators with a national register of accredited installers, accredited verifiers, and accredited data hosting services and will be available on the Irrigation NZ website from mid June.

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 45

Recreation Opportunities | Harewood Golf Club

Harewood’s facelift ready to tee off The game of golf has long been regarded as the international sport of business, with executives meeting new clients or discussing strategies while wandering down the fairway.

Likewise, people of all ages and experience are increasingly attracted to the game and the challenges it presents.

Those who choose to play at Harewood Golf Club have the added benefit of two, top quality courses. As the only Club in Christchurch able to offer this advantage, members can rest assured that they will always get a game.

Operating since the early 1920s at its McLean’s Island location, the Club prides itself on its social atmosphere and professional staff expertise. The original Woodlands Old Course is also undergoing major redesign and refurbishment, which is set to open later this year amid high expectations.

A premier Clubhouse and practice facilities, combined with a well-equipped pro shop are added features of the Harewood Golf Club that are continually raising the bar.

Course enhancements Come mid-October the Harewood Golf Club hopes to be able to open its new Woodlands Course after some 18 months of reconstruction and investment in this significant upgrade.

“The Woodlands Course has been there for a very long time, as it is the original. We chose to upgrade it as it was getting very tired, and in order to get club membership growing again we decided it had to be done,” general manager Rod Latham says.

All 18 greens and 18 tee-blocks have been replaced, employing the expertise of Turner Macpherson Golf Design to create the new look. So far things are looking great, Latham says. “We used a lot of the original corridors but some holes are brand new, and there is also a new direction in the way you play them.

It is designed to be playable for all levels of golfer, which is the important thing.”

Ph: +64 3 3664282 Fax: +64 3 3664283 Cell: +64 21 888 628 www.pacepm.co.nz Complete project management of commercial construction & refurbishment works.

Pleased to Support Harewood Golf Club 46 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Pace Project Management Level 3, 112 Tuam Street P.O. Box 36-546 Christchurch 8001 New Zealand

Recreation Opportunities | Harewood Golf Club

Latham is anticipating favourable reactions.

“From a club point of view it is a completely new course, and I think it is going to be something spectacular.”

of the major reasons is the chance to play two courses, which means you can always get in a game when you want to — that is the beauty of our club.”

The opening date is largely subject to favourable weather conditions over the next six months, but Latham is hopeful members and the public will not have to wait any longer.

“The construction is complete, the grass is growing and it is just a waiting game now until everything is completely finished.”

Enquiries are already starting to filter in from people interested in the Woodlands Course, and expectations are high.

It is envisioned that the new course will act as a starting point for further upgrades as the opportunity becomes available. “On the back of this we are also looking at how we can adapt our whole environment,” Latham says.

“For example, the first impression that people get when they come down the driveway, the experience they have in our Pro Shop until they move out onto the course.”

Variety A wide range of memberships are available, including Full Active, Pay as You Play, Junior, and the popular nine hole option. Reasonably priced green fees make the occasional game somewhat more appealing.

A weekly Saturday competition for both men and women allows for busy working professionals to play competitive golf in a friendly atmosphere; likewise, the mid-week option caters for retired or semiretired golfers keen to keep their passion for the game alive.

Of the two courses, the Woodlands Course is regarded as being the more challenging.

Featuring a lot of tree cover, it also has the capacity to be a championship course.

The Plains Course on the other hand has restrictions on tree height and features wider open spaces.

Both contrasting courses are well drained and have excellent quality greens, year round. The magnificent views of the Southern Alps and the Port Hills in the background only serve to enhance the experience.

High expectations Why should people choose Harewood Golf Club? “Purely because of our brand new course, premier clubhouse and our friendly atmosphere,” Latham says. “I also think one

Looking forward, a number of goals have already been set. “We want to continue to be progressive, forward thinking, and our vision is to be one of the top five golf clubs in Canterbury,” says Latham.

Harewood Golf Club 371 McLeans Island Road Christchurch T (03) 359 8843 E manager@harewoodgolf.co.nz www.harewoodgolf.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

“The construction is complete, the grass is growing and it is a waiting game now until everything is completely finished.”

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Proud sponsors of the Harewood Golf Club www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 47

Recreation Opportunities | Russley Golf Club

“We have 165 junior memberships which is around the biggest in the country. Our coaching and development programme is well regarded and our younger players have created a great culture within the club.”

Russley offers more than just a great course Russley Golf Club is aptly renowned as a championship course, yet a number of other aspects are also contributing to its popularity.

A beautifully appointed clubhouse equipped with separate function facilities, an outstanding junior membership and a unique pro shop offering a personalised golf fitting service are features that only add to the appeal.

The course In a town awash with golf courses it’s no small distinction to be known as “the players’ course”. It is a label Russley Golf Club has come to richly deserve, with an outstanding championship course right in the city and a function centre in a clubhouse second to none.

Established in 1928 Russley is now 83 years old and is one of New Zealand’s premier courses.

The club and course is rich with history, but today looks towards a healthy future.

General manager Rod Gordon says its central location is one of the club’s distinguishing features, along with a reputation for hosting significant events.

“Russley has the capacity to be a championship course, largely due to its quality and reasonable length which make it a challenge for the top players. Over the years we have established a high reputation within New Zealand’s golfing circles.”

