Petdirect, New Zealand’s leading online pet retailer, is expanding into new territory with two more physical stores set to open in Mt Roskill, Auckland and Tower Junction, Christchurch. This follows the success of its first brick-and-mortar store in Takapuna, launched in October 2024.

The company, which recently celebrated its fifth birthday, has grown rapidly from a pandemic-era startup into a market leader in the online pet supply space. Its move into physical retail runs counter to wider retail trends and reflects a reverse approach to the traditional model – starting online and building out into stores.

Founded in March 2020 by GrabOne’s Shane Bradley, Petdirect secured backing from Pencarrow Private Equity in early 2024 to accelerate its goal of becoming New Zealand’s top pet retailer across all channels.

“This isn’t just another store opening; it’s the next chapter in our customer-focused growth strategy,” says CEO Dave Anderson. “While many retailers are consolidating or closing physical locations, we’re listening to what Kiwi pet parents want – the convenience of online shopping complemented by immersive, expert-led in-store experiences.”

This expansion comes amid economic pressures affecting many parts of New Zealand’s retail sector, with rising inflation and reduced consumer spending. But pet care remains an outlier. The category has proven resilient as spending on pets tends to stay strong, even during downturns.

“The bond between Kiwis and their pets creates a remarkably resilient market,” explains Anderson. “When pets are family members, their care becomes a non-negotiable expense.”

That resilience is already delivering positive outcomes at home. Petdirect now employs over 100 people across the country, including a locally based customer care team. The company is leveraging its Kiwi-owned status and insights into the local market to deliver experiences tailored for New Zealand pet owners.

The new retail locations will include click-and-collect services, interactive elements such as a pet treat bar, and curated selections of high-quality pet products. The company’s Pet Perks loyalty programme provides members with consistent pricing across both online and in-store purchases. Its “endless aisle” solution means if something isn’t available on the shelf, customers can order from Petdirect’s extensive online catalogue while in-store and have it delivered – often by the next day in metro areas.

“Being Kiwi-owned means we make decisions right here, with a genuine understanding of local pet parents’ needs,” says Anderson. “Our physical stores will embody the same commitment to expertise, quality, and service that has driven our online success, while creating meaningful connections within local communities.”

Further strengthening its local credentials, Petdirect’s partnership with Air New Zealand’s Airpoints™ programme lets customers earn rewards on purchases made in-store or online.

Looking ahead, the business plans to expand its retail footprint nationally, with the Mt Roskill and Tower Junction locations forming just part of a wider rollout.

“The future of retail isn’t online or offline – it’s the seamless integration of both,” Anderson emphasises. “Our stores aren’t just sales channels; they’re powerful community hubs, and centres for building trust through face-to-face expert advice. They enhance our online business, and our online strength supports the stores.”

This omnichannel approach is designed to meet the expectations of today’s shoppers, who want flexibility, connection, and expert help – whether browsing in person or buying online.

Media Release 30 April 2025.

MIL OSI

Americold, a global leader in temperature-controlled storage, logistics and facilities solutions, and value-added services, today announced the groundbreaking of its USD$34 million Halwyn facility expansion in Hornby, Christchurch. This ambitious project will more than double the site’s capacity, significantly enhancing its ability to meet the growing demand for temperature-controlled storage solutions across the South Island of New Zealand.

This expansion marks the third regional growth initiative for Americold in the past 24 months, underscoring its commitment to provide solutions to capacity constrained markets across the APAC region.

“Temperature-controlled warehouses play a critical role in the farm-to-table supply chain,” says Richard Winnall, President, International at Americold. “As a market leader, we operate varied types of facilities essential to the temperature-controlled food supply chain, also known as the cold chain. This ensures that products move from manufacturers to end consumers in a safe, reliable, cost-effective manner, with minimal environmental impact.”

By bringing global best practices and delivering top-tier service to the retail and QSR channels, Americold are poised to modernise the industry. “This expansion demonstrates our unwavering commitment to local business, job creation and sustainable facility design. Our New Zealand facilities are leading the way within Americold, achieving significant kilowatt-hour savings, high emission reductions, rainwater harvesting and solar energy generation,” said Doug Seccombe, Managing Director APAC at Americold.

