BNI Selwyn, Canterbury NZ

12/08/2026

🎤 Last week's featured presentation: Phil from Freeman Irrigation!

Phil took us through his 22-year journey with Freeman Irrigation, and it's a great story. He bought the business back in 2004 having come from a completely different industry, went in cold, and has built it into Selwyn and Canterbury's most experienced irrigation company.

Based right here in Rolleston, Phil and his team design, supply, install and maintain automated irrigation systems for homes, lifestyle blocks, developers and commercial clients across Selwyn and greater Canterbury.

A few things that stood out:

💧 The no-mess mole plough system — underground pipework installed with barely a mark on your lawn. Once they run over the slit, you wouldn't even know they'd been there
📱 Smart WiFi controllers — systems that connect to weather forecasts and automatically wind back the watering when rain is coming, saving water and money
🏆 Serious pedigree — major projects include the Pegasus township and golf course, retirement villages, Christchurch parks and high country stations
🤝 Loyalty that says it all — Sam has been with Phil 17 years, Will 11, and Andrew hits 10 this year, and they still service systems they installed two decades ago

Phil's philosophy is refreshingly simple: answer the phone, turn up when you say you will, leave the site tidy, and design the most cost and water efficient system for the job. These days his stepson is running the day-to-day, so the business is set up for the long haul.

If your lawn turns brown every summer, your water bill's creeping up, or your old system needs some love, Phil and the team are the ones to call. 💬

📩 Get in touch with Phil at Freeman Irrigation
📞 0800 22 33 92
🌐

Freeman Irrigation - Top-quality Irrigation solutions & servicing - Selwyn, Christchurch & Canterbury. Save time & water Phone 021 735 706‬

11/08/2026

🎤 Recent weekly featured presentation: Hannah Crafts from Ray White Barrington!

Hannah gave our group a great look at the technology changing how homes are bought and sold, and it's a genuine step up from the way real estate has traditionally worked.

She walked us through NurtureCloud, Ray White's new digital platform, and honestly it's clever stuff. Rather than just listing a property and hoping the right buyers turn up, the system uses data from across the entire Ray White network to actively match a listing with the buyers already out there looking for something just like it.

A few things that stood out:

🎯 Smart Buyer Match — agents can show a vendor the most active, qualified buyers currently searching for a home like theirs, right from the first listing meeting. Real proof of demand, not just promises.
📊 A real-time vendor portal — sellers get a 24/7 view of exactly how their campaign is tracking, including listing views, enquiries and open home numbers
📱 Open home check-ins and campaign reporting — full transparency at every stage, backed up by clear weekly reports

What came through most was how much this benefits the seller. Instead of being kept in the dark during a campaign, vendors can see real activity and real interest as it happens, which takes a lot of the stress and guesswork out of selling.

If you or someone you know is thinking about selling and wants an agent backed by seriously smart technology, Hannah is well worth a conversation. 💬

📩 Get in touch with Hannah Crafts at Ray White Barrington
[email protected]
022 365 9987

27/07/2026

🎤 Lastweek's featured presentation: Jeremy from Allwood Trees!

Jeremy gave our group a fascinating look into what goes into creating a garden that actually works, not just one that looks good on day one, but one that keeps feeding and functioning for years to come.

What stood out most was his philosophy. Great landscaping starts long before anything gets planted. Jeremy talked about the importance of observation first: understanding the sun, wind, soil, council rules and how people actually use a space. His big piece of advice for anyone building? Get the landscape consultation done before the concrete slab is poured, because once it's down, your options narrow fast.

He brought it to life with a case study of his own property, a phased project running from 2021 through to 2026, showing how thoughtful design turns even tight, neglected spaces into something valuable. A clever example: an unexpected design tweak turned an awkward south-side strip into a custom walkthrough woodshed connecting the garden paths.

Allwood offers a lot more than just trees:

🌳 Landscape design by qualified landscape architects
🌱 Garden maintenance programmes to keep things looking their best year-round
🚚 Delivery and expert planting, they handle the hard work
🌿 Plant consultations and garden vision sessions to shape your outdoor space
🥕 Grow-your-own sessions for anyone keen on edible gardens

With around 15,000 trees grown on site at their Prebbleton nursery, and a genuine no-pressure, quality-first approach that runs on referrals rather than hard selling, Jeremy and the team are the people to talk to whether you're planning a new build garden or reworking a tricky existing space.

If your section needs some thought, or you've got an awkward space you're not sure what to do with, Jeremy's your man.

📩 Get in touch with Jeremy at Allwood Trees
📞 03 349 9240
📧 [email protected]
📍 913 Shands Rd, Prebbleton
🌐 allwood.co.nz

25/07/2026

🎤 Recent featured presentation: Selene from Vertex Property Management!

Selene gave our group a genuinely heartfelt presentation, and it was clear that for her, property management isn't just a job, it's personal.

