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Kia Ora ,
This year, we're taking our training events to the next level, to support you, your team and your business grow. We're teaming up with some of the brightest minds around, including Wellington University Professionals, NZME, and the Wellington Centre of Business Excellence, to bring you workshops, seminars, and master classes that promise not only to engage but also to give you great ideas.
Why are these training events a big deal? They're more than just a chance to network; they're a springboard for growth, innovation, and community strengthening. Through these events, you and your team will gain invaluable insights, learn from the best in the business, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your drive and ambition. It's an opportunity to brush up on your skills, learn new strategies, and position your business for success in today's competitive landscape.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up:
Sales Made Simple: Break down the sales process into manageable steps, skyrocket your sales performance, and boost your bottom line. Learn more
Financial Planning and Budgeting for your Business: Led by the Wellington University Professionals, this workshop is a must for anyone looking to get their business finances in tip-top shape. Find out more
Auspicious AI Masterclass: Dive into the world of artificial intelligence with this masterclass that promises to demystify AI and show you how to leverage it for your business's advantage. See details
Planning for Your Business Future: Get strategic with the Wellington Centre of Business Excellence and learn how to plan effectively for your business's future. Discover how
Unleash Winning Strategies: Join us for an evening with NZME and sports CEOs to learn about crafting winning business strategies in a competitive market. RSVP here
These events are your ticket to not just surviving but thriving in the Hutt Valley's dynamic business environment. Whether you're a startup looking to make your mark or an established enterprise aiming to expand your reach, there's something here for everyone.
Don't miss out on this chance to transform your business and make 2024 your most successful year yet. Join us, learn, connect, and grow. Here's to a year of unparalleled success and community!
A Huge Thank you to all our Partners for your continued support.
In this edition of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly:
- National News
- Regional News
Featured Events
Member Offers
Employment Opportunities
National News
The following news is provided to keep our business leaders up to date.
Minimum wage set for cautious increase
The adult minimum wage in New Zealand will rise by 2% to $23.15 an hour starting 1 April 2024, as announced by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. This adjustment aims to balance supporting low-income workers and fostering a job market conducive to employment, amidst economic challenges like softening labour demand, high migration, and subdued growth. Despite these hurdles, the increase is designed to aid 80,000 to 145,000 workers without adversely affecting job opportunities or imposing significant costs on businesses. This cautious approach reflects efforts to maintain New Zealand's relatively high minimum wage while encouraging economic growth and employment. Training and starting wages will also increase to 80% of the adult rate, reaching $18.52.
Fast track consenting in the fast lane
The Government is advancing reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA), introducing a fast-track consenting process to enhance infrastructure project approvals. This initiative, part of the 100 Day Action Plan and agreed with New Zealand First, aims to speed up resource consents for significant projects, especially in aquaculture and mining. Ministers Shane Jones and Chris Bishop highlight the move as a means to cut through bureaucracy, boosting economic and infrastructural development. The fast-track regime, detailed in a standalone Act, prioritizes major infrastructure and allows for ministerial referral to an Expert Panel, which can impose conditions but has limited power to decline projects. This "one-stop-shop" approach, designed to streamline the acquisition of necessary permits, seeks to elevate productivity, economic growth, and environmental stewardship while respecting Treaty of Waitangi settlements. The Government aims to introduce the bill by March 8, following the repeal of the NBA and SPA in December 2023, as part of broader RMA reforms.
Regional News
Education to Employment – Young Enterprise looking for Speed Coaches
Can you spare 1 ½ hours to support some students starting their Young Enterprise journey students brainstorm and refine the business idea they wish to take forward for the year? They would love your help.
Hutt Valley Kickstart – Timatanga Event 2024:
Taking place across the country throughout February Kickstart | Tīmatanga days mark the start of the YES year for all our students. Each day provides the opportunity to come out and participate is speed coaching sessions, helping our students brainstorm and refine the business idea they wish to take forward for the year.
To be a speed coach, all you need to be is:
- Great with High School Students
- Have a positive attitude
- Willing to give some feedback
- You just want to get out of the office for two hours?
Monday 19th Feb – 12:30-2:00pm, Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club – Ballroom.
Toxic Algae Update | Greater Wellington Regional Council
Toxic algae levels are low across the region, with rain helping to flush algal blooms out of our waterways.
While the risk is low for now, toxic algae can easily reappear on the river’s edge. Toxic algae can be identified by its dark brown/green/black slimy appearance that covers rocks. Detached mats have a distinct earthy/musty smell and when ingested, toxic algae is deadly to dogs and can make people very sick.
Remember to check LAWA before visiting your local river.
Hutt Hospital – Clock Tower Block Earthquake Prone
The Hutt City Council has informed Te Whatu Ora Health NZ that the Clock Tower Block at Hutt Hospital has been determined to be earthquake-prone, according to section 133AK of the Building Act 2004. The council's regulatory team is currently in discussions with Te Whatu Ora to ensure that notices are placed at all entrances to the building, informing users of its earthquake-prone status. They are also in the process of updating the MBIE register of earthquake-prone buildings.
As a priority building under the legislation, Te Whatu Ora is given a deadline until 31 January 2031, which amounts to 7.5 years, to either complete the necessary building work to rectify the earthquake-prone status of the Clock Tower Block or to demolish it.
The Hutt City Council has committed to maintaining regular contact with Te Whatu Ora to monitor progress on this matter. Further information can be found on the council's website.
