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Top 5 Facebook ads mistakes that could be costing you money

Are you guilty of making these common Facebook ad mistakes that could be eating away at your marketing budget? Boosting a postDon't get us wrong, there is a place and time to boost your organic posts but in most cases, especially for smaller businesses with small marketing budgets, boosting is a waste of money as it comes with many limitations. While these boosted / ''promoted'' posts are considered ‘’ads’’, they are not the same as ads set up through Facebook’s Ads Manager&n...

Five essential functions your remote working comms channels must perform

Well, we are a few weeks into our COVID-19 lockdown here in New Zealand and by now all managers have discovered the challenges inherent in managing remote teams.  Part of that challenge is the communication side of your day-to-day activities. We’ve been talking to a lot of colleagues during this time and it seems companies fall into two camps.  The first are companies that already nail their internal communications and were able to transition seamlessly into remote working.  The...

Communicating with Business Through Disaster

COVID-19: business communication during disaster The COVID-19 pandemic has hit many businesses hard.  And, in fact, economists are now predicting we will enter a recession that could be worse than the global financial crisis we experienced in the mid-2000s. Operating a business under these circumstances creates enormous stress for some.  In fact many business owners have lost their companies entirely.  If we think about what’s happened to the world’s airlines, most tourism bus...

Crucial time as dairy farmers plan ahead and select bulls for mating

Despite being in self-isolation, it’s a crucial time of year for our dairy farmers as they plan ahead and start selecting bulls for their Autumn or Spring mating programmes. CRV Ambreed’s 2020 line up of bull graduates will provide one of New Zealand’s essential service industries with genetic solutions to help keep farmers operational and future proof their business.   For CRV Ambreed this means it is business as usual, with a difference. The company is finding new ways to comm...

Five PR implications of Bauer Media closure

This morning (2 April) Bauer Media announced it is closing permanently.  In news reports, staff said they never saw it coming.  I would imagine most of us in the PR industry didn’t either. This is a huge blow for quality journalism in New Zealand.   Bauer Media published some of our most respected and iconic magazines including NZ Woman's Day, New Zealand Woman's Weekly, The Australian Women's Weekly, the Listener, North & South, Next, Metro, Kia Ora, Home NZ and Your Home...

How to adapt your marketing strategy for COVID-19

Companies of all sizes around the world are feeling the effects of COVID-19, and now have to re-evaluate their business plans for the foreseeable future. The pandemic has brought changes in consumer behaviour, media consumption and social media platforms that now require businesses to adapt their marketing strategies accordingly. Particularly hard hit are brick-and-mortar businesses and those who predominantly rely on offline marketing strategies such as events, trade shows and word-of-mouth re...

Waikato business community rallies to protect their own from COVID-19 fallout

The Waikato business community is rallying together to help deliver business continuity resources to those affected by the COVID-19 virus. The collaboration comes following last week’s announcement by the Government of a $4 million regional support package aimed predominantly at New Zealand domestic SME businesses. The region’s economic development agency, Te Waka, will lead delivery of this economic support to Waikato businesses affected by COVID-19 on behalf of New Zealand Trade and Enterp...

Regional Field Days visitors get a taste of myHERD

Farmers at this year’s regional field days have the opportunity to learn more about CRV Ambreed’s new herd recording and management tool, myHERD. From 01 June this year farmers will be able to subscribe to myHERD. CRV Ambreed Information and IT Manager Andrew Singers says the new tool will provide farmers with a highly functional genetics platform that gives them an integrated option in the market. “myHERD will give farmers a choice when it comes to herd recording and management. Most imp...

New Zealand businesses face challenges from proposed new privacy laws

New Zealand businesses across the country are set to face challenges as proposed new privacy laws make their way through parliament. As the issue of data and privacy continues to remain a topic of interest, what can businesses do to stay innovative while keeping security and privacy top of mind? This hot topic was up for discussion at this month’s TechFest 2020 in Hamilton. The event was attended by over 1,000 visitors, industry and business leaders, with more than 45 exhibitors and 15 semina...

