Volume 21 | Issue 7 | December 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz businessnorth Helping hand TROWGroup is helping Pasi ika and Maori youth to take control of their futures. T PAGE 6
2 | Contents businessnorth 34 | Steel milestone Structural steel specialist D&H Steel Construction has celebrated 50 years in the business. 50 | To the rescue Danone NZ answered the call when the US was facing a critical shortage of infant milk formula. 102 | New era Auckland’s Wesley Primary School has just completed the first stage of it’s exciting rebuild. 50 102 34 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 North accepts no responsibility for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businessnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz OUR PARTNERS: Downlights ............................................................ 03 Matakana Berry Co .............................................. 04 TROW Group......................................................... 06 Saito Labels & Tags .............................................. 08 Edwards & Co ....................................................... 10 The Rental Bureau ............................................... 12 ATR Decoratrors................................................... 13 Re:Vision Laser & Cataract .................................. 14 Index Engineering ................................................ 15 Croft Poles ............................................................ 16 NPM Construction................................................ 18 Salvation Army ..................................................... 21 Mitre 10 Silverdale ............................................... 22 Winstone Wallboards .......................................... 25 Craigs Investment Partners ................................ 26 Classic Group........................................................ 29 Scope ..................................................................... 30 Pact Steel............................................................... 32 D & H Steel Construction .................................... 34 Tira NDA................................................................ 37 Downer NZ............................................................ 40 Waiotahi Contractors .......................................... 42 GT Civil................................................................... 44 Sun Guard............................................................. 45 Wade Group ......................................................... 46 Page Macrae Engineering ................................... 48 Danone NZ............................................................ 50 Punchbowl Kiwifruit Services ............................. 52 Bayley’s - Parkwood Estate ................................. 54 Du Val Group ........................................................ 58 Rangitahi ............................................................... 64 Kalmar Construction............................................ 66 New Ground Capital ............................................ 67 Waihanga Group .................................................. 68 Sentinel Homes Auckland................................... 69 Generation Homes Waikato ............................... 70 Signature Homes Waikato .................................. 71 Generation Homes Auckland South .................. 72 G.J. Gardner Homes Papakura ........................... 73 Barrett Homes Bay of Plenty .............................. 74 VIVED Construction.............................................. 77 Stonewood Homes Whangarei .......................... 78 Byrne Homes........................................................ 80 A Knight Design & Build ...................................... 81 Karl Kampenhout Builder ................................... 82 HarbourCity Building Co ..................................... 85 GV Homes ............................................................. 86 Kiwispan Tauranga .............................................. 87 Licensed Renovations.......................................... 88 Totalspan Hamilton/King Country ..................... 90 Ze Build ................................................................ 91 Bossley Architects ................................................ 92 Mace Landscape Group ...................................... 94 Natural Habitats................................................... 96 Frontier Pools ....................................................... 98 Niche Design....................................................... 100 Craftsman Cabinets ........................................... 101 Wesley Primary School ...................................... 102 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, 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 Andrea Benns, Ann-Marie Frentz OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz
| 3 WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS Downlights Sue Russell Hand poured candles light up awards Downlights hand-poured, fragrant soy wax candles have been recognised in several business awards since 2020. For Canadian born Jennifer Del Bel, an interest in the beauty and power of fragrances has led her, by chance and by design, to start her own business, creating high quality hand-poured soy wax candles across a range of beautiful, subtle, invigorating and intoxicating fragrances. Downlights valued-based approach, innovation and drive to succeed has been recognised since 2020, in several business awards. That year, the company won the Ōrākei Business Awards Diversity Award, while the following year it received three awards – People’s Choice, Best New Business and overall Winner. In 2021 and 2022 Downlights won Best Medium Stand at NZ Gift and Homeware Fairs. This year, they took out the Girls in Business Excellence in Diversity award and the trend continues with finalist positions in the Westpac Auckland Business Awards in Excellence in Marketing, Excellence in Strategy & Planning and Community Contribution and Excellence in Community Contribution. And capping off this stunning year Downlights was nominated for EY Social Impact Award for 2022. While the awards stand as recognition of what she and the team have achieved it’s what Jennifer has enabled and created that really is the story here. In creating ‘Downlights’ Jennifer has opened the door to meaningful, valued employment experience for those in society who are often overlooked for job opportunities, given society’s perception that their disability is a limiting factor. What Jennifer has discovered is quite the reverse. “It’s a long