Local roots to global rise

The Bay of Plenty is home to some incredible examples of entrepreneurs
who have backed themselves and taken a concept or product to global scale. We talk to three local businesses at different stages of their life cycle – one that has been established for nearly 19 years, one nine and one three. All prove without a doubt that the best way to do it is ‘to do it’.

words NICKY ADAMS | photography  GRAEME MURRAY
hair + make-up DESIREE OSTERMAN styling LILIA CASS

Lara Henderson from Pure Mama.

Great expectations

Lara Henderson, co-founder of Pure Mama, knew from the outset she wanted her brand to go global. Picking a name for her product that would resonate with customers internationally, and taking the plunge by paying over the odds for a .com domain name, the intent was always to take her Pure Mama brand to New Zealand and beyond.

With products that have taken the pregnancy world by storm since their inception three years ago, meeting Lara very quickly dispels any notion that this was an accidental success. I must admit I was curious how these beauty products had gained such traction. Within three short years they’ve gone from being packed in Lara’s front room to being launched in the holy grail of markets, the United States. 

In person Lara is warm, friendly and inspirational in a very matter of fact way. She can systematically break down her strategy, while giving kudos to her team and strong family support, and lets it be known that she is happy to share what she has learnt from her journey with others. Lara came from a corporate background, where after completing a marketing and commercial law degree she had forged a successful career in the advertising and marketing world. She fell pregnant in 2019 and during this time a germ of an idea sprouted. 

“I went down this journey of looking for new skincare because there’s a lot of things you need to change when you’re pregnant… I questioned why there wasn’t a product out there for the modern conscious consumer that values high integrity of products but still loves beautiful packaging and refined design.” 

The quest continued after the baby was born. “I was looking for something to support my breastfeeding journey – and I couldn’t find anything natural I could use on my skin. I had this idea for a range of products to support women on their pregnancy or post-partum journey. I started doing research and I ran an online survey of about 700 women. The further I dug into it the more I discovered there was an opportunity in the market.” 

Ten months post-partum she went for a meeting with an old colleague and mentor. He listened to her idea and saw the potential. “He really gave me the confidence to push go.”

Two years of product development and packaging design research followed before coming to the market in 2021 with three product lines (SKUs): Belly Oil, Bump Scrub and Nipple Butter, and a gift set. I noted it was intriguing how Lara had navigated the world of skincare, when it wasn’t an area she was familiar with. “I didn’t realise but there are amazing manufacturers in New Zealand that can produce skincare, so I pitched my concept to one of the leading laboratories here. For them to take you on as a client they have to believe in your potential as a business. I took my formulations on what I would like to have in it, which became my core ingredients. I’d researched every single ingredient and every single competitor product, and then worked with an advanced skincare chemist to bring a product to market that has stability for three years and with ingredients that all work together.”

The process of bringing the product to market was a learning curve; there was the science behind the product, as well as the slow and arduous task of getting everything absolutely perfect. Add to this the cost – estimated at about $120,000 to get to this stage, and, Lara points out, “I had to really believe in it.” Lara has a surety about her which gives her real gravitas. Despite her conviction in her product, launch day was, she says, “terrifying”. Here she had experience to draw on though. “Turning on the website was where my digital marketing came in – I understood the consumer journey.” 

Lara Henderson from Pure Mama.

Going live in May 2021, the minimum order to start manufacturing was around 2,000 units per SKU. Within three months the Belly Oil had sold out, with the other products also performing incredibly well. This, she says, “gave me a clear indication of proof of concept – there was a market need out there and the product was good enough to sell (we haven’t changed our formulation since day dot).”

The first 12 months in New Zealand were really promising, and, says Lara, “I’d looked at New Zealand, Australia, as well as the US and the competitive landscape across all of those markets. And I still felt strongly that we had a positioning in there – that was always my intention – but to get that proof of concept in a test market like New Zealand is amazing.”

With the success of the product followed a gradual expansion of the team, which now numbers at five. Maggie was first on board in October ‘21 to support with sales and partnerships, Lara’s sister Yasmin who had been integral since the offset during the company conception officially came on board as a partner and full time in September ‘23. With her came high-level expertise in corporate finance. The team are all in accord, with the ability to have honest, frank dialogue and respecting each other’s opinions. Lara believes, “One of our strengths as a team is that we adapt and change really quickly to help optimise us as a business.” 

While the original formulation hasn’t changed, the pursuit of perfection continues with constant tweaks to the packaging (which it is obvious Lara is passionate about), and the addition of gift sets and Magnesium Body Rub. Ten new launches are dropping in 2024/5, which the loyal Pure Mama community will all be waiting for expectantly. The social community of 48,000, Lara says, is something she really values, and she personally responds to the direct messages which fly around with questions about quality, performance and general queries. The connection with her people has been loyally rewarded – back in August 2023 word got out that Kourtney Kardashian was looking for recommendations for clean body care recommendations for pregnancy. Lara asked her community to support her, and they did. In addition, “we were able to get products to Kourtney through numerous different channels.” Lara waited in anticipation, but heard nothing. “Then Kourtney had her baby and an article came out around what she packed in her hospital bag, and our Nipple Butter was featured – and then another article came out about her pregnancy skincare regime and all three of our other products were there. What I love about Kourtney Kardashian is that she’s so conscious about her skincare. She looks at every ingredient, she checks with everybody about what she puts on her skin – so for all four products to be recommended by her is absolute gold for a business like ours.”

Despite the fleeting euphoria, Lara is a pragmatist. “It’s a moment in time, and you’ve got to take those wins and go ‘what am I doing next?’ I’m not particularly great at celebrating the achievements. I often look at opportunities it opens and then ask, ‘what's next?’”

It’s very clear though that the wins come down to strategy, rather than lucky breaks. Lara and the team have worked hard at not just producing a premium product, but at ensuring it has exposure to the right audience. Despite over two hundred requests from potential retailers in the first two years, from the outset she had her eyes set on MECCA, a premium beauty retailer with global recognition, and Pure Mama launched with them in July ‘23. Although it was put into a test category, the products have outperformed all expectations.

There are no current plans to vastly diversify, as Lara points out: “We’ve got a consumer for a limited amount of time – we’re very niche but our potential is huge. We want to be the best at what we do and we want to offer the safest highest grade products for the pregnancy and postpartum journey.”

With business booming Lara is amping up for the next challenge. For the last 12-18 months she has been working her way into the United States, where they’ve secured Macy’s, Nordstrom, Revolve and Erewhon (the cool kids’ upmarket store of choice in California). Manufacturing will continue in New Zealand, and Lara is confident in their ability to upscale. Nevertheless, it’s terrifying and exciting all at once; scale, logistics and funding all have to be considered – production is being upped at a vast rate, and myriad international rules and regulations will be navigated. 

Pure Mama’s New Zealand office and warehouse remain in Pāpāmoa, where packages continue to whizz out at lightning speed. They also now have warehousing in Melbourne and California to service international markets. As a final feather in the cap, the clinical trials have just finished in Europe, with amazing results, proving the products work – stretch marks disappear and the skin is deeply hydrated. I wonder again at Lara’s linear path and her unwavering belief in her product, which comes without a trace of arrogance or delusion. Apparently she listened to a lot of podcasts in her downtime. 

Says Lara: “When you start thinking about going global and accessing these networks, nothing is impossible and we’ve worked hard to build our business strategy around making sure all of that is within reach.”

Sam Kidd from LawVu.

Wonder Kidd

Under the careers opportunities section of the LawVu website, potential applicants are asked if they bring the WOO. What is woo, I wonder. But when I meet with co-founder Sam Kidd it becomes pretty clear what kind of WOO you need to join the team. 

Sam and co-founder Tim Boyne created LawVu; a software platform that was created to revolutionise the way that in-house legal teams in organisations run their systems. It is, Sam explains, “a productivity and management tool for corporate legal… For us, LawVu is built around how internal legal teams like corporates collaborate with each other, and also with the wider business and how they manage their work product.”

The software platform has made waves on a global scale, placing ninth in Deloitte’s Fast 50 Index of 2022, to date raising about NZ$55million and with a team of around 130 worldwide. Any pre-conceptions about the type of person behind a techy concept are quickly dispelled on meeting Sam, who is gregarious and engaging. Sam, who was born and raised in New Zealand before spending 25 years in Ireland, moved to Tauranga in 2013, where he became interested in the concept of creating something for what he saw as an open space. He had started digging around in the in-house legal arena mainly out of curiosity after having identified a lack of systems and processes. “It was trying to solve a gap, and one thing led to another… It wasn’t like we woke up and saw a massive hole in the market.” 

Sam was introduced to Tim via a work colleague. While Sam had a background in online project management, Tim was working in a law firm, but on the business operational side. “We worked solidly together for seven years (Tim moved onto new projects two years ago). The conversations that we had were very quickly aligned
on what we wanted to do and we both had the mindset of cracking on and getting stuff done – and it was a partnership that worked incredibly well.”

From inception, the plan was always to go global with the product. “It was a greenfields opportunity when we moved into it,” says Sam. “There were no real products doing what we did, which was both exciting and terrifying. We questioned whether it was just a really bad idea that no one wanted. At the start we were trying to sell the concept of doing things differently to a group of people (lawyers) who haven’t changed the process for 100 odd years. It’s been a journey to become an overnight success – we’re nine years in – the first three years were pretty lonely building the product with a handful of customers and early users. There were always things that kept us going but we didn’t hit the ground and just explode.”

Yet the pair never questioned their ambitions when it came to taking it overseas, with very much an all-in attitude from day one. I wondered why they hadn’t started with a more tentative approach. “If you build things for a New Zealand market thinking, ‘once we get this right, we can go global’, without realising it you can build nuances into your product that really only suit a smaller market. You need to get off the island as fast as possible. And you don’t need the same sort of war chest that you used to because before you had to have people on the ground – an office, a building − all of those sorts of barriers have been removed.”

Sam was undoubtedly forward thinking from the get-go, having previous experience of working remotely stood him in good stead. “When we started LawVu we were doing remote working before it became a thing. We’ve got customers through Australia, US, UK and Europe. Covid was an unlock – as horrible as that was for the world, I think it’s been a massive net positive for New Zealand-based companies because the whole idea of not having to be in market, or remote selling, has taken off. We were already building that muscle so when Covid hit it didn’t slow us down – it actually accelerated us because people weren’t comparing us to a sales team that could come in and meet them. I think it’s been such a good thing for Kiwi companies because we’ve got such great talent here and the world is getting smaller all the time. So, building product and building it with a global mindset from day one made a huge difference.”

Be under no illusion that the path was paved with gold from the outset – the sweat, toil and dollars were pumped in from the get-go. “A local investor seeded the first $100,000 in and I matched that, which got us going and then he and I funded it – I was five years with no salary. Then we kept putting money in. You don’t want to fail at that stage. I’ve always believed in never having a plan B. Plan A has to work. It keeps you motivated.”

Despite reservations initially that perhaps law was an unfamiliar space, Sam believes in some ways it helped him ask and solve different questions, in different ways. Another aspect of the business he has strived to change is to foster a sense of community and knowledge sharing among the lawyers working away in the corporates, through InView. This is both an online forum, and in magazine form where ‘unsung heroes’ are given space and elevated.

