Kia Ora , 

I read an article this week that said, ‘Too large a part of New Zealand’s economy is based on low-wage, low-productivity industries’. The article went on to suggest that ‘we have a growing high productivity, high-tech industry sector that has the potential to become a cornerstone of a higher productivity economy’.

This made me think about us here in the Hutt Valley. Are we mostly low-wage and slow-growth, or are we part of that promising high-growth picture?

I would like to think that the Hutt Valley is part of that promising high-growth picture, but we probably have some work to do to realise that reality fully. Considering the tech, research, and valuable goods produced by our fantastic local businesses, I'm confident we're a big part of New Zealand's high-growth economy. Hutt Valley has plenty to be proud of and lots to look forward to, including:

• 400% more scientists and researchers than anywhere else in Aotearoa
• A high-value manufacturing and technology-driven business community delivering around $1.5b to our local economy
• Amazing food manufacturers that deliver over $150m to our local economy
• Investment in infrastructure and construction projects across the region in excess of $2.7b over the next ten years
• Innovation and new ideas that are world-leading

Yes, times are tough with over 85% of businesses expecting the cost of doing business to be more expensive, but there is also a lot to be excited about for the future of the Hutt Valley.

You can come and hear about some of the Hutt Valley's world-leading work to develop electric engines for Air New Zealand and Airbus, a new environmentally friendly woollen building product being developed right here in our region, and a business that enables innovation at our next BNZ Technology and Innovation Series event. Their stories will inspire you for sure.

When: Thursday 27 July 
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: BNZ Partners Centre, Lower Hutt.

In this edition of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly:

• Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi / RiverLink Updates

• Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Delivering Riverlink) | Update

• Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Delivering RiverLink) | Market Briefing

• Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One | Project update | July 2023

• Progress on Te Ara Tupua

• Dry run for coastal defenses

• Rail digital shield innovation keeps safety on track

• Regional Updates

• Upper Hutt City Council's Annual Plan 2023-2024

• We’re thinking Long Term, Lower Hutt!

• National Updates

• Economic Briefing: Fiji | 27 July 2023

• Featured Events

• Digital Workshop | Success in Social Marketing Upper Hutt | Synthesis Marketing

• BNZ Technology & Innovation Series | Wool, Aircraft, & Measurement

• Plus many more

• Member News

• Gibson Sheat | Free Webinar: Your Future Your Finances

• Forsyth Barr | Pulse of NZ Business Survey

• Member Offers

• Bunnings Trade | PowerPass Member Deal

• NZME | Grow Your Business With Us

• Save up to $2,000 on Mitsubishi Triton

• Z Business | 12c OFF EVERY LITRE, LET’S DO BUSINESS

• Employment Opportunities

• Labourer with the Sports Turf Construction Team |Mexted Sports Turf

• Are You Hiring?

Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Delivering Riverlink) | Update

Join us for an update on the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Delivering Riverlink) project from the Project Director and the wider project team. 

This session will introduce the business community to some of the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi project Alliance team, understand the opportunities and challenges the project will present for local businesses, and provide a forum for any questions you might have.

Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi is a transformational project including:

Crucial flood protection work, Hutt City Centre urban revitalisation, and Melling transport improvements. 
Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi will make Lower Hutt more resilient, connected, and vibrant.
Refreshments will be provided.

Event Information

WHEN | Wednesday, 26 July 2023
TIME | 8:00am - 9:00am
WHERE | Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
COST | This is a free session

 Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Delivering RiverLink) | Market Briefing

Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi is a significant, multi-year alliance between Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Hutt City Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, AECOM and Fletcher Construction. The purpose of project is to transform Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt by providing better flood protection, enabling urban growth and improving transport safety and connections in the central city and around the Melling Interchange.

One of the Alliances key objectives is to develop a Healthy and Sustainable Supplier Market. To achieve this, the Alliance would like to invite organisations to attend an online briefing, and subsequently submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for any scope of work they are interested in providing.

