QT BUSINESS - Issue 19 - May 2022 Women in Business Issue - Lakes Weekly Bulletin
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QT BUSINESS
Anna Arndt - Erik’s Fish & Chips
Issue 19 – May 2022
Women in Business Issue
May 2022 | Issue 19
QT BUSINESS QT BUSINESS May 2022 | Issue 19
Chamber boss Ruth Stokes with Dr Siouxsie Wiles and Chamber
membership manager Fiona Reeves at last year’s conference
Conference hits the mark
by Paul Taylor
Dame Silvia at the presentation of Global Women honorary
lifetime memberships, Government House, November 2020 Tickets for the Westpac Queenstown Chamber Business Women’s Conference
sold out within 24 hours.
But Queenstown Chamber of Commerce boss Ruth Stokes says, despite its
Inspiration from a trail blazer popularity, there are no plans make it bigger.
by Paul Taylor “We’re obviously constrained in terms of venues and part of the attraction is
“The challenges were extraordinary when I look General of New Zealand, before taking up a conferences are necessary for ongoing solidarity
that it is quite an intimate experience.
“Everyone gets to ask questions and interact with the speakers and each other,
QT’s PR queen - Fiona Woodham
back... people simply didn’t hire women lawyers.” position as a trial judge on the United Nations and inspiration. share stories and experiences. People certainly run an emotional gamut.
Tribunal investigating war crimes in Cambodia. Fiona Woodham arrived in New Zealand around 28 years ago, intending
When former Governor-General Dame Silvia “Every group that has an interest in common likes “It’s quite an emotionally exhausting day.” to stay a couple of months as part of a whistlestop overseas sabbatical from
Cartwright graduated from the University of Throughout her career, Dame Silvia has to get together to exchange ideas, be inspired by
The 240 women who managed to snag a ticket for the 10th conference, along her job in London’s Fleet Street.
Otago in 1967, with a Bachelor of Laws degree, championed equal rights, not least as a member other people, and to make new friendships.
with Wakatipu High School’s head girl and her two deputies, have a stellar line She came to Queenstown and never looked back, having worked out that
the world was a different place to today. of the United Nations Committee monitoring “It’s just a wonderful opportunity for them, to take up of speakers to look forward to. the town had ski fields, stunning scenery, great people, amazing wine and a
Law was an even more male-dominated profession the UN Convention to Eliminate All Forms of themselves out of their ordinary working days
Discrimination Against Women. ‘Female comedian of the decade’ Michele A’Court, will MC. laidback lifestyle that was a million miles away from her hectic London life.
than it is now, and blatant sexism was rife across meet other people who perhaps have the same
society as a whole. Dame Silvia will be one of the guest speakers at issues or might have similar problems they’ve Speakers include LGBTIQA+ advocate Georgina Beyer, the world’s first “It’s one of those classic Queenstown stories, really,” she says. “The town was
this year’s Westpac Queenstown Women’s Business managed to solve or are working on.” openly transgender mayor and MP, along with Lisa King, founder of Eat My so small then, so getting a job on a local radio station where I read the news,
“It was quite straightforward to say ‘oh, no, we
Conference next month, offering some more direct Lunch & AF Drinks. co-presented the breakfast show and sold advertising meant that within a
don’t hire women’, Dame Silvia says. It is a similar case for the Women of Influence
help to local women in business. They’ll also hear from Dr Hinemoa Elder, who is a child and adolescent couple of months everyone knew me as ‘that English chick on the radio’ ”.
“I was actually fortunate insofar as I was an early Awards, which she judges.
“The challenges are different of course,” she says, psychiatrist, an author, and a Maori Strategic Leader for the Centre of After stints at the Otago Daily Times and Southland Times, she saw a
example of a female lawyer who kept at it, I didn’t “[We see] women in all sectors, from rural through
“over the past 50 years huge social changes have Research Excellence (CoRE) for the Ageing Brain, victims’ campaigner Ruth glaring gap in the market for a public relations company and set up what’s
give up. And so, when governments and businesses to business, to the professions to public service, and
occurred. Money, and Dame Silvia Cartwright (see accompanying story). now known as Southern PR.
and so on were looking for someone with legal health and so on. Truly astonishing achievements.
training, where it would be an advantage to have a “It is not at all unusual for women to be in the And we only see the 10 finalists in each category. “It’s not a hard sell in terms of getting quality speakers,” Stokes says. “We’re “It was a scary move at the time because I’d just got married, we wanted
woman in that position, then I was always chosen. professions and in business, it’s not even remarked There are probably dozens that didn’t make the cut very fortunate in Queenstown in that regard.” to buy a house, and I gave up a full-salaried job. But within a few months
upon, which was completely different from when this time. “ Stokes says there are still many challenges for women in business in Southern PR had signed up to work with local ski areas, Winter Festival and
“I didn’t look for these positions of influence. They
I started. Queenstown and New Zealand, despite vast improvements in recent decades. Millbrook and I knew we could make it.”
came to me. And like a classic woman, I would Dame Silvia has drawn inspiration from other
always say, ‘Who me? I couldn’t possibly. Choose “The challenge now is for women to develop women throughout her life, whether it be the first “New Zealand, culturally, we’re not great at tall poppies. And strong women Over the years the business grew along with its reputation as the top PR,
someone else.’ their ideas, to get the finance to run a business female president of Ireland, Mary Robinson, US do tend to face far stronger criticism. You see that with Jacinda Ardern, communications, media training and crisis management specialist in town.
and staff, all the problems, issues, challenges and politicians such as Madeleine Albright and Hillary whether or not you agree with her policies, people are prepared to say vile But what Fiona loves to look back on is the business relationships built
“But in the end, I just got used to it and got on with it.”
excitements that men have had when they’ve run Clinton, or NZ Prime Ministers and our own first things about her on social media.” and maintained over the years and the staff members, almost exclusively
For Dame Silvia, now 78, ‘getting on with it’ led women, who she’s nurtured and grown with.
