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BUSINESS OF THE YEAR WINNER 
A manufacturing company which has been in business for three and a half years has been named Business of the Year at the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards 2007 and also named winner of the Lockwood Manufacturing and Trade Business Award.
The Business awards were held on Friday October 5 at the Rotorua Events Centre.
Company Directors / Owners Chris Morrisey and Ian Piebenga formed a partnership and bought an existing roundwood plant in Reporoa to start their own manufacturing company. On April 11 2004 they opened PermaPine which is based in Broadlands (Reporoa) with 11 staff.
 Through hard work and dedication to provide consistent good quality materials PermaPine now has 44 employees and sells to companies such as Farmlands, the ITM Group and PGG Wrightson.
PermaPine manufactures roundwood and treated wood products out of logs purchased from the central North Island.
“What makes us and our products different is the fact we provide good consistent quality materials when customers want it and we provide it in a short time frame” says Ian Piebenga.
PermaPine Ltd attended the Business Excellence Awards as a finalist in the Lockwood Manufacturing and Trade Business category. According to Chris Morrisey, co owner, entering the award acted as a critical evaluation for the business and provided a chance to see what they do, and equally as important, what they don't do so well. It was hard but also a very beneficial process for the business to go through. Winning the award for this category shows we must do a lot right. He added, “We were able to learn a lot from the judging experience and would like to thank all who were involved.”
Being the overall winner of the Westpac Business Awards left them all speechless and amazed.
“As we don't deal directly with the public like a lot of the other business winners, I was amazed to hear our name get called again for the big one” says Chris Morrisey.
Winning the Westpac Business Excellence award has generated pride within the team as it recognises all the hard work and determination the staff give each day.
Achieving their aim of building the PermaPine brand to a recognised company which provides good quality products and a reliable service, PermaPine look forward to the next 5 years with a goal of becoming the supplier of choice for roundwood and treated timber products for the rural and construction markets in the North Island.
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Retail Business Award Bunnings Rotorua
 We were already on a high after being announced the winner of the Social Responsibility Award, and enjoying seeing our name up on the screen for all to see.
When we were announced the winner of the Retail Business Award it was the best feeling in the world. We must have all jumped 10 feet in the air!
Winning this, along with the Social responsibility award just makes the picture complete, a balance and recognition of both sides of the scale ...what we do, and what we give back, and we all feel very proud and privileged.
My team were also blown away, this award gave them the thank you for all their hard work and effort from a different dimension, and means a huge amount to them all.
Preparing for the presentation to the judges took concentration, effort, teamwork consideration of each others needs and teamwork, as we also had a business to run as well as giving our nomination the best shot we could.......someone said Peter Snell never got up to go and race and come second!!
The judging process is very robust, the judges not in the least intimidating, and we listened well to the advice we were given prior to working on our presentation.
Preparation is the key, practise is important as is relevance, and from that, reward is gained. The people of Rotorua have joined us in celebrating our success, the weekend of the awards had a carnival-type atmosphere in the store, both by the team and our customers, and we are still celebrating!!
Our 2 trophies hold pride of place at our Service desk, the certificates are on display in the foyer, A frames pronounce us WINNERS and the team are on a high.
I am sure this award will assist in contributing to the further success of the store...it gives us even more credibility in the business community which is important for any retailer and for any business to be a successful one!
We all feel very proud and honoured to be part of the Rotorua Business Community.
Colene Nicholson
Complex Manager - Bunnings Rotorua
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Community Organisation Business Award Victim Support Rotorua
 To be nominated and asked to enter the Rotorua Business Excellence awards was an honour and a true acknowledgment of the services being delivered within the Rotorua community 24/7 by a group of dedicated highly skilled, trained volunteer support workers.
To become a finalist and then win the award on the night was absolutely awesome and all of us who attended the awards evening were humbled by the recognition and acknowledgment given to Victim Support Rotorua by the Judges and by the Rotorua Business community. It really was a magical night……. There were tears of joy and pride and smiles that didn't fade….. It truly was magical.
Being able to participate in the awards process has been an experience that Victim Support Rotorua has grown from. From completing the application form, undergoing an interview process, being financially audited and then presenting before the 12 judges showed us how important it is to be a professional, courteous, customer and community focused organisation. Believing in our own values and vision enabled us to proceed through this process with ease and the assistance and support from the Chamber of Commerce was invaluable.
