Hi

At the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce we work with businesses across the Hutt Valley every day. We listen, connect, and provide opportunities to network and to learn. We just love our work to support all of the amazing businesses that are working so hard every day to make, create, research, supply, innovate, buy and sell, and work on behalf of others.

We also like to hear from you about how you are feeling about the current environment for your business, and how you think things will be across our region and across New Zealand. We like to hear about your challenges and your opportunities.

Last week we asked businesses to complete our November 2021 Business Confidence Survey. This survey is important to our work as we use this data to inform local government and central government about how you are feeling. This work to advocate on your behalf, is an important aspect of what we do. We often interact with Mayors and local councilors, and also Ministers and Members of Parliament. Being able to share how you feel is vital to these conversations.

A look at the results so far show that there is a lot of change in how businesses are feeling about the situation in New Zealand, in the region and for their own business since the middle of 2021. Being able to communicate this and ensure we advocate for you is more important than ever.

We would appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey which you can access here.

On a final note, well done to the Hutt Valley for reaching the target of 90% first dose vaccination. The region is now also at 82% second dose.

Reach out to me at patrick@hvchamber.org.nz if you have any questions about our advocacy work or the survey.

Thanks

Patrick McKibbin
CEO

The Latest COVID-19 Business Updates

Hutt Valley Covid 19 Vaccination Update

Latest Covid 19 Weekly Updates

MY VACCINE PASS 

My Vaccine Pass is an official record of a person’s COVID-19 vaccination status and will provide access to places within New Zealand that require proof of vaccination under the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.

My Vaccine Pass has a QR code that can be scanned upon arrival at a venue. The pass can be downloaded to your personal phone and stored in your Apple or Google Wallet, or may be printed out.

A separate International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, which provides proof of your vaccination status in order to enter overseas countries, can also be requested if you need one.

To apply for your 'My Vaccine Pass' click here.

VACCINE MANDATE FOR HOSPITALITY AND 'CLOSE CONTACT' WORKERS

The Government announced that any business where a vaccine certificate is required, the staff and their clients must be vaccinated.

This includes hospitality, events, gyms, hairdressers and any business that has close proximity to their clients.

For more information click here.

PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR THE COVID PROTECTION FRAMEWORK

Today the government have indicated a move to the Covid 19 Protection Framework at the end of November.  

Vaccine certificate requirements will play a big role in the new traffic light framework for businesses.

To understand more on how to prepare your business to move to the Covid 19 Protection Framework click here.

AUCKLAND BOUNDARY CHANGE - 15 DECEMBER

The Government announced today that Auckland boundary settings will change on 15 December, allowing Aucklanders who have been vaccinated or tested will be able to reconnect with the rest of New Zealand in time for Christmas and summer.

• Auckland boundary settings to change from 15 December, ensuring travel out for all vaccinated people or those with a negative test result.
• Country better prepared — 82% of New Zealanders fully vaccinated, compared to 23% 3 months ago and projections of 90% fully vaccinated by mid-December.

To minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading from Auckland to other parts of the country travellers will have to be either fully vaccinated or have a negative test within 72 hours of departure. This requirement will be in place for the core summer period of December 15 2021 to January 17 2022.

For more information click here.

Accessing the Government Financial Support

WAGE SUBSIDY#7 - CLOSING 25 NOVEMBER

Applications for Wage Subsidy August 2021 #7 are now open until 11.59pm on 25 November. Applications for Wage Subsidy August 2021 #6 closed at 11.59pm on 11 November.

For more information click here.

RESURGENCE SUPPORT PAYMENT

A 5th payment under the Resurgence Support Payment scheme started on 5 November 2021 and will end immediately before all areas of New Zealand return to alert level 1 or are at Orange or Green under the COVID-19 Protection Framework.

Information on how to apply here.

BUSINESS AT DELTA LEVEL 2

Information on doing business at Level 2 here.

MANDATORY RECORDING OF VISITORS in effect now.

For more information click here.

Hutt Valley Business News

Youth Inspire – Lower Hutt Events Centre
Industry Tour

On Friday the 5 November, Andrew our Employment Coordinator, visited Chamber member, Lower Hutt Events Centre with some rangatahi from our Gold Partner, Youth Inspire. They experienced what is involved in the day-to-day operation at the large hospitality venue.

Gert and Shelly from the Lower Hutt Events Centre, kindly showed the rangatahi around their busy operation where they were able to see first-hand the diverse range of careers available in the hospitality and events industry.

They explored the meeting rooms and more intimate dining settings and went through to the restored heritage Town Hall. Then they saw the ultra-modern event space, which has a capacity for 1,200 people for cocktail events.  Throughout the tour the rangatahi built up a great understanding of the roles and infrastructure required to run a venue of that scale, including the day-to-day operation of the commercial kitchen.

Impact Of COVID-19 On Worldwide Shipping and The Ongoing Effects And Issues

Join us for our latest live webinar hosted by Patrick McKibbin, CEO, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce who will be speaking with our Gold Partners, Blair Morgan, Wellington Branch Manager and Priya Shama, Wellington Sales Manager for 360 Logistics Group for an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on the shipping industry.