a business. female Governor-General Dame Catherine Anne There’s also the ongoing problems of appropriate behaviour and management
to a glittering career which has blazed a trail for
“The difference for women is they have less of a Tizard. in workplaces in NZ, along with more day-to-day considerations of balancing “I work with and support so many of them to this day, even as they have
other women.
history of running a commercial business, going “I thought were just amazing.” family and work. moved on to new positions. For a while there I was the ‘training ground’ for
Born in Dunedin, she chaired the inquiry into half the DQ staff !
back generations, than men do, although of But she finds it difficult to accept younger women The conference, on June 10, is an annual mental being pick-me-up, therefore,
cervical cancer treatment at the National Women’s
course, there have always been women in family now see her in the same way she saw them. a chance to connect with and draw inspiration from other women in business. “But what comes around, goes around. With all the trickiness of doing
Hospital, known as the Cartwright Inquiry, in
businesses, like farming and so on. business in Covid times, supporting staff, businesses and friends who are
1987/88, and a year later became the first female The Queenstown conference will be a chance to
“They have to catch up on all that commercial finding it hard, perhaps struggling with their own wellbeing, I’ve got an
Chief District Court Judge in New Zealand. return to the place she holidayed as a child and
knowledge that’s kind of in the DNA of a lot of male amazing network of women who are always there for a chat, an email and
In 1993, she was the first woman to be appointed draw some more inspiration from women.
business people, because their fathers have instructed definitely a wine or two.”
to the High Court, the same year she received “Especially being able to talk to them afterwards.
them, shown them, demonstrated, and schools have Most recently she worked as a PR and communications mentor for young
the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal, I’m very old now, but I still get inspired by what
expected this of them. Women have that to catch up people working on and taking part in the Whakatipu Music Festival. As a
awarded to citizens who had made a significant they do and astounded by their achievements.
on but they’re doing remarkably well.” result, she’s just employed her first ‘festival apprentice’ Ella Little (a born-
contribution to women’s rights or women’s issues “They’re always very modest... and they look so
Dame Silvia believes women will gradually change and-bred-local) as her new account manager.
in New Zealand. together. I always felt I looked as if I was falling
the culture of organisations for the better from Photos: Still Vision “I’m looking forward to helping Ella to continue to learn and grow her PR
Then, from 2001 to 2006, she served as Governor- apart, with tiredness, but they always look so good.”
within, but events such as women’s business skills as we take on exciting new clients from around the country.”
May 2022 | Issue 19
QT BUSINESS QT BUSINESS May 2022 | Issue 19
Sponsored content
Spicing it up – Jacqui Spice, Touch of Spice Inflation is back
by Sue Fea
Inflation has returned with a vengeance – something that affects every business
Business was going gangbusters for Queenstown’s pioneer bespoke luxury rock concert equipment, however, proved too logistically challenging. The and its reappearance is more problematic than it has been in decades.
getaway star Jacqui Spice until suddenly it all came to a halt when the location was tweaked and the concert proceeded. This month I’m being quite specific about inflation, firstly what drives it and then
Covid crisis hit in early 2020. Whether it’s a luxurious fine dining lunch underneath a waterfall for what the business can do to limit its impact.
After returning from a decade as a sought-after chief stewardess on celebrities, served by a white-gloved butler, or a spectacular high-end What is inflation?
superyachts in the Mediterranean, serving stars like Robert De Niro, Jacqui overnight glamping experience, Jacqui will make it happen. “It’s what you
became aware of a niche in the luxury holiday market that wasn’t being do on the helicopter trip there and back that makes it most special,” she says. Inflation is the increase in the cost of goods and services over a period of time.
filled. Queenstown, other than its hospitality and entertainment industry, Broadly speaking, it’s a measure of a country’s ‘cost of living’. Inflation is measured
She has guests enjoying exclusive use of Sir Michael Hill’s entire expansive across what is called a fixed ‘basket’ of goods and services. Basically, a list of
was typically closed by 5pm, she says. High net worth business people, estate ‘Lodge at The Hills’ sitting on the outskirts of The Hills Championship
offshore holiday home owners and rock stars wanted 24/7 services at their hundreds of items chosen by central government that represents how households
Golf Course. The Hills encompasses three properties in total, all exclusively spend their money. Adjustments are regularly made to this list to allow for changes
fingertips. booked through Touch of Spice. Her clients don’t bat an eyelid and are in the marketplace and the mix is measured over time to see how they change.
That’s when Jacqui’s ‘never say no’ entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and happy to pay anything from $5000 to $40,000 a night for the right luxury
Touch of Spice was born. That was 17 years ago in 2005. Hers was the property and guaranteed privacy. The Lodge alone is priced at $38,000 a What’s causing inflation now?
first company to offer luxury high-end villa stays as an option to a luxury night with use of its own private golf hole, heated swimming pool & spa, Many factors impact inflation. They are varied, often complex, and even more
lodge or boutique hotel – now termed ‘The Residence Collection’ due to sauna, underground dining room and an international sized tennis court, often politicised.
the expansive properties they represent. These villas have all the trimmings complete with its own outdoor dining area and pizza oven. The Lodge The current round of inflation has long been in the making, but recent factors
thrown in from private chefs and butlers to helicopters and tailor-made also comes with all-inclusive services, including a private chef, butler, day have accelerated the situation.
mountaintop dining. and night host, and 24-hour concierge service, guaranteeing guests every • NZ, along with most countries increased the expansion of money supply to
Her ‘nothing is impossible’ mantra has built up a remarkable international need and want is taken care of. Jacqui has dozens of other local high-end support the economy firstly back in 2009 and again as a result of Covid. This
reputation with Jacqui recently being named a Top Travel Specialist for properties on her books and also works with the country’s most sought-after was designed to stimulate growth and limit inflation.
