One of the roles that the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce has is working with our 14 secondary schools to help the students in our community see what fantastic businesses exist on their own doorstep and then help them discover, explore, connect to and maybe experience your business.
There are so many businesses that will offer to help our local students. We are very proud of the businesses across our community that do. Special shout out this week to John Fillmore Contracting (see story below), LT McGuinness (story next week) and teachers from across our schools that came together to hear from other employers and training providers. What I think is interesting is that many employers are also now thinking about not only providing experiences for students, but also thinking about these students as their future employees. Getting to see your future talent at your workplace for more than an hours interview has to be a good thing. If you want to get involved let me know.
There is also news on the opening of New Zealand’s borders this week which could mean access to talent from other countries. Check out the information and links below.
In this edition of our Hutt Valley Business Weekly:
- John Filmore Contracting Ltd Steps Up To Support Education To Employment And Find Future Talent
- Bringing Schools And Employers Together To Support Students
- Welcome News For Employers With The Apprenticeship Scheme Extended To The End Of 2023
- Final Reminder - Our 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- Border Opening And Immigration News
- Latest COVID-19 Updates
- Local News
- Upper Hutt Entrepreneur wins big at The Welly’s
- Te Omanga Hospice Street Appeal - May 20th & 21st. Can You Help?
- Upcoming Events
- Let’s Play Ball! With The Wellington Saints And Nick Mills
- Last Chance To Book BNZ Tech Series - Tech & Innovation
- ACT's Plan To Support Businesses - David Seymour
- 2022 Budget Debrief With The Minister of Finance - Grant Robertson
- Upcoming Training
- Māori Engagement Capability - Introductory Workshop
- Understanding Intellectual Property with Zoe Dewhurst - IP101
- Time Management Mastery Workshop
- Social Media Marketing for Business Success
- 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
John Filmore Contracting Ltd Steps Up To Support Education to Employment And Find Future Talent
A huge thank you and acknowledgement to Adam Brown, General Manager - New Business, from John Fillmore Contracting Ltd.
Adam has been working with Hutt Valley Chamber's Education to Employment Coordinator, Amanda Walters, to offer two Wainuiomata students the opportunity for full-time employment, trialling this through work experience placements.
On learning that both students were also successful at securing scholarships for Outward Bound, Adam generously volunteered to cover their outstanding costs for this programme, as well as two other Wainuiomata students who were also successful at securing an Outward Bound Scholarship.
Adam Brown, General Manager - New Business, from John Fillmore Contracting Ltd and Wainuiomata High School recipients who have secured scholarships for Outward Bound.
Bringing Schools And Employers Together To Support Students
One of the roles at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce is working as the Education to Employment broker with the 14 secondary schools in our region. This role, for the whole of the Hutt Valley is to support and help school staff, engage with employers and organisations.
Our Education to Employment Coordinator, Amanda Walters, coordinated a meeting for Gateway staff with some local employers and training providers who have work experience and training opportunities for school students. This was the first time all of the Hutt Valley Gateway coordinators at our schools had been together in this way.
This meeting enabled our schools to work together and support new staff in these important roles. The meeting also allowed them to connect directly with the employers, who have work placements and employment roles available for students.
A successful outcome of this meeting was a school connecting with an employer, to secure placements for 6 senior students, all seeking apprenticeship pathways.
Gateway meeting organised by Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce's Education to Employment Coordinator - Amanda Walters, featuring Gateway Staff, local employers and training providers.
Welcome News For Employers With The Apprenticeship Scheme Extended To The End Of 2023
The Government has announced that they are extending support for trades training programmes as part of their pre-budget announcements. The announcement confirmed a $230 million investment for another 24,000 apprentices getting Apprenticeship Boost support and some 14,000 to keep being supported beyond August this year. There will also be support for the Mana in Mahi and Māori Trades Training. You can read more here.
Final Reminder - Upcoming 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
We would like to invite you to attend our AGM on Tuesday, 24th May 2022. To get involved you can:
- Register to attend
- Vote
All the information you need including the agenda, nominees, proxy votes and how to register, can be found here.
We are voting for two Board Members, President, and Vice President.
If you are unable to attend and wish to cast your vote, please send in an Appointment of Proxy Vote. Please email the form to ceo@hvchamber.org.nz no later than 5pm on Monday, 23rd May 2022.
Please note, that to be able to vote, you need to be a financial member of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce at the time of the AGM.
Nominations for the Annual General Meeting are now closed. Thank you to all those who have been nominated and we wish you all the best!
See you at the AGM, Tuesday 24th May from 5.00pm – doors close promptly at 5.30pm.
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
Upper Hutt Entrepreneur Wins Big At The Welly’s
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce member Alex Stewart, the Founder of WombatNET, won the Youth Award at the Wellingtonian of the Year Awards last week.
Alex was recognised for his entrepreneurship in bringing high-speed internet access to hundreds of households in the Hutt Valley. Well done Alex. We are very proud of your work.
And the awards did not stop there for the Hutt Valley. 2021 Wellingtonian of the Year was awarded to Teresea Olsen. Teresa is General Manager of Kokiri Marae Keriana Olsen Trust, an NGO providing advocacy and support to whanau, where she leads initiatives to vaccinate rural and vulnerable communities against Covid-19. Teresa ran the Delta Bus, taking the vaccine to hard-to-reach residents throughout the Hutt Valley, and has also led and supported numerous foodbank initiatives throughout the Hutt Valley.
Terry Miller, Founder and CTO of Eight360 and Lower Hutt-based tech start-up that developed NOVA, a revolutionary VR motion simulator, was nominated in the Science and Technology category.
Well done to all our Hutt Valley based people for recognition of their hard work and dedication.
