100
Issue 126 | June/July 2014 ISSN 0113-8340 | News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions SAFETY & TRADE SUPPLEMENT INSIDE • John Key outlines how the rebuild continues to gather pace • David Shearer on better ways to make our money work for us • Getting ready for the tax payment changes While some might baulk at reinvesting in the city centre, Antony Gough isn’t holding back Hot property King of the road How Tim Alpe turned Jucy Rentals into the hottest business on wheels Coastal concerns Bringing New Brighton alive Left field ideas How to trigger creativity and improve decision making Getting serious about LinkedIn Why it’s time to take this platform seriously

Canterbury Today Magazine 126

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Issue 126 of Canterbury Today Business Magazine

Citation preview

Issue 126 | June/July 2014

ISSN 0113-8340 | News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions

SAFETY & TRADE SUPPLEMENT INSIDE

•JohnKeyoutlineshowtherebuildcontinuestogatherpace

•DavidSheareronbetterwaystomakeourmoneyworkforus

•Gettingreadyforthetaxpaymentchanges

Whilesomemightbaulkatreinvestinginthecitycentre,AntonyGoughisn’tholdingback

Hotproperty

King of the road How Tim Alpe turned Jucy Rentals into the hottest business on wheels

Coastal concerns Bringing New Brighton alive

Left field ideasHow to trigger creativity and improve decision making

Getting serious about LinkedInWhy it’s time to take this platform seriously

ENQUIRIES WELCOME NOW FOR 2015

• 3TopScholarawardsforhighestmarksinNewZealandinAgriculture(ThomasTraill),Drama(KeeganBragg)andMusic(BenMurray)forNewZealandScholarshipexams;

• TopNCEAresults(2013)with34tertiaryscholarshipoffersfor2014.StudentsgainedNCEA97%(Level1),100%(Level2)and94%(Level3);

• GoldmedalwinnersinICASExamsin2010,2011,2012and2013;

• WilUndy(Year13)placedseventhatthenationalChemistryOlympiadcamp.

• ConnorBland(Year13)travelledtoFijiwiththerugbygearhecollectedtodonatetolocalstudentswithlimitedresources;

• StudentstravelledtoCambodiaonaservicetripinconjunctionwithPartnershipCambodia;

• StudentsfundraisedtobuytextbookstotakeontheirservicetriptoOnesuaPresbyterianCollegeinVanuatu;

• CommunityServiceleadersareworkingwithWorldVisiontopromote40hourfamineattheCollege;

• 13CommunityServiceleadersattendedtheWorldVisionGlobalLeadershipDay.

• PipeBandwontheJuvenilegradetitlefortheeighthyearinarowandwonGrade2againstalladultbands.TheDrumCorpalsowonfirstplaceinGrade2;

• TwoStACgroupswillberepresentingCanterburyatthenationalUniversityofOtagoSheilahWinnShakespeareFestivalcompetition;

• DanielBridgman(Year4),DanielleMusgrave(Year6)andArchieMilligan(Year7)wereselectedforthe12memberchildren’schorusforNewZealandOpera’supcomingproductionofLaBohème;

• HarryGrigg(Year13)istheco-leaderoftheNewZealandSecondarySchoolsChoir;

• IsaacShatford(Year13)istheleaderoftheNewZealandSecondarySchoolsOrchestra;

• CongratulationstoallourstudentswhotookpartinthehighlysuccessfulSeniorCollegeproductionofGuysandDolls.

• CharlotteElley(Year13)wasnamedintheNewZealandSecondarySchoolsnetballteam;

• AriGraham(Year11)andCaitlinDore(Year13)wereselectedforAthleticsNewZealandPathwaystoPodiumprogramme;

• 1silverand1bronzemedalatMaadiCupforrowingwith11crewsreachingtheAfinalsputtingtheminthetopeightinNewZealandintheiragegroup;

• StACmixedtouchteamplacedsecondatSouthIslandChampionships;

• StACmixedtenniswongoldattheSouthIslandChampionshipsandsilverattheNationals;

• StACnetballwerehostedbyandcompetedwiththeSingaporeSportsSchoolinSingapore;

• StACAthleticswon11titles,brokefourSouthIslandrecordsandonenationalParalympicrecordattheSouthIslandAthleticsChampionships.

This Is Us video

ADVERTISING & WEB DESIGN

We make your website extremely easy to manage, so you can change content daily with new specials or photos.

We provide you with a journalist who will either chat to you about what info you want, or use existing material from your current site, brochures etc.

If you would like a FREE, no obligation audit of your current site, please call us on 0800 444 090.

Call now to find out more or to have a free audit of your current site.

Or email me if you’d like some info sent your way: [email protected]

Christchurch Office: 47B Birmingham Drive, Middleton, Christchurch 8024

Auckland Office:Level 14, 57 Fort Street, Auckland

*All information is subject to change, an additional setup and hosting fee occurs.

T: 0800 444 090 E: [email protected] www.treacyadvertising.co.nz

If your site doesn’t appear in the first two pages when someone Google’s your industry, you’re missing out on business.

In fact studies show that less than two percent of people even look at the second page.

We pride ourselves on providing unbelievable SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) which means getting your business on the first page.

We provide full training, which usually takes about 10 minutes, to ensure you know how to use the site, with ongoing support if needed.

You have the option of having online shopping functionality – e-commerce, at no extra charge.

Our parent company, Academy Publishing Group, has been around since 1980 and this website company, Treacy Advertising, has been running for 15 years.

We also have a 120 day money back guarantee. So if you’re not 100 percent satisfied, we’ll refund you in full – no questions asked.

On top of all that our sites are only $2,000*+GST Other similar sites cost $4,000 - $10,000.00+GST“ “

IS YOUR WEBSITE

COSTING YOU MONEY

OR MAKING YOU MONEY?

4 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Conditions of entry: One entry only per person and must be sent on the official entry form or as otherwise stated. Entry is free and open to all residents of New Zealand. All entrants must be over the age of 18, proof of identity and date of birth may be requested. Employees and their immediate families of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication are ineligible to enter. Winner(s) will be notified by email/phone. The judges’ decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. No responsibility is accepted for late, lost or misdirected mail. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever suffered (including but not limited to direct or consequential loss) or personal injury suffered or sustained, during the course of prize winning travel or in connection with any other prizes won. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication accept no responsibility for health, luggage, insurances, travel, personal expenses and transfers other than specified. Entries remain the property of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication and cannot be returned. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication reserves the right to photograph and publish winners. Entries may be used for further marketing purposes by Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication but are not made available to any third party.

Conditions of entry: One entry only per person and must be sent on the official entry form or as otherwise stated. Entry is free and

Competition guidelines

This publication is printed on This publication is printed on papers supplied by

All wood originates from sustainably managed forests or waste sources. All mills utilise the Chain of Custody system to verify fibre source. The end product is recyclable.

All mills are ISO 14001 certified.

In this issue...Issue 126 June/July 2014

Scan this QR code to check us out at:

www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Readerrewardsinthisissue…RR

HEAD OFFICE AUCKLAND OFFICEAcademy House47B Birmingham DriveMiddletonPO Box 1879Christchurch

MANAGING DIRECTORGary Collins

OPERATIONS MANAGERDi Barclay

ADMINISTRATIONKylie Palermo ADMIN MANAGER

Kelly AllenJade Haylett Shannen Johnson Penny Duns

SALES & ADVERTISING

Clive Greenwood MEDIA CONSULTANTS Marion Kaglund Melissa Sinclair Akash Sandhu Peter Loakman Chris Graves Allan Buzan Seth Riley

NEWSROOM

Jonathon Taylor EDITOR

Davina Richards JOURNALISTS Laura Hall Peter Loakman Marie SherryPhone: (03) 961 5098 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: [email protected]

PRODUCTION

Caroline Duke PRODUCTION MANAGER

Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Sarah Betman DESIGNERS Olivia O'Callaghan Alyssa Watson Jenna Day Luke Wattchow Jarred Shakespeare DESIGNER & ONLINE

Phone: (03) 961 5077 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2013 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

ISSN 0113-8340 (Print) | ISSN 2230-6331 (Online)

www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.magazinestoday.co.nz

Canterbury Today Issue 126

Level 14 57 Fort Street Auckland

Evelyn Gray Steve Dando Sharon Major Mogens Petersen

15,059ABC circulation as at 30/06/13

KNOWLEDGE FOR GROWING BUSINESS SINCE 1985

DISCLAIMER: A cancellation fee of 25% may be charged if the booking is cancelled after the sales cut off date. Your Media Consultant will be able to provide that information if you aren’t aware of it.

Viewpoints

6ThePrimeMinister’sdeskJohn Key outlines how the rebuild’s momentum continues to gather pace

6LeadershipHRINZ chief executive Chris Till shares the personal lessons he learned from the quakes

7MoneyCraigs Investment Partners’ Martin Fraser-Allen answers common investor questions

7ManagementBusiness consultant Kevin Vincent about becoming a customer focused company

8PoliticsDavid Shearer on better ways to make our money work for us

8OnlineConversion Foundry boss Brendan Sullivan says paying attention to Google pays off

10BrandingChris Reid from Stimulus Creative explains how to create a logo you love

10AccountingMartz Group boss Martz Witty on getting ready for the looming tax payment changes

12HRAngela Atkins from the HRINZ demystifies the Holidays Act

12SalesWhitehot Jewellery’s Sharron Le Riche talks about building a white hot sales team

14WorkinglifeJane Cowan-Harris from WorkSpace IQ on the perils of workplace inactivity

14TacticsBusiness coach Dave Sewell explains how to bring your critical number to life

16SustainabilityEnaSolar’s Trevor Foster demystifies some of the noise surrounding solar

16EventsdiaryThis is where you find out what’s on near you

Features

18RoyalmusingsCECC boss Peter Townsend talks about how the royal visit was worth more than many thought

In Business

34Property&ConstructionWynn Williams House, Fusion Homes, Rickie Shore Building, Design Windows, Watts & Hughes Construction, Spencer Painters and Decorators, McEntyre Lund, Landmark Homes Canterbury, First Avenue Property, Creative Studios and Alawin Homes

60CivilContractingHow Hansen Contractors can help get your lifestyle sorted

62BusinessdevelopmentGetting connected with Glenn Roberts Electrical and Solar Smart Energy

64FocusAcoustic Engineering Services, Uretek Ground Engineering, Shape NZ, Ashton Wheelans, Enlightened Solutions, Hornby Workingmen’s Club, Living Springs and Cholmondeley Children’s Centre

88EducationSt Marks School, Waimairi School and Avonside Girls’ High School

92HospitalityTutis Restaurant and Bar, Jagz of Styx Mill, The Grosvenor, Catering by Nikki, the Valley Inn, Hello Sunday Cafe, Chillingworth Road and Café 218

20CoastalconcernsBringing New Brighton alive

22GettingseriousaboutLinkedInWhy it’s time to take this platform seriously

22CustomerexperiencesThe key to driving business growth

24HotpropertyWhile some property owners have been hesitant to reinvest in the city centre, Antony Gough isn’t holding back

26KingoftheroadHow Tim Alpe turned Jucy Rentals into the hottest business on wheels

28LifestylesEverything from gadgets and gizmos to hat stands and baubles

30BeenseenChecking out the faces at all the right places

33LeftfieldideasHow to trigger creativity and improve decision making

18

98Goods&ServicesHow Prime Foods NZ keeps dishing out the flavour

92

Get a free consultation with Martz Group on page 11

Win a bottle of Colonna lemon infused extra virgin oil on page 28

Receive a free site visit from NZ Clean Energy Systems on page 99

6 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Viewpoints | The PM's desk/Leadership

By Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister

The rebuild - gaining momentum

The rebuild of earthquake damaged Christchurch is gaining momentum.One of the Government’s four main priorities this term is to support the rebuilding of our second biggest city following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

The Government’s total contribution to the rebuild is now expected to be around $15 billion. We are currently paying an estimated $9 million every working day in rebuild invoices.

ANZ releases a regular Regional Trends report and February’s edition measured Canterbury economic growth at 5.6 percent for 2013.

In almost every measure the region is moving ahead – including retail sales, employment, house and section sales and dwelling approvals. The activity driving the economy can be seen throughout the city.

I want to acknowledge the leadership role, resilience and flexibility the business community showed in the aftermath of the earthquakes by keeping their firms going and employing people.

I also want to acknowledge the frustration some feel about the rebuild and what might be seen as slow progress.

All these views are legitimate and it’s just a reflection of the scale of this event; New Zealand’s most costly natural disaster.

Some issues are taking time to resolve and complexities have arisen which nobody saw coming. But we are working through these challenges, along with local authorities and institutions, and the private sector.

Progress is being made in the central city, both with anchor projects and private sector development. The public can see the progress on an interactive map on the Christchurch Central Development Unit website.

Of the anchor projects, a number are due to start construction this year. In January I turned the first sod on the $300 million Justice and Emergency Services precinct.

Outside the central city, we are planning a community participation process to help determine the future use of the residential red zones in Christchurch and Kaiapoi, an area that is around four times the size of Hagley Park.

In total, more than 7,300 flat land properties in Christchurch and Kaiapoi were zoned red due to the degree of land damage.

Over half the homes on these properties have now been removed and the vast majority of former homeowners have accepted the Crown’s offer.

We want to hear from the people of Christchurch and Kaiapoi about what they want to see happen to this land – whether that is parks, playing fields, cycleways or any other innovative ideas.

Personal lessons learned from the earthquakes

Chris Till is the chief executive of the HRINZ. Visit www.hrinz.org.nz

I’ve been rather keen to relay this small account for some years now. This is really about lessons, following considerable personal reflection, that I learned through handling the challenges thrown up in responding to the devastation inflicted by the Canterbury earthquakes.

In this respect I include the second “disaster” that often occurs after a natural calamity - the recovery period.

The story begins in earnest on 22nd February 2011… which seems like such a long time ago now! At the time I was the general manager of Human Resources at the Christchurch City Council.

So… we probably all know about the terrible events that happened at 12:51 (by my watch) on the 22nd. The next day we got the Council’s executive team together in the CBD. We assembled in the Civic Offices at 53 Hereford Street.

Everyone looked a bit shocked but strength of leadership was there in everyone - especially in our purportedly “controversial” CEO, Tony Marryatt.

He led from the front right from the start and divided the team into those who’d keep the 3,000 person organisation going – which included me – and those who’d focus on the disaster – which included those GMs who fell into the so called “operational” areas.

Right through that first meeting the ground continued to shake, growl and grumble. No one left, no one freaked out and everyone got on with their job.

The only HR contribution I made at that meeting was basic, but important.

Lesson number one

• Make sure we get people paid

• Try to assert some sense of normalcy as quickly, clearly and confidently as possible

• Don’t send out silly messages trying to “rack” everyone up – they misfire every time

• Communicate through the normal chain of command as much as possible to assert the accountability, role and importance of all our leaders in the organisation – but especially front line team leaders with teams of people reporting directly to them.

Lesson number two

As the days unfolded after that first meeting it became very clear that many of our staff were traumatised, behaving oddly and, in some cases were “somewhere else” – either physically or mentally.

In many cases small issues became big issues in a really “out of character” way.

We did loads of stuff to support staff but these are the big items I can remember:

• If you really care about your staff as a leader you’ll show it in your genuine behaviour.

Contacting them all and checking they are OK and how they are going is a good start

• Actions speak much louder than words

• Get all your team together in one place as soon as you can. You could have a get together or even a barbie! Strength lies in solidarity. Strength lies in the team

• Don’t assume everyone feels as strong as you do

• Put in cool stuff to support people – training, understanding, counselling, support days, listening, lunch time learning sessions

• Be human, be humble and be real. Putting yourself in other people’s shoes and seeing it from their point of view - “outside in” - can really work wonders in terms of building insight and empathy

• Help people to get back into the building they work in, if it is safe, as soon as they can – even when they might be scared. Some come quickly, some take longer. Be patient, be understanding and be gentle

• Getting great advice from professionals like psychologists, registered nurses, doctors and counsellors is also pretty helpful

• Learn by trial and error, as you go, what will work to get your best outcome. In this case to help people to get back into work and settled as soon as is practicable

• Recognise that people’s work, home and health/well being circumstances are all different. One size definitely does not fit all.

Lesson number three

This one may sound obvious, but when you have learned that what you previously suspected might be true, actually is true, then it is sometimes worth stating it!

I know this to be true because I was “on the inside” throughout this period. What was reported was often at variance with the perceived reality within the organisation. Probably not a surprise to anyone but now I know this to be true.

Lesson number four

You will be put to the test… and ultimately this is a test of the strength of your personal values or moral principles and fibre. If you don’t know what your personal values are or they are weakly held then you may find yourself quite severely tested in this space.

So the final Lesson is: If you want to navigate yourself through any disaster, like an earthquake, it helps a lot if you know what your values are and then hold true to them and yourself.

If you can do this you will reach a point where you become proud of your own response and often proud of the responses of people around you.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee will be working with the Mayors of Christchurch and Waimakariri, Ngai Tahu, and other relevant agencies and organisations, to design the community participation process.

In terms of residential insurance settlements, progress is being made. Following the earthquakes there were just over 450,000 claims on more than 170,000 dwellings.

Behind the scenes, a lot of effort is going into speeding up settlements, finding innovative solutions, and getting better co-ordination.

Another significant recent development has been the signing of a Housing Accord with the Christchurch City Council. The earthquakes obviously had a major impact on housing.

The best estimate is that 91 percent of the city’s dwellings were damaged, with 10 percent confirmed as having damage over the $100,000 threshold. More than 7,000 dwellings were also lost in the residential red zone.

Taking into account population movements, including an influx of rebuild workers, it is estimated there is now a shortfall of 12,000 dwellings.

New residential areas are being developed, particularly on the city’s outskirts, and Housing New Zealand expects to build 700 new state houses and complete repairs on 5000 existing houses by the end of next year.

But more needs to be done and that is why a Housing Accord was signed in April between Housing Minister Nick Smith and the Christchurch City Council.

The accord aims to boost temporary and affordable housing supply, improve supply and quality of social housing through a new Council entity with other providers, and remove regulatory barriers to more residential development.

The accord also provides for surplus government and Council land to be identified, including sites at Awatea, Colombo Street and Welles Street, so up to 450 new dwellings can be built.

We are also making considerable progress on infrastructure repairs.

The Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) is now 44 percent of the way through repairs to quake-damaged roads, freshwater, wastewater and storm water networks.

The Government is also embarking on the repair and construction of new educational facilities in Christchurch, in both primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions, at a cost of more than $1 billion.

The Christchurch rebuild is an enormous challenge, but I’m determined we will rebuild the city as a great place to live, work, and raise a family in.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 7

Become a customer focussed company

Kevin Vincent is a director of business improvement consultants Vincent and Nugent Limited. Visit www.vincentnugent.co.nz

• A customer is the most important visitor on our premises

• He is not dependent on us; we are dependent on him

• He is not an interruption on our work: he is the purpose of it

• He is not an outsider on our business; He is the part of it

• We are not doing him a favour by serving him

• He is doing a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.

- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

In order for organisations to excel, they must do more than simply satisfy their customers.

They must differentiate themselves and their employees in significant ways that add value to the customer’s experience. They must provide service that is unique, faster, more reliable, more responsive and more caring than ever before.

Organisations must:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the customer’s needs and expectations

• Exceed the customer’s needs and expectations.

Customer service is everyone’s responsibility and the secret is simple - make it easy and pleasant for your customers to do business with you.

Customers are really everything. We all recognise the importance of the provision of best possible customer service and that adding value to the customer experience will enhance our chances of future growth.

Why then do we encounter and are subjected to shoddy, sloppy and thoroughly unprofessional service?

When was the last time you felt neglected, frustrated and annoyed at the service you received?

I expect it wasn’t that long ago.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875 – 1965) was a German and then French theologian,

organist, philosopher, physician and medical missionary who famously said “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve”.

This sentiment needs to be embraced by all in business who by their very existence pursue the exchange of goods and services for payment.

Organisations must focus on customer service. It is true that many companies have the same levels of technology, similar equipment and processes and that the only real opportunity to differentiate or stand out from your competitors is to provide better service and constantly seek ways to add additional value.

It is clear company goals must focus on obtaining and retaining satisfied and loyal customers.

My tips for the provision of best service include:

• Know your customer well. Understand their needs and your capabilities to meet those needs. Learn and understand their needs, wants, desires, issues and goals

• Constantly seek ways to add value to the customer relationship

• Listen to your customers. Listen to hear, listen to understand and listen to communicate your understanding. Everyone loves a listener

• Do the right things for your customer. Be empathetic and see things from their perspective. Have a real integrity and strong values with your customer. Treat your customer as you would like to be treated

• Provide best possible service to your internal customers. Try it, the results will delight. As we treat each other better so we will all play our part in the provision of best service to our external customers. Customer service is contagious

• Trust your customer and be trusted. It is the foundation of relationship.

Topical questions from investors

Martin Fraser-Allen is an adviser at Craigs Investment Partners. Visit www.craigsip.com

Viewpoints | Money/Management

We recently completed our State of the Nation tour around 27 venues throughout New Zealand. So I thought it might be interesting to share the answers to common questions from clients on a range of topics.

Why do you focus on dividends and income when it is total return that matters most?

Total return (capital gain plus income) is important, but we also believe portfolios should deliver a solid cash flow from interest and dividends.

The aim should be to earn a yield of perhaps four to five percent a year and then grow this income over time, at a rate of three to five percent a year, to keep the real spending power of the portfolio and income stream ahead of inflation.

Dividends are much more reliable and less volatile than share prices and can generally be relied upon to be maintained year after year, irrespective of whether share prices are up 10 percent or down 10 percent.

Investors who have a portfolio with no income and instead rely only on capital return are vulnerable to market downturns.

Why can’t I get a portfolio that simply ‘beats the bank’?

Once you start investing you can’t control what markets give you.

Some people will do better than others simply because they invested at different times and markets performed differently over their investment horizon.

We do not try to ‘beat the bank’. We aim to control what we can for clients; stock and security selection, quality, diversification, costs and income generation, so their portfolio is placed as well as it can be.

Markets, though, will have the final say.

We buy real assets (shares and property) along with fixed income. If someone buys a rental property or a farm (which are also real assets) they wouldn’t think of comparing how well it does to a bank deposit.

Shares are no different. They are a share in the ownership of a business. Comparing a share with a bank deposit is like comparing apples with oranges.

Over time, a balanced portfolio should provide a higher return than cash deposits. More importantly, it should also keep ahead of inflation.

I am reluctant to invest at present because shares look expensive and bonds offer low yields. Should I wait and hold my capital in cash or should I just invest it immediately?

Neither. One of the fundamental rules of investing is to invest in instalments. This mitigates the risk of investing, or not investing, ‘at the wrong time’.

Markets do indeed look expensive in some areas at present and it is prudent to manage any investing to focus on stocks, sectors and markets that look better value.

Your adviser can put together a plan and timetable for how your portfolio can be invested gradually over time.

What risk does the election pose for

my portfolio?

There is some risk around the power sector. Under a Labour-led government, the single buyer model, if implemented, would impinge on earnings for most of the electricity generators/retailers.

Apart from that, we see no specific material risks from the election that warrant any portfolio changes.

There is likely to be the usual degree of uncertainty that follows an MMP election during inter-party negotiations, but the markets have tended to look through this in the past.

For Investment Advice please contact Martin Fraser Allen, Investment Adviser at Craigs Investment Partners Christchurch branch, by phoning 03 964 3246 or visit www.craigsip.com for more information. Mark Lister is Head of Private Wealth Research at Craigs Investment Partners. His disclosure statement is available free of charge under his profile on www.craigsip.com. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific investment advice.

» Suspended Ceilings

» Metal Ceiling & Wall Battens

» Drywall Partitioning

» Access Floors

» Acoustic Wall & Ceilings

» Pin BoardsP. 03 379 6301 | www.hushinteriors.co.nzHush Interiors Ltd

8 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Viewpoints | Politics/Online

David Shearer is the Labour Party spokesman for energy and foreign affairs

Making our money work for us

Here’s a question: would you prefer your money going into your retirement savings for the future, or pay higher mortgage and credit card payments?I know what almost everyone would go for.

Of course we prefer money being put into our savings. And that’s why Labour will bring in changes to the Reserve Bank.

Right now, if the Reserve Bank wants to bring down inflation, it raises interest rates. But that means people pay higher interest rates on their mortgages, with most of that money going offshore because our main banks are foreign owned.

Higher mortgages make our houses less affordable because families can’t afford to pay the loans. It also pushes the value of our dollar up and clobbers our exporters because the price of our goods shoots up in our overseas markets.

So what David Parker, Labour’s finance spokesperson put forward, is that when inflation needs to be brought down, rather than simply putting up interest rates, we’ll let the KiwiSaver contribution rate be adjusted.

That means the money will be going into your Kiwisaver account not into bankers’ pockets.

We save more as a country and pay less in interest.

In turn, that will mean lower mortgage and credit card payments for families, as well as lower borrowing costs for businesses. That will flow on to a lower exchange rate, which will boost our exporters and create jobs.

Labour will make KiwiSaver universal so everyone is included.

That’s just one idea on how to change the economy. There are many others, because despite what some people say, there is no easy quick fix.

So a Labour government will also broaden the Reserve Bank’s objectives so it’s not just about managing inflation, but also building a healthier economy.

That’s better than a narrow focus on inflation alone.

It’s also important to tackle the sources of inflation, not just the symptoms.

A big part of our problem is our overinflated housing market, especially in Christchurch and Auckland. Labour will tackle prices going up by building more affordable houses with our KiwiBuild policy.

A Capital Gains Tax will be brought in to target property speculators. And foreign speculators will be prevented from buying houses and pushing prices up beyond the reach of Kiwis.

Australia has $1.5 trillion tucked away from their compulsory version of Kiwisaver. We are already 25 years behind them and playing catch-up.

Universal KiwiSaver and the new VSR mechanism will mean everyone will be better off because we will not only have a low interest rate and fair exchange rate regime, but everyone will have their own savings nest egg as well.

So that’s Labour’s plan: we’ll deliver lower mortgage rates, a fair exchange rate, more jobs, and higher wages. We will preserve the good things about the current system, while making it fit for the 21st century.

We can’t simply operate as we have done for 25 years when it isn’t working for New Zealand.

By international standards we have higher interest rates, higher mortgage payments and an over-valued currency, which forces our exporters out of business and sees our firms undercut at home.

This is costing Kiwis jobs, making home ownership unaffordable for many, and leaving us with international debt.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Labour’s got a smarter approach.

Labour’s vision is for our exporters to thrive, bringing in more income into New Zealand and creating more jobs and higher wages for all New Zealanders. This policy will help to achieve that vision.

Labour’s monetary policy has received support from exporters and economics commentators across the board. While the current government is stuck in the past, we’re offering a plan for the future.

Why must you pay attention to google?

Brendan Sullivan is the managing director at Conversion Foundry. www.conversionfoundry.com

Like it or not – we are beholden to Google. Survey after survey across the world shows us that using a search engine is the most popular online activity, and more than 80 percent of us use Google as our first point of call.If you want to be found online, you need to take notice of how this supergiant works.

The BBC tells us that Google handles more than 100 billion searches per month and sorts through 60 trillion online pages to find your answers in less than half a second. Simply put, if you don’t follow their rules (which are ever-changing) then you just won’t get found.

Google has recently changed how it ranks websites in its results because it wanted to:

• Give better quality results to users

• Lower websites with false or invaluable content down its results

• Give Google users a better experience by providing the best, most useful results possible (whether that be web pages, images, videos or news).

These changes were mostly rolled out in three major algorithm updates (algorithm being the set of rules that determines a site’s position in search results):

The major updates were:

• Google Panda (released 2011, aimed to lower the rank of low quality sites)

• Google Penguin (2012, aimed to lower the rank of sites that violate Google’s Webmaster Guidelines, particularly those with unnatural links)

• Google Hummingbird (2013, aimed to make Google more ‘semantic’ (meaningful) by providing more direct answers to people’s queries, regardless of how they search.

Google’s most recent update, Hummingbird, was actually a total replacement of its previous algorithm. It has forced online marketers and website owners to change direction, because old

SEO tactics just don’t work anymore – in fact, they can seriously damage your site’s ranking in search results and drastically reduce your traffic.

Your site needs to be useful and customer friendly to rank well.

The more useful your website is, the better you’ll be able to retain and convert visitors onsite.

Google not only knows when a user types a keyword, goes to your webpage, but then immediately returns to search results - it learns these patterns and ranks your site accordingly.

So think about the following to make your site more useful:

• Does your website display and function properly on all devices including tablets and phones (not just desktop computers)? Google actually recommends responsive website design for this

• Does your site have robust content? Regularly updated, useful web pages targeted to your audience help your search ranking as well as visitors. This has a twofold affect by helping users onsite, but also creating content that people share on social platforms, which sends positive signals to Google.

Make sure your site adheres to the rules and best practices

The easier your site is for real people to use, and the easier it is for search engines to find all your pages, the better your chance of ranking well.

Don’t rely on ranking reports

Google has now encrypted all searches so no keyword data gets passed on to third party tools (e.g. Google Analytics).

Keyword rankings are subjective depending on where you’re running them from geographically, your search history, preferences and more. It’s rare for people to get the exact same search results.

Instead, focus on landing page performance and conversions instead – this tells you if you’re getting the right quality traffic to your site in the first place.

Remember us in your Willand leave a legacy of hope

0800 53 00 00

Send for FREE booklet to:Director, Wills and BequestsPO Box 27-001, Marion Square,Wellington 6141

❑ I have already Included The Salvation Army in my Will.

Name:

Address:

Phone:

By including The Salvation Army in your Will you’ll help those in need;the poor, homeless and addicted. Its easy to provide this lasting legacy.

For moreinformation call:

10 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Viewpoints | Branding/Accounting

Falling in love with your logo Big tax payment changes are afoot - are you ready?

Christopher Reid is the managing director of branding, design, advertising and promotion agency, Stimulus Creative. Visit www.stimuluscreative.co.nz

Martz Witty heads the Martz Group, aligning chartered accountancy with the creativity of business development. Visit www.martz.co.nz

Do you love your logo? Does it reflect the real you?A great logo is more than just a one-dimensional identification mark. It’s an integral part of your overall brand and it’s often the first opportunity your customers get to meet you – and first impressions count!

Your brand is the personality of your business. It communicates key messages about who you are, what you offer and how you make a difference. Its purpose is to create a relationship – an emotional connection between you and your audience.

If your brand is your personality, your logo is the face of your business. Its purpose is to ensure your business is easily identified at a glance. It provides instant and powerful recognition of your brand and the services or products you offer.

Get your logo right and you’re one important step closer to creating a strong brand.

Logos evolve as businesses evolve

A quick Google search on logo evolution makes for a great history lesson.

Take Apple, for example. In 1976, its logo featured a scene depicting Sir Isaac Newton under an apple tree. To keep pace with changing market, the logo has evolved into the stylised, monochromatic image of an apple with a bite out of it that we all recognise today.

A brand or logo refresh is a great way to ensure the elements that make up your corporate identity still reflect who you are today.

So what makes a great logo?

The big picture stuff

Looking nice is just one aspect of logo design – your logo also needs to convey a host of messages about your business. Here are some points to consider when you are creating or refreshing your logo:

Is it memorable? A good logo should clearly represent who you are, what you offer and how you are different. It should be recognisable in an instant.

Is it original? Your logo should be distinctive – it needs to differentiate you from your

competitors. It’s important to research your competitors but don’t be tempted to imitate them - it’s unoriginal, not to mention illegal.

Simple or complex? Striking a balance is important so that the design draws the audience in easily but also sparks curiosity.

Text only, symbol only, or text and symbol? Some companies are so recognisable they can omit their company name and rely only on a symbol; for example, Apple and Nike. What’s right for your business will depend on your current market position and your overall branding strategy.

Back to basics

Your logo needs to be adaptable in order to function well in a variety of applications – print, online, signage, maybe even on the back of a bus. Here are some tips to ensure your logo can handle everything you throw at it.

If your logo uses colours, be sure to test it in black and white as well – there will be times it needs to work in both.

Is it flexible enough to work in a number of variations and formats? For example, you may need a wider, landscape format to fit the proportions of a website banner or header, and you may need a reversed colour variation to create a different look for certain situations.

A lot of successful brands use only one colour. To create the greatest impact, choose two or three at most unless there is a specific reason to use more.

Your logo needs to work well no matter what the size. Viewing it in the smallest size is a good test to ensure it maintains its impact and integrity.

The design process

A solid design process (and ideally a full brand consultation) is essential to capture the essence of what a business is all about. The essence of your brand is something that holds an energy and life of its own.

You’ve really got to love your brand – hopefully you’ll be together for a long time!

From October 1, 2014 there’s changes that may materially affect the way you make payments to the Inland Revenue Department.

Change is an ever increasing and challenging thing in business. As business owners and managers we need to know what’s happening and then asses our systems and procedures to cope with the change. It’s relentless, but it’s a given so best we keep abreast of things and plan for it sooner rather than later.

From October 1 payments made to the IRD need to be received by IRD on or before due date to avoid payment penalties and interest. No longer will a payment posted on or before due date be accepted. It must be received on or before due date by the Inland Revenue Department.

Cash is king in any business and managing cash flow is a crucially important function for every business, no matter what line of work you choose to operate in. Paying bills on time keeps your credit ratings in good shape, paying IRD on time is equally important.

Late payment fines, penalties and Use of Money Interest all contribute to spending money on items you don’t want to. Penalties and late filing fees aren’t even tax deductible; at least Use of Money Interest is but then why pay it if you don’t need to.

The days of using IRD as a bank have long since ended. That’s why they introduced Use of Money Interest all those years ago.

It was a common ploy by businesses to try and squeeze a few extra days’ time for payments by posting a cheque on the due date, then wait for the post to deliver a few days later. So long as it was postmarked with the due date or earlier everything was sweet with the Inland Revenue and you got to keep your money in your bank for another couple or three days – sometimes even longer.

Many businesses even relied on those few days as they waited eagerly for their creditors to pay them on the 20th of the month whilst their PAYE cheque (for example) was lurking in a post office bag somewhere up and down the country.

When a due date fell on a weekend you got an extra few days advantage.

Another change from October 1, is that Westpac will no longer be able to accept counter cheque payments and drop off returns. You can still make cash and eftpos payments, though these will be treated as received by due-date. IRD’s logic in removing this service from Westpac is that IRD offices can accept cheque payments, returns and forms directly.

Recent moves have seen a desire by IRD for taxpayers to use more online technology, from filing returns through to making online payments. It is fair to state that digital payments are more secure and faster than traditional payment methods. They’re also available 24 hours and seven days a week.

When a due date falls on a weekend from October 1, 2014 the return forms need to be in Inland Revenue’s hands on or before the due date together with payment in full. The next trading day will become the due date and receipt of forms needs to be before business closes on that day. Payment that evening will still be accepted by IRD as being received on due date.

It might seem a minor change, but the implications for businesses that have relied on keeping that payment out as long as possible will need some managing. So too will office procedures around the sending in of the returns if these are still going to be sent by post.

You can’t control the post and a post mark will no longer be argument enough that you fulfilled your obligations. Fines for late filing of returns can really mount up depending on the tax type you’re filing, be it Goods and Services Tax, P.A.Y.E., or Resident Withholding Tax to name just three.

A recent statistic from IRD informed us that they have about 70 percent of payments to them made electronically now. This hardened stand on payment due dates will bring all taxpayers into line so that they can all be treated equally.

If you have any concern about this planned change in policy from the Inland Revenue Department we recommend you have a chat with your accountant or financial advisors.

OFFSHORE 3D RENDERINGOFFSHORE 3D RENDERING

12 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Viewpoints | HR/Sales

Sales success is all about people and their performance. But, more than that, it’s about how each individual works, relates and achieves within a team, while still maintaining their own identity and personality. Building a strong and productive culture within your business takes time, commitment and consistency from the leadership team.

Culture is more than a statement on display in a photo frame; it’s a way of doing business and it requires everyone in the company to be committed to the collective end goals.

At Whitehot Jewellery our culture is one of supporting each other, working with a positive, can-do attitude, creating the best customer experience possible, and providing flexibility, support and training.

Maintaining and growing a dynamic team culture relies heavily on the recruitment process.

In my experience, attitude always outweighs skill. You must recruit people with similar attitudes (not skills) as they embrace and relate to your culture more easily.

Your training will then provide the necessary skills for the right people to become successful within your culture.

Your training programme needs to continually expand on the company’s key attitudes and provide the necessary skills to be successful within your culture. Then you need to back with continual and genuine support to everyone. Even the most seasoned and successful sales rep needs ongoing support and feedback.

Value authentic communication Regular communication is vital in maintaining your team culture. Transparently and authentically share the company and team goals with everyone. And encourage your people to speak up, share ideas, ask questions, become involved and help each other. This provides a sense of belonging and a feeling of genuinely being involved in the success of the company.

Real communication within a team helps people to work together, rather than against each other. Within our team we communicate changes quickly and often ask for ideas before making any changes, as this helps people feel involved; as opposed to feeling they are the “last to know”.

As well as team and companywide communication platforms (online, newsletters and phone conferences) it’s essential to have regular face to face meetings.

An engaged sales team needs a chance to get together - talk about their progress and challenges and share their experiences.

Build a dynamic sales team

Sharron Le Riche is the founder and director of Whitehot Jewellery - a direct selling company that operates across New Zealand. Visit www.whitehot.co.nz

This sharing will help others be more successful and help solve problems. It also gives people the chance to get to know each other on a personal level. It is much easier to get teams working together when they know each other and view others as team mates, not competitors.

In our business, many of our reps work remotely (away from their team leader and other team members), but we are still able to create productive working teams through virtual meetings – Skype, webinars, conference calls and social media pages.

We also put people in touch with others in their team or company who have expertise in different areas of the business, enabling them to share their expertise and build everyone’s skill levels.

Celebrate success Keeping people engaged requires recognition and rewards. Set goals with every individual and then always encourage and recognise achievements.

It’s important to celebrate the success of individuals and the team as a whole. I believe a heartfelt “well done” is worth more than the income earned from the sale.

On the flip side – address negative behaviours and attitudes when they arise, if ignored, these negatives can spread to others in the team.

Lead by example Trust is essential in a successful and dynamic team, and this means leading by example.

Show others you trust them by delegating responsibilities and letting them know you rely on them to deliver. Trust in others improves communication, ideas and productivity.

And when things don’t always go according to plan, encourage and help people to think of solutions to the issues, rather than dwelling on the problem or looking for someone or something to blame.

Through a planned schedule of training, support, trust and communication - your team dynamics will improve, and managed consistently, this can only lead to increased success.

Help! Ben’s going on holiday. What leave applies?

Angela Atkins is GM of Elephant Training and HR, and president of HRINZ Auckland. Visit www.elephanthr.co.nz

The Holidays Act 2003 can be a little bit confusing in some circumstances. When you have employees taking holidays are you sure that you’re legally complying?It may seem fairly simple - an employee wants to take a holiday - but what happens if you can’t cover their role for that long? Or they go anyway? Or they get sick while they’re on annual leave?

There are a number of sticky issues around annual leave and we’ve got some cases we’ve had to deal with at Elephant to test you out. Can you deal with our favourite fake employee Ben and see if you’d comply with the Holidays Act?

Case study 1: You can’t turn me down!

Ben applies for three weeks annual leave but as his manager you turn down his request as it will be too hard to cover his role for that long. You offer that he can take two weeks. Ben wants to know what will happen if he takes the holiday anyway. Which statements are correct?

A: Under the Holidays Act an employee has the right to take three weeks in a block.

B: An employer can turn down annual leave requests if there is a genuine reason for saying no.

C: If an employee takes leave that has been declined, they could get a warning or even dismissal as this could be misconduct or serious misconduct.

D: The employee has the right to take annual leave whenever they want.

Answer: The two correct statements are B and C. With A, an employee does have the right to a block of two weeks, so you need to make sure they are able to take this at some point. As for D, annual leave is by mutual agreement.

Case study 2: I got sick

Ben has taken two weeks annual leave and returns to work saying that the first four days

of his holiday he was actually really sick and had to go to the doctor. He wants to change his annual leave for those days to sick leave. Can he?

A: No under the Holidays Act if you’re on annual leave it can’t be changed to sick.

B: Yes he can change it to sick leave but only if his manager agrees to it.

C: If Ben got sick the day before be went on annual leave then he can change it to sick leave automatically.

D: Yes the employee has the right to change annual leave to sick leave if they have gone to the doctor.

Answer: The correct answers are B and C. If you’re already on annual leave and you get sick, you can ask to change it to sick leave, but a company can say no. However, if an employees gets sick before they go on annual leave, then they can automatically change it to sick leave.

Case Study 3: Daylight Savings

It’s October. Ben comes and tells you that he had to work a special shift last weekend, from midnight to 6am, as the IT team were changing systems and needed some people to be at work to test it out. The clocks went forward at 2am on Sunday morning and Ben wants to know what he’ll be paid and also what would happen if the clocks had gone backwards. Do you tell him:

A: He only worked five hours so he gets paid for five hours.

B: Even though he only worked five hours, he’ll be paid for six (12 to 6am).

C: If the clocks go backwards, he has to work seven hours, but only gets paid for six hours as it was 12 – 6am.

D: In going backwards he actually worked seven hours, so he gets paid seven hours.

Answer: The answer? B and D are correct. The employee gets the benefit each time. It’s about what time you start and finish! Of course this only happens twice a year and most people don’t have to work that shift.

