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Kia Ora ,
We are pleased to present the results of our June 2024 Business Confidence Survey, providing an overview of the current sentiment and future outlook among Hutt Valley businesses. This survey captures the challenges and expectations of our local business community as they navigate through a complex economic landscape.
Workforce Trends
The need for staff continues to decline, reflecting a tempered optimism for the next 12 months. While current recruitment challenges have slightly eased (30.00% to 29.73%), future hiring intentions have noticeably declined (55.00% to 50.00%).
Economic Outlook
Business conditions remain tough, with less optimism for 2025:
- Next 3 months: Slight increase in pessimism (33.89% to 34.21%) and more expecting conditions to remain the same (45.76% to 52.63%).
- Next 6 months: Increased optimism (33.89% to 37.14%) despite more negative expectations (28.81% to 37.14%).
- Next 12 months: Decreased optimism (52.63% to 40.00%) with more expecting conditions to worsen (22.81% to 28.57%).
Hutt Valley businesses expect tough conditions in New Zealand for the next 12 months.
Cost of Doing Business
The outlook on business costs has stabilised but remains high. Expectations of much higher costs have decreased (18.33% to 10.53%), while those expecting somewhat higher costs remain stable (56.67% to 55.26%). More businesses now anticipate costs to stay the same (23.33% to 34.21%).
We extend our thanks to Red Hot Business Coaching for sponsoring this survey. Their support is instrumental in helping us understand and address the needs of our business community.
For detailed statistics and further insights, please refer to the attached document.
Red Hot specialises in helping Hutt Valley business owners regain control and thrive. For personalised 1:1 business support, visit Red Hot Business Coaching & Consulting.
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
- Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation News
- Featured Events
- Member News/Events
Member Offers
Employment Opportunities
Lower Hutt Flood Protection
They are working to improve flood protection between the Melling and Kennedy Good bridges by removing 65,000 cubic metres of gravel from the riverbed - enough to fill 26 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This creates more space for floodwater, helping to keep the communities safer during heavy rain. Additionally, the gravel is being utilized to construct the upgraded Mills St stopbank. To learn more, visit their website below.
National News
The following news is provided to keep our business leaders up to date.
Reserve Bank chair reappointed
Professor Neil Quigley has been reappointed as Chair of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Board for a further term of two years, until 30 June 2026.
“Professor Quigley has played a key role in establishing the new Board after the commencement of the new RBNZ Act on 1 July 2022 and I am pleased he is continuing in the role.
“Professor Quigley’s reappointment retains his leadership and experience in central banking and monetary policy, and ensures the Board is well positioned to take on new members.
“There are two current vacancies to be filled when suitable candidates have been identified. There will also be further opportunities to consider a broader refresh of the Board with two terms due to end in June 2025,” Nicola Willis says.
Government supporting Māori business success
The Coalition Government is supporting Māori to boost development and the Māori economy through investment in projects that benefit the regions, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.
“As the Regional Development Minister, I am focused on supporting Māori to succeed. The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), established under my oversight, has supported Māori to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities and empower entire communities to make a difference,” Mr Jones says.
“That’s why we are pleased to share that the Government has agreed to commit about $20 million for projects to support iwi, hapū and Māori businesses.”
Keeping your customers safe
As a business owner, you play a crucial role in ensuring the products you sell are safe for consumers to use.
By knowing about product safety and making sure you’re following any applicable regulations, you can protect your customers, your business, and your reputation.
File on time: Income tax returns due 7 July
Find out whether you need to file and what recent changes may affect how you complete your income tax return for the tax year ended 31 March 2024.
The refreshed Employment NZ website
The team at Employment New Zealand (Employment NZ) is pleased to announce the launch of a refreshed website on Tuesday, 25 June.
In developing this updated platform, great care was taken to create a more user-friendly design aimed at better meeting customer needs. The goal was to craft a more accessible website that provides engaging and easily accessible information.
Regional News
Matariki Puanga
Hutt City Council is supporting a range of community events this year for Matariki Puanga. Check out some of them below and join in on the celebrations:
- Petone Beach Clean Up: Friday, 28 June, 9:30am-11am at Honiana Te Puni Reserve. Join Keep Hutt Valley Beautiful & Petone Beach Clean Up Crew in giving back to our environment and community with a beach clean up! There will be spot prizes and kai at the end of the event.
- Ko Pūanga rāua ko Matariki – Hiwa i te Rangi 2024: 27-29 June, at the Wainuiomata Town Centre, Queen Street. Join this community celebration, featuring kapa haka, hangi, rangatahi workshops, kids’ activities, mirimiri, and more! Head to bit.ly/3KVGVMr for more info.
