New Plumbing Gasfitting and Drainlaying Apprenticeship Model

A new Plumbing Gasfitting and Drainlaying (PGD) apprenticeship model will begin in January 2025. The new model will deliver more flexible training and a better learning environment for apprentices.  There will be a greater emphasis on workplace training and assessment, and apprentices will be required to obtain a ‘level of performance’ in the area in which they choose to specialise.

To update the PGD industry, the Waihanga Ara Rau Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Strategic Reference Group is hosting several free roadshows around the country in July to outline the new apprentice training.

If you cannot attend a roadshow but are keen to learn more, click the button below for a summary of the key information and downloadable resources.

Global Economic Insights and Trade Opportunities

In this week's global economic report from MFAT, we observe rising consumer confidence, significant international meetings, and key updates on trade and economic policies. Notably, the ANZ-Roy Morgan index has shown a positive trend, China's Communist Party continues its economic reforms, and New Zealand's involvement in international forums is on the rise.

Strengthening Indo-Pacific Relations: Key ASEAN Meetings in Laos

This week, high-level meetings in Laos highlighted the vital role ASEAN plays in maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed critical regional issues such as the situation in Myanmar, South China Sea tensions, and transnational crime. Bilateral talks were held with counterparts from multiple countries, and Peters also engaged with alumni of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme. The meetings underscored New Zealand’s commitment to collaborating with ASEAN countries on various initiatives. Read the full article for more details.

Trans-Tasman Finance and Climate Ministers to meet

Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will attend the second annual Australia-New Zealand 2+2 Climate and Finance Ministers’ meeting in Brisbane this week. This meeting will focus on integrating climate and economic policies, aiming to enhance collaboration on climate resilience and economic growth amidst global challenges.

Key topics include:

• Advancing low-emissions technologies,
• Sustainable finance,
• Green shipping, and
• Climate resilience in the Pacific.

The ministers will also engage with Australian business leaders and key organisations, including the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The delegation returns to New Zealand on July 31.

New Satellite Technology to Reduce Flight Disruptions and Boost Economic Efficiency

The Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN), a new satellite project launched by Land Information Minister Chris Penk, is set to revolutionise GPS accuracy in New Zealand.

This technology will improve GPS precision from 5-10 metres to under a metre, with some measurements as accurate as 10cm. The enhanced accuracy will notably reduce weather-related flight cancellations and delays, making air travel more reliable. Beyond aviation, SouthPAN will benefit sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and construction, potentially adding $864 million to New Zealand’s economy over 20 years. This joint project with Australia ensures enhanced resilience and safety in critical applications.

New Zealand and Indonesia Forge New Plan for Stronger Ties

New Zealand and Indonesia have just launched an ambitious Plan of Action for 2025-2029. This updated roadmap aims to deepen their partnership and significantly boost annual two-way trade to NZ$6 billion by 2029.

Key Highlights of the Plan:

• Enhanced Trade: The plan focuses on expanding trade cooperation, including efforts to grow halal markets.
• New Initiatives: A joint Working Holiday Scheme and increased education cooperation are on the horizon, strengthening people-to-people connections.
• Building on Success: The new plan replaces the 2020 agreement, setting a clear course for intensified collaboration.

Boost Your Business with Tech Boost

Tech Boost offers free consultations to help small businesses choose the right digital tools. Benefit from expert advice on tech upgrades and access discounted commercial-grade technology from brands like HP, Microsoft, and Apple.

What You Get:

• Personalised tech assessment and tailored upgrade recommendations.
• Comparison of brand options with exclusive discounts.
• No cost or obligation to purchase immediately.

How to Book: Simply click the link below to schedule your free consultation with a Noel Leeming expert.

Developed by Noel Leeming, Spark, Ricoh, and Google through the Digital Boost Alliance.

Property Focus

Economic data releases relating not only to the housing market but also the broader economy have been surprisingly weak over the past month or two. And that significantly raises the odds that the RBNZ has done enough to tame CPI inflation and can therefore start easing monetary conditions sooner than previously expected. We have brought forward our expectation for the first OCR cut to November (previously February), and would characterise risks as skewed to earlier than that, even.

But when it comes to what this might mean for the housing outlook, it’s important to remember the “why”. Rates are expected to drop earlier because the economy is weaker than expected. And given there’s still residual softness to flow through to the labour market, the subdued outlook for household incomes, job security, and accordingly, the appetite to borrow is likely to contain any near-term resurgence in house prices. Accordingly, we’ve downgraded our near-term house price forecast, and now expect a 1% contraction in prices over 2024 (previous: +1%). However, it’s largely a timing story insofar as the weaker starting point means more scope for a recovery over 2025 as mortgage rates drop. See the Property Focus section.

You can read more about this here in the ANZ New Zealand Property Focus, as well as an article on what you might expect if you were ‘Crossing the Tasman’

Upcoming Changes to Lower Hutt’s Alcohol Bylaws: Your Input Needed

Lower Hutt is considering changes to its alcohol bylaws and policies, and your feedback is crucial. Key proposals include:

• Increased Licensing Fees: Shifting to 100% cost recovery for alcohol licensing, which would save ratepayers $30,000-40,000 annually.
• Temporary Alcohol-Free Zones: Allowing the Chief Executive, with the Mayor and committee chairs, to impose temporary alcohol-free zones around specific events.
• Alcohol-Free Zone Locations: Reviewing and possibly adjusting existing alcohol-free zone locations.
• Off-License Caps and Hours: Reassessing limits on off-licenses in certain suburbs and trading hours.

