Kia ora ,
With the National State of Emergency being declared yesterday I am sure we are all thinking about friends, family and businesses that are being affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Whole regions are cut off and without power and communications. We all hope that people in these regions are safe, and those affected can get back to normal as quickly as possible.
If nothing else this Cyclone is a great reminder of the need for a plan. Is the Hutt Valley, you, your business and your staff ready for such an event here in the Hutt Valley?
We asked Jeremy Holmes, Regional Manager, Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group for his comments and they are included in this issue. We have also included a link to their website which has some great information and tips for developing your plan.
These events have also reminded me of the importance of the RiverLink project to the Hutt Valley. Yesterday the Riverbank carpark in Hutt City closed due to the possibility of flooding. RiverLink includes the delivery of crucial flood protection work, as well as transport improvements, and the revitalisation of the city centre. You can read more about the latest on this important project in this issue as well.
Stay safe and make some time to develop a plan, for you, your staff and your business.
In this edition of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly:
- Chamber Updates
- Fair Pay Agreements - What Do You Need To Know?
- Celebrating our Gold Partners
- Local & Regional News
Is the Hutt Valley Prepared for Floods?
Hutt Valley Business Leaders Come Together On The Impact of Crime
- How Can We Protect Lower Hutt’s Unique Wildlife, Plants, and Natural Areas?
- RiverLink
RiverLink Update 2023
National News
Calling All Employers in the Business Services Sector
- Training Workshops
- Smash Your Revenue Goals in 2023 With Smarter Marketing Workshop
- Discover the power of Project Management: Unlocking Big Success for Small Businesses
- Managing Health and Safety At Work with HR Specialists
- Events
- Brekky & Bid - Breakfast and Charity Auction for Child Cancer
- Member Offers
From Torpedo7, 2degrees, Bunnings Trade and iPayroll
- Employment Opportunities
- Do You Have A Role That You'd Like To Get Filled?
CHAMBER UPDATES
Fair Pay Agreements:
What Do You Need To Know?
The Fair Pay Agreements Act is a topic that businesses should be aware of.
The Act became law on the 1st December 2022, and brings together unions and employer associations to bargain for employment terms for all covered employees in an industry or occupation
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce sat down with Michael O’Flaherty from Platinum Partner Gibson Sheat Lawyers, and Tony McKone from Silver Partner McKone Consultancy, to provide businesses with a summary of what they need to know and answer questions from the business community.
In this webinar, our experts covered topics including:
- What is the Fair Pay Bill and why was it introduced?
- How does the process of bargaining work, who is involved and what are the time frames?
- How the process is initiated, what happens if there is no representative for one bargaining side?
- How you will know if your employees fall under a fair pay agreement and what you will need to do if they do fall under a fair pay agreement?
- What are the repercussions for an employer who fails to comply with a fair pay agreement intentionally or unintentionally?
Celebrating our Gold Partners
This week, we want to put the spotlight on our Gold Partners who play an important role in the work that we do here at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. They are significant businesses in the Hutt Valley that have chosen to provide additional support for the Chambers' work to help connect, advocate for, and inform the business community every day.
As partners of your Chamber of Commerce, we encourage you to connect to them when you need the specialist services they are offering.
The following businesses have chosen to become Gold Partners of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.
PKF Kendons: A locally owned firm, our aim is to provide you with advice when your business needs it – not just when you ask for it.
We’ll help you manage every aspect of your business, and because we establish a one-to-one personalised relationship with each of our clients, our advice will be tailored for your business. We’ve developed our traditional auditing and accounting practices into innovative client-focused business growth services, that think outside the square and can answer the more complex questions.
For more information - https://kendons.co.nz/
360 Logistics Group: 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. We have a highly skilled team that comes from a cross-section of industry specialisations who can assist your business in specific logistics activity, or collectively provide a comprehensive supply chain solution.
For more information - https://360lg.co.nz/
Cossie Club: The Club provides top-class leisure facilities, entertainment and activities in a safe and friendly environment. Our magnificent modern facility and large membership make it one of the leading clubs in New Zealand.
For more information - https://www.cossieclubs.org.nz/
Equip Recruitment: Our objective is to EQUIP businesses with it’s most valuable asset – people!
Our personal approach and passion for delivering a positive experience to our customers and future employees is what makes us who we are. We are 100% locally owned and operated and we know the local market.
When a client engages EQUIP they’re working with partners who deliver because our team understand your business. We have a transparent approach to our work, we act with integrity and we provide everybody with the good honest service that they deserve.
For more information - https://www.equiprecruitment.co.nz/
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS
Is the Hutt Valley Prepared for Floods?
We all saw the results of the recent weather event across Auckland and Cyclone Gabrielle. But is the Hutt Valley prepared for this kind of event?
Whilst the RiverLink project is a major part of the work to prepare the Hutt Valley for a one in 100-year flooding event, here at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce we were interested in what the emergency management plans are for our region.
We asked Jeremy Holmes, Regional Manager, Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group for his comments.
