Volume 31 | Issue 5 | September 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Creating Communities For leadingCanterbury civil engineering company BGContracting the creation of newsubdivisions is like an art form. T PAGE 52
2 | Contents 36 | Designing dreams Architectural Designers New Zealand says a career in architecture has plenty to offer. 10 | Sweet success Organic honey producer TranzAlpine Honey is winnign plaudits for its honey and its export acumen. 73 | Riding high Gore company KeelowCraft is continuing to build on the success of its range of recreational jet boats. 10 73 36 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 Moke Apparel ............................................... 03 Glen Dene Station ........................................ 04 Aurora Energy .............................................. 06 Buller Electricity ............................................ 07 Alaron Products ........................................... 08 TranzAlpine Honey ...................................... 10 Makikihi Fries ............................................... 11 High Country Salmon .................................. 12 Clutha NZ ...................................................... 13 Hind Sudima Kaikōura................................. 14 Morton Property Group .............................. 18 Bellbird Developments ................................ 19 Ray White Morris & Co ................................ 20 Ngai Tahu Property ...................................... 21 Cooper Developments ............................... 22 HRS Construction ......................................... 25 Canterbury Property Investments Ltd....... 26 Tuapeka Gold Print ...................................... 28 Construction Solutions Central: ................. 30 Architectural Designers NZ ......................... 36 Barry Connor Design ................................... 37 Eco Workshop .............................................. 38 Coll Architecture ........................................... 40 David Todd Architectural Design ............... 41 Warnock Architecture .................................. 42 Theca Architecture ....................................... 44 Architecta ...................................................... 45 SUR Architecture .......................................... 46 Rafe Maclean Architects ............................. 48 Herriot Melhuish O’Neill Architects ........... 48 Athfield Architects ....................................... 50 SemiCreative ................................................. 51 BG Contracting ............................................. 52 Contour Roofing Nelson ............................. 55 Tim Yeo Contracting .................................... 56 NC Hire .......................................................... 58 Central Otago District Council .................... 61 Paramount Services .................................... 62 Parr & Co ....................................................... 64 E-Quip Engineering ...................................... 66 Forest Management Ltd .............................. 68 IFS Growth .................................................... 70 Waitomo Energy ........................................... 72 KeelowCraft .................................................. 73 OUR PARTNERS: Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 PO Box 2581, Wakatipu MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Nick Gormack nick@waterfordpress.co.nz Sub-editors Paul Mein, Randall Johnston Journalists Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Russell Fredric, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Sue Russell, Karen Phelps, Virginia Wright RESEARCH & MARKETING James Anderson, Sam Dart, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Chris McPhee, Colin Morais, Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Danielle Percival, Adam Shirra, Alasdair Thomson, Jane Watson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Nick King Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Andrea Benns, Patti Brown, Ann-Marie Frentz OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz Careys Bay Marine Services ........................ 74 Geoff Read Ltd.............................................. 76 BG Cooke Construction ............................... 79 Growcott Freer Property ............................. 80 South Projects .............................................. 82 Modulo .......................................................... 83 Cromwell Building Contractors .................. 84 Mike Greer Homes ....................................... 86 Homes Created ............................................ 88 Scott Construction Marlborough ............... 90 Infinite Energy NZ ........................................ 92 Kobe Construction ....................................... 93 Natural Habitat Homes ............................... 94 Natural Log Homes ...................................... 95 Nest Residential ........................................... 96 Fraemohs Homes ......................................... 97 Arvida Group ................................................ 98 The Sterling ................................................ 103 St Faith’s Church New Brighton................ 106 Oceans North Seafood .............................. 107
| 3 “We foresaw early, the emergence of the packable down jackets in the international market and wanted to be the first brand in New Zealand to offer fashion as well as function to the everyday consumer utilising bright colours and fashionable styles.” Thread of an idea leads to global success T Richard Loader The Moke label is renowned for its packable down category of outwear, where fashion meets functional styles at a very competitive price point. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Moke Apparel Oamaru based family owned and operated Moke Apparel is one of those truly inspirational Kiwi stories, where the thread of an idea leads to success both at home and on the world stage, delivering customers with a product that is just a little special. In 2013, Keith Stevens and his daughter Sarah Jennings identified an opportunity to service and stock independent retailers like small clothing and tourist stores with fashion garments that were also highly functional. “We felt there was big gap in quality and style for what was being offered in New Zealand’s tourist stores, compared to what was available in the larger retailers,” says Keith. “We foresaw early, the emergence of the packable down jackets in the international market and wanted to be the first brand in New Zealand to offer fashion as well as function to the everyday consumer utilising bright colours and fashionable styles.” As momentum built, Keith and Sarah were joined by other family members, each bringing their own unique skillsets to Moke. From concept to design to manufacture, the Moke label is renowned and anchored in the packable down category of outwear, where fashion meets functional styles at a very competitive price point. “We trace our down-fill and know we’re being supplied ethical