COVID-19 Support and Help for Business
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Hi
Women in business are top of mind for our work this week. Today I hosted a livestream with June Ranson, an expert in immigration, who outlined the important immigration changes and discussed how these changes affect business owners. Details on this livestream are below. In two weeks there is an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal for lunch with a very successful business woman, Derelee Potroz-Smith, CEO and Founder, Woolchemy New Zealand based in Upper Hutt. Details on registrations for this event are below.
We are also busy organising an Employment Expo to take place next week on 27 October with the local colleges, which we are excited about. We have many employers attending looking to find a new apprentice or staff member. If you know of Year 12 or 13 students thinking about their future of work or jobs please let them know about this event. They can register by emailing me at ceo@hvchamber.org.nz.
Super Saturday last weekend was very successful for the Hutt Valley. Many more people took the opportunity to have their first and second vaccine. To see the data from the day click here.
Thanks
Patrick McKibbin
CEO
Hutt Valley Covid 19 Vaccination Update
The Latest COVID-19 Business Updates
Accessing the Government Financial Support
COVID 19 ALERT LEVEL UPDATE
This week Northland moved back to Level 2 on Tuesday 19 October 2021. Auckland stayed at Level 3 for two more weeks and parts of Waikato stay at Level 3 and their Alert Levels will be reviewed on Friday 22 October 2021.
For more information on Alert Levels and the areas affected by Alert Level 3 in Waikato click here.
On Friday the Government will announce the Covid protection framework and establish a vaccination target or as, Dr Bloomfield calls it, a milestone for Auckland and New Zealand in order to move into that framework and to start easing restrictions.
Applications for the Fifth Wage Subsidy opened on 15 October 2021. The Wage Subsidy is open for two weeks and closes on 28 October 2021.
Wage subsidies will continue to be available for any eligible businesses across the country, while Auckland transitions through Level 3 stages.
Information on how to apply here.
Applications for a 3rd Resurgence Payment opened on 8 October, 2021. For the 3rd Resurgence Payment period, the affected revenue period starts from 1 October 2021.
Applications are still open for the first two Resurgence Payments. Separate applications need to be made for each Resurgence Payment available under the Resurgence Support Payment scheme.
Information on how to apply here.
Information on doing business at Level 2 here.
MANDATORY RECORDING OF VISITORS in effect now.
For more information click here.
Immigration Update And How This Affects Your Business
Immigration New Zealand recently made a number of changes and we were lucky enough to have June Ranson, CE of Woburn International and Chairman - NZ Association Migration and Investment, talks us through some of these changes and what they mean for businesses.
June talked to us about the new 2021 Resident Visa, eligibility benefits and the process to apply for this.
She then also covered a few other updates including:
- essential skills visa
- employer accreditation
- the pathway to bring in critical workers
- managed Isolation
This session was incredibly helpful to any business that employs migrant workers or is looking to employ them in the future. To view the livestream replay please click here.
Hutt Valley Young Enterprise Awards
The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our region’s top five finalists for 2021.
This year’s finalists have worked really hard to create innovative products that solve common consumer problems. All five teams have great business values with many focusing on sustainability.
Top four Hutt Valley Pitching finalists (in no particular order):
The Gaia Collection – Wa Ora Montessori
Inclustory – St. Oran’s College
Regrow – St. Oran’s College
Hiamoe – St. Oran’s College
In addition, there was:
Bloo Whale - Hutt International Boys School who has been nominated for a regional excellence award.
Congratulations to all the finalists. We wish you all the best for the finals next week.
If you would like to know more about how you can get involved in these Young Enterprise awards please click here.
A Pie And A Pint With The Mayor
Are you thinking of employing an apprentice? With the funding and support available, it’s never been a better time.
Meet with Wayne Guppy, Mayor of Upper Hutt and discuss the new incentives for your business to take on a new apprenticeship and find out how this can help your business grow.
If you would like to find out more and attend this event register here.
"Covid 19 Support And Information Businesses Need" Survey Winner Update
Thank you to all those who took part in this survey. We have worked over the last week with the two local councils and the local DHB team to support some action on the areas you identified as important.