Condé Nast Traveller for the 10th consecutive year. If a client wants it - luxury lodges, locally and nationally. • International lockdowns abruptly changed the way people spend money,
she will make it happen. There have even been unusual requests from rich Confidentiality is paramount, but she says many very famous people and creating chaos along the way. For example, restaurant and travel expenditure
and famous clients for a professional ping pong player at their disposal people of extremely high net worth are among her clientele. Most of her died while retailer and supermarket incomes boomed, but in-store purchases
24/7 and another wanting a private mountain top rock concert. Flying the clients are international, mainly from the US, Europe and Saudi Arabia, as significantly switched to online- putting pressure on warehouses, shipping
well as Australia. “We get everyone from famous celebrities to government and couriers, all of whom are still struggling to keep up.
officials and super high net worth people.” VIPS are looking for privacy and • Supply chain issues. NZ is on the end of the global supply chain and with
exclusivity – a home away from home, and Jacqui says increasingly Touch of pressure in the shipping and distribution chain, NZ has seen fewer ships
Spice was catering to wealthy multigenerational family groups. arrive, pushing up the cost for what space is available.
Prior to border lockdowns and Covid restrictions, Jacqui and her team • Shortage of labour due to border closures and immigration policies is also
of 24 devoted staff would be on call 24/7. She was a constant personal having an impact. Overall salaries and wages are increasing, putting pressure
concierge and itinerary organiser to an increasing portfolio of super wealthy on employers but they also cannot find enough staff.
international clients. Eventually that took its toll. “I was getting incredibly • Government regulations always play a role, increasing cost to businesses.
burnt out working seven days a week, 365 days a year,” she says. “I didn’t Inflation, to be clear, is happening throughout the world and each impact has a flow
know how to slow it down.” She had taken one of Touch of Spice’s core through effect on our inflation, after all New Zealand is an integrated part of the
values – ‘never say no’ – too far, she says. economic world and all the levers are linked. The war in Ukraine has implications
“When the Covid crisis hit I used that time to take stock and refocus my for our supply chain and energy prices. Even the sanctions are feeding into NZ’s
business. It was something I’d always wanted to do, but it was so busy, a big inflation rate, as is China’s covid 19 policy and the list goes on.
business and a force to be reckoned with. There was just no time to stop and Each element feeding into inflation is good for one part of the business but has
re-evaluate,” she says. huge implications for others. Border closure was positive for health but diabolical
She’s now refreshed, renewed and ready to go with a new focus, solely on for seasonal workers, education and tourism, but all have an impact on the
the top echelon of luxury properties. Prior to Covid her villas began at $500 inflation rate.
upwards, but she’s culled those from her portfolio and chosen to stick with While it may have been tough on her kids at times, they highly respect what
Dealing with Inflation
the top tier of luxury accommodation and bespoke crafted luxury guest she does and are proud of her – and of course they’ve been more than happy
for her to run when that call comes in from a top international pop star. “My Historically high inflationary periods shows that the performance of a company
experiences. improves when the following issues are consistently considered.
kids say, ‘Go! They know there’s usually a wad of free VIP concert tickets
The core values of exceeding expectations and thinking outside the square in it for them and they get to take their mates and sit with the celebrity’s • Pass through price increases. Not always possible, but introduce regular
remain, but Jacqui says she’s going back into business with her eyes open parents in the private box.” Her husband, Josh Camp, is also a great support. product reviews, and life cycle analysis.
and wisdom under her belt from lessons learned. “It was exhausting.” • Focus on increasing productivity and look to cut expenditure.
“I’ve got better at saying, ‘I will get back to you’, buying more time and
“As a woman I had children – I went back to work when my son was four pacing things out.” • Review all labour inputs to increase productivity
days old. I missed out on a lot of family time when I was working all the • Outsource or centralise admin tasks
time,” she says. She’s been through other major life challenges during that Jacqui has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars a year into attending
• Review procurement processes
time, including the loss of both parents, a divorce, and major surgery. international tradeshows – an important aspect of her business. Forward
• Spend capex on strategic issues only
bookings are already very strong. “As soon as it was announced the borders
The Covid crisis has ensured she’s now more focused on time with her • Review product or service mix
were opening we were inundated with really good inquiries,” she says.
family and scheduling in daily exercise. Everybody talks about work life • Improve employee retention
balance, but that’s only something she feels she has more control over now “People often think it must be easy to own your own business and do what
I hope this short review is useful. Lots of ideas to ponder – but plenty more
than pre-Covid. I will still ‘never say no’, but I will be more selective so that you want when you want, but it’s a big sacrifice.” She’s missed friends’
available when you get stuck into the detail.
I don’t overload myself or my team, slowing it down a bit,” she says. “It’s weddings and major events. “It’s important to be passionate about what
my personality to overcommit, but if I’m overloaded and get a call this you’re doing as it can be brutal at times,” Jacqui says. “It’s not all fun and For further information, support or advice – please contact
afternoon from a client that will take a personal toll I would probably refer games, but the upside is I’m now going back into it knowing how to do it
their request to a partner.” However she is still prepared to wait up all night better. I made a big list during the Covid lockdowns of what I won’t do again
0275 212 728
for that all important call that a VIP’s private jet has just landed so she and and I’m sticking to that.”
robin@martinbusinessconsulting.co.nz
her team can swing in to action. Her other advice to women in business would be to look after their staff. www.martinbusinessconsulting.co.nz
“Hire the right people and don’t be afraid to pay good people, good money.”
