February 2024 - Bay of Plenty Business News

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8 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS February 2024 Reflecting on the past and predicting the future A new year brings the opportunity to reflect on what has passed and inject new energy and purpose into what is coming next. Undoubtedly, 2023 was another year of challenge for the IT industry. Economic headwinds fanned by a post Covid readjustment and major armed conflicts continued to put the global industry under pressure. Here, this was compounded by political uncertainty which seemed to put many businesses into a holding pattern taking a ‘wait and see’ approach to making big decisions. The overarching feeling is that it was a year of consolidation and riding out the storm. As we have moved into 2024, despite the continued financial and political challenges, opportunities are presenting themselves in most business areas and success or failure could hinge on how well the underpinning and emerging technologies are embraced. Technology trends for 2024 The key themes of AI, cybersecurity and sustainability are hot topics in the IT industry right now. While they are familiar themes, the speed of change continues to accelerate so it is essential for all businesses to keep abreast of them. Unless you have been living under a rock, you will be aware of the explosion in the mainstream use of AI. People are increasingly using AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, daily. At the recent Canalys APAC conference I attended, one keynote speaker went so far as to say that if you are an executive in a business and you are not using one of these AI tools, you might as well resign. A bit of a dramatic statement, but their point was that your competitors will increasingly be using AI, and with the speed and efficiencies that AI brings, if you are not using it you will be left behind ... very quickly. Whether we like it or not AI is here to stay with many analysts predicting its use will have a more profound effect on human life than the introduction of the internet. Cybersecurity Cybersecurity remains one of the most important elements of the technology landscape. Cyberattacks and the cybercrime industry continue to grow rapidly with the predicted cost of global cybercrime this year over $9.5 Trillion USD according to Cybersecurity Ventures. For perspective, that’s forty times larger than NZ’s entire 2023 GDP! TECH TALK BY MIKE BELL Businesses and individuals are constantly being targeted by a myriad of scams and sophisticated cyberattacks. Tools will continue to develop to tackle the ever-growing threat, and the interweaving of AI in both cyberattack and defence will accelerate progress in this area. Sustainability is a key concern for the tech industry as it attempts to balance the present and future needs of people, business, and the planet. AI is seen as a tool to enhance sustainability and make life more efficient. However, AI also poses environmental risks, such as generating large amounts of e-waste, consuming more energy and natural resources, and emitting more greenhouse gases. The environmental impact of an AI query is quite staggering but varies depending on factors, such as the AI model’s size and complexity, the data centre’s efficiency and location, and the electricity’s source and mix. Finally, here in Aotearoa New Zealand the imminent opening of the Microsoft and AWS datacentres is also creating a huge buzz. The ability to retain data in-country will enable businesses and organisations to meet data residency, security, and compliance requirements. There will also be an improvement in performance with users accessing public cloud data faster. With all of the above topics there is a huge amount to explore and unpick. We will elaborate further in future Tech Talk columns over the coming months. Mike Bell is the CEO at Stratus Blue. He can be contacted at mike@stratusblue.co.nz 2024: The year of progress > By JAMES DENYER, WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY MAYOR It was a tough year for many in 2023, with rising costs of living and severe weather events. However, there is a quiet optimism that 2024 is shaping up to be a more positive year as economic conditions improve and we enjoy a cracking summer. We have some exciting projects which we will be progressing this year. Construction will start on the development of 26 elder housing units at Heron Crescent in Katikati. The funding we have received from government and the contract that was awarded late last year means that Council will significantly improve our provision of housing for some of the most vulnerable in the community. It also puts the overall portfolio on a much stronger financial footing, given that the new units are fully funded from external sources. It will be exciting to see the Te Puke Spatial Plan progress, which ultimately will guide how Te Puke grows in the future. We will be involving the community from the start of this planning process to ensure it is done the right way. We want to know what is important to the people who live there, what needs improving, what should stay the same and what other facilities are needed. Construction of the roundabout for the State Highway 2/ Ōmokoroa Road intersection will also be kicking up a gear. James Denyer The upgrade will help improve safety at the intersection and also unlock critical new housing potential in Ōmokoroa. Our decision to defer adoption of the Long Term Plan (LTP) until September was supported by legislation proposed by the new government, recognising the uncertainty and change local government faces. This deferral has also allowed Council to stand back and see what other councils are looking at in terms of future rate rises. Finding ways to cut costs but not services is a perpetual challenge for councils. Unfortunately, it is clear that almost all councils will have large rate increases this year as the effects of inflation bite and the costs of essential infrastructure are factored in. The infrastructure needed will vary by council, but most have some mix of repairing damage from severe weather, large increases in the costs of bringing roads up to scratch, adhering to higher standards for water assets and providing quality facilities for the community. It is important to live within our means and the best way we can do this is by finding out what projects in our District matter to people the most. This year we will be asking our community to join us in looking at the bigger picture, as we put together our Long Term Plan. We are committed to listening to what people have to say and doing the right things for the right reasons. But, again, it comes down to priorities. We will be asking, what is at the top of people’s lists? What are they prepared to live with… and without? There will be some big decisions to make, and the community’s input will be crucial. I look forward to hearing from you in due course. Kuhu mai koe hei āwhina i tō tātou mahi, kia panoni i te ao hei painga mō te iwi Seeking changemakers for awesome careers We’re well on the way to setting ourselves up to be a real future-focused District. So, if you want to do extraordinary things then come join us. I’m a dog whisperer (Animal Services) I’m a TikTok trendsetter (Social Media) I’m an architect of fun (Playground Designer) Be the change that matters. westernbay.govt.nz/careers
