June 2015
www.waterfordpress.co.nz
Artist’s Legacy
Len Lye Centre - page 18
Business leader rejects criticism of tourism fund Chris Hutching The Taxpayer’s Union ginger group has again accused the government of “corporate welfare”. It’s an accusation vehemently rejected by Tourism Growth Partnership Fund chairman Jim Boult. He says some ventures would never get off the ground without the grants. The Taxpayer’s Union was griping over $350,000 of taxpayers’ money being given to Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings, a commercial arm of Ngati Whakaue, to build a spa complex in Rotorua. But it seems many businesses don’t even know about the fund. While attending the Trenz conference earlier this month, Mr Boult said in a speech there had been a lack of quality applications to the fund. The Tourism Growth Partnership Fund has been allocated $8 million a year in government funding over four years. Mr Boult told Business North one of the recipients of a $250,000 grant was for the Rotorua Skyline Mountain Bike Gravity Park. He says it would not have happened without government assistance. It had attracted a large number of people to Rotorua for an event that wouldn’t have taken place otherwise, he says. “And there is now a permanent asset there that will provide payback for the industry and New Zealand in general.” Mr Boult likes government seed funding to the way governments fund roads and bridges in recognition they are part of community infrastructure. Mr Boult says his comments at the Trenz conference have boosted inquiry levels. The fund administrators are evaluating several applications in the latest round under way. The fund’s web site lists 12 recipients for the 2014 funding round. The average grant is $250,000 initially.
“And there is now a permanent asset there that will provide payback for the industry and New Zealand in general.” Ventures to receive funding include the Christchurch International Airport “Welcome China” programme to secure direct to the South Island from Guangdong ($275,000). The airport is two thirds owned by Christchurch City Council and one third by the Crown. NZX-listed Auckland International Airports received $1.1 million over three years for “increasing the air connectivity out of Guangdong, China”. The project involves developing a food and wine micro-site, and promotions. Funding of $2 million was granted to private Canadian company Select Evolution NZ to develop the Christchurch Adventure Park on 315ha of forested land in the Port Hills, 5km from the centre of Christchurch. It will be the biggest downhill bike park in the Southern Hemisphere. The fund’s “independent panel of experts” which allocates the money includes Mr Boult, Jennie Langley, who is a director of tourism-related companies including NZ Hotel Council, Steve Smith of Craggy Range Winery, Mike Simm who has been involved in various tourism bodies, and Courtney Johnston, director of the Dowse Art Museum. The web site does not state how much the experts receive for their services Meanwhile, Taxpayers’ Union’s executive director Jordan Williams says the grants are “corporate welfare at its very worst”. He says the grants allocate taxpayer money to industries and regions favoured by politicians.
Casting off..... “Solace in the Wind” on Wellington’s Waterfront. The 2-metre high iron sculpture - created by renowned English sculptor Max Patte - was cast by Palmerston North company Cast Components in 2008. Company owner Murray Hamlin says the job was something out of the ordinary for the firm which mostly does specialist casting work for the plastics industry and for the manufacturing sector. “One of the things I most enjoy about this work is that opportunities come along to create beautiful and significant forms.” See story page 14
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MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz
NEWS »
June 2015
Business North
Farm prices likely to fall in wake of lower dairy payout
GENERAL MANAGER Rex Lynch rex@waterfordpress.co.nz
EDITOR Nick Gormack nick@waterfordpress.co.nz Journalists Jo Bailey, Karen Phelps, Chris Hutching, Kelly Deeks, Sue Russell, Hugh de Lacy
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Sharon Brown, Colin Morais, William Stock, John Fraser, Monique Dalrymple, Ethan Edwards, Brittany Lane Email: sales@waterfordpress.co.nz
PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT Production Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Clare Coe, Samantha Stuart, Jesse Calder, Michael Parker, Liki Udam, Anton Gray art@waterfordpress.co.nz Customer Services Ann-Marie Frentz Sarah McQuilkin annmarie@waterfordpress.co.nz Distribution Wendy McLarin wendy@waterfordpress.co.nz
OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Manager Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland jill@waterfordpress.co.nz Printed by
Hugh de Lacy The fifth consecutive fall in dairy giant Fonterra’s monthly auctions may have finally convinced farmers that there’s no quick fix to low global demand, and farmland prices are likely to start falling from about the middle of next year. Dairy auction prices are now at a five-year low, but the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) show land prices still rising. However, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) says that may be about to change. “Sharp falls in farmland values do tend to follow declining farm income,” says Christina Leung, a senior NZIER economist specialising in macro-economic forecasting. “We only have to look at the 2008-09 and 2011 seasons to get examples of that,” Leung said. She said the impact on land prices of the projected lower Fonterra payouts to farmers in the coming season will not begin to be felt until the start of the new season in September. That’s because dairy farmers are still receiving deferred payments from the 2014-15 season. “Generally it takes around nine months for the effects of global dairy prices to flow through to land prices.”
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Fonterra is forecasting a 2015-16 payout of $5.50 per kilogram of milk solids, down 10c as a result of the latest auctions, though price analysis firm AgriHQ has stuck with its forecast of $4.50 for the coming season. The mid-May auction saw dairy prices fall a further 2.2 percent to an average of $US2472/ tonne ($NZ3363/t), with cheddar cheese showing the largest fall of 7.1%, followed by milkfat products down 4.8%, skim milk powder down 3.6%, and butter down 3.2%. The key product, whole milk powder, held up better than the rest with just a 0.5% fall, but most pundits reckon a recovery in prices is at least a year away. “The fact that dairy prices have not stabilised is starting to cause concern, and even in our own quarterly survey of business opinion, when you look at the regional breakdown, you do see some softening in confidence in the ruralexposed sectors,” Leung said. Meanwhile farm prices have soared 25.1% in
the latest March quarter compared to the same period last year, with the per-hectare average going from $22,342 to $27,957, according to REINZ figures. This was despite drought in the South Island and a persistently high New Zealand dollar taking the cream off export returns. However ominous those figures might be for farm prices in the context of continuing low export returns, Cheung does not expect the likely decline to be spectacular. “Land prices are not just about global dairy prices,” Leung said. “What’s also propping them up is the fact that interest rates are low, so that will be helping support the market for farmland.” The long-anticipated rebound in interest rates in the wake of the 2007-07 Global Financial Crisis has yet to occur, and the Reserve Bank has signalled the possibility of a cut in the Overnight Cash Rate (OCR) could occur later this year.
Crane capital Advisors see need for information campaign rising up in Auckland Hugh de Lacy
Chris Hutching 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 P O Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz
“The fact that dairy prices have not stabilised is starting to cause concern, and even in our own quarterly survey of business opinion, when you look at the regional breakdown, you do see some softening in confidence in the rural-exposed sectors.”
Auckland is becoming New Zealand’s crane capital. Rider Levett Bucknall’s Crane Index identifies 29 cranes in Auckland, 23 in Christchurch, nine in Wellington, five in Queenstown, three in Tauranga, two in Hamilton and one in Dunedin. Commercial construction accounts for 54 percent of the cranes nationwide with the balance used in residential or civil projects. According to the RLB Crane Index, 43 new cranes have been installed across New Zealand over the past six months. These have been predominantly in Auckland and Christchurch with 13 and 18 respectively. Wellington added six new cranes on important projects. Construction work done around the country in 2014 has risen 42 percent% from levels seen in 2012. The rebound is predominately within the residential sector increasing by 58% and nonresidential sectors by 21%. In Auckland five new cranes are on Dominion Rd in St Albans, LynnMall Cinemas, Goodman’s Building C in Wynyard Quarter, and the Victoria St office development. Cranes have lso been erected at the ATC Theatre in Wynyard, and at residential projects at the Rothesay Bay Apartments, Hobson Street, Summit in Karangahape Road and the Rose Gardens. Cranes are also on construction sites at the University of Auckland’s Science Centre and the Accor Hotel conversion project, and the new Fonterra HQ and the Cider Building office developments.
A professional financial advisors organisation is calling on the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and/or the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to run a publicity campaign making consumers aware of the advantages of getting advice from a member of the Financial Services Providers Register (FSPR). Since July last year the FMA has culled 23 overseas-based companies from the register, and declined registration of 20 others, a move welcomed by the Professional Advisors Association (PAA). PAA chief executive Rod Severn told Business North his organisation will “strongly push for a consumer campaign which puts the value of the advisor in front of [the public], rather than their getting a one-sided view”. “The regulatory bodies have a role to play in letting the consumers know where they should be able to get quality advice, and that should come from an authorised or registered financial advisor who’s done their training,” Severn said. “We’re keen to see a raising of the bar around the education and learning and development of the financial advisor in New Zealand. “We’re certainly pushing, as part of the FAA (Financial Advisors Act) review, to make sure all advisors are meeting a certain level of training and accreditation.” Earlier this month the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Paul Goldsmith, announced the terms of reference for the upcoming review of the 2008 FA Act and the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Act of the same year. Goldsmith said at the time it was “important that we have the best regulatory system in place – one that facilitates quality financial advice and promotes confident and informed participation of businesses, investors and consumers.”
Rod Severn
Welcoming the five-yearly review which must be completed by July next year, Severn said there was a need for regulatory bodies to lead an information campaign. “But there’s also very much a place for the [advisor] associations in New Zealand – and there are a number of them – to get the message out into the marketplace because that’s where the rubber meets the road, and they all have a very good story to tell.” Severn said tahat making consumers and the wider industry aware of the financial advisors register was one of his organisation’s major planks. New Zealand needed to protect its “overall good environment” for financial activity and to generate “a good level of confidence in the consumer to trust the advisor that’s out there” he said.
Business North June 2015
NEWS »
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OceanaGold set to buy Waihi Mine Karen Phelps Newmont is set to sell its Waihi mining operations to OceanaGold Corporation. The company has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with OceanaGold, which intends to acquire the business by purchasing Waihi Gold Mining Company Limited, the New Zealand holding company for Newmont’s Waihi operations. Omar Jabara, group executive corporate communications for Newmont Mining Corporation in Denver, says that OceanaGold Corporation approached Newmont with an interest in acquiring Waihi. “The company [OceanaGold Corporation] has 24 years’ experience in New Zealand. It has a reputation for developing and maintaining strong positive relationships with communities. We believe it will be a good fit for Waihi.” Mick Wilkes, OceanaGold Corporation managing director and CEO says that the company has long believed that Waihi has strong strategic synergies with OceanaGold. “We are excited about the prospect of acquiring it and welcoming its experienced workforce to our team. Waihi represents a unique opportunity for us to acquire a high-quality asset that has demonstrated the propensity to extend mine life for more than two decades in what is still a very prospective, high-quality goldfield.” OceanaGold Corporation has indicated that other factors which influenced the company to purchase the Waihi mining operations include the fact that the proposed acquisition is accretive to shareholders, grows OceanaGold Corporation’s production profile and will further reduce the company’s All-In Sustaining Costs. There are also synergies with OceanaGold Corporation’s existing operations in New Zealand including the recent announcement of a mine life extension to the Frasers Underground Mine which combined with a weaker New Zealand dollar and lower fuel prices has enhanced the value of the company’s Macraes operations.
WAIHI MINE OPERATIONS OVERVIEW LOCATION:
HISTORY:
Waihi, New Zealand (approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Auckland).
Open pit mine since 1988, and underground operations since 2005.
CURRENT OPERATIONS: Correnso Underground Mine.
PROCESSING:
RESERVES:
Conventional SAG mill, ball mill and CIP circuit, with plant capacity of up to 1.3 million tonnes per annum.
2 Mt grading 5.52 g/t containing approximately 360 koz gold.
1.3 Million
TON
PRODUCTION: ALL-INSUSTAINING Expected to produce on average 100,000 ounces COSTS: per annum through to 2018 from Correnso Underground Mine.
Expected to be US$760-820 per ounce.
GEOLOGY:
EMPLOYEES:
COMMUNITY:
low-sulphidation epithermal gold and silver deposits hosted in quartz veins.
340 person workforce.
Long history of community engagement and support for community development.
OceanaGold says Newmont’s Waihi Mine has “strong strategic synergies” with its own operations in New Zealand. “We are investing in exploration along strike and underground at Macraes and believe there is good potential to underpin three to five years of steady operations producing around 150,000 ounces of gold per annum while generating material free cash flow,” says Wilkes. “This combined with the proposed Waihi
Waihi - the Newmont operation is a major economic contributor to the region.
transaction creates an attractive and profitable gold business in New Zealand that we believe will generate strong returns for years to come.” Randy Engel, Newmont’s executive vice president for strategic development says that the agreement with OceanaGold represents another step in Newmont’s strategy to further strengthen its balance sheet by selling select assets for cash at fair value. Newmont Waihi Gold general manager Glen Grindlay says the aim is to make the transition as smooth as possible and that Newmont Waihi Gold employees will continue to be employed by the same company, Waihi Gold Company Ltd, but with new owners. All of the company’s current existing New Zealand contracts will be transferred directly to the new owners of the company. This includes the smaller contracts Newmont has with local businesses and the large contracts it has with companies such as Macmahon, Leighton and Boart Longyear. Grindlay has also stated that all consent conditions will remain the same and that closure bonds and conditions set by local regulators will remain in place. “Operating consent conditions for the Martha open pit, the Correnso underground, and the site will remain unchanged. This includes vibration and noise limits, and hours of work.
“All other consent conditions will remain the same; for example, the Investment Review Panel (IRP) and Waihi Community Forum (WCF) funding, and Amenity Effects Programme (AEP) payments,” he says. The chief executive of industry lobby group Straterra, Chris Baker, believes that the proposed sale is good for New Zealand. “It increases the mining company’s flexibility in exploration and mine planning, including environmental management,” says Baker. “This could extend the life of gold mining operations in New Zealand potentially by many years. “Gold is New Zealand’s second most important export to our biggest trading partner, Australia, so the flow-on effect to the New Zealand economy is expected to be significant over time.” The sale is expected to take place for cash proceeds of US$101m at closing, a US$5 million contingent payment and a one percent Net Smelter Royalty on a recent discovery north of Waihi’s current operations. OceanaGold will fund the purchase price from cash and undrawn facilities. The sale will be subject to approval under the Overseas Investment Act 2005, which is expected to take between 60 and 90 days. Once that approval is obtained, completion of the sale will occur soon after, most likely in July 2015.
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BUSINESS » Cardno
BIOENERGY » BANZ
June 2015
Business North
Promoting the many benefits of biomass fuel Jo Bailey
Cardno has already undertaken a wide range of projects in the region.
Cardno expands into Auckland Professional infrastructure and environmental services provider, Cardno, is expanding its business in New Zealand to better meet the needs of its clients, by opening a new office in Auckland. Cardno has already undertaken a range of projects in the region, and as demand for Cardno’s services continues to increase, the need for an Auckland office has become apparent. “We have seen a growing demand for our services in the Auckland region recently, and decided that in order to adequately service these clients, we needed to have a local presence.” said Cardno’s New Zealand manager, Darcy Brittliff. Cardno, which was established in 1945 in Australia and is celebrating a 70th Anniversary this year, has a long history in New Zealand, with its oldest predecessor company founded here in 1919. During this time, Cardno has worked on a number of interesting and significant projects across New Zealand. “We have extensive experience working across New Zealand on a range of project types and sizes,” said Brittliff “These include the Hornby Hub Upgrade in Christchurch, the Whitby Residential development and Duck Creek restoration project in Porirua, through to the Waikanae water treatment plant and river recharge scheme, and public and Iwi consultation and implementation of the Opoutama wastewater scheme and treatment plant on the Mahia Peninsula.
“For us, it is important to be where our clients are; we understand the importance of having someone local.” “In the Auckland region, we have already worked with Auckland Council to help protect New Zealand’s largest estuarine ecosystem, the Kaipara Harbour with our Hoteo River geomorphology project, and we continue to assist Council with various stream restoration projects across the region. “Our Process Engineers have assisted Watercare on the Mangere treatment plant, which we appreciate as vital infrastructure for Auckland.” “Our expertise across our broad service offering means we can add real value to projects in the region, and we look forward to taking part in many more as continue to grow our presence in the region to service our clients.” The Auckland office is the fifth Cardno office in New Zealand, with existing offices in Wellington, Christchurch, Taupo and Hastings, and reflects Cardno’s commitment to their clients. “For us, it is important to be where our clients are; we understand the importance of having someone local,” said Darcy. “We see big opportunities for growth here in Auckland, and we are excited for the future.”
Developing quality land & living
Committed to providing building sections as a platform for growth with attributes that will serve for future generations We are searching for prime residential locations to fuel the residential market All enquires welcome
www.landsdale.co.nz
PROUD TO BE DOING A GOOD JOB FOR CARDNO SINCE THE 1970’S. WWW.GOODMANS.GEN.NZ
Switching to biomass as an energy source has three key benefits, says Brian Cox, executive officer of the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand (BANZ). “There are significant economic and environmental advantages,” says Cox.“Wood fuel is all around us, and most of the biomass is currently wasted so it makes sense to turn this renewable, sustainable resource into a viable product. “The third benefit is the new employment opportunities that will be created as a result of the growth of the wood-fuel market.” In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, Cox says more companies are looking to generate heat from wood-fuelled, rather than the gas and coal fired boilers. “Companies are finding they can make considerable savings in energy costs, particularly if they utilise their own green waste. “The sustainable message biomass sends out to the market is also beneficial, particularly for the likes of dairy factories, and others selling on the international stage.” Biomass fuel could also potentially be used to generate electricity or transport fuel in addition to heat, although for those applications it is not currently economic to do so, says Cox.
“The commercial opportunities lie in heat generation which is the most economic application of biomass technology at this time,” says Cox. BANZ was established in 2000 to support its members’ business interests; and to promote and coordinate the expansion of the New Zealand bioenergy sector. It also advocates on its members behalf, and provides information, training and networking opportunities for its members, which encompass any business or individual with a commercial interest in bioenergy. Cox says that the membership of BANZ is wide-ranging and includes organic matter resource owners, landowners, wood processors and feedstock suppliers; fuel and energy suppliers; energy researchers; educators, equipment suppliers, consultants, contractors, service providers, manufacturers, private and government sector asset owners, regulators and investors. “We are focused on helping our members to create viable commercial businesses through the promotion of their products and services, and assisting them to work together as a sector and leverage off each other.” Cox says access to a reliable fuel supply is one of the critical considerations for businesses committing to a wood fuelled boiler, which is why
Make sure you have a top-performing wood fuelled heat plant • Use registered wood energy advisers • Buy your equipment from Bioenergy Association members • Buy your wood fuel from accredited wood fuel suppliers • Make sure your equipment design follows wood energy technical guidelines • Send your operating and maintenance staff to wood energy short courses
Find out more now: Contact executive@bioenergy.org.nz or go to our website: www.usewoodfuel.org.nz
Business North June 2015
BIOENERGY » Bioenergy Association of New Zealand
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Having access to a reliable, regular fuel supply is one of the critical considerations for businesses that are committing to a wood fuelled boiler.
the association is launching a new accreditation scheme for wood fuel suppliers. “Large industrial clients and dairy companies need to be sure they are dealing with a supplier who consistently delivers a quality product, in a timely manner. Choosing from a list of accredited suppliers can provide them with this certainty.” BANZ is also launching a registration of wood energy advisers to ensure the competency of any suppliers and installers scoping and installing biomass plants. “We are also developing technical guides to help companies designing these plants to ensure they are doing it well.” BANZ is also looking at other bioenergy fuel sources. These include the potential to collect dairy effluent to produce biogas, which could be
used to generate fuel or electricity. “This could have economic and employment benefits as well as helping to prevent environmental degradation which is becoming quite a significant driver.” Cox says that the higher capital costs to invest in systems which convert organic byproducts to energy are negated by the savings in energy costs. “The economics are definitely there. It’s our job to help de-risk the market so people can see the benefits; and know they can be confident about the supply of wood fuel and the consultants they are dealing with.” “Although bioenergy production is still a small niche market, it is getting to the stage where it is working for more and more people.”
“Although bioenergy production is still a small niche market, it is getting to the stage where it is working for more and more people.”
Energy Solutions For Industry
Phone: 09 377 9007 or 027 257 9001 Email: info@livingenergy.co.nz Contact us for a FREE appraisal
LivingEnergy
www.livingenergy.co.nz
PROUD TO SUPPORT BIO ENERGY
Taymac tapping into growing market for wood fired boilers More businesses and organisations are becoming aware of the benefits of waste wood and wood pellet fired boilers for hot water generation, says Geoff Paynter, general manager of Christchurch firm Taylors Manufacturing (Taymac). “These boilers are definitely a growing market for us. They are particularly suited to clients with access to either cheap or free waste wood fuel, such as timber mills and timber processors. We have also supplied wood pellet fires into schools.” Taymac produces wood-fuelled boilers ranging from 100kW to 2MW. “We can deal directly with the end users, and have a full design team to carry out planning, selection of boiler size, and associated drawings.
We can also provide pollution control equipment for boilers and can organise installation if required.” To further enhance the environmental benefits of the carbon-neutral boilers, Taymac is developing a new “high efficient” boiler model, which will be able to succesfully burn wet wood waste. “A lot of imported boilers have issues with wet wood as a fuel source. We are excited about the new boiler and other new products we have under development for this market.” Other products designed and manufactured by the medium to heavy engineering company include coal-fired and diesel-fired boilers, industrial fans, emissions control systems, and tanks. A recent project was the delivery of large
QUALITY PRODUCTS
stainless steel industrial fans to Westland Dairy, through Tetrapak, with the largest being over four metres high coupled to a 350kW high efficiency electric motor. Taymac also recently delivered a large coal hopper to a client in Indonesia. The firm exports to Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea and has a presence in Australia through its subsidiary Fowlerex Technologies. Taymac has been operating for over 100 years and has undergone numerous changes of ownership and focus, with particularly strong growth over the last decade under its current owner. The firm’s other subsidiary companies include
FOCUS ON SUPPORT
Taurus Engineering, (a structural steel specialist with a strong focus on the Canterbury rebuild), Airtight Solutions and Taymac Stainless. A metal castings division has also been incorporated into the company, offering competitively priced imported castings, forgings, spinnings, pressings and repetitive maching services, covering all grades of metals from proven overseas suppliers. Taymac also offers general engineering capabilities. A well-equipped workshop utilises a full range of modern CNC plant and equipment. Taymac also has an in-house machine shop, spray booth and fitting shop.
