june / july issue 2013 voiceof business in marlborough · membership of 500 will be a significant...

celebrating our business community

of business in marlboroughVOICE

INSIDE

Tourism an Important item on the Budget | Business Sustainability Is your Business prepared for the Digital Age? | Events Calender

Menz Shed Blenheim | Cashflow Forcasting | Member Profiles and more....

Business Awards Entries Now Open

J u n e / J u l y i s s u e 2 0 1 3

PA G E 2 Voice Voice PA G E 3

Advertising: Voice is published bi-monthly, and posted to members and delivered to various business service providers. For advertising rates, deadlines and details contact the Chamber office on 03 577 9575 or [email protected]

DisclaimerViews expressed by contributors to Voice are not necessarily those of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce.

Voice

Marlborough Chamber of Commerce level 1, youell house, blenheimPO Box 658, BlenheimPhone 03 577 [email protected] | www.mcoc.org.nz

Publisher: The Marketing Department PO Box 5185, Springlands, BlenheimPhone 03 579 2997info@themarketingdepartment.co.nzwww.themarketingdepartment.co.nz

i walked in to the new premises of one of our members last week and the first thing I noticed as i entered was their business excellence award trophy sitting on the reception desk. The trophy is 18 months old now and I thought the move might have seen it relegated to a less prominent position. But even a year and a half later the Award is still important enough to take pride of place in their business.

Winning a Business Award is a tremendously uplifting experience for a business. It not only lets your customers know that you are running a great business but is also very motivating for yourself and your staff. Year after year our winners tell us of the overwhelming feedback they receive from their success. The congratulatory phone calls, e-mails, cards, and new client enquiries all come as part of having won a Business Award category.

Entries in to the 2013 Westpac Marlborough chamber of commerce business awards are now open and we are looking for the next group of businesses that want to be held up as the region’s best. Entry is free and open to all businesses in Marlborough, not just Chamber members.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to win or simply want to gain from the experience of entering then we’d be very pleased to talk you through completing an entry form.

Will it be your business that has an Awards’ trophy on your reception desk the Monday morning after the Business Awards’ Gala Dinner? The only way for this to be a possibility is for you to enter the Awards. I strongly encourage you to talk to our office team about completing a Business Awards’ entry.

We are pleased to see that the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board have agreed to retain acute and orthopaedic surgery at Wairau Hospital. The availability of hospital services is a key determinant in our ability to attract and retain people in Marlborough. The Chamber remains part of the ‘Save our Services’ group that is keeping a watching brief over the review of services.

We recently met with five Labour Party Members of Parliament being Maryan Street, Damien O’Connor, Andrew Little, Ian Lees-Galloway, and Su’a William Sio. They were in town to talk to a number of agencies including the Chamber. We discussed Clifford Bay, health services, Christchurch rebuild, local body reform, and the constraints to growth in Marlborough. The MP’s were very receptive to the issues we raised and we are looking forward to ongoing discussions with them.

chamber membership has now hit 470 and we are within striking distance of 500. Achieving a membership of 500 will be a significant milestone for our organisation and we are looking forward to celebrating it later in the year.

On August 15th we are holding our inaugural annual conference which this year will be themed around doing business in China. We are delighted to have secured keynote speakers tony alexander and Michael Barnett. The event will be an absolute highlight of this year’s calendar and I urge you to book early.

As always we welcome your feedback and ideas.

steVe riley PrESIDENT

steVe riley Presidentmarlborough chamber of commerce

Chamber Update

FroNt CoVEr - photos from 2012 Business Awards. Business Awards Entries - now open! richard Briggs Commercial Photography

Contents• CHAMBEr UPDATE P2

• SUCCESS STOrIES P3

• TOUrISM AN IMPOrTANT ITEM ON BUDGET AGENDA P4

• IS YOUr BUSINESS PrEPArED FOr THE DIGITAL AGE? P5

• business sustainability rESOUrCES P7

• BATHrOOM CAMErA DECISION rEvEALS IMPOrTANCE PLACED ON PrIvACY P8-9

• EvENTS CALENDEr P10-11

• YOUNG CHAMBEr P12

• MENZ SHED BLENHEIM P13

• WELCOME TO HENrY MAXWELL’S CENTrAL LODGE P14

• WE WONT PUT YOU IN A PIGEON HOLE FIP16

• TIME FOr AN UPGrADE? P17

• CASHFLOW FOrCASTING P18

• MEMBEr PrOFILES P19

Official members’ publication of the Marlborough Chamberof commerce


One of the most important success stories of this Marlborough District Council is its financial stewardship. At a time when councils in various parts of the country are struggling under a burden of debt, plunging into financial difficulties with major infrastructure projects and incurring the wrath of their ratepayers with large rate increases, Marlborough is in the fortunate position of being financially secure.

With assets of over $1.3B and liabilities well below $40M as at 30 June 2012, other councils look on us with envy. Our net external borrowing– measuring what we actually owe and not counting investments and cash – is just under $5M. For an almost $100M business operation, it’s a pretty fine set of books.

I know I’d far rather be Mayor of Marlborough than facing the challenges of my colleagues over the hill in Nelson City and Tasman where the debts loads are vastly greater.

The other significant achievement of this Council is its commitment to a new economic development direction. It’s a bid to think strategically about Marlborough’s economic future. Part of the Council contribution is to help our various sectors understand where they fit into the region’s economy and how they might better work alongside each other.

