New Zealand Printer August 2025

Aarque Group: A shared commitment and superior service

Where passion meets performance, Aarque Group has a team dedicated to customer success.

Darrin Weir, general manager at Aarque Group, says, “In today’s demanding market, I know that your success depends on having a partner who is as agile and reliable as you are.

“Many businesses find themselves stretched thin, dealing with suppliers who lack the scale to offer a comprehensive range of products or the local presence to provide truly responsive service. This can lead to critical compromises, settling for not so great media, waiting on cross-country shipments, or struggling to get expert advice when you need it most.

“With our three locations (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch) and sales representation locally in Hamilton and Palmerston North, we have structured our entire business to solve these exact challenges, ensuring you never have to compromise on quality, speed, or support.

“This network provides you with a massive, pooled inventory of top-tier digital printer hardware, consumables, and a diverse selection of roll and rigid media, ensuring product availability and swift delivery.

“Whether you operate in one city or have projects nationwide, you get consistent pricing, familiar service, and expert support that understands your local market and is always within reach. Our multi-site presence is more than just a logistical advantage; it’s our commitment to being your most reliable

and comprehensive partner. I personally invite you to connect with your nearest branch and discover how our unique combination of national scale and local dedication can directly benefit your operations, improve your efficiency, and strengthen your bottom line. Let us show you what a true partnership can do for your business.

“Our ongoing customer loyalty and support has allowed us to develop our product range to cater to our customers’ needs while protecting their interests with coordinated sales support and service delivery.

“Having a strong team is critical to delivering on this, and I would like to introduce you to the Aarque managers who along with their respective teams really make a difference to how we continue to maintain such a high level of support throughout the country.”

Craig Harrison – national sales manager

“Craig is new to Aarque Group, but not the industry. Since he arrived, he has made an immediate impact. He is hands on and loving it. Craig, having previously been one of our key customers in multiple businesses, as well as sporting 39 years in the printing industry, is no stranger to understanding what is required to supply high functioning businesses. His sales team of nine throughout New Zealand provide proactive sales support exceeding expectations daily.”

Craig says, “In a market where quality, efficiency, and cost directly impact your profitability, navigating the complex landscape of digital printing can be a significant challenge.

“Many businesses struggle to align their printer hardware with the right consumables and media, leading to inconsistent results, wasted materials, and missed opportunities.

“As national sales manager, I understand you need more than just a supplier; you need a partner who can provide a cohesive, high-performance printing ecosystem. The frustration of dealing with multiple vendors, mismatched supplies, and unreliable media is a barrier to growth that you simply don’t have time for.

“Imagine having a single, dedicated partner for all your digital printing needs, from state of the art hardware to a vast inventory of premium consumables and a diverse range of printable roll and rigid media. This is the streamlined, integrated solution we offer.

“By consolidating your purchasing, you not only simplify your procurement process but also ensure perfect compatibility between your printer, inks, and media, guaranteeing vibrant, consistent, and professional results on every job. This synergy allows you to maximise your equipment’s potential, reduce costly trial-and-error, and confidently deliver the quality your clients expect.

“Our goal is to empower your business to achieve its full potential. We are committed to providing you with a competitive edge through reliable technology and a comprehensive product portfolio, all backed by expert advice and dedicated support.

“Let my team help you build a more efficient, profitable printing operation where every component works in harmony. I invite you to contact us for a consultation to explore how our integrated and multi-branded solutions can elevate your quality, streamline your workflow, and strengthen your bottom line.”

COVER STORY

Playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the company consistently delivers exceptional service to its customers, Sharon oversees the daily operations with a focus on making sure that business processes run smoothly, efficiently, and in a way that puts customer satisfaction front and centre. Whether it’s refining workflows, optimising supply chains, or implementing new technologies, the goal is to create a seamless experience for every customer interaction.

Sharon says, “We have strategically built our business across three integrated sites – Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch —for one reason: to deliver a superior and more reliable operational experience for you. This structure is the engine that drives your advantage. It ensures robust business continuity, meaning a disruption in one area won’t halt your supply. It provides you with access to a vast, national inventory of premier hardware, consumables, and media, all managed with sophisticated systems to guarantee consistency and rapid fulfilment.

“This operational design mitigates your risk, streamlines your procurement, and ultimately provides a stable, predictable platform upon which you can confidently build your business.

“Our commitment extends beyond just fulfilling orders. We aim to be a strategic asset that enhances your operational excellence.

By leveraging our multi-site network and centralised intelligence, we provide you with the reliability and scale needed to reduce your own inventory costs, improve your cash flow, and take on larger, more complex projects without hesitation. Let us provide the operational backbone that empowers you to focus on innovation, quality, and sustainable growth.”

service manager

“Possessing a keen eye for the detail, Clinton is the one processing the logistics for your hardware purchase, managing all things Health & Safety, and leading the team of service coordinators and service technicians,” says Darrin.

Clinton says, “In today’s competitive business environment, the last things you should be worrying about are printer downtime, unpredictable supply costs, and the hidden expenses of managing your own equipment.

“Too often, businesses face frustrating disruptions and escalating costs that pull focus from their core operations. These challenges can lead to decreased productivity and unnecessary financial strain.

“As a service manager, I’ve seen firsthand how these seemingly small issues can become significant burdens, impacting everything from employee morale to your bottom line.

“Imagine a seamless printing environment where your equipment runs efficiently, supplies are replenished automatically before you even know you need them, and your costs are consolidated into one predictable monthly account. This the peace of mind our service cover provides.

“Offering proactive maintenance to minimise downtime and expert support to resolve issues swiftly. This allows you to minimize un-expected costs and frees up your valuable resources to focus on initiatives that drive your business forward.

“I am confident that my team of technicians throughout the country will deliver the highest level of care to your business. We look forward to being of service.”

Mitch Boocock – national operations manager

Mitch says, “In the fast-paced world of digital printing, the success of your projects often hinges on something that happens long before the ink ever hits the media: operational excellence.

“I know that receiving the right products at the right time is critical, and there is nothing more frustrating than project delays caused by backorders, incorrect shipments, or inconsistent product quality. These logistical hurdles don’t just cause headaches; they can damage your reputation, strain client relationships, and impact your profitability. As the national operations manager, my primary focus is to eliminate these uncertainties from your workflow.

“At Aarque Group, we aim to deliver a supply chain so reliable and efficient that it feels like an extension of your own business. My team has meticulously engineered our logistics, warehousing, and quality control processes to ensure you get exactly what you need, precisely when you need it.

“We maintain robust inventory levels on all our hardware, consumables, and our wide array of roll and rigid media, which allows us to provide consistently fast and accurate order fulfilment. This operational backbone means you can confidently schedule jobs, minimise your own inventory holding, and trust that the products you receive today will be the same high quality as the ones you receive tomorrow.

“Our operational efficiency is designed for your peace of mind and profitability. By ensuring product availability and dependable deliveries, we empower you to operate more smoothly, reduce downtime, and exceed your customers’ expectations. We handle the operational complexities so you can focus on producing outstanding work and growing your business.”

2-5 Aarque Group: Top-tier digital printer hardware, consumables, media, nationwide service and support, and a team of outstanding industry professionals enables Aarque Group to deliver on its commitment to customers as their most reliable and comprehensive partner. PrintNZ p14-17

14-16 Helping Hand: Iain MacIntyre finds out how magazines have increased their readership in Aotearoa.

17 Comment: After 32 years of Pride In Print Awards, Ruth Cobb feels as enthusiastic as she ever has about our premier print programme.

10 ANZPPW: On October 14, together with PrintNZ, we will host the inaugural NZ Print & Packaging Forum, followed by the People In Print and Rising Stars Of Print Awards.

18 Currie Group: The Pro Cut Fold Stream range of print finishing systems will soon be available in New Zealand and Australia through Currie Group.

20 Konica Minolta: Canterbury-based print company Blueprint has installed a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7100 printer.

22-23 Cyber: Bernard Cheong has silently and humbly turned Cyber Australia into one of the largest printing distributors in the Asia Pacific region.

Pride In Print Awards p24-40

24-25 Supreme Award: This year’s Pride In Print Awards Supreme winner demonstrated how small companies can compete at the highest level in this industry.

16-32 Category Winners: From Sign and Display and Labels to Newspapers and Packaging, the 2025 Pride In Print Awards Category winners delivered outstanding work.

33-36 Process Winners: The cream of New Zealand’s print talent lined up to compete for the 2025 Pride In Print Awards Process medals.

38 Apprentice of the Year: Enthusiasm and attitude to learning helped a flexographic printer to become the BJ Ball Apprentice of the Year.

39 Trainer and Training Company of the Year: Our training winners share a commitment to sharing their knowledge and expertise.

40 Major Winners: See who took out this year’s major awards.

Wide Format Plus p41-48

42 Durst: nnovation will take centre stage when Durst Group presents its new Open Software Initiative for the first time at Printing United 2025.

44 Wide Format News: Computaleta reveals its new owner, while the HP Latex R530 printer reaches a big milestone.

46-47 NZSDA President: Having a thorough conversation with potential clients can save you time and heartache, says Logan Sutton.

August 2025

48 NZSDA Update: Mikayla Hopkins reports on the latest NZSDA happenings, including the Master Sign Maker accreditation.

EDITORIAL: 021 631 559

Bruce Craig, Editor - bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz

CONTRIBUTORS: Ruth Cobb, Mikayla Hopkins, Iain MacIntyre, Logan Sutton

CIRCULATION: brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES & SERVICE: Brian Moore - brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz +61 410 578 876

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Brian Moore - brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Sarah Vella - sarahvelladesigns@gmail.com

1171 7912

New Zealand Printer is mailed to members of the printing, packaging and graphic communications industry in New Zealand 11 times a year, February-December.

New Zealand Printer is a member of the Printer Media Group

New Zealand: New Zealand Printer Asia Pacific: ProPack.pro Australia: Australian Printer, ProPrint

MANAGING DIRECTOR: James Wells - james@intermedia.com.au

GROUP PUBLISHER: Brian Moore - brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

New Zealand Printing & Packaging Forum + People In Print and Rising Stars Of Print Awards 2025, Sorrento in the Park, One Tree Hill, Auckland

TICKETS

Forum tickets ($199) include refreshments and lunch, and participation in the Awards.

Early Bird Forum ticket sales ($175) close September 19.

The day begins with a dynamic forum featuring a range of keynote speakers and panel discussions. The focus is on forward-looking topics, including new technologies, sustainability, and market trends that are shaping the future of printing and packaging in New Zealand. This is a chance for attendees to gain critical knowledge, share ideas, and prepare for what comes next.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Owners and Directors of printing, packaging, and signage companies.

• Senior Managers and Operational Leaders responsible for production, sales, and strategy.

• Designers and Brand Representatives who are at the forefront of specifying materials and services.

• Emerging Talent and Rising Stars who will be the future leaders of the industry.

• Suppliers and Service Providers to the printing and packaging sectors.

TOPICS COVERED

The forum will address some of the most pressing and relevant issues facing the industry today. Topics will include:

• Future Trends & Technology: Exploring the latest advancements in digital printing, automation, and smart packaging, including AI.

• Sustainability & Circular Economy: Discussions on recyclable and compostable packaging, reducing waste, and meeting environmental compliance standards.

• Business Growth & Innovation: Case studies and strategies for diversifying services, improving efficiency, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing market.

• Workforce Development: Addressing the skills gap, attracting new talent, and fostering a culture of excellence.

TO LEARN MORE

Contact NZP editor, Bruce Craig on 021 631 559 or bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz to nominate your peers (or yourself) for an Award.

Contact NZP publisher, Brian Moore on +61 410 578 876 or brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz to discuss the range of sponsorship packages available.

Contact PrintNZ event manager, Tania McDougall on 021 587 072 or tania.mcdougall@printnz.co.nz to book your place at the Forum and Awards.

Australia & New Zealand Printing & Packaging Week

This full day of events in Auckland on October 14, 2025, is proudly presented by New Zealand Printer magazine in partnership with PrintNZ as part of Australia & New Zealand Printing & Packaging Week 2025. The day is strategically designed to provide both high-level insights and valuable networking.

TICKETS

Awards tickets ($39)

Award nominations (including self-nominations) close 5pm Friday, October 3.

Nominate by 5 PM, Friday, October 3: newzealandprinter.co.nz/nominate2025

The Awards recognise the outstanding individuals and emerging talent driving innovation and success in the industry. It’s a powerful and positive close to the day, providing a perfect backdrop for celebratory networking and brand recognition. This smart-casual, stand-up affair with delicious food and drinks is an ideal opportunity to network, celebrate, and appreciate the people who make our industry vibrant.

THANKS TO OUR VALUED SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSOR

SUPPORTERS

ANZ PRINT & PACKAGING WEEK

NZ Printing & Packaging Forum debuts alongside People In Print Awards on October 14

Nominations have opened for the People In Print and Rising Stars Of Print Awards.

The inaugural New Zealand Printing & Packaging Forum is set to debut on October 14 at Sorrento in the Park, Auckland. Presented by New Zealand Printer magazine in partnership with PrintNZ, this full-day event is designed to give delegates the insights and connections needed to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

The day kicks off at 9:30 am with a dynamic series of keynote speakers and panel discussions. The Forum isn’t just a day of talks; it’s a deep dive into the topics that matter most right now: future trends, new technology, sustainability, and workforce development.

Want to know how AI is changing printing? Curious about the latest advancements in smart packaging? Ready to tackle the challenges of a circular economy? The Forum is where you’ll get answers to these questions and engage with a community of peers. This is your chance to gain critical knowledge, share ideas, and prepare for what’s next.