Ultimately, Sam points out, the shift in the very traditional industry of law was one that needed to happen. “The younger generation come in and they’re digital natives... so for them to step into an industry that doesn’t have a platform would be weird.” He emphasised that being a changemaker is not all glamour, in fact it’s very much grind, but the result is gratifying, and Sam intends to carry on growing, expanding and enjoying the satisfaction of making a difference and generally pushing forward. “It definitely feels surreal having LawVu folks representing at events all over the world – it’s humbling and exciting… and it’s hard to believe it started from here. It’s quite cool to see.”

Lisa Ebbing from HotMilk.

Hot stuff

Lisa Ebbing is very low key when it comes to her hold-on-to-your-seat success. Despite the phenomenal achievements of Hotmilk, the lingerie business she started in 2005 with her husband Roly and business partner at the time Ange Crosby, she is incredibly understated when talking about how far they’ve come. Achievements have been racked up on a global scale, including the dizzying heights of last year being taken on by American lingerie behemoth Victoria’s Secret. 

When Lisa and Roly moved to the Bay they had already made the decision to start a business: the product they landed on was almost obscure – indeed, a niche within a niche. Hotmilk is a lingerie line for pregnant, breast-feeding and post-partum women, but with a luxurious fashion-forward focus. The need for underwear that was more than simply functional was a gap in the market that the couple quickly identified after Lisa became pregnant with her first baby and couldn’t find nursing bras. Despite not having a directly relevant skillset, between them they had a solid background in photography, TV and film – and their business partner at the time had also been working in sales. “So we had the sales and marketing expertise to bring to it. We didn’t know anything about lingerie: my husband actually sewed the first few prototypes to see what was possible, so that was a steep learning curve.”

Navigating a totally unknown market meant a massive amount of research needed to be done. Lisa reflects on the drive of those early days. “We travelled, studied up on samples, went to China, worked with factories, saw products that we liked, and figured out how we could improve them.” The next step was rolling out the product itself, which meant finding the right people. “It took quite a while to get the expertise, to find the seamstresses that had the right equipment – then getting prototypes ready and then be big enough to go to China, which probably took a year. And then you really do have access to great technology. It is possible to make them in New Zealand but there are no machinests left here, so our only choice was to work with China, who are experts in lingerie. You can tap into amazing resources and work with some very skilled people… We would have loved to have kept
it in New Zealand but there’s not even the equipment to keep it here, sadly.”

Having landed on a product with a limited target market, it was always clear that a global market was going to be necessary, but self-belief gave them the confidence to propel forward, initially starting with four core products of bras and matching underwear. “We’d done research on the size of the New Zealand market and realised we needed to go overseas quickly. So, it was pretty much within the year we were in Australia and headed to the UK.” 

The factories themselves demanded large volume orders (2,000 bras in one colour), which also forced them offshore from the early stages. Luckily the rest of the world had also neglected this corner of the market, underestimating a demand for lovely lingerie during and post pregnancy, so Hot Milk found itself warmly welcomed in all corners of the globe. “There was no competition really. All the big companies had a token nursing bra on the side that they put very little effort into. That was the same globally – it was very beige and grandma’s bra.” Lisa pauses to reflect, and acknowledges, modestly, “I’m still very proud of that – we definitely changed the landscape for nursing lingerie. Now there’s lots of competitors, but we were the first, and we’ve changed the experience for women worldwide now.”

With New Zealand only taking about 10 percent of the market, and Australia around 40 percent, the other 50 percent is global. At one point peaking with as many as 800 retailers, Hot Milk is able to boast the crème de la crème of stores in which its lingerie can be found. From the undisputed underwear queen of Marks and Spencer in the UK, as well as the prestigious John Lewis, there is Bravissimo, David Jones in Australia and now Victoria’s Secret. With this American juggernaut comes a vast customer base: “They’ve sent emails with our product to 70 million people.” The relationship works both ways though. “Victoria’s Secret really understand what we’re trying to achieve, and the inclusivity and the diversity that our brand offers,” says Lisa. “It’s been really exciting to be chosen for that. While they do their own – they’re really good at a certain size range and style − we fill the gaps of their expertise.” 

Diversity is clearly something Lisa is passionate about, and certainly her faith in its value has been validated.

It hasn’t, however, all been smooth sailing. The GFC needed strategic navigation. “Our niche was that we were sexy and beautiful so very fashion forward, then when the GFC hit we realised what happens in a financial crisis is that women can’t afford nice underwear or feel like they shouldn’t treat themselves. But they do know they need the basics so they will buy a black or a nude plain T-shirt bra. We did have to adapt and bring in our essentials range, which is more staples as well, to sit alongside our fashion… You can see it post Covid where people are returning back to the basics. Black and nude and plain are what sells through a financial crisis and when things start to get better people start to treat themselves again.”

Already set up online, Covid wasn’t the disaster it could have been, so while competitors were scrambling, Hotmilk actually had some of its best financial years. Says Lisa: “We found we could adapt between different markets or online or wholesale.” At this time Lisa brought out her partner and has subsequently entered a refreshed phase, which has led to doubling her team. “Since Covid we’ve decided we’re going to stick with and focus on what we do well,” she continues. “It’s better for our brand to stay close to lingerie… We are still a small team competing against really major players. Nevertheless, we’ve got some exciting things we’re working on that will see us become a bigger player… We’ve definitely got a growth strategy but it’s in its infancy.”

Ultimately, it wasn’t just good fortune that led to this success – quality and the inclusivity factor, which had been hitherto largely forgotten, played a huge part.
On a final note, I ask what advice Lisa would offer to others. “In the Bay there are some amazing advisors who want to help − and I probably should have put my hand up earlier and asked for advice, because there’s a lot of trial and error.

“I always used to say − everyone has great business ideas but it’s the people who follow through that actually make it.” 

A course for change

Tauranga Living Without Violence is working to end domestic violence from within.

words Hayley Barnett  |  photos Alex Cairns

CEO of TLWV Dr Moana Tane.

Forty years ago, five men in Tauranga got together to fight domestic violence. They formed a group called Tauranga Living Without Violence (TLWV). If you haven’t heard of them, you’re not alone − and you’re lucky. 

It’s a not-for-profit organisation that works alongside other NGOs and government agencies to support perpetrators and victims of violence. Yes, you read that right – support perpetrators to get the help they need, and often want.

“The group who set this up agreed to a pay deduction to do work in this space,” says Dr Moana Tane, the new CEO of TLWV, who had been in the job for eight months when she sat down with UNO. “They really believed strongly that violence by men towards women was something they didn't want happening on their watch. They wanted to do something about it.” 

With the emphasis on men, Moana understands how that might come across to some, but the numbers don’t lie. Approximately 83 percent of violent crime offenders in New Zealand are male.

“There is a small percentage of women who use violence, but what we see is that they use violence very differently from men. And often it's a form of resistance to violence that has been perpetrated against them. For men, a lot of the time they exert coercive control over their partner.”

While the numbers do lean toward one gender, Moana says that’s where the stereotypes end. “When it comes to tackling this problem it's not about education, it's not about socio-economic status, it's not about ethnicity,” says Moana. “This is a problem for the whole of society.”

Unfortunately, domestic violence in New Zealand has only been getting worse over time. In the year to 2023, NZ Police recorded 177,452 family harm investigations − a 49 percent increase from 2017. And they estimate that roughly 80 percent of incidents go unreported, so in reality this number is much higher.

Part of the reason it’s been getting worse, says Moana, is that it’s becoming increasingly easier to exert control over others thanks to technology.

“What’s alarming is that many men are monitoring their wives with trackers on their cars and tracking apps on their phones. They’ve got access to emails, and even monitor them with cameras. This all sounds crazy but it’s happening in Tauranga. I’ve met women who’ve experienced it themselves and I don’t think a lot is happening about that.”

Sexual violence is also on the rise, something Moana believes has a strong correlation to violent online porn. 

“It’s so readily available,” she says. “We have these men who are consuming large amounts of this rubbish, and then they’re bringing that into their relationships.”

The solution, she says, isn’t to lay blame, but to go to the core of these problems and find out why these situations are happening, then help the perpetrators to recognise what is driving their own behaviour.

“Going into a perpetrator’s background, often there is trauma, there is PTSD, there are a whole range of things that have happened to men that have perhaps influenced their behaviour today in their relationship. And often it’s because of a completely dysfunctional childhood. Whatever harm they’ve experienced is being worked out now in the context of their marriage.”

From left: Chairman of the TLWV Board Nigel Waters, Dr Moana Tane and
resident psychologist Wol Hansen.

Though she hasn’t been in the job long, Moana is acutely aware of how these patterns play out. For 12 years she worked in Australia’s primary healthcare services while studying for her PhD on the denormalisation of smoking, and lived within very remote Aboriginal communities.

“Violence was all around me. There were no social services − we just patched them up as best we could and offered help. The scenario back then was, if a woman had married, often she'd married into the community, so the bloodlines were his. If he perpetrated violence, she really had nowhere to go. If things became bad, she could go into a refuge and stay there to recover and get treatment, but then she’d have to go home with the kids, he'd come back from jail, and the whole cycle would repeat itself.”

Really, says Moana, it was the husband who needed the help in the first place.

After years of feeling helpless, Moana decided she needed to get out. “I got to the point where I was starting to get a bit lala, living and working in very trying circumstances. It just wasn’t sustainable for me.”

After a few years of moving between jobs, from social work to positions in public health, she was eventually offered the job with TLWV here in the Bay. She says while the problems themselves aren’t getting any better, the way the community here works together is inspiring and offers hope in an otherwise bleak statistical nightmare.

TLWV works closely with the Family Court and Corrections, as well as Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support and Women’s Refuge to provide victim support. Their own programmes are designed for perpetrators of violence. Usually the people they help come directly from the court to undertake a mandated course in order to reunite with their family. But there are men who voluntarily take the courses too.

“There are many men who actually want help and want to be good men,” says Moana. “They want to be safe men for their families and often they don't even know what that looks like until they come here.”

TLWV has 17 staff, made up of counsellors and case workers with backgrounds in psychology, social work and education. Their Men’s Non-Violence Programme provides group facilitation and runs for 20 weeks, and their Safety Programme offers support for victims, or survivors. They also have individual programmes for those who feel they need extra help.

“Our Men’s Non-Violence Programme teaches people what a safe relationship looks like, what a safe man looks like, what are the green flags, as well as the red flags, in terms of having a safe relationship or moving into a new one. In society we see perceptions about violence and victim blaming occurs. People say they can’t understand why a woman would stay in a violent relationship. We understand that there may be love within the relationship, and women want the violence to stop, not that they want to leave their partner or the family. What we know is that for some men who may use violence or control in relationships, they are practised at wooing a woman, putting up a false front, pretending to be the man she admires. But over time, as control, demands and violence increase, the façade slips and women begin to realise they have been fooled. Our victim-survivors are all intelligent, and often educated women who have not gone out seeking violent men. For some men, having no awareness of how to regulate their own emotions or communicate (even from a place of hurt and pain), or who are adhering to masculinity that denies feeling, or self-awareness, violence can be the ‘go-to’ behaviour in conflict.”

