Business

Exploring Cladding Options for New Zealand Homes When building or renovating a home in New Zealand, choosing the right cladding is a critical decision that impacts both aesthetics and functionality. Cladding serves as the exterior skin of your home, protecting it from the elements while contributing to its overall style. With New Zealand’s diverse climate, from coastal humidity to alpine frost, selecting the appropriate material is essential for durability and energy efficiency. This blog explores key considerations for choosing cladding and highlights how professional architectural design can elevate your project. Why Cladding Matters in New Zealand New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and intense UV exposure in different regions. Cladding must...

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – 4 June 2025 – Urban Care, New Zealand's most favourite cleaning services platform, today announced a comprehensive home maintenance guide designed to help Kiwi homeowners keep their living spaces pristine between professional cleaning appointments. With a focus on customer satisfaction and quality service, Urban Care has developed practical strategies to help busy homeowners maintain the results of professional cleaning for longer periods, maximising the value of their cleaning investment. "We understand that maintaining a clean home can be challenging for many New Zealand families juggling work, school, and social commitments," says Sam Bhandari, Operations Director at Urban Care. "While our professional cleaners deliver outstanding results, we wanted to empower ...

Lawrence Millington, a residential real estate agent representing Harcourts Mt. Manganui, has joined the NZ Business Connect network.Mr. Millington worked as a banker in the UK for 20 years before moving to New Zealand with his wife in 2019. He was seeking a change in scenery, but after coming across an advert in the paper for real estate agents, and having had a terrible experience selling his house in the UK, he thought: “Why not? I could do a good job of that.” Mr. Millington started his real estate course in January of 2020, and with determination finished just in time for the first national lockdowns. Despite a trying start to his new career, Mr. Millington has done well for himself. He abides by a simple philosophy of “integrity, honesty, and transparency” — a way of work th...

By Frank Craig, Ace High Motor Inn It’s time to ask some hard questions. When was the last time your community actually improved thanks to the actions of an elected politician? Too often, major projects are sold to the public as “good for everyone,” yet when the numbers are broken down, the economic sense is far less convincing. Take, for instance, the Harapaki Wind Farm — a $395 million project touted as a sustainable investment set to power 70,000 households. On the surface, this sounds impressive. But let’s dig a little deeper. If the average electricity bill per household is around $100 per month, that’s $1,200 a year. Multiply that by 70,000 households, and you get $8.4 million in energy consumption per annum. Now, divide the $395 million cost of the wind farm by $8.4 million ...

At the 2025 “Grow Grass in the Colder Months” Field Day, New Zealand soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram delivered an insightful talk on how strategic foliar fertiliser application is transforming pasture-based farming. Hosted on-farm and designed as a practical “how-to” event, the day focused on helping farmers grow more, higher-quality pasture during the colder months, when traditional systems typically slow to a crawl. Dr Rajendram explained how foliar fertilisers, specifically Cold Grow, can be used to feed pasture directly through the leaf, delivering nutrients exactly when and where they’re needed. This method improves nitrogen uptake efficiency, reduces environmental loss, and supports continued pasture growth during cooler conditions. “Applying foliar fertiliser in winter mean...

Pacific Resort Hotel Group is proud to announce that two of its properties have been nominated in the 2025 World Culinary Awards, with their renowned spas also recognised in the 2025 World Spa Awards. World Culinary Awards Rapae Bay Restaurant at Pacific Resort Aitutaki Rapae Bay at Pacific Resort Aitutaki is nominated for the coveted title of Cook Islands' Best Restaurant 2025. Situated amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Aitutaki, Rapae Bay offers a culinary journey celebrating the vibrant flavours of the Pacific. Having proudly secured the esteemed title of Cook Islands' Best Restaurant in 2022, 2023, and 2024, Rapae Bay continues to uphold its legacy of culinary excellence. Little Polynesian Restaurant at Little Polynesian Resort Similarly, Little Polynesian Restaurant, loca...

Pest Control Challenges Faced by North Shore Businesses May 28, 2025 Maintaining a clean and pest-free environment is essential for business success in the bustling commercial hubs of the North Shore. Whether it’s a café, retail store, office, or warehouse, pests pose significant risks that can impact health, reputation, and operations. Understanding the common pest control Auckland north shore challenges specific to this area is crucial for businesses looking to protect their premises and customers. Investing in reliable pest control North Shore Auckland services is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your business from these threats , example ant control auckland. Unique Pest Challenges in North Shore Commercial Properties The mild climate and a mix of city and nature o...

Drug use in New Zealand is on the rise - particularly the use of methamphetamine - and the implications for workplace safety and productivity are serious. As employers face growing risks associated with drug use, implementing a robust workplace drug testing program has never been more vital. Alarming Rise in Methamphetamine Use Recent data from the New Zealand Police's 2024 National Wastewater Testing Programme paints a concerning picture. Wastewater analysis across the country shows 2024 saw an unprecedented 96% increase in methamphetamine consumption when compared with 2023. In 2023 an estimated 732kg of meth was consumed nationally, rising to 1,434kg last year.  Regional North Island towns with high levels of socioeconomic deprivation exhibited particularly high per capita methamphe...

Looking to rest, recharge, and feel your best while staying in Auckland? At Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy the city’s top wellness spots – from peaceful parks to coastal walks and rejuvenating experiences. Here are seven of our favourite local places to unwind and feel good: 1. Cornwall Park Just minutes from the hotel, Cornwall Park offers wide open spaces, tree-lined paths, and views of One Tree Hill. It’s ideal for a morning walk, a gentle jog, or simply sitting quietly under the trees. 2. Auckland Domain Auckland’s oldest park is home to beautiful gardens, ancient trees, and walking trails. Stretch your legs, visit the Wintergardens, or enjoy a moment of calm in the shade. 3. One Tree Hill Climb to the summit for panoramic vi...

Choosing the right window coverings isn’t just about style — it’s about function. Whether you want total darkness for better sleep or soft filtered light with a bit of privacy, your choice comes down to two popular options: blackout blinds and privacy blinds. Each serves a different purpose, and knowing when and where to use them can make your home more comfortable, practical, and liveable. Blackout Blinds: Perfect for Sleep and Light Control Blackout blinds are exactly what they sound like — blinds designed to block out as much light as possible. Made from dense or specially lined fabrics, they’re ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, home theatres, and anywhere else you need a dark, restful environment. They’re especially useful for shift workers, parents of young kids, or anyone who’s sensi...