The recognition that Victim Support Rotorua has received since winning the award have been overwhelming. We have received congratulation cards, flowers, chocolates from all sectors of the Rotorua community and more importantly we have had people approach us to join us as volunteer support workers. This is a true testament to the mana that such an award holds within the Rotorua community and Victim Support Rotorua are so proud to have received it.
 Winning this award is 'the icing on the cake' for the staff and all 22 volunteers support workers who continue to work hard and deliver quality services to victims of crime and trauma. They deserve all the accolades and acknowledgements…...
Without them, Victim Support would struggle to survive and victims of crime and trauma would have no support and no voice. This dedicated group of people gives their time and commitment voluntary to ensure that victims of crime and trauma have access to a free, comprehensive, flexible and professional service 24/7, 365 days of the year.
The benefits for Victim Support Rotorua started from the time we were nominated to enter for this award. From this time we have received so much more support from within the Rotorua community to assist victims of crime and trauma and these ranges from free accommodation to meal vouchers to tourist attraction vouchers for victims. All of this wonderful support has enhanced our services to victims by enabling Victim Support Rotorua to go that extra mile when supporting victims of crime and trauma. This is especially so when dealing with tourists / visitors who have become victim/s of a crime.
The beautifully carved trophy and certificate sits with pride in the Rotorua office and it is a reminder to staff and volunteer support workers that this was won from all their hard work when working with victims of crime and trauma and their continued loyalty to Victim Support Rotorua. I am so proud of this team….
I would like to thank and acknowledge the team who contribute to the success of Victim Support Rotorua and who continue to support the work that we do with victims of crime and trauma;
Nga mihi atu kia koutou………
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Emerging Business Award Croucher Brewing Co
 Wahoooooooooooooooo!!!!
Yes, that adequately describes our reaction to being named the Destination Rotorua Economic Development 'Emerging Business Of The Year' at the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards.
Croucher Brewing is owned and run by Paul Croucher and Nigel Gregory, both born and bred right here in Rotorua. We are a Rotorua-based boutique brewery making fine handcrafted beer. The New Zealand beer market is very competitive, and we are trying to swim with some very big fish. The premium end of the beer market is growing strongly and we identified an opportunity to create super-premium beer made with the very best ingredients, with our signature being beer full of gorgeous flavours.
Celebrating local business successes is something we are keen to promote and encourage, so it was therefore only appropriate that we enter these awards ourselves. The process was simple; we completed the Chamber's entry form, then had an initial interview with two of the judges, we were then named one of four finalists in our category and had to prepare and give a 30-minute presentation to the whole judging panel.
We are rather passionate about our business, and really do enjoy what we do, so the idea of getting to talk for a whole half-hour about our business and what we are trying to build was a pleasure rather than a chore.
One of our objectives for entering the awards, let alone winning, was to continue to raise the profile of our business in the Rotorua region. One of the key goals we have set is to become an iconic Rotorua brand we want Croucher beer to be something Rotorua people are really proud of and something that visitors seek-out when they come to our city.
 So where does Croucher Brewing go from here…
ROTORUA We need to have a strong home base, where Croucher beer is considered the local drop. To achieve this, we have to convince more local restaurants, bars, hotels, liquor stores and supermarkets to stock our range of beer, and to encourage the people of Rotorua to ask for a Croucher when they are out and about.
AND BEYOND We have ambitions of Croucher Brewing being a nationally known boutique beer brand. To achieve that we'll continue building our distribution around the country, with outlets already in Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge, Taupo, Mt Maunganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, Blenheim, Canterbury, and Otago.
These are lofty goals, and we are not going to get there overnight, but we WILL get there. And being involved in these awards can only help us raise our profile and credibility.
There are lots of Rotorua businesses and business people who have been hugely supportive of what we are doing. So a HUGE thanks to the team at New World Rotorua, Skyline Skyrides, Ngongotaha Superliquor, The Wall bar, Okere Falls Store, Pak'nSave, Papillon Restaurant, Bistro 1284, Brass Bar, Essence Café, Millennium Hotel, Rotorua Golf Club, Arawa Fine Wines, Ciccio Italian Restaurant, Clearwater Cruises and our good friends at RadioWorks Rotorua. We also want to thank Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, Westpac (who also are our very supportive business bankers) and Destination Rotorua Economic Development for organising and supporting the Rotorua Business Excellence Awards.