TECHNOLOGY
VERSATILE
With over 100 years in the business of design and manufacturing,our reputation is built on our belief of providing high quality product and service at a very competitive price
SALES@TAYMAC.CO.NZ | WWW.TAYMAC.CO.NZ
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BIOENERGY » East Harbour Energy Centre
June 2015
Business North
Wood fuel an ‘important alternative’ Karen Phelps Projects undertaken by East Harbour Energy have shown that there are key areas in New Zealand in which wood fuel offers significant economic benefits. “We see wood fuel becoming an important alternative to fossil fuels such as coal and, in some cases, natural gas,” says East Harbour Energy director Mike Suggate. “We work closely with the Bioenergy Association, which is focused on increasing the uptake of biomass as a fuel, and on improving the effectiveness of wood fuel supply markets,” Suggate says. East Harbour Energy has been helping customers’ to reduce their energy related costs through the use of wood fuel for over 15 years. The company’s wood-fuel experience and expertise covers wood-fuel supply, wood fuel utilisation, combustion system selection and tendering as well as business assessment of the costs and economic benefits. Suggate says that wood fuel use, including chip and wood processing and harvesting residues, and that from cropping fuels such as Miscanthus is a key focus for East Harbour. Another focus is geothermal and wind energy, energy efficiency and operational support. He says that East Harbour’s approach is strongly based around business benefits. The company works with a variety of industries needing energy including for process heat users such as dairy factories, food and wood processors and commercial buildings such as schools. Customers include Fonterra, Solid Wood Innovation (SWI), Energy for Industry, Local Authorities, Tonga Power, Chatham Island Electricity, Tarac Technologies and timber processors such as Red Stag Timber. East Harbour Energy’s energy project manager Tim Armstrong has recently led two projects for Solid Wood Innovation (SWI), a consortium of wood processors in New Zealand
East Harbour Energy works with a variety of industries needing energy including for process heat users such as dairy factories, food and wood
processors and commercial buildings such as schools. and Australia, to help improve energy use in key industries. The first was to provide a toolbox of information, tools and advice as a basis for improving energy consumption. The toolbox is accessed by participants via an on-line energy portal.
Wood fuel use, including chip and wood processing, is a key focus for East Harbour Energy.
“Biomass boilers and timber drying systems were the main opportunity area and to date participating companies have achieved electricity savings of 6% above target with another 4.4% of savings identified.” Armstrong says that a particular focus area was the use of biomass as a heat source with calculators and other tools provided to assess fuel requirements, performance, and optimal boiler design. The second project for SWI, co-funded by the Energy Efficiency Consultation Authority, challenged New Zealand wood processors to reduce their energy use by 5%. Armstrong says that the project team provided advice and hands-on assistance focused in particular on the efficient operation of biomass boilers and associated timber drying systems. The objective of the challenge was to achieve a saving of 5 percent of current energy use equating to cost savings of around $5.5 million per annum. In order to achieve this energy savings targets and plans were developed and implemented, alongside benchmarking systems to enable comparison of performance.
“Biomass boilers and timber drying systems were the main opportunity area and to date participating companies have achieved electricity savings of 6% above target with another 4.4% of savings identified.” He says heat savings are almost as dramatic with nearly 6% achieved to date and further savings identified. “Total savings amount to nearly $1 million per annum though in many cases they are turned into additional plant output.” Armstrong says that for businesses to successfully save energy requires in depth knowledge and ensuring energy experts are involved with the development of energy savings plans. East Harbour Energy’s range of services also include strategic advice and planning, energy management, project management, business advice and forecasting. The company can also provide executive management services.
The East Harbour team are independent specialists in wood energy and direct use of geothermal heat. Offering: • Extensive and practical biomass supply and utilisation experience • Reduced energy costs • Biomass fuel supply assessment; availability, cost and supply security • Assistance to secure value from forest and wood processing residues, through bioenergy • Project economics and business case assessment We are Registered Wood Energy Advisers For further information visit www.eastharbour.co.nz or contact Mike.Suggate@Eastharbour.co.nz or 021 774 471
Boilers making most of wood waste Last year proved pivotal for Polytechnik Biomass Energy, which in 2011, entered the Australasian market with state-of-the-art low emission technology for the utilisation of biomass for energy generation. Christian Jirkowsky, general manager of the Austrian firm’s New Zealand operation says there were “many highlights” during 2014, including the company’s first local customer, K&L Nurseries winning the EECA Supreme and Small to Medium business awards for its Polytechnik biomass boiler system. “We also enjoyed the successful start-up of our first boiler plants in Australia; and the installation of New Zealand’s most advanced wood energy plant at Zealandia Horticulture in Christchurch,” he says. Among other projects the firm was also awarded the contract to establish an advanced and high efficiency steam boiler plant system at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch, which will see it supply two wood fired boilers and one diesel back-up boiler, replacing its old and inefficient coal boiler plant. “We are now dealing with large New Zealand companies, with our plants getting bigger and more sophisticated as time goes on. It is very pleasing.” One of the main advantages of Polytechnik biomass boilers over other wood boilers is superior fuel-handling capability allowing its customers to tap into wood waste streams. They are also designed to accept fuels with moisture contents of up to 60 percent, with the fuel dried in the boiler before it is gasified and completely combusted. “This means customers can use much cheaper fuel sources and significantly reduce running costs,” says Jirkowsky. K&L Nurseries was able to use wood and green waste as a fuel source, and are already saving around $100,000 a year in energy costs. The biomass boilers are also a far greener alternative to coal boilers, which produce thousands of tonnes of carbon and sulphur dioxide as well as other hazardous emissions each year. Polytechnik has more than 50 years experience in the engineering, manufacture, installation and commissioning of biomass fired heat and power plants, which generate energy from renewable biomass.
Polytechnik has more than 50 years experience in the engineering, manufacture, installation and commissioning of biomass fired heat and power plants, which generate energy from renewable biomass. Its boilers have a thermal output ranging from 300kW to 30,000 kW with various combustion systems and combinations able to be employed depending on the available fuel. A range of mediums such as hot water, air, hot gases, super-heated water, saturated and superheated steam, and thermal oil can be utilised within the system to transfer the resultant energy. “Our engineers work closely with clients to tailor the solutions specifically to their needs,” he says. The firm opened its New Zealand office Polytechnik Biomass Energy Pty Ltd in 2011 and is the only European wood/biomass boiler manufacturer with an established base here.
Polytechnik says its biomass boilers have superior fuel-handling capability allowing its customers to tap into wood waste streams.
“Although the initial capital outlay may be greater, a 50 percent saving in fuel costs provides a significant return on the investment, and helps the system to pay for itself in a very short time.” “We are a fully established subsidiary branch, and part of the Polytechnik worldwide group which means our customers don’t have to worry about additional mark-ups. “They are also provided with full financial guarantees and warranties on the products and can talk directly with the boiler supplier if they have any questions or ideas.” The firm has partnered with Energy Plant Solutions in Palmerston North and Energence in Australia who provide distribution and installation services. “We operate in a specialised boiler market, so rather than compete with these firms, we contract their resources when we need them, which works well for everyone. This arrangement also allows us to keep our overheads low and plants cheaper for our customers without compromising the support,” says Jirkowsky.” Some other New Zealand projects which Polytechnik has been involved with include working for Energy Plant Solutions on the installation of a 14MW gas-fuelled boiler for Guardian’s dairy plant in Balclutha, and on a 32MW gas-fuelled plant for Fonterra in Pahiatua which it is currently installing. Jirkowsky says the timber and sawmill industry is a logical target market for Polytechnik
in New Zealand given Energy Plant Solutions’ expertise in servicing wood boilers for these industries; and the fact Polytechnik’s has 3000 reference plants and is a market leader in Russia’s sawmilling industry. “We’ve already had numerous enquiries from firms in these sectors which look promising. “Once we’ve demonstrated the advantages of an advanced biomass boiler systems to the New Zealand sawmilling industry we believe we can make a difference in terms of lowering their energy and operating costs and emissions.” Polytechnik was recently honoured with Austria’s Coat of Arms, which recognises industry leaders in their fields, and was a “great honour”, he says. Overall Jirkowsky is happy with the company’s progress in Australasia. “It’s still early days but after selling ten boilers with a thermal capacity of over 20 MW in New Zealand and Australia in the last two years we’re getting more and more enquiries as people begin to appreciate the benefits of advanced biomass systems. “Although the initial capital outlay may be greater, a 50 percent saving in fuel costs provides a significant return on the investment, and helps the system to pay for itself in a very short time.”
81 St Andrews Road, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
T: +64 6 211 3496 F: +64 6 877 4607 E: office@polytechnik.co.nz W: www.polytechnik.com
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NARROW BANDING DEADLINE »
June 2015
Business North
Narrow banding deadline looming Karen Phelps For companies that rely on radio and wireless communications to operate effectively some big changes are afoot. The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has said that by November this year narrow banding will be in effect around the country cutting the size of the radio channel in half. At the moment channels are typically spaced at 25 kHz apart. The proposal is to halve this to 12.5 kHz giving twice the number of channels to help cater for the increased demand for spectrum,” says chairman of the Radio Frequency Users Association of New Zealand (RFUANZ), Bruce Harding. Anyone that uses a two-way radio system will be affected by the changes but Harding says that businesses should not panic - mostly the changes will not have a negative effect. “Some businesses will just have to reprogram their existing radio to change channels; others may have to upgrade their radios to more modern technology.” He says the changes have caused quite a boom in the retail part of the sector with some businesses choosing to upgrade to digital systems from analogue. Harding says digital systems represent the evolution of the technology and present many advantages to businesses including the ability to be more efficient and operate more advanced dispatching systems. “One example is that with an analogue system anybody who has a scanner can listen in to a twoway radio network. With a digital network the data may offers much higher levels of security.” He says the changes are part of a worldwide trend: “In 2013 the US went to narrow banding and it’s a sensible step for New Zealand to allow more
Two-way radio technology is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand and has a lot of advantages. users into the system as long as it’s undertaken in an orderly and managed way. More channels mean more data can be carried so businesses can install the latest technology, such as GPS and modern
dispatch systems, more easily.” As an example he says a base operator at a transport yard using GPS could check exactly where vehicles are, and the speed they are doing.
Another advantage of GPS technology is that businesses can potentially save on road-user charges. “The GPS system on the two-way radio can
Making a smooth transition to the new system Good planning, the right software and qualified radio technicians are the ingredients to ensure the shift to narrow banding in November is smooth with no interruption to essential radio communication, says Vernon Douglas, managing director of Rotorua-based Alcom Radio Communications. “Businesses will require assistance through all aspects of the process from relicensing of channels, to assessing current equipment compliance, reprogramming, adjusting repeaters and advising on best replacement options for non compliant equipment. “Some businesses will simply require reprogramming or replacing of radios while other large organisations may require a comprehensive project management approach,” he says. When to make the changeover is also another important question for businesses to consider. Alcom Radio Communications discusses with the business owner the nature of the company’s operations and plans a convenient switch over procedure “For example at a recent job this involved determining the best time for the switch over,
“Some businesses will simply require reprogramming or replacing of radios while other large organisations may require a comprehensive project management approach.” informing staff as to the procedure then making the necessary changes to the radios.” Rotorua-based Alcom Radio Communications (also known as Alcom Communication Services Ltd.) has been a provider of radio communication sales and service for the central North Island for almost 30 years. Current owners Vernon and Catherine Douglas, who bought the business late 2012, say they have focussed on getting back to basics namely providing excellent service and building customer relationships. They say that while radio communication has long been established as essential for business and organisations requiring uninterrupted coverage and clarity anywhere (for example emergency services, forestry, work-
sites and rural areas) it is fast becoming a viable option for a much broader range of business and organisations. Vernon Douglas says that experience is an important factor in finding the correct solutions for each customer. “Our technicians have a wealth of experience and, importantly, keep up to date with the latest industry developments,” he says. Alcom Radio Communications supplies and services all the leading brands including Tait, Hytera, Icom, Motorola and Kenwood. Vernon says that businesses could use the shift to narrow banding as an opportunity to make sure they are getting the best radio communication for their current and future needs.
He stresses that narrow banding does not necessarily mean that a business using analogue equipment needs to shift to digital radios but that it may be a good time to investigate the benefits that digital technology can offer. “Many long-time radio users are surprised to find out that the new digital technology offers excellent sound quality and a wide range of communication and safety features such as texting, GPS tracking and ‘man down’ alert,” says Vernon Douglas. “The instant push-to-talk nature of radio combined with the tailored features and competitive pricing now make it a very cost effective solution worth considering.” He says that radio users should start planning now to ensure come November they have a smooth transition with no interruption to essential radio communications for their business. Alcom Radio Communications offers free advice to help businesses to get their narrow banding transition underway on time and also to assess how they can maximise the benefits of radio communication.
Radio Communication Specialists • Radio Sales Service & Rental • Tait, Motorola, Hytera & Icom Dealers • Rotorua Wide Digital Radio Coverage 295 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua 3010 Phone 07 345 8655 Email admin@alcom.co.nz Web www.alcom.co.nz
Business North June 2015 provide evidence as to when they are driving on private roads. New Zealand Transport Authority forms are often included in the new equipment.” He says that two-way radio technology is becoming increasingly popular. According to Harding the key drivers are that two-way radios connect quickly (simply push a button and talk) and information can be dispersed over a network so many people can receive it at the same time. Two way radios are also independent of the power grid so when the power goes off the system keeps running. “Typically a two-way radio is powered by batteries, which can last for several days with no power. “It’s a very resilient and reliable system and good for businesses who need to keep going no matter what,” explains Harding. He points to the earthquake in Christchurch where when the power went off the cellular network went down preventing communication. “Cell phone networks can congest if there is an emergency and everyone tries to connect at once. Generally two-way radio is more controlled and therefore less likely to overload.” RFUANZ is a non-profit organisation whose membership includes a variety of industries such as local government authorities, transport, communications, courier, taxi, veterinary, consultancy, radio dealers, radio network operators, tourism companies and private individuals. RFUANZ was formed in 1990, following deregulation of the telecommunications industry and as a result of the merging of the traditional Radio Telephone User Associations and private two-way radio network suppliers. Harding says the prime mission of RFUANZ is to protect, promote and preserve the rights of organisations and individuals who require access to the radio spectrum.
NARROW BANDING DEADLINE »
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Bruce Harding The association holds an annual conference and exhibition and is presently engaging with training organisations to develop new training syllabuses as the industry continues to grow. Another pertinent issue facing the industry is a review of the Radiocommunications Act 1989. “This is a specialised industry and it’s still a very solid industry. We have our own manufacturer in New Zealand, Tait Communications, and they manufacture for the world market. “The last review of the Act was in the late 1990’s and technology changes and increases in demand for spectrum since then mean it is now timely to reconsider how the spectrum is managed to ensure the most efficient and effective outcomes for New Zealand.” For more information visit www.rfuanz.org.nz
“More channels mean more data can be carried so businesses can install the latest technology, such as GPS and modern dispatch systems, more easily.”
Two way radios are independent of the power grid so that when the power goes off the system keeps running.
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NARROW BANDING DEADLINE » Motorola Solutions
June 2015 Business North
Exciting times ahead for radio users Karen Phelps Increased demand and advances in technology are creating new uses for two way radio in New Zealand. “Those needs are only intensifying in the lead up to the New Zealand government’s legislated changes to create more efficient use of radio spectrum otherwise known as narrow banding,” says Simon Coles, New Zealand manager, professional commercial radio solutions at Motorola Solutions New Zealand. The New Zealand government has legislated that wideband (25Khz) LMR channels up to 470Mhz must cease operation by November 1, 2015 to enable more efficient use of spectrum and create more available channels. Coles says that affected radios include those operating on VHF or UHF channels, either via repeaters or Simplex. “Any radios, especially those in operation for more than 10 years, may be using wideband channels so will require some action,” says Coles, who says that there are three possible outcomes for businesses depending on their current fleet and/or network capability. “If they are already narrowband compliant they do not need to do anything. If their radio is narrowband-capable simple reprogramming is required,” says Coles. “Existing certified dual mode (25/12.5kHz) equipment can be retained but must have the 25kHz mode disabled. Motorola Solutions radios purchased in the last ten years are most likely to be dual-mode.” Coles says that if a radio is not narrowbandcapable the business will need to upgrade the twoway radio or, possibly, their entire network. “For example, two-way radio equipment capable of only operating at 25kHz must be replaced. “Equipment purchased more than 10 years old may need to be replaced, as will any existing wideband channel licenses,” he says. Coles says a major question that customers are asking, while considering the changes needed for narrowband compliance, is whether to implement a digital solution. “It’s not necessary for a business to go digital but if they do need to replace their radios, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of the many benefits that digital radio can offer to their operations,” he says. Coles says that digital radios offer clearer audio, greater range and longer battery life. They offer more features such as GPS, man-down alarms and duress button.
Rapid advances in two-way radio technology are driving the need for narrowbanding radio spectrum changes in New Zealand. “Moreover, the integration of applications has enormous capacity to extend two-way radios beyond purely voice communications to include data, such as voice recording for compliance or training purposes. “Applications also offer the potential to improve worker safety, increase productivity and increaser operational efficiency. Digital radios also usually work with the businesses current analogue sets, so they can gradually migrate to digital and manage costs,” he says. Coles says that Motorola Solutions can help customers to prepare for a smooth and costeffective transition. “We offer nearly 60 models capable of operating in 12.5kHz efficiency plus a broad choice of two-way radio equipment. “We can advise businesses whether they simply require a software upgrade or replacement of existing equipment.” Motorola Solutions serves customers in more than 100 countries from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.
“Motorola radios are used by more than one million users and designed with a robust mix of features to increase workforce efficiency, productivity and safety.” Coles says that the company’s focus is on developing integrated end-to-end solutions that deliver a clear return on investment for customers. “Motorola radios are used by more than one million users and designed with a robust mix of features to increase workforce efficiency, productivity and safety. “We can supply two way radios from ultra-thin portables to tough mobiles, integrated Bluetooth or industry-leading data applications.” Coles says the Benefits of using two way radio “include instantaneous information, easier decision making, increased safety and productivity and improved customer service”.
“Motorola Solutions does not just supply product. “We also provide thorough, customized, end-to-end solutions that meet the many missioncritical and business-critical needs our customers experience every day.” For more information on narrow banding businesses can visit www.rsm.govt.nz for full details on the narrowband mandate or to view RSM’s Radio License Policy Rules. For information on Motorola visit: www.motorolasolutions.com/en_xa
WAVE 5000 - the next evolution There was big turnout to this year’s Radio Frequency Users Association New Zealand (RFUANZ) Exhibition and Conference with more than 240 delegates and exhibitors attending. Simon Coles, New Zealand manager, professional commercial radio solutions at Motorola Solutions New Zealand, one of the major sponsors of the event, says that from Motorola’s perspective there was a great deal of interest from partners and customers around achieving “inter-operability” between a range of devices, users and networks. “There are a range of New Zealand industries which could benefit from the ability to seamlessly, securely and cost effectively unite their communications - especially in today’s BYOD (bring your own device) environment,” says Coles. “Mining, education and health are just a few of the industries that employ people which carry their own devices be they smartphones, tablets two-way radios or others,” he says. Motorola’s WAVE 5000 enables full interoperability between different radio systems and extends the reach of these systems, using any combination of broadband networks and devices. Coles says the goal of WAVE 5000 is simple – to remove the technical barriers to secure instant push-to-talk (PTT) communication and enable anyone on any device to securely communicate across any IP network with any device, in real time. “At its core, WAVE enables an almost unlimited number of simultaneous data streams within an IP network. These streams,
some for voice and some for system data, connect users and their devices so that businesses and their teams can enjoy a truly unified PTT communications environment that provides secure access to people, information and systems that are critical to their role and responsibilities. “From two-way radios to smartphones, laptops to landlines, tablets to rugged handhelds, WAVE 5000 lets businesses use the devices they already have and the networks they already subscribe to connect and talk to others both inside and outside of their communications environment.” Secure push-to-talk connects smart devices over 3/4G LTE and WiFi networks delivering choice and flexibility when choosing a non-radio, carrier-independent communications solution. Coles says organisations can choose how they want to deliver WAVE enabled communications: “For the majority of deployments, ‘hosted solutions’ - where WAVE software is installed and runs on the customer’s server hardware - is normal. “This is particularly true when organisations are sensitive to network and data security, or when they have extensive investments and capacity in IT infrastructure. “An alternative approach puts WAVE applications in the Cloud where they are accessed over a private network. Cloud-based PTT services offer compelling benefits, such as access to the latest WAVE software releases and significantly lower IT costs. The important thing is that Motorola gives its customers choices.”
RFUANZ winner: Gary Parker of TL Parker, left, and Simon Coles of Motorola Solutions.
COUNTDOWN TO NARROWBANDING ARE YOUR TWO-WAY RADIOS COMPLIANT?
YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO SWITCH TO 12.5 kHz EFFICIENCY RADIOS BY 1 NOV 2015
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NEED NARROWBANDING ADVICE? Get in contact with Motorola Solutions
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NARROW BANDING DEADLINE » Mobile Systems / Capital Comms June 2015 Business North
Perfect opportunity to reassess radio needs Karen Phelps The change to narrow banding in New Zealand is the perfect opportunity for businesses to look at what they do, how they use their radios and if new technology could add value to their operation, says Mike Saunders from Mobile Systems. “Their existing equipment may well be capable of taking them forward as we change to narrow banding or they may be in the position of needing to transition to new gear. We can help find the best solution for their particular business,” he says. Saunders says that there are many benefits in transitioning from analogue to digital equipment, which is a shift many businesses will be making. One major advantage of digital radios is the ability to use GPS technology.