With a wait list for their Men’s Non-Violence Programme, TLWV has their work cut out for them. But they’re also in the process of designing a maintenance programme, which will give perpetrators a social link with people who may have experienced similar challenges but have come out the other side. “It’s a proactive way to maintain resistance to the violence they've used in the past,” says Moana.

While the stats and figures aren’t showing a lot of hope in this space, Moana and the team remain positive. “We love men and we believe in them,” she smiles. “We all have brothers, fathers, and some of us have sons. There are lovely men out there, who are safe and who are kind to their families. And they have learned to be that way through experience and support from others. In our service, we seek to break down perceptions and barriers that contribute to the use of violence. In our teams, we encourage male counsellors to work with our female groups and we always have female facilitators in our male programmes, because we want those men to see what a safe, strong woman looks like. It’s about challenging misconceptions and trying to help people to understand some of the driving root causes of why men might use this violence while offering alternatives to them. And group work is so very important, because it helps men to be accountable to one another for their behaviour.”

Drawing on her background with tobacco control, Moana says the two issues − smoking and domestic violence − can be dealt with in similar ways.

“We were very successful in denormalising smoking over the years but we did that because we threw light on the harms of tobacco and the fact that everybody thought it was normal, but actually it was the most abnormal thing you could do. Some of that same thinking applies to violence. We need to show people not just how harmful it is but what some of the outcomes are going to be over time. With control and violence you’re chasing away this woman you love. But it’s not about blaming. It’s about shifting the focus to the perpetrator and saying, ‘Look
bro, we’re not going to judge you. You need help.” 

TLWV rely on government funding and donations in order to offer their services. To donate, visit their website. They also welcome self-referrals for victims and perpetrators via their website. There are options for hiding your visit and a large ‘quick exit’ button to exit the site immediately.

“These problems are happening all around us, more than we realise,” says Moana. “It’s important for everyone to speak up whether you’re involved or not. If you see something, say something. It will change people’s lives for the better.” 

tlwv.org.nz

Out on top

Spencer McNeil is proof it’s not your past that defines who you are, but rather the lessons you learn and the people you learn them from along the way.

words HAYLEY BARNETT | photos ALEX CAIRNS

Life was tough for Spencer McNeil 10 years ago. His father suffered from schizophrenia and his mental illness and addictions took a toll on the family. Spence and his two brothers spent time in foster care and their mother, having lost everything, fought a hard battle to regain custody of her children.

Beneath the turbulence, Spencer was holding on to a dream. He wanted more than anything to become a barber and to run his own business, but he was quickly heading down a dark road – one that was becoming increasingly hard to find his way out of.

“I wasn’t a bad kid, but I was hanging out with the wrong crowd, doing silly stuff,” the 20-year-old explains. “That’s when I was selected for Project K. They look for kids they see potential in, who aren’t living up to it in school. That was me.”

The first part of the programme was a three-week 'Wilderness Adventure' with other young people selected for Project K, all funded by the Graeme Dingle Foundation. “It was life changing,” says Spencer. “We spent three weeks out in the wilderness, without a phone or any of my usual comforts. Just us, embracing that time away from everything.”

Activities involved kayaking along the Coromandel coast, biking from Thames to Waihi, and hiking through the Kaimai Ranges. “We had three showers over 21 days,” explains Spencer. “It showed me that you've got to be confident, you’ve got to give everything a go. And it teaches you to be grateful for what you have in life, because it can all be taken away just like that.”

Unlike most other kids his age, Spencer knew what he wanted to do with his life. At just 15, he applied for a year-long barber course and was immediately accepted. It was unusual for a 15-year-old to be accepted but they saw his passion and potential and he became the youngest student to attend barber school. Ten months later he qualified.

“They could see it was my dream, and it was huge for me. I got through the course and at 16 I was qualified.”

During these years of growth and change, his mother had met Phil, someone who had become a ray of hope for Spencer and his brothers.

“When my stepdad Phil came into our lives, he stepped up as a role model and a best friend,” says Spencer. Sadly, Phil was diagnosed with cancer just as Spencer was coming of age as a young teen, and he tragically passed away not long after Spencer completed his barber course.

“He got to see me qualify as a barber,” Spencer says. “He knew I wanted to run my own business and, before he passed away, he came into my room one morning and said, ‘You don’t get in life what you want, you get in life who you are’, and that you only fail if you fail to try. I’ll always remember that.”

Spencer and mum, Debra.

The loss was another hurdle but Spencer used his suffering as fuel to become motivated and turn his business dreams into reality. Despite being assigned a mentor by Project K, it was Dan Allen-Gordon from the Graeme Dingle Foundation who had the most impact around that time. Dan helped to pull Spencer out of the dark hole he had found himself in.

“Dan is a big reason why I am where I am today,” says Spencer. “His encouragement and motivation really affected me. It really inspired me to succeed.”

After a couple of years working in barbershops, he was itching to get out on his own. “I was over it,” he confesses. “I didn’t want to work for people anymore. I gave them my notice, so I set up a chair in my living room at home. It was just a mirror, a chair, and a station. I was happy as.”

As his client numbers grew, he realised he’d need to move into a space that was a little more appropriate. “I hit up the BP on Ngatai Road and asked if we could put a cabin on their property. They accepted and it instantly went off. I was turning away 10 to 20 people a day. It was crazy.”

Shortly after, Spencer and his mum, Debra, heard about a unit in the Brookfield Shopping Centre coming up for lease. “I had a couple of thousand dollars in the bank which I used to start the business. The whole thing was such a huge risk,” says Spencer.

And so Barber Spence was born. “I had no clients in the first week, and then bang! I had enough to pay the lease, pay the boys, and it started building. We somehow got out of that scary moment.”

A large part of Spencer’s motivation was becoming a positive influence that others could look up to and be inspired by. He recently won the Sir Edmund Hillary award at the Graeme Dingle National Excellence Awards.

“I love helping others. All my staff are young – our barbers Rhymis and Lyric are both 20, our barista Kella is 20 and Harmony our tattoo artist is 21. I love showing people that anything’s possible for people my age.” Earlier this year, Spencer expanded his offering by adding Barbarista coffee shop next door.

Online, Barber Spence is gaining a following on social media with the boys’ humorous content, and has even captured the attention of Stan Walker, who commented and ended up giving one of Spencer's special needs customers backstage tickets to his show.

“That post really popped off!” laughs Spencer. Though plans to open in Hamilton and Rotorua are mere thoughts for now, Spencer knows he has the power to make it happen. Right now he’s focused on making his Brookfield business a positive place to be for both his employees and his clients. “I just like to make everything fun,” he says. “I want to make this the best place it can be for my team. That’s real success to me.”

DINGLEFOUNDATION.ORG.NZ

Lighten up

Reduce holiday waste this summer with these six simple tips.

words KATE FENWICK

Reducing waste this summer doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be an enjoyable and fulfilling part of your routine, or could be the start of a New Year resolution.

By incorporating any of these six tips into your lifestyle, you’ll not only lighten your environmental footprint but also enhance your summer experience.

Let’s embrace sustainability together and make this summer a season of positive change.

1. Try solid soap bars In a world dominated by plastic bottles, solid soap bars are a refreshing alternative. They come with minimal packaging and often last longer than liquid soaps. Opt for natural and organic options, and you’ll not only cut down on plastic waste but also enjoy a more eco-friendly bathing experience. Plus, they’re great for travel – no spills or leaks!

2. BYO vessel/containers Say goodbye to single-use containers and embrace the BYO (Bring Your Own) movement. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a picnic, or a barbecue, bring your own reusable containers, cups and cutlery. This simple switch will significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste generated from takeout and disposable items. Get creative and make it a stylish way to show off your personality.

3. Love your leftovers Leftovers often get a bad rap, but they are a fantastic way to reduce waste and save money. Instead of letting that extra food go to waste especially at Christmas, get creative. Transform last night’s dinner into a scrumptious lunch or a new dish. You can even challenge yourself to a post Christmas ‘leftover week,’ where you only cook from what’s in your fridge. It’s a fun way to experiment and minimise food waste. One of my favourites is leftover pizza. Freeze all the small bits of food that you often put in the fridge (where they usually get lost) and turn them into a pizza – Chicken, Brie and Cranberry pizza anyone?

4. Pack a picnic Summer is the perfect time for picnics, and what better way to reduce waste than by preparing your own meals? Ditch the pre-packaged snacks and opt for homemade goodies or leftovers in a sandwich. Use reusable containers, cloth napkins, and real utensils to make your picnic zero-waste. Not only will you enjoy delicious food, but you'll also create lovely memories with friends and family.

5. Grow some greens If you have even a tiny space, consider starting a small garden, plant directly into a seedling mix bag or even use a few pots on your balcony. Growing your own lettuce/greens is incredibly rewarding and reduces the need for store-bought produce, which often comes wrapped in single-use plastic. Plus, fresh home-grown veggies taste unbeatable. It’s a fun summer project that brings you closer to nature and encourages healthy eating.

6. Buy what you need and eat what you buy Impulse buying can lead to unnecessary waste, especially when it comes to Christmas time. We often buy like the shops are closed for a week when in reality it is just for a day. This summer, make a conscious effort to buy only what you need. Create a shopping list, stick to it, and focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Don’t forget, when you bring food home, make sure to eat it all and plan meals around what you’ve purchased to ensure nothing goes to waste.

WASTEDKATE.CO.NZ

Spreading success

An innovative butter substitute, born in Pukehina, is whipping up global demand.

words KIRSTEN MATTHEW

There aren’t many places on the planet that Craig Brown hasn’t seen nor many jobs he hasn’t tried. Mechanic, real estate agent, tech entrepreneur and now butter impresario, he has an affinity for jumping in at the deep end.

“Kicking doors down and climbing the mountain is challenging and stimulating,” Brown says. “I like swinging the bat.” His latest venture, Herbivore plant-based butter – a business he runs from his rural home in Pukehina – is his most recent challenge. He started it four years ago with no experience in food production or FMCG.

Raised in the Waikato, Brown left school and trained as a diesel mechanic. At 22, real estate beckoned and in his first year in the business Brown broke sales records for Harcourts.

“It was natural to me,” says Brown of real estate. “In that business, you are sharing really good, life-changing events with your clients and the energy was contagious. I loved that the harder you worked, the better you did.”

After two years Brown took a break, bought a ’67 Dodge and drove across the USA for kicks. He returned to Harcourts for a few years before embarking on another epic trip, hitchhiking overland from New Zealand to the Arctic Circle. The adventure took four years and saw Brown traverse Australia, Nepal, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and travel south from Cairo to Capetown. When he returned, Brown joined AutoTV, a local show that promoted cars for sale on terrestrial television.

He bought AutoTV in 2009, in the midst of the global financial crisis. As sales got harder, he knew the brand had to adapt, so he took software invented by an acquaintance and morphed it into AutoPlay, an online platform that helps dealers and automakers to sell cars. Brands like Toyota and Kia signed on, and soon Brown was working with 80 percent of the franchise dealerships selling cars in New Zealand. AutoPlay launched in Australia in 2017 and was acquired by a firm in the United Kingdom the following year.

