Business Central April 2026

Volume 11| Issue 2 | April 2026 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Gearing up Booth’s Logistics is responding to strong growth across the regions by continuing to expand its operations…  Page 5

2 | 04| Manawatū momentum The Manawatū economy is continuing to show resilience and momentum. 40| Growth curve Horowhenua civil contractor Tatana Contracting is positioning itself to meet growing demand in the region. 62| New chapter Taranaki’s Toi Foundation has moved into its own newly refurbished building in New Plymouth. 40 62 18 Robèrt Embroideries �� 03 CEDA �� 04 Booth Logistics �� 05 Totally Vets �� 08 Refined Plumbing & Gasfitting �� 09 BTW �� 10 Harcourts Taranaki �� 12 Berry Farms NZ �� 13 Rubix �� 14 Ōtaki Civic Theatre �� 16 Affinity Medical Imaging �� 17 LT McGuinness �� 18 GEK Property �� 22 Lobell Construction �� 26 Advantage Tyres New Plymouth �� 28 Pentarch Forest Products �� 30 Civil Services (HB) �� 32 Hawke’s Bay Wastewater Management �� 33 Hydradiesel Engineering �� 34 Mexted Sports Turf �� 35 Pipe Technologies �� 36 Wanganui Reinforcing Supplies �� 37 Noonan Contracting �� 38 Mark Roads �� 39 Tatana Contracting �� 40 R and L Beale Log Transport �� 42 Molloy Joinery �� 43 Solari Architects �� 44 Designgroup Stapleton Elliott �� 44 Atkinson Harwood Architecture �� 45 Scope View Projects �� 46 Landsdale Development �� 48 H W Developments �� 49 Turbine Residential �� 50 Brittin Builders �� 52 Renovation Hawke’s Bay �� 53 G.J. Gardner Homes Hutt Valley �� 54 Versatile Homes Wellington �� 55 Slate Construction �� 56 Lee Builders �� 57 NZ Proud �� 58 Hanna Construction �� 59 Summerset Group Holding �� 60 Ngati Mutunga �� 61 Toi Foundation �� 62 OUR PARTNERS: 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 MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Chris Pearce chris.pearce@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Nick Gormack nick@waterfordpress.co.nz Sub-editors Christine Defelice, Margaret Landauer WRITERS Anne Boswell, Kim Bowden, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Russell Fredric, Kim Newth, Sue Russell, Karen Phelps, Rosa Watson, Aimee Wilson, Virginia Wright RESEARCH & MARKETING James Anderson, Sam Dart, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Danielle Percival, Adam Shirra, Leo Smith, Alasdair Thomson, Jane Watson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Alissa Crosby, Ann-Marie Frentz, Michelle Phelan, Josie Villa OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz #businesscentral #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   T&C’s: These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Waterford Press Ltd and its clients. 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| 3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Robèrt Embroideries T T Kelly Deeks 140 years and still going strong... In 1878, Charles Robèrt travelled to New Zealand and settled in Palmerston North, initially opening a general store. Accounting Services are at the core of what we do, but that’s not all that we can do for you. From new business start-ups to day-to-day accounting services, growth and development advice for established busiensses to long term financial planning, we can provide you with the right advice at the righ time putting you in control to achieve your goals. We work in partnership with our customers, our advice is tailor-made and we’re committed to adding real value that will make a dierence! We use collaborative cloud technology that saves time and puts information right at our customers’ finger-tips. We’re friendly, honest and we’ll always tell you exactly how it is. Phone: 06 355 1606 12 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North Email: info@onla.co.nz Be Smarter with your advice No minimum orders 06 358 6287 643 Main Street, Palmerston North robertembroideries.co.nz When you want your staff, team or school to have a uniform that works as hard as they do, we're here to help! Choosing a new uniform can be overwhelming. Our expertise keeps the process simple so you don’t waste time, effort or money. UNIFORMS THAT WORK FOR YOUR BRAND More than 140 years after a family journey from Europe laid the foundations for what would become one of New Zealand’s longest-running embroidery businesses, Palmerston North–based Robèrt Embroideries continues to combine heritage craftsmanship with modern production. Now led by ninth-generation owner Nicky Robèrt, the family business remains deeply embedded in the Manawatū region, providing customised uniforms and embroidery for sports teams, schools, workplaces, and community organisations across the lower North Island and beyond. While embroidery has evolved from handstitched craft to advanced digital machinery, Nicky says the essence of the business has never changed. “People talk a lot about AI and technology taking over jobs, but embroidery has already lived through that shift,” Nicky says. “We moved from hand embroidery to machines a long time ago, but there will always need to be someone with expertise telling the machine what to do.” That expertise is one of Robèrt Embroideries’ key strengths. The business has an in-house digitiser who approaches designs with the eye of a traditional embroiderer, controlling stitch placement and density to ensure a high-quality finish. “We’re very particular about everything that leaves this building,” Nicky says. “If we’re not happy with it, it doesn’t go out the door. My team all share the same high