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Kia Ora ,
Your voice, captured in the recent Business Confidence Survey, has been a guiding light for us at the Chamber, and it’s with your insights in mind that we bring you some heartening news.
We understand that stability is key in these fluctuating times, and to support this, we are holding firm on our membership fees. Yes, that’s right – no increases this year. It’s our way of saying thank you for your participation and ensuring that financial concerns don’t get in the way of what we can accomplish together.
So, what does holding our fees mean for you? It means more opportunities to connect with fellow businesses, access training that sharpens your competitive edge, and enjoy the collaboration that spurs innovation. It means that we’ll keep championing your interests, making sure your voice is heard in the corridors of power where decisions affecting us all are made. It means that the range of exclusive savings and visibility that comes with our Hutt Chamber App and membership remains at your fingertips, supporting your business growth without stretching your budget.
We're dedicated to nurturing a business environment that's as vibrant and resilient as the Hutt Valley itself.
If you're interested in these benefits and are considering becoming a member, we'd love to welcome you into our community where opportunities and support go hand in hand. Join us and let’s grow together.
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 Offers
Employment Opportunities
Change in delivery for Te Awa Kairangi will drive efficiencies
Hutt City Council will progress the delivery of components of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Te Awa Kairangi), formerly known as RiverLink, internally to ensure cohesion with other Council projects and minimise impact on ratepayers.
Delivery will be overseen by a specialist inhouse team which was set up in December 2023 to streamline infrastructure delivery across Lower Hutt.
Hutt City Council yesterday accepted a recommendation to enable procurement pathways for some components of Te Awa Kairangi. Council will deliver streetscapes, the Riverbank car park and local road improvements that form part of Te Awa Kairangi programme and will also work with Greater Wellington to progress the Riverbank Park.
"Hutt City Council has set up a dedicated inhouse delivery team to oversee major projects in our city and ensure they are being progressed with as little impact as possible on ratepayers. By taking a more hands-on approach to these aspects of Te Awa Kairangi we can work to provide a more cost-effective outcome," says Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry.
Governance and co-ordination of the overall project will continue to sit with Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi partnership between Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
The decision to bring aspects of the programme inhouse was the result of programme partners working to optimise the delivery strategy and considering alternative methods of delivery, in addition to the current Alliance model.
The Alliance will continue to deliver the more complex integrated aspects of the programme, such as the city link pedestrian bridge and the Melling Transport Improvements project which require the relocation of the train station.
"Te Awa Kairangi is an important project for Lower Hutt that will bring long-lasting benefits to our region. A programme of this size has a lot of moving parts and it makes sense for some aspects to be overseen inhouse to ensure greater affordability and oversight of this transformative project," says Mayor Barry.
"We will continue to work with our partners to provide a cohesive approach to the project and improve the resilience and liveability of our city."
Te Awa Kairangi is a transformational project that includes crucial flood protection and river restoration work, improvements to public transport, walking and cycling routes, local roads and the SH2 Melling Interchange, as well as urban revitalisation of the Lower Hutt city centre.
National News
The following news is provided to keep our business leaders up to date.
Reserve Bank appointments
Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.
Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital Strategic Advisors, replaces Peter Harris who retires from the MPC at the end of March.
Professor Gai, the Professor of Macroeconomics at the University of Auckland and Head of the Departments of Economics, Accounting & Finance, and Property, replaces Caroline Saunders who is retiring at the end of June.
Passage of major tax bill welcomed
The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.
“The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system fairer,” Nicola Willis says.
The bill, which passed its third reading today, restores interest deductibility for residential investment property, reduces the bright-line test for residential property to two years and removes depreciation deductions for commercial and industrial buildings that were reinstated by the previous government as part of the economic response to COVID-19.
The bill also provides for parents to receive government contributions to KiwiSaver contributions while they are on paid parental leave so long as they continue to make contributions themselves.
Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy.
Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater role in lifting New Zealand’s productivity and economic growth – and ultimately help all Kiwis get ahead.
Science and Technology Minister Judith Collins says improving the tertiary and science sectors is part of the Government's plan to rebuild the economy and get it working for all New Zealanders.
“The new Science System Advisory Group will help us explore the well-documented issues facing the science sector. There is a proven link between science and innovation and economic productivity, so it is critical the sector is operating efficiently,” Ms Collins says.
