In partnership with local Kiwi business owners, leading outdoor power equipment brand STIHL has created its own retail category. Undaunted by the recession, the company added 13 more stores to their STIHL SHOP™ retail group in 2009. The latest three store openings in Hawera, Masterton and Cambridge takes the group to a total of 56 stores nationwide (generating $80 million in annual revenues) – within reach of its goal of 65 stores by 2011.

Before 2002 the outdoor power equipment market was merely embryonic. This changed when STIHL decided to develop a retail chain of locally owned stores under its own brand; called STIHL SHOP™. The outcome for STIHL after years of groundwork is improved store branding and infrastructure, investment into human capital through training, a focus on customer service and top position in the now highly competitive retail category.

The steady growth of the STIHL SHOP™ retail brand follows a tough decision made by STIHL CEO Jim Bibby seven years ago. Faced with a choice between attempting a risky new distribution strategy (through big-box stores) or investing in their own loyal Dealer channel, Mr Bibby opted for the latter, creating the STIHL SHOP™ retail concept as a hub for quality, technical know-how and customer service in both urban and provincial areas.

In his mind, the case for change was clear – STIHL’s brand visibility and shop appeal urgently required modernising. It had an inconsistent and low-profile image and needed to keep pace with retail trends, match the store experience to customer expectations in order to withstand increasing pressure from mass merchants while improving service and providing better options (including exit strategies) for owners.
 
Kiwi STIHL SHOP™ owners’ approach to marketing and selling their products is based on extensive groundwork, including customer research. In developing the concept, Mr Bibby and his team worked with consumers in key STIHL markets (forestry, farming and landscaping) to learn what they wanted, and the result has since been seized upon by home and property owners who liked the combination of quality product, know-how and service.

Based on the idea of delivering on the needs of the market, he wagered that the STIHL SHOP™ concept would achieve store owners’ aims, and since that turning point, 56 STIHL SHOP™ stores have opened, and revenues have increased by 30 percent in a declining market.

The STIHL SHOP™ retail model is unique in the STIHL brand’s global presence. Its success has been such that visiting senior managers from STIHL’s international head office have been inspired to explore the formula in the rest of STIHL’s markets, where products are sold through conventional retail channels. In New Zealand, STIHL SHOP™ is the only national retail brand specialising in outdoor power equipment.

Phil Weedon, STIHL SHOP™ Group Manager, says, “Eighty percent of the stores are family-owned small businesses run by baby-boomers; the remainder are operated by an increasing complement of younger entrepreneurs who find the business proposition appealing.”

“All our owners are experienced businesspeople, many of whom have worked in other industries,” Mr Weedon says. “The attraction to STIHL SHOP™ has been the facility for Kiwi businesspeople to live in their hometown while benefiting from a strong international brand and systemised approach as their business foundation.”

“Comparing the margins of the new business model with the old way of doing business demonstrates why it’s such an appealing model. Two examples are stores in Christchurch and Auckland, where margins have improved by 25% and 22% respectively since the conversion to the STIHL SHOP™ programme.”

Mr Weedon says, “New Zealand has a lot of great businesspeople who live here because they want a particular lifestyle, whether urban or more rural, but often they have to compromise on where they live if they want to run a successful business. STIHL SHOP™ is a great example of what a thriving Kiwi business can look like, and it’s an example of how a global brand like STIHL can be given a true local feel, if you adjust it to suit your market.”

Would-be STIHL SHOP™ owners operate under a license and are required to undertake a rigorous training programme – another unique point of practice in the global STIHL market.

ends

Dwayne Alexander
Alexander Communications
+64 (0)9 522 5541
+64 (0)21 324463
dwayne@alexanderonlinepr.co.nz

About STIHL SHOP™
STIHL SHOP™ is a national chain of independent, locally owned specialist outdoor power equipment retailers.  With 56 shops located nationwide, there is a STIHL SHOP™ near you that knows outdoor power equipment inside out.  Each STIHL SHOP™ is an established specialist dealer with exceptional products, spare parts, accessories and access to highly trained STIHL Technicians.  Renowned for the quality and craftsmanship of Chainsaws, each STIHL SHOP™ also offers a variety of outdoor power tools from Lawnmowers and Hedgecutters to Linetrimmers and Vacuum Cleaners.

About STIHL
STIHL is the world’s leading brand of Chainsaws and is a market leader in the outdoor power equipment industry.  First introduced to New Zealand in 1984, STIHL Ltd now distributes through a national network of 105 Specialist Dealers in both rural and metropolitan markets, 56 of which are designated STIHL SHOP™ Retailers.  Historically a Chainsaw based brand with a farmer and professional bias, STIHL has now diversified to cater to the occasional user by offering the same quality products and expertise in a retail environment.  The STIHL product portfolio range includes Chainsaws, Brushcutters, Linetrimmers, Blowers, HedgeCutters, Cut-off machines, Earth Augers, High Pressure Cleaners, Safety Clothing and various Accessory items.

