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Spring into Adventure with The Cardrona Horse Treks, 4×4 ATVs & Motorbikes

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There’s something truly magical about springtime in the Cardrona Valley, and The Cardrona is the ultimate destination to experience it all. As winter fades, the landscape transforms into a vibrant green paradise filled with life and energy. The air is crisp and fresh, the pastures come alive with birdsong, and the hillsides are dotted with adorable new arrivals, from playful lambs to curious calves discovering the world for the first time. At The Cardrona, spring is the perfect season to embrace outdoor adventure in Central Otago. With smaller crowds and mild, sunny weather, it’s the ideal time to explore the region’s rugged beauty at your own pace. Whether you’re joining one of our horse treks or jumping behind the wheel of a 4×4 off-road tour, every moment offers a chance to connect with nature and discover the charm of this historic valley. Our horse-riding tours are a favourite spring activity for locals and visitors alike. Ride through rolling farmland, cross the tranquil Cardrona River, and take in panoramic mountain views while surrounded by the natural beauty of the valley. You might even spot a few newborn lambs frolicking nearby, a heartwarming sight that captures the essence of spring in New Zealand. For thrill-seekers, our 4×4 off-road adventures offer the perfect mix of adrenaline and exploration. Travel along hidden trails, splash through streams, and climb to breathtaking vantage points overlooking the Cardrona Valley. Along the way, learn about the area’s fascinating gold mining history and soak up the spectacular Central Otago scenery. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a day trip from Queenstown(50mins) or Wānaka (20mins), The Cardrona is your go-to destination for authentic New Zealand adventures this spring. With life blooming all around, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors, breathe in that mountain air, and make unforgettable memories. So, dust off your boots, grab your sense of adventure, and spring into something extraordinary with The Cardrona. Book your spring adventure today at The Cardrona! Contact The Cardrona Horse Riding & 4×4 ATVs info@thecardrona.co.nz +64 3 443 1228 Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Accommodation

Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites: Your Gateway to Auckland’s Racing Heritage

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Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites offers a prime location for racing enthusiasts eager to experience Auckland’s two major horse racing venues: Ellerslie and Alexandra Park. Both tracks host world-class events, from thoroughbred to harness racing, with headline occasions such as the Auckland Cup and Magic Millions. Ellerslie Racecourse: Thoroughbred Excellence Ellerslie, managed by Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, is the city’s flagship thoroughbred venue. The track hosts a calendar of feature events that combine sport, entertainment and style. Among the highlights is Soliloquy Stakes Day on Saturday 18 October, the perfect start to the spring racing season and Melbourne Cup Day on the 4th of March. In the new year, the TAB Karaka Millions on 24 January 2026 takes centre stage. This twilight raceday is one of the country’s richest and most glamorous meetings, with million-dollar races and an unforgettable social atmosphere. Another standout is Champions Day on the7th of March, which features the New Zealand Derby, the New Zealand Stakes, the NZB Kiwi, and the thoroughbred version of the Auckland Cup, New Zealand’s premier 3,200-metre staying race. Ellerslie’s regular racedays across the season make it easy for visitors to catch the action whenever they are in Auckland. Alexandra Park: Harness Racing & Night Events Just a short drive from Newmarket, Alexandra Park is the home of harness racing in Auckland. Racedays are traditionally held on Friday evenings, combining competitive trotting and pacing with a lively social scene. Upcoming fixtures include festive events such as “Christmas at the Races” starting on the 21st of November. The jewel in Alexandra Park’s crown is the Auckland Trotting Cup on the 31st of December, a Group 1 showdown over 2,700 metres that attracts the best standardbreds from across New Zealand and Australia. As it is staged on New Year’s Eve, this makes it one of the most exciting nights of the harness racing year. Why Stay at Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites? From Newmarket, you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy both venues. Spend the afternoon at Ellerslie or an evening under the floodlights at Alexandra Park, then return to modern comfort and convenience. Whether it’s the thrill of the Magic Millions or the prestige of the Auckland Cup, let Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites be your home for Auckland’s racing highlights.  Key Race Dates – Ellerslie Racecourse Key Race Dates – Alexandra Park Contact Best Western Newmarket info@abf.net.nz 0508 899 699 https://www.bestwesternnewmarket.co.nz Contact Media PA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Travel