74 Hawdon Street, Sydenham P: (03) 366 5070 www.eastmure.co.nz

Pleased to be providing accounting services and business development solutions to businesses throughout Canterbury.

Compliance Contracting Accounting Services Business Advisory

RiverheadPoint

Contact Leo for more information - 0274 752 [email protected] | [email protected]

www.riverheadpoint.co.nz

Kiapara Portage Road comes off the roundabout on the Riverhead Coatesville Highway Entrance 500 Metres Away.

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME.

Only A few Stage One Sections left.Stage Two Sections Are Selling Now.Opportunity To Choose Your Site.

Proud to be associated building homes with:Generation, Stonewood, Landmark, Versatile, G.J. Gardner, Cavalier, Signature, Golden Homes, Platinum & others

LOCATION LOCATION Kaipara Portage Rdcomes off theroundabout on theCoatesville - Riverhead Highway.

Riverhead presents a quiet rural atmosphere within

close proximity to Auckland City. Travelling by car to the CBD takes 20 minutes with 5 minutes to the new North

Western Motorway extension.

Riverhead has great local activities with Huapai

Golf Course, the historic Riverhead Tavern ,Hallertau Micro-brewery, and nearby

local restaurants.

Riverhead primary School is within walking distance.

Sections sizes from 600m2 - 800m2

Sunny North facing.Services includes gas and

fibre optics

14 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Break your business down to its basics, people aside, and it’s all about numbers; money in and money out being the most basic and important. But beyond this - what numbers should you be watching? An integral part of the Gazelles’ Mastering the Rockefeller Habits is about identifying your critical number.

What is your critical number?

It’s a goal (number) that when achieved will help your business grow. Your critical number is not a dollar figure.

So it definitely isn’t “we want to have a turnover of $1m next financial year”. A number like this is too difficult to stay focussed on. Rather, it is a breakdown of how you might get to that target. The critical number must always be aligned to your number one priority in your business.

The smaller the number can be, the better - it’s much easier to maintain a focus on it. It might be “we need to bring in 10 new clients, or increase all current clients’ purchases over the year by five percent”. In these examples - the critical number is 10 or five.

While it is essential to begin the process of finding your critical number with the end in mind, you need to break the final goal down. What do you need to do to meet this increased turnover?

Your critical number must make you uncomfortable, but not sick - it needs to be achievable, but you need to stretch the whole team to achieve it. And team is paramount here. Your critical number must be shared with them - it is a living breathing part of your day to day business.

I will share with you the example of a client of mine - Stu Andrews who owns and manages NZ Plumbing and Solar in Christchurch. Stu approached his team and explained that the critical number was about brining on a certain number of new clients each quarter. Of those new clients - a smaller number would be complete plumbing and solar jobs on new homes.

The concept was explained to the team, and a competition put in place to come up with a visual way to represent the quarterly and annual goals set by Stu.

The winning representation was an adapted monopoly board.

Each side being a quarter and each corner being a celebration when they reach the targets of that three month period. Integrated is a brick and pipe system to identify the different types of jobs secured, not unlike the house and hotel placement on the original game.

Stu says it is a highly visual and a fun way for everyone to see exactly where sales are at, what type of sales they are and what needs to be done to get the appropriate pieces (jobs) onto the board. “It is always in sight and it helps us all to focus better.”

Celebrating along the way is critical - every win is important and help keeps the team aligned and engaged.

The NZ Plumbing and Solar team know that if they fill the board the appropriate way, by focusing on the small critical numbers set for each 90 day period, the business will prosper.

If Stu had calculated a number based on what dollar figure these new clients represented - it would have been meaningless to the team - and most likely he would not want to share this financial goal anyway.

However, by breaking it down to a small number - a process, everyone is engaged and working hard towards it - ultimately Stu will achieve (if not surpass) the financial goal he has set. “It’s a small focus for a big goal,” Stu says.

Finding a way to breakdown your numbers and find a proactive way to engage the team is critical. Let’s face it - numbers can be boring and demotivational, so find a way to bring your critical numbers to life and you will see your business grow.

Viewpoints | Working Life/Tactics

Bring your critical number to lifeThe perils of inactivity

Dave Sewell is one of only two Gazelles International certified business coaches in New Zealand. Visit www.davesewell.co.nz

Jane Cowan-Harris heads WorkSpace IQ, a consultancy committed to intelligent workspace design. Visit www.workspaceiq.co.nz

Are you reading this standing up? Sitting down? Maybe you’re at your desk, browsing magazines in a reception area or perhaps waiting for a coffee.Whatever you’re doing, I have a suggestion for you... please MOVE! Yes move... right now! If you’re sitting, ideally please stand up. If you’re standing, please stretch out. Why? Well, because even though it’s fairly common knowledge these days that inactivity is bad for us, it’s still very easy to seize up as we focus on whatever task we have at hand.

Did you know that on average, office workers spend five hours, 41 minutes sitting down?

As a workplace wellness specialist I spend a lot of time helping people who have work-related issues such as low back pain, neck and shoulder pain and tired eyes or headaches. While some of these issues are caused by sports injuries or poorly positioned screens, most are caused by long periods of sitting, looking at a computer screen - an activity many of us who work in an office take for granted as being a part of our everyday life.

You may well have heard the pithy new phrase that ‘Sitting is the new smoking’! Now, whether it’s quite that bad is debatable however, research does confirm that a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to health long term and there is growing evidence to show that spending more of your day standing could reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

It takes more than a work-out to keep us moving. While we used to think the answer was to go to the gym for a rigorous workout after a day sitting in the office, new evidence suggests that it takes more than brief bouts of strenuous exercise to negate extended periods of sitting. Instead, the solution is to try and incorporate standing, pacing and other forms of activity into your day along with some sitting. Being able to stand at your desk for some of the time is by far the easiest way to achieve this.

Is the solution really as simple as standing up?

There’s a growing buzz around sit-stand desks at the moment and people are increasingly

asking me about these when discussing their furniture purchases. While I would love to say buying a sit-stand desk provides a simple solution, there is a lot more to buying a desk (and chair) than meets the eye.

If sit-stand desks are to work, you must consider each situation in your workplace individually before you purchase.

For example:

One height does not work for everyone. If people share hot desks, or work in a call centre with shared workspaces, will they be able to/know how to adjust their desks to suit?

If a desk is at a fixed height, is it realistic to expect people to stand for the entire day? If not, do you have space for a standard desk which they can also sit down at? (Even if there are tall architectural chairs available, unless they are also the right height for the person sitting at them, they’ll need an additional foot stool to otherwise avoid health problems may well arise).

Standing is not an easy option for everyone, for example, anyone with hip or knee problems, severe back issues, low back problems or varicose veins simply cannot stand for long periods. Using a standard sitting height desk and incorporating some movement strategies as suggested below is a better option for them.

Overall however, if you do have the option to use a sit-stand desk, provided you have them correctly set-up, both for the role they’re to be used for and for the person who is using them, they do provide a healthier alternative to sitting all day.

So will you sit, stand or sit-stand?

Take a moment now to think about how much time you sit down during your day and consider what action you could take to improve your health in both the short and long term.

Can you incorporate regular stretches into your day, get up to fill your water bottle or have walking meetings rather than sitting around a table? And if you’re considering new office furniture, as long as you think why before you buy, maybe this could be the year of the standing desk for you?

• Proven safety performance in wet/icy conditions• Minimises risk of slipping and falling• Reduces ongoing maintenance requirements• Supplier to councils and Ministry of Education• Supplier to ACC and Ministry of Health• Ask about Retrogrip for existing boardwalks

IF YOU DESIGN OR BUILD BOARDWALKS AND RAMPS ASK US ABOUT

www.rampworx.co.nz GET A BETTER GRIP WITH RAMPWORX PRODUCTS UNDERFOOT P: 09 832 3727

The safer timber-and-aluminium option, designed for NZ conditions and safety standards and available nationwideGRIPSERT

N a tura lly b e tte r b uild ing s .

Residental Solutions: Home, Batch, Lodge, Barn Style

Commercial & Industrial: Workshop, Retail, Warehouse

Rural: Storage, Barns, Sheds, Housing Stock, Shelter

Hospitality: Cabins, Motels, Club & Sports Rooms

Hangars and Large Scale Storage

Horse Arenas

Special Projects

••••••

Barnstyle Homes

Heritage Homes

03 347 707903 347 [email protected]

1304 Main South Road, WeedonsP.O. Box 23106 Christchurch, 8445

Phone:Fax:Email:Web:

Address:

Kitset $109,200 + gst

Kitset $121,900 + gst

16 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

EVENTS DIARYWhat’s happening on the business and entertainment front

Viewpoints | Sustainability/Events

Quality - you get what you pay for right?

Trevor Foster is the general manager at EnaSolar. Visit www.enasolar.net

Welcome back! In this issue we are going be looking at the question of quality in solar installations. Without question the title is true, but be aware as not all are created equal! Quality is not just hardware – it must also be considered in terms of performance and reliability.

You must take into account the design, software, warranty and support and how this effects your solar installation many years from now.

When considering solar we have the three primary building blocks: the PV panels, the inverter and the installation. However, ‘quality’ extends beyond this and attention should also be given to the quality of the warranty, support and the manufacturing company itself.

Hardware

Let’s look at the hardware, such as solar panels. They all look same, right? How can I tell the difference I hear you say? So here are some tips on what to look for and what to ask about:

Warranty: There are usually two parts to a PV solar panel warranty: The module warranty, which should be in the region of 10 years, and the performance warranty.

A quality brand will offer a 20-25 year warranty on performance in that it will be performing to more than 80 percent of its original performance 25 years from now.

A key consideration now is the company! A warranty is only as good as the company’s ability to honour that warranty and if an unknown brand is used, then the warranty may be at risk. While an extended warranty does not necessarily mean a quality panel!

I have been offered a warranty of up to 99 years from several Asian branded PV panel companies during the last two years. Needless to say, at least two are no longer in business. However, they were cheap!

Panels

When discussing panel options you must look for and ask about the following:

Glass: Durability, weight and if it is tempered. Does it have high impact resistance and high transmission?

Connectors: What types are they and what rating should they have ~ look for IP67 rating.

Framing: Enquire as to how the framing is constructed and ensure that mechanical strength is to New Zealand conditions.

Temperature: We have extreme temperature and wind conditions in New Zealand. Be sure to understand the temperature coefficients of the panel. Good quality panels will be warranted to cope with -40C and up to 90C.

Inverters

These do not all look the same. One key element in an inverter is the unseen

components, the efficiency and again its design.

The biggest killer of all electronics is heat! The more efficiency an inverter has the less heat it will generate inside, adding to the life expectancy.

So, quality, high temperature rated components and how you cool the inverter is crucial and should be a major consideration in determining the quality, regardless of what the brochure and warranty say.

When considering an inverter the most common questions that should be asked are:

Efficiency: Make sure it is >96 percent and be sure to ask if this is peak or nominal.

Standards: What standard/s does it meet - AS5033~2, AS62109, AS4777.

Voltage range: Ideally you need low start-up voltage, say 120V as this will give better performance in low light conditions. Ask for voltage range, ideally 120V min to 500V/600V max.

Panel expansion: Can you add more panels to this inverter, if so, how many? The solar inverter should allow you to increase the number of panels for greater generation harvesting, without the need to upgrade your inverter.

Cooling: How is the unit cooled? Can you “hosedown” your inverter to clean it?

Warranty: What does the warranty cover, is it repair only or full replacement? Do you have local support?

Performance: Ask how the inverter can independently monitor your solar system and the inverter performance for the life of the warranty. Check what this may cost, hardware needed, installation cost, subscription, or is it included already?

There are some very good, well priced panel manufacturers out there with a good selection to choose from.

Be very careful about brand and excessive warranty and performance claims from unknown brands and small suppliers.

In the next issue: the truth about Feed-in-Tariffs, credit issues and what to watch out for by your electricity retailer.

TUESDAY, MAY 27The Benefits of a Wise Business Advisor

The founder of the Icehouse and former CEO of Heinz/Watties will impart his tips on how to find the right advisor for your business. A fresh set of eyes from a business advisor can offer massive help; including moving your business forward, increasing your customer base and profits. In the free seminar you will learn how to identify the capabilities you and your business require and more. To register, visit: www.theicehouse.co.nz

TUESDAY, MAY 27Inspire Canterbury

Be inspired, discover invaluable business secrets and rub shoulders with Canterbury business leaders at Inspire Canterbury. The morning event features speeches from four of this year’s World Class New Zealand award winners, plus hear from entrepreneurs making it their way. Discover what drives these people, how they’ve overcome major challenges in their business life and discuss what New Zealand businesses need to do to get to the next level. To register, visit: www.inspirecanterbury.co.nz

SUNDAY, JUNE 1Christchurch Airport Marathon

The Christchurch Marathon, inspired by the 1974 Commonwealth Games Marathon, is renowned as one of the fastest courses in the world. This event based near the Christchurch Airport consists of a full marathon (42.2km) run, half marathon (21.2km) run and walk, 10km run and walk and the Kids Mara’Fun (3k). Categories are divided into men and women competitors and the full and half marathon have age group category options. To register, visit: www.christchurchmarathon.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4Develop your Company through your People

Your staff are one of your company’s greatest assets - so it pays to learn how to indentify and motivate your top performers. In this short two and a half hour workshop, guided by experienced facilitators, you will experience learning tailored to your needs. This course is suited to business owners or managers who want to see their staff reach their full potential and work hard for you. To register, visit: www.theicehouse.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11Elite6 Business Networking

Elite6 City is an exciting, innovative group which brings local business people together once a week, on Wednesday mornings at 7.30am for an hour long networking meeting, to share ideas, referrals and help people their businesses. Each session has guest speakers and/or group discussions which encourage you to think ‘outside the

box’ in order to promote and improve your business. The aim is to bring together hard working, positive professionals who want to build up the local business community in Christchurch. To find out more visit: www.elite6.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25Management and Leadership

Transiting from team member to manager can be a difficult leap. This Management and Leadership course will give you the tools to be a well liked, helpful and respected leader that others will follow. You will learn how to set expectation for your staff, set SMART goals for yourself and your staff, assign and delegate work, provide effective feedback, resolve conflicts and manage your time. This one day workshop is designed for people who have recently move into management positioned, or for those in managements roles that want to improve their leadership skills. To register, visit: www.biztrainers.co.nz

THURSDAY, JUNE 26Time Management

Does time ever slip away on you? Is a successful day’s work also a day well spent? Then learn how to make the most of your time with this Time Management course. This one day workshop will teach your useful time management skills including personal motivation, delegation skills, organisational tools and crisis management tools. Workshop objectives include planning and prioritising each day’s activities, overcoming procrastination quickly, delegating more efficiently, handling interruptions and using rituals to make your life run smoother. To register, visit: www.biztrainers.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2Customer Service Skills

This half day course is designed for businesses owners, managers, frontline staff and anyone working in face to face customer service. You will learn about the benefits of putting your focus on customers as a part of your organisation’s core values and mission, identify customer quality requirements, from both a technical and service perspective, and how to deal with difficult customers in a sensitive and professional manner. To register, visit: www.cecc.org.nz

TUESDAY, JULY 22 Smart Marketing

This practical seminar will help you create an effective marketing plan for your own business and is packed full of practical tips and advice. During the half day you’ll learn how to identify your most lucrative target markets, what makes your product unique, devise a realistic, affordable marketing budget and how to measure your marketing success. Topics include a four point checklist, budgeting and market research. It is designed for owners/managers and those responsible for marketing within the organisation.

To register, visit: www.cecc.org.nz

CV DatabaseG

et Head HuntedSet Up Job Alerts

Kiwi Owned

FREE Email Alerts

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE.

WE HAVE THOUSANDSOF JOBS READY

FOR YOU NOW.

Register now and receive free emailalerts so you never miss an opportunity

Post your CV and get head hunted.

This is your job space – provided by Kiwis

for the benefit of all Kiwis.

MYJOBSPACE.CO.NZ | 0800 486 329 | 85 PICTON AVE RICCARTON, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND 8011

CHANGE YOUR JOB?CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

CHECK OUTOUR WEBSITE.

WE HAVE THOUSANDSOF JOBS READY

FOR YOU NOW.

Register now and receive free emailalerts so you never miss an opportunity

Post your CV and get head hunted.

This is your job space – provided by Kiwisfor the benefit of all Kiwis.

MYJOBSPACE.CO.NZ | 0800 486 329 | 85 PICTON AVE RICCARTON, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND 8011

CHANGE YOUR

SEARCH ONLINE ON:

* search nowsearch nowsearch nowsearch nowsearch now

The launch site for every Kiwi career

PROUD To be a finalist in this

years Netguides

Best Employment

site category!

18 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

News | About the town

making itall add up

We provide a full range of accounting and business services to companies

nationwide, and we’re proud to work with Business Systems Nelson.

www.firstclassaccounts.co.nz

Daytime: 021 222 4899 or 021 765 931Evening: 03 960 1141Email: [email protected]

www.griffbuild.co.nz

RoyalmusingsAs someone who has been pretty much fully immersed in a post-earthquake Christchurch since 4 September 2010, it was a truly refreshing break from the pressures of the rebuild to take some time out to host Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand on Monday, 14 April. The Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (CECC) was asked to host Their Royal Highnesses by the Department of Internal Affairs Royal Visit Committee. The CECC has a long history in running high quality events and this was recognised with our selection.

It did not take long to accept the request to host the lunch and not much longer to find good entities around Christchurch who were prepared to support us with the luncheon budget (obviously it would be inappropriate to charge guests to attend such a function).

We identified early on that the Air Force Museum of New Zealand would be the logical venue for the function given that the Aircraft Hall has its own magical ambience and can be effectively locked down.

Of course the Duke is an aircraft buff and we knew he would really enjoy having lunch surrounded by a collection of Royal New Zealand Air Force Planes. The highlight was the DC3 plane that flew Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother around New Zealand

on various Royal visits between 1953 and 1977. On the day the Duke took a real interest in that plane and its history.

One of the more challenging aspects of hosting the lunch was determining who should be invited to attend. At the end of the day there were the obvious candidates and on top of that we balloted our members to ensure that we had an unbiased invitation list.

We also invited other key influencers from across our community who were not necessarily involved in business but who have much to offer Christchurch in the post-earthquake environment.

It was a great honour after welcoming the Duke and Duchess to the Air Force Museum to have private time with them and my general manager (Leeann Watson) to discuss some of the critical issues around Christchurch and some of the highlights of their visit to date.

The Duke and Duchess are amazingly relaxed people without pretence and are genuinely interested in New Zealand, Christchurch, and its people.

There was much discussion about flying; clearly the Duke enjoys his time in the air and is very keen to get back to operating aircraft as soon as he can. He made it quite clear over lunch he loves New Zealand and enjoys its people and that one of his objectives during his trip here was to ensure that the Duchess fell in love with New Zealand also. He indicated that he had achieved that objective!

Hosting the Royal couple was a really rewarding experience. It was so nice to be able to talk to two genuinely interesting people, who although are amongst the most famous in the world, are so easy to converse with, so easy to relate to, and so easy to get on with.

It was a great day for Christchurch and it was a great time for New Zealand.

One of the critical outcomes from my perspective was that the news media took messages from Christchurch and put them around the world instantly. Those messages were very much about a city that is healing, a city that is full of opportunity, and a city that is aspiring to be the best in Australasia. That sort of publicity is priceless.

Peter Townsend is chief executive of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.cecc.org.nz

By Peter Townsend | Images provided courtesy of Woolf/Crown

The Duke spoke well of his impressions of Christchurch, the stoic nature of our people and the optimism for the future. We played a video, especially prepared by Ian Taylor of Animation Research Ltd which focused on our people and our future. That video has since gone viral and has attracted worldwide attention.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Therese Walsh, head of New Zealand ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and Canterbury Cricket CEO Lee Germon

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Wynyard Quarter as part of the Royal Tour of New Zealand

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by Peter Townsend, arrive in Christchurch

<

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee

<

<<

IS THIS THE BEST AND MOST COST EFFECTIVE PET FOOD

AVAILABLE IN NZ?We are certain it is and here’s why

Firstly not all bags of dog food are the same size, making it hard to compare costs. But most people can soon work out what the cost is per kilo.

However what most people don’t have time to calculate is what it costs to feed their dog per meal, as some require a lot of food to meet the correct daily requirements, and others, not so much. The reason for this is that quality foods generally require less as they have less fillers such as corn, soy, grain etc. And it’s these fillers that are the main reason for allergies. Which can be costly if you need to visit the vet. And of course if the dog is eating less and able to digest more of the human grade ingredients

Call now for a FREE SAMPLE and info pack ph 0800 101 729 or www.canidae.co.nz

Kind regards, Gary Collins - Managing Director

The Confidential Dog Food report recently assessed over 2000 dog foods, including all the brands you’re familiar with that have huge marketing budgets and selected the best nine in the world. Canidae was one. The others aren’t available in New Zealand.

Each year the Whole Dog Journal, one of the most respected dog journals in the world, generates a list of approximately 25 ‘Approved Foods’ from around the world. Once again Canidae is on this list and has been for many years. In fact here’s a quote from their publication

“I’d like to quickly dismiss the idea that any of the giants – Iams and Eukanuba, Purina, Science Diet, et. al. - could possibly make dry foods that are as good as the foods that have a regular presence on WDJ’s ‘approved foods list’. The fact is, though, of course they could; they have all the resources needed to do so. They could bury most of the competition in the “natural and holistic” niche... if they followed through and used only the same high quality ingredients typically used by the smaller boutique brands. But they generally stop short – perhaps because they are unaccustomed to paying a lot for their raw materials, or marketing the products at a correspondingly high sales price?”

(as in Canidae) then it means there’s less “excess” on the lawn. Below is a comparison between some of the “premium” brands available in NZ. This is based on a 10kg dog, so if you have a large dog the savings will be multiplied.

These guideline amounts are based on the recommended feeding requirements per day as stated by the manufacturer. They are a starting point and your dog may need more or less food depending upon age, breed, activity and climate. In order to reach optimal body condition, you may need to adjust food intake.

Not all dog foods are equal – in many respects

Grams required Cost per feed Cost per Kg

CANIDAE 96gms $1.12 $11.73 Orijen 150gms $1.72 $11.50 Nutrience 180gms $1.43 $7.97 Purina 158gms $1.36 $8.62 Eukanuba 140gms $1.24 $8.88 Hills Science Diet 181gms $1.81 $10.00

SAVE UP TO 38% on other “leading” brands with Canidae These calculations are based on a 10kg dog. These figures are correct as at 18/2/13.

We assumed an active dog, older than 1 year, that is exercised. Based on buying 15kg bags or the nearest the manufacturer had.

Both of the independent studies above look at the ingredients, the manufacturing plant and most importantly the nutritional benefits to the dog. They aren’t swayed by marketing hype.

At Canidae Pet Foods we are committed to providing you, our valued customer and your pets, the highest standard of excellence in product quality and customer satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied with any of our products, please call our team for a no questions asked refund. In fact if you don’t become a raving fan of Canidae/Felidae by the end of your first bag I would personally like to know about it.

Goes beyond just feeding your pet

20 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The old adage says that if you want something done properly – then do it yourself. So that’s exactly what New Brighton is doing, they are taking the lead in the rebuild and rejuvenation of their community. And they’re using a business model to do it.

Local businessman Tony Brooks has established Surf - the Strategic Urban Rejuvenation Force, a private company committed to enabling a series of key projects that have been designed to rejuvenate both the CBD of New Brighton and surrounding suburb.

“Surf will tackle a mix of social projects and business propositions with the view to attracting investment and business to the area,” Brooks says.

Surf intendeds to put New Brighton back on the map, and while this involves numerous business and investment projects – the first step is all about engaging and empowering the community.

News | Local moves

“It’s rejuvenation from within,” Brooks says.

“This is a grassroots initiative that needs the community, the country, the world, to buy into this concept. We are going to address the social needs of this area, and then we are going to stimulate, promote and encourage private enterprise in the New Brighton area.”

So why a business model? Unlike community organisations, a business has the ability to be agile and act quickly.

Brooks sat on the board of the New Brighton Business and Land Owners Association and it became apparent that there was the need for a company/ organisation to step into the mix to enable the planned the projects it was investigating.

Surf was established in April and has just launched Surf Community, which is the not for profit arm of Surf, 100 percent dedicated to the people of New Brighton.

It is the entity running the local and international donation campaign ‘Change our world in 28 days’ which ends on June 8.

All donations received will be held until a Board of Directors is appointed. The company will then begin to share the business cases and proposals it has been preparing for a number of projects.

Brooks says Surf is a task driven organisation and while it is doing the work behind the scenes on a number of rejuvenation projects - it is ultimately the people of New Brighton that will help make the decision on where the donated funds will be spent.

What really makes Surf Community different is that every resident, business owner and land owner of the suburb can impact how money raised through donations is spent via a voting system. Voting rights will automatically be given to each adult resident, land and business owner in the suburb.

“The worst thing Surf can do is deliver projects the community does not want. This is entirely about giving the power back to the people and allowing the community to make the right decisions for New Brighton.

“So while we have business cases prepared for a number of projects – the community ultimately will decide where the donation money is invested.”

Proposals put forward will proceed, or stop, based on what the community decides. For any project to proceed, it will require a 60 percent majority of positive votes.

Those living outside New Brighton, but with an interest in seeing it rejuvenated, can purchase a vote.

“Ultimately all donated money is there to fund initiatives that will make New Brighton a desirable place to live and do business, which will then help us establish the projects designed to generate revenue.”

Profits from these revenue generating projects will then be directed back into Surf.

Surf Investments will also be formed to manage key investor projects for the area. It will then raise equity to fund the development of these projects. Shares in

Coastal concerns

The Wave Garden; a proposed artificial wave facility for New Brighton that will be a key investor for Surf Investments

this company will be offered to New Brighton residents first before being offered to the market

“This company is a vital ingredient in the development of key investment projects in the area and is being established to actively secure investors and investment,” Brooks adds.

www.surfnewbrighton.co.nz

This is a grassroots

initiative that needs the

community, the country,

the world, to buy into this

concept. We are going to

address the social needs

of this area, and then we

are going to stimulate,

promote and encourage

private enterprise in the

New Brighton area.

”- TONY BROOKS

22 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

News | Tools/The front line

Ahh LinkedIn… it’s one of those words we drop into a conversation to make others think we mean business. And we do. But even as an active user, can you honestly admit you know how to use LinkedIn to your best advantage?

GetseriousaboutLinkedInBy Davina Richards

company, not what the company does itself. Be specific about your tasks and include results to support achievements. Tell people a story of your history which they are compelled to read • Just how we like to post Facebook statuses about completing a half marathon run or successfully reaching a

wedding anniversary, let people know about your achievements. Whether you’ve secured a valuable client, exceeded company goals or landed a new job, update your status by sharing good news or something you’re contacts might be interested in so other users will notice you

• There are many strangers on LinkedIn who nosey-about looking for connections. If this stranger is you and there’s someone you’d like to connect with, but are unsure if they’ll respond, send them a message explaining why you would like to connect with them and why they might want to connect with you. It pays well to personalise a message and it almost always results in a connection

• Try to start a short conversation when you accept a new connection. Take a look at their profile and see if there’s any common ground which could be a conversation starter. Make an effort and it could be the start of a beautiful relationship

• Extend your network database further by joining groups which are relevant and interesting to you. Be active: introduce yourself, participate in conversations and ask questions. Stay up to date and you may be surprised how much you learn from other professionals and in turn inadvertently reach your goal

• Share your expertise – upload relevant videos, tutorials, webinars and presentations, anything which adds value to you as a contact. This will grab attention from those you’re already connected with and also attract new contacts

• Include recommendations on your profile, but make sure they’re from the right people. Ask for a recommendation request from someone you’ve worked closely with someone who’s heard you speak at a conference, or someone reputable who can vouch for your qualifications and expertise. Ideally, they need to contribute a few sentences which make you stand out from others in your field

• Don’t be lazy: Spell check, spell check, spell check. Check for typos in company names, user names and throughout your profile. Review spelling and grammar errors

• Read through your profile and check it’s 100 percent complete. This way you’ll get ‘checked out’ more often.

Best and worst customer service industries revealed

Customer service satisfaction in New Zealand has doubled from 2012.The results of the fifth annual KiwiHost Perceptions of Customer Service Survey of more than 1,250 New Zealanders, carried out late last year, reveals the private sector appears to be heeding the call for better customer service.

The survey covers customer service across 16 different industries, from automotive repairers, hotels/motels, banks and accounts/legal to supermarkets, medical centres, local councils, Government agencies and Internet service providers.

Companies are rated by customers according to a ‘Happiness Rating’, which applies to the number of satisfied responses minus the number of unsatisfied responses, represented as a percentage of the total number of responses for each company.

A Happiness Rating of 100 would indicate that all responses from the company were positive, while a negative Happiness Rating means that responses suggest that the company has more unsatisfied customers than satisfied ones. The survey has a margin of error of 3.6 percent.

KiwiHost managing director, Jared Brixton says half of the industry sectors surveyed came out with a Happiness Rating of 50 or more, which is double that of 2012 when only four sectors achieved a similar result.

“At the other end of the scale, no sectors scored a negative rating, which is a tremendous improvement over the previous year. Unfortunately Government agencies, while making a big improvement from last year, just scrape home with a Happiness Rating of three.

“It appears we have hit a critical point where the general level of service has improved to a level at which most organisations are providing somewhat satisfactory service."

The perception of satisfactory customer service levels increased by 16 percent, jumping up to 64 percent, compared to 48 percent in 2012 and 54 percent in 2010.

However, the increase in satisfaction is not necessarily reflected in what customers believe, with only 32 percent of customers saying that customer service is getting better. But this is also a marked improvement on 24 percent from the previous year.

Socialmediaagrowinginfluence

Social media continues to surge as a popular medium for communicating with companies, whether to express satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the level of service.

“If companies use social media to respond to both positive and negative feedback, the survey would suggest that

they stand a better chance of retaining their customers.”

ThebadIndustries that rate the worst for customer service in New Zealand are Government agencies and local councils, and telecommunications, utilities and insurance companies.

StarperformersAir New Zealand remains the star performer when it comes to performance across the customer service landscape with a Happiness Rating of higher than 80, compared to other international airlines. ASB leads the banking industry with a Happiness Rating in the mid-50s, while 2 Degrees heads the telecommunications industry with a Happiness Rating in the mid-40s.

Those surveyed gave the retail hospitality industry (cafés, bars and restaurants) a combined Happiness Rating of nearly 70.

“Respondents have a more favourable perception of the level of customer service provided by banks overall, but the retail hospitality industry and supermarkets are right up there with them – the retail hospitality industry and hotels/motels had the least number of negative responses.

“Telecommunications and Internet Service Providers have clearly got the message and improved the most from last year, going up by 34 Happiness Rating points. On the other hand, Government agencies are still barely making a positive impact.

“It may be easy to say that nobody ever feels favourably disposed towards Government agencies, but the same can be said of local councils, yet local councils – while being the other cellar dweller – still significantly outperform government.”

ReasonsinfluencingperceptionsofcustomerserviceThe KiwiHost Perceptions of Customer Service Survey revealed that New Zealand customers have three basic expectations of an organisation:• Listen to me and understand my needs.

• Demonstrate a willingness to help.

• Respond to me in a timely manner.

It appears we have hit

a critical point where

the general level of

service has improved

to a level at which

most organisations are

providing somewhat

satisfactory service.

As of February, 2014, LinkedIn has 277 million users. It’s one of the most powerful tools for making valuable business associates and building a professional network is just as important as retaining your staff, because without both, what exactly are you trying to build?

When it comes to LinkedIn, we sign up, we log in, take a look around, upload a good selfie and fill in the blank boxes - but remember this is no Facebook page.

For one thing, LinkedIn is relevant (did I say that out loud?), when it comes to business anyway. Think about what you want to get out of your profile and set it up according to what you want to achieve.

People are going to read it and what you write will be a reflection of yourself, so don’t just put your best face forward, put your best skills, expertise, experience, recommendations, products and your passions forward, too.

Sell yourself and the responses you receive will have value and truth to it. In doing so, you will get introduced to the right people, get answers from people who are experts in their field and hit upon new business deals and marketing opportunities.

Alex Pirouz, business advisor and founder of Linkfluencer.com, failed his first four businesses and lost more than half a million dollars, only making his first modest profit after four years. He recognises the challenges within LinkedIn which urged him to launch Linkfluencer.com.

Linkfluencer.com, which states 85 percent of business owners are unable to effectively use LinkedIn, teaches professionals how to master the social media platform by taking them on a programme which focusses on planning, connecting and making profit through interactive online videos, exercises and activities.

Alex has accumulated an impressive 6,800 connections in just two years and through his website wants to educate others on how to build customers, and their brand through media.

Optimise your profile so you have a compelling LinkedIn presence and get those professional invitations rolling in by following these steps.

• What’s the purpose of having a LinkedIn profile? What do you want from being a LinkedIn member? Are you seeking an employer, investor, partner or a new career path? Use key words to get the right attention

• Write information which is to the point. Inform people about what you do at a

New Zealand has the highest youth suicide rate in the developed world, yet there are more than 6,000 charities dedicated to assisting our youth throughout the country.

Y for YOUTH co-founder Alex Greig says “There are hundreds of very successful programmes out there already in the community. The problem is that they are competing with each other for a diminishing pool of government grants, public donations and gaming trust money, which is limiting their ability to scale and expand capacity and in some instances threatening their very survival.”

Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation CEO, Craig Pollock says he and his organisation are fully aware of the impending youth sector funding crisis.

“Even as one of the larger youth organisations, it is a major challenge finding alternative revenue streams just to fund our current programmes. I suspect a lot of smaller youth organisations may simply not survive the next few years.”

Yet as traditional funding sources for the charity sector continue to decline, New Zealand’s alarming youth social statistics, such as bullying and suicide, continue to increase. Just last year there was a 40 percent increase in youth suicide for 15 – 19 year olds.

As New Zealand’s youth organisations face an unprecedented funding crisis, businesses nationwide are standing up with new social brand Y for YOUTH to solve our serious youth social issues.

Businesses stand up to solve youth social issues

What can we do about our youth social issues and the youth sector funding crisis?

“New Zealand’s youth social problems are not going to be solved with sausage sizzles and the old method of rattling the bucket outside shopping centres. Our serious social problems require serious resources and funding,” Greig says.

Y for YOUTH is a turnkey corporate social responsibility platform that enables businesses to contribute to the youth sector in such a way that they benefit from positive publicity and increased sales.

Businesses and brands contribute a percentage of their profits to the Y for YOUTH support network. In return companies display the Y for YOUTH trademark on their products and advertising, similar to Fairtrade or the Heart Foundation Tick branding models. Consumers are then encouraged to purchase from these companies.

Consumers want to buy from companies that support our communities

Greig says that today more than ever, consumers want to buy from companies that contribute to our communities. “We have developed a system that makes it easy for companies to donate to the youth sector, but in such a way that they

benefit from increased sales, positive publicity and an improved brand image. It’s a win-win.”

Through the creation of a sustained funding platform for New Zealand’s youth sector, youth organisations’ fundraising burdens can be alleviated so they can focus on expanding their programmes and impacting as many youth as possible throughout New Zealand.

Y for YOUTH co-founder Lara Jane says “We’re talking about transformation and positive social change for all of New Zealand. The more youth that are positively impacted, the more youth that grow up to be happy, healthy, contributing members in our communities.”

100 Founding Angels

As Y for YOUTH works towards becoming financially sustainable, it has created an opportunity for 100 forward thinking businesses and community focused individuals who wish to be involved in a movement to reduce New Zealand’s youth social statistics, to become Founding Angels.

Founding Angels support the development of Y for YOUTH by making an initial $5,000 donation (or $500 per month x 10 months), then $100 per month for three years.

Well known entrepreneur Michael Mayell, founder of Cookie Time, was one of the first to step up and claims that becoming a Founding Angel is a good way of practising corporate social responsibility. “This is just a great opportunity to give back, and it makes it very easy for businesses to do it.”

Twenty eight companies and individuals have already come on board as Founding Angels to support the development and growth of Y for YOUTH including Blacksmith Ltd, Navman Wireless, Academy Publishing, Coca–Cola,Tiki Taane, Kim and Mona Dotcom and Sales Star.

For further information and to get involved visitwww.yforyouth.org

24 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

News | Cover Story

HotBy Laura Hall

His flamboyant signature style certainly stands out in a crowd, just the way he likes it but it is his outspoken, gung-ho attitude that is the real head turner.

Come hell or high water Antony has pressed on with his grand plans for the half block entertainment precinct on Oxford Terrace called The Terrace, which will replace The Strip. It is his approach that has made this rich-lister the face of the city centre’s rebuild. A title he is more than happy to flaunt.

Yes, Cantabrians are familiar with the name and the face of the developer who is getting stuck into the rebuild. However, there are a few fascinating facts that aren’t so commonly known among the masses. This fashionista once worked the land on a sheep farm in Chertsey, Canterbury for 13 years. And what’s possibly even more surprising, he has an honours degree in physics.

While some property owners have been hesitant to reinvest in the city centre Antony isn’t holding back.

The entertainment precinct featuring restaurants, bars and shops will offer a shopping and dining experience like no other in the city, with visitors invited to promenade down the lane ways in a space Antony hopes will become the “living room” of the city.

property On a gloomy Christchurch day among The Terrace’s chaotic, mud trodden construction site, Antony Gough lights up the temporary onsite offices. It’s not just his blinding, fluorescent yellow suit and matching accessories that radiate off him; it’s his personality and entire persona that shine.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 25

News | Cover Story

His father Owen recommended he should try his hand at computers, so he went to work at the family business as a computer programmer. Computers clicked with his mathematical brain and within five years he was manager of the department with 25 staff under him.

But shortly after starting work at the company his attention turned to property investment. “To me it seemed natural. I could see potential in things that other people obviously couldn’t,” he says.

His grandfather had died many years previously and he received a small inheritance at age 21, which came locked into Christchurch City Council bonds for 20 years. His parents kept a tight control on the family money; they never overspent and rarely bought exorbitant items, “we were asset rich and cash poor,” he says.

But when a corner property came up for sale next to The Bridge of Remembrance the opportunity was too good to pass up. He suggested to his father that the company should consider buying the site but Owen didn’t share his son’s ambitious views.

“My father said you get on with your studies and we’ll get on with selling tractors. But those words to me were like a red flag is to a bull.” So, much to his parent’s absolute horror he stuck his neck out and sold his Christchurch City Council bonds on the stock exchange at a capital loss. Then he went into partnership with his twin sister Avenal and bought the building.

“My parents asked me what did I know about property? I said nothing, but I’m going to learn quickly.” Considering the state of Antony’s property portfolio you’d have to say he’s a pretty quick study.

During the years his properties have housed bars and restaurants on The Strip encompassing Liquidity, Ferment, The Tap Room, The Bangalore Polo Club and The Boulevard, as well as the Maithai, Vivace Coffee, Shands Emporium, Dimitris Souvlaki, Maher Shoes, Radar Records, a ten storey office tower over looking Victoria Square, two hotels and a retirement village just to name a few.

To most people this may seem like an impressive list of properties but for Antony it was just a warm up preparing him for the challenge of building The Terrace, his biggest project to date.

Don’t be mistaken though, he’s had his fair share of struggles. His first was just a year after buying his first property, the building burnt down and it took six years to recover the money from the insurance company.

More recently his business partner, who jointly owned the Poplars Apartments with him went bankrupt. So Antony bought him out, changed the whole project from apartments to sell to a boutique hotel and then ran the hotel called The Poplars Apartment Hotel and Oasis restaurant himself. These difficult times prepared for the challenges he now faces.

Where to next“At the moment I have plenty on my plate to wake me up at three in the morning. I sometimes think ‘what are you doing Antony’? which is pretty normal these days. I’m taking a huge risk. I’ve got no income at the moment, but plenty of money going out.”

Under the Crown’s compulsory land acquisition for the city’s blueprint Antony lost two key corner sites overlooking the Avon River and parks. “I’ll never be able to buy them back at the price I had to sell them to the Crown at, but it is also important to move on and not dwell on negatives.”

But he’s not holding any grudges – that’s just not his style. “A lot of people dwell on things and you’ll notice I don’t; I’ve learnt to let go and move on. I always say my glass is half full not half empty; it’s my positive philosophy that has helped me keep going."

After two years in a battle with his insurance companies he is now fully settled for the buildings themselves and looking to the future. “My insurance outstanding issues are minor these days.

“I want to create something that is a legacy for Christchurch that people can be absolutely proud of. So for me The Terrace is about putting something back into the city that has given me so much.”

And with this noble vision in mind he created a few basic rules for his architects.

“Firstly I want to optimise the site, not maximise it. Most developers try to max out the site to make a big return on it, but I am more interested in building a quality space that can breathe.

“Secondly I want to build lanes not arcades; lanes are open to the sky and create open air spaces with sunshine and light everywhere. Arcades are covered tunnels. And lastly I want a collection of unique buildings with a timeless look. I have a saying if you see it in a mall you won’t see it here.”

The Terrace build is percolating along nicely thanks to Antony’s ever optimistic outlook, high standards and wads of cash, but he says there are other aspects of the city’s rebuild that aren’t looking so bright.

“Firstly CERA in all their wisdom thought it was a great idea to lock the city down for 15

months after the earthquake. But that move has set the rebuild back by more than a year and forced many investors and retailers out of the city.

“And secondly the anchor projects, which should be the inspiration for the rebuild, are taking far too long to come out of the ground. They should have been the front runners to drive people back into the city and they are the tail wagers. The great thing is these are now starting to happen.”