STIHL Ltd is recognised as an industry pioneer committed to quality and service.  Due to the nature of the equipment we manufacture, operational safety and environmental considerations are paramount. STIHL actively encourages the cultivation of tress through sponsorship of agri-forestry and community tree-planting programmes.

The Auckland District Health Board voted on 7 July to sign a three-year contract with a specialist eating services provider.

The provider will deliver Specialist Eating Disorders Residential and Day Programme Services within the Northern and Midland Regions.

This is as a result of increased ministerial funding from the Northern Region Eating Disorders Services Plan 2008 – 2013 to the value of approximately $17 million over three years.

The ADHB has contracted Challenge Trust to establish a day clinic and residential treatment facility by the end of the year.

The organization is now building a ‘dream team’ of ED-experienced specialists and other health care professionals to staff the facility, including a staff psychiatrist, three psychologists, a charge nurse and team of nine registered nurses, a dietician, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and complement of residential support workers.

Clive Plucknett, CEO of Challenge Trust, says, “Eating disorders are insidious conditions that have the potential to destroy the lives of people and their families.  Challenge Trust is proud to partner with ADHB in providing the best possible service and make a real difference in the lives of people these conditions affect.”
              
The services requested will be inclusive of both clinical and residential components, providing recovery-orientated accommodation and treatment for people aged over 15 years with eating disorders.
 
Challenge Trust has been successful in its bid for the contract based on the complexity and intensity of the services it can provide. The awarding of contract was announced by the ADHB on 8 July, subject to their approval.

Challenge Trust meets the extensive criteria required to provide appropriate levels of assessment, monitoring, treatment and support to people with eating disorders and their families.
 
More specifically, Challenge Trust will supply comprehensive residential care, support, and treatment to facilitate recovery for those who are experiencing significant difficulties due to an eating disorder. Alongside this, Challenge Trust will offer a community-focused day programme for those with similar eating disorders but whose level of need can be managed in the community with an appropriate level of day time treatment and therapeutic support. 
 
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About Challenge Trust

Challenge Trust is a charitable trust which commenced operation in 1993 and now has 280 staff providing services to more than 1,500 people out of 24 sites in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty regions.

Challenge Trust’s clients include people affected by mental illness, physical disability, intellectual disability, addictions, dual disability and dual diagnosis. The organization  has contracts with District Health Boards, the Accident Compensation Corporation, MOH, MSD and other government departments, and an increasing number of private clients.
Services provided include 24-hour residential accommodation, community support to people living in their own homes, educational services, employment and life skills training, advocacy, information, employment opportunities, family/whanau support and various housing options.
The Trust is governed by a Board which employs a CEO to lead the organization and head the Executive Management Team.
Challenge Trust has modelled itself as having the rigour and professionalism of a corporate, blended with the innovation and heart of a non-government organization (NGO)

 Fact Sheet

• Established as a charitable trust in 1993
• Has 280 staff and more than 1,500 clients at 24 sites in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty
• Staff include nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, a physiotherapist and qualified support workers
• Deals with client groups including:
o High and complex mental illness
o Severe physical disability
o Dual diagnosis
o Dual disability
o Older adults
o Maternal mental health
o Post-accident victims
o Specific cultural/ethnic groups, notably Maori, Pacific and Asian and special needs groups
• Clients include District Health Boards, the Accident Compensation Corporation, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development, other government departments and private citizens who directly engage the recovery services
• Offers a full range of recovery-oriented services, including:
o Residential support, from low to high needs
o Community-based support, supporting people in their homes
o Respite care
o Information, advocacy and support services
o Education and training
o Employment training and job schemes
o Housing options
o Community centres
o Family/whanau service
o Private mental health services
o Peer support services
• Winner of two 2009 Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards in the categories of (1) Employer of Choice and (2) Governance
• ISO 9001 Accreditation
• In 2009 expanded through a merger with Northcare Trust, in response to a Government call for consolidation and mergers in the NGO sector

A global water leader who recently visited New Zealand issued sombre warnings about the potential effects of failures in water supply demand management and stormwater planning in many markets around the world, including New Zealand.

Warren Traves GHD’s global leader for water

Warren Traves, GHD’s global leader for water, met some of the company’s major water clients in Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Queenstown to understand more about New Zealand’s water market and where local government authorities see the market moving over the next 20 years.  The aim was to ensure GHD is in a position to help these authorities develop a future plan for water security.

