Business North November/December

Nov/Dec 2015

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Cambridge Park

Page 18

Ngai Tahu eyes Auckland action Hugh de Lacy Ngai Tahu’s going to Auckland because that’s where the action is – and will likely remain – in the residential property market, according to the Christchurch-based iwi’s general manager of property for Auckland, David Kennedy.

“All of our property asserts are in the South island and predominantly in Christchurch.

“We’re wanting to create some geographic diversity, and the obvious place for us to look towards is the Auckland market,” Kennedy said.

“All the commentators are saying that there’s a high level of demand which isn’t being met yet, and won’t be for a few years, so it’s the obvious place for us to look.”

Kennedy said that the decision to look north and his recent appointment as the manager of that initiative - had nothing to do with the spread of the iwi’s membership beyond the South Island.

“It’s a straight commercial rather than an ownership decision.

“Auckland has a large population base, strong economic growth and demand for property activity, so it’s a natural place for us to look towards.”

Nor does it signal that the company is shutting up shop in Christchurch or the South Island.

“Some of our big land sub-divisions [in Christchurch] like Wigram and Preston Grove are coming to the end of their natural life, and I think the market here will change because most of the

post-earthquake demand is being satisfied by Ngai Tahu sub-divisions and others.”

Kennedy said the slowing of the rate of increases in Auckland house prices, which averaged $931,807 in November compared to $910,000 in August, did not deter the company either, as these appeared to be the result of new government rules restricting investment, combined with an easing of the capital outflow from China.

The slowdown in Auckland also appears to have given new life to the provincial residential market, with Waikato and the Bay of Plenty in particular benefitting from the Auckland overflow.

Nationally, house prices averaged $555,729 in November, up from $550,000 in October.

The softening outlook for interest rates, with the Reserve Bank mulling a further cut to the Official Cash Rate (OCR), seems unlikely to reinflate the Auckland market to any great degree, Kennedy said.

“Interest rates have been quite low by historic standards for a few years, and the market’s adjusted to that reasonably well.”

While Ngai Tahu’s northern focus will be on the residential market, that should not imply a neglect of opportunities in the commercial sector, Kennedy said.

“We’ve got an investment portfolio which includes commercial and retail assets, and we’ve got some successful industrial sub-divisions as well, so we’ll still be in those areas,” he said.

Manawatu hub

on the market Chris Hutching Wallance Developments has placed its latest commercial retail hub in the Manawatu on the market.

Wallace Developments headed by Jonathan Wallace and based in Havelock North has been a long term player in places like Palmerston North, and more recently in Auckland and Tauranga.

Business picked up after the 2008 crash because many other developers failed.

Many developments are for the same clients.

For example, Wallace Developments is currently building several outlets for Z Energy in the upper North Island.

Mr Wallace says the company usually has 15 to 20 projects under way and about the same number in the pipeline. he company retains some projects and markets others.

He favours auctions and has three offerings about to be auctioned including the FMG office building in Hamilton, the Department of Corrections building in Palmerston North, the Ministry of Education building in Gisborne, and the Rangitikei Junction hub.

The junction hub is the biggest commercial property in Bulls with anchor tenants include Foodstuffs with its Four Square supermarket, and BP Oil operating its BP service station and truck stop, and Rangitikei District Council.

INSIDE

New era for New Plymouth The new Novotel Hobson Hotel in New Plymouth is getting close to opening its doors. The hotel will be an important addition to the region. Developer Philip Brown says it will be the first large-scale hotel development in the city for several decades, as well as the first

No concerns with rate cut - PAGE 2

Slight dip in Auckland rents - PAGE 2

international brand hotel in the city. Completion is expected this month and the hotel will employ around 70 staff. With a predicted upswing in the oil and gas industry around late 2016/early 2017, Brown says the opening of the hotel will be timely.

See story - page 4

Ethical metal market grows - PAGE 3

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2|

MANAGING DIRECTOR

James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz

GENERAL MANAGER

Rex Lynch rex@waterfordpress.co.nz

EDITOR

Nick Gormack nick@waterfordpress.co.nz Sub Editor Gerard Campbell Journalists Jo Bailey, Karen Phelps, Chris Hutching, Kelly Deeks, Sue Russell, Hugh de Lacy

SALES ROOM Sharon Brown, Colin Morais, William Stock, John Fraser, Monique Dalrymple, Brittany Lane, Adam Brinkley, Sam Baxter, Matthew Harris, Paige Howard, Chris McPhee, Ren McKay, Eimear McKeever, Chris Pearce, Adam Shirra, David Mooney, Linda Sigvartsen

Email: sales@waterfordpress.co.nz

PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT Graphic Artists Samantha Stuart, Michael Parker, Liki Udam, Anton Gray, Jessica Ann, Mike Perry, Emma Bone art@waterfordpress.co.nz Customer Services Ann-Marie Frentz Sarah McQuilkin Charlotte Frentz annmarie@waterfordpress.co.nz Distribution Wendy McLarin wendy@waterfordpress.co.nz

OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Manager Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland Alex Cohen reception@waterfordpress.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN OFFICE Manager Scott Homer scott@waterfordpress.co.nz Printed by

Waterford Press Limited Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 PO Box 2581, Wakatipu These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Company and its clients. Advertising is charged for on the basis of space taken up using a standard tabloid page. Actual space may be reduced during the printing process but this will effect all advertisers equally so no credit will be given for any reduction in size due to processing. The Company reserves the right to alter, change or omit entirely any advertisement or article that it considers to be objectionable or which may contravene any law. In the event of a failure on the part of the Company to insert advertising as instructed the Company may publish the advertisement at the first available subsequent reasonable date unless the advertisement features date sensitive material. Every care shall be taken to publish the advertisement in accordance with the advertisers instructions as to page and position but the Company reserves the right for whatever reason to place advertising in a different position and in doing so shall incur no liability whatsoever. Advertisers must advise Business North immediately of any error or omission in advertisements and shall work constructively to remedy the situation which in the first instance shall be a rerun of the corrected advertisement in the next available issue of Business North. Where advertisement proofs have been faxed or mailed to the client 48 hours prior to the nominated printing cutoff time acquiesce shall be taken as confirmation and acceptance. Corrections made by telephone shall be accepted but the Company reserves the right to decide whether a further proof should be faxed or mailed to the client. Accounts for advertising are due for payment within seven days of publication of the newspaper.

Accounts not paid within this time may incur a penalty of 3% per month until the account is paid. Any debt collection costs incurred by the Company will be added to the account of the debtor. Views and opinions expressed in Business North are not necessarily those of the editors, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. Business North welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editors discretion. Business North accepts no responsibilty for loss of photos or manuscripts.

NEWS »

Business North

OCR rate cut not expected to boost housing market Hugh de Lacy The Reserve Bank’s expected further trimming of the Official Cash Rate (OCR) won’t re-inflate the bubbling Auckland housing market in 2016 to any great extent, the chief economist of Westpac Bank, Dominick Stephens believes.

Commentators were divided over a preChristmas rate cut that could see the OCR drop from its present 2.75 percent to 2.5%, the record low at which the Reserve Bank has held it for most of the time since the 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis.

Stephens was ambivalent about a December rate cut, but he believes the OCR could fall to as low as 2 percent in 2016, with the Reserve Bank taking further nips at it as late as June or August.

However he does not expect that to reverse the softening trend in the dangerously inflated Auckland market.

As well as the impact of a slowing national economy, “....the recent restrictions on mortgage lending and the tax rule changes will all have some negative effects on the market, “ Stephens said.

“To some extent lower interest rates will help ameliorate that slowdown, but it’s a time thing: the Auckland housing market slowdown is only six weeks old.

“To some extent lower interest rates will help ameliorate that slowdown, but it’s a time thing: the Auckland housing market slowdown is only six weeks old.”

“The cuts to the OCR I don’t expect are going to happen for another five months, but within the appropriate timeframe, yes, lower interest rates will be a positive factor among many acting on the market at that time,” Stephens said.

His forecast for the Auckland market was a return to slow positive house price inflation during the next year, with the OCR just one in a mix of influences.

“There are a number of things I think are important to the market, but in terms of direction of change what tends to happen is that when you get new regulatory changes happening you tend to get quite a sudden impact on the market, but the impact fades over time.”

The slowing of the market in OctoberNovember fitted this scenario despite inflation having been around 1% for the past year, below the Reserve Bank’s statutory obligation to keep it between 2% and 3%.

Inflation is having little impact on the housing market where a chronic shortage of housing stock, which is compounded by net immigration running at record levels above 60,000 a year, are the main drivers. The Reserve Bank’s commentaries have suggested it is reluctant to drop the OCR below 2.5%, even to get inflation back up within its target band, but fear of creeping deflation may force its hand.

Overall the economy was performing well, with tourism and the services sectors both ticking over nicely, and the slump in milkfat prices for the key dairy industry appearing to have run its course.

ANZ Bank chief economist Cameron Bagrie is another who, like Stephens, believes the Reserve Bank will be forced to cut the OCR to 2.5% by the middle of next year – if not sooner - while Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) senior economist Doug Steel agrees with that forecast, but doesn’t think it will go any lower in the current cycle.

Auckland rental yields New system slip under 4 percent taking aim Chris Hutching Crockers market researchers estimate the average return for Auckland rental properties is 3.6%, down from 4.01% in October 2014.

The returns calculations are based on rents achieved on medians value houses rather than increases in capital value.

Since June 2013, property prices have risen faster than rents.

In the latest Crockers Property Investment Index survey in association with IPSOS, nearly two thirds of the owners and landlords interviewed feel rental prices are fairly priced, while nearly a third believes rents are currently below fair price.

Nearly half are not planning to increase rents within the next six months, while 42 percent anticipate an increase of 3% or more.

Increases in costs associated with the rental property – rates, insurance and maintenance, are all likely to contribute to a decision to increase rents.

An increase in interest rates is also another factor.

Nearly half the investors and landlords interviewed (45%, down 6 points) are not planning to increase rents in the next six months.

Most of those planning to increase rents are anticipating an increase of 3% to 4%.

An increase in local rates is most likely to lead to an increase in rents (72% of respondents, up 8 points), but other costs like insurance and property maintenance also play a part.

Compared with the previous survey in July14, significantly fewer respondents are saying an increase in interest rates would influence them to increase the rent on their investment property.

Average rents across the eastern suburbs sit above the average for the greater Auckland region (Pukekohe to Rodney).

“These results suggest that the new property rules that came into effect in October have started to have an impact....”

The average price for a two-bedroom dwelling in the eastern suburbs is on a par with the average for three-bedroom dwellings in the greater Auckland region.

“Since 2011 we see consistent increases in rents across regions, two-bedroom prices increasing 19% to 22% and three-bedroom prices increasing 14% to 19%,” researcher Kim Sinclair says.

“This month the Auckland Rental Property Performance Index is up sharply, with a significant shift away from those who think their investment performance will get worse over the next 12 months to those who think it will remain the same.

“The Auckland Rental Property Investment Index is also up sharply this quarter, with a significant shift from those planning to reduce the size of their property investments over the next 12 months to those planning to make no changes to their property investments.

“These results suggest that the new property rules that came into effect in October have started to have an impact on the market, but perhaps not as expected – given that this shift in optimism signals an expectation that the market is not going to retreat.”

Auckland rents have returned to the August peak of $446, while two-bedroom rents across New Zealand increased to their highest level.

Rents for three-bedroom properties in Auckland dropped to $570 after peaking at $580 in August.

at insurance fraudsters Chris Hutching The Insurance Claims Register has expanded its methods of detecting insurance cheats. The technology has been developed in partnership with New Zealand firm Aptelisense.

The new system enables insurers to map data based on the geographic history of claims which alerts to double dippers, according to Dave Ashton, manager of the Insurance Claims Register.

The register has been operating for 15 years and is a major tool assisting in prevention of fraud, and for insurers to assess risk when taking on new business.

The new register allows insurers to search the claims history of potential new policyholders and includes any alerts that have been recorded by any member company.

It is expected there will be more checking of records by insurers as the new register is quicker to search, taking milliseconds as opposed to minutes.Members of the register have access to 7 million records containing more than 8000 flagged records.

Insurance fraud is estimated to add around $350 million to the cost of insurance in New Zealand. Types of insurance fraud include purposeful non-disclosure when people fail to inform the insurer of a previous claims history with the intent of getting a cheaper premium.

Double dipping involves making more than one claim off polices for the same loss, such as a travel claim where you are covered by your travel policy and a home and contents policy.

Exaggerating a claim includes adding extra items.

Business North Nov/Dec 2015

NEWS »

|3

Growing market for ethical metals Karen Phelps With only one other supplier of ethically sourced silver as competition worldwide and no other company currently supplying ethically sourced gold, Baz Howie, from Waihihi Bullion Company, has big plans for a new venture, which will see ethically produced precious metals from Newmont Waihi Gold’s mine available to growing niche markets.

“Ethically sourced gold and silver is a growing request for the jewellery industry from its clients and I expect in the near future it will become as popular as requesting ethically sourced diamonds,” predicts Howie.

His belief in the market can be seen in Howie’s dedication over many years to develop a path of traceability for gold and silver mined by Newmont Waihi Gold.

All gold and silver bullion produced from Newmont’s gold mines in Waihi is shipped to the Perth Mint as dore bars for refining as it’s not possible to refine the gold and silver produced in Waihi to the required purity in New Zealand.

Previously it wasn’t possible to separate Waihi’s gold or silver at the Perth Mint from batches produced by other miners.

Howie worked closely with the Perth Mint, which is part of the Conflict Free Smelter Programme, so precious metal produced from Waihi could be separated as anode bars before it is mixed with other product.

Once refined, it is now shipped back to Waihi as one ounce gold and 10 ounce silver ingots and Newmont Waihi Gold provides Waihihi Bullion Company with information about the shipment number once the ingots are back in Waihi.

The Waihihi Bullion Company can then provide

“They will know that it wasn’t mined using questionable techniques, using child labour or destructive environmental practices or in a conflict zone.”

Gold and silver production at Waihi meets the international criteria for ethical gold production. consumers with information about when the gold or silver was poured and where it came from providing a clear path of traceability right down to the tunnel where the metal was mined.

Newmont Waihi Gold external affairs coordinator Kit Wilson says that gold and silver production at Waihi meets the international criteria for ethical gold production.

“This includes labour laws, cultural training, closure plans, and community engagement. This

means that if a consumer purchases a Waihi gold or silver ingot from the Waihihi Bullion Company or the Gold Discovery Centre, or a piece of jewellery from an accredited manufacturing jeweller who is using Waihi’s gold and silver, they know exactly where it came from.

“They will know that it wasn’t mined using questionable techniques, using child labour or destructive environmental practices or in a conflict zone,” says Wilson.

Both one ounce gold and 10 ounce silver ingots are available for purchase from Waihihi Bullion Company on pre-order or over the counter at the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre.

Gold and silver is delivered in small increments to address any security issues around delivering or storing the ingots and only very small amounts of gold and silver are kept in Waihi.

Howie, who has a 20-year background in finance, says his primary market at present is the souvenir industry and that customers have been enthusiastic about purchasing precious metals they know originated in the local area.

Sales to New Zealand-based jewellers are also increasing but Howie sees export potential and is presently making contacts with jewellers internationally.

Howie says that investment in physical bullion is a market trend: “Markets internationally, particularly China, are buying up gold big time at the moment.

There is a supply and demand issue so the partnership with Newmont Waihi Gold will give Waihihi Bullion Company consistency of supply and this was one of the other main drivers for establishing the partnership.

“As our business grows so will our access to increased supply. This will give us a real competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

Commercial property returns at record high Hugh de Lacy Commercial property returns reaching an all-time high are unlikely to result in a significant tranche of building industry resources being drawn away from the over-loaded residential sector, according to Connal Townsend, the chief executive of the Property Council of New Zealand.

The council last month published figures which showed commercial properties yielding 12.6% in the year to September, the highest returns since 2008. Soon after that 2008 peak, the world economy entered the global financial crisis, and commercial property took a hit even as residential building ramped up in the face of the Christchurch earthquake recovery and the Auckland housing shortage.

This year’s commercial high was made up of

a 4.7% increase in capital growth as measured by property valuations, with the rest being returns from rents.

“I don’t think there’s going to be a big switch [away from residential building]: there’s work aplenty all round,” Townsend said.

“So far I’m not hearing people saying one sector’s cannibalizing the other.

“There’s no doubt that capital rates are still firming, but vacancy rates are still relatively low, especially for top-end quality office space.”

The Auckland commercial property market is presently influenced strongly by dairy industry giant Fonterra’s move into its new headquarters, and “some reasonably good assets are starting to come onto the market” as a result, Townsend said.

While the Auckland market was large by New Zealand standards, it still took only one big new office development to have “quite a significant”

Surviving the minefield Payroll systems are a vital component of any business but it can often be a minefield for businesses to identify the best solution to suit their particular needs.

Doug Jopling, CEO of IMS Payroll, says that the number of options in the marketplace is growing but there are some simple rules, which a company can apply to ensure they choose the right solution.

“Firstly, choose a company that has been providing payroll solutions in New Zealand for a long time as you need a provider who is familiar with both the complex payroll system in New Zealand and employer obligations,” he advises.

“Next consider what your key requirements are for your payroll system and ensure that the solution you choose can cater for those requirements.

“For example, how many employees do you have? Do you want to be able to work on the go from any device or just from your desktop PC in the office? Do you want your payroll software to talk to your accounting software?

“Thirdly ensure that you will be backed up with reliable support from the software provider.”

He says that a system should be flexible and configurable as every business is unique.

“For smaller companies ease of use may be the most important aspect while other companies may require the payroll solution to integrate with time clock/roster systems, financial systems or full HR systems.

“That’s why IMS Payroll offers integration with most accounting and time and attendance systems available in New Zealand.”

He says that another part of having a flexible, configurable solution is being able to turn on and off required functionality to customise the solution to suit the particular requirements of the business.

“A business should choose a payroll solution that can grow with the business, which means less disruption in the long term and saves time and money as staff will not need to retrain in a new solution further down the track.”

impact on the market. “We’ll probably see people move from C grade up to B, and B to A because things are still looking good – we’ve probably still got another 18 months to two years before things go off the boil.”

Property Council figures for the September year show industrial property was the commercial market leader with returns reaching 13.1%, while office assets yielded 12.7% and retail 11.6%.

Also helping cushion commercial property demand round the country is the continuing trend towards compact office space, such as by openplan layouts. “Interestingly there’s a trend in North America back towards partitions, but like all these things they work in cycles and that’s not the kind of space we’re into in New Zealand.”

Townsend said builders’ specialisation in either the commercial or residential sectors limited the degree to which they could follow the trends and

switch from one to the other, except in the finishing trades which were under pressure from both.

The recent announcement of an expansion at Auckland’s St Luke’s shopping mall reflects a trend in the region, with other malls also contemplating similar growth. In Wellington the retail sector is not so influential, while Christchurch still continues to beat to the earthquake recovery drum with a raft of CBD high-rises under construction, and residential sector activities and prices stabilizing are the initial post-quake boom.

Within the commercial sector, industrial property “continues to be the little train that does: it just keeps on chugging,” Townsend said.

“It never has the highest highs but never has the lowest lows either, and with industrial markets increasingly moving into retail space as people do more internet shopping, the future for industrials is looking pretty rosy.”

4|

DEVELOPMENT» Novotel Hobson Hotel New Plymouth

Nov/Dec 2015

Business North

New Plymouth hotel sets benchmark Karen Phelps The new Novotel Hobson Hotel in New Plymouth will be the first large scale hotel development in the city for several decades, as well as the first international brand hotel in the city, says Philip Brown, director of development company Hobson Hotel Property Holdings Ltd. “It’s an exciting development for the city and benefits are already filtering down into the community,” he says.

Constructed by Foster Construction, the $25m project has had up to 150 workers on site.

It’s been a five-year project which New Plymouth-based entrepreneur and property developer Brown conceived when he purchased the land in five titles in 2010, including a church building and two dwellings, with the intention of development.

Brown has previously operated a number of successful businesses including the establishment of nationwide laundry service Allied Laundry (now Alsco NZ), Media Direct Information Services, Crowded House Bar & Café in New Plymouth, e-procurement business Tenderlink.com, which was sold to Fairfax Media, and Chiefs and Indians Ltd, an investment in the Chiefs Rugby franchise.

Although Philip Brown says he had no initial ideas for the development it was when he noticed that New Plymouth lacked quality hotel stock he commissioned a feasibility study to determine the viability of an independent hotel project for the region.

After being approached by several large hotel brands he started to see the benefits of the franchise model.

The new Novotel Hobson Hotel in New Plymouth will be the first large scale hotel development in the city for several decades.

With New Plymouth being a hub for the oil and gas industry, Brown was aiming primarily at the corporate market and says that the Novotel brand was a good fit being a well-established brand both locally and internationally.

Novotel is part of the Accor Hotels group, which also includes 17 brands from economy to luxury including ibis, Mercure and Sofitel. The group operates in 92 countries with 3700 hotels offering 480,000 rooms.

Located on the corner of Hobson and Leach streets, the 6000sqm site is on the main arterial route into New Plymouth from the north and is located on the entry to the city CBD. The hotel, designed by head architects Boon

Experience, knowledge Tse Taranaki & Associates Limited is a civil and structural engineering consultancy practice and has been involved with many of the region’s significant projects over the years, the latest of which is the Novotel Hobson Hotel New Plymouth.

The company was one of the main consultants on the project completing all the design for the civil works (including stormwater and roading) and all the structural design work for the building. The company was also part of the preliminary design team working alongside architects Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner to develop concept and construction plans.

According to Tse Taranaki & Associates Limited director, Frank Kerslake, the biggest challenge of the project was the site, which had complex geotechnical strata across the area. The building footprint also took up most of the site and the site inclination varied from one end to the other. The engineer-designed solution was to use driven piles and interlocking ground beams to stabilise the area creating a secure building platform.

The company then joined the construction supervision team observing the site on a regular basis and signing off completed works.

Frank says like most projects this one was price driven. “The project had a specific budget in a certain time frame so it was a constant balancing act between these two important considerations to deliver the end result,” he says. The project was in the design phase when the Christchurch earthquakes occurred and this had a significant influence on the final structural design.

“Construction techniques were being reevaluated on an almost daily basis. We had

to anticipate what changes might be made to the building and engineering codes and at the same time ensure we were designing a building that would meet these possible changes,” he says.

Tse Taranaki & Associates Limited is locally owned and operated and have been providing quality services Taranaki wide for over 35 years specialising in commercial and industrial engineering services. Offering complete project management services, Tse Taranaki & Associates Limited can take care of the entire engineering project from designing through to finishing, concept to completion.

The company’s vast amount of experience, knowledge and expertise ensures its clients always receive cost effective and quality engineering solutions. Tse Taranaki & Associates has offices in New Plymouth and Hawera.

“Our engineers have the experience and knowledge of modern construction techniques to provide a cost-effective design. The design concept and choice of material is influenced by the need to provide an affordable design solution to meet the client’s needs. Tse Taranaki & Associates prepares all contract documents including general and special conditions of contract, technical specifications and attends to calling of tenders,” explains Frank.

He says that the Novotel Hobson Hotel New Plymouth was a good contract for a local firm such as Tse Taranaki & Associates Limited to undertake and the company’s previous experience in high-rise construction proved invaluable. The successful completion of the Novotel Hobson Hotel New Plymouth paves the way for Tse Taranaki & Associates Limited to undertake similar large contracts in the future.

Residential, Commercial and Industrial engineering projects in Taranaki complete, professional services Foundation Design • Soil Investigation • Structural Invesigation Industrial, Commercial Residential and Rural • Roading and Bridges Stormwater and Drainage • Land Development Construction Supervision • Contract Management Project Management • CAD Drafting

www.tsetaranaki.co.nz gineering solutions Taran aki wide us for reliable en Contact

06 758 8390

148 Powderham St, New Plymouth 4310

Business North Nov/Dec 2015

DEVELOPMENT » Novotel Hobson Hotel New Plymouth

|5

The Novotel Hobson Hotel will include 100 accommodation rooms comprised of a mix of 25sqm studios, 31sqm executive rooms and 50-70sqm apartments.

Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner, will include 100 accommodation rooms comprised of a mix of 25sqm studios, 31sqm executive rooms and 50-70sqm apartments.

The hotel will also include Governors Restaurant with seating for 100 people, bar facilities and outdoor alfresco dining options and conference facilities capable of accommodating 300 people conference style and 250 people banquet style. Also offered will be a range of meeting facilities and an executive boardroom.

The hotel will offer ultra fast broadband and according to Philip Brown will be the first hotel

in New Plymouth to offer this. The hotel will also include a gymnasium, lap and spa pool, sauna and day spa.

Other contractors include ICL Construction, Aurecon, TSE Taranaki, BTW Company, Marshall Day and Boffa Miskell.

Completion is expected sometime in December and the hotel will employ around 70 staff.

With a predicted upswing in the oil and gas industry around late 2016/early 2017 the opening of the Novotel Hobson Hotel will be timely.

“It’s an exciting development for the city and benefits are already filtering down into the community,” Photos: Glenn Jeffrey

Multi disciplinary team Offering a multi disciplinary team and a number of skillsets under one roof has enabled BTW Company to successfully work on the Novotel Hobson Hotel project, says head of the planning and environment team for BTW Company, Cam Twigley.

Despite the project presenting a number of challenges, BTW Company was able to negotiate through these and offer solutions, he says.

BTW Company started business as surveyors and during the last 10 years it has expanded into a multi-disciplinary business including resource consenting and environmental planning, civil, geotechnical and structural engineering, geographic information systems and project management, as well as providing specialist services to the oil and gas industry.

Cam says that therefore a key aspect of the businesses success has been to offer a multi disciplinary team with well-managed integration of each of these disciplines.

“For example, when working on the Novotel Hobson project we have been able to offer the client a wide range of services and experts including structural engineers, environmental scientists, a resource consents team, traffic engineers and surveyors.

“Typically, a client could have to go to several different companies to achieve all these things but BTW Company can offer them in-house. This means that we can deliver projects with a technological and economic advantage to our clients.

“It’s a very seamless approach as we all work together as one team, which gives a better understanding of each aspect

of projects,” he explains. Located on an undulating site both resource consents and design presented challenges during the Novotel Hobson project.

A protected tree on the site meant that BTW Company had to help to ensure that this was not impacted by the development.

As the site backed onto residential properties, BTW Company had to liaise extensively with the local community on the client’s behalf.

Utilising innovative technology for the benefit of clients is another key aspect of the company’s growth and success.

On the Novotel Hobson project, BTW Company used 3D laser scanning technology, which is capable of taking one million readings per second to offer incredibly accurate mapping solutions. The technology was used for surveying pillars, as well as checking that floors had been poured correctly.

“It gives us highly accurate 3D survey data. It’s efficient, fast and user friendly. It was great to be able to use such high end technology on this project.”

Consenting of the project was completed in 2013 and since then BTW Company has been actively involved throughout the construction phase completing environmental audits, as well as surveying and providing site set out services.

The company expects to be working on the project until its opening in December.

“The project sits on the entrance corridor to New Plymouth so when it’s completed we’ll have a high-quality architecturally designed building on this site. It’s been great to be part of such a positive development for the city.”

6|

DEVELOPMENT » Novotel Hobson Hotel - Foster Construction

Nov/Dec 2015

Business North

Hotel build filled with challenges Karen Phelps Availability of materials, people power and the need to redesign as the project was being built to meet design and financial restraints have been the three biggest factors that had to be overcome on the build of the Novotel Hobson Hotel New Plymouth, says Fosters Construction contracts manager and director Dean Hope.

“Construction in Christchurch and Auckland has placed pressure on both human and material resources.

“The challenge has been mainly the numbers of people and product available to build a large building such as this at the speed that’s required,” says Dean.

“Our main test has been getting things and getting them to the site on time,” he says.

The company has partly solved the problem by utilising the services of labour hire companies to bring in staff to complete specific jobs.

A team approach between all parties involved in the build - architects, engineers, builder and owner – has also been key.

Dean says that all parties have had to have a very open mind and bring to the table both experience and helpful solutions. This has sometimes saved the project money.

For example, Fosters Construction worked closely with the team to budget the building in the very early stages post-tender.

Fosters Construction’s advice resulted in the redesign of the conference area from a buildability and cost point of view, including simplifying the lobby, front entrance and staircase.

The hotel, designed by head architects Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner, will include 100 accommodation rooms comprised of a mix of 25sqm studios, 31sqm executive rooms and 5070sqm apartments.

The hotel will also include Governors Restaurant with seating for 100 people, bar facilities and outdoor alfresco dining options and conference facilities capable of accommodating 300 people conference style and 250 people banquet style.

Also offered will be a range of meeting facilities and an executive boardroom.

The hotel will also include a gymnasium, spa pool, sauna and day spa.

Structurally, the Novotel Hobson Hotel is made from columns, beams and pre-cast tilt panels around the exterior and basement.

Structurally, the project is made from columns, beams and pre-cast tilt panels around the exterior and basement.

Dean says that while the beams, columns, floor ribs and in-fills are fairly standard heavy construction, the project was still a technically a demanding build in terms of the way the column tops and beams interact with the overlay of stirrups.

Other challenges included the ground conditions of the 6000sqm site, combined with the wettest June, July and August on record in Taranaki.

Design changes had to be made with the structural engineer due to the unforeseen ground conditions.

“It’s a long narrow site and soft spots were discovered in the ground. This meant we needed to drive down deep piles to over 40 metres in these areas to stabilise the site,” explains Dean.

“For the foundations, we had to drive steel UC piles after reconstitution of the land. Local contractors Whitaker Civil completed those elements, as well as the ground beams and column pads.”

Management of noise and access were critical and required sound methodology and planning, days, if not weeks, ahead.

The site is bounded by roads on two sides, businesses each end and residents’ property at the rear. Dean says this meant that Fosters Construction had to undertake thorough planning days and sometimes weeks ahead.

Stringent noise and environment controls under the Resource Management Act meant restricted hours of work, including no noise before 10am Saturday and no work on Sundays. • to page 9

TARANAKI REINFORCING LIMITED GIB® PLASTERBOARD Fixing and Stopping

Supply, Cut, Bend & Install Residential • Commercial • Industrial ALL YOUR REINFORCING NEEDS!

(06) 343 6110 Contact John, Lynne, Garry 11 George Street, Wanganui, Mobile 0274 987 369 Email:office@skelseyplasterers.co.nz

Ph 06 758 6297 Mobile 021 999 375 14B Constance St, Waiwakaiho, NP

www.taranakireinforcing.co.nz

Proud to support Foster Construction SERVICES

TARANAKI ENGINEERING

› Fabrication and Pipe Work › Precision Machining and Plant Maintenance › Projects and Site Services › Structural Steel Fabrication and Erection › Cnc Profiling Cutting

TARANAKI ENGINEERING: ANY JOB! THE BIGGER THE BETTER!