story but it begins with me being given a beautiful candle and I couldn’t find one of similar quality to replace it with, so I decided to start making my own, to have in my yoga studio. Then my clients started buying them so from these small beginnings a passion for making beautiful candles a business called Illumina began which in time became a competitive NZ brand.” Then one day Jennifer was introduced to a man who had two daughters with Downs syndrome and the eldest who had completed college was continually passed over for work opportunities. He had thought to start a business his daughter could engage in. “I said to him, to bring his eldest daughter in to my factory and I would show her how to make candles. I thought it would be a way for her to feel valued and perhaps sell her candles in a market as a trial. For me that meeting started the conversation about all the experiences for all disabled adults trying to find work and the core values of Downlights became cemented in diversity, equity and inclusivity.” And after national publicity through featuring on Seven Sharp, following which a candle was ordered on-line every minute for 24 hours, Jennifer quickly developed the brand and the social-enterprise business ‘Downlights’ came into being. Since then, interest and word of what is being done on a daily basis and what has achieved has reached overseas. Aligning Downlights with socially-driven philanthropic groups, such as The Lindsay Foundation, and partnering with NZ Post has added further value. Lawyers, Bell Gully provide the business with pro-bono legal advice, certifications such as being a ‘Living Wage’ employer and carrying the Akina accreditation mark, which recognises the values underpinning aspirational social enterprises, have further grounded and solidified the business to what it is today. In the spirit of circular economy, Downlights launched The Downlights Charitable Trust and has donated over $40,000 to trust beneficiaries: The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association, Recreate NZ and the Living Wage Movement. Downlights joined Recreate in the first year offering weekly work experience programmes to young disabled adults and this skill based programme has been further developed with the Pegasus Unit and MIT. Today, the team at Downlights, make by hand 3,000 – 5,000 candles every week. From Monday to Wednesday two crews of staff undertake four-hour shifts while on Thursday the Pegasus Unit from MIT, which offers young adults employment opportunities, brings groups into the factory. Admitting she is very morally and ethically driven at her core, Jennifer says the business has flourished for all the right reasons. “The team we have here are wonderful. They feel real ownership and pride in what they are contributing to.” The tendency to pigeon-hole disabled people, limiting their employment options, is something Jennifer is doing everything she can to turn-around. “Come into Downlights and see what they are capable of. This business runs on a shoestring, yet the outcomes are massive. I was brought up in a Canadian mining town where everyone helped each other out. That’s the foundation on which Downlights has grown.” And continuing to innovate is just as important! On October 13, International Disaster Relief Day a new product called ‘Lifelight’ was show-cased. An emergency candle in a tin, with a set of matches tucked under the lid. “For each candle in a tin sold we will donate 50c to The New Zealand Red Cross”. Trusted bymore Kiwis to deliver their parcels. New Zealand’s favourite courier.
4 | WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS Matakana Berry Co Virginia Wright Good soil, good staff biggest assets Matakana Berry Co was a finalist in the Westpac Business Awards 2022 for Excellence in Strategy & Planning. One of New Zealand’s largest commercial strawberry growers Matakana Berry Co can be found halfway between Omaha Beach and Matakana about 20 minutes out of Warkworth, north of Auckland. Having grown strawberries for well over 30 years in Coatesville, Grant and Lynda Ashby took over the Matakana business in 2016. Their son Matt is the farm manager. Toni Squire was already employed in the Omaha operation when the Ashby family moved from Coatesville and continued her extensive administrative role doing accounts, compliance and food safety, health and safety, human resources, and ‘anything else that needs to be done’. They grow their strawberries in the black, nutrient-rich, free-draining peat loam soil typical of the area which is perfect for growing produce of all kinds. “The soil is one of our biggest assets, and because we’re a bit further north and a bit further east than the majority of Auckland growers we get a bit more sunshine and less chance of frost so we’re able to start a wee bit earlier,” says Toni. This year they were in Countdown stores nationwide from the beginning of September whereas most of the Auckland growers start supplying from October through to Christmas and into the new year. Toni gives credit not only to the soil but to the staff as their biggest assets. With staff coming mainly from Tonga and Vanuatu through the RSE Scheme (Recognised Seasonal Employer) has a 95% return rate with some into their 12th or 13th season on the farm which has been growing strawberries for 15 years. “They hit the ground running, they know what they’re meant to be doing, they can look at a field and know whether it’s coming on early or a bit later, and they care about their work,” says Toni. Covid proved a catalyst for change when their usual experienced staff were locked out of the country and many of the replacements they were able to find had little or no experience with strawberries. “Suddenly we had a work force that we had to train up from scratch. Some of them had never seen a strawberry before, so that was really stressful and we lost a lot of fruit because we couldn’t pick it,” says Toni. They emerged from a period of reassessment after 2020 still facing a lot of unknowns “They (RSE workers) hit the ground running, they know what they’re meant to be doing, they can look at a field and know whether it’s coming on early or a bit later, and they care about their work.” but with a gameplan for 2021 based on the things they could be confident of, thanks in part to the detailed spreadsheets that Toni had been compiling for many years. “We looked hard at what they were telling us and we decided to really make the most of what our location gives us,” says Toni. They also went ahead with the rebrand they’d been considering even before Covid, from Gala Berry to the location specific Matakana Berry Co. It made good