October 2023 - Bay of Plenty Business News

OCTOBER 2023 VOLUME 7: ISSUE 10
WWW.BOPBUSINESSNEWS.CO.NZ
FACEBOOK.COM/BAYOFPLENTYBUSINESSNEWS
TRADE DELEGATION HOPES
Richard Rennie reports on Bay businesses in his
trade delegation trip to India
Page 5
MINING BUSINESS WEALTH
Freddie Bennett considers how to
create a business of superheroes
Page 16
WERE YOU THERE?
See photos from Tauranga Business
Chamber’s August BA5
Page 21
PEOPLE
EV REVOLUTION:
EVs for business are here
now … and they are more
affordable and practical
than you think
> PROFILE
New Page Macrae
CEO focuses on
a people centric
culture.
Page 20
The new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV,
from Ingham-Sears, Mount Maunganui
CULTURE
> SPECIAL REPORT
As the general election approaches and political parties roll out policy
announcements, many of which are focused on business and the environment,
a second wave of messaging is dominating the ad breaks: electric vehicle ads. Are electric vehicles finally a practical,
affordable option for businesses in New Zealand? This month we investigate and ask the experts for their analysis.
CROWD CHARGED BY EV SHOWCASE EVENT
In August Farmer Autovillage
hosted a FleetPartners EV
showcase event – the Journey
to Carbon Zero.
The event, organised by Fleet-
Partners and Drive Electric, and
held at Farmer Autovillage’s MG
showroom, updated attendees
on developments in the EV and
PHEV markets, both in New Zealand
and internationally.
Drive Electric board member
Dean Sheed spoke to the
approximately 100 guests about
emerging trends and changes in
attitude and consumer opinion
in relation to electric vehicles in
2023. In particular he contrasted
the enormous growth in EV sales
to the corresponding downturn
in demand and sales of internal
combustion engine (ICE)
vehicles.
He touched on the issue of
changing perceptions around the
practicality of investment in electric
vehicles in the last 12 months,
and suggested future considerations
for the road ahead.
FleetPartners Director Dennis
Kelly then addressed the
audience looking particularly at
trends in corporate investment
in fleet vehicles.
Dennis suggested although
there are significant aspects of
fleet EV investment that are front
of mind for business operators
now, there are also emerging
> Continued on page 7
> AN INSIDER’S GUIDE
Tourism Bay of
Plenty previews
sumptuous delights
on offer in the Bay.
Page 18

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FOR KIWI BUSINESS

October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 3
Kiwifruit giant Seeka has opened its new
accommodation for RSE workers at its
Aongatete facility in the Western Bay. The
opening drew a large crowd of staff, local iwi
representatives, and regional dignitaries.
Seeka opens
its new RSE
accommodation
Seeka chief executive officer Michael Franks (left) with Seeka’s Kaumatua,
Turi Ngatai and George Burt from Ngai Tamawhariua (right). Photo/supplied
> By DAVID PORTER
Michael Franks, Seeka’s
chief executive officer
told the crowd the building
was symbolic of the relationships
the company wanted to
have.
“We are very proud of the
building and the construction
teams have done a great job in
delivering a great facility,” said
Franks.
“But if you think about it, it
is only a building, it’s just bits
of wood and tin really – what is
important to us is that it is symbolic
of the relationships we want
to have and the strong relationships
we are building with local
mana tangata whenua and our
RSE employees.”
The opening saw representatives
from Ngai Tamawhariua,
Ngai Tukairangi, Ngai Te Rangi
and Seeka gathered to bless and
open Seeka’s RSE accommodation,
Turanga Whetu.
Seeka’s Kaumatua, Turi Ngatai
of Ngai Tukairangi led the
Kawanga Whare along with
George Burt from Ngai Tamawhariua
and Kaumatua Ngairoa Eruera.
Each room in the facility was
blessed and the accommodation
was formally provided with its
name, Turanga Whetu with Ngai
Tukairangi Kuia, Kura Benton
and Ngai Tamawhariua Kuia,
Kerewai Wanakore unveiling the
accommodations signage.
Turi linked the facility to
the Ngati Maniapoto proverb,
Tokanganui a noho, which refers
to Home Sweet Home, linking
local Iwi, Seeka and Seeka’s
RSE employees together as one
community.
Following the Kawanga
Whare, a grand opening was
held with Western Bay of Plenty
Mayor, James Denyer, National
Party MP, Sam Uffindell, and
candidates Tom Rutherford of
National and Pare Taikato of
Labour in attendance. The grand
opening concluded with performances
by Samoan RSE and local
Iwi representatives.
Seeka first became involved
with the RSE pilot scheme, AIP, in
2007, which went on to become
the RSE Programme in 2009.
Seeka currently supplements its
local workforce with RSE employees
from Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu,
the Solomon Islands, Papua
New Guinea, Kiribati, Fiji, and
Malaysia.
Building relationships
Seeka’s chairman, Fred Hutchings
also spoke about the importance
of building relationships. He
said the company was founded
on relationships. “Both with our
growers, who by selecting Seeka,
are choosing a partner that values
a high-quality labour force with
the ability to produce excellent
results. And relationships with
our team of inspirational people
both from our home here in New
Zealand and those who come to
us from abroad.”
Hutchings also referred to the
name of the facility, stating that
“Turanga Whetu” referred to
Star Base and living under one
sky. He added that the RSE location
provided a brilliant view of
the Southern Cross, a constellation
that connected RSE workers
with their home abroad and
their secondary new home here
in New Zealand. The new accommodation
was built to be “their
home away from home”, said
Hutchings.
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· Owner works 25 hours a week
· Year on year sales growth
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Neil Cammell 027 2133 100
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Industrial Manufacturing Business $165,000
Bay of Plenty
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Steve Catley 021 341 117
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SOLD
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Gym
$699,000
Hospitality
$839,000
Pizza Franchise
$895,000
SOLD
Superette
$650,000
Retail Franchise
$749,000
SOLD
Rural Services
$2,400,000
Construction
$3,500,000
SOLD
Skin Clinic
$620,000
SOLD
Mechanic
$295,000
Manufacturing
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SOLD
Professional
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Service Station
$575,000
SOLD
Automotive
$325,000
Hospitality
$3,900,000
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4 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
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> THE PORTER REPORT
> By DAVID PORTER
Tauranga residents and
small business operators
continue to endure
multiple traffic and parking
challenges. Many shop owners
in the central district
have been essentially driven
out of business as a result of
the extensive roadworks renovation
in recent years.
The main reason is that
many of those who would
like to visit their favourite
local businesses
have been
largely
unable
to do so
because
of the
elimination of car parking
alongside many of the main
streets.
To be clear, I am aware
that many of these roadworks,
undertaken at the
behest of our temporary
commissioners of the council,
were well overdue – and
in some cases workers were
excavating underground
pipes that should have been
replaced decades ago.
That this was not done
earlier suggests that previous
councils have opted to postpone
necessary work to avoid
upsetting the rate payers.
That said, however, it is
clear that a more structured
approach with a better grasp
of public needs and regular
updates on exactly what is
happening and when it might
realistically be finished, is
well overdue.
It was something of a surprise
to me to only find
out recently that scores
of council staff were
entitled to essentially
free bus transport. And
indeed that gratis bus
services are available
A monthly update on the business
world from leading writer David Porter
Coping with congestion
David Porter
to many locals who are no
longer able to drive. All as
part of the perfectly reasonable
goal of ultimately reducing
traffic congestion.
Better bus usage
required
I have been unable to track
down exactly how many
bus passengers are serviced
in the local area. But in my
informal monitoring of bus
traffic around town and my
own and family members’
bus excursions, I can only say
that very few buses seem to
be crowded with passengers.
I am able to draw upon
my experience of alternative
public transport options, having
lived for many years in
Hong Kong, one of the world’s
busiest cities. Obviously tiny
Hong Kong, with its teeming
millions, has been obliged for
many years to provide a multiplicity
of affordable public
transport options.
As I recall, the options
ranged from efficient MTR
(underground) and KCRC
(overground) trains; reasonably
priced taxis, trams in
downtown HK island, and a
variety of large buses.
But what I found to be
even more useful there was
the vast network of local mini
buses, which carry 16 to 19
passengers. These were relatively
cheap for passengers
and essentially either green
and followed fixed routes,
or red and could be treated
rather like group hire taxis
that went where the passengers
agreed collectively to go.
They were a great way to
get about town, at a speed
helped, it must be said, by
what appeared to be the
rather cavalier approach
by the drivers to traffic and
speed restrictions.
At this point, as we prepare
for the eventual restoration
of local council elections,
it is time to thank the
commissioners for the excellent
work they have done.
And think about how best
we can build upon the progress
they have made and
avoid any future transport
infrastructure mistakes.
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October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 5
TRADE DELEGATION BRINGS
HOPES FOR INDIA-NZ RELATIONS
Prospects for stronger trade relationships with India have strengthened after a recent India-
New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) trade delegation visit there in late August.
> By RICHARD RENNIE
The 50 strong delegation
included a good representation
of Bay of Plenty
business interests, keen to better
understand the challenges and
opportunities the subcontinent
offers for both service and product
exporters.
The delegation was headed
up by Michael Fox, Zespri’s
head of global affairs and newly
appointed chair of the INZBC.
He said interest in the trip had
proven to be high with over 100
businesses registering interest
for the 50 places offered on the
trip. It reflected a growing recognition
among New Zealand commercial
interest of the sub-continent’s
value as a trading partner.
At present India, despite being the
world’s most populous nation, sits
at only 15th among New Zealand’s
trading partners, superseded by a
number of countries significantly
smaller in population terms,
including Singapore and Korea.
Previous efforts to develop a
free trade agreement with India
have failed, with the nation
unwilling to compromise on
opening access to New Zealand
dairy products to a market that is
the largest dairy producer in the
world.
India has 80 million rural
households employed in dairying
and dairy farmers represent
a politically powerful bloc that
influenced India’s decision to
walk away from an FTA with New
Zealand four years ago.
But Fox was optimistic the latest
contact will prompt a different
approach to trading with India
that includes more collaborative,
joint work on helping India
build its capacity and productivity
including areas of crop and food
production.
Multiple opportunities also
exist in the services sector including
software and education.
“The delegation has provided
a massive injection of energy
and momentum as we work to
reframe the bilateral relationship
and identify new opportunities
that are grounded in our mutual
objective of building sustainable
trade supported by innovation,”
he said.
Collaboration is a key focus
for Indian officials as the country
gains economic momentum and
confidence in setting trade conditions
on its own terms.
This has demanded more of a
joint approach and less of a transactional
“free trade” view of the
relationship.
Bay of Plenty representatives
included Tracey Burns GM of fruit
exporters Freshmax Exports, and
Matt Hill CEO of forestry phytosanitary
company Phytos, along
with Fox.
Log exports to India have
peaked at almost $250 million a
year seven years ago but have disappeared
as a result of New Zealand
now no longer allowing the
use of methyl bromide treatment,
the one treatment India requires
from imported timber.
Hopes were high among the
delegation for some restoration
of this, and of a direct air link
between India and New Zealand.
Minister for trade and export
growth Damien O’Connor was
optimistic about the direct air
link coming after close discussion
with Indian officials.
New Zealand’s
Indian population
amounts to 250,000,
almost 5% of the
population, with
the Waikato-Bay of
Plenty being the
second largest
concentration of
people of Indian
origin.
“The successful
engagement
between delegation
members
and their Indian
counterparts points
to an exciting future
for trade and investment
between our two countries,
even in the absence
of an FTA” said Micheal
Fox.
Zespri Global affairs manager and INZBC chairman Michael Fox with
Mr Tapan Mazumder, director general of foreign trade, India.
Tourism fund
provides boost
for Western Bay
There will be improved opportunities
to take in the scenic sights of
the Western Bay of Plenty, thanks
to a government grant and Council
co-funding.
Minden Lookout in Whakamārama is
one of three local attractions that Western
Bay of Plenty District Council has received
funding for to contribute to repairs.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation
and Employment’s Tourism Infrastructure
Fund (TIF) exists to help Councils
across Aotearoa New Zealand create and
manage tourism infrastructure.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council
has been granted $255,000 across
three projects: Minden Lookout repairs
($125,000); Te Tawa ki Tahataharoa access
trail beside the Wairoa River ($100,000)
and the Kaikōkopu Trail between Paengaroa
and Okere Falls ($30,000).
Council’s General Manager Infrastructure
Services, Cedric Crow, welcomes the
funding.
“These grants, coupled with co-funding
from Council, will greatly improve
how we all enjoy these local gems. We’re
so pleased we can make these repairs to
enhance what we already have to offer.
“We’re really proud of our home, and
this funding will go some way to growing
the experience that our local whānau
and visitors have in this beautiful part of
Aotearoa New Zealand.”
The Minden Lookout offers a sweeping
panorama of the District, but has been
temporarily closed since March 2023,
while the viewing platform’s condition
was under investigation. The tourism
funding will be utilised for repairs to this
structure.
Repairs will also be carried out to Te
Tawa Ki Tahataharoa Shared Path in
Te Puna, in partnership with Tāngata
Whenua. The path provides access to
the important wetland and the mahi will
improve the path’s resilience to future
severe weather events.
Repairs at Kaikōkopu Trail will be
focused near the forestry section, approximately
one kilometre from Linchenstein
Road. This trail has been badly damaged
from severe rain events earlier this year
resulting in the hard decision to discourage
using it.
“With this funding and Council’s
matching contribution, Council can now
commit resources to get on with these
repairs and complete them as soon as
possible. We’re sure this will be welcome
news to those who know and love these
spots already,” says Cedric.
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6 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
Making our rating system fairer
It’s fair to say we’ve been working hard to review Tauranga’s rating system over the past few
years, to make sure those benefiting most from, or having a greater impact on our city’s
infrastructure, services and facilities, are chipping-in their fair share for the resources they use.
> By ANNE TOLLEY, TAURANGA COMMISSION CHAIR
Last year, after consulting with
the community on our 2021-
31 Long-term Plan Amendment,
we increased the proportion
of transport and general rates paid
by the commercial sector to better
reflect the use of our roads by the
commercial sector.
While this brought us more in
line with other metro cities, it’s
notable that our ‘commercial differential’
is still comparatively
low, which recognises that
many small and medium-sized
businesses
continue to struggle in
the current economic
climate.
This year, we’ve
done a deeper dive
into the definition
of the commercial
sector, which currently
includes
land which is
primarily used
for
commercial,
industrial,
port,
transportation
or
utilities network purposes, plus any
land not categorised as residential.
We’ve come up thinking that this
is a broad-brush approach to things
that don’t necessarily fit together,
like shipbuilding factories and second-hand
bookshops. As a result,
we’re proposing to introduce a new
industrial rating category that better
compares apples to apples, and
considers the overall use of our
infrastructure, and in particular, the
transport network.
The new category, which would
include industrial, port, and transportation
or utilities network activities,
would increase the proportion
of rates these businesses currently
pay under the broader commercial
sector category from 2.1 times the
residential general rate to 2.7 times
the general residential rate.
That would reduce the proportion
of general rates paid by the
residential and commercial sectors,
which we believe would contribute
to a fairer rating system.
We want to know what you think
though, so we’ll be discussing this
proposal, along with other possible
new funding approaches, during
our formal 2024-34 Long-term Plan
(LTP) consultation, from 15 November
to 15 December this year.
Our intention for this LTP is very
much to continue to focus on delivering
and finishing projects that we
have planned and started. All the
> When the new elected
council takes office in
July next year, we want
to provide them with
a clear plan which has
been consulted with
and endorsed by the
wider community.
things we set out to achieve close
to three years ago still apply, such
as investing in the quality of life
for people who live in Tauranga,
increasing investment in important
infrastructure to keep the city functioning
and moving forward, and
delivering on agreed priorities.
When the new elected council
takes office in July next year, we
want to provide them with a clear
plan which has been consulted
with and endorsed by the wider
community.
Like any business, we’re facing
the effects of inflation, higher interest
rates and increased project capital
costs. This means it costs around
20% more to run our business now,
and that we need to find new ways
of funding the city’s growth.
A recent review into the future
for local government in Aotearoa
New Zealand recognised that the
existing funding model is not sustainable
or affordable, and most
councils are struggling, just as we
are, to balance rates affordability
with achieving the outcomes our
communities need.
We know that relying on rates
and introducing new revenue tools
will not be enough to solve the problem
in the long run, but we also
know that an improved local government
funding system is likely to
take some time to be agreed upon
and implemented, so we’ll have to
continue operating within the current
framework for the time being.
That’s going to mean making
some tough decisions and we’ll need
your help, but we’re confident that
together, we can create a vibrant,
well-planned city with people at its
heart, and fairly-allocated running
costs to boot.
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Crossing Limited, a premier retail shopping centre located
in Tauranga, New Zealand’s fastest-growing regional city.
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The investment into Tauranga Crossing
is important for Quayside, representing
an important partnership
with the centre’s original founders, allowing
Quayside to leverage off Tauranga
Crossing’s considerable retail experience,
whilst providing the growth capital to continue
the expansion of the centre.
Quayside senior investment manager
Sam Newbury says; “This investment is a
great outcome for Quayside as it provides
both consistent and stable distributions
to the portfolio and whilst simultaneously
growing the asset base through the continued
development of the centre. Tauranga
Crossing is positioned in a key growth corridor
in the Bay of Plenty, so there’s a natural
alignment with Quayside’s strategic
objectives of delivering commercial results
and intergenerational prosperity for the
region’s people”.
Tauranga Crossing is a large, airy, and
contemporary shopping mall located in
Tauranga at the intersection of SH29, SH36
and Taurikura Drive. It is home to over 100
stores, grounded with a strong foundation
tenancy mix ensuring a diverse range of
shopping and entertainment options for
visitors, contributing to the centre’s longterm
sustainability.
Tauranga Crossing will continue to benefit
significantly from planned future developments
in its vicinity. The nearby Tauriko
Industrial Estate, located directly to the
South of Tauranga Crossing, is undergoing
rapid development and is expected to host
16,000 jobs upon completion along with the
Tauriko West residential subdivision and
nearby Keenan Road Urban Growth development,
delivering a combined estimate of
6,500 houses to the catchment.
The centre itself is experiencing significant
growth with approximately 13,000
sqm of large format retail set to be delivered
in 2023/24 and an extension to the
current mall delivering approximately
9,500 sqm of additional retail space set to
be completed by 2025.
This exciting investment poses plenty
of opportunity and is strongly aligned with
Quayside’s strategy and purpose.

