Celebrating Academic Excellence

Last week, PKF Kendons had the pleasure of welcoming Jarrod from CAANZ to their office to present a special merit award to one of their own, Toby!

Merits are awarded to the top 5%, and Toby recently completed his final CA exam, placing in the top 7 in all of New Zealand—an incredible achievement!

Toby’s dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and it's definitely worth celebrating. Congratulations, Toby!

Your Invitation to the CGI NZ Conference

We're excited to invite you to the upcoming CGI NZ Conference, designed for those passionate about governance and leadership. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, engage in meaningful discussions, and network with peers.

Date: Thursday, 19 September 2024
Time: 8am - 6pm
Location: Auckland Hilton Hotel

Don't miss this chance to invest in your professional development and be inspired by leaders in the field.

Blossom Valley After Dark

The popular Blossom Valley After Dark experience will be back bigger and better again in 2024. Spend an evening wandering the trails through beautifully lit paths and gardens to see the blossoms in a whole new light!

With some great food and drink options available, picnic not only under the cherry blossoms, but the stars as well!

The University of Otago requests your participation in a survey on business plans

Your opinions and experiences will help banks and funding agencies understand the issues small businesses face when required to present a business plan for getting a loan or funding.

The survey is simple and anonymous, has no sensitive questions, and will not take more than 5 minutes to complete. Click on the link below.

Who is going to run your business when you can’t?  - ‘Have a hmmm'

ACC accepts around two million injury claims each year – many of which happen at work and have a big impact on the wellbeing of people in Aotearoa.

To reduce these numbers and keep people safe, ACC run the ‘Have a hmmm’ programme, the latest of which aims to encourage people to think before they do things, whether this is at work, home or playing sport, so they can avoid injuries and keep doing the things they love, or need, to do.

It also encourages Kiwis to think about how their own injuries could cause flow-on effects for friends, whānau, workmates and their wider community.

This approach has been taken because New Zealanders have told us they’re more likely to take steps to avoid injury if the potential injury has an impact on others. 

Ride Forever Campaign

The annual Motorcycle Awareness Month kicks off in September and signals the start of the peak motorcycle riding season. This is the time where over 50% of riders re-register their bikes and get back on the road after winter, so it’s a great opportunity for employers to remind their people, who commute to work by motorcycle, to stay safe on the roads.  

Motorcycle Awareness Month is all about celebrating getting back on the road safely and doing the thing all riders love - riding. But with more riders on the road, including commuters, the risks increase. 48% of deaths and serious injuries occur when riding in an urban environment.

If you’re a rider and getting ready for the new riding season, or wanting to make that ride to work safer, be sure to sign up to a Ride Forever course to hone your skills on your bike.

If you're an employer of riders, let them know about all the ways they can get ride-ready - so they can ride forever. Visit www.rideforever.co.nz

Boost your business with this AI offer!

FairAim-AI Team is excited to announce an extraordinary opportunity exclusively for the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce members. We’re bringing cutting-edge AI capabilities within reach of local SMEs in Lower and Upper Hutt.

Mouthwatering Discounts -  Get in Quick:

• First 3 Quick Movers: Enjoy a whopping 90% discount – Just $250 per report.
• Next 5 Visionaries: Avail of an 80% discount – Only $500 per report.
• Subsequent 7 Innovators: Still get a substantial 70% discount – $750 per report.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform your business with AI. It is a juicy offer that will not be repeated. Act now!

What's Outisde The Box Event

Join us for an insightful and resourceful event designed to guide you through the next steps after school:

• Opportunities and advice from transition, vocational, and funding hosts
• Information from service providers (e.g., education, legal services, Manawanui, and Work and Income)
• Information on sport, recreation, art, and dance
• Metlink bus to explore
• Café on site

Don’t miss out on this chance to gather valuable information and connect with experts who can help shape your future. See you there!

Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled are looking for assistance with their fundraising

"Are you a fundraising whizz?  Can you give up to 5 hours of your time every month?  Then we are looking for you."

Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled is looking for assistance with their Fundraising.  They already have a person who is dedicated to grant funding, but they need help with organising events such as film evenings, car boot sales, chocolates, raffles, etc.

Riding for the Disabled require a person who can work in a voluntary capacity, who has a strong skillset and background in fundraising, who can work to organise fundraising opportunities (with oversight of from the Centre Co-ordinator) and be the go-to person for fundraising initiatives and activity.

If this is you, please get in touch with Bronwyn on 527 8360 or at bronwyn@hvrda.org.nz

Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled are looking for assistance with their fundraising

"Are you a financial whizz?  Can you give up to 3 hours of your time every 6 weeks?  Then we are looking for you"

Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled are looking for a new Board member with financial experience to join their Governance Board.

They require a person who can work in a voluntary capacity, who has a strong skillset and background in financial literacy, and who can review their financials and prepare a report for the Board.

