Business

hen you think of a real estate agency, you might picture houses, listings, open homes. But for Lodge Real Estate, it’s never been just about property. It’s about people, place, and purpose. That’s why it’s no surprise they’re stepping up as Platinum Sponsors for the Indus Waikato Diwali Mela 2025, because at their core, Lodge is in the business of community building. Lodge has called Hamilton home since 1969, growing to become one of the city’s most trusted and recognisable agencies across Residential, Lifestyle, Commercial, Property Management and Body Corporate services. Their deep local roots give them not only market insight but also a heartfelt understanding of the people, cultures, and stories that make Waikato unique. With a team of over 140 property professionals and a strong commitment to excellence, Lodge continues to play a key role in shaping Hamilton’s urban landscape and helping families find a place they can truly call home. What sets Lodge apart is their enduring sense of social purpose. They regularly back schools, sports clubs, local charities, and cultural events, believing that the true measure of a city’s health lies not just in square metres sold, but in lives uplifted. Their sponsorship portfolio includes partnerships with the WBOP Magic netball team, the Fine Homes Tour, the Deep Dive Division, and a wide range of community projects that support wellbeing, sport, and the arts. Lodge also supports initiatives such as Daffodil Day and the Memory Meadow planting project showing that their heart for Hamilton extends far beyond the housing market. Their sponsorship of Diwali is a perfect match. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of Hamilton’s most beloved and unifying celebrations. It brings people together across cultures, generations, and communities to celebrate hope, light, and renewal. Lodge’s support helps ensure everyone can experience it in full colour, joy, and connection. This Diwali, as Hamilton’s skies light up in celebration, Lodge Real Estate is proud to shine a light of their own, not just in property, but in partnership, inclusion, and belonging. Lodge Real Estate28 Harwood Street, Hamilton Central 07 838 0044 www.lodge.co.nz  

The 2025 Indus Waikato Diwali Mela in Hamilton will shine brighter than ever this year, thanks to Indus joining as the event’s Naming Rights Sponsor. The partnership creates a natural synergy between Indus’s mission to simplify India’s growth story and enable New Zealanders to invest seamlessly in India’s markets, alongside the cultural vibrancy of one of Aotearoa’s most anticipated celebrations, which will be held this year on Saturday, October 18 at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake. Founded in Auckland, Indus is a financial technology company designed to make investing in India simple, transparent, and accessible for all New Zealanders. Through its digital platform, users can invest in hundreds of Indian mutual funds without the need for complex paperwork or hidden costs. With only a New Zealand driver’s licence or passport, investors can begin exploring opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies within minutes. Security and trust are central to Indus’s philosophy. Client funds are safely held in New Zealand with ASB, while Indian investments are custodied through DBS Bank. The company is a registered financial services provider in New Zealand and licensed in India by the Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI), ensuring a high level of confidence and compliance. Indus also champions transparency, offering clear fees, flexibility, and peace of mind for Kiwi investors seeking to connect with India’s financial potential. For Indus, sponsoring the Waikato Diwali Mela this year goes beyond visibility. It’s a celebration of shared heritage and community spirit. Diwali’s timeless message of light triumphing over darkness aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to empower people through opportunity, education, and access. The sponsorship also allows organisers to enhance the Mela experience, from vibrant performances and local food stalls to family activities and business showcases. Indus’s support ensures the event continues to grow as a beacon of connection, diversity, and pride for the region. As Indus co-founder and chief growth officer Vivek Parashar said: “This partnership is about more than a name. Diwali is about light, hope, and growth, values that reflect exactly what Indus stands for.” With Indus leading the way, the 2025 Indus Waikato Diwali Mela promises to be a celebration of unity, culture, and community brighter than ever before. Contact Indus https://indus.nz 0800 463 871 support@indus.nz

Spring has arrived, bringing longer days and warmer temperatures. It is also the perfect time to make sure your refrigeration and air conditioning systems are ready for the seasons ahead. At JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, we know that a little spring maintenance now can prevent costly breakdowns and ensure your systems are running at their best when you need them most. Why Schedule Spring Maintenance? Prepare for Warmer WeatherAs summer approaches, your cooling systems will soon be working harder. Servicing them in spring ensures they can cope with higher demand without unexpected failures. Improve EfficiencyWell-maintained units use less energy and keep your power bills under control. Cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring fans and coils are in top condition all help reduce unnecessary strain. Extend Equipment LifespanRegular servicing keeps your investment working for longer. Addressing small issues before they become bigger problems means you avoid expensive replacements sooner than necessary. Peace of MindKnowing your systems are safe, reliable, and running smoothly gives you one less thing to worry about as the busy summer season kicks off. What We Can Do for You This Spring At JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, our expert technicians can: Time for an Upgrade? Spring is also a smart time to consider a replacement if your current system is old, inefficient, or prone to breakdowns. Newer models are not only more energy efficient but also quieter, more reliable, and better for the environment. Our team can recommend and install systems tailored to your space and needs. Book Early and Beat the Summer Rush Don’t wait until the first hot day to discover your system is not up to the task. Book your spring maintenance or installation with JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning now, and enjoy a cool, comfortable, and worry-free summer. Get in touch with us today to schedule your service or request a quote. Contact JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Today! 0800 JSR RAC Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

