Business North July 2026

Volume 25 | Issue 4 | July 2026 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Steel standard George Grant Engineering is proving its strength in steel goes well beyond the structures it delivers. T T Page 56 businessnorth north

2 | Contents businessnorth 10| Moving forward Tauranga’s Kale Print has a new purpose‑built facility in the Tauriko Business Estate. 49| Boating legend A legendary hull design and on-the-water performance continues to anchor boatbuilder Haines Hunter. 65| Clad times Kiwi Cladding services architectural and construction projects across New Zealand and the Pacific. 49 65 10 #businessnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Built Environs �� 03 Department of Conservation �� 04 Tranzit Group �� 06 Western Energy �� 08 Lodestone Energy �� 09 Kale Print & Design �� 10 Red Stag Timber �� 12 LT McGuinness �� 14 Mansons TCLM �� 16 ESR �� 18 He Ahi Partnership �� 21 Kinloch Village Centre �� 22 iLine Construction �� 23 Bayleys �� 24 Ashton Mitchell �� 26 Northern Expressway Group �� 29 Construct Ltd �� 30 Totara Construction �� 31 DVLP �� 32 Aspire Property Management �� 33 Takanini Town Centre �� 34 Gemscott Developments: Te Ara Ki Te Atua �� 36 Western Bay of Plenty District Council �� 37 Adrenalyn Motorcycles �� 38 Naylor Love - Auckland �� 39 Altus NZ �� 40 Markplan Consulting �� 42 Multispares �� 43 Te Puna 4 Square �� 44 Van Den Brink Group �� 45 Lees Boatbuilders �� 46 Q-West Boat Builders �� 47 Takacat �� 48 Haines Hunter �� 49 Waipa Civil �� 50 JC Civil Construction �� 54 Truck Track & Marine �� 55 Quinn Engineering �� 56 George Grant Engineering �� 56 Russet �� 58 Atlantic Engineering �� 62 Bourneville Furniture Group �� 64 Kiwi Cladding �� 65 Safetrak Northland �� 66 AB Foundations �� 68 Metalcraft Roofing �� 69 Ben Mayne Plumbing �� 70 Chilltech �� 72 Installation and Piping Services �� 73 JJ Mangan Contracting �� 74 Control Tech �� 75 Prime Plumbing �� 76 Prestige Cranes �� 77 Apex Fencing �� 78 SRS Group �� 79 Fluker Surveying �� 80 Build Craft Group �� 82 Salmond Reed Architects �� 83 Falk Tapsell �� 84 Julian Guthrie Architecture �� 85 Parkes Architecture �� 86 D.Y.A Design �� 87 Oyster Capital �� 88 Hutton Developments �� 89 Lockerbie Village �� 90 Gemscott Developments: Vines Estate �� 93 Parkview Estate �� 94 G.J. Gardner Homes Manukau �� 95 Golden Homes South Auckland �� 96 BUILTsmart �� 98 Stroud Homes Auckland North ��100 Rhino Build ��101 Warwick Gair Builders ��102 Next Level Construct ��104 Hostess Kitchens ��104 Henry Dunham Building ��105 Younger Builders ��106 Grant Family Homes ��108 Build Unlimited ��109 KDH Kiwi Designed Homes ��110 GN Carter Builders ��112 Elevation Builders ��112 Momentum Building ��113 Warren Adolph Homes ��114 Oceania Healthcare ��115 CRPA Construction ��116 Summerset Group Holdings ��118 Blomfield Special School ��120 Northcote College ��121 Bridge Housing Charitable Trust ��122 Rescued Kitchen ��123 Paradice ��124 OUR PARTNERS: T&C’s: These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Waterford Press Ltd and its clients. Accounts for advertising are due for payment within seven days of publication of the newspaper. Accounts not paid within this time may incur a penalty until the account is paid. Any debt collection costs incurred by Waterford Press Ltd. will be added to the account of the Client / Debtor. 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 affect all advertisers equally so no credit will be given for any reduction in size due to processing. Waterford Press Ltd reserves the right to alter, change or omit entirely any advertisement or article that it considers to be objectionable or which may contravene any law. In the event of a failure on the part of the Waterford Press Ltd. to insert advertising as instructed by the Client, it may publish the advertisement at the first available subsequent reasonable date unless the advertisement features date sensitive material. Every care shall be taken to publish the advertisement / article in accordance with the clients instructions as to page and position but the Waterford Press Ltd reserves the right for whatever reason to place advertising / article in a different position and in doing so shall incur no liability whatsoever. Where images are supplied by client for use, Waterford Press Ltd, withholds the right to choose the amount and which are used at the Editors discretion. Clients must advise Waterford Press Ltd immediately of any error or omission in advertisements and shall work constructively to remedy the situation which in the first instance shall be a rerun of the corrected advertisement in the next available edition where possible. Corrections made by telephone shall be accepted by Waterford Press Ltd. but the right to decide whether a further proof should be proofed to the client is discretionary. Views and opinions expressed in our publications are not necessarily those of the editors, staff, Waterford Press Ltd. or publisher. Waterford Press Ltd. welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editor’s discretion. Waterford Press Ltd. accepts no responsibility for any Errors or Omissions within any articles, where the client approved prior to print date; any post print date advertisement and / or editorial adjustments are made at Waterford Press’s discretion and may incur additional costs to the client. Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03 983 5500 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Chris Pearce chris.pearce@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Nick Gormack nick@waterfordpress.co.nz Sub-editors Christine Defelice, Margaret Landauer WRITERS Anne Boswell, Kim Bowden, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Russell Fredric, Kim Newth, Sue Russell, Karen Phelps, Rosa Watson, Aimee Wilson, Virginia Wright RESEARCH & MARKETING James Anderson, Sam Dart, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Danielle Percival, Adam Shirra, Leo Smith, Alasdair Thomson, Jane Watson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa, Jamie Thomson, Liki Udam art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Alissa Crosby, Ann-Marie Frentz, Michelle Phelan, Josie Villa OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz

| 3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Built Environs T TKelly Deeks Building a diverse worksite culture Diversity is about building stronger teams, improving problem solving, and creating workplaces where people can thrive. Built Environs is backing a more inclu‑ sive future for construction, combining practical workplace support, leadership pathways, and industry partnerships to attract and retain more women across New Zealand worksites. The company, which operates in New Zea‑ land under the McConnell Dowell Group, says diversity is about building stronger teams, improving problem solving, and creating work‑ places where people can thrive. Built Environs HR advisor Isabella Morlin says the business has developed a clear strategy across New Zealand and Australia to support women in construction, with New Zealand leading the way through strong engagement with the National Association of Women in Construction, known as NAWIC. “New Zealand has gained a lot of traction through the women in construction network,” Isabella says. “There are more opportunities to connect, learn, and support our teams.” Built Environs currently has a workforce that is about 25 percent female across the business, a figure Isabella says reflects steady progress in an industry traditionally dominat‑ ed by men. She says one standout employee is Health, Safety, Environment advisor Alexis Prebble, who has become a strong advocate for wom‑ en in the sector. “Alexis goes above and beyond to reinforce the role of women in construction,” Isabella says. “She is prepared to speak up, put herself forward, and make sure people are treated equally on site.” The company also focuses on career devel‑ opment, offering coaching programmes for high potential female employees, training, and tailored development plans. Flexible working arrangements are another key part of the strategy. Built Environs supports staff with school drop offs, medical appointments, remote working when needed, and additional leave options to help maintain family balance. “We have a lot of people with different cir‑ cumstances, including single parents and staff without family support nearby. Family comes first,” Isabella says. “We want people to have relationships with the people they work with. When people know each other better, work becomes easier and people feel more comfortable speaking up.” “If our people are open about what is hap‑ pening in their lives, we can help.” She says the company has also worked hard to build culture through social clubs, hosting regular events where staff and families can connect outside work. “We want people to have relationships with the people they work with,” Isabella says. “When people know each other better, work becomes easier and people feel more com‑ fortable speaking up.” Built Environs has operated in New Zealand for eight years and more than 35 years in Australia. Its current New Zealand workload includes health centres, bus stations, commer‑ cial developments, and infrastructure projects. Alexis says increasing diversity delivers real benefits on every site. “The more you diversify something, the more perspectives you bring,” Alexis says. “That means better ideas, better solutions, and a better understanding of how people work together.” She says women bring creativity, empathy, energy, and leadership into an industry that is continuing to evolve. “The energy is fantastic when women come together to talk about their work, their chal‑ lenges, and what they are achieving,” she says. Looking ahead, Alexis says the long-term goal is a workforce where opportunity is based purely on capability. “I would love to see a 50-50 split one day. We want people chosen for their competency, and we want an industry where everyone feels welcome to stay and succeed.” WWW.CLE.CO.NZ

