Expand Globally with NZTE

NZTE helps Kiwi exporters succeed globally by offering market research, business development, and international network access. If you're already exporting, sign up and book an appointment with a New Zealand-based Customer Advisor for tailored advice and support.

Check out myNZTE, a free online portal for New Zealand exporters by NZTE. It provides curated, in-depth information and guidance to support your export journey.

Oxted Looking for a Casual Warehouse Worker

A friendly, family-owned business in Petone, Oxted is looking for a casual warehouse worker to assist during their busiest season from late October to the end of November. The role involves storing materials, picking, packing, and completing orders. The ideal candidate will have a good level of physical fitness, a keen eye for detail, and strong time management skills. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, with approximately 20-30 hours of work per week.

If you’re interested in joining the team, contact Diane Goffe at 04 568 9883 (ext 3).

Juicy Fest Coming to Hutt Park – January 2025

Juicy Fest, a one-day RnB concert, will take place on Friday, January 10th, 2025, at Hutt Park, Seaview, with up to 10,000 attendees expected. To minimize the impact on the local community, festival organizers will implement security, waste management, traffic, and noise control plans. Music will run from 1pm to 10:30pm, with soundchecks earlier in the day. Road closures on Parkside Road, Hutt Park Road, and Seaview Road will be in effect from 8pm to midnight.

The Deadline for Feedback is Wednesday 9 October 2024

ACC is seeking feedback on proposed changes to its levy rates and system, which may impact businesses. Your input will help shape recommendations for the Minister for ACC.

Consultation is open on two main areas:

• Changes to levy rates
• Adjustments to incentives and levy payer groupings

Share your views by Wednesday, 9 October 2024 at shapeyouracc.co.nz. After the deadline, ACC will review feedback and make recommendations to the Government, with new levy rates set to take effect next year.

Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled has been chosen to be a part of Z Good in the Hood!

Z Energy is once again sharing $1 million with local community groups across the country, and you get to have a say in where the money goes!

Head to the Z service station in Trentham and vote for our member; the Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled, to show your support for their cause!

Every vote helps them continue to provide therapeutic horse-riding experiences that improve the health, wellbeing, and confidence of people with disabilities.

Elevate your year-end conference
with a high-performance experience!

Official training base of the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Hurricanes, and more, NZCIS offers a high-performance environment for your next conference. Set on 18 hectares of park-like grounds, it's the ideal escape from the city.

For a limited time, we're offering a full-day package at $120 per person (min 20, max 80 guests), along with:

• Morning & afternoon tea, coffee station, and cooked buffet lunch
• A tour of our Performance Institute
• Venue hire from 8am-6pm, 6 monitors, breakout rooms, and more

Limited availability in 2024. Contact us today to book your spot!

Strap in for Super Thursday!

This week features several key central bank decisions and data releases:

New Zealand: The June quarter GDP report is set for Thursday, with a contraction of 0.3% expected, following a 0.2% increase in Q1. Weak retail sales and construction are likely to drive the decline.

US: The Federal Reserve is anticipated to cut the fed funds rate, with a 25bps reduction being the most probable outcome. However, a larger 50bps cut could be on the table if labor market conditions worsen. The Fed will also release updated economic projections and a new dot plot.

UK: The Bank of England is expected to maintain current rates, following an August cut. However, persistent services inflation and upcoming inflation data might influence their cautious stance.

Japan: The Bank of Japan is likely to keep rates unchanged but may hint at future hikes due to strong wage growth and inflation risks. Inflation data due before the policy meeting will provide further insights.

Australia: Employment data for August is expected to show modest growth of 25k jobs, keeping the unemployment rate stable at 4.2% amidst rising labor supply from immigration.

Endeavour Fund Boosts Economic Growth with $236 Million Investment

New Zealand’s Endeavour Fund is investing over $236 million into 72 new projects aimed at addressing challenges, developing technology, and supporting communities. This funding round, focused on economic growth and commercial outputs, will support ambitious research and innovation over the next five years.