Thriving Maori business and resilient communities a priority for new director

Helping Maori business thrive and building resilient Waikato communities is a priority for Te Waka’s new director and Iwi representative. Craig Barrett (Ngaati Maniapoto) has been appointed to the role following selection by local Iwi and nomination from the Mayoral Forum. Waikato born and bred, Mr Barrett says he was drawn to Te Waka by its vision of ‘getting things done’ and its commitment to telling the region’s economic growth story with one voice and agreed priorities. “Ehara taku...

King Country Energy sponsors second rescue helicopter

King Country Energy (KCE) is extending its sponsorship of the rescue helicopter to service more people around the North Island. KCE has been an associate sponsor of the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter since 2013. It will now sponsor a second helicopter, the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter, based further down the country servicing the Manawatu-Whanganui region. Both fall under the Philips Search and Rescue Trust umbrella. KCE General Manager, Chris Fincham, says the company is proud to suppo...

New award encourages farmers to share ideas for sustainable freshwater management

Encouraging farmers to share ideas for achieving sustainable freshwater management has motivated the launch of a new award this month - with a trip to the USA up for grabs. The Zimmatic™ Trailblazer - Sustainable Irrigation Awards aim to celebrate excellence in sustainable irrigation. With support from Awards partners, the competition is being run by agricultural irrigation systems leader, Zimmatic. It will recognise farmers leading the way in responsible irrigation, innovative water manag...

Capital injection cements international growth for Kiwi legal tech company

Capital investment to the tune of nearly $4 million will enable one of New Zealand’s most successful legal tech start-ups to further grow its overseas business.  LawVu recently secured a $3.65 million investment, the round led by high-profile international Kiwi businessman and philanthropist Kent Gardner, as well as investment from Icehouse Ventures. This capital injection will enable LawVu to leverage business opportunities in overseas markets, including Australia and the US, where it is...

Cannasouth appoints experienced new CFO

New Zealand’s only NZX listed medicinal cannabis company Cannasouth has appointed Colin Foster as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer. Mr Foster will succeed Rob Braithwaite, who has been working with the Cannasouth team since its inception and played an important role in preparing the company for its public listing in June 2019. Cannasouth CEO Mark Lucas says the transition is a logical progression as Cannasouth grows from a purely research-based organisation into a fully commercial ...

2020 TechFest attracts industry leaders

Callaghan Innovation boss Vic Crone has been confirmed as a keynote speaker at the 2020 TechFest, recognising the Waikato’s strength in technology and innovation. Ms Crone is CEO of the Government owned innovation agency, which partners with businesses of all sizes to provide a range of innovation and research and development services to suit each stage of their growth. During 2019, Waikato’s tech sector received a total of 32 grants for R&D co-funding from Callaghan Innovation. The projects...

CLIENT NEWS - Fosters awarded contract for Waikato Innovation Park expansion

After a competitive tender process, Hamilton-based Foster Construction Limited has been awarded the contract for the Waikato Innovation Park expansion. Waikato Innovation Park received resource consent in November to extend its size by more than 30%. Fosters was one of three firms who tendered for the project, which will add 2,900sqm to the business hub. This building is the sixth of sixteen planned for the site. Waikato Innovation Park CEO Stuart Gordon says Foster’s reputation for quality, c...

CLIENT NEWS - CRV urges farmers to be proactive about managing facial eczema

As mating season draws to a close and the hot, humid weather sets in, CRV Ambreed is urging dairy farmers to be proactive about managing facial eczema (FE). The call comes following an investment by The Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Sustainable Farming Fund to support the Facial Eczema Action Group – made up of veterinarians, dairy farmers and rural professionals – to explore ways of raising awareness of FE so that more farmers take preventative action. According to a recent study l...