As an example GPS enabled radios can be used to track lone workers. “The radio can be programmed to send an alert if the radio stops moving indicating that something may have happened to the worker. GPS gives the ability to also track the exact location of the worker. “New technology available in digital radios can be used to send text messages to the radio and for the radio to send text messages back to headquarters. “This means a job can be texted to the radio which creates an audit trail that the work has been assigned and to whom it has been assigned to.” Saunders says the other benefits of digital radio include vastly improved audio quality. “New digital radios have amazing noise cancelling technology. For example I could be
One of the benefits of digital radio in the field is the vastly improved audio quality. standing next to an idling truck and the person on the other end of the radio wouldn’t be able to hear any background noise.” He says one of the main benefits of digital radios is that calls are encrypted and then decrypted at the receiving end. “This gives enhanced levels of security, as people can no longer easily listen in to conversations.” Mobile Systems operates from premises in Mount Maunganui and is a specialist in supplying, installing and servicing mobile and portable communication equipment in vehicles or mobile equipment. It services the greater Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, volcanic plateau and eastern Waikato regions and is a sales and service agent for Tait, Hytera, Motorola, Icom, GME and Uniden Communications ranges of mobile and portable two-way radio equipment. Saunders says that the company also services many other brands.
“We can assist businesses with their general mobile communications needs no matter what technology or network they are using”. Saunders says that because radio units tend to last for a long time this often means businesses are not aware of the latest technology, which could significantly enhance their business and productivity. He says the change to narrow banding is confusing for businesses and says Mobile Systems is happy to provide businesses with information about what is required and how businesses can best make the shift to the new regime. “The shift to narrow banding is a good opportunity for businesses to make better decisions around their communication and to really enhance the way their business operates. “At Mobile Systems we’re happy to offer our expertise to help businesses make a well informed decision that will best suit their operation.”
Businesses encouraged to plan for changes early Businesses do not necessarily need to purchase radio equipment outright if they are thinking of upgrading as a result of the change to narrow banding, says Brendon Hannah, managing director of Wellington based company Capital Comms. “We can offer leasing or hire purchase options to clients through eLeasing, which makes it easy for them to start using the latest equipment.,” says Hannah. “We have a variety of different model radios available. We also programme the radios at the customer’s request to be used on either a private or citizen band radio frequency. “We can do delivery and pick-ups for local clients,” he says. The company offers a wide range of the latest mobile and portable radios as well as associated accessories such as multi bay chargers, earpieces, speaker microphones and heavy-duty headsets. Hannah says that although it may not be necessary for businesses to invest in digital technology as a result of the narrow banding changes it does present many advantages including clearer communication down to 6 MHz, text messaging capabilities, man down function (automatic emergency alarm) and GPS tracking. He says that Motorola leads the way in digital radio with its brand MotoTRBO. “Digital radios now can be used as both a radio and a phone. “The audio is very clear right to the point it loses connection whereas with analogue you will start to get static the further away the radio gets from the connection,” he says. Applications, such as those available for smartphones, are also now available for digital radios. Hannah says that the term ‘smart radios’ has even been coined to signify the shift in technology.
“There are just so many things you can do with a digital radio these days. You can even communicate with another person further afield such as Wellington to Auckland with your message being transferred from the Wellington repeater to Auckland repeater via the Internet. “It’s like the shift from analogue mobiles to smartphones. Slowly people will migrate to digital radios to take advantage of all the functionality and features they offer. It’s the future,” he says. Capital Comms can reprogramme customers’ analogue radios if possible and set them up correctly for the new frequency. The deadline for the change to narrow banding is November 1, 2015, and, although this may seem a long way off, the time to start planning is now, says Hannah. “Not many businesses are enquiring yet about what they need to do but it will be illegal to use the current frequency after November 1. “If businesses don’t make the change in time they could be penalised or experience cross communication, which could disrupt their business communications. “By taking action now businesses can better budget and plan for the changeover as they will know what will be required in terms of reprogramming current equipment or purchasing new equipment. Businesses can change to the new frequency today. They don’t need to wait until November.” Capital Comms has been operating for over 25 years, specialising in two-way radio communications. The company is the authorised dealers in the Wellington region for the servicing and sales of Motorola, Vertex Standard and Kenwood radios and accessories. The company assists clients in the whole of the North Island and into the South Island as required.
Tait radio systems built to last Tait Communications solutions deliver longterm freedom of choice and flexibility, with open standards helping businesses to protect their investment, says Bevan Clarke from Logic Wireless Limited, Tait Communications’ exclusive New Zealand distributor. “Tait Communications is a well-known local manufacturer of critical communication products,” Clarke says. “The company is an independent, stable and long-term presence in the industry, making and developing world class communication solutions for customers around the world.” Founded in 1969 by Angus Tait and with its company headquarters in Christchurch, Tait Communications is now set up as a charitable trust. Clarke says that this means that Tait Communications has only one shareholder - a charitable foundation - that shares its operating profits across three investment streams: research and development, regional reinvestment, and education. Logic Wireless has been distributing Tait Communications two-way radios in the New Zealand market since 2009. Logic Wireless operates two main distribution centres in Christchurch and Brisbane. Clarke says that since the Christchurch earthquakes Logic Wireless is seeing a new respect and understanding of the importance of dedicated communications networks that are fit for purpose, unlike cellular networks, which often suffer under pressure. “There is a resurgence in use of professional digital radio solutions – Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) – for both business and emergency services,” says Clarke. “Tait Communications portables can survive drowning, burning, or being run over by a tank. “Our mobile radio performance is second to none while our base stations are well respected for their endurance and built-in redundancy. “All of these things work together to create tougher Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks.”
Logic Wireless is seeing a new respect and understanding of the importance of dedicated communications networks. Logic Wireless specialties include P25 (Phase 1 and Phase 2), DMR (Tier 2 and Tier 3), MPT1327, analogue conventional as well as software to manage and monitor these radio networks. Clarke says because Tait Communications LMR products and systems are designed and built in New Zealand, the company stands by its quality. The company recognises the importance of open standards technologies to enable integrated communications solutions for businesses.
“Tait Communications modern digital radio solutions are designed to easily integrate with business systems like dispatch, AVL, LTE, cellular, voice recorders and SCADA solutions.” Clarke says that narrow banding in New Zealand means that some radio equipment will need to be upgraded to meet government regulations coming into effect later this year. He says it can be a great opportunity for businesses to revitalize their communications and
take advantage of the business benefits that new technologies can offer. Tait Communications has just released two new state-of-the-art digital twoway radios: Tait TM 9300 and TP 9300 DMR. “These allow current users to migrate from existing analogue two-way radio systems to digital two-way radio systems and enjoy the full benefits of Digital Two-Way radio, including improved audio quality, noise reduction, GPS tracking, increased battery life and more channels.”
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MANUFACTURING » Cast Components
June 2015 Business North
Successful firm casts its net wide Sue Russell Murray Hamlin leads a team of experienced metal casting engineers whose combined experience is in excess of 100 years. The company moved its foundry premises to the industrial quarter of Palmerston North 18 months ago when he seized the opportunity to buy a more suitable building and to upgrade machinery at the same time, investing upwards of $600,000 in plant and relocation costs. Hamlin’s career in the casting industry has spanned 33 years and counting including 6 ½ years in the Australian foundry industry, five of which were spent at Australia’s largest steel foundry where castings of up to 170 tonnes were made. He carried an Advanced Trade Certificate along with an Associate Diploma of Applied Science in Metals Technology (Metallurgy). He established Cast Components Ltd a decade ago. “I was general manager of one of NZ’s larger foundries when it was decided to merge that business with a sister company within the group, so I thought this was the time to strike out on my own. Fortunately all the staff I have now were staff that came with me at the move so we have a really solid core who have worked together for years,” Hamlin says. Plans over the next two or three years are to double staff from the current five, though Murray observes the casting industry here in New Zealand generally is in decline. Plans also include establishing additional melting facilities on the site to add to the company’s capabilities. “Cheap imports from China have been happening here for many many years now, long enough for it to play out in closures of local companies who didn’t have the capacity to specialise and survive.”
Cast Components core services include the supply of castings used in commercially cast metal products.
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36 Armstrong Street, Palmerston North Ph. 06 357 4039 Email. JJ.Niven@xtra.co.nz
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Business North
MANUFACTURING » Cast Components
June 2015
One niche Cast Components Ltd has is rotational moulding tool castings for the plastics industry, many of which are air freighted to offshore manufacturing facilities. Home heating is a key industry the company services with castings for log fires, wet backs along with wood stoves, while it also supplies the marine and defence sector with lighting, valves for yachts and ships and ballast weights for yachts. In the construction sector the company supplies parts for rolling roof cladding. Core services include the supply of castings used in commercially cast metals products produced via various mould processes. Other services includes supplying castings used in the plastics industry for roo bars, bumper bars, spoilers along with manifolds for stock cars and muscle cars, parts for super chargers manufactured in the US, engine rocker covers also mostly destined for the US. Engine blocks for vintage cars dating as far back as the turn of last century are another niche product Cast Components Ltd has specialised in producing for the demanding US market. “The job was won following our local customer’s frustration with a South Australian foundry spending several years trying to perfect the process without success,” says Hamlin. “We’re also producing water pumps for a local customer for vintage cars and the current batch are reportedly for entertainer Jay Leno of the US.” Key to the company’s success has been to concentrate resources on delivering services and products of a standard that overseas imports cannot match. It’s proved a strategy that has seen it continue to grow and gather a reputation second to none despite relatively challenging times for foundry-allied industries as a whole in this country. Every so often a more ‘out of the bag’ job comes along.
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“One of the things I most enjoy about this work is that opportunities come along to create beautiful and significant forms.” One such project cast by the company and unveiled on Wellington’s waterfront in 2008 is ‘Solace in the Wind’, an impressive 2-metre high iron sculpture created by renowned English sculptor Max Patte. Solace leans defiantly into the wind seemingly challenging those forces to push him over. The sculpture struck such a chord with Wellingtonians that it was voted People’s Choice’ at the Wellington Civic Trust Awards. “We also recently made two silicon bronze plaques inserted into the side of a memorial honouring one of Hamilton’s most celebrated sons Gallipoli soldier and artist Sapper Moore-Jones unveiled on 27 March. “One of the things I most enjoy about this work is that opportunities come along to create beautiful and significant forms.” When it comes to the company’s continued strong position delivering technically challenging, often one-off cast objects for the New Zealand market, Murray has a philosophical approach. “I’d describe us as probably medium to large in the context of the industry here. We always keep an eye on the amount of work we have on our books from month to month. “A lot of our work comes by way of the reputation we’ve established and the fact that we really thrive on the more challenging projects that come our way is, I believe, a core strength of the company.”
Cast Components cast the ‘Solace in the Wind’ sculpture which was unveiled on Wellington’s waterfront in 2008 - the iron sculpture was created by renowned English sculptor Max Patte.
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MANUFACTURING » Alutec
June 2015 Business North
Aluminium joinery at the cutting edge Sue Russell It is nearly a decade since Alutec Ltd established itself in Kerikeri manufacturing and delivering aluminium joinery. The company chose the Vistalite profile of Fletcher Aluminium because of its superior range of products and design suites, suited to both residential and commercial construction. Project manager, Matthew Wycherley says Alutec’s capabilities make it a popular choice. “Windows are a major choice in any construction project,” he says. “It not only comes down to the product but here at Alutec we offer help with the design and performance to suit the project style, a full installation service and assist in keeping costs to a minimum.” In 2010 the company shifted its factory operations to Mangonui because demand required larger premises while the administration side remained in Kerikeri. Then in May 2013 it consolidated both arms into a purpose-built 1100qsm building on Waipapa Road. Two years ago Alutec branched more into the commercial market and since this time has completed a significant number of large-scale projects in Whangarei and Auckland.
The Auto Transform building in Wiri features the 100mm flush glaze with expressed mullions and transoms, silicone corners and defined angles. The 6mm Sunergy Dark Blue glass reflects the current aesthetic trends as it rises to most architectural challenges with its low level of reflection and neutral appearance. Alutec also provided the window joinery for the Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre in Whangarei. “This features the 40mm Architectural suite which ideal for use in larger applications and sites where performance is important. “The glass used was Stopsol Super Silver Green which adds to the architectural style of the building.” The company also installed the overhead roof canopy at the entrance to the centre. Wycherley says Alutec’s range of sliding, stacker and bifold doors are very popular. “Because the Foldback Bifold design tucks in flat against the cladding it makes maximum use of the space where the doors would normally fold out giving unrestricted access to the outdoors and maximum amount of light”. The new LevelStep Sill is an optional extra to sliding and stacker doors which does away with the lip that usually separates indoor and outdoor areas creating a flush transition while substantially reducing risk of tripping and enhanced visual flow.
Alutec has completed a significant number of large-scale commercial projects such as the Auto Transform building in Wiri which features the 100mm flush glaze.
“This is the ultimate in stream-lined living.” Another popular product range is the made-tomeasure wardrobe door systems which come in a huge range of finishes, including a mirror finish which automatically enlarges the feel of any room and reflecting light. “Open these sliding doors and the space
inside can be transformed and organised with the addition of Elfa Storage Solutions which come in starter packs right through to complete shelving and track systems. “We are very proud of the products and services we offer to the region; with our trackrecord second-to-none.”
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ALUMINIUM JOINERY 289 Waipapa Rd, Kerikeri | P: 09 407 3030 | E: sales@alutec.co.nz
Alutec provided the window joinery for the Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre in Whangarei which features the 40mm Architectural suite which ideal for use in larger applications.
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Business North
June 2015
BUILDING » Terra Firma Earth Building Company
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Rammed earth homes a real passion for Paul Sue Russell When Auckland-based rammed earth home designer and builder Paul Geraets of Terra Firma Earth Building Co talks about his chosen profession, building beautiful sustainable homes, his enthusiasm and commitment is palpable. “We’re building rammed earth homes to A grade standard against the building codes,” says Geraets. “There is so much about the nature of the building process that resonates with me.” He is referring in part to a sense of community he says that naturally develops because of the way the home is literally built on the site and the very hands-on activity of ramming earth into wooden forms to create the walls. “Rammed earth is a single phase construction activity; building in one phase,” he says. “We don’t create any part of the home off-site and bring it in completed and this aspect of being connected with the home’s construction completely from start to finish is very appealing to me.” Geraets first came toward building using rammed earth construction techniques through a reaction to what he saw as a home construction environment and culture skewed away from delivering for the public good. “In a nutshell monopolies are negatively impacting on building processes that are not aligned to their model flourishing. “Rammed earth is more of an artisan tradition with ‘guilds’ on site construction, very different from the mass produced processes which are aimed at ensuring that the maximum financial return is realised for the building company.” One of the key appeals for him about building earth homes is their durability.
Building, and rebuilding homes which have an element of planned obsolescence to them he considers a great waste of resources. “Rammed earth homes can last for several hundred years. The process of construction itself is completely engaging and there is nothing like unveiling a wall and and seeing the finished product; there’s a very strong sense of achievement.” One of the first conversations he has with clients is to ask them to do some homework before the first concept meetings. He says this helps clarify for the owner just what they really need in terms of minimum room size. “We need to establish the difference between needs and wants. It’s like ‘let us see what you really need and then if there is money left over then look at your prioritised list of wants’. “In these first conversations I’m more like a construction counsellor.” The overarching philosophy Paul and his team carry as designers and builders is that it is of value to build healthy homes; healthy for the builder as well. “When I was a young construction worker I was exposed - like we all were - to working with chemically altered timbers and materials. “I was uncomfortable with this as our health was consistently placed at risk.” Paul’s association with building rammed earth homes goes back to 1989 when he read an inspiring book ‘The Rammed Earth Experience’ by David Easton. “The logic of earth building was, and still is, obvious to me, so I set about finding others drawn to building this way.” “I felt I had a construction method solution and built my own home in Whale Bay near Raglan.” In all, since he began designing and building earth homes Paul has built about 80 homes in the Waikato and Greater Auckland regions.
“We don’t create any part of the home off-site and bring it in completed and this aspect of being connected with the home’s construction completely from start to finish is very appealing to me.”
Beautiful and durable - rammed earth homes can last for several hundred years.
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18 |
BUILDING » Len Lye Centre
June 2015
Business North
The Len Lye Centre is an example of innovative thinking in both engineering and architecture. “The external stainless steel façade echoes the artist’s use of the metal in many of his kinetic sculptures.”
Len Lye Centre - a fitting tribute Karen Phelps New Plymouth’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is due to re-open on July 25 after a major $11.5 million expansion and renovation - the focal point of which has been the construction of the new Len Lye Centre, a fitting tribute to the ground-breaking New Zealand kinetic artist. Govett-Brewster Art Gallery director Simon Rees admits that the gallery’s new Len Lye Centre has been an ambitious undertaking for a provincial New Zealand city but says that it is already generating international interest.. “Although there has been some initial resistance to the project there is now high expectation from our business community, especially those in the hospitality sector, that the gallery will help to drive visitation to New Plymouth. “Projections have indicated that the gallery will attract 95,000 visitors per annum with a 3 to 5% annual increase. “We expect that 35% of those visitors will come from outside the region,” he says. The capital project for the Len Lye Centre build has been achieved with funds raised from central government, charitable trusts, corporations, and private donors, including $3m from sole founding partner Todd Energy – the largest single-sum commitment from the private sector to arts in New Zealand’s history, says Rees.
The construction of the project has been managed by the projects team of New Plymouth District Council. The Len Lye Committee – a partnership between New Plymouth District Council and the Len Lye Foundation – has provided for the overseeing of the Len Lye Centre. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre will be owned and operated by New Plymouth District Council. The Gallery and Len Lye Centre will share a single entrance and offer exhibition and venue hire spaces, a 62-seat cinema, an education suite, information hubs, shop and cafe. The centre includes a large works gallery with a nine-metre stud, which Rees says makes it possible for some of Lye’s kinetic sculptures to be installed inside for the first time. He says that the Len Lye Centre will be the only contemporary art museum in New Zealand with a dedicated cinema and moving image programming core to its activities.
Designed by Pattersons architects, Rees says the Len Lye Centre is an example of innovative thinking in both engineering and architecture. “The external stainless steel façade echoes the artist’s use of the metal in many of his kinetic sculptures, and the futuristic style of the building acts as a counterfoil to the neighbouring GovettBrewster’s more traditional lines.” Pattersons’ principal architect Andrew Patterson says that the design was directly inspired by a particular Lye drawing, one of the ‘Cloud Temple’ sketches, which shows a living, moving, kinetic building made of cloud. “We chose stainless steel; as for us it is the ‘local stone’ of Taranaki. “Regional innovation in stainless steel has built up here as a result of the dairy and oil industries’ demands and the building delights in showing off this expertise to visitors, while illustrating Len’s own innovation in kinetics and light. “By communicating both these things we hope to create a full circle, because it was the town’s
“Regional innovation in stainless steel has built up here as a result of the dairy and oil industries’ demands and the building delights in showing off this expertise to visitors, while illustrating Len’s own innovation in kinetics and light.”
• Specialised Demolition • Scaffolding • Rigging • Concrete Cutting • Asbestos Removal • Containment Solution Congratulates Clelands Construction and their subs on the successful completion of the Len Lye Project p. 758 8398 f. 758 8397 e. totalservices@xtra.co.nz www.totalservices1998.co.nz
expertise in stainless steel that drove Len to Taranaki in the first place,” says Patterson. The building was constructed by all but one local company, including the 14-metre-high stainless steel façade, which was fabricated in marine-grade steel, the highest spec material grade and finish, by New Plymouth’s steel fabrication company Rivet. Rees has major plans for the development of an exhibitions programme expanding on the institution’s focus on putting New Zealand art first, with an emphasis on the art of the Pacific Rim. “Focused on collecting work by emerging and mid-career artists from New Zealand and the Pacific, the Govett-Brewster’s long-held policy is to acquire works that represent current ideas.” The gallery also houses the Govett-Brewster Collection, which Rees says is a significant collection of contemporary visual art works in its own right. The collection includes works by Laurence Aberhart, Jim Allen, Billy Apple, Mladen Bizumic, Fiona Clark, Shaun Gladwell, Paul Hartigan, Ngahina Hohaia, Ralph Hotere, Darcy Lange, Colin McCahon, John McLean, Callum Morton, Michael Parekowhai, Reuben Paterson, Peter Peryer, Gordon Walters, Ann Shelton and Pae White. Rees says there are frequent requests nationally and internationally for both Len Lye works and works from the Govett-Brewster Collection to be included in exhibitions.
Proud to be associated with the Len Lye Centre F O R A L L YO U R T I L I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S
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Business North June 2015
BUILDING » Len Lye Centre
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The Govett-Brewster Gallery and Len Lye Centre will share a single entrance and offer exhibition and venue hire spaces, a 62-seat cinema, an education suite, information hubs, shop and cafe. The gallery is currently in collaborations with London’s Tate Modern and Tate Britain, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Modern Art in New York to exchange art objects for exhibitions between these countries and New Zealand. “We have no doubt that people will come to the gallery in the first year. The challenge will be to ensure we maintain and grow these levels of visitation. Through collaborations with international art galleries we aim to bring international art into New Zealand and New Zealand art to the rest of the world.” He says that with significant investment from both the community and government the expectation is that the gallery makes a solid financial return on investment. “That means being smart around our retail operations, hospitality and entertainment, venue hire etc.
“For example the cinema and education studio can be hired for conferences and corporate entertaining. The exhibition and foyer spaces could also be used for tradeshows in between exhibitions.” Rees says the gallery will compliment the special offerings of New Plymouth. “We have a unique cluster of things here – the coastal walkway, one of the countries most celebrated botanical gardens Pukekura Park, Len Lye’s public Wind Wand sculpture on the city’s foreshore and New Plymouth’s alfresco café experience. “We’re hoping that New Plymouth will become one of the cultural destinations of New Zealand,” says Rees. “The Len Lye Centre will really change our ability to promote the region and make it a significant tourist destination.”
• Influential artist - page 20
The 14-metre-high stainless steel façade was fabricated in marine-grade steel, the highest spec material grade and finish, by New Plymouth’s steel fabrication company Rivet.