› 3D Draughting › Design and Detailing

216 De Havilland Drive, Bell Block, New Zealand | Phone: 06 755 2222 | Fax: 06 755 20 22 | Email: office@taranakieng.co.nz

Business North Nov/Dec 2015

DEVELOPMENT » Novotel Hobson Hotel - Foster Construction

|7

The site also includes an exotic 150-year-old South American Ombu Inkwood tree – thought to be one of only two in New Zealand - which is protected by resource management and contractual agreement.

Choosing to be extraordinary not ordinary is our business philosophy.

CHAIN RIGGING ANDS SCAFFOLDING IS THE SECOND DIVISION IN THE CHAIN GROUP OF COMPANIES. Chain Resources Ltd ( CRL ) is the parent company, having years of project management, oil, gas, energy sector experience on various sites around the country our resource services have expanded. These resources can be supplied in-house and include project management, HSQE management and implementation, safety shutdown teams, confined space management, logistics and security services. We also recruit in resources where required with a global network of contacts.

Born from this company is Chain Rigging and Scaffolding Ltd ( CRSL ), based on the strong HSE systems in CRL, we saw a gap in the market to provide quality tradesman,employee’s and improve both the clients and the general publics perception of what a great scaffolder and rigger can actually do . We have created a culture in Chain that supports and encourages change, that encourages input into the company and that leaves both our clients and team members supported, we in return get their support, compliance,

reliability, smart thinkers that know they belong in a family of like minded individuals. There are no prima donna’s here, just outstanding individuals that understand legislation, safety requirements, client objectives and most importantly are themselves happy to work here in the Chain Group of companies. We ensured the success of this division by securing the top management team available and also the best equipment (Layher, German made equipment)

For all Scaffolding enquires: 0800 2 CHAIN | 0800 2 24246 | Ph: 06 758 7991 | Fax: 06 758 7990 | 1249 Egmont Road, Egmont Village 4372

8|

DEVELOPMENT Âť Novotel Hobson Hotel - Foster Construction

Nov/Dec 2015

Business North

Challenges for Foster Construction included the ground conditions of the 6000sqm Novotel Hobson Hotel site, combined with the wettest June, July and August on record in Taranaki.

www.excel.co.nz 06 769 6831 l 021 845 311

MECHANICAL SERVICES LTD

b.conley@excel.co.nz

Excel Mechanical Services providing Air Conditioning & Mechanical Services to the Hobson Hotel

For all your flooring requirementslarge or small, commercial or residential,- our skilled team are there to assist.

47 Molesworth Street, New Plymouth 06 7586554 rapleys@carpetcourt.co.nz

Rapleys Carpet Court has been the leading flooring solutions company in New Plymouth for over 20 years.

We are thrilled to be associated with Fosters Construction and the development of the Novotel Hobson Hotel.

This project has set the standard in design, quality and installation- a brilliant collaboration.

Proud to support Foster Construction Our nationwide vegetation management services include tree services and line clearance; arboriculture and horticultural services; grounds, turf and sportsfields maintenance; and land clearance.

Tree Services | Utility Vegetation Management | Open Space Management | Grounds Maintenance ENQUIRY@ASPLUNDH.CO.NZ

WWW.ASPLUNDH.CO.NZ

CALL US ANYTIME, ANYWHERE: 0800 4 277 583

Business North Nov/Dec 2015

DEVELOPMENT » Novotel Hobson Hotel - Foster Construction

|9

New hotel build filled with challenges aplenty • from page 6 The site also includes an exotic 150-year-old South American Ombu Inkwood tree – thought to be one of only two in New Zealand - which is protected by resource management and contractual agreement.

Dean says that Fosters Construction has been praised for its care of the tree, which was security ring fenced.

“Work around it is being undertaken by hand where possible to avoid damaging the roots,” he says.

Dean, who believes that passive fire control will be the next big talking point in construction since leaky building and earthquake strengthening, says that Fosters has a wealth of experience and knowledge in this area.

The Novotel Hobson Hotel project included the installation of passive fire materials and the hotel has been built to meet or exceed inter-wall fire control standards.

It is Hamilton-based Foster Construction’s first contract in New Plymouth.

Dean says that he successful completion will demonstrate the company’s ability to adapt to changing and challenging circumstances, as well as its ability to work and coordinate with all the parties concerned.

Fosters Construction was started in 1973 and mainly focuses on large-scale commercial construction projects in Hamilton City and the Waikato. The company works closely with clients from the initial design and budget planning stages to finished result.

Because all owners work in the company, Dean says this means they can work effectively together as a team and make decisions quickly.

“We’re very relationship focused and have a name built up over the past 40 years so it’s very important to us to keep that good name and take it forward.”

The project was a technically demanding build in terms of the way the column tops and beams interact with the overlay of stirrups.

www.inzide.co.nz

PLUS

making a world Professional Quantity Surveyors for the project.

Great to be involved with this innovative development.

Congratulations to the project team Ortus International Limited, Level 7, CSI House, 166 Featherston St PO Box 25 166 WELLINGTON 6146 P +64 4 472 7963 E reception@ortus-international.com F +64 4 472 8792 W www.ortus-international.com

1 Shelter Grove, Frankleigh Park, New Plymouth 410

Jan - 027 4449 677 | Brent - 027 4523 857 | jan.roebuck@xtra.co.nz

Proud to have been associated with the Hobson Hotel Build as Plumbers, gasfitters and associated drainage work

10 |

CONSTRUCTION » Maycroft Construction

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

A more comfortable wait ahead Jo Bailey The daily commute is set to become a more enjoyable experience for Upper Hutt residents following the long-awaited replacement of the city’s old railway station.

The striking new $3.5 million building, designed by architect Dominik Mazur, of HBO-EMTB, has been said to resemble a train emerging from a tunnel.

Both rail and bus commuters will have a more comfortable wait in a large heated, naturally lit waiting room, with internal access to public toilets and a coffee kiosk.

A new ticket office, and weather protection for bus users on the city frontage of the building, are other features of the development, along with improved lighting.

“Customers will also benefit from improved security camera coverage and an emergency help point operating 24/7,” says Angus Gabara, manager rail operations for Greater Wellington Regional Council.

External and internal Real Time Information screens will let customers know how long they have to wait for the next bus or train.

They will also be able to use free Wifi while they wait.

Staff amenities for the 30 or so train and bus staff who begin and finish work at the station each day have also been upgraded, along with the platform surface and external waiting areas, which are now safer and more sheltered, says Angus.

The new facilities replace the original building built in 1955, which was in a dilapidated condition and had functioned poorly for years.

“The old building had a number of structural defects, numerous electrical issues and asbestos in some interior panels and the roof.

“The replacement was always programmed in the Regional Rail Plan and was brought forward a few years due to the need to address some of these defects in the short term,” says Angus.

The design of the new building started in

The new railway station replaces the original building, built in 1955, which was in a dilapidated condition and had functioned poorly for years. early 2015, with engineering consultants from Aurecon, Haden Walters and Andy Lyon also closely involved with the project.

Construction got underway in February.

Angus says the biggest constraint of the project has been to minimise the disruption to customers during construction.

“We were not able to close the station completely so had to ask our customers to change from train to bus in and around a construction site which included platform alterations and live overhead wires. Our

contractor Maycroft Construction have done an excellent job of providing information and taking care of our customers during this very difficult build.”

He says Maycroft has been a very good team to work with from “the office to the site”.

“They have succeeded in building GWRC a modern, vibrant facility to a high standard of quality. This facility will serve both commuters and the community for a long time.”

Key funders of the project are the Greater

Wellington Regional Council and NZTA. “We are also very grateful for a $1 million contribution from Upper Hutt City Council which made the project possible,” says Angus.

Other stakeholders in the project include KiwiRail Network and Metlink.

Angus says Greater Wellington Regional Council is pleased to have been played its part in the delivery of the modern new facility for Upper Hutt, which reflects a commitment to “user friendly transport” in the Wellington region.

“The replacement was always programmed in the Regional Rail Plan and was brought forward a few years due to the need to address some of these defects in the short term.”

Proud to Supply 2400 ln/m of Louvre Fins to Upper Hutt Railway Station!

Aluminium Balustrades, Flashings, Louvre Screens, Architectural Façades Full Project Management - DESIGN - ENGINEER - FABRICATE - INSTALL

urbangroup.co.nz

TARARUA ROOFING LIMITED

TARARUA ROOFING LTD ARE PLEASED TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH MAYCROFT CONSTRUCTION LTD ON THIS FEATURED DEVELOPMENT INSTALLING THE ENVIROCLAD MEMBRANE & DANPALON POLYCARBONATE ROOF MATERIALS

• TEL (04) 569 3074 • FAX (04) 569 4684 • MOBILE: 027 442 0346 • EMAIL: tararua@wilprop.co.nz PO BOX 44-046 LOWER HUTT

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

CONSTRUCTION » Maycroft Construction

| 11

The striking new $3.5 million Upper Hutt railway station building, designed by architect Dominik Mazur, of HBO-EMTB, has been said to resemble a train emerging from a tunnel.

Diamond Civil is a small but focused business, specialising in the installation of underground network infrastructure.

Phone: 04 528 6155 Mobile: 021 221 5110 Email: ian@diamondcivil.co.nz Unit 1, 26 Goodshed Road Upper Hutt 5018

Proud to work with Maycroft Construction 0800 83 84 85 | W: viridianglass.co.nz

For all of your glass and glazing needs

PO Box 38021, Wellington Mail Centre, Lower Hutt 5045 Ph: 04 567 9280 Fax: 04 567 9820 Demolition • Site works • Earthworks • Concrete cutting and drilling services • Waste bin hire and cartage Concrete breaking • Concrete crushing (low noise) • House and building removals/relocations • Plant hire

12 |

DEVELOPMENT» The Gardens Estate - Devon Homes

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Affordable homes, individual service Karen Phelps A new subdivision in Wanganui offers 33 lots to the market.

The Gardens Estate is located on 2.5ha, making it the last large area of land to be developed in inner Springvale, says one of the developers and Devon Homes employee Catherine Kennedy.

She says the development’s proximity to the CBD - about five minutes’ drive – and location within premier schooling catchments, including Wanganui High School and St John’s Hill Primary School, means it has been popular already with buyers since it was released to the market.

The Gardens Estate is also located near major sporting grounds, a swimming pool and stadia. It is a subdivision that will offer ultra fast broadband and sections will be free of storm water storage tanks, with storm water directed to a swale pond area, which will then flow into the storm water network.

The Gardens Estate will have access from Springvale Road and with four sections directly on Somerset Road.

A range of sections will be offered, from family sized sections of 844m2 to smaller sections, which Kennedy says are ideal for retirees or those who want less land to take care of.

All the houses will be built by Devon Homes, whose director Bernard Reuters is the other Gardens Estate developer.

It is not the first subdivision the company has been involved in. It has also developed Ringley Estate on St Johns Hill, offering 35 freehold sections and is presently developing two subdivisions in Auckland.

Locally owned and operated Devon Homes has been building homes in Wanganui for 30 years and

according to Kennedy has built more houses in Wanganui than any other company. Devon Homes also completes renovations, additions, alterations and maintenance.

The Devon Home team consists of managers, designers, colour consultant, builders, gibstoppers, painters and tilers. Kennedy says that all staff are passionate about their profession, with several staff and sub-contractors working for the company for more than 20 years.

The company’s past experience includes subdivision development and cluster housing, as well as its own subdivision developments, including road building and house and land packages.

Recently, it has been heavily involved in the flood recovery assisting clients in emergency situations and now the rebuild of damaged homes.

“The difference with Devon Homes is that we go out of our way to listen to clients and help them to achieve their goals.

“It’s not a case of: Here is the package. It’s more about asking what they want. Individual service is what makes Devon Homes stand apart,” says Kennedy.

She says that the houses at The Gardens Estate will be affordable, priced from $294,00 for a two bedroom home completely finished to a high standard.

“All the owners will have to do is plant flowers and put up their own curtains.

“They can either select from one of our plans, make changes to it as required with the help of our in-house designer or bring us their own plans if they prefer,” she says.

Devon Homes will start building on The Gardens Estate by the end of the year.

“We’ve had a lot of enquiry and several sales already.”

“It’s not a case of: Here is the package. It’s more about asking what they want. Individual service is what makes Devon Homes stand apart.”

The Gardens Estate development, about five minutes drive from Wanganui’s CBD, is located on 2.5ha, making it the last large area of land to be developed in inner Springvale.

LICENSED CADASTRAL SURVEYORS • LAND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

• Machinery Transport • Metal Supply/Crushing • Earthworks • Digger Hire

“ WE USE OUR EXPERTISE TO TURN YOUR VISION INTO REALITY ”

• Loader & Truck Hire • Traffic Management • Drainage • Hydro Excavation

172 Ridgway St, Wanganui P: 06 348 9034 F: 06 348 9036 A/H: 06 345 3603 E: hayden.loader@loaders.co.nz W: www.loaders.co.nz

Planning • Engineering Design • Land Surveying 13 Church Place, PO Box 4136, Wanganui 4541, New Zealand

We load you up!

ph 06 345 8828 fax 06 345 3606 mob 027 288 8015 a/h 06 343 9442 email admin@nzsurveyor.co.nz

Give your new developments and subdivisions a boost with Ultrafast Fibre We can work with you in planning and delivering an ultrafast broadband network to your development projects in the North Island locations below.

Future-proof your investment with a competitively-priced and resilient telecommunications infrastructure. Talk to us. We’re here to help.

www.ultrafastfibre.co.nz | 0800 342 735

Te Awamutu | Tokoroa | Hawera | Cambridge | Hamilton| Tauranga | New Plymouth | Whanganui

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

BUILDING » Location Homes

| 13

Land, budget, uniqueness the focus Karen Phelps Location Homes has three things it focuses on maximising with each new home build – land, budget and uniqueness. Although the company offers a range of over 700 plans each home is unique to the client’s requirements and design and build is a major focus for the company, says Location Homes director Campbell Mattson.

“We specialise in creating ‘affordable luxury’ homes, where attention is paid to the smallest detail, in the most cost-efficient manner. We have a strong focus on design efficiency and creativity while ensuring each client achieves their own unique form of affordable luxury in their home,” he explains.

Location Homes was started in 1995 and now has offices in North Auckland, New Plymouth, Mangawhai and Kaikohe. Campbell, who studied property valuation and construction, bought out the national franchise in 2011 with a business partner.

He also owns and operates the Taranaki franchise of the company. The company is focused on expanding into other parts of New Zealand as more franchise partners come on board.

Campbell says a growing part of the business is development, where the company targets marginal land it believes can be developed into high quality dwellings.

He says Location Homes targets high value land close to beaches, CBDs and points of cultural interest. For example the company is presently building Precinct Apartments through sister company Monarch Property Group, which is owned by a group of shareholders. Located one block north of the New Plymouth CBD and in close proximity to the new Len Lye Centre, the development is in a prime location, says Campbell.

“It’s an elevated site looking out over the city and up the coast towards Raglan. The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is close by and some of New Plymouth’s best cafes and restaurants.”

Precinct Apartments is due for completion March 2016 and will comprise three three-storey dwellings each offering three bedrooms, open plan kitchen/dining/living areas, three toilets and two fully tiled bathrooms.

Each dwelling is on its own separate freehold title and comes with an internally accessed garage.

The 190 square metre homes are of concrete and

The Precinct Apartments complex in New Plymouth offers three-storey, three-bedroom dwellings, with open plan living, three toilets and two bathrooms. timber construction clad in cedar weatherboard and plaster. True to the company’s focus on providing affordable luxury, details such as frameless glass showers, polished concrete floors and high quality fittings deliver on this promise, says Campbell.

The homes also include fresh air conditioning and are highly insulated and sound proofed. One home is already under contract with strong interest in the other two, says Campbell. Location Homes is also working on two more similar high-end developments in New Plymouth.

Campbell says it is the company’s combined construction and property development expertise which results in homes that focus on affordable luxury for clients.

“We know how to maximise a properties value and have relationships with some of the best designers in the region and across the country.

“While we have a fantastic library of designs to inspire, we don’t try and sell our clients a standard plan. Instead we discuss their needs and wants, consider their land, budget, future plans, family dynamics and lifestyle requirements, and then our team designs an affordable luxury home that works

for them. We also establish their top three luxury requirements– the features they really want in their home – and work within their budget to achieve these. When designing a home we carefully weigh the balance between cost and benefit. Our team has extensive experience in designing and building stylishly functional homes.”

Campbell says the company works with clients to take the stress and risk out of the building equation and cites communication as one of the most vital parts of building a new home.

“Our team keeps the lines open from day one.

Regular on-site progress meetings help to keep clients up-to-date with the development of their new home.” So that clients have complete control over all the costs involved at all stages of the project Location Homes establishes a fixed price contract prior to co construction. Each new home comes with a 10-year Building Guarantee.

Growth is a major focus for Location Homes, he says. The company is looking to add four to five new franchise partners in the next 12-18 months with a strong focus placed on training franchise partners in the company’s expectations.

ROOFING

218 De Havilland Drive, New Plymouth tel. 06 755 2113 fax. 06 755 0021 email. sales.newplymouth@metalcraftroofing.co.nz

www.metalcraftroofing.co.nz Proud to be chosen as the preferred supplier of aluminium windows and doors by Location Homes 68 Eliot Street, New Plymouth Phone: 06 759 0333 www.fairviewwindows.co.nz

Painting & Decorating

Proud to be associated with Location Homes

Lance 021 293 7268 / lisa_lance@hotmail.com

14 |

BUILDING » Hampstead Homes

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Firm’s promise: Do it once, do it right Karen Phelps Taking pride in the job and aiming to “do it once and do it right” has enabled Hampstead Homes to build a successful business in the Auckland region, says company owner Nathan Masters.

“We appreciate that for clients, a building project, large or small, can be a daunting prospect.

We are able to provide a seamless progression from the planning process through to council consent and on to the finished project. Our whole team is very passionate about building and we aim to make the experience a very personal one for our clients,” he says.

Hampstead Homes, which was established by Nathan and his wife Rachel in 2009, specialises in residential building work and can help client with new builds, renovations, alterations, kitchens and bathrooms. The company focuses on architectural homes and in particular in renovations due to present market demand. As an example of the type of renovation projects the company has been undertaking, last year the company removed the roof off a home in Balmoral and added a second storey including master bedroom, ensuite and lounge as well as renovating the ground floor, reconfiguring areas to suit the new modern lifestyle.

The majority of Hampstead Homes’ work is by word of mouth. Clients typically approach the company with plans but Hampstead Homes can also put clients in contact with a professional architect if required. As a member of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand, Hampstead Homes can also offer clients the association’s new range of Certified Plans.

“The plans are all architecturally designed based on criteria developed by an advisory group spanning from throughout New Zealand. Over 24 plans to date have met the stringent criteria set for plan approval,” he says.

He says all members of Certified Builders are trade-qualified builders who must adhere to strict guidelines for achieving the highest possible standards in both workmanship and business practices. Membership also allows Hampstead Homes to offer clients a variety of CBANZ contracts, which lay down the expectations of both parties to ensure peace of mind throughout the building project.

Auckland-based Hampstead Homes focuses on architectural homes and in particular in renovations due to present market demand.

“We also offer a Homefirst Builders 10 Year Guarantee. This guarantee gives additional reassurance and belief in the quality of the workmanship,” says Nathan.

“We are fully covered by public liability insurance.”

Based in Auckland, Hampstead Homes employs a team of three builders and mainly works on one project at a time. Rachel takes an administrative role in the business.

At present, the team is working on an addition to a home in Mt Eden, adding 70sqm onto the front of a bungalow as well as reconfiguring the rest of the house. Traditional bay windows, window seats and decorative panelling were a part of the project and Hampstead Homes will craft these replica elements in-house.

“It’s challenging but extremely rewarding to work on older properties. The clients are usually passionate about their home,” he says.

After the Mt Eden project is completed Hampstead Homes will move onto the renovation of a home in Kingsland. A basement will be dug under the home, the inside reconfigured and a new roof and new cladding added.

“We believe that no matter what the project transparent and prompt communication plus the ability to work in a team environment with our subtrades is key to a successful build. All this leads ultimately to a great end result.”

713 ROSEBANK RD, AVONDALE PH: 09 828 9791 DAYLEITM.CO.NZ

PROUD SUPPLIERS TO

HAMPSTEAD HOMES

Business North

BUILDING » Lifemark

Nov/Dec 2015

| 15

Design rating future-proofs homes Karen Phelps An intelligent design rating that is growing in popularity is helping to improve the usability, safety and access of New Zealand homes.

The Lifemark rating system was developed in 2006 and shows how well the home will suit the needs of the users over a lifetime.

The system is a voluntary rating system but has had government support, says Lifemark general manager Geoff Penrose. It has now had uptake from residential homeowners, developers, architects, social housing trusts and retirement villages.

“All over the world people are changing the way they are designing their homes so that they will work for everyone,” explains Penrose.

“There is a global movement focused on developing home design features for our changing and aging population.

A Lifemark certified home is a home that includes smart and intelligent design features that meet the needs of people of different ages and abilities and that avoid barriers that may discriminate against people living in or visiting the home. Lifemark homes are designed to be usable by most people over their lifetime without the need for major adaptation in the future.”

Lifemark works alongside the designer or architect to give an independent rating and offer advice on how to make the best use of space based on the principles of universal design. The Lifemark Standards work with any home design and any home size. Penrose says it’s not about more space; it’s simply about choosing to have space in the right place.

Penrose says that any home can be assessed and that the easiest way is to use a Lifemark Accredited Partner to develop plans at the beginning of the design and build process incorporating the Lifemark Design Standards.

Once plans for a new build have been drawn

adaptation works or possibly a forced move to a more suitable home.

In other words, a Lifemark certification has the potential for considerable cost savings in the future as well as being valued by other occupants during the life span of the home.”

Penrose says the presently around 2 percent of residential building in New Zealand are annually certified by Lifemark. There is obvious potential for growth and this is something that involves educating the market as to the benefits of Lifemark.

“It’s about being smarter at the design stage so that the home will last as long as the users want it to. People need to start thinking about their homes differently.”

Lifemark certified homes will save the household money over the lifetime of the home. these are assessed and the Lifemark Accredited Partner is advised if there are any changes to be made.

“An independent study in 2011 in New Zealand

by BRANZ indicated that it was ten times cheaper to install Lifemark principles at the design stage.

Other international studies put it at 22 times cheaper,” says Penrose.

A new home design is rated against the Lifemark Standards, which award points based on how adaptable, safe and usable the home is. The better the rating (3, 4, or 5 stars), the more it will suit the occupants needs throughout life as they change, says Penrose.

Key aspects of the standard include access to the home (pathways and entrances), getting around (door ways), fittings and fixtures (light switches, handles and tapware), bedrooms, kitchen and laundry and bathroom areas.

Eco-friendly home advice It’s a growing problem for people building a new home – wanting to create a highperformance energy efficient home yet not knowing how. Harakeke Consultants has solved the problem by offering an independent consultancy service to anyone building a new home. Due to customer request, the company has now also launched it own range of eco friendly house designs available early next year in kitset form nationwide.

“We’re passionate about and committed to helping people build or renovate their homes to be ecologically responsive,” says company owner Claudia Kaltenstadler.

“We offer advice on every aspect of building energy-efficient homes from foundations to wall panels, different heating resources, solar panels, non-toxic materials, rainwater collection and everything in-between.

“Because we’re not associated with anyone in the building or related industries we can advise and assist our clients every step of the way focusing only on what is best for them.”

Coming from Europe where energy-efficient homes are the norm, Claudia realised that many New Zealand homes were unhealthy.

She advocates building smaller homes: “People in Europe don’t live in mansions but their new homes are energy-efficient and cosy,” she says.

In her business, Claudia is a strong supportet of several New Zealand initiatives helping Kiwis to create healthy homes, including Lifemark.

“The Lifemark principles ensure homes are

built correctly in the first place so that homes are efficient and practical, allowing a family to live in it for as long as they want to. Even into old age, minimal alterations or additions to suit changing lifestyles will be necessary.”

She is also a committed supporter of the rent-to-buy system through SmartMoveNZ. “It’s an innovative plan designed to support working families with sufficient income to service the debt of home-ownership, but who don’t meet the criteria yet, to qualify for their own bank mortgage. Rent-to-buy means an investor buys a property and leases it to a tenant buyer for a period from 3-5 years. During this time, the tenant buyer retains the exclusive option to buy the property at any stage during the lease period. While the property owner retains ownership, the tenant buyer has the benefit of trying out the property and enjoying the benefits of long-term occupancy before committing to buying the home.”

Professional people in the building industry such as architects, builders and developers can also join as Lifemark members, where Lifemark offers training options and a plan review service. Lifemark accredited partners include Lockwood Homes, Horncastle, Jalcon Homes, Edale Aged Care Centre, G J Gardner (Waikato branch only), Belvedere Group, Harakeke Consultants, Summerset, Bupa, Arvida Group, Mike Greer Homes, SGA Architects, Bossley Architects and Jasmax. Product partners include Blum, Palliside, Goman and Pandect.

Penrose says that Lifemark certified homes will save the household money over the lifetime of the home.

“This is because when needs change the home is able to be quickly and easily adapted to suit the new set of circumstances. Without the Lifemark features, the household may be faced with expensive, complicated and disruptive major

Builders

Join the revolution in high performance, energy efficient homes.

Living in an eco-friendly sustainable home is a game changer. It’s more efficient, healthy and warm. And you’ll have the peace-of-mind knowing that you’re contributing to the care and protection of the environment.

Harakeke Consultants is a member of PrefabNZ, the New Zealand Green Building Council and is an accredited partner of Lifemark. Claudia says since the launch of the new eco friendly range of house plans customer response has been extremely positive with a home build due to commence in Pegasus Town shortly.

“Architects, designers, builders, suppliers and potential homeowners are increasingly realising that eco friendly homes mean much more than double glazing windows and solar panels on the roof. More and more people are embracing the benefits of living in sustainable homes that are warm, healthy and cost effective.”

Harakeke Eco Homes Limited Claudia Kaltenstadler Mobile: +64 21 118 4843 Email: info@harakekeconsultants.co.nz www.harakekeconsultants.co.nz

16 |

BUILDING » Generation Homes - Kowi Lakes

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

On time, at a fixed price, guaranteed Karen Phelps The Generation Homes Kowi Lakes show home is a good example of the quality of build and types of features included in a Generation Homes build, says Generation Homes Northland owner David Skudder.

Based on the Generation Homes ‘Geneva’ plan, the 190sqm, three-bedroom show home features all the best things about a turn-key Generation Homes build, he says.

It includes two bathrooms, double garage, open plan living, a separate lounge and kwila deck. The home also features Generation For Life features, including wider hallways and doors to help future proof the home so it can cater to the needs of occupants throughout their lifetime.

“Our Generation For Life Plans provide easy access in and around the home, which maintains a good indoor outdoor flow. Designs such as widening passages and doorways, lowering benches and switches or even designing a bathroom or wardrobe to suit, can really make life a whole lot easier and mean the home is suitable for everyone, no matter what their age, mobility or life stage.

“Customer feedback since the show home opened in April 2014 has been extremely positive, with customers particularly noting how the design has optimised the space in the home.”

Generation Homes Northland has been building homes in the One Tree Point subdivision, where the show home is located, for nearly five years and has sold 53 house and land packages.

David says One Tree Point has been a popular subdivision due to its easy access to both Auckland and Whangarei. The company is currently offering house and land packages in Edgewater at Waipu and Totara Parklands in Whangarei.

The company is offering complete turnkey packages starting from $438,000. David says fixed price contracts and turnkey packages are a point of difference for the company: “The price the client signs the contract for is the price they will pay – not a cent more. Our turnkey packages include everything right down to the letterbox, plants in the garden and toilet rolls in the toilet roll holder,” he says.

Generation Homes was started in 1997 by

Generation Homes Northland has been building homes in the One Tree Point subdivision, where the show home is located, for nearly five years and has sold 53 house and land packages. One Tree Point has been a popular subdivision due to its easy access to both Auckland and Whangarei.

Tauranga electrician Graham Hockly and builderbusiness partner David Mansel.

David says the partnership was forged on trust, an ethic of hard work, quality workmanship, integrity and providing value for money. Today, Generation Homes has grown to become one of New Zealand’s top 10 residential construction companies by volume.

Generation Homes is not a franchise system all Generation Homes businesses are owned in a

50 percent partnership by the local owner/operator and Generation Homes New Zealand. David became the Generation Homes Northland joint venture partner in 2010 after working as a builder for nearly 40 years. He is a Licensed Building Practitioner and member of the Registered Master Builders Association of New Zealand.

Generation Homes Northland offers a range of plans, which can be adjusted as required.

The company only uses tried and trusted

building materials and specialises in popular brick and tile construction. Generation Homes Northland employs five staff, plus its own teams of contract builders, the majority of which are local.

The company builds in the wider Bream Bay area, including One Tree Point and Waipu. The company also has a show home in Totara Parklands.

“Our aim is to continue to strengthen our position in the market providing quality homes at a fixed price, on time - guaranteed.”

www.continuous.co.nz Proudly supporting Generation Homes

› Locally owned & operated throughout New Zealand with more than 25 years’ installation experience

› Specialised rainwater solutions for your place – barn or bach, farmhouse or factory

› Passionate about our products, services and the people we serve

› Call us for a chat today

0800 50 1993 The Showerman Quality Product Range offers Customers A Wide Choice of Bathroom & Shower Products including

Get a range of

high quality products Call us for A Quote On: 0800 746 962 79 Newton Street, Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty 3116

• Glass Shower Doors • Solid Glass Frameless Doors • Shower Units

• Bath Screens • Showerdomes • Bathroom Accessories

We supply and install Glass Showers

Business North

BUILDING » Generation Homes - Kowi Lakes

Nov/Dec 2015

| 17

Generation Homes builds in the wider Bream Bay area, including One Tree Point and Waipu. It also has a show home in Totara Parklands.

Karl 027 432 7877 Richard 027 432 7879

Scott 027 432 7873 Office 09 432 7877

144 Taurikura Drive, Tauranga e: info@heirloomkitchens.co.nz www.heirloomkitchens.co.nz Ph 07 578 6361

PLACEMAKERS WHANGAREI

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

GENERATION HOMES

EASTSIDE CONCRETE FOR ALL YOUR CONCRETE NEEDS Boxing and Prep • House Floors • Driveways • Paths Feed Pads • Exposed etc

Proudly supporting Generation Homes PLACEMAKERS WHANGAREI 8 KIOREROA ROAD, WHANGAREI (09) 470 3970

Reuben McGuire eastsideconcrete@xtra.co.nz | Phone 09 432 8960 | Cell 021 0291 6990

18 |

CAMBRIDGE PARK DEVELOPMENT »

Nov/Dec 2015

Business North

English village feel in Cambridge Karen Phelps Construction is starting in the higher density areas of Cambridge Park, with five areas scattered within the village boundaries set aside for higher density dwellings.