The short-hand title for this strategy is “smart and connected” – an approach which, it’s hoped, will help Marlborough fulfil an aspiration to become a globally-connected district of progressive, high-value enterprise, known for our economic efficiency, quality lifestyle, desirable location and natural environment.

It’s an ambitious vision but it is helping to focus our thinking.

Council is already doing its part by thinking ‘smart and connected’ where new public amenities or planning for growth is being considered. However this strategy can only work if Marlborough’s business and industries decide to take this on board.

A small increase in Council spending on this economic development project is proposed in this year’s Annual Plan. But it’s a modest budget and in keeping with the very limited new spending in this year’s draft plan.

Despite a Long Term Plan suggesting costs would be greater, in the last few years we have been able to keep rates increases to low levels. This year is another good example of that disciplined approach with spending levels again lower than was signalled in the Long Term Plan. This year’s Annual Plan is neither large nor lavish. I think most people appreciate that we’ve come up with a budget for the times; just enough activity to help keep the local economy ticking but not so much that ratepayers resist. that said, many submissions this year read like wish lists or contain specific requests for council to fund projects. No doubt there will be some disappointment as i do not want the rates movement pushed beyond the current proposal.

I hope the wider public will see we’re striving for balance; prudent spending decisions while still ensuring the priorities are delivered.

At a time when central government has a sharp eye on the performance of local government, it’s important that

Marlborough can hold its head up high for the quality of its financial management. As a unitary authority we have big responsibilities which have to be met by a relatively small population base - and we don’t have the returns generated by the energy industry like Taranaki or the dairy dollars that Southland enjoys. But we have some valuable assets that benefit all our ratepayers. There will always be some who resist the idea of a council holding a stake in forests or property but it is the income from our forestry holdings and our Taylor Pass subdivision that helps keep those rates down. If Council did not have its reserves funds to draw on, the town’s amenities would be running down – or rates would be at untenable levels.

There are also strategic reasons for Council holding particular assets – like the civic theatre block. The future of this CBD asset is the next big discussion for Blenheim.

With the ASB Civic Theatre finally underway and on schedule for completion in 2015, the next large-scale project for Marlborough will almost certainly be the library buildings in both Blenheim and Picton. Queen Street is one suitable location. There may be others.

One of our Picton councillors, David Oddie, recently attracted national television attention with his humorous one-liner about issuing everyone with a kindle rather than bothering about books in future, the inference being that library buildings themselves are of diminishing importance. His comment highlighted the fact that we do have to consider what our future library facilities should look like.

In other towns, libraries fulfil a multitude of functions and are a key anchor-point within a lively CBD. Already the digital age means libraries are less about providing bookshelf-lined quiet rooms and more about operating as an information access point.

So I expect this to be one of the major decisions for the next council and it will generate much public interest; Council’s customer satisfaction surveys consistently show that ratepayers place the highest value on our libraries.

Thanks to that good financial management I referred to earlier, we are in a position to consider investment in these important community facilities.

Community assets are important to any growing town. They contribute to “liveability” and that quality is one of the reasons Marlborough attracts new residents.

That’s been recognised in the Smart & Connected economic development work that is underway. We’ve commissioned a detailed economic profile of Marlborough which provides authoritative data on this region. I invite everyone to read it. The first workshops with industry groups showing how they can use the ‘smart and connected’ strategy have had a terrific response.

The important next step is for this strategy to be picked up by business and community alike and I’d urge every Chamber member to find an opportunity to get informed on the work that’s underway on ‘smart and connected’.

Success Storiesalistair sowman Mayor


I’m writing this column in the knowledge that its publication deadline is Budget day. It’s an important day for every New Zealander, and never more so than now, when we are on the path back to a budget surplus. This year’s Budget will show the steps being taken to help the economy grow by supporting Kiwi businesses to innovate, expand and hire more staff. In Marlborough, the annual Budget breakfast will be held at the Convention Centre and this year we’re fortunate to have Phil O’reilly, CEO of Business NZ, flying in to host the event. There will be somewhere between 80 and 100 attendees, so it will be an enjoyable and interesting morning. As Budget 2013 draws closer, more information regarding content is released. For a town like Picton, news of additional tourism funding released by Minister of Tourism, John Key, is welcome news.Details of $158 million of additional funding for tourism have been announced. This includes $28 million over four years to co-fund business innovation and growth initiatives within the sector. Marlborough is at the high-end of the tourism market in New Zealand, the region shows strong tourism potential and the government is right behind it. I have been working with the rTO and Associate Minister of Tourism on the cruise ship issue, so ongoing efforts in this area, backed up by funding opportunities should result in some excellent outcomes for Picton. The government is keen to support innovative ideas and

projects that will create new opportunities and overcome barriers to growth in the tourism sector. This has resulted in the government partnering with the tourism sector to offer a co-funding model called The Tourism Growth Partnership, with the government contributing up to 50 per cent to each initiative. The new funding will absorb and significantly expand the Tourism Strategy Implementation Fund, which is currently $1.22 million per year. As I have already said, Marlborough is at the ‘high-end’ of the tourism market in New Zealand which brings me to another Budget initiative for tourism: $34 million for business events and $20 million to attract very high-end value visitors.Marlborough needs to work on changing the profile of its visitors. Over the past decade visitor numbers have been increasing but spend per visitor has fallen. As well as attracting more visitors to Marlborough we need to attract people who spend more. It’s time to target business travellers and high-spending luxury travellers – visitors who spend far in excess of the average tourist. These people use luxury accommodation, private transport, bespoke activity providers and high-end tours. With all this budgeted investment in tourism it is timely for everyone involved in the tourism industry to consider where their business might fit in as these partnerships and initiatives are rolled out. There are opportunities here and Marlborough businesses are well-placed to take advantage of them.