The Forum: Who should attend?

This event is for anyone committed to the future of the printing and packaging industries in New Zealand. Whether you’re an owner looking to diversify your services, a senior manager focused on improving efficiency, a designer at the forefront of material specification, or an emerging talent seeking to build your career, the Forum has something for you. The programme caters to:

• Owners and directors of printing, packaging, and signage companies.

• Senior managers and operational leaders responsible for production, sales, and strategy.

• Designers and brand representatives who specify materials and services.

• Emerging talent and rising stars who are the future leaders of the industry.

• Suppliers and service providers to the printing and packaging sectors.

Ruth Cobb, chief executive of PrintNZ, says, “We are thrilled to work with New

New Zealand Printing & Packaging Forum

Tuesday, October 14 2025 Auckland

PRESENTED BY: Credit: iStock.com/toxawww

A day of learning and celebration

The day transitions from forward-looking discussion to a celebration of excellence at the People In Print and Rising Stars Awards, starting at 4:30 pm. As in previous years, this is a smart-casual, stand-up affair with delicious finger food and drinks. It’s an ideal opportunity to network, celebrate, and appreciate the people who make our industry exciting and vibrant.

Brian Moore, publisher of New Zealand Printer, says, “These awards recognise the individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution over the past year.

“Print has evolved with astonishing speed into a high-tech manufacturing industry, and it’s more important than ever to acknowledge the visionaries, the determined, and the survivors who make it all happen.

“The event is a timely reminder that people are the heart of this industry. Join your peers to honour the incredible talent and ingenuity that continues to elevate printing and packaging in New Zealand.”

Durst Oceania returns once again as Platinum Sponsor for the awards and has signed on enthusiastically as Platinum Sponsor of the inaugural Forum.

Matt Ashman, managing director of Durst Oceania, says, “At Durst Oceania, we are incredibly proud to be the Platinum Sponsor for the inaugural New Zealand Printing & Packaging Forum as well as the People In Print Awards.

“This year’s events are a powerful testament to the resilience and collaborative spirit of the New Zealand printing and packaging community. We believe in celebrating the extraordinary contributions of the people who make this industry so vibrant - from the determined survivors to the creative minds and the committed leaders.

“We look forward to joining our colleagues and partners on October 14 to collectively honour the remarkable individuals whose hard work and passion are the cornerstone of our shared success.”

This full day of events is more than just an event; it’s an investment in the future of the New Zealand printing and packaging industry and those who drive it.

Learn more about the events

Visit the website to learn more about the day. register for the events. and nominate people for the awards: anzppw.com

Contact NZP editor, Bruce Craig on 021 631 559 or bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz to nominate your peers (or yourself) for an Award.

Contact NZP publisher, Brian Moore on +61 410 578 876 or brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz to discuss the range of sponsorship packages available.

Contact PrintNZ event manager, Tania McDougall on 021 587 072 or tania.mcdougall@printnz.co.nz to book your place at the Forum and Awards.

PACKAGING AND DISPLAY EQUIPMENT

See our range of folding box gluers, board slitters, creasing machines, auto loaders, unloading cutting tables and more.

IN BRIEF

EPSON has been selected for inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series, which measures the performance of companies that demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Epson says it aspires to achieve sustainability and enrich communities over the long term. The company sees its inclusion in this index as objective evidence that its efforts to address environmental and social issues have been recognised, and that it is seen as a sustainable company. This is the 22nd consecutive year Epson has made the index.

KODAK has launched a new Graphic Users Association (GUA) Online Forum, designed specifically for active users of Kodak Prinergy workflow solutions. The forum provides a collaborative space where the Prinergy community can interact with each other, and with Kodak, to exchange ideas and optimise workflow processes. Jim Barnes, Chief IT implementation officer at Kodak, says, “The launch of our new online user forum marks an exciting step forward in fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among Prinergy users worldwide.”

DUPLO has acquired Bar Graphic Machinery (BGM), which manufactures finishing equipment for the labels and packaging industry. Duplo and BGM will continue to operate as separate, independent businesses. Hideo Tanaka, president of Duplo Corporation, says, “Our role will be to support BGM’s next phase of growth, offering investment, strategic guidance, and access to our global expertise in sales, marketing, research and development, as well as manufacturing.”

Workshops keep letterpress alive

Graham Judd of Inkiana Press recently took his Albion printing press down country to run adult letterpress workshops, keeping a traditional printing process alive.

Starting at Greytown for the annual mid-winter Christmas celebration, people signed up to design and print cards, posters, tree decorations and Christmas coasters, and all left with a handful of letterpress items.

Poster workshops followed in Masterton, and Te Awamutu. Graham added a children’s Matariki poster print, which saw children hand setting their names and adding the type to make personalised posters. The North Island tour finished with a day in Hamilton, running two more

HP updates OfficeJet range

HP has updated its home/office range with the new HP OfficeJet Pro 9120e, designed to make high-quality printing effortless across home, business, and creative environments.

The new printer has application for small businesses, working remotely, or managing a house, offering speed, smart

adult workshops.

For the workshops, Graham took a selection of wood and metal type. He guided attendees through the process of setting up, locking a forme, and learning to ink and print their designs on the 1833 Albion press, which former Brebner Print director Neville Smith donated.

Graham teaches workshops based at the Birkenhead Library, and through the Printing Museum in Wellington. These workshops include

features, and sustainable design to support families, professionals and business owners who print regularly.

Key features of the HP OfficeJet Pro 9120e include a faster print speed of up to 22ppm black & white, and 18ppm colour; automatic two-sided printing; smart wireless printing; professional quality; built-in scanner and copier; HP+ enabled for cloud printing, security, and ink subscriptions; made from 40 per cent recycled plastic; as well as a compact design.

learning how to run Heidelberg Platens and cylinders. He says, “It is amazing that what was just another trade in my apprenticeship days, today has great interest among designers and creative people wanting to learn to print by this 500 year-old method. The interest in understanding and experiencing traditional letterpress methods is strong. We always have full classes with people keen to spend a few hours setting up and printing type.”

The new printer offers the option of HP Instant Ink, which means you receive ink before you run out, delivered to your door. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9120e includes a three month trial of HP Instant Ink and an extended warranty.

Sam Kay joins Nekkorb

Nekkorb Solutions has appointed Sam Kay to the new role of technical sales specialist.

Frank Brokken, managing director of Nekkorb Solutions, says, “Sam’s skills and industry knowledge will be highly valued by our customers and at Nekkorb as we continue to innovate and grow.

“With over 15 years of practical experience in labels and packaging printing, Sam now brings his seasoned expertise to his new role at Nekkorb Solutions. His deep understanding of printing processes, coupled with his genuine enthusiasm, makes him an asset to the Nekkorb team and its clients.

“His extensive experience across a spectrum of printing technologies includes label, finishing, lamination, UV-flexo, gravure, solvent-based laminating and digital printing,

Two Sides scores greenwash

win

Of the 3,000 organisations that environmental campaign Two Sides has challenged over their greenwashing claims, 1,320 have agreed to withdraw or amend unsubstantiated statements like “Go Green – Go Paperless” or “Help save a tree”.

In Australia and New Zealand, sustainably managed forests produce paper and print, and the countries

along with traditional embellishing units for labels and packaging.”

Sam completed his reel fed flexographic apprenticeship in 2014.

boast some of the highest recycling rates globally (62 per cent and 67 per cent respectively). Based on the facts, Two Sides argues, greenwashing claims particularly misalign with the facts.

Despite the greenwashing claims often used to justify digital-only communications, consumers see through it. The 2025 Two Sides Trend Tracker shows 68 per cent of Australians and 58 per cent of New Zealanders believe the real motivation is cost-cutting. A strong majority, 81 per cent in Australia and 83 per cent in New Zealand, report they should be able to choose how they receive

Attributing much of his growth to the knowledgeable mentors who equipped him with vital skills and confidence, Sam followed their guidance into supervisory roles. His hands on approach, carrying out machine maintenance and troubleshooting, has become an asset, enabling him to engage effectively on equipment support and after sales service issues.

Frank adds, “From our Auckland headquarters, Sam will now work closely with Nekkorb clients on their new machine investment projects, instilling confidence and delivering solutions that meet the highest standards.

“His journey underscores a fundamental truth in our industry: passion paired with expertise drives success. At Nekkorb, we are proud to support and celebrate professionals like Sam who embody this spirit.

“The future of printing is bright, and with dedicated professionals like Sam leading the way, exciting times are undoubtedly ahead.”

bills and statements, whether by paper or digital.

Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer, Visual Media Association and country manager for Two Sides ANZ, says, “Claims that digital is always greener than paper are misleading and unfair. Paper is a renewable, recyclable, carbonstoring and carries strong nature positive credentials. Our industry continues to innovate and invest in sustainable practices, and we play an important role in educating marketers and businesses across the environmental credentials of our channel.”

Magazines remain an integral part of publishing’s evolution

Increasing readership proves the value of printed magazines.

“Ionce picked up a magazine on anti-gravity. I couldn’t put it down.” A Dad joke for sure, but it could be the sentiment expressed by millions of New Zealand readers who are not only maintaining, but steadily driving up, the circulation of a significant number of locally-printed titles.

This trend is evident in the Nielsen’s National Readership Report for the year to the third quarter of 2024 and highlighted in the Visual Media Association (VMA) ‘Industry Insight #2’.

VMA noted that in New Zealand, for the population aged over 15 years:

• Over 40 per cent read magazines, either print or online.

• Women aged 20-plus, 46.9 per cent of the population (1.99 million), are magazine readers, “represent a significant portion of the magazine audience”.

• Main household shoppers, 46.5 per cent (1.98 million), are regular magazine consumers, “highlighting the importance of magazines in reaching

key purchasing decision-makers”.

• Main income earners, 64.4 per cent (2.74 million), “demonstrate continued trust in print for utility, lifestyle and value-driven information. This underscores the value of magazines in targeting economically-active readers”.

VMA stated: “The enduring appeal of magazines in New Zealand reaffirms their critical role in a diversified and fragmented media environment. As digital fatigue continues to affect audiences, magazines remain a trusted medium, offering both reliability and relevance.

“Their influence extends beyond passive consumption, providing readers with inspiration, guidance and content tailored to distinct lifestyles and interests.

“More than just entertainment or information, magazines in New Zealand are a bridge between brands and their consumers, shaping opinions and driving purchasing decisions. In reaching key demographics, especially economically active individuals and primary household decision makers, magazines continue to demonstrate their irreplaceable value in both print and digital forms.”

Nick Burrowes, chair of the Magazine Publishers Association (MPA) and general manager of The Pluto Group, concurs with the sentiments. He says, “In parallel, during the same period, almost ten million print magazines were sold at retail, a number that doesn’t further include paid subscriptions, business to business and industry titles, as well as custom brand publications.”

Stuart Dick, general manager of Are Media New Zealand, embraces additional Nielsen data released for the first quarter of this year, which confirms all six of his firm’s titles have risen in readers per issue:

• NZ Woman’s Weekly, plus three per cent to 419,000.

• Woman’s Day, plus three per cent to 329,000.

• Your Home & Garden, plus three per cent to 113,000.

• The Listener, plus four per cent to 215,000.

• The Australian Women’s Weekly NZ Edition, plus eight per cent to 343,000.

• Kia Ora, plus four per cent to 468,000 – “highest ever recorded readership”.

Stuart says, “We’re thrilled to see every one of our titles growing in readership. We reach over 1.88 million readers via print and our brands are also available online, reaching a further 600,000 unique users per month. It’s a clear signal that audiences are drawn to quality content and the enjoyment of immersing themselves in their favourite magazine.”

Fred Soar, joint managing director at SCG, says readership growth continues across most titles in his firm’s stable, including Dish, which has just enjoyed a 10 per cent year on year rise to 37,000. Readership of titles developed with clients have also increased with AA Directions

lifting almost six per cent in the year to March 2025 to reach 816,000 and Habitat by Resene rising 144 per cent in the year to Autumn 2024 and currently remaining at 962,411.

He says, “With the bi-monthly Dish, we have had steady growth both in retail copies and subscriptions since we bought that title about 15 years ago, and we are now about to further increase our distribution in Australia.”

Sarah Tuck, chief executive and editor of Dish, appears on the TV1 Breakfast Show monthly to talk about the magazine and share some recipes and shall be doing something similar on Channel 7 in Australia. Fred continues, “But it really comes down to Sarah and Claire Aldous, our food editor, creating 70 great recipes per edition, and there is a bit of lifestyle content in there as well typically around

travel. With the food too, they are great recipes, but that don’t blow the budget and are not hard to prepare.

“The photography and printing are excellent. It is just something that looks good lying around at home, that people can browse.”

As this edition of New Zealand Printer heads to press, news broke that North & South magazine will return to print in November, after moving to a digital only newsletter in January. Positive growth and audience engagement has since spurred its publisher to again return to a physical magazine.

Digital fatigue

Nick Burrowes believes that growing social media fatigue is contributing to reinforce the role that magazines continue to play in the overall media mix.

He says, “Furthermore, there will always be a need for trusted, authentic and in-depth content, produced through a local lens, in an increasingly-flat and algorithm-driven media environment.”

Stuart Dick adds that there is growing recognition that “putting devices down for a moment can be a good thing”. He says, “But mostly, it’s about the long-term connection we have with our readership. They feel part of a community and our editors work tirelessly to deliver a curated parcel of high-quality content for them every issue. And for those that prefer to engage with us online, we have that option.

