Hawke’s Bay Airport today announced that it has entered into a partnership with Trustpower Ltd as part of the proposed commercial solar farm development to be built on land adjacent to the runway. The partnership will allow the development to move to the next phase, which will involve community consultation and seeking resource consent for the construction and operation of the farm.
Upon completion of the sale of its multi-utility retail business, Trustpower will be rebranded Manawa Energy, and will be New Zealand’s largest independent electricity generator and renewables developer, representing around 5% of New Zealand’s existing generation capacity. The airport development will be Trustpower’s first solar energy project, and is an example of the partnership approach Manawa Energy will take to funding and developing renewables projects in New Zealand.
Chief Executive David Prentice says the partnership with Hawke’s Bay Airport shows the company is making good on its commitment to increasing New Zealand’s renewable generation capacity.
“We are excited to be part of this important development in Hawke’s Bay, and look forward to working with our partners to deliver locally sourced renewable energy to the region” says Prentice.
The airport development will be Trustpower’s second renewables project in the region, after it commissioned the 4-megawatt Esk River Hydro-electric Power Scheme in northern Hawke’s Bay, which has been generating since 2013.
Hawke’s Bay Airport Board Chair Wendie Harvey was thrilled with news of the partnership. “It’s fantastic the solar farm project is going forward with Manawa Energy; a company that understands and is aligned to Hawke’s Bay Airport’s commitment to safeguarding the future and creating the long-term resilience and sustainability of airport land.”
“We can now move ahead with next steps of the project, which will ultimately help us achieve our vision of carbon neutrality by 2030.”
Under the current plans, when complete the solar farm will have 52,000 solar panels capable of generating 24 megawatts of electricity, or 36,000 megawatt hours. The output would be enough to power 5000-6000 households per year.
Mitre 10 MEGA Trade Hastings has taken out the much coveted Mitre 10 MEGA Trade store of the year award for 2021.
Mitre 10 MEGA Trade General Manager Tristan Seccombe says the award win has been something the team has been working on for the last six years and is well deserved and tops off the continued growth in market share for both the Hastings and Napier stores.
“We have worked very hard to be the building supplies provider of choice for many building and trade businesses across Hawke’s Bay and the award recognition is something we are all very proud of.”
Tristan says the two Hawke’s Bay Mitre 10 MEGA Trade stores have focussed on making it easier for local building firms, investing in back-end systems that streamlines ordering building materials.
He adds that a key point of difference with Mitre 10 MEGA Trade is being able to supply everything from a ‘buildings foundations to the fence-line.
“We can provide a much wider offering from materials for foundations to kitchens, bathrooms, plants, permanent fencing and everything in between and this appeals to small and large building firms.”
Tristan says an example of the wider service and product offering is winning a tender last year to supply a Recognised Seasonal Worker accommodation complex with everything from building materials right through to beds and linen.
In winning the award local owners Graeme and Stephen Ricketts praised the team for their win.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the teams achievements and they definitely deserve this recognition,” says Graeme Ricketts.
Regional Trade Development Manager Tony Scottsays Mitre 10 MEGA Hastings has raised the bar for the way we service our customers’ needs, at the same time continually looking for new ways to strengthen and grow the relationships they have with their customers.
“Having achieved exponential sales growth in a challenging environment during a timber crisis, the Mitre 10 MEGA Trade team continue to strive for excellence ensuring the customers’ needs and expectations are met every single day.”
The HIVE is growing and is abuzz with a suite of new offices and new coworkers.
Hastings HIVE has just opened its second stage of six office suites ranging in size from four desks up to seven desks.
Already three of the offices have been snapped up by newcomer to Hawke’s Bay in DCA Architects, along with The Lean Hub, who have taken up their own space and the Hastings City Business Association who have relocated within the HIVE.
The area also has a new video conference suite, the first of two within the HIVE, using Logitech 4k Meetup conference equipment with camera/speaker, remote microphone and plug-and-play connectivity for all those Zoom meets.
