Chamber News and Comments

July

• Department of Labour launches a new information tool
• Editorial from Michael Barnett: 'Auckland Great Expectations'
• The foreshore smell has become deafening
• Preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011

Department of Labour launches a new information tool

Media Release 12 July - The Department of Labour today launched a new information tool about employment relations and health and safety for small business owners and self-employed people.

Infozone: Business Essentials is a web resource which provides simple, straightforward downloadable templates, documents and spreadsheets to enable people to generate their own information and data for use and future reference.  This includes schedules, registers, employment agreements, self-assessments and action plans.

Department of Labour Acting Group Manager Information and Promotion, Tony Waldegrave says Infozone: Business Essentials is a first stop for small business owners.

“It explains the basics of employment relations and health and safety regulations so business owners can see how these things are done.  There are also links to more detailed information,” Mr Waldegrave says.

“There are minimum obligations that every business or self-employed person must meet and this web resource provides small business owners and self-employed people with the information they need to get these right”.

“Employing people can be challenging. Infozone: Business Essentials takes business owners through correct employment procedures step by step for hiring, managing and paying people, with templates and a calculator to help”.

Mr Waldegrave says business owners are responsible not only for the health and safety of employees but also of everyone who comes to the workplace. Infozone: Business Essentials sets out key health and safety requirements to enable them to meet those obligations.

To access Infozone: Business Essentials go to – http://www.dol.govt.nz/infozone/businessessentials/

Editorial from Michael Barnett on Governance for Auckland

12 July - Successive Governments have determined the Governance for Auckland’s immediate future so none of the Mayoral aspirants should shoulder the blame for what we are about to receive.

The fact is that Auckland under one Council has the potential to lift its game -  but that will require a new style of leadership with some new ways of thinking and better participation by Aucklanders.

Paradoxically, most of us have been apathetic about participating in the city-region’s three yearly local government elections where in theory we should be able to elect quality leaders with the vision and skills to fix Auckland’s problems. However barely 34% of eligible voters bothered to vote at the 2007 local elections. We have traditionally blamed our apathy on the fragmentation of our local government arrangements – seven local authorities and a regional council – and its resulting failure to attract quality candidates.

But those excuses no longer stack up, or at least they shouldn’t.

When we started on the road to create a single, united city-region, the idea was of creating something new….

• A metro region with a new ‘can do’ culture and leadership to address Auckland’s big issues and enable improved participation at the local level; and,
• To provide not just a fresh start but a step up in status and organisation of Auckland to take decisive action in helping to lead New Zealand’s economic recovery and long-term development.

Expectations of Aucklanders are that an efficiently executed reform will lead to better service delivery, lower rates and an end to feuding.

Even though there is growing skepticism that the reform will deliver these outcomes, to accept anything less would be a betrayal.

More and more the impression is gaining that the Super City structure is being designed and imposed on Auckland by a determined Wellington bureaucracy.

And as the election campaign heats up, there is a growing realisation that the trickle of Mayoral aspirants who have declared to date are thinking and campaigning as if they are standing for an old style city council. They need to stop thinking of Auckland as a single city, and start acknowledging Auckland as a diverse regional economy whose future success and prosperity vitally depends on building strong partnerships with central government, business, education and the many voluntary community agencies doing good work across Auckland.

What exactly do I mean? We can’t stop the creation of the new Auckland Council – with its executive mayor, 20 governing councilors, 21 local boards and seven council-controlled organisations (CCOs). But we can resolve to ensure we get the best possible outcomes from the radical changes we are being forced to accept. We owe it to ourselves and the generations of young Aucklanders who will inherit what we have done!

Second, the job of the executive mayor is very simple. They are expected to declare a vision for Auckland and get elected on a promise to empower the council, local boards and CCOs to spend their term in office implementing that vision.

Very clearly, our Mayoral candidates are falling well short of declaring a comprehensive vision for what they want Auckland to become under their watch. Every sub area of Auckland has major issues and concerns that need the full attention of a strong visionary leadership.

But strong and resolute leadership must not be confused with arrogance, nor strength of purpose with single-mindedness. Strong leaders must also be committed to participatory leadership, and listening to the heart beat of Aucklanders engaged in and passionate about the region.

At one extreme, the vision of Auckland hosting the Olympics Games ignores the recent history of Auckland’s efforts to secure the Commonwealth Games – the region wanted them but even this limited vision was rejected by central government. For Auckland to make headway, it needs a campaign to demand central government develop a major events strategy for New Zealand which includes a role for Auckland.

The same applies to our campaign to bring the world to Auckland. Tourism is a key economic driver and employer for Auckland, and yes we can drive some tactical campaigns but it is our relationship with Government and our ability to leverage off successful national campaigns that will make a difference for Auckland.

Equally the same applies for issues like people and skills – when you consider the vast range of initiatives that are undertaken by central and local government to improve people participation in our economy, and then consider the savings and improved outcomes we might get from a whole of Government approach, the qualities we should be seeking from our mayoral candidates are those of a collaborator with central government, a person who can bring disparate groups together and get action.  Importantly it should be someone who recognizes that a repeat of the past will not deliver the expectations of Auckland.

Whether it is solving Auckland’s transport issues, skill shortages, finding ways to attract investment, building export strength and establishing more innovative businesses, Auckland’s new leadership must seek the participation of central government and demand it apply a whole of government approach to solving Auckland issues.

Equally, the mayoral aspirants shouldn’t be campaigning around creation of a personality cult. Getting Aucklanders interested in voting will only be successful if the mayoral aspirants have a compelling story to tell. It has to be a story that convinces Aucklanders that they have a campaign based on action to address Auckland’s big issues.

Or to put it another way, I am confident Aucklanders will respond and get out and vote for a candidate for executive mayor who shows they want to disseminate leadership across the region, not concentrate leadership at the Town Hall around the projection of their own personality.

That is, we want our new Mayor to be able to help Aucklanders recognize their civic responsibility and encourage them to make an active contribution to lifting Auckland’s game.

Unless and until Aucklanders make demands of what they want from our mayoral aspirants, they must be prepared to get what they will be given. Download this editorial

Michael Barnett
CEO
Auckland Chamber of Commerce

Press Release: Great expectations in the new Auckland

The foreshore smell has become deafening

12 July - by Professor Roger Bowden

Just in case you hadn’t heard, it’s now official; under the coalition Government’s proposed Foreshore and Seabed Act Mark II, customary title is recognised as ownership.

No longer is ‘nobody is to own’ the foreshore and seabed, the way it was sold in the consultation document. Instead, Iwi and Hapu will have the right to claim a new form of title, which will sit over and above the residual public domain ‘in much the same way that fee simple title sits over the Crown’s radical title to land’, in the words of the Attorney General.

From the economic point of view, that amounts to ownership. I am sceptical that it can even be reconciled with the weaker notion of public domain, which is left as an undefined residual and as such, subject to constant encroachment from activities and exclusions possible under the new title.

So much for the reassuring words about an undefined ‘public access’ right. Read the full article.

Preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011

International economic development expert to visit Auckland in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011

6 July - The Auckland region is bringing in the big guns as it continues to encourage local businesses to make the most of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011). London-based city development expert, Greg Clark will be in Auckland on July 28 to demonstrate exactly what the opportunity presented by RWC 2011 looks like for Auckland.

Greg is one of the most respected commentators in his field and a member of the Promote London Council tasked with promoting the city in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. Greg believes that with the correct planning and vision, major events offer cities unprecedented opportunities for long-term economic, social and urban development.

Download the full release

June

• HP Expands Design Leadership Across its Consumer Notebook Portfolio

HP Expands Design Leadership Across its Consumer Notebook Portfolio

June 14, 2010, Press Release – HP has unveiled a redesigned portfolio of HP ENVY, HP Pavilion and HP Mini notebook PCs featuring distinctive design elements, new materials, improved performance, and enhanced experiences to consumers.

The new notebooks reflect HP’s “MUSE” (materials, usability, sensory appeal and experiences) design philosophy and multi-sensory appeal. Fusing a rich mix of superior materials, touchable textures and artisanal etched metal finishes, each is equipped with easy-to-use features for improved usability that enables users to see, hear, and touch the latest in computing experiences, and appeal to any taste and individuality.

The portfolio includes the:

• HP ENVY14 – This slim stunner features an HP Radiance display that offers picture quality up to 59 percent brighter than any notebook with a standard display.

• HP ENVY17 – Equipped with Intel’s i7 Quad Core processor(1), the HP ENVY17 delivers enthusiast-level ATI Mobility RadeonTM discrete graphics, ATI Eyefinity Technology for connection to up to three external displays, and up to 500GB(2) of storage capacity.

