Volume 8 | Issue 1 | March 2023 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Ready for action Whanganui’s Paci ic Helmets is a world leader in safety headwear. T PAGE 17
2 | 66 | Family success With 65 years under its belt, Holmes Construction is a three-generation family success story. 42 | Cutting edge Leading health equipment manufacturer Howard Wright is launching two new developments to the market. 90 | Racing pedigree The Wanganui Jockey Club is New Zealand’s oldest horse racing club still operating from the same site. 42 90 66 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 Profile Group ......................................03 Companion Vets.................................08 Mitre 10 Mega Hamilton ...................09 The Egg Project...................................10 Team dh ..............................................12 Business Wairarapa...........................14 JR’s Orchards.......................................16 Pacific Helmets NZ .............................17 Bayleys Whanganui ...........................18 Eastown Timber & Fencing ...............20 Ngai Tukairangi Trust ........................22 Hiringa Energy ....................................25 Manawatu District Council................26 Taupo District Council .......................28 Kapiti Coast District Council .............29 Lowe & Co Realty ...............................30 Thames Pacific ....................................31 Soho Group.........................................32 Te Whatu Ora .....................................34 Royston Hospital ................................36 Contact Energy: .................................38 Howard Wright Ltd ............................42 Brent Smith Trailers ..........................46 Amorini................................................47 Patton Engineering ............................48 CivilTEC................................................49 Waikato District Council ....................50 Matamata Piako District Council ......51 RMS Contracting ................................52 Downer Taranaki................................53 Buzz Electrics ......................................54 Solar Concepts ...................................55 E Carson & Sons ................................56 Mexted Sports Turf ............................56 Blackley Construction........................58 SBA Civil...............................................59 Blackfern Cooperative.......................60 Kiwi Lumber........................................62 Self-Loader Logging ...........................64 Hautapu Haulage ...............................65 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 EDITORIAL Editor Nick Gormack nick@waterfordpress.co.nz Sub-editors Paul Mein, Randall Johnston Journalists Ange Davidson, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Russell Fredric, Rachel Graham, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Sue Russell, Karen Phelps, Virginia Wright RESEARCH & MARKETING James Anderson, Sam Dart, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Colin Morais, 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 Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Alissa Crosby, Ann-Marie Frentz OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz Contents Holmes Construction Group ...... 66 Havelock North Construction..... 69 Davcon .......................................... 70 de Roo Construction.................... 73 Diamond Residential ................... 74 Wano Building .............................. 76 Latitude Homes Central .............. 78 Landmark Homes Wellington..... 80 Multibuild...................................... 82 Pepper Construction ................... 83 Kenepuru Homes......................... 84 Taylor Long Construction............ 86 Homebuild Homes....................... 87 Sunshine Joinery .......................... 88 Wanganui Jockey Club ................. 90 Hawke’s Bay Racing Club Inc ...... 92 Conscious Collective .................... 94 The Olive Press............................. 95
| 3 “The recognition and acknowledgement from the business community when we picked up the three awards was very satisfying, and that recognition continued for a number of weeks following the evening.” Group revels in awards’ success PGL’s newest business offering, AGP (Architectural Glass Products) won the Business Growth category. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Waikato Business Awards: Profile Group to page 4 Richard Loader Following a fifty-year journey in the business of supplying aluminium window and door solutions into the building industry nationwide, under the Altherm, Vantage and First Windows brands, Hamilton based Profile Group Ltd (PGL) has been aptly rewarded with the Supreme Award at the 2022 Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. A first-time entrant into the awards, PGL’s fifty-year milestone was achieved in 2021, and along with a number of activities and growth within the business the timing was right to enter the awards in a number of different categories. Group CEO Craig Vincent says the awards play an important role in the region, providing businesses the opportunity to showcase their operations. “The business community looks forward to that event which gets extremely good support from both new and established businesses from around the community who believe it’s the right time for them to put an entry in.” Employing 650 people across a range of integrated business units including APL, APL Manufacturing, AGP, PPL and APL Direct, PGL is one of the largest business operations in the district. PGL entered three separate award categories including; Sustainability, People and Culture, and Service Excellence, while plastics solutions provider PPL entered the Innovation category and PGL’s newest business offering, AGP (Architectural Glass Products), entered the Business Growth category. A separate entry was put in for AGP’s General Manager, Dave Bunting, in the Emerging Leader of the Year category.
