Leading South Island chartered accountancy firm Ashton Wheelans has opened a new office in Rangiora.

The firm has moved its operation from Kaiapoi to 190 High Street, Rangiora, to better service the accounting and business consultancy requirements of the growing Rangiora business community. It is the fourth South Island location for Ashton Wheelans, which also has offices in Christchurch, Greymouth and Wānaka.

Ashton Wheelans partner Andrew Keys – who is based in the new Rangiora office – says the strategic move enables local businesses to receive top-level business advisory and accounting services without travelling to Christchurch.

“Rangiora is a really exciting location for our new office – the town is growing at a phenomenal rate and business is thriving,” he says. “There is no longer the need for local business owners to travel into the Christchurch CBD for professional services. However, we still felt there was a gap in the market for a larger accounting firm to support Rangiora locals with premium, full-service advice and expertise. We’re looking forward to filling that gap in specialist accountancy services, but without the premium pricing.”

Ashton Wheelans had been running a successful office in Kaiapoi for more than 50 years, however the exceptional economic growth of Rangiora in recent years was a contributing factor to the relocation. A large team will be based in the new future-focused office – Keys, along with a range of accounting specialists from graduates through to senior advisors, an auditor and a client finance manager.

Keys says the company specialises in a broad scope of detailed accounting services and business growth expertise, including essential services such as accounting, tax and auditing, and advice on acquisitions, startups, mentoring, restructuring or insolvency, succession and strategic planning.

“We tailor solutions to the needs of every business, and do it in a way that is personal and adds value to our clients,” says Keys. “We are accountants first and foremost, but we strive to help all our clients reach their goals and achieve success, whatever that means to them. We’re looking forward to becoming a trusted part of the Rangiora business community.”

Media Release on 3 February 2025

Media Contact
Ashton Wheelans Christchurch and Rangiora partner Andrew Keys
andrew.keys@ashtonwheelans.co.nz
027 464 6555
https://www.ashtonwheelans.co.nz/

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Shade Tech is proud to announce the launch of its new business operations in Christchurch, bringing their range of outdoor shelter solutions to the South Island. With director Tom Holbutt at the helm, the company leverages over a decade of industry experience to offer products that blend quality, durability, and affordability.

Shade Tech’s product line includes louvres, pergolas, retractable awnings, and their innovative acrylic canopy range. These products are designed to transform outdoor spaces into functional areas that can be enjoyed year-round.

“We are super excited to bring our range of Christchurch pergolas to the Garden City,” says Holbutt. “We have received a lot of great feedback so far, particularly for our acrylic canopy range.”

Their acrylic canopy range is a relatively new offering for South Island customers. It provides a modern alternative to traditional outdoor canopies and louvre roof systems.

Shade Tech differentiates itself from larger retailers by providing a hands-on, personalised approach. Holbutt personally consults with each client, ensuring that their shelter solutions are tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences. This bespoke service guarantees a unique and customised experience for every customer.

“Our mission is to offer products that not only stand the test of time but also deliver exceptional value,” Holbutt added. “With over ten years in the industry, we understand the importance of balancing quality and cost-effectiveness. Our approach ensures that each project reflects our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.”

For more information about Shade Tech and its range of outdoor shelter products, visit their website www.shadetech.nz.

Media Release on 29 July 2024

Media Contact
Tom Holbutt, Shade Tech
info@shadetech.nz
022 342 7723
https://www.shadetech.nz/

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DARFIELD, NZ — Creativity, long believed to be a uniquely human trait, is being redefined by AdAgency.co.nz, the world’s first AI-powered advertising agency. This trailblazing Kiwi company is stirring up the creative industry with an innovative approach – using artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between human imagination and computational creativity.

AdAgency.co.nz’s fresh strategy features an easy-to-use brainstorming game powered by AI. Users can build their own brainstorming team with any characters they want, real or fictional, such as Cleopatra or even Santa Claus, making the creative process more dynamic and engaging.

“AI is no longer just a tool; it’s becoming a creative partner,” says founder Damon of AdAgency.co.nz.

AdAgency.co.nz strongly believes in the potential of AI to rival human creativity. With their AI-powered brainstorming game, they are not just predicting a future where AI plays a central role in creative industries — they are actively shaping it.

As they continue to challenge the creative status quo, AdAgency.co.nz invites everyone — from business owners to aspiring creatives — to experience the new frontier of AI-powered creativity.

About AdAgency.co.nz

Launched in January 2023, AdAgency.co.nz is the world’s first AI-powered ad agency. Based in New Zealand, the company is committed to pushing the boundaries of AI creativity. Their unique brainstorming game offers an interactive and fun way to engage with the creative process, revolutionising the world of advertising.

