Business

We’re excited to welcome Izzy Hughes, owner of Girl on a Swing, to the NZ Business Connect network. A familiar name in Hamilton, Girl on a Swing is a cake shop known for its stunning custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies and personalised treats that add a special touch to any occasion. From corporate gifts and weddings to school fundraisers and community events, Izzy and his team deliver with care and creativity. Izzy took over the business two and a half years ago, building on its strong legacy and expanding its offerings. What was once focused mainly on buttercream cakes has grown into a hub of cake artistry, now including detailed fondant and royal icing designs. With Fernando, a highly skilled cake decorator with nearly 20 years’ experience, by his side, Izzy has elevated the standard of ...

Businesses are increasingly asking whether artificial intelligence (AI) can effectively manage and qualify incoming leads. At The Web Guys, a full-service digital marketing agency based in Parnell, Auckland, two thought leaders offer expert perspectives on this pressing question: Sam Raines, CEO, and Abhineet Kumar, Digital Marketing Specialist. Why AI for Lead Handling? With rising customer expectations for rapid responses and personalised service, AI tools such as chatbots and automated triage systems promise faster reaction times, 24/7 availability, and consistent lead qualification. Digital marketing services should include this, alongside a foundation of conversion-optimised website design, search engine optimisation (SEO), Google Ads, and analytics-led lead conversion strategies. ...

Auckland Geeks has positioned itself as the go-to service provider for mobile computer repairs throughout the Auckland region. With over 400 five-star reviews on Google, the locally owned and operated company continues to build its reputation on excellence, reliability, and unmatched customer satisfaction. Established to meet the growing need for fast, efficient, and professional IT support, Auckland Geeks has successfully completed over 6,000 repair jobs for more than 3,500 satisfied customers. Their comprehensive services cover everything from hardware upgrades and virus removal to network troubleshooting and custom computer builds, catering to both personal and business requirements. What sets Auckland Geeks apart is their convenient mobile repair service. The company's highly skilled...

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a sketch into a fully operational refrigeration or HVAC system? Welcome to the vibrant world of JSR’s Design & Project Management, where technical precision meets a healthy dose of Kiwi ingenuity. Everything starts with your idea. Whether you're dreaming of commercial cold stores, retrofitting a heat pump, or setting up on-farm refrigeration, JSR begins the process with a thorough site inspection and detailed heat-load calculations. From there, their licensed engineers get to work developing compliant HVAC and refrigeration designs, complete with the all-important producer statements (PS1 to PS4). But it’s not just about ticking the compliance boxes. JSR tailors every design to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re installing a simple heat p...

Te Papa has been recognised in the Tripadvisor 2025 Travellers' Choice Awards, cementing its position as a world-class cultural destination. Te Papa is awarded the following accolades: #1 attraction in New Zealand in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025 #5 in the South Pacific in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025 Top 1% or Best of the Best attractions worldwide in TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025 The prestigious TripAdvisor recognition is backed by exceptional visitor feedback, with Te Papa maintaining a 4.7-star rating out of 5 based on over 14,415 reviews, with 11,127 five-star reviews contributing to the museum's outstanding reputation. Te Papa was also the #1 attraction in New Zealand in 2024. "This TripAdvisor win cements our place as a m...

Fresh numbers from the May 2025 Centrix Credit Indicator reveal that while some early signs of improvement are emerging in the economy, many Kiwis are still struggling to keep up with their debts — particularly long-term loans.   In April, consumer arrears sat at 12.43%, meaning around 483,000 New Zealanders were behind on at least one repayment. That’s slightly better than March, but not cause for celebration just yet.   More concerning is the number of people who are 90+ days overdue, which has jumped to 83,000, the highest since July last year.    Loansmart Managing Director Murray Greig says, “this is a clear sign that many households are still stretched thin and finding it tough to bounce back.”   Mortgage Arrears Show Slight Improvement There is a little bit of good news. Mo...

Excavat is proud to announce it has achieved SiteWise Gold certification, scoring an impressive 97% in its annual health and safety assessment conducted through Site Safe NZ’s SiteWise prequalification system excavat.co.nz. What SiteWise Gold Means Gaining SiteWise Gold status is no small feat. Companies must demonstrate top-tier health and safety practices, scoring at least 90% across rigorous criteria, to earn this recognition. Excavat’s 97% score not only highlights its commitment to safety but ranks it among New Zealand’s most trusted and reliable contractors. A Commitment to Safety Excellence Achieving this rating reflects Excavat’s deep-rooted culture of safety and operational excellence. From frontline workers to leadership, every team member plays a role in maintaining high st...

Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites, located in Auckland’s vibrant Newmarket–Epsom precinct, offers a diverse range of 66 modern rooms across four buildings. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group, there’s a room type tailored to suit your needs. Here’s a closer look at three standout options: Standard Room (1 King Bed, Kitchenette) Ideal for couples or solo travellers, the Standard Room features a plush king-size bed and a handy kitchenette complete with microwave, mini-fridge, and tea-making facilities. With air conditioning, a tiled bathroom, and free high-speed Wi-Fi, this room delivers modern comfort and excellent value. Guests consistently praise the quiet ambience and high-quality bedding. Executive Room (1 King + 1 Single Bed, Kitchenette) ...

We are pleased to welcome Paul Marlow, Residential & Commercial Mortgage Adviser at Vega Lend, to the NZ Business Connect network. Based in the Waikato, Paul is a dedicated financial adviser who supports Kiwis through every stage of their personal and commercial lending journey. With a practical, hands-on approach and a strong focus on results, Paul helps clients navigate the ever-changing property and finance landscape with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, seasoned property investor, business owner, or planning a large-scale development, Paul is committed to helping you secure the most competitive and strategic lending solutions. Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to his role, working closely with clients to structure loans effectively and assess the feasi...

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Hawke’s Bay, Ace High Motor Inn stands out for its exceptional service, cleanliness, and genuine hospitality, a combination that has turned many first-time guests into loyal regulars. Tamlyn Williams recently spent over two weeks at the motel with her children and was blown away by the experience. “I can’t fault Ace High at all,” she wrote. “My kids and I absolutely love this place. The owner and reception staff are amazing to approach, and the cleaners were something I have never seen before, and I’ve stayed in many motels. They always made sure we had EVERYTHING daily. The room was absolutely spotless upon arrival.” Tamlyn’s heartfelt thanks reflect the deep appreciation many guests feel after staying here. Another frequent guest, k...