• HP Pavilion dv6 – This notebook supports the latest Quad Core processors and powerful discrete graphics options. The dv6 with metal finishing is also the first HP Pavilion notebook to offer an optional touch screen(3).

• HP Pavilion dv7 – Capable of satisfying any entertainment need, the dv7 features an HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer and Dolby Advanced Audio. The dv7 with metal finishing also features an option of premium Beats™ Audio(4).

“HP has access to the world’s best designers and engineers, and we utilise their unique talents to create notebooks that integrate the latest in technology, advanced materials and intuitive experiences to fit seamlessly into the lives of consumers,” said Louise Reid, Market Development Manager, consumer notebooks, HP Personal Systems Group, New Zealand.

Other innovative features include a comfortable island-style keyboard, spacious multi-gesture clickpad, and HP TrueVision WebCam(5,6), which with the low-light imaging sensor, enables users to stream brighter and clearer high-definition (HD) webcam videos over an Internet connection(7). Also available for the first time is a choice of 15 exclusive wallpapers, including 12 designed by well-known artists from around the world(8).

HP ENVY Notebooks

The HP ENVY range represents the ultimate blend of premium design and technology with a combination of powerful Intel processor options for gaming, videos and 3-D images and Beats™ Audio, a unique, high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre™ to provide the optimal sound experience – the way the artist intended it – when playing music or audio through headphones or external speakers. With a focus on design that is not limited to the notebooks themselves, both the HP ENVY14 and HP ENVY17 come with a backlit keyboard, slot-loading optical drive, a mini DisplayPort Connector and multiple wireless(7) and connectivity options for greater flexibility.

The HP ENVY14 is one of the thinnest and lightest Quad Core notebooks available in the world with a starting weight of 2.38 kilos(9) and measures 1.09 inches thin(10). It offers up to 13.75 hours of battery life(11) with the HP Slice Battery, and the 14.5-inch diagonal HD Radiance display(4) with super wide viewing angle technology enables users to see and share more of the display in any position.

With up to 500GB(2) of storage capacity, the HP ENVY17 has the horsepower and flexibility to accomplish even the most demanding of computing tasks. It offers enhanced performance with ATI Eyefinity Technology for multiple external display support and a HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer for outstanding sound.

HP Pavilion Entertainment PCs

Images courtesy of Universal Music Group

The new additions to the HP Pavilion family provide a wide variety of power and mobility options that let you start playing right out of the box, and at prices that fit most budgets. Available in Argento Blush (Metal) with modern etched Stream illustration or Black Cherry, they embody style and substance, both inside and out.

As the first HP Pavilion notebook to offer an option of HP MediaSmart or HP TouchSmart software, the 15.6-inch BrightView HD display on the HP Pavilion dv6 puts vivid entertainment experiences at users’ fingertips. The HP Pavilion dv6 offers support for the latest Quad Core processors, and offers a superior sound experience with Dolby Advanced Audio and Altec Lansing speakers.

The HP Pavilion dv7 is the ultimate balance of power and performance. With a full HD(4) display for big screen entertainment, Altec Lansing speakers, HP Triple Bass Subwoofer, and the option of Beats Audio, the dv7 brings the best out of every song, TV show or movie. The notebook also offers Corel® PaintShop® Photo™ Pro X3 and Corel VideoStudio® Pro X3 for creating photo and video content.

HP Minis

Available in a stylish Glossy Black HP Imprint finish, the updated HP Mini 210 now offers an integrated 6-cell battery providing up to 8 hours of battery life(11). With a starting weight of 1.23-kilos(12) and measuring less than 1-inch thin(10), the HP Mini 210 features a 93 percent full-sized keyboard, and is small enough to slip into most purses, backpacks or briefcases.

Pricing and availability(13)

• The HP ENVY14 is expected to be available in New Zealand in July 2010 with a starting price of NZ$3,499. The HP ENVY17 is currently available in New Zealand with a starting price of NZ$3,999.

• The HP Pavilion dv6 and dv7 metal edition are currently available in New Zealand with starting prices of NZ$1,299, and NZ$2,499, respectively.

• The HP Mini 210 is expected to be available in New Zealand in June 2010 with a starting price of NZ$699.

Additional information is available at www.hp.com/apac/homenotebooks.

May

• The New Zealand Companies Office | New services for a new decade
• Vodafone sponsors the fastest sailing boat in the southern hemisphere
• www.businessmentors.org.nz - media release

The New Zealand Companies Office | New services for a new decade

In 1996 the Companies Office introduced the first online business registry service in the world.  Since its inception, these online services have earned the reputation of being efficient, accurate and successful in lowering the cost of business compliance. 

The Companies Office has come along way since 1996.  The growth of the internet and development of technology now gives the Companies Office the opportunity to improve the way they interact with you and deliver their online services. 

On 28 June 2010 the Companies Office will be replacing its existing IT system with a new purpose built platform called 'Enterprise'. This new platform has been designed and developed to allow for more customisable services, catering for specific compliance and corporate needs.  Enterprise will cater for the easy integration of future technologies and services.

More than just a new look and feel

The Companies Office will adopt a new colour scheme from the 28th June 2010 and will being using the upcoming all-of-government fern branding but along with this comes a number of brand new services and improvements to existing services.

With Enterprise the Companies Office have been able to provide you with some fantastic new services such as:

• A new personalised dashboard
• The ability to add additional information about your company, e.g. website address and logo
• Improved Searching
• The ability to incorporate many types of companies online
• New options when reserving company names
• Address verification with NZ Post

Enterprise has also helped the Companies Office to address the registers security and usability, some important changes include:

• A new way to logon using the cross government logon service igovt
• A new authority system replacing company keys
• New reminder dates for annual returns
• Less information to enter in your annual return
• New timeframes for incorporating companies

To keep up to date with the changes and everything you need to know before the 28th June please visit the Companies Office www.companies.govt.nz.  

Vodafone sponsors the fastest sailing boat in the southern hemisphere

18 May - Media Release - Vodafone has taken naming sponsorship of the ORMA trimaran previously Team G3, to launch ‘TeamVodafone Sailing’ with the boat’s major rebranding about to start.

Vodafone's Director of Sales Grant Hopkins says they wanted the ability to showcase their extensive marine coverage and felt that the trimaran demonstrated both their commitment to reliable marine network performance and the delivery of fast 3G data speeds to boaties throughout NZ.

"We have invested heavily in our Extended 3G network to cover 97% of where kiwis live, work and play - and a whole lot of kiwis play on the water. Whether you want to send a PXT of your award-winning snapper to a mate, keep the emails at bay or in the case of TeamVodafone check the weather to be in the best position for the wind, this partnership is about showing boaties you can still use all of our great data services at fast speeds on the water."

Capable of a top speed in excess of 40 knots, the Open 60 multihull takes performance to a new league all together, and despite being tried and tested in Europe for many years, for both New Zealand and Australia it’s a first proper look at the world of high intensity giant trimaran sailing.

Moored just 100 metres from the Vodafone HQ at the Viaduct in Auckland harbour, TeamVodafone is the fastest mobile billboard in town. As well as racing in Auckland, TeamVodafone intends to compete in numerous regattas and races in Oceania – Coastal Classic, Sydney- Hobart, Auckland – Fiji to name a few...and will challenge a few records getting there and back.  Watch out for it overtaking the Waiheke ferry in the Auckland harbour.

In August next year TeamVodafone will also enter the ‘Round Australia Race’ – the last time it was raced it was won was by kiwi’s Sir Peter Blake and Mike Quilter in Steinlager 1, back in 1988.

TeamVodafone Sailing is owned and skippered by Simon Hull with an experienced professional crew.  Simon has owned and campaigned a succession of race boats, the most recent the Transpac 52, V5 - recent wins include the Coastal Classic yacht race in 2007 and 2008, and the Bay of Islands Race Week in 2009.

Simon commented “It is fantastic to have a brand as strong as Vodafone to back the team. Bringing one of the fastest sailing boats on the planet all the way down here from France has been a dream of mine for some time. It takes sailing here to a new level and Vodafone’ support enables us to go for the records that we know she is capable of”.

"Of course this partnership is not just about coverage, let’s face it this boat is fast, it’s innovative and it will push the boundaries to break records - you can't get more Vodafone than that" says Hopkins.

MORE SMES TURNING TO MENTORING TO HELP THEM THROUGH RECESSION REPORTS NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION, BUSINESS MENTORS NEW ZEALAND

17 May - Media Release - According to the latest figures from Business Mentors New Zealand, the nation’s number one not-for-profit mentoring organisation, more SMEs are seeing the value an experienced volunteer mentor can add to their business.

