New Zealand's ISO-certified cleaning company was recognised with the Professional Cleaning Services Leader of the Year and the BUILD Customer Service Excellence Award.

Auckland, New Zealand, 1 April 2026. Premium Clean, New Zealand's trusted ISO-certified cleaning services provider, has taken home two prestigious accolades at the Facilities Management Awards 2026, reinforcing its position as the country's foremost professional cleaning company.

Announced on 1 April 2026, the awards recognise the people, teams, and organisations who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep built environments running smoothly, sustainably, and safely. Premium Clean was honoured with two of the year's most coveted titles:

Professional Cleaning Services Leader of the Year 2026
BUILD Customer Service Excellence Award 2026

Founded in 2016, Premium Clean has spent nearly a decade raising the bar for cleaning standards across Aotearoa. With nationwide coverage spanning major centres including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Dunedin, the company delivers residential, commercial, and specialised cleaning services backed by ISO certification, Prequal Health and Safety accreditation, and rigorous IICRC and NZQA training standards.

The BUILD Customer Service Excellence Award recognises Premium Clean's unwavering commitment to putting customers first. From a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 72-hour resolution promise to transparent pricing and a dedicated franchise model that ensures clients see familiar faces, Premium Clean has consistently delivered the kind of reliable, personalised service that Kiwis deserve.

The Professional Cleaning Services Leader of the Year title reflects the company's broader industry leadership, including its eco-friendly product range, comprehensive $20 million public liability insurance, and a digital-first booking platform that provides a quick, easy, and clean experience for homeowners and businesses alike.

A Testament to Team Effort

"These awards are a reflection of every cleaner, franchise partner, and support team member who shows up day after day with pride in their work. Keeping New Zealand's homes and businesses spotless is not a small task, and we are incredibly proud that the industry has recognised the dedication our team brings to every job."

Premium Clean Leadership Team

As demand for professional, trustworthy cleaning services continues to grow across New Zealand, Premium Clean remains focused on expanding its nationwide network, investing in team training, and continuing to innovate through its app-based booking platform. These awards further motivate us to maintain the high standards that have earned the trust of thousands of Kiwi families and businesses.

For more information about Premium Clean's award-winning services or to request a free quote, visit the website or call 0800 786 780.

About Premium Clean

Established in 2016, Premium Clean is New Zealand's leading provider of residential and commercial cleaning services. ISO-certified and operating nationwide through a trusted network of local franchise partners, Premium Clean offers house cleaning, deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, commercial cleaning, carpet cleaning, and more. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and comprehensive public liability insurance, Premium Clean is committed to keeping Aotearoa clean and shining.

Website: www.premiumclean.co.nz

Email: hello@premiumclean.co.nz

Phone: 0800 786 780

New Zealand's leading eco-friendly cleaning franchise invests half a million dollars in a nationwide media campaign, putting its franchise partners front and centre for Kiwis from Auckland to Dunedin. Auckland, New Zealand. Premium Clean, New Zealand's leading Kiwi-owned eco-friendly cleaning service has today announced a landmark strategic partnership with MediaWorks, one of the country's largest media companies. The partnership marks a significant milestone in Premium Clean's national growth strategy, with an investment of approximately $500,000 (part of a broader $1,000,000 brand-building commitment) dedicated to a high-impact, nationwide radio and outdoor advertising campaign. The initiative is designed to drive a powerful brand awareness and generate tangible sales leads for Premium Clean'sw nationwide network of franchise partners.

A Strategic Step Forward to Meet Kiwis Where They Are

For over a decade, Premium Clean has built its reputation on a simple but powerful promise: delivering exceptional, eco-friendly residential and commercial cleaning services that Kiwi families and businesses can trust. The company's growth has been fuelled by a tech-enabled, customer-first approach, featuring seamless online booking and a dedicated app that makes securing a quality clean effortless. Yet the leadership team believes the brand's next chapter demands a bolder, broader presence.

"We have invested heavily in the digital tools and operational excellence that make Premium Clean a standout choice for customers. But we know that to truly become a household name, to have every Kiwi automatically thinks of Premium Clean when they need a cleaner. We need to go further. Partnering with MediaWorks gives us the reach and the firepower to do exactly that. This isn't just an advertising buy; it's a direct investment in the success of every single one of our franchise partners across the country. When our brand shines brighter, their phones ring louder."

