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Behind many Franklin businesses there are dynamic women including:
Michelle Costello
General Manager, Jennian Homes Franklin
Ph 09 238 6156 | www.jennian.co.nz
Email michelle.costello@jennian.co.nz
I recently read an interesting post on LinkedIn by a female colleague about switching off and disconnecting from work, and
whether we really need to do that.
I found that when my kids were young, disconnecting for me meant cutting off everything work-related and not allowing myself to think about it at all.
I needed the headspace to focus on quality time with them and give myself mental rest. Once my brain had space, I did begin to think about work and the big picture, from outside the business, which was refreshing.
Once my children got older and time with them became more fluid, I found the need to switch off completely was less. My opinion is that we do need to disconnect from the daily grind, but when one loves their vocation and what they do each day, then you’re constantly thinking about what can be done differently and more effectively!
Do you love your job and think about it all the time, or do you give yourself the chance to switch off and recharge? Food for thought!

Sharleen Buchanan
Regional Manager, Pukekohe and North Waikato, Bayleys
Ph 021 404 871 | Email sharleen.buchanan@bayleys.co.nz
www.bayleys.co.nz
Spring has arrived, bringing one of the busiest and most exciting times in the property marketing year. With longer days, warmer weather, and gardens coming to life, it’s the perfect season to showcase your home at its very best.
Success, however, starts with preparation. Well before launch, focus on presenting your property for professional photography. Simple improvements like refreshing gardens, pressure washing outdoor areas, decluttering, maximising natural light, and handling minor maintenance can make a big difference.
Professional photography creates the crucial first impression, helping your property stand out online and attracting more motivated buyers.
If you’re thinking about selling this spring, we have all the experts to professionally assist with preparation through to sale.
Plus, Bayleys has an outstanding marketing offer running, which includes the chance to win a brand-new Audi Q3 PHEV. What do you have to lose? Get in touch to learn more.

Sharnie Thomson
Owner-Operator, McKenzie Manor
Email info@mckenziemanor.co.nz
@mckenzie_manor
You get better outcomes when you understand who you’re working with. People respond differently, communicate differently, and need different things to perform at their best. Interestingly, dogs aren’t all that different.
That thinking has heavily influenced how we’ve built McKenzie Manor. Rather than simply providing somewhere safe for dogs to stay, we intentionally keep our numbers small enough to genuinely know the dogs in our care.
We learn how they communicate, what helps them feel secure, who they enjoy spending time with, and when they need space. That understanding is invaluable when providing care at a deeper level.
It’s also where we differ from a traditional kennel model. We believe connection builds familiarity, familiarity builds trust, and trust gives dogs the confidence to settle into our environment.
You can get in touch with me via email at info@mckenziemanor.co.nz.

Marissa Chapman
General Manager, Grahams Funeral Services,
Ph 09 2368919 | Email marissa@grahamsfunerals.co.nz
www.grahamsfunerals.co.nz
At Grahams, we are dedicated to helping families navigate one of life’s most challenging experiences with care, dignity, and understanding. Through education and community engagement, we work to raise awareness about the importance of meaningful farewells, memorialisation, and honouring loved ones in ways that reflect their unique lives.
We believe that every person deserves a farewell that tells their story, regardless of their culture, beliefs, background, or financial circumstances. By encouraging open conversations around death, grief, and remembrance, we are allowing families to make informed choices that create lasting memories and meaningful connections. Our commitment extends beyond arranging funerals. We are supporting communities, breaking down misconceptions, and ensuring that families feel empowered to celebrate life in a way that is authentic and personal.
We encourage you to call us with your weird and wonderful questions and start the conversation. Plan ahead, arrange your own funeral in advance, or talk with us about our industry.

Kirsty Bullen
CA, Director Advisory Services, Campbell Tyson
Ph 09 238 9219 | Email k.bullen@ct.co.nz
www.ct.co.nz
You don’t need to be an accountant to understand the numbers in your business. But I do think you need to understand enough to ask the right questions. To me, that’s what financial literacy is really about.
Financial results tell us what has already happened. That history gives us useful evidence, but knowing whether profit went up or down doesn’t necessarily tell us what to do next. Why did our margin change? Why are sales growing but cash getting tighter? Which parts of the business are driving our results? And what does that mean for the decisions we’re making now?
Gut instinct matters too. Business owners often know their businesses incredibly well. The numbers shouldn’t replace that judgement, but they can help test whether the assumptions behind it are right.
The real value lies in bringing the two together: using financial information alongside your experience to make better decisions about what happens next.
And, sometimes that starts with asking a better question.

Claire McArthur
Financial Adviser, Claire McArthur Mortgages
Ph 021 02000 177 | Email claire@clairemcarthur.co.nz
www.clairemcarthur.co.nz
Spring has well and truly sprung, and it quickly becomes one of the busier property seasons of the year. If you’re thinking about buying before Christmas, or even in early 2027, now is the time to get your home loan pre-approval sorted. Pre-approval puts you ahead of the eight ball.
Just like booking your hairdresser before the silly season hits, we get busier as spring rolls into summer, and appointments fill up fast. Getting in early means you’re ready to make an offer with confidence the moment you find the right place, instead of scrambling at the last minute.
I would love to talk you through your options, whether you’re a first home buyer, moving up, or looking at an investment. I’m also excited to have settled into our new office at 7G Tobin Street, Pukekohe. It’s such a convenient spot to pop in for a chat, with plenty of parking too.
Give me a call today, and let’s get your pre-approval underway before spring gets away on us.