COLIN KING MP

tourism an important item on Budget agenda

Each of our sponsors has played an invaluable part in bringing the Chamber to where it is today. We ask all of our members to show their thanks by supporting our Sponsors.

WLevel 2, Youell House,1 Hutcheson Street, BlenheimPhone: (64) 3 578 7389www.wallacediack.co.nzKeeping you ahead of the field

Chamber Cornerstone Sponsor


Is your business prepared for the digital age? Online space is becoming more important than ever for the New Zealand economy and Marlborough businesses. Below is a summary of the findings from a recent MYOB Business Monitor.

86% of New Zealanders use the internet every day• 80% searching online first before buying a product or • serviceOnline space is becoming more important than ever for • your business

The growth of the internet represents a major opportunity for the economy, by providing businesses with access to new markets and resources, allowing them to operate more efficiently, and providing new ways for them to communicate with their customers.

However, New Zealand businesses have been relatively slow to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the internet. Just 35% of businesses in New Zealand have their own website, and many of those that do, are not mobile ready or have a outdated website that does not adequately reflect their business.

The survey questioned over 1000 NZ small to medium enterprises, and underscores that an online presence

represents a significant competitive advantage for businesses. Those organisations that had a business website consistently outperformed those that did not. Having access to the online space, and the benefits that come with it, also proved to be a real competitive advantage. 29% of businesses that had a business website said it had made them more competitive

Not only is the online space making it easier for businesses to communicate with New Zealanders, it also allows businesses to grow beyond their geographical limitations by providing access to national and global markets. 22% of businesses with their own website said it had allowed them access to new markets and business that they could not have reached otherwise.

New Zealanders are heavy users of the internet. As a nation, we are 9th in the world for internet usage (UK=15th, Australia=21st, USA=23rd). But as business owners, the vast majority have yet to realise all the benefits that the research shows comes from being more connected and making greater use of tools like cloud solutions and business websites.Can you afford not to connect with your customers?

If you answer YES to any of these questions you’re not alone, give The Marketing Department a call - we can help

p. 03 579 2997 | m. 021 792 880 | [email protected] | www.themarketingdepartment.co.nz

Key barriers to getting a business website

Have too much other work on?

Don’t see the value in a website?

Don’t have the resources for a website?

Don’t know how to start?

76%

61%

40%

28%

Results from 1000 NZ businesses surveyed 2012.

BY GILLIAN MCLEOD


An investment in training and skills can help your business be innovative,

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Lynda Mitchell - ACCOUNTANT, AOTEAROA SEAFOOD LTD, BLENHEIMChelsea Brooks - OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR,

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See nmit.ac.nz Search keywords: ‘Smart Business’or call 0800 422 733for more information

Flexible, part-time or online learning options for you and your staff

NELSON AND MARLBOROUGH CAMPUSES 2013


A page of sustainability related resources for businesses has been placed onto the Marlborough District Council website. “Many local businesses have already realised how much value there is to their business by operating in a more sustainable manner and have made significant changes to how they manage their power, water and waste” says Karen Walshe, the contractor managing the Marlborough District Councils Business resource Efficiency programme. “However one of the barriers for businesses making sustainable change is a lack of knowledge. The council have added this page to help businesses access information by providing links to a variety of

sustainability related resources.”

The page can be found under Business resource efficiency in the refuse section of the Marlborough District Council website - http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/Services/resource-recovery-and-recycling/Business-resource-Efficiency-Programme.aspx

“Target Sustainability is one of the resources on the site that has been developed by the christchurch city council and has been used extensively by Canterbury businesses” says Karen. “This is a great resource with sections focusing on power, water and waste and some really practical checklists and audit tools.”

Business Sustainability resources - available on the Marlborough District Council website

Doing Business in ChinaWith keynote speakers Tony Alexander, Chief Economist BNZ and Michael Barne , CEO Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Full programme out shortly.

• Understand the driving force of China’s economic growth phenomenon over the last 30 years and the future

• Appreciate the uniqueness of the Chinese market, organisa ons, and social structure

• Learn how businesses conduct marke ng, branding, human resource and strategic management in China

• Iden fy business opportuni es in China

Date: 15 August 2013Time: 8:45 - 3:00 pmVenue: Scenic Hotel Blenheim, Marlborough Cost: $149 (plus GST) book and pay at h p://www.mcoc.org.nz/events/china-forum/Or Email [email protected]


In 2012 a woman sued her boyfriend’s flatmate for hiding a video camera in the bathroom the two men shared, recording images of her while she showered. The couple became suspicious when they borrowed the flatmate’s laptop to watch a movie and found a file labeled with her name. They snuck into his room while he was out and searched his hard drive, and what they found led to a criminal conviction and the private law proceedings which are the subject of this article. The defendant was held liable for intrusion of privacy, in a decision known as C v Holland.

To the layman the chief question might be why the flatmate was stupid enough to label the file with the name of the girlfriend, and why he subsequently loaned his laptop to her. But for New Zealand lawyers, Holland is an important extension of the existing judge-made privacy cause of action. It signals how importantly judges are treating privacy, even though it does not appear in New Zealand’s Bill of rights Act. In the face of Google Earth, the internet and invasive new technologies, law-makers are belatedly realizing how rare privacy is fast becoming, and are struggling to craft laws to protect what is left.