pure duck and goose down from a reliable and approved resource. From a functional perspective, we were perhaps the earliest adopter of a reversable coat in full down, where the customer is essentially getting two coats in one. We’re finding that is really hitting the mark in our international markets like Australia and the UK.” Moke also produces very high quality rain jackets, soft shell jackets and in recent years has launched into loungewear. In the last 18 months Moke has experienced significant growth by entering into the Australian and UK market and an Australasian license agreement was signed this year to sell and distribute baby wear for the California based Rylee & Cru collective. The Rylee and Cru collective carries three brands that are growing internationally at a rapid pace — Rylee & Cru, Quincy Mae, and Nora Lee. “That licence and distribution agreement now makes up half of our turnover. We currently have a team in Melbourne exhibiting that brand at the Life & Style Trade Show. Our licensed brands of Rylee & Cru are all made from ethnically sourced and recyclable materials. Our Head Office and partners in San Diego are not only on-point trend wise but are also raising the bar with sustainability.” Moke has a proven model where its core styles evolve and are significantly influenced by the wants of end-consumers as to what comes next, style wise. “If you listen to the market and your buyers, and keep a good understanding of what’s being offered internationally you avoid not delivering what your customers want. You need to stay fresh and continue to try new things in a calculated way, while respecting and knowing who your customer is, without exploring too much uncharted territory.” A new line offered to Moke customers in 2023 will be Moke Lounge, which is a ladies lounge brand offering comfortable and fashionable styles using the same model of sourcing and development of sustainable and ethical yarn blends. “This will offer different yarn blends and fabrications,” says Keith. “A key point of marketing this product will be the sustainability aspect and properties of the materials.” Phone: 03 466 5062 25 Mailer Street, Mornington, Dunedin www.yardleylo.co.nz Dunedin: 25 Mailer Street, Mornington www.yardleylo.co.nz Helping your business stack up Yardley Lo Specialise in a range of Accounting services - from Farm Accountancy to Tax solutions. Get in touch with the team today! When you work with us, you’re backed by a team with expertise in legal skills and subsets right across the board. We believe having lawyers from different walks of life matters too, along with experience in different businesses and industry sectors. When these elements are brought together, we can match you with a lawyer who is a good fit for you, a person who has the same fundamental goals in life. 20 Wear Street, Oamaru deanlaw.co.nz +64 3 434 5128 office@deanlaw.co.nz Briar Philip Solicitor Carol Robertson Director Emma Middlemass Senior Associate Ben Coleman Director Kayla McLellan Solicitor
4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Glen Dene Station: Cross Hill Lodge and Domes Project Domes with postcard views a hit T T Hugh de Lacy Sarah and Richard Burdon’s Cross Hill Lodge and Domes offers glamping and hunting experiences on the 6250ha Glen Dene Station. New Zealand’s open to visitors, and the luxurious Cross Hill Lodge and Domes, offering glamping and hunting experiences on the 6250ha Glen Dene Station in the Otago high country, are getting a surge of business more than a year after they were built. The six domes, on part of the 15ha Cross Hill camping ground on the Hawea Flats that Glen Dene leases from the Lakes District Council, are serviced by a central lodge jointly run by a chef and a host, providing high country hospitality along with superb dining and the chance to hunt or just explore the stunning surrounding mountain scenery and farm. Marketed as Cross Hill Lodge, “It’s a different concept from staying in a hotel,” Glen Dene owner Richard Burdon says. “People just love I t.” The domes and lodge were built while New Zealand and the world were in the grip of the Covid pandemic that had gutted the New Zealand tourism industry until the re-opening of the borders earlier this year. The domes themselves were supplied by an American company, Pacific Domes Inc, launched in 1979 by Asha Deliverance, who fabricated her first geodesic dome on an ancient Singer sewing machine. A family-owned company based in Ashland, Oregon, Pacific Domes went into full production of Deliverance’s designs in the 1980s after finding world-wide demand for them. Asha developed her domes after studying ancient Vedic philosophers and the work of the multi-faceted American architect, systems theorist, author, designer, inventor, philosopher and futurist R. Buckminister Fuller (1895-1983). Pacific Domes supplied Cross Hill with the basic dome structures, and local contractors put them together with built-in bathrooms and full plumbing. “The domes come as a shell, and we commission local architects to design the interiors and bathrooms,” Richard says. Each dome covers an area of 40m2, offset by a 30m2 deck from which to appreciate the surrounding vistas. Floor-to-ceiling windows let the guests sleep under the stars, then awake to the glorious sun-rises. The lodge at the centre of the cluster of domes is where guests are first greeted by a host with a traditional high-country cuppa, and to whom they can outline their plans for their stay. “It’s a different concept from staying in a hotel. People just love it.....Guests at Cross Hill Lodge and Domes become part of our high-country family.” Located on the Haast Pass-Makarora Road near Lake Hawea, the central lodge is where guests take their breakfasts and dinners – and, if they feel so inclined, a massage. Beyond the lodge and domes lies the vast scenic playground of Glen Dene Station where guided hunting tours offer a range of game from chamois and deer to wild pigs. Guests also get to see the station’s grassbased farming operations, revolving round the 2500 Headwater ewes and 1000 hoggets, the 1000 breeding hinds and 350 Black Angus cows, as well as the additional block in South Otago that carries a further 500 ewes, 190 calves and 1100 mixed-age velveting and venison stags. The station also harvests manuka homey, and carbon credits provide a further revenue stream. Though Cross Hill Lodge and Domes are managing a surge in inquiries since the opening up of the borders, not all problems caused by the Covid pandemic are behind it. “There’s still a severe shortage of skilled labour and it’s been very difficult finding staff,” Richard says. But New Zealand, and the Otago high country in particular, seem to have lost nothing of their attraction to especially American hunters and tourists. Tariffs range from $450 to $700 a night, and most inquiries and bookings come on-line through Cross Hill Lodge and Domes’ website, and its email address stay@crosshill.co.nz. “Guests at Cross Hill Lodge and Domes become part of our high-country family,” Richard says. Floor-to-ceiling windows let the guests sleep under the stars.