“Essentially, a publisher’s focus today has to be on supplying content in “whichever medium our audience would like to consume it. Each of our brands is a true omnichannel experience and each platform is quite a different experience – sitting and relaxing, flicking through the pages of a magazine, or visiting a www.nzwomansweeklyfood.co.nz to find a specific recipe.

“So, it isn’t a case of either-or, or that they are competing with each other. It is more about delivering the right content via the right platform at the right time, depending on what the audience wants.”

Fred Soar is adamant his stable’s printed titles would not be enjoying their ongoing growth trajectory without the blend with social media and online advertising. He says, “For example, the Dish community is very strong. We have Facebook and Instagram pages and people are often posting on them, sharing meals and sharing tips.

“You get a community of people with a magazine who share a common interest and that speaks to the power of advertising in magazines – you’ve got all these people who are specifically interested in a topic. We also do online advertising, including via solus EDM (electronic direct marketing).

“And in the case of Dish particularly, a lot of the content is pictures of the beautiful dishes, and it is something that when people are preparing meals, the printed publication is easier to use than a phone or iPad, as well as easier to share with friends and family and discuss recipes.”

Nick Burrowes describes magazine publishers now exploring a “wide range of models and channel mixes” to strike success. He says, “For most, the printed publication remains the core audience and revenue centre as it is where the direct relationship between reader, editorial and advertisers lie. Digital channels can augment reach and frequency, extend the value of editorial investment, and provide time-sensitive tools to enhance the publishing mix and

better meet the needs of readers and advertisers alike.”

NZ Post charges

One of the most significant challenges before the local magazine sector is rising NZ Post costs, which Fred puts at about 30 per cent increases annually. He says, “Every time that happens, it causes additional cost pressures.”

Ruth Cobb, chief executive of PrintNZ, confirms that over the past two years, her association has “strongly” lobbied both NZ Post and the government on this issue. She says, “The increases they have been applying, seemingly without cap, are having an increasingly-negative impact on printed matter, in particular magazines and direct mail.

“The letterbox remains the only way to connect with every household in New Zealand, and we want the significance of that to be recognised.”

Likewise, Nick Burrowes confirms that in conjunction with other industry groups and businesses, the MPA has lobbied successive governments and relevant ministers to “take NZ Post’s bulk mail increases as a serious issue”.

He says, “This is not just for the industries involved, but for all New Zealanders with

a mailbox. Work in this area has been ongoing, but it is fair to say engagement with our plight has been low.”

Stuart Dick adds, “We strongly oppose the aggressive price increases which are currently running at over 25 per cent per year, and over 100 per cent in the past three years. This compromises all New Zealanders’ ability to viably post mail to each other, including businesses that rely on the network.”

Positive outlook

Notwithstanding such challenges, all interviewees consider there to be a positive future for the magazine sector in this country.

Stuart Dick says, “New Zealand has a vibrant, diverse and innovative collection of magazine publishers who will continue to deliver high-quality local content to audiences that seek it out, which they still do in very significant numbers as you can see from the latest Nielsen data.”

Nick Burrowes adds, “Titles that continue to offer well made, relevant content with a clear editorial perspective will prosper. In a media landscape that can often feel generic or globalised, magazines still have the ability to connect with readers through a distinctly local lens, which remains a powerful point of difference. Unlike many digital channels, magazines aren’t at the whim of algorithm changes or shifting platform priorities, which gives publishers more control over how they reach and engage their audiences.

“While the market is certainly challenging, we’re seeing publishers evolve by combining strong printed products with smart digital extensions and other diversified revenue streams. The path forward isn’t one size fits all, but for those who stay close to their audience and adapt commercially, there’s still opportunity.”

Fred Soar concludes that magazines are simply a “different experience”. He says, It is a bigger thing to look at, it’s tactile and easier to share with friends and family. I’d draw a parallel to a University Prospectus. We still do a heck of a lot of those because obviously that is a physical document used by students and their parents.

“There are some things that, when you want to discuss matters and need the material in a more tactile form that is more readily available and more lasting.

“A printed magazine is a physical product that is there, not just a file that you look up.”

Iain Macintyre

PRINTNZ COMMENT

Everyone’s a winner

For Ruth Cobb, the thrill of attending the Pride In Print Awards has not diminished one little bit over the last 32 years since the first took place.

From the first event held in 1994, to the event held last month, it is always a highlight for me to celebrate the absolute best of our industry: the products, the people, and the businesses. And, to do it in such style

Pride in Print is much more than the name of the Awards and all they encompass. It is a feeling, and it reflects who we are as an industry.

We work in such a creative industry, evidenced by the work that won awards on the night, from the smallest of small labels to an actual house which included a lawn and a letterbox.

It never ceases to amaze me that when we think we have seen the most intricate, the most beautiful, the most skilled piece of work, a clever creative takes it a step further with a new idea. And because we have such skilled talent in our industry, we push the boundaries and bring it to life, making what is possible in print stretch a little further.

However, the Awards are not just about creativity, they exist to recognise excellence. And whether they deliver that through what is big and fancy, or what is small and everyday such as business print, packaging, magazines, and newspapers, it all deserves recognition.

Each year, we hear questions raised about the number of gold medals awarded and people comment: “Everyone gets one”. Well, be assured, they don’t. The

judging panel comprise experts in their field who scrutinise each entry with a fine tooth comb and an eye glass. If an entry doesn’t meet the extremely high bar of excellence, it doesn’t win. And the bar continues to rise. As the level of skill increases, so too does the standard required to achieve gold.

Yes, we see a lot of gold medals, but every one of those jobs earned one. Should that excellence go unrecognised? Should we have an awards programme that gives out first, second, and third and everyone else, despite the calibre of their work, doesn’t make it? Would we want an event that only gives out 15 gold medals and everyone else gets to tell their clients that their work isn’t good enough, when we know that it is? Would that only leave room to recognise the most intricate, the most embellished of work, and ignore the vital bread and butter work that keeps our industry running?

You also need to consider the purpose of the Awards. They were set up to recognise excellence and encourage businesses to improve the quality of their work to meet that standard. Their focus is not on boasting to other printers about how many medals you got, it is about using those awards as a platform to promote both your business and our industry.

So, make the most of those gold medals and don’t just tell the clients whose jobs won, tell all your customers that you are an award winning printer.

Nobody questions how many gold medals are given out at the Wine Awards each year. But we certainly know to look for those (printed) gold medal labels when we are buying a bottle, because they signal the wine has achieved a level of excellence and we can trust that it will taste good.

The Pride In Print Awards have their own equivalent. Our winners’ logos are available for you to use anywhere and everywhere as your own gold medal label.

The Awards PR machine works hard to promote the winners and to showcase the diversity and excellence of print in New Zealand as well as the businesses that produce it, from the smallest to the largest. But it is not just up to us, you also have a role to play in sharing that story. We are an industry that you can count on to deliver excellence, and we should all be proud to say it.

When the Awards started 32 years ago, their mission was to lift the standard of excellence in our industry and that they have surely done. As technology and capability advance, so too does the level required to achieve gold.

And if we ever have year where every entry reaches that gold medal level of excellence, then we know our job is done.

Ruth Cobb

FINISHING

Pro Cut joins Currie Group stable

Currie Group has announced it will partner with Pro Cut to supply the Fold Stream range of print finishing systems to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Pro Cut, a family-owned, German-based manufacturer, has provided systems integration and custom solutions for the print finishing market for over 20 years. At drupa 2024, Pro Cut launched its own range of innovative, tailor made finishing solutions to the market under the Fold Stream brand name.

The new partnership will expand Currie Group’s range of finishing solutions by adding new, high efficiency, short to medium run folding and glueing options, which ideally complement the solutions from some of the company’s existing partners such as Horizon, Kama, and Foliant.

Alan Tam, Currie Group’s category manager for Post-Press Equipment, explains that he and director of operations, Marcus Robinson, connected with Pro Cut’s founders Dirk and Jacqueline Stunkel at drupa, through their close relationship with existing Currie Group partner, Horizon.

Tam says, “Pro Cut and Horizon in Europe have a great working relationship, with the Fold Stream range providing efficient and cost-effective entry level folder gluer systems which complement the Horizon product portfolio.

“We were impressed with the quality and productivity of the machines we saw on the Pro Cut stand at drupa, and particularly with their ease of use.”

Currie Group says Pro Cut machines are extremely fast and simple to set up, especially compared with traditional folder gluers. Setting up and changing over between jobs can be done in a matter of minutes.

This is complemented by high run speeds of up to 10,000 units an hour for straightline box production, and between 4,000 to 6,000 an hour for more complex products like pillow boxes, wallets, and folders. Tam comments, “This makes the Fold Stream machines a very profitable solution for short or medium runs. Because they are so simple to use, they don’t require much training or expertise to operate, which is a real bonus with the current shortage of skilled tradespeople.”

Modular systems

Dirk Stunkel, Pro Cut founder, is excited to bring the company’s innovative solutions to the ANZ Market. He says, “Building on the overwhelming positive response we received at drupa 2024 for our Fold Stream range, we’re excited to bring these innovative solutions to Australia and New Zealand.

“Our machines’ ease of use and flexibility make them perfect for short-run productions, similar to the challenges faced in Europe where labour shortages and high costs are a challenge.”

The Pro Cut Fold Stream range is completely modular and tool-less to operate, so systems can be configured to suit individual requirements, and units can be added as production requirements change.

Options include manual hand-feed or continuous feeders, shingle conveyors and delivery stackers, tape applicators, hot melt or cold glue applicators, tipper plates and cross-folding units for wallets and pockets. The three-point glueing (for auto lock bottom boxes) and rotary creasing options were released recently.

The Pro Cut range will find a home with businesses that need to produce several different jobs a day, in runs from the low thousands to tens of thousands. Tam says, “That’s definitely the sweet spot. It really will be the perfect solution for a range of businesses, from smaller packaging operations to commercial printers who want to expand into the label and packaging market, or larger print service providers who need a more efficient and profitable way to produce those shorter runs.”

Rob Mesaros, Currie Group chief executive officer, says the new partnership is another demonstration of the company’s commitment to providing total solutions for the Australian and New Zealand markets. He says, “We are delighted to be partnering with Pro Cut to bring these high quality, value for investment finishing solutions to the market in this part of the world.

“The new partnership is part of our ongoing quest to ensure print service providers in Australia and New Zealand have access to the solutions which best suit their production requirements and can invest with confidence knowing that they have the full support of the largest technical support and service team in the region.

“As a family-owned company with a history of customer focused service and innovation, Pro Cut is a great fit for Currie Group, and we look forward to working with them.”

Pro Cut co-founder Jacqueline Stunkel says her company is equally pleased. She says, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Currie Group, a well established and respected player in the printing industry in Australia and New Zealand.

“We believe that our shared commitment to providing exceptional solutions and service makes us a natural fit, and we’re looking forward to working closely together to bring innovative print finishing technology to this region.”

DIGITAL

Konica Minolta AccurioPress

C7100

“purrs away” at Blueprint

Full service print business makes the most of its first Konica Minolta solution.

Innovative Christchurch-based print company Blueprint produces a comprehensive range of print products and services from design through to mailing.

Last year, Blueprint installed a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7100. Derek Smith, digital manager at Blueprint says, “The AccurioPress C7100 didn’t replace anything. It is our first Konica Minolta machine and sits beside another digital press doing different work and overflow work.

“We only have one operator at a time, so the AccurioPress is great to load up and leave to purr away on either NCR or longer runs. It gives us the opportunity to produce more work in house. We received good training from Konica Minolta. They are always available to login and show us what to do when something tricky pops up.”

Auto control features

Chris O’Hara, national production and industrial print manager for Konica Minolta New Zealand, says, “Konica Minolta designed the AccurioPress C7100 series to support print companies in growing their business and getting the most out of their investment. Its high speed, high productivity and high uptime help achieve short turnaround time with

impressive media flexibility and superior print colour quality.

“Among the new technologies built into its engine are a more durable lubricated drum, double corona wires with automatic cleaning, an optimised paper transport solution, and a double swing registration system for improved paper compatibility and feeding accuracy.”

The AccurioPress C7100 offers numerous auto control and adjustment features including the Intelligent Quality Optimiser IQ-501. Derek says, “The IQ-501 is awesome. It centres the job on the sheet and checks alignment before printing the job. It has been a bit frustrating at times with rejecting paper, until you realise the paper isn’t square. So, make sure your paper is right, alignment is right and therefore finishing is easy.”

Chris adds, “The IQ-501 takes colour consistency and registration accuracy to the next level. With highly automated image registration and colour control, this closed-loop system constantly monitors and adjusts printed output, and automated colour calibration and profiling. Apart from streamlining operator time, the IQ-501 helps you to reduce print waste, and to increase productivity.”

Derek adds, “The AccurioPress C7100 delivers excellent print quality with very ‘natural’ looking colours in photographs. For colour management, it is selfchecking all the time, so it gives us good consistent colour.”

Smooth paper transport

Konica Minolta says it is essential for high-volume printers to feed each sheet smoothly and precisely through the digital press. To ensure this, the company’s paper feeding ensures smooth paper processing. Derek says, “The vacuum paper feeding is very good. It is easy to adjust, and we can view how sheets are feeding to make sure it is running well.

“For media handling, it produces excellent NCR through to 400gsm Offset and Satin and no issues with SRA4 to banner stock.