- Sam Bhandari, General Manager, Premium Clean

The partnership reflects a deliberate 360-degree marketing philosophy, one that combines Premium Clean's established digital presence with proven power of offline media. Radio and outdoor advertising, strategically deployed through MediaWorks' extensive national network, will ensure the Premium Clean brand reaches Kiwis at home, in their cars, and on the streets of every major centre. 

The MediaWorks Campaign: National Reach, Real Impact

The campaign will leverage MediaWorks' extensive portfolio of radio stations, billboard sites, and bus-back placements to deliver unmissable brand exposure across New Zealand. From high-frequency radio spots on some of the country's most listened-to stations to eye-catching outdoor formats in high-footfall urban environments, the campaign is engineered to maximise awareness and drive action, encouraging Kiwis in every region to book their next clean with a local Premium Clean franchise owner.

"We are proud to partner with Premium Clean on this landmark campaign. Premium Clean is a brand built on genuine Kiwi values: trust, quality, and sustainability, and our platforms are the perfect vehicle to amplify that story at scale. We're excited to help them connect with audiences right across the country and drive real, measurable results for their franchise network."

- MediaWorks Partnership Spokesperson, MediaWorks New Zealand

The nationwide campaign is scheduled to roll out across New Zealand imminently, utilising MediaWorks' reach that spans metropolitan markets including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton, through to regional centres across both the North and South Islands.

An Investment in Every Franchise Partner’s Success

At the heart of this campaign is a powerful commitment to Premium Clean's franchise network. Every franchise owner who has invested in the Premium Clean brand, from sole operators in provincial towns to multi-territory owners in New Zealand's largest cities will benefit directly from the increased visibility and lead generation, this campaign delivers. 

Premium Clean operates on the belief that the success of its franchise partners is inseparable from the success of the brand. By building a trusted, nationally recognised household name through this campaign, the company is ensuring that every owner-operator has the brand strength, the customer trust, and the market presence to grow their business with confidence. This $500,000 investment is, in every meaningful sense, an investment in the people who make Premium Clean what it is. For entrepreneurs considering joining the Premium Clean family, this campaign signals an unambiguous message: this is a brand on the rise, backed by serious investment, committed to its partners, and built to grow.

About Premium Clean

Founded in 2015, Premium Clean is New Zealand's leading Kiwi-owned and operated eco-friendly cleaning service. Specialising in both residential and commercial cleaning, the company uses exclusively eco-friendly, non-toxic products that are safe for families, pets, and the environment. Operating through a proven franchise model, Premium Clean boasts a national network of dedicated owner-operators committed to delivering consistently high standards of service and customer satisfaction. With a tech-enabled approach featuring an easy-to-use app and streamlined online booking, Premium Clean combines modern convenience with trusted, professional cleaning expertise. For more information, visit www.premiumclean.co.nz.

About MediaWorks

MediaWorks is one of New Zealand's largest media companies, with an extensive and diverse portfolio spanning radio broadcasting, billboard advertising, bus-back placements, and digital platforms. With a nationwide footprint reaching millions of New Zealanders each week, MediaWorks delivers powerful, multi-channel marketing solutions that connect brands with audiences across the length and breadth of the country. MediaWorks is a trusted partner to leading New Zealand and international brands seeking high-impact, results-driven media campaigns.

Media Contact

Name: Julie Ann Salvatierra

Email: julieann.digicreators@gmail.com

For More Information

www.premiumclean.co.nz

[+64 92 420 454]

Auckland digital agency Fuel Design is launching a new hands-on workshop designed to help small business owners build their own professional websites, drawing on more than two decades of experience in what makes websites succeed online.

The new programme, Learn to Build Your Own Professional Website, has been created for business owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to build their online presence, but often do not know where to start.

Delivered through Fuel Design’s Oncord-based website workshop, the course will guide participants through the practical steps involved in planning, building, launching, and managing a real-world website for their business, without needing coding skills or a large agency budget.

