Kia ora , With each passing week, there are more indicators about the position of the New Zealand economy. Statistics New Zealand data indicators suggest that the weakness in the economy is broad-based and conditions are already recessionary for manufacturing, retail, trade and accommodation. Both our Reserve Bank and The Treasury forecast the country would enter a shallow recession in the second quarter of 2023. New Zealand’s economy missed forecasts for growth in the fourth quarter of 2022 and instead shrank 0.6% raising the chances of a recession and making further interest rate hikes less likely. In late January we asked Hutt Valley businesses how they were feeling about New Zealand’s economy and the outlook for your business. The results showed some optimism for your business compared to New Zealand. But is this still playing out? Please take a moment to complete this survey to help us understand how you are feeling about your business and the New Zealand economy. Please complete the survey here. The survey is sponsored by Red Hot Business Coaching and Consulting. We also have a few quick questions about recycling and rubbish collection at your business. This will help us to engage with the Hutt City Council on this area of interest for some businesses. Economic update coming your way. You will
have a chance to hear more about our economy, the housing market, and other useful information at the upcoming BA5 event sponsored by NZME. Book now for our 'Business After 5 Event - Real Estate & Economics in the Hutt Valley During an Election Year With Tony Alexander'.
In this edition of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly: - Chamber Updates
- Inspiring Our Local Rangatahi to Their Future Pathways
- Regional Updates
- Interesting Speakers in the Hutt Valley from Rotary Hutt City
- National Updates
Share Your Diversity Views and Win Increase To The Minimum Wage - Events
- Following The Euro - Doing Business In The EU
- A Business Lunch With Christopher Luxon
- How Election Year Will Impact Real Estate and Our
Economy with Tony Alexander
- Training Workshops
- Creating A Safe Environment For Your Employees
- Member Offers
From
Excio and Ana Lyubich - Employment Opportunities
- Are You Hiring?
Inspiring Our Local Rangatahi to Their Future Pathways
What happens when you get some fantastic Hutt Valley employers together with our local rangatahi? Excitement, information and inspiration.
Opportunities galore in the tourism sector. Over the last week, our Education to Employment Coordinator, Amanda Walters, has taken some rangatahi to two businesses to help them discover, explore and connect to their potential further pathways. Students who are studying Tourism at St Bernard’s college, had the opportunity to travel into Wellington, for a “behind the scenes” tour of the Intercontinental hotel, including the refitted restaurant which opens soon, kitchens and some of their larger hotel suites
The students were hosted by Kerry Shaw, Recruitment Manager who explained the events and activities the hotel gets involved in Kerry spoke about the types of roles that they have available at the hotel and how the rangatahi could enter these careers. She explained what the hotel was looking for in young people, which included remaining calm in stressful situations and having a positive attitude. Kerry also spoke about the positives of working for a larger, international company, having had the opportunity to work and travel abroad within the IHG organisation. Thank you to Kerry and her team for hosting our rangatahi and making this visit
possible.
Robotics students get to see where they could be in a few years Wainuiomata College Robotics Club rangatahi had the opportunity to visit Peek Robotics and their CEO, Gary Peek. Garry is developing an autonomous, prototype platform, Grover, which has been built to undertake a diverse range of agricultural tasks, including mowing, spraying, mapping, measuring, and surveying sports fields and agricultural land Garry talked to the rangatahi about how they are using different advances in technology to make their prototype and the
different roles that come together to make up the team that is developing Grover. Garry was talking the rangatahi talk when he explained the importance of having a passion for robotics and the industry, learning how to problem solve and building resilience. He explained that it often takes time to create new designs/models and there will be times when things don’t go to plan or work out right first time. The students were thrilled with the opportunity to see, first-hand, this prototype being demonstrated and talk with Peek Robotics staff about their work. A huge thank you to Garry and all his team for hosting the Robotics Club.
Interesting Speakers in the Hutt Valley from Rotary Hutt City
Rotary Hutt City have many projects and community-focused events that appeal to people of all ages. They have invited some speakers to the Hutt Valley that may be of interest to the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce members and non-members. 19 April: Scott Fitzgerald/Marie Harris, Asmuss Steel, Seaview.
Scott is the branch manager of the 100-year family-owned Company Asmuss Steel Products based in Seaview. They recently celebrated their 100 years in business, establishing a Foundation which gave a donation to Innovative Young Minds. He’ll be speaking about interesting projects they’ve been involved in over the years. 3 May: Nick Leggett, Chief Executive, Transporting NZ
An outspoken advocate for greater transport investment and better-planned outcomes across different transport modes, Nick is a former Mayor of Porirua and currently chairs the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust and is a Director of Wellington Water and Greater Wellington Rail. Nick will speak about the critical role of the trucking industry in delivering 93% of New Zealand’s freight and some of the challenges being faced by the sector and how it may decarbonise over time. For more info, visit: https://rotaryhuttcity.org.nz/Speakers
First Home Buyers Seminar
When: Wednesday 29 March 2023
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm | RSVP by Wednesday 22 March 2023
Where: Westpac Lower Hutt, 210 High Street, Lower Hutt
Cost: None If you're a first home buyer, don't miss our home buyers' seminar. We'll be covering:
• Local market update
• Tips for getting your deposit together
• Alternative ways to get on the property ladder
• What banks look at
• The home buying process including application. Our local home lending experts will also be on hand to answer
any questions. We look forward to seeing you there. Contact: Rebecca Dewar for further info on 021714638 or email rebekah.dewar@westpac.co.nz
Share Your Diversity Views and Win
We are helping Diversity Works New Zealand gain a deeper understanding of the diversity and inclusion issues that really matter to New Zealand businesses by asking our members to complete the 2023 New Zealand Workplace Diversity Survey. Everyone who completes the survey can enter the draw to win one of five $200 shopping vouchers. Plus, we will share the results of this important research with you later in the year. The survey closes on Friday, March 24 so have your say here.