4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Waikato Business Awards: Profile Group PGL a worthy winner AGP has experienced huge growth since it was established two years ago. from page 3 Collaborative effort - page 6 REDUCE • REUSE • RECYCLE • RECOVER • RESIDUAL 5R Solutions specialises in window glass recovery in New Zealand and is happy to partner with AGP in diverting their waste glass from landfill. www.5rsolutions.co.nz admin@5rsolutions.co.nz 03-3490225 Each category entered was shortlisted as a finalist, with PGL winning the Service Excellence award, later earning the honour of Supreme Winner. AGP also won its Business Growth category. Craig says that on the night the prestigious black tie gala event was attended by fifty of PGL’s team, including partners. “There is always satisfaction in being shortlisted as a finalist and it was great for the individuals within our business who were asked to put the entries together. “The recognition and acknowledgement from the business community when we picked up the three awards was very satisfying, and that recognition continued for a number of weeks following the evening. “There were some amazing companies up for awards who also won their categories — some companies that you had never heard of who are doing incredible things in different spaces, with great stories. “Being able to network and benchmark yourself against these businesses — both large and small — is another great benefit of the awards. You certainly don’t have to be a big business to put an entry in, and have an amazing story about doing wonderful things. It opens your eyes as to what amazing things are going on around Waikato’s business and commercial community.” In announcing that Profile Group had won the Supreme award, the judges acknowledged that PGL was a world class role model in numerous aspects including future vision, innovation, product design, ongoing commitment and an ethos of genuine care for the community and environment. “To see the reaction from all your team when the business was acknowledged as Supreme Award winner was pretty cool. “To take the entire team attending the event up to the stage to accept the Supreme Award was very special. I think that perhaps the recognition for all of them was greater than it was for us as the directors of the group.” Craig says that while winning the Supreme Award was wonderful, AGP’s Business Growth award was especially meaningful. “AGP has been on a huge growth trajectory over the two years that the business has been operating. You take a start-up business, develop a very large building in Hautapu to accommodate it, install and commission the plant, manage crazy growth, put a logistics programme in place and actually deliver an incredible outcome to your customers. That’s a pretty good story, to be honest.”
| 5 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Waikato Business Awards: Profile Group Profile Group Chief Executive, Craig Vincent, left, and PGL owner Mitchell Plaw. Proudly suppor�ng Architectural Glass Products. Waikato based, we transport everything from container to cabin to just a pack of �mber. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you. www.lhtgroup.nz 07 847 0274 info@lhtgroup.nz
6 | Waikato Business Awards: Profile Group Flexibility and scope underpins success Profile Group’s impressive new plant at Hautapu will eventually house all of the group’s production units. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Premium precision engineering service. Specialists wirecutting and multi axis machining. Proud to be supporting PPL www.torks.co.nz PREC I S I ON ENG I NEER I NG Sue Russell Profile Group Ltd CEO, Craig Vincent, agrees that a spirit of collaboration underpins how all the companies in the Group’s suite operate. Craig’s been part of the business since 1988, working in a variety of roles, including General Manager until his appointment as CEO in 1998. He says receiving the Service Excellence and Supreme Winner Awards is recognition of the commitment everyone engaged in the Group’s businesses to our ongoing success. “PGL is a privately owned family business which is something that really appeals to me. As a private entity you have flexibility and scope, freedoms you don’t generally get in the corporate world.” In his role Craig provides support to the Group’s General Managers and maintains strong relationships with all its clients. “Strategically I’m always looking for opportunities, however overseeing the building of the Hautapu plant and planning Profile Group’s gradual relocation from its sites in Hamilton is occupying a good chunk of my time.” As the move takes place over the next 5/7 years, Craig says that PGL will not waste the opportunity to increase automation, setting the company up for future growth. “We’re not as efficient as we would like to be and are looking at what a modern distribution centre can look like.” “Our service ethos sets very high standards for us to maintain. APL has a 6 day lead time for meeting orders. Our customers have come to expect this from us.” Craig emphasises that the Supreme Award sits across the Profile Group business in total. “Everyone working in our companies has contributed their bit to achieving that.” PPL Plastic Solutions specialises in designing and manufacturing plastic profile extrusion and injection moulded parts. The business has been in operation 10 years and employs a team of 40 staff, across design, engineering, machine operation and administration/management. Ian Baines is the businesses General Manager. He says historically the core of activity has been aligned to the aluminium window and door manufacturing sector though over time, with more and more clients knocking on their door, the industries they service has broadened. Being nimble and responsive to market conditions has been key to PPL’s growth and success Ian says. “When Covid came along and in those very early days there was a shortage of masks available to the DHB we set to and created a clear head-fitted mask using over-head projector slides.” Over 90% of extruded products produced by PPL are coiled and stacked on pallets. Cardboard coils were manually assembled using staples, glue and plastic, which were not able to be recycled. The cardboard structure also lacked strength, according to feedback from clients and would fall apart if not handled properly and once used the cardboard coil would end up in landfill. Coiled products were stacked on pallets for