standards.” Robèrt Embroideries’ story stretches back to 18th-century France, before the family established an embroidery business in Soho, London. In 1878, Charles Robèrt travelled to New Zealand and settled in Palmerston North, initially opening a general store before returning to embroidery in 1882. Over the decades, the company has embroidered everything from early sports uniforms and Masonic regalia to military garments, including the original 1905 All Blacks jerseys. More recently, its work has featured on international projects such as Disney’s Mulan, where the team produced intricate embroidery using rare thread sourced from Germany. But for Nicky, the business’s “why” runs deeper than heritage or technical capability. “The biggest thing for me has always been my staff,” she says. “I went back through our family history to understand why each generation kept this business going, and it was always about looking after people.” That commitment was most evident during the Great Depression, when a previous generation deliberately created work to ensure staff could remain employed, even at personal financial cost. “That’s my why as well,” Nicky says. “Creating a safe, supportive, and flexible workplace.” Living with her own health challenges, Nicky has built a work environment that allows flexibility and understanding, helping staff manage personal circumstances without fear or stigma. Despite its long history, Nicky says many locals still don’t realise the business exists until they need it. “We’re not a business that shouts from the rooftops,” she says. “A lot of what we do is for sports teams and community groups, and our contribution is in the work we do.” With no minimum order requirements, competitively priced services, and the ability to produce one-off personalised items, Robèrt Embroideries continues to support both established organisations and a growing wave of new businesses. “We know uniforms and branding can feel overwhelming,” Nicky says. “Our job is to make it simple and to give people confidence in the finished product.” After more than a century of change, challenge, and reinvention, Robèrt Embroideries’ future remains grounded in the same principle that has guided it since 1882 — doing quality work, supporting the community, and putting people first.

4 | T T Karen Phelps Region thriving with diversity and vision CEDA’s 2025–26 Statement of Intent outlines progress across its three economic pillars of Business, People and Place. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) We’re here for the good of the country. The Manawatū economy continues to show resilience and momentum as long-term infrastructure, visitor-sector growth and business investment come together under the Central Economic Development Agency’s CEDA) latest Statement of Intent. “We are seeing a region that is resetting its economic thermostat while staying remarkably stable,” says Jerry Shearman, chief executive of the Central Economic Development Agency. “That stability comes from diversity – food, logistics, research, tourism – and from pillar projects that hold us firm through economic cycles.” CEDA’s 2025–26 Statement of Intent outlines progress across its three economic pillars of Business, People and Place, with a clear focus on enabling growth rather than short-term wins. Its role is to connect investors, businesses, talent and communities, along with removing barriers to expansion. “At its core, CEDA exists to make it easier for businesses to succeed here,” says Jerry. “That means supporting expansion, attracting new investment, showcasing opportunity and advocating for infrastructure that unlocks growth.” One of the most significant drivers is Te Utanganui – the Central New Zealand Distribution Hub, described as an anchor project for the region. When fully completed, the multi-year development will span more than 700 hectares, centred around Palmerston North Airport, one of only three airports in New Zealand with 24/7 airfreight consent. “This project is transformational,” says Jerry. “It positions Palmerston North and the Manawatū district as the logistics heart of the lower and central North Island, connecting air, road and rail in a way no other region currently can.” Already more than 80 businesses operate within the distribution park, including Foodstuffs, Primary Connect, Toyota New Zealand, Vestas and Australian Defence Apparel. A $45 million redevelopment of the Palmerston North Airport terminal is underway, and planning is progressing on two major next steps: the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road and the KiwiRail Freight Hub at Bunnythorpe. CentrePort Wellington and Napier Port are partners in the project with early signals suggesting wider national benefits as freight patterns evolve. “The scale of impact is enormous,” says Jerry. “This hub brings jobs, investment and resilience, and it is already attracting interest from ports and shipping lines well beyond the region.” Jerry says Manawatū’s visitor economy is expanding steadily. The Destination Management Plan continues to guide investment into experiences and infrastructure, including Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge, where there are a number of projects planned to activate walking and cycling trails linking to the new motorway. “This project reconnects people to a spectacular landscape while creating a genuine tourism asset,” says Jerry. “It’s about building experiences that also serve locals.” Accommodation capacity is also