Despite the anchor projects’ start dates falling short of his expectations, Antony is quick to remind me of all the exciting progress that is being made. “I know people are saying ‘the rebuild is so slow and taking forever’. I say to these people wake up and take a look at the city - there is development everywhere.”

The foundations are being laid for the $100 million Cashel Square office and retail precient between Cashel, Hereford and Colombo Streets. There are four new buildings going up on Cambridge Terrace. Shaun Stockman has just completed a brand new building on the corner of Lichfield and High Street.

Antony expects to hear news of the rebuild on the Triangle Centre area soon and the former Grand Chancellor site has had plans announced for a replacement building on its site. The justice precinct is on its way and the new bus exchange is to be completed in 2015.

“Christchurch is having a huge amount of money invested into it. It’s going to be the financial powerhouse of New Zealand. People like me are spending huge amounts of money out of their own pockets to create a new city from nothing.”

Antony buzzes with enthusiasm as he talks about the future of the city and it is obvious he is genuinely ecstatic about what the future holds.

“I think the future of Christchurch central city is hugely under rated by the general public. The finished product is going to hit Christchurch people by storm.

“The reality will exceed what the blueprint plan promises; Christchurch will be the city of the future with other cities looking to it for leadership and inspiration. I don’t think people have seen what’s coming yet.”

As the city continues to transform and take on its new shape people will start to get hyped up and excited too. “You’ve got to sell the enthusiasm and the buzz for the city. In the early part of next year we will all be down here having a party, celebrating the opening of The Terrace.”

If anyone is capable of selling enthusiasm it’s Antony Gough. All he needs to do is walk into the room.

At the moment I have

plenty on my plate to

wake me up at three in

the morning. I some-

times think ‘what are

you doing Antony’,

which is pretty normal

these days.

Despite the naysayers repeatedly telling Antony he won’t find anyone to fill the buildings, he already has tenants lined up for most of the offices along Oxford Terrace and names against around 80 percent of the hospitality space in stage one. The first of three buildings is already taking shape and stage one is expected to be open by Autumn 2015.

He promises the build will be something truly special, a “gift to Christchurch”. And it is one pricy gift with the insurance pay out of $40 million estimated to cover just a quarter of the cost to build the full precinct; the rest is coming from his own pockets and other investors.

But Antony is casually waving off the escalating $100 million dollar bill he’s footing. For him it’s not about the cost rather a unique opportunity to start over. “It is our duty to better the city and make it an exciting, vibrant place people want to come to.”

As Antony’s towers rise up from the rubble, rubber stamping his mark on the city, he admits he is extremely fortunate to be in his position. “No, I wouldn’t be where I am today without family money, but I think everyone gets something in their life that comes their way and the thing is not to waste that opportunity.”

The family money that gave Antony his kick-start in life was hard earned by his grandfather Tracy Gough. About 85 years ago Tracy founded and ran the New Zealand Caterpillar franchise, dealing in tractors and heavy machinery.

The Caterpillar business has developed and expanded a number of times during the years and now employs around 900 staff from Auckland to Invercargill, all the while maintaining the family fortune through the Gough, Gough and Hamer business, which is still privately owned today.

The making of the man Antony is 65 and proud of it, “I feel I’m almost at that point where I don’t care about my age and I almost can’t believe I got here,” he says.

He is a Christchurch boy through and through attending all the right schools; firstly the prestigious Medbury School followed by Christ’s College. He then went on to study at the University of Canterbury achieving a physics honours degree with a special interest in nuclear physics. “That’s a specialist degree where they put you in a tiny little room and pressure cook you on physics for fours years.”

He soon realised a nuclear physics degree was “a bit of a joke” in New Zealand and there were certainly no jobs for a nuclear physicist in a nuclear free country.

”- ANTONY GOUGH

26 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Interview | Tim Alpe

KingoftheroadBy Davina Richards

You’ve probably seen her. Leaning over and blowing a cheeky kiss in your direction, usually accompanied with the slogan ‘Be JUCY, Live JUCY, Rent JUCY’. She appears in all her glory on the back of the distinctive green and purple rental campervans, gracing the roads across New Zealand and abroad. Well her name is Lucy, a fun-loving 1950s pin-up girl who revels in adventure and the spirit of travelling, and she anchors the JUCY brand.

Behind the scenes is Tim Alpe, one half of JUCY’s founders. He and his brother Dan launched the company 13 years ago, working from a small garage in Parnell, Auckland. Tim was 27 and Dan 25 at the time.

Following the success of JUCY here in God’s own, the company jumped across the pond in 2008, stuck a Kiwi flag in the sand and added some street value to Australian roads.

America was the latest market JUCY broke into in 2012, but this was no unlikely landing strip for the leading tourism business which already raves JUCY Cruise Milford Sound, a JUCY hotel in Auckland and JUCY car and campervan hire across New Zealand, Australia and the US.

The New Zealand tourism industry, much like Kiwi innovation, is a growing success story and still gaining momentum. So what better way to make a living than to help people have a good time on holiday?

The road to success Success is almost never a straight smoothly climbing line. It’s more of a spaghetti junction with the arrow barely piercing through the top.

You’ve pretty much made it once you’ve by-crossed the American border, but for Tim, success hasn’t come without the odd blip along the way. One of his earliest and biggest business decisions was to change the company name from Ezy Rentals to JUCY, where he admits they were a bit naïve and didn’t consider trademarks and protecting the brand.

“When we rebranded to JUCY we realised the importance of really focussing on creating a brand, as opposed to just having a business and we have created something with universal appeal that can cross into different sectors. Suffice to say the worst decision was not to focus on the brand at the outset,” Tim says.

“I think for us it’s really about ascertaining what are the best opportunities for the business, as there are plenty of opportunities for us to ‘JUCY-fy’ the world. But it’s about selecting the opportunities that best suit the brand and the business, and I suppose concentrating on the ones we know well and not focussing on opportunities that maybe aren’t right for the time being. And making sure we have the right people around us to achieve those goals.”

Like for any business, and for any business wanting to permeate the largest market in the world, challenges are inevitable and some seem almost impossible until they’re achieved.

Tim says launching into the US was like dealing with 52 different countries. Different states with each detailing red tape and

different time zones were consuming factors; he waited six months to secure a business license and four months to get a bank account.

“We overcame these obstacles by placing an employee from NZ HQ into the US for three months to help write the business plan. She understood JUCY and the brand and how we operated, and we put her into California for three months to help us write the business plan.

“Then we also looked to work with an existing operator up in the US for the first two years of operation which enabled us to get on the ground without having the expense of big leases and other major overheads. We made sure that we had our own staff in the market early on to really look after the best interests of the business and our customers.”

Onwards and upwards JUCY back home refuses to stand still. It has shifted into a different industry sector by moving from traditional rental cars and campervans into accommodation; the first JUCY hotel opened in Auckland in 2010.

“We had a huge amount of interest from our

We are not good at saying no to opportunities and

have been fortunate to have a board around us that’s

been able to ask tough questions – is this the right

thing for the business? And then having the balls to

turn around and say ‘no, don’t do it’.

Tim and Dan Alpe

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 27

Interview | Tim Alpe

JUCY facts: • 2,700 vehicles

• More than 240 staff

• One hotel

• One cruise boat

• Operates in 13 locations in NZ, Australia and USA

• 300,000 people drive, sleep and cruise JUCY each year

• More than 21,000 Facebook fans

• 7,300 Twitter followers

• More than one million You Tube views.

JUCY awards:

• Tim Alpe won Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2010

• 2011 Winner University of Auckland Business School Entrepreneurs’ Challenge

• 2013 Joint winner in the NZTE International Business Awards – AUT Business School Most Innovative Business Model

• 2013 Finalist in NZTE International Business Awards – ANZ Best Business category

• For the seventh year in a row, JUCY was awarded the prestigious Golden Backpack Award 2013 for Best Car/Camper Rental in New Zealand.

customers who wanted places to stay and they wanted to stay with JUCY throughout their journey, so we spotted the opportunity and launched the hotel in Auckland. It was a new learning curve for us, but it’s been fantastic,” he says.

While the company plans to roll out the hotel/accommodation offering in Christchurch and other sites, JUCY continues to expand its vehicle side of the business in America and a new range of JUCY rental cars have just hit Australian roads.

“We are not good at saying no to opportunities and have been fortunate to have a board around us that’s been able to ask tough questions – is this the right thing for the business? And then having the balls to turn around and say no, don’t do it.”

Arguably the biggest game changer for the business was moving from rental cars to campervans.

“We worked with boat builders to design a vehicle which was totally unique, using fiberglass and it proved a lot more cost-effective than our competitors. Also painting our vehicles green and purple when traditional motor homes were usually white created a huge amount of interest and a community of JUCY people driving and parking up together.

“Moving offshore to Australia in 2008 was also a huge milestone – we were unproven in overseas markets at that time and by launching there we proved we could go international, and this led on to the US.”

JUCY has its own campervan manufacturing division called JUCY by Design and is where the campervan units are built onto the imported second hand Japanese vans. JBD is based in Auckland and Los Angeles.

Spreading the word These days guerrilla advertising is what successful marketing material is made from and since the beginning JUCY was prone to try a bit of left field advertising to promote the brand, including parking campers outside tourist hotspots to get noticed.

“We had quirky merchandise such as branded g-strings and we sponsored unusual events like jelly wrestling – all the things that were a little bit controversial we got involved with.

“The guerrilla marketing was an inexpensive way to get our product out there and promote the business as we didn’t have the luxury of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on advertising. So we had to be creative and by being a little bit risky we definitely caught the attention of people,” he says.

Culture is key within any organisation and this is

totally true with JUCY. We are a marketing business

and our people are our biggest asset.

A strategy which worked a charm and couldn’t have been pulled off without the help of its dedicated and loyal JUCY crew.

It could have been (embarrassingly) misspelled or it could have been intentional, but the letter ‘i’ has been left out in its company name JUCY. I’ll just assume it’s because there is no ‘i’ in team because JUCY is a little family unit drenched in a culture all of its own. In fact, there have been five JUCY weddings and six or seven JUCY babies from people who have met as a result of working together.

“Culture is key within any organisation and this is totally true with JUCY. We are a marketing business and our people are our biggest asset. We have a person whose full time role is Queen of Culture and her role is that we get the right people on board, induct them accordingly and really invest in people. We don’t have an HR department at JUCY – we have a Queen of Culture and a People Jucyfier and we are prepared to invest in our people.”

Driving desire Tim’s work life began with Tourism Holdings Ltd in Los Angeles, Auckland and Melbourne. But there’s no denying that even as a young lad, Tim’s fate was always to be in business. His father, Chris, started Maui campervans in the 80s, to which Tim recalls cleaning campervans with his brother Dan every school holidays.

“Dad has been instrumental in helping Dan and I grow and establish the business, and he is still very involved. About two years ago we were struggling a little bit in the US and we sent him up there for a month to help out. He ended up buying a house there and spending about seven months of the year there helping us with the business.

“Dan and I have learnt a lot from him about the industry, how you grow and handle a fast growing, fast moving business and he is hugely influential in the way we have established the business.”

His father’s advice was to “employ your weaknesses”. “As it turns out we have about 247 weaknesses. It’s really important to appreciate you can’t do everything yourself and to get the right people around you to help you really achieve your goals.”

Tim clearly works hard to make a living, but he also doesn’t forget to make a life too. After all, what’s money and success if you don’t have anyone to share it with? He runs an international business and has a wife and three children aged three to eight, so you can imagine the demands of equal attention.

His brother Dan, is equally adept at juggling work and family life with his wife and two young children. But Tim says business and life is all one in the same.

“I’m an active relaxer so I’m always out doing stuff with the kids like taking them to tennis, school etc. I went to Hawaii last year with my wife and as long as I got three or four hours work done in the morning, then I was pretty good company in the afternoons.

“I’m not good at doing nothing. I’ve never slept-in in my life.”

“”

If you’re not here for a long time, but here for a good time, JUCY keeps its brand promise of funky and comfortable travel services at budget prices for those who’ve got the travel bug.

www.jucy.co.nz

28 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

News | Lifestyles

Lifestyles By Davina Richards

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. Digital stick Wooden USB

I imagine one day there will be a flash drive the size of my finger nail which can hold a terabyte of data, but until then I’ll leave it up to product designers to objectify the hell out of USB sticks and turn the common mundane object into something stylish and interesting. Exhibit A celebrates the art form of nature and technology. No trees were harmed in the making of this product – the wood is taken from the forest floor.

RRP: 2GB $45, 4GB $49, 8Gb $54 and 16Gb $62

Available from: www.oooms.nl

2. I’ll be there for youCentral Park rug

I won’t abrupt into a one woman band of flash mob singers breaking out the Friends theme tune, but I guarantee this Central Park rug will make you want to lie on the floor, play an episode of the 90s favourite comedy hit show and roll around until you’re a human pancake. Hand woven with felted merino wool, there won't even be a square metre to share with anyone else.

RRP: $468 +GST per square metre

Available from: www.artisanflooring.co.nz

3. Memorable scentsECOYA candle

Many people melt at the smell of freshly baked bread, cut grass or damp earth after a downpour; we try to forget a bad smell as quickly as possible, but the pleasant ones stick around. Don’t let the cold weather desensitise you this winter and fill your home with the sweet smell of French pear. Place it in your bathroom while you relax in the bath, in the hallway or living room. A sweet scent is the remaining element to seal in the cosiness of your home.

RRP: $49.95

Available from: www.ecoya.com

4. Fancy flavours Colonna lemon infused extra virgin olive oil

The story behind Colonna’s Granverde begins in Molise, Italy. Made from handpicked olives and spray-free lemons carefully selected from Marina Colonna’s Bosco Pontini Estate, the sweet olive oil is just too good not to share.

RRP: 250ml $29.90 or 500ml $39.90

Available from: www.sabato.co.nz

Beintowin:Sabato is kindly giving away one bottle of 250mI Colonna

lemon infused extra virgin olive oil. To be in to win simply email your

name and address to [email protected], with ‘Colonna Giveaway – Canterbury

Today’ in the subject line, by Friday, June 20.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 29

News | Lifestyles

Lifestyles

5.

6.

7.

8.

5. Attractive heatingCocoon fires

At some time or another we’ve found ourselves staring into a fire, hypnotised by its dancing flames. The Cocoon fire catches your gaze twofold due to its sleek, sexy design. It runs on bio fuel, doesn’t require a flu and as such, is rather environmentally friendly. Hang it from the ceiling or convert into a freestanding “Terra”. You can move it from room to room making it a great stylish addition to interior and exterior spaces. We might not love the cold, but we do love that warm fuzzy feeling.

RRP: $4,267 plus GST

Available from: www.cocoonfires.co.nz

6. Top drops Amisfield Pinot Noir 2011

Hello wine lovers. We know how much you love to get together to enjoy a rant with friends over a glass of wine and laugh it up by the fire - so why not cosy up to one of Amisfield’s finest wines. Fermented naturally and allowed to mature quietly in French oak barriques it’s the perfect drop for winter with its distinct aromatic red cherries, baking spices and fine oak tasting notes. Go on, you big flirt. It’s the best thing you’ve tasted since the last sip you took!

RRP: $45

Available from: www.amisfield.co.nz

7. Mash itElectric potato and vegetable masher

Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and as a nation we’re big fans. So this electric vegetable and potato masher is a great kitchen tool likely to make a difference at dinner time. Experiment by whipping up some guacamole, dips, baby food and cake batters.

RRP: $69.99

Available from: www.mitre10.co.nz

8. Threading it Glück pendant

Knitted furniture is underestimated and quite the in item just now. This hand crochet pendant light brings warmth and texture, and possesses a charm which can lack in many hard furniture pieces. Knitting expert Naomi Paul is just one of the creative’s out there who appreciates sustainability and indulges in the beauty of pulling yarn through loops using materials from the fashion industry. Her unique range of cushions and lighting is worth checking out if you ask me.

RRP: From $2,404

Available from: www.naomipaul.co.uk

30 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

been seenThe people, their faces and all the right places - Canterbury

Images taken and supplied by Lynne Puddy-Greenwood

If you have an event that you’d like covered, email Lynne (Canterbury’s been

seen events editor) on: [email protected]

1

5

9

2

6

10

3

7

4

8

Siliver Stream Estate in Kaiapoi held a special open day for a number of local builders who presented their quality home and land packages.

1. Adrian Everse, Jo Reilly, Levi Davey (Tectonic Construction)

2. Colleen & Michelle

3. Aaron Williams,Jonathan Dixon (DW Construction)

4. Andrew Sandlant, Marg Kraack, Michelle Allan, Fred Rahme (Silverstream Team)

5. Gary Shuttleworth, Yolande Mintrom, Clinton Poole(Compass Homes)

6. Izzy Bloxham, Colleen Christiansen, Kayci McGrath

7. Rebecca Knight, Danny Broom (Devon Construction)

8. Dave Mcleod (Project Homes)

9. Bronwyn Bindon, Tony Hutchison(Newbuild Home Finance)

10. Erica Brown, Bruce Clayton(A1 Homes)

11

15

19

12

16

20

13

17

14

18

Rangi Ruri Old Girls held a special cocktail party at the school’s new science centre as part of Rangi Ruri 125th Anniversary.

11. Craig Campbell & Nick Hall

12. Brigid Shamy, Anna Raymond, Anthea Prentice

13. Rebecca Aitken & Susan Rowe

14. Juliana Hilson & Nicky Ecroyd

15. Genevieve Long & Margot Day

16. Rosemary Whyte, Judith Parkes, Robyn Cartwright

17. Julie Moor (Principal) & Liz Lovell

18. Suse Berwick & Becky Boyce

19. Jan Hadfield, Jill Nazar, Sally Young, Judy Ensor

20. Sarah Wilkinson & Andrea Innes

21

25 27

22

26 28

23 24

Radio Network held an evening at the premier of the Hounds of Baskerville at the Court Theatre for VIP clients.21. Gerry Shackleton, Jo Hockham (Urban Surf)

22. Pete & Sheryl Johnson (Tectonic)

23. Georgia McMecking, Ella Marks

24. Helen Mortimer, Denyse Sanders (DS Management)

25. Nicola Wallace, Maurice Moore (PWC)

26. Mike Gibson & Kim Falconer (Healthy Harvest)

27. Sandy Turner, Danny Broom, Rebecca Knight, Karyn Stewart

28. Ivan Chirino, Chris Lynch (Newstalk ZB)

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 31

29

33

30

34

31

35

32

36

The Art Foundation held an informative evening to explain art at the plush function showroom of Archibald Motors in Tuam Street.

29. Simon Unger, Scott Aucutt

30. Mandy Aucutt, David France

31. Sara Daly, Jim Barribeau,Cathy Solomon, Simon Gilroy

32. Tonia & Michael Bullen, Karen Stevenson

33. Neil Pardington, Simon Bowden (The Arts Foundation)

34. Grant & Jacqueline MacLeod (Artist).

35. Rod McKenzie, Bill Bishop, Kerry Porter

36. Angela Busby (Arts Foundation)

The Inspire foundation held a function at the Archibald’s plush function area to announce the April recipients of the Inspire Scholarships. The evening included an inspiring guest speaker, Steve Trevella who spent time aboard the Steve Irvine protest boat against Japanese whaling in the Antarctic.

53. Reece MacDonald, Tony Mason (BNZ), Paul Rickerby (Moore Stephens Markhams)

54. Chris Nash, Jan Marie Jenkin, Theresa O’Neil

55. Theresa, Nicki & Vanessa O’Neil

56. Nick Dore, Sharon Moore, Tania Gorton

57. Nicky & Richard Morgan (Cyclone Computers), Reece Macdonald (BNZ)

58. April recipients with Paul Wright chairman of the Inspire foundation

59. Steve Trevella

53

56

54

57 58

55

59

Christchurch had a turnout in the thousands to The Food Show at the CBS arena. Everyone got to stock up on the best food, drink, and kitchen equipment. They got to learn how to cook like a star at home, with the impressive roster of top celebrity chefs cooking signature recipes.

41. Kimberley Hicks,Cathie & Mark Hurdle (City Fitness)

42. Johnny Borlase, Andre Joubert (Genesis Energy), Megan James

43. Jessica Tisch, Laura Kerr (Hellers Meats)

44. Tim Matla, Joy Peel (Whirlpool)

45. Beth Wood, Julie & John Davison, Lexie O’Brien (Little Harvest Wines)

46. Stephanie Todd, Jessie Brannigan (Nespresso)

47. Paul O’Regan, Karyn Swallow (Delongi Group)

48. Phil Blomfield, Rebecca Logan (Woll Cookware)

49. Alba Gonzalez, Grace & David Lynch, Richard & Charlotte Neale(Palazzo Kitchens & Appliances)

50. Debbie Kauhou, Janine Kenyon (Divine Cakes)

51. Janice Porter-Hoare (The Store),Ray Watson (Bentwood Wines Tai Tapu), Heather Anderson (Tresillian Wines)

52. Ben Lu, Eliesha Tay (Talzi)

41

45

42

46

43

47

44

48

49 50 51 52

37 38 39 40

Reactive Foundations launched their new home Base Isolation unit that takes the shake out of quakes. The seminar was presented by Holmes Consultant and Robinson Seismic, who gave an in-depth explanation how base isolation has been accepted world wide and now is available here.

37. Steve Hicks (GM) & Craig Crawford (Reactive Foundation Ltd)

38. Daniel Moore, Alan Park, Kate Canderle & Chris Gannon

39. Thomas Tutahione & Craig Crawford (Reactive Foundation Ltd)

40. Debbie Hartshorne,Darryn Henderson

32 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

60

64

61

65

62

66

63

67

Opening of Wickliffes new premises in Cumnor Terrace, Woolston, after three years of working from their Earthquake damaged premesis in Heathcote.

been seenThe people, their faces and all the right places - Canterbury

Images taken and supplied by Lynne Puddy-Greenwood

If you have an event that you’d like covered, email Lynne (Canterbury’s been

seen events editor) on: [email protected]

60. Odelia D Souza, Matthew Findlay

61. Paul Marshall, Marcel Groen

62. Murray Aspinal, Mark Waters

63. Leyton Tremain, Justine Smith, Amelia Kininmonth

64. Andrew Beattie, Bryan Grahamm John Parish

65. Johnny McHarg, Mike Carter

66. Dayne D Souza, The Honourable Gerry Brownlee, Steve D Souza

67. Johnny McHarg, Mike Carter

68 69 70 71

Client and friends of Martz Group enjoyed an afternoon of champagne and canapes to celebrate their new home.

68. Jeanette Beatty (Advance Personnel), Karon Storr

69. Gay Longbottom (Scented Candles), Clive Greenwood (Media Sales Group)

70. Jo Skilling (Colourplus Ashburton), Rob Sloan (Jennian Homes), Bronwyn Johnstone (Colourplus)

71. Martz, Jo, Michael, Bronwyn,Greg, Rob

80

84

81

85

82

86

83

87

The Canterbury Fashion Beauty week held a cocktail evening at the George Hotel with fashion designer Annah Stretton.

80. Tony Rains (NZCES), Martin Hartley (Jones & Jones Homes)

81. Jane Hasting, Danny Broom (Devon Construction)

82. Christine Wilkinson (The Vintage Cupboard), Phyllis Paul, Denyse Saunders (MD.Canterbury Fashion Beauty Week)

83. Caura & Gaye Kerr

84. Caroline & Colleen Marris, Le Anne Adamson

85. Jess Gunn, Debs Abraham

86. Ken Lord, Paul Stanton (Garden City Rotary)

87. Isobel Devereux, Annah Stretton, Nina McGuire (Cambridge)

72

76 77

73

78

74

79

75

The Canterbury Fashion Beauty Week Gala Winter Show was held at the Tannery with world class entertainment and 26 fashion designers. The show would have fitted in anywhere in the world, with VIPs being served by aerialists hanging upside down.

72. Madelene Barkman, Ruth Beulink, Watson Barkman

73. Emma Groeneweg, Kim Lane, Earl Hagaman

74. Trevor Cook, James Saunders (Mainland Holdings)

75. Di & Mike (Mint Fitness)

76. Ruth, Suzanne, Denyse

77. Carlad Parker, Bridget DeGoldi

78. Sarah Beulink, Cheryl

79. Rob, Justine, Aaron Knudsen (JBJ Trustees Ltd)

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 33

You just can’t turn a three minute timer upside down and expect to immediately churn out original ideas stamped with a 10 year guarantee. Creativity doesn’t work like that.

News | Lateral thinking

LeftfieldideasBy Davina Richards

It also works in different ways for different people, but there are solutions to help us trigger our brains into making connections it doesn’t normally make during your standard daily pattern.

So here’s a list of suggestions which could incite great thinking, create creativity, as well as improve decision making by throwing out the odd strange interview questions.

InterviewquestionsSo, what’s your favourite swear word? If you were a punctuation mark what would you be?

We’ve followed the same set of interview questions such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” for so long now that some of them should be made redundant, because going by a dozen candidates’ responses you just heard this morning, you probably can’t determine one from another contender. So why not mix things up a bit?

If a candidate expects the expected in an interview what do we really know about their skill set or character before we allow them into our business domain? It’s up to the employer to ask the right questions, even if they are a little absurd.

Glassdoor.com is a job site which has come up with ‘Top 25 Oddball Interview Questions for 2014’, based on feedback from thousands of UK job candidates.

Here is a selection of the questions asked; they may seem completely irrelevant, but actually, are good indications of a candidate’s skill, value, performance and cultural fit.

It’s not about right or wrong answers, but about reactions which can say more about a person compared to what is written on their CV.

• What makes you happy about work on a Friday evening?

• How do you fit a giraffe in a fridge?

• Would you rather fight a horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?

• Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?

• A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?

In another direction, you could also consider introducing a potential candidate to play a game which tests physical and mental skill. Employers will get an insight as to whether a candidate works well with others, if they’re competitive, leaders, problem-solvers or thinkers.

StressreliefSometimes holding a stress ball in your hand just doesn’t cut it. Stress can make you feel like screaming at the top of your lungs – and actually, this isn’t a bad idea. But if this isn’t your thing, how about one of those laughing workshops?

Take a look at ‘25 Weird Breaks for Stress Relief’ at www.workhappynow.com to read suggestions, including:

• Curl your toes – tighten your toes for 15 seconds, then relax. Do this with all muscle groups working your way up through your body. Finish by wrinkling up your face

• Call a friend who you haven’t talked to in more than a year

• Admit a weird thing you did as a kid to a co-worker

• Ask a co-worker if they could talk to someone about their stress, living or dead, who would it be?

MotivationI think it’s safe to say that not everyone comes into work bouncing off the walls with enthusiasm. Individuals find motivation in different things, so introduce events or activities to fuel their passion.

• Allow your employees to take their pets to work for a day/week – it’s amazing how having a furry friend around can change the whole dynamics of a room

• Organise a flash mob dance in the office

• Hold a Sumo wrestling match (in Sumo suits, of course)

• Instead of recognising employees for making the most sales, reward those who stand out in other, silly ways. www.sillycertificates.com offer funny printable award certificate templates. Some awards may be presented to individuals for ‘coming in under budget and on time’, or ‘for just showing up to work – and you all should be thankful’

• Hold development seminars or workshops – find out what your staff are interested in and use this information to help you determine the right tutorial.

Createcreativity“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way” said British physician, author, inventor and consultant Edward de Bono. Don’t let your mind go stale, approach issues with unexpected angles to solve problems.

• Combine – come up with new combinations: images, thoughts, products, places and skills. Throw in your most bizarre combinations to come up with an original concept or approach

• Think in opposites – check out www.7ideas.net which talks about reverse thinking and how to use it as a tool to find innovation

• Define a problem and take a random word from the dictionary – now, make a connection between the two.

TeambuildingSome may disagree, but there’s real value in team building exercises, as long as you ensure they are applicable and occur on a regular basis to make them effective.

No one ever completed a marathon by running for 20 minutes once a week; practise makes perfect.

It’s a great way of helping employees get to know each other, address challenges and perhaps connect over a shared sense of humour. Even in uncomfortable situations it can reveal how they work together and highlights where skills, such as leadership, creative thinking and problem solving, lies with individuals.

• Get the team to play a game of Jenga or the Human Knot

• Try a cooking game – buy, plan, prepare a meal. Set them against the clock and other teams

• Send them on an Outward Bound course

• Go to www.corpchallenge.co.nz for team building exercises including, flat pack frenzy, minute to win it, the big give and much more.

Open from 11am until lateP 03 365 2400E [email protected] and see us at 61 Victoria St, Christchurch Central

» Our reinvigorated Thai menu is back.

» Open late for Thai bar snacks and service

» Offering our delivery service

Re -opening in August

34 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property Construction | Wynn Williams House

PO Box 12294, Christchurch P: +64 3 366 7714 F: +64 3 366 7715 E: [email protected] W: www.ruamoko.co.nz

CONSULTING STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS

Ruamoko Solutions have developed an innovative combination of base-isolation and post-tensioned timber technologies to make Wynn Williams House a truly resilient, cost-effective, and unique structural design

Proud structural engineers for Wynn Williams House,a unique combination of innovative structural solutions

Setting the standard in commercial building design An exceptional corporate space is soon to open up in central Christchurch. When location means everything, but strength, quake proofing and pleasing aesthetics are high priorities, then Wynn Williams House has all this, and more.Sitting proudly on the corner of Montreal and Hereford Street - right next to the Christchurch City Council building, this six storey new building offers office and retail space that boasts the best of the best.

Built to at least 180 percent of the earthquake code, the building (on the former St Elmo’s Courts site) is believed to be the only building in the world to feature both base isolators and post-tensioning through the timber beams.

The new office building aims to provide a space for interaction and communication between the companies and their network of partners and clients in the local government, courts and arts area of Christchurch.

With the Botanic Gardens in sight, the Arts Centre below, Worcester Boulevard knocking on their door, the location is surrounded by vibrant cafes, businesses, services and outdoor spaces.

Law firm Wynn Williams is the anchor tenants, occupying three floors, including the stunning penthouse, sitting pride of place on this bronze glass, timber and copper look structure.

Building owner Richard Owen says there was no way they could replace or replicate the iconic 1930s St Elmo’s Courts, but he was dedicated to creating a building that had flair and personality.

“St Elmo was one of the most beautiful buildings in Christchurch, its impossible to build like that today.”

And, while some of the elements Owen wanted incorporated were excluded due to cost - the finished effect will still be stunning.

The project combines a copper coloured aluminium composite skin, which protects the most exposed timber parts of the building and core.

The elevation is modular, with vertical precast concrete columns subdividing the structural aluminium curtain wall.

The laminated timber sub-frame is then clad in argon-filled, tinted glass, offering expansive views in three directions.

The resulting visual effect is that of a precision element. The interplay between the thin copper metal-like pillars and the delicate protective layers frame the façades and underline the contrast between the visible and invisible areas. The exterior space is based on an open space concept of glazed views of the Arts Centre and mountains as a distant vista.

The design also responds to the Central City Plan as a low rise, safe, resilient and sustainable concept.

Wynn Williams House has a basement car park, a large ground-floor space, with entry from both streets. From a central lobby/service area, there is a further 449 square metre space which has many potential uses including cafe, bar, retail or banking. Rising above this are two more floors available for lease, each with approximately 685 square metres of open-plan space available.

Owen describes the building as “warm, friendly and glowing,” and with the high specification throughout - it is a corporate space that offers security, location and the ‘wow factor’.

Phone: (03) 366-1219 │ Cell: 021 3577 87 │ PO Box 2619, Christchurch 8140

Sinclair & JohnsonConsulting Group Ltd

Sinclair & Johnson are proud to provide Project Management Services to R A Owen and the Valinor Trust For the St Elmos Rebuild.

We thank the Team for their efforts on the project; the Client; the Consultants – Richard Proko Ltd, Ruamoko Solutions, Cosgroves and Rawlinsons; the Builder –

C Lund and Son, and Subcontractors.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 35

of the lift shaft during strong seismic loading, and a perimeter crush detail has been provided to allow free movement of the structure.

No attention to detail has been spared. The lighting throughout is 20 percent more efficient as defined in the building code and is zoned designed to suit the changing daylight in the building.

It is anticipated that on completion, Wynn Williams House will have achieved a four star rating with Green Star, which evaluates the environmental attributes and performance of New Zealand’s buildings.

The building, expected to be completed by July will feature sympathetic landscaping and cycle racks.

Property Construction | Wynn Williams House

J.L. DecoratingJ.L. DecoratingDomestic & Commerical

Contact John LyallPhone: 027 408 0796 Fax: 383 0285 Email: [email protected]

www.jldecorating.co.nz PO Box 38033 Parklands

• Painters of decorative & protective coatings• Specialised hangers of wall coverings

Complete project management service

Wynn Williams House is exceptionally strong – believed to be the only structure of its type in the world, featuring both base isolators and post-tensioned timber frames.

>

InternationalfirstbringsexceptionalstrengthanddurabilityIt’s believed to be the only structure of its type in the world featuring both base isolators and post-tensioned timber frames with concrete columns.

The Wynn Williams House design incorporates a structure that has a base isolation plane directly below the heavy ground floor, which reduces the overall stress on the structure in a one in 500 year earthquake. Add in the tensioned timber frames and this is a building of exceptional integrity.

The timber is threaded with high-tensile steel tendons and shock absorbing steel componentry that enable the building to

essentially spring back into alignment after a major quake. In short - the building remains elastic and structural strength is preserved during movement.

The frames of the building are made up from post-tensioned timber frames and precast concrete columns - a combination of materials and systems arising from the latest research results from the University of Canterbury and the research consortium, the Structural Timber Innovation Company.

While the Own family wanted to source the nine metre long LVL (laminated veneer lumber) from a New Zealand manufacturer, the price was prohibitive. The solution was to source the timber onshore; it was then shipped out of Whangarei to a Melbourne company who shipped it back as the

fabricated beams ready to be dropped into the building.

Each of the 16 precast, post-tensioned concrete columns (each extending over three floors), sit on base isolators in the underground basement car park.

Two lift shafts feature the highest in safety mechanisms. Each is constructed from steel framing extended to the basement with a sliding support in order to allow movement

Giant LVL post-tensioned timber beams tie Wynn Williams House together. When complete, the majority of the beam will be covered, but the base of each will add to the architectural elements within the interior

<

From the corner of Montreal and Hereford Streets, Wynn Williams House boasts exceptional views over the Arts Centre, the Art Gallery and towards the Botanic Gardens.

Sixteen post-tensioned concrete pillars sitting atop base isolators provide some of the superior strength of Wynn Williams House.

<

<

36 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property Construction | Wynn Williams House

TELTRAC COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED IS A LEADING PROVIDER OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TO BOTH BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS.

Teltrac Communications Ltd

DUNEDIN CHRISTCHURCH NELSON WELLINGTON AUCKLAND

ACCESS CONTROL | SECURITY SYSTEMS | CCTV BOTH IP AND DIGITALAUDIO VISUAL SYSTEMS | WIRELESS SYSTEMS | INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES

0800 TELTRAC

Committed to ChristchurchWhen the September 2010 quakes damaged the St Elmo’s Courts beyond repair - the Owen family was determined to replace the corporate office building as fast as they could.

While it was the first central city building to be demolished, the building has taken more than double the time to build, but despite the setbacks and numerous obstacles, building owners Richard and Ashton Owen are committed to supporting the rebuild and rebirth of the central city.

“After the earthquakes we were obviously pretty distressed, but now we are committed to creating something that’s really aesthetically attractive for Christchurch,” Ashton says.

For 35 years the Owens owned the much loved St Elmo Courts, which was built in 1930 and was one of the first apartment complexes in the city. The apartments were fully converted into offices in 1957. Fifty seven years later, the building will

Wynn Williams House47 Hereford StreetChristchurchAshton OwenM 021 666 809E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

re-open its doors to a new era in corporate life in Christchurch.

“This will be one of the safest buildings in the city and with its views over the Arts Centre towards the Botanic Gardens and over the Art Gallery, its premium space,” Richard adds.

Wynn Williams House - due to open in July - will be one of the strongest buildings in Christchurch. It features:

• Dual seismic strength features - base isolators and post-tensioned timber frame

• Built to more than 180 percent of the earthquake code

• Designed to withstand a one in 500 year earthquake

• Strengthened lift shafts independent of the building

• A four-star Green Star rating

• Exceptional corporate or retail spaces across three floors - each with in excess of 685sqm of space

• Wynn Williams Lawyers as the anchor tenant

• Landscaping and basement car parking

• Premium location with stunning views.

UNIT 5/254 MONTREAL ST, CHRISTCHURCH 8141, PO BOX 1232

PHONE 03 366 2655 MOBILE 021 337 871EMAIL [email protected]

RICHARD PROKO ARCHITECTS LTD ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF WYNN WILLIAMS HOUSE

38 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property Construction | Fusion Homes

P J Packham Drainage

(03) 389 6067 │ (027) 434 5826 │ [email protected] │ Christchurch

Housing │ Light Commercial/Industrial Country Work │ Repairs and Blockages │ CCTV Work

Combining all the elements to make great homes Fusion Homes, a local Christchurch building company, is outperforming the current build standards and offering Cantabrians something different - something they believe is far superior.

Comfort, warmth, style, efficiency - these are all things we desire in a family home.

Strength is also a higher priority than ever before. By taking into consideration the post-quake need for extra structural strength, plus Christchurch’s damp and cold environment, the team at Fusion Homes has researched alternative building methods and products.

Builder of 28 years and company director, Chris Haughey says what they have ended up with quality, strong and sustainable building products.

So what sets Fusion Homes apart?Simply put – it’s the fusion of expertise, techniques and products the team has brought together.

Combining individual building products that are proven performers and fusing them together just made sense. The Christchurch Rebuild offers a unique opportunity to introduce these products and raise the standard of housing now and into the future.

These premium build products are acceptable as standard in a rebuild package, so the client benefits. It’s what Fusion Homes is all about.

Building a stronger tomorrowFusion Home’s ability to find solutions for the more difficult applications, such as residential TC3 land categories and flood zones, is impressive.

Examples of such projects: a rebuild on the Southshore spit, which is both a designated flood zone and also a sea spray zone. Engineered foundations give the extra required height with the combination of materials and techniques, has resulted in this finely detailed rebuild becoming a reality.

Another application currently in its final design is a two storey rebuild on TC3 land near the Avon River.

Specialised engineered foundations, which include extensive excavation and compact hard fill, then a Ribraft foundation, combined with superior structural engineering make this a standout project to be watched in the city’s rebuild.

The Fusion Lifecycle Build is a package of products designed to last a lifecycle. Minimal maintenance, ongoing savings in energy costs, super strong, healthy living environment. Add in the Lifemark Design accreditation - and you have a home that is future proofed and will grow old with you.

The four Fusion points of difference• Get off the ground – Fusion’s lightweight,

pile-based foundations and steel sub-floor are precision engineered to provide rapid construction. They can easily be re-levelled. Homeowners can also choose from a more traditional rib-raft foundation

• Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) offers high performance and speed with engineered wall, roof, and floor components. The panels are super tough, BRANZ approved for exceptionally high levels of earthquake activity, wind and snow loads

• Foam Insulation with Natural Oil Polyols (NOPs) create an airtight living environment which prevents loss of heat and cuts energy costs. Its insulation is rated higher than traditional insulation types and it does not move or sag over time, contains no ozone depleting CFCs or HFCs, and releases no vapours that can affect the environment and human health

• Effective “whole of house” ventilation systems which extract stale air and replace it with fresh pre-warmed and filtered outside air.

Cheaper, faster, stronger Fusion Homes’ rapid delivery model can build you a home in about half the time a standard residential construction would normally take, and the average cost is reduced by around 10 percent.

The structural engineered panels, which simply put, are extra long sheets of engineered, pre-surfaced wall, ceiling and floor panels that give you up to six percent more floor space, an ultra tough surface and the ability to easily construct larger than normal rooms.

The Fusion Homes team at the only completed CCC social housing units in Dundee Place. (L to R) are project manager Jeremy Cambie, contracts manager Kieran McErlain and planning and consents manager Craig Davies.

<

Kitchens

P. 03 961 0966 E. [email protected] www.hagley.co.nz

Hagley Kitchens designs your kitchen, manufactures your kitchen and installs your kitchen – we look after the whole process.

SHOWROOM HOURS Mon - Fri 8.00am to 5.00pm Sat - By appointment6 Nazareth ave (off Annex road)

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 39

Property Construction | Fusion Homes

Healthier, warmer and more efficient homes

Building a new home means creating a better lifestyle for your family. And if you have asthmatics or allergy sensitive people in the home - the choices you make become even more selective.

Fusion Homes is the only New Zealand builder to hold the Sensitive Choice accreditation. This is the New Zealand Asthma Foundation seal of approval for products and services that are beneficial to those with respiratory issues.

Fusion Homes has whole house accreditation – meaning they are the only building company recognised to be able to deliver an entire home that will help reduce asthma and allergy triggers.

Fusion Homes director, Chris Haughey says this independent endorsement of the company’s revolutionary building philosophy is testament to its innovation and commitment to producing family friendly homes.

“We have taken many products and building methods that have proven themselves over the decades and fused them together to come up with a building system that is energy efficient, affordable, stronger, and now they have been independently approved as being healthier.”

To achieve this exclusive accreditation, the products used in Fusion builds have gone through a rigorous qualifying process, and have been passed through a panel of experts ranging from chemists, health professionals, industry leaders and asthma sufferers to ensure they are of the highest standards and meet the criteria needed to truly achieve a healthy home which is of benefit to those with respiratory conditions.

No other building company in New Zealand has achieved this level of accreditation.

“Fusion Homes is very different from the majority of other building companies and the Sensitive Choice accreditation validates that.