October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 7
> SPECIAL REPORT
An enthusiastic audience made the most of the opportunity to look over some of the newest offerings in the EV market. A panel of EV charging experts then talked through the big issues around EV
charging technologies.
Crowd charged by
EV showcase event
> Continued from page 1
new considerations that need to
be ‘factored in’ by decision makers
in the future.
Both speakers hinted that the
perennial EV issues of driver
range anxiety and purchase price
parity are now far less prohibitive
than in previous years through a
combination of technology development
and car manufacturers’
market responsiveness.
Both issues have also been
addressed to an extent by clean
car subsidies and growth in the
national charging network.
Progress in the growth of
charging networks throughout
the country is also having a positive
impact on the peace-of-mind
for the increasing numbers of EV
drivers in New Zealand.
A topic both speakers identified
as key to the smooth and successful
transition of vehicle fleets
to electric is organisations’ strategies
for charging.
As more electric vehicles come
onto the market, the appropriateness
of the various models for
their intended purposes needs to
be carefully weighed up.
In particular the requirements
for pool vehicles, delivery
vehicles, stay at base and those
taken home by employees will
each have unique charging
profiles.
These were explored in
depth by an EV charging discussion
panel made up of EV
charging experts on the evening,
namely ChargeNet, Thundergrid,
JetCharge and Evnex.
New employment, ownership
and safety issues have begun to
emerge recently as employers
and employees develop policies
for charging of business vehicles
at employees’ homes overnight.
Consideration must also be
given to provision of the most
efficient charging facilities at the
place of work, as well as via public
charging networks.
In addition to safety and
efficiency, the panel explored
employee reimbursement for
electricity charging costs at home,
the treatment of costs for installing
appropriate home charging
equipment, ownership and moving
costs, and charging equipment
options.
One clear message emerging
on the night: If you are investing
in electric, plan the change early
and get expert advice about what
charging equipment and installation
will be required.
There may need to be significant
investment and installation
can take time, so do your research
early.
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Optimising business in Waikato and
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Managing a fleet of vehicles while
trying to run a business, be it
large or small, is not a task to
take lightly. The automotive industry is
experiencing a rate of change not seen
before, especially in the area of low emission
vehicles and the associated government
legislation. This can make it incredibly
difficult to make informed decisions
about the future of your fleet vehicles.
The present financial outlook in some
markets can also be restrictive and cause
uncertainty, with some businesses delaying
vehicle replacements and subsequently
increasing the risk of expensive
maintenance repairs and/or costly vehicle
downtime.
FleetPartners, New Zealand’s leader
in vehicle leasing and fleet management,
has industry experts to help you navigate
through these changes and build a
structured plan to achieve your specific
goals. Leasing has the distinct advantage
of allowing businesses to preserve existing
funding lines or cash reserves by simply
paying a monthly payment, enabling
funds to be directed towards business
growth, rather than depreciating assets.
FleetPartners is the only fleet management
company with a regional presence
in the Bay of Plenty & Waikato. The
regional office, based in Hamilton’s automotive
hub in Te Rapa, has a team covering
sales, service and operations, led by
Regional Manager Clayton Coe.
Clayton says, “Our team are locals and
work on the ground with both small and
large businesses for all their vehicle and
fleet needs. Local businesses see leasing
as a great alternative to owning their
vehicles as it provides more certainty on
cashflow and flexibility to lease any type
of vehicle from cars and SUVs, through
to EVs, vans, utes and trucks. We’re
receiving a lot of interest in our sale and
leaseback product (where we purchase a
customer’s fleet from them and lease it
back at an agreed rate). This is a fantastic
product for businesses with an owned
fleet that wants to release the capital
they have tied up in their vehicles. This
can de-risk them from the perils of vehicle
ownership and allow them to reinvest
those funds into their business.”
Clayton says “We are passionate about
helping local businesses significantly
reduce their carbon footprint. We are
seeing growing interest from the business
community of Waikato and Bay of
Plenty in moving to more sustainable
vehicle fleets. Our 5-step journey to carbon
zero program provides them a pathway
to get started. With possible changes
to legislation concerning low emission
vehicles, whether in the form of a road
user tax or changes to the Clean Car discount
scheme, FleetPartners is well positioned
to provide guidance and cushion
FleetPartners is offering a free
no obligation fleet assessment for
Bay of Plenty businesses
Key outcomes of this consultation will be:
> Risk report – Identifying vehicles by model, age
and kilometres that may represent a higher risk to
your business
> Fleet recommendation – FleetPartners will provide
a written recommendation covering your
current fleet and recommended steps to align
with best practice and your business goals
Contact the team today: Clayton Coe,
Regional Manager – Waikato & Bay of
Plenty clayton.coe@fleetpartners.co.nz
Phone 0272 718 758
any financial or administrative burden
that may arise.” FleetPartners recently
hosted an electric vehicle showcase
event at Farmer Autovillage in Mount
Maunganui, partnering with Drive Electric.
This was the fourth electric vehicle
showcase FleetPartners has run, bringing
the whole EV industry to the region.
Clayton also runs the heavy commercial
team for NZ and he and the com-
mercial team are experts in
the customisation and leasing
of built-to-order heavy
commercial vehicles. Fleet-
Partners supplies trucks
to businesses across many
industries including construction,
manufacturing,
utilities, government, and general
freight assets.

8 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
THE BUSINESS EV MARKET:
A view from the top
> SPECIAL REPORT
> By ALAN NEBEN
Earlier this month, I sat down
with FleetPartners Director
Dennis Kelly to get his take
on the electric vehicle revolution
and the effect it is having on New
Zealand businesses in 2023.
When asked what he likes
most about electric vehicles, his
response was immediate: “The
stand-out for me is the quality
of the vehicles, the fit and finish,
and the design – the technology is
absolutely leading edge.”
“As for driving one, well they
are incredibly quick and handle
extremely well – they are absolutely
state-of-the-art vehicles; we
are pretty much all in BEVs in our
business now, and no-one is itching
to go back to a petrol.”
Coming from an unashamedly
self-confessed petrol-head, that is
quite an admission.
His advice to anyone curious
about EVs: “Get in one and drive
it for a reasonable period of time,
not just around the block.” He
also points out that some of the
hang-ups we had even a year ago,
like EV pricing and range-anxiety,
are diminishing fast.
I put some questions I had
recently been asked to Dennis
Kelly:
Q: Are EVs a realistic practical
option for most small to
medium sized businesses right
now?
A: “To answer that question I’d
begin by asking the business
owner what sort of kilometres
they do each day (business or
private) and the type of vehicle
usage. If the answer falls within
200-300 kilometres per week,
then an EV is usually going to
meet their requirements easily,
possibly even up to double
that range, without any charge
concerns.
“The cost of EVs is coming
down, almost month by month,
with new supply arriving and
upgraded models available. Cost
is coming down, quality is going
up, and range is getting longer.”
As a result, he says electric is
‘absolutely’ a practical option for
many New Zealand businesses.
He points out however that at
this time an exception is those
doing high kilometres in remote
locations.
Q: In respect of limitations for
utes and heavier commercial
vehicles, do you expect to see
much progress in the next year
or two?
A: “There will be viable options
in the ute space, well within two
years – probably more hybrid
than full Battery Electric Vehicle
(BEV). We anticipate this will be
driven by mainstream suppliers
like Ford and Toyota.
“In the van space we expect
even quicker movement to
full-blown electric, principally
because in Europe vans are more
popular than utes, so there are
van options available even now
from European manufacturers
like Ford, Renault and LDV.
“Within the next two years
we’ll see range with capacity to
carry greater loads extended.”
He notes that advances in
battery storage technology are
driving the progress which he
likens to the revolution in mobile
phones, where initially a day’s
charge could provide 15 minutes
talk-time, compared to nowadays
where we rarely even think about
it. He predicts that in the next 3-5
years there will be further significant
advancement in battery
technology, with talk of manufacturers
moving away from lithium-ion
to solid state.
Q: Why should businesses consider
leasing vehicles, rather
than buying them outright or
financing them?
A: “Businesses should make
money from the use of vehicles,
Dennis Kelly, Director, FleetPartners
not from owning them.
“What leasing brings to the
table is fixed monthly costs, making
budgeting super easy; it’s tax
deductible (where used solely for
business purposes) and there’s
less risk from a maintenance
perspective if something were
to go wrong. At FleetPartners,
we’re responsible for all that:
maintenance, tyres, servicing and
repairs, registration renewals as
well as a host of other services
such as roadside assist, accident
management and discounted fuel
cards. As a package, leasing is an
attractive option.
“Buying outright, in an industry
where technology is advancing
as quickly as EVs, is dangerous.
Because FleetPartners buys
350-400 vehicles per month and
we have great networks for service
and repair work, you’re tapping
into a robust supply chain
that’s been 45 years in the making
– the advantage of that shows
through in our pricing.”
Having recently spent time
behind the wheel of an EV, I have
to agree with Dennis’ advice: if
you haven’t done so yet, get in
one and have a drive – you won’t
look back.
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October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 9
As we move closer towards the 2023 General
Election, we are seeing uncertainty surrounding
the future of the Clean Car Discount (CCD).
> SPECIAL REPORT
Farewell
Clean Car
Discount?
> By MITCHELL HANCOCK, LEXUS OF TAURANGA
Since the CCD started in the
middle of 2021, there are
now around 76,000 EVS on
the road, non-profit electric vehicle
organisation Drive Electric calculates
CCD has removed around
two million tonnes of CO2. From
an environmental perspective it
can largely be seen as a success,
so why remove it?
The potential removal of the
CCD comes down to one thing:
cost. The idea is that the CCD
should be “fiscally neutral”, however
a system that provides a
rebate up to $7,015 (previously
$8,625) on the price of a new
clean vehicle selling for less than
$80,000 (and $3,507.50 for a used
import) as a discount, paid for by
levies of up to $6,900 (previously
$5,175) on the price of a polluting
car, has severely eroded the seeding
fund of $304 million.
As of 30 June 2023, there is
only $20.2 million left of the original
$304 million fund. With EVs,
PHEVs and hybrids only becoming
more popular, the conclusion of
the fund is drawing near.
What’s the alternative, then?
Besides the considerable media
attention received by the CCD,
there’s another policy introduced
in January 2023 that significantly
impacts the automotive industry –
the Clean Car Standard (CCS).
The CCS encourages importers,
rather than buyers, to meet stringent
CO2 emissions standards. If
an importer’s fleet surpasses the
carbon emissions average limit,
they face penalties.
Conversely, fleets operating
below this limit accumulate credits,
which can serve as a protective
buffer against future fines or
be traded to other brands.
The difference between the
two policies is that while one
encourages people to buy them
with a rebate, the other encourages
the industry to supply
cleaner vehicles.
Over time, the emissions targets
will become stricter with the
aim of further influencing what
vehicles will be offered to New
Zealanders. We’re witnessing
the industry evolve firsthand as
importers roll out new hybrid,
PHEV, and EV models.
Lexus, for example, stands out
within this industry transformation.
Lexus has made a significant
commitment to sustainability by
exclusively introducing hybrid
and PHEV versions of their new
NX and RX SUV models.
Notably, they’ve opted not to
offer these models with a conventional
non-hybrid powertrain,
underlining their dedication to
advancing cleaner and more
fuel-efficient technology.
This shift also reflects a growing
consumer demand for cleaner
and more fuel-efficient vehicles,
evident in increased sales and
extended wait times as people
embrace innovative technology.
As New Zealand navigates the
transition towards cleaner transportation,
the fate of the CCD
remains uncertain. However, the
introduction of the CCS and the
industry’s response underline the
nation’s dedication to reducing
carbon emissions and promoting
a sustainable future.
Ultimately, the outcome of
these policies will significantly
influence the direction of New
Zealand’s automotive industry
and its impact on environmental
sustainability.
Clean Car’s aim to achieve
a world-leading CO2 reduction
from passenger and light commercial
fleet, within five years,
still appears unchanged.
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10 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
TODD MULLER NEW CHAIR
FOR PRIORITY ONE BOARD
Simon Clarke, Priority One
Independent Chair and local
businessman, has retired
from the position after almost
two years in the role and 12 years
as a Priority One board member.
“I take immense pride in the
momentum that Priority One has
built to deliver and enrich the
quality of our communities,” says
Simon. “Our strengthened membership
base and growing strategic
partnerships are a testament
to the commitment to the region’s
sustainable economic growth.
“It has been an incredible
journey working with the Priority
One management team for more
than a decade, and I take great
pleasure in knowing the organisation
is committed to realising
our vision for a city that delivers
prosperity to our people and
communities.”
Nigel Tutt, Priority One Chief
Executive, said the organisation
is grateful for Simon’s passion for
the region and his strategic guidance
over many years.
“Simon has been a staunch
advocate of the Western Bay of
Plenty, and his contributions to
Priority One have been immense.
In particular, his passion for the
technology sector, Māori economic
development, sustainability
and the value of good city
governance have left an indelible
mark on our organisation and
what it stands for.
“We are delighted to announce
the appointment of a new independent
chair to the Priority One
board; long-standing local business
leader and retiring politician,
Todd Muller.
“Todd has lived in the region
for most of his life and has a
strong understanding of the
Western Bay of Plenty and our
local economy – furthermore,
he recognises the important role
our region plays in the national
landscape.
“His strong corporate background,
including senior roles at
Zespri, Apata and Fonterra, also
makes him ideally placed to support
Priority One.”
Todd will be no stranger to the
Tauranga public, having served
as the Member of Parliament for
Bay of Plenty since 2014, and is
looking forward to being a credible
voice for the city in his new
role.
“Our city is a community and
at the heart of that community
are a myriad of businesses of all
sizes making huge amounts of
effort selling goods and services
to the world,” says Todd. “To be
an advocate for those businesses
through supporting Priority One
in this governance role deeply
aligns with my core beliefs and
aspirations for our region.
“My history with Priority
Priority One, the Western Bay of
Plenty’s economic development
agency, has announced a change
in its board’s independent chair.
One goes right back to the very
beginning when I supported the
establishment of a new economic
development agency for our city
over 20 years ago and in my role
supporting the chief executive at
Zespri at the time, often sat on the
board.
“I’ve seen the organisation
grow and develop strategic relationships
that are making a real
difference in creating the
environment that works
for business and creates a
city that is a phenomenal
place to live, work and
play – I’m excited to be
working with a membership,
board and management
team who demonstrate
such a strong vision
in creating a city for the
future.”
Priority
One’s board
has been Todd Muller
conducting a robust recruitment
process since Simon announced
his intention to retire back in
May. There was a high calibre of
candidates, however the board
were unanimous in their decision
to recruit the right person
with the necessary business
experience, skill set, passion and
knowledge.
The economic development
agency remains
a politically neutral
organisation
focused on driving
positive outcomes
for our
region today and
tomorrow.
Autonomous vehicle launched
for sustainable production
Autonomous modular vehicle platform for agriculture automates a variety of tree crop tasks,
including intelligent spraying to improve efficiency and alleviate labour challenges.
Bay of Plenty-based agritech
company Robotics Plus has
launched Prospr, an autonomous,
multi-use, hybrid vehicle
designed to carry out a variety of
orchard and vineyard crop tasks
more efficiently and sustainably
while reducing reliance on
labour.
Prospr is now commercially
available from Robotics Plus, a
specialist in the design and build of
innovative agricultural robotics.
Prospr accommodates multiple
swappable tools being developed,
including newly released
tower sprayers for grapes, apples,
or tree crops. The right tool for
the job is attached to the vehicle
depending on the day’s work, and
multiple Prosprs can collaborate
in a fleet to get the job done.
The autonomous vehicle uses
a combination of perception systems
to sense the environment,
enabling data-driven insights.
Robotics Plus will showcase
Prospr for the first time at FIRA
2023 this week, a California-based
event dedicated to autonomous
agriculture and agricultural
robotics solutions.
Steve Saunders, co-founder
and chief executive at Robotics
Plus says the agriculture industry
faces unprecedented challenges
as this generation works to produce
more food sustainably while
reducing emissions and supplying
at a lower cost.
“Prospr is a robust autonomous
vehicle, with all-day running, that
adapts to the jobs growers need
to do while reducing emissions,
inputs and reliance on increasingly
hard-to-find machine operators.
We’ve focused on utilisation
and flexibility with a unique modular
architecture, allowing different
tools for various crop types
and applications year-round to
maximise return on investment.
“It’s great to be back at FIRA to
launch Prospr, with the first vehicles
rolling out to customers this
month. It’s a fantastic milestone
for the passionate and dedicated
Robotics Plus team.”
Dr. Alistair Scarfe, co-founder
and Chief Engineering Officer at
Robotics Plus, says, “We’ve made
multiple technology advances for
Prospr, including a remodelled
platform for tools, new spraying
attachments, and a new user
interface to aid management and
planning. We’ve also improved
machine connectivity, control,
safety and localisation. Prospr has
its own wireless network, keeping
vehicles online and enabling software
updates for new features.
We’re really proud to release
another world-leading robotic
innovation to market, thanks to
the expertise of our outstanding
team and partners.”
Hybrid System
Left: Robotics Plus has launched
Prospr, a robust, autonomous, multiuse
hybrid vehicle designed to carry out
a variety of orchard and vineyard crop
tasks; Right: Robotics Plus founders
Steve Saunders (CEO) and Dr Alistair
Scarfe (Chief Engineering Officer)
Prospr has an all-electric drive
system for superior torque and
control. Its onboard power generation,
with a Tier 4 diesel generator,
allows the vehicle to operate
for extended periods without
charging or refuelling.
Regenerative braking and
high-capacity batteries extend
range whilst its intelligent allwheel-drive
system with independent
wheel motors gives
superior manoeuvrability, grip
and control.
Dr. Scarfe adds, “We’ve put
our hybrid power and drive system
through its paces and can
achieve over 70% reduction in
fuel consumption when compared
to traditional diesel tractors
doing the same job.”