sense given the increased push from consumers for New Zealand grown and manufactured products. At the same time they went to flatpack packaging. “You can’t hide anything when there’s only one layer, and that’s what the consumer wants. The other thing they want is to pick up a punnet of strawberries and know it’s of consistent quality and we set the bar really high on that. We’ll put fruit in the bin if it doesn’t make the grade on the day,” says Toni. Their considered approach to their business’s future was rewarded when they made the finals of the Westpac Auckland Business Awards in the Excellence in Strategy and Planning category. “That’s a nomination that’s come through from a member of the public who obviously has trust in our brand. We were pleased and humbled to be nominated and in the finals,” says Toni. They’re also pleased to be having Christmas off for the first time ever thanks to a combination of factors, including the weather, meaning their early start strategy was matched by an early finish, apart from their real fruit ice-cream which will be selling all summer through. Ph: 021 634857 Email: auckccl@gmail.com Specialists in Produce and General Freight, we have a fleet of GPS monitored, chilled Curtainsider vehicles servicing the Greater Auckland area daily from Mercer to Warkworth Proud to be associated with Matakana Berry Co
| 5 WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS Matakana Berry Co Matakana Berry Co Ltd grow delicious, juicy, sun-ripened fruit with a minimum amount of horticultural intervention. RECYCLABLE PACKAGING MADE HERE IN NEW ZEALAND Proud to be supporting Matakana Berry Co. Lynda and the team are great to work with and we Hope you enjoy their fruit as much as we do. custompak.co.nz CHCH (03) 379 3905 AK (09) 273 7203 CONTACT US www.valleyfresh.group
6 | TROW Group Karen Phelps Opening doors for disaffected youth TROW founder Saia Latu says unemployment rates for Pacific and Maori people are double that of Europeans. WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS An open classroom initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Education has seen TROW Group named a winner in the Westpac Auckland Business Awards for Excellence in Community Contribution for the North & West region. The initiative was created as an alternative form of education to support disadvantaged and at-risk Pasifika and Māori rangatahi as a hand up not a hand out. “They are currently disengaged from education and employment and that’s where we come in,” says TROW founder Saia Latu. “We provide the opportunity to re-engage with learning through our industry to assist in creating a pathway, with a view to further training or employment opportunities derived from the open classroom model. It’s about building self-confidence, tool skills and knowledge.” TROW Group picks up the youth, takes them out for walks, to the park, the museum, and local marae just to re-centre their hauora (health and wellbeing) and spark exploration between themselves and their roots. Firstly it’s just about engaging in conversation and getting them connected again, says Saia. This helps participants to eventually connect with their whakapapa, mentors, different areas of construction and Trow Group’s community projects. In terms of why TROW introduced this initiative Saia says it was solely because TROW wanted to help Pasifika and Maori youth to take control of their futures. “What better way to do this than getting them on-site and being a part of the change TROW is creating for our people,” he says. “We felt like an initiative like this was very needed right now as unemployment rates for Pacific and Maori people are double compared to Europeans. “We must continue implementing these shifts in narratives for our rangatahi as at-risk teens are more often than not overlooked. We are changing this stigma and we have our impacts, our students’ words, and our TROW staff’s journey to show for it.” TROW is one of New Zealand’s largest deconstruction companies and operates as a socially conscious enterprise that is helping to improve the environmental outcomes of the industry by creating a circular economy and changing lives around the Pacific as a result. Saia, who was named 2020 Pacific Business Entrepreneur, started the company with Kiwi league legend Joe Vagana with the mission to create a more sustainable construction sector and create opportunities and wealth generation for Maori and Pasifika communities and businesses. TROW undertakes projects for organisations such as The Trusts, Auckland Council, Panu- “They are currently disengaged from education and employment and that’s where we come in.” ku, Kāinga Ora, City Rail, Auckland Transport, Piratahi, and Ministry of Education. It finds innovative and sustainable ways to repurpose hundreds of tonnes of building materials - over 90% of materials from projects are repurposed - by salvaging and diverting waste destined for landfill. This salvaged material is then recycled and reused for schools, housing, churches and communities across New Zealand and the Pacific. For example TROW Group has provided over 1,000 tonnes of fixtures, fittings and furniture to community organisations in New Zealand that would have otherwise gone to landfill, and also exports good quality used furniture to schools and churches in the Pacific. Innovation is a hallmark of the company: TROW has also been involved in producing the first NZQA micro credential for deconstruction, due for release shortly, which will include the environmental and social impacts of the industry and teach the benefits of creating a circular economy. Saia hopes that by creating a way for at risk teens to be surrounded by people who look like them and have been in similar situations and are now doing so much good for other Pacific and Maori people here in Aotearoa and throughout the Pacific the teens can be motivated. “Our youth are our future change-makers and one day the environmental issues in Aotearoa will be in their hands. “If we do our part in preparing them for this through a construction lens and educating them on environmental issues then that could potentially affect the future of the world. We also hope that what we do at TROW Group, as a fully Pasifika owned and operated company, motivates them to strive towards reaching their full potential in life.” He hopes winning the award will inspire the Pasifika and Maori community of current and future business owners. “Past winners in this category have typically been NGOs. So it was a real coup to be a successful commercial company winning this. It showcases it’s possible to do good business and to also help the community.”