The Russley Golf Club has recently finished hosting the New Zealand Amateur Championships for men and women, the country’s premier event for amateur players.

With the proposed Russley Road widening, the Club is now looking to redesign its back nine holes, and is currently working with the New Zealand Transport Agency in regards to the changes.

Russley Golf Club is also renowned for its considerable junior membership, an aspect which the establishment takes great pride in.

“We have 165 junior memberships which is around the biggest in the country,” says Gordon. “Our coaching and development programme is well regarded and our younger players have created a great culture within the club.”

The clubhouse Today a magnificent clubhouse overlooks the course. Designed by the renowned architect Sir Miles Warren and opened in October 1994, its crescent shape overlooking the 18th green and several fairways that radiate out from the clubhouse.

Within the clubhouse there is an extensive player’s lounge with excellent café and bar facilities. There are well appointed locker rooms and showers.

“It is a beautifully presented clubhouse, with an outstanding design that has a great appeal,” Gordon says.

The pro shop, located inside the clubhouse, is proudly run by the club itself. The establishment of a complete golf learning centre is being addressed, along with a personalised golf fitting service.

Events The clubhouse was purpose built to include separate function facilities. This area is now used extensively for weddings, dinners, seminars and conferences, making Russley a golf club and function centre.

The Function Centre has two large rooms able to accommodate conference groups of 10 to elegant banquets for 130. The rooms can be sectioned off to suit your needs and flow out to a large terrace overlooking the beautiful golf course.

The clubhouse and function rooms were significantly upgraded late last year, “bringing them up to the standard required of a high class establishment,” Gordon says.

It offers modern facilities, has easy access and spacious parking, and is 10 minutes from the city centre, close to the airport and first class accommodation is nearby.

Russley Golf Club 428 Memorial Ave Christchurch T (03) 358 4748 F (03) 358 7480 E info@russleygc.co.nz www.russleygolfclub.co.nz

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apply now www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 49

Property and Construction | Bob Burnett Architecture

An insulated precast concrete panel house at Waikuku Beach, designed by Bob Burnett Architecture.

The future shape of our city

Bob Burnett Architecture has cutting edge, innovative ideas for rebuilding Christchurch, including making the city a world leader in sustainability.

A new Christchurch Bob Burnett Architecture’s two principles, Bob Burnett and Shizuka Yasui, believe the people who make the decisions about the rebuild of the central city need to look to the future and have the courage to be different.

They believe Christchurch can learn from Kobe and other earthquakes. Most people are aware Japan has a history of earthquakes, but less is known about the very different methods of design and building in Japan. “Christchurch could be world leading in sustainability,” Burnett says.

“We need to make Christchurch a truly green city, as sustainable as possible and also tranquil and peaceful. We could have landscaping to accommodate electric cycles and possibly have places to plug in and charge them. Link the Garden City theme with green building and ideas for living. The rebuild of the CBD should make the world green with envy.”

They would also like to see a Japanese quarter developed. The quarter would contain great food and shopping options and Japanese influenced architecture.

“A lot of people have talked about having multi-cultural influences, such as having a little Chinatown,” Burnett says.

“My business partner is Japanese and we would also like to see a Japanese quarter developed, including a Japanese garden that melds with a native kiwi garden to symbolise the coming together and sharing of ideas and thoughts and to remember and honour the lives lost in the CTV building.”

Focus on sustainability Bob Burnett Architecture has a particular interest in designing sustainable energyefficient homes and commercial premises.

Kees Zandbergen - Managing Director Ph 03 349 4768 • Cell 0274 325 286 Fax 03 349 4763 Duane Laughton Blocked Drains & CCTV Inspection 24/7 Cell 022 061 5389

Email: cornerstonedrainage@xtra.co.nz 796 Waterholes Road, RD8, Christchurch 50 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The company was formed in 1999 and has developed into a diverse multi-award winning firm, which provides full architectural services for residential and commercial projects from design concept to completion.

Today, Burnett and Yasui specialise in sustainability, energy efficiency, passive solar design and homes on hill sites.

“When people want something a bit different or want to build a home that’s sustainable and warm, with a small power bill, they come to us,” Burnett says.

“Sustainability is growing. It just makes sense.

Every house should be sustainable. In the future a lot of new ideas will become normal.”

Burnett says many good ideas for sustainability are not expensive. “Everybody wants a warm house. When we design houses we put in a lot more than the insulation that’s required. We have special details to eliminate heat loss and only use high-performance glazing.”

Within Christchurch, Bob Burnett Architecture frequently combines a central heating system, which is often under-floor heating, with a hotwater system such as hot-water heat pumps.

Sustainability is growing.

It just makes sense. Every house should be sustainable.

In the future a lot of new ideas will become normal.

Property and Construction | Bob Burnett Architecture

This thermally efficient home in Selwyn Road was designed

by Bob Burnett Architecture.

In rural areas it often involves a wood burner and wetback for heating water.

They are also in favour of solar heating, which is entirely complementary to a wetback system, as it works best in the winter when there is less energy from the sun.

“There are lots of ideas that go into a house to make it more sustainable and energy efficient,” Burnett says.

