Volume 7 | Issue 2 | March 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Community Driven Forging strong community connections is the focus for education provider UCOL - bringing bene its for both students and businesses. PAGE 7 Top timber A successful collaboration between key industry players has resulted in a world- irst use of timber in a three level commercial building. PAGE 70 Wharf on track The 6 Wharf upgrade project at Napier Port is tracking well ahead of the programmed completion date. PAGE 26
2 | Contents 26| Wharf upgrade on track The 6 Wharf project at Napier Port is tracking well ahead of the programmed completion date. 50| Diverse offering Embracing a total of 42,000ha, Atihau Whanganui’s agricultural operations are diverse and productive. 70| Top timber A successful collaboration between key industry players has resulted in a world-first use of timber in a three level commercial building. 50 70 26 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. 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Business Central accepts no responsibilty for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businesscentral #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz OUR PARTNERS: Palmerston North Council .................................. 03 Palmerston North Airport ................................... 04 UCOL...................................................................... 07 Fonterra Research and Development Centre .. 08 Higgins Family Holdings ...................................... 10 Stewarts Mitre 10................................................. 18 Ashhurst Engineering & Construction............... 20 Turitea Wind Farm............................................... 23 Taranaki Regional Council .................................. 24 HEB Construction................................................. 26 The Perry Group - Te Awa lakes ......................... 32 South Waikato District Council .......................... 38 DPS Developments .............................................. 39 Blue Pacific Minerals ............................................ 42 Wood Marketing Services ................................... 44 Ovation NZ............................................................ 45 Performance Beef Breeders ............................... 48 Atihau Whanganui Inc ......................................... 50 Tweeddale Apiaries ............................................. 54 Brittons House Movers ....................................... 56 Geo40 .................................................................... 57 Primo ..................................................................... 58 HEL Rimu Electrical .............................................. 60 MS Civil Construction .......................................... 62 Fulton Hogan East Coast ..................................... 63 Hutt Gas & Plumbing........................................... 64 Major Consulting Group...................................... 65 ANZCO Foods Waitara......................................... 66 Corson Grain ........................................................ 68 RTA Studio............................................................. 70 Chow Hill Architects............................................. 73 Chris Bell Construction........................................ 74 Beeson Brothers Building .................................. 76 Nixon Homes........................................................ 78 Richards Construction......................................... 79 Wilson Building..................................................... 80 Haimes Building ................................................... 82 DStevens ............................................................... 86 Wairarapa College................................................ 87 Oxygen .................................................................. 90 Port Taranaki ........................................................ 92 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 MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Nick Gormack nick@waterfordpress.co.nz Sub-editors Paul Mein, Randall Johnston Journalists Hugh de Lacy, Kelly Deeks, Russell Fredric, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Sue Russell, Karen Phelps, Virginia Wright RESEARCH & MARKETING James Anderson, Sam Dart, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Allan J Knowles, Chris McPhee, Colin Morais, Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Danielle Percival, Adam Shirra, Alasdair Thomson, Jane Watson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Nick King, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Alissa Crosby, Ann-Marie Frentz OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Manager Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz
| 3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Palmerston North Vibrant city thriving on diversity T T Richard Loader Massey University is New Zealand’s largest university and is home to many top research institutes. Turning 150 youthful years of age last year, Palmerston North City’s vibrancy and success in times of challenge owes much to the spring in the step of its inhabitants and the diversity of its commercial enterprises. Manawatu’s economy continues to recover and build from the effects of Covid-19, better than the New Zealand average across almost every economic indicator. With $8bn of infrastructure and construction projects planned or underway in the region over the decade, the region’s economic strength continues at pace. The projects are vast, and range from the new Mercury Energy Turitea Windfarm, redevelopment of Central Energy Trust Arena stadium, expansion to the Palmerston North Hospital, Massey University capital works plan, to the Palmerston North City Council Wastewater Project. Other key projects underway include the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway, which is the northernmost section of the Wellington Northern Roading Project and will improve the safety and resilience of the transport network to the Capital. Te Ahu a Turanga-Manawatū Tararua Highway is due for completion by the end of 2024 and will re- establish an efficient and resilient eastern freight corridor between the Hawke’s Bay, wider East Coast, and the Manawatū. Palmerston North has also been confirmed as a key site for the Hiringa Hydrogen development, with design works and consents currently underway. Construction for the Central New Zealand Distribution Hub is currently underway. With an investment of over $1bn, the hub encompasses the planned KiwiRail Regional Freight Hub, commercial development at Palmerston North Airport including their Ruapehu Aero-Business Park and, connecting them all, the Regional Freight Ring Road. The new regional freight ring road is in the final planning phase for Palmerston North city which will connect all modes including air, rail and road, enabling more efficient links to national and international markets. Backing the economy is a significant number of Government and quasi-Government regional offices and employees, accounting for 29% of the city’s wage bill and providing a welcome safety net during challenging times. Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith says not having all eggs in one basket has underpinned the region’s resilience. “The growth of food production and manufacturing has continued to be strong, and we have thousands of essential workers here, much more than other regional cities. NZ Defence Force personnel from Palmerston North and wider region also man the nations MIQ facilities.” Healthcare, including Aged Care, continues to be the region’s biggest sector and as well as being a sought after teaching hospital, Palmerston North hospital provides specialist services to Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki regions. Education and training play a significant role in the Manawatu. Massey University is New Zealand’s largest university with research institutes such as AgResearch, Riddet Institute, Hopkirk Research Institute, Food Pilot Plant, NZ Food Safety Centre and Plant & Food Research, while Fonterra has its global research & development centre there. The university along with several Crown Research Institutes is part of the FoodHQ network, where 3900 scientists and researchers offer food companies and innovators access to one of the world’s leading clusters of food science expertise and facilities. Seven thousand service personnel, civilians and their families are either employed or connected to the New Zealand Defence Force in the region which is home to the nation’s two largest NZDF operational bases — Linton Military Camp and RNZAF Base Ohakea. “We also have the logistics and distribution sector here. We look after the lower North Island and some of the top of the South Island with our distribution centres like Foodstuffs, Countdown and Turners & Growers. Countdown has built a new distribution centre in the Central NZ Distribution Hub, near the airport. Australian Defence Apparel has established an international distribution centre at the distribution hub as well, supplying the New Zealand and Australian defence forces uniforms from Palmerston North.” Like much of New Zealand, the region is also going through a building boom with the construction sector growing accordingly, bringing with it a number of challenges. “There are two critical issues for us. The first is supply chain and having to wait for materials. The other is the labour/talent shortage. There has been quite a bit of work going on with vocational training at our Polytechnic UCOL especially in the trades and the construction sector.” There has also been a resurgence in the manufacturing sector with niche manufacturers like Steelfort Engineering and their lawnmowing, outdoor equipment and fabrication work; ETech making high value componentry for companies like Gallaghers; Frogparking, which is part of a growing digital tech sector; and Greentech which makes robotic weeders for the horticultural sector. Mayor Smith says Palmerston North City and the wider Manawatu region offers a multitude of investment opportunities for businesses looking to establish themselves in the area. “There’s quite a bit happening in the city centre, while the Central NZ Distribution Hub near the airport has really taken on a new life with some major businesses moving in. “Longburn just outside of Palmerston North is zoned for dairy and wet industries. “Goodman Fielder is located there, along with Fonterra. And we’re encouraging the agribusiness sector to Feilding’s Kawakawa Road precinct.” First elected as Mayor in 2015, Grant says the young people bring diversity as do the 130 ethnic communities in the city. “We’re diverse, youthful and there is real humility. We know what we’re good at and we are pretty grounded people.” The region which is home to the nation’s two largest NZDF operational bases — Linton Military Camp and RNZAF Base Ohakea.
4 | “With the nature of aviation, its challenges and the pressures on aeronautical revenue, it was important to diversify our revenue streams. That was appreciated even more so during the Covid-19 lockdowns.” Palmerston North: Palmerston North Airport REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T to page 6 Income diversification strategy pays off T Richard Loader Embracing 30 hectares of prime land right next to Palmerston North Airport, Ruapehu Business Park is just 10 minutes from the city’s CBD. Location is the very essence of a great business park that is a hive of industry, where people want to be and the momentum creates a breathtaking virtuous circle. Right on point, Palmerston North Airport’s Ruapehu Business Park is bound to appeal to customers seeking first class logistics, warehousing, distribution or a manufacturing base. Embracing 30 hectares of prime land right next to Palmerston North Airport, Ruapehu Business Park is just 10 minutes from the city’s CBD. Operating 24/7 Palmerston North Airport provides nightly freight connections between Palmerston North, Christchurch and Auckland. But what makes the location really shine is that it is very well connected to the North East Industrial area and future Kiwirail regional hub, making what has been named the Central New Zealand Distribution hub an attractive location to businesses looking to locate in Palmerston North. When completed, the much awaited new Regional Freight Ring Road will provide efficient connectivity to the North East Industrial Zone and the KiwiRail Regional Hub development, offering a unique central location for air, road and rail connectivity. Planning