4 | Department of Conservation: Rakau Rangatira Phase 2 T TVirginia Wright Protecting a vulnerable taonga The 51.5m giant kauri Tāne Mahuta is thought to be over 2000 years old. “A Te Roroa representative is stationed on that platform, interacting with the public every day, and able to share knowledge about Tāne Mahuta and Kauri Dieback from a te ao Māori perspective.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Home to New Zealand’s oldest and most sacred living trees, Waipoua Forest is part of the largest remaining tract of ancient kauri in the world. Not surprisingly, it is a tourism hotspot, with more than 150,000 visitors a year taking the five-minute walk off State Highway 12 to visit Tāne Mahuta (Lord of the Forest). Thought to be over 2000 years old and standing at 51.5 metres tall, Tāne Mahuta towers over the next-largest kauri, Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest), a giant in his own right at 29.9 metres. The forest and these kauri giants are at risk from Kauri Dieback Disease, which has been found within 60 metres of Tāne Mahuta. Their protection is at the heart of Rākau Rangatira, a partnership project between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and local mana when‑ ua, Te Iwi o Te Roroa. Now in its second phase, the project is designed to simultaneously protect the health and biodiversity of Waipoua’s kauri ecosystem, while upgrading both visitor infrastructure and the visitor experience. “We’re looking to find that balance where tourism is enabled, but safely enabled, so we’re working to promote the health of the forest while creating an experience that is more engaging for visitors, recognises Te Ro‑ roa’s mana, and improves visitor safety at the same time,” says DOC programme manager, Phil Goulter. This second phase of the Rākau Rangati‑ ra Project involves replacing approximately 30-year-old visitor infrastructure that predates much of their awareness of Kauri Dieback, including knowledge about soil movement and how best to mitigate the risks it poses. As Te Roroa representative, Piripi Moore, says, however, the project is about more than just new infrastructure. “For Te Roroa, this is an expression of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) responsibilities in action. We are proud that our kaimahi will be actively involved throughout construction, visibly upholding our role as mana whenua and our intergenerational commitment to safeguard this taonga for ngā uri whakatipu (future generations), while helping shape a world-class visitor experience grounded in re‑ spect, conservation, and kotahitanga (unity).” Phase 1 of the Rākau Rangatira Project focused on the walking track to Tāne Mahuta, introducing a specially designed raised board‑ walk, bridge, and viewing platform to ensure safer access, while minimising environmental impact. “There’s an ambassador programme being delivered by Te Roroa, which is one of the ear‑ ly protection measures put in place,” says Phil. “A Te Roroa representative is stationed on that platform, interacting with the public every day, and able to share knowledge about Tāne Mahuta and Kauri Dieback from a te ao Māori perspective.” That first 100 metres of raised boardwalk served as a pilot for phase 2, which includes more than 1.5 km of boardwalk under construction through the southern sections of the forest. To minimise environmental impact, innovations have been introduced by DOC and Te Roroa, in collaboration with main contractor Keir Projects, including the use of up to 3.5-metre steel screw pile technology. Unlike traditional piles, these do not require diggers on the ground, therefore significantly reducing the risk of soil movement through the forest. For the boardwalk surface, a durable fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) product supplied from Tauranga is being used. This immensely strong, non-slip grid allows water, light, and forest debris to pass through, reducing infra‑ structure impacts on the ecosystem. Throughout phase 2 construction, the team is adhering to strict Kauri Dieback hygiene protocols with kauri protection at the fore‑ front of all decisions and actions. Phase 3 is yet to come, with the aspiration to further en‑ hance educational and immersive opportuni‑ ties, for what is likely to be an ever-increasing number of visitors, without putting the forest at risk. Once completed all visitor infrastruc‑ ture in Waipoua Forest will be off the ground. “It’s about having the best and closest expe‑ rience possible with this special forest, feeling immersed in it while being safely elevated above the ground,” Phil says. With phase 2 scheduled for completion later this year, and phase 3 set to follow, it is expected that this carefully protected taonga will encourage visitors to stay longer in the region as they take full advantage of this rare, world-class opportunity to immerse them‑ selves in an ancient forest. The project is designed to simultaneously protect the health and biodiversity of Waipoua’s kauri ecosystem, while upgrading both visitor infrastructure and the visitor experience. Built for New Zealand’s Outdoor Infrastructure