Pre-cast concrete homes Bob Burnett Architecture has recently been involved in the design of several insulated pre-cast concrete panel houses. The insulated panels are “sandwich” construction with a layer of high-performance insulating foam in between concrete .

“You have a structural skin on the inside, which also provides the thermal mass, and then a layer of foam and an outer layer of concrete. It makes for a very cosy home,” Burnett says.

“This type of construction is more common in commercial buildings, and many residential builders aren’t that familiar with it. We’ve done many commercial buildings like that and it’s good from the point of view that it gives you thermal mass. Even if you have a timber-framed house, sometimes we put some reinforced concrete in. We’re pretty innovative in this area.”

Burnett says he and Yasui are working on new design details they believe have not been done before.

“With insulated precast concrete we will allow you to have a continuous envelope of insulation. We have worked out some details with our engineers to make that happen. It’s quite uncommon, as you normally have heat loss in the corners where there is a cold join.”

the firm is currently using as its office and base, while repairs are made after damage to its own premises in the February 22 earthquake.

All designs are produced as accurate 3D images and movies.

“We do very good quality 3D visualisation work and we’ve been asked by other architects, real-estate people and developers to do The home is thermally efficient and was designed to capture and store the sun’s energy. presentation work for them,” Burnett says.

It is super insulated and includes thermal break “There are also several new software packages details to eliminate heat transfer, while several that we use that set us apart.” internal block walls provide thermal mass.

One of these software programmes is A thick polished concrete floor can be heated Eco Designer, which takes a 3D model with water, making the house cosy with and measures the thermal efficiency of minimal heat input. the building.

Another recent project was an insulated “With Ecodesigner we can work out how much precast concrete panel house at Waikuku heating is needed, what the solar gain is going Beach. Panel junctions and openings were to be and even what the carbon footprint is for detailed to provide a continuous insulation the building.” envelope with no breaks, resulting in a warm, Bob Burnett Architecture solid, quake-safe, passive solar home.

6 Runswick Lane Cutting edge technology Broad Oaks Bob Burnett Architecture undertakes projects Cashmere throughout the South Island, with clients Christchurch 8022 contacting the firm because of its reputation T (03) 338 8303 E bob@bbarc.com for innovative designs and the use of www.bbarc.com — Advertising Feature innovative design technology.

There are several new software packages we use that set us apart.

Paul Reed Homes. Committed to: • Quality of design and quality of construction.

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Paul Reed Homes Ltd PO Box 3224, Christchurch 8140 p. 03 3858574 f. 03 3858054 m. 0274 331657 (Paul Reed) e. paulreedhomes@xtra.co.nz w. www.paulreedhomes.co.nz

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Bob Burnett Architecture recently completed a $500,000 home in Selwyn Road, which www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 51

Engineering | March Civil Limited

Marina development work at Picton, recently completed by March Civil.

March Civil recently completed a project with Downer on State Highway 1 north of Kaikoura called Shingle Fans. It involved realigning the road, installing culverts and removing the old bridges.

Marching on Diversification and adaptability are keys to success for March Civil Limited in Blenheim, which has been making the most of the recession by identifying key staff requirements and training where needed.

a dedicated drainage supervisor to grow that part of the company.

March Civil is the Blenheim division of Christchurch-based March Construction Limited, a leading mid-sized civil engineering contractor. March Construction took over Earthworks Marlborough four years ago, changing its name to March Civil Ltd.

Focus on diversification

Growing core markets Branch manager Gary Kennedy says March Civil has traditionally been focused on the earthworks, viticulture and dam construction markets. “But when times are tough we have to diversify and have the in-house skills tackle most projects,” he says.

Today March Civil still carries out many earthworks projects and has also been developing its skills and expertise within the drainage industry.

“Earthworks are still our main core work. The machinery and plant we have in place are mainly for earthworks and drainage projects.

March Construction in Christchurch traditionally carries out drainage work,” Kennedy says.

“We’re now trying to incorporate that into this side of the business. We’ve employed

“We have carried out vast amounts of drainage within the viticulture industry and private sector to a good standard, but needed to bring in the right people to grow this division even further. With the expertise and skill base we are able to call on from Christchurch, we have a great platform in place going forward.”

March Civil’s staffing levels have dropped to about 20, and like many other local companies, it has had to streamline to create longevity. “Marlborough is still very much in a recession and a high percentage of the industry rests on the success of the wine industry in the region,” Kennedy says. “When it suffers, everybody suffers.”

The company has been working hard to find work streams over and above the viticulture industry, although still does a considerable amount of work within the industry, due to the great relationships it has developed over the years with various vineyards and key staff.

It has also recently completed a project with Downer on State Highway 1 north of Kaikoura called Shingle Fans. The project involved realigning the new road, installing new culverts and removing the old bridges.

“We subcontracted to Downers to carry out all the earthworks and the removal of the bridges, which was a $650,000 project for us.

We were there from October 2010 and finished it in late April.”

March Civil is currently undertaking a joint venture with March Construction to install a new 2.6km 800mm diameter pipeline for a new sewerage system across the Waimea Estuary between Monaco and Bells Island in Nelson. The project for Downer began in mid-February and will continue until October.

“We’ve have a crew of six guys on site at the moment welding pipes and preparing to float out the new pipelines,” Kennedy says.

