Kia Ora , 

Spring is here in the Hutt Valley, and it's not just the flowers that are getting a fresh start. Our local businesses are also feeling the new energy. Whether it's cafés in Petone adding seasonal items to their menus or shops in Upper Hutt putting out new spring collections, everyone's gearing up for a busy season. And it's not just about sales; community events are popping up all over the valley, designed to bring people and businesses together. So keep an eye out - there's plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Alongside the offerings from individual businesses, we're also seeing more collaboration than ever before. Networking events, small business seminars, and local markets are in the works to make this spring a season of both growth and community. As these opportunities arise, we'll be your go-to source for all the details. It's an exciting time to live and work in the Hutt Valley, and we're committed to keeping you updated every step of the way. Don't miss out - stay tuned for what promises to be a season filled with fresh prospects and vibrant local activity.

Don't forget to check out the special offers near the end of this newsletter. We've got some fresh new deals from both local and national businesses that you won't want to miss. Keep an eye out and take advantage of these opportunities to explore what the Hutt Valley has to offer this spring.

In this edition of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly:

• Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Delivering Riverlink) Updates

• National News

• New Member Welcome

• Featured Events

• Education to Employment

• Member News

• Member Offers

• Employment Opportunities

Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Presenting Riverlink) Building Construction - Area G

Greater Wellington Regional Council have invited responses to a two-stage procurement process (Registration of Interest and then a closed Request for Tender) to support the RiverLink project.

This procurement process is seeking to procure a suitably qualified commercial construction company to work alongside the Te Awa Kairangi demolition provider, to stabilise, demolish and reinstate the former Carpet Court building, then repair the external wall of the adjoining building in Rutherford Street, Lower Hutt.

The adjoining building must be able to maintain full trading and operations while the works are underway.

You will need to be able to demonstrate your track record in recent projects within commercial buildings, that required working alongside a tenant or business while they remained operational.

The timelines are tight for the project, and we would like to complete the works in 2023.

Details
Open Date :    Friday, 25 August 2023 - 5:00 PM
Close Date  :    Friday, 8 September 2023 - 10:00 AM 
 

Melling Train Line Update

If you are a Melling line passenger there will be changes to your commute from July 2024.

State Highway 2 at the Melling intersection will see major infrastructure changes as part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Te Awa Kairangi - Delivering RiverLink), previously known as RiverLink. This will include crucial flood protection work, the Melling transport improvements, and Hutt City Centre urban revitalisation.

As a result of this work, the Melling line will be closed for up to 18 months from July 2024.

Metlink Group Manager Samantha Gain says a suite of options is being considered to maintain the passengers’ access to public transport during construction and encourage active travel modes.

“The options include new and targeted bus services, free or discounted fares, and additional park and ride facilities at nearby stations,” Ms Gain says.

“The options will be chosen over the next 12 months and promoted by a robust communications campaign to optimise patronage. Metlink will monitor uptake during construction and remain agile if changes are needed.”

We will keep you informed with important information and dates, alongside an update on a suite of alternative public transport options for you.

Update for Demolition on Daly Street

The Hutt City Council is making strides in the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink) project, aimed at revitalising Lower Hutt with better flood protection and transport links. Buildings at 6, 7, and 10 Daly Street have been acquired for demolition, scheduled from September 12 to late November 2023, to make way for the project's next phases.

During demolition, residents can expect some noise and vibrations, restricted to weekdays between 7:30 am and 5:00 pm. Temporary traffic management and footpath closures on Daly Street will also be in place. For concerns or more information, contact Libby Nanai at McMahon Services NZ.

National News

Employment Law Update - Restraint of Trade

The Employment Relations (Restraint of Trade) Amendment Bill had its first reading on 26 July 2023 and is now open for submissions to the Select Committee.  Submissions on this Bill close on 18 September 2023.

Under the Bill, an employer will only be able to enforce a restraint of trade where the following apply:
•    The employee is paid at least THREE TIMES the minimum adult weekly rate (currently $905/week).
•    The employer pays the employee "reasonable compensation" for the restraint - and this must be at least half of the average weekly earnings of the employee for each week that the restraint applies.
•    The restraint is for six months or less (after which it will be unenforceable).
The Bill gives guidance on what a reasonable restraint of trade might be and how much an employer should compensate the employee for the restraint.

