I get a lot of questions when I am out and about across the Hutt Valley asking me when the RiverLink project is going to get underway.
RiverLink will be a huge project for the Hutt City and indeed the whole of the Hutt Valley. Not only is it a major transport project, with the Melling interchange development, but it is also a flood protection and urban development project. RiverLink will make Lower Hutt more resilient, more connected and more vibrant.
So is it happening? It certainly looks like things are starting to come together.
As I look out of my window from our offices in Daly Street (come and visit anytime) I am seeing signs of work next to the Harvey Norman building. This geotechnical investigation work throughout the project area involves drilling holes up to 40 metres into the ground and extracting core samples of the underlying soil and rock. The Environment Court hearing on a number of resource consents for the RiverLink Project took place in late April and a decision is expected in August. In related infrastructure news, the Hutt City Council’s application to the Government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) has progressed to the final negotiation stage, taking them a step closer to addressing major infrastructure challenges in the city centre.
There is a lot of preparation to be done such as selecting the suppliers that will carry out the work among many other things, but I am certainly seeing positive signs of progress. Whilst I do expect some disruption to businesses and travel through the project, ultimately it will be great for our region to get this work underway. The project is still on track to fully commence in 2023.
You can read more here.
If you have any feedback on RiverLink or just want to know more reach out at patrick@hvchamber.org.nz or call me on 021 248 1203
In this edition of our Hutt Valley Business Weekly:
- Successful AGM reflects on 2021
- Inspiring Hutt Valley Rangatahi in Future Career Pathways
- Research and Innovation Getting a Boost
- Border Opening And Immigration News
- Latest COVID-19 Updates
- Local News
- Hutt City Council Announce COVID-19 Recovery Business Activation Grants
- Upcoming Events
- Business After 5 - With The Wellington Saints And Nick Mills
- ACT's Plan To Support Businesses - David Seymour
- 2022 Budget Debrief With The Minister of Finance - Grant Robertson
- Upcoming Training
- Understanding Intellectual Property with Zoe Dewhurst - IP101
- How To Give A Killer Presentation - Present with Impact & Influence
- Mindset, Movement and Nutrition Workshop
- Member Offers
- Some Great Offers from Upper Hutt City Councils 'Shop & Win' Campaign, Torpedo 7, Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional, The Settlement and WellingtonNZ
Successful AGM reflects on 2021
The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce held the 78th Annual General Meeting on 24th May 2022 reflecting on the full financial year from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021.
The President of the Chamber, Mark Skelly, from Red Hot Business Coaching, reflected on the pride he felt towards the Chamber's efforts to support the Hutt Valley business community during what was another challenging year. Whilst a challenging year, Mark noted the financial stability of the Chamber, the organisational stability with the transition between CEO’s, the business support, advocacy events and training delivered, and our work to help young people and jobs seekers discover opportunities for their future.
Mark made a special thanks to all of our members and partners including:
Mark also recognised our work with and support from the Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council as well as co-opted Board Members Jo Miller and Vibhuti Chopra.
The new board elected is as follows:
- President – Mark Skelly
- Vice President – Dave Morgan
- Board members – Tony McKone, Sarah Wilson, Dene Cable, June Ranson, Michael Markham and Mike Hines
- Some additional co-opted members will be added in the coming weeks.
Finally, Mark and the board acknowledged the contribution Mike Gould, a Board member of the Chamber for 20 years, made to our work and to the business community in the Hutt Valley. Mike was awarded Life Membership at the awards night for his valuable work.
Inspiring Hutt Valley Rangatahi in Future Career Pathways
Recently, our Education to Employment Coordinator, Amanda Walters, visited LT McGuinness’ pre-trade school with some students from our Gold Partner, Youth Inspire, who support young people into Employment through their Inspiring Youth Futures Programme and youth Driving School.
The students were able to view the training school and learn more about the pre-trade LT McGuinness carpentry programme. Steve McHardy, People and Performance at LT McGuinness, took the students on a tour of their facilities, talking with them about the skills their students are learning, the importance of learning resilience, being positive, having a fantastic attitude and the physicality of the role.
