NEWSLETTER

Monthly Panmure Business Association Newsletter

Issue 139, September 2016

Transform your business now

Top tips insideSugarcrafts: then and now

NEWSLETTER

CHRIS SUTTON - TOWN CENTRE MANAGER

Over the past ten years of working in my role as Town Centre Manager, I have witnessed a slow and steady improvement to the look and feel of our town centre. Panmure is an area on the move and it is my belief, that over the next few years we will witness a rapid increase of solid businesses emerging in Panmure in order to service the growing population. My view is that the growth in new residents will bring a bigger dollar spend to our transforming town centre.

Obviously, some changes we have no influence over, such as decisions made off shore to close a banking service, the gravitation of clothing chains to be inside a shopping mall, and the increased use of the internet to find information and to purchase goods online. We will need to make the most of our assets as a town centre as we will never be a mall or a carbon copy of another suburb. We need to promote the compelling reasons to come to Panmure and spend, such as our wide array of tastes on offer and affordable health care.

What I do know is that over the past four months, we have featured 24 business people making changes to their business services or products, those who have invested in or refurbished their premises, their shop windows, their staff and their online presence. Congratulations to all those proactive business people, your efforts will ensure that our business community continues to grow and be relevant for our customers.

In this edition we feature an article on how to grow your business, written by Renu, our PBA Marketing, Promotions and Events person, who has 15 years marketing experience and has run several successful businesses. It’s worth a read; who knows it may just spark something in you to boost your business sales or brand identity.

On another note, literally, I picked up a $10 bill in Panmure and was able to use the CCTV cameras to return the money to its owner quickly. He was already on his way to the train station, ironically to attend a budgeting course. He was most delighted and pleasantly surprised to get the money back which he hadn’t even realised he’d dropped. It’s good to put the cameras to some other use other than just criminal incidents.

If your business lies within the Panmure Mainstreet area (Queens Road, Ellerslie/Panmure Highway and adjacent side streets) you are automatically a Member of Panmure Business Association and are paying .02c in the dollar of your general rates towards funding the Association. How the combined money is spent is determined by elected board members, any of

whom would be happy to talk with you, tell you more about who they are, and hear your comments or suggestions.

Panmure Business Association services include: Panmure Christmas Parade & Festival, Monthly Business Newsletter, CCTV, Graffiti Removal, Security Patrol, Under Veranda Lighting,

Tastes of Panmure Promotion, Business Networking, supporting local Community Events

www.panmure.net.nz

Sharon Stephens Tamariki Ataahua Early Learning Centre 527 1961 (Chairman)Gary Davison Salvation Army 159 Queens Road 527 7143 (VC)Douglas White Kiwibank 272 2941 (Treasurer)Alan Duncan The Loft Dance Studio 021 1722136

Greg Woodcock Akl Psychological Associates Ltd 570 6370Nicolette McDonald Unichem Pharmacy 527 7719Josephine Bartley Maungakiekie - Tāmaki Local Board Representative

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Window stickers provide a good impression

NEWSLETTER

What is the key ingredient to getting your business to grow? The answer is you! The economic outlook and competitive landscape never stays the same. You could say that change is the only constant. So what can you do to assure yourself of business longevity in the Panmure area through any conditions, especially those outside of your control?

Well, if you take care of some basics, they will take care of you…

Let’s take a look at the quintessential Marketing four ‘P’s, the building blocks if you like, of a solid business foundation. However these are not simply to set and forget; you’ll need to review these regularly if you want to maximise your growth potential.

WANT TO GROW yOUR bUSINESS?

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Helpful tips to transform your business

1) Product offering & brandingIt might be time to review the product/service offering you have – things may have got more competitive since you launched your business or since last month even!

Questions to ask yourself:• Do I have a point of difference? Or am I solely

competing on price? By the way, price is a less sustainable way to operate and often results in low margin.

• What is my core business? Is it clear to a passer-by what I offer? Sometimes, this may mean simplifying what you offer.

• Does my brand – the look of the outside of the business, name, appearance within, product offering and quality all speak the same language – i.e. provides the customer with a clear consistent message about what they can expect from my business?

• Do I understand my customers’ needs and meet those needs? Have I asked them if they found what they were looking for today?

• Is there a complementary service I could offer to my current one(s) that would either increase the dollar value spent per customer or bring a broader customer base to me?