“We have designed this facility to meet the immediate and future needs of our grocery and retail customers. This expansion will enable our South Island customers to grow their temperature-controlled supply chain now and into the future,” says Doug Seccombe, Managing Director, APAC. “We continue to provide innovative solutions and best-in-class service to help our customers feed the world.”

The 15,240m² site, at 32 Halwyn Drive, is just 10 minutes from Christchurch airport and 20 minutes from the CBD.

Who are we?

Americold Realty Trust, Inc. is a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics, real estate and value-added services. Focused on the ownership, operation, acquisition, and development of temperature-controlled warehouses, and a legacy of 120 years.

Americold owns and/or operates 19 temperature-controlled warehouses in Australia and New Zealand with 239 facilities across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America with approximately 1.5 billion refrigerated cubic feet of storage. Americold’s facilities are an integral component of the supply chain connecting food producers, processors, distributors, QSR and retailers to consumers with the mission of “Helping our customers feed the world”. To know more about Americold and how we can partner with you to support your business, visit us at www.americold.com

Media Release on 17 March 2025

Media Contact
Josephine Daly, Americold Logistics
Email: josephine.daly@americold.com
Phone: +61 487516733
Website: http://www.americold.com
Media: https://youtu.be/h4BJnnMDzmU?si=xxrOsKvGUnwf0DyV

MIL OSI

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/

MIL OSI

New Ōtautahi based Alternative/Folk/Rock band Post Office are elated to release their debut singles Not For Me & Hard Ritual this Friday 23rd August 2024 on BandCamp, Spotify and on limited run 7 inch lathe cut that will be available at their release shows in Christchurch & Dunedin.

Audioganic Studios, Christchurch, 23rd August 2024 – Tickets from https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/91571/Post-Office–Single-Release-Show-Chch.utr
Pearl Diver, Dunedin, 24th August 2024 – Free Show!
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/91572/Post-Office–Single-Release-Show-Dun–Free-Show!.utr

Media Release 21 August 2024.

MIL OSI

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/

MIL OSI

Revolutionizing Parking in Christchurch

ParkingCupid.com is designed to connect drivers with available parking spaces, including driveways, garages, and parking lots. This platform not only benefits drivers searching for convenient and affordable parking options but also allows property owners to monetize their unused parking spaces. By bridging the gap between supply and demand, ParkingCupid.com aims to alleviate the common parking struggles faced by many in urban areas.

Daniel Battaglia, CEO of ParkingCupid.com, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “We are excited to bring ParkingCupid.com to Christchurch, a city known for its vibrant community and bustling urban life. Our platform is set to revolutionize the parking experience for both drivers and property owners, offering a hassle-free and efficient solution to parking challenges.”

How ParkingCupid.com Works

ParkingCupid.com operates through a user-friendly interface that makes finding and booking parking spaces simple and straightforward. Here’s how it works:

Search for Parking: Drivers can easily search for available parking spaces in their desired location using the platform’s intuitive search feature. Filters allow users to specify their preferences, such as proximity, price, and type of parking space.

Book a Space: Once a suitable parking space is found, drivers can book it instantly through the platform. The booking process is quick and secure, ensuring a seamless experience.

Monetize Your Space: Property owners can list their available parking spaces on ParkingCupid.com, setting their own prices and availability. This provides a lucrative opportunity to earn passive income from unused spaces.

Enhanced Security: Both drivers and property owners benefit from ParkingCupid.com’s secure payment system and reliable customer support, ensuring a trustworthy and positive experience for all users.

Benefits for Christchurch

The introduction of ParkingCupid.com to Christchurch promises numerous benefits for the community:

Reduced Traffic Congestion: By providing a reliable platform for finding available parking, ParkingCupid.com can help reduce the time drivers spend searching for spots, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and contributing to a smoother flow of traffic in the city.

Economic Opportunities: Property owners can generate additional income by renting out their unused parking spaces, boosting the local economy and supporting the financial wellbeing of residents.

Environmental Impact: Efficient parking solutions can lead to reduced emissions from vehicles circling around in search of parking, contributing to a cleaner and greener Christchurch.

Community Engagement and Support

ParkingCupid.com is committed to engaging with the Christchurch community and supporting local initiatives. The platform plans to collaborate with local businesses, events, and organizations to create a positive impact and foster a sense of community involvement.