According to principal officer of Cambridge Real Estate, Gary Redgate, a mix of single and doublelevel, free standing and duplex townhouses will be offered to the market ranging from 170-260sqm with one and two storeys on a selection of section sizes.

Redgate says that Cambridge Park Ltd has consents in place to allow home and occupation tenancy for many units.

The design and cladding of the units will be subject to covenants to uphold the overall architectural integrity of Cambridge Park. Once Cambridge Park is completed there should be approximately 90 higher density units within the

village and the first of the townhouses have already been sold.

Redgate says that the townhouses will add to the mix of the development catering to professionals or retirees who have no desire for a large property. Cambridge Park also includes sections between 700-1000sqm catering for families. Building partners in the development include A1 Homes, Classic Builders, Fowler Homes, Vida Homes, G.J. Gardner Homes and Generation Homes. It is expected that when completed around 800 people will live in Cambridge Park.

Cambridge Park has been under construction since 2011. The 40ha site was originally farmland and in 1989 was subdivided into five lots.

In 2004, a meeting of the landowners took place to discuss the possibility of creating a residential subdivision. The decision was made to form Cambridge Park Limited and the land was pooled into one title. An application was lodged

“It is a well-planned subdivision, reasonably priced and with the increasing popularity of Cambridge and shortage of developed land the market is very strong.” with Waipa District Council in 2006 to change the zoning from rural to residential. Resource Consent was approved by Council in 2010 and development and construction of Stage 1 of the six stage development commenced in June 2011.

Redgate says that Cambridge Park is a uniquely designed community.

Sixty per cent of the development joins either town belt or wooded wetlands, yet the whole development is only a short walk from the Cambridge central business district or the Leamington shopping centre. Significant

investment has been made in infrastructure to ensure the development is user friendly and accessible. The main entrance to the development from Te Awamutu/Cambridge Road is serviced by a new roundabout with a 40m wide planted berm extending the full length the northern road boundary.

On the eastern side of the subdivision it is further serviced by an entrance via Thompson Street, leading directly to the Leamington shopping centre.

• to page 21

Offering a complete concreting service, from ideas to completion with free advice, planning and quotes. 30 years in business.

Proud to support Cambridge Park 156 Queen St, Cambridge 3434 Phone: 07 827 4902 Mobile: 027 224 5771 Email: office@onsiteconcrete.co.nz www.concretewaikato.co.nz

Cambridge Park has been under construction since 2011. The 40ha site was originally farmland and in 1989 was subdivided into five lots.

Law firm dedicated to development Cambridge based firm Vosper Law has been involved with Cambridge Park since its inception, providing valuable legal advice on aspects of the development including the subdivision and sales processes to client Cambridge Park Limited.

Vosper Law became involved with Cambridge Park after winning a tender and the company has staff specifically dedicated to the project.

Vosper Law company principal Amanda Vosper says there have been many benefits for Cambridge Park in dealing with a local law firm: “Because we’re based right here, the directors can come in and see us any time.

We are on hand to assist with any questions or problems and can sign legal documents quickly. It has really accelerated this whole aspect of the process,” she says.

The Vosper Law team of qualified legal experts has over 80 years of experience in working with families, businesses, community groups and individuals.

The company has provided legal services to sometimes three generations of families over the years. Vosper Law’s services include residential conveyancing, wills, trusts and estates, family law, rural and equine law, commercial law and employment law.

Amanda says the team has vast experience in subdivision-related work, including creation of titles, working with utility service providers and their legal advisors, surveyors and local councils to ensure all requirements are met for a subdivision.

“It’s a technical, detailed process and it’s vital that all the relevant parties’ interests are protected. My team of staff are the best there is and they work very hard to ensure all of the client’s needs are met,” she says.

Amanda is proud to be a dedicated Cambridge local. She commenced work as a barrister and solicitor in Cambridge in 1979 and apart from a short stint overseas has

Vosper Law has staff specifically dedicated to the Cambridge Park project. been there ever since. Coming from a farming background and owning a dry stock farm property, her special areas of interest are rural law, commercial law, trusts and asset planning and equine law. With over 30 years of experience as a general practitioner, Amanda offers a wide range of knowledge and expertise.

Amanda says that she is privileged to be able to give back to the local area.

She is Honorary Solicitor for a number of local groups, including the Waikato Hunt, Cambridge Netball Association, Leamington Pony Club, Cambridge Pony Club, Cambridge Childcare Centre, Cambridge Contract Bridge Club and Show Jumping Waikato. She is also a trustee of the Rodmor Charitable Trust.

Amanda says there is currently a lot of development work occurring in Cambridge and the

company’s client base is increasing significantly as a result.

“Our involvement in Cambridge Park shows that we have the expertise to successfully work for a large developing client.

“Vosper Law clients enjoy the support of a small and closely knit team of experienced professionals whose goal is to provide excellent legal services in a timely manner.”

07 827 6140 a d m i n @ v o s p e r l a w. c o . n z w w w. v o s p e r l a w. c o . n z

Residential Conveyancing Wills, Trusts & Estates Family Law Rural & Equine Law Commercial Law Employment Law

Our team of qualified legal experts have over 80 years of experience in working with families, businesses, community groups and individuals from all walks of life. Amanda Vosper is proud to now be acting for the third generation of families she has provided legal services to over her years in Cambridge. Vosper Law are also privileged to act as solicitors for Cambridge Park and St Kilda, two prestigious subdivisions being developed in Cambridge.

Our clients enjoy the support of a small and closely knit team of experienced professionals whose goal is to provide excellent legal services in a timely manner.

New builds showcase G.J.Gardner G.J. Gardner Homes Waikato has a show home in the Cambridge Park development, which showcases not only what the company is able to offer in the development but also what it can offer to the region, says G.J. Gardner Homes Waikato sales manager Glen Archer.

The company has been busy offering house and land packages in the development, as well as building for clients who have already purchased sites.

The company’s 240sqm four-bedroom showhome is a distinctive family friendly design, says Glen. It comprises two living areas, plus a children’s retreat located centrally to the three children’s bedrooms . The adult bedroom forms its own separate wing offering plenty of space for parents and kids to relax, says Glen. With a crisp white brick exterior, the contemporary home offers plenty of options for the modern family, he says.

“It really presents our commitment to our value proposition in the region delivering a high quality home for a great price,” he says.

The showhome is just one of three offered by the franchise catering to different demographics.

The company’s showhome in Borman Road, Hamilton, is strong on value proposition, while representing the company’s commitment to building a quality family home, says Glen. The 229sqm four-bedroom home still includes two living areas and a separate laundry. Constructed from brick with a steel tile roof, Glen describes it as a modern take on the traditional family home.

The company’s custom designed showhome is located at The Meadows, Hamilton. The 272sqm home offers four bedrooms plus office and represents the company’s custom design capabilities. Constructed from rendered brick and cedar, the home has a strong architectural look.

G.J. Gardner Homes Hamilton/Waikato opened its doors in November 1997 and is actively operated by father and son team Bob and Jeff de Leeuw. Bob has been involved in the residential building industry as a trade certified

G.J. Gardner Homes Waikato offers house and land packages in Cambridge Park, as well as building for clients who have already purchased sites. builder for over 40 years. Prior to G.J. Gardner Homes, he worked under his own very successful name and is a national award-winning builder of luxury homes. Bob’s son Jeff has an extensive background in civil engineering having worked as a consultant engineer and for Transit New Zealand.

Glen says that G.J. Gardner Homes Waikato has been a market leader for many years and is a multiple award recipient for International Franchise

of the Year Awards within the greater G.J. Gardner Group. Demonstrating their commitment to further the brand, the de Leeuws also have part ownership of the Franklin/Papakura and the Thames/Coromandel franchises.

Glen says that because each G.J. Gardner franchise is locally owned and operated it becomes a real part of the local community.

“Because we are local owned and operated

customers can have direct access to the owner of the business who is responsible for building their home. We also take the worry out of building by providing a fixed contract price, a pre-agreed construction time and a fully comprehensive specifications schedule so there are no hidden extras or surprises.”

G.J. Gardner Homes Waikato offers a comprehensive range of plans.

Business North Nov/Dec 2015

CAMBRIDGE PARK DEVELOPMENT »

| 21

English village feel in the heart of Cambridge • from page 18 Cambridge Park aims to offer an English village feel and Redgate says that developers have designed and established covenants to uphold the established tradition of English suburban design.

The look and feel of the development has been specially designed to blend in with the local region.

Redgate says that because of the planning and foresight of the founders of the Cambridge area residents enjoy a lifestyle found nowhere else in New Zealand making Cambridge a unique location: “For a start, Cambridge is completely encircled by a large green belt,” says Redgate.

“This block-wide area is used extensively by the community for sport and recreational activities.

Early tree planting on a scale not seen anywhere else in the country ensured that by the beginning of the twenty-first century, Cambridge was endowed with street upon street of magnificent oaks, chestnuts and English plane trees.

“The residential area itself was divided up into large one-and one-quarter acre lots that, over time, were sub-divided.

“This resulted in infill housing ranging in age over many decades. All the features that have made Cambridge a desirable place to live - the green belt, trees, variety and spaciousness - have been included or created by the designers of Cambridge Park to continue the much-loved Cambridge tradition,” he explains.

Gary Redgate says that the developers have taken their lead from the existing Cambridge town structure to develop the living environment of Cambridge Park making it suitable for all age groups.

A mix of single and double-level, free standing and duplex townhouses will be offered at Cambridge Park, ranging from 170-260sqm.

The only planned commercial activity within the community is a café.

Redgate says reaction from the market to the development has been extremely positive with sections often selling before titles are even issued.

“It is a well-planned subdivision, reasonably priced and with the increasing popularity of

Cambridge and shortage of developed land the market is very strong,” he says.

“Cambridge Park is closer in terms of distance and driving time to central Hamilton city than many of Hamilton’s Northern suburbs and State Highway 1 is being improved so it’s easier to get to both Auckland and Hamilton making Cambridge a very

Always striving to excel First time entrants Rob May Builders have taken out the top prize at the 2015 Waipa Network Business Awards. The company won the Excellence in Business - Large Business award and then was named the overall Supreme Winner – Business of the Year.

“It’s not something we normally do,” says Rob May Builders director Jonathan McCullough. “But we’d had a really good year and we wanted to showcase what we’d done as well as benchmark ourselves against other businesses.”

The awards, which are judged over a number of categories, including leadership, customer focus, marketing, systems and business performance, are judged

by University of Waikato Management School professionals. McCullough says the recognition the company has received since winning the awards has been huge: “I now know what it’s like to be a celebrity,” he says with a smile. “Because 90% of our work is word of mouth and we’ve suddenly been thrown into the public spotlight it’s been a big deal for us. There have been a lot of enquiries.”

McCullough, a qualified builder with a background as a contracts manager, and wife Paula started Rob May Builders in 2005. The couple has lived in Cambridge for nearly 30 years and the company name reflects the middle names of the couple’s two children.

Rob May Builders focuses on design and build new homes, individually tailoring

central location.”

Redgate says that Stage 6 of the development has sold out and titles have been issued.

Sections are still to be offered to the market for the final part of Stage 5.

The entire development is earmarked for completion by 2017.

M. 027 458 9856 E. sales@robmay.builders

each home to suit clients’ needs. Rob May Builders is presently offering house and land packages in Cambridge Park and has already constructed one home, with another two due to commence shortly.

www.robmay.builders

The company also does renovations, additions and general maintenance projects, including restoration of old villas.

One past project completed by Rob May Builders was a 100-year old villa, which the company converted into offices.

McCullough says the project demonstrated the craftsmanship of his team as handcrafting and old-fashioned carpentry techniques were used.

Rob May Builders also completes light commercial projects. The company has just finished the Bupa Cambridge retirement village building 67 villas over a 12-month period.

McCullough says a big emphasis is placed on systems and procedures in the business, which was reflected in the company’s win at the awards. He says constantly striving to excel is a driving force: “For example, we are only required to have one staff member on site with first aid training but we ensure all our staff are first aid trained as well as Site Safe trained.

“It’s about being innovative, forward thinking and proactive in all aspects of the business. We don’t want to just be like everybody else – we want to set the standard.”

Building what you want, how you want it...

• Residential - Design & Build • Labour Only • Alterations & Renovations • Decks and Fences • Kitchens and Bathrooms • Top End Architectural Buildings

WINNERS OF 2015 WAIPA BUSINESS AWARDS LARGE BUSINESS CATEGORY

WINNERS OF WAIPA BUSINESS AWARDS SUPREME AWARD

22 |

CAMBRIDGE PARK » Classic Builders

Nov/Dec 2015

Business North

Quality build, exceptional service Jo Bailey Classic Builders has been involved in Cambridge Park since its inception and has now built the most volume of homes in the development, says Classic Builders regional manager for the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, Paul Taylor.

The company has a dedicated showhome at Cambridge Park, which includes a product room in the garage displaying the three specification ranges that Classic Homes offers: traditional, premier and executive.

“People can go to the product room and actually touch the products that might go in their new home, which is a unique offering to the market place we believe,” says Paul. “People can then mix and match the different specifications in their build. For example, they might choose some executive or premier products and other traditional products. It’s up to them and their budget.”

Kiwi-owned and operated Classic Builders began almost 20 years ago when Peter Cooney and Matt Lagerberg saw a need in the market for quality, value-for-money homes, delivered within a pre-agreed time frame and at a fixed price. Founded in the Bay of Plenty, Classic Builders has grown to include the Waikato, Northland, Auckland and Queenstown.

The business is owned by Peter, Matt and a group of shareholders avoiding the franchise model, which Paul says can add costs onto a home build for customers.

“This allows us to make quick and precise decisions and gives our customers the advantage of dealing with the owners on a day to day basis each regional manager is also a shareholder in the business,” says Paul.

• to page 24

Classic Homes has a dedicated showhome at Cambridge Park, which includes a product room displaying the three specification ranges it offers.

www.hostesskitchens.co.nz

Proud to support Classic Builders Address: 43 Poturi Street, The Lakes, Tauranga

Phone: 07 574 3403

Email: o ce@baseup.co.nz

Hamilton Tiling Call Cedric for a Quote Now !

Your expert for...

• Swimming Pools • Bathrooms • Floors • Walls • Fireplaces

We expertly tile...

• Homes • Offices • Bars and Restaurants • Commercial Properties • Residential Properties

Ph: (021) 250 1676

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

waterfordpress.co.nz

e: info@hamiltontiling.co.nz

Proud to be associated with Classic Builders

M: 0274 940 533 · P: 07 827 4451 · E: info@iremongerplumbing.co.nz

CAMBRIDGE PARK » Classic Builders

Business North Nov/Dec 2015

Classic Builders has been involved in Cambridge Park since its inception and has now built the most volume of homes in the development.

BU RKHART BUI LDI NG Proud to be associated with Classic Builders

New Concept

Landscaping

LTD

L i c e n s e d B u i l d e r: 0 2 7 5 2 3 7 2 8 1 • b u r k h a r t b u i l d i n g l t d @ g m a i l . co m

- Concrete Laying - Fencing Decks - Retaining Walls - Irrigation & Design

Specialised Installers of GIB Interior Solutions • Interior Plastering • Skim Coating • New Housing • Alterations • Commercial • Qualified Tradesmen • Free Quotes • Workmanship 100% Guaranteed

We are New Zealands market leader with the largest stocked range. We constantly source the latest trends from Italy, Spain and around the world to offer you the best design service available.

Tile Warehouse - proud supporters of CLASSIC BUILDERS

Interior Experts

Contact James Bannister 027 555 5324 or 07 870 4133 newconceptlandscaping@xtra.co.nz www.newconceptlandscaping.co.nz

0274 954 594

| 23

24 |

CAMBRIDGE PARK » Classic Builders / Generation Homes

Nov/Dec 2015

Business North

Affordable homes for Kiwis the goal Jo Bailey

Classic Builders offers a range of over 150 plans ranging from $100,000 to multi million dollar residences.

Quality build, exceptional service • from page 22 The model has proved successful and Classic Builders has expanded to become the largest residential house builder in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, and is the fifth largest residential building company in New Zealand, says Paul.

Classic Builders now builds almost 450 homes a year.

An important part of the company’s systems is the Classic Care customer care programme. In 2013 and 2014, Classic Builders was awarded New Zealand’s best large builder for customer satisfaction, level of service and likelihood of referral in the BRANZ New House Owners Satisfaction Survey, which Paul says was largely as a result of Classic Care.

“Classic Care’s main focus is on client satisfaction.

“We are constantly looking at ways to improve communication with clients, gain a better understanding of their needs and ensure that our people, our suppliers and our services are meeting those needs.

“If something isn’t right, Classic Care helps us identify it and fix it immediately, even if a client moved into their home years ago.

“We believe we are the only building company in New Zealand to operate an industry leading customer care programme,” says Paul.

Classic Builders is offering clients design and build packages in Cambridge Park for clients who have already purchased their site, as well as house and land packages in the development.

Classic Builders offers a range of over 150 plans ranging from $100,000 to multi-million dollar residences.

Clients can of course make any adjustments necessary to plans to suit their site and requirements.

All new homes built by Classic Homes come with a 10-year warranty.

Classic Homes has been operating in the Waikato since 2007 and the company continues to expand its presence in this market: “We are now finding we are getting repeat clients because of the high quality build and exceptional service we provide.”

Being a big part of the Cambridge Park subdivision has been instrumental in showcasing the Generation Homes Waipa-Coromandel brand region-wide, says company director Trevor Roberts.

The company built the first home in the subdivision when it opened its first showhome in 2012. Generation Homes Waipa-Coromandel has now completed around 40 homes in Cambridge Park.

The showhome in the subdivision is a good example of the type of homes Generation Homes builds, says Trevor. The 221sqm fourbedroom home has a brick exterior with Linea Weatherboard feature panels.

Colonial style windows complete the look.

Trevor says the company aims to provide solid traditional homes offering a complete turnkey package right down to appliances.

“It’s about offering affordable houses to Kiwis without compromising on design and innovation,” he says.

Ease of build is another focus for Generation Homes as industry research has shown that 90 per cent of people who build their own home don’t build again, he says.

“Stress, hidden costs, quality issues and hold ups play a big part in the reason why people decide building is too hard. That’s why at Generation Homes we offer fixed price contracts and a guaranteed move in date. We are proud that 25% of Generation Homes new builds are actually people we’ve built with before. And the

amount of our builds that are word of mouth referrals is over 50%. This is because we guarantee a fixed price build on time every time,” he says.

A fully qualified builder, Trevor started Generation Homes Waipa-Coromandel in 2012 after previously operating his own building company for over 30 years.

He says it was the brand’s values of honesty and integrity that drew him to Generation Homes and has allowed him to build a substantial business in a short time.

Generation Homes is not a franchise system all Generation Homes businesses are owned in a 50% partnership by the local owner/operator and Generation Homes New Zealand.

Generation Homes was started in 1997 by Tauranga electrician Graham Hockly and builderbusiness partner David Mansel and has grown to become one of New Zealand’s top 10 residential construction companies, by volume.

Generation Homes Waipa-Coromandel offers a comprehensive range of plans, which can be customised to suit customers’ needs. Trevor says he identified early on that Cambridge was a growth area, which was part of the reason why the company has been so heavily involved in Cambridge Park from the outset.

The region will continue to remain an area of focus for the company as Cambridge Park reaches completion and new subdivisions enter the market. “Cambridge has a country town feel but it’s still close to Hamilton and Tauranga.

That’s appealing for a lot of people,” he says.

Generation Homes Waipa-Coromandel is currently offering house and land packages in

Proud to be associated with Classic Buiders

Laser Plumbing Matamata

P: 07 542 0498 E: flooring@kingflooring.co.nz

www.kingflooring.co.nz 25 Reynolds Place, Papamoa PO Box 10057 Mount Maunganui FULL SUPPLY & INSTALLATION OF QUALITY CARPETS & VINYLS

Proud to be the preferred plumbing contractor for Classic Builders

P: +64 7 888 9340 E: matamata@laserplumbing.co.nz W: www.matamata.laserplumbing.co.nz

Proud to be supporting Generation Homes

Business North Nov/Dec 2015

CAMBRIDGE PARK » Generation Homes

| 25

Generation Homes Waipa-Coromandel offers a comprehensive range of plans, which can be customised to suit customers’ needs.

Evergreen Estate in Matamata. Around 16 house and land packages, including 900sqm sections with four bedroom homes of around 220sqm will be offered starting at $500,000.

Two have already sold as Trevor says the Evergreen Estate is getting strong interest from

Auckland retirees, as well as families.

Generation Homes Waipa-Coromandel employs four office staff plus contractors as required. Trevor aims to expand the brand into other areas within his region as the company continues to complete successful builds.

New Zealand’s largest most respected national supplier of Concrete Products

Certified Concrete • Masonry • Paving Retaining Walls • Floors • Veneer Walls 0800 800 576 07 849 4879 www.firth.co.nz

795 Te Rapa Rd Hamilton

WILTON CONTRACTING LTD

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

Professional People - Professional Finish

Chosen as the preferred painting contractor for Generation Homes Ph: 07 849 4818 Fax: 07 849 4815 PO Box 10176, Hamilton Email: office@wiltoncontracting.nz www.wiltoncontracting.co.nz

As an Organisation Placemakers Te Rapa has the Vision of building New Zealand together.

Here at Te Rapa branch we live that Vision and are proud to be chosen to be Generation Homes main supplier of building products.

144 Taurikura Drive, Tauranga e: info@heirloomkitchens.co.nz www.heirloomkitchens.co.nz Ph 07 578 6361

PLACEMAKERS TeRapa (07) 850 0190

26 |

BUILDING » Marra Construction - Tarawera High School

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Ambitious rebuild transforms school Sue Russell Rebuilding a substantial part of a school while teaching and learning is happening on a daily basis is all in a day’s work for Bay of Plenty construction company Marra Construction.

Since October 2014, project manager Aidan Marra and his team of builders and contractors have been on the ground at Kawerau’s Tarawera High School working on an ambitious $15.6 million dollar multi-staged project which will transform the school for its 500-plus students.

“We have had a long association with the Ministry of Education, having worked on school projects of various sizes for the last five years.

When working in schools it is essential to have in place robust systems to ensure that everyone is safe and as little disruption as possible happens for students and teachers on a daily basis,” Aidan says.

Stage One of the project involved demolishing existing classrooms and building new ‘learning commons’ housing teaching spaces, administration, performing arts and food technology. This stage was completed in August.

“There were lots of angles and height and a variety of building materials used throughout the block. These days school design is very

sophisticated architecturally and it certainly was an exciting build and at times technically challenging. ” Work is now underway on the next stage, a technology block housing woodwork classrooms and a wharenui.

Because of the nature of the site, the construction is taking place right in the centre of the school and reaction from the students, teachers and wider community has been very positive. “The school is rapt with what they are getting. It’s certainly a far cry from the old look and feel as it very much embraces the regard in which the school is held by the wider community.”

The second stage of work is expected to be completed by mid-January followed by demolition or removal of the remaining buildings with the exception of the gymnasium, library and a teaching block.

“Then it will be a case of tidying up the site and giving it the finishing touches. It is good to see a project of this size and nature through from start to finish and to hand it over knowing its significance to the town.”

About 60 percent of the original school’s footprint is being replaced in the redevelopment and the new buildings feature several environmentally sustainable initiatives along with the latest wireless fibre network.

Specially designed heating and ventilation systems are included to counter Kawerau’s extreme temperatures including passive solar heating generated through glazing systems designed to take full advantage of the sun.

Adapting to building in a wide range of locations is a skill Aidan says the company carries as a strength.

“We pride ourselves on being able to adapt.

Places like the Port of Tauranga where we have done a lot of construction over the years can be challenging sites to work in given the nature of

business at hand,” says Aidan.

There is a strong culture of professional development encouraged in the company and opportunities for advancing through building and into management roles, something Aidan describes as having been pivotal to the success of Marra Construction since its establishing in 2004.

“We have guys in our office who are now contracts and commercial managers who have seized the opportunities working for this company offers to progress their own professional life.”

For all of your commercial insulation requirements

www.insulator.co.nz Proud to be working with Marra on the Tarawera project

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

BUILDING » Marra Construction - Tarawera High School

| 27

The team from Marra Construction have been on the grounds of Tarawera High School working on an ambitious $15.6 million dollar multi-staged project which will transform the school for its students.

Stage One of the project involved demolishing existing classrooms and building new ‘learning commons’ housing teaching spaces, administration, performing arts and food technology.

28 |

BUILDING» Marra Construction - Taupo Pak’n Save

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Renovation challenging, rewarding Sue Russell Work is nearing completion on Marra Construction’s major refurbishment and expansion at Taupo Pak ’n Save.

Marra contracts manager Dean Lawrence says the project has been both challenging and rewarding.

“There was a lot of planning around staging the various projects inside the Pak ’n Save bearing in mind that the facility remained open to staff and customers throughout,” Dean says.

Work began on the multi-million dollar upgrade and alteration in October 2014 and because of the nature of the project Dean says it threw up logistical challenges right from the word go.

Looking back he can see it was an invaluable experience for those involved.

“It was a case often of building a temporary space for a service department inside Pak ‘n Save to continue to operate in while we demolished and rebuilt from scratch new facilities.

“It was a dynamic process, a bit like fitting together a giant jigsaw puzzle in the right order and we certainly learned a lot as the build unfolded.”

One of the most significant stages, and the first to be undertaken, was building new office spaces, including a new staff room at the rear of the building.

Additional floor space was also created by building extensions, while a substantial amount of upgrading took place including construction of a new bakery, seafood section and deli.

SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS NEED GOOD TEAMWORK That’s why PlaceMakers focusses on being at the top of our game to ensure that businesses like Marra Construction can be at the top of theirs.

DAMIEN (DAMO) HERMOND Marra Construction Team-mate & PlaceMakers Account Manager

“Basically there is a whole new retail floor layout. There was a lot of shifting then relocating specialised spaces in the Pak ‘n Save and we always tried to do this in ways that created the least disruption for staff and customers alike.”

While Marra Construction oversaw the total fit-out and the building of an additional 500sqm of retail and customer services area, Dean says that working around the schedules of contractors, such as refrigeration and racking specialists meant keeping an open mind and accepting that plans could change.

With two site managers engaged full-time on the ground, along with a night shift supervisor, maintaining communication throughout with Pak ‘n Save’s operations manager was a critical element in the success of the project, which was completed by the end of October.

At any one time up to 50 builders including all the associated trades were on the site.

“We have experience working around existing businesses, however, this project was challenging in that the work was concentrated around the company’s operation and where all retail areas

Specialist in all your Commercial Flooring needs Locally Owned & Operated

• Carpet • Tiles • Vinyl • Planking

PH 06 844 6464

Email: rod@flooringdesign.co.nz 8 Gloucester Street, Greenmeadows, Napier Fax 06 844 8849 www.flooringdesign.co.nz

PLACEMAKERS MT MAUNGANUI 25 MACDONALD ST (07) 575 4009

Dig4u Contracting Ltd are proud to be associated with Marra Construction on the Pak n Save Project All materials supplied by: www.landscapingdirect.co.nz

Greenmount Espies congratulate Pak N Save Taupo on their newly refurbished store

(09) 273 9030 sales@greenmountespies.co.nz DESIGN

CABINET MAKING

MANUFACTURING

www.greenmountespies.co.nz SHOPFITTING

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

BUILDING» Marra Construction - Taupo Pak’n Save

| 29

need a better

solution?

Work began on the multi-million dollar upgrade and alteration of Taupo Pak ’n Savein October 2014. The Upgrades have included a new bakery, seafood section and deli. had to remain open during the refurbishment. We certainly found it a valuable learning curve.”

Safety of customers and staff was a priority throughout the project with Marra applying its stringent health and safety practices.

Dean hopes that at some stage in the future another opportunity presents to take on a similar build for Pak ‘n Save.

“We thank Foodstuffs and thank the sub contractors and material suppliers, both local

and from further afield, who were a part of the construction and while not everything went according to plan at all times, we are very pleased with the outcomes.”

Phone 07 349 0098 • connectec.co.nz electrical

communications

data

security

air conditioning

Quality, value the key For over 20 years, All Seasons Air Conditioning has been taking care of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Tauranga’s most noteworthy business premises.

The waterfront Westpac building and Devonport Towers, the new Gartshore House, ABN Amro Craig’s complexes and Harrington House to name just a few.

Managed by Paul Viviers (managing director) and Trevor Barrett (director), All Seasons Air Conditioning is unique in that they not only build and install systems, they design them – employing talented HVAC engineers inhouse. “We work closely with the architect to create the optimum concept providing highly detailed Auto CAD drawings and mechanical specifications. “ This comprehensive service is provided virtually free of charge when ASA’s quote for the build is accepted creating major savings”, Paul says.

Choosing the same company to design and build also makes the entire process seamless and creates clear time and cost savings.

“We eliminate the errors, extra costs and job interruptions that can occur due to misinterpretation of design”, says Paul.

Paul is also an Independent Qualified Professional (IQP), giving All Seasons Air Conditioning the authority to inspect, test and certify specified systems listed on the building compliance schedule and the right to issue a building Warrant of Fitness.

He is also a certified Producer Statement Author, meaning All Seasons Air Conditioning can peer review the design and build of HVAC systems and assess their

compliance with relevant standards and codes. It’s an endorsement that few in the industry hold.

“By integrating consultancy, system design, build, commissioning and maintenance programs, we create greater efficiency, economy and accountability. It’s about saving our clients dollars, frustration and time,” Trevor says.

Three years ago, the company opened a Hamilton branch and has become a leading supplier in the Waikato with clients including the Anglesea Tower and Livestock Improvements building.

Another key part of the All Seasons Air Conditioning service offering is repairs and maintenance. Their Tauranga and Hamilton showrooms are headquarters to a fleet of 19 mobile workshops that carry out repairs and programmed maintenance for hundreds of clients throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

Underpinning every facet of the All Seasons Air Conditioning business is a desire to build trusted, authentic relationships with their clients – be they an architect, engineer, property manager or building owner.

Since the day Paul and Trevor discussed going into business together, they agreed two things would be non-negotiable: Quality and value. “We use the phrase ‘excellence at a reasonable price’. It’s become a bit of a motto for what we’re about,” says Trevor.“If you start changing your values, you’re gone.

“Ours is a very small industry and we are proud to be a long-standing, trusted name.”

A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE

TREVOR BARRETT DIRECTOR

PAUL VIVERS MANAGING DIRECTOR

About Us • All Seasons Air Conditioning Limited (ASA) specialises in HVAC / Mechanical design and build both commercial and residential applications.

• ASA is based in both Tauranga and Hamilton. Available to contract almost anywhere in New Zealand.

