Westpac Business Of The Year
      The award process has been a great learning curve for our staff and management team, it enabled us to refocus on the core values of our business, that being our people, quality and customers. I think that while you prepare your presentations both your written submission and then the final presentation to the thirteen judges your team develops a real sense of passion, energy, ownership and a desire to win.
It is this dedication and pride shared by our staff that has seen the business re define its position and reinvent itself.
These wins we believe have been attributed to our people, by having a clear vision, having your staff involved in business process and doing the basics very well. It of course goes without saying that having a responsible, flexible and supportive shareholder in Ngai Tahu Tourism provides a strong platform in which to launch from.
This award will rekindle the iconic status that this heritage attraction deserves having been a part of Rotorua since 1932. The quality of our offer and awareness of Rainbow Springs will have been heightened immensely to the public of Rotorua through winning this award.
To take advantage of this success is just as important as the preparation is to win for the business. Our marketing team has been very proactive in getting this recognition of quality into the market place very quickly. We have already distributed a media release in the market to notify interested media of our success in an endeavor that they will pick up on our wins and publish our success.
We have taken advantage of our location with a street front sign to publicise our win to the 20,000 passing motorists that pass by Rainbow Springs each day on Fairy Springs Road.
Notification of our wins to our suppliers and travel wholesalers in New Zealand and around the world as well as our local and sponsorship databases.
We will be adding the relative logos and text to our marketing and advertising campaigns relating to our win and some car graphics on vehicles which will be proudly shown off around town.
The awards, the trophies and certificates will be proudly displayed in a cabinet in our customer service area at our entrance for our customers to view.
Already these awards have had and will have a great impact on our people by increasing staff moral and pride in their work place. This will no doubt reflect on their customer service delivery and ultimately lift the overall quality of the experience at Rainbow Springs Nature Park.
Recognition received by our industry peers and the greater Rotorua business community has also been very gratifying, thank you to all of you for your support.
In the future we see these awards as endorsements that support our quality and ultimately adding value to our offer here at Rainbow Springs. This will no doubt generate more interest amongst the international and local communities to come and see what we have done and are now doing.
Winning these awards was a great accolade one which I will treasure, but as the leader of this special place that magical moment of the announcement in which you watch the overwhelming joy and excitement of your team explode in front of you is quite frankly priceless.
Stewart Brown
General Manager
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Pukeroa Oruawhata
Hospitality and Attractions Business Award
Rainbow Springs Ltd
 The award process has been a great learning curve for our staff and management team, it enabled us to refocus on the core values of our business, that being our people, quality and customers. I think that while you prepare your presentations both your written submission and then the final presentation to the thirteen judges your team develops a real sense of passion, energy, ownership and a desire to win.
It is this dedication and pride shared by our staff that has seen the business re define its position and reinvent itself.
These wins we believe have been attributed to our people, by having a clear vision, having your staff involved in business process and doing the basics very well. It of course goes without saying that having a responsible, flexible and supportive shareholder in Ngai Tahu Tourism provides a strong platform in which to launch from.
 This award will rekindle the iconic status that this heritage attraction deserves having been a part of Rotorua since 1932. The quality of our offer and awareness of Rainbow Springs will have been heightened immensely to the public of Rotorua through winning this award.
To take advantage of this success is just as important as the preparation is to win for the business. Our marketing team has been very proactive in getting this recognition of quality into the market place very quickly. We have already distributed a media release in the market to notify interested media of our success in an endeavor that they will pick up on our wins and publish our success.
We have taken advantage of our location with a street front sign to publicise our win to the 20,000 passing motorists that pass by Rainbow Springs each day on Fairy Springs Road.
Notification of our wins to our suppliers and travel wholesalers in New Zealand and around the world as well as our local and sponsorship databases.
We will be adding the relative logos and text to our marketing and advertising campaigns relating to our win and some car graphics on vehicles which will be proudly shown off around town.
The awards, the trophies and certificates will be proudly displayed in a cabinet in our customer service area at our entrance for our customers to view.
Already these awards have had and will have a great impact on our people by increasing staff moral and pride in their work place. This will no doubt reflect on their customer service delivery and ultimately lift the overall quality of the experience at Rainbow Springs Nature Park.
Recognition received by our industry peers and the greater Rotorua business community has also been very gratifying, thank you to all of you for your support.
In the future we see these awards as endorsements that support our quality and ultimately adding value to our offer here at Rainbow Springs. This will no doubt generate more interest amongst the international and local communities to come and see what we have done and are now doing.
Winning these awards was a great accolade one which I will treasure, but as the leader of this special place that magical moment of the announcement in which you watch the overwhelming joy and excitement of your team explode in front of you is quite frankly priceless.
