Commerce Comment — Summer 2023

COMMERCE COMMENT SUMMER 2023 SPRING 2023

Meet your 2023 entrants

CORNERSTONE PARTNERS:

SUMMER ISSUE — CONTENTS

What’s Inside 03

From the CEO

04

Regional Business Partners Network

05

Be Part of Nelson Tasman Monopoly

06

Mahitahi: Collaboration for Innovation

07

Doing More, Faster, To Turn The Tide

08

A New Windows Experience

09

A Love of Larvae....and the Ocean

10

Action Packed Summer for Nelson Airport

11

What Does Good Faith Require?

12

NBS

13

Is It Time to Rethink Your Positioning?

14

Bowater Hyundai

15

Keeping Plants in Prime Condition

16

Business Awards Entrants 2023

42

Social Snaps

44

Meet our Members

46

Upcoming Events

47

YES: A Sweet Reward

48

Membership Deals

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Introducing your 2023 award entrants Read the stories behind our region's shining stars.

A new Windows experience is on its way, featuring AI

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Primetimer Justine keeping plants in prime condition

For all enquiries please contact: Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology 322 Hardy Street, Nelson PO Box 1121, Nelson 7040 Phone: 03 548 1363 Email: britt@commerce.org.nz Web: www.commerce.org.nz Chamber Board: President: Venus Guy Vice President: Manoli Aerakis Board Members: Chris McGeown, Peter Pattullo, Sharon McGuire, Louise Walsh, Alfredo Puche, and Richard Butler.

Publication Design: Tizza Design

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The action ahead for Nelson Airport The buzz of summer activity for locals and visitors

SUMMER ISSUE — FROM THE CEO

From the CEO Reflecting on the year that was and what's to come for the region and our businesses in 2024.

A

s is our wont, when December hits we start to reflect on the year that has been.

From where I sit, my review would read as ‘a mixed bag’.

For some, the year has been pretty good, export markets are opening up, supply chains becoming more reliable, people are travelling, and we are seeing more visitors from overseas in our cafes and restaurants.

On the downside, cost pressures, high inflation and interest rates continue to bite, and indications are this won’t be changing in the short term.

In a recent presentation, Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod reminded us that this region is fortunate to be insulated from a wholesale downturn due to the broad range of businesses that make up our economy, and we certainly see that reflected in our membership.

This is something we should take as a positive as we move into the new year.

This is also the time of year when we look back at what we have delivered.

This includes: 52 training workshops, 24 networking events, two conferences and eight initiatives such as YES, Primetime and the Port Nelson Export Hub. We also hosted 2417 people including 340 at the Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Our next exciting venture is the launch this month of the Nelson Tasman Monopoly game! You may have seen a few other chambers have already produced Monopoly for their regions.

These have been well received and serve as an excellent promotion for businesses, attractions, and the whole region. We will soon be sending information out to our members to get involved, in the meantime if you want more details, please contact Kim (kim@commerce. org.nz).

Friday March 1st will be the 34th Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala Dinner. Entries are in, judging is complete, results are under lock and key and the music playlist is being compiled.

This year we have moved to Annesbrook Centre. The team at Gourmet Catering are working on delicious food and award-winning comedian, Nick Rado will be our MC for the night, so it is sure to be fun. You can read more about each of the entrants in this issue of Commerce Comment.

Aspire 2024 will take place on 5th July with the theme What makes a “Strong Region?” We will examine the conditions needed to make the region prosper and insulated from disruptive forces. A diverse economy? Reliable transport links? A thriving tourism industry? One council?

Next year, in line with our focus on a strong community and with our partners at NBS, we will be working to deliver support for the not-for-loss sector. As 2024 is also the year that councils need to deliver their ten-year financial plans, we will have a focus on advocacy and the impact of local government policy and investment on the economy and business sector. So, all in all we expect another busy year.

“We will examine the conditions needed to make the region prosper and insulated from driving forces. A diverse economy?

Reliable transport links? A thriving tourism industry?

One council?"

Thanks to my team and board for the great work and support, and for making my job ‘never boring.’ And thank you for your support of the Chamber and the work we do.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and peaceful new year.

AliBoswijk Chief Executive Chamber of Commerce

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Be a part of the Purchase an iconic local attraction, help us write your own Community Chest / Chance card, or create a collectible token.

Community & Chance Spaces

Properties

Premium Properties

Industry & Utility Square

Add your business logo to either the Community Chest board spaces (3) $2000 OR Chance board.

Sponsor a property square (20) and add your business logo to on the relating Property title deed card.

Sponsor 1 of 2 premium properties and add your business logo to the relating Property title deed card.

Sponsor a regional industry or utility space and add your business logo to the relating Property title deed card.

Community & Chance Cards

Monopoly Money

Collectable Tokens

Chamber Members Pre-Order

Help us re-write an action card, which could include reference to your $2000 business, a local activity, or location.

Have your logo on all the Monopoly money! Denominations include $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, and $500.

Sponsor a custom Nelson Tasman token, i.e. Split Apple Rock, Boulder Bank lighthouse Fifeshire Rock

Chamber members have the opportunity to pre-order the Nelson Tasman Monopoly board game.

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Contact kim@commerce.org.nz for a sponsorship package or to pre-order.

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Sitting in the heart of Nelson Tasman's business and economic development community, the Mahitahi Colab is committed to fostering bold and aspirational innovation to enable effective commercial and community collaborations for regional growth.

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nnovation. A business game changer or scary, how-the-heck-do we-start?

As a region, we have seen plenty of different thinking and ways of doing business. It’s why Mahitahi Colab is excited to sponsor the Innovation Category in the 34th Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and to connect with clever businesses in the region.

Sitting in the heart of Nelson Tasman’s business and economic development community, the Mahitahi Colab is committed to fostering bold and aspirational innovation to enable effective commercial and community collaborations for regional growth. They want to be the go-to for local innovators and entrepreneurs, and the playground for clever business. And like innovation, it’s a journey of learning.

The Colab has recently hired Nikki Neate as their Innovation Manager. While mapping out 2024, she wants to hear from businesses about their needs in this space. As a foundation, she’s drawn up where the Colab can drive and support recommendations from NRDA’s 2023 report on innovation in the region.

Neate comes from a background of innovative local producers, having

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Collaboration for

INNOVATION worked for both Pic’s Peanut Butter and Proper Crisps.

She said, “We’ve built Mahitahi awareness as a space for start-ups, social entrepreneurs and those connected to big business overseas. However, our space uniquely provides our co-workers access to commercial opportunities and our partners to clever business. We want to embrace and support local innovation and we’re in the process of building a digital ecosystem for our website as a tangible tool to connect innovative leaders, shapers, supporters and thinkers in the region. If that is you, I want to know about it!”

The Colab has always run events, workshops and seminars but is now looking to upgrade a space for ideation and strategy sessions and networking for homeworkers and digital nomads.

Drawing on Neate’s marketing background, she is keen to add another layer to Nelson Tasman’s storytelling to promote all the amazing innovation assets and stories to enhance the region's profile. Finally, the Colab is looking at who to partner with to deliver bespoke activations to foster and support best practices for innovation and practical how-to’s.

“Our space is very inspiring – being part of the buzz of campus life, our collaborators, and the activity from both the Chamber and NRDA alone offers endless opportunities.

"We just ran a programme for Global Entrepreneur Week - all our speakers and workshop facilitators were, or have been, based at Mahitahi – the breadth and depth of expertise punch well above.

While we have the NRDA report as a solid basis for what is next, I’m keen to connect, connect, connect!” Laughing, she adds, “I’m also happy to debate the meaning of innovation too.”

To get in touch with Nikki, e: nikki@ mahitahicolab.nz or visit Mahitahi Colab, NMIT, 322 Hardy Street.

“Our space is very inspiring — being part of the buzz of campus life, our collaborators, and the activity from both the Chamber and NRDA alone offers endless opportunities.”

Doing more, faster, to turn the tide M

eeting the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security is driving our science with unprecedented urgency. Cawthron excels in the development of sciencebased solutions to these challenges, collaborating with partners and applying our diverse expertise in innovative new ways. But we need to do more, faster, if we are going to turn the tide and protect the shared ecological, economic, social and cultural values we hold dear.

That is why Cawthron has leaned sharply into the development of our Science Plan this year, with a ten-year horizon.

This plan has been developed over the past year, following the Covid pandemic and over the course of several significant events that rocked Aotearoa New Zealand, including the 2022 Nelson flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year.

These events, which are inextricably linked to a warming planet, have provided strong motivation for Cawthron to achieve greater impact, faster.

Ultimately, our vision is for our ecosystems to be healthy, our communities are thriving, and we have a prosperous blue economy. Our science impact pathways are therefore focused on: • • • •

Turning the tide on climate change Protecting and enhancing our aquatic environments Securing safe and sustainable food Realising the potential of algae

•

Supporting resilient communities in the Pacific

Cawthron cannot achieve these ambitious goals in isolation. Being based in Te Tauihu, we are lucky to have such a motivated and passionate community to work alongside. Our region’s high share of scientists and researchers, our location and many of our economic activities support the possibility to be world-leaders in the blue economy. We are proud to be a founding partner of Moananui, a local collaboration between private firms, public sector entities and knowledge institutions designed to progress this opportunity.

Many of you reading this will be aware of, or even part of this new cluster, and we acknowledge your collaborative spirit.

We are proud to be part of this wonderful community in the top of the south, and we thank you for your interest and pride in Cawthron. We feel your support at all of our community events, and no doubt many of your children took part in the Cawthron Science Fair earlier this year, or may have been visited by a scientist at their school. We know our people particularly enjoy this aspect of their role; sharing their science with others to foster awareness, understanding and passion for what we are trying to achieve.