‘Wellington’s emergency preparedness is something we can all help with … The Wellington region is an awesome place to live, but it’s also a little wild. We often experience earthquakes, storms, flooding and landslides. We’re also at risk from tsunami.
While we can never be 100% prepared for a large-scale event, we are confident in our capabilities to support the region during an emergency. Following the Christchurch earthquakes on 2011, the Wellington region’s councils have invested in emergency management across the region and the Wellington Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group is considered a leader nationally and internationally in many areas.
The recent flooding in Auckland and now the devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle has reinforced that events can occur unexpectedly, with little or no warning. Household, business and community preparedness, along with the efforts of the official emergency response, is critical. We work with partner agencies and communities to constantly improve our level of preparedness.
The region has many established plans and processes in place that get practiced on a regular basis through real events and practice scenarios. WREMO also works closely with communities to help us all prepare for disaster by: understanding their risks, having an emergency plan, storing emergency water, and knowing where their nearest Community Emergency Hub is.
Our region regularly receives severe weather and other events. The regularity of these events allows us to practice and refine our processes. WREMO also has established plans and processes to request support from other parts of the country and central government if it should be required. Everyone has something to offer and a role to play before, during and after an emergency.
Does your business have a plan if it is interrupted? Create a business continuity plan today and find templates and examples at www.wremo.nz.
Hutt Valley Business Leaders Come Together On The Impact of Crime
The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce was really pleased to host over 60 business leaders and representatives from the Hutt City Council and NZ Police, last week, to discuss the crime issues across our community. The issues are varied and very real for the business community across our region. The crime is having an impact on them, their staff, and the community.
Mayor Campbell Barry from Hutt City Council and Inspector Dion Bennett from NZ Police were on had to speak to the business leaders and answer their questions. Local MP’s Ginny Andersen and Chris Bishop also attended the event.
The businesses received an update on the some of the work being done by the Hutt City Council and NZ Police. This includes:
- Changes to the Bunny Street bus stop
- The NZ Police van in Bunny Street and additional foot and car patrols (when possible)
- Community focus with engagement across schools, youth groups, community organisations and others to talk about the challenges and identify some solutions
- Ongoing engagement between the NZ Police and Upper Hutt City Council and Hutt City Council
- More emphasis and investment on from the Hutt City Council on cameras and people to support work in this area. The Hutt City Council has appointed a dedicated City Safety Manager who also attended the meeting.
- Regular engagement on addressing the crime and discussing solutions between key people and organisations.
The business leaders were able to have their questions answered, as well as talk about their ideas for dealing with specific issues.
If you would like to be part of further meetings on this subject please let me know by replying to this email or sending me one anytime at patrick@hvchamber.org.nz.
How Can We Protect Lower Hutt’s Unique Wildlife, Plants, and Natural Areas?
Hutt City Council’s draft Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy will soon be released for public feedback throughout April 2023.
Come along to a short presentation about the strategy and how you can have your say, as we work together to protect and restore our natural taonga for future generations.
You can participate in sessions at the Pelorus Trust Sports House, 93 Hutt Park Road, Moera, Lower Hutt at the following times:
- Mon 13/2/23 at 5 - 5:30pm
- Wed 1/3/23 at 7 - 7:30pm
- Thurs 9/3/23 at 6 - 6:30pm
- Tues 14/3/23 at 6 - 630pm
The IB strategy public consultation starts on Tuesday 28th March 2023.
Public consultation will be the whole of April, finishing on 1st May 2023.
RIVERLINK
RiverLink Update 2023
This is going to be an action-packed year as construction finally begins on this transformational set of projects.
RiverLink is a partnership of Waka Kotahi, Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington, and Iwi mana whenua – Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika (Taranaki Whānui) and Ngāti Toa Rangatira (Ngāti Toa) – all working together on this once in a lifetime opportunity to transform central Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai (Lower Hutt).
It includes the delivery of crucial flood protection work, transport improvements, and revitalisation of the city centre.
Early works are scheduled to start in mid-2023 and main construction is scheduled to start later in the year.
The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce will be organising regular meetings through 2023 to keep our business community updated on all aspects of the project. You can find out what has happened recently and what is coming up at the RiverLink website here.
NATIONAL NEWS
Calling All Employers In The Business Services Sector
Ringa Hora (Services) Workforce Development Council represents industries including Advisory Services, Aviation, Cleaning Services, Business Services, Contact Centres, Financial Services, Hospitality, Local Government, Real Estate, Retail, Security Services, State Sector, and Tourism & Travel.
The key mission for Ringa Hora is to serve and help respond to the current and future workforce needs of the Service sector. Having first-hand insights on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, as well as co-creating relevant solutions, are essential in our being able to deliver on this mission. We want to gain your perspective on how we can work alongside you to support the ongoing success and transformation of the industry.
Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council invite businesses in these sectors to their 2023 Business & Professional Industry Hui!
Insights from the Hui will be used to:
- develop joint actions across industry, government and our iwi/hapū/Māori partners.
- set standards, develop qualifications and help shape vocational education to align with industry needs.
