20 October 2004
Telecom Announces NZ’s Top Home Businesses
Three New Zealand home-based companies have been selected as the country’s top businesses in the second annual Telecom
Home Business of the Year competition.
The competition recognises and rewards top New Zealand home businesses across three categories, Inspirational
Achievement, Best Use of Communications and Business Excellence. One category winner is also selected as the overall
‘Supreme Award’ winner.
Bunny Lodge, a successful Christchurch home-based business owned by David Sewell and Fiona Lovie is the winner of the
coveted Supreme Award. The country’s first ever Qualmark-accredited kennel and cattery also won the Business Excellence
category.
Nelson-based hydroponics home business Lansdowne Salad Factory won the Inspirational Achievement category and online
cane furniture store, Papasans Furniture from Tauranga topped the Best Use of Communications category.
The three businesses were among the more than 150 entries from around New Zealand for the annual Home Business of the
Year competition, launched earlier this year in July.
The winners were announced today by Home Business New Zealand Executive Editor Heather Douglas, New Zealand Senior
Business reporter Ellen Read, and Director of SMEs for the Ministry of Economic Development, Roger Wigglesworth.
Ms Douglas, who was a judge in last year’s inaugural competition, said she was inspired by what was being achieved by
home businesses in such short timeframes.
"Many of the entries demonstrated strong business acumen, innovation and the tenacity to survive and succeed even in
tough market conditions,” she said.
Ms Douglas was also complimentary about Telecom’s role in hosting the Home Business awards.
“Home businesses make a significant contribution to the economy. This competition helps increase the visibility of this
business sector and celebrates the success and entrepreneurship of these unsung heroes of our economy. I expect we'll
see their contribution increase in coming years as new technology enables growth and expansion into new and global
markets,” she said.
A wide range of businesses entered the competition, selling everything from toys, organic baby food and surf clothing,
to providing photography, financial management and medical services.
Telecom’s Home Business Programme Manager, Sam Irvine, said there’s an upward trend towards working from home as more
people recognise the financial and lifestyle benefits.
“The Home Business Programme was formed to recognise and support the achievements of home businesses in New Zealand. The
competition is one part of the total package Telecom provides designed to encourage, support and facilitate their
success.”
Category winners each received a prize valued at $5,000 including a Telecom 027 camera phone with $100 credit, an Xtra
JetStream Surf Flat Rate connection free for six months, a $500 Telecom Directories advertisement, a stylish espresso
machine from Caffe L’Affare, and an Xbox console with a live starter kit and three games.
The Supreme Winner also received an Air New Zealand Luxury Mystery Break for two including two nights’ hotel
accommodation and use of a rental car.
Telecom’s Home Business programme was established in 1999 to meet the unique needs of people who run businesses from
home. Almost 60,000 home businesses have joined the programme to take advantage of the information and services Telecom
offers.
About Telecom’s Home Business Programme
Telecom’s Home Business Programme is designed specifically for customers who work from home. It is free to join and
provides special privileges such as residential rates for up to three lines, unique call plans, a free Yellow Pages
listing and a dedicated Home Business service team. Members also enjoy networking opportunities at Telecom’s Home
Business seminars and receive a quarterly Home Business newsletter with exclusive offers and promotions.
For more information, please visit: www.telecom.co.nz/homebusiness or contact the Home Business team on 0800 800 070.
Telecom Home Business Competition 2004 Winner Details
Bunny Lodge: ‘Supreme Award’ and ‘Business Excellence’ winner Bunny Lodge is New Zealand’s first Qualmark-endorsed
holiday resort for animals. David Sewell and partner Fiona Lovie bought the flailing Christchurch business two years ago
and transformed it into a thriving five-star pet resort for cats, dogs, small mammals and birds. www.bunnylodge.co.nz
Lansdowne Salad Factory: ‘Inspirational Achievement’ winner Lansdowne Salad Factory is the only producer of
hydroponically-grown Mesculin Mix lettuces and herbs in the Nelson region. Owners Helen Bowler and Neil Berendt have
transformed and rebuilt their business over time to adapt to an ever-changing market.
Papasans Furniture: Mother-of-three Sharon Schneebeli owns and runs this unique business from her home in Tauranga,
selling papasans (cane) furniture to clients all over the world. The niche business is this year’s winner of the ‘Best
Use of Communications’ category. http://www.papasanfurniture.com/
For more information on the finalists, or to speak to a Telecom spokesperson please contact:
ENDS