Hastings HIVE managing director Rob Gill says he and wife Jenny are thrilled to finally open the latest stage which, in normal circumstances, they had hoped may have been a bit earlier, but COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020 and 2021 delayed both customer uptake and, to a degree, construction.
However, Rob does see a silver lining .The HIVE is buzzing with over 20 small to medium sized businesses in residence, and there’s strong interest from businesses looking for greater flexibility with none of the usual tenancy commitments.
National firms such as engineering consultants BECA and construction firm Apollo Projects have set up at the HIVE alongside thriving local businesses such as new i-office customer The Lean Hub.
“Businesses like the flexible terms, as well as the ability to upscale to a larger office when they grow, or downsize if needed due to a change in circumstances. COVID has really highlighted the need for businesses to have greater control of their fixed costs and future cost commitments.
“We offer a shared working space that provides businesses with a corporate environment in quality offices, with generous meeting rooms, guest lobby, luxurious bathrooms and fast fibre connectivity, as well as a café area and free espresso coffee!”
As well as opening stage 2, Hastings HIVE has launched their premium i-desks in the shared co-working area featuring electrically operable worktops to sit or stand at.
Already four out of six premium i-desks have been snapped up and Rob says they are likely to add more as they are proving popular with the likes of new coworker William Horvath, of insurance brokering firm ICIB, enjoying this capability.
William told The Profit, “A coworking desk is a great place to start for us as we establish ourselves in Hawke’s Bay. We aim to grow our business with more people and the HIVE gives us the opportunity to manage this incrementally.
The government proposed to amend the Property Law Act 2007 by inserting a clause into commercial leases, when introducing the Covid-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Bill.
The proposal notes that when there is an epidemic and the tenant is unable to access all, or part, of their leased premises due to health and safety reasons, that the landlord and tenant should negotiate for a ‘fair proportion’ of an abatement in rent and outgoings. The proposal indicates that this could take place from the 28th of September (inviting submissions on the date) and be enforced for the period of the epidemic, which in this case is up to the 19th of December 2021, which could potentially be extended.
Didn’t this happen in 2020?
The government looked to introduce a similar, albeit different, amendment in June 2020. It did not proceed, most seemingly a result of the coalition government at the time, with Winston Peters calling it “poorly targeted policy”. Also, many, but not all, landlords and tenants had or were already in the midst of negotiation given it was finally proposed in June after the country went into its first Alert Level 4 lockdown in March 2020.
So, what are some of the differences this time?
Apart from there being no coalition government this time, other differences include:
there has been a substantial time period put in place irrespective of Alert Levels
there isn’t a restriction on business size, previously it was 20 or fewer full-time staff at the leased premises
the government is seemingly leaving it up to the landlord and tenant to agree on what is ‘fair proportion’
suggested that if ‘fair proportion’ is not determinable, parties seek mediation or arbitration
parties could agree that the clause does not apply
would only apply to leases which do not already provide for adjusted rent payment terms during an epidemic emergency.
Was there guidance on what ‘fair proportion’ was previously?
Yes, there were some guidelines to assist with what ‘fair’ might look like, such as taking into consideration the levels of tenant income lost during the period the company could not trade fully, any landlord mortgage obligations, the previous years’ profitability of both parties, any financial assistance provided, the ability of both parties to survive financially and any other relevant factors. The government also provided $40 million for accessing dispute resolution services, which has now ended.
What about the ADLS lease clause 27.5?
Given many agreements utilise an ADLS lease, which has the 27.5 ‘no access clause’, discussion is arising that this could be considered a rent adjustment clause anyway. Further, there will already be many current agreements in place that will potentially supersede this proposal, which comes 1.5 years after Covid-19 was officially called a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation.
So, what now?
