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Spotlight on the 2008 Westpac Business of the Year
 The judging has been completed, the winners have been found, the Westpac Business of the Year has been selected, the red carpet has been rolled out………
now we wait for the big night. The College of Judges for the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence awards were sequested away for the weekend of the 18 -19 October to receive the individual presentations of the finalists of the six business categories. What a task! Convenor of Judges, Melanie East, has commented, “This is an intense couple of days but results in the judges feeling a real sense of satisfaction at the end of the Sunday when they finally agree on the ultimate winner.”
For the rest of us, we have to wait until the Gala Awards Evening to be held on Friday 7 November to feel the excitement and anticipation as the night builds to the big announcement. As with the previous years, this event is a real experience. Every year, the team responsible for the presentation of the evening, Event Impressions, Audio Visual Techniques, Eurest and Events and Venues, work together to exceed the expectations created by the previous year's event. In 2004, Mission Possible was followed by A Touch of Excellence with Master of Ceremonies Gary McCormick in 2005. The following year was the last year the event was held in the Sportsdrome. In 2006, everyone was invited to 'Shimmer and Shine' and we were guided through the evening by Russell Harrison. The move to the new Energy Events Centre in 2007 was seen as a real opportunity to showcase Rotorua's capability as an Awards venue. Our organizing team did an amazing job. We were all 'Shaken not Stirred' by Brett Rutledge. Ticket sales exceeded expectation with more than 650 guests enjoying the evening.
Each year the evening's programme is new and vibrant. Hours are spent planning the audio visual and entertainment for the evening. Jacqui and Jeff of Event Impressions have assured us that this year will be another spectacular evening. The theme is 'Spotlight on Success' … and that is all we are allowed to tell you. The rest … well you will have to come along on Friday 7 November to find out!
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A Sense of Tradition and Cultural Significance Lie Behind The Trophies
Te Puia, the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute add a unique dimension to the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards. The taonga presented to each category winner are hand carved by the team of carvers at the Institute.
Nine years ago, Master Carver Clive Fugil created the design. There are a number of threads in the design. It relates to the story of Mâui, the earliest and greatest Mâori entrepreneur. The adaptation of the fish hook to the 'here' indicates diversification from the original idea. The design on the base are the Mangopare or Hammerhead shark representing strength, and the koru or fern shoot represents growth. The fish hook also depicts 'plenty', and in the context of the awards reflects an abundance of quality. The many symbolic associations in the taonga make it an appropriate presentation to acknowledge business excellence.
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Lockwood Manufacturing and Trade Business Award Finalists
Zero to 100 Automotive Ltd
In Business 3.5 years
Full Time Staff: 6
Part Time Staff: 2
Zero to 100 Automotive was initially formed by two directors, but after 11 short months Peter and his wife Tania bought the sole ownership of the business.
Zero to 100 Automotive is an automotive repair workshop for all vehicle makes and models offering warrant of fitness inspections. All of the staff have different skills and experience and when brought together, make up the structure of our operation. The staff have helped build the procedures manual and Peter and Tania always encourage everyone to put forward ideas about the systems. By doing this they have fully committed staff who strive to produce a better
customer relationship and service. Zero to 100 is the only automotive workshop that opens seven days a week, continually helping locals and visitors who would otherwise be stranded on the weekends.
It takes considerable commitment to open 7 days and the team works very hard to keep that level of commitment so that their customers are offered the very best service. Zero to 100 Automotive is still 100% unique because of this.
Acknowledgement: Tania Davis, Director Phone: 350 2100
GJ Gardner
In Business since 1999
Full Time Staff: 5
In July 1998, the purchase of the GJ Gardner Homes franchise for the Rotorua/Taupo and South Waikato was complete. The operation began in a small office in Amohau Street, Rotorua, with many changes implemented in a short period. Many of the old ways of doing things had to be modified, which initially meant a lot of extra work but the benefits were obvious from the beginning. Some of the changes were unique to the industry and saved time for both the customers and the owners of the franchise as there wasn't so much reliance on subcontractors to provide initial quotes.