“We will bring about the changes needed to ensure the science and higher education systems are well-placed to deliver maximum benefit for the country.
Regional News
Business Continuity Planning Workshop | Upper Hutt
Could your Upper Hutt business be better prepared for a disruption?
Join Upper Hutt City Council for a free 90-minute business continuity planning workshop to create your own draft plan or update your existing plan.
Representation Review| Upper Hutt City Council
Upper Hutt City Council are undertaking a Representation Review, a mandatory process that must be carried out every six years. This review is crucial to ensure that all communities in our city are represented fairly and effectively.
Currently, the Upper Hutt community is represented by a mayor and ten councillors who are elected across the whole of Upper Hutt. There are no community boards.
This review will examine our representation model, considering the appropriate number of councillors and the establishment and structuring of any additional wards and community boards.
The review also focuses on evaluating governance structures, including options for wards and community boards.
This is the third stage of the review, following decisions by Council in 2023 to include at least one Māori ward and that the election will be conducted using the 'first past the post' system.
If you'd like to take part in the survey, click below:
Long Term Plan | Upper Hutt City Council
The Upper Hutt City Council has opened its Long Term Plan consultation, inviting community involvement. This year's consultation poses challenging questions, emphasising the importance of public participation. The Council seeks to collaborate with the community on these difficult decisions, urging submissions by 2 May.
Long Term Plan | Hutt City Council
Help Hutt City Council take the next steps with some important decisions for our future city.
The 10 Year Plan Public Consultation is now Open! 10 Year Plan 2024-2034 (huttcity.govt.nz) - also known as our Long Term Plan.
They want to hear what you think about the proposals we’ve made in this draft long term plan. Here you’ll find:
- More information about the four key issues we are consulting on
- Supporting information about asset management, infrastructure, finances and where we've already made savings
- Direct links to our feedback form – click through and have your say today!
They would like to hear from as many people as we can across our business community before consultation closes at 5 pm on Friday 3 May.
You’ll find more about our long term plan in some business FAQs and events where you can turn up to have your say. If you’d like a poster or any campaign materials for use in your staff rooms, in public facing areas in your offices or in your business let us know. You can also present your feedback direct to councillors at hearings on the 15, 16 and 17th of May.
All our neighbourhood hubs and libraries also have paper versions of both the consultation document and feedback forms. Our councillors will read all feedback before making final decisions.
Annual General Meeting Notice | Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce hereby gives notice of its 80th Annual General Meeting as follows:
Tuesday 21st May 2024
DSV House, Level 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
5.00 pm - Doors open
- 5.30 pm - Meeting starts
Networking opportunities before and after the meeting close. ALL MEMBERS WELCOME.
Further details to follow.
Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation News
Innovative Earthquake Safety Solution by Global Seismic Data
In Aotearoa, earthquakes are a part of our daily reality, and the safety of our buildings is a concern for everyone. Understanding this, the dedicated team at Global Seismic Data has made significant strides in earthquake preparedness with their cutting-edge Structural Health Monitoring System™ (SHMS).
Utilising their proprietary SeismicDataSensors™ (SDS), this system is a game-changer for building and homeowner safety. Installed within structures, these sensors actively record and analyse data during seismic events. This crucial information is then swiftly relayed to engineers for near-real-time evaluation, enabling them to assess a building's safety post-earthquake and determine the necessity for further inspections.
The benefits of the SHMS are multifaceted. It facilitates quick decisions regarding building occupancy, minimises the economic impact of business downtime, and prevents unwarranted evacuations. Moreover, it enhances decisions related to life safety, aids in coordinating emergency responses, and supports Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) compliance, reinforcing a culture of safety and preparedness.
Under the leadership of CEO Steven Mclauchlan, Global Seismic Data is not resting on its laurels. The company is persistently innovating, adding new features to their systems, and expanding their reach both domestically and internationally. This commitment not only showcases their dedication to technological advancement but also positions them as a beacon of innovation in earthquake safety.
For more information on their life-saving technology, visit Global Seismic Data.
Featured Events
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
Auspicious AI Master Class
When: Thurs, 11 April
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Streetwise Marketing to Maximise ROI
When: Thurs, 11 April
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Unleash Cash Flow Like Never Before: Join Our Free Masterclass!
When: Tues, 14 May
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
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:
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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.