Judge-made law

The privacy cause of action is entirely judge-made. It is also an American import. American judges and academics have been talking about it for the past hundred years, but it took until 2004 for the New Zealand Court of Appeal to decide that there was a free standing cause of action which lawyers now call the tort of privacy, in the case Hosking v Runting. This was not entirely new: there were High Court cases going back to the 1980s, but this was the first case at an appellate level, and the first to adopt definitively the American approach, in contrast to the English breach of confidence model discussed below.

Hosking concerned New Zealand broadcaster Mike Hosking, who had had twins and then separated from the mother the following year. New Idea wanted in on the action, and commissioned Mr runting to get a photo of the twins. This was intended to accompany an article on Mr Hosking and how he would cope being home alone for Christmas. Mr runting obtained a photo of the twins in a pushchair in a public street.

to the relief of all New Idea readers the court of appeal held that the photos did not breach anyone’s right to privacy; New Zealanders’ rights to know the details of the lives of its minor celebrities remain untrammeled. More importantly, from the lawyer’s perspective the Court affirmed the tort of privacy, holding that defendants would be liable if they: (1) published publicly, (2) private facts, (3) the publication of which would be “highly offensive”, unless (4) there was legitimate public interest in having the information disclosed.

The “offensive” criterion remains controversial and is discussed below. Even without it, however, the new cause of action is obviously limited: it only applies to information which is published. Merely recording private information, like the flatmate in the Holland case, would not trigger liability.

England: breach of confidence and “offensive”

English judges were too timid to make up an entire new cause of action like their New Zealand colleagues, and instead opted to broaden the breach of confidence action, traditionally used to prevent people disclosing information conveyed in confidence. Michael Douglas and his glamorous bride Catherine Zeta-Jones used this action to obtain damages when Hello! magazine obtained secret footage of their wedding (they had already given OK! magazine exclusive rights to the wedding photos). naomi campbell failed to convince the house of lords to prevent the Mirror from publishing photos of her leaving Narcotics anonymous, because it was in the public interest to know that she had a drug problem when she had previously denied it. However, Max Mosley, son of English fascist Oswald Mosley and President of the FIA Foundation, used the breach of confidence action to prevent News of the World publishing a story about his involvement in sadomasochism. (It was alleged at one stage, falsely, that it was Nazi-style S&M.)

in Hosking, the New Zealand Court was concerned that using the breach of confidence action would narrow the range of privacy interests which could be protected. It could well take more than separating privacy out from breach of confidence to protect it from the English press, but a recent case suggests that the English approach may in fact be more generous than the New Zealand law.

Mr and Mrs Murray are better known as JK rowling and her husband. In 2008 the English Court of Appeal held that the Sunday Express had breached the Murray family’s privacy by taking a photo of their son David. The facts were similar to Hosking; the family was walking along a public street. The Court distanced itself from the “offensive” criterion which has limited the New Zealand action, holding that:

… the parents’ wish, on behalf of their children, to protect the freedom of their children to live normal lives without the constant fear of media intrusion is … entirely reasonable and, other things being equal, should be protected by the law. It is true … that the photographs showed no more than could be seen by anyone in the street but, once published, they would be disseminated to a potential large number of people on the basis that they were children of well known parents, leading to the possibility of further intrusion in the future … [they] were taken deliberately, in secret and with a view to their subsequent publication. They were taken for the purpose of publication for profit, no doubt in the knowledge that the parents would have objected to them.

Although New Zealand High Court judges are bound by Hosking, New Zealand media are well advised to be carefully when publishing pictures of the children of celebrities, as it is not impossible that a higher court would choose to follow England’s lead.

Intrusion of privacy

Where does all this leave the plaintiff in Holland, showering in

BY DAvID NEILD - Gascoigne Wicks’, Litigation Team

Bathroom-camera decision reveals importance placed on privacy

continued pg 9


Litigation?When you’re caught up in

a dispute, or need to argue your point, call in the experts.

Gascoigne Wicks has a team of six litigation lawyers.• We will assess your situation and advise you on your strategy. • We can often point out a straightforward solution.• We are experienced in resource management, employment issues, civil litigation, relationship property, • and dispute resolution and mediation.

The power of many. The strength of one

79 High Street | E: [email protected] | www.gascoignewicks.co.nz | T: 03 578 4229 | F: 03 578 4080

her boyfriend’s flat? Although the Hosking decision may appear to require publication as a criterion of liability, Whata J held that in some cases intrusion of privacy was sufficient, even without publication. He set out the elements of the “tort of intrusion upon seclusion” as follows:

(a) An intentional and unauthorized intrusion;

(b) Into seclusion (namely intimate personal activity, space or affairs);

(c) Involving infringement of a reasonable expectation of privacy; and

(d) That is highly offensive to a reasonable person.

Whata J rejected the argument that it is inappropriate for judges to make up new causes of action, holding that the development of the privacy tort was “concordant with the historic function of this Court”. He also disagreed with the submission that the “highly offensive” criterion is unnecessary, stating that it is a useful way of limiting the breadth of the privacy tort.

The super-injunction

If breach of privacy is established, judges have two remedies available: damages and an injunction. The latter is an order

preventing publication. More recently, English judges have created a third: the super-injunction. This remedy prevents publication of the fact that the plaintiff has sought an injunction. this is quite useful when the order is temporary, for example, to prevent publication until the defendant has been served with the proceedings.

Footballer John Terry applied for a super-injunction in relation to allegations that he had had an extra-marital affair (which turned out to be false). He wanted it to last until the end of the trial. This was refused, partly because of a fear that if mr terry never served proceedings on the defendant then there would be no trial and the injunction would become permanent. There was an inquiry into super-injunctions in 2011, but the problem may have been resolved by the large number of online leaks, which have made super-injunctions rather pointless.

