Human resources consultancy, Dough HR, says small and medium-sized businesses need just as much human resources support and assistance as the big guys. Hence, they’ve recently launched a health check service which is already proving popular.
“We understand that with a growing business, sometimes you need to access HR skills and ideas but can’t justify investing in a part or full-time HR employee. That’s where we can help,” says Dough HR director Diana Barry.
She says workplace litigation is on the rise and inadequate or out-of-date human resources management can result in great risk to businesses, regardless of how positive their employee relationships may seem right now.
“The good news is our Dough HR Health Check enables businesses to quickly get a handle on exactly where they stand with their HR processes and procedures and then mitigate any unnecessary risks.”
The health check steps include Dough HR reviewing businesses’ existing HR processes including the recruitment, induction, and performance management of employees as well as their discipline and exit processes. Current documentation such as employment contracts, job descriptions and policies and procedures will also be reviewed to ensure they meet employers’ legal obligations.
Following the health check, Dough HR will deliver a comprehensive report advising businesses of areas of risk and opportunity. They will also provide a set of practical recommendations and can help businesses implement them immediately.
“We are all about quickly identifying any critical compliance issues, advising businesses on what actions are needed, and ensuring all processes and documents are legally compliant.
“Getting these issues sorted means going forward employees have the certainty and clarity of knowing what is expected of them, while employers have greater peace of mind to concentrate on their core business.”
Diana Barry says for a business wanting to take control of its human resources and mitigate any risk, a Dough HR Health Check is a great first step. For those businesses that are not sure whether their HR standards are up to scratch, Dough HR can be contacted via www.dough.nz
| A dough release | February 19, 2017 ||
The Hutt STEMM Festival, in its third year, educates, inspires and showcases Lower Hutt’s strengths in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and manufacturing (STEMM).
This year the festival will run over two weeks, 6-21 May to coincide with Techweek ‘17.
Last year more than 70 local businesses and organisations were involved in organising 42 events aimed at sparking conversations about STEMM and shining a spotlight on existing and future opportunities in Lower Hutt to be part of these exciting sectors.
Expressions of interest are now open for those wanting to run an event at this year’s festival.
Events and activities are sought that will engage business, schools, STEMM professionals and the wider Wellington community.
Council’s General Manager Kim Kelly says the theme of this year’s festival is “Building the Future”.
“The future is being built here in Lower Hutt and the Hutt STEMM Festival is an opportunity to discover the incredible things being created in our city and the innovative ideas being shared.
“We want to showcase our strengths as one of New Zealand’s leading growth centres and capture imaginations, from those who’ve built a career in one or more of the STEMM sectors to families who want to learn and be creative together.
“This year’s festival, with the support of our thriving STEMM community, will be the place to be this May.”
To register interest in running an event or find out more visit huttstemm.nz before 5pm,Friday 10 March.
The Hutt STEMM Festival is brought to the Wellington region by Hutt City Council and supported by Lower Hutt businesses and organisations.
| A Hutt City release | February 18, 2017 ||
Airbnb has snatched up Montreal-based vacation rental company, Luxury Retreats, which has 4000 homes in 100 destinations worldwide, including 14 properties over in New Zealand, although none in Australia yet.
As some of the more major competitors to big disruptors like Airbnb, Luxury Retreats offers high-quality listings, concierge service and a range of amenities to travellers.
Naturally, as Airbnb continues its steep growth, such a business not only complements Airbnb’s existing offerings, but an acquisition ensures competition becomes almost none existent.
Luxury Retreats CEO Joe Poulin will join Airbnb and lead luxury homes, reporting to Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky, while the Luxury Retreats team will remain based in Montreal.
In the short-term, Luxury Retreats will continue to operate as a standalone entity, but over time, Luxury Retreats listings will be highlighted and integrated into the Airbnb community.
All of the approximately 250 members of Luxury Retreats team will join the Airbnb global family and continue to focus on bringing more high-quality homes to the Airbnb listings.
“From airbeds in an apartment to castles to villas, Airbnb has always been focused on providing a broad range of amazing experiences and trips,” said Chesky.