• ASA was established in 1992.

Our team integrates professional consultancy, design, system build, commissioning, service and maintenance programs resulting in seamless efficiencies, economy and accountability.

Our point of difference - “It’s a better process with better results” - has built long term relationships with commercial property owners, architects, property managers, builders and home owners.

These relationships strengthen with the ongoing provision of “excellence at a reasonable price” and the trust that develops from this.

THINK OF ANY LARGE COMMERCIAL BUILDING THAT HAS GONE UP IN THE BAY OF PLENTY IN THE LAST DECADE, AND CHANCES ARE THAT ALL SEASONS AIR CONDITIONING WERE – AND PROBABLY STILL ARE – BEHIND ITS MECHANICAL VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS ALL SEASONS AIR CONDITIONING paul@allseasonsair.co.nz 0800 111 HOT Tauranga Branch 90 Waihi Road Phone 07 578 1200 Hamilton Branch Corner Killarney Road & Ellis Street Phone 07 847 0805 www.allseasonsair.co.nz

BUILDING » Shayne McNaught Builders

30 |

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

A small company doing big things Jo Bailey Rural projects for a large international client with six farms in the Gisborne region have provided around half of Shayne McNaught Builders workload over the last year.

Shayne McNaught say the firm has worked on several jobs for the client since October 2014, including two house alterations, and repairs and maintenance to a range of farm buildings, woolsheds and covered yards.

“We started the latest project in August which is a significant alteration to a farm house, incorporating new walls, a kitchen, a big covered in deck, as well as the construction of a new shed.”

He says one of the biggest challenges of the work is the two hour commute from Gisborne, which results in his team spending Monday to Friday on site.

“We all have young families, so it does add a bit of pressure. I try to rotate the guys around month on and month off to spread the load.”

Shayne employs four builders in addition to himself, with his wife Sara managing the office.

He says there is still 12 months work ahead on the current farm for his rural-based team, with other work in the pipeline.

“This is the third farm we’ve worked on for the client. It’s great to be able to utilise our expertise in rural building which also incudes construction of implement sheds, chiller sheds, concrete work, and stock yard work.”

Shayne McNaught Builders’ Gisborne-based team is also busy completing a range of projects.

“We have a great client base in Gisborne, and the pre-Christmas rush is already kicking in. We’ve got a number of bathroom alterations pencilled in and lots of other bits and pieces, including school work which will keep us busy until the end of the year,” he says.

Shayne says the firm has purposefully stayed away from new residential builds, as this market has been captured by the franchise home building companies in the region, he says.

“It is not worth trying to compete. We would rather specialise in the niche areas we have developed.”

Shayne has been building for 17 years and set up his business 10 years ago.

“When I left school I was a machine mechanic for a hosier firm for five years. Then my wife and I went to America for 12 months and I got a job as a building labourer and decided I’d like to give it a crack.”

Once back in Gisborne, he completed an apprenticeship with Currie Construction, and after working for the firm for around seven years went out on his own.

He says “seeing a job through from start to finish” is one of the most satisfying aspects of the trade.

“It’s pretty cool to finish a big alteration for someone and know that you’ve delivered the

Shayne McNaught Builders believes in establishing good relationships with its clients and delivering a high-quality job without headaches.

dream they’ve saved up for. It’s pretty cool.”

Shayne says his “hard working team” is the secret to the success of the firm, which has also has developed “amazing relationships” with its group of high quality, reliable sub-contractors and suppliers with whom it has worked consistently for the last decade.

Establishing good relationships with clients is also a major focus, he says.

“We get a lot of repeat business because we look after our clients and deliver a high quality job every time without any headaches. We also try to do everything as cost effectively for them as we can. We like to think of ourselves as a small company that does big things.”

GILLIES Electrical & Refrigeration Ltd

Get your tools at the Toolshed!

Pleased to be a supplier to Shayne McNaught Builders

Your local ToolShed stocks a great range of hand tools, power tools, workshop equipment, air tools, outdoor tools and more…

Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am – 1pm p. 06 867 9589 e. gisborne@thetoolshed.co.nz w. www.thetoolshed.co.nz

by Summerfield Joinery Ltd, Gisborne

DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED LOCALLY Gillies Electrical has a long history of providing technical excellence and value for money for hundreds of customers with in the Gisborne region over 44 years.

Make sure there’s a MASTERCRAFT KITCHEN At the heart of your home.

Proud to support Shayne McNaught Builders 06 867 9022 | 06 867 9023 | info@gillieselectrical.co.nz | www.gillieselectrical.co.nz Gillies Electrical & Refrigeration Ltd | 122 Disraeli Street, PO Box 1365, Gisborne

joinit@xtra.co.nz

www.mastercraft.co.nz

06-8684236

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

BUILDING » McGregor Construction

| 31

A wide range of building services Karen Phelps McGregor Construction has just completed a $1.5m project at Rangiura Rest Home & Retirement Village for client Rangiura Trust.

The six-month project comprised a 300sqm extension to one wing and a 600sqm extension to another wing adding 12 bedrooms to the retirement village. The project also included the construction of the final three retirement units, meaning that McGregor Construction has now built the total of 80 units over the past 10 years on the site.

This recent project also included significant alterations to the interior of the building, including constructing a new café and hair salon, as well as building connections between existing buildings on the site. Owner of McGregor Construction, Shane McGregor, says that working around existing residents was the major challenge of the project.

“We had to ensure the business could still operate 24/7. This meant that we had to tackle the project in small sections, barricading off areas we were working on, while constantly liaising with the client,” he says.

Shane, who has been a builder for 35 years, took over the company just six months ago from his father Lloyd and his uncle Doug, who originally started the business in 1973. The company offers a wide range of services, including new home builds, painting and decorating, project management, maintenance, renovations and additions and commercial projects.

“As we have chosen not to specialise in one area we can offer our clients a wide range of services so we can undertake virtually any aspect of the build the clients want us to in-house.”

Shane has recently taken on the license for Trenz homes for the Waikato region, which means the company can now offer clients this range of plans. Trenz offers customers a great alternative to modular and transportable homes as they are kitset homes but built to the client’s specifications, says Shane.

“Clients can choose from any one of the existing plans, or modify them to create beautiful custom built houses.”

“Clients can choose from any one of the existing plans, or modify them to create beautiful custom built houses.”

The custom-designed homes are available in both lockable shell and complete supply and offered at competitive pricing due to Trenz strong buying power in the kitset homes industry within New Zealand, says Shane.

McGregor Construction also offers new home buyers a range of pre-designed plans using Metrapanel construction. In fact, all of the units built by the company at Rangiura Rest Home & Retirement Village were constructed using Metrapanel. Shane says that Metrapanel offers rapid construction and durability.

“We can put up walls and ceilings in a day. All the panels are prefinished and require less painting and stopping,” he says.

Based in Putaruru, McGregor Construction employs 10 staff including a team of eight builders and two painters. The company is a member of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand and builds in Putaruru, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo and Matamata. There are a lot of larger commercial contracts coming up in the region are expected to keep the company busy over coming years.

McGregor Construction has just completed the foundations for an eco friendly boiler house at Pacific Pine and completed earthquake strengthening for the local Countdown in Putaruru.

McGregor Construction also offers new home buyers a range of pre-designed plans using Metrapanel construction.

Proud to Support McGregor Construction

Suppliers of Aluminium Windows & Doors to McGregor Construction P 0800 324 784 www.brewerjoinery.co.nz

We specialise in reinforcing steel and mesh with all recycled NZ supplied steel. Family owned and operated. Contact us for free, no obligation quotes.

REINFORCING STEEL SUPPLIES 28B Foreman Road Phone: 07 849 8196 Email: reospplies@xtra.co.nz

32 |

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

BUILDING » Shakthi Construction

Integrity at forefront of company Sue Russell Since its founding in 2006, Auckland-based Shakthi Construction has evolved into a competitive force focused within the educational and commercial sector.

Seeking a better way of life, the company’s managing director Rishi Singh moved to New Zealand in 2001 having started the family owned construction business in Durban. Now, almost 15 years later and with his two brothers Rajean and Neresh Singh, Rishi says he is proud of what has been achieved.

“You know it is all about the values, the philosophy you carry into your work. Our success has been built on several founding principles about how we interact with our staff and with our clients,” Rishi explains.

Underpinning the way Rishi and the other directors oversee the company is the attitude that it is very much a family business and the definition of family and family values extends to all its team of 19 staff.

“Our culture is bent around living the word ‘integrity’ in everything we do and in the way we work with our staff and customers.”

Employees are actively encouraged to take on ownership of their role in a project and given authority to make decisions accordingly. Rishi says this creates a really embracing, challenging and empowering working environment that staff thrive in.

“We give our staff almost full autonomy. Our foremen, for instance, get to run the site and over the years I have seen carpenters rise through the ranks to become leaders.

“I think when it comes to giving staff the right environment to thrive there are many factors that go into this, not just the money.”

Quarterly meetings are held with staff to update them on future projects, to share with them just where the company is at and to gain their feedback and ideas on ways to enhance company systems.

Rishi says there’s a big emphasis on working simply, to deconstruct systems down to the most simple, immediate and effective way of operating to add-value for the client and for those working on a build.

The bulk of the company’s projects are government or council owned and funded. This meant that at a time when many major building companies were struggling through the recession years, Shakthi Construction actually grew in volume and size of projects undertaken.

“We chose deliberately to focus on these client

The bulk of Shakthi Construction’s projects are government or council owned and funded. The company is a family owned business. sectors and over the years have evolved strong relationships with local councils and consultants involved with the Ministry of Education projects.

Our annual turnover is around $10million.”

While school and council-initiated projects are the backbone of the company’s business, Shakthi Construction has had some unusual and especially challenging builds.

One of these was the Shirdi Sai Temple in Onehunga. The challenge was not just the physical build aspect, but also having to learn cultural aspects that affected the build. A highlight was working with the contractor that undertook the fabrication of prop work for Lord of the Rings movie in the fabrication of the overlay for the main dome.

Rishi is the first to acknowledge that the public often view operators in the construction industry

with a degree of scepticism and he understands how this has evolved.

“It’s really important to be transparent, with your pricing and in the amount of information you provide right from the start. If you leave gaps in information, if you make assumptions and gloss over the detail then naturally, the client begins to wonder on what amounts will be claimed later as additional costs.”

For Rishi, a key factor in why he enjoys working in construction so much comes down simply to seeing something real and solid evolve from an initial set of drawings on paper.

“You physically watch the project arise knowing that the team’s skills, energy and enthusiasm have been engaged to create something real.

“That is a very motivating and engaging experience.”

ALLWIN STEEL ENTERPRISES EST 1993

Specialist Fabricators of Residential & Commercial Structural Steelwork

56 Cryers Road, East Tamaki, 2013, Auckland P 09 274 0464 | E sales@allwin.co.nz | www.allwinsteel.co.nz

ELECTROTEC

ELECTRICAL

PROUD TO BE A SUPPLIER TO SHAKTHI CONSTRUCTION 021 504 621 john@electrotec.co.nz

0800 74 25 28 www.electrotec.co.nz

Supplying door & window hardware on another quality Shakthi project Visit our Showroom or Website for our extensive range of superior brands.

New Zealand’s most knowledgeable architectural hardware providers.

P 09 837 1561 | E sales@hardwaredirect.co.nz Corner of Central Park Drive & Clemway Place, Henderson

www.hardwaredirect.co.nz

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

BUILDING » Versatile Homes & Buildings - Hamilton

| 33

Versatile now more than just garages Karen Phelps Versatile Homes & Buildings is well known for its garages, carports, sleepouts, farm and commercial buildings, but the company is also starting to make a name for itself as a new home builder.

“The advantage we have when building new homes is that we can do the whole project for the client – home, garage, carport etc. The client only has to deal with one company for their entire home build,” explains Bruce McCluskey, owner of Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton.

A new home build the company recently completed at Te Mata is a good example. The 230sqm three-bedroom home was clad in Aerobrick with solid plaster finish.

This might surprise people not so familiar with the Versatile brand, says Bruce, but the company can use any type of cladding on the market for its projects.

As the home was situated in an extremely windy environment, the entire build was engineered to withstand the conditions. The home also includes a portico extending from the living area.

One of the key features is an expo truss, which Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton manufactured in-house. The structure is supported by an engineered steel portal with Stutex stone pillars.

Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton also manufactured and built a heritage barn on the site to be used as a workshop and for storage of a boat.

Bruce says that difficult sites are no problem for Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton. On another project, the site was so challenging no other builder knew quite how to tackle the project, says Bruce.

“The site had a house on the front and we constructed a 70sqm minor dwelling on the back of the site cantilevered out over a gully on poles. No other company could visualise how this could be built on the site but we specialise in coming up with innovative solutions for these types of projects,” he says.

Bruce and wife Andrea took over Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton in 2007. Bruce, a qualified builder and Licensed Building Practitioner, has worked in the construction industry his whole

Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton offers a comprehensive range of plans and also undertakes complete design and build projects. career, including a senior management role with Carter Holt Harvey and as branch manager of Carters. He says they were attracted to the Versatile brand because of the huge range of buildings the brand represents, including garden sheds, sleepouts, garages, minor dwellings, luxury homes, commercial buildings and farm buildings.

He says that Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton takes a different approach with every project, starting with a design for the specific site.

The company also takes care of the full consent process, including consultation with neighbours, local council and iwi, as required. Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton organises and project

“The advantage we have when building new homes is that we can do the whole project for the client – home, garage,

manages all subcontractors, such as plumbers and electricians.

Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton offers a comprehensive range of plans and also undertakes complete design and build projects. With regards to new homes, the company’s Classic Series offers more traditional style homes while the architecturally driven Inspire Series focuses on a more contemporary look.

The company works with a trusted team of key contractors, some of whom have worked for the company for nearly two decades.

Versatile Homes & Buildings is a proudly owned New Zealand company. Following in the footsteps of his father, Gerald, Bill Gee took over his garage and home building company in 1976 and through growth and vision, acquired the Versatile brand,

which he today runs with wife Gillian.

The Gee’s Spanbild company (of which Versatile is a part) accounts for a significant amount of New Zealand’s total building consents every year. Bruce says that every aspect of Versatile’s buildings meets the highest standards, maximizes sustainability and uses New Zealand products where possible.

Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton builds in Hamilton, South Waikato and the west coast of the region. In the last seven years the company has achieved the top garage sales for New Zealand out of all the Versatile franchises. Garages still form the mainstay of business but Versatile Homes & Buildings Hamilton presently has eight minor dwellings under construction and a growing number of new home builds.

carport etc.”

Proudly supporting

Proud suppliers of windows and doors to

Versatile Homes & Buildings Frankton Aluminium 1982 Ltd

07 847 4680

Manufacturers and suppliers of longrun roofing, rainwater products and accessories

Experienced and passionate people proud to supply Versatile Homes

78 Sunshine Ave, Phone: (07) 849 5115 Te Rapa, Email: waikato@roof.co.nz Hamilton Web: www.roof.co.nz

34 |

BUILDING » A Cut Above Building

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Builder aims to be A Cut Above Jo Bailey Michael Keown, of A Cut Above Building, leads a busy Hamilton-based residential building company which is well-established in the Waikato Region.

By becoming specialists in residential building, Michael and his team are helping their clients to build their dream homes.

“I enjoy the creative aspect of dealing with people and finding ways to ensure any problems that may come up are dealt with well,” says Michael. “ It’s all about our attention to detail and the high standards of craftsmanship our company has built its reputation on,” he says.

A Cut Above Building sees itself as offering their clients something different.

Michael works hard with his team of builders, subcontractors and preferred suppliers to create a culture of building excellence.

Every build, whether a small renovation or a new home, is executed with purpose and focus on a high-quality end product.

“There is a feeling of pride you get when standing back and seeing what you have achieved. To be able to give a client a result they love, for me there’s a whole lot of integrity in that.”

Starting at the initial consultation, Michael works closely with clients to understand their specific requirements. When provided with a quote, a client can expect a detailed proposal that is transparent and accurate.

As the key project manager, Michael makes sure once a contract is signed and the project has started that the work flows for his builders on site by scheduling subcontractors and materials to create an efficient work site where projects finish within the agreed time frame.

“Communication is key in this business. “ I understand this process can be daunting to some clients, and it’s a big leap of faith for people to trust someone else to execute their vision.

“I like to develop a close relationship with my clients so they know they can trust me.”

He says it is rewarding working with architects and customers during the design phase, seeing a home go from an image on a computer screen or a set of plans to a real thing that is someone’s pride and joy.

A Cut Above building is equally adept at new home builds as it is at renovations.

“If you love your location it often makes sense to stay where you are and renovate your house to suit your changing lifestyle. We enjoy breathing new life into old homes,” says Michael.

Working on refits and remodelling projects also provides plenty of opportunities for his team to build their skill-set.

“These projects often demand thinking outside the square and it is a challenge we thrive on.”

After working one-on-one with a dedicated business coach, Michael carries a clear vision of where he wants to see the company evolve into the future.

Every build with A Cut Above Building, whether a small renovation or a new home, is executed with purpose and focus on a high-quality end product.

B U I L D I N G

L T D

Waikato’s Specialists in Residential Projects New Builds - design and build or from your plans Renovations and Additions

Awnings | Balustrades | Blinds Fencing & Gates

P

Security & Insect Screens Showers | Wardrobes & Doors

E

07 847 5577 or 027 285 1960 A 54a Greenwood St, Hamilton michael@acutabove.co.nz W www.acutabove.co.nz

Proudly Supporting ‘A Cut Above Building’ 3B Bandon St, Frankton, Hamilton

We Listen, We Collaborate,

P 07 847 2221

We Innovate, We Deliver...

E waikato@homeplus.co.nz

homes that truly fit with YOU workplaces for YOUR business success

www.homeplus.co.nz

Proud suppliers of Aluminium Windows & Doors for A Cut Above Building

www.stilesandhooker.co.nz

for a FREE initial consultation CALL 07 839 1254

ORIGIN WINDOWS Specialists in Aluminium Windows & Doors for all projects.

Phone 07 849 3817 Fax 07 849 3813

New Zealand’s largest most respected national supplier of Concrete Products

Visit our showroom located at: 12 Northpark Drive, Te Rapa, Hamilton

Certified Concrete • Masonry • Paving Retaining Walls • Floors • Veneer Walls

Email: info@originwindows.co.nz www.originwindows.co.nz

0800 800 576 07 849 4879 www.firth.co.nz

795 Te Rapa Rd Hamilton

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

BUILDING » Harbour Construction

| 35

Innovative solutions to problems Karen Phelps Harbour Construction is working on a 16-storey student accommodation building in Whitaker Place, Auckland, for client Tasman Cook, which has seen the company achieve a 5-6 day floor cycle using an insitu concrete floor slab system.

According to Justin Savage, Harbour Construction general manager, the system is not typically used in such projects but was suggested by the company due to the difficult site, which made entry by heavy machinery problematic.

The floor has been poured with the assistance of the Peri Gridflex grid slab formwork, which allows for the shuttering of slabs of thicknesses up to 67cm. The system is handled from below with a minimum number of components, meaning the shortest shuttering times possible with maximum work safety, says Savage.

“Because most of the preparation work and support of the floor and deck for casting concrete is done from the floor below limiting the need for people to work at heights so it’s a safer system,” he says.

It’s the first time that Harbour Construction has worked with the system and Justin thinks it demonstrates the company’s ability to work closely with clients, refining design details and project methodologies to come up with innovative solutions to meet project challenges.

“We’ve had a lot of input into this project from the early stages. We prefer to work this way as we can then add our expertise to the mix from a practical buildability point of view,” says Justin, a qualified builder who brings over two decades of industry experience to Harbour Construction.

Harbour Construction was started by Justin and two business partners in 2003 as a specialist concrete and carpentry subcontract company.

In 2008 the company was purchased by Kalmar Construction making it a part of the Kalmar Group, which also includes K2 Interiors.

Justin says this gives Harbour Construction the backing of a large group and also enables it to complete multiple aspects of a project including interiors.

Harbour Construction focuses on commercial and industrial projects. It also offers a minor works and maintenance service as a result of a number of its repeat clients requiring maintenance or minor works to buildings in their property portfolios.

Award-winning projects completed by the company include Middlemore Hospital car park, which won a New Zealand Concrete Society award for its innovative approach to the project.

Harbour Construction is a specialist concrete and carpentry subcontract company that focuses on commercial and industrial projects.

“Normally we would construct the ground floor then put up a structure to construct the next floor.

On this project we cast the ground floor then cast another floor on top of this then jacked this floor up. It was a new process for New Zealand,” says Justin.

As people are a major aspect of the success of

www.ramset.co.nz

the company it was a great accolade that one of the company’s staff won the National Apprentice of the Year title in 2012.

“No other commercial company had ever won this award prior. It demonstrates the skill of our team and the time we put into training,” says Justin.

Although the company typically works for a variety of clients, work from Kalmar Construction is currently keeping the company busy.

It is presently working on apartment building Verto in Stonefields, Mt Wellington, a car park in Takapuna and a four -evel apartment building in Browns Bay.

PROUD TO SUPPORT A GREAT TEAM Bunnings is proud to support the team at Harbour Construction.

We like to think our Trade Promises help make your jobs easier.

For your nearest store visit bunnings.co.nz/stores or call 0508 BUNNINGS

Trade Promises terms and conditions apply. See Trade Desk for details.

0800 Ramset (726 738)

An expert concrete cutting & drilling job starts here

Constructa Built Ltd Professional Building Contractors and Commercial Subcontractors

John Nelson Ph. 021 739 689 E. constructabuilt@xtra.co.nz P.O. Box 139 Beachlands

Lowery are proud to be associated with Harbour Construction Phone: 09 414 5050 Free: 0800 456 937

Website: www.lowery.co.nz Email: info@lowery.co.nz

36 |

BUILDING » Epic Homes

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Epic Homes believes that including clients as part of the building team is the secret to a successful new home build.

The secret to building success Karen Phelps Including clients as part of the building team is the secret to a successful new home build,

believes Epic Homes sales manager Hayden Rau. “Our clients can ring us at any time. All staff are involved in the day to day activities of the business so this means that whenever they call there is always someone there who has knowledge of their build and can answer their questions.

“We operate a very flat business structure so our clients receive a very personal service,” he says.

The Wellington based company also enhances this client communication by way of a cloud based online system. Customers can log into Epic Live on the company’s website.

“We don’t email clients we do everything through Epic Live. The system keeps everything in one place – messages, contracts, scheduling, photos etc – so clients can access this information easily any time from anywhere in the world,” he explains.

“For example at the moment one of our client’s is travelling through Europe while we’re building their home. So whenever they have cell phone coverage they can log in and see exactly where their build is at.”

Epic Homes was started in 2004 by Rodney

“Our approach is to tailor everything to our client. We meet our clients, get a feel for who they are, get their wishlist and go from there.”

Harkness, a Registered Master Builder who has been building new homes since 1996.

After an early career as a cabinet maker Rodney formed RH Builders before creating Epic Homes.

For the past few years Epic Homes has been a consistent Registered Master Builders House of

the Year award winner in the greater Wellington region.

In 2009 Epic Homes won the silver and category award, two silver awards were gained in 2011 followed by bronze, silver, and gold awards in 2012.

• Electrical contracting services • Obligation free quotes • Heat Pumps • Data and home networking • LED lighting • Home lighting automation • Power saving options • Econnecx installers Experienced Team We are a locally owned business, who operate throughout the Wellington Region.

Bram Hoogeveen | Residential and Services Manager Rapid Current Commercial Ltd. Electrical Contractors Phone 04 499 4686 | Mobile 021 411 052 | bram@rapidcurrent.co.nz 2/18 Kaiwharawhara Rd, Wellington, PO Box 30703, Lower Hutt, 5040

• Switchboards • Lighting design • Repairs and upgrades • Alarms and Security • Emergency lighting

RELIABLE FOUNDATIONS NZ LTD Floating foundation specialists for a safer, more stable home - Installation New Zealand wide • RibRaft Waffle Foundations • Tc1 Foundations • Tc2 Foundations • Tc3 Foundations • And we take care of the designing

0800 RIB RAFT 0800 742 7238

Todd Youdvald: 021 281 8163 northisland@rfl.co.nz www.reliablefoundations.co.nz

• to page 38

Business North

BUILDING Âť Epic Homes

Nov/Dec 2015

| 37

For the past few years, Epic Homes has been a consistent Registered Master Builders House of the Year award winner in the greater Wellington region.

braddock decorators ltd Phone: 04 293 7266 Mobile: 027 4430 557 Master Painters New Zealand

PO Box 398 Waikanae Email: braddockdecorators@paradise.net.nz

Regency Wardrobes are proud to be the supplier of Quality Wardrobes Quality Epic Homes • Quality Regency Organisers

0800 426 100 www.regencywardrobes.co.nz

DHK BUILDERS LTD LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED BUILDING SERVICE

Proud to support Epic Homes

dhkbuilders@xtra.co.nz Waikanae, Wellington

We know plastering DP Plasterers are BCITO qualified all our work is done to GIB specification

Gib Stopping | Skim Coating | Gib Cove | Gib Fixing Walls and Ceilings | Colonial Cornice Supply and Install info@dpplastering.co.nz | 021 801 466

38 |

BUILDING » Epic Homes

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Epic has the secret to building success • from page 36 The latest gold award also claimed the category award for new homes in the $600,000$1 million.

All Epic Homes builds are design and build projects and the company offers fixed price contracts.

“Our approach is to tailor everything to our client. We meet our clients, get a feel for who they are, get their wishlist and go from there,” says Hayden “We try to get the best result to meet their needs rather than taking a plan and trying to make that fit their requirements and site.

“Also when you make changes to predesigned plans it adds to the cost so we don’t believe designing from scratch has to be significantly more expensive.”

According to Hayden Epic Homes clients are “seeking something out of the ordinary”.

Epic Homes builds are all different and high spec. The company can also assist clients to select a site if required and it has some sections for sale.

Epic Homes has been involved with Silverwood Residential Estate from its inception and has a show home at 1 Canary Way, which was the first home build in the estate.

“It’s a well designed subdivision and a lot of the sections have sea views.

“We have now built around 15 homes and

All Epic Homes builds are design and build projects and the company offers customers fixed price contracts.

have another 12 currently under construction.”

The company also has six completed homes for sale plus four stand alone townhouses.

The Silverwood Residential Estate show home

has just sold and the company has two show homes under construction or in the planning phase, says Hayden.

“Business is going really well. Enquiry levels

are good and we manage to convert a high percentage of enquiries into builds as a result of our approach - including our clients as part of the team from day one.”

Hoults Doors Limited Email: sales@houltsdoors.co.nz • www.houltsdoors.co.nz Phone: 4 567 0824 • Fax: 4 567 0308 232 Cambridge Terrace • PO Box 35 053, Naenae

Proud to supply Epic Homes with quality custom-built kitchens.

P 04 576 9348 | F 04 576 9345 | 30 Seaview Rd, Seaview, Lower Hutt

• Interior Doors • Entrance Doors • Timber Doors • Bi-Fold Doors • French Doors • Cavity Slider Doors • Leadlight Doors Proud to support Epic Homes

Check out our new website www.houltsdoors.co.nz

Supplying Quality Doors to Wellington since 1987

www.mastercraft.co.nz

DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST?

KITCHENS • WARDROBES • LAUNDRY CABINETRY • BATHROOM VANITIES

Put yourself in front of potential clients.

Patios, Paths, Floor Slabs, Poly Blocks, Tilt Panels, Exposed Aggregate, Truck & Digger Hire, Coloured Concrete

BRICKLAYING AND BLOCKLAYING Horowhenua to Wellington Dan Smithson M 027 489 5721 E synergycontract@gmail.com

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Business North

BUILDING » Harris Residential

Nov/Dec 2015

| 39

A focus on quality workmanship Karen Phelps First time entrants to the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Competition, Harris Residential, has taken out a gold and category win in the Builder’s Own Home section of the 2015 Wellington/Wairarapa awards.

The five-bedroom family home in Whitby, Porirua, has two living areas, three bathrooms and a modern kitchen.

Judges said the home demonstrated good use of space and clever design. The master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe is positioned upstairs for privacy, while a guest bedroom accommodates visitors downstairs.

Three further bedrooms open to a communal lounge, which flows onto a large deck. Special features such as remote-operated skylights offer extra illumination and ventilation in the home and rain sensors mean they will automatically close in the event of unexpected downpours.

A SmartVent system circulates warm or cold air throughout the home, depending on the season.

“This home really demonstrates the focus we place on quality because we build all our homes to exactly the same high levels of quality workmanship,” says Joel Harris, who owns the company with father Andrew.

Harris Residential was started in 2004 when Andrew moved his family from the UK to New Zealand.

Andrew had previously operated his own building company in the UK focusing on barn conversions and renovation of older homes, and brings over 30 years building experience to the business.

Joel, who is also a qualified plumber and gasfitter, joined the business in 2012 and has nearly completed his building apprenticeship. Based in Whitby, Porirua, Harris Residential builds in the wider Wellington region.

Harris Residential only undertakes design and build projects. Clients can either bring their own plans to the company or Harris Residential can facilitate the design process through a local architectural practice.

The company liaises with clients throughout the whole process from site selection, if necessary, to the finished build. Joel undertakes the plumbing and gas fitting aspects of the company’s projects providing a seamless process and higher levels of quality control. It’s a small tightknit team comprising Andrew, Joel and builder Michael Nowicki, who was trained by the company.

“People like the fact that we are a small family owned business. Clients deal directly with Andrew and myself and when they turn up to site it’s us building their home,” says Joel.

“This also improves communication as there is no middleman. It’s a direct link between us and the client so they can come directly to us anytime they have questions.”

The company is presently working on a new show home, which is earmarked for an opening in March 2016. Located in Madeira Close, Whitby, the 232sqm show home is contemporary in design.

It will comprise four bedrooms, two living spaces,

Harris Residential, which has been operating since 2004, is a small, family owned business that specialises in design and build projects. kitchen with scullery, bathroom, ensuite and guest toilet. It will be clad in timber weatherboard with schist features.

“While people like to see new ideas in show homes we like to keep things simple and focus on the quality of the workmanship,” says Joel. “Quality is a real focus for us – we take time to do things properly. Quality comes first.”

FOR ALL YOUR TIMBER, HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLIES

We’re proud to support Harris Residential Levin Ph: 06 368 4057 Fax: 06 368 0008 Paraparaumu Ph: 04 298 9726 Fax: 04 298 9728

Greytown Ph: 06 304 7193 Fax: 06 304 7195 Seaview Ph: 04 568 3896 Fax: 04 568 2640

“We’ll see you right” New and Re-Roofing Specialists

HKR

Harris Residential typically focuses on one project at a time, although this is set to change as Mike is now fully qualified and ready to take the step to project management. Joel will shortly follow as he too finishes his apprenticeship, giving the company capacity to expand.