We wish you a happy and safe holiday season, and hope you make the most of our stunning natural environment – and play your part in helping us protect it. We look forward to engaging with you next year.

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Are you ready for a

new Windows experience?

W

indows 11 is the latest and greatest operating system from Microsoft, and it’s packed with features that will make your PC faster, more secure, and more fun to use. Whether you’re a new user or a seasoned professional, Windows 11 has something for you. Here are some of the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 now.

Improved apps: Windows 11 comes with updated versions of apps such as Media Player, Photos, Notepad, Paint, and Calculator. You’ll also get access to new apps, such as Clipchamp, a simple video editor for small businesses, and Clock, which has a new Focus Sessions feature that helps you concentrate on your projects. Plus, you can easily download more apps from the Microsoft Store, which has a new look and feel.

Performance and security: Windows 11 is designed to run smoothly and securely on your PC. It works in combination with your hardware and has multiple layers of protection to keep your apps, information and privacy safe. Windows 11 also has SmartApp Control, which only runs apps that have a good reputation and won’t compromise your data.

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Coming soon to Windows 11 is Copilot, a new AI-powered feature that will be released with the Windows 11 23H2 update. It is currently available as a preview for Windows Insiders who are running Windows 11 22H2 (KB5030310) or version 23H2.

You can enable Copilot in Windows 11 by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and turning on the Copilot toggle switch. Copilot can help you with various tasks such as finding answers, summarising content, customising settings, troubleshooting issues and more. You can also choose between three conversation modes: More Creative, More Precise, and More Balanced, depending on your preferences and needs. Copilot is a smart personal assistant that learns from your feedback and behaviour and adapts to your style and goals. It works together with Bing Chat and other plugins to provide you with relevant and helpful information and solutions. Copilot is a great way to enhance your productivity and creativity on Windows 11.

If you’re still using Windows 10, you might be wondering what will happen to your PC in the future. Don’t worry,

Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. That means you’ll still get security updates and bug fixes until then. However, you won’t get any new features or improvements, and you’ll miss out on the benefits of Windows 11. Plus, after 2025, your PC will be vulnerable to malware and other threats, as Windows 10 will be considered end-of-life.

That’s why we recommend you upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible. Windows 11 is more than just an operating system.

It’s a platform for your creativity and productivity. It’s a way to connect with your customers and colleagues. It’s a window to the world of possibilities.

Talk to BlueBerryIT about smoothly upgrading your machine to Windows 11.

This article was written with the help of Windows 11 and Copilot.

Mark Holland Service Delivery Manager BlueberryIT www.blueberryit.co.nz

Inspired by a love of larvae... and

One of the things Shenae Wales loves most about aquaculture is its enormous potential to feed the world sustainably — and Te Tauihu (Top of the South) is at the centre.

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orn and raised in Whakatū Nelson, Shenae was just 17 when she started in the industry, inspired by a love of marine biology and the ocean.

"I got in on the algae side of things, then moved into shellfish, specifically geoduck," she says. "Under the microscope it is such a cool animal, looking around for a place to burrow."

food production industry in the world, and there is plenty of scope for anyone wanting to enter the industry.

"You can do anything from opening mussels in a factory, joining a boat crew on a salmon farm in the Sounds or the Twizel canals, or working with microscopic algae in a lab," says Shenae.

"If you love the ocean, enjoy being outdoors, love science, or are keen on research and development—there's a role for you in aquaculture."

At the 2023 New Zealand Aquaculture Conference, in front of 400 delegates, Shenae spoke about aquaculture training at NMIT Te Pūkenga.

"I shared a bit about my journey in the aquaculture industry, the great facilities ākonga have access to, and what it means to learn in the region where most New Zealand aquaculture produce is grown."

Interested in studying aquaculture and marine conservation? Find out more: nmit.ac.nz/aquaculture.

“If you love the ocean, enjoy being outdoors, love science, or are keen on research and development — there's a role for you in aquaculture.”

She worked while studying, graduating with a Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation at NMIT, and accumulated plenty of industry experience before becoming an aquaculture tutor at NMIT Te Pūkenga.

Shenae is also completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture at NMIT. "I am doing my post-grad research on sea cucumbers, which are potentially a huge export market for New Zealand."

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing

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Action-packed summer ahead for Nelson Airport

S

ummer is always a great time to be at Nelson Airport. The buzz is palpable as holidaymakers descend on the terminal, and we have a suite of activities planned to ensure visitors and locals alike have a great time during their visit.

This includes the inaugural Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance campaign, a partnership with Nelson Tasman Hospice that will see local businesses sponsor and decorate a Christmas tree for display in the terminal. The public will vote for their favourite, and there will be an overall winner selected by an invited judge. This is set to become an annual event raising funds and awareness for our region’s vital hospice services.

In the lead-up to Christmas we’ll have Santa in the terminal spreading festive cheer, along with live music to help travellers get in the spirit of the season.

We’ll be repeating our successful Nelson Anniversary Day celebration with free ice creams, and – back due to popular demand – we will be opening up the airport "behind the scenes” for Walk the Runway on 20 January.

We’re also excited to see progress on

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several development projects. A new back of house facility for GO Rentals is nearing completion, enabling car grooming, maintenance and vehicle storage on-site. The facility will allow for more efficient servicing of GO Rentals’ rental car fleet and support the company’s journey towards a climatefriendly fleet and operations. By this time next year, a third of GO’s fleet will be clean-energy powered (a mix of EV and hybrid), and the new facility is equipped with EV charging facilities to support this transition. As an added bonus, the completion of the project will create a new entry point to our Value Carpark to simplify access for airport customers.

The renovation of the World War II-era “Hangar 2” into a new base of operations for Generation Global is also nearing completion. Considerable effort has gone into upgrading the building, while returning it to active use for aircraft servicing activities.

We’re continuing our efforts to ensure the wider terminal precinct complements the high standard set by our awardwinning building. Significant upgrades are planned at each end of the terminal.

At the eastern end, we will build a rubbish

and recycling compound, new bike storage facilities and an extended private parking area for staff and tenants. This work will free up additional space for public parking. At the other end of the terminal, works in front of Airport House will improve safety and convenience for passengers, tenants and visitors moving between parking and the terminal. This project will separate people and vehicles more effectively, realign the footpath to create a clearer pedestrian route, and add designated crossing points. Improved lighting and CCTV coverage will also contribute to a safer environment.

And of course, we continue work on Project 2 Zero – our plan for enabling future zero-carbon future flights at Nelson. Our planning application has been through two rounds of public submissions and a hearing is currently set for May 2024. Project 2-Zero is intended to protect the future of our region’s air connections with the rest of New Zealand and the world and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received from many in the business community for our application.

Mark Thompson CEO Nelson Airport www.nelsonairport.co.nz

What does good faith require?

W

hat do you think about when you hear “good faith obligations?" You have likely heard it applies to all employment relationships and may be thinking of the ideas below, all of which are correct: • • • • • •

Be completely honest – don’t mislead or deceive.

Involve people as early as possible in matters that might affect them.

Keep an open mind and be prepared to change your opinion on things.

Communicate well (and early), with the right information.

Work constructively to solve problems.

Raise issues quickly – don’t let things fester.

However, in practice, answering the headline question can be difficult – especially when relationships are breaking down and stress levels are high. This is where expert advice is essential to help ensure you stay on the right side of the law.

A recent example

Over the last few years, we have assisted a large local employer with the headline question in the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court.

The employer had a collective agreement with a union. Legislation imposes good faith obligations on the parties and their bargaining agents. Unfortunately, working relationships between the union and the employer were incredibly strained. The Employment Relationships Authority characterised the situation as a “relationship of mistrust”. This made acting in “good faith” incredibly difficult when everyone had to work together to agree a new collective agreement.

Eventually, as indicated, the Employment Relations Authority became involved.

Both the union and the employer alleged the other breached their good faith obligations during negotiations for the collective agreement. The Authority

found in our client’s favour, finding the union breached its good faith obligations by: •

•

raising a pay claim late. This breach was then compounded by the union (wrongly) insisting it was not raised late. refusing to deal with a member of the employer’s negotiating team and trying to choose who it met with to finalise the deal.

Despite the union’s various allegations (over 10 between the two hearings), the Authority agreed that the employer did not breach any of its good faith obligations. This was despite the robust approach the employer used in negotiations. Importantly, the employer did not fight fire with fire – continuing to show good faith, even when the other side didn’t.

As requested by our client, and because of the union’s breach of good faith, the Authority fixed the terms of the collective agreement, imposing contractual obligations between the union and the employer. This was only the second time the Authority had ever fixed an agreement.

Dissatisfied, the union took the matter to the Employment Court. The hearing was held in Nelson in February 2023 over several days. The Employment Court agreed with the Employment Relations Authority. Again, it was found that the union breached its good faith obligations, and the employer did not. The fixed agreement continued to apply.

This example highlights the importance of engaging with professional advisors early.

Specialist advisors assist you to ensure that the strategy and methods you are

thinking of using will still be considered appropriate later (and even in the objective view of an Authority Member or Judge, should matters escalate).

Still have questions?

Contact Pitt & Moore if you are unsure how to show good faith in a tricky employment situation. We are experts in good faith, with five local specialist employment lawyers who are dedicated to helping Nelson-Tasman people and organisations.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.

Sarah Moon Associate Pitt & Moore www.pittandmoore.co.nz

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NBS Motueka client, Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles.

We know our clients.

They’re locals, just like us.

NBS provide business banking services to meet the needs of local trade and commerce. With a high level of personal service, we use local knowledge and initiative to make timely decisions. Our strong community connections allow us to build long term, sustainable relationships.