For further information please contact:

David Neild, 03 578 4229 e. [email protected]

PA G E 1 0 Voice Voice PA G E 1 1

MCoC Events Calender

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9New Member

MeetingLean Training (full day workshop)

Team Leader / Supervisor - Forte

Management (part 2)

10 11 12 13 14 15 16BNZ Partners' Speaker Series -

Anadarko

17 18 19 20 21 22 23Trustpower

Customer Services Workshop

EA / PA Networking - Scenic Hotel

BA5 - Marlborough Clubs, Russell Terrace

24 25 26 27 28 29 30Busines Awards

Seminar 2Young Chamber(new for 2013)

JUNE 2013

NOTES:

For more information on any of our events please contact [email protected] or call 03 5779575


MCoC Events Calender cont...

If you are serious about growing your business, don’t leave your marketing to chance.

Graphic Design | Websites | Marketing

p. 03 579 2997 | m. 021 792 880 | [email protected] | www.themarketingdepartment.co.nz

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7Buying and Selling a

BusinessWallace Diack Chartered

8 9 10 11 12 13 14BA5 - Vodafone Project Management

Part 1

15 16 17 18 19 20 21Deadline for Voice

MagazineMarketing Workshop

CB MarketingProject Management

Part 2

22 23 24 25 26 27 28Essential Skills for Business Owners Forte Masterclass

Part 1

Business Awards Seminar 3

29 30 31Essential Skills for Business Owners Forte Masterclass

Part 2

JULY 2013

NOTES:

For more information on any of our events please contact [email protected] or call 03 5779575


If you have answered YES to any of these questions we may have a fantastic opportunity for you!Let us introduce the Marlborough Young Chamber which is brought to you by the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce and Wallace Diack Chartered Accountants. This new initiative brings you an excellent opportunity to meet and greet other aspiring business people in Marlborough, gain valuable contacts and expand your networks. A range of events will be held throughout the year which will

include gatherings with guest speakers, and exhibitors, social events where you can network as well as quiz nights all of which are focussed around participation between peers and support for young business people in Marlborough.If you have any queries or would like to find out how to get involved contact Debbie via email or visit our website www.mcoc.org.nz We hope to see you at one of our events soon.

[email protected]

Young Chamber

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by ailsa carey

Blenheim has its own men’s community shed and it is operating two days a week at the moment, wednesdays and Saturdays 9-12 noon at 4 Dillons Point road, Blenheim.The men’s shed movement originated in Australia and it is all about promoting men’s health in a supportive and productive way. To date there are about 40 sheds in New Zealand. Members get to share their skills and learn new ones, they develop friendships and feel connected and useful.A very willing steering committee has been working towards setting up a shed in Blenheim, along the same lines as the Picton Men’s Community Shed (which has been operating for four years now).The Menz Shed Blenheim committee is made up of organisations that can see the benefits of a community shed: CCS Disability, Salvation Army, Stroke Club, Grey Power, rEAP Marlborough (the project’s auspicing organisation), Barnardos, Alzheimer Society and retired men who want to contribute to our community. We have built a TotalSpan six bay shed on Marlborough District Council land at Dillons Point road, next to the Bright Centre. The Bright Centre is a wonderful community area as there are various groups that meet there eg a women’s group (which has already approached the shed committee to do odd jobs), a Pacific Island men’s group and the potters’ club. We have already been offered projects for the shed eg doing up small boats, helping older people in their homes. One retired gentleman has taken on the role of administering our website (already he is giving back to our community). the shed members recently cut wine barrels in half to make planters and now they are busy lining the shed and building workbenches.There is good research available on the benefits of belonging to a men’s shed. Professor Barry Golding, an acclaimed Australian researcher, says, ”Despite their diverse origins, locations, configurations, auspicing organisations and purposes, men’s sheds in community contexts share a common commitment to older men’s friendships, health and well being in conjunction with regular and supervised hands-on activity in group settings in a shed-type space for both individual and community benefit.”One of the Picton Men’s Community Shed members had this to say,”…everyone enjoys going along. We have an excellent

workshop and members can participate in building or crafts. We’re also restoring a clinker boat at present. It’s the sort of group that gives people choice and it can become a vehicle for delivering health messages. ….I do know that many men won’t go to the doctor unless they’re almost dying. The good thing about men’s groups is their ability to break down barriers. It’s a non threatening situation.”In recognition of the health and social benefits this worthy project is bringing to its members and wider community, the Picton Men’s Community Shed received a 2009 TrustPower Award in the health and wellbeing category.regular visitors to the Picton shed are some residents from an old folks’ home in Blenheim. It is wonderful to see these old chaps’ ongoing interest in machinery, woodwork and laughing and chatting over a cup of tea. It will be very beneficial to have a shed in Blenheim so that these and other men from retirement homes can visit.one of the aims of the blenheim shed is to be able to mentor younger men. The Picton shed has looked after a young lad and he blossomed under the care and guidance of an older bloke.The Menz Shed Blenheim website is www.menzshed .comMenz Shed Blenheim is always looking for sponsorship, the donation of tools or equipment and community projects.