Media Release on 18 May 2023

Media Contact
Damon, Advertising Limited
Email: damon@adagency.co.nz
Phone: 0210569660
Website: https://www.adagency.co.nz

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The NZ National Wine Tasting Competition Final was a tightly contested race for the top score. With 8 wines and 40 questions, the top 5 slots rotated regularly with the Canterbury Team of CP Lin, Ashley Stewart, Tony Dale and Michael Ormandy winning by 964 points or just one question. Our Bubble of 4 in the OPEN category came 2nd with team members Allister Mora, Silvia Rueckschnat, Dave Anderson and Robyn Lansdaal. In 3rd place were the Hawkes Bay team of Sue Fox-Warren, Yvonne Lorkin, Nick Stewart and Hannes Sohnge.

Celia Hay, chair of New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association comments.

“This is the first time that our association has run a wine tasting competition and we are delighted to see the interest around New Zealand which included 12 teams competing in Martinborough.

We are selecting wines from well-known regions that have recognisable styles so that people who regularly taste wine should have a reasonable chance to identify the wines that we pour. The wines are different at each competition.

These days we use a digital app to present the questions and the teams of 4 use a mobile phone to ‘tap’ their answers.

It’s fun and provides a unique environment to test wine knowledge. We will continue to offer the competition each year.

The New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association is a non-profit registered society supporting people working in wine and hospitality in New Zealand. It is a member of ASI Association of Sommeliers International who run regular competitions around the world.

White wines tasted

Badenhorst ‘Secateurs’ Chenin Blanc 2020 – Swartland, South Africa
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough, NZ
Hospice de Colmar Riesling 2016 – Alsace, France
Villa Maria Ihumātao Chardonnay 2018, Auckland, NZ
Red wines

Dominique Piron, Fleurie 2019, Beaujolais, France
Giesen Clayvin Syrah 2019, Marlborough, NZ
Hans Herzog, Spirit of Marlborough 2015, NZ
Peter Lehmann, The Barossan Shiraz, 2018, Barossa, Australia

1st Place: Canterbury: Ashley Stewart, CP Lin, Tony Dale, Michael Ormandy

2nd Place: Auckland OPEN: Robyn Lansdaal, Dave Anderson, Silvia Rueckschnat, Allister Mora

3rd Place: Hawkes Bay: Sue Fox-Warren, Yvonne Lorkin, Nick Stewart, Hannes Sohnge

Media Release 10 August 2021.

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Today, Christchurch based technology startup Akimbo is announcing the release of its mental fitness app aimed at young adults.

Akimbo is the brainchild of Alan Cox who himself has struggled with his mental wellbeing for many years and was regularly let down by the system. According to Cox, New Zealand’s current approach to mental health is not geared towards prevention or early intervention. The current ‘top of the cliff’ system is contributing to intergenerational disadvantage and poor outcomes for many.

Cox believes a new approach is needed whereby our young people are given the tools to take ownership of their mental wellbeing. “We know that eating nutritious food and exercising are things we should do for our physical health,” says Cox, “but few of us think the same way about our mental health. The norm is a gradual decline in our mental wellbeing, and we need to reverse that trend.”

Two years in development, Akimbo is an entirely new category of app that provides personalised fitness training for the mind. Akimbo is based on the principles of positive psychology and neuroscience and delivers a stream of personalised coaching messages against a backdrop of emotive music and sounds.

By using Akimbo regularly, you condition your brain to have a healthier mindset that influences decisions, judgments, feelings, and behaviours. The outcomes of these changes are plentiful and include; better mood, a stronger sense of purpose, healthier relationships, better general health, increased creativity and competence.

“It was imperative that Akimbo was based on solid science but highly accessible to young adults,” says Cox. “To help as many people as possible, we had to make Akimbo easy to use in everyday situations.”

Unlike other wellbeing apps that require effort and to take time out of your day, you can use Akimbo anytime and anywhere. “You can use Akimbo while you’re resting, while you’re walking, even while you’re working,” says Cox. “Simply by adjusting the voice control, you can listen to the music while the words work at a subliminal level”.

Anyone can access Akimbo right now for free at both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Alan is overwhelmed by the response Akimbo has got so far. “I think Akimbo really stands out in a space that’s crowded with me-too wellbeing apps. People who experience Akimbo love the personalised experience and how they can use it in a way that suits them.”

Akimbo are now raising further funding through popular crowdfunding platform Givealittle. Akimbo is a social benefit enterprise which means their focus is on creating social impact, not profit. “Since profit is not central to our mission, it is difficult for organisations like ours to get investment, especially at an early stage as we are.” Funding from Givealittle will help Akimbo get to the next stage so that it can provide the best outcomes for New Zealanders. This includes creating ethnically diverse content to represent the NZ population better.

The Givealittle campaign is running now and is located on the web at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/improve-the-mental-wellbeing-of-young-kiwis.

Stay updated by following Akimbo on Instagram and Facebook.
https://www.instagram.com/akimboapp
https://www.facebook.com/akimboapp

Media Release on 3 November 2020

Media Contact
Alan Cox, Akimbo Ltd
Email: alan@akimbo.life
Phone: 021 981268
Website: www.akimbo.life

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