growing, with a new 4.5-star Safari Wyndham Tryp hotel under construction and scheduled to open in November. Jerry says discussions are ongoing with other hotel developers and management companies as confidence returns to the visitor sector. He says Manawatū’s cultural and intellectual strengths remain a cornerstone of its appeal. The region is home to Centrepoint Theatre, New Zealand’s only regional professional theatre, and a strong research and innovation ecosystem, with more than 3000 scientists working across food, agri-tech and applied science. “Our food story is world-class,” says Jerry. “The Manawatū Regional Food Strategy is now embedded, and it aligns our research capability with sustainable nutrition and global demand.” For businesses, CEDA offers practical, hands-on support from business growth workshops and innovation partnerships to talent attraction, investment facilitation and advocacy with central government. “We take a long-term view,” Jerry says. “Our job is to future-proof the region so businesses can make confident decisions about investing, expanding and staying.” With the lower and central North Island producing more than 22% of national GDP, Manawatū’s strategic position is increasingly clear. “This region is thriving because it is deliberate, collaborative and ambitious,” says Jerry. “We know where we are going, and we are building the foundations to get there.” Jerry Shearman

| 5 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Booths Logistics - Palmerston North Gearing up for growth At Booth’s Logistics’ head office in Palmerston North, there is the capacity for 12,000 pallet spaces. T T Aimee Wilson ,B S VaB VZ),S r,a) ¡~Ø/¤ À¡ 3 52 ) ( 6 6 , 21$ / 9 ( + , & / ( ( / ( & 7 5 , & $ / 6 ( 5 9 , & ( 6 21 Bisley St, Palmerston North | 9 Allengate Rd, Whanganui 49b Waingawa Rd Carterton, Masterton 0800 MOB MECH or 0800 662 6324 | www.mobmech.co.nz ONE STOP SHOP FOR TRUCK AND HEAVY MACHINERY REPAIR AND SERVICING - Workshop facilities in Palmerston North, Masterton - & Whanganui - Onsite Service available - Parts for all makes & models of trucks & machinery No job too big or small, one call we take care of it all PREFERRED SUPPLIER CAPRICORN Booth’s Logistics has responded to the strong growth across the regions by continuing to expand its operations and upgrade several of its facilities over the past 18 months. CEO Dallas Vince said its new Hamilton facility is eight to10 times the size of the existing one in Te Awamutu, and down south the Cromwell branch has moved into a much larger, purpose-built space to accommodate more produce from local growers over the year. “We’ve just added an extra six trucks to handle temperature-controlled produce,” Dallas says.. Whangarei also now has two branches and the company has just opened a new facility in Nelson. At Booth’s Logistics’ head office in Palmerston North, there is the capacity for 12,000 pallet spaces, and Dallas says they are finding a number of customers are wanting to get out of warehousing in Auckland. “Customers like the benefits of being central and getting out of the congestion of the big city. The economy might have slowed, but we haven’t, and the regions are very strong.” With now over 130,000sqm of warehouse space nationwide, the company has strengthened its operations to provide even greater flexibility, efficiency, and service to its customers. Continuing to invest in state-of the-art racking, modern handling equipment, and technology support tools ensures seamless operations with real-time data insights. “Our expanded storage solutions cater to a broad range of goods, including specialty items requiring MPI compliance, customs clearance, on-site fumigation, and certified food-handling services,” says Dallas. From container collection to devanning, warehousing, pick-and-pack, and final delivery, the Booth’s nationwide end-to-end logistics offering is designed to support businesses at every stage. North Island customers also appreciate that, as a nationwide operator that covers over 3.2 million kilometres across New Zealand every month, Booth’s Logistics can operate a direct link into the South Island. “Customers in Hamilton just love that express service – we get it loaded and we go. These bullet services are what sets us apart from our competitors. They are all our own trucks, own operators. We don’t rely on subcontractors for our work,” Dallas says. With 400 trucks nationwide, and employing a team of over 800, the company has been able to tailor more solutions for its customers and gain some momentum across the industry. Dallas says that eventually, Booth’s Logistics will also have to look at opportunities in Australia as the demand from clients grows to handle their goods across the Tasman. He says the new facilities have been designed in a way that enables safe and efficient workflow, and the modernisation effort aligns with broader industry trends. “We’ve invested over three times more in the last 12 months on training and technology than we ever have, because we want to be able to give our customers an experience that they haven’t had before, and we want to ensure our people have the tools to do their jobs with ease.” Despite its scale, Booth’s Logistics maintains a culture that embraces its roots: a practical “can-do, will-do” attitude that emphasises collaboration, reliability, and adaptability. “From the owners Craig and Trev to all the senior leaders you’ll find them on the floor most days, and right in the mix of the operation,” says Dallas.