The proposal is still to go to the select committee, and there is a lot of lobbying underway given the implications that changing existing legal contracts represents, so some changes may still occur. It would be fair to say that there are seemingly a few gaps, leaving many potentially feeling that the proposal is not of real assistance for landlords or tenants. With strict lockdowns (fingers crossed) already behind us, many will have negotiated a way forward a long time ago, so this will be of less relevance. No guidance on what ‘fair proportion’ represents doesn’t really help, especially those in a dispute already. Perhaps the best way forward from this is to focus on how New Zealand emerges safely and effectively from current Covid-19 restrictions, so that the clause doesn’t need to be enacted.
The summer events season is up in the air due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
Hawke’s Bay is a magnet for major events over summer and as we remain at lockdown Level 2 (as of early October) our key events such as Horse of the Year, the Mission Concert, Art Decoand many other outdoor concerts and festivals remain up in the air.
HOY and the Mission were also cancelled at the last minute in 2020 and although contingency plans are in place, if Auckland was to stay at a higher lockdown level or goes into a high lockdown level again, New Zealand’s largest equestrian event would be unlikely.
Already events such as Hawke’s Bay Racing’s Spring Carnival and the Hawke’s Bay A&P Show have been impacted, with the show being cancelled for only the second time in 158 years, the only other time being during World War 2.
The New Zealand Events Association has also postponed its own conference and awards event, which was due to be held in Napier in September, but has now been pushed out to December.
A hot topic at the event will be how the sector will recover from COVID-19. In fact the events headline name is ‘Eventing the Future’.
The conference, being held at the War Memorial Centre, has attracted some impressive key speakers such as Andrea Nelson, the CEO of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and Minister for Tourism Hon. Stuart Nash.
Last year the Government provided $60 million to the events sector – a $10m Domestic Event Fund (DEF) and a $50m Regional Events Fund (REF).
Stuart is likely to be put under the spotlight as the sector looks for support as it navigates the economic impact of the pandemic.
A letter was sent to the minister in September by the NZ Events Association which said level 2 had ‘brought the sector to its knees’.
The association has asked the government to consider five requests – targeted and extended financial support, a risk based approach to events at alert level 2, a government backed insurance facility for events, new ‘‘tools to the event toolbox” such as rapid COVID-19 testing and improved MIQ systems.
New Zealand Events Association survey found that a week into alert level 4, 182 events were cancelled and 231 events were postponed.
Of the 100 respondents 42 per cent said the disruption had a considerable financial impact on their organisation and 36 per cent reported a moderate financial impact.
The cost was conservatively estimated to be close to $6m and that doesn’t include many large events which did not respond to the survey, the association says.
Co-owner and chief executive of Duco Events, Rachael Carroll has 5 large scale events that take place between October and February. Each event expected more than 5000 people is one of many within the sector that are asking for greater support and direction by the Government.
Rachael says Duco has invested heavily into these events and tickets sales have been strong but it’s a case of fingers and toes crossed that they happen.
We are looking to NZ Government to provide a road map out of the pandemic with some guidance about what can happen when aligned to vaccination rates.
We currently do not know when these events can take place but remain optimistic. We are supportive of restrictions and controls to protect health, but the lack of uncertainty of the next 6 months puts pressure on event companies.
Rachael says Duco has a diverse portfolio of events, many of which have been postponed since March 2020 and with lack of international talent, they have shifted to using more local talent.
“Since the pandemic hit we have been able to shift focus to events with local NZ talent (eg SYNTHONY music event, T20 Black Clash and staging a local Joseph Parker heavyweight fight).
Whilst postponement by no means as dire as cancellation it takes time / energy and money and income is delayed putting pressure on business cash flow.”
Event organisers within the sector are all on the same page when it comes to the support needed by the Government.
Both Rachael and Chris Randle, Head of Event Success at Blerter and a board member of the New Zealand Event Association calling for a road map and having a different status from other mass gatherings.