New Zealand shares the somewhat complacent attitude to water supply of many developed countries, as evidenced by the current water shortage and civic restrictions in Northland coupled with the lowest summer rainfall in half a century. With many wondering how water shortage can be a problem in the land of the long white cloud, there is a growing sense of urgency about the need to create plans to avoid a recurrence.

Mr Traves has extensive experience in the Australian and other international water markets, including the worst drought-plagued regions and some markets that aren’t typically associated with water shortages. He understands the results of failure to address water supply and demand with sufficient foresight.

He noted that even the American city of Seattle, which is famous for its high rainfall, has identified potential problems with continuity of supply. He said this is because much of the water supply is dependent on snow-melt patterns, which are changing, and this has prompted city leaders to start planning differently.

“The Seattle case shows that supply is not about how much water is available per se, but how available it is for a specific use at a specific time. Local conditions are critical – it’s easy to think that there is lots of water available, but it’s critical to understand supply availability and demand on an ongoing basis.”

The major beast New Zealand needs to grapple with, Mr Traves said, is demand management. “New Zealand is generally believed to have an infinite supply of water, and people in certain areas of the country view it as their right to use as much water as they want within the cost of their rates.

“Due to economic factors and the relative cheapness of water in some areas, such as Christchurch, demand management is often deprioritised. However, as population growth continues there will be more demand for a limited resource.

Martin Smith GHD's South Island water manager

“In New Zealand, even if communities are reluctant to look at demand management, they should at the very least start to create the policies for the future such as Christchurch has done with its draft water strategy, and ensure that tools are in place to permanently record the data needed to understand how systems are operating and where issues are likely to arise in the future.”

GHD’s manager for water in the South Island, Martin Smith, said, “What’s measured is managed. Even without charging, the introduction of water meters has led to reductions in consumption of between 10% and 15% in parts of Australia, and since Tauranga City Council adopted universal metering and implemented volume charging in 2002, average per capita water consumption is now 25% lower than levels before metering. And with peak usage 30% lower in Nelson, that council has reduced peak demand over summer by at least 37%.”

He said that even areas with plentiful resources, such as Queenstown, are coming to grips with the business case behind managing water more efficiently and effectively. “Many councils are recognizing that fixing leakage can reduce the need for costs such as capital works down the track. There is a business case for demand management that ensure that water is managed with lower operating costs, reducing, deferring or avoiding capital costs where possible and balancing competing demands while serving growing populations.

“Water should be seen as a local/regional resource – it is too expensive to move long distances. It’s also about culture – in regions with plentiful supply, many residents don’t understand why they need to pay for water. However, if water management systems are applied correctly then the overall cost of supply should decrease as wastage is reduced and more efficient processes are established.

Ray White Opens New Office in Golden Bay

One of New Zealand’s leading real estate agencies, the Ray White Group, is opening a new office in Golden Bay, to be headed by a 20-year resident of the area.

Billy Kerrisk says it’s the right time for a new real estate office, particularly given the introduction last November of new regulation governing the sector. Ms Kerrisk says New Zealand has been slow to reinvent the wheel to protect buyers and sellers, and she welcomes the change in law.

“The purpose of the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 is to promote and protect the interests of consumers, so it’s a great move to shift power from the REINZ to the Crown by creating an authority with real power to police the sector and ensure all parties operate and are treated fairly. It underlines our fiduciary requirements and will really up the level of service provided to customers – buyers and vendors alike deserve a great service from agents.”

The advanced systems afforded by membership of the Ray White Group means a new office gives an advantage to all involved in the Golden Bay property market, Ms Kerrisk says. “Certainly it could be daunting to start my own business, but the feedback I have been getting from locals is that competition is fantastic, and they welcome it.

“I won’t just be offering my type of personal service, but also access to the systems and intellectual property Ray White has. The use of technology is much more advanced than what currently exists here, which gives me more to offer the vendor.

“We can provide comprehensive market analysis – by being given more information, vendors can better make their own decisions and market their property more effectively. When you know what most people sell for compared with their asking price, and how long it takes them to sell, that helps you pitch your property at the right level and can save a lot of time and money.”

Ray White New Zealand General Manager Kyle Pitman says a Golden Bay office brings the number of Ray White offices in the upper South Island to seven, giving the company full coverage of the region and greater range than any of its competitors. Ray White now has 40 South Island offices, and 132 nationwide.

 “Golden Bay is another step to our increased market share through the region, which is very strong in a resurging market,” Mr Pitman says. “Golden Bay is the first new South Island office for 2010, and there are other opportunities throughout the South Island, which reflects the market’s confidence in the systems and technology support that Ray White is able to provide as the largest Australasian franchise.”

