QT BUSINESS 3rd November 2020 | Issue 03 - Lakes Weekly Bulletin
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3rd November 2020 | Issue 03
QT BUSINESS
tech economy as a complement to
tourism, rather than as a replacement.
He says visitor tech is a good option, as
Queenstown’s already an iconic destination.
“When people talk about tech hubs, I
guess the question for me is what can
we specialise in, what can we be better
than anyone else in?” he says. “And those
solutions in visitor tech are valuable to the
whole tourism industry nationally.”
He sees the potential of attracting returning
expats and also tech leaders to the district.
That’s sure to be on the agenda of the
council’s Regenerative Recovery Advisory
Group, which has tech heavy-hitters Roger
Sharp and Neil Jacobstein among its nine
members.
“It’s about encouraging those people who
have fire in their bellies and want to build
a team, and making sure that they feel
confident they can attract their staff to
NZ Hospo Tech: From left, Cameron Steel (First Table), James O’Connell (The Hospitality Company), Kate Burns (event come here and work.”
manager), Paul Wilson (Chomp), Richard McLeod (Loaded), Mat Weir (First Table) and MC, Simon Small former
Managing Director of Diligent and co-founder of AI company Arria. Long-standing tech champion and executive
director of Innovation Queenstown AJ
Grassroots tech shows way forward Mason agrees successful tech hubs are
defined by the ability to attract talent.
written by Paul Taylor
Seven months on from the closure of New but he’s come back, seen how supportive “Attraction is what we do. As long as we
Zealand’s borders and the green shoots of a Callaghan Innovation is, got involved with remain this fiercely desirable place, we’re
tech sector are growing in Queenstown. the local start up scene and decided to stay. halfway home.”
It’s an amazing product. We’re introducing Queenstown has all the critical elements to
The resort town, which grappled with
him to investors. He’ll manufacture the bikes support a thriving tech sector and is already
double-digit tourism growth for several
down south, Dunedin or Invercargill, but have a “national and global gathering place”,
years, was given a stark reminder of
a presence here.” he says. “Innovation and imagination are
the need to diversify its economy when
Covid-19 struck. Concert wristband app software Slate, fuelled by interaction”.
created by festival hotshots Scott Witters and And every step taken to widen the
There has, in truth, been a nascent tech
Sam Hay, is another Wakatipu-based project, economy to include tech is “a step away
industry here for about a decade - check-in
while Machine Elf is the work of photo guru from exclusive reliance on NZ’s lowest
software company Wherewolf launched
Trey Ratcliff and Arrowtown musician Sam productivity economic sector . . . to the
back in 2013, while the first Startup
Wave. They create visual and audio content highest”.
Weekend was held in 2014.
designed to expand consciousness, for star
But Startup Queenstown Lakes CEO Olivia US startup Tripp.com. The ball is rolling, says Wensley, but there’s
Wensley says there is now an actual still much work to be done. She’s met with
Covid’s also seen local business owners both National Party leader Judith Collins
ecosystem evolving, boosted by returning
pivot to new tech enterprises, such as Nigel and Finance Minister Grant Robertson in
Kiwi expats. There’s also a push to draw
Hobbs’ Go Local app, a business geo- recent weeks to push the case the region
support from central government.
directory. to become a tech hub, complete with a
“There’s certainly been a lot of movement,” physical innovation centre.
And it has highlighted the value of
Wensley says. “It’s only been six or so
established innovators, such as Matt Wensley’s also pushing for the introduction
months since it all went to custard, but
Weir’s First Table, Paul Wilson’s food of a tech talent visa, so tech business
we’ve got a viable community and it’s just
safety compliance app Chomp, and Cook owners can bring their companies here and
going to get better.”
Brothers’ hospo empire software system also attract staff.