Over the next 4 years their numbers grew. In 2003 the Taupo franchise was sold, enabling more focus to be placed on the Rotorua market. Through this thier business and confidence bloomed. In the past 12 months a new office and show home have been built furthering our commitment to the Rotorua area. Over 150 houses have been built in Rotorua and the surrounding districts. GJ Gardner values their team, including staff and sub-contractors. “We recognize that everyone on our team plays an extremely important part, not only in our success, but the success of the companies we work with.” The positive, nurturing attitude is why GJ Gardner believes they are an award winning company.
Acknowledgement: Graham Griffin, Franchisee Phone: 345 8890
TotalSpan Rotorua
In Business Since 22 months
Full Time Staff: 1
Totalspan Rotorua was purchased by Tony Young in September 2006 after it had been in existence for four years. Tony is an enthusiastic individual keen to be in business for himself with an aim to grow the business to its full potential.
Totalspan Rotorua is one of 28 outlets in the nationwide Totalspan franchise. One of the reasons why Totalspan Rotorua stands out from its competitors is the quality of the products. Totalspan has a unique framing system which provides extra strength, more internal space and reduces bird and rodent nesting. Every Totalspan building comes
with a 25 year structural guarantee certified to New Zealand standards.
Totalspan Rotorua has performed well and strives to do better in all aspects of business. Entering the Westpac Business Excellence Awards has been rewarding in itself. Tony believes to win an award would be a fantastic personal achievement. Being a young man in business may set a as a positive example to other young professionals new in business that they too can put themselves forward, be acknowledged and encouraged to continue making a valuable contribution to Rotorua's business community.
Acknowledgement: Tony Young, Director Phone: 349 4050
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NZCU Employee of the Year Business Award Finalists
Elisabeth Jackson Red Stag Timber Ltd
Employed as: Commercial Co-ordinator (Payroll and Accounts).
Employed for: 4 and half years.
Liz constantly exceeds her Manager's and the Company's expectations, through her skills, knowledge and work ethic, and is a great example to her team. She consistently works beyond her normal work hours, during weekends and from home to ensure accuracy and that deadlines are met.
Outside of her normal duties, Liz is a leader of social activities for her team and the wider site. She leads the organisation of Red Stag's end of year Christmas party and organised Waipa Idol, Quiz nights and various other
team building activities as well as attending customer Open Days. Liz has the magic combination of excellent knowledge and people skills along with an ability to problem solve and adapt to any new situation. Her excellent
planning skills of both her and her teams time, coupled with Liz's 13 years of broad experience in specialist payroll and credit control roles, ensure that she is outstanding at her job. Liz ensures that the smaller but often important things are done well and plays an important part of ensuring HR processes such as recruitment and exits are managed well.
Blue Watts Bunnings Rotorua
Employed as: Price Checker.
Employed for: 3 years
Blue Watts was employed as a price checker 3 years ago and since that time has transformed her role to include In-store Training Co-ordinator. Some of the ideas she has implemented have now been adopted by the company,
showing her true initiative and commitment to her job. Blue is highly motivated and initiative driven and as a direct result of her passion and desire to keep everyone safe in the workplace, the team have achieved several health and safety awards from within Bunnings. Bunnings Rotorua lives and breaths six values, one of which is communication. Blue was voted by her peers this year as the person who lives this value everyday. Her willingness to keep the team informed and highlight the need for communication within such a large team, is Blues commitment to producing a monthly publication to all the Team, advising of events past, present and future, games, general information and fun. Blue inspires others to be better and to stretch themselves to achieve in areas they believed they couldn't, she encourages others and ensures they have the tools required to achieve in their jobs. A true team player, Blue is willing to help out in any area of the store and supports all fellow team members by giving her time and knowledge .
Sandeep Puri Lovely India Restaurant
Employed as: Front of House. Employed
With a warm and welcoming smile greeting you as you walk through the doors of Lovely India Restaurant, Sandeep's outstanding customer service, impeccable presentation, professionalism and commitment to his work are what makes him a worthy finalist for Employee of the Year. Sandeep's excellent knowledge in Hospitality and his human resource skills are what set him apart.
He implements and observes best trade policies and provides training to staff on how to best meet the customers needs. Nothing brings more fulfilment to Sandeep than Lovely India's success. Sandeep is a keen worker who provides the best possible service to a wide variety of customer, and provides complimentary products to customers to make their experience unique.
