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Kia Ora ,
As a business owner, you understand the value of standing out and being recognised for your dedication and achievements. Entering awards, such as the 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards 2024, is more than just a chance to win a trophy - it's an opportunity to propel your business forward in meaningful ways. Whether you're looking to attract new customers, enhance your credibility, or motivate your team, these awards offer numerous tangible benefits that can help your business grow and thrive.
Benefits of Entering:
Boost Your Business Profile:
- Enhance your visibility within the Wellington community and beyond.
- Attract new customers, partners, and investors with a strong endorsement of your business’s credibility and excellence.
Enhance Credibility and Trust:
- Validate your business’s quality and performance.
- Signal to clients, partners, and the wider community that you meet high standards of excellence and innovation.
Create Valuable Networking Opportunities:
- Network with industry leaders, potential clients, and partners.
- Open doors to collaborations, partnerships, and business opportunities.
Attract and Retain Top Talent:
- Make your business more attractive to potential employees.
- Boost the morale of your existing team, fostering pride and motivation.
Leverage Marketing and Promotion:
- Use award logos and titles in your marketing materials, website, and communications.
- Differentiate your business from competitors and attract more customers.
Drive Continuous Improvement:
- Review and assess your business practices.
- Identify areas for improvement and innovation through feedback from judges.
The 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards is not just a competition; it's a celebration of the achievements, innovation, and resilience of our local businesses. This year, we're excited to introduce the brand-new People’s Choice award, in addition to our nine diverse categories.
Key Dates: Entries are open from Monday, 1 July 2024, and will close on Friday, 13 September 2024, at 5pm. Finalists will be announced at the Finalist Function on Thursday, 17 October 2024. The official Awards Gala Event will take place on Friday, 15 November 2024, at the Lower Hutt Events Centre.
We invite all businesses in the Wellington Region to participate. The Awards are free to enter, and there’s a place for everyone to shine. Head to bit.ly/BEA-24 for more information and to submit your entry. Let’s make this year’s celebration the best yet!
You may have noticed the Seaview Business Association logo in our header image. We are excited to announce that the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce is now working to support the businesses that are party of the Seaview Business Association. We are really excited about this opportunity and the support we can provide to the Seaview businesses. Please reach out to patrick@hvchamber.org.nz if you have any questions or need anything to support your business.
A Huge Thank you to all our Partners for your continued support.
In this edition of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly:
- Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Delivering RiverLink) Updates
- National News
- Regional News
- Seaview Business News
- Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation News
- Featured Events
- Member News/Events
Member Offers
Employment Opportunities
Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi Drop-In Session
We are pleased to have hosted a successful public information drop-in session for Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi on Thursday, 20 June. The event took place at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, providing an excellent platform for the community to engage with this vital project.
We were thrilled to see so many residents come along to learn about Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi and to ask insightful questions. The project team was on hand to share detailed information and discuss the plans for preserving and enhancing the Hutt River environment. The turnout and the high level of engagement highlighted the community’s dedication to the wellbeing of our river.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions. Your interest and involvement are key to the success of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, and your support is greatly appreciated.
If you were unable to attend, we encourage you to stay informed and involved by visiting the project's website and keeping an eye on future updates.
National News
The following news is provided to keep our business leaders up to date.
Minister Bishop announces changes to urban planning rules
- The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Chris Bishop, outlined the Government’s ambitious new plan to increase the housing supply in a speech to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) last week. As part of stage one of the Government’s Going for Housing Growth policy, council powers over urban boundaries and councils will be required to plan for 30 years of housing growth. Other changes under the policy include the removal of the requirement of a minimum floor area and balcony requirements, as well as the strengthening of the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development.
- In his speech to the REINZ, Minister Bishop stated that the changes were intended to flood the market with affordable housing and would, in time, drive down the price of land and housing. Further information about the changes can be found here.
Expert panel appointed to review Public Works Act
An independent expert advisory panel has been appointed to review the Public Works Act to make it easier to build infrastructure, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk has announced.
