Increasing the Performance of Farm SMEs in Northland – Department of Labour (2010-11)
This Workplace Productivity project, managed by the Northland Chamber of Commerce and funded by the Department of Labour, involved Venture Group working with six different farming enterprises over an 18 month period.
The farms ranged from a ‘new entrant’ to farming, to a large multi-farm business. Five of the farms, including an organic farm, were dairying enterprises and one was a Maori trust-owned farm. The project focussed on the business side of farming, not the science of farming.
Venture Group consultant Jill Hartles assisted farm owners and managers to examine the importance of people and processes in their business’s performance.
After developing a profile of each farm, Jill worked through a business health check process with each farmer. The health check established areas that could be improved with further work. These areas were then prioritised and Jill held one-on-one sessions with the farmers every six weeks to implement the changes agreed.
While each of the farmers focused on different topics, they shared common issues around staff management. Most recognised some need to uplift and polish their own management, leadership and communication skills, but due to daily pressures had tended to put it off by not considering it a priority.
All the farmers found the project valuable - even the earlier sceptics acknowledged the benefits and improvements.
Participants believed mentoring was the most important part of the project and that face to face coaching added the most economic benefit.
Comments from participants:
‘Excellent motivation to improve our business.’
‘It has been more effective than I would’ve thought for our farm – well done.’
‘Great steps for our business.’
‘Well done Venture – we DO see the merit in doing this project we now have easy folders just to pull out!! Makes the job so much easier.’
‘The project has made us focus more on process type issues. It’s about developing thought processes.’
‘From something that we thought was a waste of time – we have gained valuable insight into our business with easy accessible information for anyone should they walk on farm. We are now an organised professional business that can be proved on paper!! Well done to Venture!’
‘Really useful to stocktake where our business was at and to then implement changes and see the positive changes.’
‘We felt obliged to join the project – but we also saw that it could be worthwhile for our business - good timing and we’re at a stage where we need to review things. It’s an opportunity to assess our business, work out where the gaps are and use the project as a tool to increase our business productivity... ..It has made us unconsciously think differently and plan and act accordingly…Sometimes working in the vacuum of a small operation with only 2 directors can be limiting….I think this project has been great for us to drill down into our business and look at it differently.’
Adult and Community Education Collaborative Activities Project - Tertiary Education Commission (2010 -11)
Venture Group was commissioned by the TEC (Tertiary Education Commission) to work with the ACE (Adult and Continuing Education) sector across New Zealand to explore ways in which the sector could develop appropriate ways to collaborate effectively.
Meeting with colleagues in the ACE sector across New Zealand, both in local workshops and individual conversations, Venture Group aimed to understand and develop practical ideas that will be relevant and valuable to ACE organizations in their work to improve the benefits for learners. From this dialogue, Venture Group developed a Collaborative Activities Framework that has been agreed by TEC in its ongoing work with the ACE sector. Arapiki Ako: Tai Tokerau Workplace Literacy Project - Tertiary Education Commission (2009-2011)
This project was funded by Pûtea Arapiki Ako and explored the quality service expectations of health services clients who are native speakers of Te Reo Maori. Venture Group contracted Arapine Walker (Ngati Rangiwewehi) as lead researcher for the project which aimed to deepen the workplace literacy sector’s understanding about the relationship between Te Reo Mâori, Tikanga Mâori, and the development of workplace literacy and numeracy skills for Maori adult learners.
Current workplace literacy funding assumes that English as the language of the workplace despite the fact that Te Reo Mâori is clearly the primary or preferred language of some workplaces, particularly Mâori education and health providers, and many Iwi organisations. This research showed that Te Reo Mâori is also the language unequivocally preferred by some clients and a feature of quality service provision for them.
Arapiki Ako: Tai Tokerau Workplace Literacy Project - Tertiary Education Commission (2009-2011)
This project was funded by Pûtea Arapiki Ako and explored the quality service expectations of health services clients who are native speakers of Te Reo Maori. Venture Group contracted Arapine Walker (Ngati Rangiwewehi) as lead researcher for the project which aimed to deepen the workplace literacy sector’s understanding about the relationship between Te Reo Mâori, Tikanga Mâori, and the development of workplace literacy and numeracy skills for Maori adult learners.
