Business North October

October 2014

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Novotel New Plymouth Page 8

Auckland prices continue to climb Chris Hutching Success in the polls takes the pressure off the National government for affordable housing even as prices soar past previous peaks.

A few weeks before the elections the government commissioned a Productivity Commission report into housing affordability due by September 2015.

It will build on similar Inquiry into Housing Affordability in 2012.

The earlier report inquiry identified councils’ land constraint as a major factor in of unaffordability.

The scope of the new inquiry includes how local authorities’ make land available, including infrastructure provision, water and transport infrastructure funding and governance, and accountability of the planning system.

Overblown house prices mean ownership has slipped back to about 65% from more than 75% a couple of decades ago.

The annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey uses a measure calculated by dividing the median house price by annual household income.

Under this measure New Zealand overall has a multiple of 5.5 while Auckland is 8 and Christchurch 5.8.

However it is unclear from Demographia’s information how the current measures equate historically, and whether post-war generations have enjoyed a window of cheap housing for various reasons, particularly land availability.

Demographia’s solution includes liberal zoning eliminating “green belts” and different methods of funding infrastructure such as bonds.

Christchurch affordability may be improving

with the large number of sub divisions coming on stream, but Auckland remains a magnet for immigrants from outside and within New Zealand.

Other affordability measures look at the percentage of wages required to pay a mortgage, or the length of time comparable mortgages will take to pay off.

The researchers also debate whether comparisons of houses are valid because of size – commonly 250sqm in new sub divisions nowadays compared with around 120sqm decades ago.

A summary of the problem is contained with the 2012 Productivity Commission.

“There is an urgent need to increase land availability, to ease supply constraints and price pressure, particularly in Auckland, where section costs now account for around 60% of the cost of a new dwelling, compared with 40% in the rest of New Zealand.

“High section prices may also explain why new housing is concentrated at the top end of the market – who is going to put a $150,000 home on a $300,000 section?

“In addition, councils should ensure that their planning policies, such as height controls, boundary setbacks and minimum lot sizes, are not frustrating more efficient land use. Such policies put a hand-brake on greater density and therefore housing supply.

“As well, councils should review regulatory processes with the aim of speeding up, simplifying and reducing the cost of consent processes.

“Central government should also consider the case for reviewing planning-related legislation to reduce the cost, complexity and uncertainty associated with the interaction of the Local Government Act, the RMA and the Land Transport Management Act.”

Apartment sizes ‘wrong’ Auckland Council has got it wrong when it comes to apartment sizes. This is the view of City Sales managing director Martin Dunn.

He wants the council to drop its stipulations on apartment size.

All new builds must measure 35sqm for studios (comparatively large), 45sqm for one-bedroom, 70sqm for two-bedroom, and 90sqm for threebedroom apartments.

While he says he is no fan of “shoebox apartments”, Dunn thinks more appropriate measures would be - one bedroom units of 30sqm, two bedroom units at 50sqm and three bedroom units at 70sqm-plus. This is partly because of the cost of new units at $7000 sqm to $9000 sqm, meaning a new studio starts at $280,000, one bedroom unitss at $360,000, twos at around $560,000 and threes at $720,000.

He says smaller apartments allow first home buyers to get a foot on the property ladder from around $160,000.

But Dunn wants the council to stipulate there should be a mix of suites – preferably studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units to encourage a mix of tenants and owner-occupiers.

Sales of mid-priced central Auckland apartments have dipped slightly, rents continue to slowly rise, and investment returns have declined as a result.

Data from City Sales shows the average sales price in August was $320,000, recovering from a dip in June, and down from a high of $375,000 in February.

But the overall trend is still for prices rising faster than rents.

INSIDE

Golden harvest for Hawke’s Bay Crossroads’ winemaker Miles Dinneen checks the tanks at the Hawke’s Bay winery. The small boutique winery, which is now part of the Yealands Group, has received further international kudos with its Crossroads Winemakers Collection Syrah 2012 receiving the Best New Zealand

Training boost for oil and gas sector - PAGE 2

New Zealand firm tackles food fraud - PAGE 3

Red Wine and Best New Zealand Syrah trophies at the prestigious 2014 International Wine Challenge held recently in London. In a scoop for the Hawke’s Bay region, Pask Winery’s Declaration Chardonnay was declared New Zealand’s Best White Wine at the event. See stories, pages 6-7

StretchSense explores new ground - PAGE 5

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Training surge in oil and gas sector Hugh de Lacy Government-backed Extractives Industry Training is gearing up to cover the previously neglected oil and gas industry.

Although New Zealand has been producing petroleum for more than a century, and other extractives industries such as quarrying and mining have established training structures, oil and gas has largely been left to plod along on its own.

However, that’s about to change, with the Mining Industry Training Organisation (Mito) which also handles training for the transport and logistics sectors as well as extractives - planning to release programmes in petrochemical, steam generation and workplace safety this year, with hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon drilling qualifications due out next year.

MITO chief executive Janet Lane said the organisation has been working with the oil and gas industry over the past two years to review the qualifications available to the sector as part of the Government’s Targeted Review of Qualifications.

“These qualifications are currently in the process of being registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority,” Lane says.

“Once they have been registered, customised training programmes will be developed and the new qualifications will be released.”

The qualifications range from entry level National Certificate Levels Two and Three, right up to tertiary Levels Four and Five.

“Other education providers also offer training programmes leading to the award of these qualifications,” Lane says.

The New Zealand oil and gas industry has been growing steadily for the past decade and a half.

In the year 2000 it comprised just 12

enterprises and 420 employees, but that rose to 30 enterprises and 520 employees in 2009, and to 48 enterprises and 1070 employees last year, according to Statistics NZ. Although full coverage by an industry training organisation (ITO) has come slowly to the New Zealand oil and gas industry, the demand for training has resulted in a range of providers stepping up to offer either their own courses or those created by the likes of the United Kingdom’s National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health.

Probably the country’s biggest provider of oil and gas-related training is New Plymouth’s Western Institute of Technology Taranaki, which features a Level Three course in Process Operations (Oil and Gas) certificate.

Another polytechnic, Greymouth’s Te Tai Poutini, also touches on oil and gas training within its wider curriculum of quarrying and mining subjects.

Of the privateers, one of the most prominent is New Plymouth’s Vause Training Centre, founded by 2013 Petroleum Sector Hall of Fame inductee Peter Vause. Another New Plymouth training provider, Glasgow Services, offers a range of courses recognised by the NZQA, including two Level Five courses in hydrocarbon drilling.

Various other training providers round the country, the likes of Tauranga’s Vertical HorizoNZs and New Plymouth’s M and O Pacific, offer courses on the periphery of the oil and gas industry, though they tend to focus on health and safety rather than the practicalities of finding and harvesting oil and gas.

Bringing the oil and gas sector under an industry training organisation will make it easier for New Zealanders to get a foot in the door of a local primary industry widely regarded as having a huge upside.

A2 Milk Co eyes lucrative US market Hugh de Lacy Fresh from the latest scientific endorsement of its claims to be healthier than ordinary milk, the a2 Milk Company is gearing up to launch into its potentially most profitable market, the United States.

A study by Australia’s Curtin University, believed to be the first clinical trial of the reaction of the human digestion system to the differing A1 and A2 milk proteins, suggests A2 does not provoke the digestive comfort many consumers claim to get from A1.

The difference between the two milks is in the proteins, with past research suggesting the A1 protein triggers or causes a range of major health problems ranging from heart disease to diabetes.

The a2 company hopes to replicate in the US the huge success it has enjoyed in Australia, where it has grabbed 5% of the fresh milk market, prompting alarm signals from some of the world’s biggest dairy companies.

The a2 Company, which has $16 million in cash in the bank and no debt, will take the plunge into the US market next year, despite suffering a massive financial hit from the recent fall of the New Zealand dollar. A2’s June 30 balance revealed a profit for the year of just $10,000, compared to $4.1 million last year after its revenues fell $14m in the process of repatriation to New Zealand.

While Australia is the company’s biggest market, it also has a solid toe-hold in the United Kingdom, and an expanding one in China – the latter expected to increase exponentially once its main New Zealand processor, Synlait Milk, is granted access to the infant formula market there.

About two-thirds of European-bred cows produce milk with A1 protein as a result of a genetic aberration that occurred centuries ago. All other cows produce A2 milk.

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Northland childcare centre up for award An early childhood education centre in Kawakawa has been named a finalist in the World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC’s) inaugural Asia Pacific Regional Network Leadership Awards. ‘Te Mirumiru’, a bilingual childcare centre owned by the Ngati Hine Health Trust, was selected as a finalist from 57 projects in the Asia Pacific region. Designed by Phil Smith of CASA Architects, Te Mirumiru is New Zealand’s first commercial earth

bank building, and was designed to represent the culture of the Ngati Hine iwi, in which guardianship of the earth is deeply engrained. “Te Mirumiru is an outstanding example of a building that not only accommodates the next generation, but also engages and educates children about their culture, customs and the environment,” says the World GBC’s chief executive Jane Henley.

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Kiwi science tackling food fraud Jo Bailey Food counterfeiting and stock rustling are two major food security issues being tackled by cutting edge forensic science developed by Mosgiel firm Oritain.

The company has developed a system to independently verify the origin of plants or animals based on the “geochemical fingerprint” of the soils and environment in which they are produced.

Dr Sam Lind says Oritain is one of the first companies in the world to commercialise the science within the food industry/sector, which identifies naturally occurring chemical properties of food products that are influenced by the soils and environment in which they are grown.

“The science allows us to prove food products are true to label,” says Lind.

“Through sample testing we can determine whether or not a product comes from New Zealand.

In some cases, we can pinpoint the region or even the property from which it originates.”

Dr Lind says Oritain’s origin programme complements existing traceability systems, allowing Kiwi food producers and exporters to protect their products and brands in the international supply chain, and certify them as New Zealand grown.

“Food fraud, mislabelling, and adulteration of food products have become significant global problems as some international distributors or wholesalers turn to cheaper alternatives to boost their bottom-line.

“We help to protect the brands and reputations of a wide range of customers, particularly in our core markets of honey, meat, horticulture and dairy, although virtually any food product can be traced this way.”

Recent examples of food fraud in the UK and Europe have seen retail giants Ikea and Tescoes incorporate horse meat into some of their food products. Closer to home the Sanlu milk scandal created major issues for Fonterra, when some of its infant formula product was adulterated with melamine by a Chinese customer, causing the death of six babies.

Other New Zealand industries including honey and meat have also faced issues with overseas importers or distributors trying to take advantage of this country’s “clean, green” image by branding inferior products with New Zealand labelling or adding cheap ingredients to New Zealand products.

Oritain laboratory manager Graham Henderson: the company has developed a system to independently verify the origins of plants or animals.

“Protecting the New Zealand brand in overseas markets is a big part of what we do.

“If our clients suspect their products have been tampered with or mislabelled we can test samples against our existing data sets to determine if this is the case.

“We provide customers with the ability to audit their supply chain and protect the value of the premium products they are exporting.”

The implications of these sorts of events can be huge.

A 2010 report from the Grocery Manufacturers Association estimated that one instance of food fraud could average between two and 15 percent of a company’s annual revenue depending on the size of the organisation.

Oritain’s science can help detect if food products have been adulterated.

“Food fraud, mislabelling, and adulteration of food products have become significant global problems as some international distributors or wholesalers turn to cheaper alternatives to boost their bottom-line.”

Oritain is also applying its pioneering science to address the multi-million dollar issue of stock theft, with a new product called FarmPrint.

Farmers who join the programme under a subscription model, initially provide meat and fibre tissues to Oritain which are analysed to provide a “fingerprint” profile of their farm.

If stock is stolen, the FarmPrint data provides evidence to trace either live stock or meat back to its property of origin, says Dr Lind.

“Stock rustling is estimated to be a $120-150 million problem for New Zealand. We believe FarmPrint acts as both a preventative and a cure.

“Participating farmers hang signage on their fence to signal the farm is protected by the initiative, acting as a deterrent to rustlers.

“If rustling does occur, we can provide forensic evidence that would stand up in court to make conviction of a suspected case more likely.”

Farmers can sign up to the programme for around $500 per year for a 4000 stock unit farm.

FarmPrint has been launched in Otago and Southland to “very positive feedback” from local farmers, he says.

“We’re putting a lot of effort into ensuring it is not only a good idea and good product, but that it is executed well with a good uptake. The plan is to roll FarmPrint out nationally within a few months, and eventually take it to international markets.”

Oritain was founded in 2008 by a group of scientists and producers.

It grew out of forensic science work and research undertaken by Professor Russell Frew at the University of Otago.

He is currently in Vienna working for the United Nations under a two-year contract, but is still involved with the privately-owned company alongside another “half dozen” shareholders, including chief executive Grant Cochrane.

Dr Lind says Oritain is enjoying strong growth, with staff numbers jumping from five to 17 in the last 12 months, including the addition of several science graduates from the University of Otago.

“We reached a critical mass in terms of customer numbers, which includes some pretty big household names. Now we have more people and more resources we are looking forward to the next big expansion.”

Dr Lind says although Oritain operates on a business-to-business model, it is also reaching out to consumers.

“If the public sees value in the work we’re doing, so do our customers.”

The company is also starting to attract international clients.

“New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to start a company like this as we export so much of our product.

“However we can work anywhere as long as the samples are sent to us.

“There are a lot of great possibilities in the future for Oritain. It’s an exciting place to be.”

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Plenty of benefits for business world Sue Russell We tend to relate the word ‘sustainable’ to matters environmental and for Dr Barry Law of The Sustainability Company (TSC) while this is critical, his business is very much more about advocating a management-bent that casts application of the word into every sphere of business practice.

While the initial focus of the Christchurchbased company may have been on reducing a client’s environmental footprint and implementing higher levels of social responsibility, the scope of behaviour change the company now strives to achieve with clients has exponentially grown.

Objectives such as economic efficiency, attracting the support of capital markets and shareholders, and enabling New Zealand and Australian businesses to move beyond a purely compliance driven, ‘minimum-line’ mind set across a range of areas, immediately springs to mind.

Law and his colleagues have teamed up with behaviour change specialists, The Shannon Company, based in Australia, to develop a raft of practical individually honed tools their business clients can implement to bring about results to enhance their company’s sustainability in the broadest sense of the word.

“I talk about the fact that sustainability is holistic,” says Law. “It’s not a bolt hole but rather a change in the way we think about all aspects of business.”.

The Sustainability Company talks to its clients about looking at sustainability in a different way.

Law says it’s a win-win for customers and businesses alike.

“If you are ethical and more values driven you are more attractive to consumers. We’ve proven with our research and by revisiting businesses that we’ve supported, that the company also becomes more efficient economically – in simple terms it delivers bottom-line financial benefits.”

“If you are ethical and more values driven you are more attractive to consumers.”

The Sustainability Company’s Barry Law: “Sustainability is holistic”.

Law is also clear that what is being embarked on is a journey which is going to take time.

“It’s going to require people to make changes.

“Part of it is aligning values to behaviour, being accountable and creating a value proposition for change, and not every business is up to this,” he says.

Toward the start of TSC’s interaction with a client a review process matrix ‘The Sustainability Review’ is completed by the business.

The review is comprehensive, scoping business goals and objectives the company may have set for itself already - such as leadership and management, transport, energy, water-use, building design and waste management - to name just a few.

Clients of TSC who are using OfficeMax, a

Social sustainability Thankyou Payroll is an innovative, Dunedin-based social business, providing free, cloud-based payroll intermediary services to SMEs and charities all around New Zealand.

Back in 2010, former Inland Revenue Department employee Hugh Davidson saw an opportunity to leverage the IRD’s payroll subsidy to benefit businesses, charities, the community, and the government itself. He started Thankyou Payroll from a garage in Port Chalmers and, over the last four years, has developed it into an easy, professional, IRD accredited, payroll service that’s growing at a rapid rate.

Thankyou Payroll CEO Lani Evans says the company operates on a generositybased business model, utilising the IRD subsidy to cover organisational costs in order to provide businesses with a free, technological solution to payroll problems.

“The IRD has realised that organisations like Thankyou Payroll can significantly reduce their logistical load,” she says.

“And for us that has created a great opportunity to provide a free payroll intermediary product for SMEs, extra resourcing for community organisations, and a high quality service for the government.”

She says Thankyou Payroll is focused on creating holistic benefits.

The organisation donates 25 cents per person per pay (out of its own pocket) to the Thankyou Charitable Trust, which

gives out microgrants to community organisations working to build community resilience, connection, and sustainability.

So far this year the company has provided grants to 11 community organisations, with a new grant round currently open in Wellington (see www. thankyouverymuch.org.nz). In addition to this giving, it is also donating $10 to the 1% Collective, a national charitable organisation, for every new client who begins using the service in September and October.

“We really believe that business and community are interconnected and we really want to see our business sector flourish,” Evans says. “By providing free services to SMEs, we free up their time and capital to spend focused on core business, on creating goods and services and that benefits us all.”

Premium one-day and overnight processing plans have a small fee attached, and clients can choose whether to pay Thankyou Payroll for these services, or to donate $15 or $30 per month respectively to the Thankyou Charitable Trust to be put directly into community grants.

Evans says Thankyou Payroll is working towards achieving social sustainability through its grants to community organisations, and also by paying all of its own staff at least a living wage. The company is now researching a carbon sequestration programme to lessen its own environmental impact as well.

TSC partner supplier, can take advantage of a number of processes and tools to help lessen their environmental impact.

OfficeMax helps clients Eliminate, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in addition to using products that feature Environmental Accreditation. It also provide progress reporting and benchmarking data against other TSC clients that can serve as the framework for sustainability improvement goals and measures.

Otago Polytechnic has been helped by TSC to align their strategies and expectations with sustainable practice.

Recently the tertiary institute’s annual report was recognised by independent reviewers as a benchmark in their sector as they continue to

embed sustainability into their operational practice.