| 7 Asbestos Analytical Services Occupational Hygienist Assessments Asbestos Assessors and Clearances Mould Assessments Asbestos Management Plans Asbestos Surveying Aerem Ltd is a family-owned business based in Auckland New Zealand. We specialise in hazardous material management and testing across the North Island of New Zealand. WHO ARE WE? GET IN TOUCH Julie Saia: 0800 569 590 Ben Afford: 022 570 4490 Accounts@aerem.co.nz Requests@aerem.co.nz www.aerem.co.nz & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS - Approved Laboratory
8 | Saito Labels & Tags Kim Newth Saito shines at business awards WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS Leading New Zealand manufacturer Saito Labels & Tags is proud to have won recognition for their out of the box strategic thinking at the 2022 Westpac Auckland Business Awards (Central). The prestigious awards’ event is a highlight of Auckland’s business calendar, bringing together businesses to showcase talent, innovation and creativity. This year’s awards were hotly contested, attracting many very high-quality entries. The Saito team was honoured to attend the awards’ celebration in November as a finalist in the Strategy & Planning category. “It was a big surprise for us to be nominated in the first place and being chosen as a finalist was just incredible,” says Sarah Spencer, CEO – Director of Focus at Saito. “I’m so proud that the business my father [Gavin Hodder] started more than 35 years ago has been able to reach this level of recognition against such incredible ideas and innovations.” From warehouse racking barcode labels to tags and media for challenging operating environments such as freezers, construction materials and timber or providing product that has been manufactured in the tightly controlled HACCP hub where the air itself is treated for pathogens ensuring certainty for its customers in healthcare or food manufacturing, Saito’s forte is delivering streamlined workflow systems that increase productivity, efficiency and ease of process. “We’re a very solutions-focussed business. We look at what our clients are trying to achieve and then dive into our toolbox to create a unique solution, custom designed to achieve exactly what they need and delivering big savings in the process.” At the awards’ celebration, Saito stood out as a New Zealand owned and operated manufacturing company in a field largely dominated by digital and technology enterprises. The company’s success has been built on three core principles: people, planet and profit. By effectively balancing these principles, Saito continues to flourish as a growing, vibrant and creative business powerhouse. Manufacturing is located at Hauraki District Council’s industrial park in Kerepehi, where Saito’s new $4m factory embodies the company’s commitment to ‘making tomorrow better, today’. Constructed from materials that are both local and celebrate New Zealand innovation, it is built with Formsteel product that reduced their carbon footprint by 25%. The For all your engineering requirements. General Design and Developments Stainless Work Maintenance Factory Fit Out’s 0800 8299753 WWW.HANES.CO.NZ
| 9 Saito Labels & Tags Sarah Spencer, Saito CEO – Director of Focus plants a kiss on Dad and Saito Labels founder Gavin Hodder. WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS “I’m so proud that the business my father [Gavin Hodder] started more than 35 years ago has been able to reach this level of recognition against such incredible ideas and innovations.” walls are lined with SaveBoard (redirecting 400,000 food packaging units from landfill); Nucleer optical compostite - which is shatter proof and has superior thermal and acoustic properties – replaced glass; water is harvested for internal use; and with the facility (including production) fully equipped with solar power, this must surely rank as New Zealand’s most sustainable labels and tags production plant. Production has started at the new factory, with the full move due to be completed by April 2023. Sustainability for Saito is clearly not just a word but a call to action. In another recent initiative, Saito has begun collaborating with other New Zealand innovators on developing a process for transforming backing paper and other organic by-products into a new product for promoting plant growth and has redirected plastics from landfill. Staff at Saito are empowered to share their ideas and, in turn, are rewarded with opportunity. For example, Saito has invested in residential land in Hauraki to help staff seeking to enter the housing market. “We’re providing opportunities for them to buy outright at reasonable rates or to build their own wealth through co-ownership. The lifestyle here is pretty amazing too and we’ve been warmly welcomed into the local community.” Saito services clients nationwide and exports to Australia, Pacific Island nations and South America. 0508 741 741 | 07 868 8825 www.comfortgroup.co.nz 731 Queen Street, Thames, New Zealand Ask us about your air conditioning and ventilation needs for your new build We are immensely proud to be involved in the Air Conditioning and Ventilation of the Saito project.
