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April 2026

Business

NZ Business Connect Introduces New Member Hetul Majmundar – Commercial Property Specialist with NAI Harcourts

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NZ Business Connect is pleased to introduce new member Hetul Majmundar, a commercial real estate salesperson with NAI Harcourts, focused on helping clients navigate property opportunities with confidence and clarity. Starting his real estate career in early 2026, Hetul entered the commercial property sector with a strong interest in property, investment, and long-term wealth creation. His approach is driven by a genuine desire to understand client goals and connect them with the right opportunities, whether that is securing a premises, growing a portfolio, or making strategic investment decisions. Hetul specialises in commercial property sales and leasing, working across retail and office spaces as well as investment opportunities. He also supports landlords and tenants with tailored property solutions, ensuring both parties achieve outcomes that align with their objectives. By working closely with business owners, investors, developers, and franchise operators, he is building a strong network within the commercial property space. While in the early stages of his career, Hetul is backed by the experienced team at NAI Harcourts, giving his clients access to established market knowledge, proven systems, and industry expertise. This combination of fresh perspective and strong organisational support allows him to deliver a professional and reliable service from the outset. A key focus for Hetul is building genuine, long-term relationships. Rather than approaching property as a transaction, he prioritises clear communication, personalised service, and understanding the full picture behind each client’s goals. This relationship-driven approach ensures clients feel supported throughout the process and confident in their decisions. His core values of integrity, professionalism, and commitment underpin every interaction, along with a strong growth mindset as he continues to develop his skills and industry knowledge. As he establishes himself in the commercial property market, Hetul Majmundar reflects the forward-thinking and relationship-focused values of NZ Business Connect, bringing energy, dedication, and a client-first approach to the network. Contact Hetul today! hetul.majmundar@naiharcourts.co.nz 022 850 3691 Website Contact NZ Business Connect Phillip Quay info@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz 027 458 7724 www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Business

NZ Business Connect Welcomes New Member Hamish Paton from Waikato Assembly & Handyman – Reliable Help for Everyday Jobs

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NZ Business Connect is pleased to welcome new member Waikato Assembly & Handyman, a locally operated service focused on helping people tackle everyday tasks around the home and workplace. Founded in March 2026 by Hamish Paton, the business was created with a simple goal in mind: to provide practical, reliable help at a fair and reasonable price. Recognising that many people either do not have the time, tools, or support to complete smaller jobs, Hamish set out to offer a service that makes those tasks easier and stress-free. Waikato Assembly & Handyman specialises in assembling kitset furniture, from household items through to office setups. In addition to assembly work, the business also provides general maintenance, small repairs, and rubbish removal, offering a flexible service that can adapt to a wide range of client needs. Whether it is putting together new furniture, completing minor fixes, or helping tidy up a space, the focus is on getting the job done efficiently and to a high standard. Working with both residential and small business clients, Hamish supports customers who value reliability and straightforward service. His approach is especially helpful for those who may have limited support, ensuring no job is overlooked simply because it seems too small. As a sole trader, Waikato Assembly & Handyman offers a personalised experience without the added costs often associated with larger companies. Clients deal directly with Hamish from start to finish, creating clear communication and consistent results. The business is built on strong core values, including reliability, doing the job right the first time, fair and transparent pricing, and leaving every space better than it was found. Just as importantly, Hamish prides himself on being easy to deal with, making the process simple and stress-free for every client. With a practical, honest approach and a commitment to helping others, Waikato Assembly & Handyman reflects the down-to-earth, solution-focused values of NZ Business Connect. Contact Hamish today! hamishpaton@waikatoassemblyandhandyman.com 021 0233 4007 Facebook Contact NZ Business Connect Phillip Quay info@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz 027 458 7724 www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Rural

Leading Hamilton Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram Urges Smarter Soil Science By New Zealand Farmers To Offset Spike In Global Fertiliser Costs

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An escalation in global fertiliser prices due to the Iran war will force New Zealand farmers to rethink traditional input-heavy systems, according to one of New Zealand’s leading soil scientists, Dr Gordon Rajendram of Hamilton (pictured) “The solution is a combination of using less fertiliser and also using better science to apply only what is truly needed,” Dr Rajendram said today. A crucial starting point is soil and pasture testing. Dr Rajendram consistently emphasises that without accurate data, fertiliser programmes become guesswork. “Comprehensive testing identifies nutrient deficiencies, soil pH, and retention capacity, allowing farmers to apply inputs precisely rather than broadly,” he says. “This avoids over-application, which not only wastes money but can also lead to nutrient losses through leaching. In fact, testing is considered one of the most cost-effective steps in nutrient management, often representing a very small proportion of overall fertiliser spend while delivering significant savings,” Dr Rajendram said. Beyond testing, there is growing evidence that many farms are applying more nutrients than required, particularly phosphate. Dr Rajendram notes that some New Zealand soils can retain phosphate for several years, meaning annual applications are not always necessary. Shifting away from routine fertiliser programmes to a needs-based approach can significantly cut costs without impacting production. “Nitrogen use is another area where efficiency gains can be substantial” he says. “Rather than relying heavily on granular applications, more farmers are adopting targeted methods such as foliar spraying. This approach delivers nutrients directly to the plant, improving uptake and reducing the total amount required. Trials have shown that significantly lower nitrogen rates can achieve comparable pasture growth when applied in this way, highlighting a clear opportunity to reduce input costs.” Soil condition itself also plays a major role. Maintaining optimal pH through liming improves nutrient availability and root development, meaning plants can access more of the nutrients already in the soil. Poor pH, on the other hand, limits growth and reduces fertiliser efficiency, effectively increasing the cost per unit of production. While reducing synthetic inputs is important, Dr Rajendram also advocates for strengthening biological systems within the pasture. Clover remains a critical component, naturally fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and reducing reliance on purchased fertiliser. However, he stresses that clover should be part of a broader, balanced system that includes diverse pasture species and well-managed soils. Excessive nitrogen use can actually suppress clover’s ability to fix nitrogen, reinforcing the need for moderation and balance. “Ultimately, the shift is about moving from a fertiliser-driven system to a soil-driven one,” Dr Rajendram said. As Dr Rajendram states: “Farmers are increasingly recognising that they may not need as much fertiliser as once thought. By combining accurate testing, targeted application, improved soil management, and biological inputs like clover, farmers can reduce costs, maintain productivity, and build more resilient farming systems in the face of ongoing global price pressures.” About Dr Gordon Rajendram: With more than three decades of experience in soil fertility, Dr Rajendram’s approach centres on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and unlocking the natural potential already present in the soil. For more information, please contact: Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram 021 466077 rajendram@xtra.co.nz www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz Contact Media PA phillip@mediapa.co.nz 027 458 7724