• Do I have the right product mix? Not all products create strong margin so make sure you not only stock good sellers, but margin bankers too.

Pinoy Klasiks has been transformed within a week

Iris can see the importance of offering unique products

“Most businesses in Panmure don’t even have a basic website. Without this your business can’t be found online. It’s a huge opportunity”

NEWSLETTER

How is the stock turning over in your business? Do you even know what your top 10 sellers are and bottom 10?

Have you thought of changing your offering by adding 10% of stock as quite different new lines (taking a punt) and getting rid of 10% of your old offering?

How do customers shop your store? Have you made the most of the ‘hot spots’ in your store? How about the cross sell at the point of sale (till).

Have you considered security with where you place the counter and how easy it is to keep your more valuable stock monitored/secure?

How about selling through alternative channels, such as online? Many businesses in Panmure don’t even have a basic website. Without this your business can’t be found online, other than through a listing with the PBA online directory. This is a huge opportunity for you and there are many free

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3) Placement / distribution

2) PricingA pet peeve of mine is visiting a store and there is no price on the product. Are you guilty of this? No price equals no buy, so sort this out regularly rather than rely on customers to point this out to you.

Do you know where you sit in the price spectrum from cheap to premium? This should tie into your brand strategy. Price is perception to your customers. However, pricing your product higher than its perceived value will result in low or no stockturn or less bookings for your service. Conversely, if your pricing strategy is to undercut or offer low everyday prices you’ll need to keep a close eye on your

margins to ensure long term viability. It will also be vital to keep a regular watchful eye on your competitors to make sure you’re still priced competitively.

If you have a differentiated product or service you can often charge more. A competitive advantage (niche) is what you’ll need to have if you want to command a premium price tag.

A pricing tactic often used by supermarkets that you could also consider alongside the above is to offer some loss leaders. This encourages people to come in and while in store buy higher margin products, which then offsets the loss on these products.

Williow Hair provides a beautiful price list to increase the transparency of their service offering

Health Star Pacific Trust Pharmacy makes sure that they have a price on every product

Health Queen knows their customers’ favourites well

Fulsun has security cameras to monitor their shop

NEWSLETTER

or close to free ‘DIY’ great website apps out there. You could check out Wix.com for some modern templates and easy-to-build sites. Alternatively, Wordpress is highly regarded but more complex to use. You’ll also need to buy a domain name (website name). Check out freeparking.co.nz to see what names are available. Many can be purchased for under $100 per year. Remember your website doesn’t have to be award winning. Start small, even if it’s just a little about your business and what you offer and a way to reach you or join your mailing list, that’s ok too.

While you’re at it ‘free’ website providers offer a professional email option (usually at a cost). It’s worth it though as getting a gmail email is not business like. When setting up a business email remember to keep it generic rather than using a staff member’s name who may not be on board forever. E.g. a contact email address could be info@businessname.com

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4) Promotion

People ‘buy’ with their eyes. An attractive shop front really draws people in. Do not underestimate the power of perception from a first impression.

Hand written signage is a no-no. It screams laziness and unprofessionalism. Also get in the good habit of changing your window display at least monthly. Be sure to keep it fresh and modern, eye-catching and preferably telling people what they can get from you that no one else can offer. It’s also good practice to clean the windows, doors and the entranceway to your business at least weekly, if not daily.

If you’d like to boost your sales consider promo themes like Mother’s Day and offer packs/baskets at different price points. In general, baskets and gift packs should offer value to the consumer and will also boost your stock turn.

Marketing of your business is vital if you’d like to build your customer base beyond pure word of mouth. It can be expensive so it pays to narrow down who your target market is (it is often not a mass market). Look at your current customer profile for some hints and then consider paying for advertising targeted at these groups. Facebook offers a cost effective way to get your brand and messages out there to a defined market through paid advertising. What’s also great about it is it’s highly measurable and you can stop or change your ad at any time of day or night to increase its effectiveness.

Krazzy 4 Pizza has made their promotional signage very sharp, clear and professional

After advice from us, Panmure Bakehouse put up new signs to promote their combos

Sugarcraft has a new website which contains beautiful elements to target their customers

NEWSLETTERP.5

Other things to ponderMarket research can be a real goldmine. Have you thought of asking your customers how they found their interaction with you? Where they heard about you? What they think of your business? Again there is some free software online such as Survey Monkey or you can go old school and offer a short form to fill out with an incentive to respond.