October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 11
Self-confessed data nerd Kaeleigh Karrol wasn’t
entirely sure which direction she wanted to
head in. A new University of Auckland offering
however, helped pave the way.
Tauranga grad’s
journey to ‘big
four’ firm
Laboratory life proved a
lacklustre vision for spring
graduate Kaeleigh Karrol,
who switched her career trajectory
from biomedical science to
business analytics after learning
about a new programme.
On completing her Bachelor of
Science, Kaeleigh started to pursue
her masters in the same area
before deciding it wasn’t for her.
“I realised that actually, it
wasn’t the right fit for me to enter
into that kind of study, which often
has a large laboratory research
component. But after making that
decision, I felt a little bit lost.”
One of Kaeleigh’s university
friends, however, who knew of
Kaeleigh’s disposition for data
analysis, suggested the Business
School’s Master of Business
Analytics. The practice-focused
programme, designed to equip
graduates to interrogate business
challenges and to source, manipulate
and analyse data to address
issues and inform organisational
strategies, turned out to be right
up Kaeleigh’s alley.
“I had a look at it and thought,
well, if I went out into industry
now, my main skill would be lab
work, which is why I didn’t want to
continue with biomedical science.
So I decided to apply, and I got in.”
This new route proved an
opportune one, and Kaeleigh
loved every element of the programme.
Her interest in how
data can tell a story and paint an
overarching picture of how things
function in an organisation and
how it can be used to improve
operations grew.
“I’m very lucky I found the
right fit in this new offering. I was
in the second-ever cohort of the
masters, and I feel like I landed
exactly where I was meant to be.
“I never imagined I would
study business analytics when I
was younger – I thought I would
be a lawyer. There was some
pressure to follow that pathway,
but I’m so glad that I stuck to
my interests and I ended up in a
really good place.”
Fantastic four
opportunity
The graduate, who has four brothers
and whose parents hail from
Papua New Guinea, started her
new role as a technology consultant
at EY, one of the world’s
biggest auditing and consulting
firms, in July.
“One interest I developed
during the Master of Business
Analytics was data visualisation.
I was fortunate to be put into a
project at EY where I can grow
those skills as a reporting analyst.
“EY is such a large company,
and it really emphasises learning.
In terms of the environment, I
think it was a great choice for me
because it’s a very people-centred
organisation. They have such a
nurturing culture, and there are
‘counsellors’, usually managers
or senior managers, who help you
with career advice and progression.
They support you to get to
where you want to be within the
industry or to figure out what to
aim for next. This has already
been so helpful because it’s hard,
never having been in this commerce
environment, to know
exactly where I want to go.”
Kaeleigh spent most of her formative
years in Tauranga, where
she went to school and lived with
her mum and brothers.
“It was hard for my mum with
five children, but she gave us
stability and a reason to pursue
tertiary education. That was one
of her biggest things; she was a
big motivator behind my university
journey. At the same time,
she never put too much pressure
on my brothers and I to be
successful.”
Kaeleigh has a lot of cousins
and other family members back
home in Papua New Guinea,
where cultural practices and traditional
attitudes can act as barriers
for women and girls trying to
access education.
“Life is so much simpler there,
and that kind of simplicity can
feel fulfilling without as much
technology and distractions. But
I’m also so fortunate to live in
New Zealand, and I can support
my cousins to further their studies,
complete high school and go
out and get jobs. We send money
back home and do our best to support
our family.”
Meanwhile, Kaeleigh’s internship
during her masters came
through TupuToa, which supports
Māori and Pacific students with
real career experiences.
She says the organisation
helped her land a spot with an
e-commerce travel company. “I
got to do my own project over
the three months I was there, it
Master of Analytics graduate
Kaeleigh Karrol
involved data visualisation and
data engineering and it was an
excellent learning experience.”
Big sister: big advice
Now that Kaeleigh’s university
journey is over, she’s supporting
her youngest brother, who’s
studying commerce and international
business at the University
of Auckland.
“I encouraged him to join the
TupuToa programme too, and I
really want him to take up a lot
of the opportunities available
to him, like networking events,
internships, tutoring sessions and
Pacific social events. I told him
that he needs to network in class,
create a LinkedIn profile, and do
all of these things to set himself up
to be in the best place he can be
when he graduates.
“Many people miss that advice
that comes from having someone
who has gone before you in university,
especially if you’re Pacific
and your parents haven’t attended
university before, or you don’t
have older siblings who have finished
university. I’ve definitely
given my brother a lot of advice!”
CYBER SECURITY 101
Cyber Security has always
been an important factor
in the IT landscape, but of
late this has become even more
apparent.
We all know someone who
has fallen victim to a phishing
attack or scam, either personally
or in a business capacity. The
purpose of these attacks ranges
from password theft through to
ransomware and the crippling
of business functionality, but the
impact is always long-term harm
to the reputation of a business or
person. This raises the question,
‘what can be done to protect ourselves
and our businesses?’
The key thing to keep in mind
is that security must be implemented
in a layered approach.
Each layer of protection is like a
puzzle piece – on its own it does
little, but combined with others
in the correct way, it contributes
to a comprehensive suite that
ensures you and your business
are protected.
One of the simplest puzzle
pieces is increasingly robust
password requirements. While I
know that will draw a groan from
almost everyone that reads it,
passwords remain the first line of
defence in a world of ever-growing
cyber-attacks. According to
a report by LastPass, more than
80% of confirmed breaches were
due to weak or reused passwords.
Creating a unique passphrase
(a password with 14 or more
characters) is one of the best steps
you can take to ensure you do not
become just another statistic.
Another great step is to enable
Multi-Factor Authentication
(MFA). With password theft on the
rise (over 24 billion passwords in
2022), a strong passphrase alone
is not enough. The three factors
of authentication are: something
you know (password or PIN),
something you have (cellphone
or security token), and something
you are (finger or face). Common
MFA measures combine a secure
passphrase and an app on your
cellphone (such as Microsoft
Authenticator or Google Authenticator).
This means that even if
one factor is compromised, your
account remains secure.
Another piece of the puzzle is
automated security systems. Endpoint
Detection & Response (EDR)
systems are replacing legacy Antivirus
(AV) software. EDR systems
use real time analysis and automatic
responses with constantly
evolving algorithms to detect and
respond to threats, as opposed
to AV software which uses static
rules to recognize and detain
already known threats.
Firewalls protect your network
by managing outbound traffic
and preventing access to malicious
websites while also scanning
inbound traffic and blocking
malicious attacks before they
even reach your computer.
Software updates too are
extremely important. Companies
like Microsoft, Google, Apple, and
other tech giants are continuously
working to identify vulnerabilities
in their software and to patch
them before they can be exploited.
By ensuring your software is
regularly updated, you can take
advantage of their efforts.
The final and most important
piece to complete the puzzle is
user training and knowledge. The
weakest point in any automated
security suite is the human component,
while at the same time
being the largest and most crucial.
Over 53% of all cyber-attacks
are due to a lack of vigilance by
users. If you can consistently recognise
an email, SMS message or
phone call that is potentially malicious,
you have already halved
TECH TALK
BY EZRA RENTOUL
the potential number of breaches!
The best approach is scepticism:
trust nothing, verify everything.
And remain vigilant – your personal
life is not separated from
your work life when it comes to
cyber-attacks.
If you are uncertain about an
email or SMS, please reach out to
a friend, colleague or IT Admin
before clicking anything! I promise
you, the time taken to verify is
a lot less than the time it takes to
recover from a security breach.
Ezra Rentoul is a Technical Engineer
at Stratus Blue.

12 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR FRANCHISORS
EYEING GROWTH IN 2024
It’s that time of year when ‘next year’ is just around the
corner. For franchise systems focused on growth in
2024, now’s the time to address five key areas.
How good is your
franchise business
model?
Start at the very beginning. Is
there an ongoing and enduring
demand for the goods
and, or, services that your system
provides?
This can be a daunting and
challenging question that can
rock the foundations of any business,
but probably one that Video
Ezy should have asked themselves
in 2008.
From there, look at what the
model looks like for your franchisees.
What does your single
unit economic performance look
like? Do your franchisees make a
profit? What’s their share of market
versus other brands and independents?
How has this changed
over the past 1-2 years? What
have you done to mitigate recession
and the challenges over the
past 1- 2 years? How do you stand
out from the market?
First and foremost, if your franchisees
don’t have money coming
into the business and are not making
a profit, they won’t survive
and prosper, and no franchise system
or franchisor will have longterm
sustainable growth.
FRANCHISING
BY NATHAN BONNEY
Is your franchisee
recruitment marketing
active and effective?
What are you doing NOW to
attract, engage and convert interest
in your brand to appointing
the right franchisees?
Working backwards, do you
know how long it takes from an
initial enquiry to convert to a new
franchisee?
If you have measured this
amount of time historically, I suggest
you revisit it – you’re likely
to find it has stretched, perhaps
even doubling. If this was three
months, it’s now six, so you better
have some interest now late 2023
for franchisees in 2024.
From there, what are you doing
to engage and coach prospects
along their franchisee journey?
With around 600 franchise
systems in New Zealand, do you
really think your brand is the only
one they are looking at or have
enquired about?
Where is your growth
going to come from?
How has the market changed,
grown or shifted? What are the
opportunities for your goods and
services or business model?
This is going to set or guide
where your overall market opportunities
are, where you should
be looking to establish new franchises
or territories, and where
you should be placing your focus
for franchisees.
Critically, you cannot have
franchise growth without franchisees
– who are your likely
franchisees? Do you have an ideal
franchisee persona? Do you know
what your successful franchisees
have in common, and how to
identify them?
Finally, how do market opportunity
and availability of suitably
qualified, interested potential
franchisees intersect?
What have you done
to assist with funding
challenges?
Access to capital and funding challenges
are not new in franchising.
What is prevalent is the continual
rise in establishment costs for
many systems and, increasingly,
access to capital which is becoming
harder and harder for potential
franchisees.
As a franchisor, what have you
done to reduce costs of entry?
What’s your relationship like with
the major banks? Do they even
know your system? Do you have
and share benchmarking with
the banks? Have you explored or
looked at reduced initial fees and,
or, looked at how you can soften
entry for new franchisees?
How happy is your
existing franchisee
base?
Unquestionably, profitable franchisees
are essential to long-term
growth and sustainable franchise
systems. However, I suggest
immediate or short-term growth
relies on happy and engaged existing
franchisees. It’s essential to
maintain the current system.
Existing franchisees deliver
the brand on a day-to-day basis
and drive revenue and everything
that flows from that. But happy,
not just profitable, franchisees
promote the brand, stay in the
brand and contribute positively to
the brand over time.
What are you doing as a franchisor
to engage with your franchisees,
gauge their happiness
and improve it? Do you conduct
regular franchisee satisfaction
surveys? Do you have an annual
conference?
What’s the level of attendance
and engagement? In the age of
Zoom, how often to do you have
face-to-face meetings?
Franchisors who intend to
grow in 2024 need to get underway
now with their market opportunity
identification programs
– they need to have effective and
ongoing franchise recruitment
marketing in place and they need
to be looking internally at their
system’s health and prosperity
and how they can assist franchisees
into the brand.
Nathan Bonney is a director of Iridium
Partners. He can be reached at
nathan@iridium.net.nz or 0275 393 022
BRICK BY BRICK:
The (re)demolition of tax depreciation
on commercial buildings
Commercial building owners
have enjoyed being able
to claim tax depreciation
deductions on their buildings
since 2021 but this is looking
likely to change following the
election.
Although Labour’s election
policy to remove GST from fruit
and vegetables has received a lot
of media attention, what was less
reported at the time was that they
will fund this in part by removing
the ability to claim tax depreciation
on commercial buildings.
In a perhaps surprising turn
of events, National has found
common ground with Labour by
stating in its 2023 Election Tax
Policy that they will also remove
depreciation on commercial
buildings. With the two largest
parties agreeing on an issue—an
uncommon occurrence in politics
this close to an election—it is
worth considering what impact
this will have if you own commercial
buildings.
What is depreciation?
Depreciation is a type of tax
deduction. Business expenses are
generally deductible from total
revenue because tax law aims to
tax profits. Expenditure relating
to day-to-day operations is generally
deductible immediately
in the income year incurred, but
capital expenditure – relating
to fixed assets which provide an
enduring benefit to the business
– is usually deductible over time
through depreciation deductions
which are intended to reflect the
rate loss in value of the asset over
time as it is used to earn income.
Recent history of
tax depreciation
on buildings in New
Zealand
Commercial buildings were historically
depreciable up until
2011, when the National Government
removed the ability to do
so on the basis that New Zealand
building price data between 1993
and 2009 showed that on average
buildings had been increasing,
not decreasing, in value. In
the 2021 income year, Labour
reintroduced depreciation for
non-residential buildings as a
Covid-19 support measure. At
the time this was quoted as being
a permanent change to help
businesses and spur economic
growth. It is therefore interesting
that only a few years later Labour
have reversed course.
Things to consider
if you are currently
claiming tax
depreciation on
commercial buildings
If your business is currently
claiming tax depreciation on
buildings, this change may have
significant implications. As we do
not yet have any legislation for
this change, and will not have any
until after the election, the exact
scope of any changes is unknown,
but listed below are some things
you might need to consider in due
course:
> Firstly, what is the meaning of
a “building” and is your building
caught by the removal of
tax depreciation on non-residential
buildings?
> Have you split out the fit-out
from the building structure
when recording the commercial
building in your tax fixed
asset register? Have you got
support for the split out and
the values used?
> What will the cash tax impact
be for your organisation from
the removal of tax depreciation
on commercial buildings,
including on provisional tax
payments?
> How will you determine
whether future expenditure
on your building is deductible
repairs and maintenance or,
instead, capital improvements
that will now be non-deductible,
non-depreciable “blackhole”
expenditure?
> If you are considering buying,
or building, new commercial
buildings, how will this change
affect the financial outcomes
of the project?
If you are required to account
for deferred tax in your financial
statements, there are a number
TAXATION
BY ANDREA SCATCHARD
of additional points that need to
be considered and for which you
will likely need expert advice and
assistance.
As with any change in legislation,
it can be difficult to understand
the implications it will have
on your business. For commercial
certainty and peace of mind,
you should seek professional tax
advice if you think you may be
affected.
Andrea Scatchard is a Tax Partner
at Deloitte, based in the Bay of
Plenty. She can be contacted on
ascatchard@deloitte.co.nz