“As a result Otago Polytechnic are now seeing short and long term economic efficiencies”, says Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker. A similar process is underway at Port Otago who, in developing their business case as a sustainable deep water port, have aligned their commitment to zero harm. Measuring performance, transparent reporting and sustainable supply chain management are all part of their strategic management objectives.

“The Sustainability Company provided support and guidance to help build internal capability to embed sustainability practice in our organisation,” says commercial manager, Peter Brown.

Trent Yeo of Ziptrek Ecotours understands that tourism has a critical role to play in the exposure of sustainability.

“The Sustainable Practice 360 programme helped us to further strategise our supply chains and collaborators to assess ‘fit’ for a sustainable company. There is nothing more influential than people relationships which happen in tourism.”

For Law, outcomes and experiences like those described above help feed his passion and commitment along with that of his team to maintain the highest possible ethical standards when supporting existing and new clients alike.

“It’s great to be able to put my years of research on what is sound sustainable practice in this day and age and share with business who want to make a difference.”

Business North

MANUFACTURING » StretchSense

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Hi-tech innovator breaks new ground Karen Phelps Small New Zealand company StretchSense is pioneering new territory with its development of stretch sense technology.

The technology - basically soft pieces of elastic material that transmit information about how much they are being stretched - has existed for some time but the new Kiwi start-up company has commercialised it and now plans to take it to the world.

The company’s products - Stretch Sensors - are elastic capacitors made of a laminated silicone structure. The “capacitance” of the structure changes when the sensor is stretched, the change is measured and related to human body motion.

Company sales engineer Antoni Harbuz, says the crucial point of difference compared to other sensors, is that Stretch Sensors do not interfere with natural motion making them “reliable, accurate, comfortable and easy to use”.

This is unlike other sensor types, such as polymeric stretch capacitors, which he says have presented a number of “non-ideal” characteristics and problems.

“The electrodes have an unpredictable resistance, capacitances are small and susceptible to parasitic effects and there is a complex electromechanical impedance matching problem at the connections. StretchSense has solved these problems,” explains Harbuz.

StretchSense is a spin out from the Biomimetics Laboratory at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute.

It was formed in 2012 by Ben O’Brien and Todd Gisby. The pair come with impressive credentials: Ben has won the Vice Chancellors Award for Best Doctoral Thesis in 2010 and Rutherford Foundation Post Doctoral Fellow as well as the 2013 Prime Minister’s Emerging Scientist Prize.

Gisby has a PhD in self-sensing electro-active polymers and a degree in international business.

StretchSense is unusual in that, unlike most start-ups, it has been self-supporting from the get go.

“We used sales to drive the business. There was no waiting around for investment,” says Harbuz.

The company’s first sensing product took just a month to put together and StretchSense has reversed the traditional start up plan of developing a product and then marketing it by asking the customer what they require and then providing a product utilising the technology to suit.

Customers typically start by purchasing the company’s Evaluation Kits comprising of StretchSense soft strain sensors, a StretchSense 5-channel sensing circuit, battery, charger and free StretchSense Android data capture app.

The sensors are then customised for their application and scale.

“We’re good at making sensors and our customers know their applications better than we ever will. So we customise our technology for them to build them an out-of-the-box solution.

“By doing things this way we don’t need to guess the market as our customers come to us telling us exactly what they want,” says Harbuz.

StretchSense is targeting the technology at industries including healthcare, animation, sports training, gaming and wearable technology.

StretchSense can customize sensors, circuitry and software. Customisations might include changes in geometry, design and layout, sensor-tocircuit connection style, sensor mounting method (for example sewn, adhesive, velcro, mechanical) or changing sensor stiffness to suit. Other options include changes to wireless communication protocols, multi-platform software, scaling production from low to high volumes and contract research. Customers own their application and StretchSense owns its technology.

Industries that StretchSense is targeting the technology at include healthcare, animation, sports training, gaming and wearable technology.

The company clients are mainly international, particularly the United States and Europe. Marketing was achieved initially through attending conferences and networking.

As a result, Harbuz says the StretchSense website is generating a lot of traffic which means customers are now coming to StretchSense rather than the other way around.

At the NZ Innovators Awards 2013 StretchSense won the emerging innovator and design and engineering awards. Company CEO Ben O’Brien was awarded the emerging scientists prize.

This year StretchSense was a finalist in the NZ Hi-Tech Awards in the high-tech start-up company of the year category and O’Brien was a finalist in the Young Achiever award.

StretchSense employs ten staff and is looking to expand.

Harbuz says that as the smart devices market moves towards devices that are worn, such as Google Glass and smart watches, the company

sees a big future for its technology.

“People are coming up with interesting devices and we want to be part of that. Our aim is to be the leading supplier for wearable technology sensors to the world.”

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WINE INDUSTRY » International Wine Challenge - Pask Winery

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Pask Winery wins prestigious awards Karen Phelps After being declared New Zealand’s Best White Wine at the International Wine Challenge 2014, Pask Winery’s Declaration Chardonnay 2012 has now also received the Sustainable Trophy.

“Sustainability is inherent in our principles and I believe it is fundamental to the New Zealand wine industry,” says Pask managing director and winemaker Kate Radburnd.

“We are immensely proud of this latest award and it rightly reflects the positioning of New Zealand wine globally.”

Pask Winery was first accredited for sustainability in February 1998.

The winery received a world first ISO: 14001 group environmental accreditation presented at Parliament House in Wellington along with three other New Zealand wineries.

The Pask vineyards have been part of the Sustainable Wine Growing New Zealand programme since its inception and Radburnd chaired the organisation for five years during which time the winery programme was introduced.

Pask’s Declaration Chardonnay 2012 also received trophies at the International Wine Challenge 2014 for the top Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, the top New Zealand Chardonnay and the top New Zealand White Wine over all categories following on from its Gold Medal win.

“To achieve trophy success from the wine capital of the world with a variety that we at Pask are immensely passionate about is a great honour.

“These trophies are testament to our dedication to this classic variety and endorses the skills of our winery and vineyard teams,” says Radburnd.

The International Wine Challenge, which is now in its 31st year, scores up to 10,000 wines from nearly 35 countries.

Radburnd says that the competition is accepted as the world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competition.

“The award was a recognition of the development of Chardonnay in New Zealand.

“Chardonnay is such a versatile and expressive variety, we love working with it here at Pask. It consistently produces an elegant and diverse cool climate wine,” says Radburnd.

Pask Declaration Chardonnay releases have consistently received Gold Medal awards since first being introduced in 1991. The Declaration Chardonnay 2009 achieved a Regional Trophy and was voted the Best of the Best in New Zealand at the equally prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2012 in London. Pask Declaration wines have now won over 100 Trophies and Gold Medals

Pask’s 59 hectares of vineyards are located on Gimblett Road in Hawke’s Bay where Pask was first to plant in the area. at major competitions around the world. In March of this year Pask introduced two new styles of Chardonnay to its portfolio - The Small Batch Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2013 and the Small Batch Sur Lie Chardonnay 2013.

Pask’s 59 hectares of vineyards are located on Gimblett Road where Pask was first to plant in the area. The winery produces some 50,000 cases of wine annually. All winemaking, bottling, labelling and tasting is done on site.

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Pask Winery’s Declaration Chardonnay 2012 received the Sustainable Trophy at the International Wine Challenge 2014.

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WINE INDUSTRY » International Wine Challenge - Yealands Group

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More kudos for Crossroads Syrah Karen Phelps The Crossroads Winemakers Collection Syrah 2012 has been awarded the Best New Zealand Red Wine and Best New Zealand Syrah trophies at the prestigious 2014 International Wine Challenge in London.

Crossroads is a small Hawke’s Bay boutique winery established in 1987.

The first Crossroads wines were released in 1990 and in 2011 the winery joined the Yealands Group.

Crossroads winemaker Miles Dinneen says the Crossroads Winemakers Collection Syrah 2012 quickly sold out following the competition result.

“Syrah is an exciting variety in Hawke’s Bay, producing a distinctive aromatic style across the full range of vintage conditions.

“This wine came from our Elms vineyard on the Gimblett gravels which is consistently producing gold medal and trophy wines and this result is the biggest one yet,” says Dinneen.

Crossroads Syrah continued its success at another significant competition - the 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards - taking home a gold medal and also the regional trophy for the top New Zealand Red Rhone Varietal over £15.

This year the wine competition consisted of a panel of 224 world-class judging experts who tasted more than 15,000 wines from 46 countries.

Crossroads Winemakers Collection Syrah 2010 was ranked in the top echelon of those wines with only 1% of wines recognised with a trophy, says Dinneen.

To achieve its aim of producing the best wine the company maintains total control of its winegrowing and winemaking from start to finish, says Dinneen.

All the company’s Hawke’s Bay wines come from its own vineyards. Crossroads owns six different vineyards across the Hawke’s Bay region, four of which are located on the Gimblett Gravels.

Miles Dinneen in the barrel room: “Syrah is an exciting variety in Hawke’s Bay.” “Carefully selected parcels of land have been developed for each specific variety to ensure all care is given at every step in the process.

As a small team, every decision is made to ensure that Crossroads wines are great not just good but are crafted without ever compromising quality,” explains Dinneen.

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Dinneen says that the exceptional quality of red wines from the Gimblett Gravels area is based on the gravelly soil laid down by the Ngaruroro River in ancient times.

“The free-draining soils allow us to control the vine vigour using targeted irrigation and nutrition to achieve balanced vine growth.

“We get very light crops of ripe, aromatic, intensely flavoured wines with fine-grained tannin and solid structure.

“-While the Gimblett Gravels can be very challenging from a winegrowing point of view, they are also very rewarding and the results can be stunning.”

8|

DEVELOPMENT » Novotel Hobson Hotel

Business North

Novotel hotel for New Plymouth Karen Phelps The construction of New Zealand’s eighth Novotel hotel will stimulate travel to the New Plymouth region from a range of sectors, particularly business and leisure travel,” says Garth Simmons, senior vice president operations for Accor New Zealand, Fiji and Japan.

The $22m, 100-room Novotel Hobson Hotel New Plymouth is located on the corner of Leach and Hobson Streets, which is just a short walk from the town centre and conveniently accessible to all major tourist attractions, says Simmons.

Novotel New Plymouth will feature a mix of executive and studio rooms, one-bedroom apartments and a penthouse suite, three food and beverage outlets, two meeting rooms, a swimming pool, gymnasium and day spa.

“The Novotel brand has been operating in New Zealand for 20 years and is known for its high level of modern, well-designed and efficient 4-star hotels throughout the world,” says Simmons.

“This is a key development for the Taranaki region, which will positively add to New Zealand’s hotel industry and wider economy,” says Simmons.

Hamilton-based Foster Construction and New Plymouth building firm ICL Construction have been appointed to carry out the project. Once open the hotel will employ around 70 hospitality staff.

Novotel Hobson New Plymouth will join the brand with other hotels located in Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua, Hamilton and two in Auckland and joins a global Novotel network of nearly 400 hotels in 60 countries.

The construction of Novotel New Plymouth is underway and it is due to open for business in 2015.

Accor is present in 92 countries with more than 3600 hotels offering 470,000 rooms. The Group has been operating for nearly 45 years and employs more than 170,000 people in Accor brand hotels worldwide.

Accor brands include Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, hotelF1 and Thalassa sea and spa.

Simmons says that as the Accor group enters a new phase of sustained expansion it is reaffirming its approach to responsible development.

The company has its own Sustainable Development Department, which initiates projects for the Group and assists operations and support services (HR, purchasing, technology, design, marketing and quality) in the implementation of sustainable development.

New Plymouth’s Novotel Hobson Hotel will join with other Novotel hotels located in Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland.

Simmons says that the Sustainable Development Department relies on an extended network of about one hundred agents worldwide.

“These agents facilitate the integration of sustainable development into the Group’s daily operations,” he says.

“They communicate good local practices and proposals for projects. This network also guarantees the consistency of the Group’s policy in all its activities.”

Accor has developed PLANET 21; a global sustainable development program, which Simmons says accelerates and intensifies Accor’s sustainable development commitment, transforming it into a

“This is a key development for the Taranaki region, which will positively add to New Zealand’s hotel industry and wider economy.”

competitive advantage for the Group, its brands and its partners. In particular the programme aims to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 10% by 2015.

“The programme is structured around 21 commitments backed by quantifiable objectives that all hotels are expected to meet by 2015.

With PLANET 21 Accor is making sustainable hospitality the focus of its strategic vision as well as its development and innovation processes.”

The latest PLANET 21 strategy includes an innovative program for informing customers and encouraging them to contribute to the hotels’ actions and achievements, all along the guest experience.

“From booking to room stay and restaurant service, customers will find an array of educational messages encouraging them to contribute actively to the hotel’s action by means of a few simple gestures.

“The tone of the messages is friendly and thoughtful, aimed at encouraging customers to

participate without ever making them feel guilty.

“To guarantee the credibility of this program, hotels can only use the PLANET 21 messages if they comply with a certain level of performance in terms of sustainable development, assessed according to a list of 65 check points or recognised external certification,” says Simmons.

In 2007, Accor initiated a process of external verification of its environmental data in order to improve its reporting quality.

Simmons says that Accor has to constantly keep reinventing its businesses to keep pace with the world around it, with the goal of providing innovative, high-quality products.

“The main ambition is to become the European franchise leader and one of the world’s three leading hotel operators, while respecting the values that have always informed the Accor spirit - a pioneering spirit of conquest shaped by a commitment to high performance and a constant concern for people (customers, employees and host communities) and for their environments.”

Novotel owner, Accor, has 3600 hotels in 92 countries offering 470,000 rooms.

Business North

DEVELOPMENT » Novotel Hobson Hotel

An artist’s impression of the new $22m 100-room Novotel Hobson Hotel New Plymouth - the hotel is due to open for business in 2015.

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|9

10 |

PROPERTY » CBRE

Business North

CBRE has been involved in major Auckland CBD deals concluded this year.

Property firm builds enviable record CBRE is celebrating nearly 27 years in New Zealand with the business recognised as the Best Property Consultancy in Asia Pacific at the prestigious Asia Pacific Property Awards 20142015 in Malaysia, as well as being named Best Consultancy in New Zealand for the second year in a row.

This is simply a representation of CBRE as a business and what it has achieved not only as a global company but on a local scale as well.

CBRE makes it a priority to understand clients’ business and to research the dynamics of markets within which they operate. CBRE applies insight, experience, intelligence and resources to help clients make informed real estate decisions.

With four offices throughout New Zealand, CBRE has over 180 staff based in the Auckland CBD, South Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Our service structure and expertise is available to clients whether they buy, sell or occupy real estate and clients are encouraged to utilise our worldwide services at a local level.

Globally the company is recognised as the only commercial real estate services company in the Fortune 500 placed at #363 in 2014 for the seventh straight year, as well as a range of other accolades including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The Lipsey Company, Euromoney, RICS and many more.

As a global company, CBRE New Zealand has constant touch points throughout the Asia Pacific region, as well as strong networks in the US and Europe.

Through this global platform CBRE can offer clients access to services, contacts, marketing and knowledge potentially unavailable otherwise.

An example of this is CBRE New Zealand’s Asian Roadshow, undertaken to promote New Zealand investment opportunities to the Asia Pacific region.

Asian-based buyers see New Zealand as a good opportunity and a sound long-term

proposition. Long-term buyers, such as those from Asia, are targeting New Zealand due to the attractive yields on offer compared to their home countries.

Asian-based investors generally perceive good value for money in New Zealand where they are able to acquire quality high rise buildings that may be out of reach for them in their local markets and they look to New Zealand to build portfolios with minimal downside.

Most overseas buyers also have a high regard for New Zealand as a stable economy, investment destination and as a country in general.

CBRE has been involved in major Auckland CBD deals concluded this year, many have hit the headlines and CBRE is a prominent leader in the corporate real estate field.

A few examples of major sales that have been brokered by us include; the sale of 280 Queen Street was completed by CBRE Senior Directors Warren Hutt and Jonathan Ogg. The 15-storey building was sold to an offshore Asian investor.

Leading on from this sale within Auckland this year included 205 Queen Street, 66 Wyndham Street, 30-40 Enfield Street and several other major transactions that were brokered confidentially off-market.

In addition, the CBRE South Auckland Industrial team, led by Bruce Catley brokered the deal of 80 Favona Road, Mangere - the largest single leased industrial property transaction in New Zealand since 2004.

CBRE has a high level of controlled stock in the office leasing sector and excellent relationships within the market to help landlords and tenants meet their objectives. These include the leasing campaigns for Princes Street, Auckland City, Cider House in Ponsonby and many more.

Within Wellington, CBRE is currently marketing several waterfront office investments with plenty of activity in this area and Christchurch continues with rebuild, redevelopment and opportunities for

“We recruit the sharpest and most experienced minds in real estate, creating an organisation with extensive experience and a wide range of skills.” developers and investors as the city continues to take shape.

Clients can view available properties for sale and/or lease by CBRE New Zealand via our listing portal www.propertyconnector.co.nz.

This provides agent profiles, contact details, and detailed information regarding each listing.

CBRE releases print publications throughout the year called Property Connector, these are focused on the different business lines; industrial, investment and office leasing and show the high quality calibre of options available to interested parties.

In consultancy and professional services, CBRE is a mature property company that offers a complete suite of all-agency real estate services - valuation, property management, research, and advisory - with many unique sub-group specialisations such as tenant representation, project management, and structured transactions.

All of our services can be viewed at www.cbre. co.nz.

“People make the difference with CBRE New Zealand; we recruit the sharpest and most experienced minds in real estate, creating an organisation with extensive experience and a wide range of skills. Our integrated approach allows us to form teams that have the relevant skills and breadth of experience to address clients’ specific real estate needs. “ New appointments Some new appointments to CBRE include Matthew St Amand, whose new role will be in the Capital Markets team as part of the institutional

investments division focusing on institutional clients, lenders, listed property companies and high net wealth individuals.