Menz Shed Blenheim


Diana and Graham have been operating this business for five years and learning something new every day. Previously we were farming together for ten years we were hand- rearing Dairy Calves, a very labour intensive job. To help with this work we had young Japanese living and working with us. This fostered an interest we both already shared in meeting people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.We were living and working at Henry Maxwell’s for two years. However with Diana having some health issues we bought a house close by. We now have Andrei living in the Apartment and he is on duty after six at night. Graham is on duty during the day and Andrei helps with the breakfast. For the cleaning of the rooms we have additional help as it is required. Diana comes in and oversees things in the afternoons and gives Graham a break if things have been busy. We find this team approach works well as everyone has different strengths and it also allows everyone some flexibility in their day.We love travelling and meeting fellow travellers and sharing stories.

Who would we like to attractTravellers who enjoy the company of similar minded people. People who want to get the most out of their experience in New Zealand and this region.however we are equally comfortable with people who want privacy and their own space, we like people to feel they can just be themselves.business people can have the best of both worlds, we ensure privacy, if that is what they require or they may socialize with other guests when they choose to.Single travellers, we offer single rates.Gold Card travellers, they enjoy a ten per cent discount.

Benefits of staying at Henry Maxwell’s Central Lodge

Enjoy the most centrally located B&B in Blenheim • within a five minute walk you will enjoy a wide choice of restaurants, bars, a supermarket and shops.complimentary transfers to and from the airport and the • Train/Bus station.

No charge for the use of the laundry or internet.• G.S.T. included so business guests can claim it back.• breakfast is included and is available from seven to nine, • or by arrangement for other times. Continental, cooked or both and we cater for special dietary requirements.Bedrooms are all upstairs separate from the other guest • areas.Queen rooms with en suites and a single room with a • private bathroom.The guests may relax in the large garden. We have • independent access for guests and separate areas for guests and the management.Free safe and ample off street parking.• Secure lock up garage for cyclists.•

The dining room has a kitchenette for the guests use with microwave, hot plate, for those wishing to prepare something for themselves. Besides watching the waistline, it can get rather expensive buying many meals in one day while on holiday.many of our guests have said the highlight of their stay was having the opportunity to meet other people and share their experience with them, of our great country and region.

Welcome to Henry Maxwell’s Central Lodge

Henry Maxwell’sCENTRAL LODGE

located in sunny Marlborough

Diana & Graham Westenra welcome you to their beautiful and affordable luxury B&B located at 28 Henry Street, Blenheim

Phone 0800 426 796Email [email protected]

BY GrAHAM & DIANA WESTENrA


The aim of this article is to provide you with information to make a more informed decision about where you think interest rates are heading and whether it is better for your own situation to float, fix short term, or fix long term.Interest rates are an often publicised topic as the cost of finance affects a large portion of home owners and businesses with lending. Turf wars between banks often begin as a fight for market share, ending up with a small change in market share but a great result for borrowers as they reap the benefits of the lower cost of lending.Generally speaking, interest rates are cyclical by nature so when there is a trend in one direction it tends to be long lasting. The ultimate goal would be for you to fix at just the right time and for the optimum length of time, so that you minimise your total interest costs over the life of your mortgage. An interest rate cycle cannot be determined by a definite time band, like three to five years, because rate movements are influenced by a large number of factors such as inflation levels, exchange rates, house price movements and the overseas costs of borrowing money, just to name a few. Each one of these factors operates in their own cycle and each has a different effect on interest rates depending on what stage in their cycle they are at. So all you can do is keep monitoring the situation and acting accordingly. To get the best value, you would want to fix short term or float when interest rates are falling. This way you don’t get locked into high interest rates, from a long term fix, when market rates are dropping. I heard of a number of situations between 2007 and 2010 where those who had chosen the “cheapest” interest rates at the time (which were the longer three to five year fixed rates)

found they were faced with large break costs if they wanted to sell their house, and repay their home loan, or they sat on a fixed rate much higher than the market for a good couple of years. The best strategy at this time was to stay floating or to break any fixed loans in late 2008 and pay the proportionally small break fee at the time as the interest rates crashed. In the current environment, a short term fixed rate is providing the best value. An eye should be kept on the trend in interest rates so that when all fixed terms start to move upwards then fixing longer term could prove to be better value, provided this fits your financial plan. This strategy requires an element of predicting or forecasting where you think rates will be at the end of your chosen fixed term, to get an idea of how much you can potentially save. A good indicator I use to keep an eye on rate changes is the graph at http://www.interest.co.nz/charts/interest-rates/swap-rates. this shows the swap rates lenders are paying for their chosen lending term and gives an indication of these changes, usually 4 to 6 weeks before they flow into the market. As these start to trend upward over all fixed rate terms, then longer fixed terms could provide better overall value. In the last three months there has been a downward trend in all the swap rates and we have seen this lead to some very low rates below 5% for 6 to 24 month terms across the market. At this stage there seems to be little sign of upward pressure any time soon, as inflation remains low and the US exchange rate is still very high by historical standards. For specific advice on your own mortgage and financial circumstances please contact me directly. A disclosure document is available at anytime.

[email protected]

How to work out for yourself whether to fix or float.BY PHILIP MUIr


We won’t put you in a pigeon holeWe are often asked “what’s the best accounting software I can use for my business?”

Our response is - one that is best for the management of your business, whatever stage you are at.

For a new/start up business a cashbook package that gives you a cash flow report/budget and GST preparation may be all that is needed. Banklink has a solution for small businesses.

As the business grows you may need to manage payroll, customers and suppliers, and need more in depth accounting reports. These may include the need for inventory control, time management, job tracking, and multi-currency facilities; therefore a different accounting software package may fit you and your business better.