Stewart Brown
General Manager
Judges comments:
A genuine Rotorua tourism icon, Rainbow Springs successfully balances sound business principles with a responsibility for conservation and education. From General Manager to frontline staff, there is a genuine passion for the brand and especially for the conservation principles the company models. The Kiwi Recovery Programme run by Rainbow Springs is of national significance, while the new Kiwi Encounter attraction plays an important role in educating visitors, especially children, about the plight of our national bird. Rainbow Springs Nature Park does not sit back on its laurels but continues in its commitment to the Rotorua and national tourism industry, as well as its commitment to conservation. People, Quality and Innovation are the focus of this iconic business, continuing to ensure generations of New Zealanders are able to participate in the Rainbow Springs experience.
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Lockwood Manufacturing and Trade Business Award
Maui Productions
What winning the award is going to mean to Maui
Acknowledgment of seven years hard work added to a solid 18 years foundation laid down by the late Neil Cardno. We can only hope that wining this award will generate further local community awareness and that there is a TV production house here in Rotorua, to tell your stories. It has and will continue to give us and the team great strengths and direction to achieve even higher goals. We believe we now need to maintain and enhance our work quality and remain at the top of our field.
What benefit have you gained from entering the award
It truly made us look at the business in detail, things that we should all do on a regular basis but unfortunately never had time to. This process gave us a “Spring Clean” enabling us to refine our systems and processes.
How did you include your staff in the preparation of the Award
We first asked them if they wanted to enter and the excitement was so overwhelming. That alone told us it was the right time. The team had input in to the application form by letting us know what they thought of the various processes within Maui Productions and from there we were able to formulate a very comprehensive application for the awards. When it came time for the presentation, in front of all the judges everyone took part, it was unconditional input what ever needed to be done was done no questions asked. Team work at its best.
What is the award going to mean to your staff
Huge excitement but most importantly recognition of all the hard work involved making television. With television you need to be consistent all the time, it needs to be right all the time there is no room at all for errors or delays. They felt proud knowing they could offer Rotorua business their own Television Production House, recording local stories being the voice and ears of the local community.
How are you going to use the award in your future promotion
We will definitely be adding the slogan to all our promotional news-letters and advertising. We have added it to the yellow pages and our web site will be updated. Maui has offered the Rotorua community 20% off any video or TV commercial booked by the end of this year and work completed by April 2007 as a thank you and hope this will encourage people to try “local” before going to Auckland, knowing they will be pleasantly surprised.
How did you feel on the night when you won
Nervous, anxious, tense, excited does not even begin to explain how we felt following the finalist presentation and the two weeks from then to the awards night (it felt more like two years) with our stomach in knots wondering whether we nailed it or not.
We all gathered at the Sportsdrome hyped and wondering with anticipation. A glass of wine was much appreciated as it was handed to us as we entered the venue, it certainly did assist with helping to calm those nerves. As we were seated and read the programme and learnt that our category was going to be announced first the knots in our stomachs returned to the extent that some of us couldn't even eat the entrée. Then the final moment came the moment we had all been waiting for, for a moment I swear hearts had stopped beating amongst our team…..and the winners are…………Maui Productions.
The fireworks exploded within “Thank you Lord”, was the first thing that came out of our mouths. Relief, excitement, proud of our team and of ourselves knowing that we are leading them to greater heights. Words cannot really encapsulate the feeling or do it justice. It was just amazing !
Judges Comments:
Maui Productions Limited is an incredibly passionate business; Maui Productions are a locally owned television production company producing high quality television programmes, local and regional news broadcasts and advertising and promotional material. Highly regarded in the industry, the Company has established a niche in Maori programming and has invested heavily in new and innovative technology. Maui Productions continual drive for excellence is where the fundamental energy comes from for this local television production company. While operating on a national and international stage, this company remains focused on providing innovative, quality productions. This team-focused company has great attitude and a fun working environment, with a total commitment to Rotorua, its culture and heritage.
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Unison Service Provider Business Award
MORE FM Radioworks Rotorua
 Will we…won't we….will we enter or won't we enter…will we become a finalist or maybe even WIN????? To enter or not to enter is probably the biggest decision. After that it's pretty much out of your control!
The question is are you willing to put your business on show? By entering the Business Awards you are signaling to everyone in Rotorua that you think you've got something to shout about. However, you are also baring all to the greater public without knowing whether you'll end up with egg on your face or succeed!
To put yourself and your business up for scrutiny warts and all is very unnerving.
I had many anxious nights prior to the initial Judging.
More of the same leading up to the final presentation and by Awards night, I don't think I'd slept for a month!!! Even though you're not in control of the result by this stage, it's so important to you that you can't help but wind yourself up.