Steve had some great tips for the rangatahi, having previously worked in International Rugby and having a role that provided support to teams. The students also met with some of Lt McGuinness staff who are teaching the BCITO building apprenticeship students.
LT McGuinness have also provided Gateway opportunities to local Hutt Valley students, ensuring that students have an opportunity to gain insight and relevant experience into the commercial building industry, to help them enter the workforce or start on their training pathways.
Research and Innovation Getting a Boost
If you are a business across the Hutt Valley that is innovating in an area that does not fall within the definition of R&D and is pursuing opportunities that will generate significant spillover benefits to the wider economy, then there is good news for you.
The government has announced the Ārohia the Innovation Trailblazer Grant. This will see a $250 million investment over the next four years, turning great ideas into building a higher-value, more sustainable economy.
The primary recipients will be businesses that are performing innovation that not only is new to the world but also has the potential to make a significant difference to the innovation landscape.
- The grant will also be available to support businesses that are building platforms that enable other innovators to be successful.
- The New to Research & Development Grant will support businesses that do not have established R&D capabilities and provide an on-ramp onto the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI).
This grant should help businesses with the high costs and steep learning curves associated with establishing an R&D programme.
Callaghan Innovation will administer the grants, which will be available from mid-September 2022. We will keep you informed.
You can read more here.
Border Opening And Immigration News
The New Zealand Government has announced that New Zealand’s international border will reopen to visa applications, including for visitors and students at 11.59pm on 31 July. You can read more about the details of this here.
Included in this announcement are some key immigration news and dates that are important for the business community. Key information includes:
- Simplified immigration processes that provides faster processing for businesses.
- New Green List includes over 85 hard-to-fill roles created to attract and retain high-skilled workers to fill skill shortages.
- Green List will provide a streamlined and prioritised pathway to residency incentivising high skilled healthcare, engineers, trade and tech sector workers to relocate to New Zealand long term.
- Visa extensions for around 20,000 migrants already in New Zealand to ensure skilled workers stay in the country.
- New sector specific agreements, to help industries transition from a reliance on low-wage, low-skill migrant labour, including additional measures to support the rebuild of our tourism sector.
The accredited Employer Work Visa applications will open from 4 July 2022 and employers:
- will not need to provide as much information
- can use their own recruitment processes to prove no New Zealanders are available for work
- once accredited, Immigration New Zealand will endeavour to have these visas processed within 30 days.
There are some changes to the wage thresholds for the Accredited Employer Work Visa and there are some new immigration settings. For full information please check the COVID-19 website here.
Additional information and expert advice can also be found through the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce member, Woburn International Group, and their website here.
LOCAL NEWS
Hutt City Council Announce COVID-19 Recovery Business Activation Grants
Hutt City Council has announced a $150,000 fund to help attract customers back to hospitality and retail centres in Lower Hutt.
Grants will be available to help create and boost events, activities, and any other ideas businesses may have in order to bring people into the city, add vibrancy and benefit businesses in the local area.
Mayor Campbell Barry says that this will be a help to businesses who have suffered the recent impacts of COVID-19.
Settling Into Upper Hutt at The Settlement
It’s all go in Upper Hutt at the moment and the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce was delighted to be part of an open day for one of the newer businesses to move there, The Settlement.
With ‘hybrid working’, becoming widely accepted as the new way to work since COVID, The Settlement Upper Hutt is perfectly positioned to support people who want a professional local workplace (that doesn’t require a commute), or a hotdesk or meeting room for professionals visiting the region.
The Settlement has space for individuals, businesses and teams, and will ultimately house around 100 residents - whether that's at a dedicated desk, or just a casual space to settle in for the day - and can fit up to 40 in their dedicated event space, The Factory. They expect that being in the prominent location – at the edge of Brewtown, they’ll be in high demand as the region’s development progresses.
And that certainly seemed to be the case on the Open Day, with more than 80 people joining The Settlement team to view the space, try out a desk, give morning yoga a go with Anna from Union Yoga, or listen to the free inspiring seminar by Upper Hutt entrepreneur, Celeste Skachill from StudioC.