October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 13
Growing pains?
We’ve got a plan for that.
Check it out.
300,000
people by 2050
Growth
planned in a
coordinated way
Ensuring
communities
have everything
they need
Here’s what you need to know
about SmartGrowth 2023
We know things are hard at the moment, and that you’re not
always experiencing the best of the Bay of Plenty lifestyle.
There are frustrations. Being stuck in traffic trying to get from
A to B, needing to plan the time and route of a journey to avoid
traffic queues, and the uncertainty of housing – whether that’s
being able to find a suitable rental or affordably buy a home.
The catalyst for this current environment is that our subregion
is growing rapidly, exceeding all growth projections. This is
putting incredible pressure on our roads and housing supply,
and key infrastructure such as new roads, pipes and parks
are not yet in place.
From Waihī Beach to Otamarakau, and everywhere in
between, we remain one of the fastest growing areas of the
country. In fact, to accommodate the 300,000 people who
will live here by 2050, we are going to need up to 43,000
additional homes.
This growth will happen and it needs to be accommodated,
which means it is essential that we work together now to
develop smart ways to manage the impact this is already
having – and will continue to have - on our transport, housing
and climate.
The SmartGrowth Strategy 2023
is our plan to help manage this growth.
SmartGrowth is a partnership between Tauranga City
Council, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, the Western
Bay of Plenty District Council, tāngata whenua and central
Government (in particular Waka Kotahi – the New Zealand
Transport Agency). Together we’re committed to the idea
that we cannot simply continue as we are, but that we need
to do things differently and plan to manage growth.
The SmartGrowth Strategy considers how housing, land,
infrastructure, transport, community development, tāngata
whenua values and aspirations, and the natural environment
must be looked at together to achieve effective and sustainable
long term growth.
Being proactive now means we can reduce the impacts on
how we travel, shape the options for where we live and how
we connect with our community, and ensure we protect and
enhance our natural and cultural environments.
We will focus on:
• ensuring existing and future residents have access to a choice
of homes and a range of employment opportunities, with good
connections between them.
• ensuring communities have necessary infrastructure such as
good roads, water and power supply and easy access to shops,
libraries, community centres, playgrounds and schools.
• growth being planned in a coordinated way and future
development being centred around identified priority
development areas. We aim to avoid developing ‘out’ through
new greenfield land unless this is in a planned growth area,
opting instead for developing ‘up’ through intensification, with
townhouses or apartments.
These issues are not easy to solve, as they require big budgets and
multiple partners working together to achieve a collective goal,
and a commitment to supporting existing and future populations.
The SmartGrowth Strategy is our plan to manage growth,
and it is now available for you to read. We would love you to
provide feedback on the strategy and tell us what you think.
Share your thoughts with us before 5pm Friday 20 October
via the option that suits you best:
• Online, wānanga ipurangi - head to our
web page to check out the draft strategy –
smartgrowthbop.org.nz/smartgrowth-strategy-2023
• Hard copy, pepa mārō – printed feedback forms are
available at all council libraries and service centres
There is also the opportunity to speak to your feedback with the
political panel. Please indicate in your feedback if you would
like to do so, or by emailing the address provided below:
• Face to face, kanohi ki te kanohi
- Date: 4-6 December
- Venue: Council Chambers,
Western Bay of Plenty District Council
- Email: haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz
to register your interest
Ngā mihi,
Andrew Turner, SmartGrowth Independent Chair
Reshaping how we grow
smartgrowthbop.org.nz/smartgrowth-strategy-2023

14 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
The Beautiful Business Fund:
A CHANCE TO GIVE BACK TO BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESSES
Off the back of a challenging few years for Kiwi small businesses, it’s clear they deserve some
support to help gear their business up for success in the future.
Xero is giving businesses in
the Bay of Plenty and across
Aotearoa the opportunity
to earn their share of more than
NZ$80,000 country-wide, in the
form of the latest initiative – Xero
Beautiful Business Fund.
The fund is diversified across
four separate categories, and
entries should be in the form of a
90-second video submission, giving
Xero customers a chance at
NZ$20,000 per category entered.
Submissions are judged by
myself and a panel of business
leaders, with the winners of each
category getting to compete on the
global stage for a chance to win an
extra NZ$50,000 in funding.
Here at Xero, we are committed
to supporting small businesses
– that’s why this fund has been
designed to boost growth and help
SMEs meet their ambitious goals.
The competition gives small
business owners who are Xero
customers, a fun and creative
opportunity to open up about their
business. This involves outlining
how they would use the fund, how
it would impact their business,
and how it would support their
long-term business goals.
There are four separate categories
entries can be submitted in:
> Innovating for sustainability:
This is for those wanting to take
the next step in their sustainability
journey. It could involve moving
to more sustainable packaging,
investing in energy-efficient
equipment, or even opting for carbon-neutral
transport.
> Trailblazing with technology:
This category is for small businesses
seeking to innovate. This
could focus on digitalising aspects
of the business and its operations
or integrating new emerging
technologies.
> Strengthening community
connection: This addresses
small businesses and nonprofits
endeavouring to give back to the
community. Whether that be contributing
to philanthropy, social
good, or making an impact on the
community in a meaningful way.
> Upskilling for the future: This
category assists small businesses
seeking to support upskilling for
either themselves or their employees.
This could include access to
training and other professional
development opportunities.
There’s no limit on what businesses
can apply for, so if you feel
like your business fits into multiple
categories and you want the
best chance to succeed, don’t hesitate
to enter more than once.
Entrants and winners of the
Xero Beautiful Business Fund may
have their video used in future
communications and marketing
materials from Xero, which is a
brilliant opportunity for business
exposure. There are some incredible
and resilient small businesses
in the Bay of Plenty region, and
any one of them could have a shot
at earning their share of this fund.
When small businesses succeed,
Aotearoa succeeds, and as
WORKPLACE
WELLBEING
BY BRIDGET SNELLING
your trusted partner, we want to
be with you on every step of the
journey.
We hope with this offering, we
can support Kiwi businesses so
they can thrive in the future.
For more information on how
to enter, visit www.xerobeautifulbusinessfund.com
Bridget Snelling is the Xero Country
Manager for New Zealand
IF YOU DON’T LOVE IT, DON’T DO IT
Let me but do my work
from day to day
In field or forest, at the desk
or loom,
In roaring market-place or
tranquil room;
Let me but find it in my
heart to say,
When vagrant wishes
beckon me astray,
“This is my work; my
blessing, not my doom;
“Of all who live, I am the
one by whom
“This work can best be
done in the right way.”
Then shall I see it not too
great, nor small,
To suit my spirit and to
prove my powers;
Then shall I cheerful greet
the labouring hours,
And cheerful turn, when
the long shadows fall
At eventide, to play and
love and rest,
Because I know for me my
work is best.
The poem (left) by 19th century
poet Henry Van Dyke
titled Let Me Do My Work
speaks of something I believe is
very important in business and
evident in every successful business,
passion and purpose.
The happiest and most
dynamic people I have met in
business are those who have their
“cup filled” by their work, they
derive real pleasure and a feeling
of fulfilment in their career.
Some may say this a very privileged
and “ivory tower” ideal, and
I will admit I am very fortunate
that for nearly 20 years I have
been well renumerated doing a
job that I love.
This has granted me the opportunity
to see my work create real
positive change in my clients’
lives. I do my job because I love
it. Frankly, if I didn’t love it, I
wouldn’t do it. I do it for my clients,
but more crucially because it
is how I would spend my days if I
could choose to do anything.
CREDIT CONTROL
BY NICK KERR
When someone loves their
work, they do it better. They radiate
happy, satisfied energy which
flows on to create high quality
products, services and customer
experiences.
I recently visited a new Israeli
restaurant in the Historic Village
which inspired this article.
Being in an environment
where every member of staff obviously
loved what they did, were
proud of the food that they created
and made each dish to a high
standard because it represented
their heritage, passion and values
was a great reminder to me of the
value in loving what you do.
The service, food and energy in
that place were of such high quality
I believe if I’d asked anyone
working there, “if you could be
anywhere in the world right now,
where would you choose?” they
would respond, “right here”. You
cannot fake that level of satisfaction
or feeling of purpose. It was
privilege to witness.
When you hear a painter whistling
while they work with a big
smile on their face you will see a
job well done.
When the builder beams with
pride and satisfaction while showing
you their completed work you
will see perfect joins and no remedials
needed.
When the happy panel beater
hands you back the keys to your
pride and joy with a satisfied look
on their face you will find matched
paint and even shut lines.
When you truly enjoy what
you do you provide better service,
a better product, a better environment.
You build a better reputation,
with fewer bad payers and
fewer disputes.
When we have a dispute about
poor workmanship in the trades
and observe the tradesperson at
work, we normally see a person
who would rather be anywhere
else than doing what they are
doing.
Why spend life doing something
you hate while disappointing
people? What kind of life is
that? This may seem brutal but if
you don’t like it, don’t do it … find
your passion, train in it, get good,
then get going. Just a thought.
Nick Kerr is regional manager
for Debt Free and director of
International Private Investigations
Ltd. He can be reached on 021 876 527
and nick.kerr@debtfree.net.nz
A wealth solution for all investors
Jarden’s local wealth management experts Sarah and Simon, will work
with you to guide you toward your long term financial goals.
Contact us
Sarah Ashby: +64 27 211 0760
Simon Bradley: +64 27 427 3899
www.jarden.co.nz/wealth-management
Jarden Securities Limited is an NZX Firm. Jarden Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement is publicly available at www.Jarden.co.nz. Jarden is not a registered bank in New Zealand.