That’s banking for life.

nbs.co.nz

0800 C O M101 M E R 700 C E C O M| Minfo@nbs.co.nz ENT 12 NBS is not a registered bank.

Is it time to rethink your positioning?

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ositioning has been a popular topic for us this year, with many clients looking to improve their positioning.

Most realise their market has become a lot more competitive and they need to find fresh ways to stand out. Others feel they’ve fallen behind and that their competitors are doing a better job. Some need help to articulate their value and what makes them different, whereas others have recognised that their customers' needs have changed, and they need to adapt and align their marketing to the changing market.

The thing that binds all these clients together is that they want to be number one in their category. This is where positioning comes into play.

Our brains are filled with ladders

Why should a customer place you at the top of the ladder?

Developing a compelling reason for a customer to place you on top of the ladder, is the key to marketing success.

Every potential customer has a limited number of businesses in mind for each category that they may need in the future. The market is crowded, so customers need constant reminding of who you are.

Appeal is the biggest factor in evaluating your positioning statement

“People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.”

- Thomas Merton

Positioning uses the ladder as a metaphor. If the ladder's side rails represent your business category, e.g. plumbing, hospitality, or accounting, then each rung of the ladder represents individual businesses in that category.

The height each business stands on the ladder, yours included, is determined by where customers place them in their minds. Good positioning ensures your brand reaches the top of the ladder.

Having a clear positioning statement is great, but it needs to be appealing to get you to the top of the ladder. Customers should not only know about you but they should really want what you are offering.

You're not operating in a vacuum

This was Avis acknowledging Hertz as number one and using that to position themselves as the underdog who works harder to provide better service.

In a crowded market where many businesses are standing at the foot of the ladder, only a few can stand on top of the ladder. To progress up the ladder, you must displace or step over those above you to reach the top rung and this takes lots of hard work.

The first step is recognising that you are not working in a vacuum. There are competitors that your customers are comparing you to. They are placing you on their ladder according to how you perform in their minds.

Avis will go down in marketing history with their genius positioning headline, ‘Avis is only No. 2 in rent a cars. So why go with us? We try harder.' The ad finished with ‘The line at our counter is shorter.'

Tony Downing Owner and Director Downing Creative Marketing www.downing.nz

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Bowater

Hyundai • Isuzu • Renault

The all new

KONA

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Bowaters. The road to the future starts here.

The all new Hyundai Kona is built to be different. With it s cutting edge design and rich layer of powerful technology you will discover the joy of driving each and every day.

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Corner of Rutherford & Hardy Streets.

Central Nelson. Ph 03 545 8032.

ev - hybrid - petrol from $39,990 +ORC

Call our team now for more information on the latest vehicles.

Marcel Guy - Sales Matthew Enright - Sales 027 668 3639 027 475 6744

Keeping plants in prime condition H

aving plenty of greenspaces is important for every community but greening up interiors matters too. That’s why if you work in a large office environment you’ll usually find plenty of plants sucking in your carbon dioxide and breaking up the hard lines of office furniture. And what’s even more extraordinary than mutually advantageous gas exchange is that you never water the office plants and yet they never die. That’s because Justine does it.

Justine Perkins is owner/operator of Leaf It To Me Interior Plant Hire. She hires out and maintains plants for businesses, office and home spaces and special events. She’s spent plenty of time hanging out with plants as a gardener and landscaper, but being in business for herself is new. But they say timing is everything and in this case it appears to be true. Justine made a phone call just at the right time.

“I haven't been in the business for long and so I was looking for support of how to start and how to do everything and bring it together, so I rang the Chamber of Commerce to ask for someone who could advise me and Rikki (Community Liaison and Administrative Support) said, ‘hey we're about to start Primetime!’”

Primetime is the Chamber’s new programme for entrepreneurs over 50 who are keen to learn relevant skills and knowledge to assist them with their new businesses.

“It was perfect because it just has all the support and personnel that I can just go to anytime for help, whether it's with accounts, or legal issues, or even the emotional support of the ups and downs. So, Primetime has been invaluable for me, starting a business.”

“Every session you're learning something. The highlights are also the other people doing Primetime; talking with other startup businesspeople and their experiences and hearing that other people are having difficult times trying to work things out, so I'm not alone in that journey.

Stephen is amazing and Ali as well. They’ve given a huge amount of support, have been really friendly and encouraging in all aspects.”

Primetime has made a tangible difference for Justine already. Not just with new work that she has got through her Primetime connections, but she’s putting the learning into practice and it’s making a big difference to how she operates her business. Which of course, is the whole point. We love hearing how all our entrepreneurs are going on the Primetime programme and are pleased to be able to help their business dreams come true.

Primetime is funded by The Office of Seniors and Nelson City Council. The one-year programme ends June 2024; applications are closed for 2023.

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Barbecue masterclasses and community initiatives, wonder drugs, natural sodas and solar farms… This year’s 27 business award entrants highlight the diversity of our region’s sectors but what they have in common is innovation, creativity and a desire to succeed. They share their stories here.

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SUPREME BUSINESS

ENVIRONMENTAL

All entries into the Start Up, Small, Medium and Large Business Awards automatically entered into the Supreme Business Award. This is an overall winner that scores highly in all aspects of the judging criteria and has an x-factor that inspires the Nelson/Tasman business community.

A programme, project, campaign or business that has had a positive, long term impact on the Nelson Tasman environment.

SMALL BUSINESS

MEDIUM BUSINESS

LARGE BUSINESS

A business that has an annual turnover of less than $1 million.

A business that has an annual turnover between $1 million and $5 million.

A business that has an annual turnover of over $5 million.

START UP BUSINESS

COMMUNITY IMPACT

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS

A business that has started trading within the last 2 years.

A programme, project, campaign, or business that has had a positive impact on the Nelson Tasman community in a way that inspires others and makes a difference.

A business that demonstrates an extraordinary business story as a result of pure grit and clever thinking. This could be an innovative approach to people, products or processes.

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START-UP BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

A

pex Accounting creates a dynamic accounting experience focused on strategy and results.

Lydia Chadfield and Jess Patterson’s focus is on creating relationships with their clients and being available to answer questions when needed, not two weeks later.

“It’s about making the clients the priority.”

Lydia and Jess worked together at a local firm for a few years while completing their respective degrees in Business majoring in Accountancy. When they moved on from the employer, they found they were stopped in the street and called regularly by previous clients who wanted them to handle their accounts.

“We found many people were getting frustrated with not being able to get in contact with their accountant, and if they did get to speak with them a whopping bill would usually follow even for a quick chat.”

While exploring what to do next the women were offered a great opportunity to take over a local firm together.

“When we spoke about it, we concluded that if they have the confidence in us then we should back ourselves, and so started Apex Accounting.

"We didn’t want to be tied to the systems and ways someone else had set in place. We learnt a lot at the old firm both what works and what can be improved on, and we took it from there.”

Image: Owners Jess (left) and Lydia (right).

Apex Accounting offers customized payment plans for businesses which includes support, so clients feel they can call when they need to, and as much as they need to, for peace of mind.

“The aim of the plans is really to help the client manage cashflow and reduce the pressure from big accounting bills on top of their tax bills.”

With a range of complementary skills between them they are a formidable team equipped to help small businesses excel. Clients from Auckland to Queenstown are already reaping the benefits of this amazing duo.

If you are looking for an accountant with a difference, book a free consultation online at www.apexaccounts.co.nz or call 03 539 0446.

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“Apex is the best accountant we have ever had.

They found errors in our accounts as we had trouble with our previous accountants. This saved us thousands upon thousands. Extremely honest and hard working with the highest integrity. We highly recommend Apex Accounts. We are overwhelmed at the work they have put into our businesses. We have grown immensely and will continue to do so with the help of Apex!”

Morris & Michelle

Healing From Within Naturally

With Greg Jones

“Despite what society has you believing, you are not broken. You do not need fixing.”

As a certified Creation Coach living locally in Motueka, Greg Jones is on a mission to improve mental health in New Zealand. Working in the field of advanced conscious education Greg’s natural way of healing the mind and body is evolutionary and life changing.

“I guide my clients to remove their self-sabotaging beliefs, anxiety, depression and stress and move them into a life of less pain and more satisfaction, with better health and wellbeing.”

Having launched his own coaching company in 2022, Transform Your Life Within, Greg has created online programmes that can be delivered in a group environment or one-on-one. Each programme is tailored to have you go from problem solving to pure creation.

From a life of pain and regret, to living a life you love.

“By using these powerful science-backed processes to rewire the brain, I’m able to remove negative thoughts and emotions, fear and past trauma, fast and naturally, without my clients having to talk about it and bring up the past.”

Greg is the only coach in New Zealand that is currently doing this work at this level and is receiving impressive testimonials to back up the work that he is doing here in our community.

“If we focus on what we choose to create and leave the rest behind that’s when the magic really happens”.

His newest healing modality is called the Inner Power 2-Point. This healing process is magical. Greg’s had amazing results in healing arthritis, sports injuries, sore backs, shoulders, necks and knees.

“There are no limits to this work when it comes to having a healthy body. It’s my life’s work, and it’s ahead of its time. It’s powerful and life changing.”

Healing arthritis is a game changer. Here is a recent client’s experience.

"I suffer from osteoarthritis all through my body which has left me with limited movement and pain for many years. I recently had a lot of inflammation pain in my fingers and let Greg see what he could do. Within a few minutes the burning pain had gone and I was able to bend my fingers. I had a session with Greg for the rest of my aches and pains, now I am without pain and in need of any medication." Debbie, Nelson Greg says, “I just LOVE what I do and I’m excited to have certifications available in both the Superconscious and 2-Point Healing Modality so please reach out to me directly if you would like any further information.”