for the business park was first announced in 2016, with a Property Master Plan completed in 2017. The Master Plan separated the development into nine discrete precincts. Commercial and Customer Experience Manager Olivia Pierre says the key driver for the Ruapehu Business Park development was income diversification. “With the nature of aviation, its challenges and the pressures on aeronautical revenue, it was important to diversify our revenue streams. That was appreciated even more so during the Covid-19 lockdowns.” Between 2017 and 2019 the airport completed the Business Park’s first design and build project which was the $5.5 million Massey School of Aviation facility, which provided a vital source of income when Covid-19 hit the region in 2020. Proudly supporting Palmerston North Airport Domestic • Commercial • Industrial Our team have built a reputation for providing quality electrical services for all domestic, commercial and industrial needs since 1979 in the greater Manawatu area. B&M Electrical – For Everything Electrical 305 Rangitikei St P.O. Box 1964 Palmerston North (06) 356 4912 service@bandm.co.nz
| 5 Call 0800 MASSEY or visit massey.ac.nz/aviation TE KURA RERERANGI SCHOOL OF AVIATION CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH A MASSEY AVIATION DEGREE EARN WHILE YOU LEARN Aviation industry-specific degrees add value to careers. • Bachelor of Aviation Management • Master of Aviation FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME. ON CAMPUS OR BY DISTANCE ENROLMENTS OPEN NOW FOR SEMESTER ONE 2022 Massey University’s Aviation Centre sits in the centre of Palmerston North Airport’s 20-hectare Ruapehu Business Park. The project was the result of many stakeholders working together to develop a strong cluster of aviation businesses around the airport to deliver economic bene it for the region. Others will now be able to leverage o Massey’s reputation as New Zealand’s leading provider of aviation research, education and training. The new centre replaced the Massey’s previous Flight System’s Centre - home of the school’s light training programme since 1994. The new facility enables the whole School to be co-located in the same facility for the irst time removing the previous physical separation of Massey Aviation’s light training sta from its academic and administrative sta . In addition to the school’s leet of technically-enhanced Diamond DA40 and DA42 aircraft, the Aviation Centre houses its ground-based training facilities, including a new-generation Diamond DA 42 light simulator. The school’s academic programmes, from undergraduate to PhD-level degrees, are being integrated into the same location over the course of the next few months. It is intended that the new centre will increasingly become a nucleus for the development and delivery of research-led education and training in aviation. A major milestone for the school, the new centre demonstrates the journey taken by the School since the Massey Aviation Institute was established in 1987 with just 28 students. The School of Aviation also o ers professional development remotely-piloted aircraft systems courses for organisations operating RPAS units in the course of their daily business. A new course for those operating complex RPAS operations (“Human Factors for RPAS Professionals “) has now been added to Massey’s suite of RPAS training options. Consultancy services for those applying for a NZCAA part 102 certi icate is also available. Massey’s aviation research contributes – among other things - to the global understanding of the links between aviation and other critical employment sectors. Associate Professor Kan Tsui’s research paper has established connections between aviation, tourism, economic development and wellbeing in New Zealand and internationally. His recent paper on the airport activities and economic development relationship in New Zealand received the international acclaim. Research into Virtual Reality to augment light training continues apace. Trials led by a senior Flight Instructor and Master of Aviation student Glenn Ross will assess the utilisation and application of leading-edge virtual reality (VR) computer technology to the traditional light training methods already in place at the School. Massey’s business aviation - speci ic programme – the Bachelor of Aviation Management (BAvMan) degree, introduces students to the breadth of the aviation industry. The quali ication provides valuable and much needed specialist training in the aviation business sector for young school leavers, as well as providing a way for aviation industry professionals to improve their skills and knowledge to thereby further their aviation careers. During their degree, Massey’s Bachelor of Aviation Management and Master of Aviation students value the opportunity to engage in internship and projects with NZ’s regional and major airports and other aviation organisations which has led to enhanced employment opportunities within the ndustry. Contract Flight training opportunities for airlines looking to train cohorts of new pilots to CPL stage is also available. Aviation remains critical to New Zealand’s tourism, transport and export sectors. Massey’s aviation centre will be central to Massey’s ability to promote its capabilities to an international audience. The school is now well-placed to meet national and international requirements for professional pilot and management training for the aviation sector. Sky’s the limit at Massey University’s School of Aviation