Te Awa Kairangi Alliance will need subcontractors, subconsultants and suppliers support for the scope elements outlined in the table of the attached document.

Date: Thursday 27 July 2023

Time: 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

Please register your interest before 12pm 27 th July. The briefing will be held via MS Teams. Please note, the briefing invite is limited to a maximum of two representatives per organisation.

On Friday 28 July 2023, we will open the Registration of Interest process. Following the ROI, we will engage with organisations to participate in the project pricing phases.

Any queries, please email procurement@teawakairangi.co.nz

Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One | Project update | July 2023

Progress on Te Ara Tupua

The team is diligently progressing on the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section of Te Ara Tupua. They have embarked on constructing the first coastal sections of the project, advancing north from Ngā Ūranga and south from Pito-One.

Remarkable progress is also being made on the temporary wharves, facilitating the onset of construction from the water. This development might be visible to those commuting along State Highway 2 or to passengers on the trains.

In Honiana Te Puni Reserve, a fresh segment of the walking and cycling path is in the works and set to open soon. This addition will enhance the ease of navigation around the area during the ongoing construction.

Dry run for coastal defenses

The project has welcomed the arrival of the first Xbloc armour units. These specialized blocks, designed to line the shoreline, promise a robust defence for the new walking and cycling path, as well as the rail and highway corridor.

The initial batch of 30 units has been engaged in a land-based "dry run" at the project yard in Pito-One. This exercise allows the team to accumulate invaluable knowledge and expertise in handling and positioning the blocks, as illustrated in the photos and drone footage.

Designed by the Dutch company Delta Marine Consultants (DMC), these specialised concrete blocks have been employed in projects worldwide. They interlock to form a formidable "armor", bestowing a resilient coastal edge.

In the weeks ahead, as the Te Ara Tupua Alliance commences work on the first coastal sections of the project, these blocks will start dotting the coastline in the project area.

Rail digital shield innovation keeps safety on track

This project involves the challenge of working in a complex environment featuring a coastline, an active rail track, and limited intervening space while accommodating thousands of daily commuters travelling into the city.

Executing construction in proximity to a live rail corridor inherently poses risks. However, an engaging discussion with our partner KiwiRail revealed an innovative digital engineering solution out of Wellington - the 'Digital Shield.'

The Digital Shield allows teams to continue construction work adjacent to the rail corridor, even while trains and passengers traverse it. This ensures productivity isn't compromised, safety is maintained, and line closures don't inconvenience commuters.

The Digital Shield operates like a force field. It utilises a laser scanner to create a virtual twin of the physical environment, compiling millions of data points to construct a 3D digital model. This digital file is then transferred to a GPS-linked computer onboard the excavator.

Thanks to GPS location technology, the shield averts machinery like excavators from approaching too closely to real-world hazards, safeguarding drivers from overhead power lines and tracks. If any part of the excavator nears the train too closely, the controls automatically lock.

Regional Updates

Upper Hutt City Council's Annual Plan 2023-2024

Upper Hutt City Council have adopted their Annual Plan for the 2023/2024 year. 

Some key pillars that are reflected in the plan include:
•    TŪĀPAPA Infrastructure - We have reliable and efficient networks and infrastructure that support our city. 
•    ŌHANGA Economy - We’re a city of opportunity. We attract new investment and offer opportunities for people and businesses to prosper. Our city centre is alive, attractive, and vibrant.
•    TAIAO Environment - We’re immersed in natural beauty. We care for and protect our river, our stunning parks, and our natural environment.
•    PAPŌRI ME TE AHUREA Social and cultural - We celebrate our whānau, heritage, and culture. We’re a caring, safe, and healthy community
 

We’re thinking Long Term, Lower Hutt!

We’ve done some early thinking about what the next Long Term Plan (LTP) should cover, and we need your help to know if we’re on the right track.