Now, down to you, your greatest asset. When was the last time you invested in yourself? Perhaps it’s time to ask questions such as do I have the right skills to develop my business? What don’t I know that I don’t know? It may be time to call in an expert for some friendly advice, even if business is good, it can always be better right?

In closing, if you take just one action from this article then you are investing in your business growth. Who knows where it may lead. Want something different – then do something different and if you’re stuck ask for help. You’re never on your own and at the PBA our friendly team are here to assist wherever possible. So have fun, be bold and enjoy your business.

- Renu Ryder, PBA Marketing, Events & Promotions

Applications are now being taken for those who are serious about improving their business. Please note a maximum of 1 hour with each of the PBA team is on offer. Our service is offered on a first come, first served basis and based on team member availability. For more information, please give us a call on 09 527 6389, visit 16 Clifton Court, or email manager@panmure.net.nz

Apply NOW fOR fREE bUSINESS ASSISTANCE

fROM THE ExpERTS AT pbA

Renu, specialising in marketing, events and promotions, as well as business strategy

Katie, Graphic Designer and fluent in the Chinese language

Chris, Town Centre Manager, business trouble-shooter and network queen

“Ask your customers for feedback on your products and services”

Ideas I plan to work on:

NEWSLETTER

You may have noticed a new name in town – the Dox Barber. Mal’s Scissorhand (Panmure) has changed hands recently and become the Dox Barber. New owner Tim Louvi bought the successful business from Mal, for whom he has worked for some 13 years. Tim was quick to rebrand by adding smart

eye catching signage to promote his new venture. On top of that Tim has already hired two new, friendly staff members to help with the busy shop – their names are Nat and Zeethan.

Customers keep coming back to see Tim because of his renowned customer service, superb cutting style, and reasonable prices. Word of mouth is really getting

around town that you can trust the Dox Barber to do a great job on your hair; for a style that is up to date and suits your hair type well.

It’s all because Tim likes to take time with his customers and look after them well, so they get the quality cut they deserve.

Last September Melissa started Willow Hair Design at 63 Queens Road. Since then demand for her services has increased rapidly, so much so that she’s hired a new staff member to help – her cousin Sarah. Both Melissa and Sarah have got hairdressing in their blood as do many of their family – even Melissa’s Great Grandma was a hairdresser in England.

Now to Sarah, she’s freshly graduated from the Cut Above Academy, where she studied for 2 years. Her greatest strength lies in her colouring technique, which she developed whilst working and training in one of the biggest chain salons in South Auckland.

As a welcome to Sarah, Willow Hair Design is offering a super special: A treatment, blow wave and GHD finish for $49. Promotion only for a limited time.

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Hair City at 162 Queens Rd are the new kids on the block in Panmure and they’re on a mission – to bring you the latest in hot hair trends that you’d expect from a high priced city salon at an affordable realistic price at your local Panmure!

Hair City is a newly renovated hair salon for both men and women who want to look and feel their best. Let’s face it good hair days do that! They are also offering sizzling specials on permanent hair straightening right now. Their team of professionals are proud to offer you the following services:

Men’s and women’s style cuts (authentic barbering services are available too), permanent & temporary hair straightening, perms, colouring & highlights, blow dry finishes and keratin treatments.

Willow Hair Design turns 1

The Dox Barber2 Pilkington Road, Panmure

Mon-Tue 9am-5pm,Wed 9am-6pm,

Thu-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm

Introducing their new hairdresser Mina

Willow Hair Design63 Queens Road, Panmure

Mon 1pm-4pm, Tue & Thu 11am-8pm,

Wed, Fri & Sat 9am-4pmPh: (09) 390 2134

What’s up with the Dox Barber?