To book in your own powerful healing session you can visit Greg’s website at https://www.gregjonesnz. com/healing-from-within

START-UP BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

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I

n a world where fizzy, sugary concoctions often rule the beverage scene, Pete's Natural Sodas is the refreshing sip of authenticity and social responsibility you've been craving.

Picture this: 100% natural drinks made from freshly squeezed New Zealand fruit juice that not only tickles your taste buds but also gives a friendly nod to the planet and local communities. So, let's dive into the juicy details!

Pete’s Natural Sodas takes "keeping it real" to a new level. Their commitment to using nothing but 100% freshly squeezed New Zealand fruit juice means you're sipping on pure, unadulterated fruity joy. No artificial additives, preservatives, or highfructose hocus-pocus here – just Mother Nature's finest, in every bottle.

Ever heard of "Fairtrade@Home"? Pete's Natural Sodas is all about supporting local farmers and giving food waste the boot.

By paying a fair price to the local folks who grow the fruit, they're putting a smile on farmers' faces and reducing fruit wastage while in the meantime keeping their footprint low.

But wait, there's more! Pete's Natural Sodas isn't just in the business of making your taste buds dance; they're also passionate about spreading good vibes

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in the community. Take their Pink Lemonade, for example – $1 from every bottle sold goes straight to Heart Kids New Zealand. The first batch will raise $12,000, which goes straight to the foundation.

It’s not all about the fizz; it's about the future, too. Pete's Natural Sodas is all about sustainability. The factory runs on solar power, putting the "sun" in soda.

Plus, the glass bottles are made from up to 70% recycled glass and of course, they are recyclable. Even the labels are made from paper, a product with no plastic in sight.

In a world where eco-friendliness is a must, Pete's Natural Sodas is your guilt-free refreshment of choice. With every sip, you're not just treating your taste buds; you're also giving a thumbsup to local farmers, lending a hand to community causes, and being a planet-

saving champion.

So, the next time you're parched for a fizzy pick-me-up, think about Pete's Natural Sodas. Their 100% natural ingredients, Fairtrade@Home mission and community passion, plus their unwavering commitment to sustainability make them a soda brand that's more than just a drink!

Save 10% when using the discount code “NTCC” on their website www. petesnatural.co.nz valid until 31 Dec 2024 (can not be used with any other offer).

For wholesale enquiries: Email: lizzie at info@petesnatural.co.nz Insta: @petesnaturalnz Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ PetesNaturalNZ/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ petesnaturalnz

TOGETHER WE ALL WIN

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT

The Cooper Group starts with the story of Debbie Cooper whose entire working career has been based around luxury industries, bespoke service, and the art of building lasting connections. Setting up The Cooper Group in 2017 was a natural progression in her steady commitment to building a legacy of trust.

Trust is a word that is heard daily within the office as it forms the cornerstone of every aspect of the business. It is seated firmly in the company’s vision of providing an exemplary local Real Estate company, both for our clients, but also for the people who choose to work with us and align with the brand.

What truly sets The Cooper Group apart is the energy that is poured into every transaction.

Our clients are more than just names on paper; they become part of our extended family. The stories they tell as a result of their experience is testament to the relationships that are developed along the way.

The majority of our business originates from past clients in the form of repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. The balance is generated from ensuring that we provide the highest quality property marketing and extensive exposure of our properties through our highly effective digital strategies and a combined team effort to sell each one of them.

We are proudly local! Without any corporate affiliate or master franchise, we do not send any portion of our turnover out of Nelson, and as a team, we are extremely proud to call Nelson home. Beyond our business endeavours, we actively strive to contribute to the community by engaging with charitable organisations. Our partnership with the Nelson Tasman Cancer Society began in 2021. In addition, the company aligned with the 2022 Helicopter House build, which raised crucial funds for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust.

Our goal is to set the benchmark for Real Estate brands as a whole in Nelson. Elevating the perception and the expectations of Nelson home buyers and sellers and ensuring that industry standards are not merely met but improved upon.

Debbie Cooper Real Estate Ltd (Licensed under REAA 2008)

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L

adies and gentlemen, welcome to Harvest Kitchen! Prepare yourselves for a memorable dining experience that leaves your heart smiling.

Picture this: You and your friends or business partners, surrounded by lush vineyards, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Seifried Estate in Appleby, between Nelson and the Abel Tasman, enjoying scrumptious food, paired with award winning wines.

Whether you are planning a conference, an intimate family feast, an awards dinner, or a joyful wedding, we’ve got you covered. And when we say covered, we mean from the first canapé to the last bite of dessert. We go the extra mile for our guests.

Our function rooms? Oh, they’re not just rooms; they are spaces where magic can happen. With a flexible venue that can accommodate anywhere from 20 to 300 guests, we can host events ranging from cosy gatherings, private dinners to grand galas. Stand-up functions, banquets, theatre-style setups – you name it, we do it. And we do it with style. We are proud to be working with other local companies: From cheese to wine, from sausage to beer, audiovisuals, decorations and flowers – we are proud to include our community in the Nelson Tasman area.

But what truly sets us apart is our atmosphere. Our motto: Relaxed yet refined. We embrace diversity and accessibility, and everyone is invited to our table. At Harvest Kitchen we don’t just serve food; we serve happiness on a plate.

So, dear friends and business partners, come and visit us in our happy place and enjoy our country hospitality. Harvest Kitchen isn’t just a venue, it’s an experience. Cheers to unforgettable moments and exceptional dining – here at Harvest Kitchen, where every guest is a cherished friend.

And here comes an announcement! Harvest Kitchen has just turned three and we will celebrate our birthday with an open-air concert on 24th February 2024 with the legendary Brazilian Social Club.

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AT RESTAURANT when spending $50 or more from lunch menu

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I

magine a world where every student has access to personalised, one-to-one tuition that not only enhances their academic performance but also empowers them to recognise and leverage their unique strengths as learners. This is the vision that Amy Johnson, founder and director of Boost Your Learning, has turned into a reality.

“We support all sorts of learners. Some students come for additional support to catch up, others have a specific learning difference and many come in order to receive tuition that challenges and inspires them.”

Boost Your Learning, recipient of the Start-Up of the Year Award, Most Outstanding Fledgling Business, and now a contender in the Small Business Category, is striving to transform the education landscape in Aotearoa. From its beginnings in January 2021 with a team of four tutors, the company has now expanded to four venues with a team of 32 outstanding and committed educators.

"We know we are providing a much-needed service for students, whānau, and schools that promotes student confidence and accelerates learning," says Amy. The impact of Boost Your Learning extends beyond academic achievement, as it also helps foster a sense of confidence and self-discovery in students.

The core of this success lies in providing one-to-one bespoke tuition in English, Maths, and Science from primary to NCEA exams. Amy attributes the rapid growth of the business to its ability to systemise operations and respond effectively to the evolving needs of both the team and clients.

"Last year was about passion and finding our productmarket fit. This year is about refining the systems and processes to grow the business," Amy notes.

The expansion includes investing in key technology to ensure scalability and tapping into the online market.

New offerings launching in 2024, such as online courses in NCEA subjects, align with the changing curriculum and support the growth of further satellite branches in addition to the online one-to-one tutorials.

Image: Rosa Moulder (Year 10) and Amy Johnson. “Since starting my lessons at Boost Your Learning maths is a lot easier and enjoyable. I feel a lot more confident to put my hand up in class and it is all starting to make sense now.”

“We are privileged to have the time to really focus on our students,” reflects Amy, “we know how busy the modern classroom can be. We know how important it is for students to feel seen and heard. We love that we are creating an amazing culture to work and learn in.”

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Bespoke digital solutions by Digitella L et’s skip the technical jargon: at Digitella, we’re genuine people who love to yarn digital marketing.

We specialise in creating bespoke digital solutions for businesses looking to level up their online activity, and we take immense pride in educating our clients along their journey to digital success.

What We Do: Digital marketing encompasses a large variety of things, all relating to a business’s online marketing activities.

Whether it’s Google ads, paid social media, email marketing, search engine optimisation or web analytics that you’re interested in, we’ve got the experts to help. Maybe you’re not sure what your business needs, and that’s fine too – our team of platform specialists are great at identifying the best channelmix and strategy for your business goals.

Our full range of services include: • •

•

• •

•

Google Ads - Leveraging refined targeting and optimisations to drive ready-to-convert users to your site.

Web analytics - Collect key business data across touchpoints online, to enhance marketing activity and online profitability.

Search Engine Optimisation Comprehensive refinement across key ranking factors to sky-rocket your sites organic traffic.

Paid social media - Disruptive B2C or B2B social media ads that engage and excite your dream customers.

Email marketing - Speed up your marketing machine with comprehensive email marketing (EDM) campaigns.

Marketing dashboards - Gain visibility on key insights, and bring your data to life with bespoke marketing dashboards.

About Us: Born out of Wellington, our team of digital natives can now be found all across the motu – from Christchurch to Great Barrier Island, with our founders based in both Nelson and Wellington.

While we specialise in digital marketing for ecommerce and software as a service (SaaS) businesses, we have a proven track record across many performance marketing channels and for a variety of businesses – from craft breweries to surf instructors, to property calculation software and everything in between!

While the proof of our expertise lies in the results we drive for clients, we are also proud to have received some awards as recognition. At the international Stevie Awards 2023, we were awarded a Bronze Award for Company of the Year: Advertising, Marketing, & Public Relations – Small Category. One of our founders has also been recently announced as a Young Businessperson of the Year Finalist in the 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards 2023.

At Digitella, we love to use our digital marketing know-how to help grow Kiwi businesses. Unlike the traditional agency, when working with us, you can consider us an extension of your team – ready to assist and effortlessly merge with your company to drive meaningful results.