Between 1st April 2009 and 31st March 2010, 2,385 new clients applied for a mentor. Volunteer mentors carried out 8, 972 mentoring sessions, a 44% increase on the previous year.

‘Over the past decade, prior to the world wide recession, most companies experienced buoyant and benign business conditions,’ explains Ray Schofield, Business Mentors New Zealand CEO. ‘However, the last 18 months have seen many business owners not knowing how to cope in what has become a very challenging business environment. Many lack the experience to get through it which is where a business mentor can be a real asset.’

 ‘The feedback we’ve had from clients is that they really appreciate the unique opportunity to tap into somebody else’s knowledge,’ adds Ray. ‘A mentor can also act as an impartial third party. Often people, especially those that work in the business as well as owning it, get so close to the company that they are unable to see aspects which are weak and need improvement, as well as areas of opportunity. A mentor can help them step back and see things in a fresh light.’

In addition to the growth figures, it has been revealed that clients are happier than ever with the service. Latest client satisfaction survey results show that overall satisfaction (good/excellent ratings) has climbed to a noteworthy high of 80%.

‘These figures go to show that our efforts to provide an increasingly high quality mentoring service are not going unnoticed,’ says Ray. ‘Our aim for 2010 and beyond is to keep improving the standard of mentoring our 1600+ mentors and 15 agents are providing throughout the country. We are definitely focusing on quality over quantity.’

Business Mentors New Zealand was established in 1991. It is funded largely by patrons from the private sector, with additional support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.  It provides a mentoring service to businesses that have been operating for at least six months and is the owner’s main source of income. A registration fee of $100 + GST applies, which entitles businesses to use the mentoring service for two years.  This is the only cost – the mentoring received is free.

Download this media release.
For more information on Business Mentors visit www.businessmentors.org.nz.

About Business Mentors NZ

Business Mentors New Zealand was established in 1991. It is funded largely by patrons from the private sector, with additional support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.  It provides a free mentoring service to businesses that have been operating for at least a year and have fewer than 25 staff.

Business Mentors NZ currently has a pool of over 1,600 mentors from throughout New Zealand. Mentors are volunteers and are not paid for their time, although they are reimbursed for expenses.   One-on-one mentoring offers the most practical assistance to the development and growth of the small business sector in New Zealand.

Further Information

Contact: Ray Schofield, Business Mentors- 0274 735 435 or 09 523 0110
www.businessmentors.org.nz

April

• Media release from the ARC - Queens Wharf to open to public on Anzac Day
• Letter to Government - Emissions Trading Scheme and Climate Change Policy Settings

Queens Wharf to open to public on Anzac Day

16 April - As the next step in a visionary plan to develop Auckland’s waterfront, Queens Wharf will be formally opened to the public on Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April.

A festival beginning at 1pm will celebrate the opening of the wharf as a public space. For most of its 104 year history the wharf has been locked behind the historical ‘red fence’.

“The red gates were built almost 100 years ago, and have remained firmly shut for most of this time,” says Mike Lee, Chair of the Auckland Regional Council.

“The Government and Auckland Regional Council bought the wharf so we can all enjoy part of Auckland’s waterfront right at the start of Queen Street. It will be a place where people celebrate, relax and are entertained – a place of national pride,” says Mr Lee.

“Queens Wharf will become Auckland’s front door for the thousands of cruise passengers that visit our shores each year.”

Celebrations on the day include going aboard naval ship HMNZS Rotoiti, tours of the waterfront on steam tug boat SS Puke, rowing Lake Karapiro via virtual technology with the RowBox currently touring the country, testing rugby skills, and cultural performances including Drums of the Pacific.

There will also be displays showcasing how Auckland’s waterfront will develop from the port along to Wynyard Quarter over the coming years.

Queens Wharf – named for its location at the end of Queen Street –  was purchased for the people of Auckland by the Auckland Regional Council and the New Zealand Government. Queens Wharf and Queen Street were named after Queen Victoria. The Queen name has a strong maritime connection, with famous cruise ships such as the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria.

The 2.75ha wharf and 1.5km of surrounding waterfront boast spectacular panoramic views of the Waitemata Harbour and city. The wharf will be a public space for all to enjoy as well as a stage for events including the Rally of New Zealand and Rugby World Cup 2011.

Following the festival on Sunday 25 April, Queens Wharf will be straight to work as the Rally of New Zealand service base from 6 to 9 May.

ARC Media Release.pdf

Letter to the Prime Minister

Dear Prime Minister

Emissions Trading Scheme and Climate Change Policy Settings

We wish to raise our growing concerns regarding the apparently widening disconnect between the international environment and the implementation of an all gases all sectors emissions trading scheme in New Zealand... Download here.

March

• Business Update and information sessions
• Ten steps to managing your reputation risk
• Auckland's Rugby World Cup 2011 build-up gains momentum
• Veda Advantage acquires Card Alert and EKKO

Business Update and information sessions

19 March - During April and May, free Business Update and information sessions will be held throughout New Zealand to introduce new Companies Office services and the Financial Service Providers Register regime. 

The morning Business Update session will be followed by two information sessions to help you master the new online services for the Companies Office, and introduce the new Financial Service Providers Register.

 We welcome representatives from the Chamber and for you to forward this invite to your wider membership.

 Seminars will be divided into three sessions allowing you to attend only the sessions you find relevant:

Business Update

Legislation changes, tips, statistics and what is on the horizon for business.govt.nz, the Companies Office, the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), and the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR).

The New Companies Office Services – Integrity, Ownership, Innovation

An introduction to the new online tools, widgets, igovt logons, and key functionalities such as the personalised dashboard for the new Companies Office website.

Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) – Compliance with the new Acts

An introduction to the FSPR and AFA regimes including who will administer it, registration and authorisation requirements, how to register on the FSPR and the process to become an Authorised Financial Adviser (AFA).

If you have any questions that you would like discussed during either of the above seminar sessions, you can submit your question online here.

For more information and to register, visit our website to see when we will be in your area.

Ten steps to managing your reputation risk

16 March - Twice as many organisations now view their corporate reputation as a prime asset compared to three years ago, according to a recent Managing Reputation survey by Senate Communications and Baseline Consultancy.

However, the survey also shows that this dramatic development is not matched by the views of the media, who play an important role in making or breaking reputations. They say that companies are not good at looking after their reputations, especially during a crisis. 

What steps does your business take to manage its reputation and how does this measure up with what media expects?

Senate Communications presents 10 key recommendations to better managing reputation risk…read more here.

Auckland's Rugby World Cup 2011 build-up gains momentum

9 March 2010 - Press release: With exactly 18 months to go until Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off, Auckland is building up to the event with a wealth of infrastructure projects powering ahead right across the region.

Auckland’s RWC 2011 spokesperson Michael Barnett says the new and upgraded infrastructure will not only help make the region a great host for RWC 2011 but will also deliver benefits well beyond the Tournament.

“What is being built now means Auckland is well placed to maximise the opportunities that this once in a lifetime event provides,” Mr Barnett says.

“You only need to take a quick spin around the region to see major capital projects charging ahead.”

Eden Park
Eden Park’s redevelopment is leading the way with the new six-level, 21,500-seat south stand almost structurally complete. The finishing touches are being added including the installation of seats, while construction of the east stand, transport hub and western concourse continues. The redevelopment is on track for completion by November this year, providing a number of opportunities to fully road test the stadium ahead of RWC 2011.

Transport
Outside the ground, work to upgrade Kingsland railway station, the improvements to Sandringham Road and the creation of a link lane between Sandringham and Walters roads are all well underway.The station is due to be completed in time for the All Blacks test with South Africa on 10 July. The link lane is also expected to be used for that match.

“These upgrades combined with the comprehensive traffic and transport planning around both Eden Park and North Harbour Stadium will ensure fans will easily be able to travel to and from matches in Auckland,” Barnett says.

On the all important airport to CBD route, the new Manukau harbour crossing will be ready seven months earlier than planned. The $230 million project, which will cut up to 20 minutes from the journey between the airport and central Auckland, will now open in August 2010.

Training venues
With Auckland hosting at least 12 teams during RWC 2011, upgrades to training venues across the region are kicking off. Improvements to fields, lighting and buildings at Western Springs Stadium, Onewa Domain, and Mt Smart Stadium will ensure a world-class experience for the teams.

Waterfront, city and airport
On the waterfront, work has begun on the new Marine Events Centre on the Halsey Street wharf. The centre, due to be completed by July 2011 for use during RWC 2011, offers 3000sqm of hospitality space with adjacent public spaces.

Adjacent to the Marine Events Centre site, the first stage of the Wynyard Quarter development (Jellicoe Street and the public plaza at its western end, as well as a retail and entertainment precinct on North Wharf) will be complete by RWC 2011.