He says Ms Kerrisk’s heading-up of the new office is a coup for the company: “Billy’s enthusiasm and her desire to implement change in the Golden Bay market is really attractive to us – she brings a huge amount of energy and a forward-thinking attitude that will be of great value to buyers and sellers.”

ends

Ray White Undertakes Merger in Whitianga to Form Super-Sized Office

In a move that creates the biggest real estate team in Whitianga, Ray White has announced that its company Whitianga Realty is merging with AJ Innes Real Estate to form Ray White Whitianga from 1 April.

Andy Innes is principal of the new franchise, and says he chose to join the Ray White Group because of the agency’s strong local market share, and more simply, “because they gave us the most confidence and we felt they had the most potential of all agencies. And speaking to other people in the real estate arena, they had nothing but praise for the Ray White CEO.”

A 16-year veteran of real estate, Mr Innes knows both the industry and the company well, having worked for Ray White in Australia before founding his own agency in Whitianga six years ago.

He says the time is right to form a large agency – Ray White Whitianga will open with around 11 salespeople – with a strong national reputation and high-level support.

“Having run a stand-alone company, it became clear to me when the industry rules and regulations changed last November that affiliation with a strong, respected national agency was the way to go, and it was a matter of choosing the right one.

“I’ve always been a stickler for service, and what we achieve in amalgamating the two companies is establishing a large market share from the get-go. This means more listings, leading to more enquiries and thus more sales – getting better results and opportunities for buyers and sellers.

“Another big advantage of being part of the Ray White Group is having access to the best technology available in the industry, and an extremely high level of support in training and all areas of the business. After doing it all myself for six years, having these established systems to draw on will mean a step up in the level of service we can provide.”

Asked what Ray White Whitianga will bring to the local real estate market, Mr Innes says the company’s record speaks for itself. “When you see how the Ray White Group operates, it’s the story that if a company is being led well from the top, that sets the standard for all others.

“Presentation is a big part of that, and we have fully renovated the shop with separate offices for the rental division and a boardroom. We want to lift the bar for real estate service in Whitianga.”

Mr Innes says it remains a buyer’s market in the town, with potential purchasers dizzied by the choice available from variety of projects and developments.

The opportunities are the best he’s seen in his time in the area: “For people looking to invest in a beach town, there is no better time than now.”

 ends

About Ray White Group

The Ray White Group is a family-owned business which, since its formation in Australia in 1902, has been well regarded for its impeccable level of service, experienced and dedicated staff and commitment to training and support.

The Ray White Group provides a broad range of real estate and related property services. Ray White New Zealand has 132 offices trading approximately $4.6 billion annualised property sales.

Adding to its expanding portfolio of corporate and professional services clients, Alexander Communications (AC) has been appointed to the accounts of GHD New Zealand and Challenge Trust.

GHD, one of the world’s leading engineering, architecture and environmental consulting firms, is at  work on several projects of international significance in 2010, and has asked AC to engage with media in support of its objectives.

Established in 1928, GHD employs more than 6,000 people across five continents and serves clients in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation.

Account Director Stephanie Jones says, “GHD is recognised for its commitment to innovation, safety and sustainable development, and is one of the leaders in current infrastructure development activity in New Zealand. We operate in the area of strategic reputation management, which GHD is seeking, and we look forward to working with GHD in pursuit of its business goals.”

AC has also been appointed by Challenge Trust, a charitable trust which commenced operation in 1993 and now has 230 staff providing services to more than 1,500 people out of 20 sites in the Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Challenge Trust’s clients include people affected by mental illness, physical disability, intellectual disability, addictions, dual disability and dual diagnosis.

Co-owner Dwayne Alexander attributes the new appointments to AC’s consistent innovation and the fact that the company uses the web to transparently communicate (through case studies and specific examples) the work it does for clients, who are attained solely through other client recommendations and the AC website.

He says, “Since the company’s inception in 2005 we have steadily built both our client base and the tools we use to promote their work and services and help clients engage with their markets. These tools include our online newsroom, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, which are together proving hugely effective.”

ends

About GHD

GHD is one of the world’s leading engineering, architecture and environmental consulting firms.

Established in 1928, GHD employs more than 6,000 people across five continents and serves clients in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation.

Wholly owned by its people, GHD is focused on client success. Our global network of engineers, architects, planners, scientists, project managers and economists collaborate to deliver sustainable outcomes for our clients and the community. Our core values of Teamwork, Respect and Integrity help create enduring relationships that deliver exceptional results.

GHD is recognised for its commitment to innovation, safety and sustainable development. We care for the wellbeing of our people, communities and the environments in which we operate.