From start to finish the experience is rewarding. One, you're proud that you've made the effort to get involved and put your business in the firing line (or the limelight). It takes more courage to enter than it does not to. Two, there is a lot of preparation that has to be done for your entry and it's good therapy to take time out and step back to analyse and assess your business. Three, you have to be on your toes and rise up to the challenge. It's a bit like swotting and sitting an exam! Afterwards you think 'could I have done more', 'did I leave anything out', 'did I cover everything', 'will I pass' ?
The biggest benefits I found from the process were to do with staff and clients/listeners. The thrill of becoming a finalist, and then winning, engenders such excitement and pride amongst staff it's unbelievable everyone gets a thrill out of being part of a winning team!
On top of that, your customer base - our clients, listeners, event promoters, community groups and business partners also get a kick out of it. It signifies to them that they've made the right choice they're either listening to the right radio station or working with the best team. I have seen direct and immediate results for increased business and new opportunities as a result of our win.
I would recommend to everyone who has a business that they are proud of, and passionate about, makes the effort to enter.
New Zealanders are notorious for either downplaying their achievements or knocking those who succeed. It's actually okay to 'crow' as long as your motive is honorable and the recognition is deserved.
More businesses should stand up and be counted not only will it be a learning curve, it could be a winning one!
Rebecca Johnson - GENERAL MANAGER
Rotorua's 95.9 MORE FM
Judges comments:
Radioworks Rotorua - MORE FM is broadcast from their studio in Ranolf Street with local announcers, 7 days a week, as is it our community station with news, weather, community notices and events. Rotorua's 95.9, MORE FM is passionate about Rotorua's community, they show initiative and create opportunities and have fun while doing it. Radioworks Rotorua MORE FM have unprecedented energy for the community they work in. Interaction with the local community is an integral part of the MORE FM philosophy. The team thrives on creativity, having fun and making a difference in Rotorua.
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Daily Post Retail Business Award
Holiday Shoppe Rotorua
 What a night it was. The Gala event was so well organised you would not have known you were in the Rotorua Sportsdrome. The Shimmer & Shine theme was to the fore in the way Event Impressions had set up the venue and everyone looked very glamorous. It was great to be a part of this event. I felt so proud of my team when we were announced as winners. To have been named a finalist a few weeks ago was a great thrill but winning really put the icing on the cake.
We are still celebrating - each morning we come to work and say “We are the champions”.
The winning of this prestigious award was a great experience for the team at Holiday Shoppe Rotorua. The whole process was very well organised and the time frame was workable. The presentation to the judges really had us bonding and brain storming to make our presentation fun and informative for the judging panel and ourselves.
The benefit for us has been a raised profile within the business community here in Rotorua. The awareness of our position in the retail sector has been given positive attention by our clients and other retailers alike. The impact on the staff has been really positive. We had a great team spirit before but now we have really pulled together to focus on being the best. We have all gained confidence in knowing that the little things we do each day really do make a difference to our customers and our suppliers and this has been acknowledged by receiving this award.
We feel that we won the award because of our team spirit and our innovative marketing ideas. Holidays are not tangible purchases and our clients need to have trust in us knowing we are doing our best to turn their dreams into a reality. We are constantly seeking ways to delight our clients and exceed their expectations. We pay attention to detail and do the small things properly so that everything goes smoothly. The fact that we do this is shown by the number of repeat clients HOLIDAY SHOPPE Rotorua has.
The Trophy and Plaque are on display in our window to show those in Rotorua who were not there on the night that we are WINNERS. The award is already being used as a byline on our email signatures and on our letterhead and we will continue to use it in all future advertising.
As you read this I am at the Holiday Shoppe manager's conference in Nelson delivering a speech as the Manager of the Top Holiday Shoppe in New Zealand. We are striving to maintain our Top Shoppe position again next year and winning the Rotorua Retail Excellence in Business Award certainly will help.
To Experience. the Difference call in and see the award winning team at Holiday Shoppe Rotorua.
Judges comments:
Deb and the team at the Holiday Shoppe Rotorua pride themselves on their in depth knowledge of both the tourism market and choices available which they then combine this with a real passion for travel and people. Their goal is simple to ensure that all of their clients enjoy a truly memorable experience on every trip - judging by the feedback generated they do! This is underpinned by a strong business structure with accurate quoting available immediately and value added at every point of contact with the client. Harmony and teamwork prevail at the Holiday Shoppe and the staff love coming to work. Holiday Shoppe Rotorua want their customers to Experience the Difference. From the moment they walk in, the holiday atmosphere prevails. The team at Holiday Shoppe Rotorua are fun, friendly and take great pride in working together to turn their customers dreams into reality.
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Rotorua Economic Development Emerging Business Award
Zero to 100 Automotive
 A couple of months ago we received a letter to say we had been nominated for the business of the year awards. I thought “how nice” but did nothing about it, mainly because I didn't know what was involved.