He will work closely with Ryan Johnson, Managing Director of CBRE Wellington. He brings outstanding relationships across New Zealand and international experience, previously having been Regional manager Property Finance with ANZ Bank and Head of Property for ANZ with over twenty years’ experience in senior roles in the New Zealand market across property finance, corporate real estate and debt advisory.

CBRE has also welcomed Grant Unsworth as National Director Retail Services.

Unsworth will be focusing on the growth of CBRE’s agency service offering utilising his sector expertise and broad network throughout New Zealand. Prior to joining CBRE, Grant established GBU Realty specialising in retail sales and leasing across New Zealand.

For career opportunities within CBRE both in New Zealand and globally, a new careers website - www.cbre.co.nz/cbrecareers - was launched at the end of 2013.

This offers the opportunity to register with LinkedIn profiles, view the available opportunities and see what it’s like to work within the organisation from different aspects of the business.

“Philanthropy is also a significant focus for CBRE New Zealand and we support charities throughout the year via staff direct involvement and initiative for the likes of Red Nose Day, Daffodil Day, Movember, Breast Cancer Awareness, Relay for Life and many more.”

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We have a personal yet professional approach and can tackle most things – from general maintenance, timely attendance to response works and large special projects.

We run an extensive Health and Safety programme with all staff being site safe and height trained along with other qualifications such as Confined workspaces and Elevated platforms.

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General and preventative maintenance Commercial fit outs and renovations Roof repairs, roof access issues, fall arrest and fall zones Re-roofs and clearlight replacements including skylights Structural concrete repairs Concrete placing, boxing and associated steel works Building reports Response maintenance –callouts, scheduled works Sika applied membranes Investigation works for drainage etc (cameras, bores etc) Supply and Installation of fibreglass construction products including walkway All aspects of flooring Watertight issues including reclads Painting Problem solving with innovative ideas Project management Structural propping and repairs - (temporary and permanent)

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12 |

INDUSTRY » PPS Industries

Business North

Service and products key to success Jo Bailey The delivery of excellent service and quality products are keys to the success of Auckland firm PPS Industries, which celebrates 40 years in business in 2014.

“We have strong relationships with our suppliers, both locally and overseas, sourcing only quality products from world industry leaders in their area,” says managing director and company founder Michael Evans, who is still involved in its day-to-day operations.

“Our long-standing staff is also critical to our growth in what is a competitive and demanding market,” he says.

PPS Industries manufactures a range of chemicals, and polishing and abrasive belt products for the metal finishing industry.

The firm is also an importer, wholesaler and distributor of abrasive products, polishing buffs, compounds, chemicals, engineering supplies, welding consumables, pumps, power tools and finishing equipment.

“Our management team makes regular trips to Europe and the United states, meeting suppliers and sourcing the latest high quality materials and products for our New Zealand customer base,” says Evans.

When he founded PPS Industries in 1974 its core business was servicing the electroplating industry.

Although the firm still supports this industry it has diversified significantly over the years to service many other sectors.

These include stainless steel fabrication and metal finishing; general engineering and construction; and the marine sector, particularly super yacht and executive pleasure craft boat

PPS Industries manufactures a range of chemicals, and polishing and abrasive belt products for the metal finishing industry.

builders, although the list “goes on and on”, says Evans.

The firm is based in Penrose where it has its head office, along with branches in Hamilton and Christchurch; and satellite stocking units in Palmerston North, Hastings, Tauranga and Dunedin.

National sales manager Paul Saggers says the fact PPS Industries’ nationwide sales team works

directly with the end users of its products is one of its biggest strengths.

“Our New Zealand-wide reach allows us to provide expert service, advice and problem solving with our customers face-to-face, rather than them having to do things over the phone or via a website.”

The amount of stock carried by PPS is another plus, he says.

“We carry around $3.5 million worth of stock at any one time, which is not something many other firms have the capacity to do.”

Some of PPS Industries’ staff has been with the firm for well over 20 years, with an average term across the business of ten-and-a-half years.

“We are very fortunate to have a team of 35 dedicated staff, 14 of whom are experienced territory sales professionals.

“They are backed by experienced support staff who together provide the exceptional service on which the company has made its name.”

PPS Industries has been based at its Penrose head office in Auckland since 1997, when it moved to a purpose-built factory, after previously having operated from in five separate buildings in the suburb.

“The move to one base allowed us to consolidate our operations, with our fully equipped and managed laboratory, chemical and polish manufacturing facility and conversion plant for the manufacture of sanding belts, working side by side,” says Saggers.

“It was a turning point for the company which allowed it to grow from strength to strength,” he says.

Although there is a “proliferation” of companies starting up to provide cheaper products to the market, they are usually without the experience and science to back them up, he says.

“As an industry leader there are always companies trying to bring in alternative products.

However we find customers usually only try cheaper sub-standard products once before coming back to us for products that deliver a quality, proven result.”

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Business North

2014 MASTER BUILDERS’ AWARDS » Emms Homes

| 13

The rural family home set on 2.5 hectares is a result of several years of careful planning by the owners.

Winning home blends with landscape Karen Phelps A rural, tree-clad hillside property has won a silver award for Emms Homes at the East Coast region Registered Master Builders 2014 House of the Year Awards.

The prize was awarded in the $600,000$1,000,000.

Emms Homes director Steve Emms says that a key consideration of the project was that the owners wanted the house to be long and low lying so that it blended in with the existing landscape.

“It was important that the home had use of natural materials inside and out and so incorporated into the design were large schist pillars, copper lighting and exposed aggregate courtyards and patio.

“A long series of cedar sliding and french doors link to the main bedroom and all living areas, enhancing the indoor/outdoor flow,” he says.

The family home set on 2.5ha is a result of several years of careful planning by the owners.

Land was purchased around five years ago and coming from a farming background the owners were keen to keep existing avocado and pecan nut trees as well as the many native tree varieties on the property.

Emms describes the architecturally designed home as a practical, family-friendly home with a casual contemporary twist.

“The positioning of this home was site specific as the elevation gave the best rural view and the setting into the hill placed it perfectly for privacy while offering protection from southerly and easterly winds and rain,” he says.

Inside the home the 2.7m high stud and extra wide hallways give a point of difference. For noise control and insulation, 13mm gib and full insulation was installed to all walls along with under floor insulation.

Other distinctive features include a large window at the entrance, a 310 kilogram marble bench top in the kitchen, recycled glass and nickel light shades and an open schist fire with built in cedar cabinetry and mood lighting.

The award is far from the first for Emms Homes.

The company has been consistently winning awards in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition since 2002 when it was a national finalist in the new homes under $140,000 category. Emms says that his high expectations when it comes to quality have probably helped

the company to achieve such a large number of accolades.

“It’s about really working with the clients, finding out what their ideas are as well as bringing in my own ideas.

“Each aspect of the project is then completed with real attention to detail and we have built up a reputation for absolute perfection,” he says.

Emms Homes was originally started by Steve’s parents nearly 50 years ago. Steve completed his apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery with the company in 1984 and is a current Licensed Building Practitioner.

Steve and his wife Lee purchased Emms Building in 1997. Since that time the couple has focused on modernising the business.

The company undertakes a wide variety of builds from simple cottages to architecturally designed homes in the East Coast area.

Unusually for a smaller company Emms Homes offers a range of house plans from one to four bedroom plus.

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“All componentry is cut and made in our workshop. Only quality materials are used and our garages are engineer designed for strength and durability.

“All garages include a five year warranty. We also build carports.”

Steve takes a hands on role in the business – both out on site wielding a hammer when the occasion calls for it as well as managing the company. Emms Homes employs three builders and one office staff. The company takes on all sizes of projects and at the moment is working on three new homes as well constructing a stone schist fence and a farm implement shed.

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14 |

2014 MASTER BUILDERS’ AWARDS » Gudsell Designer Homes

Business North

Gudsell Designer Homes has a reputation for building top quality homes.

Father and son a winning combination Sue Russell The decision by father and son builders Peter and Matt Gudsell to collaborate their skills and form Gudsell Designer Homes in 2009 has proven to be a good one.

The Waikato-based company has been kept sufficiently busy, even during the down-turn years of the economic squeeze, that the dozen staff always have work ahead.

“We’ve got four jobs in Matamata and two on the go in the Bay of Plenty and this is fairly typical for us,” says Matt Gudsell.

“These projects range from a $1.5 million to

$350,000 and we always have a descent amount of work on our plates.”

Reflecting back on the slow time, when everyone in the construction industry was struggling one way or the other, he says his company really only felt its effects for about six months and, in fact, ended up taking on extra staff at the same time some companies were folding.

Gudsell’s job is centred on quality control, part of the overall managing role he really enjoys.

“I make sure I inspect all the elements of the build especially when it comes to the finishing end of the job it becomes more hands-on for me.

“I enjoy swinging a hammer and would like to have less admin to deal with, but stepping back

from that will be gradual while admin people come up to task.”

Now in its sixth year, Matt says that when he and his father got together under the one company umbrella they did lay down some longterm goals.

However as he puts it “one of the tricks to working successfully in this industry is to see goals as moveable posts, something to keep in the back of your mind”.

This year’s Registered Master Builders awards saw the company add another haul of awards to their name, including three regional House of the Year Gold and Category awards, a craftsmanship award and the heart of the home kitchen award.

Adding to this they now have three national gold reserve awards for the year and will head off to nationals in November.

This year also marked a special moment for the company when 22 year old employee Matthew Frost from Matamata won the Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Award for Waikato and Bay of Plenty, something all the team are very proud of.

“Matthew came into his apprenticeship a little older than is often the case and with an excellent work ethic.

“I think being that little bit older helped him to approach his training with a real focus,” Gudsell says.

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Business North

MASTER BUILDERS’ AWARDS » Gudsell Designer Homes / Urban Homes

| 15

Urban Homes notches an impressive haul of awards “This gives multiple outdoor options for all times of day and weather conditions.

The solid tilt panel construction and exposed steel roof structures made the build a challenge as it left no room for error as we were working with finished product from the start.

The vertical cedar cladding used was made up of five different profile types of differing thickness and width resulting in a pattern that seems random but was actually highly planned.

Klinkenberg says that the main aim of the show home, which won the company several awards, was to create a plan that was different, modern and innovative yet affordable.

“This floor plan has no internal hallways and has gone against the commonly used layout of internal hallways running centrally on the plan servicing rooms either side.

“Using the thermal mass of the exposed concrete floors and the large glass units this home generates its own heat and retains it.

“The large stacker sliders in the hallway maximise the northern sun, which in turns heats the concrete, which in turn heats the bedrooms. The same goes for the dining, family and kitchen areas.”

Winning a gold award in the New Homes $600,000 – $1m category was achieved with a classic home built to last.

• To page 16

Karen Phelps Urban Homes has taken its largest haul of awards yet at the 2014 Waikato Region Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards winning a total of seven awards.

The company took out a gold award and was named category winner for the Builder’s Own Home category.

The home also won the bathroom excellence award. In the Gib Show Home category the company once again took out a gold award and was category winner as well as being awarded the interior style and finish award.

Finally the company won a gold award in the New Homes $600,000 – $1m category.

Company director Daniel Klinkenberg says that while he always aims to do well each year the competition gets tougher.

“So we’re continually trying to raise the standard so it was awesome to come away with so many awards. It’s a real testament to the fact that as the company grows our standard of quality remains high,” he says.

The home that the company won the Builders Own Home award for had been four years in the planning and was designed with a tricky boomerang shaped floor plan demonstrating the company’s ability to tackle technically challenging projects.

Having taken out this accolade Frost will stand up against the best apprentices in the country when the national award is presented mid October at The Cloud in Auckland.

This year has been such a busy one for the company that Matt Gudsell can see the need for some serious down-time for everyone over Christmas.

“Building to the quality we expect of ourselves for our clients is draining work. Those weeks off over Christmas are really important to recharge batteries. We’ve got work on our books already for 2015 which is always a good start.”

A few months ago the decision was made to employ painters; something Gudsell says has given his company a lot more control over the finishing touches, which are often about the painting.

With a reputation built from delivering top quality projects Matt says there are no plans to move away from residential work as the company core. “We’re quite happy building homes and doing the renovations and alterations as well. It’s what we enjoy doing and the size of the company works well for this work.”

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16 |

2014 MASTER BUILDERS’ AWARDS » Urban Homes

Business North

Company reaps more awards • From page 15 The home has a traditional feel but all the modern comforts and was designed to cater to the clients’ love of reading.

“Multiple living spaces have been created including an area to relaxing by the fire in the library reading a book or enjoying the sunshine on a winter’s day in the conservatory.

“This room has great ambience with the use of drop down ceilings and LED strip lighting making the home feel spacious yet cosy.

Urban Homes has won awards in almost every category of the competition since first entering in 2010. Klinkenberg thinks this is indicative of both his own perfectionist attitude when it comes to building as well as the skill of his staff.

“It’s about attention to detail. We love what we do and we take pride in our work and that is reflected in the finished product,” he says.

Started by Klinkenberg and wife Bronwyn, the company has been building high quality homes and alterations in the Waikato since 2004.

Klinkenberg says that he developed a keen eye for detail, strong project management skills and a passion for high quality workmanship early in his career as a team leader during the building of the five-star Sheraton Bora Bora Nui Resort in Tahiti.

He says the company now offers that same high quality workmanship and attention to detail in every project whether it be a new deck to a high end residential new home.

The company offers a plan range, design and build and house and land packages. The company’s attention to detail also extends to its customer communication and business systems.

Urban Homes operates a web based scheduling system allowing clients to log on and view photos of their project as well as access information such

Urban Homes has won awards in almost every category of the Registered Master Builders Awards since first entering in 2010. as monthly work schedules. The company also operates a 140 point quality control check list on site to ensure a consistent high level of service is provided.

Urban Homes has doubled in size in the past 18 months and the Klinkenbergs have their sights set on doing the same in the next 18 months.

A new showhome opened in Hamilton in May and a showhome in Cambridge is in the design stages and is planned to be open to the public mid next year.

“We’ve managed our growth by having an exceptionally strong team and getting the right people in the right roles. It’s about forward planning and being proactive rather than reactive. We’ve cemented a really good brand in the marketplace for building high quality homes.”

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Business North

2014 MASTER BUILDERS’ AWARDS » Davcon

| 17

Davcon keeps on moving forward Sue Russell Julian Davis, managing director of Napier construction company Davcon Ltd, likes to keep hands-on and very much in touch with the building projects his company has on its plate.

Davis has been building for two decades and he’s pleased with where his building career has taken him after a lot of hard work.

He has worked in major construction projects including high rise buildings and says that this background primed him with a great set of skills to develop on from.

“You learn such a lot working in a large construction company. The best thing is to get a skill set from both commercial and housing.”

The backbone of the company is a core of three builders who have been with Davis for five or six years.

“They have all done their apprenticeships with me and it is really good to watch them develop as builders.”

Davis’s attitude is very much to do anything and everything that comes his way and there have been some tough times as they’ve worked on through the recession.

“We had five years of a recession and I would be pricing lots of work, pricing, pricing, pricing and every now and then one of the jobs would come through. It was tough and at one stage I got right down to me and just one other guy but something would always pop up.”

For the past three years Davis says prospects have been looking much brighter with more work and bigger projects ahead, though he admits he’s not certain how long the picture will remain bright.

He enjoys taking on alterations but acknowledges that the budgeting side is often the first challenge.

“I’m straight up with my clients and say this is an estimate because so many factors play into the final costs. If you’re honest with them about this then there isn’t usually any problem. It can be hard matching the new into the old.”

Davcon concentrates the bulk of its work building new homes, alterations and doing shop fit-outs.

Davis is proud of the fact his company won a gold award in the $450,000-$600,000 regional registered master builders competition this year for a home he built in the Esk Hills.

“To achieve that award we had to score over 90% by the judges who looked at everything.

“I was really pleased with that outcome.”

To achieve that award we had to score over 90% by the judges who looked at everything. I was really pleased with that outcome.”

Come September the house will be re-judged along with other gold award winners in the same category from throughout the country.

Davcon concentrates the bulk of its work building new homes, alterations and doing shop fit-outs.

Davis says that it is good to have the variety of work and describes building a home as a creative process.

They are certainly experiencing this with their own home which is currently under construction in the Esk Hills.

The home’s monolithic concrete walls are designed to give it thermal mass as heat from the

Davcon enjoys taking on alteration and renovation projects.

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sun is absorbed during the day and then released at night when it is cooler.

“Some of the walls are actually internal walls with windows on their northern side so the sunlight heats them through the windows during a clear winter’s day.

“This is an especially good way to heat the house in winter as the suns trajectory is low and will shine under the eaves directly into the walls. It really works.”

The concrete’s hard natural creates a striking comparison with the softer timber look of band sawn ply and batons as the other cladding material.

18 |

2014 MASTER BUILDERS’ AWARDS » Fowler Homes Taranaki

Business North

Fowler Homes thriving in Taranaki Sue Russell Despite the perceived “doom and gloom” in the residential building industry in the provinces, Lauchlan and Sandy MacMillan as managing directors of Fowler Homes in Taranaki are busier than ever building quality homes throughout Taranaki.

Given their success in this month’s Registered Master Builders’ House of the Year awards, that growth is surely set to continue.

The company entered three homes in the recent local Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards gaining three Gold Awards with two

category wins – in the $350-$400,000 category and the $450-$600,000 category.

Fowler Homes Taranaki also took out top honours with the Craftsmanship Award and the Supreme House of the Year Award, for excellence in workmanship, creativity and innovation.

“Those results are the perfect expression of our core values and motivation,” says Lauchlan.

The couple founded the Fowler Homes regional office in Taranaki seven years ago,.

Lauchlan says that they have never regretted joining the Fowler Homes group, which has been voted New Zealand’s number one nationwide builder 2014 in a recent BRANZ customer satisfaction survey.

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Key to the company’s continued success, says Lauchlan is its “small, well-oiled business structure” and “relaxed” atmosphere.