Have Your Say: Public consultation is open from 26 July to 25 August. Your feedback will help shape the future of alcohol regulation in Lower Hutt.

New Trains for the Lower North Island: Funding Deal and Builders Short-listed

A new co-funding deal will see 18 state-of-the-art trains and upgraded infrastructure for the Wairarapa and Manawatū lines. This major investment will double peak-time services and replace outdated carriages with cutting-edge hybrid trains.

Highlights:

• Enhanced commuter connections to Wellington, Palmerston North, and Masterton.
• Alstom, CAF, and Stadler are competing to design and build the new trains.
• Future Vision: The new trains will debut in 2029, supported by improved rail infrastructure and a new maintenance depot in Masterton.

Seaview WWTP - Upcoming Maintenance

The Primary Sedimentation Tank #3 (PST3) will be gradually drained from 12:00 31^st July 2024 in preparation for cleaning  on Thursday 1^st August 2024. 

Please note there may be noticeable odour coming from the plant while these works are carried out. 

Mitigation measures undertaken include operation of the Odour Suppression System/Odour Blaster and monitoring will be undertaken on site.

Wastewater Discharge Notification - Seaview WWTP

Because of High rainfall within the catchment area at 12:05 on 30 July 2024 there has been a discharge of Fully treated wastewater at Waiwhetu Stream which may make the water appear cloudy or murky and/or have some odour.

Wellington Water recommends all recreational water users follow the advice of Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) <https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming>  which suggests staying out of the water for two to three days after heavy rain.

Brewtown Upper Hutt Presents "Brew Years Eve"

Brewtown Upper Hutt is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated New Year’s Eve event, “Brew Years Eve,” set for December 31st. This epic celebration promises a night of incredible live music, featuring headliners Sublime with Rome and The Black Seeds, cementing Upper Hutt as the region’s top live music destination.

The event boasts a stellar line-up, including NZ hip hop icons Home Brew, the one-man-band Andy Gartrell, and Brewtown favourites The Blueprint, who will keep the crowd energised with rock bangers. Attendees can look forward to contemporary Kiwi classics from The Black Seeds and timeless anthems from Sublime with Rome.

We encourage early ticket purchases to avoid missing out on this likely sell-out event.

Event Details:

• Date: December 31st
• Time: 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
• Location: Brewtown Upper Hutt, New Zealand
• Tickets: Available now at www.brewtown.co.nz/bye24

About Brewtown Upper Hutt: Brewtown Upper Hutt is New Zealand’s premier craft beer and entertainment destination, offering a unique experience with on-site breweries, a boutique distillery, diverse food options, and activities like go-karting, ice skating, bowling, axe throwing, mini-putt, and more.

Mexted Sports Turf | Delaney Drainage—Hutt City

Rugby, football and cricket players will all benefit from the installation of a new drainage system at Delaney Park in Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, which should see a quicker turnaround between winter and summer codes, even in wet spring conditions.

Tim Bargh, Hutt City’s Sportsgrounds Asset Manager, says “We wanted to start improving the field’s performance in winter because of closures over the last three to four years, and to get more usage out of it and increase the standards of play.”

Working for Hutt City Council, Mexteds surveyed the football and rugby #2 fields and the training areas and designed a drainage plan to tie in with the existing systems
and services. Todd Treweek, Mexteds’ Construction Supervisor, says despite good fall across the field, it was very uneven.

“We surveyed the field and used the laser guided equipment on our trencher, following the laser to grade to eliminate the dips and troughs.”

In all, Todd’s construction team installed 4,600 metres of primary lateral drains at five metre spacings using a Maletti trenching wheel, and a 300 metre collector drain around the perimeter. Tim Bargh says “It went really, well. We’re happy, and the
comms were good.”

Café Soleil opens their doors as a traditional tapas restaurant

Chamber Member Café Soleil has made an exciting transition to become Lower Hutt's only dedicated tapas restaurant! Known for their unwavering commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and allergy-friendly options, Café Soleil continues to cater to the entire family with a menu that boasts a delightful array of dishes perfect for sharing.

Whether you're gathering for a casual lunch or an evening meal, Café Soleil offers an inviting atmosphere and a menu designed to delight every palate. From traditional Spanish tapas to innovative creations, each dish is crafted to ensure a memorable dining experience.

Hours of Operation:

Dinner:

• Tuesday – Friday: 5pm – 9pm

Lunch:

• Friday – Sunday: 11am – 2pm

Join us at Café Soleil to enjoy a unique and flavourful dining experience right in the heart of Lower Hutt.

CONZTRUCT is heading to your area!

 If you’re a builder, tradie, or work in the construction industry, come along to New Zealand’s leading trade event to catch up with your mates, earn points, and hear about what’s new in the industry.

Some of the industry’s best brands will be showcasing their latest ranges, and there’ll be plenty of giveaways and demonstrations of the newest products to hit the market.

You'll get to meet with loads of people working on new projects, AND you can win a LDV T60 ute!

Where: Monday 19th August | 3:30pm-7pm

Location: Sky Stadium

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 | All-new 2024 Suzuki Swift with a petrol and mild hybrid engine.

Now Suzuki’s most fuel-efficient car – the new Swift smashed the factory fuel efficiency scores. The shape has been tweaked with a more modern interior, larger infotainment system, safety tech, and more colours to choose from. Suzuki Swifts are one of the most popular fleets cars and the 2024 model is available now from only $25,990 + ORC. It’s currently on display at Wellington airport.

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. 

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