Business

A packed venue marked the latest NZ Business Connect event in Hamilton, held at The Cook, on Tuesday night bringing together a vibrant mix of local business owners, professionals, and community leaders for an evening of connection and insight. The NZ Business Connect team extends sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the positive energy in the room. Events like these continue to highlight the strength of Hamilton’s business community and the value of creating spaces where relationships can grow naturally. A special acknowledgement goes to Robyn Owen from Vital Balance and Ravinder Singh from Green Horn NZ for their sponsorship and support in making the evening possible. Robyn also impressed attendees with an exclusive offer available on the night and is extending an NZ Business Connect members only 10% discount (T&Cs apply). Green Horn NZ showcased their new Mango Blast craft soda, offering a refreshing introduction to their latest product. Appreciation is also extended to Chris Rollitt and the team at The Cook for hosting the event and providing a fantastic venue as they launched their new corporate menu. The evening’s guest speaker, Vanessa Williams, General Manager of Love the Centre, delivered an engaging and insightful presentation focused on the ongoing work to position Hamilton’s CBD as a destination experience. Vanessa shared how thoughtful marketing and collaboration between businesses can significantly increase foot traffic and enhance the overall visitor journey. One key takeaway was the concept of multiple touchpoints within a single visit to the city. Vanessa illustrated how a simple outing can evolve into a richer experience, such as attending a theatre show, enjoying dinner beforehand, picking up flowers along the way, and finishing with a drink after. This layered approach not only benefits individual businesses but strengthens the appeal of the CBD as a whole. With momentum continuing to build with a fast-growing membership, attention now turns to NZ Business Connect’s biggest event of the year on May 5, a night focused on social giving and community impact and the launch of a new social giving platform where the guest speaker will be Roni Albert who is the CEO of Waikato Women’s Refuge. For those who want to get involved or learn more, the NZ Business Connect team welcomes you to reach out. Contact NZ Business Connect Phillip Quay – CEO & Founder 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

NZ Business Connect is pleased to welcome new member Offsite Admin, a Hamilton-based virtual assistant agency helping small businesses stay organised, efficient, and in control of their operations. Founded five years ago by Ruby McPhail, Offsite Admin was built from a desire to create flexibility while still delivering meaningful value to business owners. After having her second child, Ruby set out to build a business that allowed her to be present for family life while using her skills to support others. Recognising that many business owners are highly skilled in their trade but stretched thin when it comes to administration, she saw an opportunity to step in and make a real difference. Today, Offsite Admin specialises in bookkeeping and business administration, with a strong focus on trades. Their services include Xero management, bank reconciliations, invoicing, and bill preparation, alongside operational support such as inbox management, site scheduling, and job management software. By working across both the numbers and the day-to-day operations, the team provides clients with a clearer understanding of how their business is performing while freeing up valuable time. The business supports a wide range of clients, including builders, tradespeople, property developers, farmers, and professional service providers. Many clients rely on Offsite Admin to streamline their processes and reduce the administrative load that often builds up behind the scenes. A key point of difference is their boutique structure. With a small, consistent team, clients work with the same people who understand their business, systems, and goals. This leads to more accurate work, faster turnaround times, and advice that is tailored rather than generic. The team is led by Ruby McPhail, supported by Monique Gamble, who specialises in bookkeeping for the building and construction sector, and Michelle Reed, who brings extensive experience in accounts and administration. Offsite Admin focuses on helping business owners reclaim their time, reduce stress, and gain clarity over their operations, aligning closely with the practical, relationship-driven values of NZ Business Connect. Contact Offsite Admin ruby@offsiteadmin.co.nz 021 022 87901 https://www.offsiteadmin.co.nz/contact Contact NZ Business Connect Phillip Quay027 458 7724phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Prepare Your HVAC System Before WinterAs temperatures begin to drop across New Zealand, autumn is the ideal time for businesses to prepare their heating, ventilation, and refrigeration systems for the demands of winter. JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning can help ensure your commercial space stays comfortable, productive, and compliant, while protecting valuable stock. Book a Professional System CheckOne of the most important steps is booking a professional system check before winter arrives. Preventative maintenance ensures your equipment is operating efficiently and helps identify potential issues before they become costly breakdowns. A poorly maintained system often works harder than necessary, leading to increased energy bills and unexpected downtime during peak usage periods. Maintain Refrigeration PerformanceFor businesses that rely on refrigeration, such as hospitality, retail, or food storage, consistent temperature control is critical year round. Colder weather can still impact performance, particularly if systems are not regularly serviced. Checking seals, airflow, and system calibration can help avoid spoilage and ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Ensure Proper Ventilation and Air QualityVentilation is another key factor that is often overlooked. During winter, buildings are more likely to be closed up, which can lead to poor indoor air quality if ventilation systems are not functioning properly. Regular inspections help ensure fresh airflow, creating a healthier environment for both staff and customers. Stay Compliant with RegulationsIt is also important to stay on top of compliance requirements. Many commercial buildings require routine inspections and certifications to meet regulations. Ensuring your systems are up to standard not only keeps your business compliant but also reduces the risk of costly disruptions. Consider Upgrades for EfficiencyFinally, consider whether your current system is meeting your needs. If your HVAC equipment is outdated or struggling to perform, upgrading to a more energy-efficient solution could provide long-term savings and improved reliability. Act Now for a Smooth WinterBy taking action in autumn, businesses can avoid the winter rush and ensure their systems are ready when they are needed most. With expert support and tailored solutions, JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning can help keep your operations running smoothly all season long. Contact JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Today! 0800 JSR RAC Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Late last year, the NZ Business Connect end of year event, proudly sponsored by JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, brought together members of the Waikato business community for an evening of connection, celebration, and reflection. Held at the Randhawa family home in Tamahere, the event welcomed 97 attendees representing a diverse range of industries from across the region. The gathering marked an important milestone, celebrating 25 years of JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, a company that has built a strong reputation for quality service, reliability, and long standing relationships with its clients and community. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for local professionals to reconnect, share ideas, and strengthen business relationships as the year drew to a close. NZ Business Connect events are designed to foster meaningful connections, and the relaxed setting made it easy for guests to network and engage in conversation. Guests heard from an outstanding line-up of speakers, including: Each speaker shared thoughtful insights on leadership, community engagement, and the importance of strong connections within the business community. Their perspectives added depth to the evening and highlighted the role collaboration plays in supporting local growth and opportunity. The event was also supported by generous contributions from local businesses. Guests enjoyed Green Horn energy drinks, catering from The Lawrenson Group and The Cook, and beautifully crafted 25th anniversary cupcakes by The Girl on the Swing, adding a celebratory touch to the occasion. With a warm atmosphere and a strong sense of community, the evening was a fitting way to close out the year while celebrating the success of JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning and the connections that continue to strengthen the Waikato business community.

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