“Within this road map events need to be considered differently to a mass gathering asticketed events are controlled and we have the ability to use mandatory masks, QR codes, and can separate audiences to support contact tracing,” Rachael says.
Chris adds that “there is no one size fits all and the industry is incredibly diverse so access to a system that acknowledges that and supports a risk based approach to decision making would be very helpful.”
“We need clear information, appropriate systems and consistency.”
Chris says as summer arrivesthere is a mix of optimism and anxiety across the sector although time and continued uncertainty is one of the biggest challenges many face.
Chris says as well as the economic benefits events bring to New Zealand and host regions, events also have a positive impact on the wellbeing of those that attend and give the wider community a buzz, that an event is being held in their city.
“Economic impact is often the statistic that makes headlines when it comes to events. However, events can connect and reconnect people and the profound positive impact that events can have on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of people and communities is important now more than ever.”
Hawke’s Bay events champion and Napier City Council Events Manager Kevin Murphy hopes that the new normal, will be less forgiving on the local events sector and the many businesses across Hawke’s Bay that benefit.
“It will be a pretty sad summer if we can’t get out and about and enjoy events such asinternational cricket at McLean Park, Art Deco,concerts across the region and the big local free events like New Years Eve.
“It also has the potential to change the events scene for years to come, as the other sectors that rely on the economic windfall from events such as accommodation providers and bars and restaurants.”
Wairoa-based New Zealand Mecates grew out of founder Ilana Cheiban’s love of horses and her desire for quality, locally made gear.
When she couldn’t find the type of horse tack she wanted, Ilana decided to make it herself – and the business was born. It now produces top-quality, handmade horse gear and leather products to local and overseas markets.
NZ Mecates’ success earned Ilana the Judge’s Choice Award at this year’s ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards.
In winning the discretionary category award, the judges said Ilana had done “a supreme job” in carving out a company from scratch, and they unanimously wanted to acknowledge NZ Mecates, which exports about three-quarters of its products.
Ilana’s venture began when she sold halters for the first time at a local horse and tack auction.
“I sold 17 halters for $23 each. I remember realising that there was a market for the gear that I was making for my family, that there was something I could provide and a way to keep us afloat,” she says.
With a background in fine arts, a talent for using her hands and an eagerness to learn, she started her mecate-making craft journey in 2014 when she purchased a hand twister off eBay.
“Like any good business, we were born out of a backyard shed, supported enough to eventually risk quitting the day job. What started with halters soon branched out into rope and leather reins, headstalls and breastplates,” she says.
“I couldn’t help laughing when my daughter asked why I couldn’t just have a normal job like a normal mother when we were stretching out hides one day.”
The business grew to specialise in making Californian-style tack and Ilana believes she is the only manufacturer in the world producing wool-based mecates, equestrian ropes traditionally made out of horsehair.
She says it took a year of trial and error to develop the “recipes” for her unique mecates and her family was called into service.
“It took three people to make one mecate. We would spend every weekend walking the length of the veranda of our house, twisting up mecates, which often indulged in being difficult and obstinate. We spent many frustrated hours on that veranda.
“What we produce now are six-strand mecates that have a core of twisted wool. They are one-of-a-kind, bespoke mecates that are durable yet soft in your hand and have a wonderful life to them.”
Ilana says having learnt her craft “with the aid of nothing but a few books, YouTube and wit”, she plans to keep refining her skills so she can extend her range of products.
“I just love making what I make, and I keep adding new designs, refining and making the products better.”
Using New Zealand wool is a core aspect of the business, Ilana says, because it is a natural, sustainable, iconic Kiwi product and it is important to keep showcasing it to our international markets.
“It would be really nice to see more small businesses using wool in a way that is innovative, added value and got it offshore. It gives the farmers encouragement, gets them back in the woolshed. I’m lucky to be able to access really good quality and quantities of wool and it’s the best in the world. It’s the best fibre.”