Everyone in the company of just five staff is directly involved with making the customer’s experience of wanting to build a new home easy, and hassle free, says Sandy.

“From the client’s first enquiry, we endeavour to get them everything they want, at a price they can afford.

“Locky is the qualified and certified Licensed Building Practitioner who can help the client with the building knowledge that will make their ideas reality,” says Sandy.

Her role involves pricing the plans so the client knows exactly what they are getting and the exact price they will pay. “It’s not about getting clients hooked into a contract, we prefer there to be complete transparency in all our dealings first so everyone is on the same page.”

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Business North

2014 MASTER BUILDERS’ AWARDS » Fowler Homes Taranaki

“We’ve noticed a lot of new building for couples with a young family, as well as recently retired couples finally moving up to their dream home.”

Understanding the nuances of building in Taranaki, the couple meet with the clients on the building site to establish orientation, views, and to establish what will work best for them.

Often the company’s architect will also attend giving his perspective to help clients crystallise their design ideas.

Lauchlan says that Fowler Homes Taranaki’s relaxed style is proving a competitive advantage with new customers coming from referrals from existing clients.

“We’re now building second or third homes for some clients, as well as for their children,” he says.

“We’ve noticed a lot of new building for couples with a young family, as well as recently retired couples finally moving up to their dream home.”

He says the size of the houses being built has increased over the years from around 180-200 square metres to more like 250 to 300sqm, often with a separate scullery, media room and outdoor

entertainment area off the home’s main living rooms.

Over the years the company has acquired a loyal team of people with great skills and the passion to achieve excellence.

“We’ve built up a high level of trust and integrity which filters through to the clients.”

When asked about challenges facing the building industry in Taranaki, Lauchlan says the oil industry and dairying definitely has a positive influence, but affordable land handy to urban centres is in short supply, and those industries also want the same land.

“We keep thinking the bubble is going to pop but every month brings new ideas to build into dreams.

Ultimately Taranaki is a great place to live, to retire to, or bring up a young family.”

Seven years ago he sought to control his own destiny. Owning and operating Fowler Homes in Taranaki has realised this dream.

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20 |

2014 MASTER BUILDERS’ AWARDS » Currie Construction

Business North

Currie Construction received more accolades in this year’s East Coast Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards.

Proud family firm stays the course Sue Russell Gisborne-based building company, Currie Construction Ltd is experiencing an upsurge in work since the winter months last year, something financial administrator Debbie Currie welcomes.

“You do all you can to retain your staff through the harder times given your loyalty to them and their history with you.

“This is how we feel about all our team so it has been good to see more work flow of late.”

As it happens there is always some natural attrition that can be worked with when business is quiet as some builders use the down-turn as an opportunity to move or to head over the ditch to Australia.

At its peak the company employed a team of 45 and at its lowest ebb got down to 20 staff, a situation experienced by many companies in the construction business.

With the increased volume of work, our staff numbers have once again increased to approximately 45.

“It’s a small town we operate in and our work comes by word of mouth. To us quality and service are more important than the margins we make.”

Director and Licensed Building Practitioner Kim Currie is busy these days project managing as well as quantity surveying.

However, having notched up 40 years in the construction industry he is looking forward to gradually handing over the reins to his two sons.

“It seems a long time ago since I attached my name to the side of a Ute in 1985 and undertook my first building job having completed my apprenticeship with local builder DP Longdill,” he says.

The Currie’s youngest son Sam, who is also a Licensed Building Practitioner, has started up a residential division of Currie Construction called Competitive Homes.

While the bulk of Currie Construction’s recent work has been in the commercial sector, with the development of the Competitive Homes division a dedicated house-building team has also evolved.

Sam’s older brother John, who has a Diploma in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, is at present working as a foreman, but is preparing to move into more of a quantity surveying role in the company.

The two sons are now the third generation of builders in the Currie family.

One inspiring project Currie Construction has been awarded is the long-anticipated upgrade of the Gisborne War Memorial Theatre; a $7.5 million dollar project funded in part by the Gisborne District Council and community raised money through the War Memorial Theatre Gisborne Trust.

“We’re on target to complete the upgrade, which will increase the theatre’s seating capacity to 550 and the size of the stage and other facilities, for its formal opening in time for Anzac Day next year,” Currie says.

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Long and Proud history in Gisborne O ne local Gisborne transport company has kept the Gisborne region rolling since the early part of this century.

M E Jukes and Son Ltd, now operated by grandson Trevor Jukes has carved out a long and proud history since Mick Jukes founded it in 1919 providing a town carrying service using horses and drays.

The business was first established as M E Jukes Carrier.

A generation later in 1936 not only did son Arthur join the family firm but the first of many Ford trucks began use.

Poignantly that same year heralded the end of the company’s use of horse drawn transport vehicles.

Another generation in the form of Trevor and brother Colin came into the company in 1962 with their Dad and Granddad on hand to teach them the tricks of the trade.

In those formative years the company operated from a depot in Derby Street but with increased business came the decision to relocate to the present Stanley Road site in 1977.

“This depot gives us plenty of room to store cargo and has its own rail siding along with plenty of room to park vehicles and handle the widest range of goods imaginable in a safe and efficient manner,” Trevor says.

Responding to customer demand a weighbridge and a major gravel storage system has been incorporated into the depot.

This provides both the general public and contractors with the widest possible range of materials from bulk site fill or river shingle to concrete mix, top grade aggregates, drainage metal and decorative rocks.

Today the company’s fleet of trucks, trailers, container side lifter, HIAB crane tracks, loaders, forklifts, excavators and specialist service vehicles has grown significantly.

Founding generation - Mick Jukes pictured in 1905 at Tapuihikitea Saw Milling Co, Puha.

“We can move just about anything you can imagine safely and sensibly with our fleet<’ says Trevor.

“And then on top of that we offer a wide

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22 |

2014 MASTER BUILDERS’ AWARDS » Currie Construction

Business North

Family firm stays the course • From page 20 The restoration of Gisborne’s Cenotaph monument is another project on the go.

Damaged in the December 2007 earthquake the project has involved extensive underground work to secure the foundations.

“It’s one of those projects where the bulk of our work won’t be seen because its all underground but we’ve been proud to be associated with making this monument secure especially with the centenary of Gallipoli next year,” Kim says. “We expect to have the work finished in November.’

Currie Construction received accolades in this year’s East Coast Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards, taking out the Supreme Award for the renovation of a home in Whataupoko, Gisborne, along with a silver award for another renovation and a bronze for a new home constructed in Lytton West.

“We were thrilled to recently hear from the Registered Master Builders Association that the Supreme Award renovation has qualified for the National Awards taking place in Auckland mid November,” says Kim. “When I look back at my time in the building industry it’s great that we’re at a stage where our sons will take it over in time and, while Debbie and I will always have a vested interest in the company, I’m looking forward to stepping back.”

He says there are some key reasons why the company has stayed the course through its decades of building in the Gisborne region.

The most important is to “always place quality above all else”.

“It’s a small town we operate in and our work comes by word of mouth. To us quality and service are more important than the margins we make.”

The company is also committed to encouraging the next generation of skilled builder to find their feet

Keeping it in the family: from left, John, Kim and Sam Currie - plenty of projects on the go. and it is not unusual for up to a dozen apprentices to be under its wing.

“We usually qualify three or four apprentices a year. I’m of the firm belief we need bright young ones with academic qualifications to be attracted to the industry.”

Kim says he’s also inspired as a builder by the designs and thinking of architects he has come into contact with.

“We love working with them and the more complicated the construction the more we enjoy it.

“That’s one of the reasons why I like commercial work so much because you’ve often got more building challenges than are presented in a house build.”

Meanwhile with plenty of work ahead with projects large and small it would seem that his ambition to retire ‘soon’ may have to wait a little longer.

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Business North

BUILDING » Kiwi Designer Homes

| 23

New showroom makes an impact Sue Russell A new purpose-built showroom displaying all the services that Hamilton building company Kiwi Designer Homes offers has been a big positive, says owner Blair Ridley.

“What it means is that people interested in possibly using our services can easily see what we can provide and examples of the products we use.

“The showroom gives them the freedom to browse at their leisure and get some ideas and advice prior to making such important decisions,” Ridley says.

The showroom, at 9 Karewa Place, Te Rapa, is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday.

Staff are on hand to help whether it’s a case of popping in to pick up a brochure, to view plans or to get answers to questions.

From the number of visits the showroom has had since opening three months ago the decision to move there has been a very positive one.

“We have grown steadily since my dad Ross started the original building company under another name more than thirty five years ago.

“We have a great group of builders and sub trades many who have been with us for years.”

During the years of the economic down-turn Ridley says it was a case of tightening the belts and carefully looking at overheads.

“It wasn’t as bad as it could have been and it was a healthy process for us to work through.

“We also had other strings to our bow like our Transportable Homes division.”

He says there has been a noticeable pick-up in work of late, something most in the building trade are beginning to feel.

“Having so many different services on offer has certainly reduced the impact of the down-turn.

“You get your lean months but the building industry has its cycles to it and when you’ve been in it as long as we have you understand things go up and down.”

Kiwi Designer Homes has a stock of over 20 standard three- and four-bedroom house designs along with House and Land packages currently on offer in Hamilton.

The Transportable range has 12 standard two to four bedroom house plans built at the company’s Hamilton yard and transported around the North Island.

Kiwi Designer Homes has a stock of over 20 standard three- and four-bedroom house designs.

“All our plans can be modified to suit people’s needs and budgets.

“I think this is one of the keys to our success in that there is flexibility to create a home to reflect exactly what the client wants.”

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24 |

BUILDING » Heartland Homes

Business North

Collaborative model working well Karen Phelps Heartland Homes is a company that has been established not as a franchise but as a cooperative.

And now company director Dale Radford is looking for other like-minded builders to join and reap the benefits.

“The co-operative model really draws on all the resources, knowledge and skills of those involved.

“All owners have a share in the working company as well as a say in things such as suppliers and company direction.

“It’s a collaborative business model rather than a top down approach, which I believe can produce powerful results as people have a vested interest in the business.

“I am looking for people who are passionate about the residential building business,” he explains.

Heartland Homes had its beginnings 10 years ago and the brand was launched into the marketplace in 2012.

The company’s range of plans is distinguished by the fact it is are based on simplicity and functionality with an emphasis on space efficiency and incorporate modern features buyers today want in a home, says Radford.

“There are a large variety of floor plans and exterior styles available for people to adapt to suit to their own requirements.

“They can flip, rotate or amend them in any way they like so that their home becomes uniquely theirs.”

Heartland Homes provides three build options: kit homes, transportable homes and fully built homes.

Heartland Homes provides three build options: kit homes, transportable homes and fully built homes.

“Our kitset homes are the most cost-effective method and prove to be a very popular option for builders, trades people or customers who like a hands-on approach in managing the construction of their own home.

“It includes permit plans and materials, which

are delivered to be timed as the build progresses.

“Transportable homes can be an ideal solution for farm, holiday home, beach bach, minor dwelling or lifestyle blocks.

“They typically work out to be more costeffective than a regular build when a site may be remote for example and the cost of getting tradespeople and materials there prohibitive.

“We build in our yard then transport the home to site in as little as six weeks.

“Our fully built homes option is a turn key package from producing a set of building plans until the final stage of handing the home over to the client.”

Radford says that only well-proven materials are used that are robust, resilient and reliable.

The company operates under the Registered Master Builder brand so customers can be confident that they are dealing with qualified and experienced builders who take pride in the quality of their workmanship.

Heartland Homes uses licensed building practitioners and also offers a Master Builders Guarantee.

The company’s new show home in Putaruru, approximately 20 minutes south of Cambridge, is a demonstration of the commitment of Heartland Homes to quality and exceptional value, he says.

The 126sqm three-bedroom, two-bathroom home comes with a full size kitchen with walk in scullery, a feature he says is becoming increasingly popular.

Heartland Homes can also assist customers with subdividing of land or removing an existing dwelling as well as obtaining land and finance.

The company offers house and land packages in some areas.

The company already has a member of the group operating in Rotorua. Radford is looking to expand the brand throughout New Zealand, particularly in key growth area such as south Auckland and Hamilton.

“There are a large variety of floor plans and exterior styles available for people to adapt to suit to their own requirements. They can flip, rotate or amend them in any way they like so that their home becomes uniquely theirs.”

The company’s range of plans is based on simplicity and functionality.

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Business North

BUILDING Âť Heartland Homes

| 25

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26 |

BUILDING » Pacific Homes

Business North

Whangarei’s Pacific Homes specialises in building reasonably priced homes in the region.

Firm building on a solid foundation Sue Russell Collectively Mark Workman and his father Tony Workman have accrued more than 70 years experience in the building industry, something that has given their 14-year-old building company Pacific Homes a solid foundation to grow from.

The Whangarei-based company is proud of its track-record of mostly building moderately priced homes in the region.

While the senior Workman is reaching a place in his building career where his days on building sites may be numbered, the junior Workman sees an exciting future ahead.

“We’re looking at a really wonderful concept to bring into our latest sub-division ‘4th Avenue’,” says Tony.

“Without saying too much, we’ve seen a real opportunity present to fill a demand that isn’t currently met,” Workman says.

He is pleased to see his local Council are becoming more proactive in terms of meeting and understanding the issues that property development companies, like Pacific Homes, face.

“A good example of the sort of issue we’re concerned about finding solutions to is the costs

that fall on property developers with respect to reserve contributions due to Council when new sub-divisions are built.

“We don’t see it as equitable when you think that someone moving into the area and buying an existing home is spared this cost.”

Workman would like to see the council instigate a system of placing caveats on the sections, so that as they sell, the reserve cost obligations are met bit by bit.

Pacific Homes has a lot of work on its books at the moment stemming almost entirely from its development of sub-divisions.

A key point of separation from many of the building companies operating in the area is the fact that Pacific Homes employs its own team of builders.

“Just about every single building company these days are marketing companies who contract builders to build their homes.

“We actually do everything ourselves evidenced by the fact that our contracting list is probably less than a quarter of what other building companies have.”

Pacific Homes employs its own in-house architect and all the key staff to pour the foundations on up through the total build.

We have a lot of Aucklanders selling up and coming up to Whangarei because they’re going to get real value for money. Then there’s also the demand from investors wanting to buy rental property.”

A key advantage Workman says is the transportability this brings in terms of moving the construction team around as necessary.

“We’re a family business through and through and we reflect this in the way we support our staff when they have things like sports days come up in their calendar.

“We don’t expect weekend work either.”

The goal over the next year or so is to grow capacity to be able to successfully manage and complete building up to 35 homes over a twelve month period.

To help make this happen the company has just taken on a new foreman.

“James Lamars is our new foreman. He’s a young guy and it’s been great to give him the opportunity to rise to the role.”

Workman says there are some key drivers

influencing the building market at this time, especially outside the more frantic Auckland space.

Factors such as interest rates remaining fairly stable and the fact that there is a definite housing cycle that sees new homes often costing the same as purchasing an existing home.

“We have a lot of Aucklanders selling up and coming up to Whangarei because they’re going to get real value for money.

“Then there’s also the demand from investors wanting to buy rental property.”

As for the big, new and ‘quite different’ project Workman is staying closed-lip about all he will say is that it will service and bring real value for money to an often overlooked cohort – the elderly.

“I’m convinced that our plan is sound and will be a very attractive option for many of our more elderly citizens.”

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Business North

BUILDING » Mainline Construction

| 27

Commitment to quality paying off Sue Russell There was always a sense of certainty for Darren Pennington from Mainline Construction Ltd that he would end up being a builder.

As a youngster growing up he remembers building the best tree-house and trolley of all his mates.

And he says that quest for perfection continues today.

“I always want to build high quality, not just the run of the mill.

“Our work comes purely through referrals. We don’t advertise as such and about 95 per cent of our work comes from repeat clients.”

Pennington started Mainline Construction, based in Takanini in 1994 having taken out New Zealand Apprentice of the Year in 1991 and 1992.

These days he’s grown the business to the place where he hung up his tools a few years ago, concentrating on project management, pricing and sourcing jobs.

A milestone in the company’s development took place when current co-director and former IT business owner Nigel Hanley joined the company.

“When Nigel joined us, the company took a definitely more professional approach.

“Things were getting too big for me to handle on my own and with Nigel on board we have structured a way to work really efficiently.”

Three new houses are on the books as well as some light commercial work, but a big project has been, to be asked to rebuild 140 former Housing NZ homes that have been gifted back to Ngati Whatua.

“Housing New Zealand approached us and it’s a two year job.

“We’ve completed eight already, tidying them up.

“We had done a lot of work for Prendos Project Management Company and I think this is how we were offered the job.”

Four years ago Pennington decided to add another string to his business bow by establishing a cabinet making company – Cube 3 Cabinetry and he’s just invested in a brand new CNC controlled cutting machine.

“The whole operation works out of a purpose-built building Pennington designed and constructed 8 years ago.

Mainline Construction has built some stunning residences throughout the greater Auckland area.

Reflecting on the down-time of the recession Pennington recalls a period of time where both he and Hanley did not take any drawings, such was their commitment to safeguard their staff.

“During that time the margins were so low but when 2014 arrived we’ve experienced business has really picked up to the point that now we get to pick and choose our jobs.”

Pennington is a firm believer in trusting his gut instincts when it comes to taking on a project.

“A lot of our day to day work comes through our subsidiary company Cube 3 Cabinetry, but one special project I remember that came along right in the down-turn for us was building

a beautiful home in Remuera for a really cool couple.”

Pennington has some clear thoughts when it comes to the current industry apprenticeship pathway.

He harbours concerns about the imbalance between theoretical ‘know-how’ and the practical ability on the tools.

“It does worry me that apprentices can get signed off via book work.

“It suits those guys who can cope with the theory and get through it but they may not necessarily be too flash on the tools.

“A lot of good young guys really struggle with the ‘booky’ nature of the learning process.”