| 7 Waikato Business Awards: Profile Group REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT “Our service ethos sets very high standards for us to maintain. APL has a 6 day lead time for meeting orders. Our customers have come to expect this from us.” Dulux are a proud supporter of Profile Group 0800 800 975 | www.duluxpowders.co.nz When purpose and values align, extraordinary outcomes are achieved. FOSTERS.CO.NZ . 07 849 3849 APL Hautapu “Delivering compounds, exceeding expectations.” ∙ Leading custom PVC compounder ∙ ISO 9001:2015 accredited www.apncompounding.com transporting, wrapped with plastic cling film to reduce product damage. “Each week on average we would use 4,200 metres of plastic wrap. Again this plastic ended up in landfill,” Ian explains. As sustainability had been identified within the Profile Group network of businesses as a core focus, PPL Plastics seized that challenge and opportunity to lead the charge toward realising that vision. “We designed and created a reusable plastic coil with a bayonet fitting that would allow it to be broken down for transporting back to our factory and instead of plastic cling film, we created plastic netting to secure the pallet which again can be reused. To date we have diverted over 110 tonne of waste entering landfill.” Ian says the collective hard-work and dedication of the team, from designer to machinist, is the reason why these innovations shine. “I’m enormously proud of this effort. “We’re very much a business that has an open-door culture around input from all our team and this product is a fine example of that.” INEX is a leader in the aluminium extrusion industry, supplying extruded aluminium to the manufacturing and fabrication industries throughout New Zealand and Australia. INEX are proud partners of Pro le Group
8 | Busy clinic at heart of community The Companion Vets team - going the extra mile to meet client needs. Waikato Business Awards: Companion Vets REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Sue Russell Establishing a veterinary practice focusing on Companion Vets has opened a new chapter for Dr Craig and Margie Brighouse and fellow director Dr Juliet Matthews in professional careers that stem back decades in the sector. Margie leads the management team and steps in at busy times and helps wherever she can. She says things are beginning to settle down post COVID. “We’re back to reasonably normal which in a vet clinic is still a little bit crazy.” Successfully juggling appointments for pets and dealing with the unexpected emergency keeps the team on their toes and Margie says, one of the most important reasons this new practice is doing so well is the qualities of the team of veterinary nursing and support staff who understand just how precious pets become to their human parents. And with this in mind, when the opportunity came to buy premises in Hamilton’s northern precinct, Pukete, Craig and Margie spent considerable time to carefully consider the layout of the clinic. “We know it is often a stressful situation to bring a pet to a clinic, so we’ve got single waiting rooms, cat-only waiting rooms and for those who are bringing a pet on its final journey to the clinic, we have a separate exit space as this can be a very upsetting time.” Above all, Margie says, the building has to be super-functional and after looking at many design ideas they settled on a floor-plan, fixtures and furnishings that really work well. Companion Vets opened in November 2020 and the practice has been steadily growing since. Making the experience for pet owners and pets as positive as possible is always the aim. “I love the fact that there is so much natural light that floods in and that the spaces are calming.” Many of the staff engaged in the practice go back a long time, having worked with Craig at a former clinic. Margie says she feels this is testament to what a good professional is he is to work for. “We really have a family feel to the clinic. Work is very demanding but our culture of helping each other out is really special. I think our camaraderie actually helps our clients to feel at ease.” Last year, proof of just how much clients value the care Companion Vets dispenses on animals in their charge was evidenced in being named finalists in the Service Excellence category at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. “We were delighted to have the quality of our service recognised in this prestigious event,” says Margie. Companion Vets is a full-service clinic, with “We really have a family feel to the clinic. Work is very demanding but our culture of helping each other out is really special.” a range of sophisticated diagnostic and treatment technologies. Having clinic hours that work for people is another reason for its success. Monday to Friday Companion Vets is open 8 am – 6 pm to cater for those working and the doors open again on Saturday mornings until 12.30 pm. Supporting trainee nurses and veterinarians is also important Margie explains. “Craig’s been a vet for so long now and when he trained he appreciated the guidance and support he received from experienced practitioners, so now we are in a position also to give back to the sector. “We enjoy it when students are on placement with us.” Given the demands that come each day Margie says they also make opportunities for the team to enjoy social time with each other, out of the work environment. “That was important when we had split teams due to COVID. Now we’re all back on deck its been great to celebrate that fact.” Being locally owned and operated by the owners gives the practice its own special character. “We’re not some big corporate or part of a chain of veterinarian businesses. We’re here everyday engaging with our clients and we very much value those relationships. And two of our three directors are women which is not something you’re going to find in most veterinarian businesses.” And animals extend to their own home, in the form of two cats and dogs. One cat, Margie was determined to name; a cat they adopted with a deformed leg. “I wanted to name this special one and give her a name truly befitting of her new situation so I called her The Empurress Pawlina.” In fact, she says its interesting to see the trends in pet names that come and go. “It’s just the same as how there are trends in babies names.”