Pacific Resort Hotel Group Wins Multiple Prestigious Titles at 2025 Cook Islands People’s Choice and Air New Zealand Tourism Awards

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Rarotonga, Cook Islands – [30 September 2025] – Pacific Resort Hotel Group (PRHG) is proud announce a series of significant wins at the 2025 Cook Islands People’s Choice and Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards, reaffirming its position as the nation’s leading luxury and boutique resort group. Over the past week, PRHG collected five major honours, including the highly coveted 2025 Cook Islands People’s Choice Award – Large Business Category, awarded to Pacific Resort Rarotonga. This accolade, hosted by Cook Islands Tourism and presented alongside the Hon. Prime Minister Mark Brown, is decided by both visitors and the local community. It celebrates businesses that embody the pride, passion, and spirit of the Cook Islands while showcasing the strong global connection visitors feel with the islands. 2025 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards – Winners New Zealand-based judges Peter Morrison MNZM and Graham McCutcheon visited Rarotonga and Aitutaki in June to meet all award applicants. They noted that 74 submissions across 10 categories were of exceptionally high calibre. The outstanding standards of the properties and businesses, combined with welcoming teams, stood out. They praised the beauty of the Cook Islands, the high service levels, and the pride in local communities, and shared they have become ambassadors encouraging more New Zealanders and Australians to visit. Reflection from leadership “Being recognised across multiple categories, from customer care and business excellence to the People’s Choice Award, reflects the extraordinary people who bring Pacific Resort Hotel Group to life,” said Marcus Niszow, CEO. “But of all these awards, Employer of the Year and the Kia Orana Spirit Award mean the most to us. These honours reflect areas we have been working hard on for many years, creating a supportive workplace for our people and carrying the Kia Orana spirit in all that we do. We are grateful for this recognition, which belongs to every member of our PRHG family, and it strengthens our commitment to creating guest experiences defined by care, authenticity, and Cook Islands hospitality.” Commitment to Excellence Pacific Resort Hotel Group extends its sincere gratitude to guests and community for their ongoing trust and support, and to its teams whose dedication and professionalism make these achievements possible. These awards celebrate the people, culture, and spirit that define PRHG, and the group looks forward to continuing to deliver exceptional experiences across the Cook Islands. -ENDS-

Business, Members

Driving Innovation in Education and ICT Solutions – Enform Joins NZ Business Connect

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We are pleased to welcome Enform to NZ Business Connect. Established in 2017, Enform began as part of Activate Training Centre, with a vision to provide a robust student management system for the education sector. After initially adopting AdminPlus+, the limitations of the platform inspired the creation of Ensight – Enform’s flagship Education Management System, purpose-built for Private Tertiary Education providers. In 2022, following a restructure, Enform became a subsidiary of Activate Education Limited and transitioned into a fully-fledged ICT company. This marked a major turning point as the business expanded its services beyond education to support small and medium enterprises across the Waikato region. From humble beginnings with just two employees, Enform has grown into a dynamic technology provider, committed to delivering innovative and reliable solutions. Today, Enform offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to empower both education providers and SMEs. These include managed IT support, cybersecurity, VoIP solutions, hosting services, hardware and backup solutions, as well as web and custom software development. Enform’s products are designed to reduce risk, streamline operations, and help businesses achieve their digital transformation goals. With managed services at the heart of its offering, Enform takes the stress out of technology by ensuring systems are secure, reliable and continuously supported. This proactive approach not only reduces downtime but also gives clients the confidence to focus on growing their business while Enform handles the technical complexity. In addition to supporting SMEs, Enform continues to make a strong impact in the education sector with Ensight, its cloud-based education management platform that simplifies NZQA and TEC compliance. The company also offers Enlogix, a managed IT service tailored specifically for educational institutions, combining deep sector knowledge with technical expertise. What sets Enform apart is its customer-focused approach and commitment to practical, scalable results. Whether building custom software, supporting business IT infrastructure, or helping education providers meet compliance requirements, the focus is always on delivering tools that are intuitive, secure, and aligned with each client’s goals. With roots in education and a future in technology innovation, Enform has established itself as both a purpose-driven innovator and a trusted ICT partner. NZ Business Connect is proud to welcome Enform, a company dedicated to empowering organisations and enabling growth through smart, sustainable managed services and technology solutions. Contact Pieter Du Plessis pieter.duplessis@enform.nz enform.nz Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Health