Brown moved to England to run the business for the new owners for a few years, and when he and his wife and family moved back to the Bay of Plenty, he knew he wanted to start something new.

“As individuals, we can control only what we eat, wear and how we get around, and when it comes to sustainability and the environment, we need to be doing whatever we can as individuals,” says Brown, who was determined to create an environmentally friendly product.

He investigated buying disused buildings and starting a business growing pea protein, but then learnt about coconut butter; that it produces a quarter of the emissions of bovine butter, and coconut trees remove carbon from the atmosphere.

“I’m not into telling people what to do, or saying that they have to be vegan for the planet,” says the confirmed carnivore. “But we need more food choices that are better for the planet. It’s about creating a product that adds value and I’m really proud that we are 100 percent plant-based.”

Brown found a farm in the Philippines where Herbivore’s coconuts are sourced and worked with the farmers to create the perfect butter, made from 67 percent coconut oil, water, sunflower oil, coconut milk powder and sea salt.

In the early days, there were no retail blocks — now Herbivore can be found in all good supermarkets in the butter aisle — just commercial-sized sheets for cafés, restaurants and bakeries. When Tart Bakery in Auckland won best vegan pie in the country with pastry made with Herbivore, Brown knew the business had legs. Just 10 weeks after diversifying into retail butter, Herbivore won the Foodstuffs Emerge award for new products. Partners soon came on board to help Brown with the business.

He’s still travelling the world, introducing food purveyors, bakers and chefs to Herbivore. It’s exported to Hong Kong and Thailand. Deals with the USA are in the pipeline. It means Brown, who lives with his wife and three of his four children on a lifestyle block, works strange hours, dealing with the US, UK and Asia early in the morning, and again once his boys are in bed at night. He grows kiwifruit and raises beef on their land, and won’t be giving up meat or bovine butter any time soon.

“I’m a real foodie,” he says. “At home we use Herbivore as our butter 85 percent of the time, but I use cow butter in my mashed potatoes. I think of Herbivore like brown sugar; an alternative that has its place in every kitchen.

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop,” he says. “For me, it’s got to be fun. And fun is connecting with people and doing deals.”

HERBIVOREBUTTER.COM

Working in the magic

Balancing career
and family shouldn’t be a quest for perfection – it’s about crafting intentional connections.

words Ellie Gwilliam from Parenting Place

Adisclaimer right up front – all parents work. Paid or otherwise, parents work 24/7. This article is written with the parents in mind who have kids home from school and employment commitments to juggle at the same time. Annual leave only stretches so far and it can feel like the end of school term comes around with alarming frequency. The kids are on holiday, but you're very much not.

School holidays are great, don’t get us wrong. Less rush, more PJs, no school lunchboxes. School holidays can mean a chance for a getaway, an adventure, a road trip or simply checking out local attractions. But, in families where parents have to work right through the break, school holidays can feel a bit tense. Parents may feel thinly spread across work and home, kids may feel bored and disconnected.

There’s no magic pill for this. The work/life balance is a complex thing for families to navigate and some days it all works better than others. Encouragingly, there are huge benefits in making the most of even small moments of connection. Kids love quality time with their parents and yes, spending entire days together would be wonderful, but the good news is that shorter periods of a parent’s focused attention still do a child a world of good.

If you’re trying to meet the demands of both your boss and your kids and feeling pulled in all directions these holidays, here are five simple ideas for fitting in whānau connection:

1. Make the most of mealtimes

If you’re working from home, schedule long lunch breaks with your kids and take some time-out together. If you’ve got older kids with some kitchen skills, maybe they could even be in charge of preparing your lunch, setting the table and waiting on you (it’s worth a shot anyway). If you’re out at the office all day, aim to make dinner a bit more special than usual. Maybe the kids could plan some menus for the week and decorate the table. You could even have a themed dinner or two, complete with costumes and ‘international’ cuisine (sushi totally counts, as does pizza).

2. Something special in the evenings

Lots of after-school activities are on pause for the holidays, which hopefully means less parental taxi driving and more whānau time in the evenings. Book in some special activities that give everyone something to look forward to at the end of the day.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Board game night

Movie night

Bowling night

A post-dinner dessert mission for ice cream sundaes

Toasting marshmallows under the stars

Family slumber party in the lounge

Talent show

Kahoot quiz night with another family

Lego Masters challenge

Paper bag challenge (put a set of craft supplies in a paper bag for each kid and issue them a challenge, e.g. longest paper chain, fastest cardboard car, scrap paper collage self-portrait).

Reading aloud a chapter book.

3. Go big in the weekends

If at all possible, plan some adventures for the weekends (or your rostered days off) for something fresh to look forward to. And adventures don’t have to be elaborate or expensive – local and simple can be just as memorable. 

4. Puzzles and projects

Spread a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle out on the dining table and chip away at it together over the holidays. Puzzles are a great point for connection, and something you can come and go to as time allows. Likewise, maybe there’s a craft project or kitset model lurking at the back of the cupboard that no one’s had time to get started – something that you can work on together in the evenings without pressure. Creativity is such a great outlet for work stress too, so long as we dial up the fun and dial down the expectations. (Trying to follow pages of tiny instructions and find the corresponding pieces from 1A to 5000B may not be your family’s idea of fun – it’s okay to face facts here!) Outdoor projects can work wonders for connection too. Maybe there’s some gardening or landscaping you could tackle with your kids after work each evening, or some fence painting to tick off together in the weekend. 

5. Start a new tradition

Traditions and rituals offer so much in terms of family connection and speak volumes of our kids’ sense of identity and belonging. You may already have some traditions in place, like visiting out-of-town cousins at certain times of the year or a dinner party with friends to celebrate the end of term. Whatever matters to your family, make a tradition of it and you’ll be surprised the value your kids will place on the fact that “In our family, every holidays we... go to the zoo/buy a new board game/help Grandad tidy his shed/sort our wardrobes and have a fashion parade/take a load of things we no longer need to the op shop/bake cookies for the neighbours/do a massive jigsaw/plan our summer camping trip/help at the marae working bee/read a new book together/watch Star Wars/have a themed dinner party/make a stop-motion video/climb our local mountain/eat ice cream at the beach...“ 

parentingplace.nz

Transform tomorrow

Facing a health scare without any insurance cover in place motivated Diana McIntyre to become an insurance specialist with Rapson Loans & Finance, to help others avoid the same shock.

Life can throw you curveballs. When my brother died suddenly, his foresight in taking out life insurance saved our family from financial heartache on top of grief. But when I faced my own health crisis, I did so as a solo mum and breadwinner, with nothing to protect my financial security.

Many Kiwis insure their homes and vehicles but we are much more reluctant to insure our most valuable asset – ourselves. I now know that health, trauma and income protection insurance can literally save the day.

A good health insurance policy will give you access to non-Pharmac drugs without having to sell your home or beg others for help via Givealittle. And it will ensure you are seen quickly without languishing on public waiting lists while your condition worsens.

According to Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora, 180,000 people were waiting for a first specialist appointment last December – and 68,000 of those had waited longer than the 40-day target. New Zealand’s health system is overloaded and focused on critical need. But you don’t have to be critically unwell to be debilitated.

I am privileged to work with clients every day to cover their risks while balancing their budget. A solo mum in her late 30s was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. As her household’s only financial provider, her $100,000 trauma cover financially saved her.

Another local couple in their 40s, with children from previous relationships, took out a joint life insurance policy. Less than 12 months later, he died. But the insurance payout meant his new partner could continue living in their home, and his children received an inheritance.

While no-one likes to think this could happen to them, the reality is it could. In today’s economy, I can help you sustainably manage your premiums. If you’re under 45, it’s worth taking out some ‘level’ of trauma or life cover which won’t increase each year in line with your age. It will give you more certainty on cost and help you plan for the future.

Once you’re over 50, right when you’re likely to need cover, your premiums will be sustainable. If you’re older, you could consider increasing your health insurance excess if you need to reduce your monthly premium.

My best advice is to sit down with a knowledgeable insurance specialist such as myself. I can take a holistic and pragmatic look at your circumstances and help you strike the right balance between cover and cost.

It’s important to set up insurance that meets your needs now, as well as strategically looking ahead to the future.

RAPSON.CO.NZ

Over the rainbow bridge

Pet Farewells brings comfort and closure to pet owners, offering a dignified alternative to traditional backyard burials.

words KARL PUSCHMANN | photos CRAIG BROWN

Lyn and Gavin Shepherd.

When it comes to our pets, we don’t usually think about the end until it comes. And it wasn’t too long ago that we’d simply grab a shovel, dig a hole in the backyard and then let the kids say a few teary words. However, with shrinking properties, increased urban density, renting being much more common and people moving homes more, a pet’s eternal resting spot can often be disturbed within a few years.

“It used to be accepted as normal, but now people don’t want to bury their cat in the garden,” Gavin Shepherd says. “They want it looked after properly.”

This is something Lyn and husband Gavin pride themselves on. As owners of crematorium Pet Farewells, they’ve been providing a compassionate service to pet owners for 17 years.

When they bought their first pet crematorium in Hamilton in 2007, the existing owner considered it a “lifestyle business”. Lyn, a college teacher, and Gavin, a veterinarian, initially thought it would be a good retirement business, but both quickly saw the dormant potential.

After upgrading the machinery, which is specialist equipment that has to be imported from the States, they began picking up more business. As well as the public they were also servicing all of Hamilton’s vet clinics, the SPCA and Hamilton’s Zoo. Seeing a gap in the market they then expanded to Wellington in 2011 and followed the same playbook. It was another success. This led them to purchase an existing pet crematorium in Mount Maunganui three years ago that they could see had not reached its full potential.

They went through the 18-month process of upgrading the cremator to “the latest and greatest,” and completing the paper trail of necessary consents, and say that business is now beginning to increase.

“We do the work for 60 percent of Tauranga’s vets, the Tauranga City Council and the SPCA Tauranga,” Gavin says.

Most of their work comes via the vets who, after euthanising a pet, will talk to the owner about their options. “It’s either take it home and bury or cremation,” Gavin says. “We have a number of ways that the ashes can be returned. The cheapest option is a cardboard box but there’s another six or seven vessels that we provide to return pets.”

Usually, someone from the team will then pick up the pet, cremate it and return it to the vet a couple of days later. But people are welcome to bring their pets in themselves.

“That happens more and more. But we can't allow them into the cremation zone. It runs at 900 degrees, so it’s hot and pretty dangerous, so they can’t watch that process. It’s just not possible,” he explains. “The cremation process takes probably six hours from start to finish. It’s not like getting a pizza, ordering it and then going to the other window and picking it up.”

As well as the basic cardboard box, which Lyn says is what most people who scatter the ashes opt for, there’s a range of options, including a variety of beautiful wooden boxes that are all crafted here in New Zealand, for people who want to keep them.

“All of the products that we return the pets in are New Zealand sourced or made,” Gavin says, explaining that supporting other local businesses was something he and Lyn both considered important. “We didn't want to say the vessels that we use come from China.”

As well as the expected cats and dogs, Pet Farewells has also cremated animals as small as goldfish and mice through to chimpanzees for the Zoo and, in one instance, an ostrich.