March Civil has taken on many private projects including house sites and the construction of various retaining walls, as well as doing marina development in Picton for Port Marlborough.

Another significant project was the earthworks and lining for the latest stage of Blue Gums Landfill for the Marlborough District Council.

Success and strengths

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Surviving within the competitive earthworks and civil industries isn’t easy, but Kennedy says March Civil has built a reputation for quality work. “A lot of times we’re invited to come back and it’s about building good relationships

and supplying quality work. From there it’s a matter of how sharp your pencil is,” he says.

“The only way for a company like us to go forward is on the back of what we did the last time and the time before that. The focus is on carrying out quality work and standing by it; making sure the client is happy and contracts are done within budget and on time.”

March Civil places a strong emphasis on staff training. Kennedy says being part of the March Construction group also offers great benefits to March Civil in terms of shared knowledge and resources, as well as being part of an established family-owned business with great ethics and values.

March Civil Limited 120 Rapaura Road Blenheim T (03) 572 8845 F (03) 572 8829 www.marchconstruction.co.nz

Proud to support March Civil

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52 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Phone: 03 313 6425 Fax: 03 313 6428 2a Southbelt, Rangiora

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Engineering | Dispatch and Garlick

Diversity reaps dividends

The economic recession has seen Dispatch and Garlick working hard to diversify its business in order to service a wider range of industries. The Greymouth company is well regarded in the design and manufacture of rotary cow sheds, with its origins dating back to 1873.

Dispatch and Garlick’s rotary cow sheds are the backbone of the company and renowned for being one of the most comfortable, clean and least labour intensive milking systems available. They are great for the cows, milk plant installation and operators.

The major benefit of the rotary is the constant flow process, where the operator stays in one place putting the cups on as the cows pass by, making the best use of man power, with the cows milked in individual bails. The rotation speed can usually be varied from 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the herd’s production.

Milking times are more consistent compared with typical herringbone dairy sheds.

and while things have been slower on the Facilities diary side, we’ve been developing and building Dispatch and Garlick employs more than gold recovery plants.”

30 people from its workshops in Lord Street, Greymouth, which total 5000 square Dispatch and Garlick is now promoting its metres. The company has two 10-tonne and new rotary gold screens within New Zealand’s one 5-tonne overhead cranes, extensive mining industry, with growing interest from fabrication/boiler shop facilities, a fittingoverseas mining companies. “The designs of machine shop and a moulding shop/foundry. the screens are similar but our particular design is robust. They’re a heavy duty screen that is The boiler shop houses heavy engineering built to be moved around from site to site.” equipment dedicated to welding, fabrication and forming steel plates and sections.

Boilers and steam engines

Another new area is repair work on boiler and steam engines. The company is currently repairing and restoring the boiler of a traction engine from Australia.

“We’re also rebuilding for static display an old steam engine for Shanty Town in Greymouth,” McMillan says. “We’ve started those and we’re using original techniques, such as hot riveting.”

The machine shop deals with a wide range of materials and configurations, including keyway cutting, cutting of internal and external splines, line boring and facing, gear cutting threading and manual lathes and CNC machinery.

The moulding shop specialises in short production runs of castings in cast iron, bronze, aluminium, with full heat treating, machining, assembly and painting services available.

The store carries more than half a million dollars worth of stock including engineering supplies, tools, steel, water pumps, milking equipment and bearings, just to name a few.

Dispatch and Garlick Limited 36 Lord Street Greymouth T (03) 768 7089 F (03) 768 5525 sales@dispatchgarlick.co.nz www.dispatchgarlick.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Platforms can be built to any size. Dispatch and Garlick’s designs allow for high-tech milk plants to be installed underneath in a clean dry environment for easy maintenance.

Along with the rotary dairy sheds, Dispatch and Garlick also builds herringbone dairy shedsand does complete yard work, backing gates, water and electrical glands South Island-wide.

New mining industry screens Co-director Mike McMillan says while rotary cow sheds are one of the company’s main priorities, the recession had seen a significant drop off in demand for the sheds, both within New Zealand and overseas.

“While things have been slow within the diary industry we’ve been getting into gold mining equipment a bit more,” he says. “We’ve traditionally done a lot of mesh for gold mining screens, and with the increased price of gold

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 53

Restructuring | Southern Demolition

Picking up the pieces As Christchurch comes to terms with the devastation the earthquakes have wreaked upon it, all are looking forward to seeing a new city emerge. Much talk has been about what it will look like — images of eco-friendly buildings and modern attractive architecture are being envisaged. But before it can be rebuilt, buildings which have been irreparably damaged need to be made safe or demolished. That’s what Southern Demolition has been doing every day since February 22.

History For almost 20 years the name of Southern Demolition has been synonymous with demolition and timber rejuvenation in Christchurch and the South Island.

Southern Demolition handles a wide range of contracts and has been involved in projects as diverse as stripping out the Pukeuri freezing works after fire damage to demolishing the Palmerston North Hospital.

Other significant demolition projects include dismantling the large Blenheim Road Placemakers site, the corner Hallensteins site in Cashel Mall, the site of Turners & Growers, Countdown Moorhouse Ave, Ashburton’s Alford Forest Woollen Mills and the Tivoli Building in Christchurch’s Cathedral Square. More recently, it has demolished iconic structures in Christchurch, including the Number 1 stand at AMI Stadium and the old Christchurch Women’s Hospital.