May 2022 | Issue 19
QT BUSINESS QT BUSINESS May 2022 | Issue 19
Necessity is the mother of invention Backing female entrepreneurs
by Paul Taylor by Paul Taylor
When Startup Queenstown Lakes chief executive The second approach, both locally and “And they can understand companies with ideas
With the reopening of international borders and “For the ski season, Olivia Wensley attended her first founders’ coordinating on a national level, is to encourage targeted at women.”
the return of tourism, Queenstown Lakes could for example, that dinner two years ago, she looked around the table more women to become angel investors.
soon return to the days of 20-to-a-house, hot- would be one week’s More angel investors correlates to more female
and realised it was her and 14 men. “In Scotland, the Government is spending £60 founders, able to create businesses aimed at an
bedding and people living in cold campervans on rent because generally,
driveways in the dead of winter. that’s between 12-16 “I thought, ‘OK, this doesn’t stack up’, and made it million over five years to educate women on untapped market, 50% of the population.
weeks, but if someone my mission to get more women around the table,” being investors, and backing female founders, The two-pronged approach is working so far.
The district had a massive worker accommodation Wensley says. and so far, for every pound invested they’re
problem pre-Covid. such as a tradesman is At the most recent founders’ dinner, the gender
coming into the region There’s no shortage of “brilliant women with getting a 61x return.” breakdown was 50-50.
So, when Carmen Blackler was looking for a wonderful business ideas” she says. Wensley says women tend to live longer than
for four weeks, then we
research project for her Masters in Technological men and have capital to invest.
just charge the 5%.” “But they’re not backing themselves for some
Futures at the Auckland’s Tech Futures Lab in
2018 /19, it seemed like a interesting problem to About two dozen reason. They tend to talk themselves out of it.”
try to solve. businesses have signed And it’s not a problem that is unique to
up so far, including Queenstown Lakes. In New Zealand as a whole,
“It’s an applied Masters, where you look at
RealNZ’s ski fields only 2% of companies backed by venture capital
emerging disruptive technologies and see how
Cardrona Alpine funding have a female founder.
they can be applied to potentially solve social
Resort and Treble
issues, business issues, or disrupt sectors.” “That’s absolutely shocking,” she says.
Cone, and some other
Blackler had spent 20+ years of her career big hitters. “But you peel back another level and see the
working in the energy sector, launching her own venture capitalist space is dominated by men.”
“But there are smaller
consultancy business in 2009, and initially signed SQL is tackling the problem in two ways.
businesses too, who
up for the Masters with the idea she could help
maybe have one or two The first is to make its own messaging and
her clients to take advantage of tech solutions.
people coming into programmes as inclusive and approachable as
But living in Wanaka and seeing the stresses the area for a project possible, to dispel the idea start-ups are just for
around accommodation for workers, she realised that have needed ‘tech bros’.
it would be a good topic to tackle for the project. assistance finding “I’m a firm believer in ‘you can’t be what you
Then, when she’d obtained her Masters and accommodation.” don’t see’, so we’ve been very conscious around
consultancy work dried up in the pandemic, her Blackler’s now our branding, our marketing, using images with
thoughts returned to the research, frustrations preparing for an women and men, and having a female CEO likely
she heard first-hand from both workers and influx over winter and also helps.”
businesses, and that no-one had found a solution. hoping to get more That’s worked so far. A huge number of women
“So, I decided to give it a go. That was May 2020. accommodators on the have joined SQL’s programmes, ranging from
That’s where I actually met up with Startup books. 55% to 75% of the intake.
Queenstown Lakes (SQL).” “We had some success “The 75% was over Covid when a
Blackler went through both SQL’s programmes last year, albeit small, disproportionate number of women were losing
- Kick Start, which turns ideas into businesses across winter and their jobs, something like 80% of redundancies
plans, and Lift Off !, which helps founders launch also in the summer were women. So, some decided, okay, I’m going
and scale up. with the Cromwell orchards, helping to house The ultimate goal is to become national. to create my own job, my own company.”
The Workforce Accommodation Network - The horticultural workers for them. “But we’re building slowly, getting things ironed Startup Queenstown Lakes has focused on inclusive branding
WAN - was born. “But we’re expecting a bigger uptake now, with out and working efficiently here in this district,
The WAN is a community accommodation more visitors expected than the past two years. because we know we need it here, and then
marketplace connecting seasonal workers and And ski workers like to get organised early.” looking further afield.
Women
those temporarily in town with affordable, safe The closed borders have provided the business “In Queenstown Lakes District, where 30% of the
and secure accommodation options. with something of a soft opening, a chance to housing stock is not occupied full year-round,
Businesses and workers register with the get organised and systems in place before the and we’ve got people sleeping in cars in the
platform, create a profile, and The WAN then numbers return. middle of winter, it seems like a no brainer that book giveaway
connects them with residents who’ve listed a “I’d like things to be moving quicker, of course, the two could be matched.” in Business Special
spare room, unit or sleepout. now we’re there,” Blackler says. Blackler recognises that many properties will
Pre-Covid, with the pressures of Airbnb on the “SQL has been great because it helped me change again hit the short-stay market, through Airbnb Win a copy of Jacqui Thomas’ latest book, Her Way.
rental market, NZSki and other businesses had my thinking from effectively a research project to and the like. Her Way features real stories of New Zealand women succeeding in business
actually tried a similar system, encouraging locals ‘what would I need to do if I actually did this in “From a commercial perspective, yes, they could and doing so with heart. Read about the women behind brands such as
to house their seasonal workers. earnest and tried to make it work’ and then how Airbnb and make more money. But it’s about Ethique, The Chia Sisters and Eat My Lunch. Find out how businesswomen
“The WAN is effectively just leveraging things to set about doing it. more than that for me. We need to find a way like Queenstown local Louisa “Choppy” Patterson built their businesses
to accommodate workers and make them feel from heartfelt purpose. Be inspired by stories of women who do business
that have been done in the past, but trying to do “Now it’s about moving on, building, taking on
welcome, part of the community. their own way and see that you can do good, and still do well.
it in a systematic way, in a coordinated way. staff and improving the tech.”
“Without the workers, the businesses don’t This inspiring book is a great read for both men and women, seasoned
“Instead of each individual business doing it, you That will require investment, which is something business professionals and those just starting out, aspiring to create their
have a centralised system.” SQL can also help with, as it builds its network of survive.”
first venture.