| 5 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Glen Dene Station: Cross Hill Lodge and Domes Project Beyond the lodge and domes lies Lake Hawea and the vast scenic playground of Glen Dene Station where guided hunting tours offer a range of game from chamois and deer to wild pigs. www.breen.co.nz Thank you to Glen Dene Station for allowing us to build these unique geo-domes. We really enjoyed this project. Silage & baleage Hands-on arable farming experience Minimum tillage, optimum cultivation, moisture retention, seeding, harvesting Cutting edge, top-performance machinery Cereals, brassica & grass Maximise your yield Latest GPS technology 230 Mt Barker Rd, Wanaka greentogold@xtra.co.nz 027 221 9501 GREEN TO GOLD LTD SPECIALISTS IN ARABLE CONTRACTING Proud to be associated with Glen Dene Station MAKE THE MOST FROMYOUR LAND Whatever you’re trying to achieve, our complete Performance Agronomy™ solutions take your unique land, resources and environment into account. To find out more go to catalystag.co.nz Tavendale and Partners is a leading New Zealand law firm with an unrivalled understanding of the country's most important primary industries. We are proud to support Glen Dene Station. www.tp.co.nz | you+us@tp.co.nz | +64 3 374 9999 For all your earthworks requirements P. 0274 691 069 E. info@idig.co.nz www.idig.co.nz
6 | ENERGY Aurora Energy: NZ Energy Awards Community focus impresses judges T Kim Newth The technically challenging project involved replacing six old lattice towers and overhead lines between Port Chalmers and Portobello with new submarine cables. Aurora Energy’s community focussed approach impressed the judges at the recent 2022 New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards. New Zealand’s seventh largest electricity network by customer connections picked up two awards for their outstanding Harbour Crossing project. The judges were impressed with how Aurora Energy had incorporated community feedback while also delivering on economic, technical and safety outcomes, as well as creating tourism, commercial and environmental benefits for the region. Winning national awards in both the ‘Network Initiative of the Year’ and ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ categories is an achievement that Aurora Energy has been proud to share with its community. The ambitious, technically challenging project involved replacing six old lattice towers and overhead lines between Port Chalmers and Portobello with new submarine cables. Innovative thinking to find a new technical solution and community collaboration were key drivers behind the project’s success. Aurora Energy Chief Executive Richard Fletcher says the upgrade work has not only improved security of electricity for residents, but also brought wider benefits for shipping, tourism and wildlife by clearing a passageway for birdlife and commercial vessels. “We worked in partnership with mana whenua, the Island Keeper on Quarantine Island/Kamau Taura, Port Otago, University of Otago’s Marine Studies Centre, the Department of Conservation, Dunedin City Council, a resident in Port Chalmers who was very happy to have a tower removed from his garden, and the wider community when planning this project, and they all supported it.” While replacing the assets like for like would have been the easier solution, he says community engagement had paved the way to the best engineering solution on this once in a lifetime project. Another way in which Aurora Energy is demonstrating its community focus is its commitment to find partners to help drive Aotearoa’s efforts towards a decarbonised energy future. As the local electricity distribution network for Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and Dunedin, Aurora Energy is looking hard at their role in the electrification of the economy and what they need to do now to service changing communities’ needs. Local commu- “We worked in partnership with mana whenua, the Island Keeper on Quarantine Island/Kamau Taura, Port Otago, University of Otago’s Marine Studies Centre, the Department of Conservation, Dunedin City Council ... and the wider community when planning this project, and they all supported it.” nities are moving fast towards new uses of technology, such as driving electric vehicles and generating their own electricity. In a New Zealand first, Aurora Energy has partnered with a local solar energy specialist, solarZero, to support their Wānaka and Upper Clutha customers with an affordable option to install solar panels and a smart battery to their homes. It enables Aurora Energy to defer spending of up to $25 million on upgrading power lines from Cromwell to Wānaka, as well as fast tracking the use of technology that could help New Zealand meet its climate change goals. Aurora Energy plans to extend their use of such non-network solutions – those that do not involve poles and lines – in the Upper Clutha and beyond. As Dr Fletcher observes, this not only delays spending on traditional electricity infrastructure but also helps keep prices more affordable for consumers. Aurora is part of the South Island Distribution Group that is currently looking at the future of electricity distribution management, including how non-network solutions could be used in future as part of a network management mix. For all your electrical contracting and servicing requirements: 0800 768 9300 | electronet.co.nz Central Otago West Coast Tasman Taranaki Proud to partner with Aurora Energy for the Harbour Crossing Project.