“The Konica Minolta RIP is also great, very user friendly and more intuitive than other RIPs we have used. It is very easy to operate and to use for NCR numbering/ perfing work. It stores all the information, so for repeat numbering jobs, you find the previous job on the RIPs and just change the numbering sequence.”

Trimming and perfing

Konica Minolta’s inline TU-510 four edge trimming unit cuts, creases, and perforates to produce full bleed trimmed book jackets, imposed cards, business cards, coupons and more. Removing the need for off-line finishing means fewer operator touchpoints for faster and more efficient print runs. Derek says, “We use the inline trimming for banner stock when printing say a 6pp trifold (finished to A4). The job comes out trimmed and creased ready for folding.

“We also use the inline perforation (it can do both directions at same time) a lot when we are doing NCR or raffle books. As long as maintenance is followed to schedule, then this works very well

“The banner capability is excellent. We are doing up to 900mm long out of the trays. It is great for Landscape A4 books. They come out collated and text ready for stapling and trimming.”

MINOLTA

BEYOND EVOLUTION

More profitable business through a press that works smarter, not harder, with the AccurioPress C7100 series. You serve more customers and complete more jobs with innovative technologies that power your success.

Find out more at k konicaminolta.co.nz/C7100

Giving Shape to Ideas

The silent entrepreneur: Cyber Australia managing director Bernard Cheong

Bernard Cheong shares how a conversation with New Zealand Printer’s sister magazine Australian Printer influenced the birth of Cyber’s Australasian subsidiary.

Business leaders have varying personalities. While extroverted personalities are more visible in the public eye, they don’t necessarily have an advantage over introverted leaders. These silent entrepreneurs keep their heads down and work smart in gaining business.

Cyber Australia managing director Bernard Cheong is one of them. Within a span of more than 20 years, Cheong has silently and humbly turned Cyber Australia into one of the largest printing distributors in the Asia Pacific region.

Real estate is another of the company’s key assets. In Singapore, the company recently relocated to a new office and began leasing out its former multi-story premises, which it owns.

He said, “Cyber’s assets are mainly in real estate. We’re fortunate because we’re asset rich. We have our own building in Australia and the four factories we own in Malaysia for showrooms, a refurbishing

centre, warehousing, and a candy plant spanning five hectares, are all owned by us. We don’t have any additional overheads for our real estate, allowing us to focus on what matters most, our customers.”

While Bernard Cheong leads Cyber Australia, his older brother John now heads up the wider Cyber entity ever since their dad Herbert took a step back from the business a few years ago due to health reasons. Another brother, Paul, also works within the business as sales director.

It’s hard to speak of the origins of Cyber Australia without detailing the lesser known fact that New Zealand Printer’s sister magazine Australian Printer is intertwined with the company’s first foray into this region.

It started with a relationship between Brian Moore and Cheong. Moore, who was formerly publisher and sales director

at Australian Printer, is a long-standing part of the magazine’s 75-year history – 24 years and counting, to be exact.

During his time with Asian Printer Magazine in Singapore, Moore established a strong working relationship with Cheong and Cyber, a then Singapore-based company. That professional partnership naturally fortified when Moore returned to Sydney to run the Printer Media Group, parent company of Australian Printer

A few months later, in what was just a simple discussion about the Australia and New Zealand printing markets between Moore and Cheong, Moore planted the seed to what has now grown into Cyber Australia, which holds the RMGT agency in this region.

“It was actually Brian who sparked my interest in setting up Cyber Australia,” Cheong recounted.

“I had known Brian from his time in Singapore, and we never miss an opportunity to catch up whenever he visits the country. We were once having a simple conversation about the A/NZ markets shortly after he returned to Australia, when Brian asked me if I knew much about that space.

“With Cyber having a big play in only the Asian market at that time, I replied that I didn’t know much about it; I thought Australia was a ‘sleepy town’. Brian then told me ‘You should check it out, because there’s a world of opportunity’.

“I did my research and made a few trips over to study the A/NZ printing landscape and true enough… there was an untapped opportunity for Cyber to make its mark in this region. The Ryobi distributorship was also available, so we took on the challenge.”

The rest was history.

Cyber Australia was established in 2004, with the company showcasing several Ryobi presses at PacPrint 2005.

“At PacPrint 2005, our first PacPrint, all major exhibits were sold,” Cheong said.

In 2009, Cyber Australia first unveiled the Ryobi 920 series in its Singapore showroom. The 925, an SRA1 fivecolour offset printing machine, was first purchased by CMYKhub in Australia sight unseen as a vote of confidence in Cyber and Ryobi.

“We truly appreciate the partnership and confidence CMYKhub has in us. The superior cost performance of the 925 led to more presses being purchased from the group over the years,” Cheong said.

“This includes Australia’s first 925D five-colour with UV coater, the first 928P LED eight-colour convertible perfector with LED system, and the new 970PF-8 LED with PQS-D A1-plus-size 8-colour convertible perfector with LED and Smart-Automatic Printing (SAP), featuring non-stop automatic registration and colour control and inspection. CMYKhub bought a total of 15 offset printing presses from us.”

In 2010, Ryobi and Mitsubishi came together to form RMGT. The integration of the two product lines enabled Cyber Australia to bring to market the best of both worlds, giving the business an added advantage.

Through the years, order numbers increased, and Cyber Australia became a household name.

The Cyber of today

Cheong provided an update on Cyber Australia’s more recent business, saying the pandemic actually ended up being favourable for the company.

“In a single year, during the Covid period, we experienced the best business performance in our history in Australia,” Cheong said.

“Because shipping was an issue for printers during Covid, the Made in Australia movement resulted in more products being produced locally. This meant printers needed efficient machines to deliver quality solutions, and many turned to us as their trusted technology provider.

“Every cloud has a silver lining. You’ve only got to look for it in the right places.”

One of the more recent installations was at CCS Media Packaging, which installed a new RMGT Ryobi 970 seven-colour press with aqueous coating in 2024, bringing in the final piece of a 12-month, multi-million dollar investment. He said, “CCS is a unique client of ours. They used to print for record companies, but with

75-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

music now going digital, the need for prints for CDs and other related materials became obsolete. So, the company pivoted into the food packaging space and needed the machinery to support production.

“But now, with record labels at boutiques making a comeback, it has become the icing on the cake for CCS because they have already been involved in the music industry.”

Of late, with the prolific growth in packaging, Cheong finds the number of print service providers purchasing machines from Cyber Australia specifically for packaging purposes has escalated.

“Half of our installations are now to companies that have taken on packaging work in addition to their printing capabilities,” he said.

“This was, again, brought on since Covid, when peoples’ purchasing patterns shifted from in-store to online.”

In New Zealand, the company is currently in the process of installing two presses.

“In New Zealand, a lot of print service providers’ equipment are getting old. Their hands are being forced to either update their machinery and continue operations, or close down,” Cheong explained.

Across Asia, most of the company’s sales come from Malaysia and Vietnam.

“There’s greater demand for machines in the developing markets in Asia as they invest a lot more than the developed markets. This is because most of the work is outsourced to printers in these countries,” Cheong said.

“When Covid hit in Malaysia, for example, business did stall momentarily but it was the first to pick up because the country sees a large production of latex and with the requirement for latex gloves, our print

service providers needed to print glove boxes rapidly.

“Since Covid until now, the Malaysia market hasn’t stopped. In fact, it’s been really strong for us. With Donald Trump slapping tariffs on China, I think it’s only going to fuel the Malaysian market to be even stronger.”

The move back to offset

According to Cheong, Cyber’s customers are making the move back towards offset equipment as technology has made offset printing more affordable than before.

“For non-collated products, we have clients that were strong digital users for more than a decade embark on an offset journey because they find it cheaper to print on offset. Offset was dying because the last major adoption in that space was CTP. But now, with modern offset printing equipment, it is equally easy to print on it because everything is automated,” Cheong said.

“With digital, it’s all click charge; you pay for every sheet. With offset, you pay for the commodity, which is ink and plates. They’re cheap.

“So, RMGT’s R&D division focuses heavily on digitising offset equipment. The focus is very much on the mechanical engineering, improving reliability, increasing speed, and simplifying makeready times and staffing requirements.

“In fact, the company used to manufacture some digital machines, but when comparing the cost of print to automated offset presses, it found that printing on automated offset was still cheaper.”

One example that Cheong mentioned was US-based Pacific Printing. Previously, a lot of the company’s short run work was digital. But, the ability to get to colour quickly enabled it to move a lot of that work over to offset, changing the capabilities for the business in terms of what it can gang-run and put on press in a short amount of time.

But even with the change in market demands, the core of Cyber remains the same.

He added, “Our focus from when we first started until today is the same. We are very much a customer orientated business that evolves together with our customers.

“We are not fixated on any single market. Whatever the customer wants, in whatever direction that they move, we are there for them.

“Our customers are our compass for change – they show us the direction, and we adapt accordingly.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Studio Q-Laserfoil delivers a surprise triumph at 2025 Pride In Print Awards in Auckland

Small Avondale-based company wins with “stunningly designed wedding invite”.

Auckland’s Cordis Hotel hosted the 32nd annual Pride In Print Awards recently, with more than 500 print industry professionals packing the Cordis for the industry’s night of nights.

Emcee Jason Gunn hit the ground running with a barrage of quickfire quips, stating his aim of keeping the awards flowing. He gave detailed instructions for the award winners and the audience, who responded positively throughout the evening. Having emceed the Pride In Print Awards before, he knew the process and said, “I am really humbled to be here tonight because this is about excellence, and it is about you.

“As an emcee, I have few balls I am juggling but I want you to remember

that this is your moment of excellence. Think about what it means for every person and every company that gets their name called out. It represents the time, the effort, the hours, and the teamwork that goes into the work and receiving the award. So, what I am saying is that even though I will try and keep things moving, we will pause to celebrate when we need to because this is about you.”

Fraser Gardyne, convenor of judges, welcomed everyone to the event. He said, “I have been coming here since the first awards 31 years ago. There is one other person here tonight, who was here on that first night, and who has kept things going, and that person is Ruth Cobb.” (Ruth later pointed out that the first awards were, in fact, 32 years ago).

Fraser continued: “I really want to thank the Patrons and Sponsors of the awards, who have also kept the awards going and they have done a damn good job. Also, the judges, who have delivered their support. The judging process sees competitors working together and that is also something special.”

The Pride In Print Awards is indebted to the unwavering support of the Patron and Sponsors. The Pride In Print Awards Patron for 2025 is Fujifilm Business Innovation New Zealand. The awards Sponsors are B&F Papers, BJ Ball Group, Currie Group New Zealand, Koenig & Bauer, Kurz New Zealand, Nekkorb Solutions, Paper Source, Reproflex3, Ricoh New Zealand, Spicers New Zealand, and UPM Raflatac. The media sponsor is New Zealand Printer.

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

The Friends of the Awards 2025 are Blue Star Group (New Zealand), GratPak, Kale Print, Sealed Air (Hamilton), SCG, and Wholesale Print.

“Beautiful job” wins out

Avondale-based Studio Q-Laserfoil claimed the Pride In Print Supreme Award, and the Specialty Products Category Award, with what judges called “a stunningly designed overseas wedding invite suite perfectly realised through flawless execution of a range of traditional and contemporary print techniques”.

Judges glowed over the four-piece Kaya and Brian Wedding Invite Suite, noting the “huge technical difficulty” required to achieve such quality across digital and letterpress printing, light debossing, die cuts, foiling, hand-stitching “and much more”.

They commented: “Wow, this beautiful job is more than a wee bit different. Its customised detail additionally involved the incorporation of actual vintage American stamps, a personalised seal, a precisely-bowed ribbon, and handmixed Pantone colours on bespoke stock.

“The suite further impressed through its precision, achieving a perfect line up of elements on even the back of the envelope. The time that would have gone into such detailing on all these features would be immense and everything was done technically and aesthetically perfectly.

“We saw a number of these beautifullyproduced wedding invites for overseas customers this year, with this print buyer being based in New Jersey. The fact that these customers are coming to Aotearoa New Zealand printers ahead of anywhere else in the world to have these invites done here is absolutely amazing and speaks volumes to the passion evoked and quality produced in this country.”

Unexpected win

Interviewed immediately off stage, Studio Q-Laserfoil’s director/owner Dave Trotter, letterpress specialist Tim Morris and account manager Liesl Trotter described being “blown away” by the evening.

They said, “Over the years we have won quite a few golds, and the process award several times, but we have never won a category award before tonight.

“We are a small company, and we didn’t expect to win the Supreme Award; there are some big companies out there doing outstanding work.”

The trio paid tribute to client Michaela McBride Calligraphy, noting growing international reputation. They said, “She is an amazing New Zealand designer and calligrapher. Her market is almost entirely overseas, designs for beautiful weddings all around the world. Because of her reputation, she manages to attract those customers. She has an attention to detail that matches our attention to detail, and she trusts us.”

They also highlighted the ecological values of the Colorplan paper used in the job, noting it required no polymer or plastic enhancements. They also mentioned the continuing and evolving relevance of the platen letterpress, and the crucial benefits of in house capability.

They said, “We can take a digital print to the machine, die-cut it and, if it is not perfect, change it a bit and go back and do another print, until it is perfect. There is no other way you can get that alignment. If you have a finishing house doing it separately, they will do the best they can, but they will be chasing it. We literally went back and forth until it was aligned because it is all in house.

“This job is also a celebration of modern and old techniques, and that is what Studio Q-Laserfoil is about. But we are not just using the old presses in a traditional way. Let’s not forget what has gone before and let’s not overlook what is coming up.”