She grew up around her family's investment properties, seeing the behind-the-scenes work that landlords don't always talk about. Watching her family struggle to find a property manager they were truly happy with is exactly why she built Vertex around honest communication, practical support, genuine care and treating people with respect.

Vertex specialises in long-term residential rentals across Selwyn and Christchurch, and they're a great fit for:

🏡 First-time landlords wanting guidance on compliance, maintenance and budgeting
✈️ Out-of-town investors who need someone reliable keeping them in the loop
🔄 Landlords wanting to switch managers, with Vertex handling the whole changeover
🛠️ Anyone who'd rather enjoy their weekend than field a phone call about a water leak

The results speak for themselves. Vertex currently maintains zero rent arrears, near-zero vacancy, and a 100% client retention rate, every client who has signed up has stayed. Rather than chasing volume, Selene deliberately keeps a selected portfolio so every landlord and tenant gets proper attention.

If you know someone who owns a rental and isn't sure they're on the right track, Selene offers a complimentary rental review, no pressure, just a genuine conversation.

📩 Get in touch with Selene at Vertex Property Management
📧 [email protected]
🌐 vertexpropertymanagement.co.nz

11/07/2026

🎤 This week's featured presentation: Richard Moir from Craigs Investment Partners!
Richard gave our group a genuinely insightful look into the world of investing and wealth management, with a clear-eyed take on where markets are heading and how everyday Kiwis can build long-term wealth.

Craigs is one of the country's most established names in this space. Proudly Kiwi grown since 1984, they've spent more than 40 years helping New Zealanders navigate investing, and today they manage over $40 billion across more than 20 offices nationwide, right here in Christchurch included.

What stood out was the philosophy Richard walked us through:
🛡️ Capital protection first — the focus is on avoiding losses and protecting what you've built, not just chasing growth
💰 Income that works for you — many clients want portfolios that generate passive income to fund their retirement
📊 Quality and diversification — a disciplined focus on quality assets and spreading risk, principles Craigs has stuck to for decades
🔬 One of New Zealand's largest private wealth research teams producing their own proprietary analysis, rather than relying on others.

Richard also shared some fascinating market insights, from why US shares have led global growth to how clients are rethinking rental property in light of proposed tax changes, and why the firm takes a cautious view on volatile assets like Bitcoin.

The best part? Getting started is more accessible than most people think, with entry points from as little as $100 a month.

If you're thinking about your financial future, whether that's retirement, building an investment portfolio, or just getting started, Richard is a great person to talk to. 💬
📩 Get in touch with Richard Moir at Craigs Investment Partners
📞 03 966 7283
🌐

We work with you to build investment portfolios and trusted partnerships that can last a lifetime.

09/07/2026

🎤 Last week's featured presentation: Mike Willis from Generate!
Mike gave our group a genuinely useful presentation on KiwiSaver, and if you've ever felt like your KiwiSaver is just sitting there in a fund you picked years ago and never thought about again, this one was for you.

Mike made a compelling case for why the provider you're with, and the advice you get, really matters over the lifetime of your savings. His key point stuck with a lot of us: advised Kiwis have roughly 52% more in their KiwiSaver accounts than those who haven't had advice. That's not a small difference when you're talking about your retirement.

He walked us through what makes Generate stand out:
🇳🇿 Proudly New Zealand owned and operated, and one of the fastest-growing KiwiSaver schemes, now managing over $8 billion in funds
🏆 An award-winning provider recognised by Consumer NZ, Canstar and Trusted Brands for service
📊 A genuine long-term track record on its original funds, with active management aiming to beat the market
🌱 Responsible investing across the range, with every fund recognised as a Mindful Fund and harmful industries screened out
👥 Real people who talk directly with members to make sure their KiwiSaver plan actually fits their goals

What came through most was Mike's passion for making sure people are actually in the right fund for their age, goals and timeframe, rather than just defaulting and hoping for the best.

If you haven't reviewed your KiwiSaver in a while, or you've never had a proper conversation about whether you're in the right fund, Mike is well worth a chat.

📩 Get in touch with Mike Willis at Generate - 027 315 9117
https://www.generatewealth.co.nz

07/07/2026

👋 Ever wondered what happens at a BNI Selwyn meeting?

If you run a business in Christchurch, Rolleston or wider Selwyn, you've probably heard that word-of-mouth is the best marketing there is. That's exactly what we do, every single week, and we've been doing it well for a long time.

BNI Selwyn is an established, active chapter of local business owners who meet regularly to pass real referrals to one another. Not vague "let me know if you need anything" chat, actual warm introductions to people ready to buy. There are plenty of ways to spend your networking time these days, but there's real value in a chapter that's already proven, already full of momentum, and already delivering results.

Our members span a huge range of trades and professions, including builders, painters, insurance advisers, lawyers, mortgage and finance specialists, IT, fabrication, building inspection and plenty more. When one of us wins, we all win.