6 | OPEN FOR BUSINESS. THERE’S NOWHEREWITHMORE POTENTIAL 127,300 Population of Manawatū as of 30 June 2024 POPULATION The middle million in Manawatū Central New Zealand’s population exceeds one million people and is projected to grow to more than 1.2 million by 2048 OUR REGION’S BRIGHT FUTURE $8billion+ GDP 10.8% Manawatū Five Year GDP Growth Compared to New Zealand Growth of 8.7% $7.93 billion GDP Manawatū September 2024 HOUSE PRICES ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME $125,772 Manawatū 6.3% annual increase BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT 55,631 Filled Jobs 12,244 Businesses September 2024 Of public infrastructure investment completed, planned or underway in the current decade $132,812 New Zealand 5.7% annual increase March 2024 Manawatū has a game plan to support growth through connection. Our unique centralised location and stress-free connections to major cities and neighbouring regions by road, rail, air and sea via key ports has attracted some of New Zealand’s leading businesses. With over $8b of infrastructure investment completed, planned or underway in the current decade, and plenty of available land to grow, there’s nowhere with more potential. $627,284 Manawatū $908,247 New Zealand Average House Price September 2024 SCAN TO LEARN MORE OR TO SPEAKWITHA LOCAL EXPERT. ManawatuNZ.co.nz/invest

+ 47 STRATEGIC LOCATION. Positioned for Growth. Manawatū has a central advantage which makes it ideal for businesses seeking national and global connections, exceptional talent, and room to grow. Seamlessly Connected. The region’s extensive network of highways, flights, and railways ensures easy travel to Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, New Plymouth, and beyond. A Thriving Commerce Hub. With 24/7 air freight, major port access, and strong logistics networks, the region ensures fast, reliable movement of goods. Te Utanganui, in the heart of the region, is one of three national distribution hubs. DIVERSE ECONOMIC PROFILE. A Spectrum of Thriving Industries. Manawatū boasts a diverse economy spanning agrifood, defence, distribution and logistics, manufacturing, health, science, and technology. This diversity ensures economic stability even in tough times. ROOMTOGROW. Exceptional Value, Unmatched Efficiency. With available land, strong infrastructure, and a competitive cost of living, Manawatū offers the conditions businesses need to grow efficiently. Middle Million. Centrally located, Manawatū serves a population of over 1 million every day. RESILIENCE ANDCONNECTIVITY. Fortified Resilience, Unwavering Stability. Manawatū is engineered for resilience, with robust resources and strategic preparedness that strengthen business stability during times of crisis. Central Hub for Telecommunications and Technology. The region boasts multiple ISP providers, national and international contact centers, and strong technology infrastructure. This connectivity ensures reliable, highspeed communication essential for today’s markets. TALENTAND INNOVATION. Growing Talent and Leadership in Research. Four major tertiary institutions supply a steady stream of skilled graduates, supporting business growth and innovation, while the region’s high concentration of doctorate holders drives collaboration between business, research, and education, accelerating innovation across sectors. Key sectors inManawatū contribute to the region’s economic diversity and resilience, positioning it well for growth and investment opportunities. AGRITECH AND PRIMARY DEFENCE DISTRIBUTION AND LOGISTICS EDUCATION HEALTH MANUFACTURING RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECH TOURISM AND VISITOR Visit ManawatuNZ.co.nz/invest for more details, data, and case studies or email invest@ceda.nz to speak with a local expert. STEPUP. ARE YOU READY TO BE PARTOF A THRIVINGCOMMUNITY? ManawatuNZ.co.nz/invest

8 | Totally Vets For all your motoring needs we are here to look after you and your vehicle - from an extensive range of New Toyota Vehicles, great Used vehicles, finance & Insurance tailored for you, Toyota parts and Toyota accessories to make your vehicle look awesome, Servicing including tyres, windscreen repairs and replacement and so much more. Always happy to see you and your vehicle. Expanding specialist care “There is so much combined knowledge, experience and expertise within all the clinics.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Kim Newth Totally Vets provides an extensive range of clinical and rural consultancy services. Totally Vets is a trusted name in veterinary care throughout Manawatū, providing comprehensive on-farm and in-clinic services out of branches in Feilding, Palmerston North (Awapuni) and Taumarunui. With a focus on providing complete nose-totail care, Totally Vets continues to evolve and develop to provide the best care possible for animals, large and small. An exciting development last October was the opening of the Manawatū’s first specialist veterinary imaging centre. NZRadVet is sharing premises with Totally Vets in Feilding to provide this essential imaging service. Having an outpatient CT scanner and radiology specialists on-site is a big boost for diagnostics, streamlining care for companion animals like cats and dogs as well as smaller farm animals. With referrals being accepted from other vet clinics too, this new Feilding-based service is delivering wide-ranging benefits. “Our association with NZRadVet has been a number of years in the