NZ-OWNED & OPERATED, PROUDLY SUPPORTING LANDMARK PROJECTS frp.co.nz 0800 464 377 Photo by Abseil Access Ltd • Designed for NZ’s harsh outdoor environments • Low maintenance and long service life • Lightweight for faster, safer installation • Proven slip resistance in wet conditions Providing expert Estimating and Quantity Surveying services with a focus on Business Case Estimates for civil infrastructure projects and broader quantity surveying solutions. TRUE COST ADVICE. STRONGER PROJECTS. BETTER NEW ZEALAND CONSTRUCTION COST CONSULTANTS 19/852 Mt EDEN ROAD, AUCKLAND 021 497 775 GOOD DECISIONS STARTWITH TRUE COSTS Accurate cost advice for better infrastructure outcomes. CLEAR COSTS. STRONG CASES. BETTER DECISIONS. Helping clients build the case for a better New Zealand.

We specialize in designing and building innovative technical structures and landscapes that seamlessly integrate functionality with aesthetics. We collaborate with clients and our partners to create tailored solutions for both urban and natural environments. Walkway and Cycleway Infrastructure + Civil Structures + Heli and Crane Logistics + Hard and Soft Landscaping + admin@keirprojects.nz KeirProjectsNZ 021 640 894 37 Settlement Road, Cambridge 3495, New Zealand

6 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tranzit Group T TRussell Fredric Capacity boost for electric public transport The company’s strategy includes a recently completed, purpose-built electric bus depot at Spedding Road Industrial, a nearly 13,000sqm site near Westgate in Auckland. Photo: Keven Snelgrove “It’s a huge investment for us, but it reflects our commitment to building a strong base in Auckland and supporting the services we deliver there.” Leading the charge in New Zealand’s transition to electric public transport, Tranzit Group is investing in large-scale infrastructure to support its growing fleet in Auckland. The company’s strategy includes a recently completed, purpose-built electric bus depot at Spedding Road Industrial, a nearly 13,000sqm site near Westgate in Auckland. This new site is initially supporting 46 electric buses. The development is underpinned by a nineyear contract with Auckland Transport, a part‑ nership that sees Tranzit Group’s Tranzurban Auckland business deliver a range of routes for passengers in both electric double-deck and single-deck fleets. The flagship route is the WX1 Western Express, which uses the electric double-deck buses. Tranzit Group senior projects manager, James Howard, says the Spedding Road In‑ dustrial site is designed to anchor its growing electric bus fleet while supporting high-fre‑ quency urban routes across the North Shore and West Auckland. It will provide parking for up to 80 vehicles across the whole site, have a new two-level building including operational offices, dedicat‑ ed driver amenities, and a five-bay workshop. The site also has high-speed charging and sustainable bus-wash facilities. A key part of the development is its charg‑ ing capability, with around 1900kW of installed capacity already in place and room to scale further. The infrastructure has been designed to support overnight charging cycles, aligning with service schedules while managing load across the network. Planning for that level of supply has required early coordination with electrical supply partners and careful site design. “The charging infrastructure is operating well, and the site has been built with the abil‑ ity to grow as more electric buses come into the fleet,” says James. “It’s a huge investment for us, but it reflects our commitment to building a strong base in Auckland and supporting the services we deliver there.” Delivering a project of this scale has re‑ quired a mix of internal capability and external expertise, with project management, engi‑ neering and operational teams working closely with construction and electrical partners to ensure the site functions effectively. The shift to electric has consequently broad‑ ened the skillsets required across the busi‑ ness, particularly in areas such as diagnostics, charging systems and fleet integration. “It’s been a collaborative effort between our internal teams and specialist partners to make sure the depot is set up properly for how we operate,” says James. While the Westgate project represents the next step in Tranzit’s journey, it builds on a longer journey that began before electric bus‑ es became mainstream in New Zealand. Tranzit Group introduced the country’s first electric bus, in partnership with Auckland University of Technology in 2018, following several years of research into alternatives to diesel buses. “Tranzit Group took a long-term view early that there needed to be an alternative to die‑ sel buses, and electric was the pathway that made sense for us. “Then, we were successful in Wellington, winning a tender with the Greater Wellington Regional Council to deliver around 60% of the public transport bus network, and as part of that there was a real willingness to move toward a zero-emissions fleet.” That early work has since expanded into multiple regions, with electric bus fleets now operating in Wellington, Palmerston North, Waikato, and Taranaki. “When we introduced 10 double-deck elec‑ tric buses through the Wellington contract, it marked the first time double-deck electric buses had been brought into service in the Southern Hemisphere and reinforced Tranzit’s longstanding reputation as being leaders and innovators in the bus and coach industry.” From those early trials, the business has steadily scaled its electric capability, sup‑ searchfield electrical Phone: 0800 172 424 Office: 09 444 5782 Email: admin@searchfield.co.nz GET IN TOUCH EXPERIENCED AUCKLAND ELECTRICIANS Providing a quality, reliable and professional service.