Projects include:

• Victoria University of Wellington's work on making supercomputers and quantum computers more energy-efficient.
• NIWA-led research on controlling the invasive gold clam, which affects water infrastructure and native species.

For more details and a full list of funded projects, visit:

• Currently Funded Smart Ideas
• Currently Funded Research Programmes

FamilyBoost Childcare Payment Registrations Now Open

Low-to-middle-income families with young children can now register for the new FamilyBoost payment, designed to help with early childhood education (ECE) costs.

Introduced as part of the Government’s tax relief plan, FamilyBoost will support over 100,000 families, making childcare more affordable. Eligible families earning up to $180,000 can claim up to 25% of weekly childcare fees, with a maximum of $975 every three months.

Registrations are open via Inland Revenue’s myIR system, with claims for fees from 1 July to 30 September 2024 starting on 1 October.

Increased Certainty for Contractors

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has announced upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act aimed at providing greater clarity for contractors and businesses. The new gateway test will help determine if a worker is classified as a contractor or an employee based on specific criteria:

• A written agreement designating the worker as an independent contractor.
• The worker’s freedom to work for other businesses.
• No requirement for specific work hours or availability, or the ability to sub-contract work.
• No penalties for declining additional tasks.

These changes, part of the Government’s Quarter 3 Action Plan, aim to reduce business uncertainty and enhance contracting arrangements. The Employment Relations Amendment Bill, expected in 2025, will formalise these updates, benefiting businesses and workers across New Zealand’s gig economy.

Low Hydro Levels Lead to Surge in Non-Renewable Power Generation and Emissions

New data from the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE) reveals a shift in New Zealand's electricity generation mix due to low hydro lake levels. From April to June 2024, the reliance on coal and gas increased as renewable energy generation dropped to 81.3%, an 8.6% decline from the previous year. Despite a 50% rise in wind capacity, coal generation surpassed wind for the first time since June 2021, with coal output reaching 883 GWh, up from 144 GWh last year. Natural gas generation also increased by 43.9%, but could not fully offset the hydro shortfall. Geothermal energy reached a record high of 2,143 GWh, contributing 19.1% to the total generation. The rise in non-renewable energy sources led to the highest quarterly emissions since June 2021, with a 169% increase in CO2 emissions.

Empowering Kiwi Professionals in a Changing Landscape

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, adapting to change is essential for both businesses and employees. The THRIVE programme, created in partnership with LinkedIn, Umbrella Wellbeing, and the Ministry of Social Development, offers a free and valuable resource designed to support Kiwi professionals navigating transitions, redundancy, or uncertainty.

THRIVE provides access to over 20,000 LinkedIn Learning courses to help individuals upskill and gain new expertise, alongside more than 40 Umbrella Wellbeing eLearning modules that support mental well-being and resilience. Participants also benefit from three months of free LinkedIn Premium, which enhances digital profiles and facilitates valuable connections.

Additionally, THRIVE includes LinkedIn Audio and Live Events for real-time discussions on career growth, as well as THRIVE Live!

$134 Million Shortfall in Public Transport Funding

More than 40 Metlink public transport initiatives have been declined funding from the National Land Transport Fund.

• We estimate a $134 million shortfall over the next three years.
• Hiking fares and cutting services must now be considered.

SH2 Remutaka Hill: 24/7 Stop/Go for Slip Repairs

A 24/7 stop/go traffic management system is now in place at the underslip site on SH2 Remutaka Hill to protect the road and ensure safety. Repairs are expected to take around four to six weeks. Drivers should anticipate short delays and plan for extra travel time.

Looking to cut your energy costs? | Reliance Utilities

As NZ's fastest-growing energy broker, we secure the best deals for businesses, saving you up to 20% on your power bill. Simple, efficient, and reliable.

Reach out to Jigar from Reliance Utilities and start saving today.

Your best energy deal, on us.

2degrees Business Mobile| Chamber Member Deal

Join 2degrees 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. 

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. 

View Our Member Marketplace:

Get Our App: