JUNE 2025
Promoting our values INCLUSIVE
At TRENDS, our company values are more than just words—they’re embedded in our culture and shape how we work, support one another, and grow together. Each month, we’ll spotlight one of these values to celebrate how it’s brought to life in our everyday actions.
This month, we’re focusing on Inclusive.
Being inclusive means making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. It’s walking into a room and knowing your voice matters—no matter your background, identity, or experience.
At TRENDS, inclusion looks and feels like:
Sharing your ideas without fear of judgment.
Seeing diverse perspectives not just welcomed but celebrated.
Feeling empowered to show up as your full, authentic self.
Being part of a team that listens, supports, and lifts one another up.
By living this value, we continue building a culture where everyone belongs and that’s when TRENDS truly thrives.
Important information
Matariki
Health & Wellbeing
Boosting your immunity for the winter season Festival and events
Tribute act and comedy show
General information
Production / Warehouse Team, Values – Inclusive, Crown, Kiwisaver changes
Recipe of the month Weetbix slice
Midhun Sursesh
Alex Hazlett
Louise Mathison
Rosemary Williams
Jonalyn Aviles
Marienne Tamboong
Lolita Dela Cruz
Donna Scelly
Leadership change at TRENDS
As we announced last week, after 12 years at the helm, our CEO, Greg Jolly, will be stepping down from his role on 1 July. Pat Robertson, current Chief Commercial Officer, will be taking on the CEO role from 1 July. While we’ll have more time later in the year to properly celebrate Greg’s impact, we’d like to invite everyone to share their memories and stories about working with him over the years.
Peter Matheison
Christine Bennie
Shawn Farring
Chris Sullivan
Cristina Sung
Richard Junsay
Kwandao Sirinupong
Katie Tupara
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
JUNE’S PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Matariki falls on Friday 20 June 2025 this year.
Night shift team members – please check in with your Team Leader or Shift Manager regarding your shift schedule and how this public holiday may impact you.
Health & Wellbeing
Boosting Your Immunity for the Winter Season
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, cold and flu season begins to creep in. Winter brings not only festive cheer but also a higher risk of illness. That’s why it’s essential to support your immune system now, before the chill sets in fully. A strong immune system is your best defence against seasonal bugs.
Eat immune-supportive foods
Your diet plays a key role in maintaining immunity. Load up on fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C and A, such as oranges, sweet potatoes, spinach, and bell peppers. Include sources of zinc (like pumpkin seeds and legumesand probiotics (like yogurt and fermented foods to help your gut stay healthy—an important part of immune defence.
Stayactive
Regular, moderate exercise helps keep the immune system functioning properly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or indoor workouts, staying active boosts circulation and reduces inflammation.
Prioritisesleep
Sleep is when your body repairs and regenerates. Poor sleep canweaken immune responses, making you more susceptible to infections. Most adults need 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine.
Managestress
Chronic stress can suppress your immune system. Practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking time to unwind with a good book or hobby can make a big difference.
Stay hydrated
Even in colder months, staying well-hydrated helps your body function at its best, including your immune defences. Aim for about 6–8 glasses of water a day, and consider herbal teas as a warming, hydrating alternative.
Consider supplements wisely
In consultation with a healthcare provider, consider immune-supporting supplements like vitamin D (especially important in winter when sunlight is scarce), vitamin C, and zinc. These can help fill any nutritional gaps and offer a boost when needed.
Practice good hygiene
Finally, continue to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and cover coughs and sneezes. These simple habits go a long way in preventing the spread of winter illnesses.
Taking care of your immune system is a year-round task, but it’s especially vital as winter approaches. With a little preparation and care, you can enjoy the season with strength and resilience.
Crown Group visits New Zealand
In May, TRENDS had the privilege of hosting an incredible event for the Crown Group that brought together industry peers from across the globe for a week of connection, collaboration, and Kiwi hospitality.
Crown Group members from Ireland, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Russia joined our New Zealand management team in Dunedin for two days of knowledge-sharing and behind-the-scenes tours of our factory and warehouse. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our operations and strengthen international relationships.
A special highlight of the Dunedin leg was an unforgettable welcome dinner held at the historic Larnach Castle. Guests were treated to a kapa haka performance and a traditional haggis ceremony – two unique cultural experiences.
The Crown Group, alongside the TRENDS Board, then travelled to Queenstown to take in the sights and continue exchanging ideas in a more relaxed setting.
We also want to acknowledge our industry peers from the UK and Canada/US who were unable to join us this time – we look forward to connecting with them at future gatherings.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success. It was a proud
Getting to know the Production, Warehouse, Health & Safety, and Engineering Teams!
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the key teams that keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From keeping production lines moving to ensuring safety and solving technical challenges, these teams play a vital role in our daily operations.
Read on to learn a bit more about what they do – and what they love getting up to outside of work.
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
TIM HANNAGAN - Chief Operations Officer
Role Description
To oversee and facilitate the day-to-day of the operational teams from Production to Warehouse, including Engineering and R&D, Health and Safety, and Planning.