Founder and managing director Alan Edge says the company had its machinery working in support of rescue teams within two hours of the quake striking in February, and has been fully engaged ever since.

The Fire Service gave Edge a call immediately after the quake because they knew he had machinery and resources that would be of use.

“We were on the CTV site two hours after the earthquake,” Edge says. “We’ve had a long business relationship with Civil Defence and the Fire Service. We have the machinery to assist, and immediately dispatched four of our staff members with two of our high reach excavators.

“Another important thing we did following the earthquake was to make buildings (identified by USAR) safe for search and rescue teams and preventing further collapse and additional hazards.” ✔ Mobile Hose Van ✔ Custom Designs ✔ Testing facilities ✔ Safety Surveys ✔ Overhauls ✔ Repairs

We are proud to partner Southern Demolition & Salvage Ltd in their business as a preferred truck and equipment service provider.

421 Blenheim Road, Christchurch P: 03 348 8138 Service manager John Mason 027 271 2008

54 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Unit 8, 193 Waterloo Road, Hornby, Christchurch Phone/Fax: (03) 349 7188 Email: alpinehydraulics@xtra.co.nz

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Restructuring | Southern Demolition Southern Demolitio n

at a glance

◆ Founded 20 ye ars ◆ Employs more ago th ◆ Has taken on an 40 people some of th e biggest de molition jo bs around Ch ristchurch Has been at work sin ce two hours after the Februa ry 22 quake

◆

◆ Regards dem

olished bu ildings as resource s and recycl es as much as po ssible Onsells re cycled item s such as brick, steel and timbe r for new building p rojects.

◆

As the rescue and recovery operation turns into invested in equipment to reduce the amount of a reconstruction zone, Southern Demolition has waste that goes to the landfill. been demolishing buildings which need to go.

Concrete crushing and recycling has become a major activity for Southern Demolition. While Sadly, many heritage buildings have been benefiting the environment, it also reduces the lost as a result of the earthquake. Despite the cost to the consumer for having demolition fact that Southern Demolition has the skills to work done. For example, concrete can be preserve the frontage of heritage buildings, crushed and remain on site for future use by concern over the danger they presented, the client. Southern Demolition has a mobile and the pressure of the significant number of dangerous buildings needing to be addressed, crusher that can undertake crushing contracts nationwide, and has a very short set up time this meant that it was generally not possible to preserve the building facades, even if it had and low cost. been technically possible.

Alan Edge is proud to have two high reach excavators with experienced operators which have proved invaluable in the current situation.

His were the first two ever imported to the South Island, and at the time of the earthquake Southern Demolition was the only demolition company with two on hand.

Environment “At Southern Demolition, the attitude is that deconstructed buildings are not rubbish but resources,” Edge says. “Knocking down a building once meant sending in the wrecking ball, then moving the rubble to the dump as landfill.”

These days there is a very different attitude.

“Deconstruction” is the norm — salvageable materials are extracted intact and made available to use again.

Southern Demolition’s projects are carefully managed to recycle as much building material as possible. The company has a commitment to preserving the environment and has

Recycling systems

Much of the waste from the demolition process is traditionally sent to transfer stations in significant volumes, including broken bricks, concrete, tiles and rubble. Now Southern Demolition has structures in place to recycle this material and return it to the marketplace as a useable product.

The crushed concrete is produced in a range of different grades. Some of the major contracts where the concrete has been used and left on site for future reuse within Christchurch include the old PDL Site, Turners & Growers, Placemakers Blenheim Road and the Warehouse site in Blenheim Road.

There are a multitude of ways Southern Demolition recycles material. Some of the rubble from earthquake-damaged demolished buildings will be turned into concrete fill by Southern Demolition and re-used to create the southern motorway.

boiler fuel. It can also take the gypsum out of wallboards for use as fertiliser for farms.

Southern Demolition on-sells the steel, bricks and old windows and doors from the buildings it demolishes.

“We all believe in recycling to take the pressure off the need for new resources,” Edge says.

“Our partnership with a transfer station means we can deal with domestic, as well as demolition waste, through the Kate Valley facility. We really have rubbish and recycling covered in every way.”

It is no longer morally right to pressure the environment by constantly cutting down trees and using them for whatever is needed.

Humanity has grown much more aware of how this damages vulnerable ecosystems, even if they are replanted.

Recycled timber is becoming more and more popular among building owners who are seeking a distinctive look for their homes.

As well as providing a building with character, using recycled timber also gives a sense of satisfaction, knowing that its use is contributing to saving the environment.

Driving Southern Demolition’s investment in and commitment to recycling of timber is the knowledge that the use of existing timber flooring saves materials from being dumped into landfill and reduces impact on New Zealand’s living trees.

Southern Demolition recycles timber from demolished houses, old buildings and sheds, factories, warehouses and wharves.

Feature continues on next page >>

Proud to support Southern Demolition Phone: 03 313 6425 Fax: 03 313 6428 2a Southbelt, Rangiora

Southern Demolition “chips” old timber and then on-sells it for use as chicken bedding or

Proud to be associated with Southern Demolition

Phone 0800 88 66 55 Discount Rubbish Dump located at 350 Wilsons Rd by the AMI stadium.

