Women in business

Behind many Franklin businesses there are dynamic women including:

Marissa Chapman 

General Manager, Grahams Funeral Services,
Ph 09 2368919 | Email marissa@grahamsfunerals.co.nz
www.grahamsfunerals.co.nz

My career began as a young woman entering the funeral industry, driven by a passion to care for people during some of life’s most difficult moments. I qualified as an embalmer and was fortunate to receive several awards recognising both my practical skills and my understanding of the theory behind embalming.

Working as an embalmer provided the foundation for my career and eventually led me into leadership. It taught me the most important lesson of all: every person entrusted to our care should be treated as if they were a member of our own family. Embalming is about far more than preservation. It involves washing and caring for the body, dressing someone in their favourite clothes, placing a treasured hat or scarf, and it might be applying Mum’s signature red lipstick. These thoughtful details help create a meaningful farewell.

Families deserve the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones, share stories, and say goodbye. This positive viewing experience can play an important role in the grieving process. It is a privilege and an honour to provide this care every day, and at Grahams, we embalm with respect, skill, and attention.

Sarah Miskell

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

A good year can give farming families something especially valuable: the space to look beyond the next season. Increasingly, conversations on-farm are turning to the next three to five years. Where does the family want the business to go, and what needs to be put in place now?

A realistic budget and cash flow forecast help make those conversations practical. They show what may be possible, what commitments lie ahead, and where there is flexibility if prices soften, costs rise or interest rates move again.

But planning is not only about numbers. It’s also about having important conversations that are easy to put off. Has succession been discussed? Are everyone’s expectations understood? What might the next chapter look like?

As both a dairy farmer and Chartered Accountant, I know plans will change. The value is in starting these conversations early, while there is time and choice, rather than waiting until decisions have to be made under pressure.

Claire McArthur

Financial Adviser, Claire McArthur Mortgages
Ph 021 02000 177 | Email claire@clairemcarthur.co.nz
www.clairemcarthur.co.nz

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news – Claire McArthur Mortgages, established back in 2018, is relaunching!

The why behind my business has never changed: helping Franklin families achieve home ownership and build a lasting financial legacy. My own growing family has given me a fresh perspective on how I want to work, and it’s led me right back to where I feel most at home.

From Friday, August 14, Aleisha and I will once again be working as Claire McArthur Mortgages.

This gives us the flexibility to focus fully on our clients, backed by the same trusted referral network and boutique, personalised service you already know.

You’ll now find us at 7G Tobin Street, Pukekohe, emailing from our @clairemcarthur.co.nz addresses – everything else stays easy as.

Excited for this next chapter, and for continuing to be your local lending wing woman.

Sharnie Thomson

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

There’s a certain confidence that comes from knowing what comes next. Whether it’s in business, within a team, or at home, clear expectations give us something incredibly valuable – a sense of security. When we understand what’s expected of us and what we can expect in return, we’re far better equipped to relax, adapt and thrive.

It’s a philosophy I’ve carried through leadership, motherhood and now into the way we’ve built McKenzie Manor. Unlike a dog daycare, many of our guests don’t head home at the end of the day. From days, weeks or sometimes longer, we become their home. To us good boarding care isn’t simply about filling their days with short spurts of activity; it’s about meeting their needs across the entirety of their stay.

Quality sleep, appropriate exercise, enrichment, companionship and quiet time all matter. But so does predictability. When a dog learns the rhythm here, we often see uncertainty replaced by confidence. You can get in touch with me via email at info@mckenziemanor.co.nz

Sharleen Buchanan

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

This month I am keen to talk about Bayleys ‘COUNTRY’ Magazine.

Designed specifically for those passionate about lifestyle properties, land, equestrian pursuits, farming, and country life – it reaches readers who are actively invested in the rural market.

More than just a property publication, Bayleys ‘COUNTRY’ showcases the people, places, and stories that make rural and lifestyle communities like ours thrive.

With premium editorial content and beautifully presented property, it creates an environment where this magazine is viewed by readers who genuinely aspire to the lifestyle on offer.

This means greater exposure to a targeted audience and increased engagement with qualified buyers, Bayleys ‘COUNTRY’ helps bring buyers and country living together.

Keen to feature your property? Or want a copy when published? Either way, I can assist.

Michelle Costello

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

Part of being a woman in business is about giving back, helping those following to reach new ceilings.

Giving back to those who are starting out on their life journey is a great way to support the younger generation. During my own postgraduate study at the University of Auckland, I came across their Women’s Mentoring Programme. This business school programme is for young women studying in their last year or two. There is a lack of women at senior levels in the corporate world and by providing an opportunity for the businesswomen of tomorrow to learn from the successful businesswomen of today the He Ira Wahine programme hopes to help address this.

I have been a mentor twice now and absolutely love it! The young women of today come across as confident, and fearless and yet still feel concerned about entering the world of employment and business.

Being able to coach, support and empower these young women is exciting and very satisfying!