Hobbies / Interests
I enjoy golf, gaming, Star Wars, looking after my little dog, baking, spending time with family and friends.
NATHAN SHAND
Day Shift Manager
Role Description
Overseeing production on day shift.
Hobbies / Interests
I spend most of my spare time with the family.
REGAN FLAWS
Day Shift Assistant Manager
Role Description
Overseeing daily production, managing and supporting staff, maintaining quality standards.
Hobbies / Interests
I love watching sports, spending quality time with family, cars, and enjoying craft beverages.
PRODUCTION - Twilight Shift PRODUCTION - Night Shift
LEANN MILLS
Twilight Shift Manager
Role Description
Overseeing and facilitating the day-today operations of the Twilight Shift.
Hobbies / Interests
I relax by gardening, spending time with family, DIY and renovations.
ALFREDO DUPLON
Twilight Shift Assistant Manager
Role Description
Overseeing daily production on the Twilight Shift; managing and supporting staff, and maintaining quality standards.
Hobbies / Interests
I spend my free time with family and friends, taking drives with the family for holidays. I also enjoy teaching people and having a joke.
JAYDEN RUSH
Night Shift Manager
Role Description
Overseeing production on the Night Shift.
Hobbies / Interests
You’ll usually find me tinkering with cars or motorcycles, fixing things that probably aren’t broken, or cooking up a semi-gourmet meal for my family. I like hands-on projects, loud engines, and quiet weekends (when the kids allow it).
PRODUCTION - Day Shift
MICHAEL STEWART
Warehouse Manager
Role Description
To oversee and facilitate the day-today operations over all warehousing functions. Also to manage warehouse staff.
Hobbies / Interests
I enjoy golf, gaming, and reading.
DWAYNE JOHNSTON
Offsite Manager, Devanning Team Manager, Trends TF operator for MPI and Acting Samples and unprinted Team Leader
Role Description
I am responsible for ensuring the picking and dispatching of all 3PL, Peros Retail, and Briscoes dropship orders. I manage the devanning of import containers and oversee the receipting of stock.
I am also the TF (Transitional Facility) Operator, ensuring all import container handling is compliant with MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) requirements and standards.
Additionally, I am currently supporting the Samples and Unprinted team in a leadership capacity during the Team Leader’s maternity leave, ensuring team performance.
Hobbies / Interests 4wding, gaming and supporting my kid’s sports.
PHIL THORNTON
Warehouse Transport and Systems Manager
Role Description
Looking after the Transport and coordinating the system requirements of the warehouse with IT.
Hobbies / Interests
Working around the house and building things.
JARED GALT
Stock and Quality Control Manager
Role Description
maintaining accurate stock/system levels, receipting of stock, rejects and returns, product inspections upon arrival and repair/rework of issue stock.
Hobbies / Interests
Spending time with my youngest, anything with wheels and hunting.
NATHAN COOPER
Engineering and R&D Manager
Role Description
To oversee and facilitate the day-to-day operations of Engineering and R&D.
Hobbies / Interests
I like tramping, spending time with family and music. I also teach sailing to the youth at Waihola.
DARYL NICOL
Lean Manufacturing Manager
Role Description
Educate and help teams using Lean principles and methodology.
Hobbies / Interests
Going to the rugby or more recently going fishing with my 13-year-old son. Hanging out with the family.
MIKE AKER
Health and Safety Coordinator
Role Description
Maintaining the standards of Health and Safety and ensuring we are compliant under regulation and law.
Hobbies / Interests
I love the outdoors so fishing, hunting, camping, and dirt bike riding.
WAREHOUSE LEAN
Metallica Tribute Show
Date: Saturday 7 June
Time: 8:00pm
Price $33
For the first time, Damage Effect is bringing 2½ hours of classic-era Metallica to Dunedin. Including the legendary album - MASTER OF PUPPETS - played in full!
Date: Sunday 14 June
Time: 7:00pm
Price: $48
Heath Franklin’s Chopper is back, bigger, badder, and funnier than ever. Get ready to laugh your way through the end of the world.
Recipe of the month Weetbix Slice
Ingredients: Instructions
4 Weetbix, crushed
1 cup standard flour (150g)
½ cup white sugar (113g)
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
150g butter, melted
½ tsp vanilla essence
Icing:
1 ½ cups icing sugar (225g)
½ cup desiccated coconut (50g) + extra to decorate
4 tsp cocoa powder
25g butter, cubed
2 Tbsp boiling water
Preheat oven to 180°C fan bake. Line a slice tin (approximately 18cm x 28cm) with baking paper.
Place Weetbix, flour, sugar, cocoa powder and baking powder in a large bowl. Mix to combine, then make a well in the centre. Add the melted butter and vanilla essence. Mix together then press into prepared tin.
Bake for 10 minutes, until slice is cooked but still soft to touch in the centre. Ice while hot.
Icing
Mix icing sugar, coconut and cocoa powder together in a bowl. Add butter, then gradually add enough hot water to melt butter, blending to form a spreadable icing.
Spread over slice while hot and decorate with extra coconut. Cut into squares once cooled a little.