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.
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.”
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.
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.
Flex your finances
Brooke Reynolds of Rapson Loans and Finance explains how structuring your home loan to suit your lifestyle could save you thousands in interest and shave years off your mortgage.
Brooke Reynolds of Rapson Loans and Finance explains how structuring your home loan to suit your lifestyle could save you thousands in interest and shave years off your mortgage.
PHOTO Jahl Marshall
Securing the right home-loan structure for your lifestyle is important for achieving your financial goals. This decision requires a thoughtful conversation with your financial adviser, taking into account various factors such as your current and future affordability, interest-rate trends, long-term objectives, potential changes in your financial situation, and your spending habits.
The home-loan market offers a wide range of products designed to accommodate different financial circumstances. Among the most popular options are fixed-rate loans, which provide stability and predictability. These loans lock in an interest rate for a period ranging from six months to five years, allowing you to plan your repayments without worrying about fluctuations. With a fixed-rate loan, you can also make additional payments to build equity more quickly, and some lenders allow lump sum contributions of up to five percent of the loan balance.
Variable loans are excellent to work alongside a fixed loan or on their own to offer you flexibility, rapid repayment and reduction of interest paid. There are three types of variable loans, each offering unique advantages:
Revolving Credit: This is where you have part of your home loan on the floating rate. It acts as a transactional account with a credit limit, where interest is calculated only on the outstanding balance. It’s ideal for those who like easy access to funds and flexible repayments.
Floating-rate loans: These are independent loans that allow you to make lump-sum payments in addition to the minimum required payment at any time. This flexibility helps reduce your interest costs. Some floating-rate loans also offer the option to redraw funds, providing you with even more financial flexibility.
Offset loans: These clever structures link to your transaction and savings accounts, reducing interest by offsetting your loan balance against your account balances. This means that when your account balance matches your loan amount, your repayments contribute directly to the principal.
Your natural financial behaviours should guide your loan-structure choice. If you tend to spend leftover money, a fixed-rate loan with increased payments might help you manage interest more effectively. Savers who dislike frequent account transfers might prefer an offset loan. For those who enjoy actively managing their finances, revolving credit or floating rate options could be ideal. However, be aware that not all floating loans allow withdrawals, so it’s crucial to consult your financial adviser for specific details and recommendations tailored to your situation.
Your financial situation evolves, and so should your loan structure. Regular reviews with your adviser ensure your lending continues to meet your changing needs and goals. Remember, the ideal loan structure adapts to your lifestyle, not the other way around. By understanding your options and working closely with a financial expert, you can create a home-loan strategy that supports your goals and secures your financial future.
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.
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.
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.
Shop the Avenue
Tauranga's Eleventh Avenue sells an eclectic mix of fashion, food and fabulous finds for any occasion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Dodging dodgy content: A parent’s guide
Parenting Place educator Holly-Jean Brooker helps us navigate dangerous content across the vast digital landscape.
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.
Well advised
When it comes to money matters, expert guidance is more important than ever in today's tough economy.
When it comes to money matters, expert guidance is more important than ever in today's tough economy.
photo Jahl Marshall
As a lender for more than 20 years, Brooke Reynolds has certainly worked her way up through the finance world. She started as a full-time casual teller and worked in almost every bank position imaginable. She then went on to work as a mobile mortgage lender and later studied conveyancing. Today, she has extensive, well-rounded knowledge of the whole banking process, not just lending, and owns half of Rapson Loans and Finance in Tauranga. Brooke loves using her valuable and vast wisdom to help others. Here, she tells us why a financial advisor is an important asset to have, and what to expect from them in terms of advice, knowledge and assistance.
Financial advisors are the go-between with individuals and the banks/lenders. They get to know you and understand your needs and then relay that information to the lenders. The relationship you form is important as the more they know their clients, the easier it is to achieve exactly what you want. Everyone has different needs − no two people are the same − and your adviser needs to be able to manage that and not take a ‘one fits all’ approach.
But can’t I just do that myself, you ask? Yes, absolutely you can. If you don’t mind making the appointments with lenders, taking time off work and then following up with further information and research. It all costs you time and effort, and then if they say no, what do you do? Advisers are able to go to multiple lenders and will be able to tell from the conversations you have had which banks have the policies and products that would best suit your situation. Banks have different policies and products. They are not all the same. Advisers know this and can navigate it all for you.
