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February 2026

Business

Networking, Insight and Local Business Spotlight at NZ Business Connect Hamilton

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On 10 February, NZ Business Connect Hamilton brought local professionals together for an evening of connection, insight and inspiration, hosted at Collins Automotive. Well known in the Waikato for their exceptional customer service and strong reputation in the automotive industry, Collins Automotive provided the perfect setting for the first Hamilton event of 2026. The evening featured guest speaker Sue Loder, Business Growth Advisor at Soda Inc, who delivered practical and thought provoking insights into what it truly takes for local businesses to grow and thrive. Sue challenged attendees with a simple but powerful statement: “If you don’t have any problems, that’s your first problem.” Her message encouraged business owners to rethink obstacles, not as setbacks, but as indicators of opportunity. Through her work with Soda Inc, Sue supports businesses across funding and co funding opportunities, management coaching and digital marketing strategy. Her guidance helps local enterprises navigate growth challenges while building strong, sustainable foundations for the future. The event also shone a spotlight on The Girl on the Swing, a premium cake studio known for its beautifully crafted custom creations. Owner Izzy Hughes, who has led the business for the past three years, has built meaningful partnerships with charities and loyal clients while continuing to grow the studio’s reputation for quality and creativity. Her story added a strong local flavour to the evening and highlighted the impact small businesses can have within their communities. As the evening concluded, attendees left with strengthened networks, fresh perspectives and renewed motivation. Events like these continue to demonstrate the value of bringing local businesses together, not only to share expertise, but to foster collaboration, innovation and long term growth across the Waikato business community. Contact NZ Business Connect: 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Business

AI and Emerging Talent: A Future Focused Conversation at NZ Business Connect Tauranga

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Following the first Tauranga NZ Business Connect event of 2026 on 24 February, business leaders left with a refreshed and optimistic perspective on artificial intelligence and the future of entry level roles. Proudly sponsored by Stephen Hatfield of Hatfield Accounting Tauranga, with venue sponsorship from Little Long Espresso, the event brought together professionals from across the region to explore how AI is reshaping both university pathways and business environments. Guest speaker Annika Hinze from The University of Waikato delivered practical insights into what this technological shift really means for interns, graduates and small to medium sized enterprises. Her message was clear and reassuring. AI is not here to replace emerging talent. It is here to support it. “AI isn’t here to take their jobs,” she explained. “It’s here to help them be more proactive and produce creativity.” By handling repetitive and time consuming tasks, AI enables young professionals to focus on higher value work such as critical thinking, innovation and strategic problem solving. Rather than removing opportunity, it enhances the ability of interns and graduates to contribute meaningfully from an early stage in their careers. Annika also outlined two key forms of AI shaping today’s workplaces. Generative AI can create new ideas and content, even if it occasionally makes mistakes. Agentic AI goes a step further, acting autonomously based on data inputs and trends to make decisions with minimal prompting. While these tools are powerful, she emphasised they are most effective when used alongside human judgement, curiosity and creativity. For New Zealand’s SMEs, this presents significant opportunity. Small businesses are agile and innovative but often operate with limited resources. Interns bring fresh thinking, digital confidence and a willingness to experiment with emerging tools. In return, they gain invaluable real world experience, professional networks and a clearer understanding of how businesses operate. When AI capability and emerging talent come together within SMEs, it creates a partnership where both sides grow stronger and more future ready. Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Business, Members

Zoom Print – 30 Years of Fast, Bespoke Printing Solutions a Part of NZ Business Connect

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NZ Business Connect is pleased to spotlight Zoom Print, a long-standing, family-owned print business delivering high-quality, customised print solutions across the region. With roots stretching back three decades, Zoom Design & Print was purchased by its current owners in 2010 and continues to operate as a family-run business. Built on a practical “can do” attitude, the team has developed a reputation for producing bespoke print solutions that bring brands to life. From flat-pack tailored boxes to large-format signage, if it can be printed, chances are Zoom can produce it. Zoom Print services a broad range of clients, with a strong presence in real estate, property management and development, small to medium-sized businesses, schools and training institutes, and local councils. Their offering spans everything from building and real estate signage to business cards, pens, vinyl stickers, vehicle signage, and promotional materials. The key difference lies not just in what they print, but how they deliver it. High-speed digital printing enables fast and efficient turnaround times, with many jobs completed within 24 hours when required. For larger runs, their precision offset printing and superior print finishing provide cost-effective, high-quality results. Clients benefit from being able to access everything under one roof, from graphic design through to final production, ensuring brand consistency and professional presentation. Behind the scenes, experienced personnel drive the business forward. Their signwriter brings a wealth of technical expertise, while their graphic designer adds creativity and flair to every project. Owners Debbie & Jason lead with a passion for customer satisfaction and pride in delivering a job well done. Recent investments in wide-format high-end print and manufacturing equipment, along with the shift from solvent-based printers to environmentally friendlier water-based latex technology, demonstrate Zoom Print’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Family values, customer-first service, and a constant drive to improve continue to define Zoom Print in a competitive and evolving industry. Contact Zoom Print https://www.zoomprint.co.nz/contact-us 0800 249 666  sales@zoomprint.co.nz  Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Business, Members

