Business Central December 2024

Volume 9 | Issue 6 | December 2024 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Sustainability & wellbeing the focus When Contact Energy began construction on its $924 million Tauhara geothermal power station it took an unconventional approach.  Page 52

2 | 10| Good for Earth and Industry Hawk Group started making fibre trays from recycled paper in 2009 & it’s efforts have grown from there. 51| Taupo Upgrades Bring Big Benefits The Taupo District Council (TDC) is carrying out proactive infrastructure upgrades along Lake Terrace. 83| ‘Woman of the Year’ a Top Ambassador Jacque Patterson was stunned to win Woman of the Year title for the second time, having also won in 2017. Contents 51 83 10 These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Company and its clients. Advertising is charged for on the basis of space taken up using a standard tabloid page. Actual space may be reduced during the printing process but this will effect all advertisers equally so no credit will be given for any reduction in size due to processing. The Company reserves the right to alter, change or omit entirely any advertisement or article that it considers to be objectionable or which may contravene any law. In the event of a failure on the part of the Company to insert advertising as instructed the Company may publish the advertisement at the first available subsequent reasonable date unless the advertisement features date sensitive material. Every care shall be taken to publish the advertisement in accordance with the advertisers instructions as to page and position but the Company reserves the right for whatever reason to place advertising in a different position and in doing so shall incur no liability whatsoever. Advertisers must advise Business Central immediately of any error or omission in advertisements and shall work constructively to remedy the situation which in the first instance shall be a rerun of the corrected advertisement in the next available issue of Business Central. Where advertisement proofs have been faxed or mailed to the client 48 hours prior to the nominated printing cutoff time acquiesce shall be taken as confirmation and acceptance. Corrections made by telephone shall be accepted but the Company reserves the right to decide whether a further proof should be faxed or mailed to the client. Accounts for advertising are due for payment within seven days of publication of the newspaper. Accounts not paid within this time may incur a penalty of 3% per month until the account is paid. Any debt collection costs incurred by the Company will be added to the account of the debtor. Views and opinions expressed in Business Central are not necessarily those of the editors, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. Business Central welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editors discretion. Business Central accepts no responsibilty for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businesscentral #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   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 PO Box 2581, Wakatipu MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Chris Pearce chris.pearce@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Randall Johnston randall@waterfordpress.co.nz Sub-editors Nick Gormack Journalists Ange Davidson, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Russell Fredric, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Sue Russell, Karen Phelps, Rosa Watson, Virginia Wright RESEARCH & MARKETING James Anderson, Sam Dart, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Danielle Percival, Michelle Phelan, Adam Shirra, Leo Smith, Alasdair Thomson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Alissa Crosby, Ann-Marie Frentz, Josie Villa OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz HW Developments �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 03 AFFCO - Imlay Whanganui regional growth ��������������������������������������������� 04 Affco – Manawatu ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 Sitrep Projects ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 09 Hawk Group ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 PSA House: Maycroft Construction ����������������������������������������������������������� 14 Landlink ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 JS Kitchens Ltd �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 Jones & Sandford Joinery ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 Ruapehu DC Owhango Water Treatment Plant �������������������������������������� 18 First National New Plymouth ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 Property Brokers - Palmerston North ������������������������������������������������������ 20 Rental Managers ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 SAM Property ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22 Vasist Property �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Copeland Associates Architects ���������������������������������������������������������������� 25 Bradley Hans Design ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 26 Holmes Architecture ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 28 Ironsand Architecture �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29 Essence Architectural Design �������������������������������������������������������������������� 30 Houston Architects ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 31 Mackit Architecture ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 32 Tennent Brown Architects ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 33 ANZCO Foods Waitara �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 34 Packaging Products ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 36 Progressive Meats �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 37 Trayla Trailers ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 38 Urgent Cool �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 39 Manawatu Cold Storage ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 40 Elms Carriers ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 41 APL Direct ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 42 McKay Cartage �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 44 McCarthy Transport ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 45 Weatherell Transport �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 46 Hiway NZ ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 50 Taupo District Council & Fulton Hogan ���������������������������������������������������� 51 Contact Energy - Tauhara Geothermal Station �������������������������������������� 52 Manawatu Golf Club ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 57 Feilding Health Care ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 58 Hereworth School ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 59 Mayfair Pools - Taupo & Rotorua �������������������������������������������������������������� 59 Public Trust Hall ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 60 Sacred Heart College ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 61 Pace Engineering ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 62 Innovate Engineering Solutions ���������������������������������������������������������������� 63 Taradale Production Engineers ���������������������������������������������������������������� 64 Cuttriss Consultants Ltd ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 65 Egmont Diesel Services ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 66 Ashhurst Engineering and Construction Co �������������������������������������������� 66 Deadman Logging ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 67 Taylor Corp �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 68 Parkwood Products ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 70 Garage Project ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 72 Presco Hire �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 73 Greyhound Racing New Zealand �������������������������������������������������������������� 74 ITM – Stratford �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������75 Mitre 10 – Waipukurau ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������76 Techlam NZ Ltd ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������77 Scott & Ricketts Group ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������78 Abseil Access ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������80 Ace Electrics Group ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������81 Narellan Pools - Hawkes Bay ������������������������������������������������������������������������82 Narellan Pools – Waikato ������������������������������������������������������������������������������83 Taylors Pools and Spas ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������84 OPS Plumbing & Pipeline ������������������������������������������������������������������������������85 Professional Excavation - New Plymouth ��������������������������������������������������86 Raywood Contracting ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������87 Tatana Contracting ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������88 Central Demolition ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������89 MaxTarr �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������90 Roofing Taranaki Ltd �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������92 Roofclad ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������94 A Knight Design ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������95 HEL Rimu Ltd ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������96 Agility Builders �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������98 Ainsworth & Collinson ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������100 Built Solid ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������101 Onslow Construction �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������101 Residential Building Specialists ������������������������������������������������������������������102 Generation Homes – Taupo �����������������������������������������������������������������������103 Keith Hay Homes – Bulls �����������������������������������������������������������������������������104 Landmark Homes - Waikato �����������������������������������������������������������������������105 Coast NZ Construction ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������106 Crowe Construction & Associates ��������������������������������������������������������������107 Isles Construction Ltd ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������108 Curries Construction �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������110 Morison Building ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������111 New Style Homes �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������112 Sentinel Homes – Taranaki �������������������������������������������������������������������������114 Shane Stone Builders Ltd ����������������������������������������������������������������������������116 SJP Builders Ltd �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������118 L and P Builders �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������119 Baird Built �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������120 David Reid Homes – Taupo �������������������������������������������������������������������������121 Ehaus Hawkes Bay ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������122 Humphries Construction Ltd ����������������������������������������������������������������������123 Karl Norris Construction �����������������������������������������������������������������������������124 Kellahan Builders �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������125 Kiwispan - Taupo �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������126 Landmark Homes – Taranaki ���������������������������������������������������������������������127 Straight Forward Building Solutions ����������������������������������������������������������128 Tunnicliffe Builders Ltd �������������������������������������������������������������������������������129 United Civil Construction ���������������������������������������������������������������������������130 Turbine Residential �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������131 Vincent Construction �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������134 The Housing Lab �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������135 Orkney Group ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������136 South Taranaki Quarries �����������������������������������������������������������������������������137 Kaewa Tours �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������139 Wharekauhau Country Estate �������������������������������������������������������������������140

