Nau mai, haere mai
to Pukekohe
Member Benefits:
The Pukekohe Business Association is dedicated to empowering local businesses and contributing to a prosperous Pukekohe. We are involved in many facets of our town to help businesses thrive, residents prosper and our town flourish, but our first priority is supporting our members’ businesses. We do this in a number of ways:
Promotion
• Marketing campaigns that showcase local businesses and town attractions
• Inclusion in an online business directory
• Events, promotions, beautification projects and placemaking that attract customers to town
• Biennial Business Excellence Awards
• Free job & event listings
Business Development
• Free, high-value workshops and training opportunities
• Subsidies valued at $3,000+GST for each business
• Coming soon: Social media workshops and AI seminars
Networking & Connections
• Sharing PBA updates, local business news & events, sponsorship and development opportunities
• Regular business and industry events
• Opportunities to engage with community
• A network of local businesses
Advocacy & Security
• Fostering relationships with Police, schools, govt agencies, Auckland Council & its subsidiaries, Franklin Local Board, community groups and industry associations (among others) to benefit local business
• Advocating on policies and initiatives that create positive outcomes for the business community
• Facilitating meetings and info sharing
• Business security group
• Increasing network of CCTV security and CPTED placemaking
Stepping into 2025 Together
Welcome to the new year! As we step into 2025, there is an undeniable air of positivity and excitement that permeates our community and beyond. This optimism is a testament to the resilience and innovation that our members have consistently demonstrated.
Before we delve into plans and activities for this year, it is essential to reflect on the accomplishments and learnings from 2024. Last year was marked by significant challenges and equally remarkable triumphs across all sectors of our local business community.
Administration
General Manager Shawna Coleman shawna@pukekohe.org.nz
In December, I had the privilege to see the hard work the PBA team have been doing across some of our security initiatives come to fruition, such as the excellent work on the CCTV security system in conjunction with CPNZ, aiding Police with incidents that occur around Pukekohe.
This is a great outcome for our business community and a great example of what we can achieve when all parties work together.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be an even more vibrant and productive year for our Association. The team at the PBA are always working so hard advocating for the best outcome for Pukekohe and making it a safe place to do business.
One of the key highlights from last year and continuing this year is our Business and Beers events. These gatherings have proven to be a fantastic opportunity for business owners to connect in a relaxed and informal setting.
Whether you are looking to share your experiences, seek advice, or simply
Events & Promotions Coordinator Chenay Douglas chenay@pukekohe.org.nz
enjoy a friendly conversation, Business and Beers offers a unique platform to build lasting relationships within our community.
A community highlight has been the ‘Rhythm in the Square’ event – running over the summer months in the Town Square. The next (and last) event is happening on Friday, 14 Feb (Valentine’s Day). This is a great excuse to relax, have a bite to eat and enjoy some live music after work. If you haven’t come along yet, I encourage you to check it out.
As we embark on this new year, let us embrace the spirit of optimism and collaboration that defines our association. Together, we can achieve great things and continue to build a thriving business community. I look forward to seeing you at our events. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
- Melissa van den Brink Chairperson
Membership Liaison Logan Soole logan@pukekohe.org.nz
Marketing & Communications Coordinator Brooke Druyven brooke@pukekohe.org.nz
Committee
Committee
Melissa van den Brink Chairperson Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions Franklin
Akerei MaresalaThomson Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank
Max Boniface Mag & Turbo Pukekohe
Merritt Watson Deputy Chairperson Pik n Mix Lollies
Alison Daldy Franklin Hospice Pukekohe
Peter Elliott Computer Food
Phillippa O’Mara Treasurer Engine Room Chartered Accountants
Ash Hawke Signmax Pukekohe
Alan Cole Franklin Local Board Representative
Maree Trow Stirling Sports Pukekohe
OFFICE UPDATES
News From The PBA
Happy New Year from the PBA team! We hope you all had a lovely and refreshing break with your friends and family. We are gearing up for an exciting 2025 - make sure you follow along for all the great opportunities we have in store this year!
ALL ABOARD! NEXT STOP... PUKEKOHE!
If you haven’t heard already, the Pukekohe Train Station initiates its first electrified train service from the 3rd of February! Now you will be able to take the train directly from Pukekohe all the way up to Britomart and back. We’re thrilled about the increased visitors this will bring to Pukekohe and all the opportunities this will bring for our businesses! To read more about it, turn to page 8.