The Chamber of Commerce in particular Roger Gordon encouraged me to attend a workshop held at the Polytech which would explain what was involved. This workshop was great as any questions I had were answered and I could see that our business could really benefit just by entering.
The template entry form meant that we knew exactly what the judges would be looking for. We had enough time to put a good entry in and the Chamber of Commerce did a great job of keeping us informed of deadlines.
The day came when the two judges were sent to check us out and lets be honest the workshop never looked so great. We were ready.
Being named a finalist was truly a buzz and as we had involved our staff throughout the process it really lifted the morale of our team. It was fantastic that customers were coming in and wishing us the best.
The thought of the half hour presentation in front of 13 judges brought images of the “dragons den!”
But just like the two judges that visited our workshop we found them all very friendly and made us feel at ease. We felt really good about our presentation and thought it went well, but because we couldn't see what the other businesses were presenting we had no way of gauging how well we had done.
We had never been to the gala dinner before. It wasn't until we were there on the night that we realised what an achievement it was to be a finalist. Everyone involved in putting on the awards evening should be truly proud as we thought it was a star studded event.
Winning is the icing on the cake! We are totally thrilled to bits. Customers and total strangers have congratulated us. For a few days after they would drive past the workshop tooting the horn. Many of them have sent flowers, gifts and home baking. We are still on cloud 9.
As an emerging business it is very hard to prove yourself. Winning this award has given us more creditability and has lifted our profile.
It has put us in a league that is higher than others in our industry. Quite honestly you couldn't ask for a better way to kick start a new business!
We'd like to take this opportunity
to thank the following:
Our Customers,
Our Suppliers,
Our wonderful Staff,
The Chamber of Commerce,
The Judges,
Destination Rotorua Economic Development and Westpac.
Judges comments:
Zero 2 100 is an automotive business that offers high quality and efficient services seven days a week. Whether you are a visitor to the city or a local, the team has systems in place to ensure that your vehicle is serviced expediently and returned to you - clean as well. Nothing is too much for this hard working couple. Zero to 100 is passionate about the automotive industry and this shows in all aspects of their business. Zero to 100 strives to ensure the experience is not only open and transparent, but clean as well! Peter and Tania Davis have taken a 'dowdy' workshop environment and put in a bit of 'swish'. Their attitude and dedication to their staff and customers has ensured. Zero to 100 remains the choice of many for top-quality automotive servicing.
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Newstalk ZB Community Organisation Business Award
Rotorua Aquatic Centre
 Entering and winning the Community Organisation Business award has been an incredibly motivating and satisfying experience. It started with our initial written application, followed by the judges' interviews and then the final presentation. The whole process has been a journey of priceless discovery and learning for all members of the Rotorua District Council's Aquatic Centre team.
Valuable feedback from Chamber of Commerce judges last year helped identify some key areas to work on for improving our overall operation. The sound advice and practical recommendations from the experienced judges, people who have themselves achieved high levels in business, were inspiring. The whole awards process encouraged the Aquatic Centre team to take a fresh new look at our business, our customers, our staff and our service. It promoted some creative 'outside the square' thinking and encouraged us to add value to the business in every possible way.
The single biggest benefit so far of the Aquatic Centre entering and winning this prestigious award has been to see our team members individually striving to reach their full potential - becoming more confident, improving work ethics, boosting morale and working together effectively as a dynamic and united team. This is already having a positive downstream impact on our customers and the local community. It has been a 'win/win' outcome for both the community and the council.
We believe that winning this award can be attributed to three key factors. Firstly, we were able to show the judges that we effectively engage with our community and our customers by constantly seeking to identify how we can improve and by actively listening, responding and taking appropriate steps to improve our facility and service for those customers. Secondly, the Aquatic Centre has been 're-inventing' itself over time and adding many new programmes and services to cater for local community demand - hence the resultant growth in customer numbers. And thirdly, we willingly took on board valuable feedback offered by judges last year and we made the necessary changes to improve overall outcomes.
We are well aware that the effect on the Aquatic Centre in winning this award will be increased expectations, from the council and from our customers, for even higher service levels and enhanced business processes for the facility. This in turn can further boost and promote healthy communities and develop new business partnerships for sharing ideas and working together, for the benefit of our stakeholders. The impact on staff has been to show an even greater pride in the organisation they work for and in serving their local community.
One of the ways this award will be used in the future is to set a minimum benchmark for the Aquatic Centre in terms of providing affordable, safe and fun aquatic facilities that consistently meet the needs and requirements of our local community.
The award ultimately belongs to the local Rotorua Community. We extend our appreciation to Rotorua people for their loyal support and for helping make this facility their very own community asset. A special 'thank you' also goes to the Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to recognising local business excellence, to the awards sponsors, and to our supportive team at Rotorua District Council.