We’ve helped businesses of all shapes and sizes achieve their goals online, so get in touch for a no-obligation, friendly yarn about how we can help boost your digital performance.

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MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

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T

im’s Garden started with the passion of Tim, a self-proclaimed ‘tree hugger’ and gardening enthusiast with a background in environmental management.

When he and his wife Sophie moved to Nelson in 2016, Tim’s Garden began.

He was often asked ‘why not Tim’s Gardening Services’ – but the vision was there from the start. Tim’s Garden was the overarching name for what would be become a place to visit and be inspired, and provide a range of garden services from design to landscaping to maintenance. Tim’s Garden – Design. Services. Supplies.

Today, Tim’s Garden offers a variety of specialist services to help their customers make the most of their gardens and meet their personal needs.

“Our customers come to us with a range of ideas and requirements of their outdoor space – some want rainwater tanks installed and untreated timber raised beds so that they can be more self-sufficient, others have a focus on planting low-maintenance natives and creating outdoor entertaining areas with beautiful lighting to enjoy during summer evenings. Our job is to support our customers to realise their garden priorities and bring their ideas to life.”

Garden consultations have become an increasingly popular starting point for customers who are not sure what they are after. Tim spends an hour with them in their garden, listening to his customer’s ideas, getting to know the property and making suggestions for next steps to meet their needs from a landscaping, horticulture and lifestyle perspective.

Tim’s Garden is based on Gloucester Street in Nelson City with a small garden shop at the front of the building. Within the store, there is also a design and meeting space for customers to look at landscaping material samples such as pavers and aggregate, and to chat to the team. There you can also be inspired by looking through their portfolio showing potential designs, ‘before and after’ pictures from previous projects, and planting palettes.

Tim’s Garden has also become synonymous with gardening focused workshops, regularly hosting Compost 101, Rainwater Harvesting and other more seasonal workshops such as Houseplant Care & Christmas Wreath making.

Tim explains, “Our customers often start with us using one aspect of our services – perhaps by attending a Rainwater Harvesting workshop or purchasing a plant. We may then go on to redesign their front garden and do the hard and soft landscaping for them. We love to form relationships with our customers and really get to know them and their gardens to provide individual service.”

The Tim’s Garden team has grown over the years, though it remains owned and operated by Tim, Sophie, and their small team of expert landscapers and gardeners.

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MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

H

ybrid Bikes is a locally owned carbon fibre e-bike design and manufacturing company located in Marsden Valley, Stoke.

We possess the capability to custom design e-bikes, which is truly fantastic because it enables us to provide precisely what our customers are looking for.

Within our range of carbon fibre e-bikes, you'll discover a variety of options, including commuters, cruisers, gravel bikes, race bikes, hardtail mountain bikes, full suspension bikes with high and stepthrough variations, and cargo e-bikes. In essence, we offer a comprehensive range to cater to a wide audience.

Michael Holland, leading to a substantial boost in brand awareness and success throughout New Zealand. Today, just five years later, we proudly stand as the most awarded e-bike brand in New Zealand.

Now that we've designed our new range of outstanding carbon fibre e-bikes, we are ready to expand into other parts of the world. We've already shipped bikes to Germany, the UK and Australia, and now we're focused on further building

upon that success. With the factory we've set up in Europe, we have the capacity to supply 30,000 hybrid e-bikes per year, an ambitious goal that reflects our bold ambitions and immense confidence in our innovative products from New Zealand.

If we're fortunate, we may even have Hybrid Bikes on display at Eurobike 2024.

We would be honoured to represent the New Zealand flag in Germany at that e-bike trade show.

Furthermore, we offer a complete range of accessories and provide servicing and repair services in our facility, serving as a one-stop shop for our valued customers.

In addition to our in-house services, we boast a nationwide network of dealers and mechanics. This extensive network enables us to supply and deliver our hybrid e-bikes to customers across New Zealand, regardless of their location.

A significant portion of our hybrid bikes is tailored to suit each customer's unique preferences, allowing them to create their dream hybrid. Our customisation options range from simple changes like handlebars and tyres to more complex alterations, such as internal hub conversions, wheel replacements, or drive train modifications.

In our first year of trading, we began by selling approximately 56 bikes.

Considering our premium carbon fibre product and the absence of prior recognition, this wasn't a substantial number. However, as we continued to grow and gained recognition as one of the best e-bike brands in 2019 as recognised

by Consumer Magazine, our market share expanded significantly. The turning point came when our authentic Nelson e-bike story was featured on Seven Sharp with

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MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

Creating measurable growth for e-commerce

A

fter being Highly Commended in the Small Business category in 2019 and again in 2022 in the Medium Business category at the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, Keetrax is now entering the awards for a third time. “Third time lucky,” says Mike Martel, co-founder and director of business development.

“A lot has changed since we entered the awards last year. Both for us as a company and for the e-commerce industry in general.

“The pandemic e-commerce boom is over and it’s much more expensive now to find new customers online. Plus, customers spend less. Stores that have invested in building an audience and understanding what drives their customer purchasing behaviour truly have an unfair advantage.

“And that’s why the combination of audiencebased and research-driven marketing will be key in 2024. Online retailers need to acquire an audience on social media and email, to create a bond with. And then figure out how to convert them into delighted customers.”

Keetrax moved from Nelson to Māpua early 2022 and have tripled the size of their local team since then.

“Ironically, before the pandemic we were fully remote. But as an agency we compete in two markets at the same time: the market for clients and the market for talent. And we discovered that there are all these hugely talented people who don't want to relocate away from the region, yet also aren’t keen on fully remote work. We used to think that was the other way around. Now we’re growing our local office while increasing the quality of talent within our team, making us more competitive for our clients.

“Another thing that’s changed is our service itself. All teams are now doing the same thing: getting measurable growth for our e-commerce clients and strategically experimenting where possible. Take my web development team for example. We just completed our 100th split test of the year. That’s where we proactively study what opportunities there are for a website, implement them and measure the results. You

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can learn so much about your customers’ needs, wants and behaviours this way. And the company that knows its customers the best comes out on top, especially in the current climate.

“And that’s the great thing about e-commerce. It’s possible to test many different tactics and measure the results. It’s constantly evolving, and if you just keep learning from your customers and trying new things, you will stumble on new opportunities. And that makes our work at an agency for e-commerce brands so exciting too.”

Keetrax partners with businesses on their journey from $20,000 to $20,000,000 online. They manage your social media, email marketing, paid online advertising and website optimisation.

MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

2

023 has been a year unlike any other for Tākaka based Dancing Sands Distillery.

In March of 2023 Dancing Sands became the first New Zealand based distillery to move their bottle production from an overseas manufacturer to New Zealand.

Moving their bottle production from Europe to Aotearoa has seen them remove 15 000 KG of carbon emissions from their production cycle every year - the energy equivalent of charging a smartphone 1.8 millions times.

Their new bottles are also made from recycled, transition glass, with labels printed on FSC certified recycled paper.

Founders Sarah and Ben Bonoma were motivated to reduce their carbon emissions when Dancing Sands started exporting to the UK. The fact that they were importing bottles from Europe, filling them in Golden Bay and then sending them right back to where they came from did not sit well with them and led to Sarah contacting NZ’s only glass bottle manufacturer. This began an 18 month process to design and produce a custom glass bottle.

It hasn’t always been an easy path to take, says Sarah: “We knew that moving bottle production to New Zealand, and using recycled glass was the right thing to do, but it has been a long road to bring our goal to fruition with many hurdles along the way.

"To be honest, it would have been easier to go offshore for bottle production but we knew that we had to stay the course and make it happen.”

To finish off this milestone year, Dancing Sands Distillery has just released its first new gin in three years: Lazy Days Lychee Gin. Lazy Days Lychee Gin is the first lychee flavoured gin available in New Zealand. Made using the vapour

distillation technique with real, whole fruit botanicals.

Lazy Days Lychee Gin is arriving on shelves just in time to be the perfect companion for all the best parts of Kiwi summer; sandy feet, salty hair, and long sun drenched days. Distilled using lychee, golden kiwifruit, oranges and lemons for a balanced and fresh taste.

Dancing Sands’ Head of Innovation Ben Bonoma says he made this gin; “to be loved by everyone: it’s bright, fun, and easy drinking yet still packs depth and sophistication.”

Dancing Sands Distillery is located in the heart of Tākaka where they offer free tastings from their Tasting Room.

Dancing Sands offers six one-of-a-kind flavours: • • • • • •

Dancing Sands Dry Gin Lazy Days Lychee Gin Sauvignon Blanc Gin Sun-Kissed Gin Barrel-Aged Gin Wasabi Gin

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Empowering people to understand their business

"

If there’s one thing we’re passionate about, it’s our client and their business.” This philosophy is why Alison Blanchett-Sax gets up every day, motivated to be the best.

Many successful small businesses around New Zealand started from home, around the kitchen table. In April 2000 Alison did just that, she made the leap from working for other accounting firms to creating her own business from the ground up.

She says “A big risk but it has paid off, now Smart Business Centre (SBC) has grown with an office in Stoke and Nelson, and wonderful staff that work alongside clients to help them achieve their business goals.”

Alison provides a flexible work environment for her staff so they can achieve the perfect balance between work and home life.

This has resulted in a talented team coming together from all backgrounds and experiences. This pool of knowledge and skills is then utilised for the benefit of Alison's clients. Although their job is all about numbers, SBC clients are not just a number. They are people who have varying ideas on what success means for their business and it is Alison and her team’s aim to help them achieve this.

“We understand businesses are unique and it is our goal to provide timely, accurate solutions tailored to individual needs.”

Alison ensures her staff get to know the clients personally to understand their business better and work closely with them; to solve problems that arise and help reach their financial goals.