| 7 T Karen Phelps BEL Chief Executive Clark Nelson says that BEL’s vision is to build Buller’s community through energy, service and technology. ENERGY Buller Electricity As a major factor in the facilitation of economic growth in the Buller District, Buller Electricity Limited (BEL) is proud to be owned by the Buller consumers. The local electricity distribution company supplies 4790 consumers located in a distribution area extending from Meybille Bay in the south (5km north of Punakaiki), to Karamea in the north. Much of the distribution area covered is rural incorporating significant dairy and beef farming, with the main population being based in the Westport township. Coal mining at the Stockton opencast mine continues to be a major employer and electricity consumer in the region. BEL Chief Executive Clark Nelson says that BEL’s vision is to build Buller’s community through energy, service and technology. It does this by leveraging innovative technology and building partnerships to maximise sustainable value and supporting the community in any way possible. A good example is BEL’s sponsorship including an annual scholarship programme identified as the Buller Electricity Scholarship Trust. The Buller Electric Power Board and Buller Electricity Limited celebrated providing 50 years of service to the people of the Buller on 11 December 1997. To commemorate this achievement the company established the scholarship, which was offered for the first time in 1999. The aim is to assist students from the Buller region to attend university and obtain qualifications of relevance to the electricity industry. Clark says numerous scholarships are awarded each year providing Buller’s young people with great opportunities. BEL also sponsors many other community initiatives such as being the naming rights sponsor of the Pulse Energy Recreation Centre and the Karamea Pulse Energy Centre. It has also sponsored the Buller Civic and Sporting Awards via Pulse Energy for a number of years. Established in 1947 BEL is owned by its consumers via the Buller Electric Power Trust. While its core activity is electricity distribution, Buller Electricity also operates an electrical contracting business, Electro Services Limited, and is a significant owner of the electricity retailer Pulse Energy Limited. Electro Service Limited offers expertise in all areas of electrical work including domestic/commercial/industrial wiring systems, refrigeration and heat pumps, electrical inspections and industrial power control systems. It offers an urgent on-call after hours repair service to ensure Buller’s commercial and industrial sector can operate efficiently. Clark says future proofing the BEL network is a key focus with significant weather events on the rise and the imminent possibility of shifts in the Alpine fault line. This has included reviewing the seismic strength rating on its buildings, ensuring assets are performing optimally and are as protected as possible in weather events and putting more resilience into the network across the Buller River. Contingencies are also in place for such events, for example Karamea has backup generators. Buller Electricity has also seen the impact in the community from recent weather events and the direct impact this has had on its own staff’s wellbeing. The company has provided support to staff through several initiatives including a wellbeing program with the aim that it will be run internally by staff in the future. Clark says more people are moving to the Future proofing a focus Future proofing the BEL network is a key focus with significant weather events on the rise and the imminent possibility of shifts in the Alpine fault line. region but BEL is unique in that it delivers to a widespread and smaller customer base than is the case in New Zealand’s larger cities. A current challenge is proposed changes to Transpower’s pricing methodology, which could have a direct impact on Buller consumers. Clark says that BEL is committed to doing everything it can to ensure fair treatment of its consumers.BEL employs a team of around 50 making it a significant employer in the region. Clark says that BEL takes great pride in its position in Buller and recognises its importance to the local community. J.A. Russell Ltd ELECTRICAL & DATA SUPPLIERS Proudly supporting Buller Electricity 03 789 6300 www.jarussell.co.nz westport@radcliffe.co.nz
8 | Alaron Products REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Global demand behind rapid growth T T Hugh de Lacy Alaron’s services include manufacturing capability for a wide range of products, especially in the nutraceutical, skin-care and dietary supplement categories. The huge overseas demand for natural health products, combined with the trust that overseas marketers and consumers have in the quality of New Zealand’s manufacturing processes, are the factors driving the rapid growth of Nelson company Alaron Products. The 100% New Zealand-owned and operated company exports around 90% of the natural health tablets, capsules, powder-blended and freeze-dried products, creams and gels, tonics and syrups its 237 staff produce at its Nelson factory. Alaron’s services include manufacturing capability for a wide range of products, especially in the nutraceutical, skin-care and dietary supplement categories. And despite the ravages of Covid, blistering inflation and supply-line holdups, Alaron’s continuing growth over the last two years in particular was a key element of its winning earlier this year the Best-in-Business crown at the Nelson Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. The awards acknowledge examples of business