A member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, GHD operates under a Practice Quality Management System, ISO 9001:2008 and an Environmental Management System, ISO 14001:2008 which are certified by Lloyds Register Quality Assurance.

About Challenge Trust

Challenge Trust is a charitable trust which commenced operation in 1993 and now has 230 staff providing services to more than 1,500 people out of 20 sites in the Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

Challenge Trust’s clients include people affected by mental illness, physical disability, intellectual disability, addictions, dual disability and dual diagnosis. The organization is employed by District Health Boards, the Accident Compensation Corporation and other government departments, and an increasing number of private clients.

Services provided include 24-hour residential accommodation, community support to people living in their own homes, educational services, employment and life skills training, advocacy, information, employment opportunities, family/whanau support and various housing options.

The Trust is governed by a Board which employs a CEO to lead the organization and head the Executive Management Team.

Challenge Trust has modelled itself as having the rigour and professionalism of a corporate, blended with the innovation and heart of a non-government organization (NGO).

Just in time for the new school year, Botany Town Centre has further expanded its ever-growing retail offer with the opening of Stomp Kids Shoes. The store, entirely dedicated to providing the right measure and fit in children’s footwear, features an extensive range of quality brands for infants to teens.

Botany local and Stomp Kids Shoes founder Daren Leng has more knowledge of shoes than most, having previously been National Retail Operations Manager for adidas New Zealand and run his own sportswear and footwear business in the United Kingdom.

Daren identified a gap in the market, seeing that there were no quality children’s shoe stores in the eastern suburbs that properly measured a child’s foot. “I have two girls and found it very difficult to find good quality shoes for them as they both have narrow feet. Very few places in New Zealand do narrow-fitting shoes.

“At Stomp Kids Shoes we measure all children’s feet to ensure we fit them into the right-sized shoes and get that perfect match. Our staff are specially trained by a podiatrist on the development stages of a child’s foot, knowing what type of shoe to fit at the right age from infant to teen.”

The store’s specialist approach ensures that children are fitted in footwear of the correct size, giving the opportunity for their feet to grow naturally and preventing any problems from ill-fitted shoes later on in life. Kids won’t look past the store’s popular footwear brands, including Clarks, Ecco, McKinlays, Lelli Kelly, OshKosh, Birkenstock, Skechers and New Balance.

Botany Town Centre Senior Centre Manager Jennifer Andrews says her team is thrilled to welcome the new store. “Stomp’s broad range of quality footwear is sure to appeal to any child needing a pair of shoes with the perfect fit. It is a great addition to the centre, complementing some of our already existing retailers and providing a unique retail offer.”

Stomp Kids Shoes is located in Garden Lane, opposite Pumpkin Patch.

For more information on new stores at Botany Town Centre, visit www.botanytowncentre.co.nz

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About Botany Town Centre

Situated approximately 19km southeast of Auckland, Botany Town Centre is one of New Zealand’s largest retail developments, with 169 specialty stores. Its retailers range from Dick Smith Electronics to Rebel Sports and a full complement of banks, fashion stores, and New Zealand’s most popular café and restaurant chains. The centre includes one of Auckland’s largest Farmers stores and a New World supermarket. The centre provides diverse entertainment choices from the Circle Lounge at Berkeley Cinema to the award-winning Cock and Bull pub. In addition to its retail offering, Botany Town Centre is a community hub for other services including the Botany Library, the Community Constable, and a variety of medical and health providers.

Leading fund manager Tyndall Investment Management New Zealand Limited has appointed Peter Lynn as Managing Director. He replaces Greg Campbell, who was appointed as Managing Director of The New Zealand Guardian Trust Company Limited, a related company within the Suncorp Group.

Brett Himbury, Tyndall Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, said Mr Lynn’s expert knowledge of investment markets and deep understanding of the Tyndall New Zealand business made him the ideal choice for the role.

“Peter has a wealth of knowledge of investment markets and a great balance of technical investment expertise and leadership skills with which to harness the potential of the Tyndall New Zealand business.

“Tyndall New Zealand, as the fifth-largest fund manager in New Zealand, has weathered the challenges of 2008 and 2009 extremely well. Peter has the leadership skills and expertise to build on its strong reputation and excellent track record as the business moves into its next growth phase.”

Mr Lynn said, “I am delighted and proud to be leading Tyndall New Zealand, which is a premier provider of investment solutions with a long-serving investment management team that has received numerous industry awards. I look forward to building on our excellent track record. I also wish to thank Greg for the great contribution he has made to Tyndall New Zealand over the past two years and wish him well in his ongoing role at Guardian Trust.”

Mr Lynn has more than 17 years’ experience in investment markets in New Zealand. He is a qualified actuary and became a Chartered Financial Analyst in 2005.

