Adrian Yap is General Manager at Simpson Western Lawyers. He’s worked in more than 21 different countries in previous roles with Philip Morris. At Simpson Western, he wears many different hats, from doing the financials, business development and marketing activities, to helping with recruiting and HR issues, and taking care of the offices in Takapuna and Silverdale.
Channel Magazine: What do you enjoy most about working at Simpson Western?
Adrian Yap: Coming from the most hated industry in New Zealand (tobacco), what I enjoy most is not being hated! More seriously, I love the diversity of my role, which allows me to engage with staff, suppliers and clients. I love working on the North Shore, I love having access to arguably one of the best office views in Auckland, and I love the easy-going, family-oriented office environment which Simpson Western has created.
CM: What do you see at the key issues in your industry in 2019 and how is Simpson Western addressing these?
AY: The biggest issue is the talent shortage. After three to six years of post-qualification legal experience, it seems that every lawyer has a burning desire to leave New Zealand and do their “OE”. The second issue is the need to be better at supporting working parents. Simpson Western addresses both issues by creating a great place to work. I hope by creating a positive employee experience, word will spread about Simpson Western being a “Best in Class” law firm, and we will find it easier to replace young staff when they decide it’s their time to head abroad. To help working mums and dads, we need to trust people to work from home, and make sure they have the technology and setup at home for them to be productive.
CM: What is your favourite thing to do in Takapuna?
AY: Taking my family to one of the eateries in Main Beach, sipping a flat white, having brunch, and enjoying the beach with Rangitoto as the backdrop.
CM: What are your tips for a healthy work/life balance?
AY: I haven’t been doing a great job lately! It’s about finding 30-40 minutes a day to go for a walk, and making sure I get to the gym at least twice a week. I love team sports, so I have been playing and refereeing touch football at least once a week.
Ayano Kusuda, ikoi Spa
Ayano Kusuda is one of ikoi Spa’s receptionists. She takes care of the day-to-day business, from liaising with clients and managing appointments to keeping track of the various schedules and maintenance. “It’s the interaction with people that keeps me going until the end of the day and seeing our customers leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.”
Channel Magazine: What are the key issues facing the spa/wellness industry at present, and how is ikoi Spa addressing these?
Ayano Kusuda: We’re all leading more complex lifestyles than ever before, bringing with it a huge amount of stress. I believe we need to find a balance between our physical, mental AND spiritual health to bring the best out of ourselves in our busy lives. At ikoi spa, we’re always looking to evolve and adapt, making it possible for us to provide anything from revitalising treatments for your inner-self to those focusing on your physical beauty and wellness.
CM: Please tell us about any trends you are noticing in the spa industry.
AK: I’ve felt the change in people’s attitudes towards new concepts around health and wellbeing, such as our signature Enzyme spa. When ikoi first introduced this traditional treatment from Japan, uncertainty and unfamiliarity was a big hurdle for the many who’d never heard of it, even after hearing of its benefits. Now, I’m witnessing countless people who are open to trying new things and we’re receiving tonnes of positive feedback on our signature treatment which is really exciting.
CM: As we get into the cooler months, what are you most looking forward to doing in Takapuna?
AK: The local cafes are my go-to places. I enjoy watching the world go by as I sip on a delicious, hot coffee with my friends. If not, you can probably find me in the local cinema, wolfing down a large bucket of popcorn…
CM: Please tell us why you’ve chosen to work in Takapuna and what you love about the area?
AK: When I arrived in New Zealand five years ago, Takapuna was the first place I lived, and I felt like I was the luckiest person. With heaps of friendly people and a vibrant atmosphere it’s my favourite place in Auckland and I had no doubt that I wanted to work and stay here!
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TALKING TAKAPUNA
Even though the gorgeous sun seems to be sticking around for the moment, there’s no denying the temperature is starting to drop, meaning we are on the steady downward slope to the winter months.
Instead of bunkering down and only venturing outdoors for the essentials like work, food and coffee – why not head along to the Bruce Mason Centre for a show? This month their schedule is packed with NZ International Comedy Festival shows which are sure to make you laugh so much you’ll forget it’s cold outside. From Miz Cracker, to Ed Byrne, to Urzila Carlson – there’s a comedy show for every taste.
Or why not use the cold weather as an excuse to find a cosy table at one of our fabulous eateries and try something new? The hawker rolls at Madam Woo are a must-try, with choices including pork, chicken, duck or eggplant.
If you want something a little more familiar, but still comfort-food worthy – head to Franc’s and sink your teeth into their Louisiana Fried Chicken Burger with your choice of fries or wedges, all while enjoying the views straight out to Takapuna Beach.
If the views remind you too much of the summer that’s just ended, hole up at Tok Tok, relish the warmth of their grown-up lamb green curry and forget about the dreary weather outside.
If you just can’t decide – head to Mexico Takapuna and order one of everything off the menu! From their famous fried chicken, to tacos, quesadillas and chimichangas – you’ll find something on their menu to warm yourself up (even if it’s one of their famous margaritas).
May is also the month we celebrate certain special ladies in our lives, with Mother’s Day fast approaching. Make sure you get in quick if you want to book a table to treat mum to a special feast, or if you want to send her a bunch of ‘thank-yous’ from Florienne or PickMe Flowers. Or visit our numerous retail offerings to find that perfect little treat for mum.
The oncoming winter months also see the arrival of the Ocean Culture Winter Series at Takapuna Beach. The winter SUP (stand-up paddleboard) / waka / surfski competition is open to all ages and abilities, and starts 5th of May for six weeks. It will be great to see people out enjoying the water over winter – even if you’re rugged up on the sand or the reserve watching and supporting.
No matter the weather or temperature, there is always something to do and see in Takapuna!
EVENTS – May
1 May - Bruce Mason Centre: Daniel Sloss – NZ International Comedy Festival
4 May - Takapuna Kids Market – Taitamariki Hall
4 May – Bruce Mason Centre: Comedy Allstars Showcase – NZ International Comedy Festival
9-19 May – The PumpHouse Theatre: Middle Age Spread
16-18 May – Bruce Mason Centre: Rants in the Dark
21 May - Bruce Mason Centre: Miz Cracker – NZ International Comedy Festival
23 May - Bruce Mason Centre : Ed Byrne – NZ International Comedy Festival
25 May – Bruce Mason Centre: Urzila Carlson – NZ International Comedy Festival
25 May – Nanam X The Cult Project (Pop-up breakfast event)
28 May - Bruce Mason Centre: The Celtic Tenors
31 May – Bruce Mason Centre: Mr McGee and the Biting Flea
7 June – Bruce Mason Centre: Black Swan, White Swan – Ballet
13-15 June – Bruce Mason Centre: The Pink Floyd Experience
