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Kia Ora ,
I am not really liking this wild weather, and I am sorry to say we cannot do anything about it.
What the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce can do though is to continue to be focused on you, our local business community. We aim to provide valuable services that help businesses like yours thrive. From advocacy and representation, to networking events and business development programmes. Our mission is to support and empower your business and make our region vibrant.
We also host regular events to foster connections within our business community. These events are excellent opportunities to network, share insights, and collaborate on new initiatives. Keep an eye on our events calendar, and make sure to join us for the next gathering.
Our partners provide a great starting point to support your business. Here are just some of the areas our partners can support you and your business:
- Banking – BNZ - Award-winning products and services designed to help small businesses and start-ups get ahead of the game.
- Media and Entertainment – NZME – reaching millions of Kiwi’s every week
- Accounting - PFK Kendons - Accounting smarts to get your business booming, and your results speaking for themselves
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems – Pertronic – New Zealand's trusted manufacturer of advanced automatic fire detection and alarm systems
- Injury – ACC – providing cover for you, or your staff if there's an accidental injury at work
- Legal – Gibson Sheat Lawyers – supporting all of your legal needs
- Online & Distance Learning – Open Polytechnic - helping you and your staff gain the knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to the performance, productivity, and profitability of your business.
- Recruitment – Equip Recruitment - a recruiter that understands business & will be frank about what you can expect
- Trade and Logistics – 360 Logistics – a market leader in global freight forwarding
- Selling your Business – Link Business Brokers – Connecting business buyers and sellers for over 25 years.
- Marketing – Synthesis Marketing - combining marketing strategy, digital marketing, traditional marketing, and sales to create the business growth
- Financial Services & Investments – Forsyth Barr - help grow and manage your wealth
- Payroll – iPayroll - helping New Zealand businesses with cloud-based payroll services
- Emergency Solutions – Survive-It - leading specialists in the provision of Civil Defence emergency solutions
- Business Consulting & Coaching – Red Hot - specialises in coaching business owners to become better at the strategic and management side of things
Our partner Cossie Club Upper Hutt is always available to support you and your business to be entertained and relax.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate your business challenges alone. Reach out to us at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce for connections to businesses across our network that can support and advise you. We are always here to assist you in navigating these opportunities.
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
Utilities and Pavement Investigations
From Tuesday, 21st May to Wednesday, 29th May, utilities investigations will be happening at night on part of Ewen Bridge and Marsden Street between 7pm and 5am. The work will be undertaken in phases, so that the entire street is not impacted simultaneously. Traffic management will vary throughout the site area but will include stop/go controls and some detours, as well as reduced speed limits of 30km/h. The bus stop on Marsden Street (near 37) will be temporarily relocated to Bridge Street (near 41).
Progress and updates on other work locations can be followed via the button below.
Geotech Day Works | Riverbank Carpark
Over the course of the coming week, the entrance and exit into the Riverbank car park from Daly Street will be reduced to a single lane under traffic light control as geotechnical works are undertaken. The geotechnical equipment and traffic management controls will be in place 24 hours a day from Monday, 20th May (9am) through to Friday, 24th May.
The team is investigating the ground conditions in this location in preparation for future stopbanks. Works will only be undertaken during daytime hours (7am – 6pm) to minimise disruption to local residents.
Please take extra care when travelling through this area.
National News
The following news is provided to keep our business leaders up to date.
Nationwide Emergency Mobile Alert | NZ Civil Defence
The nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system is happening on Sunday, 26 May, between 6-7pm.
The alert will be broadcast from cell towers to about 5 million phones across NZ. As long as your phone is on, capable, and the software is up-to-date, you should receive the alert.
Emergency Mobile Alert is an extra channel that can help keep you safe in an emergency. It does not replace other alerting systems or the need to take action after natural warnings.
You should still be prepared for an emergency. If you feel your in danger, never wait for an official warning. Take immediate action.
Support for Disabled people in our sectors
On behalf of the Hanga-Aro-Rau Workforce Development Council, we are excited to share a new LinkedIn Live series of panel discussions. Join us next Wednesday, the 22nd of May, at 1 pm for our inaugural session:
Topic: The Economic & Social Impact of Empowering Disabled People in the Workforce
Explore the untapped economic and social benefits of empowering disabled individuals in the workforce. This discussion is especially relevant given the urgent need to fill thousands of jobs in various sectors over the next five years.
Doing Business in the EU
We're excited to share that a nationwide roadshow on 'Doing Business in the EU' with the EU Free Trade Agreement is coming to Wellington. This event, organised by Export NZ, is a great opportunity to learn about the benefits and opportunities of trading with the European Union.
Event Details: Thursday, 20th June, 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Restrictions on the naming of Food and Beverage Products
Some terms used to describe food, alcohol and other goods now have restrictions on their use. Find out what the changes mean for your business.
From 1 May 2024, there are restrictions on using certain terms in trade for some specific food and beverages.