He has been with Tyndall New Zealand for nine years, most recently as Head of Strategy, and has previously acted as Interim Managing Director.

About Peter Lynn

Peter is Managing Director of Tyndall Investment Management New Zealand. He is an actuary with 17 years’ experience in investment consulting, management and capital market research, portfolio strategy development, performance measurement and client servicing. Peter joined Tyndall New Zealand in November 2000 after nearly eight years at Mercer Investment Consulting in Christchurch and Auckland. Peter previously held the role of Head of Strategy at Tyndall and has also held the roles of Head of Quantitative Analysis, Head of Client Services and Interim Managing Director prior to his current role. Peter is the past Chairman of the Investment Subcommittee of the New Zealand Society of Actuaries and is New Zealand’s past representative on the CFA Institute’s Global Investment Performance Standards Council. He holds a first class Honours degree in Mathematics from the University of Canterbury. 

About Tyndall New Zealand

Tyndall, part of ASX-listed Suncorp-Metway Ltd, manages over $3.6 billion in investments for a range of clients, covering KiwiSaver schemes, retail investors, corporates, superannuation schemes, charities and group companies Vero, Asteron and Guardian Trust.

Evan Johnson CEO Onesource

CSG Limited of Australia has announced today that it has acquired the Onesource New Zealand businesses which include Konica Minolta Business Solutions New Zealand Limited and Leasing Solutions Limited for $132m NZD.

Konica Minolta New Zealand, a market leader in the provision of document management and print solutions, along with specialist equipment financing company Leasing Solutions Limited, has been sold to leading IT services and print solutions company CSG Limited of Australia.

CSG is one of Australia’s leading IT services companies providing end to end integrated technology solutions in all major Australian markets. CSG is the largest independent document solutions provider in Australia and the only ASX listed company head-quartered in the Northern Territory. CSG has significant expertise in the provision of integrated technology solutions to business and government.

The transaction has the full support of Konica Minolta Business Technologies in Japan, which will retain its 10% shareholding in the New Zealand business, as part of a long term joint venture relationship that ensures exclusive distribution and support of Konica Minolta products and services to the New Zealand market. It also facilitates direct access to Konica Minolta’s substantial research and development and manufacturing resources in Japan.

CSG is acquiring Onesource from the management buyout team led by Evan Johnson, which purchased the businesses in 2005.

Onesource chief executive Evan Johnson says the Konica Minolta and Leasing Solutions businesses have prospered under the current ownership structure and management team. Despite a difficult recessionary environment in recent times the businesses have continued to develop, grow and produce strong returns. Having come through the recession in good shape the businesses are well positioned for the future.

Mr Johnson says that teaming up with one of Australasia’s largest IT and print services companies and retaining the continued support of Konica Minolta Business Technologies in Japan will position the New Zealand business very strongly for continued success and growth. We are passing from one successful ownership structure to another – with an opportunity to build on the great results we have achieved in the past several years.

Mr Johnson will retain his role as the Managing Director of the New Zealand businesses and will join the CSG Australasian Steering Committee to support the development of the CSG business on both sides of the Tasman. “This is an exciting opportunity for our business as we combine our leadership position in New Zealand alongside a highly skilled team in Australia with the resources, the ability and the desire to embark on a significant growth programme.”

Mr Johnson will join a high powered team of print industry experts; including Philip Chambers, the current Chairman of CSG and ex Managing Director of Fuji Xerox Australia; David Ward, the ex head of Sales and Marketing for Fuji Xerox Australia; and Denis Mackenzie, the CEO and foundation shareholder of CSG. This team has worked together in the past very successfully and are looking forward to the opportunity to join forces again to set the market alight.

“From a customer viewpoint, the new ownership has a number of advantages,” Evan Johnson says. “Clearly CSG has significant financial strength and views Konica Minolta New Zealand as a long term, strategic business. The keys to success in the document solutions market are providing tangible value for customers, and matching high quality products with outstanding levels of service and support. We have excelled in all these areas in a difficult climate and we will continue to invest to ensure we stay at the top.”

Both Konica Minolta New Zealand and CSG are the largest independent document solutions providers in their respective countries. There are clear synergies between the two businesses. Evan Johnson says that the new ownership is extremely exciting for staff and customers.

According to Philip Chambers, “Onesource was a standout acquisition target due to its outstanding performance in the New Zealand market and the high calibre of the management team.”

The New Zealand businesses will continue to operate as independent operating companies within the CSG group.

Ends.

About CSG Australia
CSG Limited is one of Australia’s leading IT services and print solutions companies providing end to end integrated technology solutions in all major Australian markets including the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.

CSG is the largest independent document solutions provider in Australia.