“The short, sharp review demonstrates the Government’s commitment to progressing critical infrastructure projects and reducing excessive regulatory and legislative barriers, so we can get on with rebuilding the economy.
“The Act is a critical piece of legislation that enables the Crown to deliver projects that provide wide public benefit, such as water services, schools, roads, and disaster resilience.
“It’s in all our best interests to build these infrastructure projects as efficiently as possible so that Kiwis have the high-quality public service they deserve.
Women In Governance Awards
The Women in Governance Awards are the only awards in New Zealand celebrating women in governance. These awards celebrate those beginning their governance journey through to recognising lifetime achievement and are a celebration of commitment to gender equity and diversity for individuals and organisations. We celebrate the finalists and award winners at a gala dinner on 19 September 2024, Suffrage Day.
Nominate yourself or someone you know for an award.
Join in the celebration at the Women in Governance Awards dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland on 19 September 2024. The evening commences with pre-dinner canapes and champagne, followed by a formal dinner. Tickets can be purchased here.
For inquiries contact Adrienne Alderson, adrienne.alderson@cginz.org or 027 217 7958
Email you nomination to awards@cginz.org
Regional News
Hutt City Council Representation Review Community Drop-In Sessions
Have questions in relation to the representation review? Come along to one of their community drop-in sessions and have a chat!
Dates:
- Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub – Saturday 13 July 12pm–1pm
- War Memorial Library – Wednesday 17 July 7pm-8pm
- Petone Neighbourhood Hub – Saturday 20 July 3pm-4pm
- Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub – Sunday 28 July 2pm-3pm
Proposed changes to how our communities are represented on Council have just been released for public consultation and they’re keen to hear from you by 1 August.
Kiwirail and Remutaka Incline Railway open day
KiwiRail and Remutaka Incline Railway are holding a special community open day.
The team from KiwiRail will be there to showcase the work they’re doing inside the Remutaka Tunnel, getting it ready for the arrival of more services and faster trains from 2029. You can even get a glimpse inside the tunnel using virtual reality technology.
You can find out more about the complex work of completely replacing the line inside New Zealand’s second longest tunnel.
There will be free entry, vintage train rides, and a wander through an old school workshop filled with interesting train memorabilia from times gone by.
Colouring in for the kids, and a cosy space to enjoy a free hot chocolate or coffee on what’s bound to be a chilly winter’s day.
Remutaka Incline Railway workshop on Sunday 14 July between 10am to 2pm.
247A Parkes Line Road, Maymorn, Upper Hutt.
Thriving People Thriving Industry Summit
Waihanga Ara Rau is pleased to announce the return of the Thriving People Thriving Industry Summit on Tuesday, 8 October, at Te Papa Museum in Wellington.
This year's summit will tackle significant issues affecting the construction and infrastructure sectors, with a particular focus on the ongoing economic challenges. The event aims to provide attendees with actionable strategies for both the present and future, highlighting the importance of resilience, productivity, adaptability, strategic planning, and team well-being.
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and stay tuned for the announcement of the incredible speaker lineup and registration details.
Thriving communities at the heart of Greater Wellington’s Long Term Plan
The Greater Wellington Long Term Plan 2024-34 has been adopted, following five weeks of consultation, 740 submissions, and two days of hearings by mana whenua representatives and regional councillors, who agreed a 20.55% rates rise for financial year 2024/25.
Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter says the plan weaves a balance between unavoidable rising costs and delivering and improving the services communities expect.
“We know ratepayers are increasingly being asked to pay more for the services that make this region a great place to live, work and play,” Cr Ponter says.
“While the Council faces significant rising costs, the public have told us that they value core services such as public transport, sustaining regional parks and enhancing life-saving flood defences.”
Hutt City Council – Alcohol Policy and Bylaws
Hutt City Council have advised that they will be consulting with the community from 26 July to 25 August on three alcohol related plans and policies.