making,” says Cavan Palmer, North Island Regional Director. “It’s great to have them up and running. Their expertise is invaluable for our team and our clients.” The Totally Vets in-house specialist team also continues to grow with the recent addition of an internal medicine specialist, working alongside a specialist vet surgeon, a specialist in animal nutrition, and a specialist veterinary ophthalmologist or eye specialist. With only three such specialist ophthalmologists in New Zealand, it is a major plus for Totally Vets to be able to provide this sought-after service in-house. Totally Vets provides a full range of services for pets and companion animals as well as serving the needs of the rural sector, caring for farm animals and horses. All their clinics are run by teams of dedicated and experienced veterinarians and vet nurses. “We are now in the throes of planning and designing a new large animal clinic next door to us in Feilding that will provide spacious new premises for our farm vets, farm techs and laboratory equipment. The existing clinic will be kept for companion animal services. “When our current clinic was built in 2011, it seemed like there was plenty of room but we’ve continued to grow since then, so we are looking forward to this next stage.” In total, there are nine veterinary clinics within the company’s wider umbrella group, sharing resources and expertise as needed. Other clinics include Tararua Veterinary Services (Dannevirke and Pahiatua), Levin and Horowhenua Vets, and Otaki Vets. The newest clinic to join is First Vets Whanganui, whose team came on board last year. The Whanganui and Otaki clinics specialise in companion animal care, with the others providing a mix of companion animal and farm animal services. Totally Vets Awapuni and Tararua Veterinary Services Pahiatua also provide equine expertise. “We anticipate more expansion in future too. There is so much combined knowledge, experience and expertise within all the clinics. We are very well equipped to provide the best possible care of your animals.”

| 9 Refined Plumbing & Gasfitting a ll about people Proudly supporting Refined Plumbing and Gasfitting Most of Refined Plumbing & Gasfitting’s work is for new builds and renovations. T T Kim Newth REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT When young Dutch immigrant George Weitekamp took up plumbing in New Zealand in 1952, he could not have known just how influential his trade of choice would become for his family. After being trained by him, all four of his sons went on to become plumbers, all with their own successful businesses. In turn, their children are now also taking up the trade as the family’s third generation of plumbers. One of George’s sons is Mike Weitekamp, who with his wife, Joanne, owns and operates Refined Plumbing & Gasfitting in Palmerston North. Known as Manawatū’s Trusted Master Plumber, the business delivers high-quality plumbing, spouting and gasfitting services throughout the local area. Like his brothers, Mike completed his plumbing apprenticeship with his father as a young man before embarking on adventures of his own. Mike and Joanne travelled overseas for about five years doing voluntary work, and on returning home took up window cleaning and commercial cleaning to support their growing family. After again travelling overseas with his family in 2015/16 for a year, Mike finally decided to return to his original trade. By then, 15 years had gone by. “I started working at Tricklebanks in Feilding and was there for two years, which helped me to upskill before starting my own plumbing business in 2018,” he says. Throughout their 38-year marriage, Joanne has taken care of business/admin alongside Mike. The couple ran Refined Plumbing & Gasfitting on their own for five years, before taking on their first apprentice, Tommi, now nearing the end of his training. “Since that time, we have taken on another young apprentice, Hamish, and now my boy Carlos, who is in the first year of his apprenticeship,” says Mike. Two of Mike’s brothers have sons working as plumbers too, and his youngest brother also has his daughter as an apprentice. “It’s pretty rare to have such a strong trades story in one family across three generations. We’re very proud of that and all share the same ethos around working hard, providing honest, friendly service and quality results.” Third generation of plumbers The Master Plumbers guarantee is a further assurance to their clientele of a high standard of service. “Dad was a Master Plumber and my brothers are Master Plumbers too, so for me becoming a Master Plumber was a natural progression – it’s the gold standard,” Mike says. Refined Plumbing & Gasfitting offers competitive hourly rates with a 10% discount on labour for Gold Card holders. Most of their work is for new builds and renovations, with the bulk of demand coming from the local renovations sector. “Our point of difference is that we do roofing as well. We can retrofit and replace old roofing and will do the downpipes and spouting too,” Mike explains. “That’s quite a chunk of our work – we service both residential and commercial buildings.” Mike and Joanne say they are fortunate to work with some other great local businesses, including Stu’s Pumps & Filtration, Advanced Accounting, and suppliers Chesters and Mico Plumbing Palmerston North. “Strong working relationships are just so important and we’re very fortunate to have these other talented locals on the journey with us.”