Hair City162-164 Queens Rd, Panmure

Mon-Sat 10am-6pmPh: Mina 021 441 9129

Toto 021 235 8246

Tim made his window super attractive

High end style at local prices now at Hair City

NEWSLETTER 135

Ace Tech Computers Computer sales & repair Internet, wireless networking

8A Basin View Lane 09 570 9288Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm

Sat 10am-2pm www.acetech.co.nz

ARN Tech Computers Website design & hosting Computer sales & repair

37 Queens Road 09 570 1888Mon-Fri 9.30am - 6.30pm

Sat 10.30am - 4pm www.arntechservices.co.nz

DK's Mobile and More Laptop & mobile repairs Phone, camera, accessory sales

109 Queens Road 09 527 3925Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

Sat 10am-4pm www.dksmobile.co.nz

Izeal Computers & Repair Internet cafe, print services Computer & phone repairs

87 Queens Road 09 550 0889Tue-Sat 9am-6pm

Sun-Mon 10am-6pm

Micropro NZ Ltd Computer sales & repair 14 Clifton Court 09 570 2515 Mon-Fri 10pm-5pm www.micropro.co.nz

Mobile Muster Smart phone & tablet sales and repairs

21a Queens Road 09 527 2954Mon-Fri 10.30am-7pm

Sat 10.30am-2pmwww.mobilemuster.co.nz

NZ Fix Smart phone & tablet repairs IT support

100 Queens Road 09 600 6164By appointment for pick up and

drop offwww.nzfix.co.nz

SieTec NZ Ltd Design, delivery & support of unified communication solutions

7 Domain Road 0800 800 989 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm www.sietec.co.nz

IT DATA

Scottys Accommodation120 - 122 Queens

Road021 187 3385 7 days 8am-8pm www.scottys.co.nz

East Side Security Limited Security company 19 Domain Road 09 527 2943

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm For Clients 24/7

www.calibresecurity.co.nz

CopyStop Printer and signwriter 53 Queens Road 09 527 1340

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm Sat 10am-4pm

www.copystop.co.nz

Design and Print World Ltd Printing, website design & signage

40 Queens Road 09 930 2557Mon-Fri 9am-6pm

Sat 9.30am-3.30pm www.designandprintworld.com

Rocko Enterprises Ltd Vacuum sales and services 4 Basin View Lane 09 574 6666

Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm Sat 9am-1pm

www.kirby.com

Labour Enterprises Labour recruitment agency 10 Clifton Court 09 570 6925 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm www.labourenterprises.co.nz

Lagoon View Funeral Home Nga Hau E Wha Tangihanga 3 Korma Lane 09 527 1866 24/7 personal service

AD Creative Ltd Business consulting services

3 Korma Lane Lwr Ground FLoor

021 172 2136 By appointment www.akduncan.com

Settlers Travel Travel agency 113 Queens Road 09 570 1053

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm

www.holidayinnz.co.nz

ACCOMMODATION

SERVICES

DESIGN AND PRINT WORLD LTD SETTLERS TRAVELCOPYSTOP ACE TECH COMPUTERSMOBILE MUSTERSIETEC NZ LTD DK’S MOBILE AND MORE

for all of your Specialty Service needs

Visit your service provider . . . . . . right here in Panmure

NEWSLETTER 135

Ace Tech Computers Computer sales & repair Internet, wireless networking

8A Basin View Lane 09 570 9288Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm

Sat 10am-2pm www.acetech.co.nz

ARN Tech Computers Website design & hosting Computer sales & repair

37 Queens Road 09 570 1888Mon-Fri 9.30am - 6.30pm

Sat 10.30am - 4pm www.arntechservices.co.nz

DK's Mobile and More Laptop & mobile repairs Phone, camera, accessory sales

109 Queens Road 09 527 3925Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

Sat 10am-4pm www.dksmobile.co.nz

Izeal Computers & Repair Internet cafe, print services Computer & phone repairs

87 Queens Road 09 550 0889Tue-Sat 9am-6pm

Sun-Mon 10am-6pm

Micropro NZ Ltd Computer sales & repair 14 Clifton Court 09 570 2515 Mon-Fri 10pm-5pm www.micropro.co.nz

Mobile Muster Smart phone & tablet sales and repairs

21a Queens Road 09 527 2954Mon-Fri 10.30am-7pm

Sat 10.30am-2pmwww.mobilemuster.co.nz

NZ Fix Smart phone & tablet repairs IT support

100 Queens Road 09 600 6164By appointment for pick up and

drop offwww.nzfix.co.nz

SieTec NZ Ltd Design, delivery & support of unified communication solutions

7 Domain Road 0800 800 989 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm www.sietec.co.nz

IT DATA

Scottys Accommodation120 - 122 Queens

Road021 187 3385 7 days 8am-8pm www.scottys.co.nz

East Side Security Limited Security company 19 Domain Road 09 527 2943

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm For Clients 24/7

www.calibresecurity.co.nz

CopyStop Printer and signwriter 53 Queens Road 09 527 1340

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm Sat 10am-4pm

www.copystop.co.nz

Design and Print World Ltd Printing, website design & signage

40 Queens Road 09 930 2557Mon-Fri 9am-6pm

Sat 9.30am-3.30pm www.designandprintworld.com

Rocko Enterprises Ltd Vacuum sales and services 4 Basin View Lane 09 574 6666

Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm Sat 9am-1pm

www.kirby.com

Labour Enterprises Labour recruitment agency 10 Clifton Court 09 570 6925 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm www.labourenterprises.co.nz