• • • •

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It is also not a good thing he says that the tertiary driven apprenticeship process causes those just coming into the industry to already be burdened with debt.

“Back in my day you worked your hours and earned your way through and the employer released you for blocks of time.

“There was nothing like the costs involved as there is today.”

Another real benefit, he says that came from his apprenticeship years was that a strong group of builder-buddies formed and remained.

“We still catch up and over the years as we’ve progressed as builders it’s been great to have those mates with you.”

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28 |

BUILDING » Aztec Builders

Business North

Long history in education sector Kelly Deeks Election promises may have had more meaning for Shayne Holloway, whose Auckland construction company Aztec Builders will this year complete about $6.5 million worth of building work for the Ministry of Education Holloway started his building career about 28 years ago, building new houses for Housing New Zealand before moving on to doing high end residential work, including new homes and renovations.

In 2003 he joined Greg Chapman Builders as project supervisor, overseeing a variety of jobs including time-critical classroom revamps, school administration buildings, and major housing renovations.

He says Greg Chapman Builders was a well structured and well organised business, with a good reputation and about eight or nine staff, turning over about $2-3 million a year.

Holloway was second in charge at Greg Chapman Builders when he took over the company in 2009.

Over the past five years he has grown the business to 35 staff, including five foremen and two quantity surveyors, and with a projected turnover this year of $8 million.

He says he has always been one to push the boundaries, and even in his 2IC position was driven to grow the business.

He has expanded Aztec Builders’ capabilities by increasing its plant and machinery, including scaffolding, ensuring resources are always available when needed.

With about 80% of Aztec Builders’ workload Ministry of Education work, competition was fierce during the global recession which caused a downturn of construction work across New Zealand.

“It was just a matter of keeping it tight and doing a good job,” he says.

“There is not quite as much competition now, but the Ministry of Education is becoming more selective in who they use.”

With a company history of education work dating back for 20 years, Aztec Builders has completed a diverse range of projects for schools and other educational institutions, including building

Aztec Builders has completed a diverse range of projects for schools and other educational institutions. and renovating new classrooms, halls, auditoriums, gymnasiums, and administration buildings, as well as footpath refurbishment, new car parks, classroom refits, bathroom upgrades, and reroofing.

Aztec Builders has got the systems and record keeping involved in education work down to a fine art. Holloway says it is also important to maintain good relationships with Ministry of Education project managers.

“Our number one priority is customer satisfaction,” he says. “That’s why we use top quality builders, equipment, and materials.

“We also work with a large network of specialist subcontractors across other trades from plumbing to electrical, which means better prices, reliability, and guaranteed quality workmanship. We provide the total package.”

Aztec Builders is currently running eight different projects, including a new three classroom block

extension to an existing building, an administration building, a food technology room, a new six classroom block, and at one school, the installation of two elevators.

But education sector work is not the company’s sole focus.

In Blockhouse Bay, Aztec Builders has a residential project underway, and is completing a full scale $350,000 renovation and basement development.

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Business North

BUILDING » Aztec Builders

Aztec Builders offers services for a range of light commercial work, as well as carrying out extensive work in the education and residential sectors.

Aztec Builders offers renovations in all shapes and sizes, making existing houses feel like brand new homes and increasing the resale value.

The company also completes additions, whether a new garage, pool house, or deck, or an extension to a home either outwards or upwards.

“We can create additions to match the style of the existing house, or something completely new and modern,” Holloway says.

“If our clients require major work but wish to stay living in their house during the process, we work with them to make it as simple and hasslefree as possible.”

For new homes, Aztec Builders works closely with the design team from the first draft to the finishing touches.

As well as carrying out extensive work in the education and residential sectors, Aztec Builders also offers services for a range of light commercial work, including office fit outs and shop renovations, and new builds for offices, retail shops, and factories.

Holloway is not finished growing his business yet, and aims to get up to about eight full time foremen.

“I believe the industry is going to sustain that, especially in the education sector,” he says.

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| 29

BUILDING » Creative Space Architectural Design

30 |

Business North

Overcoming remediation challenges Jo Bailey Teamwork is critical to the successful outcome of remedial building projects, says Andre Laurent, director of Tauranga firm Creative Space Architectural Design.

“Remediation of these buildings and reinstating value is highly feasible. In fact in most cases the team will actually work to increase value.

“In saying this secondary failure can be a real issue if a project is not managed correctly. A good project team will virtually eliminate this risk.”

For the last few years, Creative Space Architectural Design has collaborated closely with other Tauranga firms - building contractors Form Building and Developments, and registered building surveyors Preview Building Surveyors on remedial building projects throughout the North Island.

These include standalone homes, multi-level apartments and high-rise structures.

“We came together organically as remediation

work appeared in Tauranga and found we worked extremely well as a team.”

Laurent says each client, whether a private owner, body corporate or company, is the fourth important member of the project team alongside the designer, builder and registered surveyor.

“The process is totally reliant on a good client. For jobs to run smoothly, they need to provide the right working conditions and give us, as professionals, the latitude to make the right decisions throughout the process.

“If clients attempt to reduce costs by cutting corners, or start focusing on reducing the scope of works, morale on site can erode very quickly and a positive outcome for the project can be compromised.”

He says a builder being led by a client with a desire to cut costs is often what created the conditions for weather-tightness failures in the first place. Strong leadership from a contractor is important and support from the design team is critical, he adds.

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“You never get more for less when it comes to construction. If you’re paying less, you’re getting less.”

One large-scale remediation project the companies have been involved with for the last two years is the Silversands Apartment Complex in Tauranga. The eight unit townhouse complex in downtown Mt Maunganui has been completely refurbished and updated in design and is a “classic example” of what can be achieved, he says.

“This very successful project for a great client is now nearing completion.

“In this case we worked to eliminate risk and greatly reduce design complexity. To create a simple more functional structure”

Laurent founded Creative Space Architectural Design just as the remedial homes crisis emerged and as a former builder, brings a unique perspective to his work.

“My focus has always been to bridge the gap between those who design and those who build, and to create better understanding between all involved in the highly technical and specialist area of leaking buildings.

“I’ve also had specialist training in building science to better understand building performance and weather-tightness.”

To date, Laurent and his team have undertaken work on over 120 remedial buildings.

He believes only a small amount of the affected

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Business North

BUILDING » Creative Space Architectural Design

Large scale remediation: the Silversands Apartment Complex in Tauranga, top left, has been completely refurbished and updated in design from it’s earlier look, top right.

Creative Space Architectural Design has collaborated closely with other Tauranga firms on remedial building projects throughout the North Island. stock has been remediated and there is a long way to go. This work has started to slow as the time parameters set by Government for building owners to qualify for financial assistance moves closer.

“These buildings will still need repairing though and many are only being discovered at the time of sale/purchase. It’s a very difficult position for the owners to be in.”

In addition to building remediation work, Creative Space Architectural Design is also involved in the design of new homes, renovations and commercial structures.

“We are a complete architectural design practice with a wide range of projects on the drawing board,” says Laurent. “These include some high end residential work and larger commercial projects due for completion this summer.”

He says the company’s mission is to provide “fresh and innovative architecture” which complements the way its clients live, function and work.

“Every site and lifestyle is different and requires unique, individual ideas. We also focus on producing high quality documents which provide accurate information and build-able detail.”

Laurent is full of praise for his team.

“We work in a very collaborative way in an open-plan environment where ideas and information are readily shared between the in-house team.”

Despite the challenges of working in the remedial building arena, Laurent says completing these projects is “deeply satisfying”.

“It can be such a difficult process to go through.

However with the collaborative efforts of the client and the professional project team, the tragedy of a remedial building can turn into a positive and empowering experience,” he says.

“To design a remediated building that solves these issues, provides a modern aesthetic and ensures the building will stand the test of time, is extremely rewarding.”

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| 31

32 |

BUILDING » Foundation Structures / Econergy

Business North

Econergy - slashing power bills Jo Bailey

Foundation Structures is a specialist in all foundation and concrete works, retaining walls, piling, and house lifting and basement developments.

Establishing the best foundation Kelly Deeks As licensed and qualified builders with more than 30 years of combined industry experience, Auckland building company and foundation specialist Foundation Structures knows the importance of having a solid concrete foundation.

Builders John Matthews and Bruce Wolfe established Foundation Structures in 2006, seeing room in the market for experienced and reliable foundation contractors.

Since then the company has grown from a team of two to five employees.

The dedicated team provides high quality conventional slab, pod floor, and rib raft foundations to residential projects.

“Rib raft foundation systems are becoming one of New Zealand’s most popular solutions for residential and light commercial flooring,” says Matthews.

With the innovative rib raft method of concrete floor construction, the foundation slab sits on the ground rather than in the ground, which makes it seismically strong.

The rib raft system uses polystyrene pods,

steel reinforcing rods, plastic spacers, and concrete. Each of the components fit simply together, and there is no need to dig footings, dramatically reducing labour time and costs.

“It offers a cleaner construction, with far less excavated material and waste.”

Although a foundation specialist company, Foundation Structures is also highly qualified and experienced in general building services.

“Because we are licensed and trade qualified builders, we are able to take the project from foundation stage to completely finished, saving the hassles of lots of different subcontractors,” says Matthews.

As well as being highly experienced in all building works, including new homes, renovations, and restorations, and site developments and excavations, Foundation Structures is a specialist in all foundation and concrete works, retaining walls, piling, and house lifting and basement developments.

“No job is too big or too small,” Matthews says.

“People can give us a call for a free quotation and we will help them get their foundations or any other building requirements right the first time.”

Auckland-based manufacturer Econergy is so confident about the savings generated by one of its clever water heaters, it is offering a unique 66 percent savings guarantee.

Managing Director David Senn says hot water accounts for around 40 percent of power bills but regular hot water cylinders and gas hot water heaters are only 75 to 100 percent efficient.

“These traditional forms of water heating can’t advance past the efficiency ceiling of 100 percent.

However the efficiency ratio of our Econergy Water Heater is 380 percent. That means for every kW of power consumed, you get 3.8 kW hot water.”

The Econergy system connects to new or existing hot water cylinders and works on the same principle of a heating heat pump; transferring heat from the ambient air using a compressor to heat the water stored in the hot water cylinder from the top down, providing fast delivery of hot water.

“The system typically slashes 25 to 30 percent off the overall power bill, with higher savings achievable for bigger users,” says Senn.

Doug Edgar from Hobsonville installed the Econergy system at his home two years ago and says the energy savings have been “phenomenal”.

“Considering we’re a two person household, we have experienced savings of up to 75 percent on our hot water heating bill.

“We regularly received power bills of $360 plus per month but after installing the Econergy system these have reduced to around $180 per month.”

The Edgars have since installed 3kW photovoltaic panels to further reduce their power bills.

Senn says the Econergy water heating system is now being installed at Hobsonville Point

development. All homes built there are rated Homestar 7, incorporating energy and water saving features such as heat pump water heaters, LED lighting and rainwater tanks.

“The developer has chosen the Econergy system because of its installation flexibility, high efficiency and the fact it is NZ made which means after sales service is second to none.”

Independent reports have also given the technology the thumbs up.

Consumer Magazine tested the Econergy water heater and found it “blitzed its competitors”.

The report also found that “at all test temperatures it was at least three times more efficient than an electric hot water cylinder.”

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment in the report ‘Evaluating solar water heating’ said: “Heat pump water heaters save the most electricity when it is most valuable from both an environmental and economic perspective.”

Senn says with energy prices continuing to rise, Econergy is the ideal hedge against the incremental cost of hot water.

“Homeowners can retrofit today and earn a typical 25 percent tax-free return on their investment.

“The system comes with a comprehensive six year performance guarantee, which eliminates maintenance costs during this period.”

With New Zealand Green building Council’s Homestar voluntary rating becoming more commonly used, homeowners will eventually have to declare the efficiency ratings of homes when selling them, he says.

“Investing in Econergy systems now makes sense,” says Senn.

“As it provides future proofing against these upcoming changes in legislation.”

The Econergy system connects to new or existing hot water cylinders and works on the same principle of a heating heat pump.

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Business North

BUILDING » Auckland Pergolas, Patios and Carports

| 33

Adding value to outdoor living areas Sue Russell Murray Harman, owner/operator of Auckland Pergolas Patios and Carports Ltd (APPC) has a healthy attitude when it comes to the business of life-long learning in the building industry.

He sums that attitude up this way: “I have been an apprentice carpenter from leaving school at age 16 and after 30-plus years my apprenticeship has not finished.

“This is an industry that is always changing and the learning process is continuous.”

Three years ago Harman decided to diversify from his existing building company and became an authorised dealership for the Stratco brand, an Australian company who design and manufacture top quality pre-engineered, high-gloss coloured steel pergolas, patios, verandas and carports.

“I did my due diligence before applying to become a dealership,” says Harman.

“Stratco has an enviable reputation. They have designed a complete system with all of its own components that comply with New Zealand standards and create beautiful living spaces.”

APPC Ltd sales manager Nigel Rowthorn is usually the first port of call when potential clients are considering an outdoor extension.

He has a background in architectural drafting and construction, useful when formulating a clients ideas.

“Often, our clients do their own initial research and then contact us through our website.

“The amount of investment required often comes up first. I ascertain on the phone the basic vision they have for their space and try to arrive at a ball park figure. From this initial conversation I can then arrange to make a home visit and discuss further the options available to them.”

While there are a few cheaper options available for those considering enclosing or developing an outside space, Harman says the integrity, flexibility, performance and overall aesthetics of the Stratco structures place them in a league of their own.

“What we’re essentially doing is adding value to a lifestyle and to the value of a home.

“Most people who call me say they have a beautiful view and they can’t sit outside and enjoy it. They are very aware of the damage exposure to the sun causes.”

Demand for the elegant pergolas, patios and other structures Murray Harman’s company builds has continued to grow since establishing the dealership.

Recently APPC added outdoor curtain blinds to its product range. Both automated and manual they are available in a wide range of colours to complement the new pergolas.

Light is an important issue for people considering converting an outside space into an enclosed additional living area.

Demand for the elegant Stratco pergolas, patios and other structures built by APPC has continued to grow.

“With the old polycarbonate roofing a lot of heat and sun penetrates through, often leading to people putting up shade cloth under the polycarbonate.

“We instead alternate the colour steel sheeting with a white polycarbonate 250mm wide strip which results in diffused light which is much less harsh,” says Harman.

Another bonus that comes with the Stratco technology is the no-fuss way to keep the structure looking clean.

All that is required is a hosing every six months or so.

“We can all remember the look of cobwebs clinging to wooden beams.

“With the slim-line, uncluttered appearance of our Pergolas there is nothing to see except the wide-open views beyond.”

When a cost analysis is done comparing the Stratco system with timber structures Harman says there is very little difference yet a huge difference in the cost of ongoing maintenance and upkeep.

Another exciting new product adding further value to outdoor spaces is the Stratco, all aluminium, electronic louvre system.

“Most people who call me say they have a beautiful view and they can’t sit outside and enjoy it.”

With the push of a button on a remote control the aerodynamic louver blades can be adjusted through 170 degrees.

“We incorporated automatic louvres in a gableroof design for a man just in time for his 70th birthday celebrations.

“One of his guests suggested he might want to get a second remote - as he was so eager to show off his system’s operation functions he, might wear this one out!”

Harman says transforming customers’ ideas into reality is very satisfying.

“Our best advertisement is our happy customers all of which are more than happy to host our prospective new clients wanting a closer look at the product.”

APPC is the specialist in supply and installation of pergolas, patios, awnings and carports. We are an authorised dealer for the Stratco brand, a leader in manufacturing and development of pre-finished steel products with a reputation for excellence in product design.

Call now for a FREE measure & quote 09 281 4623 www.appcltd.co.nz Dealership info@appcltd.co.nz

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34 |

2014 COMMERCIAL PROJECTS AWARDS » Maycroft Construction

Business North

Health facility a ‘landmark’ project Karen Phelps

The Faculty of Health building at the Whitireia Community Polytechnic in Porirua, has classrooms, administration and conference facilities.

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Maycroft Construction has taken out a Silver Award in the education category at the 2014 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards for the construction of the new Faculty of Health building at the Whitireia Community Polytechnic in Porirua.

The company was awarded the contract in December 2011, following a traditional tender process.

Maycroft Construction operations manager Phil Wootton, who was heavily involved with the Whitireia project, says that the company considered it a landmark contract.

“We saw Whitireia as an opportunity to showcase what we are capable of.

“It demonstrates that we can turn out a quality building to a meet a pre-determined budget and in a very tight time frame,” he says.

The $12.4 million contract involved the construction of a two-storey building with a footprint of 3817sqm, housing the Faculty of Health including administration, classrooms and conference facilities.

Designed by cgm+foster architects, Wootton says the attention to detail certainly provided a challenge during the construction.

“The intricate precast concrete panels and culturally patterned insitu concrete columns meant this was a detailed finishing project from start to finish. A mould had to be placed inside the formwork and concrete poured into it.

“As the columns were the main structural element of the building we then had to protect them during the rest of the construction.

“Natural light is a key design feature and the building which incorporates sustainable construction methods and technologies wherever possible,” he explains.

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Business North

2014 COMMERCIAL PROJECTS AWARDS » Maycroft Construction

| 35

The intricate precast concrete panels and culturally patterned insitu concrete columns are the main structural element of the building.

Wootton says Maycroft Construction, who also completed the interior fitout, enjoyed the team atmosphere amongst the project consultant team, which included quantity surveyor Possinniskie Consultants and engineer Spencer Holmes Limited.

The Faculty of Health at Whitireia offers professional and vocational education for the health industry and foundational studies.

For over 26 years Whitireia has committed to providing opportunities for equitable access to success for diverse communities of learners in partnership with industry. Wootton says that the Faculty of Health forms part of that legacy and Whitireia’s commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations through the education of health professionals to provide health care across a multitude of settings and disciplines.

Around 1000 nursing and paramedic students are now utilising the facility.