6 | Palmerston North: Palmerston North Airport Business Park plan paying off T T from page 4 The $5.5 million Massey School of Aviation facility provided a vital source of income when Covid-19 hit in 2020 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT At the start of 2021 the airport commenced construction of Wairaka Place, a new high-profile cul-de-sac adjacent to the terminal entrance. With Stage One of Wairaka Place recently completed, the cul-de-sac will enable the commercial subdivision to open with Palmerston North Airport offering design & build and leaseback packages to businesses wanting to take advantage of what Ruapehu Business Park has to offer. The remaining two stages will be undertaken over the next 2 – 3 years. “We have a long-term approach to developing Ruapehu Business Park. So as design & build & leaseback opportunities come to light we will start looking at where those opportunities and activities fit within the business park. “Another subdivision that we have in progress is a large distribution precinct, which will feature a petrol station, hydrogen storage facility and truck/car wash business.” Targeting quality logistics and freight businesses, warehousing and distribution, manufacturing and other compatible businesses that support aviation, Ruapehu Business Park aims to attract businesses that support the region’s economy and growth. “If we think about the wider Manawat ’s position in the national transport and logistics network and the central New Zealand distribution hub strategy, then we have an important role to play.” Ruapehu Business Park will ultimately feature extensive landscaping, eateries, a retail centre and the Aviation School will be looking for a Halls of Residence. Green building standards and a focus on sustainability will also feature highly on the design and build developments. Palmerston North Airport is working towards a goal of carbon neutrality as part of the Airport Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. Having succeeded all the requirements for Level 2 of this programme, the next stage involves actively engaging with stakeholders and looking at ways to reduce its carbon footprint. Investigating options into green building standards as part of its future Terminal Development Plan and Ruapehu Business Park construction is one of the ways in which this can be achieved. Palmerston North Airport is working towards a goal of carbon neutrality as part of the Airport Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme PROUDLYSUPPORTINGPALMERSTONNORTHAIRPORT CONTACT US TODAY ! info@balfourcleaning.co.nz | www.balfourcleaning.co.nz P ROF E S S I ONA L C L EAN I NG S E RV I CE S P r o u d t o s u p p o r t P a l me r s t o n No r t h A i r p o r t
| 7 Palmerston North: UCOL REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Community connections at the core T T Richard Loader UCOL graduate Emily Kang is working as an engineering cadet at the Parahaki Bridge site. With campuses in Manawatu, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua UCOL Ltd has a proud and wellearned reputation for supporting community learning. The community connection is crucial to what it does, and ensures that its programmes help learners develop in-demand skills. As a modern Institute of Technology and Polytechnic, UCOL’s specialties include Applied Engineering and Trades, Health and Sciences, and Humanities and Business. The Business and Industry Partnership portfolio was established in 2021 to focus on collaboration between learners and local workforces and is headed by Executive Director Jasmine Groves. “Our vision is to bring business into the heart of UCOL and provide opportunities not only for learners and graduates to be in the workplace, but also for workers to be learners,” explains Jasmine. “The Business and Industry Partnerships team works to make UCOL a space where local business and industry communities feel welcomed as a valued partner in the learner’s journey.” Jasmine tells the story about being approached by Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawat Tararua Highway project, and making the assumption it would be a partnership for the benefit of students. “We discovered that the partnership, while benefiting students, could also support their project staff. UCOL is providing local people with training and employment opportunities on a major infrastructure project. “We’re providing experience, training and opportunities in the form of internships, apprenticeships and work placements as well as working together on an in-house Tikanga/ Te Reo Māori programme. Partnerships aren’t just one-off transactional things – it’s about value to both sides.” Driven by the regional community and industry voice, UCOL delivers courses that are actually needed in the regions. “In Horowhenua, for example, we know through regional growth there is a need to build roads and houses and they need logistics. So we build our offerings around those sorts of things.” UCOL also delivers shorter learning courses to communities where the community points to specific needs, such as construction. “Sites might pop up in places like Turangi, Taumaranui or Marton, so that the young people don’t have to leave home to attend “The Business and Industry Partnerships team works to make UCOL a space where local business and industry communities feel welcomed as a valued partner in the learner’s journey.” a course. That flexibility is one of our key strengths.” Part of the Business and Industry Partnership’s role is in the student recruitment space and that is where a perfect storm exists, says Jasmine. With very low unemployment, almost zero net migration (at least until the borders open), shrinking school rolls and an aging population, learners will increasingly come from an in-work environment, rather than straight from school. “Someone might already have a job but find themselves stuck on the ladder without the skills to progress, or they might want to change career. They’re the people who are increasingly coming to places like UCOL.” Coaching students to get the best outcomes when they go into employment is another focus for Jasmine’s team. “It’s what’s beyond the academic requirements that make a person employable. How do they develop leadership, how do they develop their career progression, how does the organisation get the best version of the employee. We have an on-line and in-person service that coaches and supports students through that.” Next year UCOL and the other 15 vocational institutes and industry training organisations throughout New Zealand will transition to become Te Pukenga. Excited about the transition, Jasmine says it will offer huge benefits of size and scale. “As a Te Pukenga student you will seamlessly have a national educational experience no matter where you go. “New Zealand is still a small part of the world and by having an institution that has 10,000 staff and a quarter of a million learners the Te P kenga brand has a huge international impact. “I see it as an absolute opportunity. It’s a very modern way to go, it’s a reimagining of vocational learning in New Zealand.”