“That’s my favourite story,” Lyn says. “An ostrich is very big when its wings are outstretched and its head’s right up high so we didn’t know whether it would fit into the cremator. When we got it, it was like a coil of rope, because it had just collapsed into a ball and the neck was sort of swivelled around and compacted down on it, so we could cremate it quite easily.

“The poor ostrich had died of an obstruction. It had been scavenging around a construction site, and eaten everything shiny, like screws, nails, bolts and nuts. At the end of the cremation, they were all there. We not only had the bones and the stones, but we could also give the owner back everything else!”

The couple say that the death of a pet is an emotional time. For them, Pet Farewells isn’t just about offering a practical solution, it’s about giving people the opportunity to say farewell to their pets in a dignified and compassionate way. “People regard a pet as part of their family,” Gavin says. “And we’re pleased to be part of it.”

PETFAREWELLS.CO.NZ

She means business

Meet some of the businesses that are part of She Is Unleashed, a local networking group where women support and mentor other women in business.

Moxi Café

Moxi Café is nestled in the heart of New Zealand's best beach – Ōhope. Serving up epic food, epic Allpress coffee and an epic vibe. A beach café that stands out from the rest, it’s the perfect all-day brunch spot in summer.

MOXICAFE

Her Tribe Travels

Curating bespoke journeys for women seeking more than just a holiday, Her Tribe Travels crafts tours that prioritise safety and foster a sense of community. These experiences allow travellers to explore the world while forging meaningful connections with like-minded women. HERTRIBETRAVELS.COM

Michelle Makeup Coach

Offering a unique makeup experience in the Bay of Plenty, this service specialises in personalised, natural makeup lessons for women over 35. Using pure-mineral, skin-nourishing products, the approach focuses on enhancing individual beauty and boosting confidence through tailored guidance.

MICHELLEMAKEUPCOACH.COM

Chelsea Waru – Mortgages

With a tailored, client focussed and stress-free approach, Chelsea Waru is your local Bay of Plenty mortgage advisor ready to simplify home ownership. She focuses on the path to home ownership – whether you’re a first-time buyer, expanding your property portfolio, or considering refinancing, tailored solutions are offered to suit your needs.

CHELSEAWARU_MORTGAGES

MarketHer

This innovative platform offers a comprehensive solution for women in business seeking to enhance their brand marketing skills. Combining an app and community, MarketHer provides tools and resources for growth on your own schedule, empowering entrepreneurs to elevate their brands effectively.

MARKETHER.CO.NZ

Designing for change

In a world of profit-driven corporates, Jenny Williams of Jumbo Design is helping create a different picture – one of compassion and community.

WORDS Hayley Barnett  |  PHOTOS Salina Galvan

Amove from Auckland to the Bay two years ago was a way for Jenny Williams to really sink her teeth into something a bit more bite sized. Having been immersed in the corporate world for years, Jenny and husband David had recently had a taste of what it was like to give back to their community and decided purpose-driven business suited them much more than the corporate world.

“Really, it’s small businesses and charities that are keeping our country ticking over at the minute,” says Jenny, co-owner of Jumbo Design, the name of which was her nickname as a toddler. “I take it as a term of endearment!”

Together with David, Jenny has created a business that specialises in branding and design for small businesses and charities, and charge differing fees based on the client.

Jenny, David and dog Lexi have made Te Puke their home and work base.

Striving for integrity became a key factor for the couple when they started working with a charity called Steps For Life Foundation, focused on supporting youth in the fight against childhood obesity.

“It started pretty randomly,” explains Jenny. “I was at the gym and finishing a workout when one of the guys who worked at the gym came and plonked himself next to me and asked, ‘do you reckon you could help my sister and I out with a website?’ So began 10 years of working with the Steps for Life Foundation.”

Sadly, the charity had to stop work over Covid lockdowns and hasn’t had the funds to start up again since. But it was Steps For Life that was the catalyst for Jenny to realise she had a way of helping other charities and not-for-profits through her design work.

“I finally realised that art and compassion had a way to work together,” she says. “I had the power to invoke change through art.”

Today, from her home in Te Puke, she markets her skills towards charities and small businesses as a way of giving back. “David and I are at a point in our careers where we have the ability to help others,” explains Jenny. “There are so many businesses out there doing good that don’t have the budgets big corporations do, and there’s also a lot of cowboys offering services for extortionate amounts of money. We don’t think that’s fair.
We negotiate a price that is equitable to the client.”

Of course, they still work for large companies, but Jenny hopes to get to more clients who are helping to make a difference in the community.

Known as “the Geek” by family and friends, David is a full-stack developer who also specialises in SEO and Google Analytics. Jenny’s strengths and passion lie in designing and crafting brands that make businesses and charities shine in a competitive market. But the best part, she says, is meeting and connecting with people. 

“It’s fun helping those small guys, seeing the satisfaction they get from the work you do for them,” says Jenny. “And I love going for coffee catch ups, even if it’s just for a chat around future plans.” 

jumbodesign.co.nz

Ripples of change

The Women’s Fund is a group creating a community dedicated to empowering other women and whānau in the Western Bay of Plenty. Co-founder Hayley Nelson talks to UNO about how it came to be, and how being empowered as a child by the strongest woman she knew led her to where she is today.

WORDS Hayley Barnett
PHOTOS Giselle Brosnahan + Salina Galvan

Clockwise from top left: Hayley Nelson, Avah Smith, Christie McGregor, Anne Pankhurst and Keryn Jarvis.

On the eve of Mother’s Day earlier this year, Hayley Nelson stepped up to the podium to speak at the Western Bay of Plenty Women’s Fund breakfast held in Tauranga. She stunned everyone with her own mother’s tragic story in which she battled mental illness, before succumbing to it by taking her own life.

Hayley became her mother’s primary caregiver at the age of 13, after a car accident left her injured – something Hayley understood as a cry for help. She learned to take care of not just her ill and injured mother, who suffered from bipolar affective disorder and post-natal depression, but also her three brothers and their home, all while attending high school.

Somehow, amidst the chaos of her life, Hayley managed to travel the world at just 16 years old, before returning to study and work for a number of major banks in client-facing and leadership roles. Tragically, her mother committed suicide when Hayley was 24 years old. But despite this, her own resilience, Hayley says, is down to being raised by this “superhero mum” who did all she could with the limited resources she had to hand, while struggling to maintain her mental health. 

Today Hayley is the general manager of Craigs Investment Partners in Tauranga, and the co-founder of the WBOP Women’s Fund, made up of influential local women looking to give back to their community by helping other women in need.

“When I think about why I wanted to give back, I reflect on that 13-year-old,” says Hayley. “I wondered how we could look after those children in similar situations, with mothers suffering from something they know nothing about. I think of my brothers, of the trauma they’ve been through, and I feel for the seven-year-old, or that 10-year-old, or that 19-year-old who later lost his mum and didn’t even understand her illness. Kids any age can be really confused by people’s actions.”

It’s a situation that far too many families face, but today the amount of resources and information available is far greater than it was when Hayley was growing up. Her aim is to tap into that and become a connector between charities and those who want to help.

Together with her long-time friend Keryn Jarvis, she started building the Women’s Network as a way to access philanthropic groups and businesses, to raise funds and then give those funds to charities that help women, girls and whānau in need.

“In the beginning, a Giving Circle felt like a good way of achieving that,” explains Hayley. “But then we thought, actually, let’s go bigger. There’s lots of different people doing amazing work and we know that it’s hard to raise funds at the moment. So we thought, hey, let’s utilise our work, our contacts, and boost other organisations in the process. That’s really what it’s about – just helping people to help others.”

Hayley was inspired by the likes of the late Chloe Wright, who built the Bethlehem Birthing Centre and Kids Start. “Something I remember hearing from her was around the importance of maternal wellbeing in mothers,” says Hayley. “She knew something needed to be done and she was trying to do all she could to help in that space. It’s like all these things have been pointing me towards this path, saying, this is something you need to do to give back in some way, whether it’s financial or inspirational.”

It turns out it was both. Hayley and Keryn began talking with the Acorn Foundation, who at the time was represented by Emily Golding. Frances Mole has since taken her position.

“And then I thought, right, anything that happens in this town Anne Pankhurst knows about or wants to be involved in. So I reached out to the Tauranga Business Chamber, who Anne was with at the time.

“Then Anne was keen to have a lawyer on board,” Hayley continues. “Both of us knew Christie McGregor from Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers quite well and we knew she was involved with the Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support, which focuses on sexual assault awareness. And I wanted to get a youth voice in there as well, which is really important. So I reached out to Priority One, and Avah Smith put her hand up. She was one of the young female leaders in their INSTEP programme. She’s been a delight. It’s such a good group.”

Together the group helps to organise fundraisers through their member’s businesses, as well as getting the word out through their respective contacts and organising their own events throughout the year. Next Mother’s Day, the WBOP Women’s Fund will announce the charities their members have nominated, voted for and donated to. “But we don’t want to become an events company,” cautions Hayley. “Our focus is on connection.”

So how did she come to be such a master connector herself, I ask. “I think my background has something to do with it,” she says. “Changing schools and moving towns, I had to learn to meet people. Now I’m not afraid to talk to anybody, or introduce people because if you don’t, you don’t get to meet anybody and you end up sitting in the corner on your own.”

It seems to be Hayley’s tenacity and resilience which has led her down this path – something she knows she’s lucky to have. But she also knows it takes more than resilience to get through tough times. It also takes support from others. “I remember in the 1980s my grandmother took me to the Schizophrenia Fellowship – it was the only place to get information on mental health and wellbeing – so that I could understand a little bit around what was happening with my mum. That was all that Nana knew she could do. But it was a really helpful thing for me. I became more curious, more compassionate and understanding.”

That’s what Hayley hopes to do for these charities through the Women’s Fund – reach out and do the best she can. 

acornfoundation.org.nz/give/womens-fund

Moving mountains

Globally, on average, one man dies by suicide every minute, and in New Zealand, the number of suspected self-inflicted deaths for males is 2.5 times that of women.  Ahead of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month this November, UNO spoke to four Bay of Plenty locals, leading mental health initiatives to challenge the status quo of men’s health and help Kiwi men live longer, healthier lives. 

WORDS Karen Clarkson

Rob Dunne, Movember country manager.

In 2004, while living in London, Robert Dunne was introduced to Justin Couglan, one of the original ‘Mo’ Bro’s’ from Movember – the international movement changing the face of men’s health. He grew a moustache and ran Europe’s first event for the leading men’s health charity. Twenty moustaches later, Robert lives in Whakamarāma and works as the country manager helping the organisation tackle the three largest health issues affecting men; mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  

“Over the past 21 years, Movember has definitely put men’s health on the map,” explains Robert. “Globally, we fund 1,300 men’s health projects and have attracted seven million supporters since we began.” 

Josh Darby, Movember project manager; Russell Wood, FENZ deputy chief executive; Robert Dunne, Movember country manager. 

Across the motu, Robert and his team work alongside organisations like the Mental Health Foundation, Fire Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), NZ Rugby, and Māori health providers, funding health programmes to transform health outcomes for Kiwi men. He says in his 14 years as country manager, the most significant shift he has seen is the acknowledgement of suicide and poor mental health as a major health issue. 