| 3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT HW Developments “Otaki Gardens is our second development in the Kapiti region. It’s also going to be very positive for Otaki when the rail through to Wellington extends further north than it currently does.” Otaki undergoing a transformation Looking north from the site towards the sea. T T Sue Russell Director of H W Developments, Colin Wilson, suggests the township of Otaki is undergoing a transformation as interest from people living south, along the Kapiti Coast and Wellington, to move north continues to push demand for good quality residential developments. His company purchased the land now called Otaki Gardens, a matter of just a few hundred metres from the town’s centre, in 2015, initially marketing 6 Lots on Rangiuru before the balance of the 90 lots were constructed in 2021. “We sold about 40 sites in 2021 and we are now entering a new sales campaign with over 45 sections available,” says Colin. Colin understands that property development is not for the faint-hearted and that a fair measure of calculated positivity and patience is required to see projects realised. He believes Otaki Gardens, shows every promise to become a great residential presinct. The roading pattern, curbing and chanelling present buyers with a welcoming, well-ordered development. Already buyers are begininng their builds of their nerw homes, which it is exciting. “Otaki Gardens is our second development in the Kapiti region, with the first one, called Kohekohe Park in Waikanae. I really can’t wait to see Otaki Gardens get to the same stage of Kohekohe and see owners settled in to their new homes.” Otaki Gardens sections are now available on the market, sprawling across 7ha’s of land close to the heart of Otaki. A benefit the careful thinking that has gone into how the sections are sized, is that purchasers have a substantial range of section sizes and shapes to choose from, ranging from 350m2 to 1100m2. One side of the development backs on to a council park, creating, what Colin describes as a real family atmosphere. “When I bought the land, it was quite overgrown in places and the back piece where the park is you couldn’t see. We designed the roading layout to give the recreation space its full status. On the side where the park is there are no sections.” And development of Otaki Gardens is timely Colin says, pointing to the fact that there has been quite an expansion of industry in parts of the town. “I’ve also noticed when you drive down the main street of Otaki, there’s a real feeling in the CBD of positivity.” Otaki Gardens is only 400 metres from the township and the new release of sections are being marketed in the early to mid $300’s Colin’s been a property developer long enough to have seen the definite cyclical nature of market conditions. He’s pleased to see changes to the OCR and a movement downward on bank lending interest rates, there’s definitely a more positive vibe. “It’s also going to be very positive for Otaki when the rail through to Wellington extends further north than it currently does. I believe the rail service are looking to adopt hybrid trains which will be electric and diesel. I also understand there has been land purchased around the train station for car parking development.” Street names were carefully considered, with a nod to the land’s history. A previous owner Mr D’Arth and local Iwi were consulted as to their links with the land ownership as well. “We also involved the Otaki Historical Society so we’re pleased with the names the roads have been given as they carry real meaning.” Along with Otaki Gardens, another of Colin’s company’s also owns 255 Rangiuru Road and when Business Central spoke with Colin, the As a specialized land development company based in Kāpiti, we prioritise our clients’ outcomes by linking your motivations with our industry expertise and market insights. We maximise the value we deliver and guide our clients to achieving their own ‘great outcomes’. This end-to-end expertise has led us to become nalists for the Electra Business and Innovations Awards 2024. Transform land into living landlink.co.nz 04-902-6161 contactus@landlink.co.nz Surveying | Planning | Engineering | Cohesive Project Management Discover what is possible with your property and drop us a line today ROCK SUPPLY/PLACEMENT Rock Supply/Placement | Civil Engineering | Drainage Earthmoving | Forestry Roading EROSION PROTECTION EARTHWORKS DRAINAGE FORESTRY ROADING company was just in the process of planning for tyhe development of 10 small Lots. “We’re also working towards purchasing a parcel of land which will give us another 37 sites. The total area of this land development will be about 1.6ha.” Colin says the journey to completion has been an interesting few years, but with usual enthusiasm and positivity states ‘watch this space, the best is just around the corner’.

4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AFFCO - Imlay Whanganui regional growth Engaged with farmers & the community Ongoing investment in the plant is driving productivity gains as well as supporting staff health, safety and wellbeing. T T Kim Newth Supporting the local agricultural community has always been front and centre for the team at Whanganui’s AFFCO Imlay plant that caters to farmers throughout the southern North Island. Ongoing investment in the plant is driving productivity gains as well as supporting staff health, safety and wellbeing. “The Manawatu-Whanganui area boasts the largest sheep and beef populations in New Zealand, contributing to half the nation’s lamb exports,” observes AFFCO Imlay’s plant manager Walid Mahmoud. “As one of the leading ovine processing plants, we also engage in the processing of bobby calves during the season.” In honour of the valued connection with farmers, the plant holds an annual open day that includes guided tours and a luncheon featuring processed meats sourced from the raw products provided by local farmers. The original plant, built in 1915, has been extensively upgraded through the years. Today’s innovative multi-shift processing operation produces a wide range of retail cuts, both chilled and frozen, for supply to domestic and global markets along with pet food, dry meal and other products. Almost everything is used, producing very little waste. On top of that, AFFCO’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction has led to innovations such as a new carton design for beef processing that eliminates the need for plastic strapping. The use of plastic liners is also rapidly decreasing. “We are continually exploring methods to minimise our reliance on such materials while ensuring that our packaging remains effective in reducing waste and spoilage.” Many local families have intergenerational employment connections with the plant. On average, it employs 490-510 people including engineers, administration staff, a compliance team, supervisors and managers. The plant actively hires throughout the year, with recruitment stepping up for seasonal peaks. As their workforce has grown, so too has the focus on providing employees with a safe and comfortable work environment. This focus has paved the way to a new amenities block, successfully completed using local contractors in mid-2023 in time for the start of the 2023-24 season. It features a dining area for up 400 people, updated changing rooms, plus a dedicated changing room for outdoor workers, a large laundry department, two spacious kitchens, a canteen, a first aid clinic, several offices and a main foyer and reception area that serves as the plant’s administrative and managerial hub. “We have observed a significant enhancement in our employees’ attitudes and productivity since the new block opened and we remain committed to further improving and raising the standards of work at Imlay.” A five-year plan to modernise the facility has led to additional improvements this year, with the main gates recently upgraded. The store and container area has also been renovated, featuring new concrete flooring and involving 1320m2 of earthworks. In addition, modern efficient machinery and advanced filtration systems have been installed in the rendering plant. AFFCO has worked to improve health and safety across the whole company for many years now, investing in safe technology such as seven new Guardian bandsaws at Imlay. Products 06 344 7051 | e: admin@forkliftsupplies.co.nz | w: forkliftsupplies.co.nz Forklift Hire Scissor Lift Hire Avant Hire Forklift parts and repairs Commercial & Residential Hire, Competitive Rates & Leases Available &Services: YOUR SYSTEMS INTEGRATION COMPANY TIGER AUTOMATION LTD IS A SYSTEMS INTEGRATION COMPANY FORMED TO MANAGE THE GROWING NEEDS OF AUTOMATION PROJECTS. WE CAN DESIGN, BUILD, AND COMMISSION ANY AUTOMATION PROJECT. 06 344 7503 | info@tiger-automation.co.nz | www.tiger-automation.co.nz OUR SERVICES COMPLETE SYSTEM DESIGN, BUILD AND COMMISSIONING SERVICES. PLC PROGRAMMING HMI PROGRAMMING SCADA PROGRAMMING (FACTORYTALK, INTOUCH WONDERWARE AND IGNITION) VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES / SOFT STARTERS SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, COMMISSIONING AND FAULT FINDING. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE CAD DRAWINGS PROJECT MANAGEMENT. INSTALLATION. Part of their community, AFFCO Imlay fielded four teams at last year’s Whanganui 3 Bridges Marathon, achieving first place. Their staff also supported local police last Christmas for Operation Blue Santa, collecting gifts, clothing and food items for children in need.

| 5 AFFCO - Imlay Whanganui regional growth REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUPERIOR since 1983 WALLS AND CEILINGS LTD TRUSTED IN TARANAKI FOR OVER 40 YEARS • FIXING • STOPPING • ORNAMENTAL • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL CONTACT PETER 021857673 For all your Structural Needs WATERJET CUTTING • MACHINE SHOP • STAINLESS STEEL • CERTIFIED WELDING (STRUCTURAL & PIPE) • SHEET-METAL WORK PH: 06 344 4108 | 437 Heads Rd E: mike@eliteengineering.co.nz

6 | AFFCO Manawatu REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Supporting the region in many ways AFFCO Manawatu that has been operating for more than a century. T T Kim Newth Fielding has a time honoured place in the heart of Manawatu District’s rural economy, with the first ever livestock sale conducted there in May 1880. Fielding is also home to AFFCO Manawatu that has been operating there for more than a century. Today, this modern beef processing plant continues to be as vital as ever for the district’s farmers and rural communities. The plant processes up to 700 cattle a day, or up to 130,000 a year. Investment in technology has kept the plant at the leading edge for quality and safety. Beef cuts and offal product from the plant supplies both domestic and global markets. AFFCO Manawatu is a cornerstone employer in Fielding, employing up to 400 staff. That brings a lot of money into the local economy, benefitting a host of other businesses. One generation after another has worked there, with many local people sharing intergenerational ties with the plant. Their oldest worker is in his 80s and still putting in a good shift. It has been a stable source of work – and a good career pathway - for many through the years. “We run two shifts and operate pretty much year-round, apart from our annual maintenance shutdown for generally up to a month in winter,” says plant manager Ann Nuku. “We have a big commitment to health and safety and literally put hundreds of people through unit training standards to ensure they are safe to work in their area. As well as providing training, it’s about supporting staff with life skills and transferrable skills.” Elite team supportingWhanganui’s manufacturers with specialist services Elite