SBC recommend solutions to make clients’ lives easier, increase business efficiency, and enable clients to control how active they want to be in the everyday accounting side of their business.

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Clients are given the tools and knowledge to understand their accounting needs. One way of doing this is bespoke XERO training at SBC's XERO Training Hub in Buxton Square. Clients with their own XERO account can learn how to get the best out of the software and reporting. The service is not just limited to SBC clients but is available to anyone using XERO. “We want to empower people and help them understand their business.”

Many people believe their accounting needs are too small, but at Smart Business Centre all their clients are important from the single rental owner up to complex companies. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment to see how Alison and her team can help you.

Smart Business Centre offer a free 30-minute meet and greet to anyone considering moving accountants. In addition, for Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce members who become a new client before 31st March 2024, quote ‘SBC CHAMBER’ and you will receive 2 months XERO subscription and 1 hour XERO training FREE.

LARGE BUSINESS ENTRANT COMMUNITY IMPACT ENTRANT

Can new homes be both aspirational and achievable?

“For 17 years we’ve been proving they can,” says Adam Hills, General Manager of Milestone Homes Nelson Bays.

From humble beginnings in a shared office, Milestone Homes Nelson Bays has grown into one of the region’s most reputable home builders. They consistently build over 45 homes per year and have cemented themselves as one of the region’s preferred builders.

Established in 2006, Milestone Homes has been successfully building homes throughout the Nelson region for 17 years and remains locally owned and operated.

With over 450 homes built in that time, the team’s commitment to providing quality and value has stood the test of time. Now occupying a modern office space on Lower Queen Street and with a stunning show home at 52 Summersfield Boulevard, the focus on client experience is key to their success.

Adam joined Milestone Homes Nelson Bays in 2007 as the sole New Home Consultant and is now the General Manager. The business and team have grown over that time but the core values of providing a quality product, value for money

and a great experience for those building a home have remained.

Entering the business awards has been on Adam’s ‘list’ for a number of years so with the heat coming off the market, 2023 seemed like the perfect time to take the plunge.

“Taking a step back and getting the team together to collaborate on the entry has been a fantastic process,” says Adam.

“I believe that we are a little bit unique in what we do and offer, and it will be really interesting to have that explored and challenged through this experience,” he adds.

One thing that sets Milestone Homes Nelson Bays apart is the way the show home is built and displayed.

“The fact we build our show home to a standard that allows people to see exactly what they’re getting is a huge point of difference for us,” says Adam.

“We’ve spent years refining our standard specifications to ensure that every home we build is

aspirational, as well as offering a great value proposition. We believe that what’s on display with our show home hits the nail on the head.”

The cost of the build is also on display, and that degree of transparency is another point of difference with Milestone Homes.

While they’re consistently building homes, the team is building a sense of community too.

“I’m really proud of the way we support people,” says Adam.

“From the tight knit team in the office, sub-contractors that have grown their businesses alongside ours over 17 years, or the community support we provide through our Christmas Appeal and various sponsorships, it’s all important to us.”

Milestone Homes Nelson Bays 2 Estuary Place, Richmond 03 543 8663 | 0800 MILESTONE nelson@milestonehomes.co.nz milestonehomes.co.nz COMMERCE COMMENT

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Celebrating kiwi theatre with an acoustic twist T

he Barden Party is an award-winning Kiwi theatre troupe that puts on Shakespearean shows with a twist - they play live acoustic music throughout the show. Their shows are fun for all the family and a great afternoon or evening out for guests of all kinds. They have put on numerous shows in backyards, wineries and public parks around New Zealand and the USA. The Barden Party was created after COVID-19 led to a constant stream of cancellations in the performing arts industry for these talented actors over the past two years. American-Kiwi actor/director, Laura Irish, wanted to take theatre back to its roots through a style of touring that couldn’t be cancelled. Laura decided to bring theatre directly to the people in the form of a low cost show, focussing on high quality acting, comedy, music, joy and celebrating the merriment of Shakespeare.

Since the inception, The Barden Party has performed over 200 hundred shows and don’t plan to slow down any time soon.

For the first time ever they are heading over to tour in Australia. While there they will be performing in venues all over the east coast until they make their way to the Adelaide Fringe Festival where they have been booked by the Adelaide Botanic Gardens to perform 5 shows.

Once they return, they will be kicking off our New Zealand portion of the tour. Their newest show this year is Romeo and Juliet (Directed by Laura Irish and Ollie Howlett). It features music by exclusively Australian and New Zealand artists, however, The Barden Party will also be touring with both of their previous shows this season; A Midsummer Night's Dream and Much Ado About Nothing.

Along with their Shakespeare productions, The Barden Party also has two original shows on their books. The first being Cocktales, a two person show about William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe hosting a cocktail party in your living room.

Most recently, The Barden Party joined forces with Sydney’s Jetpack Theatre to create the unique immersive experience, Butterfly Smokescreen on a superyacht (Sea Breeze III) in Auckland viaduct.

Directors Laura Irish and Jim Fishwick had been working on this idea for four years and were finally presented with the opportunity to bring it to life. Butterfly Smokescreen is an immersive experience based on the true story of the death of Hollywood Producer Thomas Ince and featuring famous faces such as Charlie Chaplin, Marion Davies and William Randolf Hearst.

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

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INNOVATIVE BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

Take a look under the hood A

t Under the Hood BBQ , creating barbecue feasts has become our specialty.

Whether we are catering events, teaching BBQ Masterclasses, or sharing the love of food, we believe everything gets better with food, so whatever you eat, make it good!

Learning the art of the low and slow barbecue was initially something of a hobby.

Every weekend Dave would document his cooks on Instagram with the inadvertent catch phrase, “Let’s take a look under the hood”, and so the name of our business was born. We received requests to cater events, which prompted the process of registering as a food business. The low and slow journey gradually turned into hot and fast demand for catering, and we would juggle this around our full-time jobs and four children.

January 2020, we ran our first BBQ Masterclass and the demand for these classes has increased from there. This year we will have run 29 classes, travelling to locations around the country, but many of them are held at our BBQ headquarters in Stoke. Ticketed through our website, our guests come from all over New Zealand, with overseas visitors now putting it on their to-do list too.

This year we undertook the ambitious project of creating an online course, with step-by-step video tutorials on how to nail barbecue cooking. Unlike YouTube, where you can search for hours trying to find the exact information you want, this puts all the need-to-know info into one platform, easy access via an app you can refer to over and over again. Open it every time you cook for reference, so you know you are going to win at backyard BBQ. Part of the cooking process is refining recipes. Having catered for thousands of people, we have a good handle on what most Kiwis like – a bit of smoke (but not too much), a bit of heat (but not too much). This led us to developing our own seasonings and barbecue sauce. These have been a huge hit and as they get into more stores around New Zealand, we have in turn, had to learn how to manage demand and growth with this aspect of our business.

Everything we have done so far has been because people wanted it. Learning to say “yes” to new things and learn from scratch has been challenging and rewarding. Most of all, it is our love of seeing people enjoy food and the memories created around meals that floats our boat. You won’t see us hiding in the kitchen, we will be front and centre, serving the food and sharing the way it was lovingly smoked until it melts in the mouth. We always say, you know it’s good, when it’s under the hood!

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INNOVATIVE BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

START-UP BUSINESS AWARD ENTRANT

Combining cutting-edge science with bold innovation to treat viral disease K imer Med is a biotech start-up with an audacious vision.

We're proud to be developing solutions to some of the world's biggest health challenges here in Nelson.

Combining cutting-edge science with bold innovation, we create novel, broadspectrum antiviral medicines to combat viral disease, and provide protection against pandemic threats.

• • •

95% of viral diseases lack an approved antiviral treatment These include some of the most serious and deadly diseases that afflict humanity Lack of effective treatment leaves billions of people vulnerable to viral diseases

Kimer Med has designed a modular platform to rapidly develop and customise broad-spectrum antiviral compounds.

We can modify these compounds to target specific viruses or virus families, and to bypass viral defences, making the resulting product much more likely to be effective.

“We have an opportunity to relieve the tremendous suffering caused by viral diseases. I can't imagine anything more important, exciting or impactful.”

- Rick Kiessig, Co-Founder

We plan to use our platform to develop a family of broad-spectrum antiviral compounds that will work against many of the more than 200 currently untreatable viral diseases.

With successful results against multiple viruses to date, including Dengue and Zika virus, and the ability to rapidly engineer and customise new antivirals, this future is now within our grasp.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT

Catering to the Grey Tornado M

oveGoodNow is a fitness centre that provides focused group fitness classes for individuals in the Moutere/Mapua area. Classes are designed to attract those who may not feel connected to the traditional group fitness model.

The philosophy of their classes is to improve fitness, confidence, balance, cardiovascular endurance, neurocognition and coordination, all while promoting camaraderie and providing an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals.

The founder of MoveGoodNow, Hilary, initially established the programme because her work ethic was stronger than her commitment to exercise. She thought “If I run the class, I’ll turn up to class.”

Hilary had been attending classes in Motueka for a few years and, after completing NZQA qualifications in group fitness, began to move away from the traditional group fitness model. Hilary believed that traditional classes did not meet the needs of all and "Grey Tornado" types - the Baby Boomers and Gen Xers who comprise a large, and growing, proportion of the Tasman community.

She was curious about starting classes from the perspective of a traditionally non-sporty individual.

What followed was research and discovery down the path of ‘What makes people come to a fitness class?’ and most importantly, what puts them off. The initial dance classes soon expanded into fitness classes for people with Parkinson's. An unused apple packing shed was converted into a boxing gym, and classes expanded to include women's box fitness classes.