8 | Palmerston North: Fonterra Research and Development Centre City home to cutting edge research T Karen Phelps Mark Piper: “Food has evolved over many years from a simple energy source.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Palmerston North is a great location for Fonterra to make world-leading discoveries, says Fonterra Research and Development Centre (FRDC) Head of Innovation Mark Piper. “Palmerston North has a very diverse local community and Fonterra is a microcosm of that with more than 40 different nationalities on site. We certainly have no trouble attracting people internationally to come to Palmerston North,” he says. With a team of around 350, including some who are recognised as world leaders in their field, FRDC is at the cutting edge of dairy research globally. Founded in 1927 as the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute, FRDC is one of the largest research facilities in the world dedicated to dairy and its team offers over 4,500 years of combined dairy experience resulting in around 350 patents to date. Mark says that FRDC is heavily involved with organisations in Palmerston North, which help accelerate its own goals. Fonterra is an investor in Palmerston North based Sprout Agritech, which helps to fund food tech and agritech start-ups. It is part of Food HQ, (with Mark Piper as Chair), that helps connect New Zealand companies in to food science. It is closely connected with Massey University and the Riddet Institute – the centre of research excellence based at Massey University. It’s no surprise then that FRDC has a long history of world-leading innovation. The first major breakthrough was around cheese manufacture when two scientists from New Zealand discovered phage (a world first) – a virus that kills the cultures used to make cheese. This enabled the world to make better cheeses. In the 1960’s a team of clever engineers developed the Cheddarmaster to enable more automation and continuous processing of cheese. This revolutionised cheese making the world over. In the 70’s spreadable butter was launched and also assisted in the understanding of fat fractionation more, which subsequently led us to the new value products Fonterra is working on today with lipids. “We can now make mozzarella that can go from milk to mozzarella that is quick frozen and ready to go on pizza toppings within a day, from the previous up to four months it used to take,” says Mark citing just one example. A recent example is the work FRDC is doing around methane reduction with a product called Kowbucha, a probiotic designed to reduce methane creation in cows. Trials are currently being conducted with cows at Massey University farms with testing by AgResearch at Palmerston North. “From our huge bank of probiotics we have identified the ones that would have the greatest chance of impacting methane creation. Lab based trials has shown up to a 50% reduction in methane in a controlled environment. Now we are conducting trials to identify how this might play out in animals in their natural environment. It could really be a game changer – not just in New Zealand but globally and all being led right out of Palmerston North.” Mark stresses any areas of research conducted by Fonterra to reduce methane, key criteria will include that it must be good for the animals and the farmers, ensure stringent quality and safety measures for the resulting products, achieve real results and be scalable. Partnering with other institutions and corporations globally is also seeing Fonterra fast-tracking its global innovation. It is working with Vitakey at present, co-founded by Moderna founder Robert Langer. Fonterra is bringing to the table its expertise in nutrition and collaborating with Vitakey’s knowledge of pharmaceutical drug delivery to see if together a probiotic product can be developed that will be targeted to release optimally in the human body. Last year Fonterra released its long-term strategy where it identified a strategic choice to be a leader in dairy innovation and science. “Food has evolved over many years from a simple energy source. When we look to our markets, we know the world’s population is growing and getting older. People are more aware than ever of the links between nutrition and health, and they are taking more interest in their immunity, cognition and mental health,” explains Mark. He says that Fonterra is seeing that some types of food, and in particular dairy, could help with the answer to many of life’s current challenges. With Covid-19 the trend towards health and wellness has accelerated globally. “People are also a lot more interested in nutrition and health, wanting to look after themselves in the best way possible.” He says sustainability is obviously a key pillar for Fonterra and there are two key areas FRDC is focusing on – methane reduction and a drive towards having packaging that is recyclable, reusable or compostable. “Fonterra in Palmerston North is the home of nearly 100 years of innovation. We’re well regarded across the world for our knowledge in dairy nutrition, protein and unlocking its benefits. It’s vital we explore, and as applicable harness, developing technologies, business models, products and solutions to stay at the forefront and meet the needs of our customers and consumers globally.” Quality outcomes every time DWYERtech Services Ltd is a supplier of technical and trade services to a variety of commercial industries. 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| 9 Palmerston North: Fonterra Research and Development Centre The Fonterra Research and Development Centre is ideally located in Palmerston North. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT • All commercial & corporate building services and maintenance • 60+ staff including builders, painters, joiners, project managers & facility services • Outstanding H&S record & training Proudly working with Fonterra in Palmerston North 313 Tennent Drive • 021 428 100 info@leebuilders.co.nz www.leebuilders.co.nz STAINLESS FABRICATION &GENERAL ENGINEERING &GENERAL ENGINEERING 0274 395 818 CUSTOMMETAL@HOTMAIL.CO.NZ I . . ALDRIDGE & CO. INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTORS Proud contractors to Fonterra since 1996. P.O. Box 130, Palmerston North 06 353 7335 waldridge@infogen.net.nz • Preventative Maintenance • Coolroom& Chiller Maintenance • Commercial & Industrial Refrigeration & Services • Electrical Services • Service / Installation • Supplier & Installer of Daikin Heat Pumps Proud to be associated with Fonterra Co-Operative Group 0274498438 antref@inspire.net.nz