An earlier decision by New Zealand Frost Fans to send stock to a key South American market proved its value when Covid-19 hit last year.
With its fans already on the ground in Chile before disruptions to global shipping schedules took hold, the Hastings-based company found itself with a competitive edge in one of its fastest-growing territories.
It is that type of strategic planning that saw NZ Frost Fans named ASB Exporter of the Year for 2021 at the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards. The company also won this year’s T&G Global Best Established Award at the same event.
The award judges said NZ Frost Fans stood out from the many strong entries. “The strong and local partner ecosystem, innovative production and shipping systems, and IP in their blades combine to showcase a very well-balanced company with strong capability and growth prospects. Despite many challenges with sheer growth, logistics and without the ability to travel to many of its markets, they have performed in an exemplary way.”
The business specialises in frost fan design and manufacture, as well as the subsequent field placements, installation and servicing. Its range of FrostBoss fans are marketed through its own companies in New Zealand and Australia, and through
a network of local distributors in Canada, Israel, Europe and South America.
“We’ve been involved in the Chilean market for about four years and have seen huge growth there in the past financial year,” says marketing and business development manager Chris Kay.
“We sent machines to Chile for stock, which shortened our lead times and gave us a good competitive advantage there – even more so when COVID-19 hit and it became harder and more expensive to arrange sea freight.”
A growing market for fan upgrades now exists as new technology is adapted for the population of ageing fans, especially in New Zealand and Australia. The efficiency and productivity of such fans can be significantly improved by the retrofitting of composite blades, centrifugal clutches and gearboxes, particularly when coupled with automated controllers.
NZ Frost Fans has a significant research and development programme focussed on improving the efficiency and reliability of its fans. The result of this research has been the development of the FrostBoss C49 frost fan, incorporating the proprietary FrostBoss clutch, controller and C49 composite blades.
The C49 was developed with the help of former Team New Zealand aerodynamics research engineer Richard Karn to optimise noise reduction.
“One of our key advantages in all the markets that we’re in is our low noise emissions,” says Chris.
“Noise is becoming a bigger issue in a lot of countries that we’re in, either through regulation or just through demand from local communities.”
Web-based monitoring of frost fans is also becoming more popular among both large and small growers alike. NZ Frost Fans’ remote monitoring option, FrostSmart, enables growers to access real-time monitoring of fans around the world, together with text alarms and historical data and graphs on temperature, run hours and machine performance.
While COVID-19 has brought challenges, the business is continuing its strategy for managed growth and is constantly evaluating new markets.
“Previously we provided technical training face to face. With COVID-19, we’ve had to do that remotely, meaning we’ve had to develop a lot of new training materials, including videos, in multiple languages,” Chris says.
“The good thing is we’ve still managed to grow even though we can’t travel.”
Budding entrepreneurs Gina Urlich and Andy Spear of Norish have taken out the first ever Innovate Hawke’s Bay awards with their nutritious baby food product.
They headed off other local entrepreneurs who pitched their ideas to three judges and 75 guests at ToiToi: Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre, winning $5000 plus entry into The Factory’s accelerator programme run out of Havelock North.
INNOVATE HB – Awards evening, ToiToi, Hastings, New Zealand, November 24 2021. Photo by alphapix
The event attracted just under 50 entries, 20 of which moved through to the semi-finals where they pitched to 25 Innovate Hawke’s Bay mentors. Seven finalists were then selected and put through a structured programme over two months, culminating in the final pitch night.
Gina Andy pithed Norish, where nourishing meets moreish. Norish carefully selects the best of what Mother Nature has to offer and combines it with an innovative technology to create a shelf-stable nutrient-rich baby food product line.
“Just being a finalist was a really big winning moment for us,” says Gina. “And receiving the title of Innovate Hawke’s Bay winner for 2021 was incredibly humbling. That external validation for our idea means so much.”