The LTP sets out our priorities for the next 10 years, including what we will do, how much it will cost and how we will fund it. Our current LTP focuses on getting the basics right - with significant investments in infrastructure, in transport and Three Waters and we’ve made good progress in these areas.

We’re upgrading our drinking, sewage and storm water network, building resilience into our transport network, making progress on the new Naenae Pool and Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi is underway, delivering RiverLink.

"We are facing a number of economic and climate change challenges. We’ll adapt to them in partnership with our community, while also prioritising getting the basics right," Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says.

"This means for our next LTP we’re building on the foundations of our current priorities and reshaping them to meet our needs over the coming decade."

"We are keeping climate change at the forefront of our thinking as we enable warm, dry secure housing in vibrant neighbourhoods with easy access to green spaces and community places."

"Lower Hutt is our city, and we want to know whether you think we are prioritising the right things for our community.

"I strongly encourage everyone to have their say so we can keep working to make Lower Hutt the best place in New Zealand to grow up, raise a family and thrive."

Your feedback from this survey will help ensure our direction is on the right track.

Click HERE to take part.

This survey opens today: 17 July, and closes on 30 July.

Full consultation will begin in 2024.

You can find the current Long Term Plan HERE. 

As we weave together new strands into our rope, we lengthen and strengthen the essence within. Kia kōmiroa, kia whiria ngā weu kia ū, kia roa, kia pītongatonga ai te taura.

National Updates

Economic Briefing: Fiji | 27 July 2023

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, in partnership with ANZ Bank and the Pacific Exporters Network, is pleased to invite you to a discussion on the economic situation and outlook for Fiji as well as the ongoing trade and supply issues facing Fiji, New Zealand and the broader South Pacific Region.

Fiji is New Zealand’s largest trade and economic partner for Aotearoa New Zealand in the Pacific region – a two-way trade relationship worth over $1 billion per year. 

After a major economic impact from the COVID pandemic and multiple cyclones in 2020/21, Fiji recorded extremely strong economic growth since reopening its border to international tourism on 1 December 2021.  The economy grew by more than 18 percent in 2022 and is forecast to grow even further in the coming years.   At its general election in December 2022, the country also delivered a historic change of government - the first in 16 years.  And on 30 June 2023, Finance Minister Biman Prasad handed down the new coalition government’s first national budget. 

We are delighted to welcome Rabih Yazbek, ANZ’s Country Head for Fiji; and Gareth Coleman, ANZ’s Head of Trade and Supply Chain for New Zealand and Pacific for a discussion on the state and outlook for the Fiji economy and supply chain dynamics across the South Pacific region.

This briefing will be of interest to all New Zealand, Australian and Pacific businesses operating in, or interested in, the Fiji market.

When: Thursday 27 July 2023, 11:00am (NZT & FJT)
Where: Location – Virtual (Zoom)
How: Register – Economic Update - Fiji

Participation in the event is free, but you must register to attend.

Featured Events

Member News

Gibson Sheat | Free Webinar: Your Future Your Finances

Sign up for a FREE webinar happening on Thursday, 20th July at 12:30pm.

This is a great opportunity to listen to legal experts, Aimee McGowan and Léa van Barneveld, and financial advisor Rox Carlsen from RIVAL Wealth, as they share insights on:

• Smart ways to manage cash and debt 
• Helping young adults move out and be financially independent 
• The 'Bank of Mum & Dad' - what you should know legally when helping your child with a deposit 
• The legal way to buy a house with family or friends 
• Other legal matters to keep in mind, like protecting your assets and planning for your financial future

Who should join this webinar?
• Parents of young adults 
• Young adults wanting to be financially independent 
• Anyone interested in investing and learning how to legally protect your assets

Forsyth Barr | Pulse of NZ Business Survey

The business environment is ever changing. Most data covering the economic cycle is historic. At Forsyth Barr we’re always curious as to key economic drivers and the influence they have on the business community. Reliable and timely data is critical to our approach to investing. As a result we are conduct the second iteration of our Forsyth Barr's Pulse of NZ Business Survey, which we'd love you to participate in using the link below. It’s a simple survey that should take no more than three minutes of your time. We intend to undertake the survey on an ongoing basis to monitor the business pulse of New Zealand by posing a number of critical questions directed at the business that you work for, or are primarily connected to either as an owner, director, employee, contractor or have some other relationship with. 