The majority of the time, it costs you nothing to consult a financial adviser; however, in the situation where you are using a second-tier lender/commercial lending/equity lending, there may be a fee. Most of the time this can be capitalised onto the loan. The banks will also claw back any commission paid if the loans are repaid and closed prior to 27 months (this varies with lenders, some are less) but this is a conversation to be had at the time of engagement.
Financial advisers are highly regulated. Absolutely everything must be disclosed, from what we are paid, to complaints and clawbacks, and so on. Our files are reviewed and we could get a visit from the FMA at any time. This includes any email correspondence, text messages and phone calls.
All in all, financial advisors are a valuable resource and tool to lean on for knowledge, advice and help with applications. Look out for my column in the next issue if you’d like to learn about different types of loans and the importance of structure.
Careering through life
UNO talks to Bay experts about shaking it up in the workplace.
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.”
Sign me up
For Ryan + Alexander recruitment consultants, compassion and connection are among the keys to attracting the ultimate talent.
For Ryan + Alexander recruitment consultants, compassion and connection are among the keys to attracting the ultimate talent.
words Nicky Adams
photos Jahl Marshall
Just as making a career move can be life-changing, finding the right person to fit the culture of your company requires careful consideration.
A successful outcome is incredibly rewarding for both candidate and client, but also for the recruitment agencies and consultants who’ve worked away behind the scenes.
Bumping into each other with their young children at Tauranga’s Memorial Park proved serendipitous for Bernadette Ryan-Hopkins and Kiri Burney. Each has an international background in recruitment, and they’d previously worked together in Auckland before returning with their families to their roots in the regions – Bernadette is from Rotorua and Kiri is from Te Kauwhata. The pair were at pivotal points in their lives. After reconnecting, it wasn’t a huge leap to come up with the idea of starting their own recruitment agency in the Bay of Plenty. In April 2016, that's just what they did, opening the doors to Ryan + Alexander.
Identifying what they could bring to the table as consultants with a wealth of experience was part of the excitement of the set-up. Having made Tauranga home, they had a true understanding of what was needed for the kind of operation they wanted to run. Deciding whether to specialise was a topic of much discussion. “I was keen to have the temp side but also for Bern to do more executive [recruitment],” says Kiri. “I guess what’s quite unique about us is that we’re full service – temp right through to executive.” Building their identity around the concept of placing the perfect receptionist as easily as the ideal CEO was to become part of their point of difference.
Around this time, Bernadette suffered a huge personal setback when she unexpectedly lost her mum, then, only a month after Ryan + Alexander’s opening, tragedy struck again when her brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The pair believe if they can get through a year like that, they can do anything. Says Bernadette: “Every other challenge we’ve had since pales in comparison. We’re desperately passionate about our business, but a big part of our how and why for employees and clients is understanding that life happens. We have a deeper appreciation for people that has flowed through into everything we do over the past eight years.”
With a combination of personalities that bring the analytical, dynamic and empathetic to the table, Bernadette and Kiri’s shared vision and ultra-flexible approach has attracted a team of which they’re incredibly proud. “We operate on a high-trust model – recruitment is the type of business in which results speak for themselves,” says Bernadette.
They recognise how fortunate they’ve been with regards to Tauranga being a community that’s committed to supporting local businesses. “The relationships we build are so important to our professional model, partnering with businesses so that we’re an extension of their operation,” says Kiri.
In Tauranga, people are expected to have broad experience and under-stand the importance of community connections. Identifying local nuances has been crucial and both women consider confidentiality to be hugely important. Added value is also a vital part of Ryan + Alexander’s ethos. As locals, Bernadette and Kiri are able to speak with genuine authenticity and knowledge about the area.
When talk turns to whether artificial intelligence will impact their industry, Bernadette points out that “one of our biggest value adds is that when you interview a person, you understand them and can describe them – and AI is never going to be able to do that”.
The belief in the importance of family and connection continues to exert its influence in the success the agency is enjoying while establishing itself and thriving in the Bay. Not just the foundation of Ryan + Alexander, this ethos is also the bricks with which it’s continuing to build.
Surviving or thriving
The Parenting Place’s Holly-Jean Brooker gives tips for getting through the busy-ness of the school year.
The Parenting Place’s Holly-Jean Brooker gives tips for getting through the
busy-ness of the school year.