February 2024 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 9 Farmer Autovillage expands Farmer Autovillage has hit 2024 firing on all cylinders, by announcing it has opened a brand-new service centre in Pāpāmoa. The perfect addition to its existing branches at Mount Maunganui and Whitianga, the concept of offering clients a one stop shop for their vehicles is something that Farmer Autovillage has identified as an important part of its ideology. Having hit its 30-year trading anniversary in 2021, the subsequent years have been focused not just on showroom upgrades, team development, business growth and the community, but ways in which it can offer improved value to its customer base. One aspect of a more streamlined service that has come to the fore repeatedly has been the ease of access for vehicle maintenance for clients. With this in mind, the team at Farmer Autovillage fasttracked a move to find an additional location from which to roll out a fully operational service centre. In terms of geographical requirements, they pinpointed Pāpāmoa, and secured the perfect address from which to establish a secondary service centre. Located just off Enterprise Drive/Parton Road at 64 Market Place, the new site offers customers the same level of expertise that they currently receive at Hewletts Road, and across the entire Farmer Autovillage list of brands. It is staffed by familiar faces from the Hewletts Road centre; Mason Dawson is the Pāpāmoa Service Manager, Bella Einarsdottir the Service Advisor. Making up the technical team; Audi / Volkswagen / Škoda Expert Technician Brendon O’Brien, Nissan / GWM / MG Expert Technician Nick Curle, along with Indika Loganathen and Pradeep Kumara. Together they bring over 60 years of combined experience. From a family business point of view, it’s an exciting expansion – the beauty of Farmer Autovillage is that it maintains a boutique business feel despite being an expansive venture. For the team, the value is in not just providing world class showrooms but knowing that behind the international standard is a group working together to ensure that customers feel comfortable picking up the phone to ask for help, whether it be to find a towbar or because they have a kerb damaged wheel. With a group mentality rooted Farmer Autovillage Service Centre Pāpāmoa team in core values, everyone at each tier is on the same page – and all are pumped at the prospect of an additional location. In terms of what is being offered from the Pāpāmoa site, customers – both existing and new – will be pleased to find that on their doorstep is a state of the art, fully fitted service precinct. An authorised service agent for Nissan, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Subaru, Jeep, Ram, Cupra, Seat, MG and GWM, as well as welcoming all other makes and models, the centre offers total vehicle care – from warrant of fitness, to mechanical repairs, tyres, alignments and balancing. A Hunter 3D laser alignment machine (the latest in wheel technology) takes the capabilities of the centre to the next level. The service abilities are also fully equipped to deal with both electric and hybrid models, and EV chargers are available. Of course, the Pāpāmoa building is not just built to repair and maintain your vehicle to the same standards as the Mount site but provides exceptional amenities; courtesy options cover not just loan vehicles but local shuttles and EV scooters. Experience has shown that some customers love to pop to the shops or whip home, others prefer to relax while waiting – with this in mind there is a small customer lounge with a coffee machine, free WIFI and a business office for those who want to crack on with their workday. Mike Farmer, group managing director, says, “At Farmer Autovillage nothing is ever a problem. We aim to provide a stress-free experience, which is a key component of the companywide Autovillage ethos. If you are only 99% satisfied, we are not. Our aim is you are 100% satisfaction.” Already taking reservations for all makes and model in New Zealand, customers can secure a time using the Farmer Autovillage online booking experience, where it’s possible to pick a day and time that fits with their schedule or via the main phone line on 07 578 6017, and then requesting Pāpāmoa as the service location. An Amarok deal you can’t miss 2.9% p.a. finance and a free 3-year service plan * Special offer For a limited time, get a 2.9% p.a. finance rate and a free 3-year service plan* when you drive home in a new Amarok Life or Amarok Style. With 3.5 tonne towing, a 12 inch infotainment touchscreen and 5-star safety ANCAP rating, this is a deal you don’t want to miss out on. For sales contact Keith Andrews – Volkswagen Brand Manager keitha@farmerautovillage.co.nz | 021 195 3029 116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui farmerautovillage.co.nz Michael Bambury - Sales Specialist mbambury@farmerautovillage.co.nz | 027 5182633 *This Volkswagen Finance 2.9% p.a. interest rate offer is fixed for the 36-month term of the loan and applies to all new Volkswagen Amarok Life and Style vehicles financed before 29 February 2024 (or while stocks last), and requires a minimum deposit of 20% of the Maximum Retail Price. A PPSR fee of $10.35, a monthly maintenance fee of $2, a UDC loan fee of $130 and a dealer origination fee will apply (your dealer can tell you their applicable fee). Offer excludes Volkswagen Guaranteed Future Value contracts and any residual payment. Volkswagen Finance is provided by UDC Finance Limited. UDC’s lending criteria and standard terms and conditions apply. Offer includes a free 3-year/45,000km (whichever comes first) Service Plan.
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February 2024 - Bay of Plenty Business News

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