10 | WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS Edwards & Co Sue Russell Strollers a ‘smooth ride’ for parents The award-winning team at Edwards & Co. One company that is really going places is Auckland-based infant transport and nursery equipment business Edwards & Co. Lead by Mark Edwards, the company has big ambitions its fulfilling to take its offering to overseas markets, and compete with much bigger international brands. CEO, Ben Whitley describes Mark as a brilliant designer. Having spent many years working overseas in HR, Mark and his father Warwick established Edwards & Co because they could see a real gap in the market offering for user-friendly baby and toddler prams and strollers. “What Mark really noticed was just how challenging some strollers and prams were for people to set up and close down fold. He witnessed a lady Grandmother leave a pram behind because she couldn’t work out how to drop it down and fold it down to fit in her car,” says Ben. Attaching, what Ben describes as quite ‘gimmicky’ fixtures and features to the basic pram or stroller was something else Mark noticed. “It’s a stressful enough time for parents moving around with young children and the last thing they want is unnecessary clutter. They just want to know the product is well-designed for the child and the person walking, is simple and quick to use.” The design process involves researching directly from parents what it is they like and don’t like in design features. Spending time on the floor at baby shows and the like provided Mark and the team with plenty of constructive feedback. After years of carrying a small loyal following in New Zealand Ben says particularly since 2019, demand has soared. “Now in New Zealand we’re the leading brand and there is a stagnant or declining birth-rate so we’re putting a lot of time and energy into new products as well as reaching into overseas markets which involves a lot of travel on my part, leaving Mark free to concentrate on design, which is his strength and passion.” The underpinning vision or message Edwards & Co espouses is to ‘Give Parents the Smoothest Possible Ride’. “We offer a comprehensive after sales service and that’s an important part of our model, with free service days.” Part of the businesses push towards sustainable practice is the view that a stroller or pram or piece of nursery equipment will be maintained in good order and can be passed on to other parents when no longer required. And the surge into marketing overseas has led Edwards & Co into being nominated for two categories in this year’s Westpac Auckland Business Awards: Excellence in International Trade and People’s Choice, the latter which they won When Business North spoke with Ben he had just returned from an intensive two-week work assignment in the UK, visiting a large international trade show in Harrogate, England. “I was there to introduce the brand to new retailers. We came away with a commitment from a number of retailers. It confirmed our sense that the UK was the right market for us.” The two to four year strategy is to grow that market which, Ben says, is full of scope and opportunity. Edwards & Co is also based in Melbourne and Ben says the Australian market is proving very positive, with a recent ranging agreement with Baby Bunting, Australia’s largest nursery retailer. Edwards & Co receives a lot of help from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise who assist with providing information and guidance on a framework to identify different markets. The company’s product line is manufactured in China where, Ben says, there’s a real expertise when it comes to technology and manufacturing process. And there’s been a healthy response by the team to meet new ways customers engage when buying product these days. “We’ve put a lot of investment into the digital, social-media platforms with changes to on-line shopping. Part of our success with this has been to add-value for parents on these mediums, creating a community around the products.” As for winning People’s Choice at this year’s awards Ben says they are all very humbled by that recognition of just delivering products that work really well for Mums and Dads. A new product had just arrived into the Edwards & Co base in Silverdale. Called ‘Olive’ it is a pram that converts into a double. “We had customers so excited about this new product that they said they were planning their family around its arrival!”
| 11 Leading Silverdale Property Company Thrives Across NZ An entrepreneurial spirit and a good eye for opportunity is the reason why family-owned Silverdale company SAM Property is now spearheading developments nationwide. The company, founded by brothers Paul and John Boocock in 2011, has gone from looking after their family’s own property assets to now managing 78 commercial buildings, eight rural residential subdivisions, industrial yards, boutique accommodation sites, forestry interests and a whopping 200,000+m² of commercial yard space. Their team of eight staff and extensive network of consultants and contractors take care of every stage of the property lifecycle. “We have expertise in land acquisitions and master planning; we oversee construction and development; we look after sales and leasing; and also long term property asset management on behalf of a core group of strategic partners and subsidiaries,” explains SAM Property Director Paul Boocock. “Our goal has always been the long-term ownership of our properties, happy customers, happy tenants. Many of our tenants are blue chip national brands but equally important to us are smaller, local owner-operators. We treat everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve, and our relationVKLSV ÁRZ HDVLO\ IURP WKHUH µ SAM stands for Silverdale Asset Management and the Boocock family and SAM team have strong links to the local community. They are proud to sponsor the Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol, the Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and the Hibiscus Men’s Shed as well as other local community initiatives. “As our business grows and our