Maycroft Construction’s success at the 2014 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards comes on the back of the company’s success the previous year at the awards, when it was awarded a special award in the education category for the Kimi Ora Special Needs School in Naenae, Lower Hutt. The judges also singled out Kimi Ora for

special recognition of excellence in workmanship, construction practices and innovation.

The project was also recognised at the New Zealand Institute of Architects awards winning the sustainable architecture, public architecture and Resene colour awards.

“At Maycroft we understand the value of a wellconstructed building when it comes to standing the test of time,” says Wootton.

“That’s why we put an emphasis on not cutting corners, and getting it right the first time.

“As a privately owned construction company, we can place greater importance on ensuring that every project we undertake is an example of superior craftsmanship and enduring quality.

“Our range of expertise, construction equipment, our proven team and dedication to client-care means we bring a collaborative, practical approach to every construction project we undertake.

“We are honoured that our builds have won awards because we value celebrating the hard work and dedication of our team and our strong relationships with our clients, consultants, and subcontractors and suppliers.”

• Amesbury School - page 36

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36 |

2014 COMMERCIAL PROJECTS AWARDS » Maycroft Construction

Business North

Modern school ticks all the boxes Karen Phelps It’s school but not as many of us would remember it. The first state school to be built in Wellington in over 25 years has no traditional classrooms but instead contains suites that are open plan with glass sliding doors which can be pulled closed if necessary. Children can even draw on the glass.

It’s no surprise that the cutting edge design and construction has already won the Amesbury School project a raft of awards including a silver award at the 2014 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards in the education category for Maycroft Construction.

The project has also won a number of other awards including the Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award 2012 and Wellington Architecture Awards for the education, sustainable architecture and Resene colour categories in 2012.

The project was awarded to Maycroft Construction in April 2010 and staged construction began in January 2011.

Maycroft Construction commercial manager Grant Gunn says that it is the modern design of the school by McKenzie Higham Architecture that makes the project really stand out.

“Small wooden desks have been replaced by low tables and high swivel chairs and there are quiet areas complete with bean bags.

“Every child has access to a complete range of technology from Apple Mac computers and iPads to PCs, Android tablets, iPods and even a large flat screen TV that shows the timetable for the day,” he explains.

He says the nature of the project required close liaison with the relevant parties including the Ministry of Education and Wellington City Council.

The council partially funded the school hall build, which was expanded from the original concept to provide a community hall facility.

The project was designed and built to achieve a five star Green Star certified rating signalling ‘New Zealand Excellence’ under the New Zealand Green Building Council Education Tool.

Green Star is a national, voluntary environmental rating scheme that evaluates the environmental attributes of New Zealand’s buildings using a suite of rating tool kits developed to be applicable to different building types and function.

Gunn says that Maycroft was honoured to have been selected as head contractor on the

The modern design of Amesbury School by McKenzie Higham Architecture makes the project really stand out.

innovative project. To show its appreciation and the value the company sees in the school the Maycroft Consortium donated a piece of artwork by well-known New Zealand artist Jeff Thompson.

“The piece, a rendering of New Zealand, takes pride of place in Amesbury School’s entrance foyer,” says Gunn.

Based in Lower Hutt, Maycroft Construction’s history spans back to 1952. The company’s staff consists of over 60 full time employees.

The Maycroft team comes from a range of backgrounds and specialties including skilled tradesman, management staff and engineers.

“We have the flexibility to assist with projects, fit outs and construction on an industrial,

commercial or residential scale,” says Phil Wootton, Maycroft construction manager.

“We place emphasis on providing the best person for the job every time.”

“We are extremely pleased with this project,” says Gunn.

“We’ve enjoyed the challenge of designing and value engineering the project to meet the limitations of a difficult build location, within a limited budget, while satisfying the Green Star and learning philosophy requirements. We’re proud of this, and we’re proud of the end result.”

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Matta displays its green credentials The Environmental Choice New Zealand accreditation held by Matta Products Limited was part of the reason that the company’s products were chosen for the Amesbury School project, says Pauline Harris, research and development manager for Matta Products Limited.

“Finding the best products that are also sustainable can be a challenge for designers of Green Star rated buildings such as Amesbury School as manufacturers make a variety of claims that their products are green, environmentally friendly or sustainable but there is often little objective information to support such claims and comparison between products is difficult,” she says.

The New Zealand Licensing Trust on behalf of the New Zealand Government administers the Environmental Choice ecolabel.

It is also a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network.

Harris says that Environmental Choice New Zealand accreditation means that the product has satisfied the detailed and stringent licensing criteria covering the materials that go into the product as well as energy use, emissions, quality assurance, waste and packaging.

The company’s Play Matta tiles and the shock pads used in the Amesbury School project hold Recycled Plastic Products and

Recycled Rubber Products licences. “This accreditation gives confidence to specifiers of projects that the product’s green credentials are supported by independent assessment and regular audit,” explains Harris.

At Amesbury School Play Matta was installed as an outdoor chessboard and as a transition area between indoor and outdoor space to provide the children with a safe year round playing surface.

As the system is made from interlocking modular mats it allows for the entire system to be lifted and re-laid on a new site if required.

The product comes with a three-year warranty.

Harris says that Play Matta is the mostspecified modular playground surfacing in New Zealand and is compliant with New Zealand Standard 5828:2004.

The surface protects children from critical fall height related injury and is slip and fire resistant.

Play Matta tiles and ramped edging, properly installed and maintained, also provide an even, stable surface without trip or abrasion hazards, says Harris.

Matta Products Limited was founded to turn waste plastics and rubber into a range of safety surfacing for playgrounds and industrial applications.

The company’s products can in turn be recycled at the end of their life.

“Our rigorous quality assurance enables a playground to be certified immediately on completion as having met all applicable safety standards.”

The Play Matta system is made from interlocking modular mats.

Production of Play Matta began in 1996.

The system is manufactured from 100% recycled PVC and rubber feedstock.

Harris says that the company continues to make significant investment in research and development, addressing the challenges associated with sourcing, processing and utilising recycled materials.

“One such issue is the possibility that the recycled raw material may contain harmful substances.

“So in sourcing raw materials and as part of the daily manufacturing process we undertake rigorous testing.”

Matta Products is ISO 9001 accredited and Harris says that the company has a comprehensive quality control programme covering all aspects of its operations, from raw materials sourcing, through manufacturing, to final installation.

“This rigorous quality assurance enables a playground to be certified immediately on completion as having met all applicable safety standards,” she says.

Matta Products also manufactures a range of commercial ergonomic surfacing.

The company currently exports 75% of its production.

38 |

BUILDING » Executive Pools

Business North

Pool work brings plenty of pleasure Sue Russell Therese Honore loves her job in the familyowned and operated business Executive Pools, but there is one thing she would also love to do.

“We build such beautiful pools that it would be great to be able to go out more often and see how they are, once they’ve been completed with all the landscaping,” she says.

Demand for their top of the line concrete pools and spas is busier than ever, though Honore acknowledges, like many businesses involved in construction, last year was tough.

“Things got quiet for a time but we had the other strings to our bow, the pool valet and service and pool shop to keep business ticking over but now we’re back busier than ever.”

Executive Pools specialises in design and build of one-off pools.

Honore says that early discussions with clients usually involve landscapers who have had a long association with the company and understand the standard of work Executive Pools has built their reputation on.

“We actually see a lot of second and third generations coming to us because their parents and grandparents chose to have their pool built by us. That’s very gratifying.”

Honore says in terms of pool design, “the kidney shaped era” of the 1970’s has been replaced over time with a more minimalistic simple sleek look, something she welcomes.

“Pools these days are really beautiful works of art, designed to work in sympathy with the landscape.

“There’s also been a trend away from incorporating spas in the pool structure and now a lot of the architecturally designed pools may still have a spa but they can be used to great effect.”

Executive Pools has a base staff of seven working from its premises in Pakuranga Highway in Auckland.

Because the company has consistently supplied top-range pools all these years it has gathered up a loyal core of expert subcontractors who build the pools across the wider-Auckland area.

All Executive Pools come with a five-year structural warranty and many owners choose to take up the company’s pool valet services which include vacuuming, back wash and filter rinsing, brushing walls and stairs, checking the pools water balance and shock dosing as necessary,

Executive Pools specialises in designing and building one-off pools. along with raking leaves from the pool.

“Regular fortnightly valets are $65 plus GST plus the cost of the chemicals used, while monthly valets are $75 plus GST and chemicals,” says Honore.

“They are a popular option because the owners know the water quality will be pristine and the chemicals we use create healthy water to swim in.”

Along with the regular valet services Executive Pools also offers complete pool maintenance work, servicing pool equipment,

changing sand in filters, dealing with leaks and stains.

There are no plans to grow the company bigger because the company’s focus in the future is to remain true to the outstanding quality of the pools it creates.

“There’s a limit as to what we can do.

“It is an exclusive thing to have an Executive Pool and we intend to remain in this niche.

“It’s where our reputation has come from and it’s a point of difference that we are very proud of.”

Research from Australia has shown that a properly maintained pool, kept in top condition,

adds as much as 30% to the value of the property.

“We know what a difference it makes to use the best chemicals and products in terms of water quality and life of the pool.

“While pool chemicals can be purchased from places like supermarkets and hardware stores the consumer doesn’t necessarily have the expertise to know which are the best chemicals to use.”

The company’s comprehensive website includes a ‘shop on-line’ option which is popular with pool owners and Honore encourages anyone with concerns about their water quality to get in touch.

“We actually see a lot of second and third generations coming to us because their parents and grandparents chose to have their pool built by us.”

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Business North

BUILDING » Executive Pools

| 39

“Pools these days are really beautiful works of art, designed to work in sympathy with the landscape.”

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40 |

BUILDING » Mayfair Pools

Business North

Mayfair Pools continuing to prosper Sue Russell Mayfair Pools began life more than 40 years ago in Hastings and since that time has expanded through its licensed agents into one of New Zealand’s major swimming pool companies.

It’s a journey that founder Keith Atkins has enjoyed, especially getting out visiting the 21 North Island and 6 South Island areas.

“One of the things that’s been great to see is that in some cases the next generation of

family member has taken over the reins of the dealership. When we meet at our annual conference everyone knows each other well – like a family reunion with all working together, sharing and improving,” says Atkins.

Back in the 1970’s Atkins and co-founder of the company, Brother Colin, were asked by a local motel to install a pool. When the motel owner advertised on television promoting Mayfair Pools’ patented process, custom began to grow.

It wasn’t long before the Atkins realised the best way to operate was to establish a licensee

arrangement and that structure has existed ever since.

Atkins says there is a definite rhythm to the swimming pool construction cycle. During his years he seen it all.

“Design has not changed much. We go through phases of building straight pools, lap pools, kidney pools. Where there has been a lot of new innovation has been in the materials used in the coatings and surrounds. There’s certainly been a huge improvement in the materials used from plain colours to sparkling glitter finishes.”

He remembers a time when there was only one type of resin product available.

That technology has evolved into a vast array of options that Mayfair Pools can use and Atkins says it only uses the highest grade of the most expensive vinyl ester resin.

Mayfair Pools got its name from the Hastings suburb Atkins lived in and where the company began. The company has installed a significant number of large swimming pools for schools and hotels all over New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

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Business North

BUILDING » Mayfair Pools

Mayfair started in Australia in 1975 being Darwin then Perth, Sydney, Gold Coast, Canberra, Brisbane and McKay. “We’ve installed pools on top of buildings as fibreglasss is the ideal material for situations like this because it doesn’t degrade like concrete pools can over time, causing cracks and leakages which can be costly if hotel accommodation is underneath the pool,” explains Atkins.

The annual conference is a highlight in the calendar for Atkins and the 50 or so agents and suppliers who attend.

This year the 40th Annual Conference was held in Taupo with awards were handed out for the most outstanding pool projects of the year.

“Most of the agents have been with us a long time and we still have quite a few of the original licensees. The conference is like a tradeshow with swimming pool service company’s presenting their products and providing our agents with up-to-date information about the latest technologies used.

“Mayfair are the only Pool Company that holds such conferences. These days I enjoy travelling, visiting the agents to inspect their beautiful pools which are all individually designed.”

Mayfair Pools has been contracted by the insurance companies to undertake remedial work on pools undermined by the earthquakes.

Repairing these broken pools is ongoing.

“We repair these pools by installing a new liner inside the concrete shell. There are a huge amount of concrete pools that are of an age that cracks are happening. This is where our materials and technologies really come to the fore especially for old School Pools.”

Even in Hawkes Bay and other regions in New Zealand where the soil-base is inclined to shift in time the fibre-glass materials Mayfair Pools are built from have proven to remain sound.

“When I’ve been asked about the life of a Mayfair Pool I say I don’t really know the answer because the original pools built 40+ years ago are still performing as when they were built.”

| 41

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42 |

MARINE » Extreme Boats

Business North

Top performance drives awards win Karen Phelps Extreme Boat’s 570 Centre Console has taken out the Boat of the Show: Aluminium Fishing Boat Under 6 Metres award at the Hutchwilco Boat Show, New Zealand’s annual boating industry awards show.

“It’s of huge value in terms of marketing and it’s recognition of what we’re doing as there was a clear margin between the first and second place getter in that award,” says Extreme Boats director Glenn Shaw.

The awards makes Extreme Boats one of the most awarded boat builders in New Zealand since the company won its first award at the show in 2006.

Shaw says the 570 Centre Console is unique in that it has no cabin resulting in a boat that is extremely easy for fishermen to cast off from.

Shaw says the boat is a good example of the company’s focus on designing vessels that perform well on the water. “That’s the number one priority,” he says.

All of Extreme Boats’ vessels are built to survey and CPC certified, the New Zealand audited boat building standard.

Extreme Boats is one of only a few boat builders in New Zealand approved to build boats to CPC certified standards.

“CPC certified boats are built for New Zealand conditions and have Coastguard NZ endorsement giving them a higher resale value and making them safer,” says Shaw.

Extreme Boats began manufacturing its range of aluminium fishing boats in 1998 in small runs and now has over 30 full-time staff including Shaw’s wife Diane.

He says that from the outset they could see no benefit in entering the trailer boat market without introducing a series of recreational boats with a major point of difference.

For this reason they chose to employ the services of well-known designer Scott Robson who designed the company’s distinctive ‘deep-V’ hull design, which now features on every boat the company produces.

Extreme Boats aluminium boats are designed to perform well on the water.

“This enables our boats to boast fine entry for high-speed head sea performance while retaining a high chine with full shoulder for excellent seahandling,” says Shaw.

“Excellent stability at rest or full-throttle comes from a pair of very large aft chine flats. This also makes for an incredibly dry ride.”

Shaw says there is a strong focus on continual improvement with modifications to enhance the designs.

“Winning the awards will help as well which is why we don’t have to go looking for customers any more – they come looking for us.”

The company’s latest release – the 500 Sports Fisher – is a good example.

The boat now includes additional features such as a rod storage area, GPS fish finder and more user-friendly seating.

Extreme Boats now produces more than 100 new boats annually mainly for the New Zealand market.

Australia is the biggest offshore market with around 25% of products heading across the Tasman with smaller orders heading to Japan and the US.

Within the next 12 months the company plans to enter the European market.

“People generally approach us when they find our boats on the internet.

“Winning the awards will help as well which is why we don’t have to go looking for customers any more – they come looking for us.”

With bookings through to the end of 2015 Shaw says the company simply can’t produce boats fast enough to meet demand. The next step in the following year will be an expansion of the factory to produce 250-300 boats each year.

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Business North

MARINE » Surtee Boats

| 43

New design feature brings stability Sue Russell Whakatane-based boat building company Surtees Boats has found an ingenious way to reduce the age-old problem of boat stability, not only in challenging sea conditions but also in the calm.

Company managing director for the past seven years and one of five shareholders Phil Sheaff says the design feature, unique to the Surtees Boats’ range, has revolutionised the way his company’s fishing boats handle and how they feel for passengers on board.

“With the non-pounding super deep V hull our boats are known for their smooth ride in the rough,” says Sheaff.

“The boats have a very fine-entry hull allowing it to cut easily through choppy water and our stabilising ballast system takes care of issues of stability when the boat is at rest.”

As a Surtees boat comes to rest, the ballast tank fills with water and steadies the boat. When the boat starts to move forward the tank empties in a matter of seconds. For each litre of water contained in the ballast tank approximately 1 kilogram of stability ballast is produced.

Back in 2003 Neil Surtees, now one of the board of directors, set to and designed a purpose-built aluminium fishing boat for himself.

As happens with exceptionally good ideas Surtees found himself taking requests from keen fishermen to build them a boat and Surtees Boats was born. The company now employs 46 staff, building nearly 400 boats a year which are sold in Australia, Pacific and local markets.

“We produce a boat every 4 ½ hours and they range from 4.85m to 8.5m. The boats are handbuilt and at the moment we’re struggling to keep pace with orders,” says Sheaff.

“While clients are prepared to accept a wait of 3 or 4 months, our current waiting-list of five months is something we’re making plans to deal with.”

Surtees boats are produced at the company’s factory on a block of land along the Whakatane/ Rotorua Highway.

Sheaff acknowledges a challenge at this time is to gain the necessary resource consent to expand the site. Like all keen fishermen though, he attaches an air of optimism to the challenge and

Surtees Boats is building nearly 400 boats a year which are sold in Australia, Pacific and local markets. expects that in time the matter will be dealt with.

“Suffice to say we’re in discussions at the moment with Council. We have a large site of land that could be further developed.”

There has been strong growth in the Australian market where 14 dealerships are kept busy meeting demand. Sheaff regularly visits Australia to attend the big boat shows in Sydney and Melbourne.

Each year the company hosts a Surtees boatowners fishing competition. This year the event was held over a weekend late April with 54 boats and 180 anglers competing off the Whakatane

The boats have a very fine-entry hull allowing it to cut easily through choppy water and our stabilising ballast system takes care of issues of stability when the boat is at rest.”