Current workplace literacy funding assumes that English as the language of the workplace despite the fact that Te Reo Mâori is clearly the primary or preferred language of some workplaces, particularly Mâori education and health providers, and many Iwi organisations. This research showed that Te Reo Mâori is also the language unequivocally preferred by some clients and a feature of quality service provision for them.You can view the Collaborative Activities Framework here.
Arapiki Ako: Tai Tokerau Workplace Literacy Project - Tertiary Education Commission (2010)
This project was funded by Pûtea Arapiki Ako and explored the quality service expectations of health services clients who are native speakers of Te Reo Maori. Venture Group contracted Arapine Walker (Ngati Rangiwewehi) as lead researcher for the project which aimed to deepen the workplace literacy sector’s understanding about the relationship between Te Reo Mâori, Tikanga Mâori, and the development of workplace literacy and numeracy skills for Maori adult learners.
Current workplace literacy funding assumes that English as the language of the workplace despite the fact that Te Reo Mâori is clearly the primary or preferred language of some workplaces, particularly Mâori education and health providers, and many Iwi organisations. This research showed that Te Reo Mâori is also the language unequivocally preferred by some clients and a feature of quality service provision for them.
Kiwi Protection in Northland - Department of Conservation (2010)
Venture Group was commissioned by DOC to conduct market research to shape a new community education programme designed to help protect kiwi and reduce the number of kiwi being killed by dogs. Venture Group interviewed residents from across the District to find out what they knew about the viability of local kiwi populations and the threat that dogs pose to them. The results of the survey were collated and a report with recommendations provided to the Northland regional office of DOC.
Rugby World Cup Environmental Responsibility Programme - Enterprise Northland (2010)
Enterprise Northland engaged Venture Group to develop a stocktake report on Northland’s Rugby World Cup 2011 Environmental Responsibility Programme.
As part of winning a bid to host two Rugby World Cup 2011 matches, Northland needed to show that it had environmentally responsible practices in place and was planning appropriate actions for the Rugby World Cup 2011 period.
The stocktake report covered areas such as transport, climate change, resources, waste management, water use and quality, maximizing sustainability and communications.
Information from all participating regions has been gathered so that national initiatives can be developed which will help make the Rugby World Cup 2011 an enjoyable experience for New Zealanders and for overseas visitors.
Stocktake of sustainable business initiatives - Enterprise Northland (2010)
In 2007, Enterprise Northland was contracted by Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to provide business advisory services to projects with the potential to develop into sustainable businesses and create new employment.
Venture Group reviewed the key activites and sub-projects of this initiative.
The review involved analysing a range of projects throughout Northland and meeting with groups to discuss progress with their projects, the value of Enterprise Northland’s assistance, and to identify their intentions for the short - medium term future.
The review identified those projects with potential to develop further, if provided with a second level of advisory and other services support.
Review of a Department of Inland Revenue tax reform project in Niue - Department of Inland Revenue (2009)
The project was part of the Halavaka ke he Monuina Arrangement (for a Programme of Strengthened Cooperation) between New Zealand and Niue put in place by Helen Clark, then Prime Minister of New Zealand, after Cyclone Heta hit Niue in 2004. The Government of Niue requested the assistance of New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to implement reforms within their tax system.
The IRD’s involvement began in July 2007 and included provision of advice on development of a new tax system; policy and technical support for the passage and implementation of new tax legislation; legal drafting; litigation support, and the secondment of two IRD Tax Advisors to the Niue Tax Office. Legislation, including a Niue Consumption Tax came into effect on 1 April 2009. Venture Group’s report focused on the work undertaken and the outcomes achieved, and identified areas for possible future action. The report was sent to the IRD, the Government of Niue, MFAT and NZAID.
Vietnam War Oral History project - Ministry of Culture and Heritage (2009)
A Ministry of Culture and Heritage sponsored project, conducting interviews with Northland-based men who served in the Vietnam War. The project is a result of the Joint Working group of veteran and government representatives established in 2005 to address the concerns of Vietnam veterans, and complements the official history of NZ’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Visit www.vietnamwar.govt.nz.