PBA MEMBER SURVEY
We need your help! We’ve created a quick survey for our members to help us decide how to allocate resources to support you best. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and as a thank you, every respondent will go into the draw to win a $500 Prezzie card! Simply scan the QR code on page 10 to participate.
EVENTS ON THIS MONTH
2nd
5th
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
The first Farmers & Artisans Market of the year is coming up! Come and indulge in local produce, flowers, food and more. Now on the first Sunday of every month in the Town Square, from 9am to 12:30pm.
BUSINESS & BEERS
We are so excited about this month’s Business & Beers, hosted by Stirling Sports and friends! Our Business & Beers events are a great way to connect with fellow Pukekohe businesses in a relaxed networking environment. Nibbles and drinks are provided too! Join us from 5pm Wed 5th December. RSVP now!
14th
RHYTHM IN THE SQUARE - VALENTINE’S DAY
Join us for a Valentine’s-themed Rhythm in the Square from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the Pukekohe Town Square! Spend a romantic, relaxed summer evening enjoying live music. Savor dinner from a local eatery, one of the food stalls, or bring your own picnic. Don’t miss it!
Gold Standard
Constable Keven Greasely shares some top-tier examples with us of crime reporting which he calls “The Gold Standard”.
When theft occurs, every detail is vital to achieve a successful prosecution. To support you and your team, Constable Keven Greasley and our local Police have updated a number of practical resources to help you create thorough and accurate Police reports.
Visit the Crime Reporting page on our
website (by scanning the QR code to the left), where you’ll find links to report templates, checklists, and examples to guide you through best practices for reporting incidents. These resources are simple, user-friendly, and designed to ensure you and your team are prepared to provide all the necessary details.
As a example, he has also included a sample report from Farmers, which he considers a gold standard. Their reports are detailed, supported by CCTV footage, and include a staff statement aligned with the report. This method is highly effective, as the loss prevention manager, often the primary witness, ensures all critical information is captured.
If you have any questions or would like him to visit and walk you through these resources, get in touch with us at the PBA and we will let him know.
- Information and materials supplied by Constable Keven Greasley. Written by the PBA.
BUSINESS FEATURE
Floored by Passion: The Local Family Exceeding The Standard
Family Flooring Design
Pukekohe is a real local gem, owned and run by Craig and Arabella Patterson. Located on Manukau Road next to Jaycar, this family business is known for its personalised service - going over and above the standard.
Craig, who’s been in the flooring industry for over 20 years, knows his stuff. He’s worked on big commercial projects like SkyCity Casino, the Aotea Centre, and Auckland University, but it was the birth of his daughter, just before the first Covid lockdown, that made him rethink his worklife balance. Spending more time at home with her made him
realise he wanted a business that would allow him to be there for his family while still doing what he loves. That’s when the idea for Pukekohe Family Flooring Design took shape.
Flooring runs in Craig’s blood— his dad, uncles, and cousins are all in the trade, so it was pretty much inevitable that he’d follow suit. But after years of working for larger companies, Craig realised how some of them missed the mark when it came to looking after their people. He knew he could do better, and that’s why he brought Family Flooring Design to Pukekohe—he wanted to create
a company that really valued both customers and staff. After opening the doors in November 2020, Craig and Arabella have been working hard ever since to bring their vision to life.
“Take your time and choose wisely. Flooring is something you’ll have for years, so it’s worth investing in something you love. It’s not just the first thing you step on in the morning—it’s where you make memories with your family.”
At Family Flooring Design Pukekohe, the focus is on giving customers a personal, hasslefree experience. When you come by the store, Craig and Arabella will have a chat with you about what you need—whether it’s carpet or hard flooring—and help you figure out what will work best for your home. They’ll even let you take home samples so you can see how the colours and textures look in your own space before making a final decision.
Once you’ve picked out your flooring, they’ll arrange a time to come over, measure up, and make sure everything fits just right. You’ll then receive a quote within 48 hours, and Craig personally oversees the installation to make sure it’s done properly.
Recently, they’ve added some beautiful European-hardened timber options from brands like Kahrs and Bjelin. These products have the look of engineered
timber but at a much more affordable price, plus they come with a solid 35-year residential warranty.
Though they’re still a relatively new business, Craig and Arabella have already built great relationships with local builders like SAS Builders and Mike Greer Homes. They’re keen to work more with other local businesses and are always looking for ways to support the Pukekohe community.