- Hiwa-i-te-rangi: Sunday, 30 June, 10am-4pm at the Petone Neighbourhood Hub. Craft stars as we reflect on dreams or set goals for the year to come.
Wondering what other events are happening in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai? Click the button below.
Pinehaven Pedestrian Bridge
Exciting news for Pinehaven residents - a brand-new pedestrian bridge now spans Pinehaven Stream at Willow Park, connecting to Sunbrae Drive!
This development is a vital part of the ongoing work to increase the capacity of the Pinehaven Stream, aiming to reduce flood risks to the surrounding area and community. Crews are also improving the pedestrian path through Willow Park and planting new native trees and plants in the area.
Want to know more about this mahi? Click the button below
Hutt City Parking Increase
Parking in the CBD? New charges will be in place from 1 July.
- $3/hour and max $10/day
- Charges will be enforced seven days, 9am-5pm
- Riverbank monthly pass will be $150
- You can pay using the PayMyPark app, or with coins/credit card at a machine
- For a full list of charges and info on ways to pay, see hutt.city/parking-fees
Parking charges were looked at as part of our 10 Year Plan. You can find out more about the consultation through the button below
821 Fergusson Demolition
Demolition work at 821 Fergusson Drive has been completed, and the front footpath has been replaced. This area will be made into a temporary greenspace, including walkways. Topsoil is currently being laid, which will then be grassed.
The carparks at the back of the new greenspace on Criterion Lane are being repaired and remarked to temporarily increase the number of spaces available for use.
The greenspace and carparks are likely to be in place for around three years, by which time traffic growth will require upgrades to the intersections. This is expected to occur around 2027-2028.
Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation News
Something special is happening in Taita
Behind a very old roller door there is something very special happening in Taita.
The team at Scale Studios, lead by Sam Cotter-Dephoff and Joaquin Loyzaga, are working on something big that will go to an international museum. We can’t tell you or show you yet but we will do as soon as we can.
What we can tell you though is that these two creative geniuses are using all of their problem solving, resilience and skills to manufacturer the most epic museum worth piece.
The team at Scale Studios recently purchased two of the biggest commercial 3d printers available in New Zealand and they have been running them 24x7 for weeks to get their project ready. Their Dowell 3D printers from China have taken a lot of ingenuity and skill to get them to their most efficient operating level.
Whilst we cannot show you just yet we can show you some of their amazing work which is being showcased in the Wellington region
Their work on the Thor Hammer, was built for the Marvel Convention in the new convention centre (Takina). It was a huge collaboration from business across the Hutt Valley and the region between SLK Design, designed and built by Scale Studios. Steel armature by Dydo Manufacturing, fibre glassing by Carboglass, and Engineering by Silvester Clark. The installation was another collaboration between SLK, Scale Studios and LT Transport. Link to video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7ou_46FIN4
And if this was not enough, they collaborated with internationally renowned designer Sabine Marcelis to create the Te Papa 4 Plinths Sculptures titled "Merging Blocks". This is the ninth artwork to be commissioned by the Wellington Sculpture Trust.
Wow team Scale Studios, Just WOW!
Featured Events
Crafting Success | The Journey of Sprig + Fern Brewing Co with Beer Tasting
When: Wed, 26 June
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Sprig & Fern Petone, 146 Jackson Street, Petone
Practical:AI | AI is a Skill Set | Workshop
When: Wed, 3 July
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Digital Accessibility | Business Skills Lunch Series
When: Wed, 3 July
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Women in Business | Building Resilience - Unlocking your Inner Strength
When: Thurs, 4 July
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Where: NZCIS (Murray & Bond Room), 48 Somme Road, Upper Hutt Cost: $42.00 + GST for Chamber Members, $52.00 + GST for Non-Chamber Members
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: Thurs, 25 July
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Member News/Events
Master of Management
Advance and deepen your knowledge within a specialised field of management and extend your intellectual, leadership and strategic capabilities. You can choose to specialise in marketing, information systems, digital business, innovation and entrepreneurship, or hospitality. Take the next step in your career or use this programme as a pathway to doctorate studies.
Dress for Success
DOES YOUR TEAM NEED A NEW LOOK?
The Dress for Success competition is back, offering $5000 in vouchers and 5 chances to win!
Enter today and your business could win $1000 worth of high-quality branded gear. Simply pick your favourite looks, complete the entry form, and explain how a branded gear prize pack would help dress your team for success.
A $1,000 voucher goes a long way towards creating a fresh new look that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on customers. Winners have the freedom to decide how to utilise their winnings, but the result remains unchanged: a stylish and comfortable makeover for the team.
Additionally, one of the five winners will have the opportunity to select a charity of their choice to receive a $1000 voucher.
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.