| 9 Sue Russell Catering for growth Mitre 10 Mega Hamilton has a big emphasis on contributing to the local community. Waikato Business Awards: Mitre 10 Mega - Hamilton REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Prolific growth in and around Hamilton is creating plenty of business for Hamilton Hardware’s two flagship stores trading as Mitre 10 MEGA. The stores are located in Te Rapa near The Base and in Ruakura in Hamilton’s eastern-quarter. CEO Hayden Camp says the two sites are designed to cater for the whole of Hamilton’s needs from Trade to DIY. “We’re very much a local business able to cater for what our customers want. We can not only tailor our product offering to meet changing market demands but we can also personalise our product selection to what our store specific customers want,” Hayden says. There’s a big emphasis on contributing to the local community and Hayden says the most effective way the stores can do this is to invest in system technologies that enable products to be easily accessed and understood. Mitre 10 MEGA has recently become principal sponsor of the big-buddy programme in the Waikato. “Big Buddy has struggled a bit here in the Waikato to gain momentum. It’s a great cause and we’re very pleased to be associated with this very worthwhile charity.” Big Buddy matches up boys aged 7 – 14 who do not have a father around, with a big buddy, spending a few hours a week together. The relationship helps these boys build confidence and resilience with a positive role-model. Endless possibilities. 0800 224 759 / sales@bbi.net.nz www.bbi.net.nz Plywood + Decking Solutions – bbi supply quality plywood and hardwood decking solutions to the New Zealand market including: bbi PlyBrace™ / RedLine® BlondeLine® / QuikDeck® Not sure what product you need? Talk to your local Selleys team today and we’ll help you find what you need for your DIY project! IF IT’S SELLEYS, IT WORKS™ PROUDLY SUPPORTING MITRE 10 MEGA HAMILTON www.selleys.co.nz 0800 735 539 Since establishing in 1997 over 1000 Little Buddies have been matched with Big Buddies. And another project Mitre 10 MEGA supports is maintenance and further development of the Sculpture Park, located west of Hamilton near Tauwhare. Located at Waitakaruru Arboretum, situated in a disused quarry. The project to transform the old quarry site into a beautiful space for visitors to enjoy was initiated in 1991 by owners John and Dorothy Wakeling who subsequently passed the park over to a charitable trust. “Along with supporting them with larger projects, the wider team also go out and work at the park. We’re big on sustainability and supporting local so the team are often there planting trees.” Nawton Primary School has also benefitted from the support of Mitre 10 MEGA, with the business building raised gardens and planting them out. “We like to get involved in projects that bring lasting benefit.” COVID, Hayden says has been two things: positive and very challenging. With the retail sectors generally doing very well Hayden says supporting our team, keeping everyone safe at work and dealing with the stresses of those early lock-down and various restriction levels has at times been challenging. “Supporting our team through sickness has been a big one. Each year of COVID we’ve either dealt with staff shortages or product shortages. Keeping everyone feeling positive throughout has been the challenge.” This year, Mitre 10 MEGA Hamilton was a finalist in the Business Growth & Strategy in the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. “We’ve been a part of those awards for the past few years. We sponsored the emerging leader and we especially wanted to honour our former CEO, Clifford Buchler.” As a competitor Mitre 10 MEGA Hamilton presented its strategic plan. Hayden says the business has been ‘living and breathing’ their strategy for the last five years. “Not being part of a large corporate has given us the opportunity to develop our own business plan and future development.” The strategy for the two Hamilton stores has very much been about investing in the team with three aims in mind. “We first want to make sure we retain our team, concentrating on remuneration levels and pay bands rewarding longevity,” says Hayden. “Then we’re focusing on upskilling our team and improving their product knowledge and finally we’re investing in technology to assist our team to be as productive as possible.” Hayden feels that with 2023 just around the corner there is finally a sense that things are getting back to a new ‘normal’. “It’s been quite a time of it lately but things are definitely starting to settle down.”
10 | Ange Davidson Couple hatch award winning project Pip and Brian run seven flocks of free-range hens at their Certified Organic property. Manawatū Business Awards: The Egg Project REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A social enterprise in the Manawatu claimed the top prize in the Agriculture and Food Section of the Zorb Manawatu Business Awards last year. Called The Egg Project, fresh free-range and organic eggs are delivered from the farm gate near Bainesse to over 3500 customers. The masterminds behind The Egg Project are Pip Chrystall and her partner Brian Kennerley whose family has been in the poultry business for more than 30 years. The Egg Project started in 2019 as a fundraising opportunity for local community groups such as schools, early childcare centres, businesses, and community groups. For every dozen of eggs ordered, a dollar was given back to the group and orders were delivered to one location for pick up. Roll on Covid lockdowns and Pip was scrambling to find ways to keep eggs rolling out into the community. “We couldn’t stop as our hens weren’t stopping plus we were an essential business. I made contact to get addresses, manually plotted and reconciled payments and we started delivering eggs to the homes of all the people who were supporting us through different fundraising groups. Back then it was just me running solo,” says Pip. “We were building a website with On-Line Design in