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Hospitality and Attractions Business Award Indian Star Restaurant
 Hospitality and Attractions Business Award 2007 winner Indian Tandoori Star could not be more delighted.
“Winning this award shows us that our customers enjoy and recognise the effort we place on providing quality service and traditional Indian Style food” says Ray Singh, Owner.
In July 2001 Ray bought the existing Indian Star in Tutanekai Street with an aim to produce the highest quality in taste, standards and service. Providing exceptional Indian food outside of India has been a positive foundation for the growth of the business.
“In the hospitality industry it is important to have consistent and outstanding customer service as the main focus of the business”, says Ray.
With a highly skilled and dedicated staff of 11 and over 18 years of personal hospitality experience, Ray has made the Indian Star a restaurant that is known for their excellent customer service and satisfaction.
“Relax in our comfortable restaurant or choose to dine outside - alfresco style, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of Rotorua.” Says Ray. We also provide our customers with a home delivery option with a focus on delivering resturant quality Indian food, he added.
Following the positive feedback from customers the Indian Star entered the Business Awards as a way to help their business grow. Although the judging process was tough and strenuous it has also been a rewarding experience, says Ray. My staff has been amazing and I am proud of their commitment and dedication they display in their work. Winning the hospitality award created a great sense of achievement, pride and respect for our business from staff and customers. I would like to say a big thank you to our local community as they have helped us greatly in the past and I hope they will continue to help us in the future. Also the staff at the Indian Staff would like to thank the Judges and the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce for the work that went into the Business Awards.
With the extensive experience within the Indian Star our staff are friendly and will ensure the dining experience is an enjoyable one. “At Indian Star your satisfaction is our guarantee.”
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Social Responsibility Award Bunnings Rotorua
Wow! What a buzz! The evening was great from beginning to end..... the venue superb, the M.C.a great choice, the acts first class, the food and atmosphere equal to any world class event!!
 Sitting at the table with my team and their partners on the evening enjoying the occasion was so much fun, and when we were announced as the winner of the Social Responsibility Award we all had a huge adrenalin rush!
Standing on the stage and having the opportunity to accept the award and speak about my team was one I would not have missed for the world.
My team mean the world to me, and from the time we were nominated everyone was excited and rallied round to put our portfolio together to show the judges what we as a business had given back to Rotorua.
A huge contribution by Blue Watts, the leader of our Community Involvement team, who put all our information in to chronological order, assisted in our success
You know, when we looked at the finished portfolio and all the groups and charities we had given a "Hand-Up" to in the past 12 months, let alone the past 2.5 years, we felt suitably proud.
Winning the award shows us that people do recognise the fact that we do, and will continue, to give back to the community that supports our business and our 209 team members.
Presenting to the judges, gave me the opportunity to show what we have done as a team to help the community, and demonstrate the diverse activities we have been involved in supporting....from taking wood to pensioners in winter, sitting in ice cold water to sponsor Hearts for Kids, to fundraising for a defibrillator.
Texting and ringing as many team as we could on the night and arriving at the store the next day to signs saying "WINNERS" and copies of the Award on out A frames for all to see was a proud moment for all the team and recognition for all their work and effort.
The public have been generous in their praise for our achievement which again is a huge buzz and great for the morale of the store.
I would recommend anyone to take the time, put in the effort and reap the rewards of entering. Becoming a finalist and then a winner of an award is nothing but fantastic.
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Service Provider Business Award McClelland Optometrists Ltd
 It's our family caring for your family's sight for life …. McClelland Optometrists entered the award following the positive feedback received from a Customer Survey conducted online. “Feedback proved we have what it takes to be recognised as an Award Winning Company”, says Aleisha. The aim for our entry was to offer recognition to our team, to show our customers we take pride, and for the company it offers great PR and the opportunity for benchmarking across other service providers. And the journey begins…
For the team the journey has been a really positive experience. Winning the award has given them the recognition they deserve. We have a dedicated and highly skilled team of 11 with over 85-years optical experience. It's the continuity of relationships between our loyal team members and customers, that has seen some relationships span as much as the 60-years that we have been in practice. As our mission statement says, “It's our family caring for your family's sight for life”.