“We think and operate outside the square, offering the average Kiwi family the ability to build a safe, low energy, healthy and affordable home that has a low carbon footprint; and they are super tough homes – exactly what young families need.”

Superior insulation valuesThe key environmental advantage of designing and building with Fusion Homes is the creation of an airtight, high performance building envelope. The large size panel contributes to the airtight building envelope, and when combined with eco insulation, it makes the buildings less prone to infiltration by moulds, pollen and dust.

This product is a closed cell foam, which is sprayed around and under the entire home. It is exceptionally fast to apply, sets almost immediately and fills all cavity spaces, and leaves no gaps - hence its ability to aid those with repository issues.

The product stays put and does not move or sag over time, and is backed by a 50-year guarantee. It is also water proof and mould resistant.

The superior insulation means a Fusion home requires considerably less heating and when the full ventilation, heat recovery system is installed, the air inside the building will sit up to 15 degrees warmer than the outside temperature.

This unique product ensures that the interior environment is warm, allergen free and remains so over an entire lifecycle.

The insulation used by Fusion Homes is premium foam insulation. It has superior R values (that is the measure of thermal efficiency), and is the preferred insulation in freezing regions such as Europe and North America.

Fusion Homes would like to acknoweldge the following business for their contribution to their success:

• Hagley Kitchens

• Mitre 10 Mega

• PJ Packham Drainage

• West Timber

• Smiths City

• Davie Lovell Smith

• AG Electrical

• Ferrymead Kitchens

• Creative Architecture

• Blure Print Cionsulting Engineers

• Daveron Scaffolding

• NZ Asthma Foundation.

The Fusion Homes ventilation system:

• Draws in fresh outdoor air

• Purifies and circulates the air continuously

• Retains heat

• Assists moisture control

• Helps keep heating bills down

• Even air temperature

• Comfortable living environments.

WESTIMBER LTD.WESTCOAST SAWMILLWESTCOAST SAWMILLWESTCOAST SAWMILL

Ngahere NZNgahere NZNgahere NZ

Phone (03) 732 4894Phone (03) 732 4894Phone (03) 732 4894Fax (03) 732 4892Fax (03) 732 4892Fax (03) 732 4892

[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@westimber.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH BRANCHCHRISTCHURCH BRANCHCHRISTCHURCH BRANCH15 Broughs Rd, Harewood15 Broughs Rd, Harewood15 Broughs Rd, HarewoodP.O. Box 5015, PapanuiP.O. Box 5015, PapanuiP.O. Box 5015, PapanuiPhone (03) 360 2100Phone (03) 360 2100Phone (03) 360 2100Fax (03) 360 2101Fax (03) 360 2101Fax (03) 360 [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@westimber.co.nz

“ Proud to be a timber supplier”

>

40 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property Construction | Fusion Homes

Civil and Structural Consulting EngineersMulti-storey Commercial, Retail and Apartment structures

Seismic building review, assessment and upgradeResidential Division - Raft Slabs CHCH Foundations and Structures

w: www.blueprintatwork.com e: [email protected]

Auckland Ph: 09 294 8993

Christchurch Ph: 03 928 2258

Blueprint will be YOUR preferred Consultant for life - that’s Guaranteed

Fusion builds smart social housing solutionsFusion Homes is the building company selected by the Christchurch City Council to build the Maurice Carter Courts - 12 energy efficient units specifically designed for older people.

These were the first confirmed social housing units to be built post-earthquake.

In the design of the Dundee Place units, the Fusion Homes team set about taking the quality and design of elderly person’s units to the next level. Part of this process was to consider every difficult scenario possible and provide a solution to reduce the stress of day-to-day living, wherever possible.

Haughey is impressed at the approach of the Council and its willingness to embrace the different construction methods and materials used by Fusion.

Caring for our community - smart designs for easy living

• Entry-level access - making it simple for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. No nasty bumps to navigate

• Wider doors make common sense, so Fusion homes made them all 860mm - wider than normal. Great for walking frames and wheelchairs

• Full height doors, from floor to ceiling allow airflow throughout the building, promotes an even living temperature, and is healthier for all

• The door handles are all lever handles for ease for those with arthritis or limited mobility. The handles are placed at a lower comfortable height than standard

• Light switches and electrical sockets are placed higher than standard. The height is convenient, and easy to access - no need to bend right down to try and reach a switch

• Smart bathrooms incorporating a wet area shower, above standard height toilet and a wall hung vanity. Spacious to allow easy movement for a wheelchair

• Spacious bedrooms that allow for a queen bed, with space for manoeuvrability around it. A full size wardrobe offers plenty of storage space, the door handles again are positioned for ease of use and access

• Well designed and appointed kitchens with reduced width benches for easy access to all bench spaces and a lever full length kitchen mixer for the tap ware. A host of other clever features make the kitchen and dining a simple and pleasant environment to use

• Private yet inclusive outdoor areas - incorporating gently sloping pathways an outside courtyard area, with its own vegetable garden. Wooden screens separate each unit, provide privacy, and yet provide the assurance that neighbours can easily visit each other when required.

“The Council has said ‘this is new, this could make a difference’. They have thought about what it means for the future, not just accepted the way things have been done in the past,” he says.

Built in three separate blocks, this significant building achievement is designed to Lifemark Standards, to maximise ease of accessibility, and promote the comfort and wellbeing of the occupants.

“With our future proof building concept in partnership with Lifemark Design, we take into consideration energy efficiency, the environment, sound control and security,” Haughey says.

“This is Fusion Home’s way of ensuring your new home will meet your needs now, and in the future.”

The Lifemark accreditation shows the homes are designed to ensure older people and those with disabilities can continue to live there as their needs change.

“We’ve gone out and got all these accreditations because we know we can make a real difference in people’s lives,” he adds. “There is absolutely no reason why New Zealanders should live in cold, damp, unhealthy houses – so we’re determined to build healthy, sustainable and affordable homes for everyone.”

Fusion Homes has achieved a Lifemark 5 Star rating - the highest rating possible.

“By making some simple changes in the design, day to day living is so much easier for our elderly, and this is how it should be.”

“We wanted to deal with a boutique styled team to ensure our passion would

fill every aspect of our kitchen - Ferrymead Kitchens nailed it.”

1020 Ferry Road Ferrymead Christchurch

SPECIALISING IN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES.

New construction builds, repairs, remodelling and upgrading to existing homes or businesses.

Testing, repairing and maintenance.Designs and installations of air conditioning and heating and

ventilation systems.

Andrew Gibson: 027 275 5552www.agelectrical.net.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 41

Property Construction | Fusion Homes

Scaffold H Frames • Wooden Planks• Tube and Clips • Swinging Stages

• Aluminium Moblies • For Hire• Qualified Scaffolders • Propping Systems

PROUD TO SUPPORT FUSION HOMES

Ph 366 6227

“Don’t risk a fall, give us a call!”

For After Hours ServiceCall Peter on 027 435 0676

E: [email protected] Hillview Rd, Phillipstown

ALL SCAFFOLDING SERVICES

Fusion Homes Ltd94 Bridle Path Road Heathcote Valley ChristchurchT 0800 238 746E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Miro Plan (adapted) SouthshoreLocated in the residential floodzone and seaspray zone, this stunning high spec home requires specialised raised foundations, stainless steel fixtures and high speced cladding materials.

The smart design offers superior indoor outdoor flow, the private master bedroom with ensuite is situated at the opposite end of the home to the other bedrooms and bathrooms. The ideal plan for entertaiing your guests.

Murawai (Sovereign Palms Kaiapoi)Currently under construction in Soverign Palms Kaiapoi, this four bedroom, two bathroom executive style family home offers privacy with the open plan living, dining kitchen area at the rear of the property; it catches all day sun.

Fusion Homes has a home for everyone. You can select from more than 50 plans or choose an architecturally designed home - every choice, every step of the way is yours. However, to make it as simple as possible, there is a full project management team who follow strict guidelines to ensure that the build process runs smoothly.

Fusion Homes also offer transportable homes, an option that provides flexibility should the home need to be relocated in the future.

Here is a selection of the builds Fusion is currently doing. They are at various stages of construction, but each can be visited by arrangement, allowing you to see the fusion of methods and building materials in use.

Check the Fusion Homes website for floor plans for each of the homes below. wwwfusionhomes.co.nz

Pohutakawa (Heathcote Valley)A three bedroom, two bathroom family home, and open plan living dining kitchen area. This is situated for maximum sun aspect, with a nice indoor outdoor flow.

Manuka (Central City, TC3 build)Two identical homes on the one site are well on the way to completion in the central city. A smart three bedroom design, it offers more space than what you might expect in a smaller home.

Kiwi (Mt Pleasant)This smart and functional home is in its early stages. Designed specifically to Lifemark standards, this home provides security and future proofing for its owners.

Hawea (adapted) Central CityOur clients have adapted this floor plan to suit their needs, the choice of steel cladding for the exterior means no painting is ever needed. A matching garage complements this stylish home.

Living with asthma and allergies?Make a Sensitive Choice®

The Sensitive Choice® blue butterfly identifies organisations committed to reducing asthma and allergy triggers.

To find out more or to join the programme contact

Taniya Wick 04 495 0099 ┃ [email protected]/sensitive-choice

BUILDING NOW!

• Healthy, comfortable living environments• Quality energy efficient buildings• Built with sustainable products that exceed the current build standards

Improving the lives of NZ families

A.GEXCAVATION LTDExcavation & Driveway Specialists

Tony CooperPh: 03 972 5768M: 021 439 930F: 03 347 2184

P.O Box 105, Rolleston, 7643

42 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property & Construction | Rickie Shore Building

nulookwindows & doors

Trevor Morse │ M: 027 434 3142P: 03 688 3062 │ F: 03 688 3061E: [email protected]

nulook Morse Aluminium Ltd 67 Church Street, Timaru 7910

In both the residential & commercial markets nulook Morse Aluminium Ltd

enjoys the reputation of being a market leader in aluminium joinery.

For unsurpassed quality, range and design performance insist on specifying Nulook Windows & Doors. Trusted by

Builders, Architects and Homeowners for the past 50 years.

www.nulook.co.nz

Visit us at 55 Sheffield St, Washdyke, Timaru or give us a call on (03) 688 2001

Subdivisions, driveways, roading, site clearance, house foundations, drainlaying, landscaping, rock retaining walls, dairy conversions and lanes, forestry work, demolition and more...

Proudly associated with Rickie Shore Building

TRADE RELATED DECORATINGLTD

After hours: 03 686 [email protected]

PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH RICKIE SHORE BUILDING

HAZARDCOC R E AT I N G S A F E R WO R K I N G E N V I R O N M E N T S

T M

XM E M B E R O F

Les Whyte 0274 320 150

Distinctive, original

When you choose Rickie Shore Building to build your new home, you can rest easy knowing you’re not just another customer. The Timaru company treats all customers as individuals and works hard to ensure you get exactly the home you need.

Rickie Shore Building was formed more than 25 years ago and has grown to become one of South Canterbury’s largest building companies. It not only builds new houses, but also renovates older homes and builds commercial buildings throughout the Timaru, Tekapo, Geraldine and Temuka areas.

A history of excellenceThe experienced team at Rickie Shore Building has built hundreds of new houses and offers a comprehensive building service.

Its project managers all have extensive building backgrounds and pride themselves on superior communication throughout every project; ensuring clients are kept informed every step of the way.

The team operates under a best practise policy at all times. This means they value great design, come up with innovative solutions, pride themselves on sound communication, provide dedicated

project managers for each job and only partner with dedicated professionals for subcontracting services.

Rickie Shore Building’s team of builders is based in Timaru, but are frequently working on projects around South Canterbury, North Otago and the McKenzie Country.

Teamwork is the strength of the business, and its size gives it the flexibility to work on large jobs or put specialist teams together for smaller work. All builders are hand-picked craftsmen, while its professional partners are also leaders in their fields.

Developing your building conceptRickie Shore Building offers a comprehensive range of construction services, including preparing concept plans. Staff view this process as an essential way

The Rickie Shore Building vision:

“To construct quality homes to exacting standards that our clients can describe as ‘uniquely their own’. Homes that not only meet our clients’ needs, but will stand the test of time, and to deliver an enjoyable building experience throughout the process.”

to understand their clients’ vision, in order to make it a reality.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve sketched up your ideas on the back of a napkin, or already have fully developed plans, Rickie Shore Building will go through your concept to make sure it is exactly what you want and need.

The company provides clients with a detailed guide on how their project will be built, a

specification chart, a list of subcontractors who will be onsite and timeline details outlining delivery dates for each stage of construction.

It will handle all building consents and will stick to the agreed price and specifications.

A dedicated site manager will be present when builders and subcontractors are working, providing flexibility throughout the project if you decide to change anything part way through.

Design and build projectsRickie Shore Building also offers a comprehensive design and build service and has the expertise to ensure every client gets exactly what they need.

The company focusses on what each customer wants, regardless of the size or complexity of the project.

Its dedicated team of designers and are committed to delivering buildings that stand the test of time and are designed with you and your family in mind.

Rickie Shore Building offers a comprehensive range of construction services<

and liveable

The experienced team at Rickie Shore Building has built hundreds of new houses and offers a comprehensive building service.

<

www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2014 | 43

Property & Construction | Rickie Shore Building

Dore’s

www.carpetcourt.co.nz

• Carpet • Vinyl • Laminate • Wood • Tiles

41 Bank Street, Timaru 7940p. 03 684 4049f. 03 684 4048e. [email protected]

0800 240 240

PROUD TO BE THE PREFERRED SUPPLIER TO RICKIE SHORE BUILDING

0800 10 60 70 │ [email protected] 27 Redruth Street, Timaru

WWW.TODDM.CO.NZ

• Interior Plastering• Exterior Plastering• Tile Installation• GIB® Stopping

• GIB-Cove® Installation

Proud to support Rickie Shore Building,

helping to complete the following:

Residential, lifestyle and farm homesRickie Shore Building has built hundreds of new homes and commercial buildings around South Canterbury and also offers house and land packages.

Your home in a residential area needs to fit in with your unique circumstances and take full advantage of the land size and orientation, climate and your neighbourhood. Rickie Shore Building has a lifetime of experience to ensure all your needs are met.

A home built by Rickie Shore Building is a home which meets the requirements of the most discerning homeowners who rightly expect perfectionism and professionalism.

The company has had the privilege to build hundreds of new, individually designed homes. These can be found all around South Canterbury, including Fairlie, Twizel, Geraldine and Tekapo.

Distinctive, original and liveable, these homes are priced from $250,000 - $2 million.

Rickie Shore Building has also built a significant number of substantial lifestyle and farm homes, which have seen the dreams of their owners realised through their gracious country living with rural elegance.

Retirement villages, units and townhousesRickie Shore Building has completed a number of retirement villages, which are engineered for comfort and to meet the needs of a variety of abilities.

These villages, including Strathallan Lifecare Complex and Lister Home extension, are life changing, state of the art complexes made up of apartments, units and high dependency facilities.

Ease, efficiency and enjoyment are enhanced by the company’s unique attention to detail, its ability to think outside the square and work with the major stakeholders.

Rickie Shore Building also has a reputation for excellence in the construction of units and townhouses, which are ideal for older clients of small families.

Stylish, practical, low maintenance and built with your future in mind, its townhouses are snapped up quickly.

Holiday homes are extremely important to clients seeking a quiet place to unwind and escape everyday life and work commitments.

Rickie Shore Building constructs these special homes throughout South Canterbury and whether your holiday home is a small two bedroom hide away, or a luxury lodge, you can be assured of a quality result every time.

Rickie Shore Building’s services and capabilities include:

• Design and build

• Concept plans

• Building guide

• Finance options

• New homes

• Townhouses

• Holiday homes

• Lifestyle homes

• Residential

• House and land packages

• Retirement villages

• Commercial

• Renovations and extensions.

Rickie Shore Building’s portfolio of successful projects includes a range of light commercial work

Rickie Shore Building in Timaru builds beautiful homes<

<

Rickie Shore Building constructs these special homes

throughout South Canterbury and whether your

holiday home is a small two bedroom hide away, or

a luxury lodge, you can be assured of a quality result

every time.

” < Rickie Shore Building has completed a number of retirement villages

Registered Applicators of

KartonBRICK & BLOCK LAYING

LIMITED

Proud to support Rickie Shore Building

0274 364016 │ [email protected]

>

44 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property & Construction | Design Windows

The windows in your home frame the world around you. So why not enhance your view? See your world in style with Design Windows.The South Island wide business specialises in designing aluminum joinery for architecturally designed homes.

West Coast managing director Gradon Conroy says he is proud of his company’s prestigious reputation as one of the South Island’s leading aluminium window systems manufacturer. The Design Windows team manufacture one of the most respected brands in the building industry, Altherm Window Systems.

If you are beginning the exciting process of designing your new home, don’t leave enlisting your window supplier until the last minute. Get in touch with Design Windows first so they can share their wealth of knowledge from start to finish.

“Design windows gets involved at an early stage of the design process to help with the correct selection of materials and sees the project right through to completion,” Gradon says.

The design of the window system impacts the appearance, functionality and performance of the building. Thus, it is important to ensure your windows meet these requirements. This is something they can assist you with.

No matter where you live in the South Island, Design Windows is never far away. It has factories in Nelson, Hokitika, Cromwell and Dunedin. “Our impressive premises in Nelson and Cromwell have showrooms that feature our wide range of aluminium windows and doors. We also have full showrooms at our factories in Hokitika and Dunedin that service their entire regions.”

If you don’t live near one of these locations then an experienced member of the project management team is more than happy to help. No job is too big or difficult thanks to the “small army of expert joiners”.

Design Windows West Coast has 18 employees including qualified aluminium joiners and several staff currently training for their National Certificate in Architectural Aluminium Joinery.

The business is a well-known name among architects in New Zealand and is never short of work. “DW West Coast is currently working on several large architecturally designed houses on the West Coast and in Christchurch, as well as several large commercial jobs in the Christchurch CBD,” Gradon says.

Superior window systems

Design Windows PO Box 229 Hokitika T (03) 756 8181E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

An internal light well at the Westport i-site and coal town museum

<

FastFacts:• Altherm Residential Thermal Heart is

the most popular product

• It stocks brands from Architectural Profiles Limited, New Zealand’s largest aluminium windows supplier

• Design Windows is currently building a larger factory and showroom in Kaiata Park, Greymouth opening in November.

Design Windows really does excel in its field and if the quality products and high standards of workmanship aren’t proof enough of this, just take a look at the company’s award nominations. “We were national finalists in four categories at the 2103 WANZ awards (Window Association of New Zealand) and our fingers are confidently crossed for the 2014 awards in June,” he says.

Design Windows have earned their success by providing excellent window and door joinery experiences to all concerned without regret. To do this their core values are:

• Excellence is a way of life

• Take responsibility for my work

• Tell it straight

• Love to win

• Put my hand up to help the team

• Willing to learn and change.

Property & Construction | Rickie Shore Building

Commercial projectsRickie Shore Building’s portfolio of successful projects includes a range of light commercial work, which requires a balance between form and function.

Its commercial work includes: Le Monde, Zanzibar, Blue Bay restaurants in Timaru, Lone Star, Little Wonders Preschool, Visique Optical, Wallace and Coopers, Barrett’s Joinery in Washdyke, and Barkers Barry Barn and Café and McDonalds Timaru.

House and land finance options

Rickie Shore Building offers some unique solutions to help finance clients into the homes they want, on the sites they want.

Whether replacing an existing home or building on a vacant site, the company provides many clients assistance by purchasing the land for them. On completion of the project, your house and land package is handed over at the pre-agreed price at the agreed time.

RenovationsWanting to increase the value of your home and enhance its liveability?

In today’s real estate rollercoaster ride, chances are renovations to your existing home will be one of the most cost-effective solutions.

Home extensions, renovations or a full-home makeover with Rickie Shore Building will change your home, add value and be built to last.

Renovations can include kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, living spaces, additional bedrooms, garages, decks, outdoor living or a full home makeover.

Why choose Rickie Shore?

Choosing Rickie Shore Building for your new home ensure you will not only receive a quality building project, but you’ll also have the peace of mind working with a company that:

• Wins awards for its work

• Has superior building expertise

• Has integrity, always putting the customer first

• Will fully project manage your job

• Offers innovative house and land packages

• Undertakes any sized project

• Ensures you receive value for money

• Offers a Master Build Guarantee.

Rickie Shore Building LTD45 Treneglos St Washdyke TimaruT (03) 688 7313E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

SHOWROOM & FACTORY 204 Hilton Highway, TimaruPHONE: 03 688 4738 FAX: 03 688 8879email: [email protected]:www.barrettjoinery.co.nzProud to support Rickie Shore Building

Is your house the right temperature?

Daikin heat pumps allow you to obtain an ideal temperature in your home, providing comfort all year round. Contact your local Daikin specialist dealer today to find out more.

6 Turnbull Street, Timaru - Ph 688 614896 East Street, Ashburton - Ph 307 2535

DRIVEWAYS

TENNIS COURTS

CAR PARKS

SUBDIVISIONS

TENNIS COURTS

JCL ASPHALTJCL ASPHALTJAMES CRAW LIMITED

www.jclasphalt.co.nz0800 JCL NOW

Call James at JCL now on 0800 JCL NOW for a FREE

Information Pack and Initial Consultation valued at $295

FREE

46 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property Construction | Watts & Hughes Construction

S t r u c t u r a l & G e n e r a l E n g i n e e r s

60 Wickham StreetPh 03 384 1760

S h a r i n g i n t h e s u c c e s s w i t h

W a t t s & H u g h e s C o n s t r u c t i o n

• Specialised Applicators

• Covacrete decorative concrete resurfacing

• Master Shield decorative polymer flooring

• Concrete crack repairs

• Oamaru Stone cleaning/sealing

Design CreteCanterbury Ltd

20yrs Specialising in the sealing of Oamaru Stone

Mark Wheeler ┃Mobile: 021 365 [email protected]

With a three decade reputation for integrity, superior service and competence in the construction industry, it’s no wonder an Auckland construction leader is making positive waves here in Canterbury.

Three years in the local market is being celebrated this autumn by the local team with 30 years of experience in the company.

From its small beginnings in 1984 in Auckland, Watts & Hughes, a full-service construction and project management company, has a formidable presence in Hamilton, Mount Maunganui, Gisborne, Wellington and now Christchurch.

While the company has been heavily involved in residential earthquake repairs as part of the EQR programme, and also with the project management companies of the major insurers, its primary focus is commercial and industrial buildings.

From schools, to sport and leisure facilities, central and local Government buildings to movie theatres, private commercial and industrial buildings, Watts & Hughes has more than 550 major builds under its belt.

More than a third of these have been design and build contracts. Watts & Hughes contracts generally range in value from $1m through to upwards of $70m and are the selected contractor for a number of national companies.

With 30 years of construction comes a wealth of experience and robust systems. There are 18 members in the Christchurch team but behind them is a breadth and depth of international expertise across the New Zealand team.

“If something a bit unusual comes up, there is someone in the company who will have encountered that before. The sharing of knowledge helps us find fast and effective solutions to any situation.”

Carrothers speaks highly of the strong team culture, the company’s dedication to continual training and the fact that many of its senior people started back in the early days as juniors and have steadily moved their way up the ranks.

Watts & Hughes is a highly regarded employer and its exceptional staff retention is testimony to that.

Fullserviceconstructionandprojectmanagement

No man stands alone

The team at Watts & Hughes recognise and thank the following companies for their support in the Christchurch market:

• Carters Christchurch City

• Eurpica Tiles

• Southern Comfort Heat Pumps

• Stainless Kitchens

• Bromley Steel

• Designcrete

• PBI Electric.

Site manager Jhan Carrothers says throughout the years the company mantra has not wavered.

“Our key focus, in all our activities and services, is to concentrate on the fundamental element of good building, which is quality. This is central to our operating principles and fundamental to our promise to deliver projects of excellence that are completed on time and to budget, every time.”

PBI Electrical and Air Conditioning Specialists are a family owned business with vastexperience in the heat pump and electrical industry. PBI are a New Zealand wide electrical contracting and heat pump installation company, that has been involved in huge electrical commercial projects for over 10 years, such as the wiring of Countdown Hornby, Ferrymead and the most recent Countdown Amberley Complex.

Excellence in Electrical Contracting for New Commercial & Residential

Tauranga | Taranaki | Christchurch | Cromwell

PO Box 39036, Harewood 8545, Christchurch Ph: 0800 100 493 Email: [email protected]

>

48 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property Construction | Watts & Hughes Construction

From an intimate ensuite or powder room, an entire house concept, to a commercial design and installation project, our creative ideas for you are boundless...

45 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch | Phone: (03) 348 3766 | www.europica.co.nz

Watts & Hughes Construction Ltd71 Orbell StreetSydenhamChristchurch T (03) 423 9305 E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Safety first“After quality, safety is the next big consideration. We recognise that quality and safety are essential elements required for the satisfactory outcome of a project. During the construction phase of the works, we employ a range of quality initiation, assessment, monitoring, and completion forms all to ISO 9000 standard,” Carrothers says.

The company is also registered with AppCon - a joint project between Bware Ltd and Site Safe NZ.

It’s a health and safety pre-qualification database for tendering subcontractors that was launched in Canterbury, in response to the rise of subcontractors to the area for the rebuild. The company’s safety rating with it is 97 percent.

“Each project has a Contract Quality Plan prepared jointly by the contract manager and respective project manager. A copy of the completed form is issued to the construction director for his review and the form is then monitored throughout the project by the Watts & Hughes in-house consultant.”

Onsite, work and materials are also monitored continuously for quality conformance by the business’ supervisors and management. “The safety of our staff, subcontractor and general public is of the utmost importance to us.

“Site Safe staff visit at random times during the cycle of any project and we work closely with them to ensure we are adhering to every aspect of health and safety.

“Before any project commences, we will provide a methodology statement of how the work will be carried out during the project and what safety requirements will be in place before work starts.”

Top teamThe extensive team of project managers, site managers, estimators, quantity surveyors, financial and administration staff are supplemented by the most expert subcontractors.

“All our trades and professional services are contracted in and we work exceptionally hard to build quality relationships with the best people available.”

What distinguishes Watts & Hughes Construction from other construction companies?

• The time and effort it dedicates to understanding customer needs and its proven ability to work professionally and efficiently. It values its clients and goes the extra mile to ensure each and every customer is 100 percent satisfied

• Experienced and customer focussed individuals get the job done right and on time

• Established relationships with a large subcontractor base in Christchurch

• Regular, unannounced Site Safe visits checking on site safety

• Watts & Hughes is also registered with AppCon (a contractor approval and appraisal management service) and recently received a 97 percent safety rating

• Members of the NZ Master Builders Association.

Among the robust accountability processes is a sophisticated project planning and document tracking system. Add to this the commitment to honest and open communication, and it becomes clear how Watts & Hughes has become a sought after contractor up and down New Zealand.

A robust and seamless relationship with its subcontractors and suppliers also plays a critical and integral role in the business’ work. Watts & Hughes looks for quality in its partnerships as they intend to have a long and beneficial relationship with all their tradespeople.

“It is vital they have the experience to follow through and we look closely at their previous projects and portfolio to ensure they have the right skills and knowledge required for the project at hand.

All our trades and professional services are contracted

in and we work exceptionally hard to build quality

relationships with the best people available.

Recent and current projects:• Opus House. Central city. A four-storey

office block with a $15 - 20m price tag

• Three factories in Halswell

• Supervaule Supermarket (Fendalton) $800,000

• WEFT Wigram Factory - $4m.

“We have a strong professional philosophy, one that is also adopted by out contractors; we are committed to doing the job once and doing it right - every time.”

“”

Call 021 0284 5009 E: [email protected] www.southerncomfort.net.nz

★ Air-Conditioning ★ Heat Pumps ★ Fresh Air Systems ★ Sales ★ Heat Recovery Systems ★ Installations ★ Maintenance ★ Repairs

Phone 03 374 6203 eMail [email protected] www.philbentonbuilders.co.nzP O Box 7259 SydenhamChristchurch 8240

* National Supreme Award - Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2013. Canterbury Supreme Award - Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2013.

GOGO LDLDAA WW ARDARD

2009

GO LDAWARD

2005

GO LDAWARD

2004

NATIONAL NATIONAL

We specialise in building new architecturally designed houses, as well as renovations and additions to existing high-quality homes.

We’ll work closely with your architect to make sure you achieve a design you’ll be proud of, and a home that makes everyday living convenient and pleasurable.

We’ll always keep our attention fixed on the details, both at the design stage, and during every phase of building. In practice, that means we’ll insist that every feature of your house – from the largest concrete structure, to the installation of the kitchen joinery, to the

positioning of your recessed speakers – is perfect before we hand over the keys.We operate as a highly effective and complementary team, with Phil taking the lead on-site and Dave handling all the essential work that goes on behind the scenes.

Phil is a ‘builders’ builder’, and most days you’ll find him either on-site or in conversation with his builders, the architect, or subcontractors. He stays close to each project to make sure every detail is up to the highest standards and that the build is staying on track.

Dave manages the preparation for the build, as well as making sure every ‘i’ is dotted and ‘t’ is crossed at the end. That includes quantity surveying and pricing; coordinating with engineers, architects, and subcontractors;

financial oversight; health and safety; and managing consenting and permitting processes.But what’s most important for you to know is that unlike some builders who consider building ‘just another job’, Phil and Dave put everything they’ve got into every project. We are builders of fine homes, not ‘building assemblers’ for hire, and we take huge pride in every new home we build for our clients.

That’s the reason we win awards, and it’s also the reason we’re recommended by several high profile architects.

Our focus on craftsmanship doesn’t mean we’re above getting our hands dirty. We’ll do whatever it takes to keep things on track for you, right down to cleaning the spouting or clearing the drive if that’s what it takes.

Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you n your vision of the perfect home.

Multi award winning builders

It’s how we won New Zealand’s Supreme Award*, and we’ll bring exactly the same approach to building your new home.

Inspired design & razor-sharp precision

Phil Benton - Canterbury today advertorial.indd 1 15/05/2014 9:29 am

50 | June/July 2014 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property & Construction | McEntryre Lund

As the rebuild gathers pace, construction experts are being forced to think outside the box to solve the unique and complex issues the Canterbury earthquakes have left in their wake.

Complex rebuild issues breed innovation in construction

McEntyre Lund have a proven track record in the development of many high profile Commercial & Industrial construction projects across the South Island & have been honoured to be a part of this exciting & challenging project. The re-level & remedial work to the 48 Fitzgerald Ave project would not have been possible without the right project team & our experienced staff were more than up to the challenge. “The more challenging the project the more interested we are” Our specialist Construction Team & Major plant including Crawler, Tower & Mobile Cranes are capable of building anything from Prisons, Stadiums, Education, Office fit outs, restoration, Dairy, Civil, Coolstore, Strengthening, Historical, ground remediation & Architectural features.

Justin McEntyre223 Barnes Rd, Tai Tapu, Christchurch

PO Box 16075, Hornby, ChristchurchP: 03 477 5912 ┃ F: 03 477 5906 ┃ M: 027 522 4446 ┃ E: [email protected]

McEntyre Lund have a proven track record in the development of many high profile Commercial & Industrial construction projects across the South Island & have been honoured to be a part of this exciting & challenging project.

The re-level & remedial work to the 48 Fitzgerald Ave project would not have been possible without the right project team & our experienced staff were more been possible without the right project team & our experienced staff were more than up to the challenge.than up to the challenge.

“The more challenging the project the more interested we are”“The more challenging the project the more interested we are”

Our specialist Construction Team & Major plant including Crawler, Tower & Our specialist Construction Team & Major plant including Crawler, Tower & Mobile Cranes are capable of building anything from Mobile Cranes are capable of building anything from Prisons, Stadiums, Education, Office fit outs, restoration, Dairy, Civil, Coolstore, Education, Office fit outs, restoration, Dairy, Civil, Coolstore, Strengthening, Historical, ground Strengthening, Historical, ground remediation & Architectural features.remediation & Architectural features.

Justin McEntyre223 Barnes Rd, Tai Tapu, Christchurch

PO Box 16075, Hornby, ChristchurchP: 03 477 5912 P: 03 477 5912 ┃ F: 03 477 5906 ┃ M: 027 522 4446 ┃ E: [email protected]

Commercial and Industrial Construction

This is especially true for the engineering and construction team of Structex and McEntyre Lund, who were tasked with re-levelling and repairing The Fitzgerald Centre at 48 Fitzgerald Avenue.

This ambitious project, which was successfully completed in October 2013 – with a collective sigh of relief from all involved – represented a first for Christchurch, and perhaps even for the world.

The three storey Fitzgerald Centre sank approximately 400mm at its northern end during the February quake. Remarkably, the building itself suffered very little structural damage.

For the building’s owner, Tudor Property, rebuilding from scratch after the insurer deemed it uneconomic to repair, just wasn’t an option. The building was only one year old and rebuilding it came at prohibitively high cost.

An alternative solution was sought and the team selected to deliver it was engineering consultancy Structex and commercial and industrial construction company McEntyre Lund.

Structex was engaged to look at the salvage and remedial work to the building, while concrete structures specialist McEntyre Lund completed the building repair work. Together, these two companies pulled off a remarkable feat.

Sixty three steel poles were carefully drilled 26 metres into the ground beneath the existing

building, which was a feat in itself. The building was then hoisted into the air by jacking it up on the steel poles.

Many lifting techniques were explored and in the end a hydraulic synchronous lift system was chosen to hoist the 1,800 tonne building. Foundations were then replaced and the building repair work got underway.

The demolition work began in March 2013 and, like many other office workers all around the city, the existing tenants were housed at the rear of the building in a container office for the duration of the project. The re-levelling was completed in August, with the tenants returning home in October of the same year.

McEntyre Lund director, Justin McEntyre says that this project represents everything that is exciting about the current work environment in Christchurch. “We’re seeing projects here that you won’t see anywhere else in New Zealand, or even the world.

McEntyre Lund 20B Klondyke Drive Hornby Christchurch T (03) 349 5897 E [email protected] www.mcentyrelund.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

The challenges:

• Breaking out the foundations without jeopardising the building’s structural integrity

• Piling to 26 metres inside the building footprint

• Jacking up the building without fracturing the new or old foundations

• Marrying up adjacent surfaces and services.

The process:

• Systematically cut out the existing concrete foundations

• Piling to a depth of 26 metre to the gravel below ground susceptible to liquefaction

• Reinstate new foundations

• Jack up the building with synchronous lift system

• Install liquefaction disbursement floor system

• Reinstate concrete slab

• Dilapidation and remedial work to building for tenant occupation.

“It used to be that people went overseas to London and other big cities to get experience and work on big, exciting projects. Now, people are coming here and locals are returning too. Canterbury has lots of one of a kind projects that are a real privilege to work on and really test current construction methodologies,” Justin adds.

The Fitzgerald Centre project was such a success that both Structex and McEntyre Lund have been engaged again by Tudor Property to complete remedial work to a smaller warehouse on the same site.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  51

Property & Construction | Spencer Painters and Decorators

Turbo Staff is a proud partner with Spencer Painting Group and recruits quality staff for all sectors of the Christchurch Rebuild. Through our unique recruitment service which supplies accommodation options to our clients and candidates, we can locate quality staff quickly and effectively.

Cal l us today – 0800 GO CHCH (0800 46 24 24)

Best value IT infrastructure service and support. For a fixed monthly price. No matter what. Nationwide.

www.codeblue.co.nz

Proudly Supporting Spencer Group

Making renovation projects painlessSpencer Painters and Decorators is flat out painting Christchurch’s new and repaired commercial buildings.

Project management specialists

Choosing Spencer Project Management for your next job will take all the hassle out of any project.

The project management division of the Spencer Group was formed after the Canterbury earthquakes and has undertaken a lot of repair projects for Fletchers during the past three years, which have involved more than just painting.

It has a vast amount of experience through its fully qualified subcontractors and has completed house lifts, full foundation replacements, complex repairs on TC3 land and hill areas, as well as the usual earthquake work involving chimneys, roofing, recladding and asbestos removal.

However, director Jeremy Spencer says that earthquake repair work will wind up this year and Spencer Project Management will continue with private, including opt-out, and insurance work.

“We employ four project managers, consisting of two licensed building practitioner, an engineer and a coating inspector. They will carry on offering a hassle-free service, delivering projects on time and to a high standard,” he says.

The family-owned business has accrued a wealth of experience and knowledge in its 30 plus years of operation.

Formed by Peter Spencer, it is now owned by Peter and his son Jeremy, who lead a team of 80 qualified and skilled painters and decorators, plus additional subcontractors and a management team of eight.

The commercial paintersSpencer Painters and Decorators is the main company within the Spencer Group and operates as its commercial painting arm.

Jeremy Spencer says the company has doubled in size since the Canterbury earthquakes and has spent the past three years doing a large number of commercial repairs and new builds.

Spencer Painters and Decorators specialises in all aspects of commercial painting and decorating, from small repairs through to large scale commercial projects.

It is the preferred partner of many leading commercial and industrial enterprises in Canterbury.

The company works with Dulux Paints for its interior design work for both its commercial and residential customers, offering a value-added design service for customers using Dulux Paint.

Another aspect to the company is that Spencer Painters and Decorators is environmentally aware. It recycles paints, uses environmentally friendly products whenever possible, and adheres to good practice standards regarding washing and caring for our painting equipment.

Intumescent and specialist coatingsAs specialists in protective coatings, including the application of intumescent coatings for fire protection on both steel and timber structures, the company is an approved applicator of intumescent coatings for Altex Paints, Zone Architectural Coatings and International Protective Coatings.

It has worked with Christchurch’s leading architects and building companies to provide

The Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre was recently painted by Spencer Painters and Decorators

<

Spencer Painters and Decorators can take care of all commercial painting requirements on new buildings

<

Contact us today for brilliant legal advice.Celia BarkerPhone: 335 3466Email: [email protected]

Proud to support Spencer Group

them with fire protection coating solutions to meet the council’s building code and Fire Service regulations.

Spencer Painters and Decorators has all the application equipment to handle projects of any size and measurement tools to ensure the required burn time specifications are achieved for both structural steel and wood.

Quality management systemsJeremy Spencer says it is his company’s management team and quality systems that make it stand out from the rest.

“We also have good relationships with the clients we work for, which I think is quite a big deal. I think we have more of a personal approach with the people we work for,” he says.

“With our management team, the standard of quality of our work is also very high, as the guys are required to completed QA check sheets on each and every job we complete. Each coat is given a QA and each area, so when the job comes to an end there is minimal remedial work to complete.” >

52 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Proud to provide the best insurance advice to

Spencer Group

P (03) 349-5014 M (0274) 318-951www.bensoninsurance.co.nz

Property & Construction | Spencer Painters and Decorators

Making life easier for the clientSpencer Painters and Decorators has a range of tailor made packages available to help clients achieve a hassle-free completion of all jobs.

The Christchurch company offers the most comprehensive range of painting and repainting services in Canterbury, including commercial, residential real estate, body corporate and school packages.

These packages include a range of options, such as:

• Midnight makeover – All interior work completed after hours to allow day to day operations to continue

• One-week dash – One week start to finish (conditions apply)

• Programme the paint – A customised plan aimed at increasing the paint’s life once it has been applied. It also ensures the interior

Client testimonial:“We have been completely satisfied with Pete the Painter on the three occasions we used them recently. They displayed a prompt and professional attitude in all ways and at a competitive price.”

- Malcolm and Margaret Johnson, Christchurch

and/or exterior of a building remains in pristine condition

• Painting maintenance

• Staggering the introduction of new colours and costs over a set time period

• Spencer’s Gold, Silver and Bronze packages for commercial, schools, real estate and residential customers.

Commercial packagesSpencer Painters and Decorators recognise the importance clients place on maintaining their commercial premises to a high standard.

It offers a specialised Refresh service aimed at cleaning and refreshing the interior and/or exterior of your premises to reinvigorate your company’s colours and public image.

Spencer Painters and Decorators will also help clients roll out new imagery and rebrand their business and premises.

In addition, it can repaint a building to remove clients’ corporate colours and restore it to its pre-lease condition.

School and real estate packagesThe company also works with schools, universities and polytechnics throughout the Canterbury region, maintaining and improving the interior and exterior of classrooms, lecture rooms, halls and administration blocks.

It can use all of its manpower and quality systems to paint an entire school during the holidays.

Christchurch real estate companies can make the most of a number of different painting options, including packages for body corporate and property managers who are keeping tenants happy or preparing a property for lease or sale.

Spencer Painters and Decorators will transform the interior of a poorly maintained property into a bright, fresh and clean environment, painting all surfaces white.

Investment property owners can also maximise the sale price or rental return on their investment by modernising the interior and/or exterior to appeal to prospective buyers or tenants.

Successful commercial projectsSpencer Painters and Decorators has completed many significant commercial projects in recent years, including the Amberley Countdown and the Ranui House earthquake repairs for the Bone Marrow Trust.

It has recently finished three stages at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and has also painted 210 and 218 Moorhouse Avenue and the Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre.

Paint maintenance programmeSpencer Painters and Decorators has tailored comprehensive paint protection maintenance plans for both large and small buildings.

Its maintenance programme will increase the paint’s life once it has been applied and ensure the interior and/or exterior of your building remains in pristine condition.

All maintenance programmes will be designed free of charge to suit the client’s individual needs, and may include building inspections, paint touch-ups, repainting, water cleaning and blasting, chemical wash, soft wash and interior paint wash.

Access is no problem for SpencersSpencer Painters and Decorators can tackle any job regardless of how difficult the access is.

Its “extreme team” is a fully licensed dedicated abseiling team that can handle the most extreme painting projects Canterbury has to offer, from roofs to tall buildings.