CSG is the only nationally listed company head-quartered in the Northern Territory. CSG is the largest ICT Company in the NT with significant expertise in the provision of integrated technology solutions to business and government.

Their client base is broad and covers both government, small to medium and large enterprises in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

CSG offers services through three main business units: Managed Services, Enterprise Services and Print Services.

http://www.csg.com.au

Konica Minolta Business Solutions New Zealand
Konica Minolta Business Solutions New Zealand Limited is a unique, independent, Australasian-owned and operated business. Our clients benefit from our local management presence and ownership. Through our previous incarnation, U-Bix, we have been working with New Zealand businesses for over 35 years, helping to efficiently manage information flow and harness new document technology.

90% of Konica Minolta New Zealand is owned by CSG Australia. CSG Limited is one of Australia’s leading IT services and print solutions companies providing end-to-end integrated technology solutions in all major Australian markets. CSG is the largest independent document solutions provider in Australia and the only nationally listed company head-quartered in the Northern Territory. CSG has significant expertise in the provision of integrated technology solutions to business and government, clearly complimenting the Konica Minolta New Zealand business.

10% of our company is owned by the Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Japan. This connection gives us access to world acclaimed solutions, research and development, while still allowing us to service and support our customers with an award winning local service team.

Our goal is to be New Zealand’s leading printer and document solutions company; already we lead the market in solutions integration, office colour, production print and black and white printer/copiers and are now well placed to further consolidate our leadership position.

In addition to our connection with Konica Minolta in Japan, we have long-standing partnerships with other international technology leaders such as Oce, Hewlett Packard, Oki, Toshiba, Monitor, Create/Form, Alto and Alchemy. In fact, we have the most extensive hardware and software range in New Zealand.

www.konicaminolta.co.nz

Leasing Solutions Limited
Leasing Solutions provides leasing products for office technology equipment. Key customers include Konica Minolta New Zealand and other businesses such as Cogent Zintel, who operate in the telecommunications market.

Leasing Solutions commenced operations in 1995 and has been successfully managed by experienced financier, Peter March since 2002. Leasing Solutions is a stand-alone business in New Zealand

About Konica Minolta Corporation
Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc., is a global market leader in digital copying and printing. The group was formed on August 5, 2003 following an exchange of shares between Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd.  The merged entity has five operating companies and two ‘common function’ companies (research and development, and management support services).

Largest of the operating companies is Konica Minolta Business Technologies which carries out manufacturing, sale and related services of copiers, printers, facsimiles and related supplies.  Other operating companies handle optics, photographic materials and film technologies for medical and graphic imaging. In the latest quarter, Konica Minolta Business Technologies reported net sales of 144 billion yen, making up a substantial portion of the consolidated net sales for the group of 262 billion yen.

The leading industrial and engineering supply company Blackwoods Paykels has recently funnelled almost $5 million into its business model. The investment included the fit-out of the new state-of-the-art Highbrook premises, including a new distribution centre, manufacturing plant and flagship retail outlet to meet the increasing demand from growth sectors such as infrastructure, oil and gas, food production and other local industry as the economy picks up.

Wesfarmers Industrial and Safety New Zealand NZ (WISNZ) General Manager Mike Taylor says the total outlay for recent developments, including the fit-out of the purpose-built distribution centre, represents a 10-year investment to re-engineer the business: “Is geared towards building quality of service and market share so we come out of the recession as the clear leader in our sector.”

The re-engineering also includes expenditure on the upgrade of the national branch network, in preparation for the expansion of the new retail model.

The recent merging of the Blackwoods Paykels and Protector Safety branches into a single offering is beginning to hit a nerve with segments of loyal customers, prompting several areas of revenue growth in July-September quarter. Both brands are owned by WISNZ.

 “We currently have a customer overlap of just 25% between the two brands, and combining the product range allows us to serve all bases better and take advantage of the many cross-selling opportunities,” Blackwoods Paykels National Manager Paul Watson said.

“The response from the market to this new retail offering suggests to us that we’re meeting a need, and we’re looking forward to completing the roll-out of our new national network as part of this investment plan.”

A single IT platform was within the company’s recent investment expenditure, which enables customers to buy products across the Blackwoods Paykels and Protector Safety range on one account, and now permits the automation of purchasing via a combined web portal or direct EDI relationship.

Mr Watson said industries’ operational expenditure was starting to pick up, but capital expenditure continued to be subdued: Blackwoods Paykels’ investment is aimed in the first instance at those industries whose capex is on the increase. “There are notable areas of growth –new dairy plants are being constructed, and meatworks operations are picking up again after the drought.”