Karl Mossong -Red Stag Timber Ltd
Employed as: Sawmill Maintenance Fitter
At just 22 years of age, Karl is the youngest fitter in his team. Karl's commitment to getting the best performance and reliability is consistently show, through his willingness to continuously improve in his role and in delivering high quality maintenance services to this crucial area on site. He leads the maintenance requirements in the Sawmill, working with both production operators and maintenance personnel to achieve optimal results, which therefore delivers on customer expectations. With exceptional attention to detail, Karl strives for perfection and is very particular about the quality of
his workmanship, and has now become a true mentor to the other fitter apprentices. Karl is truly a credit to himself and a very valued member of the team at Red Stag Timber Ltd.
Hinekura Hohaia Sunset Primary School
Employed as: Teacher Aide.
Employed for: Six Years.
Hinekura is a positive, bright and cheerful member of the team at Sunset Primary. Her infectious goodwill tends to rub off on others and she is prepared to dive in boots in all for the children. Although she is only paid for the morning, she stays on at the school to help with school patrol (every day) and also drives the “walking school bus”. She volunteers her time with playground duties and has studied and attended courses that support her to encourage children to read and to achieve success in Maths. Her empathy and great positive people skills and leadership within the school know no bounds. She coaches the School A netball team. As well as netball she coaches and supports the water polo teams and the miniball teams.
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Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust Social Responsibility Business Award Finalist
CastleCorp
Castlecorp see themselves as providing key services and maintaining infrastructure as well as providing community support for social impacts that affect the Rotorua community.Castlecorp staff also provide a link between local Police and the community, with weekly “Intel” meetings, keeping both organisations “in the loop”.
Staff are encouraged to volunteer for activities that are not part of their job descriptions, or Castlecorp’s core business, such as Rural Fire and Civil Defence, which are essential to the well being and safety of the Rotorua Community. Many of the staff were involved with the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraising event, probably the most visible occasion where the real values of Castlecorp are evident. Over thirty staff and families spent the entire weekend together this year, raising in excess of $4600 for such a good cause.
Castlecorp has actively supported a number of community projects through innovative methods where they are able to provide services as opposed to providing cash donations. For Example, during a fund raising dinner for the Energy Events Centre, Castlecorp provided a Garden Makeover as an item for a fund raising auction, and recently in support of the Save the Children Fund, trucks and tractors were provided for the Touch a Truck Day, enabling children to interact with different vehicles, whilst raising money for a good cause.
McDonalds Rotorua
The most notable of McDonald’s Rotorua’s contribution to the community is the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat at Ngongotaha, where Rob and Linley Parry donated $10,000 to its development and front the local committee for the ongoing organisation of the Retreat. Once construction has finished, McDonald’s Rotorua will look after day-to-day operations of the Retreat. Once complete this will be a special holiday home for families with sick children.
Community support is also fostered through the creation of the Mokoia Meeting Room in the Fenton Street Restaurant, providing a free meeting room for local community groups. Similarly, the Fairy Springs Road, restaurant, hosts Parent Centre Toolbox parenting sessions. These sessions are normally held in someone’s own home, but there was the need for a public and safe place for them to hold their meetings.
McDonald’s Rotorua generally choose to support activities which are family or youth oriented, for example sports teams. To this end, they have worked with and will continue to work with Junior Netball, Junior Rugby, Touch, Junior Socer, Mountain Biking, Squash and most recently, Rugby League. A number of local schools also use McDonald’s products to incentivise academic achievement and participation.
Gold’s Health and Fitness
The team at Gold’s Health and Fitness take great pride in their community involvement. They are approached by a variety of community organisations on a consistent basis, and where possible they endeavour to offer support.
Gold’s policy is “to involve themselves in as many local community projects as they can” by assisting legitimate not for profit organisation to market, promote and raise funds for their specific needs, through offering gift certificates and or physical support where possible.
Once such occasion was the Waikite Family gala day, which raised over $8,000 for the local Tumahaurangi Marae in Koutu. The purpose for the day was to raise funds to put towards local youth at risk and alcohol abuse. This event saw a number of the Gold’s team providing hands on support throughout the Day.