10 | “They like to work hard but they are also very loyal and supportive of staff, and they create good working environments. There is a trust in people — people are trusted to get on and do what they were employed to do.” T to page 12 Family firm continues to evolve T Richard Loader Palmerston North: Higgins Family Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Steeped in Manawatu’s history, Higgins Family Holdings’ roots began 62 years ago when Dan Higgins founded Higgins Contractors in Palmerston North as a drainage and road repair business. Joined by his three sons, Pat, Michael and Bernard, the business expanded into areas of civil contracting, the manufacture and supply of aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and bitumen. After evolving to be at the forefront of New Zealand’s infrastructure development, the business, apart from the ready-mix concrete business and property assets, was sold to Fletchers in 2016. The sold entity, Higgins Contractors, is now wholly owned and operated by Fletcher Building. Following the sale, Higgins Family Holdings Limited was created to house ready-mix concrete, aggregate operations, property assets and land development business which are all scattered across the country. The new developments complement the operational business. Remaining a true family operation, the third-generation family members Shane, Grant, and Daniel Higgins, work closely with Bernard to steer the ship and ensure that the business continues to be successful. Sir Pat remains actively interested in the business but has taken a step back in the dayto-day running, with Bernard the board chair. Shane has responsibility for the ready-mix concrete and aggregate business, Grant looks after the property and land development arm, while Daniel works in the aggregate business. People are at the heart of what the Higgins’ family does, with a few coming across from the old entity to set up Family Holdings. The growth since 2016 has been tremendous with many new faces coming on board. Mark Gunning joined the business as General Manager on the property side of Higgins Family Holdings five years ago, tasked with a specific focus on the property portfolio, which he says was a natural segue from his previous role in real estate. “I was a property valuer originally and then got into real estate, so I have been involved in property all my life, from different perspectives. I really enjoy working for the business and this family. “They like to work hard but they are also very loyal and supportive of staff, and they create good working environments. “There is a trust in people — people are trusted to get on and do what they were employed to do.” Geographically the business owns property throughout New Zealand, but there is a predominance of long-term property holdings in the Manawatu/Palmerston North area. Development land is largely concentrated in the Manawatu and the family’s Manawatu Industrial Park is fast becoming an integral part of the region’s future growth. P: 06 350 3902 E: office@pakdesign.co.nz www.pakdesign.co.nz INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL PREFERRED SUPPLIER CAPRICORN 367 Heads Rd, Whanganui 21 Bisley St, Palmerston North 0800 MOBMECH - (06) 357 8980 | www.mobmech.co.nz ONE STOP SHOP FOR TRUCK AND HEAVY MACHINERY REPAIR AND SERVICING - Workshop facilities in Palmerston North & Whanganui - Onsite Service available - Parts for all makes & models of trucks & machinery - Transport Refrigeration - Auto electrical repairs No job too big or small, one call we take care of it all
| 11 Higgins Family Holdings new headquarters are located in its Manawatu Industrial Park development. Palmerston North: Higgins Family Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 447 Rangitikei Line, Palmerston North 0800 KOMATSU • 027 449 1605 www.machineryspecialists.co.nz • WORKSHOP • FIELD SERVICE • UNDERCARRIAGE REBUILD • ENGINEERING/FABRICATION • HYDRAULIC HOSING
12 | Palmerston North: Higgins Family Holdings Continuing to evolve T from page 10 Higgins Family Holdings has a proud history in the Manawatu region. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Securing key blue-chip tenants is now a focus as the attraction of Palmerston North grows. The family is proud of its Manawatu heritage and when Covid first impacted businesses in the region, Higgins Family Holdings was one of several business organisations in the Manawatu invited to attend the Covid recovery meeting called by Mayor Grant Smith. “You cannot go past the fact that the Higgins family is deeply passionate about the Manawatu region. They believe in the region, and that’s why the Manawatu Industrial Park is going ahead in the way it is. “One of the strengths of a family like the Higgins is their history. They have become known New Zealand wide through their contracting days and continue to add value with their property projects,” says the Mayor. Grant Higgins describes the property arm of Higgins Family Holdings as developers and long-term holders of land and commercial/ industrial buildings, who like working with groups to deliver long-term value and not the type of business to develop commercial property to sell in the short term. “The business is always looking for long term commercial and industrial development opportunities, along with bare land for residential development,” says Grant. “Once the contracting business was sold, property was seen as a way forward for the family, which is inter-generational. “There are now four generations in the business and there will be more in the future. Property was seen as a way of maintaining an investment for the future generations.” T Industrial park - page 14 PMB Landco is the subsidiary company of Family Holdings, which owns and develops the Manawatu Industrial Park. They have successfully delivered several long-term commercial and industrial developments in the region, establishing a reputation for professionalism and trust. “We work with tenants to create a win-win situation, developing buildings that we can be proud of with a long-term perspective. Throughout the development process we try to be as transparent as we can. “As a developer you are always balancing tenant demands and requirements, with the practicalities and affordability of a development, while focusing on the quality of the development. Higgins Family always view things with a long-term lens and that creates win/win outcomes,” says Grant. Over the last few years Manawatu/Palmerston North has enjoyed a very high level of commercial and industrial construction. Although the landscape in the world is changing the Palmerston North market is proving to be very resilient. The city has several infrastructure projects underway, with the Te Ahu a Turanga roading project, investment at Linton and Ohakea, Massey and Mid Central Health. With potential of a Rail Freight Hub, adjacent to the Manawatu Industrial Park, the next decade looks exciting for the region. Accelerating Success Commercial Real Estate Proud Supporter of Higgins Concrete & Family Holdings Colliers Palmerston North offer free, no obligation commercial/industrial sales and leasing advice so please feel free to call one of us today on 06 354 7080 Commercial Consultants (PN) Ltd, Colliers, Licensed REAA 2008 Grant Lloyd Director 021 433 144 Doug Russell Director 027 222 8088 Phil Nevill Director 021 396 092 Janine Hodgson Broker 027 702 3277 Alan Pye Levin Broker 027 518 1909
| 13 Palmerston North: Higgins Family Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Securing key blue-chip tenants is now a focus as the attraction of Palmerston North grows.