50 & 100 Club & Business Awards

Over 32 years, 16 companies have won 50 or more gold medals. They are Admark Visual Imaging, Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific Christchurch, APC Innovate. Blue Star Auckland Print & Packaging Constellation, Blue Star Wellington, Crucial Colour, Fuzed, Gravure Packaging, Kiwi Labels, Logick Print & Graphics, MCC Albany, Permark Industries, SCG, Wakefields Digital, and Webstar. Of those 16 companies, three have won 100 or more gold medals. They are APC Innovate, Blue Star Wellington, and MCC Albany.

Additionally, 2025 PrintNZ Business Awards Gold Medal winners are:

• Innovation – 5 Digital

• Sustainability – Amcor Flexibles Christchurch

• Sustainability – Blue Star Group

• Sustainability – SCG

• Sustainability – The Print Room

• Sustainability and Wellness –Transcontinental Packaging NZ

Sign and Display Print PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

ABC Original Print claimed the Sign and Display Print Category with the Hydroflow Rainbird FSDU. Judges commented: “A very well designed and stable unit, this display stand features a variety of consumer products that can be readily removed and easily returned to well-made cutouts. Great attention to detail has been shown in what is both a

Print Industry Promotion Category

APC Innovate won the Print Industry Promotion Category with its APC 2024 Christmas Wine Box

Judges said: “A 10 out of 10 for concept, this well-presented gift box features a design that enables it to be repurposed for the socially-engaging cornhole game. A perfect execution of a beautifully aesthetic design, in combination with practical functionality.”

Karl Sciascia, national sales manager

very attractive and functional display.”

James Hedger, operations general manager at ABC Original Print, said, “Hydroflow’s partner Rainbird needed an eye catching unit to communicate their new automated irrigation products to the farming and industrial community. Using our latest UV digital flatbed printing technology, we certainly delivered.

“The unit needed to be robust to hold all the components. Our structural team took care to measure every component so they would be housed safely and securely in the display. Power cable access also needed

to be incorporated into the display so the LED component could be powered up so functions could be demonstrated in store.

“The unit is recyclable, constructed from FSC sourced corrugated board, in line with Hydroflow’s sustainability initiatives. We have received great feedback from store managers and customers. After installing the stands into stores, interest in the Rainbird Irrigation System has increased tenfold.

“The ABC Original Print team are incredibly proud to get this recognition for a job well done.”

for APC Innovate, said “Every year we challenge ourselves to come up with our take on a festive Christmas wine box which we give to our clients to say thank you.

“It requires a real collaborative approach from the team to push the concept, structural and graphic design

elements. The 2024 edition is one we are extremely proud of, and the client feedback was incredible.

“At APC Innovate, we feel great about getting the recognition of this award, and the judges’ comments make all the hard work worth it.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Industry Development and Creativity

Blue Star Auckland Display & Distribution won the Industry Development and Creativity Category Award with its One NZ Advent Calendars.

Judges noted: “Very sturdy, all the doors and creases are clean and seamless, the digital print is punchy, and the sustainability focus of being able to be reused each year also gains top marks. Also printed inside, outside, back and front and a very complex design, having all the doors fold in, glued and self locking. The assembly would have taken

Structural Design Packaging

Blue Star Auckland Display and Distribution won the Structural Design Packaging Category with its Panadol Liquid Caps packaging.

Judges said, “Everything is all so seamless. It is beautifully designed, has great print quality and is extremely well put together. The whole finishing of it is pretty much perfect. This is one of the best presentation boxes you’re ever likely to see.”

Robert Thorn, Blue Star Display & Distribution design team member, said, “It was designed to support the launch of Panadol’s first liquid capsule format in New Zealand.

“The primary audience for this kit was retail buyers: individuals making

hours. You can also shut it in half to minimise space when storing away. As a concept we thought it was very cool and a bit different.”

Sarah Wharfe, Blue Star Display & APC Innovate general manager, said, “The brief was for it to be life sized and hold prizes for staff, and we recommended that we design it in a way that was reusable. We also suggested they use vouchers for the prizes instead of designing the unit to hold specific weighted items, as changing this year on

year would have been more difficult. The date doors were removable so that it was clear which prizes had been taken and highlighted the countdown to Christmas and was very interactive for the staff.

“To have the One NZ staff excited about this Christmas internal activation was really positive and a huge success. We are so proud that our customers have the trust and faith in us to be able introduce an idea that we can build on to deliver their needs.”

decisions about what products earn space on crowded shelves. This meant the experience had to be compelling, concise and visually persuasive. By integrating both the brand’s credibility and the new format’s differentiation into the physical structure, the kit allowed buyers to understand the why behind the product in a matter of seconds. It also provided key product info and marketing support at a glance, essential for time-poor retail decision makers.”

The seeding kit was viewed not just as a sales tool, but as a creative

expression of Panadol’s first new product development in 11 years. The feedback noted the presentation as ‘best in class’ within their regional toolkit. This project represents the power of collaboration between structural design, brand strategy and production craftsmanship. It’s more than just a presentation box. It is a storytelling vehicle. Being recognised by Pride In Print for this work is a testament to the impact that well executed design can have when it seamlessly aligns with commercial objectives and consumer expectations.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

APC Innovate won the Paper and Board Packaging Category with the Snackachangi Presenter/PR Box.

Judges said, “The cutting and assembly is perfect, the tear tab is tidy, the hinging is beautiful, all images line up spot on and the print speaks for itself. This job has had much more structural design detail go into it to make it fit for purpose and it is well displayed, a really nice design and very well put together.”

Karl Sciascia, national sales manager

Business Print Category Paper and Board Packaging

Blue Star Auckland Print & Packaging won the Business Print Category with the Mercury – Integrated Report 2024.

Judges commented: “Printed on a challenging recycled paper with an older press, this annual report nonetheless features a vibrant yellow that has been reproduced consistently throughout. With all line ups also perfect, we basically could not find a fault; It is just a beautiful job.”

Emma Selwood, Blue Star Auckland Print & Packaging customer services manager, said, “The design and print execution were critical in delivering a publication that reflects both the company’s innovation and commitment to sustainability.

“A standout feature was the precise colour consistency required throughout the publication, particularly the spot yellow and subtle background tints, which

at APC Innovate, said, “Our design team had their work cut. After extensive prototyping, managed to come up with the overall creative and design elements that not only looked stunning but provided an engaging reveal factor when

opening the box. The client was thrilled with the feedback and so were we.

“To win the Paper and Board Packaging Category for this distinctive design is a great result and one that the team at APC is proud of.”

had to remain perfectly balanced across multiple sections and stock weights.

“The report was printed on Eco100, a 100 per cent recycled uncoated paper, using soy based inks. The careful selection of materials and processes ensured the final product aligned with Mercury’s sustainability commitments while also maintaining high production quality.”

“For readers, particularly stakeholders and investors, the report needed to feel polished and intentional. The seamless interplay between design and print helped elevate the user experience, making it

a piece that people would engage with, retain and reference.”

“Mercury felt the report was a true reflection of their brand and appreciated how the production aligned with their environmental values. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, both internally and from shareholders.

“The success of the Mercury 2024 Integrated Report is a testament to strong collaboration between client, designer and print partner, and we’re proud to see this recognised at the Pride In Print Awards.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Promotional Print

easy2C Calendars and Promotional Products won Promotional Products Category with the Art of Michelle Bellamy calendar.

Judges commented: “Combining a slightly older offset press with digital overprinting, this calendar was an excellent representation of prepress, registration and binding. The artwork itself and the finishing is so clean, on a beautiful stock. Also, the images distract you from everything; hand-painted and then overprinted, it is just gorgeous. Vibrantly faultless, the result is an amazing reproduction of beautiful hand painted, epic New Zealand scenery.”

Anna Chesterfield, easy2C Calendars New Zealand and Australia marketing

Flexible Packaging and Flexographic Process

Sealed Air Hamilton claimed the Flexible Packaging Category and Flexographic Process Awards with the Pams Finest Peking Spiced Whole Duck packaging.

Judges said: “A great design has been brought to life in execution of a print process not normally associated with topof-the-line reproduction. Colours were solid, with great contrast ensuring the food dish reproduced looks real.”

Damion Robinson, printing/laminates and prepress group performance leader at Sealed Air Hamilton, said “We used Vortex technology on a plate supplied by R3, which enabled us to print what was

and design manager, said, “The calendar comes in three formats: a large wall calendar, a booklet, and a desk version.

“The inside pages were printed using the HP Indigo Digital Press’s Enhanced Productivity Mode (EPM), using cyan, magenta and yellow. The cover was printed on an offset press. We also added a matte UV varnish to the cover.

“EPM is a new approach that we have started using. It saves ink and makes

the printing process simpler and more efficient without losing any of the vibrant colour. It’s a smart, sustainable choice that still delivers great results.”

“Customer feedback has been fantastic. They love Michelle’s art and the clean, simple layout of the date pad, which doesn’t distract from the images. Plus, there’s plenty of space for businesses to add their branding and messages, so it works as both a gift and a year-round advertisement.”

an already outstanding design at 175lpi. It created a spectacular and detailed looking image along with helping to lay down a very deep black.”

Andrew Rae, lead brand and communications manager at Foodstuffs Own Brands, said “The Peking Spiced Whole Duck range is designed to provide New Zealanders with access and inspiration to authentic foodie moments.

“The packaging features bold, mouthwatering photography that makes the product look irresistible. Deep, luxurious colours and exceptional print quality help give it a strong ‘yum status’ and

makes it stand out on shelf. Bringing this packaging to life took careful planning and expert printing.

“Special details like metallic ink, precise alignment and balanced colour tones required a skilled print partner. The result is packaging that not only looks impressive but also reflects the high standards behind the product.”

“Winning these awards is a great example of the strong collaboration between our supply partner, design team and print partner. It reflects the care and attention given at every stage, from the initial concept through to final production.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Labels

Logan Print won the Labels Category with the Fresh’n Fruity Greek Raspberry 1kg Yoghurt in-mould label.

Judges said: “The label comes from a run of 400,000. There are nice ink tones through everything, the registration was really good, as was the cut quality for a very light film. The main thing was the quality throughout and across the complexity of six colours. We couldn’t find anything out of registration, the colours are vibrant, and it was just very well executed.”

Colin Lean, technical manager at Logan Print, said, “The Greek range is an addition to the Original Fresh’n Fruity yoghurt, so the light and dark greens in the logo needed to match as well as the addition of the Greek background blue art. The design of the container makes

Publications Newspapers

NZME Ellerslie Print claimed the Publications Newspapers Category for The Weekend Sun Issue 1233.

Judges commented: “It is well printed, clean and with no marks. When jobs like this go on the press, they do not come off. There is no print and go again. These guys get it right, every week from prepress right through to production for a well supported, community newspaper, that also provides an income for about 10 people.”

Mike Horler, NZME external print manager, said, “This recognition serves as a great motivational tool, reinforcing the site’s values and commitment to newspapers. It also highlights the team’s efforts in maintaining quality and reducing waste.

the label application quite challenging. Internal and external curves made die-cutting critical to ensure the label wrapped correctly and did not impact the moulding process.

“In-mould labels are perfect for this product. The label and container are made from the same polypropylene, and when the tub is moulded the label ‘becomes’ part of the container, tamper proof and fully recyclable through curb

side recycling. The container entered was one that we had selected randomly from a supermarket chiller in Gisborne.

“We are extremely proud that this label had been through our production, moulding, filling, distribution and was still at category winning standard.

“The judges’ comments on winning the Label Category were amazing. The whole team at Logan Print can truly feel proud with this result.”

“Brian and Claire Rogers founded SunMedia to serve readers in the Bay of Plenty. After Brian’s passing in 2022, Claire continued to manage the company. On March 5, 2024, NZME acquired SunMedia and its assets. As part of the acquisition, all 28 SunMedia employees, including 17 permanent and fixed-term staff, received conditional employment offers from NZME.

“Claire mentioned that this acquisition would help sustain local journalism and advertising in Tauranga and the surrounding areas. NZME chief executive Michael Boggs concurred that the acquisition reflected NZME’s dedication to local journalism, its strategy to serve local communities and advertisers, and its commitment to providing a digital news service.”

Books and Print Finishing

Wakefields Digital claimed the Publications Books and Print Finishing Categories for the book Te Ara Hohou Rongo | The Path to Reconciliation.

Judges said: “It features a machine made case, but with the rest painstakingly put together by hand. Everything about it on the finishing side was just superb. There were perfect line ups, and it was very clever how they produced the end pages with a special perforation to keep the strain off the binding when it is opened, given its use in a public place. This is one of those jobs that just hits you. It has that wow factor and we just could not find a fault.”

The large format, hardback graphic novel tells the story of the land on which Taranaki Cathedral sits, from the point of view of the hapū with mana whenua over the area, Ngāti Te Whiti. Clint Riley, manager and project lead at Wakefields Digital, explained, “The book is based on a nine-minute animation created for the visitor and education space Te Whare Hononga by Story Inc and Māui Studios in close collaboration with Ngāti Te Whiti, who collectively tell their story in its pages.

“The story is specific to this place, but also in many ways sadly typical of many other places in Aotearoa New Zealand. The bilingual book will be read by visitors in Te Whare Hononga, particularly school groups; perhaps in future, a version of it may also be produced for sale.”