Sunil Patil of LINK Business Brokers Waikato Joins NZ Business Connect as the 100th Member

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Pictured above: L-R  Sunil Patil of LINK Business Brokers Waikato and NZ Business Connect Founder Phillip Quay NZ Business Connect is proud to announce and welcome Sunil Patil of LINK Business Brokers Waikato as its milestone 100th member, a significant achievement for the growing network of trusted business professionals across New Zealand. Sunil began operating as a business consultant in the Waikato in 2023, establishing Xcel Business Consultants after decades in senior commercial, operational and strategy roles across the dairy, food and plastics industries, including with Fonterra. In 2024, he expanded into business brokerage, and in 2025 launched Smart Business Exit, a modern platform dedicated to exit planning, education and seller readiness. Throughout his career, Sunil has seen a consistent theme over and again: phenomenal businesses often lose value at that final point of sale because they are not positioned in a “buyer-confidence” format. Financial clarity, system strength, risk transparency and reduced owner dependency are frequently overlooked until it’s too late. His hybrid model addresses this gap by combining structured brokerage with practical consulting. Today, Sunil’s work sits at the intersection of brokerage and practical consulting for SME owners all over the Waikato and the wider Golden Triangle, particularly in food manufacturing, agribusiness, engineering, trade services and technology sectors. Through LINK, he manages confidential appraisals, targeted marketing, buyer screening and negotiation. Xcel Business Consultants and Smart Business Exit supports owners months or even years before sale, lifting performance, improving reporting and building credible sale narratives. His core philosophy is simple: Value = Earnings X Confidence. Buyers purchase trust, and well-prepared businesses achieve stronger outcomes. Describing himself as a hybrid broker, Sunil combines a deal-maker mindset with strategic consulting expertise. Whether running a structured sale process or working alongside an owner over time to improve systems and reduce dependency, his focus remains the same: helping owners exit with clarity, confidence and dignity. Reaching 100 members marks an important milestone for NZ Business Connect, and Sunil’s integrity-driven, relationship-focused approach reflects the calibre of professionals within the network. Contact Sunil Patil LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-patil-b1136710/ Website: https://www.smartbusinessexit.co.nz/#contact LINK Website: https://linkbusiness.co.nz/business-broker/sunil-patil/ Business enquiries email: sunil.patil@linkbusiness.co.nz Mobile +64 21 814 424 Contact NZ Business Connect Phillip Quay 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Business, Finance

Ruan Chryssafis of Vega Mortgages Ltd Joins NZ Business Connect

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NZ Business Connect is pleased to introduce Ruan Chryssafis of Vega Mortgages Ltd to the network, bringing extensive lending expertise and a relationship-driven approach to helping New Zealanders achieve their property and financial goals. Ruan began his mortgage advisory business in April 2018 after five years working as a Home Lending Specialist with ANZ Bank. While banking provided a strong technical foundation, he saw greater opportunity to support clients by working across multiple lenders and offering more tailored, strategic advice. Establishing his own advisory business allowed him to focus on what he enjoys most: guiding people through complex lending processes and helping them make confident, informed decisions. Ruan specialises in residential lending, assisting existing homeowners, first-home buyers, property investors, and those undertaking construction projects. He also supports business owners with cashflow funding, asset finance, commercial lending, and development finance. By working closely with major banks and non-bank lenders, he evaluates borrowing capacity and structures lending solutions aligned to each client’s personal goals, whether that means accelerating mortgage repayment, improving cashflow, or building a long-term property portfolio. Relationships are central to Ruan’s success. With 80 percent of new business generated through referrals, trust and clear communication are key pillars of his approach. He encourages clients to engage early, before securing a property or finalising savings, as early planning enables stronger lending positioning and smoother approvals. With the belief that every situation has a solution, he brings persistence and clarity to even the most complex scenarios. Supported by a postgraduate diploma in banking and a Bachelor of Commerce in finance and international trade, alongside 15 years of lending experience and personal property investment experience, Ruan understands lending from both professional and real-world perspectives. Having assisted more than 1,000 clients on their property journey, Ruan joins NZ Business Connect with a commitment to honesty, integrity, and building meaningful connections within the business community. Contact Ruan Chryssafis ruan@vegalend.co.nz 021 901 702 https://vegalend.co.nz/ruan-chryssafis Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Property