Blackwoods Paykels is also competing for some of the major current infrastructure projects in the areas of petrochemical, coal and roading, among others.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown, who is speaking at the official launch of the new building on 3 November, said, “To invest nearly $5 million in our city, at a time when it is needed, is significant.  We are going through challenging times, so to have a major multinational company like Blackwoods Paykels making a long-term investment to service the industrial and engineering sectors is a positive signal as we continue to strengthen the economy.”

 Additional Facts

• The new Highbrook facility consolidates five former sites into one
• Staff on the Highbrook site totals 78; across the business, Blackwoods Paykels
• Total footprint of 6,780sqm:
• Warehouse/manufacturing 4,500sqm
• Showroom/retail outlet 690sqm
• Office/amenities 765sqm
• The value of stock held at the Highbrook distribution centre is $9 million
• The distribution centre has approximately 22,000 stock-keeping units at any one time, and 25,000 locations
• The new layout of the distribution centre is by activity rather than product group, increasing efficiency, reducing errors and freight costs (also contributing to cost reduction is the new practice of zone printing and packing on a single packing slip)

The Paper Plus Group has announced a nationwide investment and refurbishment plan which will involve the refitting of the entire network of 106 Paper Plus stores over the next two years.

While other book and stationery retail chains are moving headquarters offshore, Paper Plus, the only nationwide 100% New Zealand owned and operated book and stationery retailer in the country, will invest almost $22 million in its local brand by December 2011.

By this time, the company plans to grow from 106 to a target of 120 to130 stores and will utilise the resource of New Zealand contractors to complete this process.  Paper Plus CEO Rob Smith says the company was already reviewing its future plans when the recession hit and after extensive research and customer feedback decided to fast-track this development to secure its position in the marketplace.

Since August this year, on average two stores each week have been refitted and re-opened at locations around the country, including stores in Manukau City, Howick, Thames, Taupo, Wellington, Nelson and Oamaru.

The development plan will include numerous new stores in various locations where the company is under-represented and strengthen the current offering of its 106 stores throughout the country.

Included with this development will be initiatives such as in-store book champions to advise and assist customers, the expansion of the Kids’ Club, an upgraded website and enhanced merchandising to improve the customer shopping experience. The business is also launching a new advertising campaign to draw attention to the company’s book and stationery offer.

More than 650,000 customers visit stores each week contributing to the Group’s combined annual turnover approaching $200 million. Despite a slight decline being recorded in the New Zealand book and stationery market, Paper Plus has continued to record positive growth over last year and the plans announced today should enhance this growth further.

The company’s increased focus on books and the introduction of innovative programmes such as Book Choices and the recruitment of Kerre Woodham as books spokesperson since 2007 has already been paying dividends, with a 16.0% increase in category growth year to date.

“The roll-out is part of a reinvention programme for Paper Plus called ‘Concept 6’,” says Smith. “It is our goal to have all stores in Concept 6 by December 2011. Our first test store in Sylvia Park was opened in June 2007 with a new look and design. This was further enhanced with the launch of a 1,000 sqm store in Masterton in December 2008.  Both stores have been very successful and form the platform of the concept we are rolling out to the balance of our stores.” 

Smith says the new concept store came about after listening to franchise owners and customers. “We are conscious of the importance of using their feedback to provide the best services and products for each specific market.

“We believe this investment will let customers know that when they visit a Paper Plus Concept 6 store they’re going to find a refined, specialised and comprehensive focus on books and stationery, from a New Zealand company serious about supporting the local economy.

“Currently Paper Plus is the number one retailer of greeting cards in New Zealand, selling around three million each year. Our ambition is to replicate that position in both the books and stationery categories and move to a market leadership position over time,” he says.

The Group continues its focus on supporting the local communities in which it operates and does so in numerous ways from local charity organisations to community support infrastructures. 

The growth plans will open up opportunities for new franchisees to join the Paper Plus Group and those looking to own their own business, offering a secure and proven business model for the future.

ends

About Paper Plus
The Paper Plus Group began 26 years ago and is one of New Zealand’s largest stationery and booksellers. The Group incorporates three separate retail brands: Paper Plus, which has 106 stores; Take Note with 58 stores; and Office Spot with two stores, all offering a great range of stationery, books, magazines, cards and gifts to New Zealand consumers. There is a Paper Plus store in most towns from Kaitaia to Invercargill. It is the only New Zealand book and stationery retailer with Fly Buys.

For more information please contact:

Lyle Hastings
Group Marketing Manager
Paper Plus
+64 (0)9 261 0702
lyle.hastings@paperplus.co.nz
 Petra Mihaljevich
Alexander Communications
+64 (0)9 522 5544
+64 (0)27 477 1573
petra@alexandercomms.co.nz