The Heart of Gold club also run a regular programme whereby they visit the Redwood retirement village to provide music, singing and fun to the elderly residents. This very special time has a two fold effect, as it brings much joy to the hearts of many of the elderly residents and much satisfaction to the Heart of Gold members who attend.
Further to that, the team support many local organisations, placing emphasis on helping among others, the Lions Club, local schools and sporting groups as well as Gold’s sponsorship of the Rotorua SPCA, by sponsoring a page in their 2008 calendar.
Bike Vegas
Bike Vegas run a recycled bikes project in conjunction with Sport BOP and Rotorua PHO, whereby upwards of 40 bikes which have been donated by community bikes are recycled and given back to members of the community who require a bike for either transport purposes or for health reasons. This programme is very successful and has been in operation for over a year and a half.
As well as the recycled bikes programme, Bike Vegas offer free use of their rental bikes to the Princess of Wales – dads and lads programme. Which helps promote members of the community (men and boys) get involved with mountainbiking and therefore introducing kids and their parents to healthy lifestyles and quality time together. This programme has been running for over a year and also offers free bike checks.
In providing support to other sectors, Bike Vegas offer discounts to organisations such as the Rotorua Mountain bike club and the BMX club and sponsor such events as: the Blue Lake Multisport Weekend, the Mountain Bike 24 hour race, and the Mountain Bike Winter Series.
The team at Bike Vegas are passionate about healthy lifestyles and active kids.
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Unison Service Provider Business Award Finalists
Golds Health & Fitness
In Business for 22 Years
Full Time Staff: 5
Part Time Staff: 4
Golds in Rotorua was established in 1987 and traded under the name of Golds Gym. In 1991 it was purchased by Steve Gardiner and began trading under the new name of Golds Health & Fitness. This new name and re-brand was a
proactive move to cater for the whole community and tap into the female health and fitness market and get away from the old stigma of 'bodybuilding'.
The core operation of Golds Health & Fitness in Rotorua is the provision of a top fitness facility which is fully equipped with fitness and cardio vascular equipment designed for shaping and toning bodies and improving the general health and wellbeing of our customers.
Additional unique aspects include very strong partnerships with Rotorua District Council in the provision of facilities and services at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre. Golds is the only health & fitness facility in Rotorua that provides an exclusive air conditioned cardio studio plus access to full swimming pools and hot spas for fitness, rehabilitations, fun and relaxation.
Acknowledgement: Steve Gardiner, Owner/Manager Phone: 348 8998
Kirsty Gerlach Hearing
In Business for 2.5 Years
Full Time Staff: 4
Part Time Staff: 2
Kirsty Gerlach Hearing is a premium audiology clinic providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services to the hearing impaired, opened its doors in November 2005. Founder Kirsty Gerlach has worked in the field of audiology for 25 years.
Raised in Rotorua, Kirsty moved to California to complete her Masters degree in Audiology. Returning in 1998 she founded Bay Audiology but sold it in 1995 in order to return to the United States. Now back in New Zealand to stay, Kirsty has developed a clinic that is renowned for its excellence within the New Zealand audiology community. It is certainly “one of a kind”. “Caring for your hearing” is the platform for providing excellence in audiology services. Kirsty Gerlach Hearing is committed to client satisfaction with through both products and services. Kirsty Gerlach
Hearing works alongside Lakes DHB and is one of only a few private-public audiology ventures in the country. We are one of just three DHB's in the country with adequate staffing levels. This is a major professional accomplishment and a strong testament to their commitment to the community.
Acknowledgement: Kirsty Gerlach, Owner/Director Phone: 343 6669, 027 343 6600
ThisIsMe Web Solutions
In Business Since: April 2005
Full Time Staff: 1
Part Time Staff: 1
Established in April 2005 ThisIsMe Web Solutions is a small but rapidly growing I.T business. ThisIsMe Web Solutions Ltd has two business arms: a strongly skilled and well regarded web development studio specialising in, but not limited to, custom developed database driven website solutions and an equally successful public Internet arm, providing a range of quality public internet access solutions to the accommodation industry.