It is important to note that when challenged in Court, restraints of trade that are found to be unreasonable are often deemed to be unenforceable. The onus is on the employer to show the restraint is reasonable and necessary to protect the employer's proprietary interests.  In considering reasonableness an assessment will include:
•    The geographical area to which the restraint applies;
•    The length of time for which the restraint applies;
•    The type of work the employee does; and
•    The employee's remuneration
Where a restraint is "applied" in an employment agreement and there is no genuine reason, including no real compensation for that restraint, it is likely to be deemed unenforceable.  The Bill, if passed into law, may provide some certainty to employers, but will come at some cost.

For those who are interested, the bill can be accessed here

For advice and further information please contact 

Tony McKone
Director/Principal Consultant
McKone Consultancy
Email - tony@mckoneconsultancy.com
 

New Member Welcome

A Big Welcome to our Members who joined in August!

Welcome to our Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce community! We're delighted to introduce our newest members, bringing their unique services and perspectives to our thriving network:

Jungle Chief Ltd: Revolutionising pet care with software solutions for boarding, daycare, grooming, and more. Learn More

Embroidme Hutt Valley: Specializing in uniform solutions and promotional products with a commitment to friendly, on-time service. Learn More

Nicole Rose Online Business Manager: Offering powerhouse business support in project management and high-level administration. Learn More

Action Tyres: Providing a full range of tyres and wheels along with specialised services like fitting, wheel alignment, and puncture repairs. Learn More

Nini May Balloons: Delivering creative and inspiring balloon designs for various events in Lower Hutt and surrounding areas. Learn More

Linda & Ray Wallace Real Estate - Ray White: A dedicated duo with a strong record in community service, bringing their expertise to the Real Estate industry. Learn More

Willis Bond & Co Ltd: A leading property development and investment company with over thirty-five years of experience. Learn More

Our House Architectural: Offering end-to-end architectural services, from initial design to construction and council submissions. Learn More

Tier 1 Consulting: A comprehensive solution for Civil Construction needs, including Traffic Management, Directional Drilling, and Consulting. Learn More

E Knows Ltd: A community for business owners offering mentoring, training, and industry-specific events. Learn More

Featured Events

Women in Business | Empowering Mental Health: For you and your team

SERIES | Planning for your business future | Wellington Centre of Business Excellence

Additional Events

Education to Employment

Unlocking the Future of Cyber Security | Industry Visit to ZX Security

Our Education to Employment Coordinator, Amanda Walters, often teased by her kids for her tech challenges, was thrilled to join 10 Hutt Valley students on an eye-opening visit to ZX Security's cutting-edge Wellington office.

The day was packed with insights into the ever-evolving Cyber Security landscape.  CEO Sion Howard, whose own journey began with milk delivery and led to a tech empire, shared invaluable tips. He not only spoke about his unique career path but also recommended must-reads, essential websites, and provided a sneak peek into their rigorous interview process.

The students even got hands-on experience, trying their skills at penetration testing activities. A massive thank you to Sion for hosting us and enlightening the next generation on stepping into this dynamic field. 

Member News

New mass timber buildings offer flexibility for forward-thinking businesses

Following our recent articles outlining the new Blue Mountains Campus business hub in Upper Hutt, we are pleased to provide more detail on what’s on offer in the next major stage of the campus.

With Stage 1 of the campus complete, developer Willis Bond is now working on the next major stage, which comprises more than 10,000 square metres of flexible space across two highly resilient, sustainable mass timber buildings.

Each building offers 5,300 square metres of space which can be leased altogether, separately, or sub-divided, and is suitable for multiple commercial uses including workshops, offices, R&D, labs, tech spaces and more.

Designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, the buildings embrace the ethos of biophilic design, which aims to foster our instinct to connect with nature and other living beings. This is achieved through:

• expressing the timber structure throughout the interior;
• large windows that connect occupants to the green park-like exterior;
• maximising natural light using a central atrium and clerestory windows; and
•  creating inviting social spaces for people to meet and connect.