We have done some research and compared the basic packages of the major players, Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks. The results of this, including costs and features of each package have been posted on our web site (www.tva.co.nz/blog) in a blog about cloud options. There are some interesting findings e.g., MYOB provide a similar package to Xero for a lesser cost, with payroll included.

rather than putting all businesses in one accounting software

pigeon hole, the process is one of matching business needs with the relevant software solution. Ideally, this is done in partnership with your accountant, who can also assist with set up, training and on-going support. These all contribute to your understanding and acceptance of the software solution. There is no one accounting package fits all businesses here.

We believe that accounting software must fit the business and not the other way around. We are happy to have an informal meeting to discuss the options, and then introduce you to our staff members who are specialised in Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks. They are available to give a free health check on whether your accounting package fits your business.

Give us a call to make an appointment.

by tVa


BY LEE HArPErMicrosoft is ending support for its twelve year old operating system, Windows XP next April. But what does this mean and why should businesses using Windows XP be concerned?

Previously, users have migrated versions of Windows themselves being moved by the benefits and features of new operating systems and more powerful computers. No one really noticed when Microsoft ended support of Windows 98 or Windows 2000 in 2006 and 2010 respectively. This time however it is different. Partially due to the failures of Windows vista, and in part to the stability of Windows XP, it has meant that currently, around 38% of computers in New Zealand are still running this twelve year old operating system.Microsoft ending support doesn’t mean that your computer will stop working, instead Microsoft will no longer release patches and upgrades to resolve security issues. Whilst this doesn’t sound like an issue of concern, it means that from april next year, computers running Windows XP will be at risk to security issues. To protect the security of their products and services, Google and some banks amongst others are planning to end support for Windows XP on or near the April deadline. The end result for users is that some e-mail, web-based applications and internet banking sites may not work after this deadline.Businesses currently relying on Windows XP need to start looking at a replacement within the next nine months to keep their IT systems safe, secure and fully functioning. Currently Windows 7 is the obvious choice for migration as it has a very similar look and feel to Windows XP. Also staff will not take much time getting used to it!! For those wanting to upgrade to touch based systems such as tablets, then Windows 8 is the route to follow, and whilst its interface looks different to previous Windows versions, it lends itself logically to touch screen use. Businesses may find other hurdles in upgrading including out of date servers, software and other hardware such as printers and

webcams, so there may be other areas to consider.

So what can a business do?Some Windows XP PC’s and Laptops are capable of running Windows 7. Some may even have a software license that allows them to do this at little or no cost. Others with older equipment will find it is time to upgrade to newer and faster equipment. Over the next nine months they should get their systems checked to see if they can be cost effectively upgraded. Check with your current IT Provider to see if you will be affected or just call our team on 03 578 1100 or visit our new showroom at 82 Seymour Street opposite St. Johns.

What about Small Business Server?Microsoft is also about to stop selling its Small Business Server platform which has been the mainstay of their server range for the last fifteen years. The last version (Small Business Server 2011) is based on the Server 2008 platform and is essentially four years old already. There is no need to panic regarding this. Microsoft has seen a massive decline in sales of these servers since the advent of cost effective Cloud Services in 2010. Businesses have been able to save money by either deploying a low cost server in conjunction with Cloud services or, moving away from purchasing a server altogether and going completely to the Cloud. This drop in demand has brought the product’s life to an end. Instead of following the pattern of replacing an aging server, businesses can now look at other options which offer lower costs and better mobility. If your IT advisors are saying you need to purchase a new small business server with all the associated costs of maintaining and managing it, maybe it is time to check out other options.

pcMedia have an extensive range of desktops, laptops and upgrade options for users looking to move from Windows XP. Being the region’s Cloud Computing specialists, we can also advise you if a Cloud computing solution is suitable for your business to lower your costs and improve mobility.

pcMedia Technologies Ltdp. 03 578 1100

f. 03 578 8803 www.pcmedia.co.nz

time for an Upgrade?


Now working in public practice, the experience gained while an accountant in the wine industry prior to this, is still valued. In particular, the fluctuating capital needs saw ongoing and in depth use of cash flow forecasting. This tool is very useful, both to establish cash position monthly over a 12 month period or more, and cash obligations coming in and going out.Done well, a good cash flow forecast with a budget, can deliver more than the monthly cash balance. It provides the opportunity to ask critical questions about different aspects of your business, and whether better profitability can be achieved.A forecast is useful in those businesses (eg manufacturing) where capital investment occurs significantly before sales will bring home the bacon. It is useful where capital investment might be ongoing, or initially large (eg vineyards, rental property investment). A forecast is most effective when values are realistic, and while an accountant may develop one for a business, input from the business owner or manager is important.

monthly cheque/bank account balance the most obvious use for a forecast is the derived monthly cheque account balance. Any trends of this balance over time, can highlight the need for extra capital, or an opportunity to reduce debt or invest further. For instance – an ongoing negative cheque account balance for several months, may prompt the arrangement of an extended overdraft facility.

sales For sales, budgets can be set for various markets, and monthly cash income projected for these. A comparison might show a change in customer activity, and prompt action to improve things if needed. Differences may highlight good customers or contracts from those less reliable. This may prompt a plan to extend or seek out new clientele or work.

expensesvarious actions may be initiated from the expenses part of a forecast. Where there is a one-off large expense which the business cannot meet, projecting payment over a number of months may be one solution. It might prompt action such as negotiating a payment plan with a supplier. A forecast may also highlight the need to trim costs. This could lead to finding a new supplier, or renegotiating better prices or terms. Interest and DebtA cash flow forecast can also calculate interest payments on debt monthly. When interest projections are different than expected, this might prompt a look at current interest rates and search for a better financing option. It is highly useful for projecting forward loan repayments and monitoring the resulting debt levels over 12 months.