Cheaper than council refuse stations. www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 55

Restructuring | Southern Demolition

Consumer appeal The relative scarcity of recycled timber, as well as its aesthetic characteristics, creates consumer appeal and has made it a unique and much sought after product. The timber is scanned and has all nails removed before it is re-milled and refinished.

Rerun T&G flooring is made from re-milled salvaged timbers. It can also be salvaged from existing flooring, which many customers prefer.

Very often the reused wood flooring comes from trees that are no longer available, or have ingrained patterns only found in rare old large trees. This adds to the aesthetic quality of this type of flooring. Southern Demolition supplies both of these types of flooring.

The new Christchurch City Council building in Worcester Street has been praised for its aesthetic characteristics as well as its sustainability. Designed by renowned architect Ian Athfield, it also met the difficult criteria to achieve a six star Green building rating. Its floors are made from recycled timber, supplied

by Southern Demolition.

Steady future Alan Edge says Southern Demolition has a challenging year ahead of it given the number of earthquake damaged buildings still needing to be dealt with.

“There are enormous challenges in Moorhouse Ave, the central city is still very dangerous, so we’re making sure we are completely on top of our health and safety practices.

“My demolition teams receive comprehensive on-going training, from equipment handling training through to the latest demolition techniques,” he says. “Since the introduction of the new Health & Safety plan, Southern Demolition boasts the enviable record of having no major accidents on any of our sites.

“We adhere to the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and safety. I would say that our highly skilled staff, our specialised machinery, and the fact that we are the only dedicated demolition company in Christchurch is our point of difference.

“All of these factors have resulted in our successful involvement in many of Christchurch’s highest profile demolition projects,” he says.

Southern Demolition & Salvage Ltd Cnr Wilsons Road and Mowbray St Sydenham Christchurch PO Box 7740 T (03) 374 6140 F (03) 374 6141 www.southerndemolition.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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56 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Restructuring | Risk Management

n s i u r a h n c e t i w s t No shortcu

Premiu ms set to

In the wake of Canterbury’s two earthquakes and in particular the February 22 event, insurance companies are reportedly receiving a significant number of calls from people who are reviewing their insurance.

One significant pattern said to be emerging is the general public realising the prices they may have been paying can’t continue as the low premiums, particularly for home insurance, many New Zealanders have enjoyed to date are not sustainable.

Insurance premiums for New Zealanders now look certain to rise after the Canterbury quakes. The government has already announced that the cost of earthquake insurance will increase and international reinsurers have increased their premiums for New Zealand earthquake cover.

The Insurance Council says the February earthquake is now the largest single insurance event in the history of New Zealand and via its website announced its members estimate the earthquake’s cost will be $10 billion.

Insurance Council chief executive Chris Ryan says this is an initial estimate and it is possible this figure will rise, meaning in coming years New Zealand may see an increase in premiums.

“Premium rises are likely to impact on New Zealand as a whole, not just the Canterbury region. The size of increases is very hard to predict as there are forces driving premiums down as well as up.”

Concerns over refusal of cover

Labour Rural Affairs spokesman Damien O’Connor has reacted strongly to suggestions some insurers have black listed the South Island.

“Concern is mounting that some insurance companies may be operating a blanket no South Island coverage position. That’s not good enough.

“Refusal by insurance companies to cover new house owners in the South Island as a result of the Christchurch earthquake is outrageous, and will seriously impact the area’s economy,” O’Connor says.

“I am aware of a house purchase being blocked in Westport because of an inability to purchase insurance and stories are emerging from Picton and other towns in the South Island.

“What the South Island does not need is insurance companies blocking business and relocations in an attempt to cut their losses.

While we can all understand the impact on their downside, they are in the business of risk management, not risk aversion.”

New foundation rule recognises seismic hazard Changes have been made to Building Code documents to increase the seismic hazard factor for Canterbury and to require stronger foundations for buildings.

Five steps for people reviewing insurance cover 1 2 3 4

5

Know what you are paying for your current insurance and what benefits it provides Have accurate details of the items to be insured (whether car, house or contents) Collect quotes from several insurers to check costs and compare benefits If you decide to change, buy your new insurance and read your policy to confirm you’ve got the cover you want before you cancel your old insurance policy Satisfy yourself that the insurance company you buy from has the financial strength to pay your claim, if the worst happens.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the Department of Building and Housing has decided to increase the seismic hazard factor for the design of all buildings by 35 percent, from 0.22 to 0.3, based on the best scientific and structural engineering advice available.

rise

In addition, concrete floor foundations for housing will need to be tied and reinforced.

These changes are likely to increase costs for new residential building work in the order of $2000 to $9000 per property, depending on the size of the house, the foundation option chosen and the state of the ground.

“Residential homes built in Christchurch will be required to have increased bracing and foundations and be more resistant to bowing or cracking… (and) will mean new buildings are constructed better to withstand any future severe earthquakes,” Brownlee says.

The changes took effect from Thursday May 19, 2011 in the three local authority areas in greater Christchurch: Christchurch City, Waimakariri and Selwyn district councils.

“The aim is to improve safeguards for people occupying the buildings and reduce personal harm and damage to property from any future earthquakes.”