Buyer vs Seller Market: Gurinder Singh of LM Realty Explains the True Value of Hamilton Homes

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Hamilton real estate agent Gurinder Singh says that CV, or rateable value (RV), is not an accurate indicator of a property’s true market value. Instead, Singh, an agent with LM Realty, says there are several factors that influence property value, and one of the most significant is the type of market.  “A property’s value can shift depending on whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, in other words, the dynamics of supply and demand,” Singh says. “When supply exceeds demand, it’s a buyer’s market, giving purchasers the upper hand. Conversely, when supply is limited, it’s a seller’s market, allowing vendors to command higher prices,” he says. The Real Estate Authority (REA) requires that every licensed salesperson provide an estimate of a property’s value before listing it. This estimate is largely based on recent sales of comparable properties in the area and helps set a realistic, market-informed benchmark. “This is what I call a research-based value,” Singh says. “On the other hand, every vendor enters the market with an expectation of what their property is worth, their dream price. While this can often be higher than market reality, it represents the seller’s aspirations and emotional attachment to their home,” Singh says. “In today’s market, which currently leans toward buyers, it’s ultimately the buyer who decides what they are willing to pay. Often, there can be a gap between the research-based estimate, the vendor’s dream price, and the buyer’s perception of value, and this is where negotiation skills of a real estate salesperson and market strategy become critical,” he says. “Understanding these dynamics is key for both buyers and sellers. CV may give a rough guideline for rates, but real market value is determined by research, market conditions, and ultimately, what buyers are willing to pay.” Contact Gurinder: Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (REAA 2008) gurinder.s@lmrealty.co.nz 021 491 424 https://www.lmrealty.co.nz/gurinder Proof in the Pudding: “A home holds two treasures: the life you live and the wealth you build.”   Contact MediaPA phillip@mediapa.co.nz 027 458 7724

Rural

Ways to Reduce Nitrate Leaching, Part 2, with Leading NZ Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram

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In the previous article, I focused on management changes that can help reduce nitrate leaching. Alongside those strategies, soil and plant-based tools also play a critical role. Much of my work has centred on understanding how carbon, microbes and plant roots interact to keep nitrogen in the system for longer, rather than allowing it to be lost through leaching. One option I often work with is the use of solid humates. Humates act primarily as a carbon source for soil microbes. When microbes have adequate carbon, they become more active and are able to temporarily hold nitrogen within their biomass. This slows down the conversion of nitrogen into nitrate and reduces the speed at which it moves through the soil profile. The key point is that nitrogen is still available to plants, but it is released more gradually. Biochar works in a different but complementary way. Rather than acting mainly as a food source, biochar provides physical structure in the soil. It creates protected spaces where microbes can live and function more effectively, particularly under stress. At the same time, both biochar and humates have the ability to hold onto nutrients, including nitrogen, helping to keep them in the root zone instead of allowing them to leach. Used together, they support a more stable soil system where nitrogen is retained for longer periods. Plant roots are another important part of the picture. Typical ryegrass roots extend to around 20 to 30 centimetres. There is a lot of nutrients lost during leaching, and in dollar terms, this could be as much as half or more of what you apply in a year as fertiliser. Deeper-rooting species can intercept nutrients that move further down the soil profile, capturing nitrogen before it is lost below the root zone. Encouraging deeper and more diverse root systems adds another layer of protection against nitrate leaching. Foliar application is also a useful tool in this toolbox. By supplying nutrients directly to the plant through the leaf, foliar feeding can improve nutrient efficiency and reduce the reliance on soil-applied nitrogen. When plants are better balanced nutritionally, they use nitrogen more effectively, which means less excess nitrogen remains in the soil to be leached. In Canterbury, I will soon be measuring the effectiveness of these systems more precisely using lysimeters to better understand where the nitrogen is going and how effectively it is being retained. The key takeaway is that reducing nitrate leaching requires a toolbox, not a single solution. By combining management changes with carbon inputs, plant strategies and targeted foliar nutrition, farmers can significantly reduce losses while maintaining productive and economically viable systems. Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram 021 466 077 | rajendram@xtra.co.nz www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz Contact MediaPA Phillip Quay MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Business

Stephen Hatfield from Tauranga-based Hatfield Business Development and Accounting Services

