Helping Businesses Through Covid-19
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Great to get events underway for the 2021 business year and see all the registrations coming in from all sorts of businesses across the valley and the region.
Our 2021 events calendar is focused on bringing some of our local and New Zealand's most recognised advisers, experts and public figures to engage directly with the local business community.
More events, and details on our first livestream for 2021 are below. We look forward to you joining us. Remember, many events are free for members, or at cost. Others are welcome.
COVID-19 Updates - Quick Links
- Quarantine-free travel from 24 March from Niue to NZ
- Resurgence support payment - applications close on 12 April
- COVID-19 vaccines will be free and voluntary for everyone in New Zealand aged 16 and over. Find out where you are in the queue for the COVID-19 vaccine with this online tool
- COVID-19 vaccine for urgent overseas travel
A few new announcements from government this week, with changes to property investment taxes and the announcement of the 2021 Budget. Further information here:
- Budget 2021 to be delivered on 20 May 2021
- Minimum wage rise of 6% from Thursday 1 April
- Changes to timeframes of bright-line test explained
- Changes to interest deductions on residential property income
UPCOMING EVENTS
Economic Outlook with Brad Olsen: 8 April 2021
Great to see so many members booking multiple seats and tables at our Economic Outlook 2021 coming up on 8 April. Clearly a very popular way to host clients and staff face to face, while getting the latest on the economy. Brad Olsen will also discuss the implications of the latest announcements from government regarding property investments. Bring your questions with you and join us for an informative lunch.
Join us for a buffet lunch and hear from Infometrics Senior Economist and Director, Brad Olsen. Hear a current update on what is happening with the local economy and where the Hutt Valley and NZ is heading this year. Discover what it all means for your business at this event sponsored by our Platinum Partner, Kendons. We expect tickets to sell out so get your tickets now.
New COVID-19 Livestream Broadcast & Q&A: Workplace Vaccinations, 31 March | 11:00am
The 2021 Influenza Immunisation Programme starts in April. As we now know more than ever, the impact of illnesses such as influenza spreading within the workplace can be very costly for businesses. The flu vaccine is the most cost effective way for employers to protect their staff, reduce the chance of the illness spreading and the associated risk of productivity losses. But how does the flu vaccine fit in with the NZ COVID-19 immunisation programme?
Join Louise Talbot and Rachael Horwood, Chamber Members and owners of Wellworks Pharmacy Boulcott, to discuss the benefits of workplace vaccinations.
Both Louise and Rachel have completed the COVID-19 Vaccinator Education Course for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and have extensive vaccination experience. Join us live on Facebook at 11:00am on 31 March 2021 and ask any questions you have.
"I Can't Wait" Campaign - Upper Hutt Launch:
6 April 2021
We are partnering with Upper Hutt City Council and Crohn's & Colitis NZ to launch this campaign in Upper Hutt.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are Iifelong gastrointestinal disorders collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). New Zealand has one of the highest prevalences of IBD in the world.
We can help those who are struggling with the physical and emotional toll of living with IBD and other medical disorders by raising public awareness. Join us to promote “I Can’t Wait!” stickers to give those people who require it, urgent access to facilities at local business premises. Find out more here.
Mayoral Breakfast: 14 April 2021
The Hutt City Council has released its proposed Ten Year Plan for the city. Proposed changes include:
- New transport routes
- Changes to commercial property rates
- Property development costs and more.
These proposals are likely to impact all local businesses as well as providing many new opportunities. All are welcome.
This event is now full. You are welcome to join the waiting list, or attend the next public event which is a Hutt City Council pop-up LTP engagement session at Queensgate on 17 April, from 1.30 pm-3.30 pm.
Local News
Chamber Shines Spotlight on Local Manufacturing Sector
Manufacturing and technology underpins our economic growth and is extremely important to our economy.
The Hutt Valley Chamber advocates continuously for our local manufacturing sector. This year we are pleased to launch our new Manufacturing & Technology Programme. Find out more here.
As part of this programme we regularly publish local news and stories in national media such as NZ Manufacturer Magazine, DEMM Magazine, Vibrant Hutt and stuff.co.nz.
In this latest article in NZ Manufacturer, the Hutt Valley Chamber, in conjunction with Gold Partner 360 Logistics, outlines the supply issues currently hindering this sector. Shane Lowe of 360 Logistics explains the situation in more detail and offers some suggestions for managing the challenges.
Guest Speakers in Schools
We were delighted to help coordinate a range of guest speakers at Hutt Valley High School this week as part of our Education to Employment Programme. This is one of many practical ways the Chamber is helping to connect local young people into local careers.
Employers spoke about the importance of attending each work experience opportunity on time, using initiative, being presentable and having the right, positive attitude. Thanks to Noa Woolloff, Taskforce Coordinator for the Mayors Taskforce, Sarah Wilson, Recruitment Specialist and Mike and Kristeena Houlihan, owners of Kiwi Trade Apprentices, for giving up their valuable time to engage with these students.
Photos from RiverLink
We had a fantastic turnout from our business community, with more than 50 people in attendance from all across the valley. See all the photos here.
Consultation on Upper Hutt Council’s Long Term Plan 2021-2031 is open now
To help explain what’s being proposed, the Upper Hutt City Council is delivering a consultation booklet to every residential address and PO Box in the city.
They are also hosting an event for the Upper Hutt business community on 12 April from 5.30-7.30 pm in the foyer at Expressions to talk with you about what they are planning, how key proposals impact on their spending and most importantly, your rates.
You can find all the consultation at www.letskorero.upperhuttcity.com, where you can also submit your feedback.
Make sure you have a look at what the Upper Hutt City Council is proposing and have your say. Consultation is open from Friday 26 March to Monday 26 April.
Welcome, New Members
A warm welcome to more new members this month. Our team is looking forward to meeting you in person and seeing you at our events this year.
MIX is a mental health community day service offering programmes in art and wellbeing. They have bases in Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. Find out more here.
Victoria Fraser works with small to medium businesses in a series of workshops to provide the tools and techniques to navigate a better work-life balance. Visit them here.
Welcome Back, Partners
Thank you to BNZ and Red Hot Business Coaching & Consulting for renewing your partnership with us here at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. We appreciate your ongoing financial commitment which enables us to continue to advocate for and support the business community. We look forward to working with you closely during 2021.
BNZ support our Manufacturing and Technology Programme and are our partners in the very popular BNZ Tech Series, which we are looking forward to holding again this year. In the meantime, find out more about the BNZ's business services here.
Red Hot Business Coaching & Consultancy are our partners behind the Quarterly Business Confidence Survey. They have successfully coached hundreds of business owners over the years. Are they a good fit for your business? Find out here.
Great to welcome more new members to the Hutt Valley of Commerce this month. Welcome also to Think Outside In and Hot Gossip Cafe. These small local businesses are the backbone of our economy and we look forward to supporting you in business and connecting you with fellow business people at our upcoming events.
Please share this newsletter with other businesses you think would find this information useful.
Keep informed by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube. You can invite 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.