Daniel Battaglia added, “We believe in the power of community and are dedicated to supporting Christchurch’s growth and development. By providing a platform that simplifies parking, we hope to contribute to the overall convenience and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

About ParkingCupid.com

ParkingCupid.com is a pioneering online platform that connects drivers with available parking spaces, offering a convenient and efficient solution to parking challenges. Founded on the principles of innovation and community, ParkingCupid.com aims to transform the way people think about parking, making it easier for drivers to find spots and for property owners to monetize their spaces. With its user-friendly interface and commitment to security, ParkingCupid.com is poised to revolutionize parking in urban areas worldwide.

Media Release on 18 June 2024

Media Contact
Daniel Battaglia, Parking Cupid
daniel@parkingcupid.com
+61401370381
https://www.parkingcupid.com/rent-car-parking-spaces/nz/stl/christchurch

MIL OSI

Darryl Carey, Registered Architect and Senior Principal at Chow:Hill, and Founder of the New Zealand Health Design Council, has been announced as a Fellow of TeKāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects.

Darryl has, and continues to, contribute hugely to the New Zealand health design sector, fostering collegiality, sharing knowledge, and facilitating cohesive project team environments. His powerful design intelligence has seen him lead the design of some of New Zealand’s most complex healthcare facilities, most notably Christchurch Hospital Waipapa.

Committed to improving health design, both in New Zealand and abroad, Darryl is regularly asked to share his insight and expertise at industry conferences. His passion for the betterment of New Zealand’s health design industry will benefit all New Zealanders.

Media Release 24 May 2024.

MIL OSI

Mental Skills NZ, a coaching organization specializing in mental performance, is excited to announce the release of an immersive children’s book series focused on personal development. Co-authored by mental performance coach Wilton Atkins and his wife, pediatric occupational therapist Merryn Atkins, the series aims to empower children aged 3 to 9 with positive mindsets and instill strong principles for flexible and empowered thinking.

Recognizing the lack of personal growth resources tailored specifically for children, Wilton and Merryn decided to take action when they became parents. They noticed that many children’s books employed language and messages that were unhelpful and disempowering. Motivated to make a difference, they created a series of books that would provide uplifting and empowering narratives for young readers.

The series consists of four books, each featuring a key principle woven into a delightful and rhyming narrative, ensuring an engaging and age-appropriate reading experience. These principles are specifically designed to complement and enhance the previous books, nurturing the growth of well-rounded individuals.

Book 1, “Ted & Tilly learn an ancient power,” guides children to understand the significance of personal responsibility for their actions and encourages them to take pride in their efforts rather than solely focusing on outcomes to promote intrinsic motivation.

In book 2, “Ted & Tilly and the great discovery,” children are introduced to the concept of understanding that different people have diverse perspectives or mental maps, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.

Book 3, “Ted & Tilly face a storm,” encourages children to develop self-awareness, resilience, and determination in the face of challenges, teaching them that they have the power to influence their emotions and bounce back.

Finally, in Book 4, “Ted & Tilly and the strange behaviors,” children learn about emotional intelligence by recognizing and understanding the positive intentions behind others’ actions, even if it’s not always obvious.

“We firmly believe that children can grasp these concepts at a young age, and, in my opinion, these four concepts are vital and often lacking in adults,” shared Wilton Atkins, author and owner of Mental Skills NZ. “Through our book series, our aim is to empower children with essential beliefs that will enable them to navigate challenges, build resilience, develop empathy, and cultivate emotional intelligence.”

The children’s book series has gained popularity among teachers and parents. The books serve as valuable resources for creating lesson plans or sparking meaningful conversations centered around each theme. Wilton says “most schools are already doing great work around promoting healthy mindsets, for example our son’s current school has a core disposition called ‘self management’ and our book series complement and enhance these types of messages”.

The “Mental Skills NZ Children’s Book Series” is available at select retailers and can also be purchased online at www.mentalskillsnz.com. These books offer an excellent opportunity for parents, teachers, and caregivers to engage children in discussions about personal development and support their overall growth.

Media Release on 19 June 2023

Media Contact
Wilton & Merryn Atkins, Mental Skills NZ
Email: mentalskillscourse@gmail.com
Phone: 0276060660
Website: www.mentalskillsnz.com

MIL OSI

Organic food supplier, Southern Organics Ltd., has launched New Zealand’s first restaurant-quality organic meals made with 100% organic ingredients. The organic meals are shipped nationwide in compostable and recyclable packaging and can be purchased online .