“Add to that confirmation from the Government that Queens Wharf will be opened up for use during the Tournament and we can be confident that piece of the puzzle will be in place for the opening celebrations on 9 September 2011,” Barnett says.

He says RWC 2011 is a catalyst for gaining greater public access to the waterfront and is a great example of what major events can do for the amenities that Aucklanders enjoy.

“You only need to look at what the America’s Cup did with the evolution of the Viaduct Harbour to see that major events deliver significant long-term benefits for us all.”

In other key central city projects, Aotea Square’s major redevelopment will be completed by October this year and the $121 million restoration and expansion of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki will open to the public in the middle of 2011.

Auckland Airport announced they’re building a 125-room 2-star Formule 1 hotel, while a 4-star 260-room Novotel is currently being built next to the international terminal. Both will open in time for RWC 2011 and will be operated by Accor.

“When you see all these things happening on the ground you know we are building towards something big,” Barnett says.

Auckland’s RWC 2011 Regional Steering Group has been driving the region’s planning for more than three years.  Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) said this cooperation across the region’s many interested parties was a tribute to the organisational muscle being brought to bear to maximise the opportunity RWC 2011 presents.

“We’re really pleased that Auckland is so well prepared this far out,” said RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden. “It recognised early on after New Zealand won the bid to host RWC 2011 that it needed to get moving if we were to make the most of the Tournament.

“However, these are not easy challenges for a major city and to see so much work on track for completion this year alone is both reassuring and a great example for other regions.”

RWC 2011 will generate up to $267 million of direct economic benefits for Auckland.

For more information on Auckland’s preparations for RWC 2011 visit www.auckland2011.com

For more information please contact:
Joanne Perry, Auckland RWC 2011 Planning Team, 027 278 9092

Veda Advantage acquires Card Alert and EKKO

8 March 2010 - Veda Advantage today announced its subsidiary business Secure Sentinel has acquired the business and membership base of secure registration service provider Card Alert and its sister company, EKKO Guardian.

These strategic acquisitions follow Veda Advantage’s purchase of loss assistance and retrieval specialists, Secure Sentinel, in May 2009 and will complement and expand the company’s consumer identity protection services.

Veda Advantage Managing Director, John Roberts, says the acquisition of Card Alert will provide consumers with leading loss assistance and secure registration services, and in the future will offer services to aid with the detection of identity theft.

“Combining the functionality of the Card Alert and EKKO Guardian products with those currently provided by Secure Sentinel will provide Veda Advantage customers with the opportunity to access first class identity protection. This includes the ability to register their most important financial information in one secure location and receive assistance in the event of loss. In the meantime, members do not need to change any of their details and it will be business as usual for all Card Alert and EKKO Guardian customers.”

 The Secure Sentinel service provides loss assistance and retrieval services for financial cards, mobile phones, documents and personal valuables in one package.

Services included:

• Supplying a dedicated 24-hour hotline for members to call from anywhere in the world to:
  • cancel and arrange reissue of financial cards
  • receive assistance with the cancellation of New Zealand and other passports;
• Providing members with written notification of passports that are due to expire;
• Temporarily blocking the usage of mobile phones;
• Arranging emergency cash advances;
• Assisting with key and luggage return;
• Notifying participating service providers of a change of address so that details can be updated from a single source, reducing the threat of identity theft.

Auckland businesses get ready for kick off

Friday 5 March - The next in Auckland’s ongoing programme of tools to support the region’s businesses looking to take advantage of the opportunities that RWC 2011 will offer, is due to kick off in April.

Developed by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, in association with AucklandPlus the series will give Auckland businesses an edge with RWC-specific business information as well as an opportunity to network with other proactive businesses. Successful businesspeople and subject experts will present on topics ranging from commercial rights restrictions to business sustainability.

“Our objective is to give Auckland businesses the tools to place themselves in the best position to take advantage of the increased opportunities that RWC 2011 will bring” says Michael Barnett, chief executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

The first seminar, an overview of RWC opportunities for local businesses will be presented by AucklandPlus chair and Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett, with former All Black and successful businessman David Kirk on Thursday, 15 April.

February 2010

• Westpac recognised on Global 100 Most Sustainable list

Westpac recognised on Global 100 Most Sustainable list

The Westpac Group is the only Australasian banking group to be recognised as one of the 2010 'Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations.' The sixth annual Global 100 list of the most sustainable corporations in the world, was announced during the Davos World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

Westpac New Zealand’s Head of Corporate Responsibility, Suzie Marsden, said this recognition again reinforces the good progress the bank is making against its sustainability strategy, balancing the needs of our customers, employees, investors, and the community.

“Being named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Corporations globally differentiates us from our competitors and is an accolade we deeply value,” Ms Marsden said.

“We are proud of this achievement and use recognition like this to spark conversations about sustainability with our customers that in turn lead to a more sustainable future.”

The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World is an annual project initiated by Corporate Knights, a Canadian ‘magazine for clean capitalism’. Toby Heaps, Editor-in Chief of Corporate Knights Magazine said, 'By using clear metrics to show investors which companies stand out from their peers, we hope to create a virtuous cycle where the most sustainable companies attract the most capital and earn the best returns.'

To determine this year's global list out of a possible 3000 contenders, companies were ranked transparently by a set of ten objective sustainability indicators.

In addition to social indicators such as the decision to incorporate sustainability in Executive performance indicators and diversity of board directors, the 2010 Global 100 established and measured companies against their approach to minimise their environmental impacts in the area of energy, carbon, water and waste.

Want to know about sustainability at Westpac? For Westpac, sustainability is about acting on the issues that matter to our future. We believe it's the things we do today that make the difference for Our Tomorrow. You can find more information about Westpac’s sustainability strategy on www.westpac.co.nz/sustainability

For more information on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations go to: www.global100.org.

November 2009

• Kiwi business dissatisfied with Government support
• Award spells out confidence and trust
• The Great Debate! “Clothes Maketh the Man”
• Fusion5 acquires Savio Solutions to form NZ’s Leading CRM organisation
• New Kiwis – New Results
• The Conference Centre acknowledged for its commitment to sustainability
• New website invaluable tool for Auckland businesses
• Study finds major events a significant contributor to the Auckland Region
• RWC 2011 preparations gain momentum

Kiwi business dissatisfied with Government support

25 November - More than a third of New Zealand businesses are unhappy with the support they have received from the Government over the past year, with changes to ACC, resource management legislation and exchange rate initiatives seen as the most ‘unhelpful’ Government changes and initiatives, according to the latest MYOB Business Monitor.

The MYOB Business Monitor is a nationwide survey of over a thousand business owners of sole trading, micro, small and medium sized businesses from across all industry groups. The MYOB Business Monitor is designed to research key areas of business performance, including profitability, cash flow and pipeline work, as well as business confidence and satisfaction in the support of Government. The research was conducted by Colmar Brunton for MYOB in October 2009.

MYOB New Zealand general manager Julian Smith says the MYOB Business Monitor has highlighted some key areas of concern from New Zealand business owners about the level of support they have received from the Government during its first year in office.

“While about a fifth of Kiwi business owners think the job the Government is doing for them is satisfactory, a strong level of dissatisfaction is evident across the country,” says Julian Smith.

Business owners in Wellington are the most unhappy with the level of support the Government provides. Only 14% of Wellington-based business owners are satisfied with the Government’s support, while 36% are dissatisfied. The ‘satisfaction gap’ is narrowest outside of the main centres, where 24% of business owners are satisfied and 34% are dissatisfied with the Government.

Business owners in some of the sectors hit hardest by the recession – construction, trades and transport industries – are most dissatisfied (40%) and least satisfied (19%) with the Government’s support of businesses like theirs.

“In particular, though it’s pretty closely split, more business owners think the regulatory environment has got worse than improved over the past year,” says Julian Smith.

According to the survey, 22% of business owners describe the regulatory environment as worse compared to a year ago, while 18% describe it as a little better and 3% a lot better.

“However there are some positives for the Government,” says Julian Smith. “Nearly a third of business owners recognise Government support of business has improved since last year, with 27% describing Government support as better over the past year, compared to 20% who see it as worse.”

“The Government does have strong support from larger businesses in this measure, with 45% of businesses with between 20 and 200 staff believing the Government’s level of support for business has improved over the last year.”

Julian Smith says business owners have faced real challenges over the past year, although the survey shows a significant improvement in both business confidence and pipeline work, since the last MYOB Business Monitor in July 2009.

“Over half of Kiwi business owners expect that the economy will improve in the next 12 months, compared to 43% in our July survey,” says Julian Smith. “And around 50% are expecting their own profits to improve over the next year as well.”