The company’s general access equipment includes scaffold, cherry pickers and knuckles.

It has a preferred contractor relationship with one of Christchurch’s leading scaffolding companies and reputable hire companies.

No job is too small for Spencer Painters and Decorators

<

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  53

11 Vanadium Place, Middleton, Christchurch 03 335 0205 | www.spencerpaint.co.nz

Specialise in all aspects of painting and decorating in jobs of all sizes, from residential renovations to large-scale commercial projects.

Provide additional services, including – colour consultancy, interior design, wallpapering, wall stopping, handyman services, general maintenance services, plumbing, and more.

Preferred partner of many leading commercial and industrial enterprises in Canterbury

DSL

Decorative Supplies Ltd

“The Painters Warehouse”

Proud to support Spencer Group

6 Huxley Street, Sydenham 03 332 7876

03 352 8575114 Unit 1 Sawyers Arms Road

Property & Construction | Spencer Painters and Decorators

Pete the Painter’s residential services Your home’s paint job is what everyone sees first when they walk in the door.

Regardless of how well your house has been built, if the paint work is not up to scratch, nothing else matters.

So Pete the Painter, a division of the Spencer Group, will paint your new home to the highest of standards.

The Christchurch company was formed 10 years ago by group founder Peter Spencer and takes care of the group’s new residential builds.

Pete the Painter offers a comprehensive painting and decorating service to residential customers, employing about 15 fully qualified tradesmen.

The company has painted thousands of homes over the years, both old and new. Its experience has allowed it to put together tailored packages based around clients’ needs. These include a roof painting special and a weatherboard makeover.

Pete the Painter has the resources to meet any residential interior or exterior painting requirement, including new homes, full

restorations, single walls or ceilings, roofs, foundations and complete exteriors.

The experienced team at Pete the Painter will give you a prompt, free quote on your next painting job, regardless of how small or large your requirements are.

This quote will provide a range of information to ensure there are no surprises during or at the end of the job.

The quote will include:• Confirmation of the surfaces to be painted

• Confirmation of the client’s needs and how they will be addressed

• Description of the painting methodology

• A list of all products and colours to be used

• Advisement of when the job will start

• An estimation of how long the project will take

• A list of terms and conditions of trade.

Pete the Painter understands that every person has different tastes and requirements and can cater to meet all requests while all staff are encouraged to think outside the square to ensure your painting package is tailor made for you.

Jeremy Spencer says residential painting work has been growing since the earthquakes, with Pete the Painter primarily focussed on new homes.

Pete the Painter backs all its materials and workmanship with a comprehensive warrantee.

Spencer Painters and Decorators11 Vanadium Place Addington ChristchurchT (03) 335 0205M 027 476 1039www.spencerpaint.co.nzwww.petethepainter.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

What’s on offer…

Spencer Painters and Decorators offers a range of services to commercial customers, including:

• Negotiation and tender

• Personalised and tailored project management, including daily site inspections and consultation

• Premium top-shelf paints

• Colour consultation with its qualified interior designer, including in-depth consultations, photo colour scheme development, and full products specification for the project

• Large range of paint colours and spectrums

• Colours matched to company profile or corporate colours

• Comprehensive surface preparation

• Complete removal and reinstallation of internal fixtures

• Complete removal and reinstallation of external fittings and signs

• Building access provided (scaffold, abseil or swinging stage)

• Exterior water blasting before repaint

• Five year product and workmanship warranty

• Five year maintenance plan, including annual inspection exterior building wash.

Pete the Painter servicesIn addition to its quality residential painting and decorating service, Pete the Painter offers additional services to help make your home project easy and successful. These include:

Colour consultancy/design service

Pete the Painter partners with professional paint consultants and interior designers to help you with colour choices and interior design matters.

This building in the Hazeldean Business Park was painted by Spencer Painters and Decorators

Spencer Painters and Decorators specialises in painting commercial buildings, including this one in Victoria Street

General maintenance/handyman

Pete the Painter’s trade-qualified staff can carry out most general maintenance works. If more specialised work is required, the company has strong associations and relationships with trusted and certified tradespeople.

Wallpapering

Wallpapering has come back to fashion with an extensive wallpaper range on offer. Pete the Painter employs a number of team members who have the specialist skills and experience to tackle all wallpapering jobs.

54 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property & Construction | Landmark Homes Canterbury

Getting Cantabrians back into beautiful homes brings Landmark Homes owners Steve and Coralie Pollard a lot of satisfaction.

A landmark commitment to Canterbury

A Landmark Home is not just an ordinary house; every home is a unique vision brought to beautiful reality by the experienced Landmark team.

Steve and Coralie have owned Landmark Homes in Canterbury since 2007 and lead a team of highly skilled and enthusiastic people keen to see their customers’ dreams come to fruition.

Landmark Homes is renowned for building beautiful, high quality homes that are designed and built to suit the unique needs of each customer.

“Our focus is on bespoke homes, hill homes and lifestyle blocks,” Coralie Pollard says.

“We like to build homes that are a little bit different to the rest; they’re not plans that are reproduced 50 times in one subdivision.

“Our main emphasis is on architectural homes that are designed for specific sites, however we cater for all manner of customers, from single level smaller homes to larger homes on the hill.”

The company has a range of 70 beautiful plans that customers can choose from. They can also modify an existing plan to suit customer needs, or start from scratch with their own architectural design.

Giving customers what they wantCoralie says flexibility is a key feature of building with Landmark Homes.

The company’s unique design and build system offers the ultimate in flexibility for clients.

The Landmark team will listen carefully to what’s important to each client to ensure there are no grey areas when construction begins.

Landmark designers take creative inspiration directly from their client’s needs and combine it with the site’s natural advantages to create the perfect home, ensuring all practical considerations are taken care of.

“Since the Canterbury earthquakes there are a lot more families who have joined together and people who are operating their business from home,” she says.

“We are able to incorporate people’s wish lists into their new home. We try to give people something individual and something that incorporates their lifestyle with children, teenagers, elderly parents or working from home, future-proofing homes for longevity, we can accommodate a lot of unique requests”.

Focus on qualityLandmark Homes builds a significant number of homes each year but prefers to concentrate on quality over quantity. “We build beautiful homes and we have lots of repeat customers or referrals; people coming back again and again to build,” Coralie says.

“We try to achieve a superior finish on all our homes. The products we use in our show homes reflect the quality of the products we use in all our homes.”

However, customers are not restricted to choosing fittings and products within a standard range, but can custom choose their products to suit their tastes and budget.

Landmark Homes provides a 10 year Masterbuild Guarantee on all its homes.

Rebuilding CanterburyCoralie says Landmark Homes is building some fantastic homes in Canterbury this year.

“We appreciate the fact that we’re getting to work with some really special people following the earthquakes. It’s really rewarding to get some of those people back into their own homes.

“We’re all very excited about the opportunities we have and all have to put some effort towards the Canterbury rebuild; I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

New Landmark showhomeLandmark Homes has recently completed its beautiful new showhome at Sovereign Lakes in Kaiapoi.

The new showhome, on the corner of Bayliss Drive and Lillian Street, features Landmark Homes’ brand new Abel Tasman design, which was designed specifically for the south facing site.

The showhome gives potential clients the chance to see what Landmark Homes is capable of, while also providing plenty of ideas and beautiful features to consider.

Landmark Homes is also planning a second new showhome at Styx Mill in Northwood, which should be completed early next year.

The Canterbury company’s two previous showhomes at Sovereign Palms and Northwood were both gold medal winners in the Master Builders’ House of the Year awards.

Landmark Homes’ beautiful new showhome at Sovereign Lakes, Kaiapoi

<

AN IMPORTANT INVESTMENT FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS

CONTACT US FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE New Builds | Wall Cladding | Spouting | Re-Roofing | Alterations | Butynol

p. 365 6714 e. [email protected] www.mainlandroofing.co.nz

Proud to support Landmark Homes

Call us today 03 377 3603www.acconnections.co.nz

Your first choice for electrical services in Canterbury» Residential and commercial wiring» Security systems» Heat pump installations» Repairs and maintenance» Smartvent home ventilation systems

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  55

WINSTONE WALLBOARDS CONGRATULATES LANDMARK HOMES CANTERBURY ON

THEIR RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS.

Visit gib.co.nz/homeowner for interior solutions for every room in your home.

“I quickly realised I wasn’t cut out to be a vet, so I changed direction and did some design courses, which led to a drafting job at a local architectural practice in Palmerston North,” she says.

She furthered that education by picking up quantity surveying and project management with various building firms, and found that main contracting was where she excelled.

She was offered a contracts manager’s role with a Hawke’s Bay construction company, where she met husband Steve, which then led on to a position with Mainzeal Property and Construction in central North Island, transferring back to Christchurch in 1999.

After having her family, Coralie moved back into quantity surveying within the residential building industry, which fitted in better with the demands of family life.

Today she takes care of all commercial work for Landmark Homes, including looking after the sales team, planning and construction of showhomes, project quantity surveying and estimating team, while Stephen Pollard runs the Construction Operations side of the company.

Coralie says she’s quite honoured and humbled to win the Hays award and had to submit a variety of referees for consideration as part of the selection process.

Landmark Homes employs a number of women across a range of occupations. “I have enjoyed a long and varied career in construction throughout New Zealand, but the reason I received this award is because I recognise the value that women bring to construction.

Recognising women in constructionBeing awarded a Hays 2014 Women in Construction award was a big feather in Coralie Pollard’s cap.

She won the inaugural award in March for her contribution to support women in construction. She and her husband Steve own and operate Landmark Homes in Christchurch.

The Hays awards are aimed to recognise and reward women who have achieved excellence in the construction industry, companies that are committed to developing the careers of women in the industry, and individuals who support women in the industry.

There were three award categories, with Coralie winning the award for contribution for supporting women in construction.

Giving back to the community

In addition to her work within the construction industry, Coralie Pollard works diligently for the Autistic Spectrum Intervention Support (ASIST) Trust, an organisation that provides financial assistance to families with special needs children, primarily with Autism.

She has been the trust’s chairperson for the past six years, working hard to raise money for therapists, case management and medical assistance.

The role of the trust is to raise awareness of childhood autism and to reduce the financial burden on families whose children are receiving therapy.

Local organisations and charities provide financial support to the trust, which is continually seeking donations and sponsorship.

Landmark Homes Canterbury2a 295 Blenheim Road ChristchurchT (03) 961 1048M 021 272 2112E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Property & Construction | Landmark Homes Canterbury

“We employ a lot of women as quantity surveyors, sales and administrative staff. There are a lot of very capable women coming into the construction sector, especially with Christchurch needing a lot of people for the rebuild.”

“These awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by women in construction, and are timely recognition in light of the essential contribution women are making to the rebuild of Christchurch,” Hays managing director Jason Walker says.

“Given the sheer scope of the construction work required to rebuild Christchurch, and the ongoing skills shortages within construction, it is essential we recognise and celebrate the success of women in this profession and encourage more women to consider a construction career.”

A career in the building industryCoralie was born in Christchurch, originally leaving to attend Massey University to study veterinary science.

Quality is a feature of every Landmark Home

<

Landmark Homes is renowned for building beautiful high quality homes that are designed and built to suit the unique needs of each customer

<

Proud to support & supply Landmark Homes Canterbury Limited

The Complete Aluminium Window & Door Solution

50 Leeds Street, Phillipstown, ChristchurchTel. 03 379 7660 • Email. [email protected]

56 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property & Construction | First Avenue Property

A Breath of Fresh Air in Accounting

0800 SIDEKICK · www.djca.co.nz

·Fixed Fees·Free Phone Support·Ongoing Proactive

Advice

www.firstavenue.co.nz918 Colombo St, cnr Bealey Ave, Christchurch

Phone 03 377 0509

If you are looking for rental property management or contemplating selling and would like to work with a local, friendly, experienced team, give us a call.

Complementary Sales& Rental Appraisals

PROUD TO SUPPORT

FIRST AVENUE PROPERTY

2 Graycliffe Street, HalswellChristchurch

Ph (03) 9809910 or 021 554 393E: [email protected]

www.greenferngardening.co.nz

The property management specialistsOwning a rental property can be stressful at times: when the roof leaks, the tenant leaves, or you want to sell but don’t know how to go about it without chasing your tenant away.

Services on offer

First Avenue Property offers a range of property management services, including:

• Full rental evaluations to assess the best rental price for your property

• Extensive advertising of your property to potential tenants online and in print. Visitors to the office have access to photographs of properties available to rent

• Checking references and carrying out online credit checks for every prospective tenant

• Carrying out full and detailed inspections at the beginning of and at the end of each tenancy

• Inspecting your property every three months (unless otherwise instructed)

• Collecting your rent, following up on any rental arrears, and if necessary initiating proceedings to terminate unsatisfactory tenancies

• Paying rental to you twice a month if required

• Long term maintenance planning.

The team at First Avenue Property in central Christchurch can take all of the worry out of owning an investment property. They specialise in rental property management and sales, and pride themselves on the positive relationships they develop and maintain with vendors and tenants.

First Avenue Property is owned and managed by Martin and Melissa Benge, who take a hands-on role in the running of their company.

The core business of First Avenue Property has always involved managing its customers’ valuable investment properties.

The team has more than 50 years’ experience in Christchurch property management and offers a comprehensive service for long term rentals.

Staff will conduct a full rental evaluation to assess the best rental price and will advertise your property extensively, carrying out full tenant interviews, reference and credit checks.

Property inspections are carried out every three months, or more frequently if you require, with rent collected and paid to you twice a month if required.

Melissa Benge says First Avenue Property operates a trust account, which is audited four

times a year and gives clients peace of mind regarding the security of their rental payments.

“We offer good flexible property management services. If you want to do all the maintenance or gardens you can; we can mix and match it to suit you,” she says.

“Or we can arrange a gardener and maintenance work so your property is maintained to a high standard you don’t have to do anything.”

Selling your propertyOriginally operating strictly as a property management business, First Avenue Property began selling real estate in January 2012.

Melissa says the move into sales means the company now offers a turnkey service to investment property owners.

The First Avenue Property sales team will undertake a comprehensive assessment of your property and work hard to get the best price for the vendor.

“We give a more favourable commission rate to our existing customers who we manage a

property for, but I pride myself on negotiating hard for every vendor,” she says.

“I believe it’s the negotiating role, regardless of commission rates or how much you spend on advertising, which is the big thing for the vendor. I go back and back and back as many times as I can; I’ll do my best to get your price for you – that’s my job.”

We give a more favourable commission rate to our existing customers who we manage a property for, but I pride myself on negotiating hard for every vendor

For a highly skilled, professional Electrical Tradesmen call...

PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH FIRST AVENUEPROPERTY

‘Strong on Service’

P. 366 7686M. 0274 333 764

www.garylee.co.nz fast

po

wer

30YEARS IN

BUSINESS

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  57

Property & Construction | First Avenue Property

Relationships are criticalThe team at First Avenue Property take pride in forming close relationships with all its clients and tenants, ensuring the management and sale of your property go as smoothly as possible.

Owners Martin and Melissa Benge enjoy relationships with property owners dating back many years. “We’ve carried on those relationships and grown that side with new clients,” Melissa says.

“Our relationship with the tenant comes into its own when you’re selling your investment property. If the real estate agent upsets the relationship with the tenant it becomes very difficult to get people through for a viewing.

“We have a real specialty around selling any investment property. We’re very good at maintaining that relationship with the tenant; we can take the work out of it for the vendor.”

First Avenue Property strives to offer the best service in the industry.

“One of our key points of difference is that Marty and I offer real personal service,” she says.

“We’re working in the business seven days a week, we’re contactable by any customer and want to give full accountability and personal service. We make sure someone always answers your phone call.”

“Client testimonial:“After many years of managing our own investment properties, we decided to place our rentals with First Avenue Property Management. This is one of the best business decisions and actions we have ever made.

“Melissa Benge and her team have been outstanding at all times, and there have certainly been some very diverse and challenging situations over the past 12 months.

“It is reassuring to know that our investments are being professionally managed to such a very high standard at all times no matter what the problem may be.

“We confidently recommend First Avenue to anyone who have rental properties and need to know they are engaging a top management team.”

- Colleen and Ian Hamilton ”First Avenue Property918 Colombo Street Christchurch 8013T (03) 377 0509E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

PLEASED TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES TO; AND BE ASSOCIATED WITH FIRST AVENUE PROPERTY

Tel: +64 3 3772900 Fax: +64 3 3772999 W: www.mmlaw.co.nz

BUSINESS BASED, PEOPLE FOCUSED

At a glance | Creative Studios

With an emphasis on all things visual and detail, award winning architectural design firm Creative Studios in Christchurch has a stellar portfolio to be proud of.

High impact designs

After a run of 15 years working for the same Christchurch design firm, John Ayers felt it was time to try something new and adventurous, and set up his own business, Creative Studios Limited in 2003.

Creative Studios is best known for hospitality and commercial design both here in New Zealand and abroad. Bars, café and restaurant design, interior and exterior new builds and refurbishments however, affordable architectural new homes and alterations have always formed around half their workload.

“It’s important that your project is a reflection of who you are, that it’s original and that it satisfies the project brief. We like to form a professional yet friendly attitude with all our clients too.”

Creative Studios cover all aspects of building design from the ground up to choosing finishing touches with you. They also provide complete conceptual and brand development, full 3D rendering and graphic workups, total working drawings for consent and tendering, and project management.

As a kid in the 70s John would sit outside a random house down the street he appreciated, sketch the house and then hand his work to the owner. It was his art teacher in 6th form who steered him into the architecture direction.

“I’ve always enjoyed detail and ensuring that the ‘little things make a difference’. Moving to Christchurch in 1991 I worked on ski fields, and even designed high-end yachts for a while.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in the public arena, so I think I’ve got good understanding of how people move around space, relate to spaces and how interiors affect emotion.

“In the current Canterbury market and rebuild, we are finding a very high percentage of new homes are being designed and built by the housing companies. This is a market we must

contribute more to and it’s our responsibility as architectural designers to ensure this city and the residential environment is created with individuality, architectural nous, creativity, and not simply replicate the same building as your neighbours.

“We offer a down to earth professional, co-operative, systematic and cost-efficient service in the field of architectural design. We can and want to offer everyone a point of difference and to ‘stand out from the rest’. After all, we are all unique people, whom see the world differently… so why should we all live in similar houses?"

It’s important to be able to combine form and function as well as reflect the place, the time, and the client. You can count on Creative Studios to make the most of surroundings and enhance the living environment.

You probably will have recognised some of their work without realising it: Lone Star on Manchester Street and the Joes Garage Café franchise nationwide.

“We also re-branded the Lone Star interior at this time. Our challenge was to reinvent an iconic 25 year old New Zealand Café franchise interior, to go ‘back to future’ if you would.

“This was a rebuild of the original 1930s building, so the design had to respect the existing architecture whilst adding a new aesthetic and something more original for Christchurch.”

Creative Studios Ltd6 Timberlands TerraceParklandsChristchurchM 021 623 730E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

0800 115 232 or visit us at www.roofer.co.nz

Leaders in Residential, Commercial & Architectural RoofingProud to support Creative Studios

58 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property & Construction | Alawin Homes

DOMINATORgate + garagedoor centre

Contact us on 03 379 9662 www.dominatorchristchurch.co.nz

Proud to be associated with Alawin Homes

Dominator Gate and Garage Door Centre Christchurch is a leading manufacturer, supplier and installer of all types of garage doors, gates and automatic operating systems.

We catch you if you fall!

Fully certified fall protection systemResidential and commercial buildsProfessional service

0800 NETS4Uwww.safetynetsnz.co.nz

Building beautiful homes for Cantabrians is what Alawin Homes is all about.The business is one of Christchurch’s most successful family-owned building companies and has been building homes for more than 40 years.

Alawin began as a small family business in the suburbs of Halswell in 1972, building architectural and standard plan housing.

The team at Alawin Homes understands the commitment involved with building a new home, on a financial and emotional level. Clients can feel confident knowing their building company will be there to help and support them through every step of the construction process.

Alawin will work closely with you from the start of your project to ensure all your agreed requirements are met. The company believes in building a strong vision of the completed project before a hammer is picked up. This investment in time and planning means that any misinterpretation or confusion is removed.

Building Canterbury homes for 40 years

Alawin Homes offers fixed contract prices which means there are no hidden extras; what you see is what you get.

Once your new home is complete, Alawin Homes offers a maintenance period of up to 90 days, meaning if something breaks or is damaged, the company will fix it at no extra cost.

Design and buildCustomers have a range of options to consider when they choose Alawin Homes.

There are a number of construction packages to choose from, including:

Specification package - choose from Alawin’s tried and tested designs which have proved popular with clients.

Specification with alterations package - choose from Alawin’s range of tried-and-tested designs but add your own design elements, such as removing a wall or changing the size of a window.

No-plan package – The company has an excellent relationship with several architectural firms in Canterbury and can work on a concept with you and the architect to create a set of plans.

Own-plan package - If you have the plans already, come and talk to the team at Alawin about making them a reality; Alawin will quote you for the construction process depending on the level of involvement you would like.

Once your new home is complete, Alawin Homes offers a maintenance period of up to 90 days, meaning if something breaks or is damaged, the company will fix it at no extra cost.

RVG A I ND R A I N A G E L T D

0 2 7 4 3 6 0 4 6 43 2 9 8 8 7 7

a n n _ r o b _ g a i n @h o t m a i l . c o m

P r o u d t o s u p p o r t

A l a w i n H o m e E n t e r p r i s e s

S p e c i a l i s i n g i n n e w

h o u s i n g & s e p t i c t a n k

d r a i n a g e

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  59

Property & Construction | Alawin Homes

Cam Stevens | Certifying Plumber | 03 383 8050 | 0212 146 042 | [email protected]

NEW HOUSING | REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE | KITCHEN & BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH

ALAWIN HOME ENTERPRISES

Phone: (03) 347-8333Fax: (03) 347-8363 | www.custommade.co.nz

Custom made garage doors is well known in the building industry for the high quality and innovative designs of our garage doors.

PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH ALAWIN HOMES

We pride ourselves on:1. Being there on time

2. Provide safe access to any construction project and...

3. Having the staff and equipment to do so quickly

Ph 366 6227

“Don’t risk a fall, give us a call!”

SCAFFOLDING, PROPPING & SWINGING STAGES

PROUD TO SUPPORT ALAWIN HOMES

Alawin Homes LimitedUnit 2 213 Blenheim Road Riccarton ChristchurchT (03) 348 3999E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Choosing Alawin Homes for your new home means you will receive:

• A customer care programme

• A written Build It guarantee if required

• A personal one on one relationship

• A thorough planning process

• Attention to detail

• A commitment to quality

• Fixed contract price there are no hidden extras.

Quality is key at AlawinNothing is more important to the team at Alawin Homes than quality; something it focusses on throughout every stage of every home it builds or repairs.

The company employs its own qualified building contractors and specialised administration staff in order to ensure quality is maintained throughout every job.

Alawin Homes recognises it’s the little things that count; attention to detail is what the company is known for.

Its experienced onsite project managers ensure Alawin maintains its reputation for quality.

Getting it right doesn’t happen by accident; it takes careful planning, rigorous scheduling and smart communication. Alawin Homes has the experience, expertise and business ethos to meet your quality standards every step of the way.

You will have peace of mind that a well-established company is standing by its product.

Getting it right doesn’t happen by accident; it takes careful planning, rigorous scheduling and smart communication. Alawin Homes has the experience, expertise and business ethos to meet your quality standards every step of the way.

Visit our showroom at770-772 Halswell Junction Road, Hornby,

Christchurch. Phone 03 344 6141www.stewart-scott.co.nz

Modular and customised kitchen design options to suit yourbudget, taste and requirements

Cabinetry with StyleLet us turn your dreams into reality

60 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Civil Contracting | Hansen Contractors

Getting your lifestyle block sorted

Hansen Septic systems

The Hansen 75 septic tank features include:

• Rectangular shape means a shallow hole for installation. Good for properties with a high water table

• Dripline can irrigate garden or trees

• Low power usage

• Easy access for pumping out and maintenance

• Tank buried below ground. Lids and control box at ground level.

The Hansen 55 septic tank features include:

• Suitable for free-draining soils with deep groundwater levels

• Discharge to filter sand trench

• One pump

• Easy access for pump out and maintenance

• Tank buried below ground with lids and control box at ground level

• Alarm for high level alert.

The Hansen upgrade tank features include:

• Suitable for all soil types and high groundwater levels

• Add onto a suitable existing tank to make an aerated treatment plant

• Dripline discharge can irrigate garden or trees

• Low power usage

• Plug-in control box means no electrician needed for change over. If power is off the system can be plugged into a generator

• Alarm panel has lights indicating system on, alarm for high level and low pressure alert.

Septic tanks and drainlaying may not be a big focus when it comes to building your dream home in the country, but they’re a critical aspect of every job. The experienced team at Hansen Contractors

will make sure all your septic systems and drainlaying requirements are completed to the highest possible standard, so you don’t have to think about them again.

Hansen Contractors in Rangiora is a family-owned business with more than 35 years’ experience in drainage and excavation. It also manufactures its own range of quality, reinforced concrete septic tanks at its Rangiora yard in order to take care of your total septic system and drainlaying requirements.

“It makes sense for us to handle the complete package, including compliance issues,” says manager Peter Hansen.

“We consider factors such as groundwater levels, nitrate levels and the lay of the land before providing our clients with several options when it comes to the best type of system for their property. Rather than being biased toward one type of system, we prefer to offer a broad range of products and prices.”

The septic tank specialistsHansen Contractors developed its own pre-cast concrete septic tank after years of seeing what works and what doesn’t.

“We have used our years of experience to design a system that is easy to install, access and maintain,” says Peter Hansen.

“We have now passed the 200 tank mark and the demand has increased with all of the building going on in the area. I am happy for people to come to the yard to view the systems and talk through their requirements.”

There are three key options available to cover all clients’ requirements: the Hansen 75 aerated treatment plant; the Hansen 55 conventional three-chamber tank; and the Hansen Upgrade, which can be added onto an existing tank.

Clients can purchase their Hansen septic tank direct from the manufacturer, which will install and service the tank directly.

Hansen Contractors also undertake septic tank and effluent designs which are necessary for a building consent to be issued and for ECan approval to be granted.

A Hansen 75 septic system being installed

<

Arthur Jones Ph. 03 313 569113 Station Rd, Rangiora. PO Box 255, Rangiora

Mobile. 027 435 1531. Fax 03 313 4307

Proud to be associated with Hansen Contractors

COF Repairs • Brake Roller TestingAll Truck & Trailer Servicing and Repairs

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  61

Civil Contracting | Hansen Contractors

DOMESTICINDUSTRIALAGRICULTURALFor pumps that offerexcellence in bothperformance andconstruction.

Pedrollo - proven performance!

If you want advice on how to create that great kitchen, bathroom or laundry in your home – Edward Gibbon Ltd are the people to see.

Edward Gibbon are Hansen Contractors preferred drainage supplier

293 Cranford St ┃75 Kingsley Street ┃ T (03) 366 7137 ┃ E [email protected] ┃ edwardgibbon.co.nz

Lifestyle blocksHansen Contractors will take care of all your drainage requirements and has the expertise and experience to offer your lifestyle block a total package.

The capable team at Hansen Contractors undertakes a variety of drainage jobs, from new residential drains to alterations, small subdivisions and road openings.

The company has the technology for a range of drainage work, such as blocked or broken drains, including DVD cameras to determine where the problem is and water blasters to clear it.

The growing number of lifestyle blocks around Canterbury means Hansen Contractors has plenty of experience in all aspects of the job.

Drainage for new and existing dwellings in residential and rural areas make up a large part of the company’s business, although Hansen’s also have years of experience in alterations and repairs.

As part of its design consultancy work, the company is equipped to prepare stormwater disposal designs for lifestyle blocks. Its fleet of excavators are able to undertake scrape and founds, driveways and farm clearance work.

Hansen Contractors undertakes rural and lifestyle driveway excavations, supplying the base shingles, and has a wide range of excavators from 1.5 to 8 tonnes, ensuring it can complete every job with the most economical machine.

The company can supply and install a variety of options of water tanks in concrete or plastic, from 1,000 to 30,000 litres, which can be installed in ground or on a sand pad base.

Additionally, Hansen Contractors offers a fast and efficient service on replacement septic tank pumps, which are the Italian-made Pedrollo brand and come with a good warranty.

Hansen’s also designs stormwater systems and supplies and installs pumps and water tanks.

While most work is done within the Canterbury region, the team is happy to travel further afield to assist customers with their drainage needs.

Hansen Contractors32 Newnham Street PO Box 32 Rangiora 7440T (03) 313 8418M 0274 545 775E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Call 0800 777 444, or go to our website www.safebottles.co.nz to order your SafeBottle today

47b Birmingham Drive, Middleton, PO Box 1879, Christchurch 8140.

YOU’VE ALREADY HEARD OF THE DANGERS OF DRINKING OUT OF PLASTIC• 500ml,750ml,1000ml,Priced from $23.95 inc GST

• Dishwashersafe• 18/8foodgradequalitystainlesssteel• Fitsmostcupholders• Greatgift• Individuallyboxed• Fitsicecubes• 100%moneybackguarantee• Freesportslid

w

ww.safebottles.c

o.nz

SPECIAL OFFER

BUY 2 GET 1 FREE!

ENTER THE CODE

CANTERBURY WHEN PURCHASING

ON

62 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Business Development | Glenn Roberts Electrical and Solar Smart Energy

Northern connections

Commercial capabilities

• Re-fits and new builds - shop, office, showroom, warehouses etc

• Complete lighting, power, heating and ventilation design and installation

• Data wiring

• Switchboards – upgrades and new installs

• Energy efficient lighting and power solutions – including solar

• Solar power installations – using PV panels.

• Standby power generator wiring, connections and supply

• Signage and landscape lighting

• Emergency and security lighting installation and testing

• Fire alarm installation and testing

• Auto-door installation and servicing.Glenn Roberts Electrical carries out maintenance and repairs on most types of industrial machinery and equipment, including:

• Maintenance and repairs

• Fault finding

• Testing and tagging

• New machine installation

• Power reticulation

• Wiring installations

• Breakdowns

• Switchboards

• Control panels

• Hazardous area installations

• IQP inspections and 12A certificates.

Glenn Roberts Electrical (Nelson) Limited14C Vanguard Street NelsonT (03) 546 9930 E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

If you live in the Nelson area and own a business, retail store, a loved family home, or look after a large public facility the team at Glenn Roberts Electrical can take care of all your electrical needs.Glenn Roberts Electrical is an electrical contracting company that offers a comprehensive service to residential, retail, commercial and industrial customers throughout the Nelson and Tasman regions, specialising in energy efficient lighting, heating and power options.

Located in central Nelson, the business was formed in 1992 by Glenn Roberts but is now owned and operated by Glenn’s son Josh Roberts and his partner Nichola Strom.

Glenn Roberts Electrical is one of the largest electrical companies in Nelson and employs 12 tradesmen.

“We mainly do residential and commercial work, from small repairs to new house builds and commercial fit-outs, as well as design services,” Josh says.

The company recognises that if you’re building a new home or doing renovations, it’s important to get your electrical work right, the first time. It offers professional advice, innovative suggestions and product information relevant to your needs and budget.

Each home requires its own individual layout and design, dependent on size, location and budget. Glenn Roberts Electrical will work closely with you throughout your building project to ensure your requirements are understood and met, from lighting and

power design through to home automation, security and heating.

The company has been involved in many significant commercial projects over the years, from fit-outs to new builds. It has the expertise, experience and manpower to complete all aspects of each project.

The team is knowledgeable in local body compliance, electrical wiring regulations, efficiency levels and safe working practices. They can advise clients on the best technologies, approaches and methods of implementation.

Glenn Roberts Electrical will also take care of all your maintenance and servicing needs and will schedule regular site visits to ensure your business is kept running smoothly.

In addition, the company specialises in servicing and repairing lifts. It is available 24/7 for emergency breakdowns and repairs.

Industry recognition and awardsGlenn Roberts Electrical has won a variety of significant awards in recent years, including several Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

The company was also named the ECANZ Wellington Master Electrician of the year in 2011 and 2012.

Glenn Roberts Electrical were the main electrical contractors for the new Cawthron Institute Building in Nelson

The team from Glenn Roberts Electrical receives the Supreme Award at the 2013 Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Photo by Harold Mason Photography

<<

Specialist Electrical Inspection & Connection Services• ‘One Stop’ Electrical Inspection and Connection Service to Tasman & Nelson Electricity Networks

• Temporary Power Supplies

• Electrical Inspections - Hazardous Areas - Marine - Safety - Insurance - Pre-Purchase

• Caravan Electrical Warrants

Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 0072Ph 544 007266 Oxford Street, [email protected]

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  63

ELECTRICAL SUPPLIERS

Proud to be associated with Glenn Roberts Electrical

Phone 0800 100 530www.ideal.co.nz

Business Development | Glenn Roberts Electrical and Solar Smart Energy

Why go solar?

There are huge benefits to solar power for your home or building. These include:

Clean, renewable energy – producing electricity with solar energy emits no greenhouse gases, no pollution and uses no fossil fuels

Reduce your power bill – The cost of power is high and is only going to rise. With a Solar Smart Energy system you’ll never have to pay a high power bill again

Increase your property value – A solar power system will add value to your home for years to come. By reducing or eliminating your home’s electricity bill, your home will demand a higher value on the market

Financial benefits – You can have a solar power system installed without having to spend much more than you currently spend on your existing electricity charges. Once your system is paid off you’ll reap the financial rewards.

Nelson residents keen to cash in on the region’s high sunshine hours are increasingly turning to solar power for their homes and businesses.Glenn Roberts Electrical formed a subsidiary company, Solar Smart Energy, a year ago to cater to the growing demand for solar power.

Solar Smart Energy provides customers with smarter, sustainable power solutions for their home or building through solar photo voltaic (PV) panels and off-grid generators.

“An area we see great potential is in energy efficient and alternative energy sources,” director Josh Roberts says.

“And it is due to the ever increasing awareness and desire for these products that we have established Solar Smart

Energy to provide a fully focussed service for sustainable energy products to our customers.”

The company uses a solar grid tie system and PV panels, which are generally mounted on the roof. The light from the sun is absorbed by semi conductors in the panels, which excite the electrons. This produces an amount of direct current, which is converted into alternating current through an inverter for use in your home or commercial building.

Any excess power produced that is not used is then sold back to your energy retailer through an import/export meter.

The team at Solar Smart Energy work with clients to determine which system is best for their requirements, depending on how much

The smart solar solution

Solar Smart Energy14C Vanguard Street Nelson 7010T (03) 546 9975E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Nelson is the sunshine

capital, so with the cost

of installation coming

down and electricity

going up, it makes sense

to choose solar power.

they want to save from their current power bill, the available roof space and shading angles, and their budget.

Josh Roberts says the company is receiving a lot of interest from customers throughout the region. “There’s an outlay of cost with solar panels but there’s a good return on investment once people look into it. We’re trying to work with finance companies and banks to get these initial hurdles crossed,” he says.

“Nelson is the sunshine capital, so with the cost of installation coming down and electricity going up, it makes sense to choose solar power.”

Solar Smart Energy has already completed a number of residential and commercial solar

installations in the region, including the Havelock Motel in Marlborough and several significant residential projects.

The company offers free no-obligation quotes, competitive pricing, full supply and installation and customer training.

64 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Acoustic Engineering Services

The environmentally-friendly, polyester range of high-performing Interior Acoustic products from Autex provides designers with real creative freedom whilst delivering effective sound absorbing solutions.

EFFECTIVE SOUND ABSORPTION FROM CEILING TO FLOOR

REDEFINE YOUR ENVIRONMENTVisit www.autex.co.nz or call 0800 428 839 for premium Interior Acoustic solutions

Delivering the sweet sound of silenceThe ability to hear what you need to and minimise unwanted sound is crucial to occupant experience in a building - be it a business, classroom, apartment block or auditorium.

And the good news is, its smart design, sound choices and expert advice, not added cost that can make all the difference.

Christchurch specialists in the science and engineering of sound, Acoustic Engineering Services (AES), have solutions to any acoustics problem.

Whether it is road noise, an overhead airplane, a rumbling air-handling unit, or a co-worker’s enthusiastic phone manner, unwanted sounds can disrupt work and learning; persistent noise can even affect our health.

Design and planning strategies implemented when a building project is in its very early stages can optimise acoustic performance, and the use of the right materials can provide further enhancements. Therefore, the time to bring in the specialists is at the beginning of a project.

Working as part of the design team on building projects, AES managing director, Dr Jeremy Trevathan says they work closely with the architects and other specialist engineers

to ensure any issue around sound is identified early and dealt with in the design process.

“In New Zealand the building code only sets out minimum requirements for sound insulation in apartment developments – however if you want a premium building – an office building that attracts and retains the right tenants or a performance space which leaves audiences and performers wanting to come back for more, then the quality of the acoustic environment you provide is paramount.”

In short, Trevathan says they remove the risk, providing certainty as to how a building will perform and eliminating the possibility of expensive and difficult modifications being required if issues are discovered only after a building is completed and occupied.

And experience counts for everything in this sector – through the review of a proposed building design, an experienced acoustics engineer will be able to foresee any potential issues and formulate appropriate solutions, in conjunction with the architect and design team.

Good designArchitect and senior associate at Jasmax, Richard Hayman echoes these sentiments, recommending that those pursuing quality design solutions, where people matter, consult an acoustic engineer at the earliest possible stage.

“The environments we create (as architects) for people serve to delight them and enhance their experience. To do this we seek to engage the five senses as people move through, around and inhabit the places we design.

“A sensitive and aware response to the aural sense is a key component of the quality of a person’s experience of a place or space.

“An acoustic engineer, when fully understanding the design and experiential objectives of a place or space, can add tremendous value to that design solution,” Hayman adds.

Examples include allowing children to learn better in classrooms due to ease of hearing, the pleasure of an undisturbed night’s sleep in your favourite hotel, the ability to conduct a private conversation in an open plan office and the zingy chatter of a lively city foyer.

St Margarets's College

109 Blenheim RoadRiccarton Christchurch

P. 03 341 0930 F. 03 343 9843 www.mackaybailey.co.nz

Property | SMEs | Business Systems | Business Planning | Commercial | Agri Business | Farming

Proudly supporting Acoustic Engineering Services in Canterbury

“We pride ourselves on being friendly, professional and proactive, working with you to make your business successful.”

Level 3, 518 Colombo StreetChristchurch 8140

Ph. 03 377 8600www.cosgroves.com

PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH ACOUSTIC ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  65

Focus | Acoustic Engineering Services

Enhancing performanceThe Charles Luney Auditorium at St Margaret’s College was a recent project that presented some interesting challenges for the AES team.

But, as they do with every project, they looked at the unique situation, listened to the client and design team, and found a bespoke solution.

The 700 seat auditorium was designed as a semi-circle. While advantageous for the audiences proximity to and view of the stage, it was acoustically difficult.

“The curved seating tiers and large curved back wall would have reflected sound back towards the stage - causing large variations in sound level over the audience area, and a very difficult environment for performers.”

Using 3D modelling, AES was able to determine how to control and direct the sound to optimise performer and audience experience, while retaining the semi-circular shape the client and architect loved. This involved the use of a visually impressive array of concentric timber reflectors above the stage and audience area, along with vertical reflectors to make the most of the auditorium side walls and ensure audience members felt ‘enveloped’ by the sound.

Potentially problematic reflections and focussing from the curved rear wall were avoided by breaking up and re-orientating surfaces to distribute reflected sound evenly, rather than focus it all in one location, and through the use of acoustic absorption materials.

The facility opened in May 2013, providing a much needed alternative performance venue for Christchurch and has seen a high level of use including as a venue for live television, and extensive use for Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music New Zealand events.

In a recent blog on the Chamber Music NZ site, Ken Booth described the acoustics of the exciting new venue as follows:

“There is an uncluttered view of the stage; the acoustics are excellent; the soundboard over the stage ensures the sound goes throughout the auditorium; the seating is comfortable and there is no traffic noise.

“All the detail (of the performance) was audible because the auditorium made it so accessible to the listener.”

Earthquake recovery at the UniversityPost-quake, AES was called in to the University of Canterbury to help restore and create a number of student and educational facilities.

A place to relax The Undercroft project involved converting the basement of the library into a multi-use facility for use as social hub, cafés, shops and seminar/learning spaces.

The first stage of the project involved reinterpreting the brutalist-inspired bicycle storage and under-utilised centrally planned double height space into a sophisticated, quiet student lounge. This space replaced the ‘tent city’ - the initial quake response solution that housed student social activity.

”The large, concrete space was acoustically harsh and uncompromising – nothing like the quiet, relaxed space the University and

architect had in mind. The space also required detailed and complex analysis, as it was actually made up of a number of inter-connected volumes, in some places separated by movable partitions,” Trevathan adds.

There were considerable constraints in reusing an existing building requiring the acoustic engineer and architect to work closely together, but with the correct use of acoustic absorption materials, a suitable solution was put in place – a solution that not only works well, but looks good too.

The Undercroft project was among several AES was involved in that won Canterbury Architecture Awards in 2013.

Containing performance noiseAnother performance space AES engineered for optimum sound was the temporary UCSA Events Centre. This fast tracked, lightweight building was built to become the home of events and musical performances for the students and the University and now houses the iconic Foundary and Bentleys bars.

“While it was a lightweight structure, it was going to be home to some very high levels of noise. The arrangement and layout of the building were critical to helping to contain the noise.