Highly sustainable, these buildings are targeting minimum 5 Green Star and 5 Star NABERSNZ ratings, and the carbon emissions for each are estimated to be 70-95% less than an equivalent steel-framed building. 

Willis Bond is seeking expressions of interest now from businesses that are interested in taking space in this next stage of the campus, which will be ready to occupy from 2026, subject to tenant commitment and availability.

Space ready now

For businesses looking for resilient new workspace now, 1,700 square metres of modern, 5 Green Star design-accredited office space with expansive views is available to lease immediately.

The two available 850 square metre floors can be leased altogether or as smaller spaces. Leasing packages can be customised to meet your needs and Upper Hutt City Council is offering a rates remission deal for tenants for 10 years (starting in 2023).

Business Pulse Survey

In an effort to get an insight into how businesses around New Zealand are responding to the current economic crisis, Synthesis Marketing is running a simple poll on LinkedIn.

We’d appreciate it if you could participate in the poll and share any thoughts you may have. You can also get an idea of how other businesses are responding to the slow economic conditions which may help you better understand and analyse your business’s situation and next steps.

Windy City Downwind | Wellington's Premier Waka-ama & Surfski Race | Sponsorship Appeal

Exciting sponsorship opportunities await for the Windy City Downwind race, a standout event in the annual Darcy Price Surf Ski competition. Now in its third year, this race is a hot favorite for its prime downwind conditions, and it's expected to draw 75-150 participants nationwide.

Sponsors can benefit from multiple avenues of brand exposure including feature spots in pre- and post-race videos, a minimum of 3 tagged social media posts, and a listing on the Kupe Canoe Club's event page.

They are seeking enthusiastic partners to help us promote the event and contribute to a seamless race experience. Read the full sponsorship pack here.

Dale Carnegie | Building Business Leadership – Online Learning

These 6 powerful interactive 90-minute workshops will help you check and confirm your business direction is set and locked on realistic goals, and give you tools and techniques to lead and bring the team with you as you develop your business. Sign up today!

The Business Plan Sprint | Online Business Bootcamp

Fancy the idea of creating a comprehensive Business Plan in 2 days?
It literally is a sprint. Over two days during a one-week period, participants will literally experience a business boot camp with the outcome of a business plan. It is a gamified approach to business planning and, importantly, educates on business while the app collects data throughout the game. The Business Plan Sprint utilises the unique app (bizezi) to collect data during the game to bring your personalised business plan to life.

The cost is $765 per person (Including GST).

Chamber Members receive a 20% discount code to use at checkout: CCREFERRED

Member Offers

2degrees | Chamber Member Deal

Brendan Foot Supersite | Chamber Member Deal

Add an EV to your fleet from $99 per week!

There’s never been a better time to upgrade to an EV with 4 incredible value EV deals all under $200 per week from Hyundai.* Avoid rising fuel prices & drive away the IONIQ Series II EV from only $99 per week.* Or grab yourself a bargain on the 2022 or 2023 World Car of the Year – Hyundai IONIQ 5 or IONIQ 6 – or our most popular small SUV – Hyundai Kona EV, which is on run-out while stocks last.

Take your pick & save up to $7,015 Clean Car Rebate. Hurry, deals end 30 September 2023. Contact their Fleet Specialist, Gary, to see how he can help you with your fleet. *Ts&Cs apply

Nicole Rose | Make it Happen Package

Nicole Rose | Online Business Manager is excited to offer an exclusive deal for Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce members. With her Make it Happen package, you can save $200 and receive 20 hours of work for one whole month!!! This offer is specifically designed to help busy business owners and executives streamline their workload, smash out a project or get you through a busy patch! 

As a corporate project manager and executive assistant expert, Nicole understands the importance of time management and the challenges that come with managing high-level responsibilities. Don't miss out on an opportunity to work with a powerhouse who knows how to get things done. Send Nicole an email delegate@nicolerose.co.nz or give her a call on 022 031 2942 for further information.  

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

For More Offers:

EMPLOYMENT

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 04 9399821.

Thank you to all our Partners

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