Kia Ora , 

Wow, that was amazing. Thanks to everyone that entered the 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards 2023.

Entries closed last Friday and we are very excited to say the number of entries increased by 40% from last year. Thanks so much to every business that took the time to enter.

Whilst the awards have been all consuming for the team here at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce we also have some really exciting events coming up. I think you might be interested in:

• Māori Economic Development | Business Skills Lunch Series | Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional – with the Māori economy expected to be worth $100m by 2030 it is now a significant part of the business landscape. This great event will explore the dynamics of the Māori economy and allow you to gain valuable insights into effective engagement practices.

   

• BNZ Technology & Innovation Series – the last event in our 2023 series this is expected to be fantastic. We have three brilliant speakers lined up including:
  • Mario Wynands | CEO | PikPok – Mario grew up in the Hutt Valley and went to Naenae College. He now runs one of new Zealands biggest gaming companies, employing over 200 people
  • Cameron Mexted | Managing Director | Mexted Sports Turf – FIFA said that the NZCIS Football pitch in Upper Hutt was the best pitch in New Zealand at the recent Womens World Cup. Come and har from the team that made it possible using every technological advance they had at their disposal.
  • Simon Howard | Founder & CTO | ZX Security – starting hacking at age 14, Simon now runs one of New Zealands largest information security organisations. Simon is a member of the New Zealand Internet Task Force (NZITF), which is a non-profit with the mission of improving the cyber security posture of New Zealand. Simon also co-founded and assists with the running of Australasia’s largest hacker conference. Kiwicon (recently re-branded Kawaiicon).

Check out these events and book your seat today.

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
• Regional News

• Education to Employment 

• Featured Events

• Member News

• Member Offers

• Employment Opportunities

Te Awa Kairangi - Gravel Extraction

Gravel is being extracted from Te Awa Kairangi - Hutt River by Greater Wellington as part of their planned riverbed management.

The extraction work is being undertaken just south of the Kennedy Good Bridge. They will store the gravel alongside the stopbank north of the Melling Link bridge so it can be used when they start construction. It is a significant amount of gravel, about 20,000 m³ – or around 3,300 truckloads.

Gravel will be moved from the riverbank and travel by truck via Harcourt Werry Drive, over Kennedy Good Bridge, along SH2, over Melling Bridge, along Rutherford Street, into Melling Road and over the stopbank using the existing vehicle crossing.

From Tuesday 19th September, trucks will be crossing the shared paths and travelling on the roads Monday – Saturday between the hours of 7:30am – 6pm. Traffic management will be implemented to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe as the trucks cross over the path on the top of the stopbank. They expect this work will take approximately three months to complete.

Thank you for your patience while they undertake this important work.

Demolition started in earnest on Daly Street

You might be forgiven for thinking aliens have moved into the Hutt Valley.

Don’t be alarmed it’s the team from McMahon Services keeping their team safe as they work hard on the first part of the demolition of the buildings in Daly Street.

As tenants in the building next door, we are appreciative of the care and attention McMahon Services are taking and the minimal noise and disruption so far. Nice work McMahon Services.

The work is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Regional News

Toxic Algae Spotted | Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt Valley

It is nearly toxic algae monitoring season; however, we have already started to find toxic algae along Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River near Totara Park and Silverstream.

If you are planning to take your furry friend for a walk along the river, keep your pooch safe and learn what toxic algae looks like so you can avoid it. Toxic algae grow as brown or black velvety mats on rocks in the riverbeds and can come loose and wash up on riverbanks. Dogs love the musty smell and taste of toxic algae, so please keep them on leads away from the water and never let them scavenge at the river’s edge. If you think your dog has swallowed toxic algae, immediately take them to the nearest vet.

Retail Crime Prevention workshop for Upper Hutt Retailers | Brought to you by NZ Police & Upper Hutt City Council

Dr Emma Ashcroft and Hilary Kendall from the Prevention Development team at New Zealand Police will be coming to Upper Hutt to share some advice about preventing crime and harm at retail premises. 

This will be held at Thimbles & Threads on Main Street and is open to all Upper Hutt retailers only. 

It will include an overview of what Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is and a demonstration of how this can be applied to the store. 
The training is limited to 30 spaces and a limit of up to 2 people per store. 
When: Tuesday 10 October, 2023 
Time: 8.00-9.30 am and 5:30PM to 7:00PM 
Where: Thimbles and Threads. 84 Main Street Upper Hutt.

Topics to be covered

•    Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
•    Keeping yourself and your staff safe
•    Access and visibility
•    Store layout
•    Security systems 
•    Fog cannon

To register, please click the button below to fill out the form below. There are two FREE sessions available. Please select your preferred time: 8.00-9.30 am or 5.30- 7.00pm

Please note: this is available to Upper Hutt retailers only 

Education to Employment 

Empowering the Future: PKF Kendons Nurtures Young Talent in Accounting!

The generous team at PKF Kendons recently hosted Kawiti, a passionate Year 12 student from Upper Hutt College, providing him a glimpse into the exciting world of accounting. Kawiti, who dreams of a career in this field, spent the day soaking in real-world knowledge, observing the day-to-day life of seasoned accountants, and learning about their journeys into the industry. This invaluable experience has not only widened his horizons but also offered him practical insights into his chosen field, allowing him to step closer to his aspirations with awareness and understanding.

A heartfelt thank you to PKF Kendons for their commitment to nurturing young minds and for being a beacon of inspiration and support. This enriching collaboration exemplifies the profound impact such learning opportunities can have in fostering future talents, motivating them to chase their dreams, and shaping the next generation of industry leaders. Here’s to more inspiring partnerships and the vibrant future of accounting!