That includes returning entrepreneurs, such Loaded, headed by Richard McLeod. They
as Wakatipu native Matthew Waddick, all spoke at the first NZ Hospo Tech event, “I’ve got companies that are advertising
who’s seeking $2 million investment for held in Queenstown’s Mountain Club last for jobs that didn’t even exist when they
the electric motorbike company Switch Wednesday. created the special talent visa. They need
Motorcycles. to be revisiting that. Robotics learning -
QLDC’s economic development manager there’s no code for that at New Zealand
“He’s lived in Shanghai for the past 15 years, Peter Harris, like Wensley, sees the Immigration.”
3rd November 2020 | Issue 03 QT BUSINESS QT BUSINESS 3rd November 2020 | Issue 03
REFLECTING ON CONNECTING We quickly moved on to consider how GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
KEY NUMBERS written by Colin Keel
we could lend a hand to the businesses
written by Robin Martin
operating at Queenstown and Wanaka
Chief Executive Queenstown Airport Corporation
airports. The reality is that many in the • “It’s difficult out there.” Now more than ever, your business
It goes without saying, but the past 8 months have been pretty community depend on the airports to • “I don’t know what’s going to happen needs to be viewed as the first and best
confronting on many levels. Each of us has a story to share filled with sustain themselves and their families. and I’m worried.”. choice.
Queenstown Real Estate lots of challenges and hopefully a few wins along the way. The relief packages that we have offered • “I’ve never had to operate in such
• Social Media - Your business needs to
continue to help local businesses stay uncertain conditions.”
No of Sales (Sept) Growth (on PY) Yet confronting as the past many months have been, they have also be positioned and displayed well. With
afloat and keep people in jobs. It has been • “Everyone is feeling the pinch, people
60 +46% provided a chance to reflect on what is important in life. At or near a depressed market, brand recognition
heartening to see how these businesses are holding off making decisions.”
No of Sales (6 months) Growth (on PY) the top of the list has been in-person human connection with those could be the difference between securing
have adapted to a very different operating • “I only have a small percentage of my
229 +9% closest to us. a new customer and missing out. Get an
environment. usual market to work with.”
Days to sell (Sept) Growth (on PY) expert to discuss a plan and support you
Personally, a major
Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 You’ve heard similar sentiments from those with your activity.
39 -22% challenge has been
on the aviation sector, airlines and around you. You may have mentioned some
Median sale price Growth (on PY) the realisation that • Work your external team. You have
airports have worked together and with of these phrases yourself?
$1,130,000 +13% family and friends employees, but how well are you working
the Government to reconnect the country
The above data relate to all Real Estate agency transacted urban Residential feel like a world Well, rather than thinking or worrying with external associates? Referrals,
by air. This close collaboration has been
Sales for the Queenstown and Arrowtown area. Residential Sales are Houses, away – whether they about what’s going to happen in a market testimonials, shared business interests,
Apartments, Units, Townhouses, Villas and Condos second to none and the results, including
live in New Zealand affected by COVID-19, now’s the time to combined contracts, networking.
restarting unrestricted domestic flights at
or somewhere else. take action and work to position yourself It’s often an untapped goldmine.
Alert Level 2, speak for themselves. At the
It has been tough and your business to take advantage of a Contractors? Customers? Partnerships,
same time, we have been working closely
watching them on a shifting and uncertain market. liaisons, relationships! – get them all on
with our aviation counterparts in Australia
Situations Vacant screen go through the your side. You never know where the next
to restart trans-Tasman flights as and when Growing a business is neither simple or
highs and lows of life, sale will come from.