Fuel Design says the workshop is based on lessons learned over 24 years of helping businesses across New Zealand and Australia improve their online presence.

Jason Carr says many business owners are motivated to create a website, but often struggle with the process of turning that goal into something professional and effective.

“We see a lot of business owners struggling to get a professional website in place for their business. They are willing to put in the time and effort, but they often do not know where to start,” says Jason Carr.

“That is why we decided to introduce a course focused on helping business owners create their own professional website in a practical, supported way.”

Founded in 2002, Fuel Design has worked across a wide range of website projects, from service-based business websites through to more complex B2C and B2B eCommerce platforms. According to the agency, that experience has shown that many websites underperform not because businesses lack effort, but because they lack clarity, structure, and a clear understanding of how websites should work as business tools.

“Most businesses think they need more traffic,” says Carr. “What we have learned over the years is that many already have visitors. The real issue is that their website is not converting those visitors into enquiries.”

Fuel Design says the new workshop has been designed to simplify what can often feel like an overwhelming process. Rather than relying on technical jargon or complex development systems, the programme gives attendees a clear roadmap they can follow to build a website that is usable, fit for purpose, and aligned with their business goals.

The workshop covers key areas including website planning, user experience fundamentals, website building, marketing and growth, AI-supported improvements, and launch preparation. Participants will also receive one-on-one guidance and support setting up their Oncord account.

According to Carr, the workshop is not just about showing people how to use a platform, but helping them understand the thinking behind a website that performs.

“What we have seen over the years is that people can now build a website quite easily,” Carr says. “But understanding how to structure it, how users behave, and how to guide someone towards making an enquiry is a different skillset altogether.”

Fuel Design believes the programme will appeal particularly to small business owners who want more control over their website, want to reduce development costs, or want to get online faster with expert support behind them.

The agency says the launch reflects a wider shift in the market, where business owners now have access to more tools than ever before, including AI-powered website features, but still need guidance to make the right decisions.

“AI is making website building faster,” says Carr. “But what we have learned is that it does not replace strategy. If anything, it highlights how important good UX thinking really is.”

For more information, visit Fuel Design’s website.

About Fuel Design
Fuel Design helps businesses create, build, and grow their online presence through website design, digital strategy, and practical business-focused solutions.

8 Moana Avenue
Orewa Beach
Auckland 0931
sales@fueldesign.co.nz
09 428 3047

Your furniture is one of the biggest investments in your home, but daily life—from pets and kids to dust and spills—can take a heavy toll. While vacuuming helps, it only scratches the surface. At JAE, we believe your upholstery deserves a deeper level of care to keep it looking and feeling like new.

Our latest article dives into the essential benefits of professional upholstery cleaning and why it’s about much more than just removing spots.

• Go Beyond the Surface: Learn how professional-grade equipment extracts deep-seated dirt, allergens, and bacteria that household vacuums simply can't reach.
• Breathe Easier: Discover how regular cleaning removes dust mites, pet dander, and pollen trapped in fabric fibres, significantly improving your indoor air quality and home health.
• Protect Your Investment: Find out how removing abrasive dirt particles prevents fabric thinning and leather cracking, extending the life of your favourite couch by years.
• Expert Care for Every Fabric: Understand why specialist knowledge is vital for different materials, from delicate fabrics to premium leather, ensuring a safe, clean finish without the risk of DIY damage.
• Eliminate Stubborn Odours: See how we target smells from pets, smoke, and food at the source, rather than just masking them with supermarket sprays.

Ready to see the "before and after" difference for yourself and give your home a fresh start?

Read the full article here: What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Professional Upholstery Cleaning Service?

An escalation in global fertiliser prices due to the Iran war will force New Zealand farmers to rethink traditional input-heavy systems, according to one of New Zealand’s leading soil scientists, Dr Gordon Rajendram of Hamilton (pictured)

“The solution is a combination of using less fertiliser and also using better science to apply only what is truly needed,” Dr Rajendram said today.

A crucial starting point is soil and pasture testing. Dr Rajendram consistently emphasises that without accurate data, fertiliser programmes become guesswork.

“Comprehensive testing identifies nutrient deficiencies, soil pH, and retention capacity, allowing farmers to apply inputs precisely rather than broadly,” he says.