Brownlee says the changes to the seismic hazard factor and foundation requirements needed to be made promptly so that commercial building owners and homeowners could get on with rebuilding or repairing properties as quickly as possible.

For more information visit www.cera.govt.nz

Risk Management is our business Ph. 03 366 7536 | Fax. 03 379 5395 www.abbottgroup.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2011 | 57

Attention pet lovers did you know?

What you feed your cat or dog directly affects how long they live and the quality of their life. Not all foods are created equal. There is only one way to establish what you’re really feeding your pet...read the ingredients!

If you would like to discuss anything we’ve mentioned or would like to get sent some info and testimonials please give us a call, or go to our website to see the dozens of raving testimonials available. In fact a large number of clients are breeders, which is testament in itself, as these people take feeding their pets (their business), very seriously. These people normally spend a lot of time researching all options available and we’re pleased to say, they’re massive fans of our product.

In today’s competitive pet food industry, it’s hard to believe what may go into your pet food. Many companies (owned by multi-national corporations) have extensive marketing budgets, that portray a healthy pet jumping around, all thanks to their fantastic pet food. However, they seldom talk about ingredients. And to be frank, that is the most important element, followed closely by taste.

Because let’s face it, if your pet doesn’t like the taste, they simply won’t eat it.

(Unless it’s a Labrador....)

Here’s the most important bit.

The ingredients I’m not going to tell you how happy your pet will be or how high they will jump by using our pet food.

I’m simply going to give you a quick lesson about ingredients and what to look for and what to avoid.

The way ingredients are listed on packaging is the order that they are according to the percentage of food, so the first ingredient listed is the primary ingredient and so on down the list.

Some list “by-products” as the first ingredient, usually chicken or beef. Now this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. One of the many problems with byproducts is what can go into the mix. So for cows this can mean bones, hooves, hides, hair, intestines, or with poultry by-products it can mean feet, beaks, feathers, bones, intestines, as well as the small trimmings that are left behind after they have been boned out for human consumption.

interesting fact!

By law, by-products don’t have to include any meat at all in order to be called chicken or beef by-products.

Products with by-products will of course look like any other pet food biscuit. The organic chemicals that make up the mush that remains will still register as amino acids and proteins etc, yet the fact is that a large percentage of it will be completely indigestible to your pet’s digestive system. This means your pet will be unable to harvest goodness for its body out of much of its food.

This results in two things. First, you will have to feed more of the product to your pet to satisfy its nutritional requirements. Second, there will be more “unharvested remains” left to be picked up off your lawns. One of the huge benefits of feeding your pet a food that uses high quality ingredients is that there is less stool volume, because the animal is able to digest more of it. Another notable benefit

Here are results from three independent studies: 1) The Confidential Dog Food Report analysed over 2,000 pet foods and came up with the best nine. Canidae was one of them. The following dog foods available in New Zealand weren’t on the list; Beneful, Eukanuba, Iams, Pedigree, Purina One, Purina Pro Plan, Purina Dog Chow and Science Diet.

2) Each year The Whole Dog Journal (arguably the best dog journal in the world), rates dog foods from around the world and creates an “approved list” which includes approximately 25 foods. For more than 5 years Canidae has featured. The following

58 | June/July 2011 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

is that your animal’s stools will smell a lot better when they are fed a high quality, natural, highly digestible food that doesn’t have rancid meats and fats in it.

Canidae lists chicken and turkey meal as their first ingredients. Chicken, turkey and lamb meals are dry and are less than 10% moisture and contain 50-65% meat proteins.

Canidae and Felidae contain 10 skin and coat conditioners with balanced Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty Acids: chicken fat, fish meal, flax seed, sunflower oil, lecithin, linoleic acid, rosemary, sage, vitamin E and biotin.

Please go to our website or give us a call for the full Declaration of Ingredients. Without a declaration of ingredients, how do you really know what’s going into your pet’s food?

Why haven’t you heard of us?

Simply because we’re relatively new into New Zealand.

We have hundreds of satisfied clients and this year we’ve doubled the number of clients from last year and this is literally growing daily. However, Canidae for dogs and Felidae for cats have been selling in America for many years and are consistently ranked in the top few by leading pet journals and publications including The Whole Dog Journal.

We also don’t have the marketing budget of the huge corporations. In fact we have relied heavily on word of mouth, which works well, but we are now starting to do print and radio.

dog foods available in New Zealand aren’t on the list; Beneful, Eukanuba, Iams, Pedigree, Purina One, Purina Pro Plan, Purina Dog Chow and Science Diet.

3) Petsumer Report also does an independent study and ranks pet food out of five, with five being the absolute best.