“We are focused on building the company slowly from within so we have fully qualified people

Products we deal with are • Gerard Metal Tiles • Butynol • Coloursteel • Continuous Spouting • Klass Fascia

Horowhenua Kapiti Roofing

Where Quality and Experience Matters

04 298 9995 M 0274 430 452 | E nick@hkroofing.co.nz | P O Box 694 | Paraparaumu 5254 | Kapiti Coast

we trust to run the jobs. It’s an important part of our continued focus on quality as demand for Harris Residential’s services grows.”

BRICKLAYING AND BLOCKLAYING Horowhenua to Wellington Dan Smithson M 027 489 5721 E synergycontract@gmail.com

40 |

BUILDING » Pepper Construction

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

This cedar-clad home built by Pepper Construction and nestled in the foothills of the Pouakai Range near Egmont National Park makes maximum use of the steep slope it is built on.

Awards win ‘icing on the cake’ Karen Phelps Receiving the supreme new build award at this year’s Taranaki Registered Master Builders’ Awards night was not something the team at Pepper Construction necessarily expected to happen but according to the New Plymouth company’s business development manager, Nigel Davis, there are some compelling reasons why the home received the title.

“Basically, from our perspective, the fact that it is almost anticipating the emerging trend toward smaller footprint homes seems an element influencing the judges’ decision,” Nigel says.

Not only was the 65sqm holiday retreat ‘Small World’ judged best of the best, it also received

several other awards. Nigel says two in particular, the Craftsmanship and the Gold Reserve Awards, are of particular value.

“To be judged by your peers as producing the finest quality of detailing and finish and then to be awarded Gold Reserve, which places the home in the top 100 new builds in the country is amazing for us.

“This is the first time we have entered a client’s build into the Registered Master Builders’ awards.”

Nigel says in winning the award the whole direction of construction in the residential sector toward smaller, sustainably sound and environmentally embracing living has been recognised.

“More and more people these days choose

TARANAKI ELECTRICAL SERVICES

• Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Solar Power • Rural

06 758 5052

admin@taranakielectrical.co.nz Proud to be associated with Pepper Construction

not to live in sprawling homes with lots of space.

Instead, they want to live responsibly using resources efficiently.

“The real hallmark of this home is that it proves you can live in a smaller dwelling without trading off comfort, beauty and life-style.”

The cedar-clad home, nestled in the foothills of the Pouakai Range near Egmont National Park, makes maximum use of the steep slope it is built on, creating, in the angle of its mono-pitched roof, a sense of loft and room to house an additional bedroom.

The polished concrete insulated floor acts as a sun bank storing warmth gathered during the day, releasing it to keep the home warm into the evening.

Energy is gathered through solar panels

which charge batteries able to store up to four days capacity. These run the energy-efficient LED lighting inside the home, while cooking is managed through an LPG gas bottle.

Hot water is generated through a gas-powered Infinity instant and tankless hot water system.

“Put it this way, the owners only pay rates, insurance and use about four gas bottles a year.”

Waste water is managed via the optimally-placed septic tank ecosystem.

Receiving the Gold Reserve award means Pepper Construction’s ‘Small World’ home will be re-judged with the other 99 Gold Reserve homes, selected from all the regional competitions held throughout the country.

National prize winners will be revealed at a gala event to be held in Auckland on November 14,

Business North

BUILDING » Pepper Construction

Nov/Dec 2015

| 41

Pepper Construction offers an extensive range of building services, including design and build, project management and home renovations/alterations.

“To be judged by your peers as producing the finest quality of detailing and finish and then to be awarded Gold Reserve, which places the home in the top 100 new builds in the country is amazing for us.” something Nigel says the team feel very honoured to be part of.

“When we received the local awards, for us, it was like saying to our guys, ‘You’re not just builders you are Pepper Builders and you have proved that standard to the building community’.

That is a source of real pride to us. Being part of the national event is like the icing on the cake!”

For third-generation owner and managing director, Andrew Pepper, receiving the supreme award feels like validation.

He saw something in the exquisite small home through the quality of its construction and its highly-evolved design, including an outside bath and extensive decking, that was special.

“We are over the moon with these awards. I saw merit in the building and I remember on the

night seeing how many others were in agreement with the judges’ choice. That felt special,” says Andrew.

He leads a team of five at the hub of the company with 19 on the tools, and while there is still plenty of work ahead, Andrew says he’s happy with the size of the company.

“It’s important to take care of your staff, to make sure everyone is busy and engaged in their work.

“This is where they draw their inspiration from.

That culture is reflected in the quality of work we constantly set as our benchmark.”

Pepper Construction offers an extensive range of building services, including design and build, project management, home renovations/ alterations and commercial work.

SEYMOUR ALUMINIUM LTD 3 Sunley Street Borrell Park PO Box 5040 Westown New Plymouth Ph 06 753 6910 Fax 06 753 6912

CLASSIC CARPETS

• Wallpapering Specialists in: • Muraflex Finishes • Painting (interior & exterior) • Industrial & Commercial • Protective Coatings

Proud to be associated with Pepper Construction Serving Taranaki for over 60 years

Proud to be associated with Pepper Construction CARPET VINYL

757 8012 · 027 494 6888 PH: 06 278 0129 · 027 250 9338 11/55 Rimu Street, New Plymouth 97 Camberwell, Hawera

WOOD

Email: thepainters@xtra.co.nz

FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

PH: 06

LAMINATE

t : 06 753 3933 Borrell Ave, Westown, New Plymouth

42 |

BUILDING » Dreamtime Cabins / New Dimension Construction Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Adding a New Dimension to villa restoration Sue Russell

Dreamtime Cabins also offers custom built cabins to suit special requirements, sizes and sites.

Portable cabins proving popular Karen Phelps Dreamtime Cabins has supplied portable cabins to be used for offices, art and music studios, a pizza kitchen and even a cattery.

The company is providing its range of portable cabins and other special purpose buildings to the Auckland region to meet the growing demand in terms of the shortage of accommodation and storage.

“We’re passionate about buildings that look good and are cost-effective for clients,” says company owner Shane Savill.

Shane, who has a background in real estate and property development, started Dreamtime Cabins in 2012.

“We thought it could be a good idea to try and keep overheads down and produce a great product that could be introduced to the market competitively, passing on the benefits to our clients,” says Shane.

Dreamtime Cabins started by purchasing the units then renting them out.

As demand for the company’s product grew it started manufacturing its own units in Henderson, Auckland.

Built just like an extra room, the cabins are light, well ventilated, insulated, painted, carpeted and fully

wired including an inside and outside light and a 25 metre power lead which plugs into a standard three pin plug.

The cabins are generally under 10sqm meaning, that as long as the local council boundary bylaws are adhered to, no building consent is needed.

Dreamtime Cabins also offers custom built cabins to suit special requirements, sizes and sites.

The company gives customers a free onsite consultation to check out the site, consult with the client, answer any questions they might have and then comes up with a design that best suits their needs.

Likewise the company’s range of products can be customised to fit in with the existing buildings, for example weatherboard cladding.

Dreamtime either sells or rents the portable cabins. A recent development for the company has been to offer an affordable rent to own option.

Dreamtime Cabins offers the Ezi-Pay payment plan.

“We can sell a cabin for just over $80 a week, with a 10% deposit, over three years including delivery.

“This makes Dreamtime Cabins a really affordable option,” he says.

The company delivers all Auckland wide but has had units go further afield on occasion. Shane is looking to grow the company into other parts of New Zealand.

Louis Taylor and Carl Hooper have created a niche service restoring and renovating the old pioneering villas central Auckland, in particular, is noted for.

The two builders have known each other for years but only got together to form New Dimension Construction two years ago and since that time they have had plenty of work on their books.

“Before we created the company we each worked in really strong building companies with reputations for building high-end million dollar-plus homes and that gave us each a strong footing in the industry.”

Louis says it takes a certain special level of skill to tackle substantial renovation work often demanded because of the deterioration that has occurred in homes 100+ years old.

“It is not for the faint-hearted and it is technically very challenging because these lovely old homes are often not straight or level any more and major work is required, not only to restore them to their original standard but also to strengthen and modernise them.”

A lot of villa restoration work involves removing interior walls to create more substantial open spaces, turning once pokey rooms into a home that meets the demands of modern day living.

“There is often also a lot of damaged and undermined material externally and our work can be extensive, including complete repiling, new roofs, spouting, insulation and window joinery work to bring things up to spec.”

The company has just taken on its first complete new build on a site in Westmere where an old home has been demolished and will be replaced with a modern bungalow style property and Louis says it is good to tackle a project from scratch.

“Over time we intend to expand more into new builds while keeping renovations and alterations as a core service.”

These days, the company has grown to a team of seven builders, including two apprentices and Louis feels that in time it is likely more will be added.

To help achieve this vision the company’s website is currently being upgraded with a special focus on engaging the viewer with the stories of clients’ experiences.

Vinyl Flooring Specialists. Supply and fit vinyl flooring, flooring services to property managers and developers, rental and home owners, commercial and residential • Sheet vinyl 2, 3 & 4m wide • Vinyl Planks/Tiles - Looselay • Sheet vinyl off cuts (low priced) • Commercial carpet

www.krf.co.nz

› Experience you can trust › Range you will appreciate › Service you can rely on

K R FLOORING | 721 Dominion Road, Auckland 1041 P. 0800 835 667 | E. sales@krf.co.nz

Accounting (Albany) Ltd

Proud to be associated with Dreamtime Cabins We specialise in Accounting, Consulting and Trustee work.

Tailoring to your needs.

09 477 2300

Villa restoration isn’t for the faint hearted, says the team at New Dimension Construction.

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

BUILDING » New Dimension Construction

| 43

New Dimension Construction offers complete project management and turn-key level capability, as well as the expertise and skill necesary to tackle complex villa renovations.

“The website will be created anew by the end of the year to include walk-through videos and the owners of these properties sharing how they found us to be when we undertook their build.

Much more visually engaging than reading a lot of information about us and what we do.”

He is the first to acknowledge the outstanding skills and workmanship of their team of electrical, concreting and timber flooring sub-trades: Dayle ITM Timber, BSR Concrete Specialists and Abstract Flooring.

“They make our work look great!”

While Carl and Louis are still very much on the tools, they are looking forward to the time when they can step back and devote more time to training new builders. However, Louis says

for him it is important the team sees the bosses working alongside them.

“I want to be able to train our guys to be literally ‘mini me’s’. Referrals are a big part of how business comes our way and every builder we employ is carrying and maintaining our reputation.”

New Dimension Construction offers complete project management and turn-key level capability.

“I’m really pleased with what has been achieved in the last couple of years. It’s about meeting the challenges that come when you first establish a company and always looking for opportunities to evolve. That’s very much the space we are in at this time and it feels good.”

“Referrals are a big part of how business comes our way and every builder we employ is carrying and maintaining our reputation.”

THE ONE STOP CONCRETE SHOP

Ph: 0800 004 219

“Abstract Floors install and supply a wide range of timber as well as offer suggestions on timber and finish types to make your home stand out.”

www.colourcrete.co.nz 11 Blackburn Rd, East Tamaki

Why choose timber flooring? > > > > > > >

Timber floors give your home character Can help in selling and increase value to your property Redecorating: expose your floors and maybe colour to compliment wall and decor Easier to keep clean and more forgiving then carpet Allergies: Timber floors are the best remedy Have that wow factor when people enter your home An affordable option offering an unique look as every floor is different PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION

American Oak, Oiled

American Oak, Solvent

Spotted Gum, Oil

Ashanti Oil on Oak

www.abstractfloorsanding.co.nz | abstractfloorsanding@xtra.co.nz Ph: 09 473 6582 | Mob: 027 562 4982

713 ROSEBANK RD, AVONDALE PH: 09 828 9791 DAYLEITM.CO.NZ

PROUD SUPPLIERS TO

NEW DIMENSION CONSTRUCTION

44 |

BUILDING » Cornerstone Developments

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Strong work ethic leads to success Sue Russell Mike and Jacqui Callagher, of Hamilton property development company Cornerstone Developments, have instilled the same hard work ethic and respect of others into their five children that they were brought up with, and according to Mike it is a sure way to succeed in both their personal and work lives.

“We were brought up to work hard and to understand there is often no other way to get ahead without it. It is school holiday time right now so some of our children are helping plant out a sub-division in Tamahere that we are developing at the moment,” says Mike.

He remembers before entering the property development sector, holding down two jobs with three small children and at that time realised he needed to change direction in order to get ahead.

Put simply his goal was to be free-hold on his own property and to have an income.

Looking back the journey to date and what has been achieved is so much more than he ever imagined.

Since starting from small beginnings, relocating houses some 15 years ago, the couple have successfully completed over 150 properties and built their business up to the point that Mike’s aspirations are now turning toward undertaking multi-million dollar sub-divisions in the future.

The couple are grateful for what has been achieved from those small beginnings. The long-standing support of their BNZ bank is especially appreciated and has been pivotal to the company’s success.

“We have got a really good network of contractors, who have been with us for many years.

“They are not only work colleagues but many are good friends of ours, so my business is in a solid position to be able to take on a significant projects in the future,” says Mike.

Retaining full control of all aspects of the projects Cornerstone Developments undertakes is important to the couple. This extends to the marketing of the properties when completed.

Three months ago, the company took on project manager Sharon Williams freeing Mike to

CORNERSTONE DEVELOPMENTS

look at new opportunities and to concentrate on growing the company.

Work is about to get underway with a 12 town-house project right in the centre of Hamilton.

Mike isn’t surprised that all the properties have been sold even before construction has started.

The Tisdall Street project is in a superb position a stones-throw from the river, Hamilton East, the Waikato Hospital and from the CBD. The two-storey, 128sqm, three-bedroom units all face the river in two rows of six units each.

Each unit has a large single attached garage, open-plan dining, kitchen and living spaces below with a master bedroom/ensuite, two other bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. The town-

houses are realistically priced at $479,000.

“We begin building in November and will have the project completed by mid next year.

“It’s a fabulous site and these days it is getting harder and harder to find sites of this size to develop so close to the city centre.”

Mike and Jacqui also wanted their business to be one that helped other young couples and investors to get ahead themselves by investing in property that would deliver capital gain to them over time.

Every project Mike and Jacqui plan is listed for sale on their website, home to where their new projects are found, along with testimonials from customers, current projects for sale and a link to be added to their mailing list.

“It’s a fabulous site and these days it is getting harder and harder to find sites of this size to develop so close to the city centre.”

Business North

BUILDING » Cornerstone Developments

Nov/Dec 2015

| 45

The Tisdall Street project is in a superb position a stones-throw from the river, Hamilton East, the Waikato Hospital and from the CBD.

GREG MCWHANNELL ROOFING

More than 10 years in the making 30 Kensington Place, Fairfield, Hamilton 3214

027 655-5506

Call us today!

We are experts in all your window treatment requirements.

curtaingirl@icloud.com www.thecurtaingirl.co.nz

mcwhannellroofing@gmail.com

FIRST RATE FINISH

NEW HOME / RENOVATION

Interior & Exterior Painters & Decorators

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL

Proudly Supporting Cornerstone Developments

MCWHANNELL ROOFING

5 Wynvale Lane RD 9 HAMILTON Mobile: 021 889 460 Ph/Fax: 07 850 1853

TEL/FAX | 07 850 8106 MOB | 027 273 4921 EMA | MONTY@FIRSTRATEFINISH.CO.NZ WEB | FIRSTRATEFINISH.CO.NZ

New Zealand’s largest most respected national supplier of Concrete Products

Certified Concrete • Masonry • Paving Retaining Walls • Floors • Veneer Walls 0800 800 576 07 849 4879 www.firth.co.nz

795 Te Rapa Rd Hamilton

We started out as an asphalt placing company, and over the years we have progressed into other areas of earth and site works. Today our work extends to all areas of site works, and we are still growing. We continue to look for ways of improving our service for our clients, and to provide them with a package that gives them ease of management, no matter a project's size.

With 19 years experience, you can be rest assured.

We strive to achieve the highest standard in our industry, Hamilton Asphalt ensures to provide the best possible customer experience while delivering a product that exceeds expectations. We Guarantee it.

For all Asphalt & Tarsealing Requirements www.hamiltonasphalts.co.nz · admin@hamiltonasphalts.co.nz · 745 Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton · 07 849 0600

46 |

ST KILDA » St Kilda Development

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Creating a real sense of community Karen Phelps Unlike most developments, seeking the maximum yield was not the focus when St Kilda was being designed, says one of the developers of the project Matt Smith.

“We have sought to create a balance between recreational areas and the average size of the sections.

“While sections of between 400-800sqm is the norm for Cambridge, in St Kilda our average size of sections is 1500sqm,” he says.

Of the 80ha over which the development is set around 20ha has been dedicated as parks and reserves, wetlands and walking tracks.

Close to 70,000 trees and plants have been placed in St Kilda to date.

It is probably the Smiths backgrounds that has contributed to the natural focus of St Kilda. Matt and wife Nikki are developing St Kilda, along with Matt’s parents Mike (who comes from a corporate background as second in charge of Lion Nathan for 30 years) and wife Dale.

Matt and Nikki had originally seen the land as a way to fund their first dairy farm.

They did an initial 128-section development planning to operate the remainder of the land as a farm but quickly realised residential homes and farming located right next door to each other was not the ideal mix.

They then needed to come up with a distinct point of difference to convince council to change the use of the remainder of their land to residential.

The family looked at other subdivisions around New Zealand and overseas before coming up with the concept for St Kilda, which has some unique covenants including compulsory use of solar cells on the roofs of homes and the inclusion of a 25,000 litre rain water tank.

Every home in the development also needs to be insulated with Mammoth polyester insulation.

Other covenants refer to the orientation of the homes to maximise the free energy from the sun and the fact that no home design can be duplicated and each home in the development must be different.

Matt says all requirements encompasses the

Around 20ha of St Kilda, in Cambridge, has been dedicated as parks and reserves, wetlands and walking tracks. holistic viewpoint of the development focusing on healthy energy efficient homes.

“We could see that council was looking at putting in water restrictions and water meters in the future so we saw it as prudent to include certain features in the build stage,” explains Matt.

“Mammoth is a superior product and our buying power allows us to compete with any other brand while offering a better product. “ It’s a win-win for the development and the clients.”

Matt says a strong focus in St Kilda has been placed on lifestyle.

• to page 48

“There was a real sense of community and that’s something we wanted to replicate in St Kilda – harking back to the good old days where people lived in safe environments.”

Secure your Kiwi Dream at St Kilda, with a mortgage solution to fit your lifestyle Choosing a home loan takes as much careful planning as choosing a home. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced mortgage professional.

Mortgage Express has access to a wide range of home loan options, so we’ll find the right one for you.

Whether you are buying or building a new home, Di Dunn at Mortgage Express will guide you every step of the way through the mortgage process.

Di Dunn

Mortgage & Insurance Adviser

phone 07 834 0601 mobile 021 926 331 freephone 0800 226 226 di@mx.co.nz PO Box 9457, Hamilton, 444 Tristram Street, Hamilton www.mortgage-express.co.nz

A disclosure statement is available on request and free of charge

GROUP BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS. CALL US TODAY: 0800 00 22 69 REGARDING OUR SOLAR PARTNERSHIP. If your customers demand the best. Then work with PowerSmart, New Zealand’s multi-award winning solar electricity integrators.

www.powersmartsolar.com

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

ST KILDA » St Kilda Development

| 47

Striking designs on show Synergy Designer Homes has been helping to provide the design capability behind some of the striking new homes being built in St Kilda in Cambridge.

Synergy Designer Homes was formed from a collaboration between St Kilda developers Matt and Nikki Smith, and Aaron Guerin and Charlotte Martin, of Cambridge-based design company LAD Architecture Ltd, which recently took out both national and regional awards at the 2015 ADNZ | Resene Architectural Design Awards. Aaron says the partnership recognised a gap in the market for striking architecturally designed, turnkey home solutions, along with a need for superior customer service and design consultation.

He says that the name Synergy Designer Homes was an obvious choice for the company as it perfectly encompasses the company ethos: The idea of multiple organisations and natural elements working together to produce a home that is cost effective to run and of great beauty, while making a powerful design statement.

“Synergy Designer Homes provides another option for clients who have purchased land in St Kilda,” explains Aaron. “We are focused on clients who want to build unique architecturally designed homes with an emphasis on harnessing natural elements for long term energy savings.”

Synergy Designer Homes are all thoughtfully designed and perfectly positioned on their site to best take advantage of elements such as wind and solar energy to heat and cool each home.

Aaron says that this maintains comfortable and healthy internal air temperatures and, ultimately, saves clients money. The company utilises specialised software to take 360-degree photos of the site and with the help of 3D animation software, presents clients with an extremely detailed computer walk-through of their new home design.

This also provide clients with sun studies at different times of the year so they can see exactly where the sun will fall on the site and how it will affect their home.

Synergy Designer Homes incorporate solar electricity systems and 25,000 litre rain water harvesting tanks into every one of the company’s designs, as well as utilising passive design principles such as crossflow ventilation and the use of concrete heat sinks. The company offers an interior designer in-house, meaning it can take care of the whole design package for clients.

Aaron says that duplex living is a popular design choice in St Kilda. The company has just completed a two level duplex unit on separate titles: One side is the new St Kilda site office and the other has been purchased by a home buyer.

Aaron says duplexes are the ideal “lock and leave” home, ideal for anybody but particularly busy families, professional couples, and retirees.

“Synergy Designer Homes builds, such as these duplexes, are a real collaboration between the needs of the client and architectural design. We pride ourselves on this and we always look forward to first understanding our client’s requirements and then planning their homes to match.”

Cogswell obvious choice Cogswell Surveys Ltd has won several awards recently, the latest at the Waipa Networks 2015 Business Awards where it won the Excellence in Business - Medium Business award. Just last year the company won two national excellence awards, one in conjunction with St Kilda, EMS and BECA from the New Zealand Property Council, and one from the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors.

Co directors Pete McLachlan and Phil Cogswell say the wins are an indication of the team’s hard work and the continuation of positive growth for the business in the rapidly growing Cambridge North area.

Cogswell Surveys has been in Cambridge for over 50 years, and in January will be relocating from Anzac St to their newly refurbished offices in Milicich Place, Cambridge.

The company specialises in professional surveying services, with particular expertise in the field of subdivision and land development. Along with traditional surveying services the company is known for providing expert planning advice and preparing resource consent applications to local authorities on clients’ behalf. Cogswell Surveys can cater to every client’s needs whether it’s a large subdivision such as St Kilda or subdividing a single section.

The silver award the company won at the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors’ 2014 Excellence Awards was for the company’s work in the St Kilda subdivision, which Cogswell Surveys has been associated with from concept to completion. The company utilised a state of the art GPS in a successful project to underground 110KVa Transpower cables through the centre of the St Kilda development. Pete says

that the undergrounding of 1.3km of transmissions lines provided the developers with the chance to design and fully utilise the land without the obstruction of large transmission towers and overhead cables.

A trusted partner on previous projects, St Kilda co-founder Matt Smith says that Cogswell Surveys was the obvious choice for the project: “Cogswell’s has been there every step of the way to help make the dream a reality. Big sections averaging 1600m², wide streets to encourage leisurely traffic flow and a large wetland swale have made St Kilda a unique development but Cogswell’s has been more than up for the challenge,” he says.

The latest urban design concepts have been used in St Kilda’s lot design, and the project’s costs have been significantly reduced by harnessing technology, says Pete. Cogswells has also taken over supervision of construction of civil works on the site, which has included roading, installation of water, sewers and storm water systems.

“The earthmoving contractors have GPS on their excavators which means they don’t need extensive setout work. They can excavate to the design themselves, which is pretty impressive and represents a massive cost saving. Doing things once and doing them right is something we focus on with all our projects and is a huge factor in our awards success.”

With construction of Stage 3 of St Kilda well underway, Peter says that the team at Cogswells is looking forward to completing this stage prior to Christmas to enable titles to issue early in 2016.

Design & Project Management | Energy Efficient | House & Land Packages

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

PO Box 1120, Cambridge | Info@synergydesignerhomes.co.nz www.synergydesignerhomes.co.nz

COGSWELL SURVEYS LTD

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS Land & Engineering Surveyors. Land Development Consultants.

Proud Winners of the Excellence in Medium Business Award 2015 Thank you to our many clients for your on-going support over the last 50 years

Want to know the subdivision potential of your property?

Call us today for a free initial consultation. - 07 827 5071 or call in to our Cambridge Office Visit us on - www.cogswellsurveys.co.nz

48 |

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

ST KILDA » St Kilda Development

Creating a real sense of community at St Kilda • from page 46 “As young kids my siblings and I would walk to the shops and on the way my grandmother would always be stopping to talk to people.

“There was a real sense of community and that’s something we wanted to replicate in St Kilda – harking back to the good old days where people lived in safe environments. Our lives are so busy now I believe that when you go home it should be a place you can really relax.

“For example, to facilitate this we have included extra wide footpaths with additional space between the kerb and footpath edge to enhance safety and create greater separation between pedestrian and vehicle activity.”

The first sections were sold in St Kilda around 2 ½ years ago and Matt says demand has been strong with buyers appreciating the uniqueness of the development, which will also include a wine bar, café, medical and daycare centre.

The site also includes a Bupa resthome with an 80-bed hospital and 100 villas. In 2014, St Kilda won the NZ Property Council Urban Land Development Award reflecting the focus placed on the natural environment and overall design of the development.

Eventually there will be around 3000 houses in St Kilda with a community of around 2000 people.

Around half of the sections have sold to date.

Additional sections will be released before Christmas and the final stage, Stage 4 comprising 41 sections, is due for release to the market in January 2016.

The Smiths are now unsure of whether they will ever go dairy farming. It’s been placed on the back burner as they continue to nurture St Kilda towards the completion of their vision.

“It’s always a little bit difficult in the start doing something new and we’ve overcome a lot of challenges to develop St Kilda, which is something not just for residents but for the wider community to enjoy.

“I’ve changed my stripes, I suppose, but as to dairy farming, well you never know.”

St Kilda has covenants that encompass the holistic viewpoint of the development, focusing on healthy energy efficient homes.

AWARD WINNING ARCHITECTURE

•

•

BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS MARKETING Profile your business with Waterford Press

•

THE TOTAL LANDSCAPE AND SWIMMING POOL PACKAGE LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION SWIMMING POOLS POOL REFURBISHMENT DECKS, FENCES, SCREENS PERGOLAS, OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING CONCRETE PLANTING AND SUPPLY RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL ON-SITE ADVICE Proud to be friends with St Kilda

13-15 Empire Street, Cambridge

Phone: 07 827 8510 e-mail: info@lad.co.nz

www.lad.co.nz

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Lynley@lineanddesign.co.nz [m] 027 293 0351 Kent@lineanddesign.co.nz [m] 027 528 9742 [w] www.lineanddesign.co.nz

Business North

ST KILDA » Davies Homes

Nov/Dec 2015

| 49

Taking the stress out of building Karen Phelps Davies Homes has a new showhome in St Kilda demonstrating the company’s unique design vision, says Davies Homes owner Daniel Davies.

“Because we act as the designer, as well as the project manager on builds, we see a project through from beginning to end in-house,” says Daniel.

“This saves clients time and money and results in buildable homes with a design edge,” he says.

The contemporary 300sqm showhome, which opened to the public on Labour weekend, offers a mix of cedar and hinuera stone cladding. It is the second showhome the company has built in St Kilda (the previous one has now sold) and Daniel says that Davies Homes has been heavily involved in the subdivision as the developer’s vision works well with the values of Davies Homes. Davies Homes is now working on its sixth build in St Kilda.

“Every home in St Kilda has to be different, with extremely high levels of quality.

“That vision really appealed to me, coupled

“That vision really appealed to me coupled with the subdivision’s focus on including sustainable features in the homes.” with the subdivision’s focus on including sustainable features in the homes,” he explains.

“The new showhome has been very positively received.”

Daniel started his building career nearly two decades ago and started his own company in 2001 changing the name to Davies Homes in 2012 as the company began to specialise in new housing.

Based in Te Awamutu, Davies Homes offers design and build, as well as full turn- key solutions with a range of plans.

• to page 51 Davies Homes’ new St Kilda showhome has a mix of cedar and hinuera stone cladding.

ON TIME OR IT’S FREE...GUARANTEED 1

If we don’t arrive within one hour

2

Quality workmanship at a fair price

labour is absolutely FREE 3

No job is too big, too small or too ugly

4

Your place is left clean & tidy

5

24/7 Emergency Call Out Service

CALL TODAY 07 870 5091

or 021 2249 300

info@waipaplumbingandgas.co.nz waipaplumbing.co.nz

Suite combines flair with function 41Architectural suite is a residential and commercial aluminium joinery range that offers a number of patented features making it perfect for architecturally designed homes and commercial projects where visual flair combined with functionality are a priority.

41Architectural suite shares the same contemporary design and high weather performance as the popular thermally broken AllSeasons™ suite. The suite design features square profile frames, internal panels and flush sashes which combine to accentuate the simplicity of line and form. This style helps complement most architectural designs by allowing designers more freedom.

One key feature is that the suite has a deeper 41mm frame profile size, which provides a glazing pocket, allowing up to 30mm double glazed units to be incorporated into frames. The wider glazing capability, combined with greater structural integrity than standard residential joinery, enables larger panels to be designed into the building envelope.

The heavier joinery system makes the suite less vulnerable to deflection in extreme wind conditions than conventional suites, and increases the durability of the joinery when used in high use or commercial environments such as schools and public building.

The use of NALCO’s patented transom and mullion connection system improves weather protection significantly as well. The system removes the need to drill holes through the frame to secure the connection. This eliminates the possibility of frames leaking from this junction point. The result is no possibility of connection leaks through the frames and a stronger, more accurate and higher quality joints. Another important patented feature for weather tightness is the crimped corner connection system, which means that frames for windows and doors are designed to be crimped together in a counter directional way without penetrating the glazing platform. This draws the extrusion together to create tight joints, which with modern sealants

The suite design features square profile frames, internal panels and flush sashes which combine to accentuate the simplicity of line and form. significantly reduce the likelihood of leaks. Sealant is then injected to seal off the frame protecting the liner. The corner connector used in this process also acts as frame support for the mitred joint.

The Hinged Doors and Bi-fold Doors have been designed using 50mm panel systems to provide more strength and allow larger configuration design. Deeper panels, whilst offering more strength, do not restrict or impair the visual performance when doors are closed.

A unique thermally broken suite that adds to the insulation of your home.

Sliding and Stacking Doors run on external track systems which improves weather protection for homeowners and business owners. The deep sliding panels also allow large panel to run freely in combinations of 2, 3,or 4 panels.

41Architectural suite Awning and Casement Windows are a reliable and practical solution for residential or commercial settings. T hey provide easy opening and ventilation with a measure of protection from passing showers.