10 | BTW T T Karen Phelps Thriving firmmeets growing needs BTW is continuing to strengthen its presence across the central North Island. “For many landowners, understanding what is now possible and what remains constrained is the critical first step.” 131 Powderham St, New Plymouth | P 06 757 5609 | E admin@nks.co.nz | www.nicholsonslawyers.co.nz Proud to provide legal services to BTW Company Ltd Commercial Law Property Law Rural Trusts & Asset Protection Civil Criminal Defence Employment Relationship Property Subdivisions REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Multi-disciplinary consultancy BTW is continuing to strengthen its presence across the central North Island, supporting councils, infrastructure providers and community groups with practical, sustainable solutions, shaped by local insight. With established offices in Ngāmotu New Plymouth, Kirikiriroa Hamilton, Whāingaroa Raglan, Taumarunui and Taupō, BTW works across multiple regions, helping clients respond to growth pressures, climate challenges, and changing community needs. The consultancy provides specialist services through an integrated team of land and geospatial surveyors, civil, structural and three-waters engineers, planners, environmental scientists, UAV pilots and data and GIS specialists. Managing director, Grant Aitken, says BTW’s evolution has always been guided by the regions and communities it serves. “Having started out as a hydrographic and land surveying company in 1973, we are now a fully integrated consultancy across surveying, planning, engineering and environmental disciplines. Our focus is simple, to understand what our clients and communities need, and deliver solutions that make a positive and lasting difference.” He says BTW’s presence in Taupō over the past three years reflects a long-term commitment to the wider central North Island. The company first became active locally while supporting Nova Energy through the Te Rāhui solar farm consent process, which led to steady growth in on-the-ground work. More recently, BTW strengthened its local capability through the acquisition of a Taupōbased surveying firm and the establishment of a dedicated office at 55 Kaimanawa Street. “Being local makes a real difference,” says Grant. “It means we can respond quickly, work closely with partners and contribute to the long-term outcomes our clients are seeking.” Recent Taupō District Plan zoning changes are also opening up new development and subdivision opportunities for landowners, which may not have been available previously. “In particular, areas rezoned to Rural Lifestyle now allow greater flexibility for land use, including the potential to create additional sections, build for family or unlock longer term property value,” Grant explains. “For many landowners, understanding what is now possible and what remains constrained is the critical first step.” With local planners and surveyors based in Taupō, BTW is supporting property owners through early feasibility assessments, helping them navigate planning rules, infrastructure requirements and environmental considerations before committing to development. This integrated approach provides clarity, manages risk and helps landowners make informed decisions aligned with council requirements and desired community outcomes. He says BTW’s collaborative, locally grounded approach is also evident in its work with local government. The company is lead consultant for the Ruapehu District Council Infrastructure Consultancy Services Contract, working alongside Rationale and Xyst to deliver professional services across water, wastewater, stormwater, parks and facilities, roading and waste. BTW also acts as a Tier 1 consultant for Co-Lab, a council-controlled organisation owned by Waikato and Bay of Plenty councils, supporting programmes focused on collaboration, shared opportunities and community wellbeing. In Taupō, BTW’s structural engineering team has recently contributed to improvements at Owen Delany Park, the district’s largest multi-use sports venue. “These are long-term, community-shaping projects,” says Grant. “Our role is to provide practical, sustainable and safe solutions that help councils deliver the outcomes their communities expect.” In Taranaki, BTW also continues to play a key role across major community projects. This includes Destination Play Kāwaroa, where the team provided planning, civil engineering and environmental assessments. Another significant project is the Tūparikino Active Community Hub, delivered in partnership with sports and community groups and ngā hapū Ngāti Tūparikino and Ngāti Te Whiti. The hub will strengthen sport, recreation and hauora opportunities for rangatahi, while improving connections to TSB Stadium, Pukekura Park and the wider city centre. BTW is also supporting the Ngāmotu Marae project, contributing to cultural regeneration and longterm community wellbeing. “We’re proud to work alongside these organisations,” says Grant. “These projects strengthen community connection and create long-term value for the regions.”