October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 15
CAPACITY
FOR GROWTH
Like all sectors, the broader industrial market is responding
and adapting to the post-pandemic environment.
Talking to our leasing brokers
around the country,
the industrial market
remains the busiest segment of
the broader commercial property
landscape – despite New Zealand
officially being in a technical
recession following two consecutive
quarters of GDP contraction.
Occupiers trying to find bigger,
better or different premises
are finding that recessionary talk
has not physically reduced the
demand for warehousing around
the country, with vacancy levels
extremely low and rebounding
net-migration figures expected to
keep the pressure on.
Despite NZ Post’s latest ecommerce
spotlight report highlighting
a slow-down in online shopping
patterns in the last year, the
logistics sector remains buoyant
and we also anticipate that the
healthcare logistics segment of
the market will continue to grow.
It remains to be seen whether
New Zealand will on-shore more
of its manufacturing to insulate
us against supply-chain dramas
and rising fuel costs, but one thing
is for sure – large-scale spaces are
in big demand for both investors
and tenants.
This is glaringly apparent in
Auckland but it’s a very tight
market nationwide, with anyone
seeking a piece of the industrial
pie frustrated at the lack of stock.
Rents have jumped up, and
we expect to see continued
rental growth ahead, particularly
because “old rents” on existing
leases will be playing catch-up
with current rental rates when
they roll over, so landlords hold
the trump cards right now.
We’ll have to wait and see
whether the rate of rental
increase slows down, but with
a limited pipeline of new stock
coming to the market as higher-for-longer
interest rate patterns
and elevated construction
costs thwart industrial developers’
plans, fair to say stress points
will endure.
Favourably-zoned industrial
land remains scarce even though
traditional boundaries nudge
outwards and the Auckland and
Waikato regions become figuratively
joined at the hip.
The economic golden triangle
will remain a significant piece
in the New Zealand industrial
puzzle with the ports of Tauranga
and Auckland pivotal to the
import-export equation.
Relocating to further-afield
regions is not the easy answer to
occupier woes given that moving
product away from concentrated
population bases is not efficient.
However, we are witnessing
changing dynamics in some
industry segments like printing,
where redundant big-scale
factory and warehousing space
in some regional markets may
potentially have a new life
with innovative repurposing or
repositioning.
As supply chains splutter
back into life, the “just-in-case”
dynamics – which saw businesses
stockpiling inventory to offset
unpredictable shipping and flight
schedules – are easing, but occupiers
have to be pragmatic about
their space requirements, particularly
those looking to optimise
cubic capacity.
They’re needing to be savvy
ahead of impending lease expiries,
having to meticulously plan
in advance to secure quality space
with favourable leasing terms,
and larger occupiers are having
to explore new-build options to
cater to expansion plans.
Sustainability initiatives are
gaining traction in the industrial
market as institutional investors
actively lift the ESG profile
of their portfolios and fine-tune
their responsible investment
strategies, and occupiers place an
increased emphasis on “green”
factors along with other ESG initiatives
like staff well-being.
This is driving the flight-toquality,
and landlords are accepting
that they will have to review
and address facilities that don’t
align with current thinking or
occupier expectations around
building performance and
credentials.
It’s not much consolation, but
New Zealand is not alone in the
industrial space dilemma.
Knight Frank’s latest research,
The State of Logistics Asia-Pacific:
Focus Report 2023 reveals
Asia-Pacific’s (APAC) logistics
industry faces a severe supply-demand
imbalance with our neighbours
across the ditch in Sydney
confronting huge rents and a
dire lack of stock. Get in touch
with Bayleys’ leasing team to cutthrough
the industrial market
noise and let us help you find a
workable space solution for your
business.
At Bayleys, we believe relationships are what businesses are built on and how they
succeed. We understand that to maximise the return on your property you need:
Professional property management
A business partner that understands your views and goals
Contact the Bayleys Tauranga Commercial Property Management team today.
Bayleys Tauranga
Commercial Property Management
07 579 0609
jan.cooney@bayleystauranga.co.nz
SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

16 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
The business world is under threat from
villains near and far. Difficult times call
for a new type of hero. Leaders must
empower their teams to step up and be
the high performers they were born to
be. But beware the talent kryptonite that
could drain you of your powers.
HOW TO CREATE
A BUSINESS OF
SUPERHEROES
I
may not be the business hero
you want. But I’m certainly the
hero you need.
Why? Because you’re facing
a threat like nothing you’ve
seen before. The tried and tested
hero’s journey of hiring employees
with specific technical skills
is rapidly giving way to a new
approach: The need to create a
workforce of superheroes. If you
don’t don your cape and adapt
your methods with the velocity of
a speeding bullet, you risk being
left behind.
In 2023 and beyond, business
owners are recognising the need
to empower their employees with
extraordinary qualities that go
beyond technical expertise.
What’s more, this isn’t just
about turning your team into
superheroes, you need to turn
the laser beam of greatness upon
yourself.
Winning leaders are those who
will understand how to accomplish
this remarkable transformation.
Although I must warn you:
with great power comes great
responsibility.
The chosen one
MINING BUSINESS
WEALTH
BY FREDDIE BENNETT
The concept of creating a workforce
of superheroes is not about
capes and masks but about instilling
extraordinary qualities in
your employees. In essence, a
superhero workforce comprises
individuals who possess a unique
blend of skills, traits, and mindset
that collectively enable them to
transcend challenges and drive
business success.
True success arises from a
combination of mindset, adaptability,
and the ability to navigate
uncertainty. These principles
form the foundation of a superhero
workforce that can thrive
in the ever-changing business
landscape.
But why superheroes? Why
not just dish out a traditional
‘learning and development’ programme
that drags on longer
than building a Bayfair bypass?
A superhero workforce is
required because, in a traditional
business sense, the rise of AI and
increased political and economic
turmoil means we are approaching
the endgame.
Called to greatness
To create a workforce that is fit
for the future, you need employees
who possess unique ‘X factors’
of skills, talents and abilities:
> Adaptability: Superheroes
are known for their ability to
adapt to any situation. In the
ever-evolving Kiwi business
world (not to mention a potential
change in government on
the horizon), adaptability is
crucial. When employees can
seamlessly pivot in response
to market shifts and emerging
trends, your business can
remain agile and competitive.
> Resilience: Superheroes
bounce back from setbacks,
and so should your employees.
Building mental resilience
ensures that your workforce
can overcome obstacles and
stay focused on long-term
goals, even in the face of
adversity.
> Innovation: Superheroes
often find creative solutions to
complex problems. Encouraging
innovative thinking among
your employees is essential
for staying ahead in a rapidly
evolving market.
> Leadership: Superheroes lead
by example and inspire those
around them. Cultivating leadership
qualities within your
workforce empowers employees
at all levels to take initiative
and drive positive change.
> Collaboration: Even the most
iconic superheroes collaborate
with others to achieve their
goals. Foster a culture of teamwork
and collaboration to harness
the collective strengths of
your workforce.
So far, so ‘too good to be true’.
Everyone would like superhero
abilities, but most people are confined
to the streets while the chosen
few soar through the skies.
So how do you go about creating
the everyday hero from
the most mild and unassuming
employee?
Many are called, few
are chosen
Want to create an army of
empowered talent willing to run
through walls and address their
weaknesses, without losing their
authenticity? Then YOU must step
up and be the superhero leader
you’ve always needed to be.
You need to master the art of
turning an everyday boss into
superhuman leadership:
> Serve them, don’t please
them: You’re not there to be
your team’s faithful companion.
Be willing to lead – not to
be “right”, but to provoke their
thinking. Ask hard questions.
Hide nothing and hold nothing
back. Speak your truth and
draw out theirs. That’s how
you’ll draw the same from
your employees.
> Don’t let your people get
ready: No one is ever ready
before they run their first
workshop, take on their first
leadership role, sign their first
client, get married, become a
parent, or launch into a new
> In 2023 and beyond, business owners are recognising the need to empower
their employees with extraordinary qualities that go beyond technical expertise.
What’s more, this isn’t just about turning your team into superheroes, you need
to turn the laser beam of greatness upon yourself.
market. Don’t let your team
members wait to be ready.
> Refuse to buy into their
story: You’d be surprised at
how often employees fight for
their limitations. “That’s just
the way I am …”; “We don’t do
things that way here ...”; “But
this client is so difficult…”. One
of the biggest gifts we can give
our team members is to refuse
to buy into their story. One of
the best ways we can challenge
our colleague’s thinking is to
refuse to accept what they currently
believe is impossible.
> Upgrade their questions:
When you lead high-performing
teams, your job is not
to answer their questions.
Your real job is helping them
upgrade the quality of the
questions they are working
into. Your job is not to tell top
performers your powerful
wisdom, it’s to stimulate their
thinking and create the space
for their own career-changing
insights.
> “I believe in you”: The most
powerful words in superhero
leadership are “I believe in
you.” You can’t fake them.
You have to feel them in your
heart. When you say them,
your colleague feels them in
every cell of their being. You
cannot underestimate the
impact of knowing that your
leader believes in you deeply.
Especially when you are struggling
to believe in yourself.
> They need you more than
you need them. Remember
that the person in front of
you is far more powerful than
they know. They are far closer
to what they desire than they
could ever imagine. They don’t
need ‘help’, but they do need
you far more than they could
have thought possible.
Leaders, assemble
By intentionally fostering these
superpowers within your workforce
– and finding hidden
strengths within yourself – you
empower your employees to overcome
challenges, drive innovation,
and navigate uncertainties.
The result? A dynamic and
agile organisation poised to thrive
in an ever-changing world – truly
a business of superheroes.
Can’t wait for the sequel.
Guinness World Record Holder,
podcast host and bestselling author,
Freddie is known as ‘The Profit
Hunter’. He helps business owners
enjoy more time, money and freedom
by discovering and extracting hidden
profits in their companies. Email
Freddie@conqueryourmedia.com