Hutt Valley DHB News -
Heretaunga Block At Hutt Hospital
Hutt Valley District Health Board (HVDHB) has received a seismic assessment that has found the Heretaunga Block to be earthquake-prone.
They have advised staff and patient safety, both clinical and physical, is their priority, and so they are planning to shift staff and services from the Heretaunga Block over time. At the moment it is business as usual for accessing services. They have received expert engineering advice that the risk to people, while they take their next steps, is low. You can read more here.
Te Omanga Hospice Street Appeal -
May 20th and 21st. Can You Help?
Chamber member, Te Omanga Hospice, cares for 1/3 of all Hutt Valley residents that pass away.
Annually, the hospice must raise $3 million to keep Specialist Palliative Care free, to those in the community with a terminal or life-limiting illness.
This past year has been particularly difficult to raise funds to support the patients and families they care for. They estimate that fundraising has been impacted by at least $250,000 as events and fundraising activities haven’t been able to take place.
Despite the impact of COVID-19 the hospice services have continued to support those in the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Te Omanga Hospice is holding its Annual Street appeal on Friday, May 20 2022 and Saturday, May 21 2022.
We are in particular need of collectors in Upper Hutt and Petone on Saturday and would love the support at any of our locations from Chamber members and their teams.
Click the button below if you’d like to register a location and time which will assist the hospice team in coordinating the sites and volunteers.
Thank you again for supporting those in the community who will need the care and support of the hospice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Let’s Play Ball!
With The Wellington Saints And Nick Mills
Brought to you by Platinum Partner NZME, join The Wellington Saints and Wellington’s Newstalk ZB Morning Show host Nick Mills for an evening of networking.
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.
When: Thursday 09 June
Time: 5pm - 7:30pm
Where: Central Group Forklifts and Trucks, 45 Percy Cameron Street, Avalon, Lower Hutt 5011
Price: Members - No Cost | Non-members - $25
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
Last Chance To Book Our BNZ Tech Series
We're back alongside our Platinum Sponsor, BNZ, with Our Technology & Innovation Series.
Join us for our first of 3 evenings celebrating tech and innovation in the Hutt Valley featuring local businesses and hearing from 3 speakers from different industries.
Featured speakers on the night include:
- Audrea Topps Harjo - Chief Operations Officer at A44 Games,
- Marie-Claire Andrews - Head of Sales and Marketing at PaySauce
- Colin Robson - Branch Manager and Director at HTS Group Limited.
When: Thursday 19 May
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: BNZ Partners Centre, 45 Knights Road, Lower Hutt
Price: Members - No Cost | Non Members - $25 + GST
UPCOMING TRAINING
Māori Engagement Capability - Introductory Workshop
Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional is the Wellington region’s premier provider of contemporary skills and capability training.
In this introductory workshop, Wellington Uni's Poutaki Māori, Marie Cocker, will:
- Introduce you to basic Māori pronunciation in a fun, interactive way with a focus on local place names and their meanings.
- Discuss the importance of a mihi (greetings),
- Cover how you might be able to build Maori cultural capability within your business/Organisation, and why this might be important to you.
In addition, you will learn some quick-fire facts around engagement with Māori, the Māori economy and the current Crown strategies that are supporting the use of te reo Māori for the future.
This workshop is for people looking to improve their understanding of the importance of Māori engagement and how to use this in their day-to-day business interactions. Spots are filling up fast, book now.
When: Wednesday 01 June
Time: 12pm - 2pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St
Price: Members
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
Time Management For The Rest Of Us - Time Management Mastery Workshop
Hutt Valley Chamber Member Jussi Lukkonen is offering two free online training events in May. These short, sharp lunch sessions are packed full of helpful tips & tricks.
Jussi can help you achieve more. He has 30+ years of experience in Coaching, Facilitation and Content Production. He has been working as a Leader, Strategist, and Creative Solutions Expert in Europe and New Zealand. Jussi’s core offering is coaching, mentoring and facilitating leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams to become more successful and results-driven. His motto is: Let’s Bring The Best Out In People!
In this 45 minute session you will:
- Learn to get more time and more done in time.
- If you struggle to manage your time, this micro-workshop will help you get on top of your time and tasks.
This is a fun and interactive masterclass of time management.
When: Tuesday 24 May 2022
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Where: Online
Price: No Cost
Social Media Marketing for Business Success - Marketing Training
Success in social marketing comes from understanding the channels that your customers are using and the types of messages that will connect with them.
At this session, Richard Smith and Brendan Martin from Synthesis Marketing will share the latest tips on how to use Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to drive customer interaction and increase enquiries and/or foot traffic.
Topics to be covered include:
- How New Zealanders are using different social media platforms
- Top features of each platform
- Content style options to maximise engagement
- How to integrate social media into your wider marketing
- Paid social media advertising, including Ads and boost options
When: Tuesday 31 May 2022
Time: 5pm - 7pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Level 3, 15 Daly Street
Price: No Cost
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.
Torpedo 7 - Up To 40% Off For Members
Thanks to Torpedo7, members can get up to 40 percent off their range of products. (T&C's below.)
Valid Dates:
16th May – 31st May 2022
How To Redeem:
In-store - Show the attached flyer. Store staff to scan the barcode
Online - See the promo code on the flyer to use at the online checkout: HVCOC0522
Terms and Conditions:
Discounts are off RRP. If the product is already on promotion customer will receive the lower offer or promo pricing. Not all products are eligible for a discount. Variations in the regional COVID-19 alert levels may cause a delay in non-essential orders being shipped. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes Bikes and Frames, Electronics, Freight, Gift Cards and Workshop Services. Valid from 16/05/2022 to 31/05/2022.
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 2022- Monday 23 May: Google for growth
- Monday 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.
Thank you to all our Partners
As always, special thanks to all our Members and Partners for your ongoing support.