Official blessing of Te Kupenga o Rongomai – Maidstone Sports Hu
Mayor Wayne Guppy, Councillors and Rt Hon Chris Hipkins attended the blessing of Te Kupenga o Rongomai- Maidstone Sports Hub bright and early this morning.
The service was conducted by Kura Moeahu the Chair of 'Te Runanga nui o Te Āti Awa', from 5.45am. The Sports Hub opens its doors for a community event on Saturday 9 March.
Redevelopment work began in September 2021 after being fast tracked by a $15 million Shovel Ready scheme from the Labour-led Government.
Te Kupenga o Rongomai – Maidstone Sports Hub was a major project planned in Upper Hutt City Council’s 2018-2028 Long Term Plan (LTP).
Its purpose is to re-invigorate ageing sporting infrastructure in Upper Hutt and support local sports teams recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
Featured Events
Sales Made Simple | WCBE
When: Thurs, 15 Feb
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Financial Planning and Budgeting for your Business
When: Wed 21 Feb
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Auspicious AI Master Class
When: Thurs 22 Feb
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Planning for your business future | WCBE
When: Wed 28 Feb
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Upper Hutt Libraries, 844 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
Building Resilience - The Leadership Challenge: Driving our businesses and people in a dynamic and turbulent environment
When: Tues 5 March
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Cybersecurity and Privacy | Business Skills Lunch Series
When: Wed 6 March
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Unleash Winning Strategies: NZME Business After 5 with Sports CEOs
When: Wed 6 March
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Women in Business | Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women Redefining Success
When: Thurs 7 March
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Where: Boulcott Farm Golf Club, 33 Military Road, Lower Hutt
Synthesis Marketing | Click to Conversions: Facebook Posts: Boosts, and Ads
When: Tues 12 March
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Where: Upper Hutt Libraries, 844 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
BNZ Technology and Innovation Series | Celebrating Tech Excellence
When: Thurs 14 March
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: BNZ Partners Lounge, Level 2, 45 Knights Road, Lower Hutt
Grazie: Inspirazione | Where Ambition meets Amore
When: Thurs 21 March
Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Where: The Sebel Hotel, Grazie Restaurant, 72 High Street, Lower Hutt
Member News
Business Networking Meet Up | Ketchup
Don’t miss the Ketchup Business Networking Meetup on 8th February – a prime opportunity to network with industry peers and enrich your professional journey. Head to the link below for more details on this engaging session!
IYM 2024 applications closing soon - don't miss out!
Applications for IYM's key 2024 programmes are now open. To apply, you simply fill in an online form via their website. Their programmes are open to all young wāhine in Years 11 & 12 - you don't have to be the brightest or the best, just have a genuine interest in the STEMM sector.
Join them to be inspired by the incredible study and work opportunities open to you in science and technology!
Member Offers
Air New Zealand | Chamber Deals
For businesses looking to leverage the vast array of offerings from Air New Zealand, there's good news. Air New Zealand has crafted a specialised Business Services page that outlines the multitude of options and programs available for businesses.
To find out more, click the button below!
Bunnings Trade | PowerPass Member Deal
Unlock a range of discounts and simplify the procurement of a huge range of products across our nationwide store network.
Bunnings Trade has partnered with NZ Chambers of Commerce to offer members access to the PowerPass membership program providing a range of exclusive benefits.
For any questions or queries, please feel free to email us at orgs@bunnings.co.nz.
Rove Rentals | Chamber Member Deal
Located in Wellington Region
From moving house to weekend getaways, Rove has got your transportation needs covered. They are also van and truck rental specialists.
Ready to rent? Visit our website at www.roverentals.co.nz or give us a call on 04 560 4755 to reserve your vehicle. Experience the ROVE difference for yourself!
ROVE Rentals - Rent What You Need, When You Need It!
HVCC OFFER – 15% off base rental rate, all vehicles
HOW TO REDEEM OFFER – when booking online, use code “HVC15” | when booking via phone or email, please mention this offer and confirm you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce
Brendan Foot Supersite | Chamber Member Deal
Pre-order the Next-Gen Mitsubishi Triton for March Delivery
One of the top three utes in New Zealand, be one of the first to drive away the new Mitsubishi Triton from RSP $38,690 + ORC (GLX 2WD ) or $43,990 + ORC (GLX 4WD). This is the Triton’s first new model in nine years, offering a significant tech upgrade & improvements in driving & off-road performance, comfort, & safety. Pre-order now for March delivery with only $500 deposit & zero Clean Car Fee. Contact their Fleet Specialist, Gary, to see how he can help you with your fleet. Test drive from February. *Ts&Cs apply
2degrees Business Mobile| Chamber Member Deal
Join us on an eligible business mobile plan and get 2 months free. As a Chamber member you’ll also get 15% off for the life of your plan.
Z Energy | Chamber Deals
Z Business is delighted to advise that Chamber of Commerce members discount will increase from 10 cents per litre to 11 cents per litre off pump at service stations and truck stops from Monday 5 February.
To find out more, click the button below!
For More Offers:
View Our Member Marketplace:
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EMPLOYMENT
Are You Hiring?
If you have a job suitable for a student, get in touch with our Education to Employment Coordinator at Hera@hvchamber.org.nz or call 04 9399821.
Thank you to all our Partners
As always, special thanks to all our Members and Partners for your ongoing support.
