When Hawaiian Airlines landed for the first time in Auckland recently, it was more like a family reunion than a standard business expansion.  The VIP guests were greeted by a traditional Maori powhiri, but uniquely returned the favour with a Hawaiian blessing. It was the first time a new airline has returned the greeting. Among [...]

Growing Maori businesses and cultivating iwi assets is the focus of the Maori Business Growth Programme, run by business development group The IceHouse. Twenty-two individuals gathered for a workshop in Auckland recently, made up of Maori business directors from small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and iwi trustees, and coming from as far north as Kaitaia and as [...]

Kiwi businesses wanting to succeed in the international market will have better luck if they move overseas, according to an entrepreneur. James Madelin, founder and chief executive of photography equipment company enlight photo, began his business in the garage of his Auckland home six years ago. Products he designed are sold in more than 20 [...]

The golden arches of Balmoral’s newest fast food outlet might never be loved by parents, nutritionists and community groups, but the community-oriented franchise owner is developing a strong following. McDonald’s opened its doors at the chaotic Balmoral-Dominion Road intersection a year ago, but not until locals had fought for three years in an attempt to [...]

Two Auckland entrepreneurs are making it cooler to be a redhead with their new brand of alcoholic ginger beer. The beverage, called Ranga, was launched this month and was to be stocked for the first time in Countdown this week. Bevan Wait, who created the product with friend Chris Durney, says the idea for the [...]

Eden Terrace business owners have agreed to stump up $380,000 for a plan to upgrade their neighbourhood. The Eden Terrace Business Association held a vote last month asking companies if they were prepared to pay a fee to establish the area as a Business Improvement District (BID), a partnership between the Waitemata Local Board and [...]

The Bank of New Zealand slashed 24,000 combined work hours today gifting their staff to 450 community driven projects around New Zealand. “Closed for good” has become New Zealand’s biggest day of corporate volunteering with more than 3000 BNZ staff having the day off lending their muscle, time and expertise. Emily Davies, external relations consultant [...]

Auckland’s cool and cloudy summer may mean expensive strawberries at Christmas time. Strawberry farms around Auckland are facing huge production delays as growers struggle with wet grounds while planting dates creep closer. Peter McIntyre, a Coatesville strawberry grower, says that it is a very tough period for growers. “It’s been extremely difficult. It’s been raining [...]

Have a look at Auckland’s skyline and count the cranes in the CBD. Most of them, you’ll find, work on construction for the public sector. But don’t be misled – private investments seem to be rolling in again. New Zealand Property Council chief executive officer Connal Townsend says Auckland has overcome the “sleepy spell” of [...]