Mechanical and Engineering Ltd is a top industry professional in Whanganui making a big impact on regional productivity by supporting the local manufacturing sector with essential specialist services. Employing a trades-qualified and experienced team, Elite Mechanical and Engineering take pride in every project and offer a quick and efficient service. Clients can expect a high level of detail and workmanship, backed with 24-hour support so help is there when needed. Founder Mike Mooney, who set up the company in 2011, employs a growing team of 40 including engineers, factory staff and apprentices. A strong commitment to upskilling and professional development ensures the team is adaptable and ready to respond to every job. Specialist services offered range from factory maintenance, installation and commissioning of plant for food processing industries to machinery repair and preventative maintenance. “We have our own 5000sqm factory/workshop with multiple gantries and specialist areas for structural steel fabrication, sheet metal fabrication and our machining shop for making custom designed parts and equipment,” says Mike. “Our service is backed with comprehensive CAD software and leading technology, such as our Maxiem 2040 abrasive water jet cutter that provides complex cutting of virtually any material.” Elite Mechanical & Engineering works closely with local processing plants, such as AFFCO Imlay, to meet their servicing and repair requirements. As part of a recent rendering plant enhancement at Imlay, the Elite team installed new equipment and pipework for advanced filtration systems. “On a project like this, we’re able to utilise our access equipment – crane and Hiab – to handle heavy materials and get them installed in the right place.” In a complex modern plant like AFFCO Imlay, breakdowns on key infrastructure like conveyors or air ducts can be costly for productivity. Having the backing of a responsive service partner like Elite Mechanical & Engineering is absolutely critical to minimising downtime. Their team have wide experience in the servicing and manufacturing of all types of conveyor systems, from belts to stainless steel conveyors. In the Manawatū-Whanganui area, Elite Mechanical & Engineering is a valued partner across local industry. Other clients include Open Country Dairy, Tasman Tanning and AFFCO Manawatū. To keep machinery performing at optimum, Elite Mechanical & Engineering recommends regular checks so action can be taken to prevent a production line failure. Their highly skilled team can provide guidance on developing maintenance programmes that will fit into production schedules and programmed downtimes. “Get in touch to discuss your requirements.” CONTACT Elite Mechanical & Engineering T: 06 344 4108 M: 027 465 3208 (Mike Mooney) E: admin@eliteengineering.co.nz www.eliteengineering.co.nz For all your Structural Needs PH: 06 344 4108 | 437 Heads Rd E: mike@eliteengineering.co.nz • WATERJET CUTTING • MACHINE SHOP • STAINLESS STEEL • CERTIFIED WELDING (STRUCTURAL & PIPE) • SHEET-METAL WORK T T to page 8

| 7 AFFCO Manawatu REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AFFCO Manawatu is a cornerstone employer in Fielding, employing up to 400 staff. YOUR SYSTEMS INTEGRATION COMPANY TIGER AUTOMATION LTD IS A SYSTEMS INTEGRATION COMPANY FORMED TO MANAGE THE GROWING NEEDS OF AUTOMATION PROJECTS. WE CAN DESIGN, BUILD, AND COMMISSION ANY AUTOMATION PROJECT. 06 344 7503 | info@tiger-automation.co.nz | www.tiger-automation.co.nz OUR SERVICES COMPLETE SYSTEM DESIGN, BUILD AND COMMISSIONING SERVICES. PLC PROGRAMMING HMI PROGRAMMING SCADA PROGRAMMING (FACTORYTALK, INTOUCH WONDERWARE AND IGNITION) VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES / SOFT STARTERS SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, COMMISSIONING AND FAULT FINDING. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE CAD DRAWINGS PROJECT MANAGEMENT. INSTALLATION. www.shanestonebuilders.co.nz Phone: 06-3477-007 Shane: 021 242 0099 Proudly supporting Affco - Manawatu That’s why we go anywhere Drug and alcohol workplaces everywhere Whether you need workplace drug testing, pre-employment testing, drug education and training classes, or substance policy design services, TDDA goes where you need us, when you need us. Visit tdda.com or call 0508 3784 8378 to learn more. Accredited to AS/NZS 4308:2008 and compliant to AS/NZS 4760:2019 Industry Standard.

8 | AFFCO Manawatu REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AFFCO Manawatu put on a barbecue every year for the Manawatu Oroua Boys and Girls Championship Day in Rongotea. AFFCO Manawatu provides opportunities for more specialised training. “For example, we train our own meat inspectors who can gain a diploma level qualification (Level 4) through a meat inspection training programme. We also offer various apprenticeships for people with the experience to advance to a more senior level.” With close ties to organisations like Manawatu’s Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), AFFCO Manawatu is well-represented at local career expos and works to encourage young people to make a future in the red meat sector. Currently, the plant has two Meat Industry Association (MIA) scholars working part-time with them while studying at Massey University. Both are planning a career in the sector. The scholarship programme is tailored to that end and seeks to prepare students for future leadership roles. As well as financial support, MIA scholars receive mentoring and participate in a range of industry events and networking opportunities. Ann notes that their workforce is becoming increasingly more diverse. For many, English is not their first language. “While this can be challenging, we use translators quite a lot and have translated our training materials into a range of languages.” As well as providing employment and career opportunities, AFFCO Manawatu supports the community by donating to events such as the annual Fielding Salvation Army Christmas lunch. “We also put on a barbecue every year for the Manawatu Oroua Boys and Girls Championship Day in Rongotea, which is organised by a local agricultural club. 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