Business: Electrician at helm of solid local company

Wanganui-based electrician Simon Brown is the new hand at the helm of local business AME Electrical.

Mr Brown said the firm was a well-known name in Wanganui.

"I'm thrilled to be part of that legacy and continue what they've had going for many years," he said.

"Acquisitions are now a reality of the modern-day commercial environment. AME Electrical's been a household name around here since 2000 so to have it continue operating under local ownership is definitely a good thing."

Mr Brown said he intended to maintain the momentum that has been built up in the previous 14 years "so it's very much business as usual".

AME Electrical specialises in a wide range of both domestic and commercial work including domestic and commercial wiring, heat pumps, entertainment systems, CCTV systems, automatic gates, appliance testing, Freeview TV and advanced ventilation.

"Our commitment to customers is one of professionalism, best-practice and ensuring every customer's individual needs are seen to. Simply put, we're about being the best we can.

"Our vision is to be the leader in providing comprehensive solutions to help our customers take advantage of their opportunities," he said.

Mr Brown is an Electrical Workers Registration Board electrician and has lived and worked in Wanganui almost all his life. Prior to taking over AME Electrical he traded under the name Sound Electrical.

He said he was currently looking for a qualified electrician to join the team.

More information go to: www.amelectrical.co.nz or by call 0800 777 798.

New menu treats

Hook, Line and Sinker at 209c Victoria Ave, has new owners who are promising to provide a veritable feast for casual diners.

Rose Neville and her son James Whittleson have bought the business and for Ms Neville it's a return to the shop where she worked with the original owner, Pauline Savage.

She said while the name will remain the same, customers will see some major changes.

"We opened this week but really haven't sorted out precise trading hours yet because the first few days will be a trial run essentially. But we're looking at 10.30am-8.30pm daily with later closing times on Friday and Saturday," she said.

The shop will be open seven days a week with an extended menu.

As well as fish and chips, it will run a sandwich bar providing open sandwiches along with a smorgasbord providing a range of hot food.

"You'll be able to buy things like roast beef and Yorkshire pudding as well as vegetables, and we'll have hot roast beef sandwiches too. It's really a matter of seeing what the customers want and like."

Other takeaway standards will include steak, egg and chip meals.

The new owners have redesigned the front of the shop, making room for an ice cream parlour.

"We'll have everything from ice cream sundaes to banana boats," Ms Neville said.

She and son James will be assisted by a couple of other staff and founding owner Mrs Savage is back this week helping them get things up and running.

"I love cooking and have a flair for it. I loved working with Pauline when she opened the business. We're starting from scratch and that's why we wanted something that was more than just a fish and chip shop," Ms Neville said.

Early money tips

NZCU Baywide, one of the country's largest credit unions, is taking positive steps to increase the financial literacy of Kiwis through its banking in schools programme.

More than 60 schools have signed up to the programme, which has been running since 2009. With the help of mascot Jimmy J, young children are learning lessons about managing their money and are being encouraged to save.

Gavin Earle, NZCU Baywide chief executive officer, said the credit union was offering two banking options for children depending on their age.

"Jimmy Jumper is a savings club for kids aged between 0-10 years and was designed as a fun introduction to saving and banking. Our Bfree savings account is for the intermediate and secondary school-aged children," Mr Earle said.

He said many adults lacked financial literacy and educating young people to save and appreciate money helps address the problem.

"We see people who have entered agreements with lenders and who do not fully understand the implications of what they are agreeing to. Hire purchase can often trip people up as instead of saving for a particular item, they buy it without actually paying for it.

"Starting early and getting our children to appreciate the value of money will go a long way to increasing their ability to manage money in adulthood."