What was happening in New Zealand/Aotearoa in 1968?
John Luxton John Luxton

What was happening in New Zealand/Aotearoa in 1968?

New Zealand in 1968: A Snapshot of Change and Challenge

1968 was a defining year in Aotearoa’s history. The Wahine Disaster on April 10 remains one of the country's worst maritime tragedies, with 51 lives lost as the Inter-Islander ferry succumbed to Cyclone Giselle in Wellington Harbour. Just a month later, the Inangahua Earthquake shook the West Coast with a magnitude of 7.1, causing widespread destruction.

In aviation, New Zealand’s first Boeing 737s took to the skies, replacing some iconic aircraft of the past. Meanwhile, the country was deeply engaged in the Vietnam War, sending ANZAC troops alongside Australian forces. The younger generation took to the streets in powerful anti-war protests, particularly during SEATO meetings.

On a lighter note, the Wattie Book Awards launched, a precursor to today’s Ockham NZ Book Awards, while Allison Durbin’s "I Have Loved Me A Man" won the Loxene Golden Disc. And who could forget the arrival of The Longest Drink in Town milkshake cup, an icon of Kiwi dairies?

From sporting triumphs at the Mexico Olympics to milestones in gender demographics, 1968 was a year that shaped who we are today. What are your connections to this era? Share your stories!

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The Adventures of Lee The SME Owner
John Luxton John Luxton

The Adventures of Lee The SME Owner

When Lee and John first saw their company’s NPS results, the numbers were a shock. But instead of panicking, they took action—inviting customers from all three categories (Promoters, Passives, and Detractors) for honest conversations.

What they uncovered was eye-opening: delivery issues, inconsistent customer service, and a need for stronger engagement. By addressing these pain points, they turned negative feedback into a powerful tool for business growth.

Read on to see how they did it and what they learned along the way.

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What was happening in New Zealand/Aotearoa in 2005?
John Luxton John Luxton

What was happening in New Zealand/Aotearoa in 2005?

2005 was a year of highs and lows for New Zealand. The passing of former Prime Minister David Lange left a nation mourning, while Helen Clark held onto power amidst political tensions. Music lovers enjoyed releases from Fat Freddy’s Drop and Brooke Fraser, while Peter Jackson’s King Kong dominated cinemas. On the sporting front, the All Blacks crushed the Lions, but the Black Caps struggled. Tragedy struck with the heartbreaking case of Nia Glassie, a stark reminder of the challenges facing our society.

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What was happening?
John Luxton John Luxton

What was happening?

1999 was a watershed year for New Zealand, featuring political firsts, cultural milestones, and social progress. From Helen Clark's rise to leadership, the lowering of the drinking age, and groundbreaking trans rights, to iconic TV ads and music hits, this year left an indelible mark on Kiwi history.

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Lee The SME Owner - Pt. 14
John Luxton John Luxton

Lee The SME Owner - Pt. 14

What Do Your Customers Really Think of Your Business?
Understanding your customers’ loyalty is critical for long-term success. That’s where the Net Promoter Score (NPS) comes in—a simple but effective way to measure satisfaction and identify areas for growth. NPS divides customers into Promoters, Passives, and Detractors based on their likelihood to recommend your business. By calculating your NPS, you gain actionable insights to enhance your service, improve loyalty, and drive business growth. Start unlocking the power of customer feedback today!

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