Lagoon View Funeral Home Nga Hau E Wha Tangihanga 3 Korma Lane 09 527 1866 24/7 personal service

AD Creative Ltd Business consulting services

3 Korma Lane Lwr Ground FLoor

021 172 2136 By appointment www.akduncan.com

Settlers Travel Travel agency 113 Queens Road 09 570 1053

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm

www.holidayinnz.co.nz

ACCOMMODATION

SERVICES

DESIGN AND PRINT WORLD LTD SETTLERS TRAVELCOPYSTOP ACE TECH COMPUTERSMOBILE MUSTERSIETEC NZ LTD DK’S MOBILE AND MORE

for all of your Specialty Service needs

Visit your service provider . . . . . . right here in Panmure

NEWSLETTER

By day Eric runs a successful business, having been in the Panmure area since 1997. He knows his way around computers and is kept busy building and repairing computers and selling a variety of computer products in store at a reasonable price.

Apart from the daily work from his own business, Eric has a new hat to wear; he is the current President of the Rotary Club of South Auckland. For the past few years Eric has been a Rotary volunteer and has actively involved the Asian community to contribute to serving the region.

For those unfamiliar with Rotary – they have many branches across New Zealand, committed to events and projects, such as local services and fundraising. An example is their dictionary project: where they donate dictionaries to year 4 students at local schools, for those students who are from families unable to buy dictionaries for their children’s study. Rotary also funds international programmes, such as their ‘End Polio Now Project.’

They use some of the funds raised to send volunteers and health workers to polio-affected countries to immunise children against the polio virus. More information can be found at www.endpolio.org

In March 2017 they plan to assist with one of the major activities at the Panmure Basin Family Fun Day.

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ACE TECH COMpUTERS SUppORTS ROTARy

The Panmure Citizens Advice Bureau is situated in the heart of Panmure in the Community Centre building, behind the Panmure Library.

We have a team of experienced staff to assist you with all types of enquiry – no question is too big or too small.

We are open weekdays from 9am to 12.45pm and we offer JP services three mornings a week:

Monday 10am-12.30pm

Tuesday 10am-12pm

Thursday 9.30-12pm

Call in on weekday mornings, or phone us on (09) 573 5707

email: panmure@cab.org.nz website: www.cab.org.nz

CAB Awareness Week 2016 at the Panmure Library

Eric talking about the End Polio Now programme

NEWSLETTER

When three years ago Sharon Stephens sat down to attend a workshop on the virtues of cloth nappies at an early childcare conference, little did she know it would initiate a complete mind shift in the way she conducted business.

Stephens is the owner and operator of Tamariki Ataahua Early Learning Centre in Panmure, Auckland. A veteran of 30 years in early childhood education, Stephens began her career during the era of cloth nappies, transitioned to disposables, and has now come full circle.

“The thing that really struck me was the waste – the volume of disposable nappies which go to landfill and take however many thousands of years to break down.”

So when she and her husband Sean

Every year eight early childcare centres in the Auckland region can take part in Auckland Council’s free cloth nappy trials. The participating centres are provided with loan kits of modern cloth nappies to use for an eight-week period, along with waste audits at the beginning and end of the trial. “It’s an opportunity to give it a go, with very little risk to the centre,” says Sharon. Participating centres also receive support and advice from the Nappy Lady and council’s community Wastewise team about nappy use, improving recycling and dealing with food waste.

The Tamariki Ataahua Early Learning Centre in Panmure has an environmental champion in charge, who’s determined to run a low-impact business.

Nappy workshop spurs centre makeover

Produced by the Community WasteWise Team 2016wastewise@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

opened Tamariki Ataahua in February 2014, it was with cupboards bursting with reusable nappies, provided on loan as part of the free Auckland Council cloth nappy trial. Later, she bought more on Trademe.

