Manners aren’t old-fashioned — they’re underrated. While the world gets louder and cruder, businesses that treat people with honour and respect are quietly winning. They build trust, loyalty, and a reputation that can’t be bought. Read why good manners in business are more than just nice — they’re strategic.

We all mess up. But in business, when the stakes are high and the internet is watching, how you handle the fallout matters more than the mistake itself. This article dives into the greatest apology flops (United Airlines, anyone?) and shows how honesty, humility, and a little humour can turn a PR disaster into long-term trust. Packed with stories, lessons, and a human-first approach to brand mishaps.

Dame Jane Goodall reshaped science, conservation, and the way we see ourselves in nature. From redefining humanity with her discovery of tool-using chimpanzees to inspiring generations with her message of hope, she showed us that small actions matter. Her passing leaves the world quieter, but her light endures - in forests, in classrooms, and in every heart moved to care more deeply for our planet.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a grim marker of America’s civic collapse - where disagreement has become enmity and empathy is dismissed as weakness. New Zealand must take heed. Our strength lies in diversity, civility, and dialogue, but cracks are already forming. This article explores why defending respectful discourse is the only way to protect our democracy and preserve our shared belonging.

The Epstein “birthday book” is more than a grotesque tribute - it’s an x-ray of how power excuses predation. Page after page, influential men, some proudly “fathers of daughters”, winked, joked and sketched their way around the harm in front of them. This isn’t fatherhood - it’s tribal protection of “mine” while other people’s daughters become currency. The psychology is familiar - compartmentalise, turn abuse into banter and trust status to shield you from consequence. Real leadership rejects that bargain. It refuses the roguish-comedy disguise, names the behaviour and chooses accountability over complicity. If you care about culture, ethics and the men we’re raising in Aotearoa, start here - examine the stories we tell about power and who pays the price when we look away.

Finland consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world - not because of wealth or climate, but because of trust, education and balance. New Zealand faces rising inequality, housing insecurity and mental health struggles, but Finland’s story shows we can make different choices. Could Aotearoa build its own model of happiness - one that blends equity, te ao Māori, resilience and cultural richness?

Labour and National’s decades-long dominance is crumbling. With both parties polling at record lows, New Zealand’s smaller parties are shaping the future under MMP. But is this new era a democratic breakthrough - or a recipe for chaos?

When a family member warned me, “Watch the UK, because that’s where New Zealand is heading,” I took it seriously. Britain’s political churn, culture wars, and economic stagnation offer a stark warning. Drawing on Douglas Murray’s The Strange Death of Europe, this article explores what parallels New Zealand should heed and how we can avoid repeating Britain’s mistakes by investing in identity, inclusion, and long-term strategy.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced a “total rethink” of major events, pitching it as an economic pipeline to boost growth. But beneath the surface, the strategy looks less like vision and more like activity for activity’s sake. In this editorial, we explore the risks of performative leadership, the unflattering parallels with Chris Hipkins, and why Aotearoa deserves more than recycled announcements.

Floods in Tairāwhiti, silt-choked homes in Hawke’s Bay, forestry slash devastating Tolaga Bay - these aren’t isolated disasters. They are symptoms of policy failure. This article explores how successive governments have neglected environmental protections, examines the role of ideology and deregulation and asks the urgent question - who is this government really working for?

New Zealand’s COVID-19 response has been called “among the best in the world,” saving thousands of lives and protecting the economy. But a Royal Commission has also revealed critical weaknesses - from poor communication to inequities for Māori and Pasifika, and a nation now less prepared for the next pandemic. This article explores what went right, what went wrong and why the social divisions born during the pandemic still run deep.

For small businesses in New Zealand, vision can feel like a luxury reserved for big corporates. But without it, teams drift, customers disengage, and owners lose focus. Vision isn’t about buzzwords - it’s about clarity, purpose, and connection. This article shows how grounded, authentic vision can guide decisions, shape culture, and set SMEs apart in today’s competitive market.

Every NZ business owner has days where purpose feels out of reach. It’s not burnout or crisis - just a strange middle ground where meaning seems foggy. Here’s how to handle those days with perspective, connection, and small wins that matter.

Amid the corporate backlash against DEI initiatives, NeuroFocus Consulting, led by Donelle Dewar, is driving meaningful workplace transformation. Moving beyond performative actions, this revolutionary approach centres on deep behavioural change, strategic empathy, and practical tools to integrate neurodiverse talent effectively. By training colleagues and leaders rather than focusing on neurodivergent individuals, organisations can harness unique strengths, fostering productivity, innovation, and a truly inclusive culture.

The defunding of the North Shore Women’s Centre, despite its success helping nearly 500 women and 460 children signals a shift from safety to savings. Wrapped in bureaucratic jargon and corporate speak, the government’s decision replaces refuge with rhetoric, revealing a troubling disregard for domestic violence survivors in the name of “fiscal responsibility.”

A thriving tourism business may look like success on the surface, but what if every single customer review could be five stars? This article explores a real-world transformation where the goal isn’t to fix what’s broken, but to raise the bar on every part of the customer journey. By shifting team culture and system visibility, we're driving towards five star excellence through genuine, continuous improvement.

Want to show appreciation to your team in ways that actually matter? Research suggests that personal recognition, growth opportunities, fair treatment, and meaningful perks all contribute to a happier, more engaged workforce. Whether it’s a heartfelt thank-you, investment in employee development, or fostering an inclusive culture, small businesses can make a big impact with thoughtful gestures. Here’s how to build a workplace where employees feel truly valued.

The business that once defined you is no longer yours—so what comes next? Many entrepreneurs experience an identity crisis post-exit, feeling lost without their professional title, daily structure, and sense of purpose. But this transition doesn’t have to be daunting. By taking a three-part approach—Reflect, Rebuild, and Reignite—you can shape a fulfilling new chapter.

Start by reflecting on what truly defined you in business, then rebuild your daily structure with meaningful activities, and finally, reignite your passions and social connections. Your journey isn’t over; it’s evolving. Your identity isn’t tied to a business—it’s shaped by your values and the impact you continue to make.

Ready to redefine your purpose? Explore how to transition with confidence and embrace a life of meaning beyond your business.

We all have choices in life, but one of the most important is how we communicate with others. While we often assume our words are clear and constructive, the reality is that communication is 10% what we say and 90% how it’s received.

I recently had an experience that made me rethink my approach. Speaking in a forthright, honest manner, I believed I was delivering a message that would lead to a better outcome. But what I failed to consider was how my words were perceived by the recipient—someone with a different communication style. Instead of clarity, I unintentionally created tension.

This moment of reflection reminded me of a simple but powerful truth: effective communication requires more focus on how we impact others rather than just our own intent. Recognizing my misstep, I reached out, took ownership, and apologized. The response wasn’t in my control, but my growth was.

The key takeaway?
When we shift our focus from self-regard to the impact we have on others, we become better communicators, better professionals, and ultimately, better humans. Because in the end, communication isn’t about being heard—it’s about being understood.

#EffectiveCommunication #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence

Succession is a delicate subject for SME owners everywhere at some time either soon or far. It’s inescapable.