“Mental health doesn’t discriminate. From teenagers to grandparents,
Pakeha to Pasifika – I have met CEOs, celebrities, athletes and All Blacks all struggling with their mental health. Just like our physical health, we need to prioritise our mental health – and with the right knowledge and support, we can influence the outcomes.”

Of the 45 men’s health partners Movember supports locally, 16 of these are dedicated to improving men’s mental health and suicide prevention. “Navigating the nuances of mental health is difficult, and getting the
right information and support to the right person at the right time is a balance that I don’t believe New Zealand invests enough resources in. While there is an increasing number of programmes available, it is important to note that we’re just at the start of the journey to moving the needle on our statistics.”

He says one important step is to effectively report mental health and suicide, including measuring and linking incidences of depression. In partnership with Otago University, Movember is funding a national men’s health report (to be released in 2025) – a milestone initiative which will present data to showcase the real face of men’s health in Aotearoa and aims to affect change nationally, including within government.

“We need to fully understand why men are struggling, how to support them to overcome their personal challenges, and how government, non-government organisations, iwi and community can work together. The encouraging part is that while we have issues to overcome, there are many wonderful people doing incredible work to create change within our communities.”

Kōrero and cardio

One such organisation is Men Making Miles – a Tauranga men’s mental health support group dedicated to improving mental wellbeing by combining physical activity and meaningful conversations. 

Founded in 2021 by Duncan Woonton and Eru Piwari, the not-for-profit
was inspired by Duncan’s martial arts sessions with Eru – a professional mixed martial art (MMA) athlete and combat trainer. As Duncan and Eru both faced their own mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction, their training sessions soon turned into a form of counselling. 

Duncan Woonton and Eru Piwari from Men Making Miles. 

“Like most New Zealand men, we kept our personal challenges to ourselves, but we realised talking and training turned out to be incredibly supportive,” says Duncan. “This sparked the conversation about the benefits of combining cardio and conversation, creating a supportive space for men to connect, share and train together.”

Men Making Miles runs free fortnightly sessions for men from Eru’s gym, Unleashed Training Academy. Sessions begin with group discussion, where participants take turns discussing their mental health challenges and discuss strategies to incorporate into their daily life. “Then we do a martial arts workout together catered to all shapes, sizes and skill levels,” says Duncan.

The group has attracted men from all backgrounds, most of whom are struggling with depression or anxiety, without the knowledge to tackle it and feeling too ashamed to talk about it. “Creating an environment where other men share helps others open up too. Many Kiwi men were raised with the ‘harden up bro’ attitude, bottling up our feelings and resorting to destructive habits to feel better. We are determined to break the mindset that it’s weak to speak up,” explains Duncan. 

Duncan says the response from the community has been incredible. “It gives us the confidence to continue with our goals to work alongside regional counselling services, launch a community outreach programme and ultimately launch Men Making Miles nationwide.”

A boxing class at Men Making Miles.

Creating calm in the chaos

Kristin Borchardt, experienced yoga teacher and owner of the Nook Yoga
and Pilates studio, says in the past 18 years, while building a yoga community in Mount Maunganui, she is encouraged by the increasing number of men seeking out the therapeutic benefits of yoga to support their mental health and wellbeing.

Specialising in stress management, Kristin says living in a fast-paced world operating from a place of stress where our adrenal system suffers, yoga can provide a beautiful way of supporting our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. 

Nook Yoga and Pilates 

“Each asana (pose) compresses our muscles and joints, improving circulation and providing a deep internal massage. Returning to our breath and finding stillness offers us the chance to rewire the nervous system, nourish our adrenals and shift us from a state of stress to calm,” says Kristin.

Kristin, who runs yoga retreats in New Zealand and Bali for men and women, and has worked with a number of organisations teaching yoga to
male employees, says the biggest shift alongside the rise in men arriving on the mat is the move away from dynamic practices to slower modalities.

“Slow Flow and Yin are now the first classes to book out on our schedule. These slower practices, where we hold the pose for longer, supported by blankets and props, cultivate a stronger energy flow towards vital organs, where deeper therapeutic benefits can be felt.”

Kristin says for many yoga has changed their life and provides a toolbox to manage stress. “We often live so far out of ourselves, the practice of coming in to feel, to step away from the demands of life, and sense how we really are, is so powerful and so needed for all of us.”

Recreating the village 

Choiwee Moon is on a mission to turn around New Zealand’s youth
mental health and suicide statistics. “New Zealand is in a mental health crisis, especially among young tāne,” explains the educator and trauma-informed wellness coach, who has recently launched a rites of passage programme for teenage boys.

Mātua Rautia – The Warrior’s Village is a six-month programme open to young men aged 13-18, with a mission to inspire boys to believe in themselves while gifting them life-long skills designed to enhance their mental, emotional and physical growth. 

The Warriors Village team from left: Paul Anthony, Choiwee Moon, Jethro Campbell and Glen Callahan.

With a background in prevention work that has a focus on mental health, suicide, depression, and domestic violence, Choiwee says the stigma and shame around mental health, particularly men’s mental health, is still widespread. 

“Many men feel misunderstood, isolated, lonely and unsure even how to get the help they need. We need to go upstream and recreate the sense of tribe that our young men are missing,” she says. 

Participants in Mātua Rautia – The Warrior’s Village build and learn resilience, purpose, emotional regulation, and communication skills, while undergoing four rites of passage over six months – breathwork, cold water immersion, a hikoi and a sweat lodge initiation. By facing discomfort in a supportive environment, they develop personally and bond with their peers.

The team of male facilitators or ‘pou’ are all strong, resilient, compassionate, knowledgeable men from different backgrounds, and through their own life experiences, inspire the boys to see potential in their own lives, says Choiwee. 

“Every boy is already a fierce, powerful young man. Our job is to provide a space to express themselves, to be fully accepted and support them to develop into well-adjusted, conscientious, grounded men, able to navigate all of life’s challenges.”

Suicide and depression 

To get help, phone Lifeline 0800 543 354 or text 4357.

A day of empowerment

This year’s Tauranga Business Chamber BWN Speaker Series was a dynamic gathering of inspirational women who really brought their A game.

PHOTOS Salina Galvan

Chelsea Winter.

There’s something about a room full of talented, like-minded women that can only be described as electric. This past May, Baycourt Theatre was charged with that very energy as nearly 400 attendees gathered for the Business Women’s Network (BWN) Speaker Series, themed ‘Bring Your A Game’.

This year’s event didn’t just meet expectations – it shattered them. From the moment the first speaker took the stage, it was clear that this was no ordinary day of networking and presentations. It was a day of genuine connection, raw honesty, and, above all, empowerment.

Each speaker brought her unique perspective and expertise, touching on topics that resonate deeply with women at every stage of life and career. Niki Bezzant opened up the conversation on menopause with a refreshing candour, providing invaluable insights that were both relatable and practical. Kylie Wilson didn’t just talk about resilience; she had the audience on their feet, proving that mental toughness is just as crucial as physical strength. Chelsea Winter, a beloved figure in the New Zealand culinary world, shared her journey from home cook to national icon, offering a blend of humour and hard-earned wisdom.

But it wasn’t just the speakers who made the day unforgettable. The event’s success was also thanks to the support of its sponsors: Principal sponsors, Craigs Investment Partners and Cooney Lees Morgan, as well as Premier sponsors, YRW, KingSt, and Mediaworks. Partner sponsors, including Port of Tauranga, Kale Print, Pillar Consulting, Westpac, and Toi Ohomai, played a crucial role in ensuring the day was one for the books.

As the day came to a close, attendees were ready to bring their A game
to every aspect of their lives. The anticipation for next year’s event is already building, promising another chapter of inspiration, growth and connection. 

tauranga.org.nz/bwn-speaker-series-2024

Shop the Avenue

Tauranga's Eleventh Avenue sells an eclectic mix of fashion, food and fabulous finds for any occasion.

M.M Linen

Wake up rested and inspired with M.M Linen’s Spring/Summer 24/25 Collection. The Botanica Poplar Bedspread Set, pictured here, offers understated style. Blend plain and patterned layers for a versatile, enduring style. 

mmlinen.com  |   IG mmlinen

Wendys Boutique

In the bustling heart of the plaza, you’ll discover Wendys Boutique, a designer clothing store where women of all ages can truly find their style. With an impressive selection of top brands from New Zealand and beyond, including Zoe Kratzmann, Trelise Cooper, Lolly’s Laundry, and Juliette Hogan, it’s a fashion haven waiting for you to explore.

wendysboutique.co.nz

IG wendysboutique

FB wendysboutique.nz

The Luxe Club

The Luxe Club is a family-owned boutique offering bespoke jewellery and accessories. Established by Carmen and daughter Hannah, it features high-quality, handpicked pieces from New Zealand brands like Saben, Status Anxiety and more. Customers are welcome to browse and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Popular services include custom designs for weddings and events alongside jewellery repairs. 

theluxeclub.co.nz

Synergy Vitality Spa

Synergy Vitality Spa has been established at Eleventh Avenue for well over 20 years. Offering clients a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the spa’s professional therapists are devoted to their jobs and strive for perfection in all their treatments. These include advanced skin treatments such as IPL for pigmentation and red veins, Black & White permanent hair reduction, as well as anti-aging rejuvenation and PCA peels.

Synergyspa.nz  |  F SynergyVitalitySpa

HairStyle

Meet Nic Apaapa and the expert team at HairStyle, Tauranga’s hub for beautiful, healthy hair. With experience at Fashion Weeks, VMAs, and international stages, Nic invites you to elevate your hair journey, offering personalised consultations and professional expertise. 

hair.style.tauranga

Blanc Flowers & Gifts

Tauranga’s premier florist brings you the finest selection of fresh and dried flowers, elegant bouquets and arrangements. The store also features a range of gifts, from wines and chocolates to candles, puzzles and books, and offer same-day delivery for orders placed by noon to Tauranga, Ōmokoroa, Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa.

blanc.co.nz  |   FB blancflorist | IG _blancflorist

Delicacy and Juz Catering

Delicacy Café has been delighting food lovers since 1998, serving up beautifully crafted dishes and exceptional coffee. With a talented team creating fresh, flavourful meals daily, and their cabinet selection is a feast for the senses – from gourmet pies to delectable slices, there’s something for everyone. Plus, Juz Catering offers home-cooked meals and catering for any occasion. 

juzcatering.co.nz  |  FB juzcatering.co.nz | IG delicacy_juzcatering

Tauranga Knitting Centre

For over 30 years, Tauranga Knitting Centre has been a hub for knitting and crochet enthusiasts. Offering a wide range of quality yarns, needles, patterns, and accessories, the shop caters to all skill levels. With friendly, knowledgeable staff and a warm atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to find inspiration and supplies for your next creative project. 

taurangaknitting.co.nz | FB TgaKnitting | IG taurangaknitting

Designing digital safety

Partnering with Samsung, Tauranga local Rory Birkbeck has built world-first technology to keep our kids safe online.