Whether you’re looking for new flooring for your home or commercial building in the wider Franklin area, or just need some honest advice (even if you’re not sure where to start!), Craig and Arabella are always happy to chat and help you figure it out. They’ll make sure you get exactly what you need, without the pressure—just locals helping locals.
Interview with Craig Patterson
Co Owner of Family Flooring Design Pukekohe
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN OPERATING FAMILY FLOORING DESIGN?
We have been open for four years and two months now.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT IN PUKEKOHE?
That’s really tough, we are so spoilt for choice. Probably Su Mei or Blue Ox depending on the occasion.
WHAT’S THE MOST COMMON MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN CHOOSING FLOORING?
Not realising that your flooring needs to be fit for purpose, not all products work in all spaces.
RED WINE AND CARPET... DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR CLEANING UP SPILLS?
Cold water straight away and dab don’t rub with a white cloth (not a coloured one or the dye could leach out).
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE RECIEVED IN YOUR CAREER?
The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.
All Aboard...
The three year wait is finally over!
We’re super excited to share that the Pukekohe Train Station is reopening on February 3rd with brand-new electrified train service! This means less time stuck in motorway traffic and more reasons for visitors to come to Pukekohe and support our local businesses
The new trains will kick off at 5:10 AM on weekdays and 6:10 AM on weekends, running every 20 minutes until 7 PM, then every half hour after that.
This is an exciting step forward for Pukekohe! From boosting local tourism to creating new growth opportunities for businesses, we’re confident this upgrade will attract more visitors to support our Pukekohe businesses!
“The reward for all that disruption will be a modern efficient service that runs at a higher speed, no swapping at Papakura and obviously saying ‘goodbye’ to lengthy commutes that tie so many of us up on the motorway.”
- Andy Baker, Franklin Ward Counsellor
Pukekohe Station
Member Survey
We’ve just launched a survey for our members to share their feedback on what they’d like to see this year. We ask questions like “Do you want to receive The Loop monthly or bi-monthly?”, “Do you see value in the Business Awards?” or “What workshops or seminars would you like to see organised this year?” and more. Gathering this information is crucial for us to better understand where to focus our resources to provide more value for you.
It only takes a couple of minutes to complete, and every business who participates will go into the draw to win a $500 prezzy card!
SUPPORT LOCAL Call today to discuss your next printing project!
SCAN ME!
Pizza Making with Pizzata
This month, we were lucky enough to visit Pizzata, the only full life cycle pizza stockist and maker in New Zealand, right here in Pukekohe!
Since opening last year, owners Brad and Sirpa shared that visitors come from near and far – including Tauranga, Helensville, and Hamilton – to experience Pizzata’s unique offerings.
To kick off our journey through the pizza life cycle, Brad first gave us a tour of the shop, showcasing everything from pizza ovens and tools to delicious Italian toppings, authentic flours, and frozen premade bases.
All ingredients found in their store are used in/on the pizzas, ensuring the freshest, highest quality. Plus, they even offer pizza ovens for rent, so you can try them before committing to a purchase.
It’s a one-stop-shop for everything you need to make your own gourmet pizza at home!
Next, Brad walked us through the pizza-making process, from pressing and kneading the dough (you bet we attempted a dough toss) to teaching us about the best topping combinations. He then crafted the most simple yet incredible cheese pizza, topped with mozzarella, black truffle oil, and flaky sea salt.
“When it comes to pizza toppings, less is always more!” - Brad
Chenay made a classic Margarita pizza, while Brooke created a salami pizza with mozzarella, salt, and truffle oil.
For a special treat, we sampled their house-made pistachio and saffron ice cream, which absolutely delicious! While they’re not a full-time pizzeria (serving pizza only on Fridays and Saturdays), Pizzata is always sourcing fresh ingredients for you to create your own pizzas during the week.
Did you know you can also book the Pizzata team to cater your next event? You can’t go wrong with fresh focaccia sandwiches, mouth-watering pizza, and mediterranean salad!
Make sure you check their website for class dates, including fun kids’ classes during the school holidays too!
Pizzata pizzata.co.nz
@pizzatanzpartycatering 7a Glasgow Rd, Pukekohe
Why Focusing on Habits & Processes is Better Than Goals
Now, this might sound absurd, but hear me out—goals are great, but I think processes are even more important. Let me explain why.