For me personally, I couldn't be more proud of my team than I am now, says Aleisha. It's been an amazingly positive and educational process. The energy, determination and willingness from the team to give it 110% has made winning this award even more special.
To win an award is a great achievement however winning the respect and trust from your team has been the greatest reward for our company by far. Respect has come from showing the team we care to live up to our vision for the company. And trust has come from working together and stepping outside our comfort zones with the full support of one another. We've had a few laughs along the way!
Continuity, consistency and service are paramount. “The team at McClelland's tries at all times to live up to the mission statement and that is to give superior eye care throughout the entire service encounter to make your visit here a great experience” says Optical Assistant, Tina. “We take care to develop personal relationships with our clients to ensure a life long association with them” says Tina. Standards are equally important. “We have very high standards at McClelland's” says Optical Technician, Sharon.
Owners, Selwyn, Tony and Aleisha would like to say thank you to our team: To Kaara Blake Rotorua's most experienced Dispensing Optician with over 16-years experience; to Sharon Weigel our expert Optical Technician with over 8-years experience; to training Dispensing Optician, Shanna Riley who is New Zealand's first ADONZ Student Prefect; to Christine Burt our administration support member with several years experience; to Jackie Steel and Tina Doorman our experienced and super friendly Optical Assistants; and to Dawn and James our friendly Optometrists whom are enjoying being a part of our family friendly practice in Rotorua!
The team would like to thank the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, Westpac and Unison for making the awards possible for local businesses. Also thanks and warm regards go to all Judges and event organisers and sponsors for all the work and time put into making the awards a fantastic experience!
And a big thank you goes to our customers and local businesses that have been incredibly supportive to us, so thank you Rotorua for your support!!
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Customer Choice Award Credit Union Lakeland
What Is the Trustpower Customer Choice Award? The award is distinctive because it is the only award in the Westpac Rotorua Business Awards which is based purely on customers voting for businesses serving them. It is a great award because it gives customers a voice. Certainly, our customers are quite chuffed to know that their support of us has had such an effect. It is possible that we have an advantage in that we are owned by our customers. We have to operate within prudential guidelines and have regulatory agencies to report to, but apart from this, we are predominantly accountable to our customers and if they are not happy, they have a right to tell us, whether through the staff, management or Board of Directors who are elected by our customers.
 What has winning the award done for us? As well as the customers being pleased, our staff are absolutely thrilled because it is primarily their achievement. Having happy customers in a banking environment is not always easy because money causes stress for most customers and staff are on the frontline of this stress. Often we have the means to help people but not always in the way they imagine. It takes tact and being able to relate to people well to get alongside customers and make suggestions to help them. To turn customers' concerns into positive outcomes and to act on our vision, to help customers succeed, is a significant achievement on our staff's part. We were unable to have all staff attend the awards night, but will be making up for this with a big day of fun and teamwork in November.
Also, this year we have invested substantially in new premises and facilities for our members with a sit-down service for most enquiries and ample parking, and this win is an endorsement that we are heading in the right direction from our customers' point of view.
In terms of wider recognition, because how a Credit Union works is not widely understood despite our having been part of the Rotorua scene for 45 years, the Customer Choice Award is particularly significant because it bestows credibility in the eyes of those we have yet to serve. We have made a point of mentioning the award on signage and our envelopes, and it will also be in our local newsletter and our national magazine.
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Employee of the Year Sealed Air - Cryovac - Gillian Tangi
Cryovac Sealed Air has a fairly low profile in Rotorua. For example most people would not know that our logo represents our most famous product, 'bubble wrap'. Cryovac Sealed Air is a world-leading manufacturer of flexible packaging materials and systems.
Our products protect, present and preserve food products primarily for the Dairy, Meat and Seafood industries and our success globally is driven by our total dedication to customer service, quality and innovation. Cryovac Sealed Air is one of largest employers in Rotorua with one hundred and forty staff. For our company, having an employee win the 'Employee of the Year Award' is an opportunity to step into the limelight.
Cryovac Sealed Air nominated four employees for the awards. The process of considering candidates, selecting and nominating has had a positive effect on all those involved and Sealed Air are proud of Gillian Tangi's achievement. This reflects the success of our policy of developing employees to achieve their maximum potential.