After any school holidays, shifting head space from pyjama days to lunchboxes, homework, and after-school activities can be quite the brain reset, and it’s easy to throw ourselves neck-deep in after-school commitments and unintentionally overload everyone.
I always have good intentions about slowing down the pace and committing to less, but I’m not always the best at implementation. And when I’m over-stretched, I’m not thriving, I’m surviving. I get tired and grumpy. Basically, the less attractive side of my personality blossoms (cringey flashback to me storming outside to the car one morning while shouting, “Whether you lot are ready or not, I’m not going to be late to work again, so I’m leaving right now!” with said young “lot” screaming for fear of being left behind. Deep breath). I’m really hoping I’m not alone in this regard.
After a relaxing summer break, this is the perfect time to reflect on the family schedule and be a little bit strategic about the busy-ness. Scaling back gives more breathing space, and a better chance to connect with our kids.
Easier said than done? Here are a few thoughts around how this might work.
Practise saying no: Saying “I’ll think about that and get back to you” is a great approach when you’re requested to sign up, volunteer, join a club, or take on the netball team treasurer role. This gives you time to truly reflect on whether the opportunity is the right fit for your schedule and something you really want to give up your spare time for.
Less is more: Be realistic about how many extra-curricular activities your kids can do. Maybe just one extra thing per child, per term is the reasonable (and manageable!) way forward for your family. Our kids can be involved in the decision-making process around what activities or sports to do, so they can practise weighing up options, making wise choices, and following through on commitments. Lifelong learnings right there!
Stay local, stay together: Look at ways to streamline activities – choosing the local option to reduce travel time or getting your kids to try the same activity at once (I’ve got both my kids at the same surf school programme and signed them up for soccer on the same day, which knocks it out in the same session! Winning!).
Put up some fences: Put some boundaries in place to protect family and home time. Unscheduled time at home to simply hang out as a family unit is gold, so consider how much of this you would ideally like to have as the norm for your family this year, and block it out on the calendar. (It will probably be an ideal goal, and not always achievable depending on circumstances, but something to aim for nonetheless!)
Talk about the plan: If busy-ness has been part of your typical family style for some time, talking about expectations will help prevent disappointment. Talk to your whānau about your new plan, so the kids know they’re not going to be out every day after school, that only one playdate
a week (or month!) will be happening, and that sleepovers are a special treat and not a regular fixture, for example.
Enlist the team: Depending on age and stage, think about what extra household chores your kids can take on this year to help take the load off yourself while also upskilling them and training them to play their part in the family unit and feel good about their contribution. Slowly introduce age-appropriate chores, and you’ll need to lend a hand while they develop the skill. So far my 8- and 12-year-old’s lists include things like unpacking the dishwasher, putting pyjamas away and making beds (very badly), helping fold washing (getting better), making lunches and vacuuming (pretty good). My older child is keen to cook and while I’ll admit it’s a LOT easier and faster when I do it myself, I realise that if I don’t give him the opportunity, how will he learn? So far he’s mastered spaghetti bolognese and homemade pizza, so we’ll work to expand the menu this year. Short-term pain, long-term gain, I keep telling myself. (If you can’t already tell, patience isn’t my top virtue.)
Mindful about money
Fontein Coaching’s Cassandra Hogan teaches us to navigate mental wellbeing amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Fontein Coaching’s Cassandra Hogan teaches us to navigate mental wellbeing amid the cost-of-living crisis.
In the current landscape of economic uncertainty and the relentless rise in the cost of living, financial stress has become an unwelcome companion for many New Zealanders. It's essential to acknowledge that if you find yourself grappling with financial worries, you’re not alone.
The burden of money-related stress is pervasive, triggering emotions such as embarrassment, shame, anger and frustration.
This financial insecurity isn't confined to impacting our wallets alone; it seeps into our physical and mental wellbeing, disrupting essential aspects of our lives. Sleep patterns are interrupted, exercise routines are abandoned, and eating habits are compromised. The toll on mental health is profound, making it crucial to address these challenges with empathy and resilience.
To navigate through this difficult terrain, it's vital to recognise that there are resources available to support you.
One of the first steps towards managing financial stress is to open up to someone you trust, whether it's a friend, partner or a financial advisor. Sharing your concerns can alleviate the weight on your shoulders and provide a fresh perspective on potential solutions.
Taking control of your finances, even in the face of economic uncertainty, can be empowering. Implementing a household budget or a financial plan allows you to regain a sense of control.
