Volume 31 | Issue 6 |November 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Invercargill Calling The ambitious Invercargill Central development is bringing a positive vibe to the city’s CBD. T PAGE 18
2 | Contents 26 | Port progress A major dredging project underway in Bluff Harbour will create long-term benefits for South Port. 65 | Core values The Golden Bay Fruit company is driven by a desire to take the middleman out of fruit marketing. 102 | Community driven A new cohousing development in Golden Bay is not just building homes, but a community. 65 102 26 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 South accepts no responsibilty for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businesssouth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz Buller District Council .......................................... 03 Laing Properties ................................................... 06 Yealands Wines .................................................... 07 The Mānuka Collective ........................................ 08 Heathstock Apiaries............................................. 09 Connetics .............................................................. 10 Cardinal Logistics ................................................. 16 Invercargill Central .............................................. 18 South Port ............................................................. 26 Riverton Fishermen’s Company ......................... 29 Brian Perry Civil .................................................... 30 Daiken Southland ................................................ 32 Prime Range Meats.............................................. 34 Port Otago ............................................................ 36 Timaru District Council........................................ 38 Hadlee & Brunton ................................................ 42 Marlborough District Council ............................. 43 DC Structures ....................................................... 44 Unifone.................................................................. 46 Ecotricity ................................................................ 47 Babbage ................................................................ 48 Ensors Irrigation & Water Co.............................. 50 Downer Canterbury ............................................. 51 Apex Water ........................................................... 52 Rosco Contractors................................................ 54 Tufnell Drainage................................................... 56 Canterbury Demolition 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| 3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Buller District Council Karen Phelps Innovation boosts buoyant Buller The Buller region has plenty to offer visitors and locals alike. 0800 999 333 hello@do.nz www.do.nz Christchurch / Timaru Greymouth / Nelson Land Surveying / Resource Management Environmental Science / Structural Engineering Geotechnical Engineering / Civil Engineering Proud to be carboNZero certified PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THE BULLER DISTRICT COUNCIL It may be New Zealand’s best-kept secret. Buller is increasingly attracting people from all over the country seeking a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle, says Buller’s Mayor Jamie Cleine. The region now boasts many inspiring and upcoming businesses proud to call Buller home. While some are well known names, others are boutique businesses that really reflect the spirit of innovation in Buller and are taking their products to the world. Mayor Jamie says that good examples are Reefton Distillery, a success story from the historic mining town Reefton, using locally sourced ingredients to craft boutique botanical gin that is exported internationally and West Coast chocolate icons crafted by Punakaiki Rocks Café owner Patrick Volke. Volke came up with the idea, while struggling with the Covid-induced economic downturn, to develop a line of chocolates that uniquely celebrate the West Coast. The chocolates are shaped into iconic West Coast features including the pancake rocks, gold nuggets and even a whitebait pattie. Mayor Jamie says that the Buller District had a strong economic performance during the pandemic and continues the trend in its latest economic report. The Buller District’s GDP grew 4.9% in the year to June 2022 and the West Coast region overall led New Zealand in economic growth with a GDP increase of 4.2% for the same period. “Achieving 4.9% growth, compared with an average of 0.9% in New Zealand, is very encouraging,” says Mayor Jamie Cleine. “Our district and the West Coast region continue to perform well above the national trend. However, the sharp decline [in June] shows that we are not immune to the difficult climate that has taken its toll on the economy over the June quarter 2022.” The report states that total tourism expenditure in the Buller District felt by 10.4% in the last year, however the district is still sitting above pre-pandemic levels. to page 4 “This reflects how the district has done well to grow its share of the domestic market, which is now smoothening the impact of the recent slowdown in domestic travel,” says Mayor Cleine. Local businesses such as GJ Gardner, Jennian Homes, South Peak Homes and Martin Mitre10, are helping to support the region’s growth. They in turn are supported by businesses such as InForce, a highly specialised service company providing engineers, construction companies and the concrete industry with high quality design services and supply of fibre reinforcing. Photo: Nomad Audio and Video