Gillian has been working as a multiwall checker at Cryovac Sealed Air for eight years and recently stepped up into the manufacturing assistant role. She has taken on this role with great passion and professionalism.
Dan Hocking our Quality Co-coordinator was one of many who recognized this enthusiasm and dedication and nominated Gillian for the award. It has been a whirlwind of excitement for Gillian ever since, she was surprised to be nominated and even more surprised to win. But this was not entirely surprising to her co workers, who believe in Gillian and were thrilled at her achievement.
Gillian talked of the experience of being interviewed by the Chamber of Commerce as being very pleasant and compliments the team at the Chamber for their enthusiasm and professionalism. Gillian was surprised they were mainly interested in finding out about her because she believes it was a company achievement, not just hers. In her own words she said “this award is not about me, it's about us, we're a team”. This team attitude is what has got Gillian so far. The care and respect she has for her co workers is much to be admired.
Winning the award has been an encouragement for Gillian and has boosted her confidence. We believe that her achievement and work example will rub off onto her colleagues. Especially with the high profile that The Chamber of Commerce brings to the award.
The factory was buzzing on the Monday after the awards, as the news spread. Our sister factories have all enquired about our success. We even had a congratulatory email from a former boss, who now lives in Bahrain.
The staff in general are excited that a person employed in manufacturing, could win the prestigious award. These awards are generally seen as being for 'office' people, in suits, not overalls. The attitude on the factory floor is 'now we have done it once we can do it again', which is great for company morale.
However, the positive response Gillian experienced having won the award, was not limited to her co-workers. Gillian was surprised by the support and kindness of people in the community, especially Steve Chadwick. The experience of receiving the award and meeting a variety of people at the award ceremony was very fulfilling.
Gillian looks forward to a brighter future and more happy years at Cryovac Sealed Air. She would like to thank everyone who has supported her, including her manager, Bella Moke and the site manager, Kevin Patterson. But most importantly she would like to thank Dan Hocking for nominating her for this award.
Cryovac Sealed Air would like to congratulate and thank Gillian and her team, for all their hard work and dedication, without which, the company would not be the successful and innovative company it is today.
Cryovac Sealed Air would like to acknowledge the huge contribution the Chamber of Commerce makes in the community the generous support of Credit Union, Westpac and other organizations who sponsored this important event.
Kevin Patterson
Site Manager
Sealed Air Rotorua
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Apprentice of the Year Farm & Garden Equipment - Aaron Corney
On 5th of October 2007 all the staff of Farm & Garden Equipment attended the Rotorua Business Excellence Awards and were absolutely ecstatic that one of their team members, Aaron Corney, won the prestigious award of Apprentice of the Year. Unfortunately Aaron was unable to attend the Awards night as he was attending the first week of training at John Deere Limited's elite Agtech Training Course in Brisbane.
Aaron is a senior Apprentice Diesel Technician employed by Farm and Garden Equipment Ltd, Rotorua's John Deere Dealership. Aaron's achievements in his apprenticeship have seen him go significantly from strength to strength. Aaron has taken on the responsibility of Field Service, a position which requires him to work unsupervised in sometimes demanding conditions and deal with problems associated with field work.
Aaron thrives on challenge, this prompted management to nominate him for John Deere's Agtech Training Course. Agtech training is limited to fifteen technicians throughout Australia and New Zealand each year, all nominees must sit a pre entry examination. Agtech is normally only available to qualified trades people, however John Deere Limited's Senior Trainer recognised Aaron's exceptional potential and along with his pre entry examination results made an exception to the qualifying criteria so that he could enter the course. Agtech covers advanced Product Technical Training and Management skills and is run over a three year period, all training is based at John Deere Limited's Head Office in Brisbane.
In Aaron's own words “This award is a great moral and confidence boost and I feel honoured to have been nominated for the competition”.
Farm & Garden Equipment Ltd staff and management are extremely proud of Aaron and agree that it has been a great moral boost for all staff. This award is also significant to the management at Farm and Garden Equipment Ltd as it is indicative of the excellence we aspire for in our staff and in our Business.
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Business Online Banking making it easy (and safe) for businesses
Westpac's Business Online banking, launched earlier this year in response to a high demand from its business customers, is proving popular with New Zealand businesses. This comprehensive online banking and financial management tool is designed specifically with small to medium businesses in mind, and to allay any security fears, Westpac is the only bank to offer a guarantee against online fraud losses.