October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 17
What do candidates truly want?
In a candidate-short market, we are finding that both employees and potential employees are still very much in the
driver’s seat when it comes to negotiating contracts, terms and conditions and, of course, their salaries.
As employers, we need to
have an understanding
of what our candidates
want, which more often than
not equates to more than simply
money. Employment packages
now tend to take a more holistic
approach to ticking boxes for
staff. So how can we find that
happy equilibrium that doesn’t
leave us feeling like we’ve gotten
a raw deal?
Below I delve into the top
five things which come up on
candidates “wish-lists” when
looking for new employment
opportunities.
> Flexibility: Topping the list,
flexibility comes up in every single
interview. Candidates expect
flexibility – not only where they
work, but when they work. Many
companies that have embraced a
flexible working approach have
reported greater productivity and
happier employees – trusting our
people by allowing them to manage
their own time and commitments,
both work and personal,
is now an expectation rather
than a benefit. It’s not a practical
approach for all companies, however
for those that can, the results
tend to speak for themselves. As
recruiters we definitely find it
harder to recruit for roles which
limit or don’t allow flexibility.
> Growth and development:
Most candidates we are recruiting
are looking for a career pathway
and growth. Companies that
offer personal development plans
for their staff are more likely to
hold onto their employees for
longer. After listening to a successful
business owner speak
this week about his 40 years in
business, he said his people were
key to his success. At first he got
upset about spending time and
resources on training staff. But
he soon realised the benefits –
and the longevity – created when
staff felt valued, had clear growth
strategies and could give the skills
gained back to the business. For
those who left after he trained
them, he initially felt bitterness,
but now he feels honored to have
been a mentor and for them to
go on and have amazing careers,
often bringing their businesses
into partnership with his own.
> Culture and communication:
Combining these two points
seems natural – with good communication
comes good culture.
Candidates who seek a good
HUMAN RESOURCES
BY KELLIE HAMLETT
work culture are also asking to
be communicated with and given
understanding around what is
happening in the office with no
closed-door policies. Companies
that have open-door policies
allow staff to feel like they are
more involved in the business,
especially if they are consulted
for opinions; Whether this be
asking the cleaner their opinion
on the best cleaning products to
use, or getting the staff to choose
a new colour to paint the office,
simple involvement can make
staff feel part of the team and that
their opinions count in the bigger
scheme.
> Sustainability and purpose:
This is coming into discussions
more often, with candidates looking
for sustainable, meaningful
workplaces. People want to be
proud of where they work and
want to ensure that the work
that they do is going to be sustainable
for future generations.
This comes in the form of both
environmental sustainability and
being a good corporate citizen.
> Salary: With fewer jobseekers
than available jobs, candidates
are put into a stronger bargaining
position when it comes to negotiating
salaries. As a result, employers
are competing for talent, leading
to higher salaries to attract
and retain employees. Government
policies aimed at improving
living standards for New Zealanders
have also played a role in the
rise in salaries.
For most employers, at some
point this has been problematic,
from keeping up with the
steep rise in inflation which has
reflected in salaries, to losing
staff to competitors who are paying
more, or getting into a bidding
war when making offers, to the
problem of pay relativity within
your workforce.
Employers are looking at more
creative ways to ‘add-value’ to
packages without necessarily
paying outside of the base salary
range. With cost of living at an
all-time high, there is no doubt
that whilst cash in the hand is
what employees are needing,
adding a benefits package can
sweeten the offer significantly.
Although money isn’t always the
driving factor, it’s still incredibly
relevant, and has crept up in the
past 18 months as our cost of living
has risen.
Employees and candidates
know their value, and building an
attractive package encompassing
all the elements discussed is crucial
to recruiting and retaining
great people.
If your struggling with any
aspects of your recruitment or
wish to discuss HR options, feel
free to get in touch with Kellie
and the team at TalentID.
Talent ID are Recruitment Specialists
and can support you through your
recruitment process. Please feel
free to talk to us about this by
calling 07 349 1081 or emailing
kellie@talentid.co.nz
Bay of Plenty holds a prime place
as 2degrees steps up regional focus
SPONSORED
2degrees is serious about
the Bay of Plenty, and
serious about supporting
kiwi businesses.
Shaun Telford, operator of exclusive
2degrees Business Dealership, Somo.
One year after the merger with
another challenger brand, Vocus
NZ, 2degrees is leveraging its
increased scale and stepping up its focus
on the regions, and the Bay of Plenty
in particular. For local organisations,
the value proposition is both clear and
refreshing: 2degrees wants your business,
has the connectivity and services
you need, and is putting a focus on
knowing exactly what helps your business.
In recent months, 2degrees has
added three new business to business
consultants in the BoP, working out of
Tauranga but serving towns from Katikati
through Whakatāne and down to
Ōpōtiki, and all the way up to Rotorua
and everywhere in between.
The Business Consultants are Nathan
Rasmussen, Breeana Shilling and Bethany
Rabbitt.
Andrew Fairgray, Chief Business
Officer at 2degrees, says growing populations,
prosperous businesses and
a clear need not only for reliable and
high-performance networks but personal
attention, is driving the company’s
investments in the region. “There’s a lot
going on in the BoP. In particular, we
can offer those organisations solutions
to support their productivity with optimised
delivery of mobile and fibre along
with related technology like cloud PBX
and texting solutions. We’re about Fighting
for Fair, and we believe that fight
includes creating higher expectations of
service among our customers and potential
customers, then meeting and exceeding
those expectations.”
Fairgray stresses the necessity for a
local people and a real presence. “We
believe the small and medium businesses
which are the backbone of this
country are underserved and we know
the Bay of Plenty’s business owners and
operators want to work with local people
who are part of the community,” he
confirms.
There’s no question that the service
level 2degrees offers is putting it head
and shoulders above the competition.
Just days ago, 2degrees won the Canstar
Blue Small Business Telecommunications
award for the most satisfied
customers in 2023. That was no fluke,
because this win in the quality awards
was the third in a row.
The win is thanks to quality products
and service – and being present for
customers.
With four stores in Tauranga, another
in Whakatāne and one in Rotorua,
2degrees has substantial retail coverage
across the region. This presence is
augmented by the new representatives
who are tasked with meeting business
owners, assessing individual needs, optimising
billing and service delivery – and
then staying in touch, explains Shaun
Telford, operator of exclusive 2degrees
Business Dealership Somo. “Business
requirements change over time. There’s
growth, and sometimes there’s contraction.
Either way, you want your telecoms
to match your requirements not just
today, but tomorrow and next year too,”
he says.
“Of course, 2degrees offers awesome
‘set and forget’ systems which make
managing your telco services a simple
and automated affair. But while that
works perfectly for individual customers,
a regular assessment and review is
valuable for our business customers, not
only to accurately meet staffing levels,
but also because 2degrees is constantly
working on new products and services
that could benefit your organisation,”
Telford adds. “That’s what our reps will
be doing, helping you get the most out of
your telco on an ongoing basis.”
For more information,
visit www.somo.co.nz

18 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
CULTURE
> AN INSIDER’S GUIDE
Plenty of
Flavours
in the Bay
Tourism Bay of Plenty has announced the release of Plenty of Flavours – an
insider’s guide to the best Flavours in the Bay of Plenty. This 32-page food
guide is a celebration of the region’s vibrant culinary scene and aims to
showcase the Bay of Plenty as a premier food destination.
Featuring more than 140
local businesses, the guide is
a treasure trove of information
for food enthusiasts, offering
insights into the Bay’s rich gastronomic
heritage, thriving food
markets, artisanal producers, and
top-notch dining experiences.
From juicy kiwifruit to delectable
cheeses, sumptuous truffles to
freshly caught seafood, this guide
is your ticket to exploring the
diverse and exquisite flavours of
the region.
Plenty of Flavours
includes:
> Food events galore: Discover
the region’s culinary festivals
and events throughout the
year.
> Meet the makers: Learn about
passionate growers and artisanal
producers who dedicate
their lives to crafting worldclass
ingredients and unique
products.
> Best brews: Dive into the Bay’s
craft beer scene with a list of
some of our favourite brewers.
> Coffee roasters: Satisfy your
caffeine cravings at some of
the Bay’s top coffee roasters.
> Cycle trails: Work up an appetite
on Bay of Plenty’s scenic
cycle trails with amazing
foodie stops.
> Hot foodie spots: Explore
this comprehensive guide to
the some of the region’s best
eateries.
The guide is a testament to the
Bay of Plenty’s
culinary diversity,
where volcanic
soils, a warm climate,
and abundant
Pacific Ocean resources
converge to create unforgettable
dining experiences.
This guide is your passport
to exploring the Bay’s culinary
gems.
Don’t miss your chance to
embark on a gastronomic journey
through the Bay of Plenty. Plenty
of Flavours is your insider’s guide
to the best flavours in the region,
inviting you to discover, savour,
and celebrate the Bay’s culinary
treasures.
Download the guide at
bayofplentynz.com/dine/foodieguide
or pick up a copy
from the Tauranga isite.
Events
The Bay serves up
inspiring food events all
year round, where you
can meet local producers,
brewers and chefs, and
treat your tastebuds
while enjoying a festival
atmosphere.
Best brews
We love a cold bevvy – and the Bay has some of the
finest breweries you’ll find anywhere in the land.
Markets
Local food markets are
a regular highlight for
thousands of locals and
visitors alike.

October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 19
CULTURE
Mark your calendars for next
year’s Flavours of Plenty
Festival, taking place from
April 4 to April 14, 2024.
This 11-day extravaganza will
showcase the region’s worldclass
ingredients, hospitality,
and culinary talent.
Tickets and programme will
go live in February 2024.
C o ff e e
roasters
Life is better when
it’s caffeinated, so it
pays to hunt out the
best cup of coffee
you can find!
Hot foodie spots
No matter which part of the Bay you’re in, we’ve
got all the intel on the best places to eat.
Cycle
trails
There are plenty of great
cycle trails and excellent
places to refuel around
the Bay of Plenty.
SAVE
THE
DATE
Produce
Our makers and growers
are a passionate bunch,
dedicating much of their lives
to producing world-class
ingredients and
unique products.
ELECTION FEVER:
the people feel unwell
Elections have always made
me feel a little queasy. In
these post-Covid times, they
make me feel outright ‘head in the
bowl’ bilious.
Politicians have always
worked themselves into a frenzy
of deflection, denial and personal
attacks come election season.
Even the nicest politician – the
one you’d feel genuinely comfortable
to have hold your baby while
you take a phone call – inevitably
morphs into a rabid attack dog
a month out from polling day –
don’t be fooled by the fake smile,
they bite!
There is no appetite for objective
discussion or cordial dialogue,
no room on the podium
for genuinely caring, likeable
personalities. When the silly
season arrives it’s not a time to
show weakness: nice guys finish
last, and in the gladiatorial arena
that is a leaders’ debate, or the
candidates’ panel discussion, its
dog-eat-dog.
This time round however it’s
gone next level bad [if that is possible];
That is because there’s a
new political force, one I like to
call ‘nutters’, violently espousing
a whole new swathe of nonsense
ideologies.
Where did they come from?
They used to just post videos on
Facebook and could largely be
ignored as … well … nutters. Now
they’re on billboards, at political
debates and marching in the
street. What I don’t understand is
who is funding them. And why?
Today they have their own
political parties and are out there
in public, in force. They are chanting
and marching and haranguing
any politician who’s not them.
Sadly, it appears nothing was
learned from, and there were no
significant consequences to, the
parliamentary invasion of 2022.
As a result, the mindless malcontents
are still determined to have
their say – they may not be sure
about what exactly, but they’re
still really pissed, and now they’re
more emboldened.
The big challenge is for politicians
to know who to cosy up
with, and conversely, who to
give a wide berth nowadays. As
a party leader you can’t even be
sure if your own troops have gone
to (or come from) the dark side –
too often idiotic conspiracy theories
seem to have become fodder
for the masses … and even a few
politicians. And they can’t say
they weren’t warned that things
they post on social media will
come back to haunt them one day,
and yet some of them just couldn’t
help themselves.
Despite the queasiness in
past election years, I could tolerate
politicians taking pot-shots
at each other over policies and
personalities.
But now I almost feel sorry for
HAVE YOU EVER
NOTICED?
BY ALAN NEBEN
them as they flounder to mount
rear-guard actions against the
anti-vaxers, the three waters
opponents, the co-governancers,
the anti-flouriders, the reo’ists,
the anti-vapers, the gang patch
ban’ers … hell, they’re not even
sure who they should be diametrically
opposed to, and who they
should wholeheartedly support –
well not that they’re prepared to
announce until they’ve gone back
to the changing room in the colliseum
to check their gladiatorial
manifestos.
While Russel Crowe’s Maximus
may have said, “Are you not
entertained? Is that not why you
are here?”
Our political gladiators are
now more inclined to say, “Let’s
focus group that one before
we make a policy announcement
about mortal combat for
entertainment?”
Conundrums abound for the
political classes: “We can support
banning gang patches, but what
about our freedom of expression
stance? And the Maori vote?
“We supported vaccination
mandates, but we don’t want
to lose the anti-vax vote, even
though we don’t support their
ridiculous anti-vax ideas.
“We don’t want to spend so
much on prisons, but we definitely
want to go harder on law
and order, but we don’t want
to lock up more people, unless
they’re wearing gang patches. But
if they’re fully vaccinated gang
members, maybe they should be
entitled to a ‘get-out-of-jail-free’
card.
… and on it goes.
By the time you read this column,
the general election may
have been and gone. Irrespective
of who has won, one thing will not
have changed – my appetite for
more election debates.
“No more for me thanks, I’m
full up and feeling nauseous.
“I hope I feel better in three
years’ time.”
Alan Neben is a Mount Maunganui
local and experienced New Zealand
publisher. His columns provide a
light-hearted perspective on social
changes effecting New Zealanders.