Whangarei for the fundraising side of our business and once the gate to door deliveries had started, we couldn’t stop as it was what the community really wanted. We had to make a quick pivot to our business model and our website design,” Pip laughs. Now The Egg Project is making up to 250 deliveries a day in the Manawatu area and once a fortnight, deliver further afield to Whanganui and Rangitikei. In the past 24 months, they have delivered over 2,582,731 eggs. “Our drivers and on farm staff are brilliant! To be sustainable, we need to be efficient with deliveries so communication is key, we work with our customers as to how we can streamline this. :We have people building special egg boxes at their gates. Our customers are amazing and want a relationship with us, the producers, and their food. “They want to support the little local people,” Pip believes. Known as the Egg Lady, Pip strengthens this relationship by writing an egg-inspired blog called Pip’s Tips, and being active on social “Our customers are amazing and want a relationship with us, the producers, and their food. They want to support the little local people.” Gribbles Scientific providing tailored solutions for all your food, environmental and product testing needs. Microbiology, pathogen testing, analytical chemistry, nutritional analysis, shelf life testing & more. Talk to us today. 0800 GRIBBLES gribblesscientific.co.nz Proud to support The Egg Project ERROL MCAULIFFE media. Giving back to community is the driver behind the Project and Pip is currently working with more than 45 fundraising groups. By removing the middleman, the profit margin is kept in the community. The Egg Project also supports the Ruahine Egg Project which is working towards reintroducing kiwi to the Ruahine Ranges by 2026. Pip’s customers can donate one egg for 40 c each that will be used as bait in pest traps. People are also supported by The Egg Project with 25 dozen eggs a week going to food pantries, Pātaka Kai, Women’s Refuge, and community centres. Over Covid lockdowns more than 10,000 eggs were given away to community groups. “It’s all part of a holistic picture for The Egg Project, and the same respect and care that goes into our chickens and eggs goes into nurturing our customers and the community. We’re extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from people over the past two years,” says Pip. Pip and Brian run seven flocks of free-range hens at their Certified Organic property at Bainesse. They have planted the property in pine nuts, avocadoes and pine trees for future income while providing essential shade for the chickens and protection from roving hawks. As well as supporting The Egg Project, the team produces certified organic eggs for export and supply organic eggs to other brand lines. Not to put her eggs into one basket, Pip has also created an accommodation business at Himatangi Beach called Coastal Retreat. Launched in December last year, there are three Mongolian yurts plus an 80 x 40m grass arena for those who want to holiday with their horses. “We need a holiday!” laughs Pip. “We’re now employing good people to learn the ropes and we can take a breather. “We’ve run on pure determination and stubbornness over the past two years, but there’s no way we could have done all this without local support. We’re extremely grateful.”
| 11 Pip Chrystall and partner Brian Kennerley are the masterminds behind The Egg Project, delivering fresh free-range and organic eggs from the farm gate to over 3500 customers. Manawatū Business Awards: The Egg Project REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT If you’ve experienced the joy of having fresh produce, from avocadoes and citrus through to organic eggs, delivered to your home, there’s a high chance that the website you used to subscribe to these mailbox treats was designed by Online Designs, a custom website development company specialising in SaaS. Since opening their doors in Whangarei in 2002, the female run software company has delivered thousands of web and digital experiences across a multitude of platforms and industries. The websites are crafted to be highly functional, unique, and as uncomplicated as possible to help clients engage with their customers. Director and designer Jo Moir says they’re proud of keeping things simple by conceptualising engaging ideas and executing them beautifully. “Everything we make is custom built for a client which makes it really easy for us to help businesses bring their ideas to life and not be restricted by ‘out of the box’ software where ideas have to adapt to a pre-built business model,” says Jo. “We’ve done a lot of work in the subscription-based area and we were one of the irst companies in New Zealand to supply this kind of functionality outside of a generic plugin. I guess that's why The Egg Bringing ideas to life Project came to us, as we were able to create a subscription model that worked in with her business,” Jo believes. “Pip hatched the idea and we helped bring it to life. We love working with businesses like The Egg Project as we get to make a big impact.” Online Designs is a full-service agency which means they can take care of your ongoing website needs, as well as manage direct marketing and social media campaigns over all platforms. “We’re pleased to be able to boast that we are one of very few web development companies who have sta solely dedicated to website maintenance and technical support. We’re not a high volume agency so our clients receive personal attention and the dedication that every project deserves,” says Jo. All sites are built using the latest technology and techniques with a focus on being user-friendly and as equally impressive when visited from any device. Clean, functional design with a modernised look and feel helps their clients stand out from the crowd. “It's about doing what makes sense. We look at problems and ind interesting solutions. We like putting on our clients’ shoes and using our creativity and experience to igure out which steps to take next. We never work on autopilot.”