Westpac's General Manager of Business Banking Bruce McLachlan says the Business Online banking package offers several unique tools for businesses:
- Multi-user access with 'two to sign' passwords, making it ideal for companies requiring two or more people to authorise transactions
- Bulk payments to multiple third parties, including direct debits
- Regular payment templates
- Payroll facilities allow businesses to pay staff as well as other major businesses from a list of more than 800 companies already set up including power, phone and gas.
- Guarantee which offers customers full protection in the event of online fraud.
The system can also be tailored and integrated into a company's own accounting system and allows users access of up to 100 accounts.
“Anything from transferring between accounts to paying tax can be done online, with the greater flexibility of extended banking hours and ease of use,” says Mr McLachlan.
“This is a powerful resource for our existing customers and a major drawcard for any business prospects reinforcing our position as the number one bank in the market for business customers,” he adds.
Designed to reduce the costs and time associated with business banking, the service offers businesses increased flexibility and greater control and security over their finances.
“Westpac introduced the “promise to pay” guarantee to reassure customers that we are one hundred per cent committed to protecting them from online fraud and to demonstrate the faith we have in our online security systems and processes,” says Mr McLachlan.
“Business Online Banking is convenient and rewarding for our business customers. We are making a promise to them that it is also very safe. We believe this stance is both appropriate and timely as there is currently heightened concern about levels of risk facing businesses,” he adds.
“We put a huge amount of resources into fraud prevention and believe our security systems and processes to be some of the best available. As well as sophisticated transaction tracking software, Westpac offers text alerts that can highlight suspicious activity on an account.”
One satisfied business customer is Craig Petersen, Managing Director of Fruit Handling Systems, who says Westpac's Business Online Banking provided him with a timely financial management solution.
“My Dad always handled the finances in our business and when he unexpectedly passed away I was left trying to manage the books on top of my duties as Managing Director. Business Online Banking has allowed me to hire a part time employee to set up bill payments that I can then approve.
“I frequently travel for work and Business Online Banking provides the flexibility to approve payments after hours both at home and abroad. This has resulted in cost and time savings so I can concentrate other things,” said Mr Petersen.
Mr McLachlan says Business Online Banking is a powerful resource for Westpac's existing customers and is shown to have high customer satisfaction.
“It's a major drawcard for any business prospects, reinforcing our position as the number one bank in the market for business customers,” he says.
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Fraud in your Business?
Fraud in your Business?
What exactly is fraud and does it actually affect you as a small to medium business? We all hope it doesn't, but that may not be the fact. Fraud, Risk Management, Intellectual Property and Corporate Fraud all look like buzz words for large organisations and therefore don't affect most of us. Lets take a look into these buzz words and see how they could impact your organisation large or small.
You only have to search the web to find many definitions for each, here are a few to show the theme and then we will look at a few examples in lay-man's terms for ease of reading.
Fraud
Something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage. Fraud is a deception made for personal gain.
An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right.
The act of leading a person to believe something which you know to be false in a situation where you know the person will rely on that thing to their detriment.
The intentional perversion of the truth in order to mislead someone into parting with something of value.
Computer Fraud
Fraud which takes place on a computer or internet, including computer hacking, sending computer viruses, harassing, copyright violations, and the unauthorized use of a computer.
Risk Management
The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling risks arising from operational factors and making decisions that balance risk cost with mission benefits.
Generally, risk management is the process of measuring, or assessing risk and then developing strategies to manage the risk. In general, the strategies employed include transferring the risk to another party, avoiding the risk, reducing the negative affect of the risk, and accepting some or all of the consequences of a particular risk.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property includes copyrighted materials, trade secrets, and know-how, in addition to four types of industrial properties -- patents, utility models, designs, and trademarks.
Intangible property that is the result of creativity (such as patents or trademarks or copyrights)
Corporate Fraud
This form of fraud occurs when a corporation deliberately skews or conceals information in order to appear successful. A corporation may commit fraud by manipulating accounting records, hiding debt, or failing to inform shareholders of loans and bonuses given to executives. Also known as shareholder fraud.
This can also refer to fraud committed between businesses including litigation processes.
