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Kia Ora ,
In our ongoing efforts to serve our businesses and to shape our future initiatives, we're reaching out to ask for a moment of your time. The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, has launched the latest Business Confidence Survey, sponsored by Bronze Partner, Red Hot Business Coaching & Consulting. It’s a quick, 3-minute questionnaire designed to capture your insights and sentiments about the business landscape in our community.
Your feedback is crucial. It not only helps us understand the current climate but also informs our support strategies and advocacy efforts. This survey includes a few questions on behalf of our new Platinum Partner, ACC, and we’re eager to hear your thoughts.
Please share your valuable insights with us by completing the survey here. If there are any further topics you wish the Chamber to address, feel free to reach out to me directly at patrick@hvchamber.org.nz.
Thank you for your time and your ongoing support.
Friendly Reminder: Don't Miss Out on Our Member Exclusive Hot Cross Bun Giveaway!
As Easter continues to draw nearer, we want to remind our valued Chamber members about the exciting opportunity to win delicious Hot Cross Buns from Janus Bakkerij. If you haven't entered yet, there's still time!
We're delighted to gift 10 lucky members with packs of 6 mouth-watering Hot Cross Buns. For your chance to win, simply drop an email to Megan at megan@hvchamber.org.nz expressing your interest in joining the draw.
And if you're not yet a member of the Chamber but find the prospect of savouring these rich, spiced Easter treats enticing, joining us is easy. Reach out to Megan via email to sign up, and you could be enjoying the unique flavours of this Easter tradition. Don't let this exclusive giveaway hop away!
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
SH2 Lane Closures
From Sunday to Thursday (10th – 21st March), there will be utilities investigations happening along SH2.
Northbound lanes will be reduced to one lane overnight from 8pm to 5.30am, with temporary speed restrictions (50 km/h) in place.
Please take extra care when travelling through this area.
Plan your journey at journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
Site of Significance for Mana Whenua
North of the Melling Link Bridge and within the construction area of the Mills Street stopbank is Maraenuku Pā. The pā (settlement) is an area of cultural significance to Mana Whenua and was located in the vicinity of the electricity substation on Connolly Street.
It was established in the period prior to colonisation but was later demolished during the Battle of Boulcott in 1846. While no trace of the pā remains today, the mana associated with the area and the history of Maraenuku Pā does, and is something we can share with the people of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai – Lower Hutt.
Acknowledging Morris Love (Te Āti Awa, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāti Tama iwi of Taranaki) for providing the cultural history of the project area.
Mills Street Stopbank Upgrades
Are you wondering how the stopbank will be built? Check out this handy diagram below describing the process.
Whilst they can’t allow the public into the construction site for safety reasons, they will provide regular photo updates of our progress.
Remember, the Hutt River Trail and recreational area on the eastern side of the river are temporarily closed between Melling Link Bridge and Kennedy Good Bridge from now through to early October.
Please follow the diversion signs. You can still use the shared path on the western side of the river (connecting to Block Road), and the footpath on Connolly St.
National News
The following news is provided to keep our business leaders up to date.
Government lowering building cost
The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.
“Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is paid at $1.75 per $1,000 of building work value.
“Cabinet has agreed that from 1 July this year, all projects under $65,000 including GST will be exempt from paying the levy delivering a meaningful and welcomed savings for Kiwi families.
“Building costs are too high and have risen 41.3 per cent since 2019. Analysis shows it is around 50 per cent more expensive to build a standalone house in New Zealand than in Australia – this must change.
“This week Cabinet has agreed to an ambitious work programme in building and construction to reduce building costs, streamline the building consent system and make it easier to build.
Government agrees to restore interest deduction
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties.
“We are phasing back in the ability to deduct interest expenses from 1 April 2024 when all affected taxpayers will be able to claim 80 percent of their interest expenses and 100 percent from 1 April 2025 onwards.
“Landlords have been hit with a double whammy of rising mortgage interest rates and increasing interest deductibility limitations during a cost-of-living crisis. These costs are inevitably passed on to tenants, one of the reasons New Zealand has all time high rental costs.
“Competition helps keep prices affordable. Reducing supply reduces the number of options and drives up prices. Removing the ability for landlords to claim interest expenses made residential properties less attractive and reduced the pool of properties for tenants to choose from.
These changes are expected to be added to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill, which is currently before the select committee.
What are some of the challenges that face SMEs in today’s market?
Between pandemics, major weather events and high inflation levels, the past few years have shown business owners that they need to be prepared for volatility, disruption and change.
Automation has changed the way businesses can operate and the introduction of AI and machine learning are bringing both opportunities and challenges. Businesses must pay particular consideration to security, data management and ethical use of technology. Vigilance around cybersecurity is not new, but there’s no opportunity to be complacent, as cyber-attacks happen to businesses of any size in any industry.
SMEs also need to stay abreast of health and safety issues, employment laws and other compliance issues, which can prove challenging when you have a business to run every day.