“This avoids over-application, which not only wastes money but can also lead to nutrient losses through leaching. In fact, testing is considered one of the most cost-effective steps in nutrient management, often representing a very small proportion of overall fertiliser spend while delivering significant savings,” Dr Rajendram said.

Beyond testing, there is growing evidence that many farms are applying more nutrients than required, particularly phosphate.

Dr Rajendram notes that some New Zealand soils can retain phosphate for several years, meaning annual applications are not always necessary. Shifting away from routine fertiliser programmes to a needs-based approach can significantly cut costs without impacting production.

“Nitrogen use is another area where efficiency gains can be substantial” he says.

“Rather than relying heavily on granular applications, more farmers are adopting targeted methods such as foliar spraying. This approach delivers nutrients directly to the plant, improving uptake and reducing the total amount required. Trials have shown that significantly lower nitrogen rates can achieve comparable pasture growth when applied in this way, highlighting a clear opportunity to reduce input costs.”

Soil condition itself also plays a major role. Maintaining optimal pH through liming improves nutrient availability and root development, meaning plants can access more of the nutrients already in the soil. Poor pH, on the other hand, limits growth and reduces fertiliser efficiency, effectively increasing the cost per unit of production.

While reducing synthetic inputs is important, Dr Rajendram also advocates for strengthening biological systems within the pasture. Clover remains a critical component, naturally fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and reducing reliance on purchased fertiliser. However, he stresses that clover should be part of a broader, balanced system that includes diverse pasture species and well-managed soils. Excessive nitrogen use can actually suppress clover’s ability to fix nitrogen, reinforcing the need for moderation and balance.

“Ultimately, the shift is about moving from a fertiliser-driven system to a soil-driven one,” Dr Rajendram said.

As Dr Rajendram states: “Farmers are increasingly recognising that they may not need as much fertiliser as once thought. By combining accurate testing, targeted application, improved soil management, and biological inputs like clover, farmers can reduce costs, maintain productivity, and build more resilient farming systems in the face of ongoing global price pressures.”

About Dr Gordon Rajendram:

With more than three decades of experience in soil fertility, Dr Rajendram’s approach centres on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and unlocking the natural potential already present in the soil.

For more information, please contact:

Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram

021 466077

rajendram@xtra.co.nz

www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz

Contact Media PA

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci2HmuN9fZI&list=RD0Ssi-9wS1so&index=5

When it comes to upgrading a rental property, Wellington landlords are increasingly looking at solar power as a way to add value. But does a solar installation actually translate into higher rent, or is the value found elsewhere?

Our latest article dives into the reality of solar energy in the Wellington rental market and whether the "sunshine premium" is a myth or a must-have.

• Manage Your Expectations: Understand why solar power rarely justifies a large weekly rent increase on its own, and where the real financial return actually comes from.
• Boost Tenant Retention: Discover how lower power bills can become a "sticky" feature that encourages long-term tenancies and reduces costly vacancies.
• Simplify the Setup: Learn the best practices for solar billing and why keeping things simple with tenant-held accounts is usually the low-friction path to success.
• Focus on Fundamentals: See why solar works best as a "quality feature" that complements—rather than replaces—the basics like warmth, ventilation, and great presentation.

Ready to find out if solar is the right move for your Wellington investment?

Read the full article here: Solar Power on Rental Properties in Wellington – Is It Worth It?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ssi-9wS1so&list=RD0Ssi-9wS1so&start_radio=1

As solar energy becomes more common in New Zealand homes, many landlords wonder if installing panels is a guaranteed way to boost rental yield. While solar adds undeniable value, the way it impacts your bottom line might not be as straightforward as you think.

Our latest article dives into the reality of solar power on the Auckland rental market and what investors should truly expect.

• Manage Your Expectations: Understand why a $2,000 annual saving for a tenant doesn’t automatically translate to a $2,000 rent increase—and what the realistic "modest" premium looks like.
• The "Tie-Breaker" Effect: Discover why solar is rarely the primary reason a tenant chooses a home, but how it acts as a powerful tool to reduce vacancy and win over tenants comparing similar properties.
• Retention is Key: Learn how lower power bills contribute to long-term tenant satisfaction, helping you keep great tenants for longer and reducing the costs of turnover.
• Simplify the Setup: Get practical advice on the "cleanest" way to handle power bills and solar credits to avoid disputes and keep your tenancy management stress-free.

