Exporters need brand new approach There is a growing hunger in China for New Zealand food, but Kiwi producers are struggling to get shelf space in Chinese supermarkets. Read more
What led to McKenna’s Westin downfall
The first report from liquidators of property developer Nigel McKenna’s Lighter Quay Hotel Management, which was supposed to pay Westin investors their returns, reveals intercompany loans led to its collapse. Read more
Slick fraudster Kevin Trudeau woos kiwis
Infomercials for his Mega Memory audio tapes that promised to teach listeners how to get a photographic memory were a familiar sight on New Zealand television screens. But in 1998 the US Federal Trade Commission, which works for consumers to prevent fraudulent and unfair business practices, filed a complaint against Trudeau, alleging he made false or misleading claims in infomercials for six different products. Read more
Focus on growth still the bottom line for Ecoya Barefoot blonde millionaire Sarah Gibbs had kicked off her stilettos to pad across the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club deck for a photograph with the new CEO of Ecoya, the company that bought her and sister Catherine de Groot’s skincare brand Trilogy for $20 million two years ago. Read more
Jamie Peters: I did not want to become bankrupt
Property developer Jamie Peters has opened up about being made bankrupt yesterday. In the High Court at Auckland, Mr Peters was adjudicated bankrupt due to failing to make good on a court order to pay Marac Finance $3 million, $2.8 million of which was lent for his Gulf Harbour subdivision. Read more
Fear botulism scare has tarnished brand
In the fallout from a bacteria linked to botulism being found in Fonterra whey protein concentrate, some companies in the industry fear New Zealand food safety standards could be considered inadequate. Read more
Toilet paper giant to steer clear of rainforest
The Indonesian owner of Cottonsoft toilet paper has announced it will cease clearing natural forest across its entire supply chain after accusations of deforestation. Read more
Pauanui resort director bankrupted
Pauanui Lakes Resort director Trevor Toohill has been bankrupted for debts to financier FM Custodians related to sections that failed to sell in the Pauanui Lakes Resort. The 85ha gated resort had a golf course, restaurant and bar, 75 terraced apartments, 30 sections for future building, two hotel sites and 33 completed villas. There were six companies related to the golf course and resort put in to liquidation last year. Read more
Spectrum Fire: burning desire for expansion In this economic downturn, budgets are tightening and investors becoming increasingly protective of their wealth. Yet some businesses are tripling their wealth after going private. Is becoming a private company a viable option for successful expansion? Read more
Diversifying pays off for element specialist
Naenae manufacturing business BJC Elements might fly under the radar but its specialist products fly all around the world, including exporting to the United States, Italy, Thailand and Mexico. Read more