What puts ThisIsMe Web Solutions ahead of the competition is their ability to think outside the square and proactively work towards developing new and better products and services. They then work on building and developing relationships with clients to better support, manage and grow their business in today's rapidly IT and Internet
driven business world.
Acknowledgement: Royston John Bartholomew, Director, Phone: 357 2852
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The Daily Post Retail Business Award Finalist
Sheila Turner Picture Framers and Art Gallery
In Business For: 4 Years
Full Time Staff: 1
Part Time Staff: 1
Sheila Turner Picture Framers and Art Gallery offers custom picture framing, art gallery and retailing of art supplies. The picture framing side of the business is supported by six specialist machines to cut wood mouldings, glass and mounts in various shapes and sizes to satisfy customers' orders.
The art gallery provides a venue for artists to exhibit their paintings and other works of art on a “commission on sale” basis. In December 2007 the shop next door was leased for the purpose of expanding the art gallery, gaining much needed space for the burgeoning picture framing business and adding the retail business of art materials. In four years Sheila Turner Picture Framers and Art Gallery managed to climb to be the top and is now recognised as a business that is willing to go the extra mile. The vision for the business is to maintain its position as the top, one-stop privately
owned art centre in Rotorua and expand the core of the business.
Acknowledgement: Shelia Turner, Owner/Manager/Sole Trader Phone: 349 1122
Firestone Old Taupo Road
In Business For: Approximately 45 years
Full Time Staff: 7
Firestone has had a presence in Rotorua since 1963 and has been operating from its Old Taupo Road location since 1965. Firestone Old Taupo Rd are proud to say they have been committed to taking care of their customers for the last 45 years and believe this is a key business achievement. As Firestone moves from just looking after tyres to offering more services for their customers' vehicle, they have renamed the stores and from now they will simply be called Firestone. There is a strong customer focus and they have promised to offer the best price, service and care no matter what. They call it their 360° Promise. “Whatever it takes, we'll make sure it's taken care of”.
Acknowledgement: Vince, Manager Phone: 348 2063
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Pukeroa Oruawhata Hospitality and Attractions Business Award Finalist
NZONE The Ultimate Jump Rotorua (Skydive Rotorua Ltd)
In Business Since: June 2003
Full Time Staff: 11
Skydive Rotorua Ltd commenced operating in June 2003 under the trading name of NZONE “The Ultimate Jump” offering tandem skydives to adventure seekers 364 days a year -delivering high adrenalin experiences from one of New Zealand's premier tourist destinations.
NZONES promise and mission is “To deliver the ultimate adventure experience to each customer through personal service and secure the NZONE brand as being synonymous with quality, safety and excitement. NZONE were the first Tandem Skydive operation to offer Freefall Photography as a product to customers. They have progressively developed this area of the business, moving to digital formats in both video and photos.
Incorporating the spirit of Ranginui into their marketing collateral conveys a cultural message that compliments both the “Feel The Spirit” and the NZONE “Embrace The Fear” ethos of courage and spirituality - enhancing the cultural value of the product and each visitors time in Rotorua.
Acknowledgement: Keith or Sarah Phone: 345 7850
New Zealand Riverjet 2004 Ltd
In Business For: 3 Years
Full Time Staff: 3
Part Time Staff: 3
New Zealand Riverjet is the only Jet Boat Thermal Safari in New Zealand. New Zealand Riverjet offers a unique adventure experience for anyone visiting Rotorua or Taupo. Only New Zealand Riverjet Thermal Safari
incorporates a fantastic geothermal wonderland and thrilling jet boating experience.
New Zealand Riverjet was born out of the River Lodge 9 years ago and after a series of owners New Zealand Riverjet was purchased by Nick Berryman in 2005. Since then the business has gone from a part time hobby to a fully operational attraction that has a full time dedicated team. One key strategy that made a difference was to combine the adventure of Jet Boating with Geothermal into one safari that provides an exciting and educational trip for all who experience it.
New Zealand Riverjet's mission is “To provide visitors with an eco/adventure experience that encompasses everything that is essentially New Zealand”.
Acknowledgement: Nick Berryman, Director, Phone: 333 7111
McDonald's Rotorua
In Business For: 25 Years
Full Time Staff: 55
Part Time Staff: 118
On the first of June 2004, Rob and Linley Parry took ownership of the three McDonalds restaurants in the Rotorua. From day one, the Parry's unyielding focus has been to improve the day to day operations of all three of the restaurants.
