Women in business

Behind many Franklin businesses there are dynamic women including:

Sharnie Thomson

Owner-Operator, McKenzie Manor
Email info@mckenziemanor.co.nz
@mckenzie_manor

What an honour to be invited to share alongside so many amazing women! I’m the founder and owner-operator of McKenzie Manor, Franklin’s finest boutique dog boarding experience. I am also a wife, a mother, and someone passionate about supporting opportunities.

Before diving into our own business, I spent more than a decade in a corporate career in a male-dominated industry, progressing from an entry-level administration role to the general manager of a nationwide operation.

While my former career and business might seem very different, both have proven success on the same foundations: relationships, trust, empathy and genuinely understanding people – or in the case of McKenzie Manor, their dogs too.

I am a firm believer that life shouldn’t require sacrificing the things we love. I feel fortunate to combine our passion for dogs with helping families not only say yes, but enjoy life’s opportunities, knowing their beloved pets are understood, cared for and uniquely supported. You can contact me via email at info@mckenziemanor.co.nz.

Claire McArthur

Financial Adviser, SHARE NZ – The Advisory Ltd
Ph 021 02000 177 | Email claire.mcarthur@sharenz.com
www.clairemcarthur.co.nz

How amazing it is that there are so many talented businesswomen in the Franklin region!
As a local mortgage adviser who has been growing my business here over the last nine years, I am proud to support so many Franklin families into their first homes, investment properties, new builds, bigger family homes, business ventures, and even commercial property.

After more than a decade with one of the big four banks, I took the leap to go out on my own, offering personalised advice and service with plenty of care and handholding along the way.

I have an absolute passion for what I do, and I still get a real kick out of guiding clients through the home-buying process, supporting them the whole way through.
I’m proud to be part of the local business community, and I’m looking forward to continuing as Franklin’s lending wing woman!

Michelle Costello

General Manager, Jennian Homes Franklin
Ph 09 238 6156 | www.jennian.co.nz
Email michelle.costello@jennian.co.nz

Hi, Michelle here from Jennian Homes. When wondering what to write for a column on women in business, I reflected on how I got here. I’ve had an interest in building all my life; so it all makes sense. I used to build Lego houses for my Smurfs!

At college I considered doing architecture but wasn’t sure if I was good enough (imposter syndrome right there!) I spent my 20s skiing and working overseas and in New Zealand. It was great fun and I learned about getting on with people and selling myself very quickly to a new group of learners.

Coming home in my late 20s I met my husband Vincent who was a builder. This reignited my passion for building and design. As we built our first home, I fell in love with the process and the magic of designing a home and living in something that you’ve put so much thought and time into! When the opportunity arrived to become involved in a national brand, at a local level we jumped in with both feet.

I still feel the magic and excitement to this day as an owner-operator at Jennian Homes. Let us help you find the magic in your dream home.

Marissa Chapman

General Manager, Grahams Funerals
Ph 09 236 8919 | Email marissa@grahamsfunerals.co.nz
www.grahamsfunerals.co.nz

As General Manager of Grahams Funerals, Marissa combines her expertise as a qualified funeral director and embalmer with a deep commitment to supporting families through some of life’s most challenging moments and what is often the worst day of a person’s life.

With 16 years of experience, she leads a dedicated team while serving the Franklin community she knows and values. She is responsible for maintaining the high standards, values, and exceptional service that families have come to expect from Grahams Funerals and which the Grahams family have provided since 1935.

The industry has historically been male dominated; however, women like Marissa are helping reshape the profession by demonstrating that leadership in funeral service is built on communication, adaptability, and care.

“Leadership is not only about managing people and a business, but it is also about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and what an honour it is to have the opportunity to be able to do this,” Marissa says.

Sharleen Buchanan

Regional Manager, Pukekohe and North Waikato, Bayleys
Ph 021 404 871 | Email sharleen.buchanan@bayleys.co.nz
www.bayleys.co.nz

When it comes to Women in Business, Sharleen Buchanan stands out. With more than 25 years in real estate and over two decades with Bayleys, she leads with authenticity, drive, and a strong commitment to her people and community.

After leading Bayleys Pukekohe for the past eight years, Sharleen has recently stepped into an expanded role as Regional Manager for Pukekohe and North Waikato — reflecting her proven leadership and the trust placed in her to guide growth across this key region.

Known for her collaborative style and high standards, Sharleen fosters high performance within a culture grounded in support, accountability, and shared success. She believes great leadership is about lifting others and creating an environment where her team feel empowered to thrive.

Passionate about growing market share, building client relationships, and championing innovation, Sharleen continues to shape the future of real estate across the region. Keen to know more? Please reach out.

Sarah Miskell

CA, Director, Campbell Tyson
Ph 09 238 9219 | Email s.miskell@ct.co.nz
www.ct.co.nz

Right now, many dairy farming businesses are in a relatively strong position. Healthy payouts, favourable weather, easing interest rates and the recent Fonterra capital return have helped create positive cashflow across much of the sector. While costs are beginning to rise again, many farmers have some breathing room financially.

The key question is how that position is used. With tax payments for May 31 balance dates due at the end of June, it’s also important to understand upcoming obligations before committing all available cash elsewhere.

As both a dairy farmer and Chartered Accountant, I’ve seen that the strongest businesses use good years to strengthen their position and prepare for what’s next. Farming has always been cyclical. Today’s favourable conditions won’t last forever. The businesses that navigate change best are usually those making informed decisions early, forecasting regularly and keeping a long-term view.

Good years create opportunity. The decisions made during them often determine how well a business performs when conditions become more challenging.