A Business Built on Dedication
When Prithvi “Sonny” Singh first arrived in New Zealand from Punjab, India in September 2006, he came as a student—ready to embrace a new life and pursue postgraduate studies in Business and Computer Science. Over time, that pursuit evolved into something greater: a desire to lead, to build something of his own, and to make a lasting impact.
In August 2022, he took a bold step forward, becoming Clean Planet’s Regional Master Franchisee for Northland, specialising in Commercial Cleaning and Grounds Care. From Kaiwaka to Cape Reinga, he now supports four franchisees and four full-time staff, delivering high-quality service across a region known for its diversity and demand.
One of those clients, New World Onerahi, has become a standout example of what Sonny brings to the table—not just in terms of cleaning standards, but through leadership, reliability, and a personal commitment to doing the job right.
A Supermarket in Search of Stability
For a busy supermarket like New World Onerahi, maintaining a clean, hygienic environment isn’t optional—it’s essential. Open seven days a week, with staff arriving as early as 4am, the store relies on overnight cleaning to be done precisely and on time.
Before partnering with Clean Planet, the site was experiencing inconsistent cleaning—an issue that disrupted operations and impacted team morale. It was a frustrating cycle that called for more than just another contractor. The store needed a dependable partner who would take ownership of the work.
Listening First, Then Leading
When Sonny took over the account, he started by doing what he does best: listening. Through site visits and conversations with the client, he identified their key priorities—consistency, honesty, professionalism, and punctuality. With these values in mind, he carefully selected a team he trusted to meet the store’s expectations.
This wasn’t a “set and forget” approach. Sonny remains actively involved, visiting the site regularly and even working alongside his staff when needed—especially when tackling challenging tasks like floor polishing.
“Polishing work is a big challenge,” he says. “I choose the best team and I personally do cleaning with my team from time to time.”
The Work: Nightly Precision
The job at New World Onerahi is high-pressure and tightly scheduled. Each night at 8pm, Sonny’s team is secured inside the store by security, and from there, they work through a tailored cleaning schedule that must be completed before the early morning shift begins.
Their scope of work includes:
- Daily overnight cleaning (7 days a week)
- Weekly floor buffing
- Weekly deep cleaning in the bakery
- Quarterly floor polishing
Every detail counts in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment like this one—where hygiene standards and visual presentation directly impact both staff efficiency and customer experience.
Real Results, Not Just Promises
The results were immediate. Store Manager Isaac shared that since Clean Planet took over, there has been a clear improvement in “consistency and reliability”—something that had been missing before.
And it’s not just management who’s noticed. Sonny says he speaks with the store’s staff regularly, and their feedback is overwhelmingly positive. “They are very happy with the cleaning services,” he notes.
One moment stood out in particular. When asked what had made the biggest difference, Isaac pointed to Sonny’s personal involvement—a franchise owner who shows up on site, checks in regularly, and leads by example. That, in his eyes, set a new standard.
Keeping Standards High
For Sonny, cleaning isn’t just about fulfilling a contract. It’s about making a lasting difference. “Keeping the standard of hygiene and cleanliness for our customers” is what drives his team’s day-to-day efforts—and what earns the continued trust of businesses like New World Onerahi.
Across Northland, from childcare centres and real estate offices to supermarkets and industrial clients, Sonny brings the same mindset: show up, listen well, and lead by doing.
A Regional Leader with a Personal Touch
In just over a year, Sonny has built more than a business—he’s built a reputation. From solving real-world challenges at New World Onerahi to supporting a growing team of franchisees and cleaners, his leadership is marked by reliability, professionalism, and genuine care.
By staying hands-on and committed to delivering great service, Prithvi proves that success doesn’t come from cutting corners—it comes from showing up, doing the work, and doing it well.