Judges comments:
Aquatic Centre impressed the judges with their planning processes and timelines and how these are reflected in daily business management. They have excellent people management systems, and highly active community involvement. They provide activities that are fun, affordable and safe. The Aquatic Centre has a wide span, providing excellent facilities and programmes for a vast section of the Rotorua community. They work closely with the community to learn what the public want and work strongly as a team to put these activities in place. The diversity of activities, being community inclusive, having strong leadership and a team focus ensures this business continues to offer a wonderful facility for the Rotorua community.
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Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust Social Responsibility Award
Rotorua Gift and Jewellery Centre
 I would strongly recommend that every business considers entering the Westpac Excellence Awards in the future. It forces every business person to review and re-evaluate their own operation and to compare it with others. I learned from the advice given. There's no doubt it was a most rewarding experience. Winning an award was the most exhilarating moment of my 41 years in retailing!
Congratulations have come from all directions, especially from the customers and have stimulated fresh interest, increased awareness and indirectly increased sales in our business. It was also a wonderful and exciting experience for my staff.
I feel there are several reasons which contributed to Rotorua Gift and Jewellery Centre winning the award. The average business lasts two years - we have survived for 41 years thanks to a wonderful and loyal staff and the continuous support of my wife May. One of my staff, Colleen Whibley has been with us for 32 years, Anne Tas for 30 years. My staff and wife have often run the business while I have been involved in contributing back to both the business and general community.
This involvement includes serving as a District Councillor for 12 years, being Chairman of both the Rotorua Retailers Association and the Keep Rotorua Beautiful Committee, and receiving a Mayoral Citizen Award.
Each year the shop has collected hundreds of Cans of Food for the Salvation Army at Christmas time. We offer 10% to 20% discounts to customers depending on the number of cans of food they bring in. We have regularly set up Nativity Scenes for Christmas in our shop window, as well as Easter Crucifixion displays to remind people of these two important occasions in the middle of our busy lives.
We have tried to also create a unique theme with the “Mad Jeweller” image and slogan “If our prices don't excite you check your pulse you might be dead”. It is a catchy and memorable slogan, and it my be corny but it works. I would strongly recommend keeping a balanced life style to survive in business, which includes getting involved in the community, who has been so loyal to us especially our country customers.
I have been fortunate enough to be President of Rotorua Jaycees, and Rotary West Rotary Club, as well as organising many fund raising projects, (approximately 50 over the years) for my Church. Running eight marathons and gym workouts has helped me to keep mentally and physically fit, which is essential to cope with the demands and stress of business.
Regular holidays are essential, and attending business seminars and trade fairs help to maintain a fresh and innovative approach to business. Excellent staff makes it possible for May and myself to attend these events.
Always treat your staff and customers as you would want to be treated and try to be a friend as well as a retailer to everyone.
The awards dinner and function was a wonderful unforgettable experience for both my staff who work so hard, my wife May and myself. Winning the award was the King of the Cake. It was certainly worth all the effort of gathering data, photos, newspaper clippings etc. The staff all seem to be working even more enthusiastically and their's a new spring in their stride.
Brian McGillivray
Judges comments:
Rotorua Gift and Jewellery Centre has made a huge commitment during the 41 years in business in Rotorua. Brian and his team take initiative and respond to the needs of the community. They have successfully run the 'Cans in the Community' programme where their customers benefit with a discount for a donation of canned goods for the Salvation Army. This along with other community orientated initiatives place this business in the heart of the community. Rotorua Gift and Jewellery Centre has consistently helped the Rotorua Community over many years. Brian McGillivray's heart and mind is fully focused on how to help, and his business has enabled him to make a very large personal contribution to our community. His staff fully support these initiatives and in relish the comradeship and satisfaction from being part of a wonderfully, community focused business.
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Trustpower Customer Choice Award
Credit Union Lakeland
 Credit Union Lakeland has always enjoyed the Business Awards as a sponsor, but this year being a winner of the Customer Choice Award was absolutely tremendous! Because we are customer-owned, we have always had a strong customer focus.
We are aware that funds are limited for most of our customers, and to understand and help them through life's economic hurdles means we have to walk in their shoes while giving them the benefit of our experience. We value our staff highly not just for their dedication and service, but for their honesty and empathy with members, to the extent of helping them save on fees and interest, rather than just trying to make money out of them! We would attribute our success to this, plus to making a systematic effort to have our customers' votes count.
Receiving recognition in the awards means we are less of an unknown quantity to potential members, making it easier for them to avail themselves of our services. Consequently being able to extend our customer base means we can do more work for the Rotorua community in donations and financial education. For example during the week of the pre-awards publicity, a promotion raising funds for the chemotherapy unit at Rotorua Hospital was so well supported, we now have $5500 to donate to Te Whakapono Health Trust.
Other benefits of the award include: we proudly display the award in our office, on all correspondence and in most of our advertising. We were very fortunate to have the CEO of the New Zealand Association of Credit Unions attend the awards ceremony. He was extremely impressed with the Rotorua business community's professionalism, and this will shortly translate into a front page article for a national Credit Union magazine which is distributed to business leaders and parliamentarians both in NZ and overseas with spinoffs for Rotorua generally.
Customers have been most gratified that their enthusiasm and votes have translated into the winning of the award. And of course, the award has had a huge positive effect on staff performance and recruitment, further enhancing our endeavors in customer service.
Judges comments:
Credit Union Lakeland has a motto of “Everything we do we do for you”. Its services, from cheque accounts to term investments, from loans to travel insurance and Fat Cat accounts for young people, are all provided to a high level of customer satisfaction. Credit Union Lakeland lives by its motto and their customers agree that everything they do they do for their customers! Credit Union Lakeland is this year's Customer's Choice award winner with their consistent approach to customer satisfaction through people helping people.
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Waiariki Apprentice of the Year Award
Garry Trewin
I  t was with great pleasure on the 6th October 2006 that we not only attended the Rotorua Business Excellence Awards but our own Garry Trewin an Apprentice Chef at Skyline Skyrides should be a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year.
When recruiting for any staff in our operation, a number of requirements need to be met and shown by the candidate one of them being enthusiasm. Garry came across with all the attributes and enthusiasm required to meet the challenging occupation of a Chef. After the first three months of Garry's Apprenticeship he entered into the Salon Cullinaire in Auckland which is a National Cooking Competition open to all levels of capabilities. Garry being very new had an entry in the basic soup section. After many sessions of training and practising Garry achieved a Bronze medal for his achievement. This gave Garry encouragement to continue in his chosen profession with pride. A great achievement for the length of time in the industry.
Garry has now completed the first half of his apprenticeship a majority of which he has been under the keen eye of Karl Boielle our Executive Chef. With the financial demands of this day a different approach has to be taken on training therefore a lot of the training occurs in the kitchen on the job. Karl is a registered assessor who can assess Garry to NZQA Standards which are required to fulfil his apprenticeship. This along with the assistance of the Waiariki Polytechnic Tutors ensure that Garry meets the high standards required by the industry.
Garry's day at Skyline is varied and different every day. It could be in our four hundred seat restaurant overlooking the Lake or amongst our Redwoods Trees in our Forest Sails venue. Either way Garry takes pride in what he creates ensuring that the customers leave with a great memory of Skyline.
Skyline Enterprises who recently won the Supreme Award for Excellence in Training in the Hospitality Standards Institute Awards is committed to the training of our staff to ensure that the Industry is sound for the future.
We have over the past three years developed systems of training which have seen staff associated with the Hospitality Industry for years gain qualifications whilst they work. A win win situation. This is evident in Garrys situation who works with the pressures of the business and learns in real life situations.
Garry has a great future in the industry and with the guidance and support of the industry will make one of those “one off” chefs in the coming years and I am sure that he will reach the top. Watch this space.
Judges Comments:
Garry Trewin is an Apprentice Chef with Skyline Skyrides. Garry impressed the Judges with his adaptability to differing tasks, his eye for detail and his passion for his industry. Garry shows strong creativity and a willingness to take on a challenge, such as winning a national award for his Seafood Chowder, and he always strives to do his best. Garry shows personal maturity beyond his years, seeks the best for his employers, is respectful and is a positive role model for others at his workplace and in the wider community. The Apprentice Garry Trewin has what it takes to perform under pressure and attain high standards of workmanship. He has strength of character that is to be commended and is a positive influence in his work place. He has shown excellent ability in his trade and has an outstanding future in his field. In the 18 months of his apprenticeship Garry has already been awarded a National Culinary Fare award, along with the JWJ Lepper scholarship. Garry has flair, passion, and dedication to his trade.
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Credit Union Lakeland Employee of the Year Award
Heidi Lichtwark
 Sport BOP's perspective: Celebrating success has always been a major part of the Sport BOP culture and winning the Credit Union Employee of the Year has given the organisation a very valid reason to celebrate.
Heidi Lichtwark has been an integral part of the organisation and the entire staff were inspired and thrilled by the recognition. Heidi's passion, enthusiasm and drive for the sport and recreation sector is second to none, and has allowed Sport BOP to develop a culture based on these same values.
The award has been very well received by everyone from the Board through to the entire staff, and has motivated all involved to continue to strive for excellence. It has also put the sport and recreation sector in the spotlight, which can only be good for promoting the message to be more active, more often.
Heidi's perspective: The Credit Union Employee of the Year award was a surprising, humbling and inspiring process. I was unaware of my nomination until the interviewing process began. At this stage, I was extremely flattered that my colleagues and CEO had thought of me for an award and then taken time to complete the forms!
Initially, I recall thinking how wonderful it was that Credit Union sponsored this category. Businesses need team members who share their vision and work hard to achieve results. I know there are many of these people in Rotorua. I was inspired by the sentiment to recognise the efforts of employees.
The judges were very welcoming and open it felt like having a discussion with close stakeholders. We chatted about Sport BOP, Rotorua and the work I do. I walked away thinking it was a wonderful way to review your personal goals and commitment. When I was informed that I was finalist, and a later a winner, I felt humbled to have had this experience. As I said on the night, to receive an award for doing something you love feels like cheating!
Having the award now makes me want to encourage other employees to feel good about what they do, know that they are making a difference to take pride in their work. It also makes me value our city even more. Rotorua is a special place.
A city that rises to the challenges and knows to celebrate (the awards night an example of this). At Sport BOP, we promote the value of physical activity and Rotorua is a fabulous city to be doing this!
Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce, Westpac, and Credit Union for making all this possible.
Judges comments:
Heidi Lichtwark is the Active Living Manager with Sport Bay of Plenty. She embodies the culture of the organisation in everything she does and achieves the strategic vision by empowering others. Heidi Lichtwark makes an unmatched contribution to the organisation as part of the management team, as a colleague and as a role model. She supports staff to reach their full potential. Her maturity and infectious energy embrace everyone she has contact with. She has been a singular point of difference for the organisation during their growth and is rightly regarded as 'a jewel' in Sport Bay of Plenty icon through activity sees her deal with a cross section of stakeholders, who all benefit from her commitment to achieving the task at hand.
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Investing in the Future
 Antonia Sims principal of IPRIMA
www.iprima.biz
Have you wondered about how larger businesses use Intellectual Property to create long term value? Were you aware that this value can be used to generate income? Do you want to know how to use IP to invest into the long-term future?
Most businesses use Intellectual Property to focus on short to medium goals. In this regard IP can be very effective, allowing IP owners to exercise market control, create barriers for competitors, as well as to create opportunities. However, astute businesses realise that long-term success cannot be based on one product alone and will ensure that there are successive generations of new products or services with a corresponding IP portfolio. Each generation, though, will have a limited life typically determined by the market (which may be quite short), or the maximum life of the protected IP (often a maximum of 15 to 20 years). Continuing R&D represents a wise investment for any business who plans to be in the market for a long time. While a business will keep innovating if it wants to stay ahead in the market, is there anything else with a longer lifespan which can capitalise on all this effort and innovation?
The answer to this is yes, and is 'goodwill'. Goodwill is that intangible asset that a business accrues that essentially reflects how the market responds to it. This may be represented by customer loyalty, perceptions of value and quality, and in actual sales. As the goodwill grows, not only does its value increase but other benefits can present themselves. For any business, goodwill is invaluable and ultimately (in an ideal situation) will become its most valuable asset any one who has recently acquired a thriving business will attest that the goodwill would have been the largest part of the purchase cost.
How does this help the business though? The value of the goodwill may be realised if the business is eventually sold, though may also form security against any loans for expansion. Goodwill cannot be sold off piecemeal to raise capital, though it provides a few unique opportunities. A high level of goodwill can be attractive to others, which opens up the door to licensing and franchising. MacDonalds, the fast food franchise, is the classic example. Franchisees pay for a number of benefits, though by far the biggest reason is to be able to use the MacDonalds brand above their door. In this case the franchisee can immediately capitalise on the reputation and goodwill of MacDonalds to sell product, while MacDonalds receives licensing fees in exchange. It is a situation somewhat analogous to having employees prepared to pay you for employing them no wonder that franchising and licensing is so popular. But wait, there's more. The more franchisees there are, and the more successful these franchisees are, then the more valuable becomes the goodwill subsisting in the MacDonald's brands. Which of course then means that that MacDonalds can command higher licensing fees. The goodwill effectively becomes an entity with self-perpetuating growth.
There is an important point however. Goodwill cannot exist on its own. Goodwill subsists in the brands and trademarks of a business, whatever their form. More important is the need to protect this goodwill through registration of the trade marks of the business. Failing to register the brands is like failing to record ownership of your business premises, or your house, or your car. This becomes a significant problem when someone else decides that they should have it.
Secondly, securing opportunities through licensing and franchising is really only effective when the brands are protected through registration. Anyone serious about securing their goodwill for the future needs to seriously consider identifying their brands, and taking the steps to register them. It will be your most valuable asset, so why leave it to chance. Next month we shall look more closely at trade marks, and how to use and protect them.