4 | Buoyant Buller The Reefton Distillery uses locally sourced ingredients to craft boutique botanical gin that is exported internationally from page 3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Buller District Council The largest civil construction and maintenance company in the Buller District PROUDLY SERVING THE BULLER FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS! • Site Works Including Carparks & Driveways • Civil Construction • Underground Services • Backcountry & Remote Construction Project • Project Management • Grader Hire • Septic Tank Cleaning • Crushed Metal Supply & Cartage • Roading • Car Parks • Driveways WestReef 100% owns and operates a modern fleet of plant and equipment. Our ownership and range of plant ensures WestReef remains well positioned for a wide range of project work. Our extensive range of plant and equipment allows us to work in a variety of environments and undertake any project with confidence and efficiency. CONTACT US westreef.co.nz 80 Russell Street, Westport | 03 788 9090 JOSEPHS.CO.NZ PEOPLE LED PROJECTS PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND QUANTITY SURVEYING PROUD TEAM SUPPORTING BULLER DISTRICT COUNCIL The Buller construction industry also remains strong. The June economic report indicates that while the number of non-residential consents softened by 12.7% since June 2021, this still places Buller significantly above the district’s long-term average. consents are up by 47.9% compared with the same 12-month period a year before. Buller and the West Coast region also recorded a solid increase in house values, being the highest in New Zealand. Buller is leading the West Coast districts with 37.8%, adding to the region’s overall growth of 33.7%. The average increase in house value in New Zealand was 9.6% over the last 12-months. While disasters such as the floods have had a negative impact, for many locals the silver lining is that they have also helped to generate jobs, says Mayor Jamie, with the temporary accommodation Alma Road village project, being built by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to support residents in Westport following the flooding event in July 2021, nearing completion. It will enable people to remain in the community while homes are being repaired or rebuilt, or in the case of renters, until they find suitable alternative rental accommodation. The village provides safe, and warm longerterm housing for the flood affected community. The first 18 new two and three bedroom houses homes will be connected to essential services by the end of October and MBIE’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) is working towards these homes being available for occupation from late November. The final two houses of twenty for the village will be delivered to the development once the pump station has arrived from Australia. There are also projects underway that will continue to mark Buller as a great place to visit. WestReef Services Ltd (WestReef), the largest civil construction and maintenance company in the Buller District, fully owned by Buller Holdings Ltd a Buller District Council controlled trading organisation, is involved in the construction of projects such as the Kawatiri Coastal Trail. The 50km trail is under construction and is employing approximately 30 people. The trail has opened in stages with 20 kilometres already opened and the remainder due for completion late 2023. Mayor Jamie says that the Kawatiri Coastal Trail is expected to generate significant economic activity for the region. He says that initiatives, such as Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), a nationwide network of New Zealand’s Mayors, working together towards the vision of all young people 16-25 engaged in employment, education, training, or other positive activity in their communities, have been important in stimulating the region and providing workers. The West Coast Pie Company has just opened a shop in Westport supported by Buller’s MTFJ program and took on four new staff. Covid-19 has also meant people have realised how easy it can be to work remotely, says Mayor Jamie, and businesses such as EPIC Kawatiri, an innovation hub in Westport is home to several small business including gaming company Ruby Play. “An affordable life and a great community are two key reasons people are moving to Buller,” says Mayor Jamie, “and we expect that trend to continue.” Photo: Nomad Audio and Video
| 5 Call: 0800 678 989 | Email: sales@southpeakhomes.co.nz | Visit: southpeakhomes.co.nz SOUTH SERVICES Nelson-Tasman s a l e s, s i t e w o r k s & s e r v i c e s OFFS I TE MANUFACTURED HOMES DEL I VERED TO YOU, FROM OUR PLACE TO YOUR SPACE ! Committed to providing a smarter and more sustainable way of building homes, South Peak Homes offer a high quality, factory-built solution, using clever construction techniques, maximising production efficiencies, and reducing waste. Based in Westport, the team can deliver their prefabricated homes to West Coast, Nelson, Tasman, North Canterbury and Marlborough. Specialising in a range of warm, dry and healthy homes from 70-124sqm, the process is smooth and easy from start to finish. Their homes are built in an undercover factory, fully finished inside and out, delivered to your site where they are placed on piles and connected to services. South Peak Homes have floor plans available to suit your needs and take care of everything from house design to handover. South Peak Homes also have a range of office blocks for the commercial sector and shared facility units for RSE workers, staff accommodation, airbnb, holiday parks etc. These are available in self-contained or multi-unit modules and are designed to meet Worksafe NZ requirements. Partnering with Daniel Pluck from South Services as an agent in the Nelson/Tasman region, South Peak Homes are extending their sales & service networks into other areas, to help new home buyers through the sales process, arrange siteworks, piling, transportation, service installations, landscaping and other site-specific work. “We understand a house is not just a pretty structure, but an investment for the future & a haven for you and your loved ones. With our team of experienced tradespeople, quality materials & proven product brands, you can trust us to deliver your dream home that will stand the test of time.” Get in touch to find out more & discuss your new home needs! WHY CHOOSE A SOUTH PEAK HOME? Because there’s so many important benefits! • Manufactured offsite to reduce carbon impact! • Better for the environment with less contractor travel, less material waste & minimal concrete use! • Built in a controlled factory environment for greater quality & speed! • Piled foundations for varying sites & ease of adjusting floor levels! • Fast, easy & innovative building process! • Designed with transport in mind. If you outgrow or shift to a new location, your house can be moved or sold off! (subject to consent) • 10-year construction warranty for your peace of mind! • Experienced & friendly people you can trust! • Integrated heating & cooling systems! • All homes are built to NZS3604 NZ building code! • Delivered from our place to your space!