The WAN organises an introduction between the angel investors.
Find out more at jacquithomas.com/herwaybook
worker and the accommodator and if it works “They have a very good system and are good at
out, it charges the accommodator the lesser of connecting us to the different people we need at We’ve got a copy of Her Way to giveaway. Scan the QR code to be in to win. The winner will be contacted by email on 24th May.
one week’s rent or 5% of the total rental. different parts of our journey.”
May 2022 | Issue 19
QT BUSINESS QT BUSINESS May 2022 | Issue 19
Sponsored content
A fast learner – Anna Arndt
by Sue Fea The confidence company - Harmony Skin, Beauty and Spa
it’s not yet possible to re-open Erik’s Fish & Chips
in Wanaka, despite many requests from the locals
Sophie Chalmers runs a business that offers Since opening Harmony in 2014, Sophie has
there to return. Hopefully that will come with
everything from relaxing spa therapies to achieved industry recognition with numerous
the borders re-opening and working holiday visa
industry-leading skin treatments, but if you ask awards, including NZ Best New Business,
workers returning. “We’ve got to ensure we have
her, she’ll tell you that she runs a confidence NZ Therapist of the Year, and Dermapen
the staff to re-open and expand.”
company. Practitioner of the Year. The secret
There’s been something of a silver lining though. to running a leading skin clinic is
Founded in 2014, Harmony Skin, Beauty and
Years of learning to diversify and meet the market ongoing training. “This is what
Spa is led by mother-daughter duo, Sophie
are paying off for Anna. The past two years have keeps myself and the therapists
Chalmers and Trudi Hull. As a beauty & spa
forced her to pivot in business yet again into motivated and excited”.
therapist, Sophie saw an opportunity to offer the
something she’s gifted at and enjoys – small
community of Alexandra total skin confidence Harmony’s therapists also receive
business consultancy.
through industry-leading treatments and give constant support to upskill
“Fortunately, we have a really good manager at them the pampering experience they deserved. through training and further
Erik’s Fish & Chips and she didn’t need me, which As a family, Trudi and Sophie had always wanted education, internally and with
has enabled me to launch Freedom Consulting,” to create something really special and offer other industry leaders. “The best
Anna says. Through this business Anna, an clients around Central Otago an experience they part of Beauty, Skin & Spa Therapy
accredited advisor, helps small local business couldn’t get anywhere else. is it is forever moving forward, and
owners navigate their way through Covid times, it’s up to all of us within the industry
using funding from the Regional Business to ensure the future high standard is
Partners Network. It was established to help always maintained.”
business owners in tourist destinations survive
Being in business does come with its own
through the huge downturn caused by border
set of challenges though, and Sophie has
closures and Covid restrictions. Businesses are
Queenstown businesswoman Anna Arndt is a As newcomers to the sector, they had to adapt experienced this in previous years with
eligible for help if 50 percent of their business
specialist in transition. A former accountant- to working seven days a week. “We’d been in their Alexandra clinic experiencing a Sophie knows she is lucky enough to be one of
prior to Covid times was reliant on tourism. “I
turned-King Country sheep and beef farmer, business and we learned really fast, using our staff devastating fire in 2017, leaving them the few people to have found her dream job and
love helping people and it’s been an amazing
Anna has a keen eye for a business opportunity. with hospitality experience to help us learn,” she without a clinic for four months and can’t wait to continue to build the business and
opportunity to meet so many amazing small
After she married her farmer husband, Erik says. having to set up in temporary premises. grow her therapists’ knowledge to be the best
businesspeople – really hard workers,” she says. “I
Her first baby Harry was also born just they can be every day in their work.
Arndt, they eventually launched their own meat “We learned to make changes really help them get their systems set up so they can run
processing business, Aria Farm Ltd, producing after the fire, which meant navigating
fast.” a lot more efficiently. Since Covid it’s been really Her philosophy is to give people the very
lamb and beef strips and the like, for supermarket life as a new mum and re-building her
Before long their special batter was being made good for many of them just to have someone to best experience and achieve skin health and
freezers. business.
off site and delivered in large bags. “We just had talk to and listen,” Anna says. “A lot of people start confidence for everyone that walks in the door.
In 1998 they sold that business to ANZCO and a small business and they’re very good at what They also excitedly made the next step in She hopes to continue to learn and grow herself
chaos at times.” Heidi was on hand and a huge expanding by opening their Queenstown
Erik worked for that company for a while in help. they do, but they don’t understand finances. I as both a therapist and business owner in the
Christchurch while Anna started doing business explain the difference between cashflow, costings Spa in May 2019, beauty, skin and spa industry.
By 2017, they’d opened a Wanaka Erik’s Fish & and budgets.” something both
coaching.
Chips and for a while catered for events around Trudi and Sophie
“Somebody suggested that we should move to the district. “That was very hard work for the It’s hugely satisfying work giving advice on
had dreamed of
Queenstown and open a Mexican restaurant returns,” Anna says. But by October, 2018, everything from human resources and health
doing for years.
franchise, but I researched it and it just wasn’t they’d cleaned up two Hospitality NZ Excellence and mental wellbeing, to marketing, business
What started off as a small clinic with just two They never
right,” Anna says. However, in 2015 their Awards – one for marketing and the other, the strategies and training. “Having been through it I
treatment rooms in Alexandra has now expanded, once thought a
Queenstown-based daughter, Heidi Farren, publicly voted People’s Choice Award. understand what it’s like,” Anna says. “Accountants
with the opening of a second Harmony in the pandemic would
owner of Altitude Wine Tours, said central are great, but they often don’t understand how
They had plans to further expand the business, heart of Queenstown in June 2019. begin within
Queenstown didn’t have a fish and chip shop and hard it is in the real Covid world.”