Additionally, Rob and Linley have set about investing into the business to not only deliver a better customer experience, but also to make it easier for the staff to do their jobs. This has brought a number of significant results.
These include achieving the ultimate McDonald's award of the Operator of the Year. They also had Outstanding Assistant Manager of the Year for McDonald's. Further to this McDonalds Fenton Street also won a Keep Rotorua Beautiful award earlier on in this year. This was recognition of the restaurant remodel and the work McDonalds do
with Litter programmes. The McDonalds Team is committed to providing the best service for their customers and have them in mind when implementing new innovations including the Fenton Street Mokoia Room, new carvings and
graphics around the restaurants and also the huge improvement to speed of service.
Acknowledgement: Rob Parry, Owner Phone: 348 6067
Agroventures (Adventure Park Management Ltd)
In Business For: 3 Years
Full Time Staff: 21
Part Time Staff: 5
Adventure Park Management Ltd trading as “Agroventures” was incorporated in 2005. It operates as a joint venture between the four individual adventure tourism businesses -Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, Rotorua Bungy and Shweeb. These businesses have chosen to work together and create a very unique Adventure Park. The four adventure activities that make up the collective are all family owned and operated businesses. Each of the owners has built the
business from the ground up. They have employed innovative product design, mixed with kiwi ingenuity, to create leading edge products.
Agroventures is a highly inventive and bold business structure one of the only tourism businesses in New Zealand that functions as a true cooperative in the operational, marketing and management fields. The arrangement provides customers with an exciting mix of activities in one central location and only 10kms north of Rotorua City.
Acknowledgement: Melissa Mills, Sales & Marketing Manager Phone: 357 4747
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Destination Rotorua Economic Development Emerging Business Award Finalists
Talent ID Recruitment
In Business Since: May 2007
Full Time Staff: 2
Talent ID Recruitment Ltd provides specialist recruitment and human resource consulting services to both the local and regional recruitment and job seeker markets. Their goal is to exceed the expectations of every client and candidate by offering exceptional service coupled with efficient recruitment processes, thus giving back to their clients and candidates greater value and improved recruitment results.
Since May 2007 Talent ID Recruitment has helped over 120 candidates into employment situations within the Bay of Plenty. They assist candidates into a variety of positions, from industrial / manufacturing type roles to senior management placements.
Professional solutions and industry expertise coupled with a replacement guarantee makes Talent ID Recruitment the ideal choice for businesses.
Acknowledgement: Kellie Hamlett-Coombs, Director, Phone: 349 1081
Essence Café
In Business Since: 4 January 2007
Full Time Staff: 2
Part Time Staff: 4
The dictionary defines Essence as the choicest or most essential or vital part of some idea or experience. Essence Café is a small 30 seat licensed café in Ngongotaha which opened on January 3, 2007.
Essence Café has a down to earth approach to all its customers while maintaining a professional environment. It was a dream of owners Lin and Joof Schaeffers to create a small happy café where the community were able to feel as though it was their café. They welcome a range of customers each day, from the gumboots wearing farmers, to
the fisherman of the beautiful Waititi stream, to the rugby and football lads, to the young and old, all wanting a cup of coffee to an elegant lunch in the courtyard.
Essence Café has quietly become a destination café which has hugely benefited Ngongotaha and surroundings.
Acknowledgement: Lin Schaeffers, Owner Operator Phone: 357 58592
Lakeland Queen 2006 Ltd
In Business For: 20 Years
The Lakeland Queen is a genuine stern wheel driven paddle steamer designed with the famous Mississippi River Cruisers in mind and has been operating for 20 years. On July 18, 2006 the boat was purchased with an eye on the opportunity to showcase Rotorua to the world, for the Lakeland Queen to become a world-class cruise boat offering passengers a scenic cruise, complimented with an international range of mouth-watering cuisine and a fine selection of
beverages.