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FBPulseSurveyJul23

We intend to publish the key results from the survey in a future research report, which we will send to you when its released. You can also get access to instant results from the survey once you complete it. Survey responses will be anonymous. 

As a modest incentive to undertake the survey after completing it you will have the chance to win one of two magnums of the delightful Craggy Range Sophia.

We appreciate your interest in our survey. 

Member Offers

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:

Customised Pricing? Take advantage of a wide range of discounts across our extensive product range.
Business Solutions? From build and fit out through to maintenance and cleaning? our dedicated business team have got you covered
Account Management Tools? Manage quotes, invoicing, and transactions via your online PowerPass account portal or PowerPass App
Quick, Easy and Flexible Fulfilment? With 48 locations across the country, we offer convenient payment, pickup and delivery, or view our range online for click & collect or delivery

For any questions or queries, please feel free to email us at orgs@bunnings.co.nz

NZME | Grow Your Business With Us

Lets talk about how we can promote your business across our trusted radio & digital brands. Whether it's audio commercials or digital ads, this deal is a great way to explore NZME's reach and engaged audiences. Please contact Hannah Doile hannah.doile@nzme.co.nz today for strategic advertising solutions or mention the above deal to kick start your next media campaign!

Save up to $2,000 on Mitsubishi Triton

You could be driving away one of NZ’s most popular workhorses, the mighty Mitsubishi Triton, from only $39,990 + ORC + CCF. If you’re thinking of upgrading your ute or need to expand your fleet, now’s the time to get the best price across the Triton range with the Mitsubishi Beast Runout. Ask Gary Calcott, Fleet Specialist, at Brendan Foot Supersite for more info. View and test drive the Triton range at Railway Ave, Lower Hutt – open every day. 

Z Business | 12c OFF EVERY LITRE, LET’S DO BUSINESS

Want a fuel partner that backs NZ business by driving value at the pump? Get 12c off every litre for three months with Z Business*. Sign up, fuel up and save big at Z, Caltex and Challenge. Vroom! 

Sign up now for Z Business using promo code CHAMBERCEN apply.z.co.nz

Already have a Z Business fuel card?
Just stop by and use your Z Business fuel card to get 12c off every litre until Sunday 8 October! 

* Sign up for a Z Business account using promo code CHAMBERCEN by Sunday 3, September 2023. The 12 cents per litre discount will be applied to all fuel grades purchased using your Z Business fuel card from Z, Caltex or Challenge service stations and truck stops for 3 months after the date of account opening. Terms and conditions apply. See z.co.nz/business12

EMPLOYMENT

Labourer with the Sports Turf Construction Team |Mexted Sports Turf

This team works at council parks, the stadium, Basin Reserve and other venues, building, draining and renovating sports fields. Position available for someone who’d like to get into the Sports Turf Construction industry.

Initially, it would be as part of the team, providing support with general labouring and quickly moving on to operating dumpers and diggers.

They would be supported to achieve their Class 2 licence when possible, and then they’d also be driving small trucks, moving plant and equipment etc. Over time this could lead to a sports turf operator role driving tractors etc.

If you are interested, contact Shane at: shane@mexteds.co.nz or to find out more, call 027 442 0084.

Are You Hiring?

If you have a job suitable for a student get in touch with our Education to Employment Coordinator Amanda Walters at  amanda@hvchamber.org.nz or call 049399821.

Thank you to all our Partners

As always, special thanks to all our Members and Partners for your ongoing support.