More details are coming next week but in the meantime they have indicated they will be seeking feedback on
Alcohol Fees Bylaw – a proposed change from licencing fees being based on 90% cost recovery to 100% cost recovery
Review of the Local Alcohol Policy – this will be a review of licensing rules for on and off-licensed venues such as trading hours; locations; conditions, etc.
Control of Alcohol in Public Places Bylaw - this review will look at the ability to create alcohol free zones. New areas are being proposed including temporary overnight zones such as Seaview, some beaches to limit potential disorder.
We will bring you more details next week and seek your feedback for a submission to the Hutt City Council.
Seaview Business News
30km Signs Removed on Marine Drive
The new 30km/hour speed signs in Marine Drive, Days Bay have been removed.
Early last year, the Eastbourne Community Board asked for broader consultation on the speed change because it impacted the main road to and from Eastbourne (not just Days Bay residents) and because the proposed area extended well south of the school.
In March 2023 Councillors subsequently voted to exclude Wellesley from the school zone speed changes until that consultation had taken place.
The Eastborne Community Board reminded Council about that this week, so the signs have been removed. We look forward to the consultation so everyone who regularly drives through Days Bay can have their say.
Wellington Water - Treatment Renewal Work Project Update Meeting
Come and join Wellington Water for a briefing on the planned odour treatment renewal work. We will go through the design and work programme in detail and answer any questions. This briefing will be open to any interested members of the public.
When: Tuesday, July 30, from 6pm - 7pm
Where: Wellington Water (Level 4) 25, Victoria Street, Petone
RSVP - Community@wellingtonwater.co.nz (before July 23)
Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation News
The Honourable Melissa Lee Visits AROTEC
We are excited to share that the Honourable Melissa Lee, Minister for Economic Development, visited AROTEC on 20th June. Fresh from the Wellington Export Awards 2024, Minister Lee toured AROTEC's state-of-the-art facility, guided by Managing Director Sean Westbrook and Operations Manager Matt Reynolds.
This visit underscores the Hutt Valley's growing reputation as a centre for innovation and advanced manufacturing. AROTEC, a shining example of our region's capabilities, demonstrates the cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial spirit thriving here. Minister Lee's visit highlights the Government's recognition and support of the Hutt Valley's pivotal role in driving New Zealand's economic development.
We also want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to AROTEC for their remarkable achievements at the Wellington Export Awards. As the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to support local businesses like AROTEC that contribute to our region's dynamic economic landscape. This visit is a reminder of the importance of fostering innovation and collaboration within our community.
We look forward to supporting the Hutt Valley as a leader in innovation and manufacturing. Thank you, Minister Lee, for recognising and supporting our local enterprises!
Discover Paihau-Robinson Research Institute: A Hub of Innovation and Growth
The Paihau-Robinson Research Institute has just released an exciting new introductory video! In just 1.5 minutes, you'll get a glimpse into the dynamic world of our institute, where cutting-edge research and a vibrant work environment come together.
As Professor Rod Badcock eloquently puts it, "We offer a platform to grow and soar beyond your wildest dreams." Whether you’re interested in superconductivity, space research, or materials science, the institute provides a stimulating and rewarding environment for both work and study.
Join us on this journey of discovery and innovation. Watch the video to see why Paihau-Robinson Research Institute is the place to be for aspiring researchers and professionals.
Featured Events
Dale Carnegie | Revenue Blind Spots Workshop
When: Tues, 16 July
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Maximising the Value of your Intellectual Property
When: Mon, 24 July
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
15 Invaluable Laws of Growth | WCBE
When: Wed, 28 July
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Investing 101 with Forsyth Barr
When: Thurs, 1 Aug
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Become a Learning organisation | Business Skills Lunch Series
When: Wed, 7 Aug
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
AI Training for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Hutt Valley
When: Wed, 14 Aug
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Cost: $450.00 + GST (Non-Chamber members) - 10% off for Chamber members
Everyone communicates few connect - understanding behaviour for effective communication
| WCBE
When: Thurs, 22 Aug
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Member News/Events
Successful Recruitment Strategies Webinar!