innovation, growth and sustainability in the Nelson/Tasman region. Alaron’s General Manager of Business Development, Claire Quin, suspects it was the company’s persistent growth through the upheavals in the global economy that particularly caught the judges’ eye. “That growth is a combination of factors really,” Claire says. “Globally there’s a really big focus around health and well-being. “Supplements are a really great way to support general health and well-being for people with busy, stressful lives. “That demand combines with the quality of our manufacturing processes in New Zealand, and the trust that that inspires especially in overseas product marketers. “Our regulatory and licensing systems reassure brand owners and marketers that they can come here to have products made, especially for markets like Asia. “We’re a contract manufacturer by design, and we manufacture products on behalf of brand marketers. “We don’t market or promote any of our own products – we make them for other people.” Alaron’s products, under the brands of the company’s customers, are distributed world-wide, including the United States, Asia, Europe, South-east Asia and Australia. The home market is smaller but steadily growing. Underpinning the company’s credibility and integrity, and those of the wider New Zealand natural health products sector, is the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification that is based on international standards and is administered in New Zealand by Medsafe under the direction of the Ministry of Health. Alaron Products was one of the first companies in the New Zealand natural health products sector to gain the GMP certification that it has held for more than 20 years. Alaron was a founding member of the industry body Natural Health Products New Zealand (NPHNZ), and is a member of Cosmetics New Zealand and the New Zealand Society of Cosmetics Manufacturers. The company is now one of the largest natural health product manufacturers in the country, and its growth is reflected in the wider sector. Already that sector brings in $2.3b in annual revenues, and NPHNZ says the growing worldwide demand “reflects a growing desire for affordable, effective and holistic healthcare options that complement or replace pharmaceutical products.” Claire Quin endorses that, saying that natural health products are very much an emerging sector in New Zealand. “It’s a sector that’s growing especially by giving greater availability to unique New Zealand ingredients, backed by great science, that have been converted into products sought globally,” says Claire.” This is illustrated by the fact that while most of Alaron’s output is exported, most of the company’s clients are based in Australasia. “Our regulatory and licensing systems reassure brand owners and marketers that they can come here to have products made, especially for markets like Asia. We’re a contract manufacturer by design, and we manufacture products on behalf of brand marketers.” timmillerplumbing.co.nz 0800 PLUMBING merv@timmillerplumbing.co.nz 03 547 4532
| 9 Alaron Products REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Alaron’s products, under the brands of the company’s customers, are distributed world-wide, including the United States, Asia, Europe, South-east Asia and Australia. test • Supplier of Pharmaceutical and food Machinery • Speciality Materials (Including Empty Hard Shell Capsules) • Contract Stability Sample Storage • Contract R&D (Concept to Market) • Technical Services PROUD TO SUPPORT ALARON PRODUCTS LIMITED Phone: +64 9 278 9495 / +64 9 278 9496 / +64 9 278 9497 | info@biotecsolutions.co.nz 78 Ascot Road, Mangere, Auckland 2022 | www.biotecsolutions.co.nz Forklift Sales • Hire & Leasing • Repairs & Service • Forklift Safety Battery Sales & Servicing • Tyre Services • Warehouse Equipment 03 547 8169 www.momentumequipment.co.nz 10-74 Quarantine Rd, Nelson Proudly supporting Alaron Products
10 | REGIONAL NEWS TranzAlpine Honey Award sweet for honey producer TranzAlpine Honey was one of the first companies to be certified organic in 1993 when the BioGro certification was developed in NZ. T T Virginia Wright As its name suggests TranzAlpine Honey’s beehives can be found from the East Coast to the West Coast of the South Island and all along the route between. The same route taken on the scenic rail journey offered by its namesake the TranzAlpine Express. One of only nine organic honey producers in New Zealand out of a total of 6000 honey producers, TranzAlpine Honey has just won this year’s New Zealand Business Excellence in Export Award, which Yuriy Soshnikov sees as recognition of their successful penetration into the niche market for organic honey. Yiriy says they use a labour-intensive system of beekeeping “using no chemicals, and no heat treatment of honey, so it’s honey as raw as it can be when produced by organic producers”. “I don’t know what other companies do or don’t do but for us, we’re not corporate and we’re not owned by overseas investors, but as a small family business we export our honey pretty much around the world, including in some of the largest markets like the US and Asia. Our systems are well-developed and we’re growing every year. “The Newton family began honey production in 1910 as a hobby, catching wild swarms and using the bees to produce honey for themselves. The operation grew, and so did the family. “It’s a large family as well. Derek Newton is a fourth-generation beekeeper and my wife is his step-daughter,” says Yuriy. With Yuriy and Victoria now the fifth generation running the business, they’re producing and exporting organic honey to 28 countries around the