Good ventilation including passive ventilation options helps reduce condensation and assist with moisture control to create a healthy home environment.

The 41Architectural suite is strong on performance features but also importantly on design and contemporary style, with square profiles accentuating line and form, making the suite very popular with architects and builders such as Davies Homes.

Bradnam’s, Proud to Support Davies Homes Bradnam’s Rotorua 101 Tallyho Street Mangakakahi, Rotorua 3015 P 07 850 7475 F 07 347 7969 E sales@bradnams.co.nz

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

ST KILDA » Davies Homes

| 51

Taking the stress out of building • from page 49 The company builds both traditional style and contemporary homes at a wide range of price points.

An important point of difference is the company’s in-house design team.

This is the main factor which contributes to the company’s unique design vision, says Daniel.

Recognising that building a home can be a stressful process if not undertaken correctly, the company also utilises a cloud-based software package so clients can manage the entire build of their new home tracking the progress of their project every step of the way.

“People can log in online and watch the production schedule. They can see photos of their home throughout the building process and share documents to ensure everyone is literally on the same page.

“This means that the entire building project is transparent as they get to see exactly what’s going on, ensuring communication is always clear, open and shared,” he explains.

The company’s range of around 40 plans are targeted at entry to mid-level price points while still offering the same levels of quality the company has established its reputation on.

Daniel says plans form a starting point and can be customised to suit clients’ individual needs.

All builds – both design and build and the plan range - are guaranteed fixed price, giving clients certainty over their budget, he says.

As Registered Master Builders, Davies Homes also offers the association’s range of guarantees: “Registered Master Builders is the oldest and largest provider of guarantees in New Zealand and nearly 100,000 homes have been covered by their guarantees over the last 20 plus years,” says Daniel.

“Their products continue to evolve to satisfy consumer needs. They have the largest and the most competitive range of guarantee products in

Davies Homes builds both traditional style and contemporary homes at a wide range of price points. the market, which continue to evolve to satisfy customers’ needs.

“Their range of products offer flexibility of cover as well as the option to transfer to a new homeowner should the client wish to sell their property.

“They have been specifically designed to cater for the wide range of market requirements to ensure people can select the one that best fits their building needs. Only a Registered Master Builder can offer these guarantees to their clients.”

Davies Homes is offering house and land packages in St Kilda which are selling as fast as the company releases them, says Daniel. The company also has house and land packages available in Woodlands subdivision in Te Awamutu.

PROUD SUPPLIERS TO DAVIES HOMES “Designers and Builders of Quality Homes”

Cnr Cambridge & Te Rahu Roads, Te Awamutu t: 07 871 7545 f: 07 871 7501 e: sales@timmos.co.nz

BATHROOM PLUMBING GAS HEATING

plumbing plus bathroom centre

BATHROOM PLUMBING GAS HEATING

plumbing plus bathroom centre

GREAT PEOPLE | BEST KNOWLEDGE | TOP BRANDS

GREAT PEOPLE | BEST KNOWLEDGE | TOP BRANDS

Looking for a new bathroom but need help?

Looking for a new bathroom but need help?

Our professional team can guide you on the best products to suit your needs and budget. Great products, leading brands, competitive prices.

Our professional team can guide you on the best products to suit your needs and budget. Great products, leading brands, competitive prices.

Zip Bathrooms are proud to be a preferred supplier to Davies Homes

Zip Bathrooms are proud to be a preferred supplier to Urban Homes

27 Somerset Street Hamilton Ph 847 3389 Open Mon to Fri 7:30 - 5:00PM Sat 8:00 - 1:00PM

www.zipplumbingplus.co.nz

www.zipbathrooms.co.nz

52 |

ST KILDA » Urban Homes

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Shared values cement relationship Karen Phelps Sharing similar values when it comes to building new homes has led Urban Homes to develop a close relationship with the St Kilda subdivision in Cambridge.

Urban Homes owner Daniel Klinkenberg says his company probably now has the most prominent presence in the development in terms of the number of homes it has built and has just opened a new show home.

“We’ve enjoyed working with the developer, Matt Smith, because St Kilda is really unique. Every home is a design and build project, something we specialise in, and the development has a focus on environmental sustainable design,” he says.

All homes in the development must be situated on the site to maximise sun, have levels of insulation which exceed standard requirements, a water tank and solar panels. Although the covenants might seem strict,Daniel says buyers have appreciated the long term benefits.

“It’s the way in which the industry will be heading over the next 10-15 years. This developer is just ahead of his time,” says Daniel.

He says that he has also sought to demonstrate the differences in the subdivision compared with competitors in the design of the Urban Homes show home.

The 286sqm four-bedroom home has three living areas and uses recycled brick cladding from Christchurch.

The home has a black Eurostyle roof, which extends down as cladding on the walls. Vertical cedar has also been used to create a design point of difference.

The 286sqm four-bedroom showhome at St Kilda has three living areas and uses recycled brick cladding from Christchurch.

• to page 54

Proud to be working with

Urban Homes Plumbing | Gasfitting | Drainage Laser Plumbing - Hamilton East Unit 7, 394 Grey Street M: 027 247 3836 F: 07 858 4902 PO Box 24033 Hamilton E: hamilton.east@laserplumbing.co.nz www.laserplumbing.co.nz

www.hostesskitchens.co.nz

For all your Exterior Cladding Installations • Caviteclad • Graphex • Clay Brick & Block Mob: 027 494 5775 www.texmark.co.nz • • • • • • • • •

Melteca & Ventilated Shelving Design & Custom Made Wardrobes Home Office Laundries Sliding Doors Shelving Garages FREE measure and quote

Showroom: Carpet Barn Building 47 Maui Street, Te Rapa, Hamilton P: 07 850 9959 M: 027 485 1530 E: info@waikatowardrobes.co.nz

www.waikatowardrobes.co.nz

• EZpanel • Monotek • Integra

Email: info@texmark.co.nz PO Box 21007, Hamilton

Business North

ST KILDA » Urban Homes

Nov/Dec 2015

| 53

The St Kilda showhome has a black Eurostyle roof, which extends down as cladding on the walls. Vertical cedar has also been used to create a design point of difference

Easy, hassle-free roofing Honesty, integrity and communication play a big part in the success of Hamiltonbased company Cooke Roofing.

“Your roof needs to last a long time so it’s important that the roofing is done well, with quality materials. At Cooke Roofing we offer the best advice we can, do what we say we’re going to do and generally make the job happen for the customer, says director Catherine Cooke who runs the company with husband Shaun.

Specialising in pressed metal tile and longrun residential roofing, the company now offers clients 20 years experience in the roofing industry. Servicing the Waikato region, Shaun has been a roofer in the area since 1994 before the couple started Cooke Roofing in 2005. The company has now installed thousands of roofs all over the greater Waikato.

“Right from the start, Shaun had correct methods of roof installation and attention to detail drilled into him. He now expects all our staff to make sure that all the work is up to his very high standards.

“Our approach is simple: We want the roof on our customer’s house to be as good as the roof on ours. And if we wouldn’t accept it on our own home, our customers won’t find it on theirs,” says Catherine.

The company employs a dedicated team of experienced roofers meaning that customers can have peace of mind

knowing that they will get a professional and quality job done, says Catherine.

“We pride ourselves on being very reliable and efficient which makes working with us easy as we can adapt to our customers’ changing schedule and needs quickly.”

Safety is a focus on every job. The Cookes also operate Waikato Safety Netz, providing residential net safety systems for construction sites. The business not only contracts to Cooke Roofing projects, offering clients a complete solution, but also other construction companies in the region.

Cooke Roofing’s high standards have won it awards including the Roofing Association of New Zealand’s Professionalism in Metal Tile Roof Installation Award in 2012. The company is a member of Hazardco and the Roofing Association of New Zealand and is also a Licenced Building Practitioner.

Cooke Roofing works directly for customers, as well as for building companies such as Urban Homes and Davies Homes.

Whether it’s roofing for a new build or reroofing an existing house, with top-quality roofing products from supplier Metrotile NZ, all roofs by Cooke Roofing come with a five-year workmanship warranty.

Coupled with a strong focus on customer service, Cooke Roofing makes getting a new roof easy and hassle-free.

For the best roof over your head Why Choose Cooke Roofing?

We’re easy to work with and we use the best roofing products. It’s that simple. We roof houses throughout the greater Waikato area, so wherever you’re building. we’ll be there.

And all our roofs come with a five-year workmanship warranty. You can relax - your roof’s in good hands.

For the best roof over your head Your roof needs to last a long time – so it’s important that the roofing is done well, with quality materials.

Whether you’re looking at roofing for a new build, or you’re re-roofing your house, Cooke Roofing are your best choice for metal tile or longrun roofing that lasts a lifetime.

Tudor Tile Ironsand

With a top-quality roofing product, and a strong focus on customer service, we’ll make the roofing the easiest part of your build.

Please visit our website at www.cookeroofing.co.nz for more information

Specialising in Residential Roofing New Roofing • Metal Tiles • Longrun Call us on

027 523 8283

Shake Tile, Walnut

Email us cookeroofing@clear.net.nz

54 |

ST KILDA » Urban Homes

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Shared values cement St Kilda relationship • from page 52 The components of the building have been arranged around a central covered area with kwila decking.

The main living area, lounge and rumpus room all open off this area creating good indoor-outdoor flow. Luxurious details, such as a freestanding bath, complement an ensuite, which opens out to a private spa area.

Urban Homes also offers a design centre with a wide variety of options for clients to explore, including examples of fixtures and fittings, a large selection of plans, photo galleries and example finishes.

Urban Homes is offering house and land packages in St Kilda but clients who have already purchased sections can also have their home designed by the company. A range of pre-designed plans is also offered.

Based in Hamilton, Urban Homes specialises in building quality new homes, from classic first homes right through to luxury designer homes. The company also renovate existing homes, builds durable low-maintenance investment properties

and provides quality commercial building services throughout the Waikato.

The company was started by Daniel and his wife Bronwyn in 2004. Daniel says that he developed a keen eye for detail, strong project management skills and a passion for high quality workmanship early in his career as a team leader during the building of the five-star Sheraton Bora Bora Nui Resort in Tahiti.

He says the company now offers that same high-quality workmanship and attention to detail in every project whether it is a new deck to a high end residential new home. All homes come with a Registered Master Builder guarantee and Urban Homes offers guaranteed fixed price contracts and completion dates.

Daniel says that the company’s attention to detail also extends to its customer communication and business systems. Urban Homes operates a web-based scheduling system allowing clients to log on and view photos of their project as well as access information such as monthly work schedules. The company also operates a 140-point quality control checklist on site to ensure a

Proudly supporting

Based in Hamilton, Urban Homes specialises in building quality new homes, from classic first homes right through to luxury designer homes. consistent high level of service is provided.

He says that focusing on customer satisfaction is his key to success.

“It’s about keeping the communication open during a project. Lots of people build and then never want to build again. We want to provide a service that means customers have a good experience.”

The Klinkenbergs have their sights set on further growth. “It is very exciting to see where the company has come from and where it is going. We have a great team and exceptional culture.

Every staff member has really bought into our mission, which I believe is key to our continued success ”

Suppliers of Aluminium Windows & Doors to Urban Homes

P 0800 324 784 www.brewerjoinery.co.nz

Proud to be associated with Urban Homes

Free Phone: 0800 867 359 Phone: (07) 578 1414 Email: sales@topflyte.co.nz

QUALITY SCAFFOLDING SERVICES COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

Phone: (07) 849 4239 Mobile: 027 439 1364 Email: admin@visioncomplete.co.nz

System Scaffolds - Mobile Scaffolds - Hanging Scaffolds Cantilevered Scaffolds - Heavy Duty Scaffolding - Facade Scaffolds - Stages - Propping - Seating - Tube & Clip Scaffolds - Roof Edge Protection

(07) 870 1570 info@alphascaffolding.co.nz.

Here at TOP FLYTE we are one of the most innovated and forward moving businesses in the market.

With our committed and skilled team, paramount service and product knowledge, we can assist you with any project requiring Timber Stairs, Balustrading, Attic Stairs & Safety Stairs.

Hamilton-based Auctus Advisory provide accounting and business growth services that will take you to a whole new level.

Auctus Advisory are one of the fastest growing accounting firms in the Waikato and have helped existing businesses accelerate growth and new businesses avoid costly mistakes and utilise modern tools to grow sustainably from day one.

“We talk through your situation applying a personal approach to your business set up, this ensures your business platform is fit for purpose’’ says Steve Mundy, Director at Auctus Advisory. At Auctus Advisory the business structure is uniquely designed, tailored to your circumstances, goals and needs to give you peace of mind that your assets are protected and that your tax will be minimised throughout the life of the business.

A well thought out business structure provides the platform for success, but office support really helps the growth of a good operator by removing the admin inhibitors,’’ adds Steve. “When someone starts a business, doing book work nights and weekends really weighs a new business owner down”. Auctus Advisory have an admin support service that takes the pain out of business for the sole trader and enables them to focus on the key areas of building new customer relationships and providing a great product or service.

Auctus, which means growth in Latin, is ideal for sole traders, property investors and managed fund investors who need a cost effective accounting service. Cloud systems have helped to streamline the accounting profession and Auctus Advisory have grabbed these

Auctus Advisory provide a full range of services including: Business Platform Services • Business Start Up Structuring • Tax Planning & Business Advice • Restructuring your existing business for growth Compliance Accounting Services • Annual Accounts & Tax Return Preparation • Day to Day Business Advice – Payroll, Lease/Buy Asset Purchases, GST, FBT & deductibility queries Sole Trader and Small Business Growth Services

efficiencies and run with them early adopting them into their back office at their inception in 2012. No clunky old accounting systems ever existed at Auctus Advisory so there was no need to change. This means that annual accounts and tax returns can be produced in an efficient and streamlined manner having used this technology since 2012. These efficiencies are passed on to the customer at Auctus Advisory to help business keep compliance accounting costs down.

“There are two key differences between a sole trader and a small business owner” according to Steve. “Small business owners have developed the capability to manage staff and implement systems.” Auctus Advisory help sole traders grow into small business owners, alleviating growth pain as you take on staff. Auctus can provide best of breed business systems to monitor job costing and staff efficiency ensuring your labour is giving you the leverage it should. Thanks to cloud technology, great systems are attainable for small business like never before. Auctus Advisory, consult, implement, train and support business systems to help you track and monitor your growing small business.

Medium businesses with 10 or more employees have different growth needs. They are well established and generally require a step change to help them deliver increased profit and performance. Auctus Advisory provide Business Development Coaching to the owner or key managers to help reframe thinking, identifying strategic barriers to growth and set an action plan to

move forwards. The coach approach is excellent for problem solving and a structured decision making process. Auctus Advisory implement 360° Business Reporting to focus on key issues for decision making.

Auctus Advisory provide Human Resource and Health & Safety Systems training and advice to de-risk business as well.

As a medium business prepares for an advisory board or board of directors, management focus, robust reporting and strong compliance systems in HR and H&S is crucial to give the strategic thinkers the critical business information on a regular basis.

Auctus Advisory have built their excellent customer service around making sure that their clients get value for money and offer competitive pricing and services appropriate for the “age and stage” of the business and the owners.

If you have the right attitude, great tools, and the best advisors from Auctus Advisory then your business will grow and achieve great things in the future.

Contact Auctus Advisory:

Phone: Fax: Email: Website:

07 974 4813 07 974 4816 office@auctus.co.nz https://www.auctus.co.nz

• Office Support including bank reconciliation, payroll, invoicing, creditor batch upload, statements and debtor follow up

Implementation, Training & Advice

• Cloud Business System Consultancy, Implementation and Training

• Preparing a Business for Sale

Small and Medium Business Growth Services

• Arranging Finance for Business Purchase

• Business Development Coaching

• Arranging Finance to fund Business Growth

• Integrated 360° Business Reporting: Finance, KPI’s, Google Analytics, & Labour Efficiency, H&S & HR and Strategic Issues • Health & Safety System Implementation, Training & Advice • Human Resource Management System

Buying, Selling or Financing a Business • Reviewing a Business for Purchase

Auctus Advisory, providing business consultancy services to quality, growing businesses including Urban Homes. Well done Dan and the team.

56 |

ST KILDA » Urban Homes

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Attention to detail, focus on quality karen Phelps Urban Homes’ focus on quality is reflected in its consistent performance at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition, which this year saw the company repeat its success of previous years.

At the 2015 competition, the company took home a gold and category win for the Waikato region in the New Homes $650,000-$1m category for a build in the Coromandel.

It also won a gold award in the New Homes $400,000-$500,000 category for a home in Tamahere. Both homes are headed to the national finals.

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

“We pride ourselves on maintaining an extremely high level of quality no matter what the budget.,” says Daniel.

The Tamahere home, designed by Byrne Enright Architecture, was conceived to capture the sun with a layout meaning every room faces north.

Multiple outdoor spaces and covered space offers options as well as shelter from wind without blocking afternoon sun to the family and dining rooms.

The interior is modern and spacious with scissor-truss ceilings in the large open-plan family and dining room forming a feature.

Energy efficient features include LED lighting and a central heating and cooling system backed by a gas fire.

The award-winning Coromandel home had a U-shaped design maximising views of Coromandel’s sun, sea and mountains.

Outdoor entertaining is the focus of the 257sqm beachside home, which is protected from onshore breezes, and sheltered from the elements by a Louvretec roof system.

Inside the home, the combined kitchen, dining and living areas provide a large space ideal for a busy family.

Here, views are also centre stage with plenty of windows.

The kitchen with scullery and skylight offers sea views and the master bedroom has an outlook to the hills.

Daniel says both builds are good examples

Urban Homes prides itself on maintaining an extremely high level of quality no matter what the budget.

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

of the company’s skills, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

He says that he won’t let a house be handed over to a client unless he has personally examined it to maintain the company’s high levels of quality.

The awards the company has won over the years since its inception are testament to the success of this formula.

Between 2010-2015, the company has won at least a gold and a category award each year at the prestigious awards in almost every category from renovations and family homes to extravagant executive designer homes.

In 2011, the company was a local supreme winner in the renovations $250,000-$500,000 category and was a national winner in 2014 for the Builder’s Own Home section.

Daniel says it is a dedication to maintaining top quality that leads the company to enter the awards year after year.

“We want to showcase our consistent achievement of quality.

“This clearly shows that we are consistently raising the bar.

“At Urban Homes we treat each build project like our very own masterpiece because we demand and expect the best.”

Pro Showers We fit Showers We also supply and fit shower domes

We offer excellent prompt service, with competitive rates and great back-up service

All our work is guaranteed Proud to be associated with Urban Homes Ltd Phone/Fax 07 856 5764 Mobile 027 264 4587 Email proshowers@gmail.com

Honoured to furnish Urban Homes with quality glass requests

Services Frameless Glass Showers Splashbacks Balustrades Glazing Mirrors

PROFESSIONAL, FAST & RELIABLE SERVICE

51 Shakespeare Street, Cambridge | 07 827 5555 | 0508 OPAL GLASS (0508 672 545) | www.opalglass.co.nz

Domestic | Commercial | Industrial | Rural + Power & lighting installations + 24 hour on call service + Maintenance & servicing + Design & build+ Data

Proud to support Urban Homes Ltd PO Box 10384, Te Rapa, Hamilton | info@e4.co.nz | Phone: 07 850 8222 | 0800 e4 new zealand ( 0800 34 63 99 )

Business North

ST KILDA » Urban Homes

Nov/Dec 2015

| 57

Urban Homes’ focus on quality is reflected in its consistent performance at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition,

IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO BE THE PREFERRED SUPPLIER TO URBAN HOMES

TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING NEW ZEALAND

“Come along to see the latest in innovation and design” Viewing Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 12 - 4pm - Monday (Closed)

58 |

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

BUILDING » Sharp Builders

Attention to detail key for builder Sue Russell Matt Sharp established Porirua-based building company Sharp Builders in 2007, having decided to harness the skills gained from his commerce degree to become self-employed.

Looking back Matt admits his timing wasn’t perfect given that year heralded the beginning of the economic crunch which would take the building industry a good five years to begin to bounce back from. However, to his surprise he found enough work to continue to evolve the business.

“I did an apprenticeship through BCITO having completed a commerce degree and though the apprenticeship wasn’t as mentally taxing as the academic rigour, I discovered that building was a great industry to be part of,” Matt says.

“I could springboard off my degree, learning and apply it to something I was passionate about,” he says.

From the client’s perspective he understands it is important they see him often through the building process and from his perspective it keeps him up to speed with how his team is performing and the project evolving generally.

Another key relationship vital, Matt says, to the success of his business has been the relationships he’s evolved with an extensive number of subtrades.

“For me, they make my work look good.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without the quality of work they consistently produce on our builds.

“I put a lot of energy and time into maintaining these key relationships.”

Sharp Builders concentrates on the residential market, particularly extensive renovations $150,000 upwards, though Matt says he is happy to undertake new builds through to other residential work, such as decking, bathroom and kitchen fitouts.

“I like alterations. I enjoy the challenges and thinking about the right approach to take,” he says.

“An alteration is very different from a new build because more often than not the owners are living in their home throughout the build.”

Sharp Builders concentrates on the residential market, particularly extensive renovations.

Working alongside Matt is another qualified Master Builder and two apprentices.

If more work crosses the desk than that core team can manage, Matt engages the services of a qualified contractor. One apprentice is in his third year while another has just started his training.

“I’m very much a hands-on builder and plan to stay that way. It’s about attention to detail, working alongside highly skilled tradespeople and delivering absolutely what the client wants.”

Phone: 04 566 1971 Fax: 04 566 1921 Email: brp@roofing.co.nz 49 Rutherford Street, Lower Hutt

Building or renovating, we have a roof to suit your needs.

Wellington – Wairarapa – Horowhenua

BUTYNOL FIXERS WELLINGTON LTD ARDEX APPROVED APPLICATOR

Proud to support Sharp Builders PRODUCTS: Butynol, TPO, Shelter Seal, Torch-on Membranes, Flat Roofs, Decks, Box Gutters & Tanking

Proud suppliers of Aluminium windows and doors to Sharp Builders

153 Ngaumutawa Road, Masterton Phone 06 378 2990 Fax 06 378 2950 Email fisher@winz.co.nz

027 422 8834

•

m.mcarthur@xtra.co.nz

Freephone: 0800 ELEPHANT

Customer and Technical Support 0800 ELEPHANT / Mob: 021 626 607 / JonathanM@elephantpb.co.nz (353 742)

P.O. Box 21 436 Henderson,14 Bancroft Crescent, Glendene, Auckland

Business North

BUILDING » Sharp Builders/ Smith & Sons Manawatu

Nov/Dec 2015

| 59

Smith & Sons Manawatu led major renovation works for the Palmerston North RSPCA. Matt Sharp says his greatest satisfaction is in seeing a job well done, to his exacting standards and to hand it over the satisfied clients.

Matt says it works best from his perspective to have an overlap of apprentices on his books.

“I’ve found that the more advanced apprentice becomes part of the training pathway for the one starting out.

“As a member of Master Builders, I really appreciate the support and resources I’ve been offered and it is great to be in a position to give something back to the industry by employing apprentices coming through.”

With plenty of current work on the go and work programmed a further six months out, Matt says he’s happy with how his company has evolved in the eight years since forming.

His greatest satisfaction is in seeing a job well done, to his exacting standards and to hand it over the satisfied clients.

“It’s very rewarding when you walk away and see what you have done.

“People call me back again to do other work for them and I find that such a positive aspect of my work.”

Matt is happy to discuss any project, big or small, with prospective clients and give them any advice they need.

While the core area he services is around home-base in Porirua and the Kapiti Coast settlements, he has also built in other parts of the greater Wellington region.

“I’m very much a hands-on builder and plan to stay that way.

“It’s about attention to detail, working alongside highly skilled tradespeople and delivering absolutely what the client wants.”

“Proud to be part of a great team” Bunnings are proud to support Sharp Builders. We like to think our Trade Promises help make your projects a little easier.

MIKE, TEAM MEMBER

For your nearest store visit bunnings.co.nz/stores or call 0508 BUNNINGS

No job too big or too small Jo Bailey The staff and animals at Palmerston North SPCA are enjoying fantastic new facilities following major renovation works, led by Smith & Sons Manawatu.

Paal Iversen, franchise owner of Smith & Sons Manawatu, says the company didn’t hesitate to become involved with the community project.

“It was such a worthy cause so we jumped on board, providing project management and construction expertise to what was a significant revamp of the existing buildings.”

The SPCA’s “great new facility” now has much larger kennels to house its dogs, with the cat and kitten facilities at least double the original size, says Paal.

“We have also made changes to the reception and office spaces. The building is now much more functional and user friendly for the animals, staff, volunteers, and public.”

The support of local suppliers and subcontractors, who also discounted and in some instances donated their time and services, were a key to the success of the project, he says.

“This allowed the hard earned money fundraised by the SPCA to go a lot further than it otherwise would have.”

As franchise owner and project manager, Paal oversees a dedicated team of professional Manawatu builders at Smith & Sons, who are the local renovation and extension experts.

“Our builders consistently deliver quality

work within required timeframes, to strict safety standards. We pride ourselves on our professional image, integrity and personal touch.”

He says no job is “too big or too small”, with Smith & Sons Manawatu carrying out everything from a small home renovation project to a full home makeover or extension.

The firm’s services include everything from kitchen and bathroom renovations, adding a storey, lifting a roof or converting a basement to rental portfolio maintenance.

“We enjoy helping to turn our customers’ dreams into reality, taking their project from design to completion, whilst managing everything in between in an easy, relaxed manner. Our aim is always to create a smooth and enjoyable experience for our clients.”

Paal says he takes a “great deal of satisfaction” from the personal commendations the company has received and the enduring friendships he has developed with many of his clients over the years.

“We also enjoy giving back to the community and were happy to help support the SPCA with their redevelopment works. They do such a great job and were fantastic to work with throughout the project.”

He says anyone planning a renovation or extension in the region can contact Smith & Sons Manawatu by phoning Paal (Paul) Iversen direct on 027 2211209 or 0800 764 842; or by visiting www. smithandsonsmanawatu.co.nz or the company’s facebook page: Smith & Sons Renovation & Extensions (Manawatu).

Trade Promises terms and conditions apply. See Trade Desk for details.

IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO BE A SUPPLIER TO SMITH & SONS We are a small efficient surveying company carrying out all types of work in the greater Wellington Region.

PLACEMAKERS PALMERSON NORTH (06 353 5777) Corner Railway Road & Francis Way

We are very happy to provide support to Matt for his Collins Ave Project.

New Zealand’s largest scaffolding, formwork, falsework and event infrastucture company.

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

15-17 Dudley St Lower Hutt P.O. Box 30 239 Lower Hutt 5040 P: 04 569 9217 | www.wrsurvey.co.nz

waterfordpress.co.nz

Acrow are proud to support Smith & Sons Telephone 0800 SCAFFOLD Palmerston North

06 3575 991

60 |

MANUFACTURING » Ashworth and Taylor / Living Flame

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Ashworth & Taylor Sheetmetals has been involved in some significant projects in New Zealand.

The go-to place for facades Karen Phelps Ashworth & Taylor Sheetmetals has developed a reputation as the go-to company for specialist facades.

The company has been involved in some significant projects recently in New Zealand and Australia, which has further cemented the company’s reputation in this area of sheet metals, says company director Bruce Taylor.

Ashworth & Taylor is in the process of completing an aluminium anodised facade for the Ebbett Audi Hamilton dealership after completing similar projects for Audi dealerships in Auckland and Australia. The company was named by Audi Germany as having created the best façade in the Southern Hemisphere for the brand, says Bruce.

“The facades have to meet very strict German standards and achieve consistency in terms of colour, finish etc. The façade for each project has to be as close to others created for the brand as possible. It has to be a high quality result that lasts long term without problems, such as discolouration.

“We’ve invested a lot of time into identifying issues and ensuring we get things right both in our processes and the manner of construction and that’s been our major point of difference from competitors reflected in the fact that we are outperforming companies across the Tasman and securing contracts in Australia,” he says.

The company supplied an anodised façade to the Audi dealership in Wollongong, Australia, which saw all the parts manufactured in Auckland then shipped across. Ashworth & Taylor has developed a close association with an Australian company to complete installations across the Tasman, says Bruce.

Ashworth & Taylor Sheetmetals Ltd was purchased by Bruce and wife Delwyn at the end of 1998 from Barry Ashworth resulting in a long history of quality, stretching back to the company’s predecessor Ashworth Sheetmetals.

The company has since carved its own path in a niche market continuing the company’s legacy of high quality while consistently exploring methods that will offer improvements, says Bruce.

He says that industry specialists regularly seek out Ashworth & Taylor Sheetmetals for advice and spec manufacturing, demonstrating the company’s standing in the industry.

Continuous updating and replacement of plant with high-end specialised machinery helps the company to target fast turnover with high levels of accuracy in relatively low run quantities, providing huge flexibility in house, says Bruce.

“This allows us to manufacture a wide range of items, controlling the entire process.

“While competitors are running equipment 30 years old, we operate the latest gear.

“We searched the world and investigated the type of plant that was available, selecting that which is best suited to the needs of the New Zealand industry.

“New Zealand has a small production base so its often more cost-effective to complete jobs on specialised equipment that produces limited runs.

This allows us to be cost effective and flexible.”

The company completes a wide variety of projects for industries, including the production of maintenance parts for machinery/plant, green walls, handrails, balustrades and ducting using stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel, brass, copper and titanium.

Living Flame has revolutionised gas fire technology.

Living Flame reinvents fireplace Karen Phelps Living Flame has made it to the big screen.

The company supplied fireplaces to the popular television programme The Block, which has helped to enhance the company’s brand in the marketplace, says company general manager Gerald de Bie. “The teams were responsible for selecting which fireplace would go into their house and how to finish around them.

“They had a choice of the many different looks we supply, including ultra modern, contemporary and traditional Living Flame fires and fireplaces,” explains Gerald.

He says the programme was a good fit for the New Zealand company, which, for over 30 years, has built its reputation on reinventing the traditional fireplace by designing distinctive gas fires, which become unique features of a room or outdoor living space. Although the company offers a standard range, most fireplaces are bespoke pieces for the clients of architects and interior designers.

“We are specialist designers, which allow owners and architects input into how their vision of a fireplace may be achieved. We not only manufacture and supply the mechanical components for an installation, we also assist with advice on achieving the installation and aesthetics to complete the fireplace.”

One example of the company’s innovative work was designing a fireplace for the end of a bedroom without obstructing the client’s views.

Living Flame produced a low line fire in a specially designed case. The flue was placed on the end of the case rather than from the top in order to preserve the views from the house.

Another example of the company’s innovation was a fireplace built to go around a corner as the client wanted a particular size fireplace to heat the room but lacked the space on a single wall.

