apm Client Newsletter – December 2024
Posted by apm on December 16, 2024 Body Corporate, Commercial, Company News, News, Newsletter, Property Management
Welcome to the December 2024 Client Newsletter
A Year of Achievements
As we near the end of another successful year, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on some of the key milestones achieved across all parts of our business. Despite challenging market conditions, our residential property management portfolio has continued to grow month-on-month. Our commercial property management division has expanded driven by the onboarding of the prestigious St John’s College Trust commercial property portfolio. Similarly, our Body Corporate division has taken a significant leap forward with the acquisition of Strictly Body Corporate Limited. Strictly BC now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of apm, but from our office in Spartik House, and we are delighted to have Darren van der Wal and his team working alongside the apm team. In addition, we made the strategic decision to sell our Waiheke Escapes holiday rentals business, allowing us to focus more keenly on our core operations.
While we’re proud of these achievements, they would not have been possible without the trust and loyalty of our clients. Your feedback, both positive and negative, remains vital to us and provides valuable input for our ongoing improvement initiatives. To that end, we will continue to ask you a short survey question no more than once every six months: “How likely is it that you will recommend apm to friends and family?” We greatly appreciate the gift of feedback you feel inclined to share, as it helps us grow and better serve you.
As we approach the holiday season, we’re reminded of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Almost two years ago, our community faced a major weather event that tested our resilience. While we hope for calm skies ahead, it’s always wise to be ready. If there are any urgent matters to attend to for your property, our team will have it covered so you can enjoy a relaxing break with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re ready for any worst-case scenario.
Once again, thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your trust in us is the foundation of everything we do, and we’re proud to support you through all seasons. Here’s to a safe, happy, and restful holiday season for you and your loved ones.
Kind regards
Bill Highet
Managing Director
apm
Fixed-Term Tenancies – The Ins and Outs
Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen an increase in early release requests from fixed-term tenancies across the properties we manage. These require careful handling to ensure all parties are treated fairly and within the bounds of the law. While we work collaboratively with our clients on these requests to facilitate solutions, it’s important for all parties to understand the obligations and potential ramifications involved. Notably, an early release request is based on ‘hardship’ of an unplanned event.
Celia Burbery, Residential Property General Manager, outlines the ins and outs of fixed-term tenancies and the obligations for both landlords and tenants.
Tenancy Bond Service Changes
Tenancy Services are changing their bond service so transactions can be more efficient and better for property managers, landlords and tenants. From 2 December 2024, bond lodgements will be made digitally direct via our property management software. More changes around refunds and other transactions are coming soon.
More information from Tenancy Services here >
Weather Issues and Storm Damage
If we experience exceptionally bad weather over the holiday period, the safety of the tenant is naturally the first priority. We will contact landlords as needed regarding your property status, which may involve assisting with insurance claims and ensuring that any necessary maintenance or repair work is addressed promptly with trusted tradespeople.
Emergency Contacts for your BC/RA/CL
Although our office will be closing between Christmas and the 10th January 2025, we will have staff available (including an on-call Manager) during that time to assist if any issues arise. If the worst should happen in terms of a weather-related disaster, please note that we have a list of preapproved insurance service providers that you could use.
Check out some emergency contacts to assist with reinstatement works and tips on what to do if there is any water damage on our website.
Health and Safety at Work Act and Commercial Property
For many commercial property owners, the area of Health and Safety is not well understood or complied with. We partner with a leading Health and Safety company to provide a market leading software system, ensuring our owners are compliant.
Head of Commercial Martyn Hamilton outlines commercial property owner’s obligations and what is required for compliance to the health and Safety at work Act
Being Prepared for Severe Weather
If the roof of your business starts to leak, landlords or their tenants should contain the water until it has stopped raining and then contact the Commercial Property Manager. Due to health and safety requirements, tradespeople may not be able to address any issues until it’s safe to do so. Property Managers will be able to assist your with insurance claims, and will liaise with the tenants on ensuring photographs and notes on the property are taken to assist. Property Managers will also work with trusted tradespeople on maintenance and repairs if required.
apm News
Meet our new team member
7 Questions With…
Celeste Bell-Catnott, Facilities Manager
Q 1. How long have you been working in the Facilities Management industry?
Over 20 years! I began my career in Auckland and spent the last 15 years in London before returning to New Zealand in March this year. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of colleagues, properties, and clients. From ensuring large commercial buildings operate seamlessly—from the reception desk to the exterior lights—to overseeing the maintenance of 27,000 social housing homes, my role has taken me to unexpected and rewarding places. Whether it’s standing atop a skyscraper admiring a city skyline or managing complex projects like replacing lifts in 20-story towers, arranging VIP Security for One Direction, every day has brought something unique.
Q 2. What does a Facilities Manager do?
A Facilities Manager oversees the operation and maintenance of properties to ensure they are safe, functional, and efficient. This includes handling day-to-day repairs, ensuring compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act (2015), collaborating with contractors, and finding ways to make properties more sustainable and efficient.
Q 3. What is one thing you think clients should know about Facilities Management as a service?
We are a top-tier facilities management team with customer satisfaction at the heart of our mission. We work with the unique personality of the buildings we manage to create efficient, compliant, and beautiful spaces that tenants find desirable.
Q 4. What’s a skill you are proud of?
I’m proud of my ability to review or create processes to ensure they are as streamlined as possible, with accurate data that can be analyzed to uncover insights. I’m also an early adopter of new technologies. It’s an exciting time to be in facilities management, with artificial intelligence now enhancing software to streamline communications with contractors and tenants.
Q 5. What would you choose if you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life?
A Mexican feast, which must include nachos—and margaritas!
Q 6. What’s your favorite song/band?
At the moment, Chappell Roan.
Q 7. What’s the best thing to do in Auckland?
Nothing beats a beautiful sunny day, sitting outside at a restaurant, enjoying great food and company, with a view of the water.