“All doors and windows open inwards toward the campus and we used sound lobbies to isolate noise when people were entering and leaving the performance space to help prevent noise spilling out. Inside the building acoustic absorption treatments more commonly used in industrial applications were employed to create an internal environment suitable for a wide range of uses.”

Open by April 2012, the UCSA Events Centre is now playing a key role in maintaining and enhancing vibrant student life on campus.

UCSA

University of Canterbury, Undercroft

Seismically rated, Acoustic Ceiling Systems for Halswell School, Christchurch

"AES Acoustic Engineering Services appreciate the peace of mind value that having our ceiling systems tested and measured here in New Zealand can offer their projects"

For Ceilings and Walls

To find out more: Visit www.ecoplus-systems.com or Phone 0800 432 675

>

66 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Acoustic Engineering Services

Regional Science and Innovation CentreAES’s current focus at the University of Canterbury is the $212m new Regional Science and Innovation Centre which is currently under design.

The team of consultants delivering the building services for this project includes AES sister company Cosgroves, and their Australian-based associates Umow Lai.

Comprising of two multi-level buildings, this development will provide teaching, research and support space for the School of Biological Sciences, the departments of Chemistry, Geography, Geological Sciences and Physics and Astronomy. It goes without saying that some spaces within the building will therefore be very specialised.

“There are spaces where researchers will operate precision equipment – microscopes and laser measurement equipment that are incredibly noise and movement sensitive. Then there are other spaces that can produce a lot of noise or vibration – for example in the geology department they cut and crush rocks - the challenge is bringing all of these activates together in one place.”

The highly detailed process means AES has embarked in involved research in and understanding of each activity which will take place in the new buildings - understanding its requirements or potential impacts, and then determining what treatment is required to ensure the activity can be undertaken successfully and does not adversely impact on other parts of the building.

For highly specialised equipment such as the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers operated by the Chemistry department, the outcome of this process means that the equipment will be located on the ground floor of the building, on a special isolated 30cm thick concrete slab.

It is buildings like this one at the University, where research, expertise and precision modelling and measurements all combine to ensure that what is being designed, and ultimately built, is fit for purpose.

It is also the sort of job that the team at AES excel in.

Speciality projectsAir New Zealand Regional Lounge

Projects that are a little outside the norm are always fun for the AES team. One of these was finding clever, aesthetically pleasing solutions for noise control for the Air New Zealand Regional Lounge at Christchurch International Airport.

First up - everyone loves to see an airplane, but they don’t want to listen to it. However, in this case the planes were going to sit immediately adjacent to the north face of the building, separated only by a window and automatic sliding glass doors – which are notoriously poor at reducing noise.

As the proposed space also had a high volume, feature polished concrete floors and extensive glazing, it was a perfect candidate to suffer from the ‘café effect’ – where people progressively raise their voices to be heard over the background noise and each other, and the entire experience within the space descends into an unhelpful and tiring hubbub. Not the sort of experience you want immediately before departing on a flight to beautiful regional New Zealand.

The solution? Along with using the correct glass and roofing types and arranging the airside walkways to shield the building from as much aircraft noise as possible, AES suggested transforming the architect’s concept for an impressive sawtooth plywood ceiling into a huge acoustic absorption element.

Slots in the plywood allow sound to pass through and be absorbed by a polyester blanket concealed behind. The result is a calm, relaxing space where people are free to take some time out, or catch up with others, without worrying about those around them. However, you had better keep an eye out for your plane on the tarmac – as you may not hear it coming!

This space was another of the projects AES worked on that won a Canterbury Architecture Award in 2013.

Regional Science and Innovation Centre

Air New Zealand Regional Lounge

Air New Zealand Regional Lounge

Level 1, 71 Cambridge TcePh: 03 366 4816

[email protected]

Proud to Provide Project Management Services in Christchurch since 1973

OCTA ASSOCIATES LIMITEDMANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Carlton Hotel Re-DevelopmentAir NZ Regional LoungeRangi Ruru Girls’ School

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  67

Focus | Acoustic Engineering Services

The test and measurement equipment rental specialists

Proud to support Acoustic Engineering Services

ARL Ngara Environmental Noise Logger

Ideal for unattended environmental noise monitoring

Measures 20 to 12odB. Option to store raw audio data

For details of our full product range visit our website www.techrentals.co.nz or call one of our experienced

Application Engineers on

0800 832 473Rent for a day, a week, a month or more

NZ wide delivery

Forte HealthWith the design process swinging into gear in early 2012, the Forte Health building on Kilmore Street was one of the first major building projects in the city centre to get underway after the earthquakes.

Indeed visits to the prospective site to consider the ‘existing ambient noise’ were difficult as at that time it was still within the central city Red Zone cordon.

The building is a three level surgical hospital featuring state of the art patient and surgical facilities and needless to say the ongoing seismic activity was a key consideration in the design – particularly with regard to ensuring that the hospital could continue to function regardless of the circumstances.

This key issue flowed right through to the acoustics design for the building, with the AES team required to collaborate extensively with other members of the project team – in particular with Klein Architects who were responsible for the design of the building interior.

This building was the first building in New Zealand featuring Steel Press technology. This allows the building to move with a seismic event, and then settle back into its original position, therefore extensive seismic detailing was required where all walls within the building, designed to stop the transmission of noise, met external walls and floor slabs.

A variety of details were developed which allowed for significant relative movement in the building structure while not compromising on noise control between spaces within the building, including wall elements which could slide over each other, and the use of flexible barriers to seal gaps.

All of this meant that noise sensitive spaces such as operating theatres and recovery rooms could be protected, which a structural system providing 180 percent of building code could still be employed.

The project also had a strong sustainability focus. As internal noise is a significant factor in terms of occupant satisfaction and wellbeing, AES considered expected levels of noise due to outside sources like traffic and rain noise, and inside sources such as air conditioning systems.

Other projects investing in quality acoustics

Some of the other major projects AES has contributed to in post-quake Christchurch include:

Healthcare, education, culture and community

• Christchurch Hospital including Hagley Outpatients, Parkside Wards and CHOC

• Southern Cross Hospitals including Theatre Expansion and Mackintosh House

• Nazareth House, Brougham Street

• CPIT School of Engineering and Architecture, Moorhouse Avenue

• The Arts Centre of Christchurch, Montreal Street

• Hagley Oval pavilion, Riccarton Avenue.

Office / mixed use developments

• The Terrace development, Oxford Terrace

• Three35 Lincoln Road, Lincoln Road

• Awly Building, Durham Street

• Norwest on Victoria, Victoria Street

• Knox Plaza, Victoria Street

• 70 – 72 Gloucester Street, Gloucester Street

• Project 200 Tuam (Canterbury Regional Council Offices), Tuam Street

• 9 Cathedral Square, Cathedral Square

• Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce building, Kilmore Street.

The building design and mechanical systems were then modified as required to ensure expected noise levels complied with the New Zealand Green Building Council requirements.

This work, along with many other sustainability initiatives, meant The Forte Health Building was New Zealand’s first and only hospital to achieve a 4 Green Star rating.

This building was the first in New Zealand featuring

Steel Press technology. This allows the building to

move with a seismic event and then settle back into its

original position, therefore extensive seismic detailing

was required where all walls within the building

designed to stop the transmission of noise, met

external walls and floor slabs.

Phone 0800 666 556 www.tr-interiorsystems.co.nz

THE PERFECT ACOUSTIC SOLUTION

C-Max Ceiling Tiles & Panels achieving your acoustic needs

We are proud to be associated with Acoustic Engineering Services

Commercial | Residential | Education

>

68 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Acoustic Engineering Services

Learning environmentsNew Zealand primary school teachers are recognised internationally for their innovative teaching methods - gone are the days of theatre style education with the teachers up the front talking at the students.

Today, a high emphasis is put on the children learning from and communicating with each other in groups scattered over the room. While a successful approach to education, the noise levels in classrooms are undoubtedly higher than in the past and there is no guarantee where in the classroom the teacher will be talking from, and where the children will be.

AES is a leader in school acoustics helping schools to build or upgrade classrooms to meet the Ministry of Educations guidelines around noise control.

Since the earthquakes, AES has played a role in all the new public primary school developments in the greater Christchurch Region – Halswell Primary, Pegasus Primary School and Clearview Primary School in Rolleston.

As well as protecting learning spaces from intrusive noise, an acoustic engineer considers the ‘reverberation time’ of a classroom. This is a way of quantifying how ‘live’ a space is – whether noises within the space die away quickly, or echo around reflecting off hard surfaces and lingering in the room.

If there is a lot of reverberation in a classroom, children will sometimes have difficulty understanding what a teacher is saying – children find these type of spaces much more difficult to deal with than adults, as they have not yet developed much of an ability to decipher meaning from snippets of words and phrases.

Halswell Primary SchoolThe complete rebuild of Halswell Primary School provided the perfect platform for the AES team to ensure all aspects of the new school provided an ideal acoustic environment for learning. However, the site itself presented some challenges as it is flanked by State Highway 75 to the north.

With a major focus of the project also being on creating environmentally friendly buildings, the use of passive ventilation - opening windows - for air movement was

desirable. However, for the new classrooms closest to the road this did not initially seem to be a feasible option due to high levels of traffic noise.

A solution was devised in collaboration with the other project engineers where an earthen bund with a fence on top was constructed along the roadside. Such a barrier, if it is continuous with no gaps or cracks, can be very effective if the noise source and the noise receiver are close to the barrier.

In the Halswell situation, the arrangement of the road and proposed closest classroom block worked perfectly, and the design could be progressed incorporating passive ventilation.

This project also used acoustic ceiling tiles from Ecoplus Systems, developed specifically for schools which provided a reduction in the break-in of intrusive external noise, while also controlling reverberation within the classrooms.

As the performance of the tiles had previously been verified via testing at the University of Auckland, there was a high degree of certainty as to how they would perform.

“The Ecoplus tiles are the only product of its kind in New Zealand. Rating the performance of an acoustic tile is tricky - there is nothing tangible to touch, hold or smell. So it’s vital to us to have each product rigorously tested to endure it does what we say it will,“ explains Ecoplus sales and marketing manager, Chris Holden.

When completed, the re-built Halswell Primary School will provide much needed relief for strained educational services resulting for post-earthquake population movement.

Rangi Ruru Project Blue SkyPost quake, Rangi Ruru Girls' School decided, instead of taking the traditional, evolutionary approach and just replacing the buildings, it had lost, to take the opportunity to completely review, revise and potentially rebuild much of the school in a completely different shape and form.

Project Blue Sky is a significant and exciting project to redevelop the site covering the majority of the land between Merivale Lane, Rossall Street and Hewitts Road.

AES was called in to ensure appropriate acoustic engineering solutions were included

in the Academic Precinct including Science and Technology building, Gibson Centre learning centre/library, Visual Arts Building and the General Academic Building, which are now all complete or nearing completion.

Challenges of separating high and low noise activities, and providing appropriate internal environments for a wide range of activities were also met head on in the design process for the Music and Drama School, which has now also commenced construction. Stages still on the drawing board include a swimming pool, sports pavilion, intermediate school, School Hall and Performing Arts Centre.

As with all projects, Trevathan says it was absolutely essential to sit down at an early stage with the clients and project team, to completely understand their needs, and vision for each space.

This project was lead by AES Senior Acoustic Engineer, Tracy Hilliker, who worked closely with Melbourne-based architects McIldowie Partners.

“It was great to work on a project which embraced a modern style of teaching which focussed on providing flexible spaces – although this presented some new and interesting challenges,” she says.

Among the unique aspects of this project embraced by the AES team was a preference for exposed concrete ceilings with cloud panels of acoustic absorption hanging below, instead of traditional ceiling tiles, and the Gibson Centre - a large circular library space and IT hub.

The outcome achieved by the AES team within the Collaboration Space associated with the Science and Technology Building in particular, has gone beyond many people’s original expectations, with the April 2014 Rangi News bulletin, describing the revelation of the performance-quality acoustics of the space during the opening ceremony

“As guests took their seats the Kapa Haka group performed from the stairwell. The crowd revelled in the unexpected acoustics of the building and for some, thought turned to future opportunities for the building beyond the teaching and research of science.”

Another example of the value added through a collaborative approach, and a team prepared to go above and beyond.

Company profileAES is a Christchurch based company which shares offices in central Christchurch with sister company Cosgroves.

Since its inception in April 2006, AES has risen rapidly to become one of the leading acoustic consultancies in New Zealand and currently consists of five engineers.

Dr Jeremy Trevathan, managing director of Acoustic Engineering Services, has a strong background in practical and theoretical building acoustics. In 2004 Jeremy completed a doctorate at the University of Canterbury in association with Winstone Wallboards relating to the transmission of sound through walls.

International recognition was received for this work through publication in respected journals Building Acoustics, Applied Acoustics and the Journal of Noise Control Engineering. Jeremy is a full member of the Acoustical Society of New Zealand, an associate of the New Zealand Planning Institute and a member of the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment working group currently working towards the revision of Clause G.06 (Airborne and Impact Sound) of the New Zealand Building Code.

Acoustic Engineering ServicesLevel 3 518 Colombo StreetPO Box 549 Christchurch 8140T (03) 377 8952E office @aeservices.co.nzwww.aeservices.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

St Margarets's College Auditorium

<

University of Canterbury, Undercroft

<

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  69

Focus | Uretek Ground Engineering

Art Gallery re-levelling a ground breaking achievement

As we’re all now far too well aware, the state of the ground below our homes, buildings and batches really is the be-all and end-all in determining the state of a property. If the ground your foundations are laid upon becomes compromised – so does everything built upon them.

This is where Uretek Ground Engineering (NZ) Limited comes into play.

And a significant example of this is Uretek successfully raised and level corrected the Christchurch Art Gallery no less, using innovative Japanese technology.

While the iconic glass building appeared to come through the Canterbury earthquakes in good condition however, it differentially settled when the earth beneath the gallery liquefied, warping the building.

Leading Japanese technologyUretek Ground Engineering was involved in the first phase of the two year repair project,

A history of success

Uretek Ground Engineering has been raising, level correcting and re-supporting concrete floors, roads, buildings and other structures for 30 years.

The company has led the world in developing and delivering the most advanced, accurate geo-polymeric injection systems for ground engineering.

Uretek’s capabilities include:

Residential: Underpinning, fixing cracks, re-levelling concrete floors, re-levelling driveways, building subsidence.

Industry: Factory and warehouse floor repairs, revelling offices, re-levelling parking areas, lifting mine structures.

Civil works: Re-levelling roadways, fixing culvert problems, re-levelling airports, railway bridges and platforms, seawalls, wharves, weirs, towers, tanks and pipelines.

settled about 180mm. “Our role in the project was to get it back to a level correct state”, he says.

Uretek used Japanese technology to level correct the building, including integrated computer-controlled grout levelling (JOG) and jet grout.

The technology was developed in Japan more than 15 years ago and has been used by Uretek to level correct a six storey building in Carlton Mill Road. Uretek is the only company in New Zealand to use the system to date.

“This technology is proven here, as well as in Japan. We’ve only started doing it since the earthquakes and we’ve had to buy a lot of new machinery,” Masterson says.

“The jet grout involved injecting under high pressure a cement slurry that mixes in-situ beneath the gallery. The jet grout acted as a reaction platform; when we used

which involved the installation of more than 100 jet grout columns into the ground through the bottom of the underground car park.

Uretek began work on the Art Gallery in October last year and finished in mid-April.

Business development manager Andrew Masterson says the building had differentially

the levelling system it gave us something to push on.”

Critical repair processChristchurch Art Gallery director Jenny Harper says it was critical to have the gallery re-levelled and repaired to the highest possible standard.

It is essential the gallery has a “gold plated engineering certificate” so international and local galleries will be confident enough to lend works and bring exhibitions to the city.

“Now that we are clearly an earthquake zone, I think it will be an uphill struggle to get other galleries and private owners to lend us works if we don’t improve the building’s performance to a marked level,” Harper says.

“We can’t shortcut what is known to be the best technology, or we will never see a Ron Mueck again.”

Uretek Ground Engineering staff at work under the Christchurch Art Gallery

<

MECHANICAL AND PLUMBING CONTRACTORSRebuilding Christchurch

Pleased to be associated with Uretek and the Christchurch City Council

Specialists in:• Heating and Ventilation • Plumbing and Drainage • Maintenance and IQP

• Medical Gases • Boilers and Chillers • Design and Engineering of Mechanical Services

P (03) 3894 995 | F (03) 3811 187 | PO Box 15-056, Christchurch

www.davidbrowne.co.nz

>

70 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Uretek Ground Engineering

0800 950 950www.aggreko.co.nz

0800 300 350

PROUD TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE ART GALLERY PROJECT WITH URETECH.

LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING WORKING ON THE CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD

• Floor Sawing up to 400mm deep

• Drilling up to 750 diameter

• Hydraulic equipment for indoor & trench cutting

• Wall & Wire Sawing

• New slurry control unit to help protect the environment

We offer a comprehensive Concrete Cutting and Drilling service to both the Domestic and

Commercial market

Concrete Cutting

Delicate level correcting jobAll level correction work on the Christchurch Art Gallery had to be completed by Uretek within the footprint of the building, with minimal impact to the building itself.

Andrew Masterson says all augmentation of the building in terms of level correction and soil modification had to be carried out within the building’s basement.

“The Art Gallery was still fully occupied upstairs and had art work in it. In no way, shape or form could we vibrate or damage the art. The system we used was very low impact on the environment,” he says.

All penetrations in the floor were repaired and resealed back to its original stage.

“Everything we do is low destructive in terms of how we augment getting the products into the ground,” Masterson says.

“With the jet grout products, we pushed the machine into the car park and we drilled holes that were only 200mm in diameter. With the grout level system it only needs a 35mm penetration, while the resin product only has a 16mm penetration.”

The structural integrity of the Art Gallery was never lost at any stage of the levelling work.

“With conventional systems you’d have to rip the concrete floor out. We achieved the same result through small penetrations.”

Air pollution was another issue that needed to be dealt with.

“Air pollution was a big problem downstairs, as we were using dry cement that was turned into a liquid. We had an air purification system so we didn’t have any cement particles going into the air conditioning system. We had to set up a barricade.”

A collaborative approachThe re-levelling of the Christchurch Art Gallery involved a specialised team of international experts who helped Uretek achieve a successful outcome.

Masterson says the project had a lot of engineering input from KGA Geotechnical, which were the geotechnical engineers for PS1.

Geotech Consult worked on PS2, while Harrison Grierson worked with them for the structural component.

“The Chemical Grouting Company in Japan provided the technical design input for the jet grout system, while another company from Japan, Heisei Technos Co, provided the technical design input,” Masterson says.

“Trimble provided the fully automated levelling monitoring system for accurately telling us how much we’d lifted the building on any given day.”

The project also involved a collaborative approach from a large range of subcontractors, including Drymix New Zealand, which supplied the cement.

Drymix operates manufacturing plants in Feilding and Timaru and sources river-run aggregates and sand for all its products, which are batch mixed to generate the best technology and consistency within the industry.

Uretek Fast facts• Uretek New Zealand has completed

more than 200 level correction projects since September 2010

• The company has engineering sign off

• All of its products are consentable

• Uretek’s range of products is accepted by insurance companies

• It can complete large area ground improvement through small penetrations.

Uretek used Japanese technology to level correct the Christchurch Art Gallery, which settled differentially after the earthquakes

Uretek installed more than 100 jet grout columns into the ground through the bottom of the underground carpark

<

<

P. 03 377 2721 E. [email protected] www.koa.co.nzPALMERSTON NORTH AUCKLAND WELLINGTON CHRISTCHURCH

KOA ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF URETEK GROUND ENGINEERING LTD

CONSULTING ENGINEERING | SURVEYING PLANNING | SHOP DETAILING

In support of [email protected] | Phone: 03 383 0514

>

72 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Uretek Ground Engineering

“Orica is pleased to be a valued supporter of Uretek.”

Orica New ZealandP O Box 900, Auckland 1140

123 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket 1023Customer Service: 0800 22 22 77

Orders: [email protected]

www.orica.com

A feather in Uretek’s capThe Christchurch Art Gallery is the largest building in NZ to be level corrected using the integrated computer controlled grout levelling and jet grout system.

It is also presumed to be the largest successful level correction project of a heavy weight concrete structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

“The gallery is a large-scale heavy loaded structure,” Andrew Masterson says.

“We had to de-water the site first and had to work within the confines of the building footprint.

“It’s definitely the single largest project for our company. We had to get all our gear purpose made for this job and we used some grout mixes that were specific to what we needed. The computer-controlled monitoring gear was out of Japan.”

The 100 columns Uretek jetted under the building are spaced across the entire footprint of the building in a triangular formation. Once the columns were completed, lasers were used to gauge the injection of grout (JOG) to level the floors a millimetre at a time. The level correction cost in the order of $16 million.

The Chemical Grouting Company, which provided the jet grout system, can create columns up to seven metres in diameter, given the right ground conditions. “The machinery is only 2.4 metres long and 1.9 metres high and weighs 4 tonne,” says Masterson.

“We had a certain competitive edge when it comes to putting those columns in the ground in getting a diameter that no one else can get. For this project the columns installed were up to four metres.”

Huge potential for Uretek Uretek Ground Engineering is exploring its options for completing similar re-levelling work throughout the country.

Masterson says the company is currently talking to potential clients who are interested in using jet grout to lift their buildings.

“We do have a considerable amount of work that we’re looking at. This particular jet grout technology has been accepted by engineers up and down the country and we’re looking at work in Wellington and Auckland,” he says.

“It’s not something that’s ever been in the country before. To the best of our knowledge we’re the only company in New Zealand that has the technology to do this work.”

Uretek utilised the technical knowledge and skills of staff directly from Japan for the Art Gallery project.

The Christchurch Art Gallery project was a big success for Uretek, which has a broad range of other capabilities.

“We’re more than just a building leveller. Our products and services stretch over all the civil construction sectors from residential, commercial and infrastructure.

“We’ve lifted pipelines that were four metres in the ground and we’ve worked with most of the major contractors so we have acceptance there.”

Uretek Ground Engineering (NZ) LimitedPO Box 282ChristchurchT (03) 423 9838E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  73

Contact the experts today on 0800 478 335 www.steelandtube.co.nz

We process and supply a wide range of quality steel products that you can rely on to be stronger in everyway. With 40 industrial service centres nationwide and around 700 employees, we have people locally to provide the expertise and products you need,no matter the size of your project or where you are.

Steel & Tube Structural steel, purlins, plate, sheet and bar. Stainless steel plate, sheet, bar, pipe & tube and fittings. Industrial chain & rigging, reinforcing steel, fully compliant SeismicSE ductile reinforcing mesh, commercial pipe, tube, fittings and valves.

Hurricane Reinforcing mesh, bar chairs, tie wire, wire, hex netting, weldbar, chainlink, carpet film, commercial and domestic fencing, gates and fittings.

Sikla, Aquatherm, Aquatherm PPR & Reliable Sikla pipe supports, Aquatherm Firestop pipe and fittings, Aquatherm Climatherm pipe and fittings and Reliable sprinklers.

Atlas Nuts, bolts, washers, screws, fasteners, rivets, hinges and nails.

Colorsteel Long run and cut to length domestic, commercial and industrial roofing, fascia and rainwater systems. Flashings, wall claddings and accessories.

When you need steel, there’s only one company worth talking to.

CA

NTM

AY20

14

Focus | Shape Technology

Stainless Steel Specialists Sandvik Materials Technology are

proud supporters of Shape Technology

Sandvik Materials Technology | 24 Senior Place | Bromley | ChristchurchPH. (03) 381 3510 | FAX. (03) 381 3514

Manufacturing takes shape thanks to local support For businesses to grow and prosper in Canterbury, one local sheet metal manufacturer believes the solution lies in supporting each other.

Local solutionsFinding local solutions is all part of a day’s work at Shape NZ. The company was recently awarded a contract with Chinese technology giant Huawei, to design and build roadside cabinets as part of Enable’s fibre network roll-out. Huawei is a technology partner to Enable, and previously the cabinets were sourced offshore.

Enable will consume a large volume of roadside cabinets during the next few years as it completes the deployment of fibre broadband to about 180,000 homes and businesses.

Enable is constantly looking to innovate in the way it rolls out the fibre broadband network, says Enable CEO, Steve Fuller. “As a Christchurch-focussed company, we used our own in-house expertise and looked for a local partner to work with to design a cabinet to specifically meet Enable’s needs.”

Shape leapt at the opportunity to work with Enable, and the result is Shape’s revolutionary GPON-xxx fibre distribution solutions.

“We saw an opportunity to create a new cabinet that was easy to install, easy to work within and smaller – meaning it has less visual impact. The final design is outstanding and has more than met our expectations in the field,” adds Fuller.

Enable and Shape agreed the best way to get the cabinets into the project was for Shape to partner with Huawei. This allowed Enable to continue to source the cabinets within its agreement, but more importantly open

a door for Shape to access global markets through the communications giant.

Nick Cairns says the Christchurch work with Huawei will potentially lead to other work with the Chinese company around the globe.

Huawei New Zealand CEO Jason Wu says Shape’s collaborative design process, involving

input from Enable and Huawei, had led to a bespoke product which could be easily adopted by other network builders. Shape is currently also in discussions around its patented cabinets with other leading fibre network providers.

Shape NZ has become an international player in metal fabrication, but this success is deeply entrenched in local alliances and close to home working relationships.

“We have grown alongside many of our customers and now have an exceptional level of expertise, skill and technology to support other Canterbury businesses in their growth journey,” Shape NZ business development manager Nick Cairns says.

“We would like to start more conversations and engage with more local businesses that have products, ideas and needs that they want to take to market, and to show them how we can add value to what they are doing.”

While many look to China for their manufacturing needs, Cairns speaks about numerous customers who have taken their specialist metal fabrication needs to Asia, only to later bring that manufacturing back home.

While manufacturing costs per item might appear to be cheaper ex China, when you add in the cost of transportation, storage, customs and import fees, and the often larger than required runs, the total price is bumped up significantly. Anticipated savings pale into insignificance when difficulties with inconsistent quality and communications begin to surface.

“Manufacturing locally means you have total control of the production cycle, modifications, size of runs and you have immediate backup service - something you are unlikely to get from an offshore manufacturer.”

>

74 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The team at Marriotts

is proud to be

associated with

Shape Technology

DirectorChristine Johnston

2nd Floor, 137 Victoria Street, PO Box 4160, Christchurch 8140

T. 0064 3 359 0829 F. 0064 3 366 7144

Focus | Shape Technology

•FullyRoHSCompliantManufacturingPlantonSite

•EngineersandCADareavailablefordesignanddevelopment

•Rapidleadtimeswithdirectfrommanufacturerpricing

•WearespecialistsinCustomScrews,ClinchFastenersandTurnedComponents–allotherfastenersareavailable

S O L U T I O N SFASTENING

CHRISTCHURCH:P.033652243|[email protected]|www.fasteningsolutions.co.nz

Proud to be associated with Shape Technology

WeareproudtosupportNewZealand’sleadingmanufacturingcompaniesinallareasofresearchanddevelopmentthroughtoprocurementoftheirfasteningrequirements

International expertise available locallyWhile the push to work with more local companies gains momentum, Shape currently exports in excess of 60 percent of its work. It would like to see a greater volumes staying onshore.

The majority of Shape’s exports are components for its customer’s production lines - metal parts that contribute to finished proprietary products, sometimes in combination with components from other local manufacturers who produce for the same large customer.

A good example is Talbot Technologies, who supply plastic components in parallel with Shape’s metalwork, to a major Australian-based producer of gaming machines for the global gaming industry.

“We’re their principal sheet metal supplier, with responsibility for a major proportion of their volume, so there are a lot of containers leaving Christchurch and heading in their direction at the moment,” Cairns says.

Shape NZ is also one of the largest suppliers of metal componentry to Christchurch- based Tait Communications, a very well established Canterbury company

with a world wide presence in the communications industry.

Shape has preferred manufacturer status in a number of niché markets including traffic control and information, parking, touch-screen kiosks, custom lighting and detention and correctional facilities, producing metal bars, doors, hinges and steel frames.

Other important overseas contracts held by Shape NZ are with global giant Bombardier Transportation, a multinational organisation with an Australian base in Melbourne, Australia.

“We build structural parts for Bombardier trains and we’re presently manufacturing componentry for huge projects in South Australia and Victoria, so we’ve got two distinct lines going at once.”

There are 66 carriages in the Adelaide A-City electrified commuter train project alone, Cairns says.

“Shape is a niché manufacturer and is rapidly gaining a strong reputation for quality and innovation within the telecommunications, transport and structural engineering industries,” Cairns adds.

Kiwi ingenuityIn the typical number eight wire fashion New Zealand manufacturers are renowned for, Shape takes an innovative and analytical approach to evaluating project feasibility, identifying and eliminating any barriers to success for customers.

From the first hatching of an idea, the Shape team work alongside the customer through every aspect of design, development and manufacture.

“Delivering a high-end, top quality product is paramount,” Cairns says, and one positive flow-on from the earthquakes has been the influx of some highly skilled workers into Christchurch; a boost to the expert team that was already in place at Shape.

Add to this innovative technology and machinery, and Shape has the ability to deliver flexible solutions to its growing customer base.

Like the metal it works with, the Shape NZ team takes pride in its ability to remould, reshape and adapt itself to the market forces which dominate the global manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing locally means you have total control of the production cycle, modifications, size of runs and you have immediate backup service - something you are unlikely to get from an offshore manufacturer.

0800 ALL [email protected]

Now supplying industry with a comprehensive range of engineering steels

www.wakefieldmetals.co.nz

• Aluminium• Stainless Steel• Brass• Copper• Fasteners

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  75

AUCKLAND - HAMILTON - TAURANGA - HASTINGS - PALMERSTON NORTH - NELSON - CHRISTCHURCH - DUNEDIN

FREEPHONE 0800 657 894 0800 454 445FREEFAX

SP.P.S.PP Industries LimitedABRASIVES-POLISHING-PLATING-ENGINEERING SUPPLIES

METAL FINISHING SPECIALISTS

PPS Industries are proud to be associated with Shape Technology

PROUD TO BE A SUPPLIER OF LOCKS, HINGING & SEALING SOLUTIONS

Ph. (09) 836 0964 www.selecklok.co.nz

Focus | Shape Technology

From design and prototyping to mass production utilising sophisticated machinery, the experienced team at Shape NZ offer solutions tailored for all requirements, including:

•Fabrication Services (heavy and light)•Welding•Folding and forming•Stud welding•Sanding.•CNC•Laser cutting•Press brakes•Turrets •Precision lathing and milling•Insertions.

•Powder coating and screen printing •CAD Design and Modelling•Power pressing •Crash forming•Packing and Logistics.

No sharp edgesShape NZ is committed to being the very best in its field by embracing a philosophy of continual improvement of products, processes and manufacturing techniques, evidence of this is clearly seen in its accreditation to the prestigious ISO 9001: 2008 Total Quality Management System. More importantly, it is totally committed to its people.

“The largest part of our success lies in our team, and we are lucky to have so many motivated, and highly skilled people helping us deliver the highest quality products, services and innovative solutions,” Cairns says.

With a team of more than 60, a strong inclusive culture, and an active social club, Shape is an excellent place to work - providing many opportunities for ongoing training and skill advancement. For the client, this means a committed and engaged project team.

Across its 3,500 sqm Clarence Street facilities, the various departments - design, product procurement, CNC laser, punching (turreting), folding, fabrication, powder coating, engineering, and logistics have access to leading-edge technology and sophisticated state of the art machinery.

From experienced administration and management staff to highly skilled designers and tradesman, and right through to dispatch,

company pride is evident in the work it produces. The design team utilise top of the line 3D modelling software, and they complement the skill and experience of the various tradespeople, evidencing why so many clients return to Shape NZ time after time.

Functionality of the final product rates top of the output ladder, however producing products that are aesthetically appealing is also a high priority.

“In this environment, success is dependent on remaining highly practical and having the ability to respond effectively and with speed across every area of the business - from initial customer engagement to manufacturing,” Cairns adds.

The Shape team work hard to allow this to happen with ease - a major factor in the company’s ongoing success. In short, every person in the team has a “can do” attitude, and every problem has a solution that will meet and exceed the client’s needs.

This dedication to success was recognised in the Champion Canterbury Awards in 2009 when the company won the medium to large producer/manufacturer award.

Shape NZ has again been nominated by several of its customers for the 2014 Champion Canterbury Awards.

Shape NZ Limited44 Clarence StreetChristchurch T (03)338 6386F (03)338 6387E [email protected] www.shapenz.com

— Advertising Feature

Total solutionShape NZ prides itself on adding value to its customers’ businesses, Shape’s success is linked intrinsically to its customers’ successes, and naturally, there is a large focus on strong communications and partnerships with all its customers.

“Our engineers bring years of manufacturing experience to bear on even the most complex

problems, and they have the experience and ability to anticipate and resolve manufacturing challenges even before the manufacturing process has begun.

“We endeavour to ensure that we develop products that can not only be manufactured easily and cost-effectively, but once manufactured, can be efficiently tested, certified and shipped as a completed product using a reliable international supply chain.”

Cairns and the team, while excited about the international contracts Shape holds, are totally committed to seeing a growing number of local business grow and succeed – on and offshore.

“We have the passion, the capability and skill to help other businesses do well. What we need them to do is come and chat with us and see how Shape NZ and our network of affiliated businesses can assist them.”

76 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Ashton Wheelans

The right tools to help grow your businessRunning your own business and managing its finances can be daunting for any business owner. But with Xero cloud-based accounting technology, managing your accounts has never been easier.

Ashton Wheelans is a Christchurch based chartered accountancy practice which is the largest provider of Xero software in Canterbury. It is fully committed to helping clients make the switch to the easy and accessible system.

Xero makes accounting easyAshton Wheelans practice manager, Marney Price says Xero is a fantastic tool for small to medium businesses. Xero is smart, saves time and is easy to use.

“Because Xero is in the cloud, it’s accessible from anywhere in the world and there is seamless integration between us and our clients’ information,” Price says. “It’s linked right into your banking system. The transactions that go through your bank account go directly into the Xero software; no more wasting time on data entry.”

Ashton Wheelans can immediately see the same information the clients sees, which means they can provide more up to date reporting to clients. “We’re becoming

Ashton Wheelans offers a range of quality services to clients, including:

Accounting technology - Xero, Cash Manager, Quickbooks, MYOB, Saasu, evaluation options.

Administration services – payroll, payables, receivables and debt collection, processing support, registered office.

Assurance – annual audit, reviews, risk management, complementary services.

Business advisory – business planning, annual accounts and tax returns.

Business recovery and insolvency – business recovery, voluntary administrations, receivership, liquidations.

Business sales and valuations – independent business evaluation, sales memorandums, business appraisals.

Farming advisory – farm budgeting and cashflows, sales and purchases, ownerships structures, financial statements, taxation, seasonal planning, succession planning.

Maori business – Maori facilitator services, Maori land owners’ debate.

more proactive chartered accountants. We’re currently converting a large number of our clients onto Xero and have made a commitment as a firm to support Xero cloud-based technology going forward.”

Price says Xero is extremely easy for clients to use and doesn’t contain confusing accounting terminology. It has been simplified and is user friendly.

“Our clients love it. It’s not perfect for everyone but it certainly is a good option for the majority of our clients, although we don’t push it on clients if it’s not the right fit for them.”

Ashton Wheelans employs a talented team who are fully embracing the Xero system.

“We’re one of the very few accounting firms in Christchurch that has a dedicated Xero development manager.

“We hold regular events for clients to give them tips and tricks on how to make the most of the software and provide training to our clients, as we know new systems can be a bit daunting to some.” Receptionist Robyn Jackman takes care of business at Ashton Wheelan’s new offices

Ashton Wheelans is a leading provider of Xero cloud-based accounting technology

<

<

Call us today! 0274 350 859

• Civil Engineering • Construction • Land Development

• Drainage• All Subdivisions • Dewatering

Proud to support Ashton Wheelans Ltd

P 03 982 5282 E [email protected]

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  77

Focus | Ashton Wheelans

STRUCTURAL STEEL, SUPPLYFABRICATION & ERECTIONSOUTH ISLAND WIDE

PO Box 4241, ChristchurchPhone 03 366 8679Fax 03 365 6015Mobile 021 322 847 (Frank Van Schaijik)

JOHN JONES STEELPROUD TO SUPPORT ASHTON WHEELANS

Email: [email protected]

www.photo.co.nz

Proud to have celebrated 25 years in business with Ashton Wheelans LtdShop 9, Merivale Mall189 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch, t +64 3 355 7534 e [email protected] Like our page on Facebook: facebook.com/photovideonz

How Xero worksXero cloud-based accounting technology allows small to medium businesses to run their entire business better and faster. Its features and benefits include:

Online accounting

See your cashflow in real time at any time, from anywhere. Invite others to view your accounts and provide valuable real-time advice. Your data is completely secure, even if your computer is lost or stolen.

Bank reconciliation

Get your bank statements imported and categorised automatically, including credit cards, PayPal and support for more than 160 foreign currencies. Keeping your accounts up to date and accurate has never been easier.

Invoicing software

Get paid faster, receive updates when invoice is opened and connect seamlessly with customers through online invoicing. Create professional recurring invoices and schedule bill payments to manage cashflow. Payments, returns and credits are all tracked automatically.

Inventory and purchase orders

Track stock movements and make invoicing easier with inventory items. Create and email custom purchase orders and copy bills for payment.

Files

Attach files and source documents to financial data in Xero.

Contacts

See your most important customers and suppliers to follow up right away.

Fixed asset depreciation

Easily update fixed assets and depreciation schedules for accurate reporting.

Expense claims

Handle personal expenses; just review and approve receipts.

Add-ons

Manage all aspects of your business by integrating applications with Xero, including CRM, inventory management, invoicing and job system, payroll plus a wide range of other software.

Growing clients’ businessesAshton Wheelans offers a range of valuable services to help Canterbury businesses get established and grow.

The chartered accountancy practice has the skills to help clients develop their full potential, identify opportunity, increase profitability, improve cashflows and minimise risk.

It covers all aspects of accounting and business development advice, as well as more specialised areas such as audit assurance and insolvency.

Ashton Wheelans has offices in Christchurch, Kaiapoi and Wanaka, and employs more than 40 dedicated and skilled staff who are passionate about helping businesses find better financial outcomes.

During 50 years of business, Ashton Wheelans has worked with clients of all ages at every stage of their business development.

The company assists clients in virtually every part of planning for new business ventures, from assessing opportunities to risk analysis and management, choosing the best business structure, budgeting and cashflow planning, business mentoring, software solution recommendations, financing arrangements, financial reporting and a sounding board for new ideas.

It is involved in all aspects of the planning and execution of growth plans to ensure businesses perform to their potential.

Key to this is identifying and measuring the main drivers of profit, cashflow and value, assessing investment or divestment opportunities, financial health checks and benchmarking, strategic planning, risk management and establishing and instituting regular dashboard reporting to monitor progress and measure success.

Identifying and retaining the right talent and developing and documenting sound business and financial systems all reduce the risk and reliance on the business owner.

This requires careful ongoing planning and implementation not only to enhance the returns to current owners but to enhance the value of the business for a potential buyer.

Ashton Wheelans works with its clients to identify the key risks and value drivers to maximise this.

As business owners and operators themselves, the company knows a business owner’s needs change and evolve, as their business changes and evolves. Staff work closely with clients to account and plan for those changes, with many clients being second generation with the firm.

Ashton Wheelans partners, from left, Justin LeSueur, Mark Tynan, John Wheelans and Andrew Oorschot discuss business.

Ashton Wheelans’ new Christchurch office at 83 Victoria Street<

<

>

78 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Ashton Wheelans

Microsoft Small Business Specialists

Phone 366 3299Corner Gasson & Carlyle Streets

www.paragoncomputers.co.nz

Proud to provide Network Support to

Ashton Wheelans Ltd

www.rlgroup.co.nz

Business recovery and insolvencyPlanning for your retirement and the succession of your business may be difficult, let alone dealing with insolvency and business recovery.

Ashton Wheelans employs specialist staff who can help you through any tough transition period.

If your business is under financial pressure then seeking advice as early as possible about the options available is critical to ensuring the best outcome.

“We have a partner who specialises in business recovery and insolvency within our practice,” Marney Price says.

“Having a specialist in business recovery and risk management means we can identify where one of our clients may be having a problem and will utilise those skills.”

Ashton Wheelans can act as a voluntary administrator in order to independently assess the position of a company in financial difficulty and recommend options to creditors to achieve a better outcome than would occur from liquidation. The company can also act as a receiver or liquidator the difference being a receiver can be appointed by a secured creditor who holds a ‘general security’ over the assets of a company.

The primary duty of the receiver is to realise sufficient assets to repay the debt owing.

A liquidator can be appointed by either a shareholder resolution or an order of the court.

The role of the liquidator is to realise or liquidate the assets of a company in an orderly fashion and distribute the proceeds in order of legal priority to preferential/secured and unsecured creditors, respectively. Ashton Wheelans takes a practical approach with the aim of achieving the best outcome for creditors.

Retirement and business successionAshton Wheelans also undertakes succession planning and retirement planning.

“There a lot movement in the market at the moment in Christchurch and many business models are changing due to the rebuild. Some are looking at opportunities to sell their businesses while there is a boom,” Price says.

“There are opportunities for us as chartered accountant to ask our clients what direction they want to take businesses in the future. If it’s retirement or selling, then we can work through issues associated with succession planning as well as business valuations. It also gives our staff an opportunity to develop

their skills in areas other than taxation, management accounting and annual reporting.”