The project involved multiple print processes: inkjet, HP Indigo, and offset using aqueous sealer only. Clint continued, “We managed the requirements for creep, ensuring proper alignment of page spreads from the inside front and back covers to the text. Additionally, we provided extra bleed for the wraparound cover, adjusted artwork for the end pages to align with text sections, and imposed text pages to the appropriate thickness for optimal opening ease.

“The booklets will be placed in a public space, secured to a table, and handled by the public hundreds of times.

“Our account manager and production team carefully selected processes and materials to ensure the final product was fit for purpose. This included considering grain direction, ensuring ink durability (HP Indigo text pages with an aqueous seal), maintaining colour consistency across multiple output devices (outside front cover, front and back cover sheets, and text pages), and applying an antigraffiti laminate for added protection.

“The client preferred printed cover sheets over tinted board. Through precise prepress work, careful final creasing alignment and thoughtful board selection, we achieved a flawless book, completed with matching blue head and tail bands

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

for the perfect finishing touch. Aligning individual sections is always a challenge, even with extensive prepress preparation, and made more complex in this project by the printed cover sheets.

“The human touch of hand binding brought everything together, resulting in a beautifully-finished booklet.

“Māui Studios did a lot of work on the detailing and texture of the imagery to make it a rich experience that readers could dwell on. We produced only a few copies initially for Te Whare Hononga

and Ngāti Te Whiti. This is because it is designed to be part of a visitor experience and as a resource for the hapū. It has, however, been designed to be relatively easy to reproduce it in a smaller format as a ‘conventional’ book.”

Chelton Healey, Ngāti Te Whiti chair, said, “It has been well received by our hapū, project partners and the wider community. We are already using it as a resource at wānanga and community gatherings, and this has the effect of sparking meaningful kōrero.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Packaging All Other Materials

Lamprint Packaging won the Packaging All Other Materials Category Award with the Whittaker’s Dark Ghana 50 gram Chunk wrapper.

Judges commented: “The job’s exceptional gold layer is complemented by perfect type and imagery reproduction. While beautifully serving the customer’s focus on perfect replication of its distinctive gold brand, this packaging made no compromise on the correspondingly challenging reproduction of type or imagery.

“Every aspect is clean and strong, a beautiful, one out of the box job.”

Bradley Holmes, managing director of Lamprint Packaging, said, “With the Whittaker’s chocolate bar intended for individual purchase, it needed to have instant shelf appeal.

“And it does as it is printed with a metallic gold and covered with a second layer of packaging to cover the ink, delivering on a high gloss finish.

“Furthermore, to ensure the sealing process on the Whittaker’s filling line does not melt the chocolate, the sealing layer of this product is a special latex seal medium, which seals the pack without any heat being applied.

“To also meet customer sustainability objectives, the film is recyclable. The

PrintNZ Business Award

Sealed Air Hamilton took home the overall 2025 PrintNZ Business Awards medal for its Talley’s Mussels packaging.

Judges commented: “The combination of the sustainability benefits achieved and the repatriation of print into New Zealand for an iconic Kiwi product made this a standout entry in the Business Awards Category.”

Damion Robinson, printing, laminates, and prepress group performance leader at Sealed Air Hamilton, said, “Our advancements in this area directly led to Talley’s mussels packaging work being brought back from overseas.

“This award is a great recognition to receive for all the time and development

packaging can be dropped at any supermarket for collection for recycling. Although presently there is no curb-side collection for any soft plastics in New Zealand, which is an infrastructure issue for the government but interestingly, there is curb-side collection for this product in Australia.”

“Our client Whittaker’s loves both the on shelf appeal that the metallic gold delivers and that the wrapper is nonetheless recyclable.”

Sealed Air has put into creating a more sustainable and recycled form of plastic material to better our customers’ products.

“This material, while not only being made from a more sustainable plastic, also reduced the customer’s production waste from an existing product they were importing. Approximately half the imported film was being thrown out due to various issues in production. Our film, made locally, reduced the carbon

footprint and that suited their process to deliver a 97 per cent yield in production.”

“We can help our customers’ end users see plastic protective packaging in a better light than what is usually portrayed in the media.

“The industry is going to great lengths to ensure what we do is sustainable, reducing the carbon footprint and leading to less waste packaging and food ending up in landfill.”

Sheetfed Offset Process

Brebner Print took out the Sheetfed Offset Process Award for The Historic Architecture in Korea stamp sheet.

Judges said: “The level of definition achieved was nothing short of astonishing. Even under magnification with an eyeglass, the dot formation is imperceptible, revealing only heightened definition. Knowing a bit about philately, we can confidently say that every single stamp undergoes meticulous inspection before being despatched to the client. What you see here would be replicated precisely across all 80,000 copies. It’s an amazing feat of printing craftsmanship.”

Inkjet Process

Caxton won the Inkjet Process Award for its Pressed Flowers print.

Judges said: “A lot of work goes into the prepress aspect of creating a print like this, to achieve that depth of image and colour. This, coupled with the subtle texture of the paper used, just adds to the overall composition. Using best in class equipment resulted in a beautiful, detailed and highlyrealistic print of an evocative image of pressed flowers.”

Megan Rogers, Caxton Giclée fine art specialist, said, “This work was scanned for Robyn Shearwood, an artist who has made her mark using pressed flowers to make art.

“I have 18 of her works scanned so far, and she sells prints at the markets around her hometown of Queenstown.

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Matt Tobin, stamp production manager at Brebner Print, said, “This is the second collectable stamp sheet in a series of issues featuring South Korea’s historic architecture.

“The die-cut stamp sheets were embellished with clear gloss and gold foils, which required perfect registration

and had very fine text. In terms of sustainability, we were able to print these stamps using environmentally responsible paper.

“The print buyer was delighted with the finished product and their response to the Award was that they are honoured to work with Brebner Print.”

“Once scanned, the customer can order prints as required, adding value to the initial work creating the artwork.

“The challenge with scanning such collage works is capturing the threedimensional aspect. Using our flatbed scanner on its 3D settings and my skills does the job and the results jump off the page, with the smooth Hahnemuhle Photorag paper showing off all the detail. The archival cotton-rag papers

and pigment inks we use are also rated 200+years lightfast in laboratory tests, when not hung in direct sunlight. So, always treat a Giclée print as you would an original.”

In response to the win, Robyn Shearwood said, “OMG Megan, I’m over the moon happy. That is such awesome news. Thank you so much for putting my artwork forward for this. I love your work. Congratulations.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Digital Process

Eamar Innovative Solutions won the Digital Process Award with the Welcome to My Brain Card Game.

Judges said: “It was beyond incredible that such vibrant colours were achieved with difficult, textured stock on what could be considered an entry-level machine (the Fujifilm Revoria Press SC180). Another key feature is that because the box is glued at the bottom rather than having the usual hinge flap, the cards slide right in and out instead of getting stuck. Complemented by a high level of finishing, this is simply an awesome job.”

Raych Foye, general manager at Eamar Innovative Solutions, said, “It is a pack of 55 vibrant cards, and a matching box printed on synthetic stock. Using

Screen Process

Colour Evolution won the Screen Process Award with the Zhu Ohmu x Kate Sylvester Hemp Bag.

Judges said, “An outstanding result on material that is coarse, uneven and therefore notoriously hard to print. There is so much detail, including very fine type and perfectly-straight lines. Extreme technical mastery has been demonstrated to deliver a truly beautiful print job.”

Mike Mossman, general manager at Colour Evolution, said, “The bag was a natural fabric in ecru, with a slightly orange shade to it. We had to make the image more yellow-shaded for contrast, without having any actual Pantone. Because of how light it all was, we could

a synthetic stock instead of a card with a laminate ensured the product stays looking great and lasts longer. There is no risk of delaminating at the corners, and they can be fully submerged for cleaning.”

Andrea Lee, of client Humdinger Design for the Neurodiversity in Education Project, said, “We needed a durable substrate that could withstand frequent handling by both children

and adults over several years. Since a standard pack of cards can show signs of wear almost immediately, we worked with Eamar to find a more robust solution.

“The result is a stunning tool to help people of all ages have great conversations about how their brains work and how we can create homes, schools, tertiaries, clubs and workplaces where everyone’s brain gets to shine.”

not print CMYK. So, we went with screenprinting and on separating it we went through a seven-colour simulated process – no white base, just a white highlight. And to get the detail it had to run 65lpi – which is easy on flat stock, but this is a rough surface hemp weave, and the fabric was dusty.

“In the end, we printed it in 16 layers, half of that was to get a decent base and

then the right colour depths. It took over 12 hours of colour adjustment once in registration and sequencing some of the lighter colours over the darker colours to get the eventual colour sign-off, but then only two hours to run the job.”

“Technically this job was way harder than it looked. It’s great to push the boundaries beyond straightforward spot colours.”

Gravure Process

Gravure Packaging won the Gravure Process Award with the Boring Oat Milk Barista shrink sleeve.

Judges commented: “A high level of thought clearly went into achieving what is a visually-stunning outcome with amazing ink layup. Techniques to deliver a UV eye mark, printing of two different colours and varnish were executed masterfully to make this entry stand out from all others in this section.”

Grant Amelung, technical director at Gravure Packaging, said, “Our partnership with Boring is on solid ground as the Gravure Packaging brand also subscribes to the same values. “The client loves the look and feel of the bottle, so much so that the shape and

Web Offset Coldset Process

Stuff Petone won the Web Offset Coldset Process Award for The Waikato Times Your Weekend 12 October 2024.

Judges said, “The Stuff Petone team has shown attention to prepress detail as well as mastery of one of the largest presses in the country, in producing the lifestyle magazine that is inserted into Saturday’s Waikato Times. They just get the best out of it.

“This is a job that their printers wanted and that says it all. There was good prepress, photos and production. They do everything right for our process and that’s our skill set. These guys day in day

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

the gravure-printed green has become inseparable from their brand.”

“The vertical vignette is one of perfection, as is the sharpness of print, invisible eye mark, double-sided print and matte over lacquer. The gravure printing process is well suited to jobs such as this, due to the continuously-electable repeat length that shrink sleeves require, and the ability to print technical coatings (Blizzard light barrier and SuperMatte) in line with the print job itself. All while designing for recyclability with washable inks.”

“Boring is printed in conjunction with our proprietary Blizzard light barrier technology, allowing for the bottle itself to be 100 per cent recyclable transparent PET. The ultra-diffuse SuperMatte, as utilised in combat military technology, provides the best light diffusion and natural feel when touching the bottle. The printing of such a lovely diffuse matte to that degree at high speed is only possible with gravure printing. The high definition gravure cylinder engraving results in sharp text.”

out just do the right stuff. In newsprint, you get some jobs that just come up super well. This was one of them.”

Andy Brown, printing plant day shift printing supervisor at Stuff Petone, said, “Our team members were delighted with the outcome. This publication was produced using process free plates on 52gsm Newsprint stock and Coldset inks.

“We completed the design and layout through our in house editorial and prepress departments. It was stitched and printed on a double-width high speed web offset newspaper press and trimmed on a trimming drum.

“The print quality, web alignment, registration and print finishing achieved for this job was exceptional.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Letterpress Process

Windmill Press won the Letterpress Process Award with Casa de Campo suite.

Judges said: “The prepress for the envelope was done so perfectly and the assembly of the envelope was faultless. The use of the wax seals and metal gold palm tree charm were a brilliant idea and followed the theme of the invite perfectly. The deboss depth was perfect for the grammage of the stock and the foiling was also faultless, while the little cotton thread binding of the invite was very delicate and executed perfect. This invite was just amazing.”

Christina Drummond, founder and letterpress stationery creator of Windmill Press, said, “The client, based in New York, was getting married at Casa de

Web Offset Heatset Process

Webstar took home the Web Offset Heatset Process Award for the Super Liquor mailer.

Judges said: “Folded perfectly, glued exceptionally, all line ups were spot on, registered faultlessly and trimmed square. For a web offset press, running as fast as it does, to have such high quality in all those aspects, while also delivering vibrant colours, is absolutely amazing.”

Tom Dempsey, sales manager at Webstar, said, “This eight-page mailer was a print campaign designed to target its market demographic through the proven

Campo in The Dominican Republic. They wanted high end save the dates and wedding invitations that captured their beautiful tropical venue.

“There were multiple pieces to the set, printed with all different printing processes: foil, letterpress, white digital, colour digital, and die-cutting. A distinctive aspect was the custom mini envelope we created to hold their rehearsal dinner card inside their details booklet. Creating the

custom illustrations for their map was also intricate and time consuming.

“It was not a traditional wedding invitation suite, encompassing multiple printing processes and finishes, colours and materials.”

The client said, “You truly brought my vision and invitation dreams to life! You are so organised and definitely my easiest vendor to work with by far in my wedding journey this year.”

print and letterbox marketing channel.

“It involved high-speed production, being printed two-up duplex with inline glue and finishing. Our presses are world class with superior print production.

“It was great to be printing for the

client again as they had been out of the channel since 2022. Like all work, it was a team effort to produce, and we are stoked our team members have received this recognition for their hard work by their industry peers.”

Flexographic printer named BJ Ball Apprentice of the Year PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Bradley Smith demonstrates an enthusiasm and attitude towards learning, never afraid to try something new and to create a broader knowledge for himself.

Bradley Smith, print supervisor and flexographic printer at Transcontinental Packaging NZ, claimed the Apprentice of the Year 2024 title.

He began his acceptance speech with a quip: “There are a few more people here than at my wedding.”

Taking time to individually thank his wife and children; everyone involved in his training; his employers at Transcontinental packaging NZ; PrintNZ; and the sponsors, he said, “This is incredible recognition, it is an unreal feeling.”