| 11 BTW BTW provides specialist services through an integrated team of land and geospatial surveyors, civil, structural and three-waters engineers, planners, environmental scientists, UAV pilots and data and GIS specialists. New Plymouth based engineering consultancy irm Five-D has expanded, opening a new o ice in Taupō. The o ice strengthens the company’s local presence, providing on-the-ground support for clients and projects in the region. “Having a local base allows us to be more responsive and present across our service lines, helping organisations improve planning, reduce uncertainty, and get more value from their projects,” says director Ryan Brown. The move comes at a time when geothermal ield development costs are rising and operators face increasing pressures. Five-D aims to provide clearer insights, practical options and steady guidance for projects that are time-sensitive and cost-critical. “We’re looking forward to contributing positively to the region and working closely with the people and organisations driving New Zealand’s geothermal future,” says Ryan. The company’s Taupō presence coincides with the completion of the Tauhara Super Duplex Piping Upgrade, a schedule-driven project that required rapid, precise engineering to meet tight deadlines. Five-D was engaged to develop 3D models and fabrication-ready isometric drawings for more than 45 brown ield tie-in locations. Shane Hamnett, another director at Five-D, says the Tauhara project challenged the company to deliver with pinpoint accuracy under a compressed timeline. “We produced fabrication-ready drawings in less than four weeks, signi icantly ahead of schedule, allowing precise shop fabrication and drop-in installation.” The project leveraged high-resolution 3D scan and survey data from BTW Company Ltd, enabling Five-D to interpret cold point clouds, produce accurate 3D model and isometrics and ensure correct dimensions, lange alignment and rotation. The result was reduced installation time and minimised downtime on a critical, time- and cost-sensitive operation. Five-D provides end-to-end, multi-discipline engineering services across the full project lifecycle including early-stage planning, mechanical and structural engineering, pipeline design, process safety and inancial and commercial services. Its approach is collaborative and client-focused, emphasising trust, clarity and practical delivery. Its core values - focusing on people, innovative solutions, creating value, dynamic delivery and environmental impact - underpin every engagement. “We don’t just deliver a scope,” says Shane. “We build partnerships and shape solutions together with our clients, listening carefully to their drivers and goals before engineering a path forward.” Both Ryan and Shane says that with the Taupō o ice now operational and complementing the head o ice in New Plymouth, Five-D is well-positioned to support the regions’ energy and geothermal projects, o ering agile, technically robust and locally informed services. Five-D Launches Taupō Hub Mechanical Engineering | Pipeline Engineering Project Development | Project Management Electrical & Instrumental Engineering | Design Drafting Process Engineering | Structural Engineering Level 1, 42 Egmont Street, New Plymouth 4310, Taranaki | 12 Ashwood Avenue, Tauhara, Taupo 3330 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

12 | Reputation built on building trust Harcourts Team Taranaki operates three offices, in New Plymouth, Bell Block, and Inglewood, and employs 38 staff, including 25 licensed salespeople, five property managers, and eight administration and support staff. Harcourts - Taranaki T T Kelly Deeks HARCOURTS TARANAKI WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT Moore VBW is part of a global network of offices, providing accounting and advisory services, advising local, national and international clients in the public and private sectors. (06) 769 6080 office@vbw.co.nz markhams.co.nz New Plymouth Accountants and Advisors VBW Moore VBW is the new name of VBW Chartered Accountants Ltd REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The North Taranaki property market is seeing its highest level of listings in more than a decade, creating new opportunities for buyers and sellers, and Harcourts Team Taranaki says its experienced team is well placed to help clients navigate the changing conditions. Principal Graham Richards says the current volume of properties available is the highest he has seen since 2013, marking a significant shift after several years of tight supply. “For a long time there were far fewer properties available, especially through the period after Covid when demand surged and people were buying houses sight unseen,” he says. “The strongest part of the market at the moment is first-home buyers, and we are also starting to see investors coming back into the market again.” For Graham, the real estate industry has always been about more than simply selling property. “This is a people business first and a property business second,” he says. People sell their homes for many different reasons, including family changes, work relocations, downsizing, or managing estates after the loss of loved ones. Graham says understanding those circumstances is essential to providing the right advice. “Sometimes, people come to us thinking they need to sell their home, but when we talk it through there may actually be a better option.” His approach to the industry was shaped by personal experience when he and his siblings were searching for a dairy farm to purchase together and received advice he felt was inaccurate. “That experience made me think the industry needed to provide better guidance,” Graham says. “I wanted to be part of doing things the right way.” Graham became the sole proprietor of Harcourts Team Taranaki in December 2023 after buying out former partner John Christiansen. He says becoming the owner of the business has allowed him to reinforce that philosophy across the team. “When you own the business you can set the culture,” Graham says. “We want people in our team who genuinely want to do the best thing for clients.” Harcourts Team Taranaki operates three offices, in New Plymouth, Bell Block, and Inglewood, and employs 38 staff, including 25 licensed salespeople, five property managers, and eight administration and support staff. The business sold 357 properties across North Taranaki between January and December last year, reflecting steady activity across the region. While rural sales remain part of the business, residential and lifestyle properties now make up the majority of transactions. Harcourts Team Taranaki also provides commercial property services and is preparing for a transition in that part of the business. Long-serving commercial specialist Bruce Woodhead is preparing to retire and a new recruit will step into the role, with Graham mentoring during the handover. Backed by the Harcourts brand, which began in Wellington in 1888 and has grown into an international real estate network operating in 10 countries, Graham says the company’s reputation remains a key strength. Harcourts has been recognised as New Zealand’s most trusted real estate brand for 13 consecutive years. “As soon as you say Harcourts, people know what you do,” he says. “But ultimately it is the people in our business who build that trust with clients every day.”