These restrictions are due to the New Zealand-European Union free trade agreement, which protects 1,975 terms – known as “geographical indications” - in New Zealand.
Regional News
Northern Remutaka Bovine
TB control operation
From Monday 20th of May, OSPRI will start TB control work in the Northern Remutaka Ranges. This work is happening to control possum numbers, as they are our main carrier and spreader of bovine tuberculosis (TB) to livestock.
Please be aware of helicopters in the area, undertaking their first task; a ‘pre-feed’ which involves the release of tan coloured non-toxic cereal bait. In the coming days (no sooner than five) work will continue with the application of a green coloured toxic bait (1080).
They request you stay away while they’re working, and then follow the precautions on warning signs in the area.
For more information, see the link below:
Port Road Resurfacing Works | Hutt City Council
Resurfacing works will begin this Friday (24 May), from 25 Port Road to Barnes Street, and will finish Friday 31 May (weather dependant). Work on Friday 24 May will be from 9am to 5pm, and then move to 7am to 5pm for the remainder of the time.
This is phase 1 of works, with 8 stages altogether. Each phase is a different section of Port Road, with phase 2 starting after phase 1.
For phase 1, there is a one-way detour in place, with traffic heading North on Port Road to be diverted via Barnes Street and back on to Seaview Road. Traffic entering or exiting the businesses affected under phase 1 of works, will also follow the detour route. All traffic will run as normal after each shift of works.
Join us for CareerFest 2024!
CareerFest 2024 is an exciting event hosted by the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, bringing together businesses and over 14 schools from the Hutt Valley to explore dynamic career opportunities. This is your chance to engage directly with the next generation of talent, showcasing your business and industry innovations. Highlight your latest projects, connect with enthusiastic rangatahi, and even feature the women in your team within our dedicated Women in Trades section. Don’t miss out on this unique platform to shape the future workforce and elevate your business profile. Register your interest today and secure your stand at CareerFest 2024!
The Wellington Gold Awards
There's just one week left to submit your entries for the 2024 Wellington Gold Awards. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate your business achievements and gain well-deserved recognition.
Entering is quick and easy – simply answer up to 13 straightforward questions. Head over to www.goldawards.co.nz to fill out the 2024 entry forms. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 31st May.
Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation News
Opening Eyes and Inspiring Futures | Skills for Mahi
Manufacturing and engineering are key pillars of the business community in the Hutt Valley, playing a significant role in our work at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. However, many of our rangatahi remain unaware of the remarkable businesses and opportunities within our region, or the skills they need to thrive in their future careers.
That's where Skills for Mahi comes in. This initiative is all about equipping our young people with the skills required for the future of work and highlighting the diverse job opportunities available in our region. This programme is made possible through the generous support of J.P. Morgan and Mani Malaeulu from Empower Pacific.
A crucial aspect of Skills for Mahi is showcasing real-life skills and jobs through the eyes of those already in the workforce. Recently, we had the pleasure of taking a group of rangatahi to Resene. Four team members from Resene shared their experiences, demonstrating the importance of various skills in their roles and introducing the students to a wide range of jobs - from scientists and production workers to robotics specialists and forklift drivers.
The visit left a lasting impression on the students. Tanwen Siencyn, the Careers Advisor at Naenae College, reflected on the experience:
"The students asked so many questions, and it was so lovely for our students to see some of their whānau on shift yesterday. They were amazed by how many different pathways could come from what they thought originally was a 'paint shop'. They were also blown away by the size of the factory. They thought it was only a small building that they saw from the road."
The impact of Skills for Mahi is evident. Michael McInnarney from Resene shared his thoughts after the visit:
"A really nice, polite group of students, a credit to themselves, their families, and their school. A great initiative. I had no idea what I wanted to do as a fifth-former, so I'm really pleased to see these young adults take this development opportunity with both hands."
Thanks for your support, Michael, and to everyone involved in making Skills for Mahi a success. Together, we are opening eyes and inspiring futures in the Hutt Valley.
It Can Be Done! | NUENZ Limited
When we asked Troy Dougherty from Nuenz Limited about the most exciting thing they had accomplished, his answer was simple yet profound: "It can be done!!"
This response encapsulates the spirit of innovation, science, manufacturing, and the relentless hard work required to achieve something new. It’s about finding ways to achieve outcomes and proving that, even when others doubt, success is possible.
Nuenz Limited stands out as a beacon of innovation in the Hutt Valley. They are the only global supplier of silicon nitride fibers in commercial quantities. Yes, you read that correctly - the ONLY GLOBAL SUPPLIER. This groundbreaking achievement places them at the forefront of advanced material science, right here in our own backyard.
What sets Nuenz apart is their unique approach. They don’t just create products; they collaborate with customers and partners to develop new composites and coatings using advanced additives. Their composite laboratory is a hub of innovation where they trial these new materials to prove the technology. This hands-on, experimental approach ensures that they consistently deliver cutting-edge solutions that often surprise and delight their customers.
