COVID-19 Support and Help for Business
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Hi
As I have been starting to visit businesses across the Hutt Valley in my new role as CEO at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce there has been one constant theme in the discussions, “I need talent and people for my business to grow”. The Covid-19 pandemic has seen some employers starting to think differently about their recruitment.
The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce held an event this morning that helped around 20 employers connect to some potential talent. The Employment Expo was held at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport in Upper Hutt as part of the Chamber's work to connect employers and help young people to discover, explore and connect to their possible pathways and jobs. This Employment Expo involved employers from many industries, including building and construction, infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, engineering, hospitality, food, aged care, and other supporting organisations.
We are excited that the day brought together employers with jobs they need to recruit for, and over 100 young people from secondary schools across the Hutt Valley. The young people came with their CVs and were ready to have a conversation on their step towards an apprenticeship or employment.
You can see a photo from the day in the newsletter below. If you are keen to be part of these types of events in the future just let me know at patrick@hvchamber.org.nz
Thanks
Patrick McKibbin
CEO
The Latest COVID-19 Business Updates
Hutt Valley Covid 19 Vaccination Update
Accessing the Government Financial Support
COVID 19 ALERT LEVEL UPDATE
The Government announced that we are moving from an Alert Level System to a Traffic Light System which is made up of 3 steps; Green, Orange, and Red. This Traffic Light system will start when there is a 90% vaccination rate throughout all District Health Boards across New Zealand.
To find out everything you need to know about this new Traffic Light system and how it effects your business click here.
VACCINE CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM
Vaccine certificate requirements will play a big role in the new traffic light framework for businesses.
At all levels, businesses, retail, and public facilities will generally be able to remain open for vaccinated people.
Businesses, events, organisations, community, and a range of sectors may legally choose to implement a vaccination entry requirement for customers.
If a business, organisation or service does not wish to request proof of vaccination, they will have to operate with strict limits on capacity and space requirements. They may need to close in Orange and/or Red levels.
To learn more about Vaccine Certificates requirements click here.
NEW MEASURES TO PROTECT WORPLACES FROM COVID 19
The Government is introducing a range of measures to help protect workplaces and workers from COVID-19. See some of these changes below:
- Vaccinations will be required for all workers at businesses where customers need to show COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates, such as hospitality and close-contact businesses.
- There will be a new law to introduce a clearer and simplified risk assessment process for employers to follow when deciding whether they can require vaccination for different types of work.
- Non-vaccinated workers in roles requiring vaccination will be given a new four-week notice period to get vaccinated before employment can be terminated.
- Employers are to be required to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated and will need to keep records about workers’ vaccination status.
For more information click here
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 the Level 3 stages.
Information on how to apply here.
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.
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.
Information on how to apply here.
Applications for a 4th Resurgence Support payment round opens on 29 October 2021.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson, announced a $60 million package boost for the Regional Business Partner Programme and mental health support. This means that the Resurgence Support Payment will be doubled, and paid fortnightly instead of three-weekly and will now be $3000 plus $800.
This change takes effect from November 12 and stays in place until Auckland moves from the Alert Level system to the new Traffic Light System framework.
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.
Employment Expo 2021
Today we proudly hosted the Employment Expo 2021 at the New Zealand Innovation and Sports Centre in Upper Hutt. This was an excellent opportunity for the school students from the Hutt Valley region to get information, share their CVs and to network with prospective employers and recruiting organisations.
The expo was officially opened by the Hon. Chris Hipkins, Minister of Education and then there were three sessions held throughout the morning with the various schools attending each session.
RiverLink Community Update
Here is a catch up on what’s being done to deliver three separate but interdependent projects that will transform Lower Hutt, your river city.
Click here for more information
Te Pūkenga Would Like To Hear Your Voice
Te Pūkenga have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to reimagine and build a world-class vocational and on-the-job learning system for New Zealand that has learners at the centre.
One year in the making, the established Operating Model outlines the vision and purpose for Te Pūkenga to reimagine and build world-class vocational learning programme for New Zealand.
The Operating Model is a description of the future experience for learners, employers, staff, iwi and hapū and how as a network, Te Pūkenga will advance equity, especially for Māori, Pacific, and disabled learners and staff.
Te Pūkenga is seeking your feedback and engagement from everyone, including learners and their whānau, employers, iwi and interested individuals and groups.
This phase of engagement will focus on:
- the services we’ll offer to meet the needs of learners, their whānau and employers.
- the experiences we want our people to have when learning, teaching, and engaging with us
- some initial thinking about how we arrange ourselves to move closer towards equity and inclusion for underserved learners and communities.
Engagement is open from 18 October to 8 November.
You can provide your feedback and engagement via the Te Pūkenga website at yourvoice.tepukenga.ac.nz.
Kuhu mai ināianei! Get involved today!
This below video gives you an overview of what Te Pūkenga are doing and why they need your feedback and engagement .
Remutaka Hill – Emergency Closure Wednesday Night 27 October 2021
State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill will be CLOSED from 9pm Wednesday night to 4am Thursday morning to start the recovery process of the truck and container that rolled down a bank. This closure will assist the contractors to further evaluate and assess the safest retrieval plan going forward.
This is an emergency closure so please plan ahead. There are no crossings possible before midnight. To book for an escorted crossing after midnight please contact customer@capitaljourneys.co.nz.
Timetable:
· 12.30am: Hutt to Featherston
· 1.30am: Featherston to Hutt
Please note: Bad weather may postpone the work to Thursday night.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while these emergency works take place.
The Delta Buster Bus Schedule
The first week out on the road for the Delta Buster was very successful and they are looking forward to the second week of Covid 19 vaccinations. Below is the schedule for week 2 for the Delta Buster.
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 pm - 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”.
How To Prepare Your Business For Sale
16 November, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Dave Morgan, GM, LINK Business Broking Wellington is presenting a seminar on organising your exit strategy and becoming sale ready.
Dave Morgan will talk to you about what it means to be ‘Sale Ready’ and the importance of being able to engage with a potential purchaser should they come knocking on your door.
LINK Business Broking are New Zealand’s leading specialists in buying and selling businesses. They have award winning valuation and marketing tools which allows them to deliver advice that is both informed and current. The team of experienced brokers have extensive market knowledge, experience and are well equipped to deliver sound and comprehensive advice to meet your business needs.
These seminars are generally well attended so make sure you book your seat early.
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.
Team Leader - Canine Enrichment Handler Position Available
Waglands have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader – Canine Enrichment Handler to join their team based in Lower Hutt. You will be jointly responsible for providing an excellent experience for their guests, by overseeing an effective and professional Canine Handling team.
This will include the successful management, supervision, and training of dog handlers. You will work closely with other Team leaders ensuring their doggie guests and team members are reaching their potential.
To find out more about the company please view the video below. If you are interested in applying for the position at Waglands click here.
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.