14 | Palmerston North: Higgins Family Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T to page 16 Industrial Park a regional drawcard T T Richard Loader KiwiRail is progressing plans for a high-tech, intermodal freight hub, which will adjoin the park. Perfectly located on the outskirts of Palmerston North Airport, the Manawatu Industrial Park is the region’s largest and most recently developed industrial land, packed with appeal. At the heart of the development is Higgins Family Holdings, which bought 42 hectares of vacant industrial land in 2015, through its subsidiary company PMB Landco Limited. In its entireity, the business park encompasses about 60 hectares, and includes several existing industrial and commercial buildings. PMB Landco undertakes specialised design and lease projects for clients wanting to base themselves close to a road, rail and air transport hub and requiring 24-hour use of their sites. Adding to the appeal, KiwiRail is progressing plans for a high-tech, intermodal freight hub, which will adjoin the park with the aim to concurrently connect a bypass road to link everything together. “In the last ten years Palmerston North has enjoyed a real resurgence,” says Mark Gunning, General Manager for Property at Higgins Family Holdings. “While Palmerston North is away from the major centres, for an industrial/distribution hub it’s hard to beat because you can go north, east, south and west from Palmerston North very easily,” says Mark. “North Island businesses will typically have distribution bases in Auckland, Hamilton and Palmerston North and we are seeing more and more interest from Wellington businesses looking this way as well.” www.silvesterclark.co.nz Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington. Silvester Clark are proud to be supporting The Higgins Group.
| 15 Palmerston North: Higgins Family Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Manawatu Industrial Park is the region’s largest and most recently developed industrial land ( The Mark of Quality ) Designing & manufacturing quality trailers for the wider transport industry for over 30 years! • Live stock & drop sider tipping decks & trailers • Curtain sider units/bathtub units • Hard sider truck/trailers • Transporter trailers • Car transporters Queen St, Pahiatua 4910 | Ph: 06 376 0020 | Mob: 0274 437 968 www.jacksonenterprises.co.nz
16 | Palmerston North: Higgins Family Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT “We are the developers and long-term owners of land and buildings. Ninety nine percent of the time we oversee the entire development process, engaging the civil contractors, consultants and contractor to build the development, and we own the development at the end of the project.” Countdown’s new 40,000sqm North Island Distribution Centre has just been completed, and is the park’s largest development so far, encompassing a nine-hectare land parcel. The Higgins family chose to do that project in partnership with the Adams family from Tauranga, who are a long-term partner in residential subdivision, running their own family entity, Carrus. Because of Countdown’s specific requirements for the building, Countdown took on the role of developer, while the Higgins/Adams’ entity funded the project as landholders and long-term owners of the new facility. “The Countdown project went extremely well,” says Mark. “All the parties involved worked well together and the result far exceeded expectations. The project is currently the largest building in the Lower Central North Island, and was finished on time and to budget.” A result more notable was that the project commenced on the first day of the first COVID lock down in 2020 and was completed during the second COVID lockdown in 2021. Bruce Waite, Countdown’s National Non-Retail Property and Development Manager, was delighted with the outcome, saying Palmerston North was a strategically important location for the business. Industrial Park meets demand T from page 14 Development at the industrial park continues to be lively. “The project needed to be fast tracked. The Council and local authorities in Palmerston North were responsive and delivered to agreed timelines and PMB Landco were great to deal with. We’ve ended up with an excellent facility, that has plenty of expansion capacity for the future.” Talk to us today, the feature profile experts Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz PROFILE YOUR PROJECT... Development at the industrial park continues to be lively with a regional retail outlet/ workshop completed for Norwood and a new 2500sqm development for Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) about to commence. Tim Myers, Chief Executive Officer of C B Norwood Distributors Ltd, is also delighted with the result of their Palmerston North Retail Centre. “An agreement with the Higgins family enabled Norwood to secure a fabulous site at the entrance of the Manawatu Industrial Park. There is space to grow, and the Industrial Park is strategically located in the center of the lower North Island that enables excellent access to the wider the region.” Thermo King and Iplex are in the Industrial Park as well, with a yard facility for Go Bus, having just been completed. “About twenty hectares of the land has been developed over the last four years but PMB Landco has future proofed the Industrial Park by purchasing adjacent industrial zoned land across Richardsons Line,” says Mark. The Family Holding business has just completed its own Head Office facility at the business park, which includes a workshop and yard for its operations business. The building is bespoke and the end product further testament to a development of true quality. “North Island businesses will typically have distribution bases in Auckland, Hamilton and Palmerston North.” Contact us now to discuss how our professional and wide ranging expertise can help you achieve financial and business success. It’s more than just numbers. Craig Purdy: craig@stuarts.co.nz or Aimee Gray: aimee@stuarts.co.nz Stuarts takes you and your business into account. PROUDLYWORKING FOR HIGGINS CONCRETE & FAMILY HOLDINGS