N of open roles (Sept)
o
Growth (on PY) both governments decide that it is safe to easy. It’s like sowing a crop. The growth
but not being able
343 -44% do so. The airport company has played and won’t occur overnight but if you pick the • Get your message out there - Offer
to experience those
No of open roles (6 months to Sept) Growth (on PY) will continue to play an active role on both right type of seed, be smart by selecting training to customers. Speaking
moments with them.
fronts. an area with fertile soil, and manage the engagements. Educate people with blogs
836 -52%
For those who work at Queenstown Airport, helping connect the growth well, you can maximise the future or posts. Keep your business and your
Source: JobFix While much remains uncertain in these very
communities in and around the district to other parts of New Zealand potential of any harvest. brand, front and centre.
uncertain of times, we will keep working
and beyond is what motivates so many of us. Sharing the joy and
to keep you connected. We are hopeful Have a vision. It takes robust action and • Support your local community - They’re
excitement of families and friends connecting at the airport gives us
that trans-Tasman flights will restart from contingency planning, effective strategy hurting too. Find low cost ways to show
a purpose to keep doing what we do each day. When we were unable
NZ Auto Sales Queenstown Airport sometime in the new implementation and a willingness to get in your community that you care and can
to do that during lockdown, an important part of our reason for being
year. We’re pleased to welcome Sounds during this difficult time and get your hands live up to your values, even in difficult
New commercial vehicle sales (Sept) Growth (on PY) was taken away.
Air’s new direct Wanaka-Christchurch dirty. times.
3167 -24.6% The old saying that you can’t help someone else if your own house service this week. As many of us have
New car vehicle sales (Sept) Growth (on PY) Don’t just think or talk about it, DO IT! • Explore additional income streams.
isn’t in order rang true for the airport company in the early days reflected, an arm around the shoulder
Any market share gained now will pay
7735 -27.9% of COVID-19. We worked day (and many nights) to respond to the feels much better when it is connected to a I’ve worked in different industries within the
dividends when the market recovers.
Source: MIA Motor Industry Association initial shock and stabilise the business. What kept us going was a loved one standing by our side rather than SME sector for years, owning and operating
What other areas in your business have
true sense of teamwork, our commitment to the community and the virtually across a screen. my own companies for many of them. I’ve
you considered that might align or
support from others. personally deployed growth strategies and
support core products?
also observed others attempt to create
Retail Sales business growth (some successful, some • Industriously measure and track your
not) and have noted down the best of those activity - Examine results. Understand
below for your consideration. trends. Change, adjust, and pivot
as needed. If the market is fluid, be
Not all of these will fit your business profile,
prepared to adapt to better suit changing
needs and direction so consider your
conditions.
options and choose the ones that are most
appropriate to you and your circumstances. Now is the time to try to take advantage of
your business savvy, your product suite and
• Data collection - Know your customers.
your internal and external teams.
Not just age and gender, but how they
think, what their interests are, what Be positive, be smart, be creative, take risks
Spending in the week ending 4th October (first week of school holidays)
is 13% below 2019 levels at the same time. Since the end of the national values they hold and what business goals – but above all, be wise.
Level 3 lockdown in May, spending has tracked between 10% and 30% they have. Understand your portfolio. The
For further support, advice help or ideas
below last year, averaging 16% below 2019. Spending is supported by more you understand your customers,
higher than expected levels of domestic tourism spending, which MBIE contact me:
the greater your opportunities are to
estimate at being 7% higher than 2019
explore and tap new areas within them. Robin Martin
Dormant opportunities and value lie Robin Martin Business Consulting
within your pool of existing customers. 0275 212 728
robinmartin.nz@gmail.com
• Customer Service - Don’t be average, be
www.martinbusinessconsulting.co.nz
exceptional. How are you standing out
against your competitors? Investigate
elements that your business can improve
on and implement the changes.