Rivet makes it possible It’s taken 32 tonnes of stainless steel and 589 tonnes of concrete to build the Len Lye Centre. Sheetmetal, manufacturing and engineering company Rivet has played a key role in the construction of the unique building. Due to the ambitious stainless steel façade enclosing the building the company was sought out at the design stage. The main building contractor Cleland’s Construction engaged Rivet to offer expertise to the project prior to construction contracts even being awarded. Owner of Rivet, Steve Scott, says the company had to develop special tooling in-house to press the massive unusual steel shapes. Because the steel had to hang on the concrete frame of the building and the concrete had to match identically the shape of the steel, the company worked closely with concrete manufacturer Wanganui based Emmetts Civil Construction. Rivet ended up also manufacturing the concrete moulds using the same machinery and tooling used for the structural steel to ensure everything matched and perfectly slotted together. Steve says sourcing the right quality materials in the large amounts needed to complete the project was another challenge. High quality 316 marine grade steel was sourced from Japan and Rivet invested in a new Amada laser cutter with a 4 metre x
1500mm bed to cut the large shapes to the high levels of quality and accuracy required. To install the stainless steel a crew of eight from Rivet had to set up a support system over the concrete, which the steel panels could be fixed onto, to secure them to the concrete structure. “It was a jigsaw puzzle and certainly a complex one,” says Steve. “We had to ensure the fit was correct, material wasn’t damaged during installation and coordinate the manufacture of the steel panels to arrive on site and be lifted onto the structure in the right sequence.” Based in New Plymouth Rivet has been operating since 1991. The company’s services include manufacturing, sheetmetal and stainless steel fabrication, laser, plasma and waterjet cutting. The Len Lye Centre project took Rivet 18 months from start to finish. Steve says it is something the company will always be proud of its involvement in. “It demonstrates that Rivet can tackle unusual and complex projects and our ability to work with clients at the design stage to come up with a solution. “We believe anything is possible – it’s just a matter of coming up with a way to do it. “You don’t get to work on projects like this often. It’s very unique and it’s satisfying to see it come to completion and achieve the architect’s vision.”
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20 |
BUILDING » Len Lye Centre
June 2015
Business North
Influential artist had international impact Karen Phelps Although your average Kiwi is probably not familiar with the name Len Lye the new centre aims to change this. Govett-Brewster gallery director Simon Rees says that Lye - an experimental filmmaker, poet, painter and kinetic sculptor - was an artist of international significance. “Lye’s vibrant ‘direct’ films, made without a camera by painting and scratching on celluloid, are increasingly recognised as pioneering contributions to the history of moving image,” says Rees. “His dynamic and innovative motorised stainless steel sculptures of the 1960s express a creative energy that Lye also brought to film, painting, photography and poetry.” Born in Christchurch in 1901 and largely selfeducated, Lye - who died in 1980 - was driven by a life-long passion for motion, energy and the possibility of composing them as a form of art. He trained in graphic design in Wellington and then worked his way via Australia and Samoa to London in the 1920s where he started making his innovative short direct (hand-made) films through scratching and painting directly onto film leader and film stock. Lye then moved to New York in 1944 to work in television and it was there he developed his kinetic or moving sculptures.
Rees says today Lye’s hand-made films and kinetic sculptures continue to receive expanding interest and acclaim. Lye’s work is held by many internationally recognised galleries including the British Film Institute in London; the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York; the Berkeley Art Museum, San Francisco; Whitney Museum, New York; Albright-Knox Gallery, Buffalo and the Art Institute of Chicago. “One of Len’s films was selected last year as one of the ten most important British films ever made. This gives a very good indication of the high standard in which his work is regarded.” Lye developed a close connection to New Plymouth when he returned to New Zealand in 1977 for the mounting of the first survey exhibition of his work in the world, staged at the Govett-Brewster. More than 18,000 items in Lye’s archives including sculpture, painting, textiles, and photographic work are now housed at the gallery. Rees says that the cinema at the Len Lye Centre has been specifically designed so audiences will have the opportunity to discover the filmmaker’s landmark works that pioneered innovation in film, media and art. Lye’s outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s film heritage will be brought to life through new digital technology or projected, as originally intended by Lye, on 16mm film.
• Handling Len Lye’s legacy - page 22
Born in Christchurch in 1901 and largely self-educated, Len Lye was driven by a life-long passion for motion, energy and the possibility of composing them as a form of art.
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Business North June 2015
BUILDING » Len Lye Centre
More than 18,000 items in Len Lye’s archives including kinetic sculpture, painting, textiles, and photographic and film work are now housed at the Govett-Brewster Gallery.
S&T products to the fore The Len Lye Centre provides tangible evidence of the ways in which Steel & Tube products are consistently called upon for use in New Zealand’s landmark building projects. The Len Lye Centre is one among a number of key initiatives that S&T is proud to have been involved in. Working with main contractors Cleland Construction and locally-based fabricators and installers Meco Engineers and Rivet, S&T products were used throughout the build – from the foundations, floor slabs and structural walls to the building’s most visible and visual masterpiece – its stunning 14-metre high mirrored stainless steel façade. Around 200 tonnes of S&T reinforcing bar, mesh and structural steel were used in the construction of the building’s foundations and internal skeleton. S&T also supplied 560 square metres of its composite flooring system, ComFlor, into the building. Typically utilised in commercial high-rise developments, though equally at home in residential and domestic applications, ComFlor offers longer spans than historic profiles, requires less concrete and enhances the construction process because it minimises beam numbers and speeds up construction. ComFlor was found to perform particularly well during the Christchurch earthquakes. As a result, engineers are now designing the product into new building projects on the back of its performance.
An added benefit it is that it can be brought in in bundles and laid out on site, so is excellent in terms of crane efficiency. The 540 sheets of mirrored stainless steel which fit together onto concrete to form a rain shield, were a complex component of the build. Supply and delivery of the product to meet tight deadlines was crucial to ensuring success, says S&T’s Stainless Product Manager David Van Beusekom. “One of the most challenging aspects was sourcing the oversize mirror stainless sheet. “In the early days of the design we worked closely with Rivet as alternative finishes and grades were considered. Our team assisted with much of the technical information. The requirements were often outside the scope of what could be manufactured on the international market and we collaborated with suppliers in the UK, Japan and Taiwan, often pushing them to the limits of their capability to ensure we could guarantee supply. “With S&T facilities in main centres all around New Zealand it meant we were able to store the product at our New Plymouth branch, ensuring only one move per shipment. “That way we could deliver individual tonne packs to Rivet as the fabrication process unfolded. “The result is an iconic piece of architecture and one S&T is very proud to have been involved with.”
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BUILDING » Len Lye Centre
June 2015
Business North
Centre testament to Gallery’s vision Karen Phelps New Plymouth’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery was first established in 1962 through gifts and a subsequent bequest to the city by Monica Brewster (née Govett). The goal was to found a museum of international standing and the City of New Plymouth purchased the Regent Theatre building for the purpose. According to Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Director Simon Rees, Monica Brewster coauthored one of the most visionary trust deeds of the time. “It ensured the perpetuity, independence and internationalism of the institution and focused the museum’s vision on the Pacific Rim, unique to this day,” says Rees. Just months before his death in 1980, Len Lye established the Len Lye Foundation to continue his artistic vision and chose the GovettBrewster to be the home of Len Lye. Since 1980 the Govett-Brewster has been the guardian of the Len Lye Collection and Archive, presented and cared for in partnership with the Len Lye Foundation and the New Zealand Film Archive.
The Govett-Brewster is principally supported by the New Plymouth District Council with additional support provided by a number of partners and sponsors. Rees says the Govett-Brewster will remain dedicated to offering opportunities for artists and audiences both within the gallery and beyond its walls. Distinctive exhibitions and residency programmes include the commissioning of new and site-specific projects by national and international artists. The Govett-Brewster also runs an artist residency programme for New Zealand and international artists focused on the development of new projects and publications. “The Govett-Brewster offers fresh avenues for communication about the art and ideas of its time spanning conversation, workshops, tours, films, performances, music and events to inspire and engage. “Len Lye’s vision was for his work to live beyond his own lifetime, and for it to inspire others to innovate and take risks. “The construction of this new centre could be seen as a risk in some ways but that’s what art is all about – it breaks new ground and defies expectations.”
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Director Simon Rees: “Len Lye’s vision was for his work to live beyond his own lifetime, and for it to inspire others to innovate and take risks.”
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Clelands takes on challenging build A commitment to excellence in all facets of the business has seen Clelands Construction successfully take on the building of the Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth. The company was employed as head contractor on the project, managing every aspect of the build. According to Clelands Construction director and construction manager Martin Stephens, the most difficult aspect of the project, which was designed by Patterson Architects, was the curved interlocking precast panels surrounding the exterior of the building. “The panels are not only curved but also slope. A mirror finish stainless steel façade is laid over the exterior of the panels. “The design was complex and we worked closely with consultants and subcontractors including Emmetts precasters and stainless steel manufacturer Rivet to come up with the best solution to achieve the final result,” says Stephens. The overall project involved two main parts: demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new building and substantial earthquake strengthening and fit-out to the existing GovettBrewster Art Gallery. Stephens says it was a complex build with large internal spaces required to house the exhibits by Len Lye. The gallery also had stringent air-conditioning requirements to protect the art works. “This is linked to an intelligent building management system, which performs tasks such as opening skylights and controlling lighting and mechanical services.” Stephens says because the water table on the site was quite high and the basement area was constructed below the water table, all of the foundations and basement area had to be waterproofed. Located in the CBD on a busy intersection, the building takes up the whole of the site. Street closures and stringent traffic management were required during the build. Stephens says the project demonstrates the company’s sound problem solving abilities and
Clelands Construction was the head contractor on the Len Ley Centre, managing every aspect of the complex build. its capability to deliver difficult complex projects to a high standard. Clelands Construction was founded in 1916 in New Plymouth where it is still based today. Next year the company will celebrate its 100-year anniversary. The company is presently owned by four directors: Martin Stephens, Peter Cottam (who is in charge of service and maintenance), Alistair Doré (finance and accounting) and Michael Braggins (commercial manager). Clelands Construction covers a wide range of services and skills and works in the industrial,
commercial and residential markets as well as taking on service and maintenance projects. The company is committed to coming up with the best innovative building solution for its clients as demonstrated on the Len Lye Centre project. “Bespoke projects with complex elements like this one and the Puke Ariki museum and library, which we also worked on, are our speciality.’ The company employs all its own staff including 75 to 80 tradespeople. The company’s commitment to excellence in all facets of the business includes training, business
systems and health and safety. The company has achieved ACC tertiary level qualification, indicating the highest level of management practices. Stephens says that although the company has completed work in nearly every provincial city in New Zealand its main focus remains the Taranaki and New Plymouth markets. “Good construction is all about quality, control and timing as well as good communication with all stakeholders. We’re locally owned and operated and we want to continue to provide a high level of service to our customers.”
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BUILDING » Advance Build
June 2015
Business North
Housing manufactured with quality Karen Phelps The term ‘manufactured housing’ probably conjures up images of lower quality for many Kiwis. But Advance Build is aiming to change this by offering a range of high quality manufactured housing to the New Zealand market. Company manager Jonny Simpkin says that manufactured homes (also known as transportable homes, modular homes or prefabricated homes) have been long recognised overseas as the future to innovative high-quality buildings, produced on time and within budget.
In fact extensive research was undertaken by the company into manufactured housing in countries such as the United States and Australia with the best ideas brought back to New Zealand when Advance Build started in 2008. “Manufactured housing is really a better way to build,” contends Simpkin. “You can maintain a good handle on quality, minimise and control wastage and build away from the elements giving faster construction times,” Says Simpkin. With Advance Build the client deals with a single project manager, who is a Licensed Building Practitioner, for the duration of the build.
The company specialises in small- to mediumsized houses and the company’s range of plans can easily be adapted to suit the client’s needs in terms of quality, design and fittings. Advance Build also designs and builds from scratch although this is seldom necessary, says Simpkin, due to the flexibility offered in the company’s range of plans. “Most people need an idea to start with but we rarely build exactly to plan as we customise each home. At Advance Build, we understand there is no ‘one size fits all’,” he says. The company builds the homes in its factory then delivers them to the customer’s site. The
company offers complete new home packages and can include everything from furnishings to site services if required. Simpkin says that manufactured houses have to be “built strong” as they need to be transported to site. “Conventional building can be a long drawn out process and the benefits of building off-site are significant, especially in outlying areas where skilled labour is scarce and travel costs are prohibitive. “Off-site construction is especially appealing to owners of coastal and remote rural locations as building in a controlled environment can substantially shorten the construction timeline.
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Business North June 2015
BUILDING » Advance Build
| 25
Advance Build specialises in small- to medium-sized houses and the company’s range of plans can easily be adapted to suit the client’s needs in terms of quality, design and fittings. “For schools and business owners our build methods are safer and there is less disruption to their normal activities,” explains Simpkin. Quality is the company’s point of difference in the manufactured housing market. Simpkin says that the high standard of quality provided is maintained through regulated controls, close supervision and team experience. “We use high quality products and achieve a very high standard of finish both inside and out,” he says. “Quality extends to the whole way we present ourselves as a company right down to our communication with clients. Quality from the ground up.” Advance Build constructs a range of homes
including functional family homes, contemporary beach baches, large lifestyle homesteads and weekend holiday homes. The company also specialises in prefabricated classrooms and relocatable offices. Advance Build has just recently completed an office block for Technical Forgings in Auckland and a childcare centre for Educare in Northland. The company typically builds for customers located from Auckland north. Advance Build is presently targeting the minor dwelling market with the housing shortage in Auckland. As part of this effort the company has a show home in Kerikeri and is building a new show home in Warkworth due to open in July.
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26 |
BUILDING » Madden Construction / Cooper & Cooper Renovations
Madden Construction works mainly in the residential sector.
June 2015
Business North
Cooper and Cooper Renovations has plenty on the go.
Experience and innovation Making renovations easy Kelly Deeks Hawke’s Bay building company Madden Construction is continuing to bring its experience and innovation to residential and commercial clients with some major projects currently underway. Madden Construction was first established in 2006 by Dave Madden, who built his business around his vision to focus not only on his building, but also on the relationships formed with his clients. Madden was joined in the company by partner Peter Barbara, an Australian born and bred builder with 17 years of experience, who had spent time working with Madden in London and later in Auckland, where the pair were contracted to industrial and commercial building. When Dave Madden decided to pursue other interests about a year ago, Peter bought out his share of Madden Construction and now solely runs the team of 11 builders. While working mainly in the residential sector on new homes, extensions, and alterations, Madden Construction is also experienced in commercial construction, foundations and concrete work, landscaping, decking, fencing, and retaining walls. Madden Construction is currently working on a large commercial project on Kennedy Road in Napier, where Auckland-based development company Matvin Group has commissioned a six-tenancy retail complex on a former service station site. The development had initially caused some controversy with fears it would take potential business away from the Napier CBD as well as the
nearby Marewa Shopping Centre. Matvin Group offered to restrict the type of businesses at the site to convenience retailers, including food and beverage sellers, chemists, hair dressers, butchers, florists, and dry cleaners, that were unlikely to be located in the CBD. That restriction was put in place by the Napier City Council in granting approval for the development, which finally got the go-ahead in November last year, about eight months behind schedule. Peter says this was the main challenge of an otherwise smooth-running project. It began for Madden Construction with the demolition of the old service station building, on the site where a lot of earthworks had already been completed to rid the soil of contamination. Madden Construction made the tilt slabs for the 660sqm complex on site, and these have since been erected. The complex is due to be completed by mid-year. Madden Construction is also currently flexing its residential construction muscles with two homes being built at Te Awanga for Hawke’s Bay architect Andy Coltart. A 360sqm, two storey home will be completed in June, with Peter saying it is heavily detailed with nothing easy about it. “He’s got some crazy ideas but when it’s finished, it’s going to look really good,” he says. “There is no gib in the house at all, it’s all ply, and there are a lot of details in the ceilings with ply, battens, and tongue and groove. As a builder, it’s the stuff you want to do.”
Sue Russell Third generation Auckland builder Graham Cooper is as busy as ever, since establishing the specialist renovation business back in 2001. With a father and grandfather passionate about renovation work it was logical that Graham continued this building footprint and in the past couple of years he’s been more and more pouring his energy into concentrating on greater Auckland’s upper market and larger renovations. The family trend continues with brother Ben who is the company’s site manager, responsible for each build or renovation. “We have a lot of work on at the moment and to add value to the company and continue to offer the level of service that’s important to us we have recently taken on a specialist designer,” says Cooper. Cooper and Cooper Renovations featured at 29th on Deloitte’s Fast 50 results for New Zealand’s fastest growing companies last year. Cooper says he’s found generally that those who choose to renovate, particularly if these are major changes, tend to be much more involved in the process which is understandable. “It’s definitely a different relationship because it’s the person’s home already and they have a lot invested in the house personally,” he says. “They are trusting you with their home and you have to work with them because they have much clearer ideas.” When these aspirations are not practically possible which can sometimes happen there is
always a way forward based on having good staff and maintaining solid communication with the owners right through the project. Helping assist this is a clever piece of technology in the form of an app called ‘My Build’ which Cooper describes as a very useful tool enabling clients to connect at any time with progress on site and to be communicated to in real time. Project manager Matt Vandervecht is responsible for ensuring any client’s My Build account is kept up to date and easily accessible. “Basically they can follow progress on the build at a swipe of the finger and for the builder it is very handy because all the notes and data are held in one source which is readily accessible.” While designer Aaron Falconer is new to working full-time for the company his association with the company goes back many years. “He now just does our work solely and because he understands our relationship to building, the qualities we adhere to and our commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients, it’s a very good strong relationship and really adds value for our company and for our clients in the process.” When renovations are discussed Cooper’s approach is to talk it through room by room and to gear the quantity surveying data accordingly. He says this really helps the owner see exactly where the costs are centred. “It works much better for our clients and it means that if there are any changes in design necessary they can be readily understood.”
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Business North June 2015
BUILDING » Maridale Construction
| 27
Maridale Construction Ltd has won some major accolades for its building projects.
Firm racks up impressive portfolio Sue Russell It has been 14 years since Brian and Deborah Marriner established Wellington-based building firm Maridale Construction but Brian’s building history extends back nearly 30 years. “When we began Maridale Construction we had two tradesmen and an apprentice on the books,” says Brian. “We’ve grown steadily since then, though the industry can have its ups and downs and today we have three qualified staff and two apprentices. It means we have two small gangs and it’s a good fit for what we take on.’ For the greater part of 2014 and this year all staff have been engaged on a significant residential renovation in Lower Hutt. A villa dating back to the 1890’s has been lifted up with a new ground floor complimenting its style tucked under it with the original footprint now the second floor. Plans are to complete the project by September this year. With the focus on this one project Brian says it is still important to be looking out for further work when the job is over and to also maintain a capability of taking on smaller short time-frame work as it arises. He is also keenly aware of the effect additional compliance costs, such as adhering to more and more stringent health and safety benchmarks, have on an ability to remain competitive when pricing.
“We just priced a job and the range of quotes that came in went from $445,000 to $630,000 for the same design. There’s something very wrong with that picture when such a significant price difference occurs.” Maridale Construction Ltd has won some major accolades, not the least being the first company to build a home to Lifemark design standards, something Brian says was a great and valuable experience. “Lifemark is all about building a home that anyone, regardless of age and disability, can successfully live in. “When we built the Blundell House in 2006 it proved just how possible it was to incorporate design elements that could make a home meet the owner’s needs regardless of their age or circumstance.” The home was a stand-out category winner of the Master Builders Home of the Year in the pricerange $600,000 to one million dollars. Built on the hills at Silverstream in Upper Hutt, with outstanding views, the dwelling is proof that a home given the Lifemark stamp of approval meeting stringent standards relating to accessibility, practicality and inclusiveness can at the same time be simply stunning in its aesthetics. All parts of the home are accessible for Phillip Blundell who has been in a wheelchair since a helicopter accident many years ago. Powerpoints have been raised, door handles placed at a metre
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height with plenty of space for ease of wheelchair use. Outside raised planter boxes mean that Phillip is able to be fully engage in gardening. “I just love that house. It was really challenging to build with really really subtle angles to keep to and a lot of steel work as well.” As for the next phase of the company’s evolution Brian says for the next five years or so he plans to continue very much on the tools, though he acknowledges it is a bit of a balancing act to put in the necessary time to work on the business and not just for it.
“We are happy with where we are, focussing mainly on the Hutt Valley and entirely on residential projects. Our small size I believe gives us a really competitive advantage and I’m happy to discuss any residential building project directly with the clients, even if it is just in concept stage.” • Want a no obligation free quote for your next bulding project in the Wellington area? Mention this article and you’ll go into the draw to win $200 Mitre 10 vouchers when you get your quote before the end of June 2015. To arrange, contact Brian on 027 446 5727 or brian@maridaleconstruction.co.nz.
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28 |
BUILDING » NZ Renovation Co / Stewart Hanna Ltd
June 2015
Business North
Hamilton leader thrives on trust Kelly Deeks
New Zealand Renovation Company covers all aspects of renovations.
Building a top reputation Karen Phelps New Zealand Renovation Company has two key points of difference – it focuses exclusively on renovations and it is owner operated, says company managing director Darrel Assink. “I’m the guy the clients deal with from beginning to end. I come and price the job, manage it and even do all the invoicing myself. This means I have a really good handle on both the business and my clients’ needs,” he says. Assink started New Zealand Renovation Company in 2007 and brings over ten years of project management experience. He has a trade certificate in carpentry and is a Licensed Building Practitioner in both carpentry and site 1, which is a certification in residential project management. He’s also an accredited installer of ClimateLine pre-finished wall linings, a New Zealand-made powder coated GIB board, which utilises aluminium joiners for aesthetics. Although he has been involved with new builds throughout his building career, Assink says he has always been most interested in renovations. “I like the personal contact with the clients you get throughout a renovation project. New builds can be more systemised but every renovation is different and brings challenges. All my staff are also passionate about renovations so we bring a lot of enthusiasm to each project,” he says. New Zealand Renovation Company employs a team of seven builders and completes both residential and commercial projects of all sizes such as kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, decking
and fencing, exterior and interior painting, heating and air conditioning. Services include advice and planning, design and draughting, building, construction and engineering and project management. Most of the company’s work is generated by word of mouth, something Assink finds personally satisfying. The majority of jobs the company undertakes are fixed price contracts, something notoriously difficult to achieve in the renovation market where projects can often have unforeseen elements adding on to eventual costs. “It comes down to experience. I know how long a job takes to do because I’ve been building at the coal face. I do all the pricing myself so I know exactly what everything costs. “If I discover something such as general rot that is part of the renovation project I just fix this included in the cost. If I discover something that needs taking care of that is not part of the renovation project then I let the client know and price this for them.” All quotations are fully itemised and everything broken down for the clients. Assink says this makes it easier for clients to understand where their money is going and means there are no hidden surprises. He says that if a renovation is well managed he can often make considerable cost savings for clients. “We don’t contract out any work apart from specialised aspects such as plumping or electrical. All our subtrades have worked for us for many years. This means we are fully responsible for the project – the buck stops with us.”