then in early 2020 the Covid crisis hit and For Sophie, the reasons for joining the beauty their first year
they should open one. Always up for a challenge, Huge food and petrol price hikes and rapidly of creating their
promptly put paid to that. They’ve had to industry are numerous, but the fundamental
Anna and Erik gave it a go. They launched their rising inflation are forcing small business owners second site and not
temporarily close their popular Wanaka food reason for pursuing this path is the opportunity
unique gourmet version, Erik’s Fish & Chips, to increase prices. Wages have also increased with only did they have
trailer, despite huge demand from locals. “We just to work with people. “Helping others to feel great
from a mobile food trailer in Earl Street, opposite the minimum wage going up by $1.20 an hour, to navigate lockdowns
can’t get staff due to Covid,” Anna says. “We had about themselves, to build their self-esteem is a
Novotel Gardens. Anna says. and border closures, but
a lot of overseas workers – really good staff - in privilege, and Beauty & Spa Therapy achieves this
“We opened on December 1st in our team and some left and returned home, so we “Covid has created a lot of stress and mental in so many different ways.” Sophie’s second baby boy
Queenstown and had no idea what we closed and rode out the storm in Queenstown.” health issues and we can also refer people to Toby arrived a few days after the first nationwide
counselling,” she says. Sophie began her career in the city of sails at the lockdown in March 2020. With the loss of
were in for,” Anna says. “It was busy, Fortunately, they still have four good staff, out of
young age of 17, moving to study a Certificate in
really busy.” an eight-strong Queenstown team remaining. “It Her advice to other women keen tourists to the Queenstown area, she completely
Fashion Makeup. A passion was discovered and re-shaped the business to provide an escape for
hasn’t been easy,” Anna says. “Very few hospitality to launch into a business is to “just
They had no hospitality experience. However, craving more, she continued with a Diploma locals to unwind, relax, achieve their skin goals
and tourism businesses would have survived
having run other small businesses Anna says they believe in yourself and work smarter, in Beauty Therapy and then a post-graduate and feel completely cared for.
in Queenstown without resurgence and wage
understood the philosophy behind what makes
subsidy payments.”
not harder.” Diploma in Spa Therapies at the National School
one a success. Erik is a great cook so he developed of Aesthetics. It was here that she learnt the true The combination of lockdowns, a busy young
To reach out for help, contact Anna Arndt on: family and looking after both Harmony teams
his own lighter, tempura-style batter recipe using The business suffered a huge drop in turnover importance of giving clients a full and rounded
anna@freedomconsulting.co.nz through some of the toughest times in business
rice flour. It was an instant winner. “Four out of with a strong reliance on tourists passing by, experience in every treatment, focusing on a
five of our family are gluten free, all except Erik, but Anna says they’ve got a really strong local client’s energy and wellness to ensure every client has only given Sophie more determination to
and we wanted to develop a product that was fully following. A few of the slower sellers have been left her care feeling relaxed and in a balanced succeed.
gluten free,” she says. removed from the menu. Staffing shortages mean frame of mind.
May 2022 | Issue 19
QT BUSINESS QT BUSINESS May 2022 | Issue 19
Sponsored content Sponsored content
Hopping back on board
It’s time for international visitors to ‘hop on’
to what experienced South Island tourism
entrepreneur Juliearna Kavanagh has to offer
and she’s excited to get business cranking again.
However, 40 years in tourism and hospitality
have this go-getter founder of four businesses
erring on the side of caution as New Zealand’s
post-Covid border gates fling open.
As an executive chef, Juliearna is probably best
known for founding Winchester’s landmark
manor-style Kavanagh House, which she has
since sold. More recently she’s renowned too
for her boutique Marlborough hotel, Escape to
Picton. Her popular Escape to Marlborough,
tailored wine tours followed these businesses and
then Juliearna’s popular, Hop On Hop Off Wine
Tours was launched initially in Marlborough
followed by Queenstown, Nelson and most
Million Dollar business brain - Betty Perkins
recently (after the last 3 years in the making), Betty Perkins grew up in Balfour but even as a ticket office was an enormous advantage for Betty, and advertising would have to become a lot more
Bannockburn. child was always attracted to the bright lights of learning at the coal face which brochure designs, domestic-orientated, which surprisingly resulted
“I saw a gap in the market for people wanting to exciting places, going to Wellington at the age of layouts, images and words actually worked to in Million Dollar Cruises lifting its market share
have flexibility around where they hopped on or 16. After a few years in Sydney working in the get passengers onboard the boat. In the end she on the lake quite dramatically. Thirdly, was the
off their tour,” she says. The Queenstown-based corporate world she returned to New Zealand to designed her own brochure. question of overheads which were reduced as
tour business takes in wineries and breweries and establish her own fashion business in Invercargill In the early days, about 90% of all sales were much as possible as rent still had to be paid.
activities in the local region. before becoming a mother of two, and moving to achieved by Betty actively selling on the jetty Betty is of the view that in business really only
“I wanted to facilitate people to have that freedom Arrowtown as a family in the early 90s. with the other 10% coming from the brochure two things count, hard work and ongoing
of movement on and off the bus, so they’re not As the children grew, Betty returned to the and other avenues. Nowadays it is completely commitment, remembering that the goal posts
stuck in the same places with the same people workforce, initially in retail and sales, before a reversed, with the majority of bookings coming are always moving, and as a result, so must she.
throughout their tour,” she says. Her tours attract Juliearna Kavanagh long and distinguished career in the frontline of from her website and other marketing material. Nowadays, the vibrant and active grandmother
all ages and all socio-economic groups, but the media communications, or in other words, in the Betty’s main issue after the initial two or three of four still loves working with the younger ones
average age is mid-40s. While a lot of locals happy role of receptionist at the Southland Times years was lack of capacity and all weather out of the waterfront kiosk, interacting with out
climb on board, Juliearna has had the likes of an Decades of owning hospitality and tourism don’t tend to talk as freely,” she says. Queenstown. capability. of town guests and enjoying the dignity of self
Auckland client who once spent $10,000 on local businesses – Juliearna started her first nightclub That was followed by extensive overseas travel employment.