Are privileged and proud to be a Supplier of Quality Marine products to Surtees Boats based in Whakatane We at Diversified based here in Wellington have been serving and supplying the Marine Industry for in excess of 27 years. We have a large range of products that are available to the boat building industry which include Kingstarboard USA, Eastsun Seats and Pedestals China, Stainless Steel fittings from Cycle Name Industries in Taiwan ,Protech Steering Systems from Korea, TMC Toilets from Taiwan, Attwood Bilge Pumps USA and a vast range of hardware from AAA Worldwide of Taiwan.

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coastline with the heaviest snapper at 6.73 kg caught by Steve Milbank on ‘Weekend Duty’.

The company has also earned the coveted award of Exporter of the Year at this year’s BNZ Bay of Plenty Export NZ Awards, building on success at the same award the previous year where it received the Best Emerging Exporter Award. In the quarter century since the inception of the awards this is the first time a business has secured wins in successive years.

Beyond the boats design capacities Sheaff says another reason clients just “love their Surtees” is the way they can be so easily customised.

“As the budget allows you can personalise your

boat by installing optional extras such as pedestal chairs, outriggers, burley munches, a live bait tank, cooker/sink the list goes on.”

With a strong governance structure where Sheaff and the other four ‘fishing mad’ Board of Directors meet regularly, each one inputting significantly into the business, Sheaff and his team of builders are left free to get on with the business of building great boats, something he says they all gain huge satisfaction from.

“The staff we have are a great team, really enthusiastic about the boats they build.

“They pour this enthusiasm and attention to detail into every boat they build.”

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44 |

MARINE » Smuggler Marine

Business North

Royal visit sparks plenty of interest Karen Phelps After the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took the Smuggler Marine Strata 770 Amphibious RIB for a spin from Auckland’s Viaduct harbour to Westpark Marina on their recent visit to New Zealand interest has been high in the boat, says Smuggler Marine director Pauline Pringle.

“It was massive [exposure] for us. Straight away we sold a boat because someone had seen Kate and William on it,” she says.

The boat comes complete with Sealegs patented amphibious technology.

The Sealegs system consists of motorised, retractable and steerable wheels, which are fitted to specially designed hulls to enable users to easily launch and retrieve their boat.

Smuggler Marine is the first boat building company in the world to be licensed to use the Sealegs technology on its boats, says Pringle.

Forging a reputation from earlier years for repairing and maintenance as well as building one-off boats, it was in 2003 that the company bought Smuggler boat moulds and decided to move into production of a standard range.

Developed in New Zealand in the 1970’s Smuggler was a well-respected brand but had dwindled in popularity due to lack of promotion.

The Pringles had used Smuggler boats in the past and saw great potential for the brand.

“It was a good open water type of hull that is perfectly suited to New Zealand conditions.

“We wanted to remodel it and bring it into the 21st Century,” explains Pringle.

Smuggler Marine Ltd manufactures Smuggler boats in New Zealand and exports all over the world.

Pringle says Smuggler boats ride very smoothly and can deal well with New Zealand typically changeable choppy sea conditions.

The first Smuggler Stealth 695 was launched in 2004 and today the Smuggler range includes the Strata range of RIB (rigid bottom inflatable) boats from 4-11 metres as well as the iconic Bonito Boats range (now branded Smuggler), purchased in mid-2009 which has added seven boats to Smuggler Marine’s range of family trailer boats.

The Smuggler range includes the Strata range of RIB (rigid bottom inflatable) boats from 4-11 metres .

Smuggler Marine operates from 15,000 square foot purpose built premises in Henderson, Auckland, which it moved to in 2005 due to company growth.

The large yard means Smuggler Marine Ltd can show customers fully finished boats. Pringle runs the office side of the business while David deals with sales and running the business.

Around 70% of sales are fibreglass RIBs with

Southern Pacific Inflatables manufacturing the pontoons.

“We can basically build our boats to suit the client, for example making the hull shorter or longer,” says Pringle.

“It’s a high quality product with a semi custom finish.

“This is especially important in the high end superyacht market when there is often an existing tenderwell or designed space to fit the tender (RIB) into.”

Because of the variety of boats the company builds the Smuggler Marine team has to be multiskilled, says Pringle.

They are always working on new innovative

ideas and have just developed a wide centre console model.

“In this business we always have to be doing something new to keep ahead of the competition,” he says.

“This new model gives the crew and passengers more protection from the elements,” explains Pringle, who says the first of the wider console model has already been sold.

She says business is busy and Smuggler Marine has seven boats on order with more under production ready for the busy summer season.

Around 20-30% of product is destined for the export market and the Pringles aim to keep growing the company to keep up with demand.

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Business North

MARINE » White Pointer Boats

| 45

White Pointer Boats making waves Kelly Deeks An iconic brand Gisborne’s White Pointer Boats has stood the test of time with a product that has proven its warranty and even its resale value for more than 20 years.

Managing director Rex Briant followed his passion into the boat building industry, after forging a career in the diesel engineering trade.

“I stumbled across aluminium boat building in the 1980’s, when it was still in its infancy in the recreational boating industry,” he says.

“It had been around for a long time in commercial boats and lightweight tinnies, but people were starting to realise its strengths in the recreational market.”

A strong and customisable material, aluminium is the perfect material to use to construct dream boats for New Zealanders, who as Briant points out are known for wanting to create their own things and have input in the design process.

“We can do that with aluminium,” he says.

Briant learnt the boat building trade in North America in the 1980’s before coming back to New Zealand and realising he had a better handle on the job than what he was seeing in the New Zealand market. “It wasn’t up to the same standard I had been taught overseas,” he says.

“I started building small boats in a little shed, really enjoying what I was doing and gaining new customers by word of mouth. Then in 1992 I got a bit more serious about it.”

Briant brought in naval architects and boat designers to help, and started to bring out designs for boats that were specific to New Zealand’s predominantly rough sea conditions.

“We set about producing a superior hull shape and we hit the ground running with a boat that could provide a comfortable ride in rough seas.

“Our superior non-pounding hull design and construction has been ever so slightly refined and perfected over the years.

Today White Pointer Boats has built about 500 custom boats, sold in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

White Pointer Boats’ recreational boats range from 6.5m to 10.5m, and the commercial boats are predominantly charter fishing boats for sports fishing.

The recreational boats designed and built by the company range from 6.5m to 10.5m, and the commercial boats are predominantly charter fishing boats for sports fishing, as well as cray boats, transport vessels, search and rescue boats, and survey vessels.

Briant says that all commercial boats have to be constructed under Maritime Survey Rules, and he says all boats built by White Pointer Boats that fit into that category are independently assessed by Maritime NZ.

“Everything we do in our heavily regulated and surveyed commercial boats is enhancing what we do in our recreational production,” he says.

“We attach that same kind of practice to recreational boats which don’t have to be regulated and this ensures our recreational boats are in fact over-built.”

White Pointer Boats has a long-serving and well established team of 14 staff, with expertise ranging from electrical engineers, to fitter turners, to qualified aluminium boat builders.

Briant says for the team, the job is not a daily grind, but very much a passion and a culture.

The entire boat build from concept to completion occurs at White Pointer Boats’ Gisborne workshop.

“One of the advantages of that being all under one roof is often we’re asked to supply and fit fixtures and fittings that are very custom, and we can accommodate that to an extremely high level of detail,” Briant says.

He says White Pointer Boats has a very high rate of repeat business.

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46 |

MARINE » Bluefix Boatworks

Business North

Brad’s passion brings satisfaction Sue Russell Building beautiful boats is in Brad Rowe’s blood; that and being a ‘mad keen fisherman’, according to his wife and business partner in Bluefix Boatworks Charlotte Rowe.

Since building and launching his first boat, on his 21st birthday in 2003 Brad has devoted his boat-building career to crafting high-end sports fishers.

“That first boat, the NorthCape 27 ‘Bluefix’ went on to win for Brad the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club trophy for the most Billfish caught by a noncommercial boat seven times,” says Charlotte.

Now, 11 years later the company has plenty of work on its books, so much so that a new purposebuilt boat shed will open soon.

“We have enough work booked out of our original shed to take us through to November next year, hence the need to extend our building space.

“We’re always buying in more equipment and gear so more space is really important.”

While Bluefix Boatworks now employs a team of 8 highly experienced boat builders but Charlotte says in the early days it was a case of being patient to find the right staff.

“It took 18 months for us to get our first employee,” she says. “Brad has exacting standards of himself and expects the same of his team so we weren’t going to hurry finding staff.

“That has paid off hugely for us with a reputation second-to-none now firmly established,” she says.

Following the success of the NorthCape 27 and with changing circumstances in the form of a young family it wasn’t surprising that thoughts would turn to building another boat; one that would not only excel at game fishing but would reflect the very best in design and detail for entertaining and family cruising.

That boat, the NorthCape 34 was launched in 2013, bringing on the next level in luxury boating, balancing fishing performance, fuel efficiency and luxury. It took 18 months for the Rowes to design with the support of Naval Architect GY Boat Design.

It’s single engine makes for excellent reversing capability while handling as though it has two.

Rather than using moulds, every part of the boat’s hull has been hand-crafted, providing the sort of exact form and lines to do it justice.

The finishing materials used create a sweet balance between timber, stainless steel and glass and the clean uncluttered lines and minimal additional fittings means the boat is significantly easier to maintain.

“We are currently designing two more boats for Australian clients, a 38- and 42-footer and are refitting two 50-footers,” says Charlotte.

“Brad is painfully particular and loves the designing side, working through to the smallest detail with clients just what they want. It’s a very creative process.”

Alongside building high-end game fishing vessels the company also has a repair and maintenance arm to its business, servicing vessels along Northland’s east coast.

Bluefix Marine offers a marine servicing package, from complete boat refits, to repainting,

The NorthCape 34 was launched in 2013, balancing fishing performance, fuel efficiency and luxury. dealing with window leaks and replacement through to constructing teak decks.

“We’re equipped to deal with any servicing, repair and fit-out sought.

“This industry is very much about word-ofmouth referral and we have many loyal customers who use us because they know they’re going to get the very best service; the service they deserve.”

A visit to the Bluefix Boatworks website and

a push of the play button gives the viewer a step-by-step account of the NorthCape 34’s key construction moments and a glimpse at just how much energy and commitment to excellence has been poured into it.

Meanwhile for the Rowes there’s plenty of work ahead and the promise of many busy years ahead.

“It’s great to be living a life so connected to what you are passionate about.”

P 09 407 8556 JJ 021 759 901 Shelley 021 426 509 W exclusiveboathaulage.co.nz E info@exclusiveboathaulage.co.nz

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Business North

MANUFACTURING » Firenzo

Stylish wood fires have benefits for everyone Karen Phelps Napier-based firm Firenzo has been growing rapidly over the past five years by developing a range of very efficient and clean burning fires to suit most home requirements.

“With electricity and gas prices spiralling out of control, wood-fired heating is now a very low-cost economic solution for many,” says Firenzo sales and marketing manager Steve McCarty.

He says that over the past 20 years Firenzo has built a reputation for producing high quality, high performing wood fires that are kind to the environment.

“New Zealand leads the world in regulations governing wood fires.

“At Firenzo we’ve spent many thousands of dollars in testing to ensure that we keep up with the play and are fully compliant,” he says.

McCarty says that modern wood fires are exceptionally clean burning meaning the fire produces low amounts of smoke giving low emissions into the air.

“Burning wood from sustainable forests is carbon neutral. While trees are growing, they capture carbon dioxide from the air. This carbon dioxide is released either when the wood is burnt, or when the tree dies and rots,” he says.

“Wood is renewable and sustainable. New Zealand has extensive areas of forestry. Generation after generation of trees can be successfully harvested to produce firewood.”

McCarty says that Firenzo wood fires lead the way in efficiently heating the home without damaging the environment.

“The firebox combustion system ensures maximum heat is derived from the minimum amount of fuel while ensuring nearly all gases are burnt to the extent that the expelled air is almost free of particulates.

Firenzo wood fires are also very efficient meaning the warmth goes into the home not up the chimney.

They are relatively cheap to run and many Firenzo woodfires have a wetback system to heat household hot water and have hot plates to cook food.”

And demand for the company’s products has been growing both in New Zealand and abroad.

Around 18 months ago the company entered the UK and Australia markets and now has nearly 40 dealers in these regions and growing.

Based in Onekawa, Firenzo was started in 1986

by Peter Hewitson as a one-man-band from a shed on his property in Rissington, west of Napier.

As the company grew Peter realised he wanted to take a step back and so the company’s other director Gary Edwards came on board.

Firenzo wood fires are proudly locally made in the company’s Napier factory.

McCarty says that this means that the company can be assured of always manufacturing top quality products. Each Firenzo wood fire is handcrafted.

McCarty says that the company has worked hard to ensure its products work efficiently.

“Firenzo has engineered a unique combustion chamber to reach temperatures over 1,000 degrees and then store that heat through highly efficient insulation.

This insulation comprises of double lining the cast iron and steel firebox with quality kiln bricks and ceramic casing.

The combination of high temperature combustion and super efficient heat storage provides extra warmth while burning wood most efficiently,” he explains.

The choice of materials is also important.

Firenzo wood fires have been built using cast iron tops (for freestanding models), steel fireboxes double lined with quality kiln bricks and ceramic casing made with the best available material.

With an eye on export growth, investment has been made in a purpose-built factory with a big emphasis on efficiency and robust systems that will enable sustained growth for many years to come.

“Wood is renewable and sustainable. New Zealand has extensive areas of forestry. Generation after generation of trees can be successfully harvested to produce firewood.”

Firenzo wood fires are stylish and exceptionally clean burning.

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99 Keith Street, Palmerston North

| 47

48 |

AUTOMOTIVE » Metro Motors

Business North

Going the extra mile for customers Karen Phelps When Metro Motors sells a customer a preowned vehicle it goes the extra mile, says company director Darrell Nicholas.

“Each car we sell comes with a new warrant of fitness and we service the car and groom it as well,” says Darrell.

“From the day we sell the car and beyond we aim to keep servicing our clients’ needs.”

Metro Motors is one of the largest stockists of used cars in the central North Island.

The company was started in 1995 and purchased by Nicholas, Craig Stewart, Dale Hoebergen and Andrew Chapman in 2011.

All the directors had been previously working for the company, which meant they had a sound understanding of the business from the ground up when they took it over, says Darrell.

He and Craig have continued in sales roles while Dale Hoebergen is the company workshop foreman and Andrew Chapman is the head mechanic meaning the directors have direct contact with all aspects of the business on a daily basis.

Repeat business and referral is the main way that customers come to Metro Motors, says Darrell who says that the company focuses on developing long term relationships with clients.

Customers also typically take advantage of the company’s workshop for their servicing and repairs requirements including wheel balancing and tyre fitting. Metro Motors also offers courtesy cars.

“Our customers appreciate the integrity, professionalism and personal service that Metro Motors and our sales staff have always shown them,” he says.

“We take the time to ask what type of vehicle our customers really want and listen to their needs as we understand that each person has a different driving requirement.”

Metro Motors specialises in late model vehicles, post-2006. Cars are generally sourced from Japan although the company also sells exNew Zealand lease cars and high quality trade-in vehicles.

Metro Motors specialises in late model vehicles, post-2006.

Metro Motors has fresh stock arriving weekly and on arrival each car is fully serviced and checked by the company’s workshop mechanics.

Metro Motors can complete warrants and, as an MDF dealer, offer finance options on site.

Darrell says one advantage is that when customers buy a vehicle from an MTF dealer they are buying from the person who actually makes their lending decision.

“This means that, subject to lending criteria,

an MTF dealer is able to make a quick finance decision,” he explains.

In order to offer customers a complete service Metro Motors also offers car insurance through Protecta Insurance.

Darrell says the majority of customers do end up taking this insurance option as it also comes with AA Roadservice.

He says that the company continues to grow with a recent trend towards selling vehicles

1800-2000cc due to the escalating costs of fuel.

And it’s not just bound by its location in the Waikato for growth; through the company website Metro Motors can sell vehicles and deliver nationwide. “There are definitely lots of savings to be made buying later model cars compared with buying new and you’re getting a car that is only a few years old. Later model cars are getting cheaper and there is increasing demand for them.”

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AUTOMOTIVE » Brad Ward Motors

Business North

| 49

Motor company covers all the bases Karen Phelps A key component to the success of Brad Ward Motors is using quality products suited to each particular vehicle, says company owner Brad Ward.

The company only uses leading industry brands including those such as BNT, DR Britton Valvoline, Century Batteries, GT Radials, Wynns and Apparelmaster.

“This means that our customers can be assured their vehicle will be treated professionally and effectively on all levels,” explains Ward.

Brad Ward Motors was started by Ward 25 years ago.

The company has been based in Moselle Avenue in Henderson since its inception although in various buildings as the company has grown.

Brad Ward Motors works on all makes and models of vehicles offering a variety of services including motor vehicle repairs, warrant of fitness tests, wheel alignments, engine management, tyres, brakes, exhaust, radiator and clutches repairs, air conditioning servicing and repair and transmission servicing.

The latest equipment including scanning tools are utilised to help diagnose vehicle problems.

Ward says staff training is an important aspect in offering a high quality service.

For example the company employs fully qualified WOF inspectors who complete regular updates and liaise with New Zealand Transport Agency on all WOF requirements.

In order to offer customers a comprehensive service Brad Ward Motors is a service agent for Autosure New Zealand, a Vero-owned provider of automotive-owner protection policies for the New Zealand retail motor vehicle industry.

This means that Brad Ward Motors can offer a suite of insurance products to its customers.

Brad Ward Motors also offers customers courtesy cars, a pick up and drop off service and

Brad Ward Motors works on all makes and models of vehicles offering a wide variety of services.

a new parts and labour guarantee for a 12 month period.

“This assures our customers that the utmost care is taken with not only repairs but with quality parts and components,” explains Ward.