Both on a separate yet similar journey, they connected via Instagram and quickly realised the power of collaboration. Working together, they came up with a solution to fill a hole in the baby food market where they recognised there was a real lack of nutritious commercial baby food.
Going through the Innovate process opened up their networking opportunities. “It broadened and strengthened our vision and business plan,” continues Andy. “Our business plan became better every time we spoke to a mentor.”
CE of The Factory, Dave Craig says of the event, “it was extra special to be able to run a live event. We’re stoked that Hawke’s Bay has welcomed The Factory into the region and our intention is that this is the first of many years to come.”
Now in its tenth year, Innovate’s proven playbook is a staple in the Manawatū business scene. Bringing it to the Hawke’s Bay was made possible thanks to Luke Irving from Fingermark in Havelock North.
“The support from the business community and the way in which they have embraced the event, along with the calibre and breadth of entries, has created a really strong platform to build on,” explains Luke. “The aim is to have Innovate Hawke’s Bay become a staple on the region’s event calendar.”
Gina and Andy have advice for budding entrepreneurs. “There is opportunity everywhere and if you feel you’ve got an idea, I know it’s really cliché, but you just have to really put everything out there and have a crack,” encourages Andy.
Innovate Hawke’s Bay is run through The Factory by Havelock North local, Hal Josephson. Hal’s experience in the start-up and angel investing landscape is immense.
The judges for Innovate Hawke’s Bay 2021 were Annabel Toogood, Executive Director at Skyline Healthcare Group; Jason Wilton, CEO at Resero; and Susan White, Global Marketing Manager at FPG. The Master of Ceremonies on the night was David “Toddy” Todd.
Innovate Hawke’s Bay is sponsored by Rockit, Fingermark, Metalform, Furnware, Ask Your Team, Re-Leased, Innove Design, People & People, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway
The new world class elective surgery facility in Hastings is being super-sized with the announcement of a second stage which will bring much needed cancer care services to Hawke’s Bay.
Kaweka Health’s Managing Director, Dr Colin Hutchison, today announced an additional 7,000m2 of clinical space including a critical care ward, local cancer diagnosis and treatment services and a cardiac catheterisation lab.
“Our vision is to provide world class elective healthcare locally, enhancing direct access to quality healthcare for people living in Hawke’s Bay.”
The development will occur on land previously owned by Hastings District Council, which was leased by Recreational Services Limited, a company contracted to provide parks and recreation maintenance services to the Council.
Within the new 7,000m2 facility will be a large imaging centre and a new cancer centre. The cancer care clinic will be operated by Canopy Healthcare Group, which is the largest North Island diagnostic imaging provider with its TRG Imaging brand while its Canopy Cancer Care company is the largest private medical oncology provider in New Zealand.
Canopy Healthcare Group Chief Executive, Tony Moffatt, says the $10 million clinic will be a first of its kind in New Zealand – a full service imaging, consultation and oncology treatment centre offering state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanning technology and specialist oncology treatment under “one roof”.
“We are introducing more MRI and CT capacity into the Bay and for patients it means earlier diagnosis, world class imaging and immediate cancer treatment, all in the region.
“Presently people going through non-DHB chemotherapy have to travel out of Hawke’s Bay to receive their treatment, which can be stressful and physically demanding, they then return home before going through the same thing again three weeks later.
“Having everything local gives patients every opportunity of a full recovery.”
Canopy Healthcare presently has a temporary cancer care clinic in Canning Road as well as imaging facilities at Royston Hospital, EIT Institute of Health at Mitre10 Sports Park, Hastings Health Centre and in Napier.
“Like Kaweka Health we are dedicated to providing world-class care that is delivered locally. We have the very best radiologists, oncologists, haematologists, nursing, pharmacy, tech and support staff to care for our patients.”
The new three-story building will feature the Rolls Royce of seismic design and earthquake proofing – using “base isolation” technology, which is a first for buildings in Hawke’s Bay.