‘A Journey through Kaipara’: Telling the story of the Kaipara Community Outcomes Steering Group - Department of Internal Affairs (2009)
This Venture Group project is part of the Department of Internal Affairs ‘Putting pen to paper’ series. 'A Journey through Kaipara' presents the experience of people involved in the Kaipara Community Outcomes Steering Group. This resource supports ongoing collaborative work by reflecting on the observations and lessons learned by the multiple agencies involved as they work on complex community issues.
Venture Group wrote the document and was involved in the consultation with key people involved in the Kaipara Community Outcomes Steering Group. 'A Journey through Kaipara' is a web based resource and is available to download from the following link: www.communityoutcomes.govt.nz
Analysis of Department of Labour Annual in-depth regional reports - Agriculture Industry Training Organisation (2008)
An analysis and summary of 12 regional documents with regard to any training and education requirements identified for the agriculture and water industries; overview / summary document outlining the overall regional labour markets perspective and impact on the agriculture and water industries and the ITO.
Analysis of ITP Regional Facilitation statements - Agriculture Industry Training Organisation (2008)
An analysis and summary of 17 documents with regard to the training and education requirements identified for the agriculture and water industries; overview / summary document outlining the overall ITP perspective and impact on the agriculture and water industries and the ITO.
Siting Options: labour market analysis project - Department of Courts / Ministry of Justice (2008)
Labour market research to identify potential site options for location of large new call centre.
Redesign of Northtec Quality Management Systems - NorthTec / Northland Polytechnic (2008)
Project to assist with the development of a new QMS that incorporates staff feedback and redevelops systems and processes that have developed informally in different departments over the last 5-7 years. This work runs across 12 different areas that are common to all Polytechnic departments. Relationship management, staff consultation and engagement were critical, given that the redesign occurred at the same time as a major external audit of NorthTec's QMS.
The Northland Story: looking in, looking out: a call to action - Department of Labour (2007)
A 25 page ‘snapshot of Northland’ based on the Northland Planners Forum. The document covered: process; background (current situation); key strategic themes (infrastructure, the environment and sustainable development, skills, labour and employment, quality of life); emerging themes and issues; summary.
Capability development in the mental health sector - Victoria University (2007)
Funded by the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology as part of a research programme being overseen by Victoria University. The aim of the Developing Human Capability research project is to identify conditions for the optimal development of human capability in New Zealand organisations. Venture Group undertook a case study of the mental health sector in Northland, interviewing managers and employees in the DHB and NGOs, analysing the resultant information, and preparing a 160 page report. View the full report here.
“Tricia and Gill were able to very quickly organise and conduct 50 research interviews with people throughout Northland. They also provided interview transcription services. As a result we were able to have full written records of all interviews and an expansive report which they prepared. We were then able to analyse this material within the context of our full research programme. Tricia and Gill's contribution to our research was invaluable".
Dr Jane Bryson, School of Management, Victoria University
ESOL provision in the Auckland Region - Ministry of Social Development / Tertiary Education Commission (2007)
Research to identify whether migrants have adequate access to ESOL provision across Training Opportunities and Student Component Funded programmes, and Adult and Community Education courses within Auckland, identify any potential under and over supply of training provision. Recommendations made to the two purchasing bodies, Work and Income and the TEC.
Facilitation of National ESOL Hui - Tertiary Education Commission (2007)
Preparation for and facilitation of two day national collaboration and strategic planning meeting with National ESOL Assessment and Access Specialist Services and TEC senior managers, including presentation to Tertiary Education Commission representatives.
Project Plan for New Zealand Archives Strategy - Archives New Zealand (2007)
A plan which included: delivery of a ‘roadmap’ identifying steps to develop a strategy by 30 June 2008; a consultation and relationships plan; estimation of costs for the strategy development; identifying the key elements / outline of a national strategy
Analysis of Department of Labour Annual in-depth regional reports - Agriculture ITO (2007)
An analysis and summary of 12 regional documents with regard to any training and education requirements identified for the agriculture and water industries; overview / summary document outlining the overall regional labour markets perspective and impact on the agriculture and water industries and the ITO.
