Business

If you're a small business owner wondering how much to spend on Google Ads, you're not alone. Many trades and service-based businesses know they need to advertise online, but don’t know where to begin or what budget will actually deliver results. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all number, but there are reliable ways to work out a realistic budget that suits your goals, industry, and market. Start With the End Goal in Mind Before you decide how much to spend, you need to get clear on what you're trying to achieve. Are you aiming for more enquiries, increased sales, or stronger brand visibility in a specific region? Knowing your objective helps determine what kind of campaign to run and how much to invest. Once you understand your goal, the next step is to work backwards from y...

One of New Zealand’s leading soil scientists, Dr Gordon Rajendram, says foliar fertilisers hold the key to farmers overcoming Canterbury’s cool late winter/early spring major challenges for pasture growth. Dr Rajendram, who is based in Hamilton, says results from his research field trials have revealed  foliar fertiliser provides the necessary boost to pasture growth especially when soil temperatures are low and nitrogen uptake through the roots slow to a crawl. Foliar fertilisation involves spraying water-soluble nutrients directly onto plant leaves. It’s like a targeted nutritional top-up, allowing plants to absorb nutrients almost immediately through their foliage via stomata, cuticle and leaf hairs. “This method is proving effective in cold climates like the Canterbury region ...

Pacific Resort Hotel Group has received recognition in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2025, with all three of its resorts acknowledged for their performance based on guest reviews and ratings. Pacific Resort Aitutaki has been named in Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best, recognised for its luxurious offerings in the South Pacific, earning a top spot for Luxury. Celebrated for its intimate charm and boutique experience, securing the category of Small & Boutique in the South Pacific. This places it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide. Little Polynesian Resort and Pacific Resort Rarotonga have each earned a Travellers’ Choice Award, which ranks them in the top 10% of hotels worldwide. Summary of Awards Pacific Resort Aitutaki Included in the Best of the Best: Luxury...

Ceilings do not get their fair share of attention in today’s literature – as the old adage goes, ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Yet the composition of a ceiling has such a potent effect on the overall environment that we would be remiss in not examining this facet of our nation’s architecture. Companies like Featurecraft, a manufacturer of bespoke wall and ceiling systems, have made an art out of decorative interior architecture, refining existing approaches and setting new trends. This article shares Featurecraft's insights into the ceiling design trends that distinguish interior spaces in New Zealand. Biophilic Design Biophilic design is the incorporation of natural elements into constructed environments. This architectural style acknowledges the inseverable relationship between humans a...

Accidents, disputes, natural disasters, or cyber threats — there’s a lot that can go wrong when running a business. Business insurance can help protect you from financial fallout, employee safety and the overall well-being of your business, but figuring out what cover you need may be confusing. Whether you’re a sole trader, small start-up, or a growing company, this guide breaks down the most common types of business insurance in New Zealand, so you can make confident, informed decisions that help safeguard your business against unexpected setbacks. Public Liability Insurance Who needs it: Businesses that deal with customers or the public in person. For example, businesses in the retail, hospitality or trade sectors. What it covers: Public liability insurance protects you if a customer...

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...