However, says Julian Smith, even though the Government has been constrained by the effects of the recession and the global financial crisis, many business owners clearly expect more support.

“As economic conditions improve, we believe small businesses in particular would welcome more help from Government,” says Julian Smith. “The business owners we surveyed were particularly critical of a number of key Government initiatives – with proposed changes to the ACC seen as ‘unhelpful’ by 40% of respondents, with only 9% in favour.”

The MYOB Business Monitor also found businesses saw changes to the Holidays Act, Resource Management and Building Act, as well as exchange rate and climate change initiatives as more of an impediment than a help to their business. However, the Government’s online business tools, and the information portal www.business.govt.nz, were seen as helpful by business owners.

“As we see stronger signs of recovery from businesses, its vital they get the help they expect from Government to support a return to economic growth,” says Julian Smith.

“In particular, we’d encourage the Government to look very closely at the potential impacts of legislation in creating greater compliance burdens and red tape for businesses, and ensure any business-focused changes genuinely make life easier for Kiwi businesses.”

Award spells out confidence and trust

24 November - At the 15th Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards on November 14th, the judges – members of the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation – announced The Franchise Coach as winner of the Service Provider Award 2009/2010.

Along with franchise consultants, entries in this category can include a cross section of service providers such as specialist franchise accountants, franchise lawyers, bankers, marketing gurus, financial planners and many more.

In announcing the award, the judges said they were impressed by The Franchise Coach's ability to meet all judging criteria and clear evidence shown that The Franchise Coach has  built an effective business model providing valuable support to its clients and bringing credit to the franchise industry in New Zealand. The judges also singled out The Franchise Coach's robust approaches to governance and business planning. 

“This is a great honour and a highlight of our 24 years in business. But what pleases us most about winning the Service Provider Award 2009/2010, is that it was judged against our peers,” says The Franchise Coach founder and principal David McCulloch, “and quite literally spells out confidence and trust to those facing the difficult task of choosing their franchise consultant.”

The Franchise Coach also participated in the awards as a sponsor of the Retail Services Best Franchise System of the Year which went to MINIT NZ Ltd (Mister MINIT) and the Retail Services Best Franchisee of the Year awarded to Tim and Tina Morrison of Carpet One, Counties. 

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce is pleased to congratulate David and the Team from Franchise Coach and wishes them continued success.

The Great Debate! “Clothes Maketh the Man”

November 23 - Professional Investment Services (NZ) is hosting an evening of debate with a fantastic range of speakers on Wednesday, 25th November at the Horse and Trap, 3 Enfield Street, Mt Eden from 6.00pm – 8.00pm.

An entertaining night and great networking opportunity to invite your colleagues, clients and business associates along to.

Requirements: ‘Fling your Bling’ or ‘Banish your Belts’. Please help ‘Dress for Success Auckland’ to accessorise by bringing a belt or a piece of costume jewellery. Handed over with your business card will put you in the draw for a luxury night for two at SKYCITY Auckland.

Payment method: Cost $30.00 (drink on arrival), canapés and entry to debate. Phone with your credit card details to: 09307 1190 or post cheque to: PO Box 8463 Symonds Street Auckland 1150. (A credit card transaction fee will apply.)

RSVP: Marie van Asch on (09) 307 1190 / mariea@profinvest.co.nz. Payment to be made in advance as tickets are limited. A cash bar will operate. There will be raffle tickets for sale for a great prize.

Seats are limited so please RSVP today!

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For more information contact Marie van Asch on (09) 307 1190 or email mariea@profinvest.co.nz.

Fusion5 / Savio Press Release – November 16th 2009

Fusion5 acquires Savio Solutions to form NZ’s Leading CRM organisation

20 November - Fusion5 (www.fusion5.co.nz) is very pleased to announce that it has acquired Savio Solutions (www.saviosolutions.com) to form New Zealand’s leading CRM organisation.

Fusion5, a locally owned organisation with offices in New Zealand and Australia, specialises in the implementation and support of ERP, CRM and HCM solutions.  Savio has long been one of New Zealand’s leading CRM organisations with significant success in CDC’s Pivotal CRM software and FrontRange’s Goldmine CRM solutions.

Fusion5 together with Savio has close to 90 staff across New Zealand and Australia, and more than 200 customers in New Zealand.  The CRM team, which comprises a significant contribution to the overall revenues, continues to be led by Sven Martin and Graham Barker, with Amanda Peake providing CRM strategy from the Wellington offices.

Both Savio and Fusion5’s CRM teams have differentiated from most organisations in that they are led by business strategy ahead of technology.  Combined, Fusion5’s CRM team is now the largest and most qualified group of business focused application consultants available locally.

Sven Martin, Fusion5 Director CRM Solutions, comments ‘Savio and Fusion5 strongly believe that CRM is a key strategy for business success and our large team of experience consultants look forward to developing CRM strategies with our customers’.  Rebecca Tohill, Managing Director Fusion5 adds ‘Fusion5 has enjoyed a good relationship with Sven and Graham, and their team over the years and we are delighted to now have the Savio people on board at Fusion5.  Our CRM methodologies are similar and our business focused approach to CRM solutions means we can add real bottom line value to our customer’s business.

Frank Hung, Managing Director of CDC Software Australia, New Zealand says “I am delighted to see the amalgamation of CDC Software’s top two leading partners in New Zealand.  This union will drive better customer service and cement Fusion5 as a leading professional services organisation that delivers high value expertise in the New Zealand market”.

“I want to extend Fusion5 our full support of this merger and look forward to a continuing successful partnership in providing Fusion5 and its New Zealand customers a solid foundation for future growth and opportunities.”

John O’Brien, FrontRange Vice President, Asia Pacific also added “FrontRange has had a long and successful relationship with Savio Solutions.  Savio has, for many years, been a leading reseller and implementation partner for our Goldmine CRM customers.  We are delighted to see Savio merge with Fusion5, and we are providing our full support to Fusion5 as it extends it range of services to our existing customer base and drive new sales opportunities.”

Existing Pivotal customers include Auckland Chamber of Commerce, New Zealand Racing Board, Watercare Services, Industry Training Organisations,  MARAC and many others.   GoldMine customers include – Canon, Nutricia, BMW New Zealand and many others.

New Kiwis – New Results

Responding to the publicity he received about the New Kiwis service as part of his membership of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce he registered as an employer and searched for and found a potential candidate living here in Auckland with the right skill set. A couple of phone calls later Kevin arranged to interview Jenny Liu who was looking for a role as an Accounts Assistant. Jenny has now been employed by Atrax group in the position of Accounts Assistant and she is delighted to be part of the Atrax team which exports weighing technology equipment to over 80 countries worldwide.

Sheaam Achmat, New Kiwis Employment Liaison is thrilled with the collaboration and the already pleasing results “Our forte is linking skilled people to the needs of NZ employers and encouraging employers to embrace cultural diversity when looking to address their skills shortages. Understanding the recruitment needs of our employers is key to maximising the potential of this initiative.”

Please click here to learn how you can become involved with New Kiwis Recruitment Solutions

The Conference Centre acknowledged for its commitment to sustainability

18 November - The Conference Centre, located in Penrose, Auckland has won the Emerging Small and Medium Business category in the NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards.

The annual awards recognise achievements by organisations in the embedding of sustainability in their day-to-day business operations, with a focus on the areas of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity.  The Emerging Small and Medium Business category is for businesses that are new to sustainability, having actively begun implementing sustainable actions within the last two years, and have fewer than 20 employees.

CEO, Robyn Henry said of the win: “This award recognises our commitment to becoming New Zealand’s leading sustainable 4 star conference venue and we hope it inspires other small and medium businesses to achieve a similar goal within their industry”.

The Conference Centre, a member of the Auckland Chamber, received the following comments on their nomination:

• The Conference Centre has a clearly articulated vision of becoming a sustainable business.
• They are aware of their key environmental, social and financial impacts and have plans in place to manage these.
• They have made a particularly impressive effort in reducing their waste and sourcing environmentally friendly supplies and are connected to and engaging with their supply chain.
• he Centre has a strong link to the community and engages staff and suppliers in every aspect of their sustainability planning.

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce offers its congratulations to Robyn and the team at The Conference Centre.

New website invaluable tool for Auckland businesses

18 November - Auckland businesses planning for growth now have access to a valuable tool to assist in the process. Knowledge Auckland (www.knowledgeauckland.org.nz), a web-based repository for information specific to the Auckland region developed by the Auckland Regional Council, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the Department of Labour, went live last month.