focus extends to other regions of New Zealand, it’s really important we always remember our heritage. It has KDG D ELJ LQÁXHQFH RQ RXU FRUH YDOXHV and direction and we will always be a proud Silverdale company. This is who we are and where we have come from.” SAM Property’s portfolio is about as diverse as they come. In Hokitika they’ve converted the WRZQ·V KLVWRULF ÀUH VWDWLRQ LQWR ÀYH stylish boutique holiday apartments. And just 30km down the road, the team has repurposed and upcycled 11 shipping containers to create a mix of ‘apartment pods’ and ‘sleeping pods’ at the Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park. “Our pod accommodation is a real treat. You can drift off to sleep listening to the sound of the ocean breaking on the shoreline and relax on your private deck surrounded by native gardens. The apartment pods are fully self-contained while the sleeping pods have full access to the camp’s communal facilities.” In Hawke’s Bay, the company is delivering a ‘fresh start’ for people seeking a new quality of family-sized resiGHQWLDO VHFWLRQV 7KH ÀUVW VWDJH RI WKHLU Oakview subdivision in Gisborne has completely sold out, with titles to the sections (ranging in size from 700m² to 730m²) soon to be issued. Another rural residential development closer to home is at PallisHU 'RZQV 'ULYH LQ :DLQXL 7KH ÀUVW homes were built over a decade ago DQG QRZ ÀYH QHZ FRYHWHG ORWV DUH VHW to be released in early 2023 to expand this stately rural community. “With such limited availability we expect our next release of lots will sell quickly. Work is well underway onsite, the website is live and it’s exciting to be delivering what will become an unparalleled rural community, local to our homes. People’s work patterns have shifted and working from home in a location you love is both desirable and realistic,” Paul says. The commercial side of SAM Property is also thriving. Their latest development on a 6,000m² parcel of land at 38 Peters Way sits within the Silverdale industrial estate and is fully leased. “We build to the highest level RI VSHFLÀFDWLRQ ZH FRQVWUXFW ZDUHKRXVHV RIÀFH VSDFHV DQG VKRZURRPV that not only can our tenants operate comfortably and successfully in for years to come but are properties that we are proud to have developed.” Paul says the key to success is having a long term view, pursuing the right opportunities and having a great team that supports the Boocock family. ADV E R T OR I A L An eye for opportunity At SAM, land development has nothing to do with fast turnover and ˤ˨˜˖˞ ˣ˥ˢЃ˧ʡ ˊ˘Ϡ˥˘ ˜ˡ˧˘ˡ˧ ˢˡ ˗˘˩˘˟ˢˣ˜ˡ˚ strong long-term assets that make living and working more enjoyable, more productive, and improve the ˤ˨˔˟˜˧ˬ ˢ˙ ˁˍϠ˦ ˕˨˜˟˧ ˘ˡ˩˜˥ˢˡˠ˘ˡ˧ʡ Ϣˊ˜˧˛ ˔ˡ ˘ˬ˘ ˙ˢ˥ ˙˨˧˨˥˘ ˣ˥ˢ˦ˣ˘˥˜˧ˬ ˪˘Ϡ˩˘ ˟˘˔˥ˡ˧ ˧ˢ ˖˛ˢˢ˦˘ ˔ˡ˗ ˘˫˘˖˨˧˘ ˪˜˦˘˟ˬʟ ˔ˡ˗ ˧˛˔˧Ϡ˦ ˪˛ˬ ˪˘Ϡ˥˘ ˣ˥ˢ˨˗ ˧ˢ ˣ˨˧ ˢ˨˥ ˙˔ˠ˜˟ˬϠ˦ name behind every project” PAUL BOOCOCK, DIRECTOR, SAM PROPERTY samltd.co.nz ˜ˡ˙ˢʳ˦˔ˠ˟˧˗ʡ˖ˢʡˡ˭ ʣʬ ʧʥʩ lzʬʤʩ ʤʬʢʦʣ ʹˢ˨ˡ˗˥ˬ ˅ˢ˔˗ʟ ˆ˜˟˩˘˥˗˔˟˘ʟ ʣʬʦʥ land acquisitions master planning construction & development sales & leasing property asset management
12 | The Rental Bureau Video viewing a win-win for business The Rental Bureau team celebrates winning the Excellence in Innovation Award at the Westpac Auckland North-West Business Awards. Sue Russell WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS Victoria Heyes, Principal of Auckland-based residential property management business The Rental Bureau says it was a real thrill and surprise to receive the Excellence in Innovation Award at this year’s Westpac Auckland North-West Business Awards. “In a way I have Covid to thank for providing us with the opportunity to really look at how we could much more effectively conduct business through severe restrictions,” Victoria says. “It provided me with the impetus to develop whole new systems that have turned traditional rental pathways around and delivered to both owners and tenants a much more empowering experience.” And by that she means instead of applying the usual practice of holding several viewing days for prospective tenants to view a home, tying up hours and hours of time, keeping owners and tenants waiting for results, Victoria employs new software to offer viewers in advance the opportunity to see videos, 3D walk-throughs and professional photos of the home, equipping them with a much better sense of whether a particular property would suit their needs. “I had long felt that the usual process of finding tenants, where a home owner contacts a property management company with this followed often by several weeks to find a selection of candidates for the owner to choose from, was cumbersome and didn’t provide tenants with good service. “Especially I wanted to reduce down the time involved for everyone’s benefit.” How Victoria came into establishing her own residential property management business is an interesting journey. “Having returned from the UK, where she had worked in the corporate world for many years and heavily pregnant she found herself initially renting a home and feeling, what she believes many tenants do, under-valued and disrespected. “We were having property inspections four times a year and made to feel belittled. It was the way we were treated like second-class citizens.” So with that experience in mind, coupled with also being a rental owner, Victoria decided to step out and start her own business driven by a strong vision to provide solutions to tenants and owners based on customer service and great communication. Her approach worked, growing her client-base to 20 by the end of 2015. “By giving great service to tenants, it actually directly benefits home owners. “The goal is to have high-quality relationships so that good tenants remain in the home, saving owners the need to frequently re-engage in the letting process. Everyone benefits!” Technology is used to ensure that any questions or problems tenants in a home have can be answered quickly and that, when needed, a tradesperson makes contact within two working days. “A happy long-term tenant who is open to paying more over time, and appreciates being treated as a customer