| 7 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tranzit Group Tranzit Group senior projects manager, James Howard (below) says the shift to electric has consequently broadened the skillsets required across the business, particularly in areas such as diagnostics, charging systems and fleet integration. Photo: Brendon O’Hagan. ported by growing charging infrastructure and experience across different operating environments. This sits alongside a wider transport net‑ work that has evolved since its beginnings in Wairarapa in 1925. What started as a single daily service has grown into a nationwide company spanning public transport, school services, tourism, and charter work. The business remains family owned, with the fourth generation of the Snelgrove family now involved in leadership roles. Today, Tranzit Group operates more than 3000 vehicles supported by 35 depots and 15 workshops, with more than 2000 staff across New Zealand. Committed to Building Excellance 0800 115 054 DESIGN. BUILD. DELIVER. www.arcogroup.co.nz info@arcogroup.co.nz Privileged to have partnered with Tranzit Group, for the delivery of their new electric bus depot in Whenuapai. PROUDLY SUPPORTING TRANZIT GROUP Bridgestone provide Tranzit Group with market-leading products, advice and nationwide support to help them achieve the lowest cost per kilometre possible. bridgestone.co.nz Scan the QR code to discover more The fuel card that gives you more control.

8 | Aiming to redefine the geothermal landscape The HC-CTU is designed specifically to meet the rigorous demands of geothermal wells. Western Energy REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T TKaren Phelps “Our unit maximises operational efficiency and ensures safer, faster operations.” Taupō-based geothermal services provider Western Energy is cementing its position in the energy sector as an innovator by recently unveiling new technologies that promise to redefine the geothermal landscape. “We are committed to bringing innovation to geothermal operations,” says Marcus Prestney, General Manager of Western Energy. “Our High-Capacity Coiled Tubing Unit (HCCTU) and formation cleaning service represent a significant step forward for the industry, offering capabilities that simply weren’t possible before.” The HC-CTU, developed in collaboration with NOV Canada at a $16 million investment, is designed specifically to meet the rigorous demands of geothermal wells. Compact, mobile and highly versatile, the unit provides an alternative to conventional rig-based drilling, enabling the creation of new wells with unprecedented efficiency and precision, says Marcus. “We drilled in December in Ohaki for the first time for a new reinjection well and it was classed as a world first. “The unit has also been used to make a very large well safe. We came up with a plan using this unit to plug it. This wouldn’t have been achievable with other units.” The HC-CTU boasts 100,000 lbs of constant pulling power, advanced pressure control systems and 2-⅞” coiled tubing strings capable of reaching depths of up to 2,850 metres. Its twin 1,200 HP Quint-plex pump delivers 16bpm pumping providing operators with precise control over fluid management. Marcus says these features allow Western Energy to undertake complex drilling, well lengthening and side-tracking operations with unmatched accuracy. “Our unit maximises operational efficiency and ensures safer, faster operations. It’s a true gamechanger for geothermal well interventions,” says Marcus.. “The HC-CTU has allowed the generating companies alternative options to use coil with smaller carbon footprint than conventional rig-based equipment, reducing down time and generating cost efficiencies.” Western Energy has also introduced a formation cleaning service. In collaboration with Contact Energy, it has developed a solution to reinvigorate wells where scale and blockages limit steam production. This involves pumping specialised inhibitors and chemicals into the formation using purpose-built skids, improving well flow and extending operational life. “Our formation cleaning service is now being rolled out to other customers, helping to maintain optimal well performance and reduce downtime.” Formation cleaning operations include scale identification, lab testing, custom pumping programmes and pre- and post-job monitoring with wireline and PTS surveys. Marcus says