A quick search on the new website reveals a wealth of Auckland-specific information; from economic and labour trends and sector reports through to how many litres of fuel were consumed in the region last month. 

“Statistics are a key part of any business planning” says Michael Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce. “Having all Auckland regional information available in one central place is invaluable to all businesses operating or looking to operate in the Auckland region”

 Previously those wanting to find statistics specific to Auckland could spend hours searching multitudes of different sources or even commission expensive research to find what they need.

“Knowledge Auckland has statistics on the Auckland region available at no cost in one central place making information easy for everyone to access”.

Access to the site is free and new statistics are uploaded to the site as soon as they become available.  

Click here to visit the site and take a look through the information available.

Study finds major events a significant contributor to the Auckland Region

“Outstanding,” is how Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Auckland Region’s Economic Development Agency, AucklandPlus views the release of a study showing that major events contributed at least $479 million to the Auckland Region during 2008.

The study, commissioned by Auckland City Council and released last month, found that the 1,674 events held across the Auckland region in 2008 contributed at least $440 million to Auckland’s GDP and 7,227 full time equivalent jobs

“AucklandPlus has recently been promoting the massive opportunities that pursuing major events offers for Auckland and it is comforting to have research to reinforce that,” says Mr Barnett. “Not only does hosting major events drive tourism and investment, but they set firm timelines which act to catalyse infrastructure development projects providing benefits to Auckland residents and businesses long after the event has concluded.” 

The hosting of the opening and closing ceremonies for Rugby World Cup in 2011 has seen roading, rail and sporting infrastructure projects including the revamping of Eden Park and the development of Queens Wharf into public spaces and a new cruise ship terminal charging forward.

Using major events to promote community projects and economic growth has been successfully used by Glasgow (due to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games) as well as closer to home in both Brisbane and Melbourne where major events are a key driver of the cities’ economic growth plans.

The future for major event benefits is looking bright for Auckland with the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series which provided $16 million of additional output earlier this year returning to Auckland in March as part of an expanded Louis Vuitton World Series and Rugby World Cup, New Zealand’s largest ever global event, expected to contribute approximately $267 million into the New Zealand economy in 2011. Auckland is really looking to take its place as leading destination for major events and as the study shows, the benefits are considerable.

RWC 2011 preparations gain momentum

12 November - With less than two years to go before Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) kicks off in Auckland, preparations for the tournament are stepping up a gear both in New Zealand and offshore.
 
The latest appearance of Tourism New Zealand’s giant rugby ball pavilion in Tokyo has put the spotlight on RWC 2011. The Ball’s opening event was covered by more than 100 Japanese media and TV coverage is estimated to have reached an audience of around 34 million. The Ball is in Tokyo to promote New Zealand as a place to visit, work and do business.

This was one of a number of New Zealand business and investment attraction activities taking place in Japan over the past week. And to follow up this offshore activity, both the Auckland region (through AucklandPlus) and the Government (through its recently launched NZ 2011 Office) have launched their business programmes and investment attraction strategies for RWC 2011.

On the subject of ticket sales, expect more information on tickets for the tournament very soon in preparation for the first ticket sales from early next year. Two of Auckland’s big ticket items in its preparations for the tournament are the Eden Park redevelopment and transport upgrades.

With Eden Park well and truly on schedule and within budget, attention is turning to transport and the question of whether Auckland’s transport system will be able to shift the big crowds to and from matches. Under the guidance of Australian event transport planning guru Bruce Barnard, the pieces of the transport puzzle are coming together. Morningside Station’s upgrade is already complete and work is due to start on the major upgrade of Kingsland Station in December. A Draft Regional Transport Strategy for RWC 2011 has already been completed.

Last week the Airbus, which links the airport with the CBD, launched a 24/7 service with RWC 2011 in mind.

For more on Auckland’s RWC 2011 preparations visit www.auckland2011.com.

October

The Icehouse kicks off Fast Pitch 2009

16 October - Business growth centre The Icehouse has kicked off its Fast Pitch 2009 competition for entrepreneurs. The real life Dragon’s Den scenario invites people to put their business ideas to a panel of judges and offers prizes which include three months in the ICE Accelerator business incubator for the winner.

The Icehouse CEO Andy Hamilton says the success of the inaugural Fast Pitch in 2008 makes it a “must do” for start-ups and entrepreneurs. “It is a great opportunity for budding business people to get advice from business leaders and for finalists to pitch their ideas in front of an audience and a panel of judges.

“Last year’s entrants were from a broad range of industries and showed the sort of talent New Zealand has. Our goal is for Fast Pitch to be widely recognised as an event which inspires people to take the ideas that have been simmering in their heads and put them into action,” says Hamilton.

Fast Pitch will run over three evenings 8th, 15th and 27th October at the University of Auckland’s School of Business. Contestants will receive expert advice on business pitching, learning what investors look for in businesses and how pitching well has helped other businesses grow rapidly.

The final on 27 October will have 10 finalists competing for the main prize and other categories including: Best Intellectual Property Idea, Best Funding Opportunity for Investors, Best Presentation Skills and People’s Choice award.

The over winner will receive a prize package valued at over $15,000 including three months incubation in the ICE Accelerator plus a Microsoft computer and software package.

Other prizes include:

• Ernst & Young's business consultation package
• NZTE's Escalator Investment Ready Consulting Services, valued at $3,000
• Telecom T-Stick
• HP 1GB USB Sticks
• Microsoft's suite business software package

Last year’s Fast Pitch winner Todd Wackrow of mobile marketing company PocketVouchers said of the event, “It was incredibly useful. There was just so much expertise available. You get to tap into The Icehouse’s angel investor network, take your shot and get fantastic feedback.

“I was already doing well in sales but this took me up a notch in my presentation skills and gave me connections and strategies I didn’t know about before. The improvement in our sales process helped us increase the conversions of pitches by 40%.”

The Icehouse has worked directly with 65 start-up companies and over 2,000 established companies. The Icehouse’s growing network of advisers, angel investors and coaches has helped companies secure almost $35 million in investment since 2001.

FAST Pitch 2009 costs only $85 to enter. Full details of the business mentors and schedule can be read at www.theicehouse.co.nz.

Registrations can be made online.

Download this release as a PDF

September

• Saluting Great Kiwi Customer Service Goes NZ-Wide
• OfficeMax Scoops Double Gold at the Manukau Business Excellence Awards
• Business Confidence Survey Results for September 09
• Media Release - RWC 2011 Business Opportunities Guide
• Converting Rugby World Cup 2011 opportunities for Auckland

Saluting Great Kiwi Customer Service Goes NZ-Wide

29 September - This week marks some major and exciting changes to the Awesome Service Awards.

Great service should be saluted! MYOB Awesome Service Award winners are nominated by customers, and judged by Chambers of Commerce representative Michael Barnett to have provided inspirational business service.

The Awesome Service Awards have gone national. After 15 months of encouraging nominations from Aucklanders only we are now saluting Kiwis who provide awesome customer service no matter where they are in New Zealand. Please read the full story here.

The first winner of an MYOB Awesome Service Award, under the expanded national format, is Evan Barclay of Dive! Tutukaka. To read about his awesome service please click here.

OfficeMax Scoops Double Gold at the Manukau Business Excellence Awards

September 22 - OfficeMax New Zealand has won Excellence in both the Manukau Water Environmental Management category and the ACC Workplace Safety category at the 2009 Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards held in Manukau City.

Up against stiff competition, OfficeMax won two Excellence Awards in what are described as the largest and most keenly contested regional business awards in New Zealand.

OfficeMax Managing Director Kevin Obern said, “Being environmentally conscious is not just about being a good corporate citizen, it makes good business sense too and we’re delighted to have won this award and to be recognised for our environmental stance in the Manukau business community.”

OfficeMax is hugely committed to environmental sustainability. From the design and construction of its Manukau based Head Office, its internal processes and the products OfficeMax sell all incorporate elements to minimise the effect they have on the environment.

“Looking after the environment for today and the next generation is not only the right thing to do, but it’s the smart thing to do.

“We’re also very fortunate that our staff rise to the environmental challenge and commit to the success of our business’s environmental objectives. Their attitude has allowed OfficeMax to meet and often exceed its environmental goals,” says Mr. Obern.

OfficeMax’s commitment to the environment has already been recognised by EnviroMark New Zealand.

“OfficeMax takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously,” says Kevin Obern. “We’re very proud that we obtained Enviro-Mark® Gold certification in 2008 and Diamond in 2009. It’s a five-tier programme and we completed it in just two years. We’ve also held ACC tertiary status for the last three years.”

OfficeMax’s origins date back to 1871, and now supply almost everything that businesses need to function: furniture, technology products, cafeteria products, packaging, educational supplies, health and hygiene products and office supplies can be ordered online or by phone, fax,   and from retail stores.