Troy Dougherty and his team at Nuenz have repeatedly demonstrated that the impossible is possible. Their work pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved and showcases the incredible potential within the Hutt Valley’s business community.
During our visit to Nuenz, we were struck by the passion and dedication of the team. Their innovative spirit was palpable, and their achievements serve as a testament to what can be accomplished with a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to excellence. As one of the team members showed us around, it was clear that they take great pride in their work and in the impact they are making globally.
Thank you, Troy Dougherty, for hosting us. To learn more about NUENZ and its inspiring story of innovation, visit their website below.
Featured Events
Adapting to the reality of business changes - building resilience for you and your business
When: Wed, 22 May
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Upper Hutt Libraries, 844 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
Navigating the Economic Currents: An Update from Kiwibank's Chief Economist
When: Thurs, 23 May
Time: 7:30am - 9:00am
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Team Building and Leadership | Wellington Centre of Business Excellence
When: Tues, 28 May
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Managing Projects Successfully | Business Skills Lunch Series
When: Tues, 4 June
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Emotional Culture Unveiled: Explore, Connect, and Thrive at Our Dynamic Lunchtime Workshop
When: Wed, 5 June
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Sustainable Solutions: Uncover, Plan, Act. Thinkstep ANZ
When: Wed, 5 June
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Breakfast with Rt Hon Chris Hipkins | Leader of the Opposition
When: Fri, 7 June
Time: 7:00am - 9:30am
Where: Silverstream Retreat, The Pillars, 3 Reynolds Bach Drive, Stokes Valley
Cost: Chamber members: $35.00 + GST, Non-Chamber members: $40.00 + GST
View Q-Space | Quality Flexible Workspace Located in the Heart of Hutt City
When: Wed, 12 June
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Where: Q Space, 134 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt
Business Systems that work so you don't have to
When: Mon, 17 June
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Digital Accessibility | Business Skills Lunch Series
When: Wed, 3 July
Time: 12:00pm - 61:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Lvl 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
Member News/Events
Unlocking the Power of Recruitment Agencies
In today's competitive job market, businesses often find themselves drowning in a sea of resumes, struggling to find the perfect candidate. Enter recruitment agencies, the superheroes of the hiring world! Whether you're a small startup or a large corporate, agencies can offer tailored solutions that align to your needs, from pinpointing the right skill set to ensuring a seamless cultural fit.
Picture this: you're swamped with your own workload yet tasked with hiring the perfect permanent addition to your team. Sounds overwhelming, right? We can’t labour this point enough. Recruitment agencies streamline the process, sparing you the headache of sifting through countless applications, screening resumes, conducting interviews, and checking references. With their robust procedures and attention to detail, they ensure no candidate is left feeling overlooked, creating a positive experience for both parties.
Recruitment agencies don't just stop at finding a match; they go above and beyond to build lasting relationships. By meeting candidates face-to-face and conducting thorough screenings, they bridge the gap between resume highlights and real-life skills and can read all the warning signs, saving you time and hassle in the long run. And while there may be fees associated with using a recruitment agency, the cost of hiring the wrong candidate can be much higher. Agencies can help reduce the risk of a bad hire by thoroughly vetting candidates before presenting them to the employer.
Celebrate Samoa Language Week: Raising Cultural Awareness in the Workplace
We are excited to share on behalf of our partners the celebration of Samoa Language Week 2024. This event, themed "Raising Cultural Awareness in the Workplace," will be held on Tuesday, May 28th, at the Pasifika Hub, 2 Dudley Street, Lower Hutt.
From 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, participants will enjoy cultural presentations, interactive activities, and a Pasifika lunch, all designed to promote the spirit of "Tautua i le alofa, manuia le lumana’i" (Serve in love for a blessed future). This event offers a unique opportunity to enhance cultural understanding and appreciation within the workplace.
Tickets are $70 per person, and spaces are limited. Don’t miss this chance to join in celebrating the rich traditions of Samoa. Scan the QR code on the poster to register today!
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
Current Job Availabilities
Real Estate Sales person - Professionals Redcoats Limited
Professionals Lower Hutt are on the lookout for new Salespeople to build on our world-class Real Estate team. We pride ourselves on being the organisation to provide you with the guidance, support and training to set up your own business, where you get to work for YOU! Reap the benefits of our experience, community standing and the lion's share of the housing market to begin your journey into a highly rewarding career.
If you believe you have the passion and drive to succeed, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at:
Email - aaron.johnson@redcoats.co.nz
Phone - 027 700 3288
Full time Printer Apprentice - Label & Litho
Label and Litho is currently seeking a Full Time Printer Apprentice. This role involves setting up and operating printing machines that apply text and images to various materials, including paper, card, carton, plastics, and metal. If you have a student that is interested in a hands-on learning experience in the printing industry and have a passion for working with technology to create tangible products, this apprenticeship could be their perfect career opportunity.
Email your interest to our Education to Employment Advisor - Hera at hera@hvchamber.org.nz
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.