3rd November 2020 | Issue 03 QT BUSINESS QT BUSINESS 3rd November 2020 | Issue 03
GOOD NEWS FOR BUSINESS AND THE PLANET NEW BUSINESS PROFILE love a good deal, but they also care about
where their money goes and what’s behind
Sam openly admits he has a long way to
go. The business is extremely lean as he
FROM AROUND THE WORLD TOURISM: COMBINING the products or services they consume. currently is the only fulltime employee,
Europe: Electric car sales have smashed through even the most There’s evidence of this consumer trend in with support from 2-3 others. Despite its
SUSTAINABILITY AND GOOD DEALS almost every industry including travel. ”A size and being less than a month old, he
optimistic forecasts. One in 10 new cars sold in 2020 will be
electric or hybrid, triple last year’s sales. New forecasts suggest Business experts might say launching an quietly spoken but determined individual, can already see the first, all be it small,
that it will be one in seven in 2021, as manufacturers scramble to online socially-minded tourism company Sam doesn’t hold back about his frustration payment being made before Christmas
comply with tighter emissions standards. in the middle of the pandemic is bold, but with all the talk about a more sustainable thanks to the membership fees of some
Stuart Thompson Sam Brough has done just that – launching form of tourism in New Zealand post Covid, early adopters. Six-month memberships
France: The world’s largest insect farm is currently under Kiwi Welcome in October 2020. but the complete lack of action. So, after are $79, providing users with access to a
construction an hour north of Paris according to Fast Company. Commercial Insurance Broking Specialist
a slight nudge from his mother-in-law, he range of discounts across accommodation,
Inside the new farm, robots will hatch, feed, harvest and process • 25 years commercial insurance When asked why? Sam says his motivations decided to take matters into his own hands care hire, dining, activities and more. 100%
mealworms in trays stacked in tall towers, with AI monitoring broking experience were simple: to protect the core attributes and launch the start-up. of profits, are then distributed directly to
and optimising environmental conditions. Ÿnsect already has that New Zealand’s tourism industry is local community and environmental causes
• Process and results driven Sam, hails from the advertising agency
contracts worth $100 million with fish feed producers. Interesting built on, with its combination of untouched, in the Queenstown, Wānaka and Central
as the sector didn’t exist a few years ago. • Locally owned and operated pristine, natural image and friendly, world and has a passion for sustainable
Otago region. “We’re currently looking
approachable communities. tourism and believes it’s essential to make
Ikea, the world famous furniture business, is planning a second- for more tourism operators to become
it easy for visitors to do their part. He
hand furniture venture. The Swedish giant will next month launch Kiwi Welcome aims to achieve this by partners and broaden out the offering. Our
has discovered that he isn’t alone in this
a scheme to buy back unwanted items that they previously sold giving New Zealand holiday makers the business model is funded by the customer
ambition, with many tourism operators
you that you no longer need or want. Under the plan, it will offer opportunity to save money and make a membership fee, not commissions, which
Your process was having the same shared value. Lockdown
vouchers worth up to 50% of the original price, to be spent at its lasting positive impact with their visit at the means more money to local operators who
greatly appreciated... in the end was a bit of a godsend for Sam
stores. The “Buy Back” initiative will launch to coincide with the same time. really need it right now. ,” Sam says.
the competence because it bought some time to fine tune
US’s Black Friday [Nov 27th]. the concept, start to get the word out and He has an ambitious goal of 10,000
to which you Despite his self-confessed ‘tourism-newbie’
Global delivered for us was status, Sam believes that now is the perfect bring like-minded tourism businesses memberships in the first year, which will
outstanding. time to explore alternative ways of creating together. generate almost half a million dollars of
The International Energy Agency said, the number of people and selling value to visitors. “From the funding for social and environmental causes
without access to electricity dropped from 860 million to 770 Client Testimonial Kiwi Welcome is a win-win and while it’s an
outside looking in, it was clear how price- in the Queenstown-Lakes and Central Otago
million, a new record low. Africa has made particularly good often-overused phrase the concept is truly a
driven the tourism industry is. Whilst price region. Armed with tenacity and a good
progress; the number of people gaining access to electricity win for the consumer, the tourism operator
is a critical element, I don’t believe it’s the idea, Sam plans to make a ‘new’ form of
doubled from 9 million a year between 2000 and 2013, to 20 and the environment.
only lever available, when looking to attract socially-minded tourism a reality in the
million between 2014 and 2019. consumers and drive revenue.” Sam spent April-July on the road shuttling region and plans to expand nationally in
Stuart Thompson between Arrowtown where he and his fiancé 2021.