If this seems overwhelming, online tools like sorted.org.nz/budgeting-tool can guide you step by step, helping you save as you go. Seeking professional advice from a financial advisor or debt consolidator can provide tailored solutions to your specific situation.
Simplifying and decluttering your life is another powerful strategy. Being mindful of where your money goes and making conscious choices can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Additionally, exploring opportunities to sell unused items online not only helps you declutter but also provides an extra source of income. You may also consider exploring additional income streams through freelance work or leveraging your skills, such as photography, to supplement your earnings.
Community support is invaluable during challenging times. Connect with your local community to share resources, organise swaps of services for goods, or coordinate work and school commutes to reduce travel costs.
Above all, prioritise your mental health. Physical activity is a potent antidote to stress. In the scenic beauty of New Zealand, taking a walk or engaging in outdoor activities can be a quick pick-me-up and refreshing break.
If you're struggling, consult with your doctor or GP for advice, or call 1737 anytime to connect with a trained counsellor. Remember, in the face of the cost-of-living crisis, there are avenues for support and strategies to enhance your mental wellbeing.
You are not alone on this journey.
Chocolate revolution
Weave Cacao is moving mountains across the Pacific one chocolate drop at a time.
Weave Cacao is moving mountains across the Pacific one chocolate drop at a time.
words Hayley Barnett
The Weave founding team – Simone, Oonagh, Mike, Tesh and Donna.
Oonagh Browne is passionate about two things: Chocolate and change.
After 18 years in the chocolate industry, she’s come to realise that although good things take time, change in her world is now somehow more stagnant than ever.
For the past four years, Oonagh has been working on the ground with farming communities across the Pacific, to help improve the lives of cacao farmers in the region. What she found is 2.5 million lifelong farmers still living in poverty, even with many providing “fairtrade” cacao beans. Some communities have been harvesting beans for more than 100 years without ever trying their own cacao.
“Many farmers in the Pacific have no idea what they're actually growing,” says Oonagh. “They drink Milo – a real treat – without even realising their contribution to it.”
So Oonagh decided to take matters into her own hands by creating Weave Cacao, a business designed to create a paradigm shift in chocolate production that’s centred on empowering these communities.
“We want to show what's possible all the way through, from planting to manufacturing, in providing a volume, ethical chocolate out into the market,” she explains. “For hundreds of years farmers were taught how to grow the beans and how to put the beans in a sack to be shipped, but when a farmer takes their beans down to the wharf to sell, they get a different price depending on the Stock Exchange that day. They are the people who make the least money and we want to change that, not to handhold, but to give them fair pricing and a connection to their crops.”
Right now, New Zealand has a budding craft chocolate industry, but even as it grows most chocolate makers are only using 10 to 15 sacks of beans per year, not nearly enough to sustain the Pacific’s farming communities.
“I knew that we had to do something very different to be able to make true volume impact, while staying completely authentic in our ethos,” explains Oonagh.
Her vision of creating couverture chocolate – a chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter than most chocolate on the market – was starting to come together, but the challenge was in providing the stability, pricing and education needed to uplift the quality required for production.
Lucky for Oonagh, the right people miraculously came together and Weave Cacao took off within a year. “We've moved mountains,” she says.
At the Pacific Cacao and Chocolate Show in Auckland in 2022, Oonagh presented the grim realities of the chocolate industry to the many companies who attended and pushed the need for change. Within just a few days, Mike and Simone of Raglan Chocolate called her and asked what they could do to help. Together the three created a vision for a couverture chocolate they knew would make a real impact.
Then Oonagh asked her friend Donna, a fellow Edmund Hillary Fellowship member, to guide them in forming the company. Donna fell in love with the idea and soon became the fourth member and shareholder of the team.
Oonagh and Karina, general manager of production partner Paradise Foods, in Port Moresby.
The problem now was raising enough money to purchase the equipment required to make couverture chocolate from the whole cacao bean. On one of her working trips to Papua New Guinea, Oonagh rang the team and said, “How about we produce here in Port Moresby [the capital] at the Paradise Foods chocolate factory? The equipment is old, but I know with our skills, we can do it.” Everyone agreed, and so Mike and Oonagh got to work on the recipe development.
The end result was fluid, flavourful and ready for market. There was just one more step to get through – the branding.