The latest NZ Business Connect (NZBC) event brought together local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening of networking, knowledge-sharing, and future-focused discussion. Hosted with the support of sponsors Foley Douglas, the event highlighted both the growth of the NZBC network and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in modern business. Keynote speaker Jamie Moore from Mosaic Partners, a seasoned technology entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, captivated the audience with an engaging presentation on the practical uses of AI. From drafting documents and summarising lengthy reports to generating realistic images and streamlining workflows, Jamie demonstrated how AI is reshaping industries and saving professionals valuable time. He also stressed the importance of using AI responsibly, treating it as a powerful tool that must be applied with safeguards, accuracy checks, and human judgment. The presentation resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom are already experimenting with AI in their businesses. Jamie encouraged companies to establish clear AI policies, choose secure platforms, and start small with internal use cases such as documentation or drafting before scaling to client-facing applications. “AI won’t replace people,” he noted, “but people using AI effectively will have the advantage.” Alongside the keynote, the event underscored NZBC’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections between local businesses. New members shared their stories of joining the network, often citing the group’s energy, sense of community, and focus on collaboration as key drawcards. Sponsors echoed this sentiment, highlighting the value of supporting such gatherings. Senior Associate Issac Whatnall from Foley Douglas reflected: “Being a sponsor of the NZBC AI event was a fantastic experience for Foley Douglas. As the second event we’ve hosted, it reinforced for us how valuable these occasions are in bringing the Waikato business community together. It allowed us to connect with a broad cross-section of members, showcase who we are, and contribute to an important conversation about technology and its place in our profession. What we value most about NZBC is its mix of professionalism and genuine community spirit. Supporting an event like this not only aligned with our values but also gave us the chance to deepen our relationships with members, both familiar faces and new contacts.” NZBC Board Chairman Jujhar Randhawa said: “NZ Business Connect is about more than business growth. It’s about building a community that looks after one another and gives back. Social giving is central to our ethos, and events like this show how powerful that mix of development and community spirit can be.” NZBC Founder Phillip Quay added: “NZ Business Connect is growing because people see the value of sharing knowledge and supporting each other. Technology like AI can spark innovation, but it’s the human connections that turn ideas into action. That balance is what we’re all about.” The evening closed with thanks to hosts, sponsors, and the dedicated NZBC team, who make each gathering a success. Looking ahead, members were invited to the next event on October 14th, where the focus will shift to exploring a firm’s journey to success. By combining cutting-edge insights with genuine community spirit, NZ Business Connect continues to prove itself as a hub where businesses not only grow but thrive together. Contact Foley Douglas (07) 929 4300 reception@foleydouglas.co.nz Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Meeanee Firewood in Napier is officially back up and running after more than two and a half years of challenges and rebuilding following the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. The locally owned and operated business is once again supplying quality firewood to homes across Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North, proving that determination and community spirit can overcome even the toughest setbacks. A Tough Road to Recovery Cyclone Gabrielle left behind significant damage to the business, wiping out stock, equipment, and access to supply. For Hayden and the team, it was not just about repairing what was lost but also about rebuilding the business from the ground up. “There were times it felt impossible, but the support from our customers and the wider community kept us going,” says Hayden, owner of Meeanee Firewood. Now, after two and a half years of persistence, the business is fully operational and ready to supply homes with the firewood they need for warmth, cooking, and outdoor living. Quality Wood for Every Need Meeanee Firewood continues to offer a range of wood types to suit different needs: Our wood is carefully sourced and processed to ensure the best possible burn for customers. Looking Ahead With operations back in full swing, Meeanee Firewood is focused on supplying the community year round. Our team is committed to maintaining their high standards for quality, service, and reliability. Meeanee Firewood is more than just a supplier, it’s a story of resilience and local pride. After weathering the storm, we are here to stay, ready to keep homes warm and fires burning across Hawke’s Bay. Contact Meeanee FirewoodCall/Text 027 341 6592www.meeaneefirewood.co.nz