The biggest feedback they get is the appreciation of the neutral way classes are led. No hype, just clear direction with good technique and they are off. In many cases friendships have blossomed because of these classes. Often, it is the spouses of attendees who let them know how much their partner enjoys the classes. Sometimes people attend, not say a word, and leave at the end - and that is okay too. Everyone has a place in class; it is just a matter of turning up and being together during our own individual journeys.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT

The place to start a food business L

ocal charities play a vital role in our community by addressing societal gaps and providing assistance to those in need.

The Food Factory Trust, founded and chaired by Pic Picot, is a driving force behind this positive impact. Picot's personal experience highlighted the challenges and costs of finding a safe food production space, leading to the creation of the trust. This initiative offers accessible food-related facilities and educational opportunities for the local community.

The Food Factory Trust has significantly contributed to the community by serving as a food hub. It has empowered families, strengthened communities, boosted individual confidence, reduced social isolation among the elderly, and fostered crosscultural diversity. The trust’s work encompasses education, inspiration, and overall value addition to the local community.

Local charities have thrived thanks to the trust's provision of food-grade kitchens, equipment, and support. Organisations like Bellyful, Age Concern, Multicultural Nelson Tasman, and The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme have benefited immensely. Bellyful connects communities by preparing and delivering meals to families in need, Age Concern educates elders on cooking healthy meals, Multicultural Nelson Tasman celebrates cultural diversity, and The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme supports high school students in exploring food product creation.

Furthermore, The Food Factory Trust empowers and educates burgeoning food entrepreneurs, contributing to the growth of local food businesses. This ripple effect creates more job opportunities and enhances our region's appeal as a food and tourist destination.

Healthy, vibrant communities positively influence people's self-perception and relationships. Accessible resources foster education, connections, and a sense of belonging, all of which contribute to community prosperity. The Food Factory Trust is honored to serve our local community, enriching lives and reinforcing the bonds that unite us.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD ENTRANT

T

rans-Tasman forestry company OneFortyOne manages 80,000 hectares of land including pine plantation and conservation areas in Te Tauihu.

The land it manages is owned by local iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Ātiawa o te Waka-a-Māui and Ngāti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu, and it also has freehold land.

In 2021/2022, OneFortyOne developed a new five-year strategy, with a new purpose: Growing a Better Tomorrow.

Kylie Reeves, OneFortyOne’s Corporate Affairs Manager says this purpose guides her work and brings sustainability and community to the forefront.

Kylie says she entered the community impact award because she wanted to show the multitude of different ways businesses like OneFortyOne make a positive difference in our communities.

“There are many examples of how we do this from partnering with Habitat for Humanity to help build community homes, to investing in long-term sediment studies to build industry best practices, to supporting seagrass research and positive climate action.

“Our forests are a valued recreation resource for the local community offering a wide range of activities, including mountain biking, walking, running, horse riding, hunting and beekeeping,” said Kylie.

Investing in communities

OneFortyOne’s community grants programme offers one-off grants of up to $5,000. Since the programme launched in July 2021, OneFortyOne has supported 55 community projects in the region.

OneFortyOne is also proud of its long-term sponsorship partners: • • • • •

Habitat for Humanity, providing affordable community homes Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust Seagrass Restoration Research with Cawthron Institute Wasp Wipeout programme with Tasman Environment Trust Young Enterprise Scheme with the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce

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Forest access

Providing community access to our forests is another valuable way they can positively impact the community.

They’ve created hubs in their forests for mountain bikers, and are currently creating new hubs for horse riders and walkers. They also offer community access via permit system, giving access to hundreds of recreational users, eg. hunters, walkers, runners, horse riders and beekeepers.

Environmental research

Donald Creek Sediment Study, Tadmor - OneFortyOne has invested in a seven-year forestry study looking at the impact of sediment in rivers from harvesting and earthworks. The $2.7 million study is jointly funded by Ministry of Primary Industries and OneFortyOne and is now in its fifth year.

Kea research – OneFortyOne has funded $100,000 over five years to the Kea Conservation Trust to help protect kea.

Their funding has contributed to a suite of projects, including a study focused on kea habitat in plantation forests. This work is vital for guiding effective conservation management strategies and ensuring that no negative interactions occur between kea and forestry workers and their equipment.

As a long-term business, healthy environments and strong communities are everything – and this connects them with their purpose of ‘Growing a better tomorrow.’

Image 1: OneFortyOne employees volunteer their time to build a fence for Habitat for Humanity in Wakefield.

Helping injured Kiwis to get back on track in the Nelson region

TBI Health is a New Zealand-owned and

Our services include Community

operated company in Joint Venture with

Rehabilitation, Well at Work Services

Southern Cross Healthcare. We opened our

and Clinic-based services as a complete

Nelson Clinic in 2013 and provide integrated

wrap-around service tailored to your

rehabilitation services including Physiotherapy,

individual needs.

Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Hand Therapy and Exercise Therapy.

We are passionate about improving access to healthcare and reducing health disparity

We understand that pain and injury can

in the region. We have partnered with

have a massive impact on all aspects of life,

Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough,

wellbeing, work and relationships. We have

Nelson Bays Primary Care, and Te Piki

therefore built a team of trusted, registered

Oranga to codesign and deliver funded

health professionals who can help get you on

rehabilitation services in the

the way to managing pain, recovering from

Nelson/Tasman region.

injury, and preventing future injuries.

TBI Health: Nelson tbinelson@tbihealth.co.nz 03 548 8233

Discount code I CHAMBER

COMMUNITY IMPACT 0800 TBI HEALTH (824 432) AWARD ENTRANT www.tbihealth.co.nz

C Oappointments M M E R C E C O and M M E$5 N Toff39 Nelson Chamber members: $10 off initial follow-up appointments covered by an ACC injury until 31 March 2024

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD ENTRANT

Heeding the global call for local action A

powerful movement has taken root, echoing the global call for urgent climate action here in Whakatū Nelson.

The School Strike 4 Climate movement, spearheaded by the dynamic and impassioned 15-year-old environmentalist Nate Wilbourne, has gained remarkable traction in the region, leaving an indelible mark on the community.

The movement's crescendo reverberated through the streets of Nelson on two significant occasions this year - first in March and later in September. These strikes, which mobilised over 500 people, show the growing concern and collective determination of the community to address the climate crisis.

At the heart of the Nelson Strike movement is Nate Wilbourne, a climate and conservation advocate who, at the young age of 15, founded and continues to lead this impactful initiative. Nate's passion for environmental advocacy and his unwavering commitment to effecting change has brought students and citizens alike, making the Nelson Strike movement a beacon of hope and inspiration.

The School Strike 4 Climate movement is distinctly characterised by its grassroots nature, with students taking the reins of leadership and driving the narrative forward. It is a platform where the youth find their voices, channelling their concerns into tangible action.

In Nelson, this student-led approach has fostered a sense of empowerment among young activists, instilling in them the belief that they have the power to shape the future of their environment.

The impact of the Nelson Strike movement extends far beyond the numbers it mobilises. It serves as a catalyst for awareness, sparking conversations about the urgency 40

COMMERCE COMMENT

of climate action at the local and national levels. The strikes not only draw attention to the gravity of the environmental crisis but also demand accountability from those in charge.

In Nelson, the movement has triggered a ripple effect, inspiring sustainable initiatives and eco-conscious practices within the community. From schools incorporating environmental education into their curriculum to businesses adopting eco-friendly practices, the Nelson Strike movement has sown the seeds of change that continue to sprout and flourish.

Moreover, the movement serves as a rallying point for collaboration, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and ages under the common banner of climate action. The strength of this united front amplifies the impact of the Nelson Strike movement, fostering a sense of solidarity that transcends traditional boundaries.

As the School Strike 4 Climate movement, led by Nate Wilbourne, continues to gain momentum in Nelson, it not only shapes the local narrative but contributes to the global discourse on climate change. The strikes serve as a reminder that the youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD ENTRANT

Welcome to the Land of Milk and Sunny J BHills Ltd is a family owned and operated business in Golden Bay.

Their core business is dairy farming where they milk 370 cows once a day.

Hamish, Director/Co-Owner explains, “A large part of our business is diversification. We are always looking at ways to diversify our business, and we care about the environment and the business’s future.”

As part of their diversification and environmental goals, the Hills family have recently expanded their business operations setting up one of New Zealand’s first farm-owned solar farms on their property in Golden Bay. The decision to invest in this alternative clean energy source supports their business now and into the future.

“Being farmers, over the past 10 years we have seen more frequent droughts and extended dry periods; our farm is unirrigated. Solar was a good fit for us.”

It hasn’t all been plain sailing. “The project had its fair share of challenges, especially with covid and the knock-on effects from it with rising interest rates, construction cost increases, staffing shortages and then a strike at a wharf in Australia which delayed the arrival of the panels. Even with the challenges, it was incredibly rewarding. Especially because there hadn’t been a lot of solar projects this size done before in New Zealand. To my knowledge, at the time of planning we were one of only a handful of large solar farms in the country.”

“As a farmer, I feel that we are portrayed as public enemy number one when it comes to the environment. Farmers are doing great things environmentally all over the country and are the silent achievers doing it. They do it as custodians of the land and the animals,

not to gain recognition. We didn’t create the solar farm to try and win awards, but I feel it is good to get the story out there so people can see something that farmers are doing, and to show other farmers who may be stuck in a rut, that there are other options to diversify their business and set up alternative land uses.”

“I feel it is good to show other farmers who may be stuck in a rut that there are other options to diversify their business and set up alternative land uses.”

- Hamish Hills

The 1.43 MW solar farm feeds directly into the grid and consists of just under 3000 panels spanning over 2.5 hectares (25,000 square meters).

The solar farm has several environmental benefits (per annum): • • • •

Enough energy to power 310 average New Zealand homes (Based on an average of 7,000 kWh p.a.)