Kiwi housing market policy update:
Over the weekend, the Government announced the hotly anticipated plan for reinstating interest deductibility. Currently, investors can only deduct interest expense if their property is a new build. But from next month (April 1) 80% of interest expense can be claimed, and then 100% may be claimed from April 1, 2025 onwards. The change will invite investors back into the market and is a key tailwind for house prices this year – one we have long-flagged. However, in the current climate, the housing market is unlikely to take off. For now, elevated interest rates and an expected deterioration of the labour market will continue to temper property demand to some extent. But once rate cuts come through, it’ll be a new chapter for the housing market.
ACC CoverPlus Extra (CPX) Policy Update
ACC will be renewing its CPX customer policies from 1 April 2024. Between March and April, existing CPX policy owners can review and update their details, switch their communications preference from post to email, and change their cover amount in MyACC for Business.
What is CPX?
If you’re injured and can’t work, CPX allows you to choose how much of your income you want covered and what you’ll receive in weekly compensation. This means that your levy invoices are predictable, and the amount you pay will stay the same regardless of your income.
CPX is the perfect cover option for people that are self-employed and non-PAYE shareholders whose income fluctuates each year, such as seasonal contractors, or those with no earnings history and want assurance around cover.
All injuries (both at work and outside of work) are covered under CPX and policy owners are entitled to independence allowance, lump sums, medical treatment and rehabilitation to support recovery.
Updating minimum and maximum levels of cover
This year ACC is increasing the minimum and maximum levels of cover. For customers on the minimum level of cover, ACC will automatically adjust their CPX policy to match the new level ($35,400). However, if a customer wants to increase their level of cover to reflect the new maximum ($113,826), they will need to apply on MyACC for Business before 22 March 2024.
Changes to CPX terms and conditions
ACC has updated their terms and conditions to make the termination process easier for CPX customers. Instead of re-applying for CPX when customers miss their due date, they will have 14 days to make payment before their CPX policy is terminated. You can find a copy of the CoverPlus Extra terms and conditions on the ACC website.
For more information on CPX and to find out if you’re eligible visit the ACC website. You can apply for CPX now on MyACC for Business.
Proud of our Port – Productivity is the best in NZ!
Our local port, CentrePort Limited, CentrePort Limited has ended the first half of the new financial year in a strong position. That’s something to be proud of for sure.
The Wellington port company has indicated an unaudited underlying profit of $6.7m for the first half of FY24, an increase of more than 50% on the same period for the last financial year. It has also increased revenue by 10.5% to $51.1m
CentrePort Board Chair Lachie Johnstone says this performance, which is ahead of expectations, is pleasing.
“It’s a good position for CentrePort to be in, demonstrating our continued focus on efficiency, asset utilisation, safety and having a customer-centric approach is paying off,” Johnstone says.
Key highlights for the six months ended 31 December 2023 include:
- Group Underlying Net Profit After Tax: $6.7m, up 56% from $4.3m
- Revenue: $51.1m, up 10.5%from $46.2m
- Interim dividend - $3.5m, $0.5m higher than the prior year
CentrePort Chief Executive Anthony Delaney was equally pleased with the result, but urged caution for the remainder of 2024.
“We are aware of the domestic and international pressures that we, and others, will face. This means there’s no room for complacency in how we conduct ourselves and how we look for solutions for our customers.”
He said CentrePort was clear on what it needed to do to manage or mitigate the expected headwinds.
“We’ve been through many recent challenges. Our approach continues to be to focus on what we can control – reducing waste, focusing on creating more efficiency, and ensuring we maintain the level of service we are applauded for by our customers.”
Cargo volumes are currently stable, which is good given the market outlook, but flat compared to the same period in the last financial year. This is something that the port sector is conscious of, particularly given the slowdown in the domestic and global economy and global trade disruptions through the Red Sea and Panama Canal.
For more information please contact:
Andree Kai Fong|Communications and Engagement Manager
Email: andree.kaifong@centreport.co.nz Mobile: 021 824 579
Reminder | Minimum Wage Increase
On and from 1 April 2024 the minimum wage increases from $22.70 (gross) per hour to $23.15 (gross) per hour.
The training and starting-out minimum wages will also both increase to $18.52 per hour, remaining at 80% of the adult minimum wage. This is a rise from the current minimum rate of $18.16 per hour.
Regional News
Representation Review| Hutt City Council
Join in the conversation of Representation Review. Have your say on whether or not you think the Upper Hutt City Council has enough councillors and if they should establish wards or community boards. Engagement is open until 5 April
Join the conversation below!
Satisfaction Survey 2024 | Hutt City Council
Time to have your say on Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai / Lower Hutt - what you like, what could be done better, and what you'd like to see.
This survey only takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
Plus, at the end of the survey you can enter a prize draw to win one of five 12-month combined Hutt City Council pool and gym memberships. These include access to all five Hutt City pool facilities, as well as the fitness suite facilities at Huia Pool+Fitness in Hutt Central and Stokes Valley Pool+Fitness.