capital expenditure Staying to a capital expenditure budget can be aided by a forecast. By allocating a budget to various areas such as plant and equipment or vehicles, this then promotes the search to purchase affordable assets, within budget. Also, when such assets are found, and a savings is made, this may be applied to other purchases or areas of the business.

conclusionAt best a good cash flow forecast will not only show cash position over a 12 month period, but highlight trends in your business, isolate areas where more attention may be needed, and encourage actions to change or improve business and profitability. It is only as good as the numbers provided are accurate, and needs to be updated regularly. At Kay Flaherty chartered accountant, we will set up and tailor a forecast to your business, ensure it is realistic, and update it regularly. Call us today, for a free initial consultation.

Cash flow forecasting – a valuable tool for most businessesBY KAY FLAHErTY

44 Brooklyn Drive Phone: + 64 3 578 1391Blenheim, 7201 Mobile: 027 608 2220Email: [email protected] www.kayflaherty.co.nz

KAY FLAHERTY l Chartered Accountant

ACCESSIBLE l APPROACHABLE l PERSONALISED

We deliver financial , accounting, and tax solutions for bothbusinesses and individuals

We also provide management accounting services includingcash flow forecasting and budgets and more

CALL US TODAY


CB Marketing

Marketing is business development.

“It’s all about optimising opportunities to grow your business through everything you say and do.”

Talk to us about your Marketing Strategy and make sure you are on the right track.

We provide coaching, planning and coordination services for your Marketing Strategy at a level to fit your business and budget.

We offer a clear focus on your direction and target market. With effective ideas and better planning you can achieve improved results

and cost efficiencies for your marketing strategy.

Does your business need help with marketing? Start today with an $80+GST one hour marketing session.

Or to find out more information about our marketing services contact CB Marketing (03) 546 8269 or [email protected] or visit our website www.cbmarketing.co.nz.

e. [email protected] p. 03 546 82 69 www.cbmarketing.co.nz

Member Profiles

Wino’s Marlborough opened in Blenheim in February 2012 with a focus on providing Marlburians with a quality fine wine store.Marlborough businessmen and self-confessed “Wino’s” Clive Macfarlane and David Clouston were motivated by the fact they live and work in a vibrant wine growing region yet which had no fine wine store. “We have been inspired to some extent by the recent rise of the independent grocer, we see Wino’s as fitting that mold for the local community - supplying quality products that are new, different, exciting and which are not available in the supermarket,” says Dave.Scott Allen, Store Manager has a background in fine wine retail in NZ and abroad and with his

WSET qualifications and experienced palate is able to select only the finest wines for our stock and for our customers. Our range covers many grape varieties and regions of the world, with a strong focus on quality and value for money from New Zealand and in particular, Marlborough of course. This does not exclude other beverages from featuring in the store, with the focus on quality retained across the ranges. Wino’s is proud to stock a variety of bottled beer, from easily recognizable brands to the boutique and craft brands brewed in Marlborough and throughout New Zealand. We have 4 beer taps in-store where you can fill your own flagons (growlers) with regularly changing range of beers from Moa, renaissance and 8Wired.

another specialty area at Wino’s is a selection of very fine single malt whiskies for even the most discerning Scotsman, and other whisky lovers, a select range of spirits, liqueurs, fortified wines, ports sherries and more… You need to visit and browse! Wino’s is now online with it’s new website winos.co.nz . “We now have all our wine, beer and malt whiskies available online and offer some fantastic weekly specials that we email out to our wine club members. As the online market is very competitive we also offer free nationwide* delivery on any wine orders of 6 bottles or more.Come in and see us! Open 7 Days.

Winos Liquor, Marlborough

49 Grove rd, Blenheim p. 03 578 4196e. [email protected] www.winos.co.nz

Premier Painting Ltdsteve roberts

PO Box 499, Blenheim p. 03 577 9409e. [email protected] m. 021 264 8235 f. 03 577 9409

17 years ago my family and I chose to move to Blenheim for a lifestyle and career change. Soon afterward, I was employed by Derek Borland as a painter, this started a successful and rewarding relationship for us both.

During this time, I have worked as a foreman and around three years ago I took over the day to day running of jobs and staff from Derek as Operations Manager culminating in my purchase of Borland painting in December 2012.

as a professional team we pride ourselves in quality workmanship and ensuring that all of our valued customers are left feeling happy with their choice of painters.With a solid foundation, I shall continue to build the company and i am proud to be the “Painters you can Trust”.licensed Applicators for:

Zolatone• Specialist Coatings Acratex• Finishing SystemsEquus• Coatings

Picton Little TheatreBruce Anderson - Theatre Manager

p.027 924 6606 e. [email protected]

asked where he is from, bruce anderson pauses and replies, “Well, England originally, but I’ve spent a long time in Australia and Hungary”. It’s Hungary that brings about a raised eyebrow and more inquisitive questions.

bruce studied at the royal central school of Speech and Drama in London, then joined the English Shakespeare Company and went on a ten country tour delivering the words of the Bard.

roles since have included, Managing Director of Dramatrix and Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce.

since July 2012 bruce has been theatre Manager at Picton Little Theatre. With 68 local business sponsors supporting the theatre, Bruce says “we can really move forward and help attract tourists to Picton by providing quality performances”.

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june / july issue 2013 voiceof business in marlborough · membership of 500 will be a significant...

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