Total carbon reduction of 156 tonnes CO2 Equivalent of driving 910,000 fewer kms in the average New Zealand car Equivalent annual carbon reduction to planting 7,078 adult Pinus radiata

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Social Snaps 01

02

05

06

Events September - November 01 Business Women’s Network (BWN) Event 02 Corina McKay & Carol Shirley (BWN) 03 Evelyn Davis & Rosie Bown (BWN)

03

04 Stephen Broad-Paul & Marie Lindaya

07

(Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park BA5)

05 Anne Michelle, Marie Lindaya, Jan Fryer & Robert Fryer (Theatre Royal BA5)

06 Jane Baken, Sheryl, Marissa Drummond (Theatre Royal BA5)

07 Daniel Raats & Brian Olorenshaw (Theatre Royal BA5)

08 Amy Johnson and Pam Gardiner

04

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(Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park BA5)

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08

01

06

02

03 07

Strong Communities Symposium 01 Bill Dyson, Anju Bathla, Mary Bronsteter, & Ramiesha Perera

02 Anjali Puri & Karen Darling

04

03 Blair Carpenter & Chelsea Routhan 04 Tony Gray & Lee Babe 05 Tina Rouhoff, Maxine Noar, & Katrina Hollingworth

06 Sharon McGuire, Rebecca Mason, Lee Babe, & Johny O’Donnell

07 Ali Boswijk, Nic Foster & Johny O’Donnell (and everyone at Strong Communities)

05

08 Bill Huppler

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Meet our Members Struggling to find a solution to dispatch and resource management for your heavy haulage and lifting company?

We are here to support you to move The Big Stuff. Your team has a wealth of knowledge, and Mother Trucking ensures that knowledge is passed on to the right people at the right time, whether it be drivers, riggers, pilots, or contractors. We help fleets of 5 - 40 ensuring that their jobs go smoothly, with the right equipment at the right time. If you are still managing your jobs on inadequate software, excel sheets, emails, and whiteboards, we’d love to have a chat with you!

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Mate and Suzanne are a husband and wife team who run two businesses. Mergodon Limited supports small online stores, empowering them to flourish in a digital era using tailored e-commerce solutions. Job For Visa aids individuals in achieving their dreams of living and working in New Zealand, Australia, or Canada, providing expert guidance on job searches and visa processes. With passion and expertise, they're making significant impacts in e-commerce and international relocation services. Their combined efforts have transformed many business aspirations and personal dreams into reality.

E: kitti.bradley@mothertrucking.co.nz T: 022 446 7622 W: mothertrucking.co.nz

E: contact@mergodon.com T: 027 978 3981 W: mergodon.com

Imagine hosting an event where every photo taken becomes a personalised keepsake that carries your brand beyond the event's boundaries. At Snaps Social Photo Experiences, our cutting-edge tech offers dynamic experiences from photos to animated GIFs, boomerangs and video, all shareable instantly via text, email or social media. Perfect for parties, corporate events, or even virtual gatherings. With professional lighting, diverse backdrops, customizable filters, frames and green screen options, Snaps caters to the unique needs of brands and businesses. Snaps offers an immersive, interactive, and innovative marketing solution that engages, entertains, and enhances your brand's visibility.

Skin Institute are the experts in skin cancer, veins and appearance medicine. They’ve been caring for New Zealanders’ skin and veins for over twenty-eight years, with 12 clinics nationwide. Not only do they detect and diagnose skin cancer, they also offer comprehensive treatment by world-class skin cancer specialists and surgeons. Skin Institute is your complete skin health partner wherever you are on your journey. The region’s local clinic is located in the Lower Queen St Health building, 349-355 Lower Queen St in Richmond. Skin Institute offer discounted Corporate Skin Cancer checks for any organisation wanting to offer additional health benefits to their employees.

E: becky@snaps.nz T: 0210 236 5581 W: snaps.nz

E: rebecca.collier@skininstitute.co.nz T: 03 539 0175 W: skininstitute.co.nz

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Introducing some of the newest members to our community.

Stu Allan, Specialist LINK Business Broker With 25 years of experience as a self-employed business consultant, Stu excels in discreet, ethical, and detailoriented business transitions. His expertise encompasses understanding buyer personas, business acumen, and effective marketing, resulting in over 100 successful business sales. Operating primarily in Nelson, he extends his services nationwide, (and across the ditch) specialising in Optometry practices. Stu is always keen to talk business, so if you are thinking of selling your business in the near or distant future, call Stu today!

E: stu.allan@linkbusiness.co.nz T: 027 436 9091 W: linkbusiness.co.nz

Totalspan are New Zealand’s leading steel building specialists. We pride ourselves on delivering quality, affordable sheds, garages and carports, as well as fully customisable commercial buildings that not only look great but also stand the test of time. We have been perfecting customised steel buildings in New Zealand for 25 years. Our team of experts, using state of the art engineering and cutting-edge designs, can customise each building to suit your specific requirements. At Totalspan Nelson, we strive to deliver the best experience for every one of our customers, including our community outreach.

From concept to completion, we do it all!

E: nelson@totalspan.co.nz T: 03 541 0607 W: totalspan.co.nz

I'm Cassa Grant, business coach. Companies bring me in when: • The team is not working the way it’s supposed to • They’re looking to create a team of proficient leaders and take their operations to new levels • Results aren't what they should be or the company isn't acquiring new business or retaining employees • Leadership feels the team is stuck in a rut and in need of fresh ideas and an outside perspective, particularly around messaging, implementation, and process Let’s connect!

E: cassa@cassagrant.com W: cassagrant.com

Thomas Bros Ltd is a family-owned orchard located in Riwaka, New Zealand.

Our orchard has been in operation for over 100 years starting with tobacco in the 1900s and now producing our high-quality apples, cherries, and kiwifruit. We pride ourselves on using sustainable growing practices.

We also operate a cherry shop in the heart of Riwaka, where visitors can purchase fresh produce, ice creams and other locally made products. We offer a unique glimpse into the rich agricultural heritage of the region.

E: lara@thomasbros.co.nz T: 021 740 143 W: thomasbrotherslimited.co.nz COMMERCE COMMENT

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Upcoming Events DECEMBER

FEBRUARY

07

MASTERING BODY LANGUAGE 3:00pm - 5:00pm Mahitahi Colab

12

FINDEX BA5: HOSTED BY THE NELSON TASMAN HOSPICE 5:00pm - 7:00pm Nelson Tasman Hospice

REGISTRATIONS FULL!

REGISTRATIONS FULL!

21

MARCH

01 06

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BUILDING BETTER BUSINESS 9:00am - 10:00am Mahitahi Colab

34TH NELSON PINE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS AWARDS GALA DINNER 5:30pm - 11:00pm Annesbrook Events Centre

STARTING BLOCK WORKSHOP: ADMIN SYSTEMS FOR BUSINESSES 9:30am - 11:30am Mahitahi Colab

Regional Excellence Awards were also awarded to the following teams: Make it Real: Best Annual Review Award Who is She?

Marlborough Girls College

Temiah Cyster, Charlie Richmond, Abby Sandell, Danista Gurovich & Hannah Bain

"Very strong branding, you clearly work well together as a team. You were all so articulate."

A sweet reward F

ruitbay Sorbet are the Nelson Marlborough YES Regional Champions!

Waimea College students, Lianna Godwin, Sebastian Davey, Isla Anderson and Lexie Griffith came out on top after the judges had a tough job choosing a single winning team.

Moderating judge Lester Binns says, “Reaching the regional finals is an outstanding achievement in itself and, like all entrepreneurs, it shows you all have resilience to keep momentum and bring your ideas to life. Well done to you all, and we hope you all carry on."

The judges were particularly impressed with Fruitbay’s robust business model and the overall strength of their product, financials and pitch which combined, demonstrated a clear view for the future pathway of the business.

Olivia Martyn from The Food Factory mentored the team through their journey. She says, “Fruitbay managed their time here at The Food Factory

Aim for Awesome: Creativity Award Kawaii Loops

Marlborough Girls College Emma Robinson & Kayley Hutchison

professionally with great care and passion for both product and processes.

It was amazing to see their product creativity and thoughtfulness for the environment. It has been a pleasure to have them on site here at The Food Factory."

"Super innovative product. We could

A big thank you to Olivia and The Food Factory for sharing knowledge and providing the facilities to support this young start-up company.

Try New Stuff: Innovation Award Off Your Face

The team members were each awarded $1000 Massey University scholarships and their school will receive the NMIT/ Te Pukenga Winning School Award, a $5000 scholarship.

Jayd Dobbs, Katie Hedgman & Siobhan

A huge thanks to our judges: Lester Binns (Good Storage), Cam Burns (ShuttleRock), Nikki Neate (Mahitahi Colab), Louise O’Connell (OneFortyOne) an our MC, Sarah Derecourt from Mediaworks.

Fruitbay will now represent Te Tauihu at the YES Regional finals in Wellington in early December.

feel the care and love you have for your designs. Great research and work on your pattern designs."

Marlborough Girls College Tantrum

"Punchy name; a product that wouldn’t look out of place on cosmetic shelves."

Love What You Do: Environmental Award Fruitbay Sorbet Waimea College

Lianna Godwin, Sebastian Davey, Isla Anderson & Lexie Griffith

"Brilliant presentation and slides, delicious and well thought out product."

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Are you making the most of your membership?

You and your staff can access big savings with our national partners.

There are plenty of special member-to-member offers from local businesses too!

Don’t forget about the Stocard app!

The Chamber has now gone digital.

With just a few simple steps, your membership card can be loaded into Stocard and taken with you, or your staff, anywhere.

CORNERSTONE PARTNERS:

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