He also paid tribute to fellow Apprentice of the Year Finalists: Eligh Arthur, Gravure Packaging; Toese Fauatea, Opal Packaging NZ, Cartons; Tayla Jones, Logan Print; Jessia Moore, Imagine If Creative Studios; and Faamao Paul Müller, Wedderburn New Zealand.

Bradley added, “The future of print is in great hands with people like you and our

industry is looking bright. I am proud to be part of such a passionate, skilled, and resilient community.”

Outstanding graduates

Prior to announcing the Apprentice of the Year winner, PrintNZ chief executive Ruth Cobb spoke about the top six apprentices calling them an “outstanding batch of graduates”.

She said, “We had trouble narrowing it down to our usual five, so tonight we have six talented individuals who have all been named as Apprentice of the Year in their individual sectors.

“Each of these people have chosen a career in the printing industry and worked hard to complete their apprenticeships, and not just complete them, but to come out on top. This is a testament not just to them, but to their trainers, the people who have stood on their shoulder both figuratively and right now literally, and the businesses they

work for and to their Competenz support team who ensured they got through.

“With the support of the businesses they work for, their training mentors, and particularly their families, they have shown the great heights they can reach. Each of you should be so proud of yourselves.

“We interviewed each of these people today and they were all so passionate about their jobs and the work they produce. Every one of them spoke with such technical detail about the work they brought along, highlighting again that print is a craft.

“I know this is just the beginning of your journey, the learning does not stop here. You all aspire to go further and do more and we are so glad you are doing that in our industry., we are all so proud of you.”

High enthusiasm and excellent attitude

Nick Ball, print manager at Transcontinental Packaging NZ, it had “been a privilege” to watch Bradley “learn and grow through his time in the apprenticeship”.

He said, “Brad has always showed high enthusiasm and excellent attitude towards learning new things. He is never afraid to try something new and create a broader knowledge for himself.

“Brad is a very reliable team member, never takes anytime off and is always keen to jump in and do extra hours when required.

“He has completed a certificate in business management level 1 and 2. He was a shift supervisor in the extrusion department for several years and is also now a shift supervisor in the printing department. Brad has also got an apprentice on his shift and has been tasked with working and leading the apprentice to become a qualified printer.

“He has come out the other end of the apprenticeship a great printer and I have high hopes for him furthering his career in the print industry.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

Industry acknowledges its trainers and their companies

Investment in people a priority for Training Awards winners.

Aaron Smith, Opal Kiwi Packaging afternoon shift manager, accepted the Trainer of the Year Award at the Pride In Print Awards. He said, “It is a real privilege to be able to support others as they grow in such a dynamic and everchanging industry. I feel truly honoured.

“At Opal, it’s not just about completing tasks, it’s about investing in people for the long term. Supporting someone through their learning journey helps them grow, builds a stronger team and helps future proof our industry. We feel proud to champion this.”

He began as a trainer in 2018. He said, “What drives me most is the opportunity to lead and support others in their growth. There is something deeply rewarding about helping someone gain confidence, develop new skills and knowing you have played a part in their journey. Seeing people progress and reach their potential is what makes this work truly meaningful for me.”

“We start by creating a supportive, down to earth environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and learning at their own pace. I focus just as much on building confidence as I do on developing skills. I aim to lead by example, staying approachable, hands on, and always open to learning myself. My goal is to help people grow and feel genuinely proud of the work they do.

“I appreciate the work that PrintNZ, Competenz, and sponsors do in continuing to shine a spotlight on training and development in our industry. Awards like this are a powerful reminder of how important it is to invest in people and their growth.”

“This recognition motivates me to keep sharing what I’ve learned and keep investing in the future of print through the next generation of professionals.”

Training Company of the Year

Accepting the award for PrintNZ Training Company of the Year Award, Dean Oliver, operations general manager at Blue Star Wellington, said, “This is a true testament to the hard work of our team, our trainers and of course, our apprentices and trainees.

“Training has been a core focus for us at Blue Star, and we see it as a long term investment in the future of the print industry. One initiative we are particularly proud of is our experienced team leaders taking apprentices under their wing. We run internal workshops and cross-training opportunities to build capability and keep people engaged in their career development. It is the sense of belonging that truly makes the difference.

“While training requires a time and financial investment, the return far outweighs the cost. We see it in the skill level of our teams, their confidence on the floor and the loyalty they show to the business.

“Well-trained staff are more engaged and adaptable, and they bring fresh ideas into our operations. It also fosters a positive team culture; one that shows we are truly invested in our people’s growth.”

Blue Star is developing a digital print skills module to support team members working with the firm’s latest digital

technology. He explained, “As the industry continues to evolve, we want to ensure our people are equipped with the right skills to keep pace. We offer leadership development programmes to help grow our future supervisors and managers from within.”

PrintNZ and Competenz continue to prioritise industry training. He said, “Recognition like this keeps the spotlight on the importance of building skills from the floor up and we are so proud to be part of the print industry. Winning Training Company of the Year has only fuelled our motivation to do even more in the training space. We love print and we love what we do at Blue Star.”

Jill Cowling, chief executive at Blue Star Group, said, “We are thrilled at the award recognition for Blue Star Wellington’s commitment towards supporting the many aspirational people who want to complete an apprenticeship and continue their career development. It is a pleasure to see their success and for many of our apprentices to go on to become trainers themselves.”

PRIDE IN PRINT AWARDS

2025 MAJOR WINNERS

SUPREME AWARD

Studio Q-Laserfoil – Kaya and Brian Wedding Invite Suite

CATEGORY WINNERS

Category Company

Sign and Display Print

Print Industry Promotion

Paper and Board Packaging

Business Print

Industry Development and Creativity

Structural Design Packaging

Promotional Print

Flexible Packaging

Packaging All Other Materials

Specialty Products

Labels

Publications Newspapers

Publications Books

Print Finishing

ABC Original Print

APC Innovate

APC Innovate

Blue Star Auckland Print & Packaging – Collard

Blue Star Auckland Display & Distribution

Blue Star Auckland Display & Distribution

easy2C Calendars and Promotional Products

Sealed Air Hamilton

Lamprint Packaging Holdings

Studio Q - Laserfoil

Logan Print

NZME Ellerslie Print

Wakefields Digital

Wakefields Digital

PROCESS WINNERS

Process Company

Sheetfed Offset

Brebner Print

Inkjet Caxton

Screen Colour Evolution

Digital

Gravure

Flexographic

Coldset

Heatset

Letterpress

Eamar Innovative Solutions

Gravure Packaging

Sealed Air Hamilton

Stuff Petone

Webstar

Windmill Press

Title of Entry

Hydroflow Rainbird FSDU

Christmas Wine Box

APC Innovate – Snackachangi Presenter/PR Box

Mercury Integrated Report 2024

One NZ Advent Calendars

Panadol Liquid Caps

Art of Michelle Bellamy

Pams Finest Peking Spiced Whole Duck

Whittaker’s Dark Ghana 50 gram Chunk

Kaya and Brian Wedding Invite Suite

Fresh n Fruity Greek Raspberry 1kg Yoghurt

The Weekend Sun Issue 1233

Te Ara Hohou Rongo | The Path to Reconciliation

Te Ara Hohou Rongo | The Path to Reconciliation

Title of Entry

The Historic Architecture in Korea

Pressed Flowers

Zhu Ohmu x Kate Sylvester Hemp Bag

Welcome to My Brain Card Game

Boring Oat Milk Barista

Pams Finest Peking Spiced Whole Duck

The Waikato Times Your Weekend 12 October 2024

Super Liquor

Casa de Campo

SOFTWARE

Durst to present Open Software Initiative at Printing United 2025

Durst Group software offers seamless integration of third-party solutions.

The Durst Group will present its new Open Software Initiative for the first time at Printing United 2025, taking place from October 22-25 in Orlando, Florida.

The Open Software Initiative is a neutral, modular platform for software solutions designed to go far beyond Durst systems.

It offers print service providers, resellers, system integrators, and OEMs access to powerful and flexible modules built on proven Durst software technologies, allowing seamless integration of third-party solutions – regardless of printer type or manufacturer. These modules are bundled under the umbrella of “Smart Factory”.

Christoph Gamper, chief executive officer and co-owner of the Durst Group, says “Our vision is to create an open, future proof software ecosystem for the entire printing industry – developed by us, but available to everyone.

“This sets new standards for productivity, automation, and vendor independence.”

Matt Ashman, managing director of Durst Oceania, says, “The Open Software Initiative, which Durst Oceania is a partner of, enables Durst’s incredible software legs to grow. Making it available to a wider network means more businesses will be able to benefit from the high advantages the solutions can offer.”

Smart Factory – an open software initiative

Under the slogan “One Software Ecosystem. Any Brand. Any Printer.”, Durst is launching a modular, cloud-enabled software platform that can be flexibly used and integrated by print service providers, integrators, resellers, and OEMs. The platform focuses on interoperability, open APIs, and integration readiness, clearly separated from Durst’s existing proprietary solutions for Durst hardware customers.

Two booths – one clear message

The presentation will take place across two dedicated but closely aligned booths:

The Durst Group Booth 3156 will focus on proprietary software Durst Workflow and

Durst Analytics for full integration with Durst printing systems.

The Open Software Initiative Booth 2266 will showcase new Smart Factory modules, OEM offerings, and integration examples.

Smart Factory portfolio overview

Smart Shop – Print specific e-commerce solution for B2B/B2C.

Lift ERP – Cloud-based ERP system designed specifically for the printing industry.

Prepare – Automated prepress solution for preflight and data preparation, including PDF editing.

Produce – High performance RIP solution with advanced colour management.

Production Intelligence – AI powered, data driven solutions for smart production environments.

The Smart Factory Portfolio also includes dedicated modules for OEM partners, resellers, and system integrators. callas software represents a successful example of OEM collaboration and will lead the neutral and independent OEM offering within the Durst Group. callas’ PDF engine technologies are already deployed by many global brands, including Adobe.

The integration of callas into the Prepare and Produce modules of the Open Software Framework demonstrates how OEM partners can bring callas PDF technology (pdfToolbox) to market ready solutions under their own brand. In addition, callas will act as an OEM gateway for selected Durst workflow

technologies, giving OEM partners access to a broader ecosystem.

Michael Deflorian, director business unit software and solutions, Durst Group, says, “With the Open Software Initiative and the Smart Factory portfolio, we’re not just offering products, we are creating an open framework that allows partners to contribute their own solutions, services, or integrations.

“We are proud to have callas software as a strong OEM partner, and through them, we can now offer complete PDF workflow solutions, not just core technologies, to our OEM network. This is a true blueprint of how we envision future OEM partnerships within the Open Software Initiative.”

With a tailored offering for every audience, benefits include:

• Print service providers gain easy entry into professional software, with minimal investment risk.

• Resellers can expand their portfolio with proven, modular solutions.

• System integrators gain access to software that integrates easily into existing ERP or workflow environments.

• OEMs leverage the platform as a robust technology foundation for their own branded products.

Chris Schowalter, global sales director, Durst Software & Solutions, says, “We explicitly invite resellers, integrators, and partners to meet us at Printing United. We will showcase real-world use cases and offer immediate collaboration opportunities, from turnkey products to beta programs, all the way to OEM integration through callas.”

Expectations for Printing United

Durst’s Open Software Initiative will come to life at Printing United with:

• Live demonstrations of all software modules.

• Expert led workshops for resellers, OEMs, and integration partners.

• On site beta program registration.

• Further information on the Open Software Initiative and Durst Group contact details will be available on the official landing page.

MM Plastics acquires Computaleta

A division of Metal Manufactures Pty, MM Plastics, has acquired Computaleta.

MM Plastics operates a network of specialist plastics and signage businesses with a strong footprint across Australia and New Zealand. MM Plastics will support Computaleta’s ongoing growth and success in the New Zealand market.

Despite the change in ownership, Computaleta will continue to operate as it always has under the same name, with the same team, and with the same commitment to New Zealand customers. This move strengthens Computaleta’s ability to deliver the service, support, and the product range their customers rely on every day.

Arlette Farland, director and former owner of Computaleta, says, “This marks an exciting new chapter; one that strengthens both our business and the wider industry in New Zealand.

“We continue to operate independently, but now with the backing of a much larger organisation. That means we can deliver even more value to our customers, give them more choice, and remain highly competitive in a changing market.

“In the long term, our customers gain access to a broader range of products and support, our suppliers gain a stronger distribution partner, and our team gets to share in the success of the business moving forward.

“We are not shifting away from who we are. We are building on the foundation we have created over the past four decades. This is about enhancing our strengths,

HP races to 100 Latex R530 printer installations

HP has made the 100th installation of its HP Latex R530 printer into American sign shop Fastsigns.

In March, HP launched the Latex R530 at its ‘Amplify’ event. The company says the Latex R530 printer delivers a more accessible and efficient printing solution that streamlines production for small and medium-sized print shops. It calls the HP Latex R530 printer an ideal solution for companies looking to enter or expand in the rigid printing market as it offers seamless all in one printing with ease of operation thanks to its compact design, elevated application capabilities, and leading sustainability.

ensuring stability, and positioning Computaleta for long term success.”

Mousa Elsarky, executive general manager of MM Plastics, says the acquisition reflects a clear alignment of values and long term goals between the two businesses. He adds, “Computaleta is an outstanding business with a proud legacy and deep-rooted relationships across New Zealand’s signage and print industry.

“Our role is to support that legacy, not to change it. We are here to empower the team to keep growing, with the same customer-first mindset that has always defined their success.