7 Ways JSR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Can Help With Allergies This Spring

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Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for many people, it also signals the start of allergy season. Pollen, dust, mould spores and even animal hair can trigger sneezing, watery eyes and discomfort indoors. The good news is that JSR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration can be one of your best tools in keeping allergens at bay. Here are seven ways it can help. 1. Filters out pollenYour air conditioner’s filters are designed to trap pollen particles before they circulate through your home. Clean filters mean cleaner air, making a noticeable difference during peak pollen season. 2. Reduces dustAirflow from a regularly maintained system helps reduce dust build-up. With less dust settling on your furniture and floors, there are fewer triggers for allergy flare-ups. 3. Controls humidityHigh humidity creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew. Air conditioning regulates indoor moisture levels, keeping your home less hospitable to these common allergens. 4. Cleans the airModern units use advanced filtration technology to remove airborne irritants such as pet dander and animal hair. This makes a big difference if you share your home with furry companions. 5. Keeps windows closedWhen it gets warmer, it’s tempting to open the windows for fresh air. Unfortunately, this lets pollen and pollutants inside. Running your air con instead keeps your space cool without bringing allergens indoors. 6. Removes pollutantsBeyond allergens, air conditioning can also help filter out bacteria, smoke particles and other pollutants, leaving your indoor air fresher and healthier. 7. Delivers comfortFinally, a steady flow of cool, clean air helps you breathe easier and feel more comfortable, even on days when allergy symptoms are at their worst. Stay Allergy-Safe With Regular Maintenance To enjoy these benefits, it’s essential to keep your air conditioning system in top condition. Regular servicing and filter changes ensure your unit is working efficiently and keeping the air you breathe as clean as possible. At JSR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, we can help you prepare your system for spring so you can enjoy the season without the sneezing. Get in touch with our team today to book your maintenance check and breathe easier this spring. 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

Travel

Pacific Resort Hotel Group Restaurants Recognised in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025

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Rarotonga and Aitutaki, Cook Islands – September 2025 – Pacific Resort Hotel Group is delighted to announce that all three of its restaurants have been recognised in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025. These awards celebrate the top 10 percent of restaurants worldwide based on reviews from millions of diners. The award-winning restaurants are: · The Travellers’ Choice Awards, established in 2002, recognise restaurants that consistently provide exceptional dining experiences. Winners are determined entirely by genuine reviews and ratings submitted by real diners over a 12-month period. Each of the winning restaurants reflects Pacific Resort Hotel Group’s dedication to offering memorable dining experiences. Guests can enjoy locally inspired menus at Little Polynesian Restaurant, enjoy relaxed, open-air courtyard dining at Sandals Restaurant and Barefoot Bar, and sophisticated culinary offerings at Rapae Bay Restaurant and Blackrock Bar. These awards reinforce the group’s commitment to quality, genuine hospitality, and the unique flavours and atmosphere of the Cook Islands. For more information about Pacific Resort Hotel Group and its dining experiences, visit pacificresort.com.