Building relationships, setting standards, passion, and communication are the critical factors behind the success of Hamilton building firm Stewart Hanna Limited. With a four decade track record of exemplary workmanship and setting the bar high, Stewart Hanna’s team walk away from their building projects happy and proud of what they’ve achieved. At any given time the company can have 10 projects under construction and it is realistic for an architectural home to take anywhere between 10 to 18 months. The company covers a wide range of building initiatives, from residential work to commercial, something managing director Steve Ross believes helped sustain the business through the global financial crisis. “With such a wide variety of projects our staff are extremely knowledgeable with a wide variety of materials and products, and have an excellent skill set to deliver top quality workmanship,” he says. During the recession, the company managed to increase staffing levels and not reduce working hours within the team. Ross says when times are difficult, people will go back to the names they know and trust. Along with Ross, his wife Debbie manages the accounting and payroll. There are 12 staff employed at Stewart Hanna, including three apprentices, a labourer, and the balance being trade qualified, four of whom are licenced building practitioners.
Working alongside Ross four days a week is Stewart Hanna, the founder of the company. Steve Ross says employment and partnership with Hanna has been extremely rewarding. “The wealth of knowledge and experience in running such a business, together with local knowledge of the building and building sites he has passed on has been invaluable,” he says. “We have a hands-on management structure which allows us to know the whole history of each job and build those important relationships with our clients.” On the building site, the relationship building continues with a dedicated team seeing each project through from beginning to end, getting to know who they are working for and everything that occurs on the job. All the work is completed by the Stewart Hanna team, with no labour only workers. For this company, it means a better result in workmanship. The relationships Stewart Hanna Ltd has built with architects and designers is now coming to the fore when it comes to negotiating contracts rather than tendering for them. “More and more architects are talking to their clients about getting a builder involved before the plans are finished,” Ross says. “If we can have input early on, we can help out with advice on better construction methods and practices, which results in cost effective projects as well as a higher standard of finish.” When it comes to tendering for projects, Stewart Hanna Ltd has drawn a line in the sand.
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Business North June 2015
BUILDING » Stewart Hanna Ltd
| 29
Stewart Hanna Ltd covers a wide range of building initiatives, from residential work to commercial, with an absolute commitment to delivering the best in quality. “We’ve said this is the standard we want to achieve, no compromising,” Ross says. “We aim for perfection, and to achieve that we’ve got to have buy in from our subcontractors, and we’ve got to build a team of subcontractors that are willing to adhere to that and achieve that. It’s about maintaining high standards.” Stewart Hanna Ltd built an award winning home in 2013 which cleaned up at that year’s Registered Master Builders House of the Year awards, picking up the gold award in the $1 million to $2m category, the craftsmanship award, the outdoor living award, the bathroom award, the interior style and finish award, and the overall supreme award. The company went on to compete at the national level where it was awarded Gold Reserve Status and won the Heart of the Kitchen Award for New Zealand. “It’s nice to be recognised by the Association and by my industry peers, especially for the craftsmanship award,” he says. “It really highlights for our builders why we strive for perfection.” Ross says building is all about passion, and he still loves it after 36 years in the trade. “One of the things I find most rewarding is seeing the finished article, and saying ‘hey, looked what we achieved, the client’s dream has become a reality’.”
It doesn’t matter the size or value of the project, the reward is the same. He also enjoys giving back to the industry, teaching younger people through apprenticeships, and keeping the high standards. As a long-time member of Master Builders and the current President of the Waikato Registered Master Builders, Peter Ross is a strong supporter of the Master Builders philosophy of ‘Cradle to the Grave’. “One of the wonderful things about having apprentices is seeing a young person develop and mature during the course of their apprenticeship into a talented and competent tradesperson,” he says. Communication with the client, the designer, and with the construction team is sometimes an easy thing to take for granted, however Ross says Stewart Hanna knows the importance of keeping everyone in the loop, and clear lines of communication. “You need to be clear and precise, never assume anything,” he says. “It’s easy to forget we’re professionals in our industry, and we’re working for people who may not know what we’re talking about. “If I have a point of doubt, I’ll ask the architect two or three times if necessary, until I’m clear in my mind, and I push the same to my staff.”
Stewart Hanna Ltd built an award winning home in 2013 which cleaned up at that year’s Registered Master Builders House of the Year awards.
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30 |
BUILDING » Metrapanel
June 2015
Business North
Family firm looks to next 25 years Karen Phelps Metrapanel modular panel housing system is celebrating 25 years in business. It’s a milestone in itself but it is the future that the company is most focused on, especially opportunities in the North Island market, says Metrapanel business manager Melissa Savage. Located in the Waikato in Huntly, around 70% of Metrapanel’s product is currently heading to the South Island, in particular Christchurch. But with the shortage of houses in Auckland Savage says huge growth opportunities have been identified which has meant that the company is looking to bring on more installers in the Auckland area. To attract the right people the company is currently holding a series of information evenings for potential installers. “We are currently investigating options to align ourselves with reputable, innovative building companies that share the same core values in the Auckland area. “We currently work with Panelwood Homes and Legacy Properties but feel with the enquiry level that we are getting in the Auckland area we need at least two more installers.” Metrapanel is a New Zealand family-owned business originally established in 1994 by Les Wykes. It was owned by Fletcher Building Limited before being bought by Les’ daughter Melissa Savage and her husband Andrew who are today the principal drivers of the business, maintaining a strong focus on business growth and development. In 2014 the company celebrated surpassing Fletchers’ best unit production with a record amount of sales. Metrapanel produces a range of wall, ceiling and flooring products suited to a variety of construction including multi-storey apartment blocks, retirement units, residential homes and also due to the new falling from heights legislation, a safe compliant ceiling solution. Savage says that the key benefits of the products are strength, durability and rapid installation. All Metrapanel products are fully BRANZ appraised. The company supplies its products nationwide to 35 trained installers.
Metrapanel produces a range of wall, ceiling and flooring products suited to a variety of construction including multi-storey apartment blocks, retirement units, residential homes and also due to the new falling from heights legislation, a safe compliant ceiling solution. In 2013 Metrapanel established an onsite Health and Safety training programme for certified installers to use when installing Metrapanel. The initiative secured Metrapanel a spot in the 2014 New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards. With 520 attendees, Metrapanel was selected as a finalist for category 6 - best health and safety initiative by a small business. Savage says that buildings built 25 years ago – such as the Netherland Retirement Village in Hamilton – are still in good condition with the owners enjoying low maintenance costs.
“Family businesses are able to offer speed to market. We think about making a change in the morning and put it into action in the afternoon.” She considers that the success and longevity of the company has been achieved by being hands on in the business and surrounding themselves with a good trustworthy team. It is family values that Savage believes will be one of the most important factors to take the business into the future to meet market demand. “Family businesses are able to offer speed to market. We think about making a change in the morning and put it into action in the afternoon.
“We also have a high level of trust amongst our team working closely together with the aim to grow the business to its full potential. Twenty-five years means that we have a proven product in the New Zealand market. “Production is increasing as a result to keep up with customer demand. We are excited about the future of prefabrication and the advantages it offers developers, builders and most importantly home owners.”
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All Metrapanel products are fully BRANZ appraised. The company supplies its products nationwide.
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BUILDING » Northland Interiors
Business North June 2015
| 31
Hospital contract proves rewarding Kelly Deeks Commercial interiors fit out company Northland Interiors has recently completed a prestigious project with the interior fit out of the Northland District Health Board administration centre at Whangarei Hospital. Northland Interiors was selected by the project’s main fit out contractor Canam Construction for the new office facility. Northland Interiors provided and installed office partitioning, glazing, gib boards, and walls and doors complete with soundproof sealing across 3500sqm of new office space over two levels. Northland Interiors director Roger Lund says his team of five working on the administration centre fit out ended up completing work on time. “As well as partitions, we are ceiling specialists and although we weren’t contracted to install this ceiling, the first thing we had to do was take out all of the previously installed ceiling tiles so that the mechanical and electrical services contractors could get into the ceiling to install the air conditioning, electrical, data, and other services,” he says. “Once the services and partitioning was complete, we reinstalled the ceiling tiles and altered them to suit the new lighting and air conditioning layouts.” The team also installed feature walls in the reception area and in two upstairs meeting rooms, lined not with gib board but with band saw faced grooved plywood which achieves an effect of depth to the walls. The aluminium partitioning is all powder coated in black, a colour which Lund says he has never worked with before, but the end result looks stunning. Northland Interiors has completed other projects at Whangarei Hospital for other contractors in the past, but Lund says this one was the largest one. “All the feedback we’ve had so far in terms of the quality of the build has been nothing but positive, and hopefully this will put us in the hospital list of preferred contractors,” he says. “It’s a prestigious job and one we’re proud to add to our portfolio.” Canam Construction was impressed with the Northland Interiors team’s care and efficiency they exhibited in completing the project. “The Canam Construction site manager told me several times he couldn’t believe the work ethic of my team,” Lund says. “He said ‘they are here before everyone else, and last to leave’.”
Northland Interiors has recently completed the interior fit out of the Northland District Health Board administration centre at Whangarei Hospital. He says the Northland Interiors team enjoy their work and take a special pride in it, rarely having to return to a job site to remedy any errors. “Our chaps are very careful, and at the same time they’re very efficient,” Lund says. While Northland Interiors is based in Kerikeri, with most of its tradesmen based in Whangarei, there are some drawn from the northern reaches of Auckland, enabling the company to service from the Hibiscus Coast through Whangarei and Kaitaia. However Northland Interiors is not restricted to these districts, and the company takes up opportunities as present in other regions, and nationally as required.
“All the feedback we’ve had so far in terms of the quality of the build has been nothing but positive....It’s a prestigious job and one we’re proud to add to our portfolio.” Lund is a qualified quantity surveyor and says being accurate in pricing and estimating allows Northland Interiors to be very competitive in the market. “Also our suppliers of product have given us top discounts, so we’re able to combine that with our expertise and efficiencies and offer a very competitive package,” he says.
Northland Interiors has some more prestigious projects coming up,. These include the fit out of the New Opus International premises in Whangarei, BNZ bank in Kaikohe, and the additions to the Paramount shopping centre in Tikipunga, where the company will install the suspended ceilings and tiles.
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32 |
BUILDING » Watts and Hughes Auckland
June 2015
Business North
Top marks for Auckland projects Karen Phelps Two projects recently completed by Watts & Hughes Construction in Auckland demonstrate the company’s focus on making client requirements of paramount importance, says company contracts manager Jim Wylie. The company has just completed a 12 month project for Auckland Grammar School which included the construction of 1200 square metres of class and resource rooms as well a lower level tuck shop and service room. The project, which was won on a competitive tender basis, was constructed over three levels and built from precast concrete floor slab, in situ concrete columns and solid filled block wall. The external cladding comprises two types of brickwork, aluminium composite panel and aluminium joinery. Vertical cedar fins on either end of the building enhance the aesthetics of the design by Auckland company Architectus as well as offer sunscreen benefits. A bridge structure connects the new building to an existing building and Wylie says a major consideration was ensuring that it worked in with the original aesthetics to provide a seamless finish. He says the bridge itself presented its own challenges. “Once the structure was finished it had to be supported, the tension released, everything checked to make sure the structure was functioning as it should then the whole process repeated again several times until the structure fully took its own weight,” he explains. As head contractor on the project, Watts & Hughes had to work around the client’s requirement that the activities of the school were disrupted as little as possible, says Wylie. The project peaked at around 80 staff on site and Watts & Hughes also completed the interior fitout. “One of the challenges was access as there was a large tree on the property we had to work construction around,” he says. “Also obviously students were moving around the school on an hourly basis as they changed classes so we had to structure the work plan around this requirement as well. The second recent project was the construction and fitout of a new building for Eye
Vertical cedar fins on either end of the Auckland Grammar School building enhance the aesthetics of the design.
Institute Auckland. The uniquely shaped building included two underground car parks and a three level building. The car parks were built using upside down construction, a method, which saw the top-level car park constructed before the lower level. “If we had dug down two levels the bank would have collapsed because of soil condition and proximity to the boundary,” says Wylie. “This also enabled us to start constructing the upper levels of the building while we were constructing the second level of the underground car park.” The exterior building design had no plumb walls and slopes front to back and tapers across the width. Feature louvers and decorative panelling completed the unique design. “This project shows we can build pretty much
anything. We have the experience and capability to build out of the norm designs.” Watts Group is comprised of Watts Property Investment Limited and Watts & Hughes Construction Limited. The companies were formed in 1984 and since then the group has grown substantially incorporating other business related to its core business.
In 2005 Watts & Hughes Construction - Waikato / Bay of Plenty Limited was formed to enhance opportunities within the Waikato / Bay of Plenty region. Services offered by the company include design and build, refurbishment, executive and financial management, project management, site contract management, pricing and estimating, subcontract and material evaluation.
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Business North June 2015
BUILDING » CLR Construction
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Emphasis on quality brings results Kelly Deeks Wellington building company CLR Construction is continuing to go the extra mile for its clients and make their homes as special as possible, with the processes and commitment to ensure the best quality, both structurally and aesthetically. The company recently worked on a major renovation to a 100-year-old villa in Kilbirnie. The clients required a small extension to make another bedroom at the front of the property, and then a total renovation and reconfigure to 150sqm of their existing two storey house. CLR Construction managing director Chris Roy says the challenges of the project were the normal challenges associated with working on a 100-year-old house, which is a pretty common occurrence in Wellington. “Nothing is plumb and level any more after that amount of time,” says Chris. “There is a lot of bespoke work to do, and you almost need to throw the plans out the window.” The CLR Construction team had to think past the plans when working on the back of the house, which was supposed to have the roof removed with the walls remaining in place. “The whole floor was 150mm out of level, so we had to remove all the walls and re-level the floor before continuing with the build.” He says while other construction companies will quite often just look at the plans, follow them to the letter and not look at the total picture, CLR Construction is more focused on the whole structural integrity of the house and quality of the end result. “This focus on quality and customer service provides us the chance to do some awesome little touches for our clients with one-off speciality items, like the bathroom bench we made for our clients out of macrocarpa and kwila laminated together,” he says. While working on the Kilbirnie villa for four months, the next door neighbours with a home about the same age saw the quality of CLR
CLR Construction is focused on the whole structural integrity of the house and quality of the end result.
Construction’s work and asked the company to complete their own renovations. There was a similar scenario on the second house which had foundation issues running through the middle of the floor right where the new kitchen was to be installed. “If it wasn’t fixed prior to commencing the renovation, the house would have still had a massive dip in the floor right at the point of a
beautiful new island bench with stone top, and provided any number of issues when installing the kitchen joinery,” Roy says. About 90% of the work completed by CLR Construction is renovations and extensions, and most is completed on a charge-up basis. “We provide an accurate estimate at the start of the project to make sure the client is aware of what the cost is very likely to be from the plans.”
For all its building projects from renovations to new builds, CLR Construction works with its clients to make the whole process stress-free and simple. “Even consulting with clients who are looking to purchase a new home, to bringing in an architect or designer, to submitting the plans for building consent, then turning the earth and making dreams into reality.”
“This focus on quality and customer service provides us the chance to do some awesome little touches for our clients with one-off special-ty items...”
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June 2015 Business North
BUILDING » Huntly Joinery Manufacturing Group
Group enjoying steady expansion Sue Russell In the 33 years since Huntly Joinery was established it has steadily evolved into an industry leader with six businesses working from the same site, along with satellite Auckland company Vision Windows which was acquired in 2014. In all over 100 staff are now employed by Huntly Joinery Manufacturing Group across the two sites. “Growth has been significant as our reputation for delivering a range of joinery products and services has spread principally by word of mouth,” says Andrew McKenzie, one of the Group managing directors. “Back in 1999 we employed twenty staff and as we’ve added businesses into the manufacturing group those numbers have steadily grown to the point where we are a major employer in this town.” Core manufacturing activities on the one expansive site include, Huntly Joinery 2000 Ltd which creates custom-designed and manufactured kitchens; Huntly Joinery Window Systems Ltd which supply exterior Vantage aluminium windows and doors; Huntly Door Systems Ltd ,manufacturers of interior doors and hardware, staircases and wardrobe systems, and Waikato Bench Tops which makes laminated and solid surface benches. “We are really excited about a new addition to the group, Zealand Office Furniture Ltd,” says Mckenzie. Zealand manufactures custommade office furniture and also stocks a range of standard office furniture products. Seven apprentices are employed across the group, although McKenzie says overall there is a concerning shortage of young people drawn toward working in the industry. “Schools seem to push students to go on to further education which is fine but if we were to get the right person knock on our door directly from school we’d definitely be interested in looking at taking them on,” McKenzie says. While the company enjoys a large and loyal client base and excellent suppliers McKenzie
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points out that it is important have a prudent and responsible approach. “The building sector can be volatile and be adversely affected by local and international demand, for example a lower than expected dairy
pay-out. “In these times, diversification has to be explored and sometimes entered into to maintain market position and staff.” On a positive note McKenzie says it’s a pleasure to come to work and be surrounded by
a team who are really loyal and enthusiastic. “Our employees are fantastic, I really can’t speak highly enough.” As evidence of the strong bond between management and the trade staff there is a
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Business North
June 2015
BUILDING » Huntly Joinery Manufacturing Group
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The Huntly Joinery Manufacturing Group has a wide range of building-related business interests
“It just makes sense at every level to listen to what staff have to say because they are there processing the systems and seeing how things might work more efficiently.” noticeable two-way approach to sharing ideas and information to improve systems. “It just makes sense at every level to listen to what staff have to say because they are there processing the systems and seeing how things might work more efficiently. “That’s a big thing with us because we can then pass these efficiencies on to our customers.” Working in closely with builders is an essential element to being a successful supplier to the construction industry. “We’re always looking at the products around us, trying to meet the market requirements and needs. “Our suppliers are also heavily into R & D
and their products are simply superior and very up-to-date.” Vision Windows - which became part of the Huntly Manufacturing Group last year - is based in Takanini. It manufactures New Zealand’s largest brand Vantage aluminium windows and doors. For larger window and door projects the company can also supply the high performing Metro and APL Architectural series, giving it a capability to meet a diverse market share. “Within all these businesses every year we continue to acquire new machinery and evolve our operating systems. “It’s a significant on-going investment we choose to do because it is essential to stay with the market and what it is demanding.”
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BUILDING » Stamford Plaza Auckland
June 2015 Business North
Hotel undergoing major makeover Karen Phelps Stamford Plaza Auckland has unveiled the first stage of its multi-million dollar refurbishment. Owner and hotel operator Stamford Hotels and Resorts has now completed a refurbishment of the top three levels of the hotel with the remaining levels due for completion by August. General manager of Stamford Plaza Auckland Paul Evans says that it is the most extensive refurbishment in the 28-year history of the property meaning improvements in both design and technology to greatly enhance the five star experience of the hotel. He says the aim has been to provide a contemporary, luxurious setting for guests. “Hotel designs change over time and customers’ expectations change. Customers can now go online and see what is happening with hotels all around the world and we needed to keep up with the times,” he says explaining some of the reasons for the refurbishment. With a brief to highlight bespoke room layouts from the 36sqm Executive Room to the largest 155sqm Governors Suite with city views, a top New Zealand’s award winning interior designer was sought to create an elegant, sophisticated style in keeping with the hotel brand, says Evans. All rooms offer new wall coverings, carpets, blinds and curtains, upgraded bathrooms, King sized beds, luxurious linens and bespoke furniture. Evans says that the refurbishment offers a focus on enhanced facilities for both business and leisure guests including 40” wall mounted LED televisions with the latest IP-based interactive technology and free Wi-Fi. “Such inclusions come after research from corporate clients that the most important thing for business travellers is to feel like their rooms are an extension of their mobile office.” Evans says that the refurbishment has also allowed Stamford Plaza Auckland to further its commitment to environmental initiatives with energy efficient smart sensor lighting and smart phone connectivity and water saving devices in all rooms and suites. “We also offer guests a $10 restaurant and beverage voucher each day they opt not to have the room serviced to reduce the environmental footprint of their stay.” Stamford Hotels and Resorts was formed in 1995 by its parent company, Stamford Land Corporation Ltd (formerly known as Hai Sun Hup Group Ltd), one of Singapore’s best-known public companies. Its is now one of the largest owner/ operators of premium quality hotels in Australia and New Zealand with over 2000 rooms, 2000 employees and residential assets. The Group operates eight hotels in the 5 and 4.5 star market segments in key geographic locations including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland. Stamford Plaza Auckland offers a total of 286 rooms and suites.
All rooms offer new wall coverings, carpets, blinds and curtains, upgraded bathrooms, King sized beds, luxurious linens and bespoke furniture.
“Hotel designs change over time and customers’ expectations change. Customers can now go online and see what is happening with hotels around the world and we needed to keep up with the times.” Evans says that guest feedback about the refurbishment has been positive: “Our new rooms are beautifully appointed; there is a real feeling of timeless elegance about them. We are proud of the new technology and energy efficiency as we further our commitment to environmental initiatives. “This investment re-cements our position as a top five star hotel in Auckland and gives our clients the opportunity to stay in luxurious rooms right in the heart of the city.”