On a visit to Raglan for a team meeting, Donna invited another Edmund Hillary fellow to join them for lunch: Tesh Randall, founder of Raglan Food Co and The Values Trust. Amazingly, Tesh had a dream of being part of a purpose-led chocolate company, and when the conversation turned to branding, sales and marketing – Tesh’s specialty – she jumped at the chance to be involved. And so the fifth member and shareholder was in place, completing the talented team. They now had a chocolate brand with a difference.
Oonagh and Mike with the cacao farmers in Papua New Guinea.
“There wasn’t a premium quality couverture chocolate in the baking aisles at home, so we wanted to really encourage bakers, chefs and cafés to buy more volume quality chocolate,” says Oonagh. “In New Zealand we don't have the tradition of using quality chocolate at home or within the food industry.”
But, though they had a quality product, they needed to make sure their main aim of helping the farmers came to fruition. The team set up a charitable trust called Ū Cacao Trust, which currently owns 26 percent of the social enterprise and aims to take over the business in the coming years. They set this up as a way to ensure profits will always go back into the pockets of the farming communities.
Says Tesh: “The goal is for the trust to buy us out. Over time, the founders will essentially transfer ownership to the farmers, which I think is very unique and really beautiful – the thought of all the profits ending up in their hands. Then we just become an advisory board, helping them to keep it growing.”
It’s a big dream, but the team truly believe they have the power to do it, by inspiring others to do the same.
“We do believe we can change the chocolate industry,” says Oonagh. “Fairtrade is not enough. Our branding is about uplifting and inspiring the consumer. Not to point fingers, but a lot of people don’t realise that some of these big, apparently ‘fairtrade’ companies have been sold off to large corporations.
“With transparency all the way through, we will make a real change for farming communities and show everyone what is truly possible.”
Right now the focus is on Papua New Guinea, with an eye on the rest of the Pacific in the coming years.
“We've been working in the Solomon Islands and just kicked off Vanuatu, so while it’s only Papua New Guinea beans for now, we will be growing,” says Oonagh.
Lasting change, she says, is just around the corner. “Our main aim is to lift cacao farmers out of poverty all over the Pacific.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Disruptive design
An outside-the-box creative uses recycled plastic to 3D print aesthetic objects for home
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.”
Boost your business success
Roz Irwin explains how to unlock the full potential of your business with Tauranga Business Chamber's resources and support.
Roz Irwin explains how to unlock the full potential of your business with Tauranga Business Chamber's resources and support.
Photo Salina Galvan
There are many support resources available for businesses, but they’re spread across government agencies and non-government organisations. Plus, they keep changing; it’s hard to keep up.
It would be great if there was a local hub where people could understand where all the resources and support for businesses are available.
Great news, there is!
Tauranga Business Chamber has a dedicated, independent contracts team whose job is to know what resources and support channels are available for businesses and get them connected to the services that best suit their needs.
Whether you’re well-established and looking to innovate or train your leaders, or you have a business idea and are unsure where to start, the Tauranga Business Chamber is the hub of business resources and support that can help all stages of business.
Each year, we help hundreds of business leaders and entrepreneurs start their business, access free resources, gain Government support, and connect with local experts.
No matter the stage in the economic cycle, there are always opportunities for business owners to offer new solutions to customers’ obstacles and challenges.
Our services range from a free one-hour session with a business advisor, support to boost your capability, or resources to leverage your innovation and R&D.
Our advisors are independent and impartial. They are driven to help businesses succeed and reach their potential.
Anyone can access our business support services; you don’t need to be a member of the Tauranga Business Chamber.
Times are tough right now, but as another saying goes: “We’re all in this together.” If you’re seeking some extra support, reach out to our team and see how we can help. It’s free, it’s independent, and it’s impartial.
Flatmate from hell
Lauren Mabbett’s new roommate is too good to be true – but at least the rent’s being paid
Lauren Mabbett’s new roommate is too good to be true – but at least the rent’s being paid.
Delilah Nunin. When I search her on Facebook, the name doesn't come up. Weird. No Instagram, either. I guess she doesn't like social media.
In early 2020, I move into a cute two-bedroom home in Auckland, and go on the hunt to find a new flatmate. Delilah, or “Del”, sends a lovely message: She's 42, American, a luxury travel agent, clean and tidy. Perfect.
I tell her that rent is $300 a week plus bills, and she gives a “pfft, is that all” type of response. It's an interesting response considering when I ask her to pay bond before she moves in, she refuses, because she has no money until move-in day.