As we kickstart 2025, New Year’s resolutions are everywhere. While they’re fantastic to set, why does it always feel so hard to stay consistent and keep those good habits going throughout the year?
Over the summer, I read James Clear’s Atomic Habits for the second time, and it offered some fantastic advice that I think can be applied to business goal setting.
One of the core principles in Atomic Habits is that small, incremental changes compound over time and lead to big results. Good habits can help you achieve this. Clear’s framework for habit formation is based on four simple steps: cue, craving, response, and reward.
Cue: The trigger for a new habit. In business, this could be as simple as checking the clock and realising you need a break.
Craving: The desire to improve
or solve a problem. For example, you might want to relax for a couple of minutes to reset your mind.
Response: The action you take in response to the cue and craving. You could take a 5-minute break, stretch, or get some fresh air.
Reward: The positive outcome or feedback that reinforces the habit. Afterward, you feel refreshed, refocused, and ready to dive back into your tasks.
By repeating this cycle, you can focus on long-term results, rather than constantly chasing new goals—and possibly not even achieving them!
Clear also discusses environmental design, which I’ve implemented in my own personal life. The concept is simple: make good habits obvious and bad habits invisible. For example, if you have a goal like me of drinking 3L of water per day, placing a water bottle on your desk increases your chances of drinking more than if it were tucked away in your bag. Similarly, the opposite works for bad habits—turning off payWave
can reduce the temptation to grab that 3pm sweet treat (guilty!).
As Clear says, “The human brain is wired to follow the path of least resistance. We naturally gravitate toward the option that requires the least amount of work.”
Give this a try, both at home and at work! For instance, if one of your business resolutions is to conduct quarterly staff reviews, set a reminder in your calendar a week before the review date to prepare, pre-set the meeting dates in your calendar, and attach the KPI Review sheet template ahead of time, so everything is ready to go when the time comes.
Let me know how you go—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
- Brooke, team PBA
If you haven’t read “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, we highly reccomend you do!
Learn more at jamesclear.com
HA PPY NEW YEAR FROM BAYLEYS PUKEKOHE
Treatment Plant Open Day
Next month, Watercare is hosting an event for the community to check out the upgraded Pukekohe Water Treatment Plant.
The free event is open to the public and will be held at the Pukekohe Water Treatment Plant, 148 Seddon St, on Saturday, March 8, between 10am and 2pm.
This event is an opportunity for the community to tour the plant and understand its role in Auckland’s integrated metropolitan water network.
Watercare will also be hosting a free sausage sizzle and giving away spot prizes at the open day.
At the event, people will get to see the results of the work
Watercare and its contractors have put in to bring the plant back into service.
Watercare design and construction manager Johan
Gerritsen says the treatment plant was taken offline during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods.
“The floods destroyed most of the plant’s critical infrastructure like the chemical dosing systems, drives for the pumps and the electrical equipment in the control room.
“However, instead of building it back straight away, we took the time with our contractors to redesign and reconfigure the plant to reduce its future flood risk.
“Some of the ways we did this was by moving critical components like the control room to higher ground and installing all major electricity cables underground to protect them from flooding.”
Watercare head of water Sharon Danks says while the plant was out of service, most of Pukekohe’s water supply came from the Waikato River, treated at the
Waikato Water Treatment Plant.
“Since we brought the treatment plant back into service in December, it’s been effectively treating water from two bores at Hickey’s Recreation Reserve.
“The plant is supplying up to five million litres of water per day to customers in Pukekohe and Buckland and is helping to ease demand on the wider metropolitan network that serves Auckland.”
Danks says Watercare plans to introduce a new self-generating chemical dosing system that will replace the liquid dosing system that’s currently used at the plant.
“Construction for the new dosing facility will begin later in March, after the open day.
“We’re aiming to have the new dosing system integrated into the treatment process at the plant by mid-year.”
LOCAL CELEBRATIONS
FMK PUKEKOHE TURNS 8
Happy birthday to the team at FMK Pukekohe for 8 years in business! Here’s to many more!
11c West Street, Pukekohe
YOUR LOCAL COFFEE ROASTERS
Another congratulations and happy birthday to Your Local Coffee Roastersthey turn 6 this month!
3 West St & 173 Manakau Rd, Pukekohe
PEOPLE PASSION
A massive congratulations to Lara Hellier, who founded People Passion 24 years ago.
4 Graham Street, Pukekohe