Gerald says that Living Flame has revolutionized gas fire technology. The company was the first to develop the dual gas convector fireplace and the long sleek designer fireplaces that have been installed in homes, hotels, bars and restaurants around New Zealand and the world, including America, Budapest, London, China and Italy.

Living Flames gas fires have been installed in the Hilton Hotel in Queenstown, Elizabeth Café & Larder in Tauranga and Bangalore Polo Club in Wellington.

As well as looking good, Living Flames gas fires are clean burning and environmentally friendly.

Gerald says a key benefit of the brand is that they are simple to use and give instant heat. He says that the special Living Flame design technology means Living Flame fires use less gas than other gas fires.

Living Flame gas fires and fireplaces can come with logs, coals or log and coal mix, driftwood and stones, giving a realistic natural look. The company’s made to order range also includes gas fireplace inserts, gas baskets, gas flares, gas braisers and gas fire pits.

All Living Flame gas fires are manufactured in New Zealand and before leaving the manufacture and assembly plant each product is independently safety tested.

Preferred installer of Living Flame fireplaces

0800 867 458 Fletcher Aluminium is proud to provide anodising services to Ashworth & Taylor

www.aucklandplumbersgroup.co.nz

Honest & Reliable Our tradespeople have been ‘police checked’ for your peace-of-mind

535-4180

173 MOORE ST, HOWICK HOURS: Mon-Fri 7am to 5pm; Sat 8am to noon The professional and trusted team at Howick Glass offer a full range of glass & glazing services at competitive prices. We have more than 45 years’ experience so you know you will receive top quality service & workmanship with superior products

Ph: 09 270 8342 | F: 09 270 8352 E: sales@inexmetals.co.nz 11-13 Fisher Cres Mt Wellington, Auckland www.inexmetals.co.nz

» » » » » » »

Prompt Repair Service Made to Measure Mirrors New Glazing: residential & commercial Automotive Glass Glass Balustrades Kitchen Splashbacks - latest look Cat and Dog Doors

Call us anytime for a FREE Measure and Quote

SPLASHBACKS

BALUSTRADES

BATHROOMS

Business North

LOGISTICS » Basis Development

Nov/Dec 2015

| 61

Keeping track of product deliveries Jo Bailey New Zealand “leads the world” in the development of electronic certification methods that provide consumers with “end-to-end confidence in the supply chain”, says Tony Chapman, general manager of Basis Developments.

“Basis continues to play a significant part in this process and is proud to offer our clients more than a standard inventory control and management programme.

“We have worked closely with regulators and industry to develop additional tools to facilitate supply chain traceability and electronic countryto-country certification, including the licensing of individual participants in the supply chain process.”

Basis Developments has operated in the warehouse track and trace market in New Zealand for decades, with many major clients and a number of smaller, private warehouses across New Zealand utilising its Basis Warehouse Management System (WMS), says Tony.

“Each day our modular software inventory control system manages around 200,000 items weighing 5,000,000 kgs in cool stores, cold stores and dry stores around the country, with these figures growing monthly.”

Tony says the system keeps track of users’ product from the moment it arrives on their premises, to when it reaches its destination, and every step in between.

“We can also combine Basis WMS with our credit management module which allows us to deliver a customised inventory and accounting package to our clients.”

New Zealand’s second largest dairy company, Open Country Dairy recently introduced Basis WMS into its business programmes in order to satisfy the new electronic certification requirements following the milk powder scare in China nearly two years ago.

“We are pleased to be working with Open Country Dairy, and have installed Basis WMS into four of its sites throughout New Zealand.”

After almost 40 years providing solutions to the warehouse element of the storage and supply chain, Tony says Basis Developments are “long term experts” with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“The Basis WMS is not new although the programme has been through much iteration as technology and client requirements have moved forward.”

The pioneering story behind the programme began in 1983 when one of the two owners of the firm, Alan McGrath, double majored at Massey University with a Business Degree in Accounting and Electronic Data Processing, the precursor to today’s IT degree.

The system keeps track of users’ product from the moment it arrives on their premises, to when it reaches its destination, and every step in between.

“This was in the very early start-up days of IT in New Zealand. In fact Alan sold the very first IBM PC in the Manawatu in 1984.”

In those days there was only limited software applications available for business purposes, and in 1986, Alan was asked to write a bespoke Inventory Control System for a large cool store in Feilding.

“Like all the Basis Inventory Systems that have followed Alan’s programme was detailed, accurate, and responsive.”

By 1993 Alan had installed five WMS systems and Basis became the first provider to introduce bar scanners into the industry.

Two years later the innovative company built a bar code scanning solution using Wi-Fi and started to grow its international business, with sites running in the USA, Australia, Canada and Mexico.

“The software helped one client in the USA to grow their business from moving 45,000 kgs per year to 45,000 kgs per day in just four years,” says Tony.

He says that when the New Zealand Government introduced electronic certification to provide traceability for food exports in the

late 1990s, Basis WMS was the first software developed and installed to interface with this mandatory process.

“The company has led the way in warehouse management systems for many years, and is proud to continue to innovate in this important sector.”

“We have worked closely with regulators and industry to develop additional tools to facilitate supply chain traceability and electronic country-to-country certification, including the licensing of individual participants in the supply chain...”

THE INTELLIGENT WAREHOUSING SOFTWARE WITH A LOT ON IT’S MIND That’s because every day, the only thing our Basis Warehousing software ever thinks about is track and trace. How does 200,000 items of perishable food weighing 5 million kilograms grab you? If your current software has lost its way, get in touch with us. We don’t miss a thing.

CALL US TODAY 06 356 9936 OR GET MORE INFO:info@basis.co.nz

www.basis.co.nz

62 |

CONTRACTING » Harker Underground

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Underground experts lead the way earning the company a New Zealand Contractors’ Federation Construction Award in 2005 for innovation and construction excellence.

Inner-city congestion combined with modern In 2008 the company utilised a world leading underground techniques is resulting in an increase slurry separation process designed and built in New in demand for underground construction, says Rory Zealand when installing a 400m stormwater outlet Bishop, general manager of Harker Underground in the Tauranga harbour.

Construction.

After only 20 days of pipe jacking, Harker “Undertaking excavation in New Zealand’s major installed over 400 metres of 2.9m outer diameter cities is becoming increasingly complicated due pipe through soft, highly sensitive and very fine to urban growth and demands on infrastructure.

Tauranga ash using its new TT2550H slurry TBM. Underground and trenchless construction is a way A recent project was the $6.7 million Shaddock of alleviating some of the issues surrounding this Street stormwater upgrade project for Auckland type of work,” says Bishop.

Council, which Bishop says is yet another example Harker Underground Construction was started of one of the key strengths of the company – over 25 years ago and has since established itself finding solutions to problems that are unique. as a business bringing global best practise to the The project involved installing a 220m curved underground construction and trenchless tunnelling drive of 1950mm concrete pipe using the Akkerman markets.

720B open-faced TBM at grades between 2 Bishop says Harker Underground Construction is percent and 3% and depths of up to 25m, and the currently rebranding to reflect the company’s strong construction of a 6m diameter 25m deep launch history and high levels of expertise combined with a shaft. focus on safety and innovation.

“We stepped the shaft out to the side so that A recent project for Harker Underground was the $6.7m Shaddock Street stormwater upgrade project for “We are a leading tunnelling company with a the tunnel could be located in the best possible Auckland Council. long history of underground problem solving and a alignment for the pipeline while keeping the access international and local suppliers. reputation for meeting the challenges of technically some of New Zealand’s most iconic buildings and in the best possible position in the street.” environments.

“Because we own and manage our own difficult projects through trenchless construction.

Bishop, who took over as general manager in Harker Underground Construction delivers equipment it gives us greater control over quality “Due to regulatory changes as a result of the December last year, says the company’s success and the overall management of a project. We adapt Pike River tragedy, the management of underground services across a range of underground boils down to the implementation of technology and construction areas. and modify machines for particular jobs,” he says. spaces now needs to be an even more expertly skills through its people.

The company was established undertaking “Because we really know the machines and the planned and coordinated activity.

“Our staff are skilled and experienced and general civil contracting and traditional drill and local ground conditions, we have the expertise and “Companies need to have the ability to offer include engineers, certified tunnel managers, blast tunnelling and has considerable experience knowledge to remove a great deal of risk for our technical support and advice to projects early qualified tradesmen, experienced site personnel and in conventional and tunnel boring machine (TBM) clients.” on. The latter is where we have always sat in the machine operators – most of whom have been with tunnelling, pipe jacking and micro tunnelling.

Harker Underground has achieved a number market and the rebranding will reflect this to our the company for more than 10 years.”

Bishop says that Harker Underground of industry firsts in New Zealand. It was the first customers,” he says.

Bishop says that Harker Underground Construction offers the largest selection of trenchless construction company to perform a Harker Underground Construction is part of Construction is increasing its technical resources tunnelling equipment in New Zealand ranging in size curved pipe jack utilising gyroscopic guidance.

Hawkins Group. Hawkins was established over 60 and has its sights set on growth. “One of our big from 0.45 – 3.5 metres in diameter.

It has installed the longest 2.5m outer diameter years ago and is New Zealand’s largest privately drivers has always and continues to be how we It also develops and procures TBMs and support pipe jack in the country – 600m for the North Shore owned construction company. can best convey and share our expertise to offer systems, including separation plants, guidance City Council. It was also the first contractor to pipe With revenues of more than $750m, Hawkins safe, cost effective, solutions that add value to the 054-2015-064_ID230_eAZ_Neu Image UT Berlin_263x180_RZgp systems and software from a range of leading jack beneath Wellington’s harbour reclamations, is an industry leader and has been responsible for client’s project.”

Karen Phelps

Teamwork Achieving greatness together: In more than 2,850 projects globally, high-class infrastructure has been built, using Herrenknecht tunnelling technology.

Pioneering Underground Technologies www.herrenknecht.com

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

CONTRACTING » Freeflow Pipes

| 63

Kiwi ingenuity brings flow-on effect Sue Russell By applying the theory that ‘simpler is usually better’ and with the aid of some clever technology and a pioneering spirit, Peter Barrett, of Hamiltonbased Freeflow Pipes, has revolutionised the downpiping industry bringing direct benefits for builders and consumers alike.

With a background in roofing, Peter realised years ago that a significant percentage of the cost of down piping process on a build was directly related to the labour cost associated in the manufacturing and assembly of joints.

“We discovered and patented a ground-breaking process of bending strong 1.7 mm thick aluminium pipe in such a way that the thickness remains the same on the inside and outside of the bends. This creates a symphonic flow rate 45 percent greater than the turbulent flow-rate achieved with other down piping,” says Peter.

The flow rate out of the 80mm pipe the company manufactures is 7 litres per second, double that of standard PVC or colour steel options. Because they can handle more water, fewer down-pipes are needed.

“While we don’t advocate halving the number of down-pipes, we do recommend using less on a standard home, thus saving substantial money in under the ground storm water drainage.”

Because the pipes are constructed of aluminium, Freeflow Pipes offers a 50 year warranty, as opposed to warranties of well less than half this time for PVC and colour steel. Peter says aluminium is the preferred material in terms of environmental factors.

“The World Health Organisation has endorsed aluminium as a completely safe medium through which water flows, while the same organisation has stated that PVC is not safe for water collection unless lined, which the majority of NZ PVC is not.”

Freeflow Pipes were installed on a new Ecostar home in Papamoa, the first home carrying a Grade 10 star environmental rating in New Zealand. Every component of the house had to measure up to strict environmental standards and Peter says it was no surprise the builders chose to use Freeflow Pipes.

“They are looking for environmentally sustainable products and technologies in these smart homes and we offered a down-pipe system that met all their standards; safe, easy to assemble, long-lasting and extremely efficient.”

It is because of these factors that the majority of architects are now specifying Freeflow Pipes on new home designs, bringing clients better value options.

Freeflow Pipes installed its pipes on a new Ecostar home in Papamoa, the first home carrying a Grade 10 star environmental rating in New Zealand Ordering the down-pipes has been made user-friendly with a Ready Reckoner template on the website. By systematically selecting from drop down pipe, upstand, soffit, cladding and stud height options, the exact part number for the pipes required is displayed.

“It means a builder can access this information themselves working directly off the plans, then store the information as an attachment to the plan for later ordering.”

The company has recently unveiled its Universal Pipe range enabling consumers to purchase the two-piece sets off the shelf. Universal tops come in two sizes, for 200mm-600mm and 500mm900mm soffits, while the bottoms cater for 2400mm to 3000mm stud height. These come in six standard colours and can be delivered to volume downpipe suppliers in the greater Auckland, Hamilton Tauranga regions weekly.

Freeflow Pipes offer a range of 200 powdercoated colour options.

Proud to support Freeflow Pipes FOR ALL YOUR ALUMINIUM FOLDING & POWDERCOATING REQUIREMENTS STOCKISTS OF ALUMINIUM EXTRUSIONS & FLAT SHEETS

33 Maleme St, Greerton, Tauranga Email: reception@epoxycoaters.co.nz baypowdercoaters.co.nz

PHONE: (07) 541 1309 Fax (07) 541 3526

McKechnie Transforming Aluminium

• Aluminium Extrusion • Surface Finishing • Fabrication

Proudly supplying to Freeflow Pipes Limited

McKechnie Aluminium Solutions | 0800 625 000 | e: info@mckechnie.co.nz | www.mckechnie.co.nz

64 |

CONTRACTING » Active Refrigeration Northland

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Northland growth good for business Karen Phelps The industrial side of Active Refrigeration Northland’s business has been increasing as industry in the Northland region grows, says company director Martin Duff.

“The scope of work is definitely moving in the industrial sector as Northland is seen as an increasingly attractive place to live and do business,” he says.

Active Refrigeration Northland tackles both commercial and industrial refrigeration work. It also supplies and installs domestic heat pumps and holds the agencies for all the leading brands.

Martin says a great deal of importance is placed on preventative maintenance with the company undertaking regular contracts for clients to clean and maintain their systems.

A growing area of business recently has been installing and maintaining ammonia plants for clients as more people are realising the benefits of using ammonia as a refrigerant, says Martin.

“It’s a natural refrigerant and as there is a high tax on synthetic refrigerants due to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, ammonia is therefore becoming an economical option for businesses.

“It’s also hugely efficient in terms of performance,” explains Martin.

Supply and installation of ammonia plants is a technical process and something the company has specific training and specialisation in, says Martin.

Active Refrigeration Northland uses intensive job safety analysis procedures and safety plans to ensure everything is conducted in a safe and professional manner for its projects, which have included Bidvest wholesale food distributors and Fonterra Kauri’s new ammonia plants.

Another growing area of business for Active Refrigeration Northland has been designing, supplying and installing water cooling systems for the dairy industry as regulations around milk cooling tighten.

As every farming operation is unique the company designs individual solutions for each customer, says Martin.

It was Martin’s father Wayne, along with business partner Peter Smith, who started Active Refrigeration Northland in 2003. When Wayne retired Martin bought out his father’s shares in the business.

Active Refrigeration also has a sister branch in Christchurch operated by Martin’s brother Craig.

Recently the Christchurch branch of the company was named the winner of the marketplace category of the Sustainable 60 Awards, testament to the company’s internal drive towards sustainability part of which is its focus on using natural gases such as ammonia where possible, says Martin “We’ve always had a sustainability approach.

Refrigeration and air-conditioning is a large energy user in New Zealand, so we have focused heavily around engineering systems with efficiency in mind. With issues like global warming we have experimented with natural refrigerants and innovative energy conserving systems,” Martin explains.

According to Martin another of the company’s key points of difference is its vast industry experience and its ability to complete all aspects of the job in-house. Active Refrigeration designs,

Based in Whangarei, Active Refrigeration Northland tackles both commercial and industrial refrigeration work. It also supplies and installs domestic heat pumps and holds the agencies for all the leading brands.

builds, wires and commissions all its projects, offering a turnkey service.

“The advantage is our clients get one invoice and only have to deal with one company.

Refrigeration and electrical expertise go hand in hand and is a specialised area. So because we work with refrigeration wiring every day, we have the knowledge and experience necessary in this area to get things right the first time.”

Active Refrigeration Northland is a member of Site Safe and is IQP registered, which reassures customers that work completed by the company is of a high standard and has been undertaken by fully trained technicians.

Based in Whangarei, Active Refrigeration Northland works for a wide variety of industry sectors, including dairy, farm, horticulture, food distribution and transportation.

“Our goal is to continue to support and assist our customers,” says Martin, “and we strive to be the best at what we do.”

LEADING THE WAY IN COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION

Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration are proud to supply and support Active Refrigeration

0800 653 330 - www.heatcraft.co.nz

NDT - Heat Treatment - Statutory Inspection Services

Manufacturer of Sheetmetal Components for Active Refrigeration

No job is too large or small for the Trade Certified Team at Gasworks and Plumbing Ltd to attend to.

p: 09 4381 512 e: admin.whangarei@stork.com www.stork.com

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

CONTRACTING » Aotea Electric Auckland

| 65

Ensuring the customer comes first Karen Phelps Being part of a group of companies allows Aotea Electric Auckland to provide individual service backed by the resources of a larger group, says Aotea Electric Auckland managing director Marc Malone.

“Because the Aotea Group is made up of individual companies, each privately owned by management shareholders working within the business and in financial partnership with senior shareholders, we can offer our clients a uniform service and benefits from the sharing of intercompany knowledge and group buying power,” explains Marc.

Aotea Electric Auckland was established in 1998 and provides a wide range of electrical services delivered by specialist divisions: contracts, service and communications.

The company’s services include general electrical services, the design and installation of large-scale projects, communications and data wiring, servicing and maintenance.

Marc says that Aotea Electric Auckland has established an excellent reputation in the construction industry for providing high quality workmanship and service to all its customers and has a very successful track record of completing projects on time and within the client’s budget.

It is the company’s ability to provide a full design, installation, and maintenance service for any job, regardless of size, which has seen it work for a wide variety of clients and industries.

Examples of past projects completed in Auckland include Sky City (restaurants, VIP Black, Diamond Lounge, Jade Dragon and Masu Restaurant, gaming and hotel upgrades to The Grand Hotel and The Sky City Hotel), Air New Zealand Cargo Upgrade at Auckland International Airport, RNZAF Whenuapai, Orion training facility and helicopter training facility (Simulator and building) and Aotea Square re-landscaping, lighting upgrade, Aotea Centre Café and Box Office and ASB theatre lighting upgrade.

Aotea Electric Auckland has established an excellent reputation in the construction industry for providing high quality workmanship and service.

Marc says that the company’s point of difference is that it can offer a full electrical design and build service.

Examples of electrical design and build projects completed by the company include Jasmax Architects office fit-out, Cable Price Trucks new extension in Otahuhu, Papakura Library and Museum for Papakura District Council, Bunning’s Bulk Retail Stores and Airport Caravan Park.

Aotea Electric Auckland also offers nationwide

Aotea Electric Auckland Limited is proudly supported by

North Shore Toyota Delivering award-winning fleet solutions through competency, constancy and customer service.

Call Kerry on 021 222 1076 to get the best for your fleet Today.

Proud to support Aotea Electric With our wide range of electrical supplies and lighting, data and technology solution talk to Ideal Electrical Suppliers.

facilities management services and currently provides service and maintenance for Auckland City Council (Aotea Centre, Town hall, Civic Theatre), Auckland Transport Busways, Bunnings Warehouses, Westfield NZ Shopping centres, Burger Fuel, IAG (Tier 1 contractor for inspections), Pumpkin Patch, Country Road and FED food products.

Marc says that because the Aotea culture and systems are mirrored across all the companies in the group this essentially gives each company access to the largest cohesive electrical workforce in New Zealand.

“In the past the group has successfully combined its resources where individual project requirements have exceeded the available local resources. Recent projects utilising this method of delivery include the Globe Gold Mine in Reefton, the upgrade of the Smithfield Freezing Works in Timaru and the Kawarau Falls Hotel development site in Queenstown,” he says.

Aotea Electric Auckland currently employs around 55 staff to service the Auckland region.

The company is an active member of the Electrical Contractors Association of New Zealand. Marc says that in everything the company does the focus always remains firmly on placing the needs of the customer first: “At Aotea Electric Auckland, we strongly believe that through working closely with and understanding our customers, we are able to provide the best possible service.”

DYNATRON DIGITAL SYSTEMS SPECIALIST VEHICLE SAFETY & SECURITY SOLUTIONS We are proud to support Aotea Electric

Nation wide coverage PHONE 0800 733 385 www.ideal.co.nz

Free Phone: 0800 508 904 www.dynatron.co.nz

66 |

DAIRY INDUSTRY » Fonterra

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

New dryers bring greater capacity Two new milk powder dryers in the North Island are set to help Fonterra drive greater efficiency and value in its product mix.

A new dryer at Pahiatua in the Tararua district was commissioned in August this year while a second dryer under construction at Lichfield in the South Waikato is set to come online in time for the spring of next year.

Fonterra managing director global operations Robert Spurway says the new dryers are part of the co-operative’s strategy to drive greater efficiency and value in its product mix.

“These expansions are about more than just turning milk into powder.

“The additional capacity they bring will help to relieve pressure on processing and give us more choices in the products we make during the peak of the season.

“This means we can be more agile in meeting product trends and changes in customer demand – turning more milk into products that will bring the greatest returns for our farmers.”

The co-operative has a strong track record of driving every cent out of the cost of production in these new high-efficiency dryers, says Robert.

“Dryers like this are already among the most efficient in the world by design. We’ve seen with similar dryers – like the one at our Darfield site – that with our systems, processes and people in place, we’re able to reduce our cost of processing and increase our product yields even further.”

The new dryer at Pahiatua, the third on-site, has the capacity to process an additional 2.4 million litres of milk each day.

The building that houses the new plant is unique among New Zealand dairy plants, and is the first to implement base isolation technology which would see it withstand a one in 2500 year earthquake.

Fonterra Pahiatua operations manager Bill Boakes says that the new plant will also deliver on Fonterra’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

“The plant is the first in New Zealand to reuse its own condensate, significantly reducing the amount of water needed to process each litre of milk. On top of this, the new gas-fired boiler has a number of systems for heat recovery that will drastically improve our energy efficiency.

“To ensure we’re able to meet our commitment to sustainable best practice, we’ve also added a new wastewater treatment plant to handle the additional volumes the site will generate.”

The new dryer at Lichfield is taking shape and on track to be ready by August 2016.

Three stainless steel milk silos, each with the capacity of half a million litres, were recently

Fonterra’s new milk powder dryers at Pahiatua are part of the co-operative’s strategy to drive greater efficiency and value in its product mix. installed and the new dryer building was now up 17 metres, a third of its final height.

The new dryer chamber and dryer cone are being assembled outside the building and will be lifted into place early next year.

Lichfield/Tirau Operations Manager Sam Mikaere says new plant will double the amount of milk processed on site every day and make the most of every cent spent on the cost of processing.

The new dryer will be capable of processing 4.4 million litres of milk a day, putting it on par with the world’s largest dryer at Darfield.

The expansion at Lichfield will also use the

“The additional capacity they bring will help to relieve pressure on processing and give us more choices in the products we make during the peak of the season.” latest energy-efficient processing and water reuse technology Robert says both the Tararua and Waikato are important regions for the co-op and both investments have created more employment opportunities for the local communities.

“We’ve added 45 new roles to Pahiatua and there will be more than 70 new jobs at Lichfield once the dryer is complete.

“That’s on top of the hundreds of builders, labourers and others working during the construction phases.”

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

Proud to be part of the team constructing Litchfield new Dryer and Coolstore.

Proud to provide specialist planning services to Fonterra throughout New Zealand W planzconsultants.co.nz

Christchurch | Auckland

Civil Contractors New Zealand Waikato Construction Awards SUPREME WINNER 2015 CATEGORY 4 WINNER 2015

CUTTING EDGE CIVIL CONTRACTORS

Commercial and Industrial Development Subdivisions and Lifestyle Blocks / Roading / Bulk Earthworks Retaining Walls / Drainage

www.schick.co.nz | 0800 4 SCHICK

ADVERTISING IS GREAT FOR BUSINESS! Get new clients with regular print media

■ Resource Consents ■ Private Plan Changes & Re-zoning ■ Submissions ■ Strategic Policy Development ■ Hearing Commissioner Appointments

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

waterfordpress.co.nz

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

DAIRY INDUSTRY Âť Fonterra

Pahiatua operations manager Bill Boakes, left, and managing director global operations Robert Spurway outside the new milk powder dryers at the Pahiatua site.

| 67

68 |

DAIRY INDUSTRY » Waikato Milking Systems

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Growth prompts move to new site Sue Russell

Waikato Milking Systems’ new building at Northgate Business Park houses all the company’s manufacturing divisions after a period of growth which saw divisions previously located in multiple Hamilton sites.

WILTON CONTRACTING LTD

The last few months have been a busy time of change and development for Waikato Milking Systems, not the least of which has been relocating to a brand new purpose-built site at Northgate Business Park.

The new building houses all the company’s manufacturing divisions after a period of growth which saw divisions located in multiple Hamilton sites.

Marketing manager Jane Burton, who has been in her role for the last two and a half years, though carries a much longer association with the company, says the move to all be together on one site is significant in many ways.

“Before the engineering divisions were on separate sites and though there was a really strong culture of striving for excellence, there was a natural disconnect between staff and what each division was doing.

“Now, there’s a greater connectivity between each area of the business and heightened employee awareness about what colleagues are doing,” Burton says.

Waikato Milking Systems engineers from scratch much of the componentry and technology that goes into a range of dairy technology and systems designed to improve the productivity, efficiency and enjoyment of dairy farming.

“We are really trying to give farmers products that deliver tangible value on farm. We are very much a technology-driven company.

“Our dealership network is extensive – not only in New Zealand but around the world - with an incredible depth of understanding and support to help farmers deal with issues as quickly as possible.

“When something goes wrong in the milking

The team at Carters are proud to be associated with Waikato Milking Systems

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

Professional People - Professional Finish

Chosen as the preferred painting contractor for Downey Construction Ltd

www.carters.co.nz

Ph: 07 849 4818 Fax: 07 849 4815 PO Box 10176, Hamilton Email: office@wiltoncontracting.nz www.wiltoncontracting.co.nz

Noel Jessop Architecture is a Hamilton based architectural practice, widely recognised in the national architectural scene.

Their understanding of creative design and ability to conceptualise an idea makes Noel Jessop Architecture one of the best in the business.

Noel Jessop Architecture is proud to support and have designed Waikato Milking Systems Buildings.

BAYTECK SYSTEMS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT AND ARE PLEASED TO WORK WITH WAIKATO MILKING SYSTEMS

AIR COMPRESSORS • PNEUMATICS • AIR TOOLS • Plant Maintenance • Electrical • Air Tools Sales & Services 31 Aviation Avenue, Mount Maunganui Phone: 07 571 5410

• Hire Compressors Available • Compressed Air System • 24 Hour Breakdown Service

• Senco Agents • Pressure & Drainage Piping Systems • Visit www.bayteck.co.nz for more information Cnr King & Kent Streets, Frankton, Hamilton Phone: 07 847 8059

Business North

DAIRY INDUSTRY » Waikato Milking Systems

Nov/Dec 2015

| 69

Proud to Support Waikato Milking Systems

feisst.co.nz Waikato Milking Systems engineers from scratch much of the componentry and technology that goes into a range of dairy technology and systems. shed the one thing the farmer needs is access to instant advice and service so down-time is kept to an absolute minimum.”

Burton can’t speak highly enough of the dealers’ depth of knowledge and commitment to the products the company produces.

“Most have been with us for years and years

and are very much part of the family.”

Eighteen months ago, the first of two purposebuilt facilities at Northgate Industrial Park was completed housing the engineering plant and personnel who make the componentry for the company’s rotary and herringbone milking parlours.

• to page 70

No matter the size of your building project, we have steel products you can rely on.

• Asphalt • Excavation • Cartage • Kerbing • Drainage • Demolition

With 19 years experience, you can be rest assured

• Compaction • Retaining Walls

Striving to achieve the highest standard in our industry, Hamilton Asphalt ensures to provide the best possible customer experience while delivering a product that exceeds expectations. We Guarantee it.

Steel & Tube are proud to be a primary supplier to Waikato Milking Systems and for many of our quality products to have been used in the construction of their new factory.

• Paving • Planting • Grassing and applications of landscape works

Ph Office 07 849 0600 - 745 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton

Products and expertise for projects, big and small:

ORIGIN WINDOWS Specialists in Aluminium Windows & Doors for all projects.

Phone 07 849 3817 Fax 07 849 3813

BNWAIK2015

Proud suppliers of Aluminium Windows & Doors for the brand new building for Waikato Milking Systems

Structural & Engineering Steel Stainless Steel ComFlor® – Composite Decking Systems Reinforcing Bar & Mesh Steel Purlins Steel Plate, Sheet & Bar

Visit our showroom located at: 12 Northpark Drive, Te Rapa, Hamilton Email: info@originwindows.co.nz www.originwindows.co.nz

Roofing & Rainwater Goods Pipe & Pipe Fittings Valves & Actuation Fastenings & Anchoring Products Commercial, Domestic & Rural Fencing Products Chain & Rigging Products & Services

To find out more about our products and technical support, please contact us today on 0800 478 335 www.steelandtube.co.nz

The team at Alpha Interiors congratulate Waikato Kia and Downey Contruction on their recent success.

Suppliers and Installers of Suspended Ceilings, Internal Partition and Plasterboard Linings Auckland

Waikato

Bay of Plenty

Wellington

Christchurch

Ph (09) 623 6252 Joe Poland

Ph (07) 849 7699 - 021 611 859 Kurt Bolli

Ph (07) 575 0293 - 027 480 9828 Dwarne Farley

Ph (04) 232 0108 Tony Brown

Ph (03) 365 9284 Mike Stewart

70 |

DAIRY INDUSTRY » Waikato Milking Systems

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Big growth prompts move • from page 69 It was the first time the manufacturing divisions had been located on a common site presenting staff with new levels of collaboration and the appointment of a group general manager for the engineering divisions.

Following this massive move, construction of the second building commenced and was completed in June this year housing the administration, production and warehousing areas.

“We shifted everything in a weekend with many staff helping make that happen.”

The new building, Burton says, is a great space to work in. Designed by Noel Jessop Architecture and built by Downy Construction, it affords lots of space, with a shared cafeteria, home to a large TV screen.

“It’s a welcoming place for staff to interact with a really nice open feel.”

Burton sees huge benefits across the company’s entire operation by simply having all staff on the same site.

“There is a real sense of common purpose and a push for staff to learn about the realities of those working in other divisions. There’s more transparency, no surprises and departments can act on things much more efficiently.”

Supporting this is what she describes as an approach to management that is very flat in structure, with everyone responsible for their own little piece of the pie.

Waikato Milking Systems’ dealership network is extensive, with an incredible depth of understanding and support to help farmers deal with issues.