world. Before the varroa mite arrived in New Zealand many honey operations were naturally organic but dealing with the mite means using chemicals or a lot of extra work as Yuriy explains. ‘We’re one of the few operators who continued. We had high losses of bees, but we manage by increasing our workload by around 30% compared to what it was before. We were one of the first companies to be certified organic in 1993 when the BioGro certification was developed in New Zealand using the European model.” While the varroa mite poses no threat to the consumer or to the honey itself it’s lethal to successful bee breeding. There are organically approved measures, such as the oldest and most well-known method using oxalic acid whether in strips or by fumigating, which can be done at a particular point in the honey producing cycle. The newest methods involve isolating the queens and managing the broodless period to “... we’re not corporate and we’re not owned by overseas investors, but as a small family business we export our honey pretty much around the world ...” protect the larvae from the mite at the crucial time in their life cycle. Whatever the method, producing honey organically now involves checking the hives every 10 days during spring and autumn when the bees are most vulnerable. Being organic also means that TranzAlpine Honey must have certificates from farmers within a five kilometre radius of their hives confirming that the bees haven’t been exposed to pesticides when pollinating their crops. It feeds directly into their choice of locations for their hives. “We don’t collect organic honey around mid-Canterbury, most of it comes from Banks Peninsula, North Canterbury high country, and the West Coast. We select remote areas with no cropping and not much farming, at the most there might be some high-country grazing,” says Yuriy. “It doesn’t mean that there’s never any chemicals used there, but that during the honey harvest time there’s been no exposure, and there are some chemicals you can’t have any exposure to even in the off-season.” They export around 80% of their honey, sell online, and supply to other producers such as organic ice-cream producers or bakeries. With around 2000 beehives in operation, which last year produced just over 70,000 kg’s of honey, and their production growing yearon-year by between 10% and 13%, TranzAlpine Honey has no intention of resting on its laurels. Large conventional honey producers such as those run by big corporations with 30,000 to 40,000 beehives may average 25 kg’s per hive, whereas TranzAlpine Honey expect at a minimum 50 kgs per hive. “We’re always thinking about how to increase production, looking for better locations for our hives. We shift hives from one location to another to follow the harvest, we’re proactive so we can collect double harvest from the same hives.” With the Export Excellence Award safely tucked away they’re now in the second round of the New Zealand International Business of the Year 2022. “It’s one of New Zealand’s biggest awards and if we got that it would be a big achievement for us,” says Yuriy. TranzAlpine Honey will find out whether they’re the winner of that award later this year at a ceremony to be held in Auckland in October. C H A R T E R E D A C C O U N T A N T S Hooker Associates Limited Proudly supporting Tranzalpine Honey for all their accounting & business consulting advice. Hooker Associates Limited - Chartered Accountants 4 Bounty Street, Christchurch | Phone: 03 374 5448 E-mail: info@hookerca.co.nz | www.hookerassociates.co.nz
| 11 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Makikihi Fries No secret to award-winning fries T T Russell Fredric Simon and Jazzmin Bleeker’s Makikihi Fries won gold at the 2022 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards. Makikihi Fries newest owners Simon and Jazzmin Bleeker were in the right place at the right time to reap the rewards of their family’s legacy and vision for the South Canterbury business. This year Makikihi Fries scooped gold at the 2022 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards for their unique 2 Scoops of Jacket Fries as well as being a finalist in this year’s ARA Business Excellence awards. Simon and Jazzmin, who are in their early 30’s, took over the company late last year and although the succession had been wellplanned, it was a very hectic time and the change “pretty dramatic”, Simon says. “I’ve been helping run the business for the last five years or so,” Simon says. It is the first time the business had been entered into any awards and the result came as a complete surprise. “We are very proud of what we do. We were stoked, I couldn’t believe it.” In addition to being able to benchmark the business against others, the awards provided the opportunity to network with people in the wider business community, he says. The secret to the success of 2 Scoops of Jacket Fries is actually no secret. Makikihi Fires exclusively uses Agria potatoes and the great flavour is achieved by frying them skin-on in good-old-fashioned beef dripping for a full flavour. “It really reflects every flavour you can get out of that Agria. We try and retain as much natural flavour as we possibly can in our fries, you can taste it straight away. I love them, it’s a lovely taste.” All Makikihi fries are made from Agria potatoes because, as well as their consistent oval shape and being ideal for roasting and chipping, they have an appealing golden flesh and skin. The foundation of the company is the classic story of a Dutchman emigrating from Holland with next to nothing and creating a thriving business through hard work and enterprise, Simon