The technology enables the facility to remain fully functional following a large seismic event providing assurance to Kaweka Health and the wider community in a time when it may be needed.
Demolition of the existing building will be a staged task starting in late November through to early February 2022, with the building expected to open in December 2024.
Dr Hutchison says the fast-growing project has been made possible because everyone involved is committed to a shared vision of a facility that “protects and cares for the people of Hawke’s Bay.”
“We’re here to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Hawke’s Bay.
“We are indebted to our development team, senior doctors, health professionals and local investors who have jumped on board to support the vision for the exciting health care service.”
Stage one with four operating theatres, full pre-op and recovery areas (including overnight beds), along with 150 carparks is progressing well and is planned to open in June 2022.
“We are thrilled to be in a position to help by providing our additional theatre facilities to enable extra capacity by another 5,000 operations a year.
“We are in a recruitment phase and are quickly building a highly capable nursing team in Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Surgical Ward, and theatre specialties as well as the team of Anaesthetic Technicians.”
Dr Hutchison is thrilled that Nick Ward of Proactive Management Limited will project manage both stages of the development, ably supported by leading local construction firm Gemco Group along with many local trade businesses.
“We wanted a seamless process to ensure that we meet our first deadline of stage one opening in June 2022 and then continue full steam ahead with stage 2.”
He may be 81 years old but that doesn’t stop Fidel Russ turning up to his job as production manager at Wood Mallets in Central Hawke’s Bay at 5.30am four mornings a week.
Wood Mallets, located east of Otane, exports hand-crafted polo sticks and croquet mallets to more than 50 countries and Fidel has worked for the business since 1991.
Company founder and managing director George Wood describes the octogenarian as the most dedicated employee a business could wish for.
Fidel Russ – going strong at 81 years
“Fidel is an extremely practical and talented craftsman, and his work ethic is second to none. Recently we asked him to cut back to forty hours a week and told him he’s not allowed to come in on Thursdays anymore.”
His three decades of commitment to the business was recognised at this year’s ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards when Fidel was named one of three winners of the Unsung Heroes Award, along with Mike Jones of Gisvin and Simon Beale of T&G Global. The award recognises work behind the scenes of exporting companies and the judges said they couldn’t single out any one winner, so decided to recognise the three businesses and individuals “who, in their own way, each make a significant difference to exporting in the region”.
George and his father Peter established Wood Mallets in 1981 and Fidel started working for the business a decade later, shortly after emigrating from Argentina. Over the years Wood Mallets has grown steadily to become the world’s leading manufacturer of handcrafted croquet mallets and an internationally renowned producer of polo mallets.
“The success of this business has stemmed from the fact that our standard of craftsmanship is obviously extremely high and quality control is paramount,” George says.
“With Fidel leading the workshop staff for over 30 years, those two attributes have been synonymous with our products worldwide.”
Fidel says he has no desire to step away from a job he is passionate about.
“No one wants to retire when they are at a workplace like this and they enjoy what they are doing,” he says.
He also still sees his work as an opportunity to ‘give back’ to the Wood family, and to New Zealand, for making him and his family feel welcome all those years ago.
“New Zealand opened its doors for us, and so did the Wood family, who made us feel welcome here. We have met many, many outstanding people who became friends who have made us feel settled and at home.”
George says Fidel’s fluency in Spanish has proven invaluable to the business over the years when dealing with polo customers and suppliers in Argentina. He has travelled back there twice on business-related trips to source timber and has also travelled to Indonesia to select canes.
Fidel says he felt honoured to represent the company overseas and help contribute to New Zealand’s export economy.
“As well as helping the business and helping the country, the most important thing is being part of a team who work together, have a good relationship and help each other. That is the only way to get something done.”
Fidel now has five grandchildren – most of whom were born in New Zealand – along with four great-granddaughters, who were all born here.
“All of us are very, very happy here and very proud to be Kiwis,” he says.