12 | Kelly Deeks Skilled team behind coveted award Palmerston North painting firm Team dh has won the coveted Supreme Business Award at the 2022 Manawatū Business Awards. Manawatū Business Awards: Team dh REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Practising a philosophy of continuous improvement has earned Palmerston North painting firm team dh the coveted Supreme Business Award at the 2022 Manawatū Business Awards. Also taking the Best Large Business title and the Construction, Manufacturing, and Trades category, team dh is going to have to find some room on the trophy shelf having also brought home several awards from the 2022 Master Painter of the Year awards. says he entered the business awards purely to gain some feedback on what he could do to improve his business. “To do what we did was outstanding,” he says. “We set a high standard for ourselves. That’s what I try to instill into our staff and it’s paying dividends in the sense that they really want to do a good job. It’s so great to see.” Dave likes things done properly and this is one of the main objectives in his approach to business. “I talk the talk and walk the walk, but I also have a very good team around me, some very skilled people who are actually looking after the staff as well. I can’t speak highly enough of the team we’ve got.” Team dh, a painting and decorating company which also specialises in asbestos testing and removal, has serviced the Manawatū region for more than 35 years. Dave started painting straight after finishing school a bit earlier than most. Still he strives to advance professionalism in this highly skilled trade where plenty of opportunity and growth exists for proficient painters. “What I instill in my staff is we’ve got to be proud of what we do. Everyone sees what we do, and they love what we do to their properties. I think we are right to be proud of our work.” Dave says team dh is very engaged with its staff, always communicating with them not only about what they can do for the company, but what the company can do to help them better themselves. Covering a wide variety of commercial and residential projects means the team gets to hone a range of different skills. 30% of team dh apprentices are female and Dave says this is a pleasing thing to see, especially in a construction-related business. “They bring something else to the table. Don’t Contact Kernow Construction about your commercial or residential project today Phone: 027 562 3920 Email: brett@kernowconstruction.co.nz Commercial Construction Experts 0800 4 SCAFIT (0800 4 722 348) | www.scafit.co.nz SCAF TLTD 100% locally owned and operated Proud to support Team DH get me wrong our guys are good, and the girls keep the guys in line. It’s nice to mix it up and the clients are always really happy to see a female on the job. More females are needed in the construction industry and we feel we have played a big part in that.” As one of the largest painting companies in Palmerston North with 52 staff, team dh boasts a diverse workforce which Dave says brings a wider talent pool and boosts creativity and innovation amongst the team. He says painting is one of the most rewarding jobs out there, and team dh strives for quality results. “When you see the finished results, and the clients are just so happy, it’s a pretty special feeling.” Judges at the Manawatū Business Awards praised team dh for the sophisticated look of their newly renovated premises on Tremaine Avenue, the ease of conducting business with the firm, their diverse workforce, engaging social media presence, and the positive working environment provided for staff. Dave concedes the office is looking nice and tidy, just the way he likes things, however the awards were still unexpected due to the calibre of the other entrants. “I’m just so proud of my staff for getting us to this point.” businesscentral Each edition priority delivered to your door. . Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, pro iling their success. i ; i i i i - ll i , ili i . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . . . i i 03 983 5525 03 983 5525 Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Volume 6 | Issue 2 | April 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz ‘Excellence in Energy’ Taranaki’s Todd Energy will have a key role to play as New Zealand moves toward a low emissions economy. Page 8 Waikato farmers Dean & Ang Finnerty have expanded their dairy cow operation into a successful goat milking enterprise as well PAGE 10 Turning challenge into opportunity AUTUMN 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Volume 6 | Issue 3 | July 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Making waves Back on track New Zealand hydrofoil maker Armstrong is generating interest around the world with its high performance products. Work on the ambitious NZCIS facility in Upper Hutt is progressing well after Covid disruptions. PAGE 70 PAGE 10 Healthy delivery A new elective surgery facility in Hastings will provide a big boost to the region’s operating capacity. PAGE 52 Volume 6 | Issue 5 | December 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Cheers Boys! YoungWellington irm3Māori Boys is creating a buzz with it’s ground-breakingWai Manuka natural beverage. PAGE 45 Passion and pride New Plymouth’s Energyworks has forged a strong reputation in 50 years of business. PAGE 64 Seaview upgrade CentrePort’s SeaviewWharf facility is set for a major upgrade to bring it up to international standards. PAGE 14
| 13 The Team dh team: “I can’t speak highly enough of the team we’ve got,” says director Dave Hurn. Manawatū Business Awards: Team dh REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Toyota store selling new and used vehicles, servicing, parts and finance & insurance Proud to support Team DH We keep local businesses on the go 0800 502 666 Palmerston North Fielding Masteron Levin Whanganui www.manawatutoyota.co.nz
14 | Karen Phelps Chamber a ‘voice for all businesses’ Around 350 business owners and guests attended the 2022 Wairarapa Awards at the Tauherenikau Racing and Event Centre. Business Wairarapa - Inspire Living REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Nicola Belsham says Wairarapa, as a region, has a special quality about it; just over the hill from larger urban areas, the scattered townships, climate and vibe call people keen to enjoy the lifestyle to its doors. As General Manager of the flourishing Chamber, Business Wairarapa, Nicola says the attraction of the area extends well beyond New Zealand’s borders. “You’d be amazed who has chosen to shift from all parts of the world to set up their home and business here. The whole region is richer and more vibrant for this.” She began in the role in 2021, right in the midst of the shadows COVID would bring to business. Then, she says, the organisation was struggling to find its place in a region where, within 40km, three district Councils administered five sub-regional townships each with their own business organisation. “We started by having a good look at what the purpose of Business Wairarapa needed to be and soon realised its best role was to become an umbrella organisation for region wide business support and advocacy.” “We realised this was the thing that was missing in our region: a platform, a voice, for all businesses, despite their location or industry.” Any business in Wairarapa which joins its local sub-regional business organisation, automatically becomes a member of Business Wairarapa too. Two benefits flow from this; first, it enables Nicola and the team to gather a substantial amount of business data on the form and context of companies operating and second, it takes away any perception of competition between one organisation and the other, in fact strengthening those hyper local business communities. She says working collaboratively is always the goal. “We extend over a big land mass but have a small