Business Confidence Survey Results

“Employment opportunities grow with latest business confidence boost”

21 September - The Auckland Chamber of Commerce Business confidence survey shows a huge surge in confidence for the September quarter along with strong employment intentions from employers.

Almost 60% of those firms surveyed believe business conditions will improve over the next six months, double that of the June quarter survey, and those who expect conditions to deteriorate dropped from 27% to 6%.

A massive 64% of business owners believe business conditions in the next six months will improve versus 46% in the June survey and those who believed conditions could deteriorate moving from 14% to just 7%.

One of the big messages from the survey was about employment. Chamber CEO, Michael Barnett suggests that there are strong indications that with improving business conditions finding people with the right skills will become increasingly difficult.

The current survey showed those firms finding it easier to employ the right skills had dropped from over 40% in the June survey to 28% in September.

Other findings showed a rise from 14% in the June survey to 19% in the current survey of firms who intended to increase their number of full time employees; 43%of firms had intentions of increasing their total hours worked and 40% of firms expected an increase in profitability versus 25% in the June survey.

Mr Barnett suggested the recovery still showed signs of winners and losers with industries associated with building and construction lacking confidence, retail slow to lift and cautious but that overall the mood was that of gentle optimism.

The survey was undertaken electronically over Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and covered about 700 businesses across all business sectors in the region

Download the full release with remuneration details

For further information call:

Michael Barnett
0275631150

Media Release - RWC 2011 Business Opportunities Guide

Business Opportunities Guide putting businesses & RWC 2011 Opportunities in touch

21 September - Authors of the just released Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) Businesses Opportunities Guide, hope the ideas contained within it will spark the imaginations of Auckland businesses wondering how they can get involved in the event.

The Guide has been developed by the Economic Development Workstream of the Auckland Regional Steering Group for RWC 2011, led by Auckland’s Regional Economic Development Agency, AucklandPlus, with funding from the Auckland region and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. 

It is the first in a suite of business support tools to be rolled out in the two years to the Tournament and hopes to get Auckland businesses thinking about the myriad ways that they can get involved in RWC 2011.

“From event planning and transport to sign writing and sound systems, the opportunities to service Rugby World Cup 2011 as well as the fans, families, support services and media that will accompany it are massive,” says AucklandPlus Group Manager, Clyde Rogers.

The Guide also offers information that all business should know about the Major Events Management Act (MEMA) as well as information for Maori and Pacific Island businesses.

Other resources available to businesses in the lead up to RWC 2011 include a specialist website - www.auckland2011.com/business. This site will be regularly updated with tender opportunities and new information as it comes to hand. Auckland businesses are encouraged to visit the site regularly.

A programme of speakers and networking events will be unrolled by AucklandPlus next year and a Business Ready Guide will be made available in early 2011 to ensure that Auckland businesses are prepared for the thousands of additional customers they will see during RWC 2011.

The RWC 2011 Business Opportunities Guide is available free of charge from local economic development agencies or the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. A link to download the manual is also available on www.auckland2011.com/business.

“Effective planning is key to making the most of RWC 2011 opportunities, and the time to start planning is now,” advises Mr Rogers.

 Please direct enquiries to:

Claire Rennie, Marketing and Communications Adviser, AucklandPlus
Phone: 366 2000 ext: 8636         Email: claire.rennie@aucklandplus.com

Auckland and RWC 2011

Rugby World Cup 2011 is expected to bring more than 60,000 visitors, 2500 media and a global TV audience of more than 4 billion to New Zealand. Auckland will take centre-stage during the tournament, with the opening and closing ceremonies being held in Auckland’s newly renovated Eden Park. The resulting direct economic benefit for Auckland during the tournament is estimated at more than $260 million.

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Converting Rugby World Cup 2011 opportunities for Auckland

9 September - Yesterday marked two years until Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) kicks off and to mark the milestone Auckland has unveiled its ‘tight five' legacy goals for the Tournament.

The Auckland region has launched 2011 and beyond – Auckland's Rugby World Cup Legacy a plan which outlines the major long-term benefits the Tournament will deliver for Auckland.

The plan identifies five central ambitions for the region, known as Auckland's "tight five" legacy goals, and outlines the projects designed to contribute to these outcomes.

The "tight five" goals are:

• Making the most of Auckland's waterfront
• Telling the world Auckland's story
• Taking pride in our place
• Making public transport a habit for Aucklanders
• Positioning Auckland as a major events destination

Auckland's RWC 2011 regional spokesperson Michael Barnett says it's critical to be clear about what we aim to achieve and how we will get there if Auckland is to truly reap the benefits on offer from RWC 2011.

"This event is much bigger than Rugby and we need to ensure that we deliver on our five goals so that Rugby World Cup 2011 leaves a positive legacy for us all."

RWC 2011 will generate up to $267 million of direct economic benefits for Auckland, but Barnett says the long-term benefits will live on well beyond the Tournament.

"Greater public access to the waterfront, more tourism expenditure and business investment, greater capacity to host major events and improved public transport are worthy goals for us all."

Chair of Auckland's RWC 2011 Regional Steering Group Rachael Dacy says significant milestones like today are also a chance to reflect on what's been achieved so far.

"We've secured funding from across the region to deliver the RWC 2011 programme, and the Tournament organisers recognise that Auckland is leading the way nationally in preparing for the event."

"If you look around Auckland you'll see Eden Park's redevelopment charging ahead, a revamped Morningside rail station that opened last month and we've just kicked off our development of Queens Wharf as the event's main festival site."

Today marks exactly two years until the opening match of RWC 2011 between the All Blacks and Tonga at Eden Park.

To celebrate this milestone, former All Blacks joined pupils from Gladstone School in an event in downtown Auckland featuring a Rippa Rugby game on a mini field and plenty of giveaways.

The milestone also saw one lucky pupil presented with a limited edition rugby ball by 1987 Rugby World Cup-winning All Black Grant Fox.

The ball was the first of 24 limited edition balls to mark the 24 months between now and the Tournament. A limited edition ball will be presented each month in the lead up to the event to build Auckland's Team 2011 and tell the story of Auckland's preparation for the event.

The 24 recipients of the limited edition rugby balls will be involved in Auckland's opening celebrations on 9 September 2011. One lucky ball recipient will also win two tickets to the opening match between the All Blacks and Tonga at Eden Park.

Source: www.auckland2011.com

August

• Businessboy walks off with international win
• 2009 $Unlimited Investment Challenge
• Slow down and drive with care over Newmarket

Businessboy walks off with international win

18 August - Macleans College student Chuck Slogrove is fast becoming a local celebrity after winning an international student business challenge.

The 17-year-old returned from Singapore last weekend after competing in the FedEx Junior Achievement International Challenge with 42 students from New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore.

Chuck and teammate Paul Minors from Rangitoto College received US$4000 for their win.

Participants in the international challenge come from the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme, a year-long programme where students run their own businesses.

Chuck is director of a college team Lunchmate that developed a tuckshop ordering website.

The team won the Counties Manukau region oral presentations earlier this year.

New Zealand students were competing in the international challenge for the first time this year and took the top two places.

Young Enterprise Trust general manager Sue Jury says it is unprecedented and no other country has won such honours before.

The students, working in pairs, were given a product and a country and had to develop an export, advertising and marketing strategy. (Hi-tech prayer mat a winner - Dompost.co.nz)

"It was an eye-opener, and an amazing opportunity, and I got to experience new things and a new culture that was quite different to anything I have experienced before," Chuck says.

"Coming back through the arrival gates at the airport was when it all really sunk in, with all the media and friends and family there to congratulate us."

He says he enjoyed the competition even though it was very stressful and competitive at times.

Chuck plans to put his prize money towards fees for university next year.

If you are interested in finding out more about Lunchmate, email lunchmate@hotmail.com.

www.stuff.co.nz

2009 $Unlimited Investment Challenge

Are you looking for investment to take your business or product global? We can help…

Get started by attending our investment ready seminars in September

Unlimited magazine is proud to host the $unlimited Investment Challenge, offering all New Zealand companies the chance to get in front of New Zealand's top investors to pitch for investment.

It can be hard to know what investors expect, or even know how to get their attention. This complete challenge is an inspiring programme, commencing with investment-ready seminars in Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland, with qualifying companies being groomed to get the ultimate opportunity to pitch to top investors.

All investors are New Zealand based. The full schedule is as follows:

31 July – 28 August:    Registration of interest form online
1, 2 & 3 September:    Investment-ready workshops
20 & 21 October:          Finalist workshops
28 October:                   Dummy pitch
3 November:                 Real pitch to investors

In the past two years the Challenge has secured millions of dollars of investment and involved hundreds of companies at different stages of discussion/negotiation for varying sums of money.