| 17 Palmerston North: Higgins Family Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Countdown’s new 40,000sqm North Island Distribution Centre has just been completed, and is the park’s largest development so far, encompassing a nine-hectare land parcel. Servicing New Zealand for over 35 years Car Tyres Truck Tyres Tractor Tyres Alignments Punctures Wheels Batteries 0800 4 CARTERS www.carterstyres.co.nz As we are New Zealand’s largest independent tyre dealer we pride ourselves on providing unbiased expert advice, products and service for your vehicles tyres, wheels and suspension needs. Palmerston North (06 357 0325) www.rlb.com Rider Levett Bucknall is proud to be supporting and providing Full Quantity Surveying services for Higgins Concrete & Family Holdings McMillan & Lockwood Central Region are proud to be associated with Higgins Family Holdings Phone: 06 357 0979 Fax: 06 357 0970 Location: 622 Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North
18 | “We are incredibly grateful for the support and custom we have received from the Palmerston North community and are equally committed to giving back to the fantastic city of Palmerston North.” Stock, service, staff key for business T T Sue Russell Palmerston North: Stewarts Mitre 10 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Stewart family have owned and operated Mitre 10 MEGA Palmerston North since 2015. Before this, they had been in the Electrical Wholesale industry for 69 years and four generations. At the time of selling ‘Stewarts Electrical Supplies Ltd’ they became aware of the opportunity to buy the Mitre 10 MEGA Palmerston North store. “We were excited about Mitre 10 and recognised it as an opportunity to join a great brand and a co-operative of many other Kiwi families who make up the Mitre 10 business,” Andrew says. Over the last six years, the business has grown steadily. This has been done through the building of a strong management and sales team. The Stewart family has also invested heavily in increasing their capability to service their customers in both the retail and trade side of the business. In 2018 they opened the Mitre 10 Trade Distribution Centre which is a 3350 square metre warehouse just 1km away from their main store. This site was built to cater to the growing trade side of their business. The distribution model meant that now they are operating four crane trucks and two curtainsider trucks purely to deliver materials to site as quickly and efficiently as possible for their builders. “It is important we make it easy to do business with us. As a family we have always operated on a simple principle. The three S’s (stock, service, staff). “We always endeavour to carry as much good stock as possible so when you need it we should have it. Service is simply to ensure that we deliver the best service possible for our customers. You cannot do this however with out having a strong and valued team to deliver it.” With a team of 130 people, Andrew noted there are 100 plus families that they are responsible for and with the uncertain business landscape that Covid has brought since 2020 it has been a very challenging time. “The first lockdown was quite stressful I must admit because we didn’t really know what to expect. As information came through from the Government and Mitre 10 Support Centre we had to move quickly and really adapt to the changing trading conditions. This is where our great team of staff took ownership and helped us pivot really quickly by switching to a complete ‘Click & Collect’ trading model,” Andrew says. “We were very proud of the system we came up with and the customer experience we were able to deliver during Level 3 trading.” “We are incredibly grateful for the support and custom we have recieved from the Palmerston North community and are equally committed to giving back to the fantastic city of Palmerston North. “We make sure to spread our community sponsorship funding as wide as we can on really worthwhile causes and activities in and around Palmerston North. We would like to think our contribution is making a difference to the positivity and energy of the city.” As managing director, Andrew says his days are mostly concerned with the strategic direction of the business and working alongside general manager Bevan Brabyn to take care of the day to day, and leading the company’s values and culture. Looking back on the past 6 years is a satisfying experience Andrew reflects. “It was important for us to really work hard on growing the trade side and I’m pleased with what we have achieved. “ There are plans ahead to evolve further but so far its been a great journey. Everyone working in the business contributes to its success.”
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