As can be seen, these areas can be a mine field and as such, some businesses tend to turn a blind eye, or bury their heads to fraud and hope they are not a victim, rather than deal with it and introduce risk management policy. Policy needn't be complex and long winded. It just needs to be precise and anticipate a worse case scenario and have procedure in place to counter or mitigate that worse case scenario occurring. Because fraud is commonly viewed as having a faceless victim, like a bank or company, there is a danger of developing a culture of accepting fraud. This has happened in other countries such as the UK. A new independent study into the nature, extent and economic impact of fraud has found that fraud costs the UK economy a minimum of £13.9 billion (NZ$37.5 billion) a year, increasing to £20 billion (NZ$54 billion) when estimates for income tax and EU fraud are added. This amounts to £330 (NZ$890) for every man, woman and child in the UK.
Independent risk or security assessments are a fantastic start and give you an outside perspective to reflect upon. Basic security assessments are normally free with more intricate assessments proving their worth. Choose an organisation with business experienced staff. Anyone could give you a risk assessment, but will it stack up to scrutiny or against experienced organisations with business and corporate acumen?
Minor cases of fraud may be staff posting personal mail with your business postage. Employers may view this as a 'benefit' of employment with the company and have no issue while others may view this as theft. The scale of potential fraud is vast and can escalate from taking a work vehicle home for lunch or misrepresentations on timesheets to outright theft of company money or property.
What your business needs to consider, or review, is the risk it faces and your level of acceptance to varying fraud. One of the first risk considerations is, how will you identify any lose when it occurs? What controls and checks are in place to prevent it from occurring in the first instance? If someone has taken from the company, moved locations and the accountant only picks it up as a discrepancy after the fact, it is a lot more difficult to recover any loss.
Engaging a private investigator with fraud experience at an early stage can be a huge advantage, as they understand the processes necessary to evidentially identify an offender and gather the evidence necessary for your company to have a strong case. Why have a strong case? For use in dismissal proceedings or criminal proceedings. This will mitigate the risk of personal grievance cases against your company. Select your fraud investigator carefully and get corporate business experienced investigators who can prove a business understanding.
These days the computer is an integral part of even the smallest business, so if you are having staff issues with the likes of intellectual property, surfing the net during work time, downloading files or forwarding information outside the company, get an investigator with forensic computer experience.
I often hear employers saying how much they trust their staff. That is fantastic, but trust only remains until you are crossed. I often hear the same theme, “I can't believe it, I trusted them, they worked for me for years”. Here are some statistics;
According to a recent KPMG survey, fraud affects half of all New Zealand businesses with an average loss of nearly $480,000. KPMG's forensic director profiled a typical offender as;
Male, 38 years, trusted employee of about 5 years, no previous history.
Recovery: 36% is recovered through Insurance
42% not recovered
60% is reported to Police of which only 40% go through the Courts system.
14% of offenders have a prior history that is missed through vetting, either by disguising history or companies not doing basic checks
Often the issue of 'trusting' people is distorted because some people take offence at having any checks undertaken regarding their performance or trustworthiness. Trustworthy or not, employers are reluctant to implement robust procedures for various reasons including staff retention issues. The view point should be taken that implementing robust procedures, in a lot of cases, also protect the 'truly trustworthy' by proving their innocence. This often makes the employee feel empowered, trusted and accountable instilling a sense of pride.
If you start on the right foot with good vetting, such as pre employment checks, recurring problems can be reduced and a good message is portrayed from your business. Again, seek reputable companies to independently complete your pre-employment checks.
There are multiple reasons that people commit fraud and it can be as basic as the opportunity presented itself. A good reason for controls and checks. Other more serious reasons are to support drug habits such as methamphetamine (or 'P') use. This drug has an appalling and deserved reputation as a dangerous drug. How much is this drug impacting in your workplace? Drugs are another whole article on their own, but do consider that taking drugs is not exclusive to low socio-economic groups.
For larger organisations such as local Council's, Fraud Awareness training packages are a successful tool in combating organisational fraud. After all, your 'front' staff are also your primary reporters of fraud.
Peter Searle
Watchdog Corporate
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Get Yourself Connected
In true Economic Development style, the Bay of Plenty region is being touted as the 'export engine of the north' for the new regional economic development strategy. Supporting this, the Ministry of Economic Development tells us that being well connected with the rest of the world is key to New Zealand's growth prospects. Being small and at the bottom of the world, means that for New Zealand, a presence in international markets is not just important, it is a necessity.