| 13 T T Sue Russell Celebrating 10 years Berry Farms NZ is a part of the RD8 Fresh Produce Group and grows a substantial portion of blackberries for the domestic market. Berry Farms NZ Congratulations to Berry Farms on a decade of innovation and success. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT This year marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of Berry Farms NZ, and as the name suggests, the business is in the business of growing a range of berries for local and overseas consumption. Berry Farms NZ, is a part of the RD8 Fresh Produce Group and grows a substantial portion of blackberries for the domestic market, a figure upward of 90% of New Zealand’s production. Raspberries amount to approximately 40% while good volumes of strawberries complete the offering. The plants are sourced from their sister company The Fresh Berry Company, which has the New Zealand agency of global supplier Driscoll’s, with berries grown inside tunnel houses in a special substrate allowing picking to occur through a nine month period. General Manager, Johnny Milmine was happy to say the shadow of the devastation wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle had very much faded. “I was pleased with how we managed the disruption and loss Gabrielle brought and we’ve been enjoying a productive season to date.” Johnny says there are three peak periods of activity during the year. Winter is when the farms are reset, this includes pruning of raspberries and blackberries, the removal and replanting of the strawberry fields, and general farm maintenance. Then there’s the first flush of fruit from October to Christmas. “January can be a bit quieter and now, in February, we’re a couple of weeks into the second flush, which peaks in March.” Each season is distinct, with this season starting with a very warm and dry spring. “If you did what you did last year you will get it wrong, every year is different. That’s the challenge and the interesting aspect about food production.” Johnny says to date quality has been outstanding. A couple of new genetics have been introduced, one strawberry, one raspberry, and these are performing well. Driscoll’s has a very large global R&D spend and each year they development new genetics and, consequently, as new species are created, Berry Farms NZ has access to them. When Driscoll’s introduce a new variety, it must be three things: marketable, economic and taste great. Johnny’s in his sixth year with Berry Farms NZ and says one thing he’s most proud of is the strong team culture that’s been forged. “Each year we’ve got better and better quality and yields and that needs a great team of people on the ground supporting that to happen. I see how hard they work and how much they are invested in the success of this business.” Berry Farms NZ have aligned with a specialist horticultural labour contractor to take care of recruitment and care of staff. Johnny says, given their expertise, this works very well. Most of the team have been with the company several years, meaning as each season comes around and especially at the busy peak times, there’s a pool of experience to draw on. There’s growth too ahead, as sister company, The Fresh Berry Company, is focussing on developing more plots. Come end of harvest the plan is to hold a celebration to mark the decade in business. “We’ll certainly pause and acknowledge where we’ve come to in these 10 years, through some pretty challenging times. It’s something the team and I are very much looking forward to.” Audit & Assurance Improve the value and sustainability of your business. We believe independent auditors perform the valuable role of being a trusted intermediary between the providers of business information and the users of that information. We have expertise across various business sectors, from family-owned businesses and Charities, Not-for-Profit entities, Education providers and specialist Maori Incorporations. With this experience we are ready to add value to your business. Whanganui | Ohakune | Turangi Talk to us today 06 349 0466 www.pkfdoyles.co.nz Audit | Review | Agreed upon procedures

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