Accommodation

Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites Is a Reliable Choice for the Easter School Holidays in Auckland

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Right Where You Want to Be The Easter school holidays should feel easy, not overplanned. Staying at Best Western Newmarket Inn puts you right in the middle of Newmarket, so you can step out and find something to do without turning it into a full day mission. It is the kind of location that makes everything feel just that little bit more relaxed. Built-In Entertainment (Yes, Really) One of the best parts of staying here is how close you are to Westfield Newmarket. During the school holidays, it is packed with activities that make keeping the kids entertained surprisingly easy. There are interactive zones like LEGO building stations, creative craft areas, and themed experiences that change each holiday period. Add in arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and the cinema showing the latest family films, and you have a mix of options that can fill an afternoon or an entire day without anyone getting bored. Keeping It Simple for Everyone We all know holidays with kids can go either way. The difference is having options close by. Whether it is a quick snack, a proper family meal, or somewhere for the kids to burn off energy, it is all within reach. No long drives, no complicated plans, just easy choices when you need them. A Space to Come Back To After a busy day out, having somewhere comfortable to land makes all the difference. The rooms are spacious and set up so you can properly relax. There is space for everyone, which means fewer squabbles and more time to unwind. Slow Mornings Made Easy Mornings feel a lot smoother when breakfast is already sorted. With options available on site, you can take your time, get everyone fed, and ease into the day without rushing around looking for somewhere to eat. When You Feel Like Exploring If you do feel like venturing out, you are only minutes from some of Auckland’s favourites. Auckland Domain is perfect for a run around, the Auckland War Memorial Museum adds a bit of learning into the mix, and the Auckland CBD is close enough for a change of pace. The Kind of Stay That Feels Easy At the end of the day, it is about having a place that makes the holidays feel simple and enjoyable. Best Western Newmarket Inn does exactly that. Less stress, more fun, and plenty of little moments that make the Easter break one to remember. 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

Travel

Easter at The Cardrona, A School Holiday Adventure Like No Other

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When it comes to keeping the kids entertained, off screens, and genuinely excited to get outdoors, finding the right activity can be a challenge. That’s where The Cardrona stands out. Set in the heart of the stunning Cardrona Valley, this is more than just an activity, it’s a full experience that ticks every box for families, groups, and visiting travellers. 1. Adventure That Actually Suits Everyone One of the biggest wins for families is flexibility. Whether it’s: There’s something for different ages, confidence levels, and interests. It means families can share the same adventure without anyone feeling left out or overwhelmed. 2. Real High Country Access You Don’t Get Anywhere Else This isn’t a theme park or a controlled track. You’re out on genuine high country farmland. Think: It feels authentic, spacious, and uniquely New Zealand, which is exactly what visitors are looking for. See tour options here; www.thecardrona.co.nz/family 3. It’s Guided, Safe, and Genuinely Easy to Enjoy School holiday activities need to be fun, but also stress free for parents. The Cardrona nails this with: Even if it’s your first time on a horse or quad bike, you’re set up to feel confident from the start. See “The Gold Discovery Trail” here; www.cardronahorses.co.nz 4. It Gets Kids Outdoors (Without Them Complaining) Instead of forcing a “family day out”, this is one they’ll actually talk about afterwards: It’s active, engaging, and memorable without trying too hard. See; www.thecardrona.co.nz/off-road-buggy 5. Autumn in April Takes It to Another Level While The Cardrona is a year round destination, the Easter school holidays in April are something special. Autumn in the Cardrona Valley brings: The landscape shifts into warm tones of gold and amber, creating a completely different feel to the bright greens of summer or the snow covered winter months. I The Takeaway If you’re looking for a school holiday activity that blends adventure, scenery and ease, The Cardrona delivers. During the Easter autumn period, the mix of colour, calm and experience is hard to beat, especially for families visiting near Wānaka or Queenstown. Contact The Cardrona info@thecardrona.co.nz +64 3 443 1228 Contact Phillip Quay 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz www.mediapa.co.nz

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