Priya and Blair will outline the major issues faced over the last 12-18 months, then a focus on the current market conditions and how they affect business.

360 Logistics Group is an independent and privately owned organisation that specialises in international trade facilitation and the increasingly complex supply chain and logistics industry.  

What sets 360 Logistics Group apart from their competition is the unique and innovative approach to managing the value chain of international logistics and the movement of goods. They believe that the value component of a robust supply chain lies in the ability to form and develop partnerships with like-minded businesses both locally and globally.

In addition they take a holistic approach working alongside their customers when developing customised solutions, taking into consideration differing modes, the suppliers ability to meet deadlines, seasonal logistics peaks, border and commerce compliance. Even the value of goods to be moved or the ability to reuse import equipment for export shipments to design a true end to end logistics business model. In a nutshell they do not accept that it always has to be done the same way. 

This webinar will be held on Thursday 2 December at 10:00am, live on our Hutt Valley Chamber Facebook page.

Women In Business Lunch - Overview

Two weeks ago we were able to host 40 local women in business at the Lower Hutt Events Centre to hear from Elaine Kirk, National Sales Manager of Bronze Partner iPayroll and the entrepreneurial Derelee Potroz- Smith from Woolchemy NZ based in Upper Hutt.

Derelee shared her story of how inspired by her children, the practical needs of family life, a love of the land and versatility of sheep, with her mother she founded Woolchemy NZ.

Derelee also shared with us some thoughts on finding your purpose, balancing work and home life and some techniques on making the most of your time.

For more information click here.

BNZ Technology and Innovation Series Overview

On Thursday last week we ran our second of the BNZ Technology and Innovation Series, sponsored by our Platinum Partner BNZ.

The event was enjoyed by everyone and was very informative with these amazing and inspiring speakers:

• Derelee Potroz-Smith, CEO of  Woolchemy NZ, 
• Greg Skelton, CEO from Wellington Electricity
• Kristy Grant, CEO, Lane Street Studios.

To find out more about these speakers and read more about them and their amazing stories click here. 

Riverlink

You’re Invited To Come Along and Discuss RiverLink – What’s Important To You.

When: Tuesday, 30 November – 6:00pm to 7:00pm at the Pasifika Hub

Where: 2 Dudley Street, Lower Hutt

If you can’t make this one, we’ll be holding more events in early 2022, so please keep checking on www.riverlink.co.nz under ‘News’.

Please RSVP to admin@sebg.org.nz

This will also be your opportunity to talk to the team and to raise any concerns you might have about disruption to your business or within the CBD generally. 

Upcoming Events

Join us for lunch and hear from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Judith Collins. There will also be opportunity for Q&A.

Due to the change in alert levels, all of our events are subject to change.  Events taking place at level 2 will require participants to follow Covid 19 protocols, including mask wearing and social distancing.

Members Offers

Te Omanga Golf Tournament

Get your business registered today to support the Te Omanga Hospice, Golf Tournament. For more information or to register email Debbie at events@teomanga.org.nz.

Z Energy Member Offer

Sign up for a Z Business Partner for Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce fuel card and receive 12c off every litre all summer, along with everyday discounts and rewards. 

Use promo code CHAMBERCENSAVE. 

Hurry, offer ends November 24.

Apply at: www.z.co.nz/business

Torpedo7 Member Offer

Torpedo7 has partnered with The Chamber to offer members fantastic savings on products in its Torpedo7 stores nationwide. Simply call the Chamber to get your membership number to access trade discounts across the range. Torpedo7 also offers businesses a range of support services including: 

Payment Options: We can customise payment options to suit your business needs (including account credit terms).

- Commercial after sales services
- Tailored product solutions and promotions
- Bike servicing at our great instore workshops

For more information call Torpedo7 on 0800 867 733 or visit www.torpedo7.co.nz. Come and visit our store in Porirua.

Christmas Is Coming

Vacancies From Members

Front Of House Positions

Chamber Member Petone Working Men’s Club is on the look out for Front of House Superstars!

This is an exciting and varied role that will have you working across the Food and Beveridge Departments – Restaurant, Function Rooms and Bar as well as Reception, Gaming Lounges and TAB.

Part Time Weekends and Evenings available, a perfect opportunity to earn while you learn, with a roster that suits University Students and the likes.

As team player, you’ll thrive in a busy environment, the meaning of hard work is understood, with equal portions of fun served and a side of laughter dished up along the way!

This is a great opportunity to work and train with a wonderful, fun team across several areas of the Club, with an added bonus of discounted meals and free parking whilst on duty, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

For more information about this role please email generalmanager@petoneclub.co.nz.

Current Student Vacancies

We have a number of new vacancies on our website. These positions are suitable for students or school leavers.

- Patrick McKibbin, CEO and the Chamber Team

Keep your network up to date by inviting others to receive the Hutt Valley Business Weekly here.

Thank you to all our Partners

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