Supporting Maori businessAshton Wheelans offers a range of Maori facilitator services to clients, as well as a Major landowners’ database.

The company is an approved business mentor with TePuniKokiri for major business.

It represents some of the largest South Island land-owning entities, and can help explain the rules and procedures around maintaining owners’ records and making payouts.

New Canterbury officesAshton Wheelans has recently opened brand new offices in central Christchurch and Kaiapoi.

Its original Kaiapoi office was destroyed after the September 2010 earthquake, with staff later working from an old house. The Christchurch Armagh Street office was lost in the February 2011 earthquake, with staff subsequently working in a windowless warehouse.

Office manager Marney Price says Ashton Wheelans opened its brand new Kaiapoi office in November and its new Christchurch office in Victoria Street in early December.

The company also operates a branch in Wanaka that is managed and operated by Nigel Perkins, who became a partner in the business in April. The Wanaka office is experiencing good growth primarily through Xero cloud-based technology.

“We have a really good mix of staff and we’re gaining more clients all the time. We’re always looking to expand our client base, as there are a lot of opportunities out there, and we know we deliver a great service.”

Ashton Wheelans LimitedLevel 2 83 Victoria Street ChristchurchT (03) 366 7154E [email protected]

Cnr Williams Street and Raven Quay KaiapoiT (03) 327 8962E [email protected]

6 Balneaves Lane WanakaT (03) 365 4098E [email protected]

www.ashtonwheelans.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Ashton Wheelans practice manager Marney Price, left, talks with client services accountant Michelle Mckay

<

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  79

Focus | Enlightened Solutions

Firing up the rebuild and beyondEnsuring a building has the best possible fire design is not only critical to gaining council consent, but ensures peace of mind for owners and occupiers.Whether it’s a new building project or a refurbishment of a current structure, Enlightened Solutions has the expertise to take care of all your fire engineering needs. Together, the team at Enlightened Solutions has more than 75 years’ experience.

“We can put that experience to best use in providing people what they need, when they need it,” director Carol Caldwell says.

The company celebrates a decade in business this year. Founded by director Carol Caldwell, a specialist fire engineer with more than 33 years’ experience in the industry, Enlightened Solutions has grown during the past 18 months to a team of five engineers supported by an administration staff of four.

Communication is keyCarol and her skilled team place a high value on one to one communication and as such, she prefers to pick up the telephone, rather than just rely on email.

“To me communication is a vital part of what we do and it’s ideal when we get an opportunity to talk to the end user of a building. It’s helpful to fully understand what the client wants,” she says.

Finding the best solutionThe Enlightened Solutions team realises that fire engineering needs to fit the project design.

“It is very important for fire engineering aspects to be included in the early stages of a project,” Carol says.

“A collaborative approach provides for the most cost-effectiveness solutions that work best for the fire building design. There is generally more than one way to incorporate a fire design into a building.”

A focus of Enlightened Solutions is adding value to each project. “It’s not just about writing a fire report; we work to make sure that what we propose not only meets the Building Code but it makes sense, works operationally and is cost-effective,” she says.

“Fire engineering should tie in with the rest of the building design; it shouldn’t be the primary design.”

Enlightened Solutions is committed to providing forthright information. That means identifying if a proposed solution has the potential to cost more than it is worth, even if it means recommending a solution that reduces the company’s fee.

“We identify advantages and disadvantages of the different fire options put forward.”

New fire regulationsChanges made last year to fire regulations mean increased fire safety and consistency in fire design throughout the country, Carol says.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment recently made changes to fire regulations that affect all buildings. These changes have been underway for the past seven years.

“It affects building owners any time they need to alter their building or need consent, or are changing the use of the building. For existing buildings, guidance published in December last year is a boon to building owners and makes things much easier.”

For new or innovative buildings, there is a new fire design approach, the Verification Method (C/VM2) available alongside the more traditional ‘acceptable solution’ model. This provides a process to demonstrate whether a design complies with Building Code requirements and generally involves fire computer modelling.

Carol says in some ways New Zealand’s fire regulations are still less prescribed than most countries, although the new Verification Model is world leading.

“It provides some new and different opportunities to help get some consistent fire design throughout the country. One of our staff members has been heavily involved in its development.”

Works of significance

• Enlightened Solutions has undertaken many significant projects throughout New Zealand in recent years, including:

• Court Theatre, Addington

• Hellers meat processing plant, Kaiapoi

• Ryman Healthcare facilities in several NZ locations

• Registry Building at The Arts Centre

• Mitre 10 stores throughout NZ

• The Colombo shopping centre

• Ruapuna Raceway, Christchurch

• The Warehouse Limited stores throughout the country

• NZI atrium office building, Auckland

• Coolstore, Motueka

• New World, Marton

• Milk Processing Plant, Studholme

• The Warehouse Stationary, Gisborne

• Palmerston North Boys’ High School, College House dining hall

• Placemakers Taupo.

The talented team at Enlightened Solutions in Christchurch

<

Providing the best Architecture/Project Management for over 20 years.

Phone: 03-318155 or 021-413747 Email: [email protected]

Extensive experience managing developments from sketch design stage, thru subdivision, siteworks/civil works, Resource Consent,

Building Consent & Construction

>

80 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Enlightened Solutions

Fire engineering servicesBased in Christchurch, Enlightened Solutions provides a range of fire engineering services to clients throughout New Zealand.

These services include specialist fire computer modelling, fire design reports for building consents, fire regulatory review services for councils, development of fire regulations, fire investigation, expertise in heritage building fire designs, radiation expertise and training.

The Enlightened Solutions team works with a diverse array of clients and projects, including warehouses, large bulk retail stores, retail shops and malls, residential accommodation, hotels, apartments, resthomes, industrial food processing facilities and offices.

Enlightened Solutions offers a range of services, including:

• Fire design services for new buildings

• Fire design services for alterations to buildings

• Fire design services for change of use

• Acceptable Solutions fire designs

• Verification method C/VM2 fire designs

• Specific/alternative solutions fire engineering designs

• Fire reports for building consents

• Fire regulatory reviews

• Computer fire modelling; FDS, B-Risk

• Specialist fire analysis

• Food industry applications

• Heritage buildings fire designs

• Fire investigations

• Fire testing

• Training for fire engineers

• Training for others in fire related activities such as BCAs

• Producer statements for design, design review, construction review

• Construction site monitoring

• Fire services for subdivisions

• Product reviews and appraisal including fire testing as appropriate.

“We provide fire design reports for anyone who needs a building consent,” she says. “We also offer a variety of other fire-related work, such as peer reviews of other people’s work before it goes to council.”

Enlightened Solutions is available to work with the builder once construction has started on a project, monitoring the correct installation of fire protection features so that the final sign-off process to gain council consent is navigated smoothly.

“We also undertake fire investigations and have a special interest in heritage buildings.”

Enlightened Solutions takes pride in solving problems and developing creative solutions to suit each building, including advising the client on the advantages and disadvantages of different fire designs.

“It is our goal to provide the information necessary for the client to make an informed decision regarding the fire design for their building.”

Focus on qualityEnlightened Solutions undertakes a comprehensive internal review of all projects before they go out the door.

Carol says maintaining quality and communication during every project, regardless of its size, is critical. “We really make sure that what we’re doing is adding value to the client’s ultimate design.”

Enlightened Solutions uses the best fire modelling systems available in the world, including the Fire Dynamics Simulator from America, and the B-Risk fire simulator tool

developed in New Zealand by BRANZ and the University of Canterbury.

“We have New Zealand’s expert on FDS fire modelling working with us.”

Enlightened Solutions LimitedUnit 1, 31 Carlyle Street Sydenham Christchurch 8023T (03) 377 4160E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

To me communication is a vital part of what we do and it’s ideal when we get an opportunity to talk to the end user of a building. It’s helpful to fully understand what the client wants.

- DIRECTOR CAROL CALDWELL

Enlightened Solutions designed the fire engineering system for The Colombo. Photo by Simon Kerr Enlightened Solutions staff inspecting a fire protection system

< <

B&W

Specialist food industry design consultants thank Enlightened

Solutions for their support with Fire Engineering over the past 10 years

P O Box 39094, Harewood, Christchurch 8545 11c Sheffield Crescent, Harewood, Christchurch 8053 │ Phone: 03 358-7000 │ Fax: 03 358-7003

Email: [email protected]

Byrne & WantyConsultants Ltd

www.byrne-wanty.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  81

Focus | Hornby Working Men's Club

Client satisfaction and value for money are of upmost importance to us. We

work hard to fully understand your legal requirements and work in the most

efficient way possible to provide the best service at a reasonable cost.

PROUD TO PROVIDE OUR LEGAL SERVICES

TO HORNBY WORKING MEN’S CLUB

P. 03 353 0650 | E. [email protected]

Contact us on 03 365 0333

www.specs.co.nz

We are proud to assist HWMC with their aim to provide safe and secure facilities for members.

Specialists in:video surveillance + access control + intruder detection

Unit 17, 211 Ferry RoadPO Box 10318

Christchurch 8145

Proud provider of services to the Hornby Working Men’s Club & MSA (Inc)

Traffic Engineering

P: 03 963 8727E: [email protected]: www.urbisgroup.co.nz

Land DevelopmentResource Consent Planning

It was Groucho Marx who famously said that he would refuse to join any club that would have him as its member, but I’m sure he had not come across the Hornby Working Men’s Club, where the membership is touching 6,500 such is its popularity.While the name itself may appear a tad old fashioned the club is far from it. It is constantly renewing and updating facilities and recently completed a major 2.5 million dollar refit and spruce up with more planned, explains general manager Daniel Ferguson.

“Having finished a major refurbishment of the club premises we are focussing on upgrading plant and equipment such as ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning systems in our next phase. This is all for the comfort of our members.

“Major investments such as these, over the next three to four years will ensure that we can continue to offer some of the finest club facilities in New Zealand”.

Another area soon to be revamped and modernised will be the club’s online presence to include a new look webpage and involvement in social media such as Facebook.

The Hornby Club is uniquely placed because as well as having a very large membership base, it also owns adjoining land parcels which it has commercially developed and leased as part of its investment strategy into retail assets.

This long term assured income stream will allow the club to develop and plan strategically well into its future. “We will however be looking at the club itself as the next area of focus – we need to grow our service areas to cater for a growing membership of all ages, particularly at weekend periods,” explains Ferguson with confidence.

The social hub of Hornby

What it has always had is a strong, loyal membership base. The Club is fortunate in that it owns significant parcels of ‘Business 2’ zoned land, which it is now developing by building upon and leasing the buildings on long term rental agreements to major well known national retailers.

By turning this land to account with the development of the bulk retail buildings it has generated a steady and significant income stream that other clubs simply don’t have. This revenue stream gives the club a distinct competitive edge, allowing access to financial resources and permitting it to deliver in several areas other clubs are unable to.

This may range from the club’s ability to maintain and upkeep assets in prime condition, or to make significant improvements and upgrades to facilities as and when required.

Having a diverse and stable income stream has provided plenty of protection and something of an economic cushion as the harsh commercial environment continually changes.

Hornby WMC 2014 highlights:

• Consistent membership growth

• Consistent sales growth in food and beverage, and raffles activity

• Significant progress made towards new retail development

• Completed extension works to Briscoes and redevelopment of The Warehouse/Briscoes retail units owned by Hornby WMC

• Introduction of new technology – WiFi throughout the club.

Everybody knows how business and trade in general suffered, especially around the time of the Christchurch earthquakes and their immediate aftermath. >

82 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Proud to be associated with Hornby Working mens Club,

Megan WOODS Member of Parliament WIGRAM

Phone 338 6347 or 338 6307email: [email protected]

Authorised by Megan Woods, MP for Wigram, 8 McCarthy Street Shops, Hoon Hay, Christchurch 8025

OF COURSE WE CAN DO IT!

Offering solutions with:• Wiring installation & repair• Telephone and security systems• Ventilation and air-conditioning• Automation & manufacturing lines• Lighting & Heating• Data, security and IT requirements• Boilers and process work• Thermal imaging• Equipment maintenance

53a Monteal Street, Sydenham, CHCHPhone: 03 366 1718

www.christchurchelectrical.co.nz

Focus | Hornby Working Men's Club

Changes in behavioural patterns and the way the Christchurch population has developed together, with drastic changes in the choice and method of entertainment patterns, has unfortunately resulted in several other clubs suffering heavy losses or having to close down due to a lack of turnover and/or poor membership numbers.

“At the end of the day we are competing for people’s discretionary disposable dollars, so we have to provide them with a safe clubhouse environment and good ‘value for money’ facilities. If we do not they will simply go elsewhere or to some other form of entertainment,” rationalises Ferguson - and it is difficult to fault his logic!

Hornby WMC has a staff of some 58 people and all are employed to run the club to its high standards and provide catering and service to all the food and beverage outlets.

Staff numbers have remained constant during the last 12 months, but with an upturn in business at the busy weekend and holiday periods, it has been necessary to employ additional part time and trained casual staff.

Of course not all of the 6,500 members are currently active, but it is estimated by the management that the club enjoys visits from almost 25 percent of its membership on a regular basis (once or twice a month).

Just over half of that number will be regulars that visit at least once a week. On average a typical member might spend 30 to 40 dollars each visit on a couple of drinks and a bite to eat, but for a more formal celebration, such as an anniversary dinner, a birthday party or a more formal dinner in the Chalmers Restaurant, expenditure per head would be higher.

Fun and gamesThe Hornby Club is affiliated with, or aligned to, Clubs New Zealand, of which there are approximately 300 member Clubs and RSAs. Every year clubs can apply to play host to a range of sporting events including championships for the South Island, North Island and Nationally accredited tournaments.

This year the Hornby WMC is playing host to a number of prestigious tournaments including the South Island Cribbage, National Snooker and Billiards, National Darts and National Ladies Golf.

It is a real feather in the cap for the Hornby WMC to host such important national gatherings and competitions. “Some events can attract as many as 400 participants (National Darts championships for example), with entries from all around New Zealand. It is a real opportunity for us to showcase our fine club,” Ferguson says with obvious pride.

Talking with Ferguson it is evident that he feels the Hornby WMC has a fantastic future ahead, based on a solid financial base and very strong membership numbers from which to grow.

Given the strong demand for new club activities and a desire for a strong monthly events schedule, the club can boast a growing entertainment calendar however, this is again driven by the demand of members.

Conferences and eventsA diverse range of live entertainment is offered in the Westview Lounge on a weekly basis, with new offerings always under consideration. The Hornby WMC will soon be investigating the use of quiz nights to broaden the entertainment offering.

Total Lawn CareCompany LTD

Phone: 03 349 7696Mobile: 027 6099 840

We offer the complete service:

• Lawn scarification & Fertilizer• Moss and Weed Spraying• Grass Grub Control• Irrigation

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  83

Hornby WMC sporting sections

• Darts

• Pool

• Golf

• Snooker and Billiards

• Cricket

• Euchre

• Travel

• Cribbage

• Fishing

• Indoor bowls

• Outdoor bowls

• Table tennis.

Members, affiliates and their guests welcome17 Carmen Road, Hornby Phone (03) 349 9026

Having completed a major $2.5M refurbishment, now is the time to join the Club so you too can experience the fantastic facilities on

offer and check out the revitalised Club Bar and Cafe.

Check out our website for upcoming events and shows! Join now to take advantage of one of New Zealand’s finest Clubs.

• Bar• Cafe• Restaurant• Functions h o r n b y w o r k i n g m e n s c l u b . c o . n z

H O R N B Y W O R K I N G M E N ’ S C L U B

• Sports - Games• Pokies• Gymnasium• Courtesy Vans

04 8

15 9

007

ww

w.c

lubs

.org

.nz

04 8

15 9

007

04 8

15 9

007

ww

w.c

lubs

.org

.nz

Hornby TAB - We’re an early opening TAB.

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE HORNBY WORKING MEN’S CLUB

17 Carmen Road | Phone 03 349 7695

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE HORNBY WORKING MEN’S CLUB OPENMon-Fri 10.00am Sat-Sun 9.00am

Focus | Hornby Working Men's Club

Hornby Working Men’s Club & MSA (Inc)17 Carmen Road HornbyChristchurch 8042T (03) 349 9026E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

The Hornby WMC plays a tangible role in the local community and provides fantastic facilities for the surrounding community and sporting groups, and is popular with local businesses which are able to utilise excellent facilities on their doorstep at little or no cost.

In addition the club is able to offer hundreds of onsite car parking spaces, making the centre an ideal venue for wedding receptions, birthday party celebrations, anniversary parties and the like.

The venue is ideal for large format meetings or industry seminars and conferences, and with a wide range of conferencing facilities available can cater for groups of up to 600 (depending on the room configuration).

It is also a fabulous venue for sporting and community groups to utilise for meetings and events. A range of set menus can be discussed with the catering manager or a bespoke menu can be created especially for your event, providing sufficient time is incorporated into the event plan.

The club has 12 sporting sections, each with fixture lists that keep members busy most evenings (when many of the fixtures tend to take place) against visiting clubs and teams.

“Our sports sections are very popular but new players are always very welcome and the level of competition is generally quite high and extremely competitive, especially if we are up against local rival clubs such as Papanui, Cashmere or Woolston for example.”

Of the 12 different sporting sections members can choose to participate within, skills based coaching is available for some sections to allow all levels of player to improve. Each section tends to function autonomously – with each one effectively functioning as its own little social club within the club as a whole.

Looking forward For the immediate future, the club plans to fully develop the new retail premises on the its former outdoor bowling green for a new set of tenants to sit alongside The Warehouse and Briscoes.

This entire project should be completed in about 10 months time and will provide further revenue stream, allowing Ferguson and his team the opportunity to focus on adding to the Club premises itself.

“We plan to expand our footprint to accommodate demand on weekends for bar space, pool tables and café dining - so we have a very busy and productive time ahead.”

The club is already changing with the times - updating facilities and the product and service offerings to meet what the market wants, but as Ferguson points out, “At the end of the day we are a members club and we will do what the membership supports”.

One thing is for sure though - the Hornby WMC will be ‘healthy hale and hearty’ for many decades yet.

84 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Living Springs

More than 40 years after it was first developed, Living Springs is playing an increasingly vital role in the restoration of Christchurch city. “For us that role doesn’t involve hammer and nails,” CEO Denis Aldridge says.“It’s about creating wellbeing, enriching lives, developing resilience and providing a therapeutic space. We want our visitors to leave here better than when they arrived.”

Recreational recognitionAn event, function and activity centre set in the stunning environment of Lyttelton Harbour, just 20 minutes from the heart of Christchurch city, Living Springs offers the ideal conference venue, team building facility, camp and wedding venue.

A 450 hectare natural playground, Living Springs has been playing an increasingly important role since the earthquake, offering services and facilities when traditional facilities were unable to.

“Learn to swim classes, kayaking, weddings, birthday and family events started coming our way, events which traditionally might have been held in the local town hall, but after the earthquake, suddenly the hall isn’t there anymore.”

But an important role, was housing displaced organisations in a healing sanctuary. Cholmondeley children’s home has been housed within the Living Springs facility for more than three years now. “They’re in residence here for probably another year,” Denis says.

“They are housed in a separate facility here, it’s been a great place for them to be.”

Denis credits the facility’s therapeutic environment for its popularity with groups such as Curekids, Red Cross and Autism New Zealand. “Canteen have described Living Springs as a natural healing environment,” he says. “They visit 12 times a year. Camp Quality works with younger children living with cancer and this has been their annual camping facility for 27 years.

“Many of them are dealing with young people and trying to bring out the best in them, so the setting is really important.”

The facility has also become popular with corporate groups and with the increasing popularity, Living Springs has focussed on creating new spaces and improving the existing.

Intensive improvementsLiving Springs is set to get even better, with a number of improvements in the works. Recently signed off is the level playing field project, Denis says.

“There has been significant post-quake demand for our recreational facilities, so we have signed off on a capital fundraising programme aimed at developing a level playing field and outdoor concert project which links to our fundamental aim of providing rich experiences,” he says.

The outdoor camping centre is also being further developed by setting up small chalets which have the best outlook of the harbour. “Some groups which come here want to be self-catered, so these chalets will allow a section of the facility to be completely self-contained,” Denis says.

The outdoor amphitheatre is also in the process of being built, with the bulk of the work already completed.

“People are realising the value of these experiences and we are in a position to do this where many others can’t. We’re not going to miss the opportunity to provide that for the region.”

Sheer size and scaleThe founding families saw the potential of the Living Springs property and today the recreational facility has the capacity to house in excess of 200 people at a given time. “We offer multiple halls, full catering services and a raft of programmes,” Denis says.

“The size and scale of what we have created here is staggering.”

A haven in the harbour

Part of the community

Last year Living Springs provided 26,000 bed nights, 7,000 school children stayed and the facility served more 80,000 meals, ranging from school barbecues to weddings and corporate functions.

P: (03) 389 9909 F: (03) 389 9699

www.servicefoods.co.nz

• Driveways,Footpaths &VehicleCrossings• CarParks• Subdivisions• AsphaltLaying• Excavations• GeneralContracting• Drainage

Proudly supporting Living Springs

625 Marshland Road, Styx, Christchurch 8083, Ph: 03 323 4231

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  85

Focus | Living Springs

Last year Living Springs provided 26,000 bed nights. “We had 7,000 school children stay here,” Denis says. “We served over 80,000 meals, ranging from school barbecues to weddings and corporate functions.

“But for us, this all comes back to why we are doing this.”

At its core, Living Springs is all about the experience. It’s about giving people hope, opening up new possibilities and it’s about the value of community.

The mission is to create high quality environments where people have experiences that enrich them as human beings, enable them to grow stronger together and inspire them to live life to the full.

Living Springs 218 Bamfords Road Allandale RD1 Lyttelton T (03) 329 9788 / 0800 462732 E [email protected] www.livingsprings.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

P. 03 324 3707 M. 027 364 4105 E. [email protected]

www.marqueeevents.co.nz

WE HAVE YOUR NEXT EVENT COVERED

Marquees from 3m x 3m to 12m x 30mSound & Lighting

Tables, Chairs and linen to matchGlassware & Crockery

HeatingDance floor & staging

Spit Rotisserie & Chiller Trailer

“Our visitors may only be here for a short time, but while they are here, they become a community,” Denis says. “Our role is to enrich that community and see those people leave here better than when they arrived.

“While the founders saw the possibilities in this piece of land, we’ve developed those possibilities, we are making experiences and realising the life impact of them and making it affordable and accessible to a growing number of people.”

Suitably sustainable“We are very intentional about people, planet and profit,” Denis says of the registered charitable trust.

“The key with something of this scale is we have to be sustainable and, while every year is a challenge, we have got to a place where we are sustainable.”

With most of the facility’s visitors being very price sensitive, Denis says the focus has been on maintaining the affordability, while improving the property.

With 450 hectares of land, Living Springs is a major recreational park. “We’re doing big projects on the waterways with the support of ECAN, we’ve fenced off significant areas of land as bush reserves with no livestock grazing. A native re-vegetation planting programme has just started and we are carrying out two major fencing projects this year, one alone costing $20,000.

“It’s not easy and it’s not cheap, but it’s important to us.”

Some 94 percent of Banks Peninsula was covered in native bush. “This went as low as one percent and today it is sitting at about 14 percent,” Denis says.

Living Springs is planting 100 Totaras a year for the next five years and has recently

purchased 300 of the trees. “We are working with schools so we can show children what it used to be like, show them the Totara graveyards and show them what it could be like again.

“In 2012 we planted 2,500 plants here.”

The camping facility is beginning to work with neighbours to develop a long term predator control programme with a “Predator Free Allandale” goal and the establishment of an important bush and bird sanctuary.

“We take the park and our role here seriously,” Denis says.

“We are endeavouring to be a responsible organisation to add value to the region. We are a Christian trust, and we express this in practical, life affirming ways.””

When Peter Morrow first found the Living Springs property in 1971, it was just bare hillside and bulrushes. He took a woman to the site on a cold windy day and asked what she thought. It held hidden springs, she said.

“People will come here to be refreshed and restored. That day this site was just an empty hillside. Today, 40 years later, 26,000 people a year come here,” Denis says.

“She could see what this place had to offer the city, its young people, schools and churches and what it could offer the wider city.”

While the founders saw the possibilities in this piece of land, we’ve developed those possibilities, we are making experiences and realising the life impact of them and making it affordable and accessible to a growing number of people.

- CEO DENIS ALDRIDGE

86 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Cholmondeley Children's Centre

Cholmondeley has been offering support to children and their families in Canterbury since 1925 following Hugh Heber Cholmondeley’s generous gift of the triple brick homestead and grounds in Governors Bay, to the Christchurch community.

Proud supporters of Cholmondeley

P. 03 374 3000 www.pwc.co.nz

• Advisory services • Assurance services• Private business services• Tax services

STEEL DISTRIBUTIONCOIL PROCESSINGPROFILE CUTTING

15 Kilronan Place, SockburnPhone: 03 343 3960

Known originally as the Cholmondeley Memorial Children’s Home, Hugh Cholmondeley’s vision was to ensure that children would always have a place to go in times of crisis. More than 25,000 children have stayed at Cholmondeley since opening its doors.

Today, Cholmondeley is about to launch a significant call for donations as the centre pushes to raise the crucial dollars needed to rebuild.

The February Earthquake of 2011 was to bring an abrupt end to the substantial historic homestead, leaving it beyond repair and unsafe to continue to utilise for the much needed respite care for children in Canterbury.

The Cholmondeley Board of Governance and Management moved swiftly to secure leased premises at Living Springs, located several minutes from the Cholmondeley site, to continue the service as quickly as possible to a community that was dealing with extreme situations resulting from the devastating earthquakes.

A new directionThe decision to rebuild on the original site at 6 Cholmondeley Lane took the Board just seconds. The superb location is unique and a very special place, perfect for rebuilding and continuing the legacy Hugh Cholmondeley had created.

The education, administration and some storage buildings were still operational onsite and this presented Cholmondeley management and staff with the unique challenge of operating from split sites, with the children being transported from their accommodation at Living Springs to Cholmondeley Lane throughout the week to the education space. This continues today.

Cholmondeley has gone from strength to strength meeting challenge upon challenge on a daily basis as a result of the earthquakes and loss of the main homestead, never losing site of the tremendous pressures that families all around Canterbury were under while trying to rebuild their lives, and their city.

The devastation in Canterbury resulted in additional demand for the respite care that Cholmondeley offers children. The significant increase in the number of children coming to Cholmondeley mirrors the many crisis situations that families find themselves in, desperately needing support.

Helping families in crisisCholmondeley was able to respond quickly to families that needed help and although operating from a temporary site, the Cholmondeley team made it work. In fact in the three years that followed, Cholmondeley continued to develop its Integrated Care and Education programme, with Adventure Based Learning at its core.

Throughout this period an independent evaluation on Cholmondeley by Clarity Research continued with information collated from 2009 – 2013. This is now available on the Cholmondeley website and offers an insightful look at Cholmondeley, the service it provides and the outcomes that will influence the organisation into the future.

Adventure Based Learning supports a child to build resilience and is a huge favourite with the children when they stay at Cholmondeley. The many activities range from crossing the

Putting Cholmondeley Children’s Centre back on the map

adventure stream, orienteering, raft building, fishing, kayaking, arts and crafts, to food preparation over an open fire.

These activities teach the children how to work together, develop confidence by having the courage to try something new and to discover their strengths. The children develop new skills and relationships through the activities. The parents, carers, families and whanau tell of the positive outcomes for the children who have engaged in this programme.

At a time when Christchurch families were being challenged by many factors in their lives following the earthquakes, the realisation that many of their own usual supports, like extended family neighbours and friends, were not in a position to help as they too were dealing with their own difficulties, only added more stress.

Many families that had never used Cholmondeley before as support realised that Cholmondeley could help and they could contact, phone or email directly with no referrals required.

Children that were in a stressful situation at home could stay at Cholmondeley and experience fun and educational activities

FENDALTON

EYECLINIC

Laser Eye Surgery andCataract Surgery.

Fendalton Eye Clinic,Christchurch

BOOK YOUR FREE LASER ASSEMENT

www.lasik.co.nz0800 DR EYES

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  87

Focus | Cholmondeley Children's Centre

Increasing your profits and enhancing your business strengths is our aim when working with you on your business.

Contact Matt Donaldson or John Hendry on 379-1620 and ask them about the services we provide to help you

reach your desired results.

Experts in MYOB and Xero implementation & training

We are pleased to be a supporter of Cholmondeley Children’s Home

92 Russley Road, Christchurch ┃www.walkerdavey.co.nz

is three to five days. Children can stay as many times as necessary within the specified age range.

Anyone can refer a child to Cholmondeley which means that families can make contact directly to discuss how Cholmondeley can help.

A new eraAfter three years of operating on split sites, all those involved with Cholmondeley are starting to see a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. The “Help put Cholmondeley Back on the Map” campaign to rebuild the main building has been working hard to find the $4 million dollars required over and above the insurance settlement to ensure a fit for purpose building will emerge on the site in Cholmondeley Lane, Governors Bay.

The new building has been cleverly designed to allow children to relax and to be open to new learning experiences. The silver lining to the sad loss of the heritage building has provided an opportunity to build a practical facility with a researched approach to the physical and emotional environment in which the children are cared for.

The building will offer a lower maintenance regime with cost-effective heating which will be welcomed by all at Cholmondeley. After years of additional rental costs, travel costs and the pure logistics associated of operating

Cholmondeley Children’s Centre P O Box 12276 Christchurch 8242 T (03) 3299832 E [email protected] www.cholmondeley.org.nz

— Advertising Feature

on two sites, all of the Cholmondeley staff and children are looking forward to the day they will all be back together at Cholmondeley Lane.

Operational fundraising has continued alongside the rebuild campaign to raise the further $1.2 million for required operational costs to keep the service running each year. This is 70 percent of the funding required and comes from the community. Cholmondeley receives the other 30 percent from the government and other sources.

Cholmondeley has incredible support from Canterbury businesses, trusts and organisations that have gone that extra mile to support the organisation over many years and through recent demanding times.

Community groups, schools, and individuals also play an essential role in fundraising and donating on a regular basis. This diverse array of support demonstrates the depth of understanding from all who support Cholmondeley and the importance they place in ensuring this iconic organisation, Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, continues its wonderful legacy and can carry on making a difference to children and families in our community.

With all the fantastic efforts and support to date Cholmondeley is grateful for the generosity shown by all of its supporters, but needs to look to the community for a boost to raise the last $1 million dollars. It’s these

community donations which will make sure the rebuild happens on time and ensure the building will be completed debt free.

The turning of the first sod at the end of this month, on the original site, is a huge milestone. This symbolic act in the project signifies the beginning of the new Cholmondeley building and a new era.

The site is clear, and the team at Cholmondeley Children’s Centre are determined that their services will be back on the original site by the first quarter of 2015.

while in a safe, friendly and positive environment, giving them the opportunity to strengthen their own resilience to better cope with life’s challenges.

Cholmondeley Children’s Centre continues to provide short term planned and emergency respite care for children aged 5 – 12 years while relocated at Living Springs and will return to 3 – 12 year olds once the new building is completed.

The length of a child’s stay at Cholmondeley can vary depending on the child and their family’s needs, but an average stay for a child

Cholmondeley Building Artists Impression May 2014

<

Putting Cholmondeley back on the map

Cholmondeley needs your help to do this so it can continue to do what it does best - helping children in our community by providing short term respite care and education with the aim to alleviate family pressures.

If you can help make a difference to the children of Canterbury and contribute to the rebuilding of Cholmondeley, or would like to help by donating to the operating costs to run this vital service, please contact:

Sarah Vidette Funding & Marketing Manager Cholmondeley Children’s Centre E [email protected] M 027 522 8840 T (03) 329 9832

Sarah Barrer Capital Fundraiser for Help put Cholmondeley Back on the Map

E [email protected] M 027 544 9977

To donate online, or for more information please visit the Cholmondeley websites:

www.backonthemap.co.nz www.cholmondeley.org.nz

• We are a local company• Committed to seeing Christchurch get back on its feet.• Wide range of building skills• Background in energy efficient homes• Passionate about building• Sound communicators.

Ph: 329 7010 Cell: 021 242 7539Email: [email protected]: www.harleybuilders.co.nz

88 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Education | St Mark's School

Moveable / Portable Stage, Stages for Schools

School halls and auditoriums are invariably multi-use, which means staging is required to be stored when not in use. For stages that are easy to install, dismantle, move and store, you can’t go past ShowQuip’s 2m x 1m portable decks.

Christchurch Office ┃ Telephone: +64-3-982 3113 ┃ Email: [email protected] ┃ 21 Livingstone Street, Phillipstown, CHC 8011

Lighting Trusses for School Halls and Auditoriums

As the quality of school productions and performances continues to rise, so does the need for appropriate lighting equipment. For safety and performance reasons this lighting needs to be fixed in a professional manner to strong structures called trusses. ShowQuip imports and manufactures quality trussing that can meet a wide range of requirements and budgets.

Auckland Office ┃Telephone: +64-9-579 4374 ┃ Email: [email protected] ┃ Unit A8, 269A Mt Smart Road, AKL 1061

• STRUCTURAL • MECHANICAL • CIVIL • HYDRAULIC • ELECTRICAL • FIRE

KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN BUILD ON• We are your local team of highly experienced

multi-disciplined engineers

• We offer a complete range of structural, mechanical, hydraulic, fire, civil and electrical

engineering services

Proud to support St Mark’s School

There cannot be many schools in Christchurch with a more tranquil and beautiful setting than St Mark’s Primary School in Opawa.

St Mark’s School… experience the differenceBy Peter Loakman

Nestled between the leafy tree-lined Cholmondeley Avenue and the Heathcote River ever since it opened on this site in 1921, sits one of Christchurch’s best kept educational secrets.

The setting may be idyllic in this quiet leafy suburb, but you get a real feel and sense of industry and learning when visiting the school. Deputy Principal Keith Moorfield gives me the tour and I am immediately struck by the politeness and courtesy shown by all the children I come across.

Smartly dressed in their maroon uniforms, all the boys and girls are deeply engaged in their classroom activity, but their greeting is warm and spontaneous, not at all forced or rehearsed.

It is apparent to see that these are confident children who are taught to be independent thinkers as they work quietly in small groups.

As you might expect for a school boasting a tradition of resilience of nearly 90 years as an Anglican independent church school it soon set about reorganising and restructuring to cope with the quake after effects.

St Mark’s lost the use of the library, gymnasium and main assembly hall and now, following three years of negotiation, has just settled its insurance claim and as you’d expect, the board is excited by the opportunity of now repairing the school back to its former glory.

Well they do say patience is a virtue, but surely this is testing the school board and management to the very boundaries of their Christian faith? Such delays and frustrations would have broken many a lesser school, but not St Mark’s and its tenacious senior management team, which has just been bolstered by the arrival of a new principal Mr Paul Mathews from the North Island.

The school has a single form entry covering years zero to eight and the roll totals some 215 pupils at present, which is building steadily back to the pre quake maximum levels.

The teaching staff also appears to have that right balance of experience and youthfulness that students relate to so well, and it is evident that they’re really enjoying their learning experience.

“St Mark’s exists to provide a balanced education that is grounded in the ways of Anglican Christianity and supported by a family oriented community,” Keith says. “We try to cater for a child’s cultural, physical, social and spiritual needs as well as the more obvious academic ones.

“Naturally, like the rest of Christchurch during the immediate aftermath of the quakes, we just got on and adapted to keep school life as normal as possible. The help and assistance we got from the parents and church community was fantastic and within a couple of weeks the school was pretty much running as normal.”

It was inevitable that the school would lose some pupils as families were forced to leave Christchurch due to the loss of their homes or businesses. What is perhaps more telling is the fact that St Mark’s also saw a gain from other primary schools in the area as places became available through families having to leave Canterbury.

“This ‘flight to quality’ is always encouraging to see and in many ways proves what a fine reputation the school enjoys,” explains Keith with justifiable pride.

Each child within each class is both informally and formally assessed and their learning levels are noted so that the class teacher can cater for the child’s individual needs and learning style; this informs planning to maximise potential.

This is a formula that can work well in catering to pupils who want to extend themselves and excel in certain fields. Talented and hard working children and Year 8 school leavers from St Mark’s have attained scholarships for prestigious Christchurch secondary schools such as Christ College, St Andrew’s and St Margaret’s.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  89

Education | St Mark's School

For specialist advice on your insurance and risk management needs. Contact us at www.aon.com or at our Christchurch Branch: Aon House, 388 Blenheim Road, Ph 345-9800.

#1 in Insurance Broking & Risk Management

Aon is proud to be associated with St Mark’s School, and to have supported them during their recovery from the Canterbury earthquakes.

PrintBranding SignageOnlineSocial Media

Proud to support St Mark’s SchoolProud to support St Mark’s SchoolProud to support and wishing Paul Mathews all the best as the new Principal.

03 377 0350 MegaAdvertising.co.nzLike us on Facebook

AWESOME HAS A HOME

Many more choose to leave the independent church school system and return to the state system by taking up places at Christchurch Boys High, Girls High or Cashmere High.

Whichever school they choose to continue their education, St Mark’s pupils find themselves extremely well prepared after years of quality and focused education.

Boys and girls tend to learn in different ways, at different speeds and with very different triggers. By catering to individual needs, these differences are actively acknowledged and work programmes are geared accordingly.

“Generally it works very well and it identifies weaknesses and areas of concern in some pupils for whom we are then able to provide

remedial resources and learning support – to help them to achieve commensurately.

“The special character of the school places emphasis on good Christian attitudes, strong moral fibre and fine academic standards and achievement.”

Despite being steeped in a long tradition and history, the school has a very fresh and modern outlook.

“As an integrated school we are fortunate not to be too distracted by the current Christchurch problems of school mergers and closures. By employing excellent teaching staff, we have set high academic, sporting, cultural and spiritual standards.

“With small class sizes there is plenty of opportunity for learning programmes, tailored to each child to be designed and implemented. Thus the talented and gifted child can be truly stretched and those needing some learning support are given time and resources to improve and work at optimal levels too.

“The levels of achievement and output of well rounded, highly competent, confident Year 8 children, ready to seize their secondary education opportunities with both hands is testament to the school’s special character, fine moral standards and teaching.”

The school aims to operate smoothly and efficiently, allowing a large part of the future focus to be on creating a fresh, safe and inspiring environment, replacing the damaged infrastructure and repairing the legacy of the 2010/2011 earthquakes.

This should hopefully pave the way for the next 90 years of excellence. Music, art, sport and culture form a large part of the special fabric and character of the school and remain extremely popular subjects within the school curriculum.

The special character of St Mark’s School

- Strong association with the Anglican St Mark’s Church which includes religious instruction, observance and worship.

Philosophical beliefs

a) Education as members of a supportive school family group.

b) Participate in choral and instrumental music within school and the community in addition to extra curricular sports and cultural pursuits.

c) Exhibit high standards of etiquette and behaviour including wearing the school uniform.

d) Curriculum and teaching methods focussed on language, reading, maths, social awareness, community, homework, examinations, prize giving and outdoor education.

Cnr Papanui & Office Rds, Merivale, Christchurch │ Phone: 03-355 0989 Email: [email protected]

nsarchitects.co.nz

Proud to support St Mark’s School

For residential and commercial projects

>

90 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Education | St Mark's School Education | Waimairi School

Proud supporter of Waimairi School

Contact us 0800 473 865 [email protected]

OF

COUR

SE WE CAN DO IT!

Offering solutions with:• Wiring installation & repair• Telephone and security systems• Ventilation and air-conditioning• Automation & manufacturing lines• Lighting & Heating• Data, security and IT requirements• Boilers and process work• Thermal imaging• Equipment maintenance

53a Monteal Street, Sydenham, CHCHPhone: 03 366 1718

www.christchurchelectrical.co.nz

One hundred years ago Waimairi School had a large number of children on its roll from two orphanages in the area. The students used to catch frogs in the stream where Boundary Road is today and the school would face the constant problem of stray cattle on the gravel road.

A century later and the school is proud to be celebrating its rich history and exciting future, and as such, would like to recognise this special event with the community.

The school can attribute its successful growth and high student achievement to the high level of community involvement and the passionate, hard working team of staff led by principal Mike Anderson.

The high quality of education and personalised care for each and every child creates engaged, confident and focussed learners. Students have strong supportive systems in place to help them excel in all fields including academic, sporting and cultural.

Waimairi School puts a strong emphasis on developing student self management supported by an environment that is flexible with well established routines to teach children to become responsible for their own learning over time.

A hundred years on the results speak for themselves with a growing school roll and students constantly achieving academically, in culture, and sport, the future looks brighter than ever for Waimairi School.

Waimairi School1 Tillman Avenue ChristchurchT (03) 352 9208E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Waimairi School marks a milestone

CelebrationsThere are a variety of events planned for later this year to celebrate the momentous milestone. Past pupils and staff current pupils and their families plus anyone who has had involvement with the school are warmly welcomed to join in on the festivities.

Friday, October 24A guided tour of the school in action. See what has changed since you were learning or teaching at Waimairi. During the evening the doors will be open for relaxed chance to catch up with old friends, teachers or colleagues, enjoy a drink and finger food and share your stories.

Saturday, October 25

During the day there will be lots of fun activities for all the family. Take a look through the displays of memorabilia, grab a bite to eat and see the children show off their talents. There will be commemorative decade photographs and a celebration cake. And in the evening enjoy dinner and dancing.

Sunday, October 26Celebration church service at St Pauls.

