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Shristi Prakash, owner and manager of Hamilton-based Phoenix Decoration Hire, is a proud member of one of New Zealand’s fastest growing business networks, NZ Business Connect. Alongside her husband Ashil, Shristi has led this exceptional decoration hire business, transforming events across Hamilton, Auckland, and the North Island since 2009. The company started as a boutique wedding business but has evolved to include corporate event management and party hire. Phoenix Decoration Hire has built an incredible reputation for reliable service, high-quality products, and unparalleled expertise in creating memorable events. Specialising in weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties, their services range from marquee and gazebo hire to elegant table settings, fairy lights, and bespoke venue decorations. Whether you’re hosting an intimate ceremony or a grand reception, Shristi and her team provide a one-stop solution tailored to your vision. Shristi’s full event design and management packages take the stress out of planning, allowing clients to focus on enjoying their special moments. From stunning wedding designs to themed corporate events and family celebrations, Phoenix Decoration Hire creates breathtaking experiences that captivate guests and leave lasting impressions. Centrally located in Hamilton, the team serves the entire North Island, making event planning seamless with their user-friendly online enquiry and hire system. Their extensive range of decorations and furniture, combined with expert advice, ensures your vision for your next event will be brought to life. Phoenix Decoration Hire’s dedication to excellence and professionalism  is a reflection of Shristi and Ashil’s passion for their craft and commitment to their clients. As members of NZ Business Connect, they look forward to building meaningful connections, collaborating with like-minded professionals, and continuing to elevate the events industry. Contact Shristi at Phoenix Decoration Hire Ltd  0800 150 019 phoenixdecohire.co.nz Contact NZ Business Connect 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Nestled within the Hamilton CBD, directly across from a dutifully managed Wilson’s parking lot, and flanked by cafes, is 71 London Street. The 1950s era, four-storey building that once housed the Waikato Farmer’s Trust is now operating in a radically modern industry: coworking. 71 London Street is one of three ‘coworking’ spaces owned by Shared Workspaces, a Tauranga based company that plans to bridge the gap between the traditional office, and the newer work-from-home model that has developed since 2020. Tony Snow, Owner and Ceo of Shared Workspaces, believes that there is a demand for flexibility in the commercial real estate business. Rather than a traditional commercial lease, with all of the overheads usually involved in renting an entire office, companies can rent as little as a single desk for a day. Members of the company can access all three of the coworking sites across Tauranga, Papamoa, and Hamilton, and pay only for the space used, forgoing the “per-person” charge commonly implemented by other coworking firms. Billing is easy, too – it all comes under a single invoice every month. Tony is a man of beliefs. He sees Shared Workspaces as part of the solution to New Zealand having “the worst productivity rate in the OECD.” He wants to ensure that companies have a “return-on-commute”, meaning that employees don’t spend hours needlessly commuting to a central office space, instead working from an office closer to home. He also wants to ensure that billable hours are used efficiently, away from the distractions of what he calls the “cafe culture”, in which meetings and work have tumbled into complacency as a result of the comforts found within the CBD cafe. Productivity is the main focus of Shared Workspaces. Tony wants to foster an environment of work first, fun second – an attitude that may differentiate him from other coworking companies that focus on fun within the working environment. He does not, however, want to rule out the fun entirely: “We like f-words: flexibility, focus, function, and fun.” Indeed, 71 London Street is within walking distance of central Hamilton’s many dining and recreational establishments. You can walk from the office to the gym, and then have dinner, all on London Street. The building even offers on-site parking and great views of the city. Contact Shared Workspaces: 079259669 hello@shared.nz www.shared.nz/hamilton https://www.facebook.com/sharednz Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

NZ Business Connect is proud to announce one of our newer members: Johan Smit, on behalf of Wood & Partners Consultants Ltd. Woods is a land enablement and infrastructure firm that’s as Kiwi as the electric fence. Started in 1970 in a cottage predating the Great War, the company’s focus on building genuine long-term relationships, its unwavering commitment to quality, service and reliability, along with professional development have enabled it to expand to eight locations across New Zealand. Woods offer a full suite of land enablement and infrastructure services and have extensive experience with clients both public and private. With some 250 specialists around the country, no matter the project size or complexity – Woods can help in these areas: Woods is guided by the philosophy of “Simply Done Well”, a mindset that has allowed the company to succeed despite the difficulties of the Energy Crisis (1970’s), the Global Financial Crisis of 1987 and 2008, and the economic shutdowns of the Covid era. The company prides itself on its ability to connect with clients on a personal level, preferring layman’s terms and genuine warmth over cold technicality and jargon. Through over 50 years of consulting work, Woods has enabled the development of communities creating houses for more than 75,000 New Zealanders. Beyond creating homes and living environments for thousands of people, the firm has also worked with the government in providing medical facilities that keep us healthy, schools that enable a bright future for our children, retirement facilities for the elderly and the roads that drive our economy. When asked what separates Woods from other firms in the industry, Mr. Smit replied: “Delivery within timeframe and budget. Being there when you need us. Going above and beyond.” The firm’s Hamilton office is the latest addition to their portfolio, and they plan on expanding their client base within the Waikato region. Head to the Woods website for more information and illustrated examples of the firm’s work. Contact Johan Smit at Wood & Partners Consultants Ltd (Woods): 027 313 9396 johan.smit@woods.co.nz https://www.woods.co.nz Contact NZ Business Connect: 027 458 7724 phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz