Business

Tucked away on Auckland’s wild west coast, Bethells Beach is more than a breathtaking escape — it’s a dreamland for photographers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or love capturing magic on your phone, here are seven reasons why you’ll want your camera at the ready when staying at Bethells Beach Cottages. 1. The View from the Cottages Let’s start with the obvious — the view. Perched high above the coastline, Bethells Beach Cottages offer sweeping, uninterrupted vistas of the black sand beach, rolling surf and endless sky. Whether you're watching the sunrise mist over the dunes or photographing a crimson sunset from your deck, the panorama alone is worth the trip. 2. Iconic Black Sand Beach The dramatic black sands of Te Henga (Bethells Beach) are instantly captivating. With w...

Good news for homeowners looking to add extra living space! Big changes are on the horizon that could make building a granny flat in New Zealand significantly easier and faster. From early 2026, you might be able to skip the building consent process for granny flats up to 70 square metres, provided certain conditions are met. Our latest update breaks down these exciting developments and what they mean for you: Bye-Bye Building Consent (Potentially!): Discover the key criteria that could exempt your granny flat project from needing building consent, including simple designs and licensed builders. Bigger is Better: 70sqm Limit: Learn how the Government listened to feedback and increased the proposed size limit for consent-exempt granny flats. Why This Matters: Understand...

Ever wondered who's on the hook when the washing machine in your rental breaks down? In New Zealand, the law is clear: generally, it's the landlord! The Housing Improvement Regulations (HIR) and the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) place the responsibility for maintaining and repairing chattels – those movable items like appliances and furniture – squarely on the landlord's shoulders. Our latest guide breaks down everything you need to know about chattels in tenancy agreements: What Exactly Are Chattels? Get a clear definition and see common examples, from fridges to furniture, that fall under this category. The Law Laid Bare: Understand what the RTA and HIR say about the landlord's duty to keep provided appliances in good repair. (Plus, a link to learn about repair-related i...

Navigating the world of property ownership in New Zealand can be tricky, especially when you encounter terms like unit titles, residents societies, and cross leases. What do they all mean, and how do they differ? Our latest guide breaks down these key ownership structures to help you understand the nuances. Inside, you'll discover: Unit Titles (Body Corporates): Understand how owning a unit (like an apartment) gives you a share in common areas and makes you part of a body corporate responsible for management. (Read more about unit-titled properties!)   Residents Societies (Incorporated Societies): Learn about this increasingly common structure in townhouse and new subdivisions that manages shared infrastructure on freehold land. (Explore incorporated societies and the new ac...

Shristi Prakash, owner and manager of Hamilton-based Phoenix Decoration Hire, is a proud member of one of New Zealand’s fastest growing business networks, NZ Business Connect. Alongside her husband Ashil, Shristi has led this exceptional decoration hire business, transforming events across Hamilton, Auckland, and the North Island since 2009. The company started as a boutique wedding business but has evolved to include corporate event management and party hire. Phoenix Decoration Hire has built an incredible reputation for reliable service, high-quality products, and unparalleled expertise in creating memorable events. Specialising in weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties, their services range from marquee and gazebo hire to elegant table settings, fairy lights, and b...

Nestled within the Hamilton CBD, directly across from a dutifully managed Wilson’s parking lot, and flanked by cafes, is 71 London Street. The 1950s era, four-storey building that once housed the Waikato Farmer’s Trust is now operating in a radically modern industry: coworking. 71 London Street is one of three ‘coworking’ spaces owned by Shared Workspaces, a Tauranga based company that plans to bridge the gap between the traditional office, and the newer work-from-home model that has developed since 2020. Tony Snow, Owner and Ceo of Shared Workspaces, believes that there is a demand for flexibility in the commercial real estate business. Rather than a traditional commercial lease, with all of the overheads usually involved in renting an entire office, companies can rent as little as ...

At Pacific Resort Hotel Group, we celebrate the beauty of the Cook Islands in every moment—from our turquoise lagoons and golden sunsets to the vibrant culture, music, and stories that connect us to the land and its people. We’re excited to share a special release that perfectly captures the essence of our island home: Our Paradise, a new single by the beloved local DJ collective, Coco House Bros. A Tribute to the Cook Islands Our Paradise was created to mark the 60th anniversary of self-governance in the Cook Islands. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s rich history and culture. With its relaxed deep house rhythm, the song invites listeners to pause, reflect, and embrace the magic of a Cook Islands sunset. More than just music, Our Paradise is a celebration of the Cook Isl...

Think you can charge tenants the full replacement cost for damaged items? Think again. Recent rulings from the Tenancy Tribunal are underscoring a crucial factor for landlords pursuing damage claims: depreciation. Understanding how the Tribunal assesses the current value of items is essential for fair and successful claims at the end of a tenancy. Our latest report breaks down a significant case and explains the Tribunal's approach to compensation, revealing: The $3,300+ Ruling & the Depreciation Factor: Learn about a recent case where a tenant was ordered to pay for damages, but with depreciation significantly impacting the final amount owed. How the Tribunal Calculates What's Fair: Discover the key factors the Tenancy Tribunal considers – including age, condition, and ...

Alarming stories of mismanagement and financial loss are fueling a growing debate: should the residential property management market be regulated? Industry leaders like Crockers are joining the call, arguing that regulation is crucial to protect both landlords and tenants, establish clear standards, and ensure a level of professionalism that's currently lacking in some corners of the sector.  Our latest report delves into the compelling reasons behind this push for regulation, highlighting: High-Profile Failures Expose Vulnerabilities: Learn about recent, shocking cases, including a company liquidation leaving landlords potentially $70,000 out of pocket, and instances of alleged rent and bond theft. The Landlord's Dilemma: Limited Recourse: Understand the stark contrast betw...

Almost 1,000 children and young people across Aotearoa New Zealand have had their say on online safety in a new survey conducted by Save the Children and Netsafe - and the results send a clear message: children want to be heard and informed, as well as protected. The survey, launched in the lead-up to New Zealand Children’s Day in March, asked tamariki and rangatahi aged 6 to 18 about their experiences in the online world, what makes them feel safe, and what they want adults - including parents, teachers, decision-makers, and tech companies - to know. The survey findings were launched at Parliament this morning at an event in association with Netsafe, TikTok and Save the Children, with youth and online safety experts, industry representatives, and Members of Parliament in attendance. Ke...