population so living here is like living in your high school classroom!” In November the culmination of a full-on year of business was celebrated at the Wairarapa Awards, held at Rose & Smith at the Tauherenikau Racing and Event Centre. Businesses were encouraged to either self-nominate for a range of categories or nominate another business. Over 50 entries were received, testament to how popular the celebratory awards have become. That number was whittled down to 35 across seven categories plus a Supreme Award and two individual Tribute Awards. A major finalist was Inspire Living. Founded by Tavita Isaac, Inspire Living has over 10 years experience working on a range of high-end and quality residential and commercial projects across the Wairarapa region and beyond. Over recent years, Inspire has grown into a large, multidisciplinary team that provides “We’re gaining a clear sense of purpose based on what adds value for our membership and our supporting partners.” EXPERIENCE THE NEW IN THE WAIRARAPA David Reid Homes Wairarapa proudly working alongside Inspire Living exceptional service in multiple trades while forming strong client relationships with a range of housing groups, developers and construction contractors. Nicola says they couldn’t have chosen a better location for the awards night ceremony, with the evening becoming a “big party” of 350 business owners and guests. “It really showed the support we have. Wairarapa has a larger number of SME’s than most regions and I think this gives those working here a sense of pioneering closeness.” That closeness and connection made the special business summit for SME’s a success too. Nicola noted following this very inclusive interactive event, that many businesses reported renewed inspiration for strategic and operational opportunities. Nicola Belsham On any given day, Nicola, who contracts to Business Wairarapa, can be seen responding to a myriad of emails, engaging with members and encouraging new ones and organising future events. She also spends time encouraging support for the organisation from various local councils, building critical relationships and setting expectations for the umbrella organisation that Business Wairarapa has become. “We’re gaining a clear sense of purpose based on what adds value for our membership and our supporting partners. It means we can plan with certainty that what we do is really fruitful for businesses here and that guides us in our decision-making.” Nicola says she is really proud of the Board she works with. They have a strong strategic focus, and membership has been bolstered as now representations of each of the sub-regional organisations also take a seat at the table. In a relatively short space of time Business Wairarapa has cemented itself as a leading business organisation, intent of providing real benefit to its members, in a region all are proud to call ‘home’.
| 15 Business Wairarapa - Inspire Living REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 0274888064 Proud to Support Inspire Living With Frameless Glass Showers t i le warehouse 06 378 2716 395 Queen Street, Masterton www.tilewarehouse.co.nz 100% Locally owned and operated NZ’s largest specialised tile store Proud to work alongside Inspire Living Supreme Winner – Nick Rogers (centre), Rosie Rogers (back left) and the team at The White Swan
16 | RSE scheme pivotal to success The boutique orchard business packages 220,000 cartons of fruit each season. Wairarapa: JR’s Orchards Sue Russell REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT You’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect space to grow pip-fruit than in Greytown, Wairarapa. That’s what co-director of JR’s Orchards, Jamiee Burns, thinks. The business was established in 1995 and the land where the orchard is located was bought in 2003, so next year marks 20 years of producing export apples and pears. Today, the entire orchard is covered in netting, which started to be introduced in 2007. Jamiee says the netting has future-proofed the orchard and though it requires regular maintenance and care, its been a very worthwhile addition to the orchard. Like many businesses with a strong ebb and flow to the season, a reliance on employing staff under the RSE quote scheme has been pivotal to its success. “We have a team of about 20 or so full time permanent staff, counting management and we hold an RSE licence for 80 seasonal workers from Samoa plus other local seasonal staff.” In 2020, JR’s Orchards had only 17 RSE workers who were not able to go home as usual. In fact that team remained with the orchard for 3 years. “That had its issues and I know their mental health did suffer but it had unexpected but Hawk Group provider of quality packaging and technology solutions Proud to support JR’s Orchards. Our Products for a sustainable environment & future Z Tray RDT Tray Avocado Tray Australian Tray Freephone: 0508 429 572 | sales@hawk.net.nz Your Business — Our Focus —Working Together valuable positives as well, especially their command of English improved so much,” says Jamiee. Fortunately, come 2021, more RSE workers were allowed back in, creating a sense of normality. “We had an arrangement with MSD when we were really short-staffed but despite clients best intentions I just don’t think they were work ready.” Jamiee is especially proud of the pastoral care systems that have been put in place, to surround overseas workers with a heap of ongoing support. Of the 127ha property, everything grown is pip-fruit. Pear trees occupy 5ha’s and all product is exported through JR’s own marketing structure in their ECCO and Capital Brands. On site are sophisticated packhouse and cool-store facilities, carrying technology to ensure the fruit is fit for purpose when it reaches its final market. While the busiest time of the year is the harvest and processing time late February to mid-June, however the business of storing and marketing the fruit carries on all year. All fruit is sprayed with fungicide and nutrients, and advanced camera scanning measures fruit density and picks up any internal defects. “We don’t grow any of the newer varieties, concentrating instead on Royal Gala, Sunglow Red, Fuji, Braeburn, Granny Smith and NZ Rose with our apples and Packham, Beurre Bose and Taylors Gold in the pears.” In 2017 Jamiee took over the role of marketing, having used a mixture of NZ exporters and overseas importers. She attends the massive Asia Fruit Logistica and Berlin Logistica trade fairs annually. “They are huge events encompassing the entire fruit and vegetable production field, including technology and machinery. We have an exhibit stand at these events and what was really inspiring, was the Customers came to find us. They are looking for the NZ stands and the NZ growers.” Ahead, there’s plenty of work going into opening access up to Japan, through MPI. It’s an expensive market to enter with a high level of compliance. “We understand and are respectful of why other countries are protective of their own environments. We’re trying to get access without the current requirement for fumigation. It’s a case of keeping robust records and meeting all the necessary food safety accreditation standards New Zealand is known for.” Jamiee says the whole sector is hopeful that in the next two years, the necessary approvals will have been successfully negotiated. “Japan will be huge as we currently only export 4% into this market.” Proudly a boutique orchard business, packing 220,000 cartons of fruit each season, Jamiee says she is very happy with where the business is placed. Current main exporting destinations are the UK, Europe and Asia, followed by India and the Middle East. Return of the RSE workers, some old, some new, is something Jamiee is looking forward to. “It’s very good that we are through the worst COVID could bring. These people are part of our family. We very much value their contribution to our success.”
