August 2012 E Newsletter

Welcome

Olympic fever has hit the UK and the games are in full swing! The mood around the country (from one who has been there recently) is fairly upbeat, despite the European economy woes. Retailers are enjoying the tourist traffic even though the atrocious summer weather has done its’ best to discourage anyone to venture outdoors! The sun seems to have appeared just in time and London is a hive of activity - a beautiful place to be enjoying the games atmosphere.

Can you believe that the Kiwisaver scheme has been in place for five years? Are you eligible to withdraw your funds? Check out the article below. Also in this edition of Focus, read about the recent changes to the Student Loan scheme, how to conduct effective performance reviews and “Netiquette”. Out client profile this month is on ACI Screen & Print – the perfect solution for your firm’s Olympic Team shirts!

Are you eligible to withdraw your KiwiSaver funds from 1 July 2012?

KiwiSaver will reach its five-year anniversary on 1 July 2012 and you may be eligible to withdraw your funds beginning on that date.

You may withdraw funds from KiwiSaver once you either qualify for New Zealand Superannuation (currently age 65) or reach the date of your fifth anniversary of membership whichever is the latter. For example, if you joined KiwiSaver aged 63 then you are not be eligible to withdraw until after five years, when you turn 68.

Student Loan Scheme – Repeal of the 10% voluntary repayment bonus

The existing voluntary repayment bonus scheme is due to be repealed from 01/04/2013. Under the scheme, student loan borrowers could achieve a 10% discount on any voluntary payments made over and above their compulsory payments.

Effective Performance Reviews

To effectively manage employees, a manager should give regular and ongoing informal feedback as well as facilitate an annual formal review.
An annual performance review should:

Clarify the tasks involved in an employee’s role
Define the basis for wage increases
Define the basis for disciplinary action
Measure staff performance consistently
Document employee improvements
Identify training and development needs
Provide motivation to improve skills and performance
Help to align company goals with those of the employee

Netiquette

Know the limits of email. If a client or business associate emails you with a particularly detailed request, asking for important advice or with an unhappy tone, ask yourself: is it best responding by email?

Picking up the phone and calling the client will better determine the issue at hand and provide you the chance to offer a prompt solution - saving you both time and energy. It’s also a great opportunity to see how they’re going and if you can help them with anything else.

Client Profile - ACI Screen & Print

With over 20 year’s of experience in the print industry you can trust us to deliver quality prints on time and on budget. We have developed specialist techniques to allow printing on a wide range of garments. From industrial apparel and PVC rain wear to promo t-shirts, team wear and umbrellas you name it and we will print it.

From existing logos to rebranding our graphics team can put together a design to suit your business. Small runs to full corporate supply we will tailor a package to suit you. So visit us today and see how we can help your company stand out from the crowd.

Paula Norvill
Director
Ph -579 1935
paula@aciprint.co.nz
www.aciprint.co.nz