Are you considering solar for your investment property or moving out of a solar-equipped home? Make sure you’re positioned to get the best return.

Read the full article here: Solar Power on Rental Properties: Does it Increase Rent?

Up to one-third of people may have low levels of a key nutrient found in dairy products, according to research led by a US scientist examining its role in metabolic health.1

Dr Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist who previously served with the World Health Organization and the US Navy, says the findings may have particular relevance in New Zealand.

Research shows dairy remains a staple of many New Zealand diets, but consumption patterns have shifted over time. While New Zealanders still rank among the world’s highest per-capita consumers of milk, domestic consumption has gradually declined, with total milk intake falling 1% to 89 litres per person per year in 2025. Analysts attribute the trend to changing consumer preferences, including the growing popularity of reduced-fat dairy products and plant-based alternatives.2

Researchers say that the shift may have implications for levels of C15:0, also known as pentadecanoic acid, an odd-chain saturated fatty acid naturally present in milk fat and some fish.

In everyday diets, the compound is primarily found in foods such as whole milk, butter, cheese and other dairy products that contain natural milk fat.

Dr Venn-Watson says while once considered nutritionally insignificant, C15:0 has gained increasing scientific attention as researchers examine links between specific fatty acids, inflammation and long-term metabolic health.[3]

“C15:0 occurs naturally in dairy fat, but historically it received very little scientific attention because it was assumed to be nutritionally insignificant.

“More recent research suggests it may play a much more active role in maintaining metabolic balance than previously thought,” she says.

Several human studies have reported associations between higher circulating levels of odd-chain fatty acids such as C15:0 and lower risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.[4]

Dr Venn-Watson says scientists are increasingly examining individual fatty acids rather than treating all dietary fats as a single category.

“For many years dietary fats were grouped together in broad categories, but we are increasingly learning that individual fatty acids can have very different biological effects.

“That means understanding the role of compounds such as C15:0 could be important for long-term metabolic health,” she says.

The topic is attracting interest as metabolic disease continues to rise in many countries, including New Zealand. Ministry of Health data shows around one in three adults in New Zealand are classified as obese, while more than 300,000 people are estimated to be living with diabetes or pre-diabetes.[5]

Much of the scientific attention surrounding the fatty acid emerged through marine health research led by Dr Venn-Watson, who is widely regarded as the world’s leading expert on C15:0. The compound is considered the first essential fatty acid to be identified in more than 90 years.

Her research analysing ageing dolphin populations uncovered unexpected links between fatty acid levels and metabolic disease.

Dr Venn-Watson’s team examined decades of archived blood samples alongside controlled diet data and found that roughly one in three older dolphins developed metabolic conditions commonly associated with ageing in humans, including insulin resistance, abnormal lipid levels, chronic inflammation and fatty liver disease.[6]

She says the discovery emerged while researchers were analysing why some dolphins appeared to age more healthily than others.

“We were studying why some dolphins aged healthily while others developed metabolic conditions similar to those seen in humans.

Dr Venn-Watson says large-scale molecular analysis of the animals’ blood revealed one compound that consistently distinguished healthier dolphins from those experiencing metabolic decline.

“When we examined thousands of molecular markers in the blood samples, C15:0 consistently stood out as one of the strongest indicators associated with healthier animals,” she says.

“Animals with higher circulating levels tended to show fewer signs of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction,” she says.[7]

Subsequent laboratory studies have suggested the fatty acid may influence several biological pathways linked to cellular health, including mitochondrial function, inflammation signalling and lipid metabolism.[8]

Scientists say growing international interest in individual milk components reflects a broader shift toward functional dairy ingredients, where specific fatty acids, peptides and other bioactive compounds are studied for their potential health effects rather than treating milk fat as a single nutritional category.[9]

Dr Venn-Watson says the research reflects a broader shift in nutrition science toward understanding individual nutrients in greater detail.