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Business North
BUILDING » Smiths City Rotorua
June 2015
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Store expands as part of upgrade Sue Russell Fletcher Construction has just completed the conversion and upgrade of Smiths City at the Rotorua Central Mall. The project included adding extra space by bringing in an adjoining shop into the square metreage. Work on the $4 million modifications began in April 2014 and finished on time and budget six months later. “We added 400 square metres to the original shop footprint and bringing the total space for the store to 3000 square metres, says Fletchers’ project manager Craig Body. “The project went very well, coming in on time and on budget,” Body says. He puts these results down to efficient management, including seizing the opportunity to make efficiencies in the air conditioning system by using the existing one. At its peak 35 builders, including sub-trades were involved in the construction. “We’ve built up a strong core of subbies that we prefer to use on a regular basis.” Smiths City now occupies the area where Mitre 10 and Payless Plastics once did business. “Here in Rotorua sulphur in the air is a factor in deterioration of plant which is something we’re very aware of.” Prior to Smith City’s move to the mall from its former Te Ngae outlet Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings, proprietors of the mall, had been in negotiations with the company for some time about the move. One of the key benefits of the move from the customers perspective was that the expanded retail area enabled Smiths City to carry greater choices of home furniture, appliances and sports, thus complementing existing retail outlets in the same mall and making it a one-stop shop for all appliances and furniture.
Work on the $4 million modifications for Smiths City at the Rotorua Central Mall began in April 2014 and finished on time and budget six months later.
For Craig, who worked with Fletcher Construction for 3 years, specialising in project management means he gets to experience the challenges and satisfaction that comes with seeing a project through from go to wo. “There is great satisfaction in standing back and seeing a project completed so well, but it is managing and communicating at the day to day
level that makes this happen. It doesn’t happen on its own,” he says. During the refurbishment phase sprinklers to meet the latest fire code regulations were installed. “We have been associated with Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings for some many years undertaking projects on their properties. It’s a long-standing relationship built on delivering on our word.” By relocating into larger premises it has meant that Smiths City’s Rotorua store has the capacity to carry a comprehensive range of products, from household appliances, computers, furniture, homewares and sport and recreation gear. While undertaking refurbishments and upgrades on commercial properties has been a
significant core activity of Fletcher Construction Company it has stamped its mark on the countries landscape with some nationally significant projects through its history as a building company spanning nearly one hundred years. The company finished building Te Papa, the national museum in Wellington, in 1996 along with Westpac Stadium three years later in the same city. Between these two significant projects it also built SkyCity’s Auckland Convention Centre and Hotel as well as the Sky Tower, which opened in 1997. The new Rotorua Smiths City in the Central Mall in Victoria Street is open every day of the week with late nights on Thursday and Friday when its doors are open to 7.30pm.
The project included adding 400 square metres to the original shop footprint.
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June 2015 Business North
BUILDING » Sheffield Construction
Firm builds reputation for excellence Kelly Deeks With a five year history of completing residential and commercial building projects on Waiheke Island, reputable building firm Sheffield Construction has forged a reputation for outstanding service and workmanship. Sheffield Construction is owned by Dale Sheffield, originally a coach builder from Auckland, he diversified into the construction industry in 2002 after a stint working in Hollywood, California. “I looked for a coach building job in the States but there were none about, so I got into commercial construction and it went from there,” he says. “Over there I worked on commercial buildings with timber framing, partition walls, and ply sheeting for earthquake bracing which is a large part of construction in California with them having up to about 30 earthquakes every year.” On arriving back in New Zealand, Sheffield went back to coach building for a while, but the company had changed ownership and it wasn’t the same environment he had enjoyed when he left. He helped his father build his house, then started an architecture course through Open Polytechnic. After a year’s work on that gained the top place in New Zealand as the only person to achieve 100%. “I was pretty passionate about it,” he says. “I then went to BCITO and completed my apprenticeship with renovation specialist Hans Ellehuus Builders.” While working for Ellehuus he started quoting and running jobs, and realised he could be doing that for himself. He landed a couple of major residential extension projects in Mt Eden, and Sheffield Construction was born. When the company landed its first job on Waiheke Island five years ago, Sheffield fell in love with the island, its scenery and lifestyle, and its lack of traffic jams and decided to establish himslef there. “Now I’ve got a team of 10 staff, including four apprentices, and more than a year’s worth of work ahead of me.” Dale says all of the projects he has completed on Waiheke Island have been good ones, and coming up this year the company will be completing a residential building project different to anything it has done before. “The ground floor is all glass, with four steel poles holding up the house and a retaining wall at the back. “Looking at the front of the house from the outside, you can’t see any walls.” With Sheffield’s coach building training he has retained his welding tickets and does all his
Sheffield Construction has completed many substantial residential projects on Waiheke Island. own structural steel work. The north facing house features wing decking to the east and west, and the flooring through the house matches up with the decking with a flush entry. “We’ve got one coming up this year that’s really different to anything we’ve ever done before. The house was designed by Wellington’s Developed Design, with which Sheffield has been in constant communication helping to come up with different solutions that are more cost effective or provide a better finish. Sheffield Construction is a member of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand, which he says regularly comes across to the island to hold seminars and is a big help when it comes to keeping up with legal and legislative changes.
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Business North
June 2015
BUILDING » Ockham Residential
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Station R part of ‘urban regeneration’ Karen Phelps Station R, the latest development from Auckland ‘urban regenerator’ Ockham Residential is approaching completion and aims to lift the area of Auckland adjacent to the Mt Eden Train Station, says owner Mark Todd. Todd admits it was a bold move for his company to build in the area, which is presently dominated by lower quality commercial buildings and apartment complexes. But he says that the attraction was the fact that the nearby train station is set to become a junction station in the new central rail loop. And he says buyers have clearly seen the potential, with 75% of the development sold before it has even reached completion. “Our fundamental belief is that housing is infrastructure and this drives our whole approach to development. “Treating housing as infrastructure allows us to focus on the long-term outcomes of development rather than just the short-term bottom line. “We specialise in helping to regenerate urban areas with our developments by building high quality projects in marginal but strategic locations.” Todd says lthough in the past apartments have had “a bad rap” in Auckland, Ockham Residential was founded believing it could lead the way in quality. Station R offers one-, two- and three-bedroom homes ranging from 44sqm to 105sqm plus balcony and a generous 2.67m-stud height making them larger than the typical apartments offered in the city. Station R also features Ockham’s signature communal space, in this case a top floor residents’ lounge and deck. This common area for residents to share and enjoy provides a social space that encourages a sense of community, says Todd. Also incorporated in the development are “green screens” – living walls of growing foliage providing both privacy screening and visual amenity. The name of the Station R development is a reference to ‘R language”, a computer language invented at nearby Auckland University, giving it a
Station R offers one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes ranging from 44sqm to 105sqm plus balcony.
quirky link to the local community and reflecting the company’s focus on encouraging critical thinking. When Ockham Residential was established in 2009, the company’s founders Mark Todd and Ben Preston also established the Ockham Foundation. The Ockham Foundation is a registered charity focused on supporting educational initiatives that encourage critical thought, independent thinking and fostering a sense of social justice amongst students of all ages. Today the foundation sponsors five First Foundation scholarships and has recently awarded
two post graduate scholarships at Auckland University. Six years after its establishment, Ockham Residential has completed in excess of $100m of residential developments. These include The Turing Building in Grey Lynn offering 27 architecturally designed homes, while Ockham’s key project now underway is Hypatia in Grafton, which will offer 59 apartments. Also in the pipeline is a unique project called Daisy, which will be New Zealand’s first apartment complex with no carpark, says Todd, instead offering two communal electric cars and a
basement cycle/motorcycle storage area. “We’re leaping into the unknown but we specialise in doing things that haven’t been done before,” says Todd. “We believe Auckland is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a wonderful place to live. Up until now the high density development sector has produced an average to poor outcome in central city locations. “We want other developers to follow our model because we think Auckland is a great city and a beautiful canvas but it needs a more ambitious and mature approach to high density development.”
Ockham Residential The Station R development features Ockham’s signature communal space, in this case a top floor residents’ lounge and deck.
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BUILDING » Rose Garden Apartments
June 2015 Business North
Buyers keen on Albany complex Karen Phelps Over 80% of phase 1 of the $300m Rose Garden Apartments development in Albany, Auckland, has already been sold despite being released to the market less than three months ago. Foundations have been completed and work is underway on the two-level underground carpark of phase 1, which will offer 201 apartments on a 6700sqm site with live/work options and ground floor commercial opportunities. “We’ve had a very positive response to Rose Garden Apartments so far,” says Martin Cooper, managing director of Harcourts Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd, the company marketing the development. Cooper cites factors such as proximity to local amenities and the diversity of the design as being key factors. “Often apartment complexes are just high-rise buildings where everything looks the same,” he says. “With Rose Garden Apartments the design has been very well thought out to create a diverse high density development with great consideration given to forming a sense of community as well as opportunities for personal space.” Located at 25 Don McKinnon Drive, Rose Garden Apartments has been designed by Context Architects and includes a mix of one-, two-, threeor four-bedroom apartments all with balconies. The development includes streetscapes and private areas and Cooper says use of interesting and varied forms in the building design make the development unique. “Touches of colour on the balcony facades add interest while louvered side panels provide privacy and light for the homes. “Sun moves through the development during the day creating shadows and light.”
Apartment prices start at $399,000 and a display suite in Tawa Drive enables people to view the internal fitout of the apartments. As an example of how the architect has tried to create personal space within the community of apartments, Cooper says one lift services “just eight or nine apartments - essentially creating ‘pods’ within Rose Garden so even though it is a large complex occupants can still feel like they have personal space”.
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Privacy between units is created through careful use of corners and balcony positioning. A communal outdoor space also enhances privacy between the apartments. Rose Garden Apartments sits beside Albany Lakes in park like surrounds, with beaches, bush and forest all located 10 minutes drive away. Cooper says with Massey University campus close by and proximity to the bus link route taking people directly into the heart of Auckland in 20 minutes this has resulted in a mix of buyers including retirees, professionals, families and student renters. Other facilities within easy reach include Westfield Shopping Centre, QBE Stadium, supermarkets, Albany Primary School and Albany Senior School. Future developments in the area are a Countdown Supermarket and an Olympic size swimming pool planned to open in 2016. Rose Garden Apartments is currently New Zealand’s largest residential development
and is being undertaken by NZ Rose Garden Developments Limited, with Chinese based developer Nanjing Dadi Construction Group having a minority interest in the company and using New Zealand builders, architects and other workers. Rose Garden Apartments will include four phases with phase 1 expected to be completed within 12 months. Phases 2 and 3 will encompass a further 13,300sqm with the total apartments in all phases eventually numbering up to 800. Apartment prices start at $399,000 and a display suite in Tawa Drive enables people to view the internal fitout of the apartments including kitchen and bathroom ware, appliances etc. “Responding to the Auckland Unitary Plan, the Rose Garden Apartments contribute positively to the community by providing living, working and recreation amenity in a single, compact location. “It’s the attention to detail that sets this development apart and how it is integrated into the landscape. This means that Rose Garden Apartments will stand the test of time.”
Business North
June 2015
BUILDING Âť Rose Garden Apartments
The Rose Garden Apartments complex in Albany includes a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments all with balconies.
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BUILDING » Richard Kepka Builders
June 2015
Business North
Doing his bit for wider community Kelly Deeks Giving back to the community which supports his business is all in a day’s work for Hawke’s Bay builder Richard Kepka. His many and varied construction projects completed over his more than 30 years in business include several fast-build charity projects, including a four day build of a home to be auctioned for the Cranford Hospice, a six day build of five buildings for the Little Elms Charity House, and a four day redevelopment of campsite Weka Point. These projects saw Carters, Registered Master Builders, and the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ), of which Kepka was Hawke’s Bay region president at the time, come together to take on these enormous challenges. Kepka held the regional president post for eight years, and is now in his second year on the CBANZ national board of directors. He says he finds it rewarding to be in a position where he can help people and make a difference.
“We have our monthly meetings where 40 to 50 builders gather together who are all blessed with the same problems,” he says. “We get everyone talking, and when people find out that everyone is in the same boat, it makes them feel a lot better.” He says the industry has been through some hard times, and still is. “The market is very competitive to be in, and I don’t know where it’s heading,” he says. “We’re in a phase of change with the licensing coming in, we’ve had to absorb that. Now we’re having all our compliance costs increased. “We have had to add the costs of improved health and safety and more intensive scaffolding requirements from the Preventing Falls from Heights campaign, and now we must have a contract written up for any project over $30,000. “There’s a lot for us to take in and a lot to absorb.” He says the reason he and probably most of his industry peers became builders was because they were good at the practical things rather than being academically inclined.
“Belonging to an organisation like Certified Builders means that we can attack industry issues and problems as a united front. A champion team will defeat a team of champions any day of the week.”
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“Now we’re expected to work like lawyers and accountants,” he says. “Belonging to an organisation like CBANZ means we can attack industry issues and problems as a united front. “A champion team will defeat a team of champions any day of the week.” Richard Kepka Builders is a true family business, with three generations of the family involved in the company. Kepka runs a team of 16 highly skilled carpenters and builders who aim to ensure clients remain satisfied with every aspect of their project. The company’s work ranges from simple renovations, to high-spec homes and commercial buildings. He is also supported in the office by Susy Friedeman, an intricate part of the company
who helps with project management, and Richard’s wife Gayleene who is also helpful and supportive with human resources and payroll. Richard Kepka Builders uses a loyal and highly reliable group of local subcontractors to make sure projects are completed on time, on budget, and to the highest quality. “Our clients never need to worry as I personally ensure the most appropriate person is available to deliver when required,” Kepka says. Richard Kepka Builders travels outside of the Hawke’s Bay to complete projects, and has recently worked on the conversion of a large building at Christchurch Airport for an aircraft hangar and training facility for Air New Zealand, and a saw mill for Red Stag Timber in Rotorua.
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Business North June 2015
CONTRACTING » Harker Underground
| 43
Underground experts lead the way Karen Phelps Inner-city congestion combined with modern underground techniques is resulting in an increase in demand for underground construction, says Rory Bishop, general manager of Harker Underground Construction. “Undertaking excavation in New Zealand’s major cities is becoming increasingly complicated due to urban growth and demands on infrastructure. Underground and trenchless construction is a way of alleviating some of the issues surrounding this type of work,” says Bishop. Harker Underground Construction was started over 25 years ago and has since established itself as a business bringing global best practise to the underground construction and trenchless tunnelling markets. Bishop says Harker Underground Construction is currently rebranding to reflect the company’s strong history and high levels of expertise combined with a focus on safety and innovation. “We are a leading tunnelling company with a long history of underground problem solving and a reputation for meeting the challenges of technically difficult projects through trenchless construction. “Due to regulatory changes as a result of the Pike River tragedy the management of underground spaces now needs to be an even more expertly planned and coordinated activity. “Companies need to have the ability to offer technical support and advice to projects early on. The latter is where we have always sat in the market and the rebranding will reflect this to our customers,” he says. Harker Underground Construction is part of Hawkins Group. Hawkins was established over 60 years ago and is New Zealand’s largest privately owned construction company. With revenues of more than $750m Hawkins is an industry leader and has been responsible for some of New Zealand’s most iconic buildings and environments. Harker Underground Construction delivers services across a range of underground construction areas. The company was established undertaking general civil contracting and traditional drill and blast tunnelling and has considerable experience in conventional and tunnel boring machine (TBM) tunnelling, pipe jacking and micro tunnelling. Bishop says that Harker Underground Construction offers the largest selection of tunnelling equipment in New Zealand ranging in size from 0.45 – 3.5 metres in diameter. It also develops and procures TBMs and support systems including separation plants, guidance systems and software from a range of leading international and local suppliers. “Because we own and manage our own equipment it gives us greater control over quality
A recent project for Harker Underground was the $6.7m Shaddock Street stormwater upgrade project for Auckland Council. and the overall management of a project. We adapt and modify machines for particular jobs,” he says. “Because we really know the machines and the local ground conditions, we have the expertise and knowledge to remove a great deal of risk for our clients.” Harker Underground has achieved a number of industry firsts in New Zealand. It was the first trenchless construction company to perform a curved pipe jack utilizing gyroscopic guidance. It has installed the longest 2.5 metre outer diameter pipe jack in the country – 600 metres for the North Shore City Council. It was also the first contractor to pipe jack beneath Wellington’s harbour reclamations earning the company a New Zealand Contractors’ Federation Construction Award in 2005 for innovation and construction excellence. In 2008 the company utilised a world leading slurry separation process designed and built in New Zealand when installing a 400-metre stormwater outlet in the Tauranga harbour. After only 20 days of pipe jacking, Harker installed over 400 metres of 2.9m outer diameter pipe through soft, highly sensitive and very fine Tauranga ash using its new TT2550H slurry TBM.
Harker Underground has achieved a number of industry firsts in New Zealand.
“Due to regulatory changes as a result of the Pike River tragedy the management of underground spaces now needs to be an even more expertly planned and coordinated activity.” A recent project was the $6.7 million Shaddock Street stormwater upgrade project for Auckland Council, which Bishop says is yet another example of one of the key strengths of the company – finding solutions to problems that are unique. The project involved installing a 220m curved drive of 1950mm concrete pipe using the Akkerman 720B open-faced TBM at grades between 2% and 3% and depths of up to 25m, and the construction of a 6m diameter 25m deep launch shaft. “We stepped the shaft out to the side so that the tunnel could be located in the best possible alignment for the pipeline while keeping the access in the best possible position in the street.” Bishop, who took over as general manager in December last year, says the company’s success boils down to the implementation of technology and skills through its people. “Our staff are skilled and experienced and
include engineers, certified tunnel managers, qualified tradesmen, experienced site personnel and machine operators – most of whom have been with the company for more than 10 years. “We’ve built a reputation on being a ‘can do’ company and have developed a culture of openness and collaboration.” Bishop, says that Harker Underground Construction is increasing its technical resources and has its sights set on growth. “We can talk with engineers and clients well in advance of the commencement of construction and offer expertise around the underground construction part of the project in terms of methodology and technology. “One of our big drivers has always and continues to be how we can best convey and share our expertise to offer safe, cost effective, solutions that add value to the client’s project.”
44 |
CONTRACTING » Lee Roofing
June 2015
Business North
Reputation built on quality, service Kelly Deeks In business since 1997, Hamilton based Lee Roofing has always prided itself on being a good, honest company which stands by its products and service, and has now grown to become one of New Zealand’s largest distributors and installers of Gerard pressed metal roof tiles. Lee Roofing is managed and directed by Robbie and Sonya Lee. Robbie has been involved in the roofing industry for more than 30 years, initially as an installer of Decra Tiles, then by 1984 he had started his own fixing gang installing for Harvey Roofing.
Over the years he has gained experience in all aspects of steel roofing including longrun, Euroline, fascia, spouting, and Gerard pressed metal tiles. When Robbie and Sonya were offered a distributorship and established Lee Roofing, it was supplying and installing AHI tiles, which have since become known as Gerard tiles. The company grew rapidly and soon employed another two installation teams. In 2006 the business moved from the Lee’s home to an office location in Te Rapa, where it grew into one of the Waikato’s largest roofing companies. There are now more than 30 full time installers at Lee Roofing, with each crew headed by a licensed building practitioner.
The installation crews are guided every step of the way in each project by the company’s professional project management team. Lee Roofing has since grown out of its Te Rapa premises, and six months ago moved to a new location at 141 Ellis Street in Frankton, which has helped to centralise the company in the Waikato region. As well as its Gerard tiles distributorship, Lee Roofing has strong business relationships with Dimond and Steel & Tube, and is a licensed installer for Euroline. The company specialises in commercial and residential colorsteel longrun, fascia, spouting installation, the Butylclad range of waterproofing products and also the Nu-Wall aluminium cladding range. Lee Roofing has been involved in some high profile projects throughout the Waikato region, including the installation of Euroline to Farmers and The Base, roofing and cladding at Fresh Choice Leamington, Countdown Bridge Street, and Norman Transport.
The company has worked on many large projects, including doing the roofing and cladding contract for the Cambridge Avantidrome. Sonya says Lee Roofing’s team of installers maintain a very high standard which is shown in the finished product. “We’ve got a really good professional team who work well with our clients,” she says. “We pride ourselves on our service and ensure every project is completed safely, on time, and within budget to each client’s requirements.” Still a family business with a family feel, the Lee’s son Mitchell now works as the company’s residential sales quantity surveyor. Operations manager Carl Petrie and office manager Rachel Swanson have both been with the company for more than seven years and Lee says are just like part of the family as well. Lee Garage Doors is a recent venture for the Lees and a sister company to Lee Roofing, fitting well into the company portfolio with New Zealand made garage doors with a high-spec finish, both inside and out.
“We pride ourselves on our service and ensure every project is completed safely, on time, and within budget to each client’s requirements.”
Lee Roofing offers a full range of roofing services and products; top, the company did the roofing and cladding on the Cambridge Avantidrome.
Dimond are proud to work with Lee Roofing and look forward to creating many more quality buildings together.
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Business North June 2015
CONTRACTING » Ross Insulation
| 45
Team in demand for refinery work Kelly Deeks Whangarei-based Ross Insulation was established more than 30 years ago in response to the demand for insulation services for a major extension at the Refining NZ Marsden Point Oil Refinery. Ross Insulation has also continued to provide a full time maintenance team to work at Marsden Point, removing and replacing insulation and cladding for mechanical repairs and inspections, and working on capital projects and upgrades. Currently the company is involved in another major project at the Oil Refining facility at Marsden Point, the Te Mahi Hou project, which is replacing the Refinery’s existing petrol-making plant at a cost of $365 million. This will enable Refining NZ to process more crude oil, and a wider variety of crude oils, more effectively and efficiently. Ross Insulation managing director Ray Pascoe says his company is currently using a team of 14 fabricators and installers and about 22 tons of aluminium from INEX Metals in its insulation and cladding contract for the Te Mahi Hou project at Refining NZ. The work there will be completed in December. Pascoe says Ross Insulation has continued to grow its business and reputation since its inception, and has been at the forefront of bespoke insulation and sheet metal designs. The 40-strong team at Ross Insulation are specialists in the customised manufacture of acoustic and thermal insulation for industrial and marine applications, with insulation and ducting designed and manufactured from a range of high quality metals specific to each project requirements. The company also specialises in all aspects of sheet metal fabrication, designing and manufacturing sheet metal solutions to meet
Ross Insulation provides a full time maintenance team to work at the Marsden Point Oil Refinery in Whangarei.
both domestic and industrial applications, with precision engineering of metals using computer numeric control (CNC) machine technology. Ross Insulation also completes plant maintenance work at Fonterra’s dairy factories at Maungaturoto and Kauri, Ngawha Geothermal
Ross Insulation is a specialist in the customised manufacture of acoustic and thermal insulation for industrial and marine applications.
