Family-owned, Kiwi-designed brand Brolly Sheets began with a problem at home. Founder Diane Hurford sewed the first Brolly Sheet after repeated middle-of-the-night bed changes during toilet training. What started as a homemade solution grew into a manufacturing and export business. On the company’s 20th anniversary, Diane speaks with the EMA’s Nicholas Russell about the journey from a single prototype to large-scale production.
Relocating a manufacturing operation is one of the biggest decisions a business can make. The EMA’s Nicholas Russell sat down with Old Country Food CEO Amy Sevao to learn what the company gained from its move to a purpose-built facility, the challenges it encountered along the way, and the lessons other manufacturers can take from the experience as they plan for future growth and operational efficiency.
EMA member ecostore has spent more than 30 years building a globally recognised New Zealand manufacturing brand focused on sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Ecostore produces plant- and mineral-based home and personal care products designed to be safer for people and the planet. But in 2023, a serious workplace incident became a defining turning point for the business.
Recognising that health and safety were both a key part of caring for their people and a competitive advantage, Kiwi biophilic design and plantscaping company Outside In partnered with the EMA to strengthen its safety systems and processes. Through Health and Safety Advisor Keith Robinson, the business received practical guidance, regular audits, and ongoing support to improve its standards year by year.
For Red Badge Group, the EMA Safety Culture Programme provided the structure, support and insight needed to transform its approach to health and safety. By focusing on the entire organisation and embedding safety into everyday practices, Red Badge achieved measurable improvements in a short timeframe and created a stronger, more engaged workforce.
Growing veterinary group VetPlus wanted some training for its busy front-of-house team that assisted in their role of working with a diverse range of clients, from pet owners to farmers in charge of large herds, often under stressful circumstances. It discovered that an “off-the-shelf” solution wouldn’t cut it and turned to the EMA’s dedicated learning team for a bespoke workshop.
With growing demand for its services, Auckland disability support provider Kaleidocare needed additional HR support. That’s where the EMA’s HR Managed Service stepped in, providing assistance with recruitment, onboarding, performance management and documentation compliance.
With a strong group of talented tradespeople stepping up from the tools into leadership roles, McKay recognised that technical excellence alone isn’t enough to succeed as a supervisor. That’s why they partnered with the EMA to design a tailored supervision programme focused on real on-the-job challenges.
Architectural Glass Products (AGP) has rapidly grown into a leading innovator in New Zealand’s architectural glass sector. Managing Director David Bunting talks about how the company leveraged scale and automation to become a true industry disrupter, and how the EMA played a role.
From humble beginnings in a Titirangi garage, Apex Valves has grown into one of New Zealand’s standout manufacturing and export success stories. The EMA’s Nicholas Russell sat down with Apex General Manager Mark Gracie to talk about the competitive edge that comes from manufacturing excellence backed by decades of innovation.
Auckland business Kaleidocare provides outstanding disability services for children and adults with high and complex needs. With an expanding business, Managing Director Rebecca Knowles wanted to ensure her health safety systems were on the right track and that’s where the EMA’s Safety Culture Programme came to the fore.
When your teams are on the shop floor and your head office is running lean, it’s easy to feel stretched thin, especially if you’re a growing, family-run retail business. Flo & Frankie founder Chrissy Conyngham describes the company’s growth journey and how the EMA’s HR Managed Service has helped.
Tāmaki Health, New Zealand’s largest privately owned healthcare group, wanted a customised course for new leaders or ones without previous training. It turned to the EMA to develop a five-day course of workshops
Step inside Taylors’ state-of-the-art Auckland facility to see how a century of experience, cutting-edge technology, and a dedicated team come together to deliver quality, sustainability, and safety every single day. Also find out how Taylors’ membership with the EMA has assisted its development through our full range of services.
Auckland Roofcraft’s recent growth has meant it needed to expand its HR offering. For this, it turned to the EMA’s HR Managed Services team. Watch the video to find out how the EMA worked to build out Auckland Roofcraft’s HR capacity.
The EMA took a group of Members through Salus Aviation’s workshop to experience its industry leading helicopter and fixed-wing aviation maintenance. Watch the video below to hear from CEO Greg Edmonds as he explains what it takes to compete on the global stage.
Pictor Limited is a biotech company based in Auckland that provides accurate and efficient testing of complex and infectious diseases for human and animal health. It’s been preparing for the next stage of growth and has enlisted the help of the EMA’s Managed HR service.
Offering environmentally responsible and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional products has been the goal of ecostore since its foundation in 1993. The EMA’s Nicholas Russell spoke to ecostore Chief Operating Officer Tony Acland about how the company has used smart design, practical technology and better factory flows to lift performance, capability and scale.
With 48 hectares of certified organic Camellia sinensis growing in the heart of the Waikato, Zealong Tea Estate is New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate. The EMA’s Nicholas Russell sat down with Zealong General Manager Sen Kong to find out where they have used technology to improve efficiency but also how the human touch remains irreplaceable.
Auckland precision car parts manufacturer Dodson joined the EMA three years ago as its business was expanding. Dodson CEO and Managing Director David Sweas talks about how Dodson parts support top racers to achieve world records, and how the EMA helps the company with health and safety, human resources and training.
Known for its focus on innovation, quality and export success, Trimax has become a case study in how a family-owned business can scale internationally while maintaining a strong customer-first culture. The EMA’s Nicholas Russell spoke with CEO Michael Sievwright about Trimax’s journey, its approach to growth and innovation, and how it is inspiring the next generation of Kiwi manufacturers.
EMA Learning has partnered with Auckland-based multinational Price Holyoake (NZ) Ltd to tailor a course that produces effective leaders while teaming leaners with a skilled facilitator who can communicate effectively to produce results.
By fostering a proactive safety culture, Southern Spars has established itself as an industry leader in workplace health and safety, setting a benchmark for others in high-risk manufacturing environments.
The EMA’s Nicholas Russell sat down with Page Macrae CEO Alan Sutcliffe to discuss the company’s new world-leading hopper, which sparked huge interest during a recent sales trip to Europe.
The EMA’s Nicholas Russell sat down with AGP Managing Director/Founder David Bunting to discuss the challenges and successes of launching a greenfield manufacturing operation in New Zealand.
From developing a robust risk management framework to addressing the emerging challenges of EVs and motorsports, Paul Gallagher explains how he leads a culture of health and safety excellence at Giltrap Group.
The NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers Association needed a secretariat to help in reviewing policies, initiatives and programmes. For this, it turned to the EMA’s expert Advocacy and Strategy team.
For University of Auckland Infrastructure Manager Pauline Harrington, EMA health and safety facilitator Peter Simunovich’s engaging approach to workplace training was perfectly suited to her work environment.
NZAero’s Stephen Burrows shares some of his thoughts and insights into the company’s export journey, and how the EMA’s Advocacy team assists in breaking down barriers to trade.
ECL Group is a leading technical services company specialising in fuel systems and technology solutions. To stay on top of the latest legislation and employment relations issues, ECL leans on the EMA’s skilled Legal and Advocacy teams.
Bay of Plenty fishing company Pelco and the EMA have built a strong relationship over the years, collaborating on health and safety, HR advice, leadership training and even governance in the export community.
From saws, boilers and chemicals to forklifts, trucks and loaders, there is no shortage of health and safety risks for New Zealand timber manufacturers. With help from the EMA, Northpine Health and Safety Officer John Lumby tackles these risks.
The EMA’s AdviceLine provides a gateway to solutions for Members, with a team of in-house advisors who offer support and answer employment-related questions. Read how Cowley Stanich & Co Ltd wage specialist Megan Hucker uses the service to double-check she is getting it right for her clients.
From payroll and HR assistance to employment agreements and health and safety training, Auckland outdoor mounting systems manufacturer RailBlaza uses the full range of EMA services.
cbm New Zealand is committed to helping prevent sight impairments and support people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest places, but when it came to developing the local team’s communication and collaboration skills, the organisation turned to the EMA’s skilled Learning team.
The remediation, refurbishment and restoration company sought the EMA’s range of services, from AdviceLine, to policy templates as well as tapping the Advocacy, Legal and People Experience teams.
A strong belief in the benefits of ongoing training and development led wine, beer and spirits merchants Hancocks New Zealand to send their staff on the EMA’s Emerging Team Leader course.
Cosmetics NZ needed an experienced Executive Director to handle the association’s regulatory needs. For this, it turned to the EMA’s experienced manufacturing and industry group experts.
Members of the Pinnacle network explain how the EMA’s Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa course offered practical, real-life assistance when issues came up at work and at home.
The goal of Hanga-Aro-Rau Workforce Development Council to “strengthen the manufacturing, engineering and logistics industries”, is one close to the EMA’s heart.
Leadership development with Red Stag Timber
Red Stag is committed to developing capability in its coordinators, supervisors and shift team leaders. For this, it partnered with the EMA’s experienced Learning team.
Resilience training is becoming recognised as an essential skill to live and lead in uncertain times and the EMA has significant expertise in this area, particularly through its expert presenters such as Peter Simunovich.
Smartcover Finance's HR solution
After taking over car repair financing roadside-assist business Smartcover during the GFC, Dan Bagnall realised he needed some help in the HR department. For this, he turned to the EMA’s AdviceLine.
Direct selling has come a long way from the door-knocking salesperson with the perfect patter. The EMA helps the Direct Selling Association of NZ with its regulatory and compliance needs and represents it at a governance level both here and offshore.