The company also prides itself on going the extra mile for customers, says Ward.

“We provide a little TLC over and above the servicing and repairs carried out.

“The customer’ vehicle will also enjoy a dash revival, a vac, tyre shine and we may even give it a wash,” he says.

“We also give customers a free treat with every service such as a car cloth, a biodegradable litter bag or even a bag of lollies. It’s just a small way of saying we appreciate their business.”

Ward says a car that is properly maintained is not only safer but also healthier.

“For example if a car exhaust system is not working properly it could be leaking which can lead to carbon monoxide fumes being released inside the vehicle.”

Brad Ward Motors is a real family run business with son in law Som working in the company as a mechanic and Ward’s wife Raewyn taking charge of marketing.

Ward says the longevity of the company can be accredited to the focus on high quality that the company has always had as well as establishing relationships with clients built on honesty and trust.

“No one lasts this long in the industry without offering a good service. We won’t do patch up jobs – we complete repairs correctly and thoroughly.

“We pride ourselves on communicating effectively with clients and guiding them through the issues and options concerning their vehicle,” says Ward.

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50 |

Business North

ENGINEERING » CNC Machining Co

Diversity key part of firm’s success Karen Phelps A deliberate move to focus on manufacturing componentry for original equipment manufacturers in New Zealand and Australia has resulted in CNC Machining Co growing into a diverse company with a wide range of skills and services, says company managing director John Houston.

“For nearly 30 years we have been developing systems and acquiring a range of machines to deliver what we believe are the best machining solutions for Australasian manufacturers,” he says.

Houston, who started the company operating a single machine, formed CNC Machining Co in 1986. Today the company has grown to employ a team of machine operators who run 14 CNC machines from a modern manufacturing facility in East Tamaki. It is still very much a family-run business and Houston says this is a key strength.

Son Ally Houston currently works as production manager and will one day take over the company.

CNC Machining specializes in supplying componentry to the plastic, hydraulic, agricultural, dairy, electronic, manufacturing and engineering industries. “We’ve always tried to be as diverse as possible. We’re going to continue rotating and changing direction and adding capabilities.”

The company’s full range of machining and finishing services includes turning, chucking, threading, milling, trapping, drilling and material cutting, bar-fed and twin spindle, welding, broaching, powder coating, electroplating, zinc plating, galvanising and anodizing.

CNC Machining Co also offers a CAD design service and computer-aided manufacturing, as well as machining, turning and finishing.

As testament to the diversity of the company’s capabilities, the CNC team has made components for buildings including dual-purpose tactiles, frameless glass fittings, display stands and architectural sculptures, components for go-karts, luxury yachts, bicycle pedals, fly wheels, model boats and amusement park rides.

Another key customer base are producers of dairy equipment and the agricultural industry.

The company’s machined parts can be found in dairy equipment, water supply systems, chemical distribution and state-of-the-art fruit testing equipment.

It also manufactures electronic housing solutions from marine power point housing to electronic soil-testing devices. In addition it supplies stainless steel balustrade fittings to the glass industry as well as finished plastic mouldings and inserts for mouldings to the plastics industry.

CNC Machining Co offers a full CAD design service and computer-aided manufacturing.

CNC Machining Co has developed its own production planning system in house and controls every aspect of its customers’ requirements. All projects are completed using strict quality control processes to ensure customers only receive the highest quality of goods and services, says Houston.

“We are ISO 9001-2000 accredited and make good use of our co-ordinate measurement machine in our quality control room. We have continuous staff training in quality control,” he explains.

Houston says the company stands out through the service it offers and the relationships it builds with clients. “With our custom-made computerized production planning system we are able to provide customers with the answers they need as quickly as possibly. Local delivery in the Auckland area is easy as we have our own delivery truck. We have two clients who have been with me for 27 years and up to 30 who have been with me for 10 years. One of the biggest mantras we’ve got is our focus on relationships - that is paramount to the company’s longevity and success.”

Proud suppliers of specialist steel to CNC Machining Ltd 575 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland P: 09 525 9400 | F: 09 525 9401 www.easysteel.co.nz

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Business North

ENGINEERING » Metalform

| 51

Tow and Fert system gaining more traction Karen Phelps Metalform has identified key market niches and will be seeking to grow its primary brand Tow and Fert into the export market, says company marketing manager Tim Henman.

The company has already established bases in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

In particular the company will be focusing on the potential of Tow and Fert, a unique fertiliser application machine, including the release of a new model called Fly and Fert, which can apply fine particle suspension fertiliser via helicopter.

Tow and Fert, which is patented worldwide, is unique in that it is capable of mixing and spreading fine particle fertiliser, dissolved urea, bio fertiliser and trace elements like cobalt, copper or selenium.

A problem associated with spreading fine particle fertiliser in the past has been that it has been difficult to evenly spread the fine consistency without wastage and clogging machinery.

“With Tow and Fert farmers simply fill the machine up with water and weigh their product in with the on-board scales. Tow and Fert then mixes the product together using a patented two stage mixer and continually agitates the mix so it stays in suspension,” explains Henman.

The fine consistency of the fertiliser means it can be more readily absorbed by the soil reducing fertiliser costs.

Henman says farmers can save up to 50% of their nitrogen bill and problems such as leaching.

Another key benefit is increased animal health as even spreading ensures that every leaf is evenly covered and each cow is receiving the required mineral dose to keep metabolic issues under control.

He says that Tow and Fert has been designed to be easy to use from planning and executing the desired mixture through to cleaning and maintaining the machine with no tools.

“It is designed so that any employee can quickly learn how to operate and utilise all the features of the Tow and Fert without any hassle.

“Farmers can manage the exact amount of product going onto their pastures and apply it when they want to rather than waiting for contractors to do large areas,” says Henman.

Based in Dannevirke, Metalform was started in 1961 by Bryce Easton and still remains family owned.

Today the company, which employs a team of over 60 staff, is owned and operated by Bryce’s son Geoff and Bryce’s grandson Campbell.

The company operates as a sheet metal engineering shop designing and developing then manufacturing products for customers as well as its own range of sheetmetal based niche products including the Tow and Fert and Ezi Riser wheelchair, farm equipment, knife sharpening products, street furniture, farm gate signs and rotary displays.

Currently around 2% of dairy farms in New Zealand use the Tow and Fert, and it is also used in horticulture and in beef and sheep farming.

Henman says uptake of the technology in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom, since it entered these markets last year, has been steady with education being a major factor in marketing the product overseas as the technology is new.

“Once we get on a farm and do trials it is always well-received,” he says.

“Fertiliser is the single biggest capital expense on a farm. We feel Tow and Fert as well as Fly and Fert can revolutionise the cost-effectiveness of fertiliser application in New Zealand and around the world.”

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Tow and Fert is unique in that it is capable of mixing and spreading fine particle fertiliser, dissolved urea, bio fertiliser and trace elements like cobalt, copper or selenium.

52 |

ENGINEERING » A & G Price

Business North

Export quest leads to continuing growth Kelly Deeks Since its inception in 1868, engineering company A & G Price has had a chequered history and a myriad of owners, but over the past decade has found real stability in its grouping with many other iconic company brands under the Tiri Group banner.

A & G Price is unique in New Zealand in that it offers a ferrous and non-ferrous foundry, and a substantial machine shop, as well as a fabrication unit with in house paint shop enabling its customer base to have components created, machined, and if necessary fitted and fabricated all on one site.

A & G Price general manger Nick Box says a “one-stop-shop” is highly sought after in today’s fast moving business environment.

As a large portion of New Zealand manufacturing moved to Asia, so did New Zealand’s requirement for high volume, low specification castings and many of the company’s customers.

Prime Trading Limited is Proud to be a Major Supplier of Metals, Alloys and Foundry Products to A&G Price.

Prime Trading Limited, Napier Phone: +64 6 833 7364 Email: sales@primetrading.co.nz Website: www.primetrading.co.nz

“This drove us to pursue markets offshore to maintain volume through our foundry, which is the backbone of the business,” Box says.

“A substantial contract with a large Singaporean corporation started this process a decade ago and gained us invaluable experience in the process of exporting. This in turn led us into the Chinese market, which gave us immense satisfaction and I might add, a good margin.”

A & G Price was compelled to concentrate on a product base demanding a very high degree of technical compliance involving safety critical components.

“Much of this type of work was found in the rail industry in Australia, and over the past three years a substantial portion of our production has, and still is dedicated to rail industry components such as carriage axle boxes and couplers.”

While maintaining its Australian business, but with decline of the $AUD against the $NZ, A & G Price has seen margins slipping to very low levels.

“This has driven us into markets in the South Pacific region which are willing to trade with us in our currency, and in turn we gave up foreign exchange stability in contracts that can last in excess of 12 months.”

A & G Price has now produced strong marketplaces in Indonesia, New Caledonia, and Fiji. As a result not only has revenue grown, but the company’s export base has also grown from 31% of production two years ago, to 55% this year.

In July A & G Price expanded its machine shop capabilities with the purchase of a new Okuma MA600 HIII CNC machine. As a predominately ‘jobbing’ machine shop, this acquisition offers increased versatility of work types as well as productivity. The new MA600 has a six pallet changer work station and a large 171 tool robotic tool changer that allows A & G Price to have more jobs set up on the machine at any one time.

“Already we have seen a notable increase in our operational efficiency due to our ability to have multiple jobs setup on six machine pallets at once and have an optimum tool selection for each job including the sister tools required to allow for ‘lights out’ machining,” Box says.

“The MA600 will assist us in the expansion of our customer base, now having an increased machine capacity, better reliability, and faster turnaround in machined components.”

A & G Price has seen its export base grow substantially.

Foseco are proud to be associated with

A & G Price P 09 267 7658 F 09 267 1185

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Business North

ENGINEERING » McIntosh Bros

| 53

New crane adds to capabilities Karen Phelps McIntosh Brothers has just invested in the biggest mobile crane in the Manawatu area and one of the largest in the country.

The 350-tonne crane will enable the company to increase the work it is already completing for wind farm projects, says company crane operator and marketing manager Scott McIntosh.

The crane will also be put to use in other lifting projects that the company regularly undertakes such as lifting concrete panels.

“It will allow us to complete heavier lifts at height and this will allow us to tackle different jobs than we were previously capable of,” he says.

The company was founded in 1951 by brothers Bill and Bryant McIntosh (Scott’s grandfather and great uncle).

With Bryant trained as a fitter and turner the pair saw an opening for jobbing engineers. They set up in a back section working in a shed.

McIntosh Brothers has since grown to be one of the country’s top farm machinery manufacturers and the Manawatu’s largest crane hire company.

Bill, who is now in his eighties, is still a strong influence in the company turning up to work six days a week, which employs around 50 staff.

Scott’s father Brett operates the farm machinery side of the business and Scott’s uncle Craig runs the crane operation.

McIntosh Brothers supplies general engineering services as well as manufacturing the company’s range of farm machinery products.

General engineering services include radial drilling, cutting services, band saw cutting and press brake work.

The company offers a range of equipment to complete the job including seven mobile cranes

ranging from 3-350 tonnes, four hiabs and five trucks.

In the farm machinery side of the business McIntosh Farm Machinery has established a sound reputation for producing quality product combining strength with performance.

McIntosh Farm Machinery manufactures agriculture machines including forage wagons, tip trailers, manure spreaders and bale feeders for the New Zealand and Australian markets.

The company’s range of beater wagons is the newest product to be released.

Scott McIntosh says the company hasn’t been heavily marketing the range while the product has been continually refined and perfected but is now ready to push it into the market.

He says the machine is unique in that it is lighter than its traditional competitor – the mixer wagon – and can mix the feed finer than a forage wagon, providing farmers with more options.

“Three PTO-driven horizontal beaters allows for better incorporation and more consistent blending of different products.”

Scott says that across all product ranges the company prides itself on creating the best products in the market.

“We don’t take short cuts in construction and make sure everything is manufactured to the highest quality levels. As the machines are made and assembled at our factory site in Palmerston North this gives us excellent quality control.”

The company not only develops new machines but also new versions of existing agriculture machines and can tailor its standard farm machines to meet individual farmer’s needs.

The company also offers recondition and modification services for older McIntosh Farm Machinery and carries an extensive range of stock parts which enables the company to quickly deliver parts as customers require them.

Proud suppliers of steel to McIntosh Bros Engineering

McIntosh Brothers has just invested in the biggest mobile crane in the Manawatu area.

Proud suppliers for more than 25 years to McIntosh Bros Engineering

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120 Kaimanawa Street, Palmerston North P: 06 354 2622 | F: 06 354 2623 www.easysteel.co.nz

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54 |

Business North

CONTRACTING » Clean Planet

Helping to create healthy workplaces Karen Phelps Clean Planet has been experiencing 20-30% annual growth in the New Zealand market and the company now has its sights set on international expansion.

Established in 2008, Clean Planet has differentiated itself in the market by setting up as New Zealand’s first health-focused, dedicated environmentally conscious commercial cleaning company.

Company commercial manager Tony Pattison says that the company’s rapid growth has been attributed to helping businesses to reduce staff sick days and boost productivity by creating a healthier, happier workplace.

“We aimed to establish an ethical commercial cleaning service that was kinder to both people’s health and the health of the planet. So for six years we’ve been getting rid of toxic cleaning chemicals in Kiwi workplaces,” says Pattison.

He says that Clean Planet is the first commercial cleaning company to develop its own locally formulated and manufactured range of health-focused, environmentally kinder products.

Clean Planet has a strong nationwide relationship with Advance International Cleaning Systems as its preferred supplier of consumables and cleaning hardware. The company continues to fine-tune all its cleaning processes to improve indoor air quality. It is the first and only commercial cleaning company New Zealand’s Asthma Foundation has approved as a Sensitive Choice partner. Clean Planet has completed three years as a Sensitive Choice partner and has just been approved for a further three years.

“This really has helped to differentiate us in the marketplace. Large organisations such as corporates and schools do sit up and take notice.”

And it’s not just talk – research has proved that the quality of the indoor air is extremely important since most people spend about ninety percent of their time indoors.

“In fact the US Environmental Protection Agency has found that indoor air pollutant levels can be two to five and occasionally more than one hundred times greater than outdoors. The agency and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental health risks to the public,” says Pattison.

He says that, while targeted at household cleaning, the 2007 Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology publication ‘The Use of Household Cleaning Sprays and Adult Asthma’ found that one in seven adult asthma cases could be attributed to common spray use.

Clean Planet’s new Waikato Master Regional Franchisee, Monique Harwood, signs up with Tony Pattison.

“We aimed to establish an ethical commercial cleaning service that was kinder to both people’s health and the health of the planet.”

Clean Planet offers a full range of both internal and external cleaning services. The company can also supply mowing, carpark sweeping, washroom and rubbish collection services to customers through third party arrangements.

The company also provides tailored services for floors, carpet, IT and window cleaning. Customers range in size from a few employees to thousands and include offices, schools, shopping malls, medical facilities and day-care centres.

“We can also help customers to create a more sustainable workplace,” says Pattison.

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Business North

LANDSCAPING » Natural Habitats

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Leading the way with green walls Karen Phelps Natural Habitats has won 15 awards at the Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2014 in categories including commercial, landscape design, landscape construction, garden management and horticulture.

Company director Graham Clearly says the company’s success is the result of intentional integration within the company.

“What sets Natural Habitats apart from other landscape companies is that by combining both our design and delivery departments we can streamline the building of landscapes to complete a quality project on-time and within budget without compromising the design intent,” says Cleary.

The company also won premier awards including best commercial project and best special feature - for the Geyser green wall, a New Zealand native two-storied exterior green wall as a courtyard feature on New Zealand’s first six-star green rated building. The project in Parnell, Auckland, for client Sampson Corporation featured 2086 native plants including rare species, which had to be especially propagated. An automated irrigation system utilising harvested rainwater was built into the panels.

Green walls, also known as living walls, green facades or bio walls, refer to vegetation that grows directly onto a building’s facade or vegetation that is grown on a separate structural system that can be freestanding and adjacent or attached to a wall.

“The system is modular which enables ease of maintenance and substitution of plants. It is a hydroponic system with no soil which makes it lightweight,” explains Natural Habitats green wall and screen expert Pete de Jager.

But aesthetics and green star ratings are not the only reasons businesses are asking for green walls in their buildings. According to de Jager productivity increases of up to 12% can be expected in the presence of indoor plants.

“Air inside the building should be cleaner and it increases the thermal insulation qualities of the

building. Apart from being visually appealing the vegetation also has a noise dampening effect.

“People are also starting to see the benefits of these walls as a reflection of their brand. They are eye catching and it allows people to clearly see the green philosophy of the company,” says de Jager.

Based in Auckland but working throughout New Zealand, Natural Habitats installed one of Auckland’s first large green roofs back in 1994 and then went on to design and install New Zealand’s first green walls.

The company offers an in-house design studio of landscape architects, designers and landscape craftspeople, working in a collaborative environment. Landscape care teams with extensive horticultural knowledge can provide on-going maintenance.

“We aim to create unique landscapes that respect the environment while adding value to the development. We take care to protect and enhance New Zealand’s native biodiversity while creating safe environments which enhance amenity value and commercial viability,” says de Jager.

Natural Habitats has installed a number of green walls around the country including for Hotel Novotel at Auckland Airport, The Department Store in Takapuna, Auckland and at the company’s own head office in Ellerslie, Auckland.

The company has also completed a green wall at Britomart, one of the largest green wall in New Zealand covering 130sqm. The Britomart green wall features a custom designed planting palette that has a combination of native and exotic species chosen for their low light and maintenance requirements.

De Jager says the overall composition was influenced by the shadows that fall on the wall during the day.

But although the company has undertaken some large projects de Jager says that no project is too small.

“Green walls and roofs are at the leading edge of contemporary landscape design and green build solutions; they are the key to the future sustainability of our urban environment.”

Natural Habitats has installed a number of green walls around the country.

NATURAL HABITATS