is much better for the property owner.” So effective are the letting systems employed that Victoria says the goal of at least 50% of all properties on her books being rented out after one view is easily within grasp. “It means tenants are not waiting around to see if their application has been successful. I know finding a home to rent can be a stressful process and we have taken a lot of the stress away. “Technology has become the enabler, the tool, to create a much better experience for tenants and deliver results for owners.” When a property comes up for rental management Victoria and the team spend about half a day taking photos, videos and then list it on various rental platforms. So efficient is the system that Victoria has to remind property owners to be poised and ready to make decisions that same day. The team consists of two property managers, three co-ordinators, who support the managers including Seren Ball, a property manager who has been with Victoria since the beginning. “Our co-ordinators are highly skilled on the software programmes we use for our tenants and owners. They load up and manage the information flow in real time and that’s why we’re so efficient.” Asked what the award really means, Victoria says its extremely satisfying and with a sense of pride that she realises how The Rental Bureau conducts business has been recognised by the judges for its underpinning values. “I just feel we have got something to say. We get lots of enquiries through the website from property owners. When I think back to those early days which were really challenging, it’s been a wonderful experience. I’m so very proud of the team who are all committed to delivering top service. By putting the tenant first we deliver outcomes that benefit both tenant and owner in equal measure.” Victoria interacts with a number of independent property managers. She believes the non-corporate model of customer-focussed property management businesses, such as hers, offers clients a really positive alternative to consider. “Business is thriving and I know this is because we deliver an excellent service, driven by a real passion for the industry.” “I’m so very proud of the team who are all committed to delivering top service. By putting the tenant first we deliver outcomes that benefit both tenant and owner in equal measure.” B BLACKWOOD HOMES Ltd Jamie May Director 0211586365 | blackwood_homes@yahoo.com new builds renovations decks scaffolding excavation work ALL TREES • Tree and hedge work • No job to small or big • 20 years experience • Fully insured • Free quotes • Friendly service Oliver Young 0272853916 / 09-8139998
| 13 ATR Decorators Sue Russell Stellar journey for firm ATR Decorators was nominated in two categories of the Westpac Auckland Business Awards. WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS Kaitlyn Balle and Adam Te Rangi operate ATR Decorators, based out of Pukekohe. They’re both tremendously proud to have established their own company and to be forging ahead building up business. Kaitlyn explains that sense of achievement runs deeper for them than simply surface success. “I am so proud of what Adam, as a Māori business owner has achieved. He is a really great example of not letting your environment dictate what your life can become and I know it sets an achievement for others to follow,” Kaitlyn says. The couple met five years ago and began talking about starting their own business which came into being in August 2020, right in the midst of COVID and with a great deal of uncertainty affecting the business sector generally. “We really wanted to change up the perception of what being a proud and skilled tradesperson is really all about. We feel painting as a trade profession generally has been not given the recognition it deserves, as a highly skilful professional job, which offers a good life, if you’re prepared to work hard,” Kaitlyn says. The initial boost to step out on their own was supported by Adam’s former boss Hayden Eagle (Elite Decorators) who was very supportive. Both Kaitlyn and Adam have lived in Pukekohe for many years and have established friends and connections in the construction sector. It’s through connections such as this that a solid amount of ongoing work has come their way. “A friend of Adam’s, who also works in the trade sector locally, recommended ATR Decorators to his client, which lead to us securing our first contract and meant ongoing work for us while we were just starting out. One job often leads into another through connections Adam makes while onsite,” says Kaitlyn. And building relationships with builders was another important step towards building critical mass. Today, ATR Decorators has three full-time staff working on the tools and plenty of work booked. One of the achievements Kaitlyn and Adam are most proud of is the fact that they have enabled their team to gain qualifications, setting them up on their own career pathway in time, should they choose so. “We’ve retained all our staff and our goals for the next five years are to consolidate what has been achieved to date and build from that strong base. We’re not in a hurry to grow really big, but just want to take it step by step seizing opportunities as these come along. We see this as an opportunity to focus on our customer service delivery and to establish our place in the market”. Kaitlyn says they are also big on work/ life balance as young people, knowing that long-term balance in life is the most important thing. As if to prove its been a stellar journey to date, ATR Decorators has been nominated in two categories of the Westpac Auckland Business Awards) – The Excellence in Customer Service Delivery and People’s Choice sections. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in these awards.” An anonymous customer put forward their nomination and the couple decided, when contacted by the awards administrator, that it was worth putting in the time to present a business case. They saw it very much as a learning opportunity and couldn’t wait to attend the gala awards night. “It’s going to be such a special night celebrating our achievements with the team. And Adam as he grew up with full immersion Te Reo Māori schooling, meant that it was important to him that ATR Decorators business culture and practices sit within the tikanga and values that are so important to us both and our employees.” “We want to encourage and support our employees to thrive both in their careers and personal lives, so we try to implement things like attending the local gym as a crew to help achieve this”. ATR Decorators is part of Amotai, an organisation that promotes Māori and Pasifika businesses to network and thrive, helping connect buyers with suppliers particular in the public sector of works. CURTAINS & BLINDS PAINT WALLPAPER FLOORING | | | Proudly supporting ATR Decorators Limited Pukekohe 16cWrightsonWay | Pukekohe | Auckland 2120 Inspiration starts here. ∙ Residential ∙ All new builds ∙ Renovation ∙ Pole sheds 027 426 2878 healeybuild@gmail.com Mitre 10 MEGA 12 Wrightson Way, Pukekohe 09 238 5559 www.mitre10.co.nz Opening Hours Monday - Friday: 7am - 6pm Saturday/Sunday: 8am - 5pm Public Holidays: 8am - 5pm
14 | WESTPAC AUCKLAND BUSINESS AWARDS Re:Vision Laser & Cataract Eye surgery with some fun to boot Patients and staff give Re:Vision Laser & Cataract the thumbs up. Sue Russell It seems like a logical place to start the conversation with Dr Trevor Gray, founder of leading Auckland vision correction practice Re:Vision Laser & Cataract, with the question ‘Why is everyone in the photo wearing red shoes?’ “We wanted to show our patients that while we’re in the seriously important business of providing them with life-enhancing laser & cataract procedures, we’re also about having some fun, living the culture of being together to provide them with the very best care in a spirit of family,” Trevor explains. Along with Trevor, fellow laser and cataract eye surgeon Dr Mo Ziaei lead a team of 25 staff, including Ophthalmic technicians, theatre staff, a dedicated patient care team, administrative and support staff. Trevor describes his colleague surgeon as an extremely gifted surgeon. “He has these natural skills under a microscope with exceptional steadiness and handeye co-ordination.” Trevor first met Mo as a post-graduate Fellowship trainee in Auckland, having completed his ophthalmology training at the most prestigious eye hospital in London. Recognising Dr Mo’s exceptional skills, Trevor offered Mo a partnership in the fledgling boutique Re:Vision clinic and surgery centre. Mo leapt at the opportunity. And testament to the fact that the practice is delivering what patients want can be seen in its year on year growth of between 25-35%. “Despite Covid and all the lockdowns we have continued to grow and I put that down to our very special family of like-minded professionals, each contributing to delivering excellent patient care, experience and outcomes. Just have a look at our Google Reviews and you will see that we are offering something special at Re:Vision.” The boutique medical practice is located in Sylvia Park, Mt Wellington. When Trevor established the centre he put considerable thought into its look and feel, understanding that it is normal for patients to feel somewhat stressed. “From the first consultation, our aim is to provide the best communication, answer every question, explain every option and process, so our patients feel empowered. “We also have wonderful feedback on our website from former patients who have experienced the level of care we offer. They know they are the most important person in the process.” Equipped with the latest in laser and cataract vision corrective technologies there’s a feel like going to a day-spa for patients and that’s just how Trevor and his colleagues want it to be. The culture is best explained through Re:Vision’s moto ‘WE:CARE’ – Wickedly Enthusiastic, Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful and Excellence. This year, in a fitting way to celebrate the journey-to-date, Re:Vision was named a finalist in all three of the categories they entered for the Westpac Auckland Business Awards – Central: Best Emerging Business, Best Customer Service and Best Community Service. Trevor is especially proud of the fact that of 1000+ applicants in the competition Re:Vision was one of only seven businesses selected as finalists in these categories. Giving back is an important expression of the culture, demonstrated through a strong philanthropic impulse, expressed in Re:Vision’s engagement with ARCH, Aotearoa Charitable Hospital, bringing corrective eye surgery within reach of those who would not be able to afford it. “We provide pro-bono or free cataract surgery and for the last five years we offer this to two patients each month. It is a great way to look after our community.” Trevor, Mo and the team also provide free laser vision correction for tetraplegics, who would naturally struggle to put glasses on. Patients are often those who have suffered severe neck trauma resulting in loss of movement. “For these people what we give them is the gift of good sight and it means the world to them.” Summing up his relationship to the profession and its impact on the world Trevor knows that no other branch of medicine has such an impact on a person’s life than to have their eye-sight improved. “There’s nothing else in medicine that changes a patient’s life in such a profound way for the better, and it all kicks in painlessly overnight. “The day after surgery, is a whole new better world” In everything we do, we believe in enabling the medical profession to give the best possible patient and staff experience. We do this by listening and understanding the brief, active client engagement throughout the whole journey, applying critical thinking and attention to detail. Your project is designed and delivered using a proven process where time, cost and quality remain connected. We Design + Fit Healthcare Spaces. Experience the Difference. (09) 271 2117 or 0800 68 69 00 | sales@focusplan.co.nz | 106 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell, Auckland | www.focusplan.co.nz
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