Here’s some of the results: Beneful 0 CANIDAE

4.2 Eukanuba 2.7 Iams 2.7 Pedigree 1 Purina One 1.9 Purina Pro Plan 2.1 Purina Dog Chow 1 Science Diet 1.5

Here is a quote that I recently read in The Whole Dog Journal, arguably the best independent dog journal in the world. “I’d like to quickly dismiss the idea that any of the giants – Iams and Eukanuba, Purina, Science Diet - could possibly make dry dog foods that are as good as the foods that have a regular presence on WDJ’s “approved foods” list, (such as Canidae). The fact is, though, of course they could; they have all the resources needed to do so. They could bury most of the competition in the “natural and holistic” niche...if they followed through and used only the same high-quality ingredients typically used by the smaller, boutique brands. But they generally stop short – perhaps because they are unaccustomed to paying a lot for their raw materials, or marketing the products at a correspondingly high sales price.” - Nancy Kerns Save you time and money As mentioned this is a premium product, and if we sold in pet stores or vets, it would command a huge price tag. However, as we don’t have a “middle man” we can sell it at a price comparable to other “premium” products. In addition to this, your pet will actually require less, as he/she will actually be able to digest and utilise more of the food, which also creates less stools. In addition to this we will take the hassle out of driving to your pet store, lugging the food into and out of your boot, as we will deliver to your door free of charge.

Your satisfaction is assured every time you deal with us through our Make You Happy Guarantee If we ever let you down, we’ll ask “what can we do to make you happy?” So far we’ve never refused a customer’s request. And of course there’s a full money back guarantee on the product if your pet doesn’t like it.

r anywhere P.s We delive in NZ free Gary Collins, Owner

Call for a FREE sample and more information or call now to place an order. If you place an order this month WE’LL TAKE 33% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER when you mention this advert.

You’re probably wondering what’s the catch? Well we know that almost everyone who buys from us once, buys again, and again, and again!

Ph: 0800 101 729 www.canidae.co.nz

What you put in your pet’s bowl can affect their life now – and in the future

Mention t advert this his & receive 3 month 0% of first purch f your ase

PLU

S Call us for a free samp le and inform ation on Canidae & Felidae

Once again voted one of the best pet foods in the world – The Whole Dogfood Journal.

What you feed your pet directly affects how long they live and the quality of their life 11 Reasons why you should feed your pet Canidae all natural pet food 1.

Excellent palatability – “cats and dogs love it”.

7.

Excellent for dogs with allergies or problem skin.

2.

All natural ingredients (chicken, rice, lamb).

8.

Low stool volume (low odour too).

3.

All naturally preserved (Vitamins E & C).

9.

Superior digestibility (natural digestive enzymes).

4.

Premium quality proteins for increased energy.

5.

Natural herbs for savoury & medicinal purposes.

6.

Premium oils & fat for a healthy, shiny skin & coat (with balanced Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids).

Testimonials

CANIDAE All Life Stages

CANIDAE Chicken & Rice

CANIDAE Lamb & Rice

CANIDAE Platinum

CANIDAE Grain Free All Life Stages

CANIDAE Grain Free Salmon

10. CANIDAE is cost-effective (feed 1 cup for 11 kg of body weight).

11. 100% money back guaranteed.

To see hundreds of testimonials in full go to our website

“It has been almost a year since I switched and Chynna is doing great” After the recall scare, I decided to switch dog food for then 11 year old terrier mix dog, Chynna. The food she was on was not one of the recall but she has been having bladder infections her entire life, and was overweight despite giving her a food for overweight dogs. After reading about all the stuff that was in other dog foods and all the great reviews for Canidae, I decided to let her try it.

It has been almost a year since I switched and Chynna is doing great. She has lost close to five pounds, has a lot of

energy and no bladder infections. I adopted another dog six months ago and immediately threw away the food the pound gave and started her on the Canidae All Life Stages dry food formula. Canidae is more expensive than other food, but the money that I saved in medicine for bladder infections and vet visits more than make up for it.

One thing to be thankful for with the food recall, it made me more aware about the nutrition of my dogs.

Linda, Houston

“Thank you for making a great pet food” I just wanted to say that I recently switched my two dogs to Canidae All Life Stages and it is wonderful. They are both doing great on it and their coats have never looked better.

If I can budget it in I plan to switch our two cats to Felidae

when the bag of food we currently have runs out. I’m sure they will do equally as well on it. Thank you for making a great pet food and saving me, I’m sure, hundreds in future vet bills.

How to order All orders are couriered to your door FREE. If you place your order by 2.00pm most orders are received within 48 hours, unless it’s a rural delivery.

Simply go to our website www.canidae.co.nz or call us toll free on 0800 101 729 and ask for a FREE sample and information pack, or place your order today.

CANIDAE Snap Biscuits CANIDAE Snap Biscuits FELIDAE Original Lamb & Rice Cat & Kitten

Mention this advert this month & receive 30% off your first purchase. PLUS Call us for a free sample and information on Canidae & Felidae

We Offer A No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee

For more detailed information call on 0800 101 729 Level 3, 818 Colombo St, PO Box 1879, Christchurch. Fax: 03 961 5112 - Email: info@canidae.co.nz - Web: www.canidae.co.nz

The effects of plastic on the environment are already well documented...but what about the effects of plastic on our bodies?

Research is showing that under special circumstances, certain chemicals from plastic bottles and containers are able to leach into the water (or food) held within. One such culprit is a toxic chemical known as Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical with estrogen mimicking effects that is linked to obesity, diabetes, breast cancer and hyperactivity. Another two common toxic chemicals present in plastic bottles are antimony and phthalates.

Make a change for the better. Buy stainless steel BPA-free SafeBottles and reduce the impact of plastic on the environment and our bodies.

For more information and to see the full range of SafeBottles, please visit www.safebottles.co.nz or call our friendly team on 0800 777 444 or text SAFE to 244.