WORDS Hanna Balemi | PHOTO Amy Bailey 

Rory Birkbeck isn’t someone you’ll find on a pedestal, raging against the injustices of the world. The millennial dad and long-time Tauranga resident can often be found checking emails at a local cafe after dropping his two children at primary school. But behind the scenes, Birkbeck is building world-class technology to tackle one of the most critical global issues of our day: keeping children safe online. 

In June, Safe Surfer, the social enterprise Birkbeck founded in 2016, partnered with tech giant Samsung to release a world-first: the Kid-Safe Smartphone and Tablet, designed with kids’ safety at the core. It is the result of nearly a decade of work at Safe Surfer, developing and refining software that monitors and safeguards internet use, and a collaboration that allows safe tech to be built into Samsung Galaxy devices and tablets. “For the first time, parents can choose robust, innovative products designed to meet the highest standards of safety and performance. These smartphones and tablets are built with safety by design.”

Birkbeck’s passion for online safety began when he started out in IT in the early 2000s, around the dawn of social media. As the platforms evolved around him, his concern grew — tech development was out-pacing safeguards, and he worried that the most vulnerable would pay the price. “There’s so much potential for good with technology. Opening
up free learning and discovery to groups who’ve been excluded is so exciting.” 

Birkbeck is passionate about giving young people a chance to harness their creativity and the technological abilities they pick up by osmosis, and has taught coding to Tauranga teens and mentored young developers.

Through growing Safe Surfer, Birkbeck noticed the increasing gap between product design and development and the after-market products required to make them safer. “I grew more convinced that to build a future where kids are truly safe online, we were going to have to be working at the design level. Safety couldn’t be an afterthought anymore.”

Guided by this principle, Birkbeck and his team worked with Samsung to build Safe Surfer filtering technology into the phones and tablets, allowing parents to monitor every feature via a remote app. That means the camera can detect and block nudity, messaging features and apps are scanned for bullying, violence and grooming, and web browsers filter millions of harmful URLs. The Kid-Safe Smartphone and Tablets offer tiered levels of access, so they can grow alongside kids’ needs and maturity, while never compromising safe practices.

The Kid-Safe Smartphones and Tablets are available now in Australasian markets, but Birkbeck has a global vision. “We’re seeing a shift. Parents everywhere are passionate about online safety, because these are our kids. They deserve the best of the best and not basic-level compliance where safety is concerned. As developers, the onus is on us to think about our audience and take responsibility for the potential harms that software and platforms can cause.”

Birkbeck believes the entire market will be challenged to respond to this new innovation. “Our mission is to build technology that honours our kids, protects their attention and educates them. We see this all the time in the ‘real’ world — kids know that the concept of ‘swimming between the flags’ is there to protect them, and that’s what we want to bring to the online world. I feel proud to be part of this, and excited to see where it will go.” 

kidsafephone.nz

Dodging dodgy content: A parent’s guide

Parenting Place educator Holly-Jean Brooker helps us navigate dangerous content across the vast digital landscape.

In today’s digital age, the internet is like the Wild West — full of fascinating discoveries but also some dangerous territories. Whether it’s explicit material, violent imagery or inappropriate language, dodgy encounters are almost inevitable.

So how can we equip young people to handle these encounters?

Set up good filtering
First things first, the internet is designed for adults. Start by installing really good filtering on all devices and wifi.

Engage in conversation
Begin by talking to your kids about the internet before they start using devices. Explain that while the internet is full of amazing resources and entertainment, it also has some content that can be disturbing or inappropriate. Reassure them that they can always come to you if they see something that makes them uncomfortable and it won’t be their fault. 

Many kids fear devices being confiscated so make it clear that your priority is to help them understand and process what they’ve seen, not to punish them or take away their devices. Creating a sense of trust and openness will make it easier for them to approach you when they need support.

Shush and listen

When your child wants to talk about something they’ve seen online, give them your full attention. It’s upsetting when we hear our kids have seen something dodgy, but try to stay calm and avoid jumping to conclusions or reacting with anger or fear.  Instead, be curious, ask open-ended questions to help them express their feelings and thoughts.

Your role is to be there for them, offering reassurance and guidance and empathy. 

Use real-life examples

Kids can relate better to conversations grounded in reality. Share age-appropriate examples of dodgy content they might encounter, such as inappropriate comments on social media or disturbing images in a game. Ask them questions, like ‘What would you do if you saw something upsetting that made you feel weird’? And ‘Why do you think people might create or share this content’? Reassure them it’s okay to feel confused or upset by it.

Discussing real-life examples helps demystify the concept of dodgy content and gives kids the tools to identify and respond to it appropriately.

Set clear boundaries

Establishing guidelines for device use can help mitigate exposure to inappropriate content. Set time limits with parental controls and keep devices in shared family spaces to monitor what your child is accessing. Remember that no filter or rule can completely block out all dodgy content.

Focus on building self-control and good judgment, as these are the best tools your child can have in navigating the digital world. Reinforce that your door is always open for discussions about anything they find online.

Reaffirm your support

Above all, make sure your child knows you’re there for them, no matter what. Reaffirm your support and trust regularly, and remind them that they can talk to you about anything, whether it’s something they’ve seen online or a question about their favourite movie.

By keeping the lines of communication open, you help your child develop resilience and confidence in handling whatever they encounter online. Together, you can navigate the challenges of the digital age with understanding and support. 

parentingplace.nz

Careering through life

UNO talks to Bay experts about shaking it up in the workplace.

words Nicky Adams

Like most anecdotes it seems there’s more than a little truth behind the old expression ‘a change is as good as a rest.’ When it comes to a career choice, we’re living longer, legal retirement ages are rising, and we’re staying in the workforce for greater periods of time. Consequently, a decision we made at 18 may not still suit where we are or who we have become at 45. The good news is that evidence points towards the fact that switching it up can be a positive. A recent report conducted by the OECD (a global collaboration between 37 governments to promote economic growth) entitled ‘Promoting Better Career Choices For Longer Working Lives – Stepping Up Not Stepping Out’ indicates that change, in multiple aspects of your life is actually good for you.

Older workers undoubtedly play an important role in the labour market and are increasingly engaged in developments in digital technologies as well as cultural change. Nevertheless, many find that careers they may have considered were to be for life, may now have morphed beyond recognition, meaning for job longevity mobility might be the key word. Considering a career change is a daunting prospect, and sometimes transitioning means considering restrictions of age and ability. But a little poking around will show there are more resources to hand to help with this process than you might suspect.

Miriam O’Connor from Career Solutions is an expert in the field of mid-life moves. With a business based around helping people of all ages find career pathways through job search coaching, CV writing and careers advice, she has assisted many transitions, helping people who may want to navigate change.

Miriam O’Connor

I wonder if she has seen an increasing uplift in the desire for career shifts: “I think in these times change is a constant thing that people need to be ready for; to be adaptable and prepared to take different opportunities at different times. We’re seeing now with the (downturn in) economy, organisations are restructuring or altering the way they do things. Some jobs, for example, are overtaken by technology.” The key is to embrace advancements as much as you can. “My advice to people is to keep upskilling, keep up to date, keep looking at your own skillset and where you might be able to move if you feel like you need, or have to make a change – in general it’s good practice to be ready for shifts.”

The job landscape, as we know has changed dramatically post pandemic. Miriam agrees: “Covid changed a lot of things – but opened opportunities. People are considering lifestyle; they can work remotely – be a digital nomad.” Whilst there have been more opportunities for job fluidity, the job market itself has altered. “There’s also changes with different sectors in terms of the growth. I’m seeing people all the time that need to think about things differently and put themselves in an alternative mindset to get into another type of work – take their skills into a different industry.” I wonder how common it is to just want change. According to Miriam, “It’s much rarer now to see people on a linear career path, because a career is longer – other opportunities come up.”

Equally the job search itself is dependent on the economy. “A couple of years ago there were jobs left, right and centre. Now it’s really competitive. I’m seeing a real uptake in enquiries from people who want a career change but getting no response. How people present themselves in that process is important, on paper, in interviews.” I question how much AI is affecting this. “AI is evolving fast so it’s a case of getting on board, learning some skills and seeing what you do better. Keep up with change.”

Discovering what you might like to do is very much the start point of change – and proactively seeking resources to help is part of that process. In early August Tauranga will host the Canvas Careers Expo, which offers representation from a combination of over 70 tertiary providers, local businesses representing their industry, and large companies coming to actively solicit for staff. Event organiser, Sue Boyne, is passionate about introducing both students and jobseekers to the spectrum of career options that are out there. Relating to every age group, the expo is all about planting the seed, igniting the spark, making connections and exploring new opportunities and ideas.

Sue points out that the difference between a job and a career is something we often don’t make a distinction between, which is one of the reasons she’s so driven to get as many industries represented as she can. She firmly believes in the importance of being informed.

Partnered with Priority One, who recognise the benefit of this event, many of the companies get onboard to support the Priority One initiative, and together they help showcase the types of industries and organisations that we have in the Bay of Plenty. In addition to the businesses, there is representation from universities and tertiary educators who can answer questions not just about courses but also about the system itself. Attracting local students and their parents, as well as opening up possibilities to the kids who need incentivising to stay in education, importantly the event is also aimed at those looking for a change of career. “A lot of people have been forced into a direction they don’t want to go in. They want something different, or even want further education that their current employer can’t offer them.”

Sue has seen an uptake in mid-life change before: “When the economy is unstable people are looking for new options and ideas, and that’s when people question whether they’re in the right industry, if they’re doing the right job for their skillset, or if there’s another direction they should be going in. The whole outcome might be that they’re OK where they are… But for those questioning, ‘am I doing what I thought I’d be doing at 45?’, the exhibitors want to educate you, help you and give you information. If you’re changing direction, there’s nothing but admiration for people, and your age is irrelevant.”

What can attendees expect, I ask. Sue is animated as she lays it out: “They can expect to have questions answered and discover if their idea of potential careers exist. Come with an open mind to explore the possibilities, and to talk to people.”

Onwards and upwards

Vicky had worked as a flight attendant for 17 years, but redundancy post COVID led her to explore other career options. Having really enjoyed shiftwork, and with a supportive partner behind her, Vicky landed on nursing as her next step; as soon as she started training she felt fulfilled. “Straight away I knew this is what I should be doing.” It had been a long time since she’d been a student, and a six-month study and career prep course was mandatory, which, Vicky reflected was worth its weight in gold. Once the course began, Vicky quickly realised, “I was a much better student with maturity – you realise you need to stick at it, and I did my studies with extra motivation to get it done.” Feeling well supported through Toi Ohomai helped. The guidance, she says is fantastic. Excited by her new chapter, she notes, “When you’re in a job for a long time you can go on autopilot – it’s really refreshing to learn new skills.”