Burton says, given the size and scope of Waikato Milking Systems, the company doesn’t have the micro-layers of senior, middle and lower

Visit our showroom located at 139 Maui St Te Rapa Hamilton and check out our range of Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning for your home or office.

Full design and build available. www.erl.co.nz

Downey Construction, Waikato’s design & build specialists would like to congratulate Waikato Milking Systems on their new premises 4978

PO Box 1210 | 07 849 7502 | info@downey.co.nz

management one might expect to see. “We focus our energy and passion on the end result for the farmer on the ground and each of us is tuned to

delivering the best possible products and support to help that reality. This is one of the key reasons we’re so successful.”

Proud to be associated with Downey Construction & Waikato Milking Systems

Practical, neutral fire safety advice When Peter Dunkin resigned from the fire

service in 1995 after serving nearly 15 years as a professional fire fighter, officer and fire safety officer, he decided to use the expertise and experiences he had gathered to establish a specialised fire safety consultancy business in Hamilton.

“I first of all worked on my own using the skill base I had gathered through my years in the service but as the workload increased decided to incorporate and evolve the business further in 2004 by employing another person with practical Fire Service skills,” Peter says.

Track forward to 2015 and PCD Fire Designs Ltd is a team of highly skilled and motivated professionals including two qualified fire engineers.

This means the company can take on a greater scope of design work by embracing the technologies connected with the science of fire to offer enhanced services to clients.

Changes to the Building Act in 1991 allowed for far greater engineering design scope, as opposed to following the former very prescriptive standards.

This essentially opened up a whole new approach to meeting fire safety codes through innovative design; a specialisation that PCD Fire Design has continued to evolve in.

“It’s all about using the principles of science combined with practical knowledge and skills to assist the architect to create a design according to the client’s needs whilst still incorporating life safety design feature.

“The secret is to incorporate fire safety design into a building without actually knowing it’s there.”

“The secret is to incorporate fire safety design into a building without actually knowing it’s there.”

PCD Fire Designs offers practical, neutral easily understood information on fire safety design.

A fine example of moulding architectural design and fire safety requirements together was adopted in the new Waikato Milking Solutions headquarters at Hamilton’s Northgate Business Park.

With a little thinking outside the box, the roof design was reversed from that originally drawn, enabling the integrity of the building to remain, the spaces inside to be used as originally conceived and for the design to meet fire safety design codes without incorporating additional expensive fire safety systems and features.

Peter says it is key for fire design principles to be discussed at the conceptual stages of a projects development so that costly and timeconsuming re-drawings don’t happen.

When it comes to working with existing buildings, Peter and the team are skilled at interpreting the legislation governing fire regulations and compliance to find the best outcome possible for clients.

“It is all about endeavouring to find ways that embrace the necessary standards for fire prevention and management inside a building whilst keeping the buildings design options as flexible as possible.

“Virtually all existing buildings where work is carried out that is subject to a building consent requires the entire building to be assessed and measured against present fire safety documents then an assessment made on a reasonably practicable basis on the level of fire safety upgrading required.”

Stringent professional standards exist with respect to the quality of design work and advice Peter and the team provide to clients and councils as part of the consenting process, as he explains.

“Our work is reviewed by the council to determine compliance or should they wish our work is peer reviewed by an outside fire engineer to maintain the high standards of compliance.”

Peter employs staff with specialist training in inspecting passive fire protection throughout construction phases and in existing buildings to ensure high standards of installation is maintained.

“This provides a greater peace of mind to construction companies and owners.”

His team carry the advantage when consulting with clients that they understand through practical experience what can, and does happen, in the event of a fire” With a combined 50-plus years of practical fire safety and fighting experience, PCD Fire Designs offers practical, neutral easily understood information to property developers and owners, architects, designers, engineers through to residential clients considering fire safety management in homes throughout New Zealand.

72 |

AUTOMOTIVE » Ebbett Prestige

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

A sleek, upmarket environment Karen Phelps A new high-end car dealership in Hamilton East is aiming to change the car purchasing experience in the region.

Richard van den Engel, dealer principal for Ebbett Prestige, says the construction of the company’s new dealership, which will boast two showrooms and an independent cafe, will be a game changer.

“There are no other car dealerships in Hamilton East and we’ve chosen to locate here as we felt that the car buying experience was becoming a more bulk retail approach, which is not a very inviting customer experience.

“This location is central to our customer base and will offer an urban high street retail experience.”

Located on a prominent site on the corner of Grey and Clyde streets, the company’s Audi and Volkswagen brands will now be separated into dedicated full service dealerships with specifically trained staff.

Richard says this marks a big change for the company and for the customer experience.

“Each brand will have its own eight car showroom, used car display, on-site finance and insurance facility, and a service and parts department.

“A dedicated team will give our customers a much more professional and knowledgeable service. We have been in the process of separating and training our sales management and team so they can specialise in and focus on one particular brand.”

The two dealerships had been built to align with Volkswagen and Audi’s global corporate identity designs, which meant the brands would be instantly recognisable worldwide, says Richard.

The onsite cafe, which can be accessed without needing to go through one of the dealerships, will be open to the public, making Ebbetts a desirable destination to relax no matter whether the intention is to purchase a car or not.

“The idea is to create a sleek upmarket environment where the public want to be. It will also mean our customers can access the cafe from either of the showrooms, so there’s free-flow from the showrooms into the cafe.

“It will be a place where people who have been for a test drive can sit down and look through a brochure or talk about it in a really casual and comfortable environment with really good coffee.”

Richard says the new dealership in Hamilton

The new dealership in Hamilton East will help the company to showcase the latest offerings from Volkswagen and Audi.

East will help the company to showcase the latest offerings from Volkswagen and Audi.

The new Audi Q7 is the latest release from this brand offering more driver assistance programmes than any other car on the road in the world meaning safer and more convenient driving, says Richard.

This year Volkswagen released its latest model, the Passat, which has already won European Car of the Year.

“It’s been called the ‘new business class’ because it is luxury made affordable. It’s a European built car with the price tag of a Toyota Camry,” explains Richard.

The original Ebbett car dealership was established in Hamilton in 1928 by Alf Ebbett, who was later joined in the business by his brother Ron. The company is today owned by Richard Ebbett (Ron’s son) and Ben and Walter van den Engel (Ben is Richard van den Engel’s father).

“One of the things we enjoy most about our long history is working with customers who span

generations and experiencing their on-going loyalty and relationship,” says Richard.

The Ebbett Group has branches in Pukekohe, Taupo, Tauranga, Wellington, Porirua and two other branches in Hamilton.

Ebbett Hamilton operates the Hamilton dealerships for Holden, Nissan, Toyota, Skoda, Land Rover, Volvo and Jaguar. These will continue to operate from the company’s dealership in Anglesea Street.

With over a million miles of testing Cooper’s new SUV tyre is guaranteed to take you further.

WAIKATO AUTO LOCKSMITHS

HAVE A DING? GIVE US A RING Dents Removed - No Painting Car Remains Original Mobile Service - We Come to You Fraction of the Cost of Panel & Painting

0800 566 577 OR 027 290 8989

LATE MODEL CAR SPECIALISTS & EUROPEAN VEHICLE SPECIALIST FOR KEYS, REMOTES AND LOCK REPAIRS & REPLACEMENTS

Advanced Technicians Greg - 0274 596 275 - Waikato Peter - 0274838 935 East Auckland 0800 66 33 68 Natiowide

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

AUTOMOTIVE Âť Ebbett Prestige

Located on the corner of Grey and Clyde streets, the company’s Audi and Volkswagen brands will now be separated into dedicated full service dealerships.

| 73

74 |

AUTOMOTIVE Âť Ebbett Prestige - Chow:Hill

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

A landmark Hamilton development Karen Phelps The new Ebbett Audi and Volkswagen dealerships were designed to be landmark commercial developments in Hamilton East, says Brian Rastrick, principal of Chow:Hill, the architectural practice engaged for the project.

As well as looking ahead to the future the dealership also acknowledges the past. “The site has a deep history. “It has the Catholic Diocesan and St Mary’s bordering it and was more recently a little controversial as the previous owner of the site removed trees and an old brick boundary wall, which was a contentious issue with some local community,� Brian says.

In homage to the history of the site and to help reintegrate it back into the local community, Chow:Hill incorporated the existing bricks lying on the site into a hard landscape band and retaining wall in the position of the original wall.

The landscape also includes new trees that, within time, will reflect the trees that once bordered the site.

While typical car dealerships have vast yards circulating the showrooms, Chow:Hill chose to approach the Ebbett Audi and Volkswagen dealerships a little differently.

The design team instead developed a scheme that put the focus on the public realm and architecture, while transparency offers activation and interest, says Brian.

• to page 76

Chow:Hill chose to approach the Ebbett Audi and Volkswagen dealerships in Hamilton East a little differently from the normal car dealership.

MODERN CONSTRUCTION SUPPORTS LIVINGSTONE & CHOW ON A GREAT DESIGN BUILD 45B Duke Street P.O. Box 8018, Hamilton Fax: 07 846 1997 Ph: 07 846 1995

0508 WE BUILD

Proud to Support

www.livingstonebuilding.co.nz

BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS MARKETING Profile your business with Waterford Press

RESOURCE CONSENTS PLANNING | SUBDIVISION | LAND DEVELOPMENT

Livingstone Building & Chow Hill

The Mezzanine at Riverbank Lane, 286 Victoria Street, Hamilton t XXX GFBUIFSTQMBOOJOH DP O[ P t M t XXX GFBUIFSTQMBOOJOH DP O[

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

resource consent TQFDJBMJTUT

10815

feisst.co.nz

Qualified, reputable and local – Happy clients and proven success Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

Business North

AUTOMOTIVE » Ebbett Prestige - Chow:Hill

Nov/Dec 2015

| 75

The showrooms for the Ebbett Audi and Volkswagen dealerships have six metre high glazing, enabling exposure but also providing transparency and a point of interest for pedestrians and motorists. .

Commercial and Domestic Tiling at it’s best Contact email: info@palazzoltd.co.nz Ph: 07 575 4898

SHAPE

Total Solutions

At Shape Commercial Ltd we pride ourselves in offering a unique customer experience.

A preferred and trusted supplier, our approach to business beats the competition by ensuring we have the very best: • Customer Relationships • Flexibility • Response Times • Service • Training • People Proudly Supporting Chow Hill Architects Hamilton and Volkswagen Nationwide

www.condair.co.nz

It is a privilege to have provided the Mechanical and Electrical design services for the new Ebbett Prestige Showrooms.

At Micon Engineering we offer an independent consultancy service in mechanical and electrical building services.

We work on all building types including commercial, industrial, educational, health and domestic. Typical project involvement may include: ▪ Investigations, reports and preliminary project advice ▪ Full design and preperation of contract documents ▪ Contract observation through to completion.

For your next project contact us on 07-8340052

76 |

AUTOMOTIVE » Ebbett Prestige - Chow:Hill

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

A landmark Hamilton development • from page 74 For example the showrooms have six metre high glazing, enabling exposure but also providing transparency and a point of interest for pedestrians and motorists.

The overall design of the building has been organised to maximise the opportunity for active edges along public spaces and pedestrian routes, connecting the development back to the existing shopping precinct of Hamilton East.

In order to integrate the dealership into the street Brian says that the development reflects the general scale of the buildings along the street including incorporating double height showrooms.

As both the Audi and Volkswagen brands have strong corporate identities that set their products apart, one of the main challenges of the project, says Brian, was to bring these two aesthetics together while maintaining a cohesive architectural relationship for the overall development that suits the site.

This also had to be balanced with cost, buildability and functionality issues.

Having worked with Ebbett Group for over a decade made the process easier as Chow:Hill already had a good working relationship with the company, says Brian.

Chow:Hill has previously completed refurbishment projects for the company’s Johnston Ebbett Wellington and Ebbett Hamilton (Holden) dealerships.

“At Chow:Hill we place a strong focus on collaboration, being conscious of the client’s needs and making sure that as we design it is a process where both client and consultants are engaged,” he explains.

To meet the requirements of each car manufacturer’s corporate identities, the showrooms had to be separated from each other.

Each showroom has vehicle access off one of the street frontages as well as pedestrian access off the street.

It is the public café incorporated into the dealership - called Osten (which means ‘east’ in German reflecting the location of the dealership) -

To meet the requirements of each car manufacturer’s corporate identities, the showrooms had to be separated from each other Each vehicle showroom has vehicle access off one of the street frontages, as well as pedestrian access off the street. that connects the two showrooms.

Functionality was also important, especially regarding the dealership’s 15 bay workshop, which has associated parts, groom and carwash facilities.

“Customer parking is located directly outside the entrances to each showroom.

“Service customers check in via a service lane on the Volkswagen side and under a glass canopy on the Audi side.

“The service advisors inspect the vehicles with the customers while entering service requirements,” says Brian.

“An Ebbett parking assistant either moves the vehicle to the workshop to be serviced or to a holding area at the rear of the building to free drop off space for further customers,” he says.

Energy efficient features were also incorporated into the design making for a design point of difference as well as long term efficiency gains.

“At Chow:Hill we place a strong focus on collaboration, being conscious of the client’s needs and making sure that as we design it is a process where both client and consultants are engaged.”

“The solar gain and heat build up within the showrooms is controlled via the use of low-e high performance glass, which has a low shading coefficient and a low u-value while maintaining the visible light transmittance and visibility into the showrooms, and waste oil burner utilises the waste oil bi product of the workshop to heat the under floor of the development,” explains Brian.

As testament to the success of the Ebbett Audi and Volkswagen dealerships Brian has since been appointed as the Consultant Architect for European

Motor Distributors New Zealand conducting highlevel reviews of all Audi and Volkswagen dealership projects across New Zealand and checking the designs for corporate identity compliance.

A New Zealand owned and operated company, Chow:Hill employs around 50 staff at studios in Hamilton and Auckland.

The company offers a full suite of architectural services encompassing architectural and urban design, landscape and interior design. Chow:Hill completes projects throughout the country.

REGAL

Aluminium Joinery Commercial

REGAL JOINERY

102 Kent Street, Hamilton Phone: 07 8479882 Email: regal.joinery@xtra.co.nz

Proud to support Chow Hill

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? Put yourself in front of our readership

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

www.waterfordpress.co.nz

Business North

Nov/Dec 2015

FOOD PRODUCTS » Allied Faxi Icecream

| 77

NZ-made ice cream ‘outstanding’ Sue Russell The quality of ice cream New Zealand produces is outstanding, according to assistant general Manager Anthony Chen, of the soon-to-be opened Allied Faxi Ice Cream Factory currently being built on the site of the old Keripehi Cheese Factory on the Hauraki Plains.

“This is the reason why our company decided to invest $10 million dollars converting the old factory into a state-of-the-art ice cream producer to supply the Chinese market,” Anthony explains.

Converting the 25-year-old cheese factory into an ice-cream factory made sense given the existing cool stores could be utilised and Kerepehi is situated close to State Highway 2 and the ports of Auckland and Tauranga.

The ambitious project is well underway and construction is running on time, something Anthony says is due to the outstanding quality of work principle construction company Hawkins Construction and factory designer Beca Industrial have delivered right from the inception of the project.

“When we first came to New Zealand we thought it would be difficult to build a factory but our experiences have been quite the opposite, due in part to the very positive relationship our company has established with the Hauraki Plains District Council and their staff.”

Work began on the build in July this year, with initial demolition work completed by September.

Anthony says the construction phase is expected to be finished by February next year.

“In China people know that New Zealand milk is very natural and high quality. This is why we chose to establish the ice cream factory here. We had a few locations to choose from but chose this area because of the very supportive relationship we have with the local Council.”

Allied Faxi Ice Cream intends to market the flavours it will initially produce as premium quality ice cream in China and when the factory first begins producing Anthony expects it will produce 15 tonne per day along with 10 tonne of cream.

The Allied Faxi Ice Cream Factory is currently being built on the site of the old Keripehi Cheese Factory on the Hauraki Plains.

The project will in time create upward of 30-50 jobs and substantial financial earnings into the region and plans, at least in the foreseeable future, are to sell just in China.

“Our factories in China produce upward of 30 flavours but we intend to begin with production here of vanilla, chocolate and other classic flavours.”

Most of the milk, Anthony says, will be supplied by local farmers and plans are in place to begin to discuss this with them and get contracts confirmed. When it is fully operational the icecream factory will demand 150 to 200 tonne of milk each day.

Each week Anthony, along with general manager Arthur Yan, make visits to the 5000sqm site to review progress during which they meet project managers from IPM (Integrated Project Management), Beca and Hawkins.

“Although there are cultural differences

between New Zealand and China we have established good communication with locals.”

A grand opening of the Allied Faxi Ice Cream Factory is being planned once the building is

signed-off in February. It will be an opportunity for visitors to tour the plant, which will get under way producing ice-cream and cream for China’s consumers by March or April.

0800 ADAMS E 0800 232 673

Toby: 021 902 742 Brad: 021 902 741 Email: office@adamselectrical.co.nz Security • Smart Ventilation Systems • Home Audio • Phone & TV • Data Domestic • Commercial • Industrial

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

• TRUCKS • HOUSEPADS • SUBDIVISIONS • EARTHWORKS • DIGGERS

• DRIVEWAYS • DRAINAGE • SAND & METAL DELIVERIES • COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL • SITEWORK DEVELOPMENTS

CONTACT US

0800 4 SCHICK WWW.SCHICK.CO.NZ INFO@SCHICK.CO.NZ

Proudly supporting the Allied Faxi NZ Food Development

OnGas has been chosen by Allied Faxi as their trusted LPG supplier for running their 220kg/hr. peak demand boiler to produce premium export ice cream.

If you are thinking about using LPG for any large commercial heating installation, running forklifts, or other commercial heating situations call OnGas

THINKING LPG THINK ONGAS 0800 84 12 12

www.ongas.co.nz

Call (09) 274 9285

www.stainlesseng.co.nz

78 |

LEISURE » Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

Hawkes Bay market growing strong Sue Russell When it comes to facilitating a farmers’ market Emma Glover has the best job in the world, right in the heart of the Hawkes Bay. Emma’s role, is to oversee the day-to-day running both the Napier Urban Farmers’ Market and the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. She is passionate about the markets and enjoys the challenge of providing customers with the best shopping experiences every week.

Established in 2000 by Graeme Avery and a group of local growers and producers, the market was created to incubate, profile and assist the growth of small food businesses in the region by creating a single destination were local growers and producers meet with customers.

“Over the years the rules around eligibility for stallholders and produces at the markets have been slightly tweaked, to satisfy customer demands.

However, the stallholders still need to be Hawke’s Bay owned and operated and in staying true to a traditional farmers’ market 75 percent of the products sold need to be grown locally, whether the owners grows or makes them,” says Emma.

Today, the markets have a huge range of producer-grown foods and products, as well as food-to-go options and a small number of food related stalls.

The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market is considered one of the biggest and oldest in New Zealand. It boasts more than 50 stallholders year round and up to 15 seasonally, drawing crowds every Sunday to the Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds.

The Napier Urban Farmers’ Market, runs out of Clive Square on Saturday mornings, and is a smaller market with a unique urban style street market feel to it.

“Once you have market blood in you, it is hard to leave,” says Emma.

The latest market project is a “Fan Club”, which Emma says will bring direct benefits to both fan club members and stallholders alike.

“We began thinking of ways we could show our customers we value their repeat business and encourage other locals to visit the markets more regularly.”

The Fan Club will be officially launched at the Hawkes Bay Farmers’ Market and Napier Urban Farmers’ Market on the weekend of October 3 and 4. It costs $60 annually to belong to the Fan Club and Emma says the savings and special deals members receive will well and truly recoup this investment.

Each Fan Club member will receive a gift pack valued at $45. Every weekend at least one stall at both the Napier Urban and Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ markets will have Fan Club super specials, with many stallholder offering ongoing specials to members. There are also monthly prize draws.

In addition to the Fan Club, the information stall at the Hastings market is introducing “hire a picnic box” for consumers from early October. For $10 you can hire a picnic box, including a mat, chopping board, bowls, plates and cutlery.

The Hastings market regularly attracts between 1000 and 2000 visitors each Sunday morning and throughout the peak summer season Emma says it is not unusual to have 5000 or more.

Underpinning the markets’ operation, says Emma, is a strong sense of community.

“For customers and stallholders alike it is a meeting place, a social hub, a chance to catch up with friends and family.

“It gives shoppers the opportunity to talk directly with the local growers and producers, to taste the products, to learn about how the produce is grown, and how to best cook with it. I think this really adds value to the relationships and to the experience of the consumer.”

The Napier Urban Farmers’ and the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ markets have a huge range of producergrown foods and products, as well as food-to-go options.

Working wonders in wood Lindsay Dryden has always been interested in wood.

The owner/operator of Hastings based wooden chopping board manufacturing business ‘Indoor Solutions’ is a qualified joiner by trade but over the years he has evolved a niche making beautifully crafted and very practical chopping boards, butchers blocks and wooden-ware to service the hospitality industry.

“I was fortunate to be accepted as a stall operator given I am not producing food but it is a totally food related product and I knew many of the markets stall holders and they could see the integrity of the products I made,” Lindsay says.

Often when customers meet him at the market the conversation is as much about educating them about the different timbers and its wonderful properties as it is about the wide range of products he has on display.

Every item he produces is hand-crafted using a variety of high quality timbers.

Lindsay says key to the robust quality of his chopping boards is an extra process in their manufacture which ensures the joins between each end-grain block remain strong.

“The problem with many block constructed chopping boards is joins open up. I use a very good quality food safe glue and all joins are completely tight to begin with.

“I have had really great feedback from my customers and it is not unusual for me to receive a board back to refinish after years of use just as strong as the day it was bought.”

Lindsay describes wood as a wonder product for food preparation on.

Why else would butchers traditionally have

used end-on blocks for processing their meat?

The science behind how wood deals with bacteria is fascinating in itself.

“Wood is absolutely the right surface to be chopping on.

“The whole concept of using the end grain of wood is that it is really porous because of the way the wood is structured. Surface bacteria is absorbed into the chopping board to a depth where the environment is too dry for it to survive. It naturally destroys bacteria.”

He says when customers meet him at the market the conversation is just about educating them about wood’s wonderful properties than it is about the wide range of products he has on display.

Each product sold comes with a care instruction tag.

“I encourage my customers to apply beeswax every two or three months at a time when the board becomes bleached looking.

“In between daily use it’s simply a case of washing with soapy water and standing the board’s on their edge to drain.”

Along with beautifully crafted butchers blocks which can be custom made to individual specification Indoor Solutions produces a range of baguette boards, pizza board, timber cutlery holders and serving trays.

“Working with timber the way I do is like natural art work. You are seeing the grain in a completely different way and no two projects are the same.”

The company’s website www.chopmate. net has all the information you want about the range of hand-crafted products Lindsay makes.

Indoor Solutions offer a range of styles and timber species, under the ChopMate brand.

A variety of sizes available

Baguette Boards Chopping Boards Serving Platters & Trays Butchers Blocks Contact us today for more information about ChopMate products.

Lindsay 027 307 4465 or phone 06 878 2343

email: lizlinz@xtra.co.nz 804 Avenue Road East, Hastings www.chopmate.net

Proud to be associated with Hawkes Bay Farmers Market

Business North

LEISURE » Pro Pools

Nov/Dec 2015

| 79

For a pool that’s a little special Karen Phelps Utilising the most advanced pool design software in the industry enables customers to see exactly how their pool will look before construction has even started, says Matt Douglas, owner of Pro Pools.

“The software allows us to transform a flat 2D design into an interactive 3D swimming pool presentation, which can be adapted for different times of the day and fully customized to the surroundings of the pool and home,” he explains.

“It helps our customers to visualise exactly how their pool will look to ensure their pool is custom made and created precisely to the requirements of their outdoor setting.”

Pro Pools was established in 2000 after Matt spotted a gap in the market for high-quality pool installation and landscaping in the Waikato. “There were no local companies offering the whole package when we started so that was our point of difference,” he says.

Pro Pools started offering a complete service in-house right down to landscaping, concrete work and building, meaning customers no longer had to negotiate with several different companies when completing a pool build. Matt says it’s a comprehensive service, which still appeals to customers and also gives Pro Pools total control over important aspects of the job such as quality.

“We offer a totally personalised service, which starts with a free consultation and then lead our customers step by step through the swimming pool construction process. We can offer a complete service or just complete part of the project.”

The company specialises in the construction of high-quality in-ground pools made from a concrete structure with a fibreglass interior, offering custom built solutions to fit the environment.

This gives structural strength while the addition of fibreglass results in a smooth finish that is easy to clean. Pools are all built on site – not pre-formed – and can be constructed any size and in any location.

At Pro Pools the focus is on ensuring pools are a pleasure to look after rather than a burden.

Matt says Pro Pools has adapted to changes in the industry, remaining innovative and keeping up with advances in technology, such as automated in-floor pool cleaning systems: “This comprises a series of jets in the floor of the pool that fire in sequence and significantly reduce the need to vacuum,” says Matt.

The company also keeps up-to-date with the latest developments in pool materials, products and trends. At present white and pale blue pools are proving popular: “It’s a very clean, clear, crisp look.

Even on a dull day the pool water still looks really good,” he says.

Other trends include larger surround areas with a focus on incorporating materials such as tiles and coloured, acid etched and polished concretes to give an interesting designer look. Pro Pools is a member of Master Pool Builders, which helps the company stay up-to-date with what is happening in the industry.

Matt says that the focus at Pro Pools is ensuring pools are a pleasure to look after rather than a burden. For this reason, the company uses and supplies top-of-the-range Filtermaster filtration equipment. Every pool the company builds also has

a circulation system specifically designed to suit its size and environment. The company is also able to offer the latest in saltwater chlorination from Zodiac and offers a full range of pool heating options from solar through to heat pumps and gas heating. Sister company The Pool Doctor offers a pool valet and maintenance service.

Other services offered by Pro Pools include pool

refurbishment, where an old pool can be completely transformed into one that is essentially brand new by spraying a new fibreglass shell within the pools interior, which acts as an independent liner.

While residential pools are the mainstay of business the company also builds pools for commercial clients and schools. It is presently completing a pool for Cambridge Primary School.

Distributors of Top Quality Energy Efficient Eco Friendly Pool Products

International brands you can rely on Proud to be associated with Propools P 09 570 9570

F 09 527 7641

Proudly Supporting Pro Pools

W www.austral.co.nz

Prenail Frames / Trusses Hardware • Timber • Tools

Phone: (07) 856 9097 Mobile: 0274 317 132 Email: steve@gahughes.co.nz

WE USE AND RECOMMEND

PROUD TO SUPPORT PRO POOLS

Proud to support Pro Pools Offering a complete concreting service, from ideas to completion with free advice, planning and quotes. 30 years in business.

156 Queen St, Cambridge 3434 Phone: 07 827 4902 Mobile: 027 224 5771

Email: office@onsiteconcrete.co.nz www.concretewaikato.co.nz

80 |

LEISURE » Lake Taupo Top 10 Holiday Resort

Nov/Dec 2015 Business North

A 740sqm, 840,000 litre heated luxury swimming pool being built at the Lake Taupo Top 10 Holiday Resort will contain a 4m deep “grotto”, right.

Hard work pays dividends for resort Sue Russell Lloyd and Trish Lusty have worked hard for nearly two decades steadily transforming Lake Taupo Top 10 Holiday Resort from its humble beginnings.

For the former Waikato dry stock farming couple, the hard work has brought huge gains not only for themselves looking back on what they have achieved but also for the thousands of visitors they have hosted.

“We actually couldn’t believe we could find 20 acres of pristine space so close to Taupo. When we bought the existing property it had 12 units and 2 facilities blocks and about 14,000 guest nights on average.

“This year we’re expecting about 80,000 guest nights and that is entirely to do with the range of accommodation options we now have and the exceptional facilities we offer for our guests,” Lloyd says.

The scope of development is also reflected in the number of staff working at the resort, from the

original two staff to 30 these days, and it is likely that number will in time grow with the addition of the resort’s latest facility, a spectacular outside heated luxury level swimming pool.

“We’re really excited about the swimming pool.

We’ve engaged the services of top Italian swimming pool construction company Biodesign, using leading-edge materials technology bio-resin.

“Our philosophy is if you are going to do something you have to be the first or among the first to do it and we are the first in New Zealand to incorporate a bar in the surrounds of a pool.”

Work began on the 740sqm, 840,000 litre capacity pool in July 2014 and Lloyd expects the project, which also includes extensive landscaping and pool surround development to be completed by Christmas.

The pool will contain a 4m deep “grotto”, adding character to the floor, while a 4m x 3m LED high definition screen will feature sports events and movies.

The couple’s vision for the pool extends well beyond their guests enjoying immersing in its

“Our philosophy is if you are going to do something you have to be the first or among the first to do it and we are the first in New Zealand to incorporate a bar in the surrounds of a pool.”

mineral water. Over time and as funds allow, it will also accommodate a café and a massage facility close by.

“We have up to 1200 people in the park over the peak season and the facilities we have are for their enjoyment alone.

“That’s important to us; that they experience the park as a destination in its own right, a stonesthrow from all the Taupo region has to offer.”

It’s been a big year for development at the resort. In January, a Neos 360 degree recreational play structure, the first of its kind in the country, was installed. Lloyd says the $60,000 acquisition has proved an outstanding addition.

“It is designed to add an element of competition and fun into an exercise work-out suitable for almost all ages. The response we have received has been very positive and its positioning not far from the pool is ideal.”

Looking back on the journey, from working seven days a week and putting in long hours, Lloyd says all the hard work is paying off.

“The business has flourished in the last 10 years and there is still plenty of space and ideas we have to evolve further. We have permission for another 70 accommodation units in our council-approved

M. 027 285 1359 E. jamesmoorebuilders@yahoo.co.nz PO Box 1507 Taupo Proud to be associated with the Lake Taupo Top 10 Holiday Resort

Proud to support Taupo Top 10 Holiday Park Structural Engineering | Surveying | Consents Everything under one roof

09 421 1463

Unit 5, 14 Agency Lane, Silverdale 0932 Email: office@ecospringspools.co.nz www.ecospringspools.co.nz

When speaking about swimming pools, the mind runs immediately to traditional “boxes” of reinforced concrete. Good for swimming maybe but not particularly aesthetically pleasing creating difficultly for their integration into the surrounding environment. At least that was the situation until recently. to radically change this concept, Biodesign Pools have been created.

The pool now becomes an extremely comfortable area modelled to accommodate the bathing needs of the client and to adapt to the surrounding landscape. This personalization is created in the form of the inclusion of a series of exclusive features: beaches with shoreline encouraging relaxation, sunbathing and a place for the children to play safely, as well as the ability to equip the pool with sunken chairs, beds and even an aero-therapeutic massaging system, without the loss of swimming areas.