6 | Laing Properties: Westport Accommodation Village REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Village project goes smoothly Karen Phelps • Plumbing • Gas • Drainage • Blocked Drains • Bathroom Alterations • Backflow Prevention • Camera Inspections RNR Plumbing Ltd plumbing | gas | drainage 021 980 650 0800 GO 4 RNR (0800 46 4 767) admin@rnrplumbing.co.nz www.rnrplumbing.co.nz HEALTH & SAFETY MADE SIMPLE RNR ElectricalSolutionsLtd Email admin@sharpesl.co.nz www.sharpesl.co.nz EXPERT NEW BUILD ELECTRICAL SERVICES New Housing, Renovations, Solar, Security Alarms Call Matt on 022 123 8170 or Garren on 022 123 8171 ~ CALL US NOW For all of your Longrun, Metal Tile and Rainwater Solutions www.metalcraftroofing.co.nz Tel: (03) 349 7350 • 0800 ROOF NZ Laing Properties is proud to be involved in the construction of relief homes for Westport residents affected by flooding. It has already delivered nine to the town’s Temporary Accommodation Village with another three due to be delivered shortly. Laing Properties managing director Myles Laing says that the advantages of prefab building were evident in this particular project. “Westport needed homes quickly and had they been built on site the timeframe would have been much longer. “By constructing the homes off-site we could deliver them carpeted, painted and with kitchens installed. We then just had to finish things like decks, steps and connections to services on site. “Because the project required a temporary zoning change, transportable homes were the best choice and will be easier to remove from the site further down the track if necessary,” says Myles. The project has also included a new access road and new cycle and walkway next to the existing road bridge to separate pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles along Alma Road. The project is part of Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) funding, which provides for the building of the homes, connection of services, and landscaping, as well as the overseeing landlord, tenancy and property management operations. Myles says that what MBIE has achieved with the project is “pretty awesome”. Laing Properties delivered the first three completed homes in 20 weeks from being engaged by MBIE. This involved leasing additional commercial land in Christchurch for a six-month period to construct the project so as not to impact on its other clients’ projects. “We pre-designed and engineered the buildings, as the design had been preapproved by the client, so once we had a contract sign we could go swiftly submit plans to council for building consent. We’re very proud to be part of this project and help out those people in Westport affected by the flooding.” Myles’ parents Grant and Polly are founding owners of Laing Properties. Today the company is owned by the three of them along with Myles’ wife Lucinda. A team of nearly 40 staff is employed including its own team of house shifters. With over thirty years of experience the family owned and operated business focuses on working closely with clients to ensure the look, budget and final delivery is just right. Laing Properties offers entry level and architecturally designed ranges. And despite the build method being prefab the client can enjoy a high level of customisation if they desire, says Myles. “We listen to our clients and think outside the box. Every client is treated as an individual so they can customise their home to suit them.” A good example is a recent project at Lake Ohau, which saw the company deliver an 180sqm home to the site. Laing Properties can also build apartments using the Metrapanel system and traditional building methods. “We team with clients from the very early stages of their project and help them to solve problems from day one. We assist architects to maintain the integrity of their design within budget and we help developers optimize their investment by providing the best options to achieve their goals. For owners we deliver smart, practical buildings that do what they were designed to do,” explains Myles. Laing Properties has a busy workload going forward and has around 26,000sqm of land leased for the construction of pre-fabricated homes to meet demand. The temporary accommodation Alma Road village project is nearing completion. Photo: Buller District Council
| 7 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Yealands Wines Rachel Graham Covid response brings out the best Yealands Wines has a major focus on worker wellbeing. www.boydwilsonelectrical.co.nz Proud to support Yealands Wine Group Phone 03 572 7448 for your industrial/commercial electrical work. Partner Yealands Wines is on a mission of constant self-improvement, and taking part in the Ministry for Primary Industries Good Employer Awards was a great opportunity to let everyone know some of the great things they are doing. The Seddon based vineyard, which has been operating since 2008, was delighted to be picked as finalist in this year’s awards. Yealands’ Health, Safety, and Wellbeing manager, Brodie Cornelius, says in the past the company has been humble about all the great things they have been doing, but he thinks there is a lot of benefit from sharing what they do, especially in light of the impact of Covid-19. In response to Covid-19 the company set up a dedicated Response Team, with a focus on the well-being and safety of all staff. “You’ve got to keep your business hat on and reduce exposure and risk to the business,” says Brodie. “But we also tried to keep everyone in touch and connected, especially during the extended lockdowns in Auckland. “We delivered pizza to their houses with a bottle of wine, and did a bit of food and wine matching. And then all jump online to discuss it. We also got some comedians and Blues players to jump online with us. “When you are spending a lot of time online and connecting through video conferencing, there’s never a lot of humour in it. So, when you can break it down and have a laugh together you get to know each other a lot better.” “I also have a big focus on mental health, and one thing we’ve learnt from Covid is we need to support each other, communicate with each other and normalise some of these issues.” The company is also taking other steps to look out for its people’s wellbeing. It is the first company in New Zealand to retrofit all 14 of its spray tractor cabs to meet the category 4 European Union standard. Brodie Cornelius says the tractor cabs met the New Zealand standard, but the company decided to strive for the stricter EU standards, which require that no chemicals can get into the cab while spraying is underway. He says the work required some extensive changes to the tractors, which was led by the viticulture team, along with a local provider and Landlogic. “When you are talking positive pressures, that meant replacing everything from door seals, to the air conditioning units, to the method of air getting in through the filters on top of the roof.” “It’s also upgrades the air conditioning and heating at the same time, so the staff are pretty happy about that too,” says Brodie. “And they don’t have that anxiety around anything they are doing potentially being dangerous.” Another way in which the company is trying to ensure that its employees feel valued and respected is in the provision of free period care products. Brodie says, being based in Seddon about 20 minutes drive south of Blenheim, it’s not easy to pop down to the shops, so this was another way the company could ensure it provided a working environment which works for people. Brodie says Yealands has prided itself on its commitment to sustainability since its inception, achieving carbon neutrality from its very start. They are also making the most of the long sunny Marlborough days with 1,300 solar panels on the winery roof, and further upgrades underway. He says a recent staff survey showed that for many people Yealands’ commitment to sustainability had attracted them to work for the firm. Brodie says that helps Yealands attract the quality staff they have, and therefore has a great flow on effect on the wider success of the business. “I also have a big focus on mental health, and one thing we’ve learnt from Covid is we need to support each other, communicate with each other and normalise some of these issues.”