Her staff, some of whom were sceptical, were sent along to an Auckland-council run workshop with The Nappy Lady, and that was that. The staff are now all passionate advocates, and practice what they preach; three staff members have had their own children in the past two years, and all of those children are in cloth nappies.

It wasn’t only the staff who had to be won over. “Some of the parents had their doubts, too,” laughs Stephens, “but I was adamant that was the way we were going to go.”

With approximately 25 children using nappies in the Centre at any given time, Tamariki Ataahua prevents around 80 nappies going into landfill each day, and saves around $60 a day – a direct financial benefit to the community of parents using the facility.

“The parents don’t have to buy disposable nappies. We take care of everything – washing and drying – right here.” It has meant extra expense for Stephens – she bought a dedicated washing machine for the purpose, for instance – but the huge reduction in waste makes it all worth it.

“Once we had the cloth nappies in place, of course we started wondering what else we could do.”

That led to a host of other waste

GIVING CLOTH NAPPIES A GO

minimisation initiatives, and a self-perpetuating drive to constantly review and improve on wasteful practices.

Paper towels are a common waste problem at childcare centres, but Sharon decided from the outset not to have them at the centre, using instead washable facecloths (washed in a separate machine to the nappies).

The Centre’s waste was audited, as part of the council nappy trial, including assessing the kitchen waste. Food scraps are now taken care of through the use of a hungry bin worm farm and a dozen bokashi bins. Funding for the worm farm came through Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund.

The Centre is soon to expand to the neighbouring property and Stephens has even larger ambitions in the future. She hopes to one day build a purpose-built childcare facility, complete with solar panels, rainwater collection, and extensive vegetable gardens.

SNAPSHOTWho: Tamariki Ataahua, an Auckland early childhood centreIssue: Disturbed at the amount of rubbish, particularly disposable nappiesTurning point: Auckland Council-facilitated Nappy Lady workshop and Auckland Council cloth nappy trial Legacy: Education of staff and parents has community-wide impact

No disposable nappies here – the shelves at Tamariki Ataahua Early Learning Centre.

Tamariki Ataahua Early Learning Centre owner

Sharon Stephens (right) and staff member Sarah Cope.

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Printed with permission from Auckland Council

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Do you know what to do if you are badly burnt?

Recently, Sarita, Community Relations Officer from the National Burn Centre based at Middlemore Hospital rang the PBA to talk to us about the work the centre has been doing over the past ten years with treating the most severe burn cases across New Zealand.

Burns can and do happen to anyone at any time. Burns can occur through a workplace accident, a house fire or a jug of hot water and it is the job of the National Burns Centre to treat the most severe burn cases.

Sarita told us about how the centre had recently been able to install new specialised laser scar treatment equipment that a large corporate had contributed $200,000 towards. The plastic surgeons who work on the burn cases were desperate to have

this new equipment as it would allow them to more successfully treat the heavy scarring that usually results from severe burns.

The donating company was happy to assist with the purchase of the new equipment but were surprised to find that one of their very own staff members needed the specialised equipment not long after it had been purchased. The employee was seriously burned after an accident with a rubbish fire on a lifestyle block

and had to be airlifted to the National Burns Centre, treated and was able to return home after two months. A spokesman from the company said “We thought we were helping the National Burn Centre, where you had to be pretty unlucky to end up, because it is for the worst of the worst cases. But then it was hammered home to us that anyone can end up there. No one plans to be burned, but accidents can happen.”

The National Burn Centre Community Relations officers Sarita or David are very happy to come and speak about the work the Burns Centre does at your workplace health and safety meetings. Phone 09 270 8808 or make contact via email at Sarita.Divis@middlemore.co.nz

Palmerston North stockcar driver Simon Smith was badly injured in a fire at the track but is back on course after a lengthy stay in the National Burn Centre

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INfORMAl ‘pARk ANd RIdE’ UpdATE

In last month’s Panmure Business Newsletter, we told you about our letter of request to find out more about the informal ‘park and ride’ that has grown substantially over the past six months.

We have since received a letter from Auckland Transport in response to our LGOIMA or Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 request and they have addressed our questions:

Q1: Who is maintaining this area?

A: Auckland Transport maintains these sites. Arrangements have been made for a regular maintenance programme to ensure the areas are kept clean and tidy.

Q2/3: What is being planned for this area and when will we see this area being developed?