If you’d like to learn more about The Settlement, check out their website here, and you can hear a podcast with their founder, Meredith Walshe, here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Workplace Mental Health - Let’s Play Ball!
With The Wellington Saints And Nick Mills
Too often the signs that someone needs help are missed or we just don’t know how to help. When it comes to mental well-being and mental health, workplaces are required to have a responsibility to manage any risks that may arise. Like any other business, The Saints also have practices in place to ensure their team are being supported as much as possible.
Join us for a beer to hear from Wellington Saint’s player Rangimarie Dougall-Mita and Wellington’s Newstalk ZB Morning show host Nick Mills to understand how to personally respond to stress and protect your mental wellbeing.
Brought to you by Platinum Partner NZME, join The Wellington Saints and Wellington’s Newstalk ZB Morning Show host Nick Mills. Book now for this free event. Limited spots are available.
When: Thursday 09 June
Time: 5pm - 7:30pm
Where: Central Group Forklifts and Trucks, 45 Percy Cameron Street, Avalon, Lower Hutt 5011
Price: No Cost
ACT's Plan To Support Businesses
As part of our Gibson Sheat Political Series, the Hutt Valley Chamber is hosting a breakfast with David Seymour, ACT Party Leader and MP for Epsom. He is also the spokesperson for the COVID-19 response and Finance.
This is an opportunity for the Business community to hear how ACT would support the business community and will talk to areas that our business community have identified as barriers to improving their confidence.
When: Wednesday 08 June
Time: 7:30am - 9:30am
Where: Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club
Price: From $45 + GST
2022 Budget Debrief With The Minister of Finance
As part of the Gibson Sheat Political Series the Hutt Valley Chamber is hosting Hon Grant Robertson - Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Infrastructure, Racing, Sport & Recreation for a lunch.
This is an opportunity for the Business community to hear an update on the 2022 Budget and what it means for business. This is also a chance to hear about what plan the Labour Government have to support the growth of business and the economy in coming years as NZ recovers from the effects of COVID-19 and addresses other challenges businesses are facing.
When: Tuesday 14 June
Time: 12pm - 2pm
Where: Silverstream Retreat
Price: From $45 + GST
UPCOMING TRAINING
Understanding Intellectual Property with Zoe Dewhurst - IP101
What is IP and how can it help your business?
Some form of Intellectual Property (IP) exists in every business. But do you know how to recognise it, protect it and enforce it?
Zoe Dewhurst, from AJ Park, will host an in-person seminar to help businesses:
- Understand the different types of intellectual property
- See how IP fits within your business plan and strategy
- Learn how to leverage it for commercial advantage.
Areas that will be covered include: Trademarks, Copyright, Patents, Domain Names, Geographical Indications & Trade secrets.
Zoe is a trademark specialist with expertise and experience in the trade mark law of New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Europe.
Book now to secure this exclusive learning opportunity.
When: Wednesday 15 June
Time: 5pm - 7.30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St
Price: No Cost
How To Give A Killer Presentation – Present With Impact & Influence
Most of us feel that public speaking and presentations are challenging.
To be in front of any audience – small or large – can be a daunting task. However, to tell and sell our ideas, we need to face our fear or uncomfortable feeling and present, speak and make an impact. It is a skill.
But it will become a thrill when you find your unique way to do it and Jussi can help you find the swagger that is genuinely yours and gets your audience on your side.
In this one day workshop you will learn:
- How to prepare your presentation well.
- What do you need to know about your message and audience?
- How to build a structure that helps you get your points across
- What kind of slides you should prepare, and how to use technology to make your message stick?
- How to practice your presentation to make maximum impact with confidence and style.
When: Thursday 16 June
Time: 8:30am - 4.30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St
Price: Members - $325 ($650)
Mindset, Movement & Nutrition Workshops
It's time to reconnect! Spring Coaching is offering three well-being in-person workshops focused on mindset, movement and nutrition to support the Wellington City Mission.