“We are only beginning to understand how specific nutrients interact with metabolic systems in the body.

“As research tools improve, it is likely that additional compounds previously considered minor components of food will turn out to play important roles in health,” she says.

Dr Venn-Watson says that the emerging science should not be interpreted as evidence that people should dramatically increase dairy consumption.

“The findings highlight how much remains to be understood about the biological effects of individual fatty acids and the importance of examining nutrition at a more detailed biochemical level,” she says.

“Dairy fat is the main dietary source of C15:0, but it also contains higher levels of another fatty acid called C16:0.

“A recent clinical trial found that increasing dairy fat intake raised C15:0 levels, which were associated with improved vascular function. However, the same study also showed increases in C16:0, which were linked to higher blood pressure,” she says.[10]

-Ends-

[1] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[2] IBISWorld - industry market research, reports, and statistics. (n.d.).

[3] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[4] Huang, L., Lin, J., Aris, I. M., Yang, G., Chen, W., & Li, L. (2019). Circulating Saturated Fatty Acids and Incident Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 11(5), 998.

[5] Obesity | Ministry of Health NZ. (2026, February 10). Ministry of Health NZ.

[6] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[7] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[8] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[9] Gómez-Cortés, P., Juárez, M., & De La Fuente, M. A. (2018). Milk fatty acids and potential health benefits: An updated vision. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 81, 1–9.

[10] Arghavani, H., Bilodeau, J., & Rudkowska, I. (2025). Impact of dairy intake on circulating fatty acids and associations with blood pressure: A randomized crossover trial. Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 35(9), 104112.

Finance: The NZ dollar was slightly easier over the week which is good for the exporters but difficult for the importers and travellers especially when oil prices are high. Brent Crude has is fluctuation around $100 to $125/barrel & is currently $109.24.

Wool: The wool prices are firming. There is some optimism in the coarse wool market.

Beef, Sheep & Venison schedules: The meat schedules are steady. There is good grass cover across most of the country. The recent rain was needed allowing the flexibility to continue to finish the stock on the farms.

Dairy Prices. Dairy prices internationally are firm as demand for protein continues to strengthen. The dairy farmers remain optimistic that they will get +$10/kg for the 2025/26 season & are hopeful of a strong opening payout for next season.

The autumn fertiliser should be arranged and with increasing prices soil testing in sectors of the farm can save money. You can even take samples separating the back & the front of the paddocks. The cost of soil testing will pay for itself in fertiliser savings. It is important to get professional advice. The fertiliser reps are supported by professional science trained personnel.

Jim’s Weekly Rant:

My rant of the 21st March touched on the effect the Iranian War will have on fertiliser costs and supply. The cost of basic foods will increase over the next 12-months as shortages become common and the cost of production increases, the increases will be well beyond what we have experienced to date!!. Even the basics of milk and bread will not escape the increases. The Fertilizer Institute has independently estimated that exporters exposed directly or indirectly to the conflict in the Middle East account for nearly 49 percent of global urea exports, nearly 30 percent of global ammonia exports, and nearly half of global sulfur trade needed to make Super Phosphate. The Straits of Hormuz are just an energy chokepoint, but one of the most concentrated nutrient chokepoints in the global food system. The USA is only +/-60% self-sufficient in Urea and they are entering the time when the spring crops are being sown. Australia is supposed to be planting its winter wheat now and it imports its Urea just as we do. NZ relies on the Australian wheat for baking and some grains for stock foods. A shortage of wheat will be a shortage of bread and all baking products and an increase in cost. The current reports from Australia are recording an increase in the planting of nitrogen fixing crops such as lupins, peas, lentils, lucerne, peanuts and even clover in areas where wheat and barley were normally grown the lesser area in wheat and the lack of fertiliser will push the prices up when harvested. The current price of Urea in NZ is $1,075/tonne (Balance 26/3/2026) while at the same time the cost of Urea is being quoted in Australia at +$A1,500/tonne. We should expect the price in NZ to increase when we move to the spring planting season or even need Urea to grow our winter grasses. Sulphur is 11% of Super Phosphate and it will also be in short supply, but while the phosphate portion may be secure there will be a significant increase in the cost of most fertilizers that include Sulphur, and most do. We need to look at what a shortage of Urea might have on the Maize crops planted in October/November 2026 providing feed for the 2027/28 season – lower yields will lead to a reduction in milk production and that will follow reduced milk production from the Northern Hemisphere countries that are currently planting their spring crops to feed livestock over the winter of 2026 and into their 2027/28 season. The shortage now will have effects for the next 2 production seasons. Will a shortage of food reduce the production and will the lesser production then command higher prices to compensate the drop in production? The circular argument of supply verses costs of production and sustainable product prices will go on for ever and only time will answer it. My comments here are to encourage you all to think about the effect a lack of Urea and Sulphur might have on our economy and on our ability to earn over the next 2-season whether it is crop and grain production, milk, meat or fibre. It is also a call to encourage you all to think again about the dumbest of political policies – NET ZERO and encourage the government to look at again making our country self-sustainable in energy and fertilizers. The Urea plant was closed by Jacinda and her henchmen (ladies), companies have been blocked from mining the phosphate reserves on the Chatham Rise and we know there is plenty of oil around and on NZ. And added to the pain of lesser crop yields and animal performance the cost of diesel has increased exponentially right on our harvest time. Planting crops, harvesting crops and transporting livestock all have to be paid for and that also adds to the cost of production and if yields are reduced that will compound the increases in costs. The immediate future looks bleak for the country especially the wage and salary earners and the politicians who will be blamed for the increasing food costs!!!
 