The Lakeland Queen is New Zealand's only genuine stern wheeler (the big paddle wheel - not just for decoration). It is Qualmark endorsed, top quality floating restaurant, an events venue with a difference, and it is backed by a team that goes out of its way to provide exceptional service. The Lakeland Queen Team is 'a team of dedicated, passionate and totally focused people who make it happen'. They are all driven by the same goal to ensure their guests are well taken care of and provided with a fun and enjoyable journey.
Acknowledgement: Denise Siviter, General Manager/Sales and Marketing, Phone: 348 0265
One Stop Parts Ltd
In Business For: 20 Months
Full Time Staff: 2
Part Time Staff: 2
One Stop Parts is a family run business created by Peter, Tania and Richard Davis with an aim to provide a better service to an existing automotive workshop who required unique needs. One Stop Parts is the only automotive parts store in Rotorua offering repair and diagnostic information print outs. They are suppliers of automotive parts
and tyres. Key achievements include - Winner of the trade display 2008 Rotorua A & P Show and Securing distributorship for Gulf Western Oil.
One Stop Parts is unique because their nearest competitor for automotive parts is 10 kilometres away. This means they are able to offer convenient service for locals. One Stop Parts pride themselves on their knowledge and the effort they go to, to find the answers and the correct parts for their clients. We are proud that they are a small business that has not been scared to take on some big competitors. One Stop Parts Ltd is very pleased of what they have achieved and believe there is a very good foundation to be built on for the future.
Acknowledgement: Tania Davis, Director Phone: 357 4249
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Waiariki Institute of Technology Apprentice of the Year Business Award Finalist
Bradley Clark
Bradley Clark is an engineering apprentice with Hayes International. Bradley loves a challenge and is happy to be 'dropped in the deep end' on the work site. Bradley has an excellent attitude to his study and work. He shows commitment to his employer and is keen to learn new skills. Bradley is a friendly person who gets on well with others. His adaptability and problem solving ability are a credit to him.
Scott Hewetson
Scott Hewetson is an electrical engineering apprentice with Integrated Systems Designs. Scott immediately impressed the judges with his energy, enthusiasm and passion for his job. Scott has a mature attitude, is friendly, capable and shows many excellent leadership qualities. Scott is happy to take responsibility on the worksite and enjoys helping people both clients and other staff. Scott is committed to quality and dedicated to his company.
Scott presents himself well and is clearly an outstanding apprentice.
Ben Finucane
Ben Finucane is an outstanding apprentice who works for Hayes International. Ben has nearly completed his engineering apprenticeship and has also taken on an electrical apprenticeship as well. This takes huge dedication and effort and is a credit to Ben. Ben impressed the judges with his dedication to training and his
commitment to his job and his commitment to his employer. Ben has a mature genuine attitude and enjoys a challenge. His 'no job is too hard' attitude and his desire for quality in his work is strongly evident.
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Newstalk ZB Community Organisation Business Award Finalist
Castlecorp -RDC
In Business For: 17 Years
Full Time Staff: 114
Part Time Staff: 14
Rotorua District Council established its business unit Castlecorp in 1991 in response to the Transit New Zealand Act 1989, to investigate structural options for its works and services functions, while providing the most effective and efficient works and services to the Rotorua Community. Castlecorp is unique within the Territorial Local Authority
arena, as most other local authorities have contracted their service delivery functions out to the private sector.
Castlecorp became the first and only department within Council to become ISO 9002 accredited in 1998. Quality management has become cornerstone in the operation of our business, providing the foundation for guidance in
developing and maintaining procedures, controls and disciplines, while ensuring external confirmation through certification by external bodies. Castlecorp employ a strong business approach, create opportunities to instil business
principals in their employees and develop business plans to ensure sound policy and fiscal decision making.
Acknowledgement: Mijo Katavic, Business Manager Phone: 345 8832
Rotorua Citizens Advice Bureau
In Business For: 30 Years
Full Time Staff: Nil
Part Time Staff: 71 volunteers and 1 paid Staff
Member
The Rotorua Citizens Advice Bureau was established in 1978. It is now one of the busiest in New Zealand out of 84 Bureau, with an average of 1600 clients helped each month. They were set up to assist people of all backgrounds to access and navigate through free information and impartial advice or support on a range of topics. These topics include immigration, consumer rights, education and training, work and unemployment, income support and benefits, health and counselling, housing and tenancy and personal, family and community issues. The Rotorua Citizens Advice Bureau is unique because it is staffed by one part time, paid coordinator and 71 volunteers.
