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’ Alliance Grows – welcome HDGC
March 4, 2010 by sue
Alliance signs JV with HGDC
HGDC Chairman Libe Parindali and Marcus Gosling (both seated) sign the new JV agreement witnessed by The Alliance Group GM Arnaud van der Burgt and HDGC Director Eric Hawai Ako
The Alliance Group have announced today they are proud to have formalised their Joint Venture arrangements with HGDC (Hides Gas Development Corporation.)
The new Company will be known as Hides Alliance Limited and will now be in a position to tender directly for all LNG contracts for Camp Management and Catering Services in the Hides, Komo and Juha areas.
The Alliance Group is a new company that was formed between NCS and GCC Services, specifically to provide services for LNG projects.
NCS Executive Director Marcus Gosling said “This joint venture between The Alliance Group and HGDC is the first of its kind in the area.” It’s an exciting development for NCS and is only the first step along the LNG journey.”
“I congratulate everyone involved in working on this Project and wish the new venture every success.” he continued.
25 February 2010
Landowners benefit by working with NCS
January 19, 2010 by sue
- Bill Muntz, General Manager of NKW Holdings Limited with Nathan Kupa who is one of the Directors of NCS Hidden Valley Limited
NKW is a Landowner business located in the Hidden Valley area and was established to provide support services to the Hidden Valley Mine project run by another Joint Venture operation, Morobe Mining Joint Venture (Harmony and Newcrest).
NKW Holdings Ltd businesses currently include transport, security and Catering – for which they have been in joint venture partnership with NCS to provide Camp Management and Catering to Hidden Valley since January 2005.
“We work in a very challenging environment. My job is to represent the Landowners and work with our business partners to provide services. I have to bring together the understanding of people and businesses – all with very different ideas and expectations.” said Mr Muntz.
NCS’s initial challenge was to provide three solid meals each day for a K10.00 manday rate. This was delivered within the contract without cutting corners on quality or service delivery. The Hidden Valley project is now seven times larger than its original feasibility.
“NCS are a trustworthy organisation. Their business processes are very professional and this has resulted in the development of a good relationship with the Client. You’ve got to be able to get on with the Client and deliver a service.” Mr Muntz continued. Mr Muntz continued to say that administering the Joint Venture is not hard work with NCS as they sort out any problems immediately.
“NCS is proactive in training which the Landowners consider important – they are willing to invest in the development of the people. Being in PNG is about getting the job done. NCS is one of the leaders in this area and continue to focus on improvement.”
PNGDF and NCS say NO to Corruption
January 19, 2010 by sue
PNGDF and NCS staff showed their support of Transparency International (TI) PNG in combating corruption and promoting openness, honesty and accountability in public and private dealings.
The PNGDF team participated in the annual Walk Again Corruption on Sunday, 14th June 2009 and gathered with approximately 3,000 people at the Murray Barracks oval to start walking at 6 am. The PNGDF team was one of 152 teams registered to walk.
Managing Lihir Shut Down with true NCS Hospitality
January 19, 2010 by sue
An important requirement on mine operations is the regular planned maintenance program or SHUT DOWN.
From 15 August – 4 September LGL, Lihir Island went through its annual shut down and the NCS team made sure that their side of the operations ran smoothly.
Wesley Tengerepa was appointed as NCS Project Manager and it was his job to supervise and manage the 18 crew to ensure that the incoming 480 shutdown crews were transferred to camp, checked in, briefed on camp rules and emergency procedures, fed well and cared for over the three week period.
Many of the NCS crew were thanked personally and also congratulated by LGL Management for their hospitality and service. Congratulations to Gus, Wesley and the team on Lihir for setting the best example for NCS.
NCS Contribution to Industry Training and Certification
January 19, 2010 by sue
NCS Project Manager Allan Atava was selected, along with other industry leaders, to participate in a workshop to review and validate the structure of the National Qualifying Framework (NQF) for Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET). This is a training package in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry for all registered training institutes in PNG. Once approved, all institutes will use this syllabus as a training guide.
The training package is standardised to suit all Tourism Operations, Catering & Hospitality firms in the country and offers courses for beginners and basic operative skills through to the National Advanced Diploma.
NATTB will also conduct training and issuing qualification for Assessors, for which NCS will nominate key personnel to attend.
