Through mud and flood – the road to site
April 12, 2010 by sue
When the only route to site is across a flooded river…
During the days of heavy rains at the end of January the road from Madang to Ramu literally washed away. Literally chasing the rains and the rising rivers, the NCS Raibus team needed to get urgent supplies up to the Butua Site as it had been isolated, cut off by the Ramu river which had broken its banks in many places a week before.
When the road to Ramu washed away, NCS found ways around getting across
In the true sense of ‘Meeting the Challenge – Every Day’, Project Manager Rob Bennetts said “ We had been getting supplies through by transferring to dugout canoes then heading down stream & loading on to another vehicle. We did not get a photo of NCS staff loading canoes as the river was rising again and we did not want to be stuck on the other side of the river”
“At one point we did decide to cross the river and next time – if it keeps raining like this – we might consider taking our boat The Warria. You can imagine how difficult this was” he added
Meeting the Challenge: through the MUD
A typical example of how NCS go the extra mile to Meeting the Challenge – Every Day is the regular occurrence of roads being washed away in PNG’s monsoonal rains.
In early January Brian Curran and Corey Polume travelled from Lae to Wau to meet with Lydia Waengo from Wau Fresh Produce and approximately 30 Buang growers to discuss ongoing business of supply to NCS projects.
On the way they were delayed by at least five landslides on the Wau Road and a taxi truck that had also become stuck fast in mud, blocking road access both ways.
Brian (in the driver’s seat) and Corey (knee deep in mud) tried to pull the truck back with the winch on the NCS 4WD, but had no luck moving it. After 90 minutes of trying, an MMJV ‘Troopie’ was able to pull the truck forward and out ably assisted by a group of locals pushing the vehicle.
Golden Kina Award Winner – Eame Smacker
April 12, 2010 by sue
Eame Smacker, or “Smacker” to his friends, spent over 12 years as an employee of NCS. Smacker worked on Lihir and then moved back to his home town of Kainantu when NCS establish operations and opened the Kumian site.
As the Kainantu site was the first mine operation outside of Lihir, we bought our best back across as we had to ensure a good impression! Smacker is also a Landowner up at Kainantu.
“Smacker” is presented with his award by Brian Curran and Romeo Robinson
“In those early days when we were establishing the site, Smaker proved to be a huge asset.” said Executive Director, Marcus Gosling. “Not only was he good in the kitchen, his advice and knowledge in dealing with local issues was also valuable.”
Smacker retired from NCS in December 2008 to set up his own market gardens to supply fruit and vegetables to NCS.
At the recent presentation of the award, Commercial Manager, Romeo Robinson said Smacker’s contribution by supplying our operations is invaluable. “He knows and supplies the quality and standards we demand. He has made a great success of this venture and is currently expanding his plots and working with our business partners at KFF.” said Romeo.
Smacker was thrilled with the award and said “Thank you for the support in buying my produce – this is keeping me busy right now in my garden. NCS has been a part of me and now that I’ve retired, it is still a part of me. I am grateful to have been involved with NCS and look forward to continuing the relationship and watching our businesses grow!”
Smacker reflects the NCS values and ideals of passion, honesty and commitment. It is wonderful to see a long-standing employee move on to develop their own thriving business and continue to work with us as a supplier.
Nominate someone for a GKA.
NCS’ Golden Kina Award is just one of the ways NCS acknowledges outstanding service to our company in helping us with Meeting the Challenge – Every Day in spirit and in action.
Do you know someone who works with NCS and shares the spirit of “Meeting the Challenge – Every Day”? Nominate them for an NCS Golden Kina Award, and tell us why you think they deserve to win!
Golden Kina Award Winner – Michael Taylor – CPL
April 12, 2010 by sue
Congratulations to Michael Taylor from CPL
CPL is just one of the businesses who are suppliers to NCS – and their Operations Manager, Michael Taylor has been nominated and awarded an NCS Golden Kina Award by PNGDF Project Manager, Mick Pye.
Michael Taylor (white shirt) is presented with his award by Mick Pye and PNGDF’s Jade Loubai (left) and Dorothy Kila (right) – who was also acknowledged for her efforts on NYE.
Mick was so impressed with the service and support he received from Michael when, on New Years Eve and at very short notice, he assisted NCS with the delivery of food supplies for a last minute, high profile Corporate catering event in Port Moresby.
“Michael went out of his way to ensure we were looked after. The order was filled immediately and subsequently we were able to resupply the function at 7:30pm – on a ship, on New Years Eve.” Said Mr Pye
“CPL and Michael in particular should be thanked for their continued support to make our business continually successful. They help us daily. Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to provide such a responsive service to our clients” he continued.