Increase To The Minimum Wage
The Government have announced that from 1 April 2023 the minimum adult wage in New Zealand increases from $21.20 to $22.70. But what does this mean for your business and what are some of the things you need to consider? The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Silver Partner, Tony McKone from McKone Consultancy has some great advice. You can read more here.
Few Spaces Remaining:
A Business Lunch With Christopher Luxon
When: Thursday 23 March
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Where: Silverstream Retreat, 3 Reynolds Bach Drive, Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt
Cost: $48 for Members / $58 for Non-members With less than 5% of spots left, here's your last chance to secure a seat at our Business Lunch with Christopher Luxon, Leader of the Opposition. Sponsored by Platinum Partner Gibson Sheat Lawyers. Christopher Luxon entered parliament in October 2020 as a Member of Parliament for Botany and assumed office as Leader of the Opposition in November 2021. Christopher is a businessman with an extensive career at the highest levels of global corporate
leadership including an 18-year career with Unilever before being appointed CEO of Air New Zealand in 2011. Join us to hear from Christopher about the issues that business currently face and how National intend to support.
Less Than One Week Left:
Following The Euro - Doing Business In The EU
When: Tuesday 28 March
Time: 7:45am - 9:30am
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St, Lower Hutt
Cost: None With negotiations officially concluded on the NZ-EU Free trade agreement, there are significant new economic opportunities for NZ businesses within the 28-country block. The EU is New Zealand’s third largest trading partner, and bilateral trade is expected to grow by 30% from the first year, and a massive 80% growth is predicted for EU foreign direct investment into New Zealand. Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce and the German New Zealand Chambers Of Commerce have
collaborated to bring you an update from MFAT and NZTE on how they can support you to optimise your reach into these markets. Hear about the accessibility and benefits that the Fair Trade Agreement brings to NZ Businesses from Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic, MFAT who led the conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement Learn how to connect to these markets and what support is available from NZTE. Nina Obermaier, the European Union
Ambassador to Aotearoa New Zealand along with Representatives from France, Germany, and Spain (plus more to follow) will also provide short country pitches highlighting the opportunities within their respective countries. A lite breakfast will be served.
New Event:
How Election Year Will Impact Real Estate and Our Economy with Tony Alexander
When: Wednesday 26 April
Time: 05:30pm - 07:30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St, Lower Hutt
Cost: No Cost Join us for a Business After 5 focusing on real estate and economics in the Hutt Valley during an election year. This event is sponsored by Platinum Partners, NZME. Thanks to OneRoof you can keep yourself informed on what to expect from the economy as we head into an election year. Economist Tony Alexander will explain what is happening and is likely to happen in the economy in a language we can all understand. Focusing on real estate and investments he will give his
views on what you should expect during this election year. This is a great opportunity to hear from an independent economist with a wealth of experience including being Chief Economist BNZ for almost 25 years. Tony will be joined by John Ross, Professionals, Redcoats Ltd and Ethan Hourigan, Bayleys Wellington C&I. Drinks & nibbles will be provided and there will be opportunities to network throughout the evening.
Creating A Safe Environment For Your Employees
When:
Old Date - Thursday 23 March
New Date - Thursday 25 May
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St
Cost: None Due to sickness, Employsure New Zealand has postponed this week's workshop ‘Creating A Safe Environment For Your Staff’. Topics covered in this workshop: - The latest changes to Health and Safety legislation
- Your obligations as an
employer
- What are psychosocial hazards and how to manage them?
- Implementing adequate safety and hygiene practices
Free Expert Review Of Your Digital Presence
Looking to enhance your online visual presence with fresh and authentic local photography? Look no further than our Photo Library! For only $500, you can gain access to a vast collection of 500 high-quality images that are sure to make your website, social media pages, and marketing materials stand out.
But that's not all. We're also offering a special one-hour consultation with our experts to help you maximize the impact of your visual content. During this session, you'll learn valuable tips and tricks for using the right visuals to drive more traffic and engagement to your online platforms.
To take advantage of this exciting offer, simply sign up on excio.io and then send a quick note to hello@excio.io to book your free session. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your online presence with stunning, locally sourced photography and expert guidance from our team.
$50 OFF Your Lifestyle or Portrait Photoshoot
Whether you're looking to update your website, create compelling social media content, or produce eye-catching marketing materials, Ana Lyubich Photography has the skills and expertise to help you achieve your goals. And now, for a limited time only, she is offering a special discount of $50 off your first lifestyle or portrait photoshoot if you are based in the Hutt area.
Don't settle for generic stock images or amateur photography. Trust the professional to help you create a visually engaging online presence that truly reflects your unique personality and style of your business. Contact Ana today to schedule your photoshoot and take advantage of this exclusive offer. To book just email ana@excio.io and mention the Chamber offer.
Want More Member Offers?To see a list of our member's offers visit our Members Marketplace on our website here or check out our Hutt Valley Chamber App to see a list of all the deals we have on offer for Chamber members. You can
download our Hutt Valley Chamber App from the Apple App Store here and the Google Play Store here. Please contact Patrick patrick@hvchamber.org.nz for account instructions or questions.
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.
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