each operation is tailored to the unique conditions of the well, ensuring precise, safe and effective results. Western Energy’s commitment to innovation has been recognised nationally, with accolades such as the Excellence in Innovation award at the 2025 Unison Great Lake Taupō Business Awards. Its team of 40 specialists continues to push the boundaries of geothermal technology with a focus on safety, quality, sustainability and operational efficiency. The company is also a proud member of the Taupō Chamber of Commerce. “The geothermal industry is heating up, excuse the pun, with Minister Shane Jones having just released the Geothermal Strategy. “With this backed by the government there is interest in drilling super critical wells. Western Energy is positioning itself to assist with these works and support it with our new innovative technology.” COMPRESSED AIR SALES – SERVICE – HIRE Compressed Air & Nitrogen Specialists Proudly supporting Western Energy – Whangarei – Hamilton – New Plymouth – Palmerston North – Christchurch – Auckland – Tauranga – Hawkes Bay – Blenheim BRANCHES NATIONWIDE

| 9 T TVirginia Wright Delivering solar power nationwide Lodestone Energy’s vision is to invest anywhere from $50m to $70m to build a solar farm in a community, wherever it might be, then sell the energy to local houses and small businesses. Lodestone Energy REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Established in 2019, Lodestone Energy is a renewable-energy generation and electricity retail company that’s on a mis‑ sion to harness the sun’s energy and directly connect solar power with commercial, agricul‑ tural and residential consumers through its large-scale solar farms to be built throughout New Zealand Managing director, Gary Holden, has been involved in the energy sector for over 30 years. He originally came to New Zealand from Canada in 1992 to develop and build the two independent power plants that signaled the country’s first move towards deregulating electricity. As the representative of the free market, Gary was invited on to the seven-strong government committee, established by then Prime Minister Jim Bolger, and was charged with designing the independent energy market, along with representatives from two State Owned Enterprises: the lines company Transpower, and ECNZ (Electricity Corporation New Zealand), Major Electricity Users Group (MEUG), and the Electricity Networks Associa‑ tion (ENA). The work done by that committee provided the essential ingredients for the distribution of renewable energy, which is coming into its own 30 years later. “All of the tools that we designed 30 years ago have come into play to give us the ability we have now to build a solar-powered genera‑ tion plant in a community and sell the energy locally,” says Gary. As the CEO of Pulse Energy for seven years, Gary was focused on how solar could be intro‑ duced to the market at the right time. In 2019, he and another investor, Guy Haddleton, got the ball rolling, then, with the help of another 24 high net worth New Zealanders, raised the capital to establish Lodestone. Their vision is to invest anywhere from $50m to $70m to build a solar farm in a community, wherever it might be, then sell the energy to local houses and small businesses. That’s exactly what’s underway this year in Central Hawke’s Bay. Rather than selling the energy their solar farm is generating to an existing retailer, such as Genesis or Contact, which would then onsell it, Lodestone works with local lines compa‑ nies to sell directly to the consumer. “We made that strategic decision because we want the consumers to have all the benefit without running it through a third party,” says Gary. “That’s what I’m most proud of with Lodestone is that we could put together the business structure to be able to convey that lower cost directly.” Lodestone takes full responsibility for managing the generation and availability of electricity wherever they are, regardless of the weather. From their point of view, New Zea‑ land operates as one big battery, which they feed into or draw out of, depending on what’s being generated and what the demands are moment by moment. They work with consumers to estimate their annual consumption and how many solar panels’ worth of power that equates to, which they build into a competitive price. It’s exactly the sort of scenario envisaged 30 years ago. “We were not sure back then what the tech‑ nology would be,” Gary says. “We used to joke that maybe we’d have portable nuclear stations in our garages, but the committee set the stage with things like location-based pricing and metering every half hour, which meant that when distributed generation became viable, we would be ready. “Now that solar and batteries are here, on rooftops and solar farms, consumers can take advantage of the lower cost. “When used in electric cars, solar is now the cheapest form of energy ever created. You can capture energy from the sun, run it through a panel and, if you put it in an electric car, it can be as low as the equivalent of 15 cents a litre.”

