Hiring Employees for the upcoming season

Creating an employment agreement is an important step when hiring staff. It’s a legal requirement to have a written agreement for each person you employ — just a handshake, or other informal contract, is not enough.

A written agreement is also a great foundation for an employment relationship. Both you and your employee know where you stand. And if there is a disagreement, you both have rights and protection under the law.

This tool guides you through the steps to create an agreement for each of your employees. You can tailor your agreements to fit each role and the needs of your business. Learn more here.

IP Mātauranga Māori

Mātauranga Māori (most commonly translated as Māori knowledge) encompasses the body of knowledge originating from Māori ancestors. It includes the Māori world view and perspectives, as well as Māori creativity and cultural practices including Te Reo, the Māori language.

Intellectual property rights help ensure that Māori culture and traditional knowledge is recognised and respected. It also gives rights to benefit commercially while preventing exploitation or inappropriate use. Find out more here.

Too many tourists in New Zealand? The numbers tell a different story

Almost every day, our newspapers and news websites carry stories about tourists causing traffic problems and road accidents, or about freedom campers despoiling popular locations by using them as lavatories. One of the underlying messages is that the country is being overrun by visitors.

But is this really true? Visitor statistics for other countries of a similar population size to New Zealand suggest otherwise. And, indeed, they suggest that New Zealand really ought to be able to accommodate a lot more visitors. Read more here.

Ngai Tahu Tourism buys Queenstown's top helicopter business

Ngai Tahu Tourism, one of the country's biggest tourism operators, has bought Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters and plans to offer luxury services and scenic tours. 

Chief executive Quinton Hall said the helicopter business was an "ideal fit" for Ngai Tahu Tourism and would enhance its experiences in the region. Read more here.

New Zealand Business Number

The New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is a unique business identifier that will help reduce the time and energy businesses spend providing government the same information in different ways.

Right now every company registered in New Zealand has an NZBN – by the end of 2016 NZBNs will be allocated to other kinds of businesses including sole traders, charities and partnerships. Find out more here.

The Spring Fling, Central Hawke’s Bay
September & October

The Spring Fling is a series of 20 standout events that capture the essence of springtime in Central Hawke’s Bay. 

Kicking off with the iconic ‘Central Hawke’s Bay, The Festival’ – a four day hill top celebration of art, markets, food and wine – to events giving you a unique chance to experience history, homesteads, cycling, music, adventure, hunting, wine and dining.  The Spring Fling events span from Otane to Takapau, Tikokino to Porangahau, so come and experience the best Central Hawke’s Bay has to offer this Spring.

Check out all the events and book your tickets today at www.thespringfling.co.nz