20 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
PEOPLE
> BUSINESS PROFILE PAGE MACRAE
ALAN SUTCLIFFE
NEW PAGE MACRAE CEO
FOCUSES ON A PEOPLE
CENTRIC FUTURE
Taking the nuts and bolts
of heavy steel fabrication
and linking it to the subtle
art of getting the most
out of people is a feat
Page Macrae’s new CEO
Alan Sutcliffe is rapidly
mastering.
Far from being a stranger to one of
the Bay’s largest employers, Alan
has formally stepped into the role
after being acting CEO for 18 months,
and having had five years on the company
board.
His extensive leadership experience
in Operations and Manufacturing from
multiple industries meant he was well
aware that as much as Page Macrae was
a traditional Engineering company, its
65-year history and much loved Apprentice
Academy showed it was a company
that put its people first.
He takes the helm at a difficult time
for manufacturers in New Zealand,
when the value and scarcity of talented
staff has never been greater, but is committed
to building on the reputation the
company enjoys as an employer of choice
in the region.
“Our purpose statement is ‘Engineering
a Better Tomorrow’ that not only
reflects what we do well, but it’s also
about growing our people and developing
products that support sustainable
outcomes”
Alan sees Page Macrae’s business
lying across his “3 Ps” of People, Products,
and Projects.
In People, one focus area for Alan is
to build on the company’s Apprentice
Academy, believed to be the largest of its
type in New Zealand, typically with 20-25
apprentices enrolled in the four-year
program.
“The Academy provides us with a
home-grown solution to finding the talent
required and this year we will be celebrating
our 100th qualified Tradesperson.
We pride ourselves on their quality,
and that they are regarded as the gold
standard for industry apprentices.”
He aims to expand the Academy, offering
more block courses and advanced
units for staff wanting to build special
skills over and above their apprentice
skills and is a big believer that no-one
really ever graduates.
He sees welding in particular as a talent
not easily replaced by robots, given
Page Macrae’s clients often require
bespoke project work. “Our type of projects
are difficult to automate so you need
to have highly skilled people with the
right abilities for this sort of task.”
He is also proud of the work done to
advance the role of young females in a
business often male dominated, with
four female apprentices in the Academy
to date.
In Products, Page Macrae is widely
recognised for its robust and highly productive
bulk cargo grabs and hoppers
used to load and unload ships, and the
company is working to broaden its current
offerings with a focus on developing
products that focus on the environmental
needs of its customers.
“In order to meet our “Better Tomorrow”
Purpose, we are responding to the
needs for cleaner air quality around
port emissions, by developing new dust
suppression hoppers that significantly
reduce the release of products into the
atmosphere and by introducing new
electric grabs to replace diesel units
to help reduce our customers carbon
footprints.”
Also in Products, the company’s
reputation for building customised,
heavy-duty equipment for handling and
processing difficult, often dangerous
products continues to flourish around
the world. This includes building harvesting
heads it manufactures that
attach to forestry machines for a Canadian
company.
“The fact they continue to buy from a
company on the other side of the world,
to operate in one of the harshest environments
is testimony to the value they
place on our build quality. Our welding
excellence gives them confidence that
their machines will last.”
The final ‘P’, the Projects division,
continues to offer varied and exciting
challenges to Page Macrae’s design and
construction teams.
“We often get asked what is it that we
make and the answer is usually ‘everything’.
Our speciality is being generalists.
Our Project management Office
assesses all opportunities through a risk
matrix before deciding if we wish to
bid for works, whether that is to build
a multi-million-dollar steam field for a
new geothermal plant or a set of gates.”
Working closely with other regional
companies, they have recently completed
projects including a significant program
of works to undertake a major refit for
the Whakatane paper mill, completed a
major shutdown at Balance at the Mount
another large shutdown project with Oji
Fibre at the Tasman mill at Kawerau.
“To do projects of this kind, you need
a highly skilled, dedicated team, working
long hours in difficult conditions to get
the job done safely and on time. It is that
sort of commitment you cannot replace.”
In the coming year Alan aims to
integrate the main business units of
Page Macrae more tightly, sharing single-source
data with a new Enterprise
Resource Planning system, and better
linking the talents of their skilled staff
across the entire business entity.
“We have the talent here and it’s a
case of sharing those skills around and
bringing in more flexibility between the
different business units but at the same
time recognising that the needs of the
Products Team is different to the needs
of the Projects team and developing suitable
business models for each.”
“Page Macrae has always been a people
focused organisation, I want to continue
to build on that – we want to help
people to grow, and success is defined
here by helping them grow to be the best
they can be.”
Electric Grab | Electric Log Grapple | Enviro Hopper 50e
Phone +64 7 575 5079 | www.page-macrae.co.nz

October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 21
PEOPLE
> FIRST ON THE SCENE
Tauranga Business Chamber’s August BA5, hosted by Tauranga City Council at Baycourt
The evening highlighted exciting projects by Tauranga City Council, including Te Manawataki o Te Papa
civic precinct, waterfront transformation, and NZ’s first mass timber office at 90 Devonport Road.
Photography: Salina Galvan Photography
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
ONE Michele Griffin & Rebecca Meyer (Uno Magazine). TWO Lloyd Rakaupai (Vertical Horizonz New Zealand) & Ian Rodger (TR Industries Ltd). THREE Brooke Courtney, Ryan McMaster, Ben Alexander
(Sharp Tudhope Lawyers). FOUR Alexandra Hammon-Elliott & Julie Hammon (Hammon Diamond Jeweller). FIVE Alastair McNeil (TCC), Ted Ebbing (Business Technology Group), Tyrone Mapp (Victory
Consulting). SIX Derek Roser (EVES) & Deborah Peake (Tremains). SEVEN Jackie Pittman (The Building Intelligence Group), Emma Hotchin (Kinetic Employment Ltd), Nicole Scott (The Building
Intelligence Group). EIGHT Golde Holzapfel & Gavin Swney (ANZ). NINE Aaron Webb & Will Stokes (Synergy Technologies Ltd). TEN Lyn Trail (Surveying Services Ltd) & Richard Crabb (All Things
Accounting). ELEVEN Emily McLean (TCC) & Benji Crossley (Sharp Tudhope Lawyers). TWELVE Sahana Jones, Vittoria Nevin (The Shine Collective), Sally Blackler (EmployNZ), Julie Torrey (Tourism
Bay of Plenty), Meg Jones (The Shine Collective).

22 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
PEOPLE
> NEW APPOINTMENTS
BBN’s guide to new people and new roles across business in the Bay
To feature in New Appointments email us at new.appointments@bopbusinessnews.co.nz
CHANGES AT THE TOP
BOP organisations gear-up for a big 2024
BRENDAN
MACPHERSON
Jenkins Freshpac Systems has
appointed Brendan Macpherson as
General Manager.
Brendan joined Jenkins in February
2020 leading the automation
sales division and has achieved tremendous
success in driving growth
in post-harvest equipment sales.
Outgoing GM, Jamie Lunam is
enthusiastic about the appointment.
“Having hired and worked
alongside Brendan for the last few
years I am excited by the attributes
he is bringing to the role and the
fresh perspective he will
provide. As I move
onto the next stage
of my career
after seven years
at Jenkins, it
is
heartening
to be leaving
the
business
in such capable
hands.”
MARK WYNNE, FRASER WHINNERA, DAVID FEAR
On 18 August Quayside Holding
Limited (Quayside) announced
the appointment by the Bay of
Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) of three
independent directors to the board of
Quayside for a three-year period.
Quayside is a council-controlled
trading organisation of the BOPRC. They
welcomed David Fear, Mark Wynne
and Fraser Whineray to Quayside from
1 October 2023.
David Fear has most recently been the
managing director, head of markets for
Jarden Securities, a leading Australasian
wealth management and investment
banking firm. While at Jarden, David
held senior roles across its institutional,
private wealth and investment banking
businesses.
Across a 40 year career in financial
markets, David has also held a series of
senior roles working in Australia, Hong
Kong, Tokyo and New York for Citigroup
and ANZ Securities, providing a wealth of
experience in the investment sector and
beyond, which is well suited to Quayside’s
mandate.
Fraser Whineray, who was most
recently the chief operating officer
at Fonterra, comes from a strong
venture capital and investment
background, as well as numerous
senior executive roles including CEO
of Mercury. Fraser has also held governance
roles with Tilt Renewables and
Opus International Consultants (now
WSP) and is an independent director of
AgriZero.
Quayside says his blend of investment,
senior executive and governance
experience strengthens their governance
capability.
Mark Wynne has held a series of
Director roles across the health and tech
industries and is currently concluding
his role as CEO of Ballance Agri-Nutrients
New Zealand after nine years.
Mark has also previously held senior
executive positions at Fonterra, Kimberly-Clark
and the New Zealand Dairy
Board. Mark is well connected to the
Bay of Plenty region and beyond, providing
sound insight into both the challenges
our region faces, as well as our
opportunities.
Sir Robert McLeod KNZM, current
chair and independent director of Quayside
concludes his tenure on 31 October
2023. Sir Robert’s contribution over the
last seven years has seen Quayside’s
assets more than double to $3.2 billion
(June 2022) and total dividend to the
BOPRC grow to $430 million (June 2023).
Brett Hewlett also ends his tenure
on 31 October 2023 as an Independent
Director, part of the governance team
that has championed significant growth
for Quayside and the community since
November 2017.
The Quayside Board will appoint a
new Chair which will be announced in
due course.
RICHARD FAIRE
Tourism Bay of Plenty has a new team member to mark the start
of spring. They welcome Richard Faire as new Head
of Strategy and Insights. Richard comes straight
from a tourism product development role
at Whakatāne District Council, which is one of
Tourism Bay of Plenty’s key funders.
Richard previously spent more than 20
years working in advertising. He then founded
and operated a successful adventure tourism
business in the Ruapehu District, before selling
that to shift to the Bay of Plenty with his
family.
Richard recently completing
an MBA with distinction
through The University of
Waikato. He firmly believes
in tourism being an enabler
for regional growth and
wellbeing.
NICK DAVIES
Rotorua-based Nick Davies was recently promoted
to director at local firm Cheal Consultants.
Cheal Consultants was established in
1940 in Taupo, and now has 80 staff across six
offices in Taupo, Rotorua, Hamilton, Napier,
Ohakune and Taumarunui.
Nick has been in the game for around 30
years, accumulating a wealth of experience
and expertise that time. Nick has had 16 years’
experience in Rotorua, having joined Canmap
Hawley in 2007 which was bought and incorporated
into Cheal in April 2014.
Nick’s appointment as Director comes at a
time when businesses are having to consider
their own contributions to sustainability, and
he says those at a leadership and governance
level will need to think not only about the recommendations
they are making to clients, but
what they’re also doing in their own business
practices.

October 2023 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 23
“I’d have to say their
greatest strength would
be communication and
the way they kept us
updated regularly on
what was happening.
There were no surprises.”
Les Dobson, Property Developer
Fosters strives to be the number one choice for commercial
construction and property development in the Waikato and Bay of
Plenty - and that’s exactly what the company was for Tauranga
couple Les and Jana Dobson.
The pair owned 4400m² of industrial land they were keen to develop,
and began looking into options in 2020.
Seeking advice from local real estate agent Philip Hunt, they identified
a demand for industrial warehouses and created a plan to develop
four units on their Tauriko land with property development consultant
Craig McQuoid.
Engineering consultancy BCD Group created preliminary plans on the
build at 64 Gargan Rd, and these went out to tender.
Les said he, Jana and Craig chose Fosters because of their excellent
reputation and competitive pricing.
“We also liked their focus on sustainability,” he said.
After adding efficiency tweaks to the project, Fosters began work on
constructing 2600m² of workshop and office space and a 1796m² car
parking area, in August 2021.
Some of the wettest weather on record and Covid combined to create
significant impacts, as structural steel manufacturing and painting
delays and labour shortages pushed civil works into the winter
months.
However, Fosters easily accommodated these challenges, Les said,
and delivered the project very close to budget in August 2022.
“They did well to try and control things,” he said. “We had site
meetings every two weeks and were kept well informed. I’d have to
say their greatest strength would be communication and the way they
kept us updated regularly on what was happening. There were no
surprises.”
He and Jana were delighted with the way Fosters were able to bring
their experience, expertise, innovation and input to streamline the
entire process and make the project a resounding success.
Les said they would certainly work with Fosters again: “They were
great, and the quality of the build exceeded our expectations.”
Looking for help with a construction project?
Call Fosters on 07 570 6000.
FOSTERS.CO.NZ 07 570 6000

24 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS October 2023
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