Auckland, New Zealand — March 2026

Premium Clean, one of New Zealand’s growing commercial cleaning franchise networks, has formalised a national trade partnership with Bunnings Trade. From March 2026, franchise partners across Aotearoa will have access to exclusive trade pricing, group buying power, and dedicated procurement support through the Bunnings PowerPass programme.

The partnership gives the Premium Clean network a supply-chain advantage that independent cleaning operators lack.

Nationwide Access, Built Into the System

Franchise partners can now purchase cleaning supplies and equipment through Bunnings Trade at exclusive trade pricing, backed by the collective purchasing power of the wider network. Purchasing is available through the PowerPass app, the trade website, or a card across Bunnings Warehouses and Trade Centres throughout New Zealand.

The key benefits include:

• Exclusive trade pricing on cleaning equipment and consumables
• Nationwide store and warehouse access across Aotearoa
• A dedicated Bunnings Trade support team for quotes, stock checks, and delivery tracking
• App-based account management through PowerPass
• Extended trading hours to fit around franchise partner schedules

What This Means for the Network

Premium Clean’s General Manager Sam Bhandari said:

“We have secured a national partnership with Bunnings Trade to strengthen the operational framework of our franchise network. This provides trade pricing, nationwide procurement access, and dedicated support through PowerPass, reinforcing our commitment to system-led franchise growth.”

Rather than leaving franchise partners to negotiate supplier relationships on their own, Premium Clean has used the scale of its network to secure consistent, centralised access to suppliers. The result is lower operating costs, faster procurement, and a more predictable supply chain for every partner in the network.

Operational Impact

Supply cost variability and slow procurement are two of the most common challenges for cleaning businesses. This partnership directly addresses both.

Franchise partners gain access to trade pricing that cuts supply costs, a support team that removes the guesswork from procurement, and a consistent supply relationship that holds regardless of where in New Zealand the franchise operates.

All Premium Clean franchise partners across New Zealand will be onboarded to PowerPass through an internal training programme covering product selection, account management, and delivery options.

What It Means for Franchise Recruitment

For people considering joining the Premium Clean network, this partnership gives a clear picture of what operating within the system looks like in practice. Independent operators negotiate supply arrangements independently. Premium Clean franchise partners do not.

The trade pricing, buying power, and dedicated account support available through this partnership cannot be replicated by an individual operator. It comes from being part of a nationally coordinated network.

About Premium Clean

Premium Clean is a New Zealand-based commercial cleaning franchise network focused on building consistent, well-supported franchise operations through supplier partnerships, training systems, and clear operational processes.

Media Enquiries:
Sam Bhandari
Managing Director
hello@premiumclean.co.nz
Tel:+6492420454