- ensure appropriate vocational education programmes are being offered.
- help direct investment to areas of need.
The online hui will be on 28th February between 9:00am - 12:30pm. Register here to receive the event link.
TRAINING WORKSHOPS
Smash Your Revenue Goals In 2023 With Smarter Marketing
When: Wednesday 22nd February 2023 | 5:15pm - 7:30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St, Lower Hutt
Cost: None
As 2023 gets into full swing, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead and put in place the marketing strategies and tactics that will ensure that you smash your revenue goals over the next 12 months!
In this workshop, Richard (Director of Synthesis Marketing) and his team will cover the following areas:
- Marketing your business in 4 easy steps
- Where to put your marketing effort and budget
- Tips on creating a successful action plan
- Marketing trends to watch for
- These sessions are not only informative but they are also a great opportunity to network with others in the room and share ideas.
Synthesis Marketing is the official Digital Partner of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce for 2023.
Discover the power of Project Management:
Unlocking Big Success for Small Businesses
When: Wednesday 22 March & Wednesday 29 March | 8pm - 12pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St, Lower Hutt
Cost: $150 per person | Table of 10 $1,400
This two half-day (total 8 hours) interactive workshop facilitated by Vered Ohanna, the founder of 'Success Engineering', will provide small business owners practical approach to implement the basics of project management in their small business create big impact by transforming to an outcome focused approach, better leadership and clearer communication, improve efficiencies within the business that increase value.
The workshop is designed for the business owners to bring from their own experience into the training, in a facilitated manner that increases close networking and the shared level of insight across different types of businesses, as well as creating the opportunity for collaborations between the participating businesses.
Click here to see testimonials from participants of previous workshops.
Managing Health and Safety At Work with HR Specialists
When: Wednesday 01 March 2023 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: The Martinborough Hotel 10/12 Memorial Square, Martinborough
Cost: None
Are you meeting your health and safety obligations as an employer?
A safe and healthy workplace benefits everyone.
Attend our HR event specially designed for local business owners like you.
Learn about:
- Recent legislative change: Psychological hazards
- Current health and safety legislation and things you need to know
- Your obligations as an employer
- How to manage mental health
Last year we held over 250 events in New Zealand, helping over 2,000 business owners across New Zealand understand the importance of managing employees.
Walk away with the tools you need to manage risk through an effective HSW management system and maintain a safe working environment.
For more information reach out to your host Cristina Rodriguez on 027 700 5788 or cristina.rodriguez@employsure.co.nz.
EVENTS
Brekky & Bid for Child Cancer
When: Friday 24th February 2023 | 7:00am - 9:00am
Where: Lower Hutt Events Centre
Cost: $150 per person | Table of 10 $1,400
Oxygen & Professionals Redcoats are hosting a breakfast & charity auction event on Friday 24th February at the Lower Hutt Events Centre for the Child Cancer Foundation. The event will feature Black Ferns superstar Ruby Tui and sports broadcaster Jason "Piney" Pine (MC).
MEMBER OFFERS
Torpedo7 Offer For Hutt Valley Chamber Members
Get Up to 50 percent off a huge range of gear at Torpedo7. Offer Applies in-store or online (see flyer for codes).
Offer is available from 17th February to 27th February.
Exclusive 2degrees Broadband & Mobile Chamber Member Offers
Broadband to boost your business – As a Chamber member you will get 3 months FREE and you will get 10% for the life of your plan when you sign up for a 24-month Unlimited Broadband Plan.
Get double data for 12 months and $400 off any device over $999 on interest-free, when you join on a Business Choice $58 and above plan, plus as a Chamber member you will get 20% off the life of your plan
Spend Less Time On Payroll with iPayroll
How much time do you take to process your payroll ?
Could your time be better spent with your clients or customers ?
One of our Bronze partners is iPayroll.
iPayroll is New Zealand’s leading online PAYE Intermediary (PI) that can manage and pay the PAYE, process payday filing on your behalf and pay your employees if you choose.
iPayroll is a proven cloud-based payroll solution developed in New Zealand, for New Zealand businesses of all sizes. They provide an easy-to-use, feature-rich payroll solution so you can focus on your business.
They make it simple for you to run each pay and manage leave, tax, and employee records and easy for your employees to view their payslips, pay history, tax summaries, and apply for leave using the Employee Kiosk.
iPayroll is offering a special Chamber benefit of a free set-up and training for up to 10 employees valued at $100. Discounts are available for larger organisations.
To receive a free personalised demo for you to see the benefits of changing to iPayroll, click the link below.
Bunnings Trade – Discounts Across 40,000+ Products With PowerPass
Unlock a range of discounts across 40,000+ products and simplify the procurement of a huge range of products across our nationwide store network.
Bunnings Trade has partnered with the Hutt Valley Chamber 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. Customised pricing – Hutt Valley Chambers of Commerce members have access to discounts across 40,000+ products
- 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
Apply for your PowerPass now – Complete the form here
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.
EMPLOYMENT
Do You Have A Role That You'd Like To Get Filled?
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.