CLIENT NEWS - Duplexes in Hamilton are developer and investor property du jour

Lodge Real Estate Managing Director Jeremy O’Rourke says one of the developer and investor trends for 2019 has been the rise in demand for duplexes in Hamilton. “This year we have certainly seen a marked increase in the number of duplexes being constructed right across the city. In fact, according to the Hamilton City Council, the number of consents issued for duplexes has risen from just one in 2014 to 139 in 2019. “This is due to the fact that the style of property suits both developers...

CLIENT NEWS - From Super Rugby to super gym – top global franchise appoints NZ marketing boss

Ex-Super Rugby marketer Vanessa Parker has joined one of the world’s top global franchises as its chief marketing officer for New Zealand. Based in Hamilton, Vanessa joined the Anytime Fitness NZ team last month. Her move comes after 7 years as Marketing Manager for the Chiefs and then as Marketing and Membership Manager for the Blues. Vanessa says the parallels between the Super Rugby and fitness industries meant the transition was a logical one. “Super Rugby and attendance at live sport ...

CLIENT NEWS - Farmer education top priority for new GM

Educating farmers in Asia and South America about using innovation and technology to drive profitability is a priority for Gallagher Animal Management’s new General Manager. Darrell Jones has propelled himself from the green pastures of the Waikato to the international stage, tasked with growing business for Gallagher in New Zealand, Asia and South America. Jones has been with Gallagher since 2001, starting out as Territory Manager for the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato. Jones is a father of t...

CLIENT NEWS - Angus Haslett appointed first international boss of CRV global

CRV Ambreed managing director Angus Haslett has been appointed CEO of CRV’s global artificial breeding business, making him the company’s first ever international CEO. Kiwi born and bred, Mr Haslett will succeed Roald van Noort, who has successfully led CRV for over 12 years. Mr van Noort will step down as CEO and Chairman of CRV’s Executive Board on May 1st 2020. Mr Haslett joined CRV in 2009 as Managing Director of the Business Unit Oceania and most recently managed the USA operation. H...

CLIENT NEWS - Raglan Coconut Yoghurt receive funding boost

A Raglan coconut yoghurt business spreading joy in a jar has received a funding boost as it looks to expand and build a new factory, with the help ofWEL Energy Trustand the Ākina Foundation. Raglan Coconut Yoghurt, established by Tesh Randall and fiancé Seb Walter, is one of three Waikato social enterprises that have received Impact Investment Readiness Grants to help grow their businesses. The funding is part of a $50,000 Impact Investment Readiness Grant WEL Energy Trust has provided to impa...

PR TIPS - Don’t be a Drew and other PR lessons

Some of the top news stories at the end of 2019 – globally and here at home – have provided us with a few great lessons in public relations.  I realise not everyone lives life through a PR lens, so if you’ve missed these, let me bring you up to speed. The Swarbrick Reverb I’m naming it the “Swarbrick Reverb.”  It’s not just a PR lesson, but perhaps also a new physics theory that’s emerged in the age of social media.  What am I referring to?  That would be the...

CLIENT NEWS - Accolades for the Waikato’s most eligible bovine bachelors

Two of the Waikato’s most eligible bovine bachelors have been recognised for their services after fathering more than 43,000 daughters between them across the country.  Jersey bull Degree and Friesian bull Macca have been inducted into CRV Ambreed’s Hall of Fame for their services to the New Zealand dairy industry. The accolade comes as part of the breeding company’s 50th birthday celebrations. “For a bull to be inducted into the Hall of Fame he needs to have made a significant con...

CLIENT NEWS - Fine Homes Tour raises $118,500 for three charities in 10th anniversary year

Hamilton’s Fine Homes Tour has raised $118,500 for three charities, announced last night at a presentation evening following a successful event held on Friday 8 November. The event, sponsored by Lodge Real Estate, was introduced to Hamilton in 2003 by Christine Couch and Jane Hargood. This year was the 10th anniversary of the biennial event. The three charities receiving a share of the funds raised are the Child Cancer Foundation, Look Good Feel Better and Stroke Foundation Waikato. This year,...