I notice tiny things that seem slightly off, but let them go, like the fact her three children are growing up in America but she's in New Zealand just because she “liked New Zealand more”. I ask her if she’s on social media, but she tells me she goes under different names as she “doesn't want her mum getting all up in her business”. Maybe don't add your mum on Facebook? But okay.
Level 4 lockdown hits. This makes me slightly nervous, as Del is a “luxury travel agent”, and every travel agent I'm hearing about is getting made redundant. Despite this, she convinces me she's the busiest she's ever been, working longer hours to accommodate all the trips being booked. She tells a lot of long-winded stories that don’t quite add up.
Then one day, Del suddenly tells me she needs to find a new place as her parents are coming over and she needs to live with them (this must be the mum she didn’t want all up in her business). Within three days, she's not only found a house, but has been accepted, and is moving this coming weekend. Since we are still on really good terms, she agrees to cover rent for both places until I can replace her (despite her new place being $750 a week).
In the meantime, she's buying a brand-new leather lounge suite. Brand-new dining table. Brand-new TV. Brand-new iPad… For someone who couldn't pay bond right away, I can’t help but think this is a bit suspicious – but as long as she pays rent, whatever.
Over the next few days, Del comes and goes to get a few bits. Her room is still basically full minus her bed, and we keep in touch. I even go to her new house with a pot plant. Two more weeks pass… And then the rent bounces.
I message her asking what happened, and get no reply. I try twice more, then change the locks.
A whole week goes by without hearing from Del. This is SUPER weird, as we talked nearly every day and there'd been no fights or anything. Just as I'm expecting the rent to bounce again, her rent pops in. This is even weirder. If you're going to ghost me, why are you still paying rent?
The rent keeps coming. Week after week.
I reach out on Del’s birthday despite having not heard from her, and notice most people on her Facebook page are calling her Wendy. Don't they know that's her fake name? Suddenly, another week of rent is skipped. But the next week goes in. What the hell is going on? I go away on a girls’ weekend and fill my friends in on the situation. We decide to Google her.
Oh. My. God.
The first article I see is a formal complaint to the Better Business Bureau in the USA regarding a fraudulent travel agent named Delilah Nunin. She ripped a group off of roughly $30,000, and when they tried to get their money back, she gave the special Del brand of long, confusing, complicated answers, then vanished. Several other articles popped up about her different aliases, pyramid schemes, multiple birth dates… The list went on.
About four weeks go by, and I send Del a final message to cover myself, basically saying that if she doesn't pay rent this week I'll be removing her property from the house. No reply.
Right! Time to pour a wine, invite a friend over, and have a field day going through what she left behind. And oh, boy. Do we ever.
We start sorting through piles of documents, handbags, folders, diaries, boxes. Pretty much everything minus her bed was left there. (Let me just reiterate I'd made multiple attempts by this point to reach her, and also consulted a lawyer to protect my terrified wee backside.)
Straight away I find her passport; it's under the name Delilah Nunin - and it seems real. Why the heck would you leave that behind? I find a wallet with multiple credit cards, eftpos cards, and other cards (all current) inside. Letters requesting to change her IRD number, multiple name tags with different names on them, it doesn't stop. I then find several letters from debt collectors demanding payments of upwards of $20,000. I can only imagine this may have played a part in Del’s sudden move.
My face is starting to look like Tim Curry in Home Alone 2 when he discovers Kevin's credit card is stolen.
I find an iPad – sweet. Maybe I can sell this to make up for that $600 in Del’s rent I'm now paying. A voucher for a night away in a deluxe room with breakfast included? Strange but okay.
I then Google her “luxury travel agency” and find it's been raided and shut down for fraud.
The next thing I find makes me physically shake; she'd been advertising her room in my flat for rent, and replying to comments of interest. Replies that were sent three days ago, when we hadn't spoken in weeks, and she's had no access to the house. I can only imagine this is some
ploy to take people’s bond and scarper.
We then turn to Del’s wardrobe and discover it's literally jammed full of clothes, at a guess around 300 pieces, which are all brand-new, expensive, labelled, and in significantly different sizes.
Well, I did what any burned roommate would do, and went shopping in there. I now own a few pieces from The Del Collection *flicks hair and looks at camera*, and the Sallies and Recycle Boutique got the rest.
To this day, I still have not heard from the mysterious Delilah Nunin again. I can confirm her parents are not here and never were. I have passed on her new address to the debt collectors.
All that aside, I am looking forward to my night away in a deluxe room with breakfast included. Thanks, mate.
Listen to Lauren weekdays 9am to 3pm on The Hits 95.0FM.
Athlete’s paradise
Pro triathlete Hannah Berry has had a whirlwind year on the world stage. She’s back in the Bay for summer, and loving the lifestyle of her home base
Pro triathlete Hannah Berry has had a whirlwind year on the world stage. She’s back in the Bay for summer, and loving the lifestyle of her home base.
Words Scott Yeoman | Photos Scott Yeoman + supplied
You can be a full-time professional athlete training and competing on the world stage – jetting off to Australia, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, France, Mexico and Hawaii in the space of six months – and still call this place home.
You can chase your sporting dreams and still spend hot summer afternoons on your favourite Mount Maunganui beach. Swim laps at your local pool, go for picturesque runs around Mauao, and work out in a high-performance gym alongside familiar – and famous – faces.
You can recover from an injury and smash your training goals, and still celebrate at the end of the week by having a glass of wine with your husband at home.
Hannah Berry is proof of all that. She is proof that Mount Maunganui is an athlete’s paradise.
The 33-year-old pro triathlete has had a whirlwind year; from a podium finish at the Ironman Taupō event in March, to a season-stopping stress reaction injury in her femur, to bouncing back and winning gold in Mexico in September, and then a personal best at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in October.
Hannah's home for the summer and has a lot of training ahead of her; the 2024 Ironman Pro Series is firmly in her sights.
So, what does a normal day in the Mount look like for a professional triathlete who wants to be able to swim 3.8km, cycle 180km, and run 42.2km in less than eight hours, 53 minutes, and 45 seconds? Hannah starts her day by swimming laps at Baywave (about five or six kilometres worth). She does that five days a week, starting at 5.50am. She might then head home and do three or four hours on the indoor trainer bike in her garage. She also runs three times a week; her favourite route takes her around Mauao.
Then there’s strength and conditioning and gym work at the University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance. Hannah trains there at least a couple of times a week. This state-of-the-art facility is situated on the outskirts of Blake Park and has become a one-stop shop for individual athletes and teams preparing for competition at the highest level. The Netherlands women’s football team trained at the Adams Centre during the FIFA World Cup earlier this year, and other recent visitors include the All Blacks, Wallabies, New Zealand Warriors, and the English cricket team.
The centre is also home to both New Zealand rugby sevens teams, the
Bay of Plenty Steamers and Bay of Plenty Volcanix, as well as North Island-based Black Caps, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, and the Adams Academy – a development programme with around 100 aspiring and established athletes across 27 sporting codes and counting.
Hannah has been a member of the Adams Academy since its inception and recently won Athlete of the Year at its annual awards. “Being surrounded by other high performance athletes is quite unique,” she says. “And it's really cool to see other athletes here training – there’s motivation everywhere.”
The Adams Centre has a team of strength and conditioning coaches onsite, a dietitian and sports psychologist, and a sports science laboratory with a full array of testing equipment, including an environmental chamber (one of only two in the country) which helps athletes like Hannah prepare for international competitions in varying climates and altitudes.
Hannah will be back competing in Ironman pro events all over the world next year. It’s a remarkable achievement, considering she only started long-distance endurance triathlons about 10 years ago. In fact, that’s when she started competing in any kind of triathlon for the first time.
Hannah believes her late entry into the competitive world of triathlon might actually be an advantage. A lot of the top triathletes have been pouring hours into this individual pursuit since they were teenagers, or even younger. Hannah only played team sports like netball, volleyball, and hockey while growing up in Te Puke. Then she went off to university and studied her way towards a PhD in biotech engineering. She is now Dr Hannah Berry. She only decided to pause that career and chase her triathlon dreams full-time in 2019.
Her 11th-place finish at the iconic World Championship event in Kona in October was her fourth full-length Ironman. She’s just getting started. “It's a very demanding, time-consuming sport, so I think the fact that I picked it up later in life is quite good,” Hannah says. “I haven't just been this sort of one-dimensional person my entire life and that means, at the moment, it still feels really fresh and exciting. And I'm seeing improvements all the time. So that I think is good and it keeps me going.”
It keeps her swimming, cycling and running, chasing her sporting dreams all over the globe, 226km at a time, with Mount Maunganui as her home base.