Industrial Land Study survey
You’re invited to complete a survey about the future industrial land needs of our region. The survey is open until Tuesday 19 March 2024.
The Wellington Regional Leadership Committee (WRLC) is completing an industrial land study to determine how much industrial land will be needed to support the region’s growth into the future, where it needs to be, and what activities it needs to support. The study is being led by The Property Group (TPG).
The industrial land survey is targeted at business and business representatives who currently use (or may need it in the future), industrial land to support their operations. Your feedback will make a significant contribution to the WRLC’s understanding of current supply and future demand for industrial land in the Wellington – Wairarapa – Horowhenua region.
Who is the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee?
The WRLC is a union of the region’s councils, Iwi, and central government, formed to work together to shape the region’s future growth. The Committee is responsible for three key areas: regional growth, regional economic development and regional economic recovery.
Recent work completed by the WRLC forecasts a notable shortfall of 679ha of industrial land over the next 30 years. This is roughly the equivalent of double the area of Seaview / Gracefield / Moera in Lower Hutt.
The study and your contribution to this survey will help the Committee better understand the challenges and opportunities the region faces in being well-prepared to support a healthy economy and industries in the long-term.More information about the WRLC and TPG can be found here:
Wellington Regional Leadership Committee (wrlc.org.nz)
The Property Group | NZ's Trusted Property Consultants
How your feedback will be used.
All respondents’ feedback received through the survey will be treated anonymously. The WRLC will only ask for a contact email address so that you can be sent information about the study when it’s complete.
Your feedback will be used to ground truth desktop research and feedback already received from targeted sector workshops. Your feedback will help the WRLC identify future areas that might be suited to industrial land based on factors that respondents identify as being important to them (for example, proximity to freight networks and workforces), and key infrastructure investments needed to support industrial growth.
If you provide your email address in the survey, the final report on the industrial study will be made available to you.
Your feedback is valued and thank you in advance for your contribution to this study.
Please click this link to complete the survey by Tuesday 19 March 2024.
Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation News
Want a fully-funded Smart Factory Assessment? Apply now!
If you work in manufacturing, we recommend you spend the next 15 minutes applying for one of our fully-funded Smart Factory Assessments valued at $10,000 - but be quick as numbers are limited.
Smart Factory Assessments have been highly valued by manufacturing organisations like yours. They are the catalyst to manufacturing transformations allowing to strategically plan, starting, scale and sustain the right transformations for them.
These assessments come fully funded by Callaghan Innovation as part of their commitment to accelerate the uptake of Industry 4.0 technologies as part of their commitment to helping New Zealand manufacturers become more productive, agile, and efficient. I can’t recommend them enough.
Featured Events
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
Setting your Compass - Moving from Dreams to Practical Reality in 5 Step
When: Thurs, 14 March
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
A taste of The Alternative Board - hosted by Helen Down and Daryl Narai
When: Tues, 19 March
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
90-Day Trials - What they mean and how to use them
When: Wed, 20 March
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, 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
Business Numbers - Looking for Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities in your Data
When: Wed, 3 April
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Upper Hutt Libraries, 844 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
Long Term Plan Consultation Workshop | Hutt City Council
When: Wed, 10 April
Time: 8:00am - 9:00am
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Business Skills Lunch Series: Te Reo & Tikanga at Work
When: Wed, 10 April
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Embracing Change to Drive your Business Forward | WCBE
When: Wed, 10 April
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Upper Hutt Libraries, 844 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
Member News/Events
Former Minister Andrew Little Joins Gibson Sheat Lawyers as Consultant
Wellington, New Zealand: Former Leader of the Opposition and Cabinet Minister Andrew Little has transitioned from the halls of Parliament to the world of legal consultancy, joining Gibson Sheat Lawyers in Wellington from March 11, 2024.
Little, a prominent figure in New Zealand politics and law is known for his tenure as Minister of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Health. He brings a wealth of experience in employment law, public law, litigation, treaty work and navigating Government, further bolstering the firm's capabilities in these key areas.
"We are incredibly proud that Andrew chose to join our team," said Gibson Sheat CEO, Cameron Madgwick. "His extensive background in law, public service, and leadership will be invaluable to our firm and our clients. His insights into employment law, public law, and treaty issues will be especially beneficial as our clients continue to navigate these complex and ever-evolving legal landscapes."
Little echoed the sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm for this new chapter: "I am delighted to join Gibson Sheat and contribute my experience to their exceptional team. I look forward to collaborating with the Firm’s clients and guiding them to achieving successful outcomes."
Little's legal background, coupled with his experience in leading and negotiating complex matters at the national level, positions him as a valuable asset to the firm and its clients. This move marks a continuation of his commitment to service of those in need, albeit from a different perspective.
Gibson Sheat is confident that Andrew Little's addition will further strengthen their expertise in employment law, public law, litigation, treaty work and navigating Government.
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.
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.
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.