For businesses prepared to take the risk of growing into offshore markets, the return resulting from larger markets, increased productivity, new innovations, and competition, are substantial. But for many it is these risks that make the leap into offshore markets appear too great, particularly for small and medium enterprises.
This is where being well connected locally is vital to establishing the first steps of New Zealand's growth prospects. For those considering growing in international markets, it is important to recognise that there is a wealth of skill and experience available from those who have gone before you. The leadership spirit demonstrated by so many of our exporters often translates into their keenness to share lessons learnt with other entrepreneurial business colleagues.
Greg Jarvis at Bluelab Limited says 'from my personal experience, by being involved in Export New Zealand, I have been given good advice by fellow exporters who have already solved issues I am trying to, whether it be product sourcing, distribution or logistics'. Risks can be readily identified and clear market strategies developed through simple sharing of experience and knowledge. There is a strong case for expanding the existing cohesive network of exporters throughout the Bay of Plenty region. It provides the base for significant economic development in the region and ensures a far greater likelihood of success for individual companies.
It is the success already enjoyed by exporters involved in proactive networking in the larger Tauranga region and identification of local Rotorua business needs that lead Export New Zealand and the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce to establish the Rotorua Export Club this year.
With the Christmas deadline looming, and the summer holiday downtime on the horizon for many, it is easy to ignore networking opportunities at this time of year. But this is often the ideal time to ensure you mark your calendar with these crucial networking dates. It's a great opportunity to step back for a moment and revue where your business may go in the New Year, taking advantage of ideas and experience of those already a step or two ahead in exciting export markets.
Make a little time available - you never know what you might gain in return.
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Rotorua Museum Centennial Development Supporters acknowledged at Chamber BA5
The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce has taken a leadership role in fundraising for the Rotorua Museum Centennial Project.
A joint working committee including Chamber members Mike Johnson, Margriet Theron, Doug Clemens and Grant Kilby, as well as museum representatives, has been established to assist with the fundraising activities.
Special acknowledgement was given to 12 Chamber of Commerce members at the Business After Five function at Rotorua Museum on 25th September. RadioWorks, The Daily Post, Agrodome, ABN AMRO Craigs, Sigma Consultants, APR Consultants, Canmap Hawley, McDowell Real Estate, O'Sullivan Clemens, East Brewster, GB Teat Ltd and Kale Print and Design were recognised for their early support of the fundraising campaign, becoming Rotorua Museum business supporters before the launch of the Corporate Support campaign.
Both the Chamber and the Bath House building celebrate 100 years of existence in 2008. This has created a unique opportunity for the organisations to work together and the Chamber has identified the Centennial Project as a special focus for its centenary year.
Although the Bath House stands as one of New Zealand's most iconic heritage buildings, significant features of the original plans were never built. The Centennial Project will complete the Bath House building to its original specifications and provide greatly enhanced museum facilities.
Stage I of the three stage project, the Northern Viewing Platform, was completed in March 2006. The second stage, the North Wing extension, begins with a ground breaking ceremony on October 31st. Stage III of the project is scheduled to begin in 2009.
Fundraising to date has secured almost $12 million, allowing Stage II to proceed as scheduled.
“The Chamber recognises what an important role the museum plays in our community,” says Chamber President Christa George.
“It is an extremely valuable educational and cultural resource for residents and also plays an important role in Rotorua's visitor industry. The Chamber therefore sees this as an important project to support.”
“This is a very exciting project for the community,” says Greg McManus, Director of Rotorua Museum. “Not only will we be completing this iconic Rotorua landmark, we will also be able to provide more extensive museum services and tell more of Rotorua's great stories”.
Museum Centennial Trust Chairman, Lyall Thurston, says “The support shown by local businesses is vital to the project. Community support for the project must be proven before many large funding bodies are willing to contribute, so we are thrilled that the Chamber has taken a leadership role”.
Significant funding has also been provided by Rotorua District Council, Rotorua Trust, Bay Trust, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board and Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Trust.
Chamber members interested in knowing more about supporting the Rotorua Museum Centennial Project should contact Greg McManus at Rotorua Museum 07 349 4350 or Mike Johnson Ph: 07 357 2105.
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