These included :
- Updates on the vaccinations rates in our region
- Upcoming vaccination options coming to places near your business
- Information and help on what you can do and say regarding talking to your staff about vaccinations.
The winner of the $200 Prezzy card sponsored by Gibson Sheat Lawyers, is Amy from Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club in Lower Hutt. Congratulations from the Team at the Chamber and our Platinum Partner, Gibson Sheat.
Share Your Feedback About Upper Hutt's Natural Hazards Plan Change
Upper Hutt City Council is in the process of updating their District Plan and will be undertaking a plan change that addresses the risk from natural hazards. It’s called Plan Change 47 and has three distinct areas of focus: the Wellington Fault, Mangaroa Peatlands and Area of High Slope Hazards.
To find out more and have your say please click here.
Webinar:
"What Should a Business Consider When Talking To Existing and New Employees About Vaccinations?"
If you missed it last week, we hosted an excellent and informative webinar on "Vaccinations and the Workplace".
We had legal experts and employment specialists Mike Gould and Nikki Farrell, Platinum Partners from Gibson Sheat, address what is important for employers to know when talking about vaccinations with their staff.
They gave an overview of the pieces of legislation that are relevant when thinking about vaccinations and your workforce. This included the Health & Safety at Work Act, Human Rights Act, Employment Relations Act, Bill of Rights Act, The Privacy Act and the Public Health Order. If you missed it, you can view it here.
Upcoming Events
Women In Business with Derelee Potroz-Smith, Sponsored by Bronze Partners iPayroll
Wednesday, 3 November 2021
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Join us for our second Women In Business Lunch of the year, sponsored by Bronze Partner iPayroll.
We have another fascinating speaker Derelee Potrez-Smith, CEO & Founder, Woolchemy NZ.
Derelee will share her experiences about:
- How women have all the skills to re-invent themselves and how to lead with purpose
- How women are underrepresented in the business boardroom and the pathway to get involved with governance
- Time management tools and tricks
Juggling family and work
Book now as seats are selling fast
Note: Lunch is provided.
BNZ Tech Series
11 November, 5:30 am - 7:30 pm
Platinum Partner BNZ are hosting us for our second of the BNZ Technology and Innovation Series.
We have another three fascinating speakers from local businesses.
Kristy Grant, CEO, Lane Street Studios. Based in Upper Hutt they provide a screen production experience that is flexible and purpose built for TV, film, gaming. Kristy will update us on how the studios are coming along and how the team is working to develop training programmes and opportunities to support the New Zealand screen sector.
Derelee Potroz-Smith, CEO, Woolchemy. Based in Upper Hutt, Woolchemy, NZ is an innovation ‘mother’ company, formed with one goal in mind: to transform an abundant base material [wool] into something more valuable, using sustainable, environmental and ethical processes.
Colin Daly, CEO, Niche Modular Construction. Based in Petone Niche Modular deliver exceptional volumetric modular building solutions through a combination of processes – both Manufacturing & Construction – or as we like to term it “Manustructuring”.
Gibson Sheat Political Series - Judith Collins
25 November, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Join us for lunch and hear from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Judith Collins. There will also be opportunity for Q&A.
Due to the change in alert levels, all of our events are subject to change. Events taking place at level 2 will require participants to follow Covid 19 protocols, including mask wearing and social distancing.
Desktop Publishing/Graphic Design Position Available
A long established importer/wholesaler based in central Petone seeks someone experienced in Desktop Publishing/Graphic Design to join their supportive and friendly team. You would be working on product catalogues while maintaining a large sample library along with assisting the Managing Director and sales team.
Most suited to someone with design flair who would enjoy working with a variety of artistic and upmarket gift products. You will need to be very organised, have strong design software literacy and enjoy working within a fast-moving and dynamic business.
Interested applicants should contact Christopher Tubbs with their C.Vs at christopher.tubbs@oxted.co.nz. Applications close 4 November 2021.
For more information click here.
Current Student Vacancies
We have a number of new vacancies on our website. These positions are suitable for students or school leavers.
- Patrick McKibbin, CEO and the Chamber Team
Keep your network up to date by inviting others to receive the Hutt Valley Business Weekly here.
Thank you to all our Partners
As always, special thanks to all our Members and Partners for your ongoing support.