Having moved from Auckland to Tauranga, television line producer Angela Burgess initially planned to continue in her field by combining working remotely and commuting back to Auckland. Eight years later she has retrained and is now with KPMG Accounting. “I went to see a Career Psychologist which was really fascinating – she really focused on not so much what jobs you want to do, but what you value in the workplace, what makes you excited to go to work. I realised it was a lot about the people around me, and working in a corporate structure was something that interested me. I knew that I liked numbers… so I started looking at options and came across the Masters of Professional Accounting at the University of Waikato.” Study was full on and the financial burden was hard. Although the costs of studying had been factored in, Angela is honest about the fact that she and her husband hadn’t considered how long it would take to build back up to her previous earning level. The pros of undertaking a change with maturity are multiple. “What really did help when I started at KPMG as a grad was that I was immediately able to pick up the phone and call a client, or hold a meeting or write an email…General business skills have been really helpful, and being able to manage stress and learning how to prioritise – that’s all transferable. Just working feels like you’re learning every day.” The prospect of career progression within the company and a stable future has, for Angela, paid dividends: “KPMG has excellent values in terms of work-life balance and wellbeing, which as a working mum starting from scratch again has made things a whole lot easier.”

On brand

A good brand doesn’t just look pretty; it’s an HR asset, a reputation and a must, says brand expert Jamie Bell of Paulownia Design Studio.

Good branding gives businesses an unfair advantage to really make their mark in their industry. It's not just about having a visually appealing logo or an eye-catching website; branding is about crafting an identity that resonates with your audience, sets you apart in a sea of sameness, and ultimately drives business opportunity.  

At its core, branding is about creating an emotional connection with your people. It's about conveying who you are, what you stand for, and why you matter. In the overwhelm of the 21st Century, a strong brand gives businesses the upper hand – it's the secret sauce that propels them to outperform their competition and make them undeniable to those they want to connect with.

But what exactly does good branding entail? It's about crafting a cohesive identity that permeates every aspect of your business. It's about the visual elements – the colours, fonts, and imagery – that make up your brand's aesthetic. But it's also about the intangible aspects – the personality of your brand, the tone of voice you use, the key messages you communicate, and the impact statement that defines your higher purpose.

Take, for example, brands like Kowtow. Beyond just selling clothes, Kowtow has embraced activism as a core tenet of its brand. They exist not just to push profits but to make the world a better place. By aligning their brand with a higher purpose, they've cultivated a loyal following of customers who share their values and want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

But branding isn't just for the big players. Whether you're a solopreneur or a multinational corporation, the principles of branding remain the same. It's about authenticity, consistency, and connecting with the right people. 

It's about telling your story in a way that makes your business unforgettable. The power of branding lies in transcending trends (not just following them) and delivering a potent, simple message that ignites connection.

As the economy faces uncertainty, rebranding can offer incredible leverage to transform your business and drive your measure of success. So if your branding needs an up level, now is the time. Because having a good brand isn't just an advantage – it's an absolute game-changer. 

paulownia.org.nz

Pioneering pathways

A Tauranga businesswoman and leadership coach has undergone a transformative journey from teenage mum to commercial lawyer and now an award-winning speaker.

words Karen Clarkson

When Stacey Mareroa-Roberts (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Awa, Whakatohea, and Te Rarawa) reflects on her journey from a young law student to globally revered inspirational speaker and workshop leader, she stops to acknowledge the character and grit it took to overcome the barriers she faced. “I wasn’t thinking about failure, or what happens if I don’t. I had this clear awareness of what the world could look like if things were different. I was also a teenage mother studying full-time and working part-time trying to make ends meet, so it was needs must,” she recalls.

Her unwavering determination coupled with an inquiring mind was highlighted at age 14, when Stacey was taught a version of local history at school that wasn’t resonating. She reached out to her marae historian at Whakamarama, Te Puna, who shared some unique family treasures and local records.

“I was like a kid in a candy store, poring over court transcripts, archives, and records, interviewing our kaumatua about the treasures I explored. We wrote our own version of local history that reflected stories of our people and our community,” explains Stacey.

From there, the seed was planted to forge a path to create and share a more inclusive history and stories, she says. The ambitious 18-year old moved to Hamilton to start a double degree in law and social science – the first person from her family to attend university. Halfway through that year, she discovered she was pregnant, expecting a baby boy.

“I wanted to come home to raise my son, so I completed my first year of study and moved back to Tauranga.” At the time, there was no law degree offered in Tauranga, so Stacey pioneered one.

“The University of Waikato said they needed a dozen people to join the course to justify a programme here. So I went door-knocking,” she laughs. “And found enough people to study with me.”

From there, Stacey embarked on a challenging journey as a young mother and student, juggling night classes, assessments and work to support herself. She soon realised the lack of support for Māori women like her striving for change. Graduating as the only woman among her peers with a double degree, both achieving international honours, she also received the Top Scholar Prize for History and financial aid of scholarships, acknowledging the crucial role of community and family support.

“As I walked up to receive my degrees, my nan proudly represented my entire family, who were standing close by. It truly takes a village,” she explains.

Stacey with her son at her graduation from The University of Waikato.

After achieving a Master of Laws with top honours in Māori governance, Stacey quicky emerged as a local icon, a dynamic wāhine Māori lawyer driven by purpose in the Bay of Plenty. Specialising in post-treaty settlement business and leadership structuring, she provided invaluable advice to various Māori organisations ranging from informal groups seeking incorporation to multi-level joint ventures balancing commercial goals with their vital role in managing people and stewardship of land resources for the future.

It was during this time that her foray into professional public speaking quickly gained momentum. Within a few years, a passionate side hustle evolved into a part-time career as an inspirational speaker and workshop leader traveling abroad and hosting online workshops. “While sharing my knowledge and experiences at business conferences, universities and professional development events, I realised that, as I was going through my own transformation, I had the opportunity to inspire others to embrace their gifts and leadership too,” she reflects.

Stacey has now empowered more than 15,000 people through speaking engagements, business development workshops and leadership courses.

Last year, Stacey was named in the Top 100 Global Transformational Coaches Dominating 2023. Her most recent accolade was her selection from nearly 100 applicants across Aotearoa to join the Coralus 2024 Venture cohort – the first recipient from the Bay of Plenty in the organisation’s history. Launched in Canada in 2015, Coralus (formerly SheEO) is a global community of women dedicated to ticking off the world’s to-do list. As a collective, they contribute to a fund that provides vital support and interest-free loans to women-led businesses, like Stacey’s, striving to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“Our mahi has always been centred on inclusive leadership and high-value enterprise education for social and economic prosperity,” Stacey says. “This alignment with Coralus enables us to champion representation of indigenous people even further and create a sustainable pathway for Māori, especially women, to step into their leadership.”

The 2022 Wāhine Summit and Celebration in Tauranga.

While Stacey has rubbed shoulders with motivational coaches and speakers including Eric Thomas, Lisa Nichols, and Trent Shelton and worked with clients like Dr Michelle Dickinson (Nanogirl) and Alexia Hibertidou (GirlBoss), she says her heart lies in the roots of her community, developing business leaders at home.

“I reflected ‘Where could I have the most impact?’. And it’s here, supporting women, who are already doing incredible work, to step into their leadership and be given the tools and confidence to ignite their passion and talent.”

Stacey believes we have a real opportunity with initiatives like Coralus to shift the needle permanently. “One day I hope we won’t have strategies to promote and retain women in power, or say we are talking about wāhine leadership, we will just say leadership. There’s room for everybody and I want to help create a pathway for women to prosper in leadership roles and our rangatahi to see themselves within those leaders; exactly what I was missing as that wide-eyed teenager from Te Puna, hoping to change the world.”

onetwentylegacy.com

Disruptive design

An outside-the-box creative uses recycled plastic to 3D print aesthetic objects for home.

Words Casey Vassallo

Founder Matt Watkins.

Based in Tauranga, Special Studio is a design and production studio that fashions intriguing objects from recycled plastics using 3D printers. Located on Durham Street, the space acts as both the workshop and showroom, where each piece comes to life.

It kicked off with the Lulu bin in 2021, named after friend and designer Lulu Jackson (of Lulu Jackson Bridal), who suggested adding a twist to the prototype, literally. “The idea was to make a rubbish bin out of rubbish,” says founder Matt Watkins.

The first sale came through Instagram, and Mount Maunganui’s beloved Paper Plane became their first retailer. The business has since snowballed, and today, it can’t keep up with demand despite making around 100 pieces a week.

The distinct and popular Lulu form has gone on to become a display bowl, funky planter and stool, which remains their bestseller and takes up to 14 hours to print. More recently, they’ve added a bulbous Bubble side table to the repertoire, a stone-looking Monolithic side table, and a collection of mini Lulu stools for the little ones. There’s also a new rock collection, where no two objects turn out the same, and a range of lighting is in production.

Other designs have been born from collaboration, like the Twist side table by designers Daniel Vi Le (who works for the likes of Cult Gaia) and Tanil Raif (ex-Yeezy design architect), and can be found in the Orange County Museum of Art’s Please Do Not Enter concept store as Special Studio’s first international stockist. Matt has also worked with Warren and Mahoney Architects to engineer an e-waste recycling bin for One NZ’s stores nationwide, featuring the Noise design’s rippled texture and embossed with “recycled devices”.

Matt puts Special Studio’s success down to the unison between the designs and materials, similar to Tesla’s recipe. “Our products could look this great, but if they weren’t made from recycled plastic, they wouldn’t sell as well,” he explains. “If they were all made from recycled plastic, but they didn’t look this good, we wouldn’t sell them.”

Back when Matt bought his first 3D printer in 2018, it didn’t start with what to make, but how. More specifically, mass production’s unsustainable nature spurred him to create his own circularity model.

“The goal for starting the company was to figure out the best way to make stuff, period,” Matt says. “You need to make on demand, and that’s what led to get into additive manufacturing and 3D printing.” That is, 100 machines making 100 objects are more reliable and adaptable than one machine making 100 objects.

Running close to 24/7, Special Studio has a host of small Delta 3D printers and a few custom-made large-format printers of their creation. “We make what we sell, which is incredibly rare,” Matt says.

“And because we make the machines that make the products, we have total control over the production process.”

It’s also Matt’s way of looking at a global issue – plastic waste – and how he can spin it into a solution. “The problem with plastic is behavioural. We have to stop using plastics for single-use applications, but we shouldn't demonise plastic,” he says. “It’s easier to recycle, easier to process, you can mould plastic, and it requires low energy.”

In its raw form, recycled plastic filament looks like fishing wire. Matt sources the colourful matte material from Netherlands company Reflow, and KiwiFil supply the clear, white, black and amber materials. Computer-operated, the 3D printer draws each design in fine layers using the filament. “The best way to explain it is a hot glue gun on the end of a robot,” Matt says. Close up, you can see the moulded lines that give each piece a textural look.

This isn’t Matt’s first successful venture, either. Off the back of DJing around town, he co-founded SoundSwitch in 2011, a software and hardware system used to synchronise lighting and music performances. He built the business from zero, raised capital, and learned the manufacturing game before selling to American enterprise inMusic in 2018.

Special Studio is soon looking to scale and set up 3D printers overseas (like the US and Australia) to make objects closer to their destination, but the Bay of Plenty will remain home. “If we had a machine in every major market, we could send the print files, and overnight it could be released globally,” Matt says.

Matt has always had a bigger picture in mind, though. “The long-term goal, whether that’s with Special Studio or a secondary company, is to move into functional architecture components,” he says of staircases, boats and homes. “For me it’s about design – being able to create something totally unique and new. That’s the exciting part.”