Here's what visiting looks like:

🤝 A friendly, welcoming group of locals who genuinely want to see your business grow
💼 Real relationships built over time, not just a handful of business cards
📈 A structured meeting that's been refined over years and respects your time
☕ A great way to start your day surrounded by motivated, positive people

Only one business per category is allowed in the chapter, so if your line of work isn't already represented, the seat could be yours, but these spots don't tend to stay open for long.

📍 We meet every Thursday at 8:45am at The Good Home, Prebbleton.

Come and visit as our guest, see how it works, and meet the team. No pressure, no obligation, just an open invitation to experience an established chapter that knows how to get referrals flowing.

📩 Get in touch to book your visit. We'd love to meet you.

https://canterbury.bni.co.nz/selwyn/en-NZ/visitorregistration?chapterId=36438

03/07/2026

🎤 Last week's featured presentation: Pete from Walsh Painters 2.0!

Pete gave our group a great rundown on what Walsh Painters 2.0 brings to the table, and with a team carrying over 70 years of combined experience, there's a lot of skill behind the brand.

Walsh Painters 2.0 covers the full range of painting, plastering and property maintenance right across Canterbury, whether it's a family home, a commercial premises or a rental investment.

A few things that stood out:

🎨 Interior and exterior painting and plastering for residential, commercial and rental properties
🧱 Property maintenance including water blasting and waterproofing
✅ A 5-year Peace of Mind Guarantee backing up their workmanship, with follow-up service
🌱 An eco-friendly approach that avoids harsh chemicals and follows proper paint disposal
🤝 Customer-focused values, they start when they say they will, minimise disruption, and leave your property neat and clean

What really comes through is the focus on quality. Extensive preparation, quality products, and a finish you'll be happy with for years to come. The Google reviews back it up, with clients repeatedly praising Pete and the team for being professional, thorough and easy to deal with.

If your home or business is due a refresh, or you've got a rental that needs tidying up between tenants, Pete is the person to call. 💬

📩 Get in touch with **Pete at Walsh Painters 2.0**
📞 027 847 6975
🌐

Walsh Painters 2.0 provides a full range of professional Painting, Plastering and Property Maintenance services for residential, commercial and rental properties throughout Canterbury

18/06/2026

🎤 This week's featured presentation: Richard from Trent Builders!
Richard took us through the journey of building his company from a two-person operation back in 2009 to the 20-strong team it is today, and it's a great Canterbury success story.

Starting out just after the earthquakes when the building industry was taking off, Richard has grown Trent Builders steadily through some big leaps: first hires, the first office lease, a rebrand in 2022, and the move from running everything on spreadsheets to a proper construction management system. One of his original hires from those early days is still with the team today, which tells you a lot about how the business is run.

What really sets Trent Builders apart is their one-project-at-a-time philosophy. Unlike a lot of construction companies juggling multiple builds at once, they don't start a new project until the current one is finished. That means your build gets the team's full focus, with no distractions or delays from competing jobs.

A few things that stood out:
🏗️ Every project gets a dedicated project manager overseeing the build from start to finish
📋 Weekly progress meetings keep homeowners informed on what's been done, what's coming up, and what decisions are needed
💻 Simpro construction management software giving live job costing, scheduling, variation management and complete project visibility
✅ Robust health and safety and stage-by-stage quality inspection systems

Their work ranges from major renovations and additions through to architecturally designed standalone villas, and they're targeting Master Builders House of the Year entries in the renovation and additions categories for 2026/27.

If you're a growing family needing more space, or a couple dreaming about a cool new build, Richard is well worth a chat.

📩 Get in touch with Richard at Trent Builders
https://www.facebook.com/trentbuildingsolutions/

12/06/2026

🎤 Last week's featured presentation: Kevin Venter from NC South!
Kevin did something a bit different. Instead of just telling us about his AI phone answering service, he ran a live demo right in front of the group. Watching an AI receptionist take a call, answer questions naturally and capture the caller's details in real time was genuinely impressive, and a few jaws hit the floor.

NC South is an AI and automation partner for small and medium businesses. Kevin builds the background systems that buy back your time, including:

📞 AI Voice Agents that act as your receptionist, answering calls, handling questions and qualifying leads 24/7, even while you sleep

⚙️ Business process automation that connects the tools you already use, like email, calendar and accounting software, so invoices send themselves and leads book straight into your calendar

📋 Smart data systems that read, organise and file information from emails and forms instantly

The thinking behind it is simple: if a task is repetitive, a system should be doing it, not you. Every missed call is potentially a lost customer ringing the next business on Google, and Kevin's demo showed exactly how to plug that gap.
If you're drowning in admin or missing calls because you're flat out doing the actual work, Kevin is well worth a conversation.

📩 Get in touch with Kevin Venter at NC South
🌐 https://ncsouth.com