A: The sites were purchased for the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI). Stage one of the AMETI Project (Panmure Station and Te Horeta Rd) has been successfully completed. The next stage from Panmure to Pakuranga is currently in the consultation process and will begin construction in 2021, based on current funding in the Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan. The land will be used to assist with the future stages of the AMETI Project including integration with appropriate transport related development.

We will just have to continue to be patient it seems.

NEWSLETTER

Over 150 volunteers came together to ‘help clean the Tāmaki’ on Saturday, August 20.

The community event was organised by the Tamaki Estuary Protection Society, Uxbridge-Malcolm Smith Gallery and the Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club and saw over 200 plastic bags, general rubbish, tyres, road cones as well as weeds being removed from the Panmure Basin by the eager volunteers.

Organiser, Terri Marchant said “Far more volunteers turned up than I expected. I had only made soup and bread for 100 people but Daron from the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre came to my rescue and put on a feast of savouries, sausage rolls and scones with jam and cream. My prayers were all answered as the day was calm and sunny, we had a good turn out, and lots of plastic was removed, so now my beloved birds won’t be bothered by the rubbish.”

Terri now wants to make this an annual event so if you are interested in volunteering please contact her either on 021 1633551 or email marchant@slingshot.co.nz.

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COMMUNITy NEWS

Volunteer power cleans up the Panmure Basin

Terri organised the volunteers to start

Rubbish cleaned up from the Basin

Merlin Caskie from Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club came to help as well

Terri prepared food for volunteers

Feet washing after picking up rubbish

Volunteers enjoyed a picnic beside the Basin

NEWSLETTER

DIARY DATESBlue Recycling Bins

Tuesday 13 & 27 September -out for following morning collection

Don’t forget to give your Dad a big hug on Sunday 4 September

Hello Neighour – Business Networking event

Thursday 15 September

6 to 7pm, at 32 Queens Rd

AGM

Monday 3 October

from 5.30pm, 161 Queens Rd

Panmure Community Christmas Parade

11am, Saturday 3 December

BY APPOINTMENTGreg Woodcock 78 Queens Road, Panmure09 570 6370 DG LAW 13-17 Queens Road, Panmure09 574 5316More local JP’s can be foundGoogle: Justice of the Peace - Find a JP here - Panmure

IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY DIAL 111 Call 111 when:• Someone is badly injured or in danger.• There’s a serious risk to life or property.• A crime is being committed and the offenders are

still there or have just left.POLICECrime Reporting Line (ask for CRL) 571 2800This is a non-emergency reporting line, always request a file number to assist us in matching files to eventsSECURITYPanmure Liaison Officer - Taoa 027 535 3017PUBLIC PROPERTY Call Auckland Council Call Centre 301 0101

HEART DEFIBRILLATORAvailable in emergencies from: Panmure Medical Centre204 Queens Road 8.00-6.00 Mon-Fri, 9.00-12.00 Sat/Sun Panmure Fire Station Cnr Pleasant View & Pilkington Rds Tamaki Regeneration Company 149 Queens Road YMCA Stadium and Swimming Pool

SAfETy & SECURITy

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Please tell us if your business has a heart defibrillator and we will add it to our list.

SECURITy REpORT

Taoa, our Liaison Officer

JuSTIcE of ThE PEAcE SERvIcE

Panmure/Ellerslie Citizen’s Advice Bureau 7-13 Pilkington RdTo the left of the Panmure Community Hall main entrance Mon 10am-12:30pm, Tue 10am-12pm, Thu 9:30am-12pm Panmure Library 7-13 Pilkington RdThursdays only 2pm-4.30pm

DROP IN SERVICE

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In July, the PBA Board made a decision to drop the graffiti eradication contract with Graffiti Guard. This decision was not taken lightly due to the long standing relationship the Panmure Business Association had had with the company since the 1990’s. The decision was based on the great work that the Auckland Council Graffiti Eradication team had been focusing on since October 2015, which is when tagging incidents spiked

within our town centre boundary. The ratepayer funded team photograph every tag before it is cleaned off or painted over, and each tag is recorded in a database and this was not the case with the Graffiti Guard PBA funded service. This change is proving a success as the photos of the tags along with footage from the PBA CCTV network has enabled private investigators to prosecute three prolific taggers.

Key Cutting Service The Ketch Shop, 35 Queens Rd, Panmure