Plant, AffCO Moerewa, CHH Woodproducts Whangarei, CHH LVL plant at Ruakaka, and more recently, provided a team for a shutdown at the Huntly Power Station. Pascoe says that Ross Insulation is currently busy and has more staff in the main workshop than ever. It is also employing the most apprentices it has ever had, with six currently on the payroll, all at different stages of their courses. Pascoe says although the industry is not well known for attracting school leavers, who tend to
head to heavy engineering outfits looking for work, Ross Insulation has been involved with Whangarei Boys High School’s Gateway Programme for the past few years which has been a source of some keen apprentices with the right attitude to succeed in the business. “Its 90% attitude in this business,” he says. “There is a lot of maintenance work involved so we need guys who are prepared to roll their sleeves up, and at the same time we’ve got to have highly skilled sheet metal fabricators as we’re such a diverse company.”
Ph: 09 270 8342 | F: 09 270 8352 E: sales@inexmetals.co.nz 11-13 Fisher Cres Mt Wellington, Auckland www.inexmetals.co.nz
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46 |
CONTRACTING » Lattey Civil and Precast
June 2015
Business North
Firm grows from solid foundations Sue Russell Purchasing a company with a strong history of leadership operating out of an appreciation of generational family values is something Mark Donnelly, co-owner of Hastings business Lattey Civil and Precast, says has not only grounded the way it conducts business but also equipped it well for the future. “When Mike Rabbitte and I bought the business in 2012 we inherited a company that had existed for over 60 years, founded by Peter Lattey and then 25 years later taken over by his son Hugh. “It meant the plans we made to grow the company on were realistic,” Donnelly says. For proof of the depth of the skill base and commitment to the industry Lattey Civil and Precast has to look no further than its personnel, some of whom have been with the company for 32 years and counting. “I think the fact that I had been a part of the company for so many years before buying it with Mike meant the transition of ownership was very smooth and the staff stayed with us. “We also contract work out to five or six companies who have had a very long association with us and who understand our standards.” Each owner takes responsibility for their own domain; Donnelly concentrating on the civil work and Rabbitte on the pre-cast division. A decade ago 90% of the work undertaken was in the Hawke’s Bay area. Now that ratio is about 50:50 between the Bay and from an area extending south to Wellington and to Auckland in the north. Time, energy and money have been invested into key personnel, in plant and improving processes over the past few years. Benefits of this investment can be seen and measured, such as the increased capacity in the screw piling division and its competitiveness with a national operator. Donnelly says the company’s intention is to continue this investment and continue to grow the company. “We have just completed a major screw piling project for Fonterra’s new drying plant at Pahiatua.
Core work in the civil division includes screw piling, building and maintaining bridges, building foundations, retaining walls and underpasses, pump stations and box culverts.
“The project’s total budget was about $240 million and our part was to redesign the piling system under the services towers which were originally a large hole 16 metres deep filled with concrete and steel,” says Donnelly. The alternate screw piling design reduced the cost of the piling infrastructure by 30% and was completed 40% faster by the Lattey Civil team. “Screw piling is becoming the preferred piling method in the heavy commercial sector because of its rapid installation, reduced cost and reduced environmental impact,” says Donnelly.
Members of the Heavy Haulage Association
“We are currently investigating improvements in our efficiency and data logging systems by adopting new technology that has yet to be used in New Zealand.” Core work in the civil division includes screw piling, building and maintaining bridges, building foundations, retaining walls, underpasses, pump stations and box culverts. The company’s pre-cast division tends to aim its sights at challenging and technically complex projects, partly because the two owners enjoy the satisfaction of problem-solving at this level and
completing a tough project. The core precast proficiencies of the past, such as pre-stressing of piles, bridge decks and fence posts have expanded into pre-stressed proprietary flooring systems, conventionally reinforced residential, commercial and industrial panels and onto bespoke architectural items. In order to keep ahead of the game the precast division is always looking at new innovations. One particularly exciting innovation is the use of a new cement-based product, Flexus, marketed by Reid Engineering.
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Business North June 2015
CONTRACTING » Lattey Civil and Precast
| 47
“Screw piling is becoming the preferred piling method in the heavy commercial sector...” The Flexus technology is designed to meet the new earthquake standards imbued in building codes. “It is extremely thin and strong and has been adapted to produce stair treads and other architectural Precast items that rely on strength combined with light weight. “The finish is very very fine, giving a smooth architectural look.” One frustration Donnelly experiences that not only affects his company but many working in the business of major infrastructure is the slowness of the resource consenting and planning processes, resulting in hold ups that add significantly to cost and at times cause a project to be abandoned. “Along with many other civil engineering contracting companies we are looking forward to the Government streamlining the Resource Management Act to reduce the delays and complexities of compliance that we currently experiencing.” Just back from a successful deer hunting trip at Stewart Island Donnelly says the break recharged his batteries. “It’s good to get away because the work is very demanding but that is why I enjoy working in this company so much. “Just about as much as I’m looking forward to the venison on the plate tonight.”
Lattey Civil and Precast worked on the restaurant building at the spectacular Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY & DISPOSAL Proudly supporting Lattey Civil & Precast Phone. 027 861 6358 | Office. 06 752 2011 | Fax. 06 752 2016 Email. steve@chainindustrialmerchants.co.nz
Postal Address. PO Box 39025, New Plymouth 4361 Warehouse. 1249 Egmont Road, Egmont Village 4372
www.reid.co.nz
Proud to be associated with the great people at Lattey Civil and Precast
reid
25 YEARS
931 State Highway 1, RD 12, Levin • Phone: 06 368 5252 • sales@mitchpine.co.nz
www.mitchpine.co.nz Lattey Civil & Precast offers an extensive range of civil engineering services, specialising in precast concrete and piling. From plant and crane hire through to precast systems design, manufacture and installation, screw piling and bridge design, we can realise your project requirements. Lattey Civil & Precast is an independent company with a strong local presence that can readily supply services throughout New Zealand and overseas. Email: admin@latteycivil.co.nz Phone: (06) 879 8364; International: +64 6 879 8364 Fax: (06) 879 8360; International: +64 6 879 8360
48 |
CONTRACTING » Rigs’n’Things / Bonfiglioli New Zealand
June 2015
Business North
Growth seen in small truck rental Sue Russell Stratford-based company Rigs’n’Things has forged a strong niche supplying trucks for hire accessible to drivers with standard car licenses. Deciding to concentrate on satisfying the demand for the hire of smaller truck rentals has paid off and it is the growth sector of the company, something company founder Merv Hooper isn’t surprised about. To cater for this evolution a sister company ‘Hire2U’ has evolved, operating from the same site. “The business literally started over a cup of coffee back in 2000 when I got together with a few mates. I was tired of doing the shift work thing and wanted a company of my own to concentrate my energy into; it was the best decision I made,” says Hooper, who is a qualified coach builder by trade. Acknowledging that the first three years were tough, where the potential market stood back a while to see if the company would deliver good products and services, Hooper says that the journey has been one of growth and adaptation since then. “The ability to adapt is paramount in this industry,” says Hooper. “We’ve made a point of taking advantage in the changes in demand from the market-place we serve, especially in supplying for hire smaller lighter weight trucks that can be driven by those holding normal car licenses or Class 2 HT.” The busy company which operates out of a 4ha site has many strings to its bow, building truck bodies, with its own panel and paint shop and steel fabrication workshop. Everyone working on the shop floor is either fully qualified, with years of experience in their particular trade speciality or in the process of
becoming qualified, something Hooper places a good deal of importance on. “We are a very family oriented business with solid family values, including the expectation of a consistently high standard of workmanship. “It’s these strengths that have built the company up over the years and it is how we have forged such a solid foundation.” The family ideal continues into the team, with Merv and wife Cathy’s daughter working part-time and his brother also part of the full-time staff. Currently there are 20 rental trucks in the company’s fleet and there are plans to increase this number over time, though Hooper is also very aware of not growing the company too large. “If we get too big we’ll lose our competitive edge which is our ability to respond and adapt quickly to meet the demand of the market-place we serve.” For customers who import over-sized motor homes, the company has also developed a niche activity, narrowing them to meet New Zealand standards. Managing staff and ensuring they receive the best training possible is a top priority and Hooper is also connected with advising and helping the Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) develop more relevant and appropriate training pathways for apprentices in the industry. “There is a real interest in making apprenticeships in this industry as up-to-date as possible. “Technologies and compliances continue to change and the pathway needs to adapt to these.” With a busy work life and good demand for their products and services built on a solid reputation Hooper is happy with how the companies have evolved. “I don’t like to get bored and so it is good to have plenty of different activities in the company. It keeps me on my toes and happy.”
“If we get too big we’ll lose our competitive edge which is our ability to respond and adapt quickly to meet the demand of the market-place we serve.”
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Expansion continues in NZ Karen Phelps Focusing on high efficiency to meet market demands has led to an expansion of Bonfiglioli’s Auckland premises. The company now has a new assembly area with updated equipment for assembly and testing of the Bonfiglioli Trasmital planetary gearbox range, which will result in even faster turnaround times for clients, says Bonfiglioli New Zealand country manager Neil Pollington. Pollington says that Bonfiglioli has been steadily expanding over recent years after a move to establish a local presence and increase speed of delivery for customers. Part of this was establishing a distributorship relationship with SAECOWilson Bearings Transmissions and Engineering Supplies. While SAECOWilson focuses on the end user businesses Bonfiglioli concentrates on original equipment manufacturers. Because SAECOWilson has over 20 branches in New Zealand this has enabled Bonfiglioli to establish a relationship and presence nationally with end users, explains Pollington. He says this is important as Bonfiglioli industrial motors and drives are used in most industries in New Zealand including agricultural and bulk materials handling, construction and quarrying, civil engineering, electricity generation, food processing, electronic process control engineering, government and public works to name but a few. The latest expansion is part of Bonfiglioli
New Zealand’s continued investment in new testing, assembly and quality control facilities to complement greatly expanded stockholdings in New Zealand now totalling more than $2.5 million. “This permits wider customer choice, custom engineering to individual needs and quicker delivery for many of Bonfiglioli’s most advanced and popular drives,” says Pollington. The stockholdings include Trasmital planetary, helical, helical bevel and worm drives as well as Bonfiglioli’s electronic VSDs of SYN 10, SYNPLUS and ACTIVE ranges. The Auckland facility complements Bonfiglioli Transmission (Aust) Pty Ltd’s Sydney facilities, which undertake local assembly of some of technically advanced heavy duty drives, the HDP parallel shaft and HDO bevel helicals. The expanded Bonfiglioli New Zealand facility also incorporates assembly and testing equipment for several of Bonfiglioli’s top selling ranges. Bonfiglioli international has recently achieved ISO 9002 accreditation which is currently being rolled out in Bonfiglioli headquarters around the world. Facilities in the Bonfiglioli New Zealand headquarters include a spray booth for customized coatings and a special assembly press for precision assembly of gears, bearings and seals, while also checking the machining tolerances of castings and parts to ensure optimum reliability. Pollington says that this means that in one operation, the special assembly machine also permits rotational checks for low noise/ smooth running performance, as well as testing the energy draw and testing to ensure correct ratios. Bon Proud figl to ioli sup Tra po nsm rt issi on
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Suppliers to All Industries View our product range at: www.saecowilson.co.nz email enquiries: enquiry@saecowilson.co.nz
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Business North June 2015
CONTRACTING » Blackley Construction
| 49
New environment brings challenges Sue Russell The last few months have brought their fair share of challenges to the doorstep of Kevin Blackley from Palmerston North major infrastructure company Blackley Construction Ltd. During this time Kevin and his team have steered the company through the implications of significant shifts in the industry they work in; managing the redundancy processes to safeguard the future of the company and doing their best to care for staff along the way. “A major four year contract installing Ultra Fast Broadband in Palmerston North and Masterton came to an end and whereas before we tended to have continuous work flow from council they are now letting the work out in blocks,” Blackley says. Another factor affecting the company’s work load to a degree was when dairy farmers literally “shut their cheque books” on any work that wasn’t absolutely necessary in the wake of the forecast low pay-out. “We’ve always been very heavily connected to farming with drainage work and the like and it’s really only been the more established farmer with cash reserves that could continue to do significant drainage work of a non-critical nature,” Blackley says. Reacting to this shift, turning it from a challenge into an opportunity to restructure and in the process future-proof the second generation company for a bright future was Kevin’s priority. He says he worked hard to support his loyal team coping with the stresses of change as they all worked through the restructure process. “Actually one of the key stresses was not so much that jobs were going to go but the time frame it took to see the necessary consultation process through correctly, while staff didn’t know who was affected,” he says. During the restructure phase helping staff to find new work was a priority for Kevin. Making sure that if and when alternative work came up an employee could leave straight away was one way he could help.
Blackley Construction Ltd has several strings to its bow, including civil and rural construction, leaders in trenchless technologies, and a shingle plant at a site just north of Palmerston North. “We very much tried to keep people on until they found work so there was minimal disruption for them,” says Blackley. The company also achieved savings by cutting back on large vehicles that traditionally needed a lot of servicing. It still serves the same market it did before, albeit with a smaller, more highly tuned structure. One key area of strength in the company is the
infrastructure installation services it offers to a wide client base. This area of work has undergone significant changes in technology over the past years. “Our directional drilling capabilities are an example where technology has greatly impacted on what we can achieve and where we can go. “We also specialise in cable laying such as windfarms and these days we use GPS for surveying and carrying out trench and earthworks design.” Kevin took over the company four years ago with one aim to foster open communication. Supporting this are monthly meetings with ‘the key guys’. With teams spread over a vast area of the lower North Island including Dannyvirke, Feilding, Wanganui, Palmerston North and Masterton and with many of the staff staying away on the
job, the monthly BBQ breakfast staff meetings for all staff have become an important company communication tool. The BBQ meeting is also a time to pat ‘great performance’ on the back, address areas where performance could be enhanced and it’s also a forum where certificates of achievement are handed out. “We could do this in the office but choose to celebrate good performance and skill achievements with the whole staff. With a company that goes back as far as we do, it makes sense because our employees very much feel part of the company.” Blackley Construction Ltd has several strings to its bow, including civil and rural construction, leaders in trenchless technologies, and a shingle plant at a site just north of Palmerston North. “We are here to provide a quality product and for the long haul.” www.blackley.co.nz
213 Stoney Creek Road, RD10, Palmerston North. P: (06) 356 5557 E: services@blackley.co.nz
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50 |
ENGINEERING » Mitchell Vranjes Consulting Engineers
June 2015 Business North
Company has all the bases covered Sue Russell Two decades ago engineers Kevin Mitchell and Kevin Vranjes got together and established, what has since grown into a medium-sized civil and structural engineering consultancy in Auckland. Working out of two offices, one in the centre of Auckland at Grafton, the other at Papakura is a team of 19, led by General Manager Nick Covich. The two Directors operate out of the company’s two branches, Kevin Mitchell at Papakura and Kevin Vranjes in Grafton, in the centre of Auckland. Covich, who has had an association with the company almost as long as it has operated, says the size of the business is a key factor in its success and in the reputation it has gained in what is a very competitive industry. “Because we have two offices working in very different locations we tend to pick up a whole raft of clientele,” he says. “There are a lot of merits in having a mediumsize business, benefits that we can pass on to our clients. “With a large company you’ve got a bigger beast to manage. We certainly treat growth with respect and approach it in a calculated way.” In its formative days the company concentrated on both structural and civil work but over the years has evolved more toward structural work in both the residential and commercial sectors. “It was a natural evolution really over the years. Civil work tends to use up a lot of staff resources as there is a lot more compliance attached to civil work these days,” says Covich. Currently about 30 projects of various sizes and values are on the company’s books, fairly typical of workload, with budgets extending from a few hundred dollars to several million. A current project that stands out for its challenges and points of difference is a Ryman Retirement village under construction in Petone, unique because the building is literally sitting on rubber bearings called isolators. “You could say it’s designed to “wobble” in the event of an earthquake. “It’s called Base Isolation and this technology, now used all over the world, was actually pioneered in this country.” Since the Christchurch earthquakes there is a need for design to ensure that not only occupants inside can get out when a shake happens but also the building itself stands up to the forces at play and remains usable after the earthquake. The world of construction engineering is not only about utility; in fact a considerable amount of
A current project that stands out for its challenges and points of difference is this Ryman Retirement village under construction in Petone. the company’s work has been in designing quite beautiful pieces of engineering art. Case in point; the OnDo noodle sculpture at Ballantyne Square in Auckland’s Dominion Road, has noodles seemingly being drawn out of the footpath by chopsticks. Another fine example of the melding of art and engineering to create beauty can be seen in the Henderson Art Bridge where the footpath width was increased using a mesh grille built on a structural steel frame connected to the bridge. Falls Park pedestrian bridge also in Henderson is an elegant arch structure designed in collaboration with an artist. It is this diversity of project type that most appeals to Covich, who as General Manager, is responsible for overseeing most projects that come across the desk.
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For well-grounded solutions Experienced Geotechnical and Environmental Engineers, drilling, sampling and getting our hands dirty since 1987. We provide clear and concise reports for better decisions and better outcomes. Level 1, 131 Lincoln Road, Henderson Ph. (09) 835 1740 Email. info@soilandrock.co.nz Web. www.soilandrock.co.nz
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“Personally I like the design challenge and the creativity of solving a problem with an elegant solution that adds to the environment.” “Personally I like the design challenge and the creativity of solving a problem with an elegant solution that adds to the environment.” Several of the staff have been with the company for 15 plus years. Covich puts this down to deliberately not growing too large, enabling all the team to participate fully in a project from conception through to completion and be proud to have been involved in all aspects rather than only in isolated areas.
“The company’s engineers design and supervise their individual projects acquiring a raft of skills during the process. “We would like to think we are extremely efficient delivering in timely ways to our clients.,” he says. “ It doesn’t matter how fancy your analysis and drawings are. “If you’re not delivering top quality work on time and to budget then you haven’t achieved your own goals.”
Business North
June 2015
ENGINEERING » Mitchell Vranjes Consulting Engineers
Base Isolation technology - which is designed to allow building foundations to ‘wobble’ in the event of an earthquake was pioneered in New Zealand and is now used around the world.
“Millennium Bridge” Designed by Mitchell Vranjes Falls Park, Henderson
Constructed by Nasey Contractors. Phone (09) 414 1944
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ENGINEERING » Pioneer Group
June 2015 Business North
The cutting edge of waste handling Sue Rusell Built on the back of an engineering company established in 1964, Pioneer Waste and Recycling Equipment based in Whangarei is one of New Zealand’s leading manufacturers of waste and recycling technologies. Key account and marketing manager Matthew Strachan has been with the company for two and a half years and in that time, he and the team have secured some significant supply relationships with clients such as The Warehouse, a company that was looking for smart and environmentally efficient ways to deal with their waste. “Our engineering company manufactures probably about 30 percent of our waste and recycling equipment sold here and overseas,” Strachan says. Part of the Pioneer Group, the company accesses the rest of its top of the range technology from global waste management manufacturing countries such as Germany, UK and Italy. “We’ve started to import more plant for marketing here partly because labour costs overseas are relatively low. “These are countries that have had a long history in adopting waste management practices and have developed really smart technologies of a very high standard as a result,” he says. The company manufacturers skip bins ranging in size from 4 – 30 cubic metres along with their licenced ECOBIN range of indoor recycling bins for indoor use, made of heavy duty polyethylene plastic and suitable for standard bin liners. For the last eight years, Pioneer Waste and Recycling Equipment has been manufacturing a UK designed horizontal baler, the PB50H and recently sold one to the Warehouse’s distribution centre in Wiri. “The machine is valued at upwards of $100,000 but the company had done its homework and could see that it would recoup its value in a very short space of time.” While acknowledging the waste and recycling management industry here is a very competitive one ,Strachan says there are good reasons the company has gained a prominent position in the market.
Pioneer Waste and Recycling Equipment based in Whangarei is one of New Zealand’s leading manufacturers of waste and recycling technologies. Key is the service capability, with a strong network of service providers should equipment require repair and for regular maintenance. The company offers a 24/7 breakdown service. The machines engineered in Germany and imported are fully automated and use minimal energy to operate. Strachan says the company very much has an attitude of looking out for new ideas and while there is growing demand for baler technology here New Zealand has a long way to go to reach the recycling levels of other countries, particularly those in Europe. “It’s heartening though to see bigger companies like Foodstuffs take on a whole waste initiative, basically recycling everything.”
The V-Press 860 baler is proving a popular choice for businesses handling a serious amount of cardboard. The bales it produces are the perfect size for companies to receive the best rebates through their local recycling operators. “The best feature about the V-Press 860 is its efficiency,” says Strachan. “By using it you save up to 40% of time because it has a much faster cycle time of just 25 seconds. Noise is limited to 62 decibels while most other machines on the market are pumping out 75 decibels.” The reduced noise aspect Matthew says is an important one in terms of placement of the machine inside work spaces. Making it possible for the machine to be located within easy reach of staff is another key efficiency factor. Another advantage for companies using a baler is that it creates additional space on the site that can then be put to good use, cutting down on truck movement around the yard as well as staff movement.
“It’s heartening though to see bigger companies like Foodstuffs take on a whole waste initiative, basically recycling everything.” Pioneer Waste and Recycling Equipment also has an equipment hire option for those companies who are not in a position to purchase the technologies outright. “For these companies that prefer to rent we can offer really flexible terms.” A visit to the company’s extensive website will give potential customers a good overview of the equipment it manufacturers and/or sells. “We’re keen to talk to any company no matter how big or small about finding the right solution to their waste and recycling needs.”