says. Simon and Jazzmin are the third generation in the family business which was started in 1983 by Simon’s grandfather Jac Bleeker, who emigrated from Holland in 1952. Jac began growing potatoes for other manufacturers and when the factory he had built for a crisp producer in Makikihi became empty Jac decided to start making french fries. His son Mark, Simon’s father, took over the factory operation and also grew potatoes, while Jac’s other son Jeffrey supplied potatoes and became the sole supplier until the grower base was eventually diversified to spread risk and to ensure the security of the business. Today, Makikihi Fries employs 17 staff and runs three trucks. While its products are predominantly sold through various outlets in the South Island such as supermarkets, stores, fish and chip shops and restaurants, they are available nationwide in supermarkets and through wholesale distributors. “We are definitely making inroads in the food service sector in the North Island.” It seems the provenance of even the humble potato fry is important to some and it is very satisfying to dine at a restaurant and see Makikihi Fries specifically highlighted on a menu, Simon says. “We don’t want to be the biggest we just want to be the best.” “We are very proud of what we do. We were stoked, I couldn’t believe it.” Proud to be the preferred refrigeration contractor to Makikihi Fries Dedicated to Temperature Maintenance Email: office@atr.co.nz Address: 14 Norwood Street, Timaru Mobile: 027 2848 345 Telephone: 03 688 7311 - 24hr phone Andy Turner - Managing Director 85 Meadows Road, Washdyke, Timaru • All your Industrial and Commercial Refrigeration needs • Milk Silo refrigeration needs • Preventative Maintenance Programs • Industrial Commercial HVAC Maintenance Programs Smarter Electrical Solutions COMMERCIAL • INFRASTRUCTURE • FARM & DAIRY 0800 DSE 247 | WWW.DESSCOTT.NZ | OFFICE@DESSCOTT.NZ Proudly supporting Makikihi Fries
12 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT High Country Salmon New shop, palate pleasers on show T T Russell Fredric High Country Salmon’s Richard and Margaret Logan hold some chinook salmon. Silver success and recognition of environmentally responsible practices is not all High Country Salmon has achieved over the past year. A brand new fish shop and two new smoked-and-cured palate tempters are pointing to High Country Salmon’s sustainable growth and confidence in preparation for the upcoming post-pandemic tourist season. With tourist numbers gradually increasing, business operations manager Tracey Gunn says it is exciting to see long-held plans to upgrade and expand the retail side of the business coming to fruition. “We have a beautiful looking shop that will allow us to sell all of our current salmon products, plus we’re going to have a serve-over so, some of our products on ice, we’ll be able to make up kebabs and other options.” The chinook salmon product range is also being expanded to offer a variety of sea food. “In the past month we have seen an increase in foot traffic on-site which is good to see and it will only increase once the borders open at the end of July.” One of High Country Salmon’s smoked-andcured creations, Beetroot Cold Smoked Salmon, achieved silver at the 2022 Outstanding NZ Food Producer awards. The smoked-and-cured range is produced in collaboration with The Wee Smokehouse near Geraldine. One of the two new offerings is honey and thyme hot smoked salmon which was created following a customer request for a refined sugar free option, Tracey says. “We’ve got a local honey company, Swarming Sons, and we use their honey; that’s used in the brine and the glaze on top of the salmon and then it’s smoked with oak wood. The other new palate- pleaser is truffle cold smoked salmon which is sprinkled with truffle zest - a combination of black summer truffle, carob powder and salt. “It’s got a really lovely truffle flavour so if you’re a truffle fan it’s next-level amazing.” These and the other variations available highlight the versatility of salmon which goes way beyond what many might traditionally consider, Tracey says. “Salmon is suited to sweet, salty salty, spicy and earthy, as we’ve discovered. It does lend itself to quite a few flavour profiles.” High Country Salmon also sells fresh salmon in a variety of cuts and fillets including sashimi and steak fillets, hampers, gift packs and salmon caviar either online or for pick-up, while sushi and sashimi lunchtime deliveries into Twizel are also offered. While the addition of the new retail area is a big step, there are more plans in the pipeline. “It’s the first step of many, we’ve got heaps more improvement plans to implement over the next few years.” High Country Salmon won the Sustainability and Environmental Award at last year’s South Canterbury ARA Business Excellence Awards. Forest & Bird’s “Best Fish Guide” has endorsed freshwater salmon farming in the Mackenzie District hydro canals specifically as the most sustainable form of salmon farming and is the only farmed fin-fish regarded as a “Green light – Good Choice”. The company also operates under Aquaculture New Zealand A+ guidelines. Independent endorsements like these are not only important to the company, but crucially creates trust and confidence with consumers, Tracey says. Mid-Canterbury. 437 Baxters Road, RD5, Ashburton 021 135 4099 • theweesmokehouse@gmail.com • theweesmokehouse.nz Specialising in Smoked Salmon Traditional Smoked Goods Proud to support High Country Salmon Meet Sidekick. A xed-fee accounting and advisory service like you’ve never seen before. 0800 SK TIMARU | sidekickca.co.nz Be more successful.