St Mark’s School Cholmondeley Avenue Opawa Christchurch T (03) 332 7339 E [email protected] www.saintmarks.school.nz

— Advertising Feature

Singing and choral work is regularly performed at the school and reflected at church services. Opportunities exist for children to learn and perform musical instruments throughout their time at St Mark’s school.

From time to time school choirs, orchestras and instrumental groups will perform at church services, functions and concerts. The school is a frequent participant in Christchurch Primary Schools Music Festival and other choral festivals, regularly winning accolades for its work.

Every two years the school undertakes a whole school drama production, often written and performed exclusively by the children and staff members and incorporating a full range of drama, music and other performing arts skills; performances are always a sell out!

The school is also moving towards being technologically wired with both wireless and cable and has high speed broadband Internet connection. Most classrooms have state of the art interactive white boards, ibook computers and access to a pod of computer laptops for integrated computer use.

“Our aim, once we proceed with our remedial and repair work, is to create, within the next two to three years, an outstanding, environmentally friendly and sustainable, technologically advanced state of the art primary school,” he confirms.

The school is clearly aiming to be there at the leading edge so that St Mark’s young students’ goals, imaginations and career prospects are ignited by what is possible and achievable.

“We can only provide them, at this relatively early age, with the beginnings of a desire and some of the tools to set them on the long journey towards life long learning skills and the tool kit to pursue this.”

But for all of its focus on the new, it is clear that St Mark’s has core values from the ‘old school’, in that it firmly believes and instils, that all staff teach the essential core disciplines of numeracy and literacy, as well as engendering the ability for all pupils to create and communicate.

These are essential building blocks and provide the foundation for much else of what the children do. Once these skills are in place, pupils should be allowed reinforcement on computers using internet based research and communications programs.

The technological age is a reality with frequent new developments, but as many of the St Mark’s teachers readily observe, embracing new technology is fine to do, but not at the expense of traditional core skills of reading, writing and numeracy and the ability to exercise critical analysis which have to underpin all new learning.

With such an operational philosophy it is not difficult to see why St Mark’s School, Opawa is supremely confident of continuing to provide an excellent and structured education well past the upcoming centenary birthday celebrations in 2021.

Tony Stewart | Ph (03) [email protected]

Proudly supporting St Mark’s School

www.photoshots.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  91

Education | Avonside Girls' High School

Avonside Girls’ High looks towards a bright future

Avonside Girls’ High School180 Avonside Drive ChristchurchT (03) 389 7199www.avonside.school.nz

— Advertising Feature

Avonside Girls’ High School has been a proud educator of many of Canterbury’s young women for almost a century. Starting as an offshoot of Christchurch Girls’ High School, it provided learning for two classes of 40 students in January 1919 on a beautiful setting on the banks of the Avon. In 1928, the school gained its own identity as Avonside Girls’ High School.

Avonside’s provision of specialised, girl-focussed learning was threatened in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquakes, as damage to buildings and infrastructure forced a move from the site for a year.

However, following an intense period of planning and construction, the school re-opened its doors on the site in Avonside Drive at the beginning of the 2012 school year.

The new temporary campus that has sprung up to replace the damaged buildings is serving the school community well, with purpose-built specialist rooms of single storey construction, enhanced computer technology provision and attractive landscaping.

Avonside Girls’ High School today is an innovative modern school within a traditional framework.

The school’s vision is to challenge its students to achieve personal excellence in a progressive and supportive learning environment.

Avonside Girls’ High School Principal, Sue Hume, says “We want every girl to be the best she can be and work hard with them to ensure that success. However, it is also important to us that, when our girls leave, they are able to take their place in the world and be responsible, contributing and caring members of our society.

“That’s why, in addition to striving for academic success, we also place emphasis on living out our school values of respect, integrity, self discipline and contribution.”

The Minister of Education’s announcement last October of a rebuild for Avonside Girls’ High School was great news, not only for the school community, but for the continuation of the tradition of state girls’ education in Christchurch.

With the new school scheduled to open mid-2018, exciting times are ahead as the school embraces the opportunity to plan for the best of modern learning environments for new generations of Avonside Girls' High students.

The future is bright!

PHONE 03 383 8254 | FAX 03 383 8257 EMAIL [email protected]

From a cottage to a commercial building, our skilled team gives

your job the care and attention it requires to give you high quality finishes backed by

first rate levels of service.

Hospitality | Catering by Nikki

Originally set up in the Manhattan on Avon - Avon Rowing Club - Catering by Nikki owner, Nikki Harding talks about how the company has gone from strength to strength since the devastating February earthquakes. “With the business growing, we were looking to move to larger premises when the first earthquake hit, forcing our hand. It split the building, which has now been demolished and rebuilt.

We briefly worked from my home providing emergency catering to our corporate clients, before moving into our new premises on Moorhouse Avenue. While this was an extremely hectic and trying time for all, we’ve managed to remain open for business which meant our long standing clients always had catering solutions available when needed, plus we could supply those working within the Red Zone with a well deserved home-style meal - especially when there were no other food outlets available.

With the move we inherited a small front shop/deli where we offer café food, including hot lunches. If you come into the shop, behind our friendly front of house staff, you’ll see through the golden frame a hive of industry.

This is where the corporate and function catering magic happens.

Of course, with so much rebuilding happening in our new area, we’ve welcomed many new clients. The fact that they keep coming back reinforces our pride in our team and the quality they strive produce every time.

We make everything from scratch, except our wonderful range of specialty breads - which we source locally. Our scones and muffins are difficult to match - and we never use premix.

We cater for a wide range of functions - from intimate picnics to weddings and corporate events. We have many menus available, but because we make everything in-house we can be as flexible as you require.

We can easily accommodate special diets where necessary and we can deliver it all to your door, including hot items.

We have provided catering solutions for more than 10 years to a wide range of clients and to a wide area - not just Christchurch central. We’ve catered in Port Levy, Rangiora, Greta

Valley and Lincoln - so please just call us to discuss how we can help you.

We have hot meals available at our shop - Nikki’s Kitchen - from 11am, with a range of salads and fresh sandwiches etc, all made daily.

We also make all of our pies and you really must try our sausage rolls. During the winter months we have hot soup available - all made here - all made from scratch.

We are committed to providing quality freshly made food to all of our clients - whether you’ve just come in off the street for a coffee and a muffin, or if you’re a long standing client of ours.

We’re proud of our reputation for delivering excellent food, having a great variety and that it’s all made with love.”

Catering by Nikki37 Moorhouse AveChristchurchT (03) 365 1617M 021 201 0692E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

The Manhattan on Avon

P: (03) 389 9909 F: (03) 389 9699

www.servicefoods.co.nz

Bambi Drapery

Proud to support Avonside GirlsÕ High School

693 Gloucester Street, Avonside, Christchurch

School Uniforms Haberdashery Dry Cleaning

Post Shop Alterations, Wool

Ph 03 389 9583

92 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Hospitality | Tuti's Restaurant

Legal AdviceProud to act for Tuti’s

Restaurant & Bar If you are buying, selling, or developing commercial or residential property, you will need a good lawyer.

Call us...

79 High Street, Blenheim | 03 578 [email protected] | gascoignewicks.co.nz

Let’s be honest. We will always treat our clients like a number.

Of course to us, our clients will always be Number One.

Leslie O’Donnellchartered accountants

P. 03 579 3093 E. [email protected] Visit us today - www.leslieodonnell.co.nz

65 Seymour Street, PO Box 109, Blenheim

“The staff at Tuti's are amongst the best we have ever encountered anywhere in the world,” reads one of Tuti’s Restaurant’s most recent Trip Advisor reviews, titled ‘Simply the best’. And, while that makes a great first online impression, it is only a snapshot of customer testimonials for the popular location.

Tucked comfortably in Kaikoura’s Beach Road, the restaurant is dining for families by a family because, running the business is a family of seven – mum and dad Peter and Tuti McGovern and their five daughters.

“Our mum was very passionate about cooking,” Fina McGovern says.

“We have always aimed to do things just that little bit differently.”

As a strategy, it’s been a success, with the fusion of Indonesian dishes and Kiwi cuisine a massive hit with both locals and visitors to the popular holiday destination.

“We offer a huge variety of food, including curries, fish and steak,” Fina explains.

“Our seafood meals are incredibly popular, including our seafood curry and our prawn

Coastal flavour

dish, or if curries aren’t your thing, we also offer a seafood platter. The seafood chowder, aged prime Rib eye steak and fresh Kaikoura rock lobsters are highly acclaimed.”

Named after mum Tuti, Tuti’s Restaurant started as a Kaikoura café in 2005, before closing down for two years while the family planned a bigger, better use of their talent in the kitchen.

A suitable site was discovered to build on in 2007 and, in 2009 the restaurant and bar located at 35 Beach Road was opened.

From Indonesia, head chef Tuti specialises in Indonesian and Singaporean cuisine. Her five daughters have all discovered their own roles

within the business, now highly qualified and experienced after studying within their own niche areas, from business and bar management through to cooking.

“We’re very much a family restaurant,” Fina says.

“We offer relaxed, casual dining in a comfortable environment. We are an increasingly popular venue for private functions and events and we have held everything from weddings to birthday parties.”

The modern and spacious restaurant and bar is fully licensed, with the capacity to fit 100 customers. The tempting selection of fine cuisine is sure to impress, with a varied all day menu from breakfast until dinner and serving a range of unique dishes from fresh seafood, meat and Indonesian/Singaporean dishes.

Best of all, the meals at Tuti’s are freshly made as they are ordered in the state of the art kitchen.

Tuti’s is a popular restaurant and bar open from 5pm until late Monday to Saturday, offering a great place to eat, drink or just relax and sample the extensive range of local and imported beers, wines and organic Underground coffee.

“Everything about Tuti’s is nothing short of fantastic,” Presant Singh said after dining at the restaurant in March.

“The warm welcome, atmosphere, easy to follow menus and great staff… the meals are of a very high quality and great portion sizes. No matter how full I am, I desperately try and fit in dessert or a hot chocolate - anything to keep the delicious evening going! Friendly and satisfying; a must have if you’re travelling through Kaikoura.”

Dee from Christchurch described her Tuti’s experience as “Amazing food, awesome service”. “I have dined at Tuti’s a couple of times now and both times I have loved it,” she says.

“The meals are a descent size, unlike many restaurants these days, and should you select one of the delicious curries like I did you’ll find the combination of spicy flavours simply perfect. It totally hits the spot!”

Jane, from London described her Tuti’s meal as “the best meal so far in NZ... and we have had some excellent food. The fish was so good, fresh and well cooked. We had calamari and then Indonesian prawn curry and the most delicious mango cheesecake. Lovely family owned and run place. Don’t miss it.”

Tuti’s Restaurant 35 Beach Road Kaikoura T (03) 319 3370 E [email protected] www.tutis.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  93

Hospitality | Jagz of Styx Mill

3NO. 13 HARCOURTS NEW ZEALAND 2012-2013

OV

ER

$180 MILLION IN

SA

LE

S

HA

R C O U R T S G OL

D

Nestled comfortably within the city’s northern framework, Jagz of Styx Mill really is Christchurch’s best kept secret and a celebration of suburban success. An experienced restauranteur, owner Jane Sommerville knew what she wanted from a premise. “The move to Christchurch represented an opportunity for a new challenge. I was attracted to the Styx Mill area because it’s a real oasis backed up by a strong and welcoming community,” she says.

The striking north facing façade of the purpose built café draws the sun in on the bleakest of days, while a covered outdoor area provides shelter from the most scathing of winter chills. Stunning modern décor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

An exciting and welcome addition to the Styx Mill and Northwood communities, Jagz of Styx Mill offers everything from ready to go cabinet food made on the premises, to an a la carte dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“Everyone rushes all the way into town to check out the latest new places, but we can offer something great in the suburbs,” Jane says.

With head chef Greg Sweet, who previously worked at Tiffanys Restaurant and Bar, working tirelessly behind the scenes, Jagz of Styx Mill has a strong focus on good quality, fresh foods. “Greg is English, so he’s very into warm, comforting English foods,” Jane says.

“Everything he creates is fresh and made on the premises. We also have an exciting new winter menu on-board.”

Jagz of Styx Mill offers a great selection for weekend brunches and an a la carte evening dining from Tuesday to Saturday. Lunch groups can be catered to for up to 40 people, with loads of free parking available at the back of the restaurant.

A celebration of suburban success

The fabulous food is complemented by the café’s premium beers and a quality wine list, all at very reasonable prices. As with any good café, there’s some degree of importance in the actual coffee and J agz is the only Christchurch stockist of popular coffee brand Bravo Coffee, roasted in Dunedin.

“It’s all about good quality, fresh food and fine dining surroundings with a warm and comfortable feel,” Jane says.

Jagz of Styx Mill has been brought to Christchurch by popular and experienced restauranteur Jane Sommerville, as an extension of her successful Café and Restaurant in Windsor, situated in Invercargill.

Jane has brought the warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere she developed in the south during the last 10 years to her latest

project at Styx Mill which has become a popular dining destination for the city.

Established in 2009, the café and restaurant has become popular for walking groups or the morning coffee run and is situated close to dog parks and walking tracks.

“It’s become a real community hub,” Jane says.

“There’s always people getting to know each other, groups wanting to push the tables together to catch up or just chatting while they wait, although it’s not just for the locals.”

Jagz of Styx Mill has really been getting into the community spirit, with a wine club held once a month, ladies and men’s breakfast groups available for anyone to join, buses to local events such as the popular Waipara Wine Festival and Jane is even hosting an annual cruise to Brisbane at the end of July. “We are a

strong part of the community now,” Jane says. “We love it here.”

It seems the customers do too, if the online reviews are anything to go by. “Made a last minute decision to have dinner here on a Saturday night three weeks ago and what a great decision it was,” one reviewer stated.

“The food quality was fantastic and the meal was amazing. We enjoyed every single mouthful and sinfully decided to share the Chef’s Tasting Platter for dessert. It was even more amazing - three fantastic full size desserts to share between us. We will definitely be going back there as soon as we can. Our waitress was friendly and had a good sense of humour. The Chef, magnificent.”

Another reviewer says “What a little treasure hidden amidst a residential subdivision.”>

94 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Hospitality | Jagz of Styx Mill At a glance | The Grosvenor

Committed to providing our clients with:

• High quality legal services• Cost effective prices• Service delivery• Personalized assistance

Pier Law is proud to support Jagz of Styx Mill

P. 03 366 5540 | www.pierlaw.co.nz

160A Hussey Road, Northwood 108 Seaview Road, New Brighton1 Williams Street, Kaiapoi

Jagz of Styx Mill 158 Hussey Road Styx Mill Christchurch T (03) 323 5455 E [email protected] www.jagz.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Not all of us love the colder months, but at least there’s something to look forward to with Jagz of Styx Mill’s exciting new winter menu. So here’s a sneak peak of what’s on offer:

StartersWest Coast Whitebait Fritters: Served with petit salad, fresh break and lemon cheek.

Prawn Green Curry: Marinated prawns cooked in a light coconut green curry sauce served on Singapore noodles with fresh mint, coriander and Asian slaw.

Scallops with Pork: Seared sweet scallops with a pulled pork and gennel salad served on apple and vanilla puree.

Mains Warm Thai Chicken Salad: Thai spiced chicken tenderloins, seared and tossed with mint, coriander, fried shallots and bean sprouts, finished with soy and ginger dressing.

Slow roasted Pork Belly: Served with a bubble and squeak potato cake, wilted greens, apple and mustard compote topped off with crispy crackling and pan juices.

Moroccan Spiced Lamb Striploin: Cooked medium rare served on roast vegetable couscous with hummus and a light Moroccan carrot and chic pea salad.

Southern Blue Cod: Pan fried and served with herb potato mash, smashed peas and slow roast tomato finished with hollandaise and fresh lemon.

Seared Akaroa Salmon: On a warm salad of prawns, gourmet potatoes, baby beets, broccoli and feta tossed with lemon and parsley vinaigrette.

Venison and Root Vegetable Open Pie: Hot pot style with a puff pastry lid served with colcannon potatoes and seasonal greens.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Risotto: A roasted squash, wilted spinach creamy risotto finished with parmesan and served with a small seasonal salad.

Prime Ribeye Steak: Cooked to your liking, served on root vegetables and creamy mash with mini Yorkshire pudding and horseradish butter finished with rich beef jus.

HoursMonday: 7.30am - 5pm

Tuesday to Friday: 7.30am - 10pm

Saturday: 9am - 10pm

Sunday: 9am - 5pm

Warming up the winter

at Jagz

AWARD WINNING PLUMBERS

‘PROUD TO SUPPORT GROSVENOR HOTEL - TIMARU’

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING REQUIREMENTS

Plumbing Drainlaying Gasfitting Roofing

[email protected] www.breenplumbing.co.nz

37-39 BROWNE ST, TIMARUPhone: 684 0177

Forget identical rooms, corridors and public lobbies - you’ll get anything but at The Grosvenor. According to entrepreneur Ping Lim, when it comes to hotels there are only two types: run of the mill and The Grosvenor, he says with a smile.

Hotel of modern art

The Grosvenor in Timaru underwent a renovation in 2010 to include a restaurant, bar, gaming lounge and four conference rooms; making the hotel, bar and restaurant the place to stay, dine and be entertained.

Enclosed with high ceilings, nostalgic exposed brick and showcasing local and international artwork, The Grosvenor chimes authenticity and great design. Established in 1875, it is one of the earliest buildings in South Canterbury. Owner Ping Lim took over the business in 2007 when he saw potential in the previously unkempt property.

“For the first three years we worked alongside with the liquidator to bring the business back on deck. The business was completely restructured. It’s like breaking the business apart in order to put it back together again.

“We also need Grosvenor Hotel to be relevant to the present generation too. In the end, the common thread is the British heritage of Grosvenor Hotel. This is brought to the fore by the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II herself during Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee Tour in 1954.

Once an identity is forged, we renamed the hotel as The Grosvenor - HoMA (Hotel of Modern Art), a nod to Banksy and London’s retro-chic culture,” Ping explains.

Patrons can stay in a selection of modern suites, superior rooms, including the Ford room, Speights room, Tui room, Jim Beam room and Jack Daniel room.

“Being an avid traveller myself, I’m conscious of this reality that when we travel. We want bang for our buck, central location, modern conveniences such as free Wi-Fi, free car parks, latest LCD panel, nice new beds and instant good pressure hot water.”

It’s important to acknowledge Pings vision for the venue’s eco-friendly and sustainable living environment. The venue practices its recycling programme by using LED lights, reduces the usage of plastic bottles, has reminders placed in rooms to discourage patrons to wash their towels more than they should and floor coverings are made from recyclable material.

All 44 rooms is adorned with vintage furniture, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and recycled material; simple and luxurious without the hefty price tag.

It would be unthinkable to pass up a meal from The Grosvenor. The venue has entered a

broader culinary phase serving its best meals yet thanks to carefully selected exquisite chefs whose cooking is just as distinctive as the historic building in which The Grosvenor resides.

Its English pub TGB (abbreviated from The Grosvenor Bar) is highly rated on TripAdvisor.

Two years ago no one in New Zealand had ever tasted the sublime dishes made from one of its finest chefs, Yung, who worked as head chef at Sheraton International Hotel in Sri Lanka for 10 years.

Other distinguished chefs include Tony, whose culinary background reins from Crowne Plaza of Auckland, and newcomer Frank from Hilton International Hotel of Shanghai, China.

The team are masters in creating hearty meals including local old favourites such as roasts, toasties, winter favourite of soups, and steak with a modern twist. The chefs are adept in cooking a range of different meals including Chinese and traditional European faire.

For Ping, his vision for the future is to make Timaru a bona fide tourist destination. “A goal that is actually not selfish but a goal that is inclusive of local community”.

The Grosvenor Hotel26 Cains TerraceTimaruT (03) 687 9190E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Wait no longer! Opt out withClearwater Painting and Decorating LtdWe will:× Complete your first scope within 14 days× Be onsite within 7 weeks after first consultation× Pay up to $500 of your insurance excess× Invoice EQC directly× Take the stress of waiting away

Locally owned , established in May 2002, with 27 years experience in the roofing, painting and building industries - our builders and painters can repair and restore better than new.

For a FREE information pack call 0800 766 378 E: [email protected]

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  95

Hospitality | Valley Inn Tavern

Proud to be associated with both the history, and the future, of the Valley Inn.

T (03) 352 2293 E [email protected] A 485 Papanui Road, Christchurchwww.harmans.co.nz

The Valley Inn Tavern has a long and fascinating history, but it’s the southern hospitality which continues to draw in the punters, 130 years after it was first established. The tavern is a strong part of the community and, with a courtesy van available Thursday to Sunday to and from surrounding areas, Cantabrians are encouraged to try something different and make the trip east.

Located only 15 minutes from the city centre, the tavern is nestled comfortably at the foot of the steep volcanic crags that form the northern edge of the hills. Just eight kilometres southeast of the city centre, Heathcote Valley is a stunning destination for a Sunday lunch, birthday celebration or even just a casual afternoon drink.

The Valley Inn offers a space designed for a leisurely drink or a restaurant-style meal in traditional old English ambience. You can simply relax in the courtyard in tranquil surrounds – you won’t even know you are only minutes from the city centre.

“We have an incredible bunch of locals and we are constantly meeting new people from all walks of life so we do what we can to support them,” co-owner Genaea Calvert says.

“We sponsor local initiatives and run raffles for local community projects. We love to get involved in any way we can.”

The recent ANZAC Day celebrations offer a great example of the role the bar and restaurant plays in the area. The locals bring their barbecues down to the courtyard and set up to cook a BBQ breakfast to host the hundreds of people that turn out for the dawn parade and all that is asked is a gold coin donation.

On a Tuesday night $15 will buy you a steak and a pint, on a Wednesday $15 will buy you a burger and beer. The restaurant is open from 10am to 9pm every day, with bookings required, or order a meal from the comfort of the bar.

Mixing the past with the present

The tavern’s restaurant specialises in locally sourced ingredients cooked in a modern style, with a vast range of options available from bar snacks to a full restaurant menu.

The menus change frequently with daily specials available, so keep an eye out on the website for the latest dishes from the chef.

The bar hosts big screens for sporting events, self-service TAB terminals, a handful of poker machines, dart boards and a juke box for entertainment. Talk to Dean and Genaea Calvert about hosting a birthday, staff barbecue, drinks or other private function.

There’s even a loyalty club available to join, just jump on the website to fill in the form and start benefitting from the promotions.

The Valley is becoming renowned for showing all of the major boxing matches and a strong boxing fraternity is developing which makes a great atmosphere to enjoy a day out watching the fights.

Any major sporting event is well celebrated with a variety of promotions from Cup Day

celebrations to early morning rugby match breakfasts. Keep an eye on the website and Facebook page for what’s happening next.

While the stylish new triangular building of the Heathcote bar rose from the ruins of the pub that was destroyed in the September 2010 earthquake, there is 130 years of history that has not been left behind, a fantastic atmosphere that has developed and a fun enjoyable place to visit.

During a visit to the tavern, take some time to check out the 12m deep brick lined well that now features in the centre of the bar and provides a great leaner for a group to enjoy a drink over while taking in the old photos, memorabilia and history that line the walls.

In the courtyard you can relax in the sun and enjoy a drink under the stately old pepper trees.

“The Valley Inn Tavern has been at the centre of the Heathcote Valley for more

than 130 years, so we will continue to promote and support the community behind it,” Genaea says.

“Come and meet the locals or come and become one yourself.”

Valley Inn Tavern 2 Flavell Street Heathcote Valley Christchurch T (03) 384 1124 www.valleyinntavern.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

P. 03 344 2470 | 021 899 474UNIT 2/91 WATERLOO RD HORNBY

GARDEN CITY PRODUCEFRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WHOLESALERS

Proud to support The Valley Inn

RED SNAPPER Phone.

03 326 5726 25 Wakefield Ave, Sumner

96 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Hospitality | Chillingworth Road

Duck Quail

Poussin Turkey

Pheasant

Hospitality | Hello Sunday Café

Chillingworth Road 478 Cranford StreetPapanuiChristchurchT (03) 352 7784E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Eat, drink, learnChillingworth Road invites you to experience not just fine dining, but an event all unto itself. Based on Cranford Street in Papanui, Chillingworth Road offers diners the best of both worlds - excellent service and great food - and that’s a hallmark to be proud of.

Owned and operated by husband and wife duo Leanne and Darren Wright, the business was established in November 2012, and previously resided at Harbour 71 in Akaroa before moving to Christchurch.

Darren is originally from Akaroa and his father runs a commercial fishing company. He turned to the hospitality industry instead of fishing with his father. He decided the job wasn’t for him and instead went to the local café on the wharf, and asked to get a job as a kitchen hand so he didn’t have to go fishing. Suffice to say, all of the fresh fish served at Chillingworth Road comes from Darren’s father.

At Chillingworth Road every meal is an experience. The formal dining room, where guests can enjoy the ‘Trust the Chef’ – (the six or eight course degustation menu) or the Bistro.

The bistro prides itself on simple but tasty home cooked meals, all made from scratch. With mains starting from a modest $25, you can enjoy a delicious dish in a relaxing atmosphere with friendly service, all encased within a modern, industrial interior.

Leanne says the key to their business success is “consistency and being really passionate about what we do”.

“Our philosophy is eat, drink, learn. That’s why we’ve got a kitchen out the front where people can come up to us. We love interaction; we want people to see what the chefs are doing and talk to them,” Leanne says.

Cooking experiences are tied to this fine dining restaurant, bistro and bar which offers guests a chance to tie on their apron and enjoy a hands-on experience at Chillingworth Road cook school.

Cooking classes take place in the bistro and are run by qualified baker, Wendy Quinn.

Learn to make bread, cup cakes or try your hand at cake decorating or fish filleting.

Whether you’re a first time baker or a professional wanting to expand your skills, there’s a class to suit you no matter what level you’re at.

Awaken your taste buds, share recipes, get your questions answered, experiment with cooking ideas, pick up cooking tips and techniques, and indulge in the culinary experience.

Chillingworth was recently nominated in two categories for the Christchurch hospitality awards for both chef and restaurant – and is looking forward to the event which will be held on May 26.

Opening HoursMonday – 7.30am till 4.00pm

Tuesday to Friday – 7.30am till late

Saturday – 3pm till late

Sunday – closed

BUILDING & JOINERY | Dirk Heffter 0211 53 96 00

CRAFTWORX.CO.NZ

Proud to support theHello Sunday Cafe

In a city that’s lost so many of its heritage buildings it’s inspiring to see a team of dedicated, hard working foodies giving a little something back to Christchurch.

The new Hello Sunday Café, located in Sydenham, is now serving traditional café favourites with a twist in a refurbished post office building.

The beautifully restored building has had a number of uses over the years. It began life in the 18th century as a post office and in the 19th century it was the Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunday School.

The owners of Hello Sunday are Jonathan Spark, Yasmeen Clark and Chris Penny.

Their dedicated team poured heart and soul into restoring the Sunday School over four challenging but enjoyable months. Hello Sunday was officially opened in February to extremely positive reviews of the atmosphere, restoration, service and especially the food.

Jonathan says they have taken great pleasure in bringing new life to the much loved historic building. “There is a lot of love in these buildings. They used to be a place of service and care and we have simply reawakened this.”

Nourishment The hearty meals at Hello Sunday are all made with love by head chef Sam Stewart and they’re starting to create quite a buzz with the locals Jonathan says.

“Sam is putting out restaurant quality food. His eggs benedict are becoming renowned; as are his fish tacos and the chickpea and polenta fritters are magic.

“We serve real, fresh food all prepared onsite in the container kitchen. During the week we have fresh cabinet food with vegetarian and gluten free options. Our café strives to provide great food and coffee to nourish and ultimately bring people together.”

With such a promising start a bright future lies ahead for this little gem of a café. Jonathan

History in the making

Hello Sunday Café 6 Elgin StreetSydenhamChristchurchT (03) 374 2526 E [email protected]/HelloSundayChristchurchCafe

— Advertising Feature

says they are planning some evening events during the winter, plus the occasional Sunday Session music jam, and when the weather gets warmer they will open evenings.

But having a sound understanding that all good things take time he says they are not in a rush as they are in it for the long haul.

He says his goal for the café is to “To build a sense of community, a little hub of light that fills people up in lots of ways.”

And if the loyal following of customers is anything to go by he is well on his way to achieving this honourable ambition.

So treat every day as Sunday at the Hello Sunday Café; embrace the chance to relax, rest and reflect with close family and friends in the easy going atmosphere.

Take your time to savour their nourishing food and coffee and linger in the delightful courtyard or lounge in their warm inviting café.

The café recently received five stars across the board in a story by Avenues Magazine.

• Five course “Your Choice” menu - $75 per person

• Six or eight course “Trust the Chef” degustation menu - $95 or $125 per person

www.canterburytoday.co.nz    June/July 2014 |  97

Hospitality | Café 218

Shopping, coffee and a delicious bite to eat...what could be better! The new Café 218 is situated in the Midway on Moorhouse shopping complex. Its central location, surrounded by popular stores, makes it the perfect café to meet for a business lunch or catch up with friends.

So why not take a leisurely weekend stroll through the surrounding stores and unwind in Café 218?

The cafe manager Daryl Knowles has owned cafés all her life. Before the earthquakes she ran a Coffee Club franchise in High Street but lost the business in the quakes.

With a love for working in hospitality she joined forces with Robert Knowles who owns the business, and opened Café 218 in February. Getting the business up and running was a struggle Daryl says. She explains it took almost a year to open due to council delays but thanks to her persistence the café she calls “her baby” is now open for business.

Classic and contemporaryTucked away in a private corner of Hunter Furniture, Café 218 creates an inviting space with contemporary black, white and red décor. Take your pick from the café table seating, bar leaners, or make yourself comfortable in the intimate booth seating.

“Our customers have said we’ve got a beautiful café. The windows surrounding the space create an open light space and classic lines, while the booth seating and couches around the fire place are very relaxing.

“I’ve worked in hospitality all my life… it’s just me and I love customer service. I’ve had a lot of customers say my staff are so lovely and friendly,” Daryl says.

Daryl says there are many advantages of being a part of the Midway on Moorhouse complex. “The carpark is huge, so you’ll never struggle to find a space, the complex has extremely easy access to help make your experience stress free and it has a great central location,” she says.

Fresh asLiam Ruanc is the chef at Café 218. He is an eccentric who believes food should be fresh, full of flavour and creative. He sticks true to his belief serving up deconstructed kiwi favourites like Thai fish and chips which are healthy and flavoursome.

Daryl says everything in the cabinet and on the menu is made onsite. The food is very healthy thanks to the organic and spray-free produce and there are plenty of gluten-free products for customers to choice from.

Daryl says the most popular item on the menu is the Mexican Street Tacos because Liam has injected them with his own signature style and they are bursting with flavour.

“He does them totally different to what most people are used to; I’ve had Australian customers come in and tell me the tacos are a very popular dish in Australia and they were so happy they found them here because they didn’t think Kiwis did them,” she says.

Café 218

Coffee and Donuts Fresh fried blueberry donuts, lemon cream cheese glaze and a regular hot drink.

Humble BenedictGoat cheese polenta cakes, rocket, tomato, chow chow, eggs and hollandaise served with either bacon or smoked salmon.

Mexican Street Tacos Black bean puree, red cabbage, pickled onion, queso fresco, and salsa verde served with your choice of either traditional roast pork, roast chicken or garlic mushrooms.

Thai Fish and ChipsRed curry marinated gurnard, coconut tempura, kumara chips and spicy aioli.

New menu

Café 218Midway on Moorhouse 218 Moorhouse AveChristchruchT (03) 421 8921E [email protected]/Cafe218moorhouse

— Advertising Feature

Rave Reviews “A refreshing break from traditional café fare. Humble Benedict already a crowd favourite. Oh, and smooth, delicious coffee too.”

- Renee Cornelius

“Always great service, delicious tacos and great coffee.”

- Aimee Cane

“Awesome service, fantastic food and a great atmosphere.....this has quickly become our café of choice.”

- Kim Oliver

Total Food Equipment is a store selling Homeware, Bakeware, Glassware, Kitchenware, Knives, coffee and more with Store locations around New Zealand.

A. 218 Moorhouse AveE. [email protected]. (03) 3666 912 F. (03) 3666 913www.tfe.co.nz

» CHRISTCHURCH

98 | June/July 2014    www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Goods & Services | Prime Foods NZ

International Insurance BrokersIC Frith & Associates are proud

to support and supply Prime Foods with all their insurance requirements.

We specialise in:FOOD INDUSTRY │ MANUFACTURING

EXPORTERS / IMPORTERS │ LIABILITY COVERAGE MARITIME INDUSTRY │ PROPERTYCONTACT

ROGER HANSONPHONE (03) 366 0243 ┃ FAX (03) 366 5002 ┃ PO BOX 703 CHRISTCHURCHOTHER NZ BRANCHES: AUCKLAND, HAMILTON, RANGIORA, HAWKES BAYOVERSEAS BRANCHES: SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, PERTH, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE, SINGAPORE, DUBLIN, SLOVENIA

5.3oz/150g NET

CartonsProud to Support

Orora Cartons suppliers of high quality printed cartons to Prime Foods

congratulate Prime Foods on their achievement of 20 years in business.

5.3oz/150g NET5.3oz/150g NET5.3oz/150g NET5.3oz/150g NET

suppliers of high quality printed cartons to Prime Foods suppliers of high quality printed cartons to Prime Foods congratulate Prime Foods on their achievement of

suppliers of high quality printed cartons to Prime Foods suppliers of high quality printed cartons to Prime Foods suppliers of high quality printed cartons to Prime Foods

Prime Foods NZ Limited’s joint venture in the Philippines means Kiwi consumers will soon have a better range of delicious fish products to choose from.Not only is the company celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, but is in the middle of an exciting development phase, says managing director Henry Studholme.

The Canterbury company, which operates a salmon smokehouse at Hororata, formed a joint venture with Alliance Select Foods in the Philippines in 2009. Alliance Select Foods is primarily a tuna processing company, based in General Santos City.

In 2011 the two companies opened a large new factory on Mindanao Island called the Big Glory Bay Salmon and Seafood Company. It is an ultra-modern facility containing state of the art equipment and is certified for all the major world smoked salmon markets, as well as kosher.

“We formed the joint venture to build the factory and market the products internationally,” Studholme says.

“The new factory is processing salmon and smoking tuna from the Philippines, as well as trout from Chile. We’re also investigating white fish processing.”

Studholme says the desire to form a joint venture and expand offshore was kick started by a dispute with the Selwyn District Council over a community issue which effectively

stifled Prime Foods’ potential for growth on their Hororata site.

“I was hitting my head against a brick wall and needed to do something to secure the future growth of the company.

“The joint venture has been a big success. It’s been a great working relationship and I’m excited about the potential going forward,” he says.

About 100 people are employed in the Big Glory Bay Salmon and Seafood factory in the Philippines, while 22 are employed at Prime Foods’ factory in Hororata, which is moving towards product dispatching and reduced processing.

“The new factory has been a major undertaking, but it’s starting to hit its straps now. Exports to Asian markets are growing strongly, with Australia and the USA coming on stream as well,” he says.

“In New Zealand it’s not easy for us to import other salmon species, and trout is completely forbidden, but the good thing is that in the Philippines we’re using salmon from Norway, Alaska and Chile, as well as New Zealand, and trout from Chile; it just gives us a whole lot more flexibility.

“In New Zealand our market sales improved by over 20 percent last year. We’re putting a lot of effort into building our Prime Smoke brand, especially now we have more production capacity coming out of our new factory.”

Larger range of fish productsThe joint venture and new factory are good news for Kiwi fish lovers, who will soon have access to an even greater product range.

Prime Foods NZ is still processing its delicious range of salmon products, including hot-smoked salmon, marinated salmon and smoked mussels.

“We’re on the verge of introducing some new products, like smoked tuna. For consumers there will be a better selection and we should be able to hold our pricing,” Studholme says.

“With the cost of production and other advantages we now have, we’re hoping that we can become very competitive in both the New Zealand and export markets. The choice will gradually expand as we develop.”

Dishing out the flavour

The Prime Foods flavour

Prime Foods NZ has developed its own delicious recipe for brining salmon and enhancing the natural flavour of the salmon with the use of herbs, which provides a distinct point of difference from the competition.

“Our flavour is characterised by a unique intensity – what we call the Prime Smoke flavour - which is our main brand,” Henry Studholme says.

Smoked salmon is available in New Zealand under the Prime Smoke brand, while the company’s export brand is Prime New Zealand.

Prime Foods NZ also produces the Studholme brand, which contains a delicious wasabi cream sauce.

Prime Foods NZ LimitedHororata RD2DarfieldT (03) 318 0895E [email protected]

— Advertising Feature

Prime Foods NZ offers a delicious range of salmon products to Kiwi fish lovers

<

GVI Logistics is one of New Zealand’s leading providers of International Logistics.

www.gvi.co.nz

» Import/Export Airfreight » Import/Export Seafreight

» Customs Brokerage

» Warehousing and Distribution » Event Logistics

Christchurch; Telephone: +64-3-358 4087Auckland; Telephone: +64-9-255 0841

IF YOU WANT ANY OLD SOLAR POWER SYSTEM INSTALLED, CALL ANY OLD SUPPLIER.

IF YOU WANT THE VERY BEST QUALITY, WITH A 25 YEAR WARRANTY,

CALL NZ CLEAN ENERGY SYSTEMSHERE ARE 4 BIG REASONS WHY NZ CLEAN ENERGY SYSTEMS GIVES BEST QUALITY AND VALUE:

1 Solar power generation is all we do. We are specialists in the trade, not someone installing as part of a varied portfolio of other activity. Our people are qualified experts, with a passion for what they do, and their absolute focus is solar power.

3 We have only the best partners. We only work with the best in the business. Panels are crafted by LG Electronics. Inverters are made right here in Canterbury by EnaSolar. Our installers are trained and certified professionals. They have installed over 1000 systems.

24 We provide the unique NZCES 4-part Guarantee.

It covers panels, inverter, wiring, installation hardware and wild-weather contingencies. So long as the roof stays on your house, so will our panels!

BUT DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

FREE REPORT

John, a physics teacher, says, “We are careful with our money. If you buy good quality then you get good quality. If you buy a cheap system then that’s what you get - a cheap system. Our NZCES system is working very well and we’re very pleased with it. It’s producing about twice the return of the same money invested in the bank and generating about two thirds of our power consumption”

Kay, also a teacher, says, “I’ve always thought that the sun’s there in the sky and why not use the energy? I wanted to do something about our power bill. I love looking at the Inverter (which is Christchurch made) to see the power we are generating. We have already recommended NZ Clean Energy Systems to several friends”

Go to the NZ Clean Energy Systems website on www.nzces.co.nz to watch the full interviews with the Bairds and other happy customers.

Here are the words of the Bairds of Ashburton.

While you’re at the website, please download our special Free Report for buyers. It’s packed with the information you need to make a reasoned decision about your solar-power supplier.

• You’ll learn the questions that some suppliers would rather you didn’t ask.• You’ll learn how to identify the opportunists who are capitalising on the sharp growth in the market to make a quick buck. • You’ll learn what to look for in a quote. And many other useful tips Consider it our gift to you. Download it from www.nzces.co.nz

0800 55 77 97www.nzces.co.nz

If you want the very best quality solar power system, contact NZ Clean Energy Systems to arrange a completely obligation-free site visit from one of our consultants. We look forward to working with you.

“12 questions you must ask a potential supplier”

SUE SAYS

Sue Brown

“I’m Sue Brown, Chief Executive at NZ Clean Energy Systems. Here’s some important advice that will help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing a system. I do hope that you will be able to choose us to partner with you to take control over your power bill.

My advice?

Never ask a supplier “what’s your price?”. Instead, ask “what will I get for my money?” There will be companies who, at face value, look cheaper than NZCES. We have never set out to compete at that level, believing that a product with a 25+ year lifespan is best bought on the basis of value and quality, rather than price. As they say, “the quality of the job is remembered long after the thrill of a cheap price is forgotten!”

When you ask the question, “why NZCES?” consider that with us you’ll get:• The very best quality product partners• Panels by LG Electronics, who need no introduction from me• Inverter by EnaSolar, built right here in Christchurch• accreditation by leading organisations in New Zealand (Solar Energy Association of NZ) and Australia (Clean Energy Council)• Experienced professionals, who have installed over 1000 systems, committed to getting you the best possible solution for your site and needs• Visits from our consultants. Some will tell you an estimate can be prepared by looking at your property online. Believe me, it cannot.• The unique NZCES 4-part Guarantee. It covers panels, inverters, installation and weather contingencies

We really do strive to give people the best possible value in this major financial decision.

I hope we can convince you that NZCES would make a great partner in this exciting venture.

While you’re at the website, please download our special Free Report for buyers. It’s packed withthe information you need to make a reasoned decision about your solar-power supplier.

• You’ll learn the questions that some suppliers would rather you didn’t ask.• You’ll learn how to identify the opportunists who are capitalising on the

We provide a complete, end-to-end service. We will manage the project from go to whoa to ensure that you get the best result from your investment, overseen by your personal project manager. We realise that you are investing a lot of money, and deserve the best possible advice and practice.

• Self-contain trucks, power and water.

• Slurry control systems, we pride ourselves in

protecting the environment, leaving a site clean.

• High safety standards, excellent safety record.

• We use only the best available equipment.

Petrol, diesel, electric and hydraulic options.

• Solutions for every cutting job.

• No job too big, too small or too complex

• Member of the NZ Concrete Sawing

and Drilling Assn.

• Over 20 years’ experience in the industry.

For more information

Ph 0800 300 350

Fax 64 3 3441373

email [email protected]

Fulton Hogan Concrete Cutting