While other businesses are moving their services online or to call systems, the Rotorua Bureau can be relied on to provide a personal, face to face service. This is yet another way the Citizens Advice Bureau service is unique. The Rotorua Citizens Advice Bureau have independent, highly trained volunteers from the local community, who are
non-judgemental, confidential and sensitive to the individual needs of their clients.
Acknowledgement: Jane Eynon-Richards, Coordinator Phone: 348 3547
Sport Bay of Plenty Charitable Trust
In Business For: 21 Years
Full Time Staff: 32
Sport Bay of Plenty was established in 1987 as one of 17 regional sporting trusts introduced to support regional sport and physical activity. Their vision is to make a positive difference to people's well-being through the provision of information and support. Sport Bay of Plenty is a not for profit organisation, which has an aim to be sustainable rather than profitable. They are always looking to work collaboratively with other organisations to achieve common goals.
What makes them unique is the way that they work with the entire Bay of Plenty community on an ongoing basis.
They have no customers as such, rather they have stakeholders who they work with to make the Bay of Plenty a healthier and more active region. Sport Bay of Plenty is the lead agency in the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty region when it comes to supporting sport and active living programmes to the community. No one works as hard or makes as big a difference when it comes to getting more people, more active, more often.
Acknowledgement: Marcus Reynolds, Business Development Manager
Phone: 07 578 0016
Tipu Ora Charitable Trust
In Business For: 17 Years
Full Time Staff: 51
Tipu Ora was the first Maori child and whanau centred health service delivered by Maori for Maori and was established in 1990 to address the health, wellbeing and needs of Maori children, caregivers and whanau. In 1998 Tipu Ora was successful in becoming one of three pilot programmes for the launch of Family Start services.
Services are whanau focused and provide services to all people. Their range of services ensures they can provide a seamless service approach to meeting many of the health and social needs of whanau.
Tipu Ora's uniqueness is also about having indentified a need in the local community, based on they went about developing string services to address these needs. In order to do this it has been necessary to ensure a strong infrastructure on which to build. Tipu Ora grew out of a dream to make a difference and improve the health of Maori
children. That dream has come to fruition evidence by the quality of the services and programmes we now offer in 2008. We make a difference on a daily basis.
Acknowledgement: Raewyn Bourne, Executive Manager Phone: 348 2400
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Award Winners Deserve A Medal This Year!
This year is the fourth year of Westpac's proud support of the Rotorua Business Awards, a partnership
reflecting Westpac's longstanding relationship with the Rotorua Chamber, and the importance of this
dynamic region to New Zealand business.
Successful businesses those entering the Business Excellence Awards this year deserve a medal, as it's
been a tough year. Businesses have had to weather the flow-on effects of a global credit crisis in what
was already a challenging environment. Fortunately New Zealand , banks operate in a well regulated
banking environment and are well positioned in these challenging times.
Like the other big Australasian banks, Westpac's credit rating and risk management practices have
been recognised by investors and rating agencies globally; Westpac is one of only 20 banks in the
world to have an AA rating. We are very much 'open for business as usual' and committed to meeting
the needs of our business customers.
Now is a good time to review business practices, conduct a SWOT review, and look for those
opportunities that may exist out there. Many of those who entered the Business Excellence Awards
would have done that already in the process of applying for the awards, and it is great to see such a
commitment to business discipline in this region. Times of great challenge can also be times of great
opportunity.
It's well known that a drive to be the best is critical for any successful business, and the Rotorua
Business Awards seeks to provide recognition for those whose drive has really taken them to the top,
while encouraging others to follow suit.
The awards exist to encourage opportunities, build networks and raise profiles, highlighting Rotorua's
business success and their contribution to the local business community.
Westpac's history is rooted in understanding business, tailoring solutions and working in partnership
to unlock potential. We look forward to the announcement of the Business Excellence Award winners
on Friday November 7, and hope they will inspire more entries in 2009.
Steve Pinder
Business Area Manager Rotorua
Westpac New Zealand Ltd
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