AUCKLAND 113 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks, Mangere P. 09 275 5066 F. 09 256 0015
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Business North
June 2015
ENGINEERING » QMI Engineering
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QMI - the complete quarry package Karen Phelps Auckland company QMI Engineering - in conjunction with its parent company, mining equipment specialist MIMICO - is nearing completion of a $6 million contract to build a new chip processing plant at Isaac’s Quarry near Christchurch Airport. QMI built the plant structures and managed the installation while MIMICO supplied the Metso crushers, screens and accessories and also designed and modelled the new plant using process simulation software. QMI manager Scott Welsh says the new chip plant will double production as well as increase efficiency and flexibility to produce chip for general use and crusher dust for asphalt and concrete production. He says that QMI extensively reworked plans to ensure a very flexible plant was delivered to the client that gave options for future development. “This was not a project where a neat and compact design was going to be the best solution,” says Welsh. “The client needed to know they could add things to the plant in the future without significant changes to the original layout.” Work began on the contract in August last year and construction and commissioning of the new plant is expected to be complete by the end of June. The project was Stage 2 of Isaac’s redevelopment at the quarry following on from the completion of a $4 million plant producing concrete aggregate which QMI and MIMICO also undertook. “Basically at QMI we specialise in providing solutions to the quarry industry,” says Welsh. “This can include full process and plant design, improvement or upgrade of existing equipment, which can include retro-fitting new equipment to maximise output, installation of new equipment and plant maintenance.” QMI is a subsidiary of MIMICO, a New Zealand distributor of equipment for the quarrying, mining, contracting, construction, recycling and forestry industries. MIMICO’s key brands include Metso crushing and screening equipment, Kobelco excavators and Atlas Copco breakers and demolition equipment. Welsh says that this means QMI can offer customers a complete quarry package. As an example another recent project
The new chip processing plant at Isaac’s Quarry near Christchurch Airport is nearing completion.
completed by QMI was an upgrade of Perry Aggregates’ Tauhei Road Quarry’s Barmac VSI plant after Perry Aggregates decided they needed to modernise their plant and increase production due to demand. QMI provided a new Metso Barmac B7150SE VSI purchased from MIMICO, designed a new frame to suit the machine then transported everything to site before assembling and installing everything in position. QMI is also the New Zealand agent for CESCO concrete mixer bowls. CESCO fully built-up units are available in New Zealand with replacement bowls available to suit locally manufactured units.
Scott Welsh says that the CESCO products are made from long-life rheemalloy steel and offer great performance with “innovatively engineered machine die pressed steel blade systems”. QMI Engineering had its beginnings in 1989 and is now a subsidiary of MIMICO and draws
on over 30 years experience working for quarry related businesses. Welsh, who has over 15 years’ industry experience, says that the skills and expertise offered in-house by QMI staff enhance the company’s reputation of offering clients a complete solution on a variety of projects.
“Basically at QMI we specialise in providing solutions to the quarry industry. This can include full process and plant design, improvement or upgrade of existing equipment....”
(0800 787 738)
Proud to support QMI Engineering
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54 |
ENGINEERING » Whangarei Engineering
June 2015 Business North
New owners look to build on success Karen Phelps Whangarei Engineering is under new ownership with a renewed focus on people, systems and culture, says one of the new company directors Ian Hendrikse. “We are really focusing the business on better understanding our clients’ needs and finding ways to enhance our services to them,” he says. Hendrikse and business partner Mairi Lauchland took over Whangarei Engineering in August last year. Hendrikse, who is an MBA-qualified electrical/ control systems engineer and project manager, brings extensive management experience at a senior level in the oil and gas, infrastructure, mining and power sectors both in New Zealand and overseas. Lauchland has an MBA and Bachelor of Health Science (nursing) and long experience in the health and disability services sector. She is taking charge of the company’s community equipment service. The pair say they are focusing on consolidation for the next twelve months with organic growth of new work with existing clients. “This period will be used to establish trust with existing clients and the existing team with the intent to reassure them that service levels and service conditions will remain as previously,” explains Hendrikse. “A review/gap analysis of our business systems, personnel and culture will be undertaken to establish which areas are working well and which need improvement.” While for most customers it will seem business as usual behind the scenes investment has already been made in business systems to improve workflow and efficiencies including upgrading IT, quality management systems and new workshop equipment. The pair are also focusing on human
Whangarei Engineering is a general and marine engineering company that specialises in large capacity engineering and structural and marine fabrication.
resources and customer relationship management to identify areas, which could be further improved. Whangarei Engineering is a general and marine engineering company that specialises in large capacity engineering and structural and marine fabrication. The company, which employs around 22 staff,
Whangarei Engineering serves marine, infrastructure, agriculture and complex heavy industries such as petrochemical.
Proud to support Whangarei Engineering Keeping it local
“Our core values are zero harm to all stakeholders and the environment, honesty and integrity, technical excellence and superior customer service.” serves marine, infrastructure, agriculture and complex heavy industries such as petrochemical. In recent years the company’s customers have included Oceania Marine, Ship Repair NZ, Norsand, Culham Engineering and Circa Marine & Industrial Ltd. The company also has a separate business unit providing mobility equipment services to disabled citizens throughout Northland, installing, repairing and servicing disability and hospital equipment. The business operates north of Warkworth, with key clients MoH, ACC, AccessAble and NorthAble. This part of the business has just been awarded the service contract for Howard Wright electronic hospital beds. Demonstrating the versatility of the company recent projects include building a two metre extension on the stern on a super yacht chase boat and to fabricate a helipad, repair work for Fullers Group ferries and completing earthquake
strengthening for ANZ bank in Bank Street, Whangarei. Hendrikse says operating in diverse industries helps to ensure the company has consistent workflow. The company has the ability to cross-train and move employees between the three business units, which supports this sustainability. “Our core values are zero harm to all stakeholders and the environment, honesty and integrity, technical excellence and superior customer service,” says Hendrikse. “Whangarei Engineering has a reputation for consistent excellence in delivery and provision of skilled technical resources. “We aim to continue to build a business of sustainable size and our vision is to be the industrial and marine engineering company of choice for employees and customers in the marine, infrastructure and complex heavy industry sectors in Northland.”
Business North
June 2015
ENGINEERING » Whangarei Engineering / Oceania Marine
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The Port Whangarei Marine Centre will be offering haulout, refit and repair services.
Mobile lifter will help eliminate Port logjam Kelly Deeks
Whangarei Engineering’s recent projects include building a two metre extension on the stern on a super yacht chase boat.
Oceania Marine Limited REFIT, REPAIR & CONSTRUCTION
Proudly Supporting Whangarei Engineering
Slipway – 800 tonnes Repair and commissioning berths Undercover spaces – available up to 60 meters LOA Top paint facilities Full engineering workshops on site HVAC and all systems catered for Materials – Aluminium, Steel Composite & Wood Marine Electrical and workshops on site Interior fitout and refurbishment Class Survey – Experienced in all Classifications Flag States – All requirements including >500grt Project Management – Our specialty Design
4 Fraser St, PO Box 840, Whangarei 0140 New Zealand Phone: +64 9 4303148 Fax: +64 9 4303147 24hr Mobile: +64 21 533156 Email: info@oceaniamarine.co.nz Website: www. oceaniamarine.co.nz
Northland’s Oceania Marine says the first of two travelift machines for the new Port Whangarei Marine Centre (PWMC) at its South Shipyard is set to be commissioned by October. The PWMC development is starting with the installation of a 100-tonne Cimolai mobile boat hauler (MBH 100) which will have an inside clear width of 10.2 metres, making it physically the largest machine in New Zealand. The PWMC will be offering haulout, refit and repair services to a wide range of vessels, both domestic and international. The first stage of the PWMC development not only targets a market that Oceania Marine currently does not cater for, but will also ease pressure on the slipping schedule of the 800-tonne railway slipway at the North Shipyard, for more large vessel haul outs. Oceania Marine marketing manager Jim Loynes says the travelift will eliminate all trace of current logjam problems at the port, and allow Oceania Marine to improve efficiencies and increase its workload. “With the slipway system, we can have three or four projects on the go at one time, but sometimes that is reduced to only one project, if we cannot coordinate multiple slipping schedules,” he says.
“With the travelift, we’re going to be able to have 20 or 30 vessels out of the water at one time without the scheduling problems.” Loynes says with Whangarei the main maintenance stop in the South Pacific for the international cruising fraternity, and the number of visiting yachts and sailing catamarans increasing, Oceania Marine has optimised its new travelift to service this market. “With the new development we will continue to handle a wide range of vessels, and while we see the yacht market as a growth area for the future, we will not be turning our back on the commercial vessels,” he says. “These form a large part of our business and will continue to offer the same services that have made us a popular choice for many operators, but hopefully even better,” he says. Loynes says Oceania Marine has had a successful past 18 months, since it purchased it’s North Shipyard facility. He says the new South Shipyard development will allow it to take advantage of the extensive marine fabrication and refit facilities, together with the site’s direct access to deeper water, enabling Oceania Marine to expand its capacity to service a wider range of vessels.
• To page 56
“With the travelift, we’re going to be able to have 20 or 30 vessels out of the water at one time without the scheduling problems.”
56 |
MARINE » Oceania Marine
June 2015 Business North
Centre will eliminate Port logjam • from page 55 Provision is also being made at PWMC for the installation of a 450 tonne Cimolai mobile boat hauler (MBH 450), which will follow the installation of the smaller travelift in time for the 2016 summer season. Loynes says these developments will put the New Zealand marine industry and Port Whangarei in particular at the forefront of the international market, as it will be able to offer an all tide, on demand service to vessels up to 450 tonnes. “By adding efficient and flexible haulout, Oceania Marine is creating a world class marine facility that compliments its operation at North Shipyard,” he says. “The marine industry as a whole is a complex and cooperative enterprise, particularly on larger projects and so enhancement of these facilities will have beneficial effects for the wider business community.” Initial design of a unique 4000 tonne Syncrolift for installation at the site has also been done so that discussion with partners and funders can proceed. Oceania Marine’s experience in the market, along with its own research and that of others, has shown the company needs to be able to service vessels up to 100 metres in length, with displacements of up to 4000 tonne.
Port Whangarei is the main maintenance stop in the South Pacific for the international yacht cruising fraternity.
“So at some point, sooner rather than later, we need to expand haulout capability to handle this size of vessel,” Loynes says. “What we have come up with is a side-shift syncrolift
and rail transfer system for installation at South Shipyard.” The design has been made up of two 2000 tonne platforms which can work together or
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independently. The additional advantage is that a single 2000 tonne platform can be installed initially, with the other to follow if capital raising dictates that approach.
For Hydraulic & General Engineering Proudly supporting Oceania Marine 120 PORT ROAD, WHANGAREI 09 438 0167 – www.lchydraulics.co.nz
Scaffolding
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Call 0800 SCAFFY (0800 722 339) for COST EFFECTIVE SCAFFOLDING SOLUTIONS Commercial and Domestic Scaffolding Mobile Scaffolds & Builders Props 24 Hour Service Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Marine COST EFFECTIVE SCAFFOLDING SOLUTIONS The PWMC development is starting with the installation of a 100-tonne Cimolai mobile boat hauler.
Ph: 09 436 5506 Fax: 09 436 5106 Email: info@palmerscaffolding.co.nz Website: www.palmerscaffolding.co.nz
Proud to support Oceania Marine Ltd • New Ship Build • Ship Repair • Machining • Aluminium and Steel Fabrication and Welding • Mobility Equipment Servicing
Come in and see us for all your Engineering requirements.
4 Fraser Street, Whangarei Phone: 09 438 7802 Fax: 09 438 7803
We carry Tools, Fasteners, Bearings and Transmission, Abrasives, Brass Fittings, Hose, Welding Gear, Paints, Chemicals, Wheels and Castors
www.whangarei-engineering.co.nz
97 Port Rd, Whangarei • Ph 09 438 7028 • Fax 09 438 0529
Business North
June 2015
PRODUCTION » Mahoe Cheese
| 57
Cheese maker eyes French breeds Karen Phelps Mahoe Cheese is taking a new direction with its herd towards French breeds, which has nothing to do with the final product but more to do with the company philosophy. “With Friesian and Friesian Jersey Cross cows we couldn’t do anything with the surplus stock as they are not good meaty cows,” says Mahoe Cheese owner Bob Rosevear. “And it’s against our business philosophy to pile them into the bobby wagon as we believe in utilising everything and being humane to animals. “So we were rearing them ourselves then giving them away, which obviously did not make good business sense.” The family brought over a single Mont Baliarde cow as a house cow and Rosevear says she turned out to be the best cow in the herd in terms of production and low mastitis levels. He says that moving the herd towards the Mont Baliarde and Normande breeds should produce a cow that is good for beef as well as milk giving the company more options. They have already managed to sell two of their surplus cows this season due to the breeds’ reputation for producing good beef. Mahoe Cheese is a family business based at Oromahoe in the Bay of Islands that has been operating since 1986. The business operated by Bob and wife Anna started as a dairy farm in the mid 1970’s in an equity partnership with Anna’s parents. The family’s interest in cheese started as they used to purchase cheese from a local cheesemaker. When he wanted to sell his business it made sense for the Rosevears to purchase the equipment and recipes and set up shop using their own milk to produce a range of bespoke cheeses.
• To page 58
Mahoe Cheese is a family business based at Oromahoe in the Bay of Islands that has been operating since 1986.
58 |
PRODUCTION » Mahoe Cheese / Havelock North Fruit Company
June 2015 Business North
Rockit revolution in apple market Sue Russell
Mahoe Cheese products are sold via a farm shop on the property, at local farmers’ markets, selected retailers or by mail order.
French twist for cheese maker • from page 57 Bob Rosevear says the focus is always on the small herd of around 100 cows as without them the family doesn’t have a business. The 60ha farm is deliberately under stocked to ensure the cows have more than enough nutritious grass to eat and that there is no stress on either the cows or the staff. The farm follows mainly organic principles, for example using certified organic fertiliser and homeopathics to treat animal health problems. All Mahoe Cheese products are produced by the family team, which also includes sons Tim, Jesse and Jacob. Tim takes care of the herd from which all the milk comes to produce the Mahoe Cheese products. The factory is located right next to the dairy shed meaning milk doesn’t have to be transported far. The fresh milk is pasteurised and turned into cheese the next morning. Jesse, Jacob and staff member Tony Van Stokkum, who has been with the business since it started, take charge of the production.
Bob says that the team is constantly working on improving cheese making and maturing techniques. For example Jesse has become interested in producing French style cheeses, experimenting with a hybrid gouda-gruyere and a washed ring cheese which is soft yet pungent. These are sold locally in small batches and Rosevear says they “sell like hot cakes”. Jacob is the company’s head cheesemaker and two out of the past four years has been named Cheesemaker of the Year in the New Zealand Champion of Cheese Awards. This year the company’s Very Old Edam was named Champion of Champions at the awards. Mahoe Cheese products include quark and yoghurt. They are sold via a farm shop on the property, local farmers’ markets, selected retailers or by mail order. “The cows are very friendly and come up to me wanting a pat and we produce a product people enjoy,” says Rosevear with a smile. “We’re independent and it doesn’t matter what happens with the milk prices. It’s very satisfying to see the grass grow, the cows eating it then being milked and then turning that milk into cheese.”
The most apt way Phil Alison, managing director of flourishing Hawke’s Bay company Havelock North Fruit Company, describes the experience of growing and marketing a very unique apple is to say ‘We’ve got a tiger by the tail’. That is no exaggeration either as the company has experienced several hundred percent growth year on year since Alison acquired global licencing rights to grow and market the Rockit™ apple. There are several reasons why this off the planet growth has happened. “First its natural size is to grow to about one and a half times the size of a golf ball, meaning the marketing approach we have adopted right from the start is to pitch it at a very different consumer than that of traditional apples,” Alison says. The apple is extremely crisp and very sweet, with a special aroma and a very thin skin. “It has a very beautiful colour skin that is quite intense.” Given these unique characteristics Alison could see the potential for the apple to compete in the healthy snack market.
Since first producing it in Hawke’s Bay orchards under licence in 2010 his intuition has been proved right. “I noticed that the confectionary companies over the past years had gone from large size products into niche packaging to capture the snack market. Products like chocolate and sultanas and raisins began appearing in smaller sizes and here I had an apple that naturally grows small, it just seemed to make sense to me that this was its target market.” Alison first came into contact with Rockit™ when it was a nameless product created by Plant and Food Research. This was back in 2002, when he says, the organisation was really keen for the apple industry to embrace growing new varieties for initial testing and evaluation. “I discovered this apple and at that time all the other breeders and the industry itself was centred on growing the usual larger apples.” Alison sent some of the first fruit to industry and marketing people around the world who came back with a resounding ‘Yes, your view of the apple and its potential is the same as ours’. It’s important he says to understand the difference between other small apples which he describes as “poor big apples”.
“We’re independent and it doesn’t matter what happens with the milk prices. It’s very satisfying to see the grass grow, the cows eating it then being milked and then turning that milk into cheese.”
We are a cheese seller of NZ hand made specialty cheese at affordable prices Promoting and selling locally made, by small Artisan cheese makers
Proud to be associated with Mahoe Cheese 146 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland | 0800 533 778
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waterfordpress.co.nz
Award winner: right, Phil Alison, managing director of Havelock North Fruit Company, with Mark Kippenberger of KPMG.
Business North
June 2015
PRODUCTION » Havelock North Fruit Company
| 59
Embracing the challenges of creating a global snack apple, Alison and the team at Havelock North Fruit Company revolutionised the way the apple was presented, placing five apples in a plastic tube. “If you test these small apples, the ones you often see bagged up in supermarkets, for flavour and other benchmark qualities they don’t measure up. Their seed is of inferior quality because it is actually a large apple that has poor seed. That’s why it is small.” Embracing the challenges of creating a global snack apple, Alison and the team at Havelock North Fruit Company revolutionised the way the apple was presented, placing five apples in a plastic tube, creating instant portability and safeguarding it
against the wear and tear that goes with packaging apples in bags. The apple is also marketed in handy vending packs of two and three apples in a tube. In 2010 Rockit apples were launched at Marks and Spencer in the United Kingdom and also in Taiwan where it was very well received and since then has reached the shelves of fruit merchants in 31 countries. “We have a very big planting programme underway in the Northern Hemisphere, in Italy, Belgium, the UK, Germany, France and in North
The small Rockit apple is extremely crisp and very sweet, with a special aroma and thin skin.
America along with our local orchards here in the Hawke’s Bay. At a local level the company currently employs close to 100 people in the pack-house in the peak of the harvesting season. A significant number of these come through Work and Income and training programmes at the Eastern Institute of Technology. A massive $17 million has been invested to date in plant and store facilities and orchard developments. Much of Alison’s time is spent overseas
ensuring that the name Rockit™ gets out into the market and that retailers and consumers alike are provided with the opportunity to experience the apple first-hand. “Because this is a very first product it is a constant challenge to educate consumers and retailers so we put a lot of investment and energy into tastings and food shows.” Given the journey to date of this particular ‘tiger’ it would seem its future is as bright and rosy as the colour of its skin.
60 |
BUSINESS SERVICES » Paul Industries
June 2015 Business North
Keep it simple philosophy pays off In an industry known for its booms and busts, a family owned company that’s still going strong 43 years later has clearly weathered a few storms and learned a thing or two along the way. For Tauranga-based building products company Paul Industries, the philosophy that’s seen them go from strength to strength is pretty simple. “It’s all about convenience and dependability” says Ben Lloyd, general manager of sales and marketing for Paul Industries. “Our focus is on making life as easy as possible for our customers and backing up everything we sell with consistent, dependable quality”. This philosophy under-pins everything they do, from product selection through to customer service. “Our Fastwrap range of synthetic underlays is a good example,” says Ben. “Since launching Fastwrap Wall Underlay to the NZ market seven years ago, we’ve gradually expanded the range to meet the needs of our customers, but we’ve been careful to avoid the common trap of having an unnecessarily complex product line-up.” The range now comprises Fastwrap Wall Underlay, Fastwrap FlameSpec Roof Underlay in two variants and the newest addition, Fastwrap Ultra-Bond Sill Tape. “With just these four key products, the Fastwrap range can tackle any job, in any area. “It’s a simple solution that benefits both specifiers and builders. “Specifiers already have enough on their plate keeping up-to-date with rapidly changing building regulations,” says Ben. “The last thing they want is to waste time getting to grips with a myriad of different products for each new job. With the Fastwrap range they know that they can specify the same products on any job, in any area, and they’ll deliver,” he says. The “Keep It Simple” principle also pays dividends for builders who save time and money by not having to carry a range of different products. Wastage is reduced as left-over stock can be carried over to the next job, and there’s no risk of getting to site and discovering they have the wrong underlay for the job.
The Fastwrap range of products can tackle any job in any area. Backing their products with appraisals is another way that Paul Industries helps to make decisionmaking easy for its clients. “Independent appraisals give customers the confidence of knowing exactly what the products are capable of,” says Ben. Again, the Fastwrap range is a good example each of the four key products are BRANZ-appraised and the team have recently backed Fastwrap Wall
Underlay with the added reassurance of CodeMark. “With more traditional products such as our Pauloid range of bituminous building papers and roof underlays, appraisals aren’t as important as customers have been using the products for years and know exactly what they’re suited to.” This is also true for the extensive range of wire products that Paul Industries sell into both the rural and building markets.
“The Bayonet range of wire products is well established and our customers know that it is a high quality, New Zealand-made product,” says Ben. “However we are careful to provide all the technical back-up that builders and specifiers need when they’re choosing roof or safety netting to meet the specifications of the various building codes.”
LET US TAKE THE WORRY OUT OF ROOFING
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Steelformers are proud to use Paul Industries materials 23 Katere Road, New Plymouth • 3466 Mountain Road, Stratford 380 Heads Road, Wanganui • 40 Huia Street, Taumarunui