Rural

Leading New Zealand Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram and Blue Pacific Minerals: Helping Farmers Get More from Foliar Application

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One of New Zealand’s leading independent soil scientists, Dr Gordon Rajendram, is in Taranaki this week performing field trails for Tokoroa-based Blue Pacific Minerals (BPM). Dr Rajendram’s  field trials for a number of companies aim to bring Kiwi farmers new ways to improve soil health, boost crop performance, and cut down on nutrient losses. During his 22 years at AgResearch and Ruakura Research Centre he developed two field calibrated soil tests and much of his research and development has been applied to the agriculture industry with excellent results. He has more than 70 publications and six patents to his name and is independent consultant to farmers and fertiliser companies to whom he is committed to getting the most out of their soil so that the farm can work more proficiently, be sustainable whilst still increasing farm profitability. With Dr Rajendram’s expert hands-on experience in farm systems and BPM’s natural zeolite products, the field trials will focus on practical solutions that make a difference in the paddock. BPM’s zeolite is mined in the Waikato and is known for its ability to hold on to both water and nutrients. It acts a bit like a sponge, soaking up moisture and fertiliser and then releasing them back to the plant when needed. This means fewer nutrients are lost through leaching, and pastures and crops can keep growing even when conditions get tough. Farmers using zeolite have found it helps lift production while also supporting long-term soil health. Alongside this, Dr Rajendram is highlighting the value of foliar application. Instead of relying only on fertiliser going into the soil, foliar feeding applies nutrients directly to the leaves, where they are quickly absorbed. This method is especially useful when soil conditions slow down uptake, such as in cold or dry weather, or during key growth stages when plants need an extra boost. Applying trace elements like zinc, copper, or boron through foliar sprays can give crops what they need straight away, improving growth and resilience. BPM’s zeolite and foliar application gives farmers a smarter way to manage nutrients. Zeolite holds fertiliser in the soil for steady release, while foliar sprays top plants up at the right time. This reduces waste, keeps nutrients where they belong, and helps drive better yields. Dr Rajendram says the goal is simple: “Farmers don’t need more fertiliser; they need nutrients working harder for them. By using the right products in the right way, we can save costs, protect the environment, and grow stronger crops.” For more information, contact:Dr Gordon Rajendram📞 021 466077✉️ rajendram@xtra.co.nz🌐 www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz Media Enquiries:Media PA – Phillip📞 027 458 7724✉️ phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Business, Members

GWE Consulting Engineers Joins NZ Business Connect – Delivering Practical Solutions for Complex Challenges

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We are pleased to welcome GWE Consulting Engineers, through Johan Smit, to NZ Business Connect. GWE is a 100% New Zealand-owned, multidisciplinary consultancy with a reputation for solving complex problems and delivering practical, future-focused solutions. Established in 2011 by CEO Gareth Williams, the company has grown from a one-person home office on Auckland’s North Shore into a nationwide team of 50, with offices in Auckland, Waiheke Island, Hamilton and Tauranga. From the beginning, GWE’s motivation has been to provide high-quality engineering and environmental services that make a meaningful difference for clients of all sizes. The company started with residential and industrial wastewater expertise, then expanded into geotechnical engineering, civil and land development, stormwater, drinking water, and environmental services. Today, GWE works with a wide range of clients including architects, planners, project managers, surveyors and developers, helping projects move forward with clarity and confidence. At the heart of GWE’s approach are its values: Progress Engineered, Problems Solved. Guided by LIFT, which stands for Listen, Innovate, Follow Through, Team Up, the company is known as the team clients turn to when projects get tough or stall. By simplifying complexity and providing defensible, practical solutions, GWE ensures challenges are resolved in a calm, methodical way. GWE’s services cover the full spectrum of development and infrastructure needs. This includes site investigations and foundation solutions, subdivision design, stormwater and wastewater management, contaminated land assessment and drinking water systems. With integrated expertise under one roof, the company delivers smoother collaboration, faster results and fewer gaps between disciplines. What sets GWE apart is not just technical excellence but a strong culture built on trust, responsiveness and long-term partnerships. The company balances progress with responsibility, ensuring communities and businesses can grow sustainably while protecting people and the environment. With a personable scale and big capability, GWE continues to stand out as a reliable partner for projects of any size or complexity. NZ Business Connect is proud to welcome GWE Consulting Engineers, a business committed to solving hard problems and enabling sustainable growth for New Zealand. Contact GWE https://gwe.co.nz 07 838 3119 Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Business

Spring into Comfort: The Perfect Time for Maintenance with JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

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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

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