The Board meetings are every 6 weeks, so the review and reporting requirement is just prior to these meetings.  Time is not onerous, perhaps up to 3 hours every 6 weeks

If this is you, please get in touch with Bronwyn on 527 8360 or at bronwyn@hvrda.org.nz

Supporting Good Assessor Practice Webinar Series

On 15 August 2024, a successful series of webinars on Assessor Practice drew over 150 participants from various educational institutions.

Key takeaways from the sessions included the importance of meeting CMR requirements, pre-moderating resources, and providing clear, constructive feedback. The webinars aimed to enhance assessment practices and address common challenges faced by assessors.

Improving fairness and ease of doing business

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has announced a set of reforms aimed at modernising and simplifying New Zealand’s company law to foster a safer and more efficient business environment.

The Companies Act, unchanged for 30 years, will be updated to reflect modern business practices, such as share buybacks and reducing share capital without court approval. These reforms aim to streamline compliance, reduce red tape, and support business growth.

Find more information and see key changes by following the link below.

Leading the way in workforce development with outstanding support from education providers

Waihanga Ara Rau was highly commended by New Zealand education providers in a Verian survey. Ninety-one percent of providers praised the Council’s qualifications and standard-setting efforts.

The survey highlighted strong satisfaction, with 74% of providers content with interactions, and 79% and 74% respectively positive about the Assurance and Qualifications teams. Nearly half would recommend Waihanga Ara Rau to others.

Calls for tenants, landlords and homeowners to check their bathroom heaters

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) urges New Zealanders to check their bathrooms for the recalled S2068 Serene Bathroom Heater. Recalled in May 2024 due to a defect causing multiple fires, it's now illegal to use this model.

Despite efforts with suppliers, many heaters remain in use. MBIE has recorded 18 fire incidents linked to the S2068, including recent cases.

NZ construction sector faces sharp decline in work, confidence plummets

The 2024 Construction Industry Survey reveals a growing work shortage and declining confidence within New Zealand's civil construction sector. Businesses are facing challenges with government procurement and supply chain disruptions, leading to a cautious outlook on future growth and hiring.

Despite these obstacles, there is a rising focus on technology to enhance efficiency and secure contracts. Industry leaders are calling for clearer government project pipelines to restore confidence and stability.

ANZ Bank New Zealand Announces Rate Reductions

ANZ Bank New Zealand (ANZ NZ) is lowering its fixed home loan and term deposit rates following a recent 25-basis point cut to the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

• 1-Year Fixed Home Loan: 6.45% p.a. (down 40 basis points)
• 18-Month Fixed Home Loan: 5.99% p.a. (down 50 basis points)
• Term Deposits: Reduced by 10 to 40 basis points

ANZ hopes these reductions will ease financial pressure for homeowners and first-time buyers.

Why the Melling Interchange looks different to others in Lower Hutt

The Melling interchange design is tailored to the area's unique and complex environment, making a roundabout approach unsuitable. The new interchange will allow safe exits to and from Lower Hutt without crossing traffic lights in high-speed areas. It will replace the existing Melling and Tirohanga intersections with a grade-separated design.

While the interchange will have traffic lights to manage flow, there won't be any on the state highway itself. Additionally, the off-ramps will be longer and separated to prevent queuing on the highway.

New Avalon skatepark to open this summer

Construction of the new skatepark at Avalon Park is in progress and set to open this summer. The 1,300m² skatepark, designed with input from local skaters, will feature six zones catering to all skill levels, including a mini bowl, quarter pipes, a mini ramp, and more.

This new facility replaces the Melling skatepark, removed for the Melling Interchange project, and the older Avalon skatepark. Mana Whenua contributed cultural designs, including kōwhaiwhai patterns and pou, to honor the historical significance of the nearby Motutawa Pā. The park will also include a half-basketball court, park furniture, improved lighting, and CCTV for safety.

Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Work began on Monday, 19 August, to upgrade the biofilter air distribution system at the Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant. This key upgrade will enhance odour management and is expected to be completed by early November.

You may notice some increased odours during this time. We are actively managing the work, using an odour neutraliser, and monitoring odour levels on and off site.

We appreciate your patience as we make these important long-term improvements.

Road freight facing decarbonisation barriers, ministry report finds

New Zealand's road freight industry is committed to reducing emissions, with 89% of operators already taking action or open to doing so, according to a survey commissioned by the Ministry of Transport. However, overcoming regulatory and cost barriers will require support from both the government and freight customers.

Challenges include the high cost of electric and hydrogen trucks, extended recharging times, and lack of charging infrastructure. Transporting New Zealand advocates for updated vehicle rules, government grants, and customer willingness to pay a premium for lower-emission services to help the sector achieve meaningful emissions reductions.

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.

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!

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!

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

NZME | 50% discount off radio, digital, and print products for Chamber Members

Enjoy up to 50% off radio, digital, or print products in the Wellington market.

As part of this offer, NZME will provide a full business diagnostic session to tailor a campaign that meets your specific needs and delivers the results you’re looking for.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, contact Hannah Doile at hannah.doile@nzme.co.nz today and mention you are a member.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to boost your business with NZME’s top-tier advertising solutions!

Terms and conditions may apply. This offer is only available to new NZME clients.

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.

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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