| 13 REGIONAL NEWS Clutha NZ Final section of Gold Trail nears completion The Clutha Gold Trail stretches 73 kilometres from the Roxburgh Hydro Damn, down to Millers Flat, to Beaumont and through to the picturesque township of Lawrence T T Richard Loader The final section of the Clutha Gold Trail is due to be completed in the first quarter of next year, extending the existing fabulous cycling and walking experience by 63 kilometres, and bringing with it many benefits and opportunities to the wider Clutha community. The current Clutha Gold Trail embraces 73 kilometres of highly scenic countryside from the Roxburgh Hydro Damn, down to Millers Flat, to Beaumont and through to the picturesque township of Lawrence, the seat of the 1881 Otago Gold Rush. The section currently under development takes walkers and cyclists from Lawrence through to Lake Waihola, New Zealand’s most inland tidal lake. Linda Moore, Chief Executive of Clutha Development, the agency responsible for economic development and regional tourism for the Clutha District, says the trail will add to the region’s visitor experience, opening up options to visit other parts of Clutha including the Catlins. “When you arrive in Lawrence there’s an opportunity to really discover the town where the Otago Gold Rush commenced. Gabriel’s Gully was where the first nuggets were discovered in 1861. We’re doing some work looking at what Gabriel’s Gully could be, and what experience we could recreate when it was abuzz with gold mining. There was a Chinese gold mining camp just out of Lawrence, which is now being restored. There is also some wetland development there now. Then of course there are the beautiful heritage buildings in Lawrence township itself.” Heading towards Waitahuna from Lawrence, the railway station is currently being restored and will become a museum, café and accommodation. “Cycling through the Manuka Gorge there’s a new tunnel called Round Tunnel and then you have things like Mount Stuart and the Manuka Gorge Tunnel. The whole trail is very scenic. When you go from the Manuka Gorge to Milton there are a couple of fancy new bridges that have been built. Milton itself was home to the Bruce Woollen Mill. Established in 1897, it burned down four years later and was completely rebuilt in 1923. Calder Stewart Industries are based just out of Milton and have developed a section of the trail themselves. The trail finishes off with some nice board walk around Lake Waihola. Surrounding Lake Waihola are the Sinclair Wetlands.” Apart from its outstanding scenic beauty and brimming with historic gems, the trail is Grade Two – defined as mostly flat with some gentle climbs on smooth track with easily avoidable obstacles such as a rocks and potholes. On top of that, the advent of E-bikes — easily the most prevalent mode of two-wheeled transport seen on these trails — brings the trails within realistic reach of a far wider range of people, and that is really what it’s all about; making the gems of the Clutha accessible. “We’re profiling the district as a great place to live and work, because there are a lot of jobs on offer as well,” says Linda. “If a visitor does the trail and likes the look of Clutha, they might become a resident and work here, and that’s a win-win. The trail is also good for the local community too. Plenty of local people go out and cycle or walk the trails. It’s really good when you have a community that leads a project, which is what has happened with this Gold Trail. There has been a passionate group of local residents and farmers who’ve spent the last few years making it happen. To have the community behind you is very important. With the opening of the trail planned for March we’ve run some workshops and were pleasantly surprised with the number of people turning up with ideas of what they could offer, including unique wee cottages and farm tours.” “Cycling through the Manuka Gorge there’s a new tunnel called Round Tunnel and then you have things like Mount Stuart and the Manuka Gorge Tunnel. "Aim for perfection, settle for excellence" Rural & Civil Drainage, Roading & Earthworks since 1965 CALL GREG - 0800 4 EARTHWORKS More than just contracting For the last three years the dedicated team at WKC Construction have been busy building an enduring legacy that they can all be rightly proud of well into New Zealand’s future. After spending nearly eighteen months developing 30 kilometres of the seriously breathtaking and magical Lake Dunstan cycle and walking trail, WKC Construction were engaged to complete 25 kilometres of the second leg of the Clutha Gold Trail, which runs from Lawrence through to Lake Waihola. The track, which is due to open this Christmas, has so far taken the WKC team 24 months of careful planning and work, to provide a high-quality nish for riders and walkers alike. “We’re very much specialists in building these cycle trails now,” says Managing Director Greg Keen. “We love the work and we will just keep following the cycle trails — there are still plenty to develop. I love the technical challenge and variety and we’re building a legacy. Our team are part of that legacy and that’s what they enjoy about it too. There’s also a lot of liaison with the general public and land owners. It’s very rewarding work. Every time you see someone they stop and say you’re doing a fantastic job, and can’t wait to ride the trail.” Greg explains that track development typically involves a lot of earthworks; cutting the side out of hills, then cutting the trail into the hill and installing retaining walls at the base. “There’s also drainage work with culverts to build. A rock subbase goes down which is overlaid with a crushed AP20 topcoat that the cyclists ride on. There’s also a lot of quarry work involved. We’re breaking out and screening rock for suitable subbases and top coats. The work also involves replacing old fences with new fences. We build the smaller bridges and still have eight, ten and twenty metre bridges to do for the Clutha Gold trail. We build concrete paths, fords and retaining walls. Lake Dunstan had 760 metres of retaining wall to build.” Greg says a dedicated team, attention to detail, strong project management and a passion for the work have been the four cornerstones of success for Milton based WKC Construction. “You de nitely have to be passionate about the work and the guys are. They love what they’re doing and we’re leaving a legacy. A lot of passion and pride goes into it. These guys are high performers who love doing a good job. It is all about the nish — that nish will be there for the next 60 years.” Building a legacy
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