8 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Mānuka Collective Two in a row for collective The Mānuka Collective again took out the supreme award at the 2022 Apiculture New Zealand National Honey Competition, Kelly Deeks The Mānuka Collective is producing some of New Zealand’s best honey, taking out the supreme award at the 2022 Apiculture New Zealand National Honey Competition, as well as placing in half of the 22 award categories with seven gold and four silver awards. The win marks two in a row for The Mānuka Collective, which is always looking for improvement. Having taken out four gold medals in 2021 and two in 2019, The Mānuka Collective will enter again next year and is aiming for three in a row. The Mānuka Collective operations manager Jarved Allan says the awards confirm The Mānuka Collective is exporting a world class product. He says everyone in the business is taking real ownership of the awards and the high quality product they are producing. “They have a sense of pride and they understand it’s not all about exporting dairy and wine anymore, other food producing industries are starting to put their hands up. We’re punching above our weight down here in little old Timaru.” This award success follows more big news from The Mānuka Collective this year, when Timaru-based 100% Pure New Zealand Honey announced in February it was merging with Hamilton’s Three Peaks Mānuka Honey to form The Mānuka Collective. Jarved says the two companies combined have greater potential in the world market, as a bigger business can take on bigger customers, and the past six months have seen a worldwide increase in people wanting to buy honey. “People are looking at it as a natural health product, and will choose to have a teaspoon of honey a day instead of taking their vitamins.” While overseas, mānuka honey has always been seen and used as a natural medicine and since Covid, the average Kiwi has started to see it the same way. “It’s not just about a spread on your crumpet, it’s about general wellbeing. We’re taking the goodness of mānuka honey to the world, and we want to educate Kiwis as well.” While there is currently an oversupply of mānuka honey in the marketplace, Jarved says once the decks have been cleared in the coming 12 to 18 months, The Mānuka Collective wants to move forward as an industry and will start working to unite New Zealand’s honey supply chain so it can take on the global market collectively, to its full potential. “It’s a big world out there and we’ve all got our own markets, we’ve all got our own customers. We should be pushing together as a whole industry.” And it’s not just about mānuka. New Zealand has a diverse range of flora, and The Mānuka Collective has the option to try to sell these honeys overseas. “As 100% Pure New Zealand Honey, we always bought all our honey from independent beekeepers from all over New Zealand. We want to continue these relationships with independent beekeepers, who are also passionate about helping the industry grow even more. We want them to feel like they are part of the collective and help the industry.” “People are looking at it as a natural health product, and will choose to have a teaspoon of honey a day instead of taking their vitamins.”