Analysis of ITP Regional Facilitation statements - Agriculture ITO (2007)
An analysis and summary of 16 documents with regard to the training and education requirements identified for the agriculture and water industries; overview / summary document outlining the overall ITP perspective and impact on the agriculture and water industries and the ITO.
Youth Action Plan - Whangarei District Council (2007)
A five year vision and three year action plan aligned to the principles of the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa and developed in consultation with key youth agencies, and stakeholder groups, that clarifies Council’s role, relationships and responsibilities to the youth sector and identifies Whangarei District Council’s deliverables to the youth sector with clear and measurable targets.
Community Development Strategy - Whangarei District Council (2007)
A strategic framework that positions the Council’s Community Development Division in terms of practice and principles; within the national/local environment and in the context of Council plans, and key related activities of Council. The document is a deliverable under the Whangarei District Council’s CEO's performance goals 2006-07.
Disability Strategy - Whangarei District Council (2007)
A three year action plan aligned to the NZ disability strategy and Council’s Long Term Council Community Plan, to position Whangarei District Council to meet the needs of disabled people now and into the future.
Community Development Project - Whangarei District Council (2007)
Development of key messages and brochure information on community development in the context of a local authority, for use by the Whangarei District Council at Council Expos and public events.
Youth Policy projects - Whangarei District Council (2007)
A review of Council’s Youth Policy and Strategy, and a redevelopment of Council’s Youth Initiatives Fund criteria.
Co-ordination of 3rd Annual Northland Kauri Festival - KauriFest 07 - Enterprise Northland (2007)
Development and event management with and on behalf of key stakeholders and individual event organisers of a regional Festival, the first of Tourism NZ’s Spring Festivals to be marketed into Australia. KauriFest 07 ran throughout the Northland region from 8th to 30th September and featured more than 50 events over 4 weekends in Whangarei, Kaipara, and Far North districts. Venture Group’s role included coordinating the overall Festival, developing 3 signature events, acting as the main point of contact and liaison with individual event organisers; handling collateral development, marketing and promotion of the Festival.
Event Management for Whangarei: a discussion paper - Enterprise Northland (2006)
Plan included information on good practice event models elsewhere in NZ, recommendations on future governance and management, and a 12 month action / implementation plan to develop a sustainable iconic regional event in the future.
Industry Sector Skills Strategy - Agriculture ITO (Stage One: 2006)
The planning of a strategy development process to identify current and future skill needs in the 11 subsectors of the agriculture industry. Key activities included:
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identifying and collating information from relevant existing strategies, initiatives, working groups etc
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establishing areas of duplication, overlaps, differences in emphasis
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outlining a process through which to examine the issues remaining to be addressed
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focusing on gaps; areas requiring further work/information, areas requiring alignment for development in the final strategy document
Event Management for Whangarei: a discussion paper - Whangarei District Council (2006)
A stage one project which identified issues to be considered in the development of a Whangarei Event Management plan.
Settlement Strategy - Whangarei District Council (2006)
Development of three year strategic plan and annual business plan for Settlement Support Coordinator
Community Halls Strategy - Whangarei District Council (2006)
Development of policy on Council’s roles and responsibilities with regard to community facilities in the Whangarei District; funding prioritization framework; comprehensive database; disestablishment and divestment policy.
Engineering sector research - NorthTec / Northland Polytechnic (2005 – 2006)
Research to identify options for engineering training in Northland. Included a comprehensive phone/face to face survey of engineering employers and evaluation of current training provision. Developed in conjunction with Competenz, the Engineering ITO.
"We have worked with Venture Group in the fields of Strategic Planning and in applying for funding grants. We have been impressed by the customer orientated approach and willingness to match the expertise of Venture Group to the needs of the client and the circumstances prevailing.
The service we received was timely and of a high quality. We have confidence that the Venture Group will deliver within agreed parameters once a contract is agreed".
Terry Barnett, Former Chief Executive, Northland Polytechnic
Literacy Advisory Service - Tertiary Education Commission (2005-2006)
A regional joint venture between Literacy Aotearoa, Eduserve and Venture Group to assess literacy training needs amongst Northland PTE staff, provide support to PTEs in the implementation of the Adult Literacy quality mark, and to support tutors experiencing difficulties with literacy provision to learners.