| 17 Richard Loader Pacific Helmets ‘one of the top five brands’ The F20 fire helmet in field trials. Whanganui: Pacific Helmets NZ REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The genesis for highly successful and innovative Kiwi businesses is often a great need brought about by the dire circumstances of the day, and Whanganui based Pacific Helmets is no exception to the rule. For those of us old enough to remember, the oil shocks of the 1970s resulted in Carless Days, where each vehicle was assigned a specific day of the week when it could not be driven. That gave rise to an upsurge in motorcycle sales, and at the time David Bennett was working for Suzuki New Zealand as an accountant. “We could buy all the motorcycles we could import from Japan, but because of import controls and licensing, helmets could not be imported. So, in 1979 Suzuki New Zealand built a helmet factory to meet the demand.” When Suzuki New Zealand was sold in ’82, David and his wife Marion took the opportunity to buy the helmet factory and commence their journey. “In 1984 we won the tender for the New Zealand Fire Service to design and build structural firefighting helmets and we still have that contract. “By the time the stock market crashed in ’87 we had ceased making motorcycle helmets and started looking around the world for other opportunities. “With the help of the New Zealand Trade Office in London, we began to supply the London Fire Brigade with structural helmets. “In the helmet world, I would rank Pacific Helmets as one of the top five brands. We probably make 5%, maybe 10%, of the world’s helmets in the classification of helmets we manufacture.” www.ultralonfoam.com 0800 114 222 | sales@ultralon.co.nz HIGHQUALITY PE AND EVA FOAM MANUFACTURER Proud suppliers to Pacific Helmets NZ The Tasman Tannning Company Ltd Heads Road, PO Box 217, Wanganui 03 349 0595 www.tasmanleathers.co.nz We had some business developing in Australia, but it was when we exhibited at a Trade Show in Germany in 1994 that we found distributors from all sorts of countries interested in our helmets. “We’ve now sold a helmet of one kind or another in about ninety countries. Most years, we’re selling to about 40-45 countries.” From its Australian warehouse, Pacific Helmets delivers helmets throughout Australia every single week of the year except around Christmas. “That’s a very big market because every Australian emergency service buys one or another of our helmets,” says David. “ “We’re the only factory doing what we do in the Southern Hemisphere. “In the helmet world, I would rank Pacific Helmets as one of the top five brands. We probably make 5%, maybe 10%, of the world’s helmets in the classification of helmets we manufacture.” Today, Pacific Helmet’s product range includes firefighting helmets of all types, rescue helmets, paramedic helmets, some paramilitary such as security helmets, and some helmets for farm bike riders. “There are over 100 different shell shapes across the helmet range, but in our finished part numbers there are over 10,000 different finished items, because every helmet of every variation has its own part number. “That level of customisation is part of the secret to our business. We customise to what the end-user wants to the finest degree.” For the last three years the company has been working with another New Zealand company to develop a helmet for people working on high tension powerlines, where there can be 40,000 volts, and subject to an arc flash explosion. “There’s no other helmet designed and made for those purposes in the Southern Hemisphere,” explains David. “Our vision, for all of our products, is to provide a safety product to people, fit for whatever environment they’re having to work in. “The helmet is a vital part of the process by which we protect individuals in all sorts of situations. Bush firefighters get branches fall on them, and structural firefighters get caught in a situation where a fire explodes. “I cannot recall a single instance where anybody has died from an accident while correctly wearing one of our helmets. “That’s the proud part of our vision — that our helmets will protect people in whatever situation they come into.” Perhaps, if it were not for that oil shock and carless days, Pacific Helmets may not have been part of New Zealand’s brand success story. Sometimes, adversity is a wonderful motivator for visionary people.
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