We're excited to share the recording of our highly anticipated webinar, "Successful Recruitment Strategies," presented by Sarah Wilson of Sarah Wilson Recruitment and Patrick McKibbin from the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.
This is your chance to gain valuable insights and practical tips directly from industry experts. Whether you're an HR professional or a business owner, this webinar offers essential knowledge to enhance your recruitment efforts.
Celebrating One Year of EmbroidMe Hutt Valley!
Next Thursday, 18th July, EmbroidMe will celebrate its first birthday with a BBQ breakfast. The event will take place from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at 498 Hutt Road, Lower Hutt. This is an event not to be missed with a delightful morning filled with food and festivities.
The first 50 attendees will receive a special gift as a token of appreciation. Additionally, everyone who joins the celebration will have the opportunity to enter a draw to win $500 worth of branded gear. As part of the festivities, EmbroidMe will also showcase their embroidery machine in action, providing an inside look at their craftsmanship.
EmbroidMe looks forward to celebrating this milestone with the community and thanks everyone for their support over the past year.
Exciting School Holiday Activities at Aston Norwood
Aston Norwood is gearing up for an unforgettable school holiday experience with an exciting itinerary filled with activities and delicious treats for everyone to enjoy.
Every day, children can enjoy a free hot chocolate. They can also participate in a scavenger hunt and get creative with rock painting. Face painting will be available on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays, offering a colourful and fun experience for the kids.
On Friday, 12th July, visitors can join a movie session complete with popcorn and marshmallow roasting, perfect for a cosy and entertaining afternoon. On Friday, 19th July, from 5pm to 7pm, kids can dance the night away at a vibrant neon disco party.
Every Sunday, Aston Norwood offers a sumptuous roast buffet where kids under 10 eat for free, making it a perfect family dining experience. Guests can also warm up with a winter breakfast deal featuring bacon, eggs, and toast with coffee for just $13.
Stay tuned for more updates as the holidays continue. Don’t miss out on the fun – Aston Norwood looks forward to welcoming you!
Member Offers
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!
Inferno Outdoor Fireplaces | Chamber Deals
Inferno Fires specialises in making their client's dreams & memories come true in their backyard. Inferno Outdoor Fires has a special offer for Chamber members of 5% off the marked price.
To find out more, click the button below!
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.
More than you expected – Rove Rentals – Commercial Fleet
Located in Wellington Region
Hutt Valley based Rove Rentals are local and have the flexibility to think on their feet and make productive decisions.
ROVE started after seeing an increasing demand for commercial vans as well as a real shortage of quality vehicles and flexible terms. Using their 25 years’ experience in the motor vehicle service and retail industry, they knew they could provide a unique and quality service to the community.
Meeting the demand for local businesses means they provide modern vehicles and flexible arrangements that make the perfect solution and can fill the gap for businesses needing an extra van but can’t justify buying one.
Rove Rentals now have more commercial vehicles to meet your needs with specialised trucks to meet your business requirements.
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.
50% discount on one-off deep cleaning service | CrewCare
As part of our commitment to the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Member-to-Member Discount Program, we are prepared to offer a 50% discount on our one-off deep cleaning service to all Chamber members. This significant discount is designed to provide value to our fellow members.
How to claim: Call on the 0800 number provided in the promo (0800-800-209)
T&C's apply.
For More Offers:
View Our Member Marketplace:
Get Our App:
EMPLOYMENT
Real Estate Salesperson - Professionals Redcoats
Professionals Lower Hutt are on the lookout for new and existing salespeople to build on our world-class real estate team. We pride ourselves on being the organisation to provide you with the guidance, support and training to set up your own business and excel in this rewarding and lucrative career path! Reap the benefits of our experience, community standing and the lion's share of the housing market to begin your journey.
If you believe you have the passion and drive to succeed, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at:
Email - aaron.johnson@redcoats.co.nz
Phone - 027 700 3288
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.