Review of Literacy Aotearoa and ESOLHT roles - Tertiary Education Commission (2005)
A review to identify the impact of current funding structures on the activities and capabilities of these lead ACE providers. Analysis of their systems, profiles and activities, and interim funding recommendations for 2006-07 based on the review findings and the proposed ACE Funding Framework.
Positive Ageing Strategy - Whangarei District Council (2005)
A Positive Ageing strategy linked to Council’s Long Term Council Community Plan, to position WDC to meet older people’s needs now and into the future. View the strategy here.
‘Arts in the Regional Frame’ A Strategic Framework for the Creative Industries Arts Sector in Northland - Enterprise Northland (2005)
Venture Group completed a draft strategy after taking over the project which had been running for most of 2004. Following this, preparation of final draft and consultation to confirm final document.
Analysis of Submissions on the Proposed Adult and Community Education Funding Framework - Tertiary Education Commission (2005)
Analysis of over 600 submissions made by tertiary institutions and tertiary providers, school ACE providers, community groups, special interest groups and individuals on the proposed ACE Funding Framework. Analysis of support by stakeholder group, theme and issue; provision of information on an ongoing basis to working party; participation in conference calls, significant contributions to draft Cabinet paper.
National Tourism Workforce and Skills Strategy - Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (2005)
Action focused strategy developed in response to the findings of the Tourism Workforce and Skills Projections Report (November 2004); funded by Ministry of Tourism for Tourism Leaders Group (an industry government partnership). View the strategy here.
Evidence Recording and Transcription (ERT) Project - Department of Courts (2005)
Labour market research to identify potential sites for location of service centres.
National Rural Housing Programme - Sustainable Housing Initiative Project - Housing New Zealand Corporation (2005)
Stage Two: Design of Sustainable Housing Toolkit
Designed information package for Sustainable Housing initiative – produced prototypes for brochure, 16 page booklet, HNZC staff folder and 6 building method folders for approval.
Stage One: Design of Assessment Process for Plan Applications
Designed assessment templates for processing housing plans submitted to HNZC (Northland) Sustainable Housing initiative by applicant architects and housing companies. Co-assessed historical and new applications using the template.
Achievements of the National Rural Housing Programme - Housing New Zealand Corporation (2005)
“We were very impressed with the professionalism, timeliness, quality of the report (given the time available), the breadth of data gathering and the ability to get to the nub of the issue quickly. This made it very easy for us”.
Raewyn Tipene, Manager National Rural Housing Programme
Ethnic Responsiveness Strategy - Tertiary Education Commission (2004 – 2005)
Development of draft document, organisation and facilitation of national consultation process; analysis of feedback, production of final strategy. The first draft of this Strategy was comprehensively rewritten within 7 working days when a new Project Manager was appointed.
‘Meeting the Skills Challenge in Northland’: A Regional Skills Action Strategy - Enterprise Northland (2004)
The first regional skills development strategy to be produced in the country - a comprehensive 160 document and a ‘popular’ 36 page version (1500 print run). The project included the first wide-ranging survey of 2,500 Northland employers, was completed in less than four months and launched by Ministers in early August 2004.
“Enterprise Northland was part of a regional working group that commissioned Venture Group to produce a strategy to address training and skills development issues in the Northland region. The strategy…has set a clear direction for the region and has received positive recognition from a range of relevant national agencies.
Enterprise Northland was impressed with the professionalism, timeliness, quality of the report, the breadth of data gathering and the clarity of recommendations.
As a measure of our confidence, Venture Group has been engaged by Enterprise Northland to undertake further strategic planning work. Enterprise Northland has no hesitation in recommending Venture Group to other organisations and would be happy to discuss our experiences with any potential client”.
John Halse, Advisor, Business & Industry Development
Substandard Housing in Northland: a follow-up report - Housing New Zealand Corporation (2004)
Research report into substandard housing in Northland - Housing New Zealand Corporation (2003)
“The Housing Research Report was delivered on time, well written, well researched (given timelines) and very good value for the price paid. In short the report exceeded my expectations”.
Terry Smith, Manager, Rural Housing Programme, Northland