| 9 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Heathstock Apiaries Kelly Deeks Sustainable producer bounces back Heathstock Apiaries is now regrowing its organic production with about half of its 1500 to 1600 hives certified organic, and more to come. Perriam & Partners Ltd Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors Proudly supporting Heathstock Apiaries Limited good advice is on the cards always North Canterbury honey producer Heathstock Apiaries has been recognised by the industry for its sustainable practices, taking out the ApiNZ Sustainability Best Practice Award at the 2022 Apiculture New Zealand National Conference. Heathstock Apiaries is a second generation family business, started near Hawarden in the Hurunui District by Bruce McCusker after his brother Ross gave him his first beehive as a wedding gift. Forty years and a thousand-odd beehives later, the strong family business and passion for beekeeping remains, now in the hands of Mark and Amy McCusker. Originally an entirely organic operation, Heathstock Apiaries had to decrease its number of organic hives when the invasive Varroa mite arrived in New Zealand in 2000 and quickly spread through the country. The Varroa mite is a devastating pest that feeds and reproduces on bee larvae and pupae in the developing brood, as well as transmitting viruses. “Varroa mite is still the biggest pest we have to manage,” Mark says. “If you’re not on top of that, you’re not going to have a strong hive.” The management of Varroa mite was initially too challenging to do organically, but now a new organic treatment technique is allowing Heathstock Apiaries to start converting the whole operation back to organic. The treatment uses oxalic acid in a new method, improving its performance to create a natural treatment that closely rivals the effectiveness of synthetic insecticide options. Heathstock Apiaries is now regrowing its organic production with about half of its 1500 to 1600 hives certified organic, and more to come. Mark says this year’s award gives Heathstock Apiaries recognition and positive reinforcement around its business practices, where quality hive management is prioritised over quantity of hives. ”We do everything we can to get a hive to perform, and for us that means we run two queens in every beehive.” This unconventional management technique was initiated by Bruce and Ross in the 1990s, when they were selling honeycomb into Japan. “The Japanese wanted every comb to be capped with honey, and in a one queen hive, the corners wouldn’t always get finished.” The introduction of a second queen would allow bees to produce a significantly higher crop, and get all of those combs capped. “Two queens works really well for us here in North Canterbury, where the micro-climate in the Waipara Gorge gives us fantastic breeding and hive build up sites. Two queens are more labour intensive and produce really strong hives for the summer honey flows, and then for the rest of the year we don’t have as many hives to manage. This is where efficiency allows us to be more sustainable.” This year Mark and Amy are expanding their sustainable practices with the installation of solar panels from Endless Energy on their extraction plant, which is running at peak in the height of summer. They are installing just enough panels to run their business as the return of excess power to the grid is unfortunately very uneconomical. As Heathstock Apiaries continues to grow, Mark and Amy have partnership opportunities available to honey producers and food manufacturers who want to work with an established organic brand.
10 | Connetics: Waterloo Business Park Karen Phelps Powering a cleaner, brighter future Connetics’ design and engineering solutions include overhead line design, electrical reticulation design, substation design, green grid design, smart cities and lighting design and construction. Sustainable focus - page 12 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT John 027 273 2480 Johnny 027 696 6758 www.contraxcentral.co.nz Landscaping • Horticulture • Viticulture • Land Development • Irrigation • Transport • Roading • Water • Mole Ploughing • Land Clearing Connetics sits within the Orion group and specialises in the design, construction and maintenance of overhead and underground lines and associated equipment provided for the delivery of utility and infrastructure services. Connetics has depots in Christchurch, Tawa and Cromwell, and two stores on the West Coast and in Paraparaumu. When combined with its design and engineering consultancy and supply and logistics capability, Connetics has a unique offering, says Connetics Chief Executive John Thompson. “We are rare in that our business spans from the design to delivery and maintenance. This means our clients benefit from our wider team working together.” Connetics’ design and engineering solutions include overhead line design, electrical reticulation design, substation design, green grid design, smart cities and lighting design and construction. The Connetics field services division provides contracting solutions for clients, including electricity distribution businesses, local bodies, industrial and commercial giants, and large-scale property developers. It is a specialist provider of procurement, warehouse management and logistical services to network utility and contracting companies throughout New Zealand. Connetics is involved in key projects in the Canterbury region including recently completing the electrical, associated civil, security and lighting upgrades for the Lyttelton Port dry-dock upgrade. Connetics also manages the fault response on behalf of Orion from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass. When windstorms hit earlier this year the Connetics team was busy helping Orion restore power to communities when lines were damaged. John says that Connetics’ capabilities and depth of experience come from its rich history as a key player in New Zealand’s electrical supply story. In recent times Connetics has played a pivotal role after the Christchurch earthquakes, New Zealand’s largest emergency response situation where power was cut to 75% of the city and the underground network and infrastructure were significantly damaged. Crews worked day and night to help restore power to Christchurch. John says it is an exciting time to be in the industry with new challenges arising as New Zealand shifts towards decarbonisation. He says that Connetics remains future-focused and is positioned well to adapt to the changing times. QUALITY POWER GENERATORS HIRE, SALES AND SERVICE OF www.qpower.co.nz 0800 230 400 . . . Whether you need emergency generation for a short-term fault, a large industrial backup power system or a regular service plan undertaken by specialist QPower technicians, QPower has a solution for you. QPower is proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated.