For those interested in hosting students and contributing to their learning journey, click the button below to get in touch with Amanda and create more stories of inspiration and transformation. 

Featured Events

Additional Events

Member News

Community Connection: Miracle Electronics Supports Little Miracles Trust!

One of our valued members, Miracle Electronics, has committed to support Little Miracles, a Wellington-based trust dedicated to helping premature babies, reinforcing ties with Hutt Valley and Wellington NICU in hospitals where their Nursecall products play a vital role.

Miracle Electronics will be volunteering at Little Miracles' events and contributing to the care packs the trust provides, a crucial support given the trust’s diminishing resources. They are reaching out to other local companies via the Chamber of Commerce network, encouraging them to donate branded items such as coffee mugs or notebooks, or other care pack essentials, fostering a spirit of community and shared progress. They hope this effort will inspire a wave of generosity and collective advancement within our local community.

Spring Challenge | Fine Signs Crazyman

Dust off the body with a spring challenge at the Fine Signs Crazyman.

Established in 1991, the Crazyman is one of NZ's longest-running multisport events. Based around the icon outdoor elements of Wellington's Hutt City, this 13k kayak, 28k mountain bike and 13k trail run takes a scenic tour of the hills, beaches, harbour and river that makes the Hutt our region's outdoor wonderland. Attracting around 400 entrants yearly, you can tackle it solo or grab some workmates, family or friends for a great pre-Xmas team outing.

You’d be “crazy” not to… 

Ignite Potential: Become a Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wellington!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wellington is a transformative youth mentoring programme aimed at empowering young individuals aged 6 to 12 who have experienced adversity in their early years. By fostering positive, long-lasting relationships, they help in unlocking the potential in these young people, building their self-confidence and reshaping their futures through one-on-one, consistent mentorship – all free of charge.

Every week, mentors dedicate one hour for a year to make a substantial difference in a young person’s life. Currently, there’s a pressing need for male mentors in Lower Hutt, especially for young boys who are on the waiting list, eager for a guiding hand to help them navigate their interests and challenges.

If you have the passion and the time, consider being that beacon of light for them with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wellington!

Earthfest 2023

Geoscience Society NZ are organising an Earth science festival for the public, to be held at the Walter Nash Centre in Lower Hutt, on Saturday 11 November, from 9am - 3pm. The festival’s intent is to be an interactive showcase of a wide range of Earth science concepts and disciplines, to inspire interest and excitement about Earth processes, and enable people to build connections between Earth science and their everyday lives. In particular, the hope is to inspire excitement among tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau, as a way to promote STEM subjects and inspire future careers. The festival is a great opportunity for you to engage with the public about your work and promote careers in this space.

Participating in the festival is free as costs are being covered by sponsorship, and could take the form of an all-day exhibit and/or a scheduled demonstration sometime during the day. Anything that has that “wow” factor or is something that the public can interact with would be ideal!

Please feel free to get in touch with Jenny at GSNZ via email geoid@gsnz.org.nz if you would like further information.

Wellington Free Ambulance | Golf Day

The Wellington Free Ambulance is hosting their Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Royal Wellington Golf Club. It promises to be a day filled with friendly competition and fun, all for an excellent cause - keeping ambulance services free in Wellington. Exclusive hole sponsorship packages are available for $2,500, offering a range of benefits including naming rights, entry for a team of four, and more. To register your interest or to find out more about sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Dom below. Don't miss your chance to participate in this worthwhile event!

Member Offers

2degrees | Chamber Member Deal

Armourguard| Chamber Member Deal

Brendan Foot Supersite | Chamber Member Deal

Add an EV to your fleet from $99 per week!

There’s never been a better time to upgrade to an EV with 4 incredible value EV deals all under $200 per week from Hyundai.* Avoid rising fuel prices & drive away the IONIQ Series II EV from only $99 per week.* Or grab yourself a bargain on the 2022 or 2023 World Car of the Year – Hyundai IONIQ 5 or IONIQ 6 – or our most popular small SUV – Hyundai Kona EV, which is on run-out while stocks last.

Take your pick & save up to $7,015 Clean Car Rebate. Hurry, deals end 30 September 2023. Contact their Fleet Specialist, Gary, to see how he can help you with your fleet. *Ts&Cs apply

Friends & Family Promotion | Linda & Ray Wallace - Ray White

Nicole Rose | Make it Happen Package

Nicole Rose | Online Business Manager is excited to offer an exclusive deal for Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce members. With her Make it Happen package, you can save $200 and receive 20 hours of work for one whole month!!! This offer is specifically designed to help busy business owners and executives streamline their workload, smash out a project or get you through a busy patch! 

As a corporate project manager and executive assistant expert, Nicole understands the importance of time management and the challenges that come with managing high-level responsibilities. Don't miss out on an opportunity to work with a powerhouse who knows how to get things done. Send Nicole an email delegate@nicolerose.co.nz or give her a call on 022 031 2942 for further information.  

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:

Customised Pricing? Take advantage of a wide range of discounts across our extensive product range.
Business Solutions? From build and fit out through to maintenance and cleaning? our dedicated business team have got you covered.
Account Management Tools? Manage quotes, invoicing, and transactions via your online PowerPass account portal or PowerPass App.
Quick, Easy and Flexible Fulfilment? With 48 locations across the country, we offer convenient payment, pickup and delivery, or view our range online for click & collect or delivery.

For any questions or queries, please feel free to email us at orgs@bunnings.co.nz.

For More Offers:

EMPLOYMENT

Are You Hiring?

If you have a job suitable for a student, get in touch with our Education to Employment Coordinator Amanda Walters at amanda@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.