The organic meals are made in a purpose built organic production facility to ensure no chemicals or pesticide contaminants enter the site.

“New Zealanders are becoming aware of the detrimental impact toxic chemicals and pesticides can have on their health. We have heard the call from customers for a guilt-free convenient, tasty organic food option. The levels of pesticides and other poisons present in conventional vegetables and food products would surprise most Kiwis.” said James Porteous, Director of Southern Organics

An organic supply chain unique to the food industry involving organic growers and food suppliers throughout New Zealand has been established by Southern Organics to provide a steady supply of organic ingredients for the meals.

“Our organic suppliers coupled with some fantastic recipes has allowed us to create some amazing meals that would even please the most discerning foodie. With our new production facility we have a “clean room” environment where non-organic ingredients do not enter the cooking process, giving customers peace of mind that they wont’t be exposed to chemicals, insecticides or other nasties.” said Adam Upham, Organic Production Manager.

Farm fresh certified organic vegetables are supplied by sister company Oamaru Organics, the largest organic growers in the South Island. “Working with some of the best soils in New Zealand enables us to produce the highest quality vegetables using organic practices. The organic vegetables make the ready meals really sing” said Nigel Clark, Chief Grower, Oamaru Organics.

The organic meals can be purchased online at www.southernorganics.co.nz

Media Release on 1 June 2021

Media Contact
James Porteous, Southern Organics Ltd.
Email: admin@southernorganics.co.nz
Phone: 021 472 294
Website: http://www.southernorganics.co.nz

MIL OSI

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

MIL OSI

Parapet provides a dedicated service and strategic solutions that help companies create a risk-aware culture to mitigate risk at the highest levels proactively. Parapet enables a systematic and structured risk management approach based on industry-specific frameworks, methodologies and best practices. All their services are designed to provide configurable and unique capabilities for their clients.

Integrated Risk Management (IRM) is a strategic process to identify, analyze, and mitigate risk. The intention behind IRM is to help provide high-level decision-makers with a more formalized approach to managing risk. Through this more formalized process, companies can identify risk early and often, allowing for a more controlled response in how they choose to address associated risks. Today, however, traditional risk management is not enough to manage the risks that permeate organizations. These increasingly more complex and nuanced risks with the proliferation and explosive growth of technology warrant a new way to target and minimize a company’s risk. At Parapet, they are addressing modern risk head-on and providing customers with a customized approach to mitigating risk.

Enterprise risk management is quickly becoming a necessity for businesses of every size. It is an excellent plan-based strategy for businesses to proactively identify and prepare for various hazards, dangers, and other issues that could jeopardize a business’s objectives and interrupt their operations. Since automation and digitization are becoming much more prevalent, numerous companies are relying on enterprise risk management software to modernize their offerings and mitigate risks.

A top management source has this to say, “At Parapet, we provide well-structured software to actively assess and mitigate your business’s risks on a daily basis. Our software can also help identify lucrative opportunities and maintain your company’s reputation by alerting you to threats long before they impact your operations.” Enterprise risk management is a must for the long-term life and health of every business.

Enterprise Risk Management software helps clients identify and set controls over the multitude of risks such organization faces each day. These risks include physical damage caused by environmental factors; cybercrime; system failure and blackouts; economic stressors; industry, sector and marketplace disruptions; compliance and governance challenges, and more

Parapet tailors its compliance management to meet the needs of clients’ enterprises. It incorporates all of the policies, procedures, and regulations with the national and international standards that oversee such industry and jurisdiction, including ISO, NIST, COBIT, NZISM, and more. Parapet will configure the software to meet the demands of each client’s enterprise. They do these by-

• Generating a data-based record of compliance activities and obligations.
• Coordinating internal and external regulations, risks, controls, policies, and procedures into a single overarching structure.
• Enabling compliance maturity throughout the enterprise by bringing all corporate elements up to the same, uniform standard.
• Automation and notification of tasks, remediation, and assurance, which will increase productivity.
• Eliminating duplicate efforts by unifying the varying compliance controls that apply across the client’s business.

Media Release on 2 September 2020

Media Contact
Hiren Desai, Parapet
Email: info@parapet.com
Website: https://parapet.com

MIL OSI