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Stephen Hatfield is supporting the Tauranga business community as sponsor of the upcoming event hosted by NZ Business Connect on 24 February. Held at Little Long Espresso, the gathering will feature guest speaker Annika Hinze from the Cybersecurity and AI department at the University of Waikato, bringing insight into issues increasingly shaping modern business. A Tauranga-based Chartered Accountant with more than 30 years of experience, Stephen leads Hatfield Business Development and Accounting Services with a philosophy centred on helping small and medium sized businesses make informed, confident decisions. Since establishing his boutique practice in 2012, he has offered a model built on three connected pillars: business planning and development, traditional accounting services, and tax. This integrated approach reflects Stephen’s belief that accounting should go beyond reporting on the past. While strong financial compliance and clear reporting remain essential, his focus extends to helping clients understand their present position and plan strategically for their future prosperity. Whether that success means navigating tax obligations smoothly or achieving long term growth goals, his role is to provide guidance that is practical, accessible, and forward looking. The values underpinning his practice reinforce this mindset: Stephen’s sponsorship reflects a shared alignment with the purpose of NZ Business Connect events, which encourage meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across the business community. By supporting this Tauranga gathering, he is helping create an environment where professionals can exchange ideas and explore emerging topics such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence alongside trusted business fundamentals. Those wishing to connect with Stephen can do so directly:Phone: 07 579 6022Email: Stephen@hatfield.co.nzWebsite: hatfield.co.nz Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Accommodation

Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites Auckland: Genuine Hospitality in the Age of AI

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In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping how we travel, communicate, and make decisions, the importance of genuine human hospitality has never been clearer. At Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites, we are committed to creating a hotel experience that feels warm, personal, and grounded in real connection. Technology has brought many benefits to the hospitality sector. Faster bookings, seamless access to information, and smart operational systems can make travel easier and more efficient. We embrace these tools where they enhance comfort and convenience for guests visiting Auckland. But convenience alone does not create lasting memories. What truly defines a memorable stay are the human touches that cannot be automated. Our approach centres on genuine care and attentiveness, including: These moments, often simple, are what transform accommodation into hospitality. They remind guests that care, empathy, and attentiveness are felt, not programmed. We believe technology should work quietly in the background, supporting rather than replacing connection. It helps us provide smoother communication, efficient coordination, and reliable access to information. But the experience itself is always shaped by people. As AI continues to evolve, our commitment remains unchanged. Hospitality should feel human. It should feel sincere. It should reflect genuine warmth. At Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites, we offer more than a place to stay. We create an environment where guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and valued. Because even in the age of AI, an authentic human connection will always matter most. “Best Western in Newmarket, is the only place I will stay at in Auckland. I have previously stayed at a few other motels, which I have not been satisfied with. |Once I found Best Western in Newmarket, it is my only go to Motel. The staff are always extremely polite, friendly and helpful. Breakfast has a wide variety to choose from. My motel room has always been very clean and tidy.” – Maureen Contact Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites info@abf.net.nz 0508 899 699 https://www.bestwesternnewmarket.co.nz Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Accommodation

Why Guests Love Staying At Argent Motor Lodge In Hamilton

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Photo by 1818 Productions At Argent Motor Lodge, our story starts with our location. As the closest accommodation provider to Waikato Hospital, we welcome guests who are looking for a place that is convenient, calm, and comfortable. From families visiting loved ones, to medical professionals on assignment, or travellers seeking a stress-free stay, our focus is on creating a welcoming experience from the moment you arrive. Our Hamilton motel accommodation is thoughtfully designed with comfort and ease in mind. Plush beds, spotless bathrooms, quality furnishings, and soundproof construction create a peaceful retreat for resting and recharging. Well-equipped kitchens, free unlimited Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and air-conditioning provide everything needed to settle in, whether for a single night or an extended visit. In addition to our proximity to Waikato Hospital, we’re just minutes from Braemar Hospital, Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton Lake, and a variety of local cafés and restaurants. Hamilton City Centre, including the recently opened Waikato Regional Theatre, is only a five-minute drive away. With free onsite parking and complimentary transport available by arrangement, getting around Hamilton is simple and easy. What truly sets Argent Motor Lodge apart is our commitment to genuine hospitality. Friendly service and careful attention to detail ensure that every guest feels supported and valued. We’re not just providing accommodation, we’re offering a relaxing and reliable base for your time in Hamilton. Book direct with Argent Motor Lodge for the best rates: Website: www.argenthamilton.co.nz Phone: +64 7 843 9912 / 0800 275 676 Email: info@argenthamilton.co.nz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/argentmotorlodge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/argentmotorlodge

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