Air Quality News reports global sulfur dioxide pollution levels fell
Stuart.thompson@rmafinancial.co.nz Kiwi Welcome combines the promise of live, and Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell
by 6% in 2019, according to a new analysis of NASA satellite data. www.kiwiwelcome.co.nz
SO2 emissions fell in all three of the world’s top emitter countries
027 937 2222 | 03 441 4061 sustainability and savings for visitors, and Clyde to sell his idea face-to-face. With
Southern Lakes Consultants Limited trading as RMA Financial. FSP Number: 707091
uniquely positioning itself in the New 40 businesses on board, he launched the
– India, Russia and China, only the second time ever that this has Zealand travel market. Sam says, “Kiwis
happened. Researchers say it’s due to falling coal usage. Kiwi Welcome website publicly last month.
THE SMALL PRINT Following the merger Queenstown will be home Saved
base for the larger agency and will mean some A Central Lakes Trust grant of $425,000
Awards upscaling and new hires. The merger is set to towards the Lakes District Museum’s building
Mark Grieve’s, HiLo Decorating Ltd swept the take place from the beginning of November earthquake strengthening project got over the
board at the New Zealand Master Painter 2020. line. The iconic museum had struggled to find
Awards in Rotorua mid October. funders to assist before QLDC came to the
Moved party with $2million which was approved from
His company was named Master Painter
Organisers of the ‘RemoteTogetherNZ’ festival the ‘shovel ready’ fund in July 2020, and just
of the Year 2020, and he also won the
have made the decision to host the event over $1 million from QLDC prior to that. With
Residential Master Painter of the Year award,
in March 2021. Originally set for November, Central Lakes Trust coming to the party for
Wallcoverings Applicator of the Year award,
festival organiser Trent Yeo says moving it back $425,000 and the museum stumping up the
and four individual categories at the awards.
a few months reflects feedback from interested rest, and work commenced in October. Built
They were New Interior Residential Less participants. With COVID curveballs, corporate in 1865, the category 2 heritage building had
Than $25,000, Rework Interior Residential travel restrictions and Christmas looming, many been tagged as earthquake-prone, requiring a
Contemporary Home, New Residential people still feel like they’re in survival mode and $3.5 million strengthening by 2025. Without
Wallcoverings, and Rework Residential with the purpose of RemoteTogetherNZ to help completing the work the viability of the
Wallcoverings. individuals and businesses to evolve by design, museum operation was at risk.
The awards covered a portfolio of work at rather than default, it’s important for us to listen
a home at Pisa Moorings, Lake Dunstan, a to the feedback and give people more time so we Appointment
home on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and a can all move forward together. Wayfare appoints Stephen England-Hall as
Queenstown Marina apartment. Chief Executive. Stephen England-Hall has
New been the chief executive of Tourism New
Mergers Oxbow Adventure Company. After three years of Zealand for the last three and a half years.
After twenty one years at the heart of the planning, consenting, building and fine-tuning Previous roles include CE of Loyalty NZ,
Lakes District business community, Fluid is the new multimillion-dollar adventure playground the company behind Flybuys and analytics
merging with South Canterbury based agency, in Nevis Bluff finally opened its doors. The “one business LAB360. England-Hall will take up
GoAnna Creative. stop adventure shop” includes jetsprint boat and the role early next year (2021).
The merger will bring one of the South off-road buggy rides, clay bird shooting and “gap
Island’s most experienced and talented rural filler activities” knife throwing and hole-in-one
marketers, Creative Director Anna Brenssell to golf. The development has been several years in If you have senior appointments or awards you
the Fluid management line up. making for the Wanaka-based owners – Lloyd would like the QT Business to publicise, send
Ferguson, Darby Richmond and Tim Bayliss. them to David Gibbs on davidgibbs@qmg.co.nz
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