Level 2 and Level 3 Commerce Field Trip to Oamaru

This small business, boasting three full-time and several part-time employees, plays a crucial role in the Otago Farmers Market and the wider market with its factory shop, online and supermarket presence. Students were fascinated by the factory museum, where they saw and worked on traditional cheese-making equipment. They had the privilege of hearing from Pablo, the owner, who emphasized the significance of small businesses in New Zealand's economy and imparted valuable business advice. Pablo is New Zealand's sole producer of manuka-smoked cheese, and he shared some of his unique creations with us.

Our next stop was Mainland Poultry Limited in Waikouaiti, where Richard Thorp, the Operations Site Manager, welcomed us into the boardroom. Richard provided a comprehensive overview of the company's egg production and processing, detailing the entire supply chain. Mainland Poultry Limited, an integrated business, even produces its own feed onsite. Richard highlighted the business's classification as FMG (fast-moving goods) due to the perishable nature of eggs, and he discussed policy changes within the sector and the impressive scale of their operations. The presentation was truly "egg-cellent," leaving us all with a greater understanding of this industry.

Before heading back to Dunedin, we took a stroll through the Oamaru Victorian Precinct, exploring its historic commercial buildings. Our final stop was Rainbow Confectionery Limited, where we indulged in some sweet treats to round off our educational and enjoyable day.