“I have spent countless hours with Joe and his team and seen firsthand their passion for delivering amazing hospitality and unforgettable experiences in spectacular places around the world. They share our values and I’m excited to work with the Luxury Retreats team to serve more travelers.
“The incredible energy and talent in these teams will help support our mission and grow our community and I’m confident that we will expand our team in Canada in the months and years ahead.”
“Montreal is known as an innovative city that is looking forward,” said Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre. “I’m pleased that a large company like Airbnb has chosen to invest in Montreal by their investment in Luxury Retreats and that its activities will continue to be based here.
“Airbnb has revolutionized global hospitality, connecting a vibrant community of hosts and guests to deliver a tremendous amount of unique travel experiences,” said Luxury Retreats founder and CEO Joe Poulin.
“Brian’s vision, values and approach mirror what Luxury Retreats has been focused on in the luxury market since 1999. We are thrilled to join the Airbnb family with a continued commitment of delivering quality, luxury travel experiences.”
| A TravelWeekly release | February 17, 2017 ||
Unilever on Friday rejected a $143bn (£115bn) takeover offer from US food giant Kraft Heinz, saying that it sees absolutely no “financial or strategic” merit in a tie-up.
Kraft said in a statement earlier in the day that it had “made a comprehensive proposal to Unilever about combining the two groups to create a leading consumer goods company with a mission of long-term growth and sustainable living”.
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Auckland Airport and Tainui Group Holdings have announced an agreement to develop a new 5-star hotel adjacent to Auckland Airport’s international terminal and the existing 4-star Novotel hotel. The new premium 250-room hotel will be operated by AccorHotels under the Pullman brand.
While the additional hotel development has long been a feature of Auckland Airport’s ‘airport of the future’ vision, Mark Thomson, Auckland Airport’s general manager - property, says the timing has been influenced by unprecedented demand for hotel accommodation in Auckland. Building the hotel now also responds directly to strong demand for accommodation that provides easy access to the airport terminals.
“Auckland Airport plays a key role in New Zealand’s growing tourism industry and in connecting Auckland to New Zealand and New Zealand to the world. This hotel, which will benefit from its premium location adjacent to the international terminal and the current Novotel, will provide more choices for travellers looking for high quality accommodation within walking distance of both terminals,” says Mr Thomson.
“Being able to walk to the terminals, rather than drive, has considerable appeal to hotel patrons and will also help reduce vehicle movements on our roads.”
The new hotel will trade as the Pullman Auckland Airport and will be developed in a 50:50 partnership with Tainui Group Holdings. As part of this agreement, Auckland Airport has increased its ownership stake in the Novotel hotel to 50%.
“The partnership with Tainui Group Holdings and AccorHotels has been very successful and we are pleased to be extending this relationship to another hotel project,” says Mr Thomson.
The hotel building will carry the name ‘Te Arikinui’, which is the chiefly title that the Late Maori Queen Te Atairangikaahu chose when she ascended to the Te Wherowhero (throne) at the time of her Coronation. The chiefly associations of Te Arikinui are in keeping with the 5-star premium experience to be offered at the hotel.
Chris Joblin, Chief Executive of Tainui Group Holdings, says that this agreement reflects the strength of the relationship that has been established between Tainui Group Holdings and Auckland Airport.
“This is an exciting project that will result in two complementary assets located in an exceptional position at New Zealand’s main gateway. This creates tremendous scope to create a unique, authentic New Zealand experience for airport visitors and hotel guests including through unique cultural elements incorporated in the design,” says Mr Joblin.
Construction is expected to start by the end of this year, with the hotel scheduled to open by late 2019. By this time, Auckland Airport’s international terminal will have undergone significant expansion and work will already be underway on the domestic section of our future combined domestic and international terminal.
Auckland Airport is currently investing more than $1 million every working day on infrastructure improvements, and expects this level of investment will likely continue into the near future.
Palace of the Alhambra, Spain
By: Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862-1923)
From the collection of Sir Heaton Rhodes
Oil on canvas - 118cm x 162cm
Valued $12,000 - $18,000
Offers invited over $9,000
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
Mount Egmont with Lake
By: John Philemon Backhouse (1845-1908)
Oil on Sea Shell - 13cm x 14cm
Valued $2,000-$3,000
Offers invited over $1,500
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242