wine and shipped it home. Like many business leaders she’s had to pivot So the search began for another boat, which
at 18 – has seen this dynamic businesswoman slightly during the past two years. “We’re now then a career in real estate, which she found resulted in Million Dollar 2 also being
These days Juliearna also owns Gables B&B in overcome many adversities, the Covid crisis not taking private bookings for people to hire our frustrating because of the internal dynamics. At refurbished in Nelson
Picton and NZ Jobfinder. the least of them. buses for anything from five to six-and-a-half the time Betty and her future husband Wayne with Betty monitoring
She lives between Marlborough and Queenstown “This has been a very tough time for everybody. If hours. It’s been a time for streamlining her were living in Kelvin Heights and she often all aspects of the build.
and will settle in Queenstown permanently anyone’s survived to this stage they’ve done a great business interests. observed that apart from the occasional jet boat At this point Million
in June to focus on Hop On Hop Wine Tours job. Minor wage subsidies are not really enough,” passing through the middle of the Frankton Arm, Dollar Cruise became
“Keep the pennies close and the dollars will
with the borders re-opening. However, business says Juliearna, who was up for the Queenstown the rest of the time, the nicest part of the lake was the second largest
follow,” says Juliearna. “As business owners we
has been strong from the local market in the Chamber of Commerce ‘Best Marketing’ Award empty and inaccessible to both locals and out of sightseeing operation
need to watch our spending at the moment.”
meantime. last year. town guests. on Lake Wakatipu
She believes the return of international and trans-
“I’ve seen good friends’ So, the idea slowly formed of a comfortable, quiet after the TSS Earnslaw.
Tasman visitors will be more of a trickle than a
businesses shut and and relaxed cruise with a drink around Frankton With the arrival
flood, with some Covid restrictions remaining in
that’s been tough, but Arm. Trials were undertaken in a kayak which of Covid and the
place for overseas non-Kiwi visitors.
it’s been especially confirmed her initial thoughts and the search complete collapse
Direct international flights back into Queenstown began for an appropriate boat. The boat that
hard in Queenstown.” of overseas guest
are essential to the local tourism recovery, she was to become Million Dollar 1 was located in
A problem shared numbers, Betty had
says. “Visitors are deterred if they have to fly to Rotorua and was transported to Nelson for an
is a problem halved to react quickly. The
Christchurch and then re-connect, or drive, to extensive and thorough refurbishment with Betty
and Juliearna says first thing was to
Queenstown. That’s more for those who have a as the financial overseer. That boat went into
women in business assure her staff, that
two-week stay.” service December 2007 and two months later
tend to know how to their jobs would be
Above all, women should ‘get out with the girls’ Betty married the Captain to make him husband safe for at least two
talk it out with others
and have a regular business lunch, or get together number 3. years. Secondly, she
going through similar
to talk through these times, she says. Then began the hard slog of marketing her new quickly realised that
problems. Somehow
this gives them the “That’s what I love about women in business. We venture to both visitors, which was surprisingly if the only visitors to
strength to keep calm know how to have some giggles and that gets us easy, and to the established ticketing offices, Queenstown were
and carry on. “Men through.” which was surprisingly difficult. A waterfront Kiwis, her marketing
May 2022 | Issue 19
QT BUSINESS QT BUSINESS May 2022 | Issue 19
A business powerhouse - Vicki McLean
by Sue Fea
KEY NUMBERS
While most young It was in Australia that Vicki says she experienced
women her age were “incredible sexism” in her business roles. “It Queenstown Real Estate
graduating from uni was interesting at times. Once there was a whole No of Sales (Mar) Growth (on PY)
in search of a junior boardroom of men, and me. One of the men said, 57 -22%
role in business, at ‘Are you going to get us all a coffee?’ and looked No of Sales (6 Months) Growth (on PY)
25 Vicki McLean was at me,” she says. “Coming from New Zealand I’d
371 +1%
already the boss, and worked with a lot of women in business so I wasn’t
Days to Sell (Mar) Growth (on PY)
the mother of an eight- accustomed to those sort of attitudes.”
year-old son. 37 +19%
Not surprisingly, Vicki left and joined NRS Media
Median Sale price Growth (on PY)
Now 52, she’s held top – a global consultancy firm working in TV, radio,
media management outdoor (billboard companies), digital and print. $1,330,000 +11%
The above data relate to all Real Estate agency transacted urban Residential
roles, both in “We had more than 300 media partners globally. I Sales for the Queenstown and Arrowtown area. Residential Sales are Houses,
New Zealand and was based in Sydney, responsible for the Southern Apartments, Units, Townhouses, Villas and Condos.
internationally, during an Hemisphere – a big job,” she says. “We had sub-
exceptionally impressive offices all over the world - London, Toronto,
career. Atlanta, Bogata and Cape Town.” Her jurisdiction NZ Auto Sales
It hasn’t been without included her team working in South Africa, South
America, Middle East, Japan, Namibia, Botswana, New Commercial Vehicle Sales (Apr) Growth (on PY)
its challenges,
especially having to Kenya, India, Thailand, Dubai and Malaysia. One 1,220 -71%
overcome prejudices of her clients was Virgin Radio – part of the Sir New Passenger Vehicle Sales (Apr) Growth (on PY)
about her age and Richard Branson empire, which had networks in 8,531 -15%
Thailand, Jakarta and India. Vicki enjoying time with two wee girls in Kenya
gender, mostly during New Electric/Hybrid Sales (Mar) Growth (on PY)
Successful businesswoman Vicki McLean her time working in “I met so many amazing and interesting people. 1,715 +190%
Australia. Studying psychology and social anthropology made it so much easier to Source: MIA Motor Industry Association
In Sydney she’d been part of a dynamic group of businesswomen called,
After a business career that’s spannd the globe, Vicki is now happily settled understand when we started onboarding clients in new countries. I found
‘Little Black Dress’ – a like-minded group who got together regularly to
back in her Central Otago roots, living in Alexandra where she’s found it’s my true passion – culture and leadership.”
support and encourage each other.
just as easy, and more enjoyable, to operate her business. She then set up her own media consultancy business, Sparcgap Airport - Passenger Movement
It was a natural progression that once in Queenstown Vicki would found a
With a wealth of media years notched on her belt, Vicki bought news media Communications, in 2014, continuing on some of these international Total (Mar) Growth (on 2020)
similar group with Westpac business manager Brooke Davis - S.M.A.R.T –
app - The Central App, taking over the iApp rights for Central Otago in success stories and passing on some 30 years of media business experience.