Michael was surprised to receive this honour when the PNGDF team turned up at CPL’s office. “ It’s something I do every day – look after my customers, so it really is unexpected to receive such an award for doing my job” he said.
The relationship between NCS and CPL has grown strong as both companies continue to grow and succeed.
Nominate someone for a GKA.
NCS’ Golden Kina Award is just one of the ways NCS acknowledges outstanding service to our company in helping us with Meeting the Challenge – Every Day in spirit and in action.
Do you know someone who works with NCS and shares the spirit of “Meeting the Challenge – Every Day”? Nominate them for an NCS Golden Kina Award, and tell us why you think they deserve to win!
April 2010
Carving out new skills at Hidden Valley
April 12, 2010 by sue
At Hidden Valley, NCS’s Catering Manager John Cole, has begun teaching the lost art of fruit and vegetable carving to kitchen staff on site. John wanted to improve the presentation of the servery and buffets, particularly for the increasing number of special functions up at Hidden Valley. He decided to investigate teaching carving techniques and skills to staff. Carving requires special techniques and instruments to make those intricate shapes and flourishes out of fruit and vegetables.
NCS Apprentices with their fruit works of art
John purchased some specialist carving knives and an instructional book and CD set from Thailand where this ancient art form started.
John initially held training sessions with five apprentices as part of NCS’ Apprentice Training Program that he coordinates on site. He concentrated on special garnishing pieces like centrepieces that work well for buffets, as well as some of the basics that are used for daily decorations and salads.
“A lot of natural talent has been unearthed with this particular skill and I believe it should be nurtured.” said John. “This is becoming a dying art in the mainstream catering field and it’s becoming more specialised due to the labour cost and time taken to complete the more intricate designs.” he said
“By teaching our apprentices this extra skill they may not learn elsewhere we are strengthening their preparation for their futures in the industry as competent tradespeople” he continued
The magnificent results speak for themselves.
Given the interest and aptitude shown by both the apprentices and the speed with which they have picked it up, John said he will continue to teach these skills and will bring back a wider selection of knives and tools to site.
“The chefs, kitchen hands and stewards are also interested in trying it out, I think NCS will soon become the experts in the country for this creative skill” he said.
Well done to John Cole for taking the great initiative and for sharing your passion for this art form, and to our budding carving experts! Your work will be on display for MANY to enjoy – for years to come!
Searching for Cooks & Chefs
April 8, 2010 by sue
NCS is looking for customer focused team players – Cooks & Chefs with experience working in large volume catering and/or large hotel environments for our expanding business.
There are also positions available for Supervisors, so if you have the skills to manage a team to produce meals for 1000+ residents on time and on budget – please note the additional criteria below.
Cooks and Chefs requirements:
- Catering trade certificate from a recognized training institution;
- Minimum of 2-5 years’ post apprenticeship qualification;
- Knowledge of ISO9000 quality management and HACCP food safety systems;
- Understanding of food costs and meal production;
- Ability to compile menus and format recipes;
- Excellent communication skills and customer focus;
- Be able to work to strict deadlines and under pressure;
- Flexibility to work at remote locations and on FIFO arrangements;
- Experience in a similar role is an advantage.
To be considered for a Supervisor position:
- Ability to monitor teams for presentation, safety and hygiene to ISO9000 and HACCP standards;
- Management of food costs, meal production and budgets;
- Liaise with supply and service departments;
- Manage development of local staff and work experience programs.
- An ability to train team members and oversee apprentices;
- A current class 6 drivers license an advantage;
- Computer literacy essential
If you are willing to commit to the long term future of this progressive company then please send your applications by 30 April to:
The HR Manager
NCS Holdings Ltd
PO Box 707
Port Moresby
OR: Send us an email via the Contact Us page.
NCS Signs CONTRACT with PNGDF
April 8, 2010 by sue
NCS Executive Director Marcus Gosling signs the PNGDF agreement alongside Governer General Sir Paulias Matane
NCS officially renewed its contract to provide catering and hospitality services to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) on Wednesday 10 March 2010.
Governor General Sir Paulias Matane met with NCS Executive Director Marcus Gosling for the official signing of the contract at Government House – which will see NCS continue to feed and serve the troops at the 10 established PNGDF sites nationwide.
According to instructions read out before the signing by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to the Governer General and Defence Secretary Frederick Punangi , The National Executive Council had approved the funding last August.
Marcus Gosling said ” NCS is proud to be re-awarded the contract to serve the State through its service and shows the confidence that the Government has in NCS”
NCS has been serving PNGF for over 5 years now – and looks forward to continuing our great relationship into the future.
