The zero-cost loyalty strategy: The humble gift card is your secret weapon

Talk to almost any New Zealand franchise network and bring up customer loyalty, and you will likely hear a chorus of predictable groans. You’ll hear about eye-watering development costs, complex data integrations, and frustrated franchisees.

In a tight economic climate, Kiwi businesses know they need a way to keep customers coming back. But in a franchise network, we hear a common refrain: “Our franchisees question the value in central marketing initiatives,” or “A loyalty programme is just too expensive to roll out right now.”

Why AI is no longer just a tech conversation

As AI rapidly shifts from experimentation to operational reality, AI start-up founder Dave Howden says the businesses that move first – and rethink how work gets done – will hold the advantage.

Healthtex kiwi entrepreneurs

The pharmacist who listened

Three decades behind the counter taught pharmacist turned entrepreneur Tim O’Donoghue that patients know exactly what they want. They just rarely get it. Now, with an FDA-listed product live on Amazon and a 14-strong self-care platform behind it, the Healthtex Co-founder is raising capital through PledgeMe and inviting Kiwi investors into a corner of the global pharmaceutical industry usually reserved for big backers.

Preparing for the coming payroll changes

Payroll changes from 1 April 2026 will affect wages, KiwiSaver contributions, and ACC levies. Shannon Goodwin and Brendan Clough of Baker Tilly Staples Rodway explain what SME owners need to check now to stay compliant and avoid surprises.

BOINZ

BOINZ 2022 Conference & Exhibition

BOINZ 2022 Conference & Exhibition has a great line up of speakers this year! We look forward to seeing you at this fantastic industry event where the opportunity for networking and collaborating in person is happening once again. Rotorua, August 8th-10th, 2022 Registration closes at 5pm on Sunday 17 July register today to secure your spot at our conference. 

Handshake

Negotiating with Confidence Workshop

Price is only one lever in a good negotiation. Are you considering all the other facets you could use during a negotiation? Boost your negotiation skills to create more value and build win-win partnerships with our one-day immersive workshop – Negotiating with Confidence. This workshop offers fundamental and practical negotiation techniques applicable to negotiation in many contexts and situations. Participants will gain hands-on experience in a risk-free and interactive environment. For more info, please read the brochure here – Negotiating with Confidence. Location: Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, 8/10 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay, Auckland 1071 Date: 25 Aug 2022 Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm This workshop will be facilitated by Michael Fooks, Indicator Head Trainer.  

James Fuller

Self-employed Kiwis pessimistic about Economy

Self-employed New Zealanders are losing around two million hours a week (approximately $3.2 billion per year) in productivity, due to the burden of tax and financial administration.  Meanwhile 75 percent believe the 2022 Budget would have either zero or a negative effect on their business, according to the latest results from the independent Sole Trader Pulse survey. Sole traders are a significant part of New Zealand’s economy, making up almost 20 percent of the workforce. The independent survey, commissioned by Hnry, also reveals many have a pessimistic outlook on the economy’s health, with just over 40 percent saying conditions will be poor, or very poor, in six months’ time. James Fuller (pictured), CEO and co-founder of accountancy firm Hnry, says despite increased earnings

Rubber Monkey

Rubber Monkey targets Aussie expansion

Rubber Monkey has launched a NZ$2.5m capital raise to fund further Australian expansion and drive growth. Rubber Monkey, the e-commerce platform for creatives, is seeking to raise up to NZ$2.5m of new capital through online investment platform, Snowball Effect, to expand its Australian presence and drive its growth plans. The company was founded through a shared passion for music and film by Laurence Alexander and Nigel Stanford, former TradeMe CEO and Mighty Ape major shareholder. Laurence and Nigel identified the opportunity to create a specialist offering for the creative community.  Rubber Monkey brings industry-leading audio, visual and photography products to New Zealand and Australian shores at competitive prices with superior customer service. It has more than 94,000 products listed on