Strong, Mindful, Ambitious, Resilient, Tenacious. 72,895 (100%) -23%
2020. It’s one of 17 around New Zealand and Australia – everything from an Here she worked directly with the president of Virgin Radio International
SMART, with its maximum of 20 women, met once a month to strengthen Domestic Growth (on PY)
online directory and local newspaper to tourism and dining out guide. She’s and assisted in radio sales strategy for various operations internationally.
and support each other, usually over breakfast, discussing a set topic, 72,895 (100%) -23%
proud to have already clocked up more than 40,000 downloads as audiences During her years of international business she learned to hold her head
sometimes enjoying a speaker. “Everybody would contribute their individual International Growth (on PY)
continue to make the switch from paper to digital. high, go into meetings and “pretend they need you more than you need
perceptions, what lessons could be learned and what they were feeling,” she 0 (0%) -100%
Living the business high life was exciting and stimulating, but by 2018 it was them”. “It can be intimidating at times. I’ve pinched myself while in so
says. Wellness and health were also a big focus. Source: Queenstown Airport
time to settle back home and stop living out of a suitcase. many situations, from sitting around the board table with some of the most
successful business people in the world, to dancing with a Maasai tribe in a “It’s important as women to give each other freedom and a voice, and to
Vicki’s career began in Dunedin private radio as a summer radio announcer enrich each other’s lives with fresh purpose,” says Vicki. Unfortunately the
dusty car park in Mombasa, to supporting an orphanage in Kenya.” This was
for 4XO, after studying in Brisbane at the Australian Institute of Radio and group is no longer running, what with Covid restrictions and interruptions.
a very fulfilling decade in her career. Situations Vacant
TV (AIRTV) and working as an intern at 4KQ radio station.
Eventually Vicki says she was over planes and suitcases. “My son moved to Many women lack that ‘can do’ attitude as they may have been discouraged N of Open Roles (March)
o
Growth (on PY)
From there, she broke into sales and marketing, finding her niche, working in the workplace, or at home, she says. Technology has also influenced
London and the thought of being home with family, two dogs and some 397 +110%
in Hawkes Bay first, then on to Taupo and Rotorua where she held her first connectivity. “I think we’re starved for that one-on-one connection with
land was appealing.” Her sister worked at NZME (New Zealand Media No of Open Roles (6 Months to March) Growth (on PY)
senior management role as general manager of RadioWorks Rotorua at the other women.”
and Entertainment) and was moving to a new role in Southland. Vicki
tender age of 25. 1,431 +91%
already had a house in Queenstown so moved here to work for NZME as Quite unintentionally she now has a team of six women around her and
She then went to Auckland to set up the new RadioWorks operation and Source: Jobfix.com
boss and media communications specialist from early 2018 until mid-2020. Vicki says it’s important to build up the right brand culture from the outset.
within a year was appointed regional manager for both the Auckland and
The one lesson she’s learned is to never judge people. “You just need to be
Advertise in QT Business
Northland operations, all before the age of 30.
compassionate to all humans. We don’t know what’s going on in their lives,
“We broke into Auckland and I worked there with Radio Pacific, which or what’s gone on before we meet them.”
evolved into The Rock and The Edge national stations,” Vicki says. “I still Contact
She’s always had good support among male work colleagues in New Zealand,
had an Auckland only breakfast team - Pam Corkery and Paul Henry, at
but Vicki recalls riding up in the lift with a job applicant who asked if she 03 409 2800 | info@qmg.co.nz
the time.”
was the receptionist. “He said, ‘Could you let him know I’m here for the
Not one to follow the norm, at 31 she took a couple of years off to study Catherine Mercer - Account Manager | 027 777 2785 | cat@qmg.co.nz
interview?’” She enjoyed seeing the bright red flush on his face when he
psychology, sociology, politics and anthropology. “I felt I was thick into that walked into her office for that interview. Another guy once called her boss Kylee Evans - Account Manager | 021 044 2968 | kylee@qmg.co.nz
business corporate world and I was ready for something more colourful and at the time and complained that they couldn’t have a ‘young Kiwi woman’
creative. I call it my mid-life crisis,” she laughs. She also travelled throughout David Gibbs - General Manager | 021 514 072 | davidgibbs@qmg.co.nz
– Vicki, giving a business marketing presentation to leaders of a rural town
America and Europe, with her then partner and 14-year-old Jayme in tow. in Australia. Advertising Deadlines
Back on the career carousel she was offered a role in Sydney with TV3, “Have the courage to stand up for what’s right. Know your own brand and Sponsored Content: 12noon Tuesday
which had merged with MediaWorks. “I was representing TV3, C4 and values and be true to yourself,” she says. “It’s not our business to worry about Display Advertising: 12noon Thursday
MediaWorks in Sydney and Brisbane advertising agencies.” Roles followed what other people think or say about us. Queenstown Media Group
as national marketing manager for Australia’s first digital network, working Vicki gets to know some of the local young 2nd Floor, The Mountaineer Building
“Life is about staying in your lane, and consistently working to be the best
with high profile talent. people in Kenya, just outside Nairobi Cnr Beach and Rees Street PO Box 1546,
version of yourself.”
Queenstown 9300
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