Quick Facts about Goodwill
- goodwill is the most valuable asset of most businesses;
- goodwill exists in the brands and trade marks of a business;
- the world's most valuable trade mark Coca Cola was valued at over US$63 billion at the end of 2004;
- registering your trademarks records your ownership of the mark and its associated goodwill;
- any investment in marketing, successful innovations, or increasing your reputation increases the value of your goodwill as well as sales.
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Rotorua Businesses Get An Innovation Lift
Using technology to make a difference to businesses in heartland New Zealand is high on Allister Macgregor's list of priorities.
As Chief Executive of Gen-i's new Rotorua office he also aims to introduce Information Technology benefits into the very foundations of local communities.
Gen-i has already established a successful “engineers in schools” programme in Rotorua. This programme gives schools access to technical engineers who can help get their Information Technology programmes running efficiently, allowing busy teachers to focus on teaching.
Gen-i is also working with the Wairariki Technical Institute on community technology education programmes. And in case some in the business community are feeling left out, Gen-i recently ran one of its BIZGO Technology in Business events in Rotorua, giving local companies the chance to see what world class technologies can deliver.
Being the franchise holder for Gen-i in Southland, Gisborne, Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay, means that Allister has a good understanding of what matters to people in business in provincial areas. It also helps that he comes from the provinces himself, Southland to be precise.
Allister says that with technologies becoming increasingly integrated and sophisticated, there is a need for organisations with bigger resources, like Gen-i, to operate in provincial centres. Local business can then benefit from technology and services available in major New Zealand centres and not get left behind.
“The regional companies I work with need the efficiencies that modern technologies can bring which smaller technology companies often struggle to master. For example, we can help companies deal with, and integrate, the technologies of all the leading players; all of which offer benefits but are increasingly complex from an integration and servicing point of view.”
Gen-i is also hiring people locally and expects the Rotorua office to employ around 10 people in six months' time.
“We're seeing opportunities in tourism, forestry and education in the region, but what we offer goes much wider than that. In fact any business employing between five and five hundred people should be talking to us.”
Gen-i has established its new office at the Scion owned Te Papa Tipu Innovation Park, a place many remember as the old Forest Research Institute who were already a customer of Gen-i's Hamilton branch.
“An added bonus is that the park is dog friendly and Gen-i people are bringing their dogs to work. Visitors can expect a tail wagging welcome! “
Allister says Gen-i is best known for its ability to integrate technology - providing solutions that bring together, telephone and Information technologies to make businesses work better, not just within offices and workshops but also for people on the move.
Part of Telecom, Gen-i is a leader in both New Zealand and Australia, employing 1500 people, and with the addition of Rotorua, operating in 16 locations.
“Our business is based on a belief that customers want a one-stop-shop, a services and solutions partner who can deliver from the network to the desktop and beyond,“ says Allister.
“It's a recipe that certainly works as Gen-i has more than 3,000 customers. I'm looking forward to bringing seamless and integrated solutions to businesses in Rotorua and in so doing helping them succeed and be even more competitive.”
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Energy Management and Savings
Power Solutions continue with their energy savings advice and this month look into the wider and longer term issues associated with monetary saving in energy costs.
Getting the best out of any Energy Saving measure, like all business activities, requires a planned approach.
That means an Energy Management Plan.
What are the key issues in such a plan?
• A written Energy POLICY.
• A written STRATEGY to support that policy and
• An ACTION PLAN to implement savings identified.
Like all plans unless they have the full support of the CEO, senior managers and staff, little progress will be made.
The first significant step for any business to take towards reducing their energy cost is to have an Energy Audit carried out.
This is a survey of all premises and operations by someone such as one of PSL's accredited energy specialist to identify what plant and building services are there and how they are being used.
A detailed audit report is produced identifying potential savings, the investment required to achieve those savings and the economic return (ROI) on any capital invested. Savings can be almost immediate often with very little or no cost or effort, merely a commitment to take action.
Funding assistance towards the cost of such Energy Audits is available through specific government agencies with minimum qualification criteria applicable, on all forms of energy use.
Results from recent past audits undertaken by PSL on medium sized businesses (approx $100,000 Per annum energy spend) show savings between 10% and 35% are readily available.
For smaller energy users a detailed Energy Audit may not be necessary. In these cases PSL are able to tailor an “Energy Health Check” to suit the requirements of any particular site. This entails a walk through of the premises and provision of a brief report offering advice and recom-mendations to enable the site energy use to be reduced and better managed.
Clearly saving can be made but commitment, determined and disciplined action is required.
For more information Ph 07 3498349 to discuss this further with one of PSL's experienced Energy Managers.
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