“This is a long term investment. Computaleta is highly respected for its technical expertise, product knowledge, and unwavering commitment to service, values that align closely with our own. Our focus is on strengthening their capability and providing the resources they need to continue delivering

Steve Brennock, owner of Fastsigns, says, “By installing the HP Latex R530, we anticipate significant enhancements in both our production efficiency and pricing strategy.

“It helps us meet tight deadlines with confidence. Being able to print directly onto sign surfaces has significantly improved our turnaround times, and we are now able to offer more competitive pricing while maintaining high standards.”

exceptional outcomes for customers well into the future.”

Arlette Farland, Janene Forde, and Adele Peterson will remain involved in the day to day running of the business, ensuring continuity and a seamless experience for customers, suppliers, and staff. Day to day operations and contacts remain unchanged.

Computaleta founder Noel Morrison, a respected figure in the New Zealand signage industry, will formally retire from the business following the acquisition. He says, “What a journey. I am incredibly proud of what we have built: growing this company from a small family business to a nationwide industry leader.

“But to stay competitive the time was right, and MM Plastics is the right partner. I am confident they will do right by our people, our customers, and the industry we love. The future is bright, and we hope that our customers will continue to support us.”

HP says the Latex R530 offers features such as seamless switching between substrates; vibrant colour output and smooth gradients with HP Pixel Control technology; and built in automation for recirculation and printhead cleaning. The company adds that the R530 ensures consistent quality and minimal downtime. Its single-phase power system further enhances accessibility, making it a practical solution for space constrained operations.

Daniel Martinez, senior vice president and division president, HP Large Format Printing says, “Installing the 100th HP Latex R530 is a proud moment for our team and a testament to the value the HP Latex technology delivers for our customers.

“By combining versatility, quality, and ease of use in one compact device, we are helping print service providers to unlock new applications and operate more efficiently, without compromising on sustainability.”

NZSDA PRESIDENT’S CORNER

The sign that got away

Honest communication with potential clients will save you time and will save them money.

Right now, it is pretty darn cold some mornings, especially when you live at the bottom of a mountain. But the days are starting to get longer. Soon the birds will sing a bit louder, and the sun will stick around just long enough to make the drive home.

A huge thanks to Dean, from Morrie Gibbons Signs, who hosted the recent regional meeting in Whanganui. Also, thanks to Total Supply for sponsoring the event and showing us some new product. I love getting around other passionate sign people to swap stories, chat about new tech, and even share the odd grumble about some of the challenges we all face.

As I settle into the NZSDA president role, I want to share something useful, something that encourages you, or something that helps you. Not because I know it all, but because I’ve made plenty of mistakes that I think could save others some pain and heartache. This month, I found myself in the middle of three very similar conversations with sign shop owners, all about the same thing: losing a job to another shop and watching the client get something less than ideal.

The sign that got away

The phone rings. A new client, let’s call him John, has signed a lease on a little

shop downtown. He is a jeweller, breaking away from one of the big franchise brands to finally do things his own way. Buzzing with excitement about his new venture, John is full of talk about design, quality, and making the world a better place with his craft.

And you connect with that energy because it reminds you of yourself when you started. You want to do an incredible job for him. You put together a sharp design: folded ACM fascia, router-cut and painted logo, maybe even some subtle LEDs behind the logo, some rose gold accents for that real premium feel. He loves the design. So, you quote it up.

And then… silence; emails ignored, calls dodged, and weeks pass. Then, one day you drive past and there it is: the sign. If you can call it that. White ACM, cut from a single sheet and 200mm short on each side. Tek screws through the face, unevenly spaced, Rough-sawn timber packing hanging out the bottom. The shop name stretched out of proportion in some horrible font in red vinyl. It’s bad. No, it is tragic. You stop in. John greets you with a smile. You ask about the sign, and he tells you he went with another shop because they offered a much better price. And in that moment, you just want to scream.

Why does this happen, and how can we prevent it?

I’ve come to realise that in many of these situations, we could save ourselves, and our clients, a lot of heartache if we start with better conversations.

We can’t stop every price-shopper. But we can set expectations early. And we can protect our time and energy by asking the right questions before we pour ourselves into a project that might never go ahead.

Here are three questions I’ve found make a world of difference:

What’s your budget? Often clients don’t like talking about money, and often we don’t either. The thing is, most of our potential customers genuinely don’t know what signage costs. But without this conversation, we risk designing a champagne solution for a lemonade budget. Frame it with ranges. For example, something really basic for around $600; something slick for $2500; or a fascia worthy of an architecture magazine cover for $10k. Ask, “Where do you feel comfortable?”

It may feel awkward at first, but they become easier conversations to have and it’s better than heartbreak later.

NZSDA PRESIDENT’S CORNER

How long does this need to last? In my mind, I always want to pitch the best products with the best warranties, but some clients surprise you. They might say, “We’ve only got a two-year lease because the landlord is redeveloping this site” or “This is just a stepping stone. We plan to be in the mall next year.” Suddenly, a 10year premium fascia doesn’t make sense.

What does success look like for you? This is the golden one. It opens the door to all sorts of insights.

• Do they just need visibility from the street?

• Do they want to impress a particular type of customer?

• Do they care about longevity, or is it all about opening week impact?

If we know their version of success, we can propose solutions that make sense to them, and avoid having our work, or theirs, end up as a cautionary tale.

Losing a job always stings, especially when you can see the train wreck coming. But these three questions can save time, energy, and reputation, for both parties.

Ask the hard questions. Have the better conversations. Remember that every ugly ACM fascia you drive past is a reminder of the difference a good conversation can make.

Master Sign Maker Excitement

Fifteen sign shops received their official Master Sign Maker plaques at the 2025 NZ Sign Display Awards of Excellence held recently in Nelson.

Launched in early 2025, the new accreditation stands as a symbol of true excellence in craftsmanship and business practices within the signage industry.

There are currently 17 Master Sign Makers throughout New Zealand, 10 of whom featured among the very first to receive the accreditation during its original establishment, and seven new Masters who have completed the new pathway this year. Of the 17 Master Sign Makers accredited, only two were unable to make it to the awards ceremony in Nelson.

The accreditation is about setting a standard for excellence and professionalism and about showing the world what it really means to be a great sign maker in New Zealand. Those who have achieved that pathway don’t just make great signs, but also run great sign businesses, and give so much back to our industry. That is what it’s all about.

We have worked hard behind the scenes to make sure this accreditation is something that can scale and grow.

Our vision is to build and promote a network of Master Sign Makers right across the country; something that gives clients real confidence in who they’re choosing to work with, and that raises the bar for all of us.

All 17 businesses to achieve the accreditation have clearly displayed craftsmanship, commitment to learning, and top-notch business practices, earning themselves this prestigious title.

The accreditation pathway is robust and requires serious commitment. Designed to foster connections, encourage learning through craft, and share knowledge, the new pathway maximises resources and opportunities within the NZSDA community.

If you want to learn more, head to the Master Sign Maker website. www.mastersignmaker.org.nz

I am thrilled to hear how many NZSDA Members have now started their Master Sign Maker accreditations. The more people who commit to this pathway, the more meaningful and respected the accreditation will become for all of us.

If you are considering it, please dive in. And as always, I want to hear your thoughts, your stories, your frustrations, your questions.

Logan Sutton President NZSDA

Master Sign Makers

Congratulations to the following sign companies that have achieve the Master Sign Maker accreditation:

• BB Signs, Blenheim

• Capitol Sign Service, Auckland

• Identity Signs, Christchurch

• Image Creators, Nelson

• iSign it, Auckland

• Red Star Signs, Hamilton

• Sign It Signs, Queenstown

• Signtech the Signmasters, Christchurch

• Sign It Up Limited, Napier

• Sign Network, Christchurch

• Big Brown Industries, Auckland

• LG Creative, Nelson

• Alternative Graphics & Design Limited, Tauranga

• Signlink Graphics, Hokitika

• Future Grafix Ltd, New Plymouth

• Alexandra Images, Te Awamutu

• Sign FX, Auckland

NZSDA UPDATE

Members can make the most of opportunities NZSDA provides

There’s a lot happening across the country as NZSDA works to stay connected with its members and deliver value

where it matters.

From regional meetings to new partnerships and upcoming webinars, NZSDA focuses on the things that make a real difference for sign businesses.

Last month, we ran a regional meeting in Whanganui for the first time in quite a few years and it was great to see everybody get together in the same room. Thank you to all those who took the time to come, especially those who drove over from Palmerston North.

This month, we will host two regional meetings in Auckland and one in Tauranga. We also run a meeting in Napier in early September. These meetings provide an essential opportunity for sign shops to connect

with the local industry, and for us to hear how our members are doing and where the industry could be further supported.

N3 discounts for members

We are delighted to announce a new partnership with n3 that begins from September 1, 2025. A business buying power that represents over 16,000 businesses, n3 provides exclusive discounts on everyday business expenses that include technology; vehicle and fuel; health and safety; as well as trade and maintenance.

This exciting new partnership offers potential savings for our members. It is one of the many ways we work to add real value to our membership and support sign businesses around the country.

Webinars and online panels

We will also deliver a full calendar of webinars throughout the rest of 2025. Later this month, a live online session on AI application will show how to make sure you can keep yourself and your business safe when using it. Artificial intelligence is everywhere now, and we want to encourage our members to explore it as safely and effectively as possible.

We also plan an online panel session on sustainability, exposing the roadblocks that are preventing sign shops from becoming more sustainable, and offering tips for operating more sustainably. A panel of industry suppliers will host this session, so keep an eye out on our social media as we will announce further details for this session soon. It will definitely be one worth attending.

Accreditations and early expo warning

It is great to see more sign shops gaining their Master Sign Maker Accreditation. August marks the next quarterly intake, and I know quite a few shops that are working towards this deadline, a step toward joining the ranks of industry leaders. We will continue our support for members in this momentous journey as they strive to improve themselves and become the best of the best.

With planning underway for the 2026 Sign Expo, we hope to make this one of our most well attended events yet. We have exciting new ideas to try out, which we will with you soon. This event will take place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, running alongside the Sign Makers Conference and Sign Display Awards of Excellence.

Mā te mahi tahi ka ea ai ngā mahi nunui. Through working together, we all achieve great things.

Mikayla Hopkins, Lead Projects, Events, and Marketing Specialist NZSDA

Make this Christmas one your customers will actually keep. Now’s the perfect time to order personalised calendars, diaries, wall planners, and notebooks. Affordable, fully customisable, and with ready-to-use templates to save you hours of design time.

Dated calendar and diaryavailabletemplates now! If you’re not already one of our thousands of trade partners, call us 0800 289 774 or register online at www.wholesaleprint.co.nz

RING-BINDERS

Flatbed Printing

Packaging

Sample making

Assembly

Lanyard Pockets

Registration Holders

Self Adhesive Pockets

Mounting/Case Binding

Recycled and Recyclable Options

Foodtech Packtech

September 2-4, 2025 | Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

New Zealand’s largest food manufacturing, packaging, and processing technology trade show hosts more than 250 local and international exhibitors and around 4,000 visitors. foodtechpacktech.co.nz

Labelexpo Europe 2025

September 16-19, 2025 | Barcelona

The world’s major event for the label and packaging industry heads to Barcelona. labelexpo-europe.com

Pack Expo 2025

September 29 to October 1, 2025 | Las Vegas

Explore the latest in packaging and processing from 2,300 exhibitors targeting productivity, efficiency, sustainability, and brand impact. packexpolasvegas.com

Printing & Packaging Forum People In Print Awards and Rising Stars of Print Awards

October 14, 2025 | Auckland

The awards event, which recognises the outstanding people in our industry, will follow the must attend inaugural Printing & Packaging Forum. newzealandprinter.co.nz

Printing United 2025

October 22-24, 2025 | Orlando, Florida

The giant US show features all the latest technology, seminars, and opportunities to meet and learn from industry experts from around the world. printingunited.com

Labelexpo Asia

December 2-5, 2025 | Shanghai

The region’s largest event for the label and packaging printing industry will host the latest industry technology and trends at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. labelexpo-asia.com 11b Culperry Rd, Glendene, Auckland 0602 sales@eamar.co.nz |

New Zealand Printing & Packaging Forum

2025 SPONSORS

2025 MEDIA SPONSOR

Breathing new life into A1-plus size printing

Introducing the RMGT 970 with Skeleton Transfer System

Why Why ?

No odor

No Ozone

No spray powder

No set-off

No loss time

• Instant dry

• Instant ON/OFF irradiation

Reduce CO2 emission

No large peripheral equipment

No need for overprint varnishing

Reduce electrical consumption

• Up to 91%

No VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Reduce heat generation

Long life span

• Up to 15 times

Printing on film and cardboard

Just like your conventional offset press ...without the cons.

A skeleton transfer cylinder will be offered as an option for 970 model A1-plus size straight offset presses. The cylinder mechanism leverages the technology of RMGT’s flagship 10 series, which boasts a solid reputation in the packaging industry.

This newly added feature will enable the press to handle a wide range of sheet thicknesses from 0.04 to 0.8mm, expanding business opportunities by flexibly printing not only commercial and publication products but also packaging and speciality items.

Handles sheet thickness of up to 0.8mm to meet the demands of packaging printing.

Maximim sheet size of 650 x 965mm allows flexible handling of a wide variety of multi-up printing work.

Low-cost heavy-stock printing enhances competiveness (Approx. 20% lower plate costs and 18% lower power consumption versus a B1-size press)