| 11 Connetics: Waterloo Business Park Connetics has been based in Waterloo Business Park at Rolleston since 2018 recognising that a move from its previous location in Hillsborough would give increased resilience in the event of a natural disaster. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT BRINGING SIMPLICITY TO COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION SINCE 2006 We offer the following specialised services South Island wide: • Slope retention works including rock and earth anchoring, grouting, shotcreting, retaining walls and blasting • Recreation and adventure construction • Large diameter rock drilling with laser alignment, 100mm – 2000mmwide, up to 15m deep • Commercial helicopter operations, management, lifting and sluicing • Timber and concrete structures, excavations and site works 027 281 2537 | hamish@hgmconstruction.co.nz | www.hgmconstruction.co.nz HGMConstruction is proud to have worked with Connetics for over 10 years Septic Tanks | Port A Loo Cleaning | Mud Sump Cleaning Irrigation Jetting | E uent Removal Hydro Excavation | Port A Loo Hire | Grease Trap servicing Wine Waste Removal | Event Suppliers 0800 752 553 o ce@sjallenholdings.co.nz www. s j al lenholdings .co.nz www.facebook.com/SJAllenHoldings
12 | Committed to sustainability Connetics has recently become a Toitū ‘net carbonzero’ certified organisation. Connetics: Waterloo Business Park REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mobile: 027 256 6248 Mobile: 027 256 6240 HIAB & SPECIALISED SERVICES LTD • ALL HIAB SERVICES • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • LIGHTPOLE ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATIONS • LIGHTPOLE RELOCATIONS • HYDRO EXCAVATION • POLE HOLES & TRENCHING • PLASMA CUTTING • ENGINEERING SERICES • SPECIALISED ROAD SWEEPING • GROUND SAW CUTTING 24/7 Callout: 0275 888 809 | www.suckitup.co.nz | suckitupltd@gmail.com | 2 Neeves Road, Kaiapoi • Septic Tank Cleaning • Drain Unblocking • Waste Removal • CCTV Drain Inspection • Root Cutting/Spraying • Surface Cleaning • Hydro Excavation • Spill Recovery • Air Excavation • Road Sweeping Focus on training - page 14 C onnetics remains committed to sustainability and, alongside Orion, has set an ambitious target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from FY20 emissions by 2030. Connetics Head of Finance and Digital Stephen Spence says that after identifying its fleet as the main area where improvements could be made Connetics has recently started investing in Smart Power Take Off (PTO) vehicles. A Smart PTO is an electric power take-off that uses batteries to supply power to the elevated work platform (EWP) to eliminate idling and reduce noise during operation. After an easy installation and simply connecting the unit to the hydraulic system, the Smart PTO is ready to go. This allows the vehicle to be turned off and therefore eliminates the carbon emissions caused by the high idling otherwise required to operate the EWP. Each Smart PTO vehicle saves more than 5 tonnes of carbon equivalent a year. Connetics has also recently become a Toitū ‘net carbonzero’ certified organisation. “To receive this certification, Connetics is independently audited annually, and we continually measure, manage, and reduce our carbon footprint in line with our reduction targets,” says Stephen. Connetics is also gearing up to install solar on the rooftop of their Waterloo Business Park Headquarters a project, which has been designed in-house by their team of specialist design engineers. With plans in place to replace their light fleet with plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, Connetics is showing how to walk the talk. “Everybody has a role to play to reduce carbon emissions,” says Stephen. “At Connetics, we are committed to continuing to work on sustainability initiatives that incorporate education and improving our ways of working. “We are excited to take this journey in a way that is transparent and backed by science.” Connetics’ unique offering with design and engineering, supply and logistics, and construction and maintenance services are also strengthened through their growing project management business unit based at its head office in Waterloo Business Park, Christchurch. The company has been based in Waterloo Business Park since 2018 recognising a move from its previous location in Hillsborough would give increased resilience in the event of a natural disaster. The new building is seismically strengthened, and the new location gives Connetics a better connection with its customer base within Christchurch, which stretches from the Waimakariri River to the Rakaia River. Connetics’ largest depot is conducted from Waterloo Business Park with smaller depots in both Tawa and Cromwell. Karen Phelps
| 13 BUILDING LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS www.subsurfacecivildrilling.co.nz AVAILABLE AT 9AM TO 6PM 03-354-8204 Herb: 0274 993 868 Email: herb@ssdl.co.nz Luke: 0274 993 080 Email: luke@ssdl.co.nz We are a company with a reputation for excellence, specialising in a range of services including directional drilling, thrust boring, pipe ramming, hydro and air spade excavation and open cut trenching. OUR SERVICES Establishing trusted long-term relationships with clients has been the foundation of Christchurch trenchless pipework installation company Subsurface Civil & Drilling’s success. “We are committed to providing services that meet or exceed our customer’s expectations,” says company owner Deane Herbert. To accomplish he says that Subsurface Civil & Drilling prioritises identifying customers’ needs and supplies to the agreed standard, every time. It works hard to enhance productivity through continuous improvement and places a high degree of importance on communication between all parties. A good example is its work for Connetics Limited, which was Subsurface Civil & Drilling’s very first contract when Dean started his company in 2000. Connetics was successful in securing part of the Telstra/Saturn contract to install a new telecommunications network in the Christchurch CBD as well as urban areas. The work delivered by Subsurface Civil & Drilling consisted of installing several continuous ducts, from 63mm to 110mm diameter, along with the installs of vaults and pedestals that were installed at most boundary lines. To cross the roads on this project pneumatic hammers (thrust boring machines) were used. It was the start of a successful relationship that has since seen Subsurface Civil & Drilling deliver a raft of services in an on-going manner including ground penetrating radar, service locates, hydro excavation works, open cut trenching and trenchless installations. Deane says that Subsurface Civil & Drilling’s reputation has seen it work throughout the South Island and it has established working relationship with Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council, Hurunui District Council, Selwyn District Council and SCIRT (Christchurch City Council Earthquake Rebuild) to name but a few. “We have very strict health and safety guidelines in place in order to conduct safe on-site practices and lessen the risk of damage to persons or property,” says Deane who has around 30 years industry experience. “We conform to legislative and regulatory requirements, including the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991, the Building Act 1991, Building Regulations 1992, and the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. This has helped us to secure these kinds of contracts and assist these clients in an on-going manner.” When Deane started Subsurface Civil & Drilling his vision was for a company, which would provide a professional one-stop trenchless installation service. His team has been an important factor in achieving this and Deane describes his people as loyal, hardworking and passionate about what they do. Subsurface Civil & Drilling staff carry a range of qualifications: First Aid, SiteSafe, ConstructSafe, CCC approved water installers, CCC approved PE welders, confined space, KiwiRail approved installers, EAC achieved installers of electricity and Dangerous Goods Licences (DG). In addition, the trenchless staff are all NZQA trained and certified in directional drilling, directional drilling tracking, pipe laying and as site supervisors. They also attend the most up-to-date trenchless mud schools in New Zealand for large pipe bore installs. Deane says that Subsurface Civil & Drilling also targets continuous improvement in health and safety standards. The company is a member of Civil Contractors New Zealand.