Achieving your health and wellbeing goals is 100% doable, even when it’s cold out! But they need to be tackled one small step at a time. Take the smarter path this winter with three bite-size classes that will introduce you to small steps of wisdom for success.
Classes cover:
Tuesday 31 May
MINDSET: Making time for the things that matter.- Tuesday 7 June
MOVEMENT: You do have time to move. Let’s snack. - Tuesday 14 June
NUTRITION: The joy of just one. Eating mindfully.
When: Tuesday 31 May | Tuesday 7 June | Tuesday 14 June
Time: 5.30pm
Where: Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 11 Hunter St
Price: $20 for each workshop | $50 for all three
Future Events & Training
We have several more events and training workshops coming up throughout the year. These will include:
- Business After Five networking events
- Gibson Sheat's Political Series
- BNZ Technology & Innovation Series
- Business Safaris
- Women in Business Events
- Learning & Development workshops from our partners
Plus many more!
To stay up to date with all our events & training, keep an eye out on future issues of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see these events as they come up.
MEMBER OFFERS
Upper Hutt City Council Launches 'Shop & Win' Campaign - Starting 9th of May
This Saturday 9 May, Upper Hutt City Council launches a 'Shop & Win' promotion that celebrates the Upper Hutt-exclusive Carry Me: 100 Years of Handbags at Whirinaki Whare Taonga, and supports our retailers who have been hit hard by the pandemic.
Shop at any participating retailer between 14 May and 28 June to be in to win one of six shopping sprees — a $650 voucher pack plus a handbag. 32 Upper Hutt City centre retailers have combined forces for the promotion so be sure to hit the local shops when you visit Upper Hutt to see the exhibition.
View the shopping map, prize pack info, and online entry form at shopupperhutt.co.nz.
Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni‑Professional - Professional Development Offer
Chamber Members, Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni‑Professional help future-focused Kiwis build more rounded, relevant skill sets - that set them up for where New Zealand business is going and give them greater confidence and adaptability at work.
They are the next step in professional development – with a market-leading, constantly evolving range of modules that can be combined and tailored for any individual, in any industry, to address the full range of contemporary business needs.
Right now, WUP has an offer for Chamber members using discount code: HVCC2022. See here for their list of courses.
A Fortnight At The Settlement - On Them
Trial The Settlement in Petone or Upper Hutt, for a fortnight for free!
Breathe life back into your work. Their premium co-working spaces are beautiful, intuitive, and filled with natural light, designer furniture, dedicated desks, and break-out spaces. Fully equipped meeting rooms mean you can be proud to meet your clients, host workshops, and so much more.
Their Petone space is located on bustling Jackson Street, and is a short stroll from the beach, cafes, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, public transport and boutique stores. Their Upper Hutt space is in the heart of the Brewtown precinct, with breweries and eateries on the doorstep, as well as essential amenities and shops just a couple of blocks away.
The Factory is our dedicated events space in Upper Hutt and is the perfect space to hire for your next team-building day, workshop, conference or away day.
Settle for more. Contact The Settlement today on 021 193 7570, work@thesettlement.co.nz or pop in for a look around.
Unlock Digital Marketing Workshops
Designed to support all businesses, learn the secret strategies these leaders used to grow with tools like Google, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Canva and Shopify.
Starting on 2 May 2022, every Monday at 12-1pm for six weeks, experts will cover topics including everything from retail online sales and digital marketing strategies, to content creation and social media.
Click here to register for this Digital Marketing Workshop.
Session details
Monday 2 May: Using digital to attract online and in-person sales -Monday 9 May: The secrets of successful online shopsMonday 16 May: Rethink your business model and grow in 2022Monday 23 May: Google for growthMonday 30 May: Secrets of brands and content that leads to sales- Monday 13 June: Facebook and Instagram
EMPLOYMENT
Do You Have A Role That You'd Like To Get Filled?
Contact Andrew our Employment Coordinator. You can reach him on: andrew@hvchamber.org.nz or call 049399821.
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.
To view our vacancies, click here.