10 | Kale Print & Design T T Virginia Wright New premises, bold vision for family firm Exciting times: Kale Print’s move into the new premises has also prompted a refreshed brand designed to reflect the company’s evolution and future direction, from left Brent Kale, Stephen Kale, Gavin Kale. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT After four decades in business, family owned national print supplier, Kale Print, has marked the milestone with a significant, well planned move that brings its local operation together for the first time. Long-time residents in Tauranga’s CBD, with finishing previously located off‑site in Judea, Kale Print now owns and occupies a single, purpose‑built facility in the Tauriko Business Estate. The move has afforded the opportunity to design and build, with lean-manufacturing principles helping to streamline workflow from start to finish. Now future-proofed for scale, the 3100sqm facility is amongst good company, with many of Kale Print’s customers located in the surrounding Tauriko Business Estate. “The building of the new factory has allowed us to make our production more efficient. An extensive process of mapping out where each machine would go on the factory floor to maximise print flow has seen significant improvements in the manufacturing processes,” says general manager, Peter Lloyd. Kale Print is a true full service print provider, offering digital and offset printing, wide‑format signage, graphic design and finishing, along with packaging, labels, merchandise and more. Rather than specialising narrowly, the business has built depth across the board. “By bringing everything together under one roof we can support any size organisation from owner‑operators and corporates through to trade print supply,” Peter says. “We have the reach, the capability, and now the physical space to continue investing in new technology, including advanced wide‑format printing that allows us to print directly to substrate. For customers, that means fewer handovers, greater consistency, and a partner that can scale alongside them.” Along with its investment in facilities and technology Kale Print’s commitment to sustainability sets it apart. The company has been carbon zero for four years. It’s taken another step towards their vision of reducing CO2 emissions beyond neutrality with its new solar investment. With 432 solar panels installed on the roof, the site generates 106% of its energy requirements with surplus power exported back to the grid during the summer months. They save 42 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting 7500 trees. “All print manufacturing for our clients is now powered 100% by renewable energy,” says Peter. “For businesses under increasing pressure to meet environmental targets, choosing Kale Print means our clients can meet their environmental commitments.” The company was founded by husbandand-wife team Stephen and Jill Kale in 1984, and printing quite literally runs in the family. Stephen’s father was a printer and Stephen’s sons, Brent and Gavin, are now heavily involved in the company as operations manager and production manager respectively, while daughter, Rochelle, is a graphic designer. “Those family roots continue to shape our culture. We’re a family-values business. Our team of 50 is passionate and engaged, and this is reflected in our exemplary staff retention rate and our hands-on quality service,” says Peter The move into the new premises has also prompted a refreshed brand designed to reflect Kale Print’s evolution and future direction. Developed using customer feedback, including why clients choose Kale Print and keep coming back, the new tagline, Creating Better, Together, captures a key strength of the business. It speaks to Kale Print’s solutions-driven, collaborative approach, its commitment to people and planet, and its reputation for tackling complex jobs with care, expertise and follow- through. Completing the build marks the end of an impressively smooth 12‑month project. The result is a space that mirrors the business itself: thoughtful, practical and future focused. With a design that brings the outside in, and a cohesive green‑and‑black palette throughout, it means clients arriving at the Kale Print reception experience a business confident in where it has come from and clear about where it’s going next. Email us on: quotes@guildspence.co.nz Reception: 07 575 5328 • Commercial & Industrial • Residential Projects • Service Department • Rural & Water Pumps • Heat Pumps • PowerCo Contractors 027 202 1440 info@boandcoelectrical.co.nz WWW. BOANDCOELECTRICAL . CO.NZ RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL SOLAR

waterfordpress.co.nz

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=