14 | Connetics: Waterloo Business Park REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Focus on training gets results Connetics CEO John Thompson and Rob van Groen Test/Protection Technician who won Overall Trainee of the Year and Advanced Trainee of the Year award last week at the Connexis Excellence Awards. “Your Canterbury-owned Construction Partner” www.higgsconstruction.co.nz . i i . . Proud to partner with Connetics with their infrastructure projects Connectics’ focus on training was recently evident at the 2022 Connexis Excellence Awards where Connetics employee Rob van Groen took out the Advanced Trainee of the Year and Overall Trainee of the Year titles. Connetics General Manager of Canterbury Operations Graham Fairbrass says Rob is described as highly efficient with a diverse skillset, a passion for learning and the ability to assist where able on almost any job. Rob completed his four-year apprenticeship programme in just 2.5 years and found his way to becoming an Electrical Supply Industry trainee after leaving school and switching jobs several times. What he loves most about his work is the constant change in the types of work and the learning of new equipment. “Considering competition was intense, the fact that we had three finalists from Connetics and that Rob was recognised as one of the industry’s upcoming stars was a real proud moment,” says Graham. Connetics employees John Harvey and Joe Natoli also took home awards for a series of cable jointing competitions and a team of Connetics line mechanics also competed over the three-day competition. The competition involved line mechanic crews and cable jointers from around the country pitting their skills against each other and in the process displaying the latest industry best practices and technological innovations. It’s not the first time that Connetics employees have won titles at the awards and Graham says Trenchless Services is an underground boring company that specialises in thrustboring. We also have truck and digger for hire. Getting you where you want to go underground. No job too big or small. • PVC Ducts • Water Pipes • Communication Ducts • Power Cables • Under Paths & Driveways • Undergroud Boring to 75mm O.D & 45mm O.D Steve Petersen Ph (027) 276-1070 | A/H (03) 323-6900 | trenchlessservices@xtra.co.nz TRENCHLESS BR MILLAR CONSTRUCTION Phone: 021 222 1552 Proud to be associated with Connetics for 20 years Karen Phelps PROUD TO SUPPORT CONNETICS WITH THEIR EXCAVATION NEEDS! PHONE WARREN 027 431 8709 10 WHEELED/TRACKED EXCAVATORS 2 HYDROVAX UNITS this demonstrates Connetics’ dedication to the training process and providing people with on-going opportunities to up skill and the ethos that it is important for people to never stop learning. “It also reflects the high quality and standard of our overall team and their dedication to doing a great job for our clients,” he says. “We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. We understand that a linear career pathway doesn’t suit everyone and that we need to provide a variety of learning opportunities to enable people to grow. Connetics holds positive relationships with education providers, industry partners, our shareholder Orion and our CCHL Group partners. “We are constantly working together to create opportunities for our people.” Connetics is currently recruiting for its next apprenticeship training intake in 2023. Graham says Connetics has people in house to mentor and support trainees throughout their apprenticeship. “We are very focused on bringing in the next generation and showing them the fantastic opportunities available.” It’s part of Connetics’ vision to lead the way in creating a new possible future for the industry. Graham says a key outcome includes that people are better off for being a part of Connetics and that this in turn helps transform the way the industry develops capability. “The future of the energy sector is bright and full of opportunities; you don’t have to spend time or money studying full time to land yourself a career in a well-paid and respected industry.”
| 15 Connetics: Waterloo Business Park REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Connetics is currently recruiting for its next apprenticeship training intake in 2023. SECURITY. FENCING. SOLUTIONS. kcfencesystems .co.nz We can help Security Fencing Security Gates (Hinged or Sliding) Compounds & Enclosures Repairs Razor Wire Tennis Court Fencing Safety Fencing Pool Fencing Call or Email us now Freephone 0800 4 A Fence (0800 423 362) Phone (03) 374-3510 327 Tuam Street, Christchurch info@kcfencesystems.co.nz TAURUS ENGINEERING LIMITED ENGINEERING SERVICING STAINLESS tauruseng.co.nz 03 381 5089 Unit 4 & 5, 200 Maces Road, Bromley, 8042 Proudly supporting Connetics Phone 03 353 5900 www.deemacservices.co.nz SERVICES INCLUDE: General cleaning Grounds maintenance Window cleaning Pressure washing Carpet & upholstery Flood & ire restoration One-o & special cleans Builders cleans GOLF TOURS WINERY TOURS SCENIC TOURS FISHING & HUNTING Proud to be associated with Connetics
16 | Cardinal Logistics: Waterloo Business Park REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Karen Phelps ‘Warehousing of the future’ arrives Cardinal will be incorporating the latest technology in its new Christchurch facility. ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR END OF LINE PACKAGING? Automate your end of line packaging using Signode’s pre-designed packaging stations. 29 Verissimo Drive, Mangere Auckland NZ 2022 | Phone: 0800 744 663 | Email: sales@signode.co.nz | www.signode.co.nz SIGNODE AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Manufacture load containment & protective packaging systems that have been engineered specifically for your application; systems that protect your products, streamline your production and improve your profits. THAT MEANS THAT SIGNODE: • Provide customers with the correct packaging materials to secure their products. • Design and build the special application equipment to apply these materials safely, efficiently and effectively. • Support all of the product applications with direct sales, technical and engineering resources, operator training, field maintenance and repair services. WE ARE SOCIAL The expansion of Cardinal Christchurch is mirroring growth in its Auckland operations. The Christchurch Cardinal facility in Waterloo Business Park offers a warehouse with space for 25,000 racked pallets plus a 3000sqm container yard and forms a key part of the company’s national network, says Cardinal chief executive officer Brendon Furness. “As we’ve grown we’ve needed to double the size of our operation in Christchurch to allow us to take care of significant customer partnerships,” explains Brendon. The third party logistics provider focuses on national FMCG and retail logistics contracts, taking care of clients’ needs nationwide from collecting product from ports, bringing containers to its warehouses for devanning and storage then delivering orders to the required destination. Covid-19 has accelerated Cardinal’s growth as FMCG and retail clients experienced a boom and also needed to hold more stock than normal to offset supply chain issues. Customers include Griffin’s, Unilever, Kimberly Clark, Asahi, Cadbury, Red Bull and Sealord. Further growth for Cardinal’s Christchurch operation is forecast as the company has just opened a new operation in East Tamaki, Auckland. Brendon says this has allowed Cardinal to fully fill its Christchurch warehouse and it is actively looking for a new site to further expand its footprint in Christchurch. The East Tamaki facility is located in Smales Road and takes Cardinal’s total pallet holding to 175,000 pallets. The site boasts a 10,000sqm area, holding 16,000 pallets. “It is a specialist site for full pallet movements and will house a number of our retail customers who require transfers back to their own plants or large DCs,” explains Brendon. Cardinal is moving into the latest technology in a new facility underway in Drury and which will also be applied to the new facility it is looking to build in Christchurch. The Drury operation is a massive 60,000-pallet warehouse and will incorporate an ASRS - automated storage and retrieval system. “This is new technology for New Zealand on this sort of scale,” says Brendon. “It’s very much the warehousing of the future and we are bringing it to New Zealand.” Rather than manual labour being used to undertake warehouse movements, the ASRS will utilise cranes and robots in a sophisticated system. A unique aspect will be a carton buffering system capable of holding 40,000 “This is new technology for New Zealand on this sort of scale. It’s very much the warehousing of the future and we are bringing it to New Zealand.” cartons. Called ‘goods to person’, a series of conveyor belts will take individual cartons to the person packing them as opposed to people operating forklifts to pick cartons to build a pallet. The system will be able to handle up to 400 cartons per hour compared with 120, which is the typical rate by manual labour. It will be solar powered meaning energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint. Other benefits include increased accuracy, less reliance on manual labour with industry wide labour shortages and health and safety advantages. “Carton buffering is really exciting,” says Brendon. “Due to our smaller store model in New Zealand, for example service stations, small supermarkets, dairies etc, there are a lot of small carton pick orders rather than big full pallets. Our high propensity of carton pick orders relative to other countries around the globe will make carton buffering particularly advantageous.” Cardinal was started in 1992 by Tony Gorton with a view to doing things differently. It now boasts an expansive network throughout New Zealand and a team of over 500 dedicated staff. Brendon says the company’s great customers have given it the platform to invest in automated warehouses of the future. “Maintaining the right portfolio of yard, warehouse and freight space for our customers, underpins our infrastructure investment decisions. “You need big scale to build facilities such as in Drury so while these are common globally they are not common in New Zealand. Through cutting-edge technology, purpose-built infrastructure, and a commitment to our clients’ success we aim to support them to do business confidently. “We will continue to focus on customer service, establishing deep partnerships and trying to get better every day.”
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