If you think your business idea is the next big thing and need to secure funds to grow your business into the global market, the 2009 $unlimited Investment Challenge is for you.

For more information and to register on-line: please click here.

Slow down and drive with care over Newmarket

The NZ Transport Agency urges motorists to take extra care and be patient when journeying south over the Newmarket Viaduct on the Southern Motorway (SH1).

From Monday 17 August, temporary barriers and new lane markings - including a reduction of the merging lane adjacent to the Gillies Ave off-ramp - will be in place on the southbound lanes across the Newmarket Viaduct. A lower speed limit of 70km/h will also be enforced.

“We are making these changes for the safety of drivers as they travel through a live construction zone.

The Newmarket Viaduct is one of the busiest sections of the country’s State Highway network, and the changes will help us to keep all three southbound lanes open for Auckland as we make progress on the Newmarket Connection: Viaduct replacement Project,” says Tommy Parker, the NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland.    

The traffic management measures are long term and a vital part of Newmarket Connection Stage 1, providing a buffer zone between the existing viaduct and the new four-lane bridge being built alongside it. Stage 1 will see the existing three-lane southbound motorway bridge replaced in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

“The Newmarket Connection project incorporates world leading engineering methodology, which allows us the opportunity to carry out a vital replacement of a busy stretch of road  without bringing Auckland to a  halt,” explains Mr Parker.

“To achieve this and to safely keep all three existing lanes open throughout Stage 1, we need the cooperation of all motorists. For this reason we are asking all motorists to drive responsibly and be aware of potential visual distractions,” he says.

A full night time closure of the southbound lanes of the Newmarket Viaduct, between the Gillies Avenue off-ramp and St Marks Road on-ramp is scheduled from 11pm Sunday 16 August until 5am Monday 17 August, to implement these changes. A signposted detour will be in place. In the event of bad weather, the work will be postponed to the next fine night.

Individual lane closures will also take place over subsequent nights. The NZTA says that those travelling to the airport should leave extra time for their journey.

The NZTA thanks motorists in advance for their patience and cooperation while this essential work to improve Auckland’s motorway network takes place.

The $215m Newmarket Connection project will replace the existing Newmarket Viaduct (flyover) with a wider, stronger and safer structure. The existing flyover will be dismantled piece by piece to reveal a completely new viaduct, scheduled for completion by December 2012.

For more information on the Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement project, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/newmarketconnection or call the freephone number: 0508 CONNECT (266 6328).

June

Make Way for Rising Dragons, Soaring Bananas

29 June - A popular and iconic cultural event that challenges perceptions of what it means to be Chinese and peels open the journeys, stories and identities of high profile Chinese personalities returns to Auckland on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July at The University of Auckland Business School.

Presented by the New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland Inc. and the International Society for the Studies of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO), the Rising Dragons, Soaring Bananas International Conference brings to life talented voices of Chinese descent making an impact in New Zealand and on the global stage.

Star-studded speakers span the creative arts, media, academic, community and business sectors and include: Libby Wong (Writer and former Hong Kong Legislative Councillor); Marcus Lui (Creative Director, The One Centre, Sydney); Mai Chen (Chen Palmer, Public Law Specialists); Don Ha (Real Estate Entrepreneur); Paul Spoonley (Massey University); Ron Sang (Architect and Art Collector); Victor Huang (Animator, Weta Digital); Peap Tarr (Urban Artist); Natalie Chan (Fashion Designer and Milliner); Jock Phillips (Editor, Te Ara, The Encyclopedia of New Zealand); Peter Li (University of Saskatchewan); Tan Chee-Beng (Chinese University of Hong Kong).

“Our event throws a spotlight on stories of those who have overcome personal and professional challenges on the road to success. Stories provide us with a means to connect with each other and understand the complexities around who we are,” said Kai Luey, Chairman of the New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland Inc.

“The collaboration with ISSCO adds a deeper dimension, lifting the conference from local stories to a global conversation around the place of the Chinese overseas. Audiences can enjoy a rare chance to sample a variety of international viewpoints from Russia to South Africa, from Australia to the United States,” added Professor Manying Ip, Oceania Director, ISSCO.

Going Bananas is a leadership initiative that continues the work of the New Zealand Chinese Association to lead New Zealand Chinese into the future. Affectionately known as the ‘Banana Conference’, this year’s event is the fourth effort in the Going Bananas cycle. Cultural storytelling forms the backbone of the conference and contributes to its ability to disrupt stereotypes and build a community of interest in Chinese lives and experiences.

Principal Sponsors are New Zealand Post, The University of Auckland Business School and BNZ.

Registerations open now: www.goingbananas.org.nz

May

• Trade Minister disappointed with US export subsidies
• Revolutionise IT at Right Click 2009
• Innovative urban design approach proposed for CBD streets
• NZCTA Awards - Media Release
• April consumer credit applications fall sharply

Trade Minister disappointed with US export subsidies

25 May - Trade Minister Tim Groser today expressed his disappointment at the US Administration's decision on 22 May, to reintroduce export subsidies on dairy products.

"Dairy farmers the world over are under pressure, but this is a short-sighted response when the international dairy market has recently been showing signs of stabilising. The decision is a setback, and will be damaging to world markets.

"Export subsidy assistance will have a relatively small effect on income for US dairy farmers, and may even prove counterproductive by creating uncertainty and depressing international dairy market prices. Unsubsidised producers, like those from New Zealand, will bear the cost of these trade-distorting measures.

"I am disappointed that the United States should have followed the poor example set by the European Union when it reintroduced export subsidies in January.

"While the US and the EU may consider they are both acting within their current WTO commitments, this sends a very negative signal to other WTO members.

"Whether these measures are legal or not, misses the point. As the world trading system struggles to counter its greatest downturn in decades, there is enormous scope for increased protectionist measures, even ones which may be WTO consistent.

"In the current international economic environment the EU and the United States, are hardly setting a good example. 

"The long term solution is clear: we need to complete the WTO Doha Round in order to secure the elimination of agricultural export subsidies. In the meantime, restraint is needed, not a resumption of retaliatory subsidisation.

"The United States and the EU could still fix this. I hope to meet with US Trade Representative, Ron Kirk, and US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, at the Cairns Group Ministerial meeting in Bali in early June to discuss this, and wider trade issues," said Mr Groser.

Revolutionise IT at Right Click 2009

18 May - The Chamber’s most highly anticipated IT event of the year is back this June and better than ever. Right Click 2009 will bring businesses the latest gadgets straight from the desktops of the IT innovators.

In today’s tough environment business is more changing more rapidly than ever before. No one can afford to fall behind, particularly when it comes to connecting with customers and improving productivity.

Right Click will share the tools businesses need to get the edge over the competition.

These practical, cost-effective solutions will allow businesses to: streamline databases, connect to anyone anywhere and update phone and data systems.

Thanks to the support of HP, Cisco systems, Microsoft and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, tickets to the event are complimentary.

“If personalised customer service and the ability to meet tough deadlines are important to your business, this is an event you cannot afford to miss,” says Warwick Grey Marketing Manager of the Personal Systems Group at HP.

Guests will also be among the first in New Zealand to get a sneak peak at the latest emerging technology, including the new release HP netbooks and the custom designed Vivian Tam designer notebook.

For more information or to register please visit the events page on www.aucklandchamber.co.nz

Innovative urban design approach proposed for CBD streets

14 May - An exciting facelift is being considered for a number of streets in Auckland’s city centre with the proposed introduction of shared space as part of the council’s CBD streetscapes and open spaces upgrade programme.

A new concept in Auckland, shared space has been successfully implemented overseas, including in New York, Brighton, Copenhagen and Brisbane, and is considered to be at the forefront of international urban design best practice.

Shared spaces provide equal priority to pedestrians and traffic by having continuous paving across an entire street and removing kerbs, the traditional distinction between the footpath and road.

Where shared spaces have been introduced around the world, city streets have been reclaimed as new public spaces that have attracted high levels of pedestrian activity. The safety, quality and economic performance of these spaces and adjoining properties have been measurably improved without having to ban traffic.

Auckland City Council’s 10 year programme to transform the city centre’s streets and open spaces into a high quality urban environment began in 2004 and has already seen the successful upgrades of Queen Street, Quay Street, Lorne Street, Karanghahape Road, Swanson Street, Vulcan Lane and lower Khartoum Place. St Patrick’s Square and Aotea Square are currently under construction.

The CBD streets earmarked for upgrade were reviewed last year and greater priority was given to streets with the potential to become popular destinations which encourage people to linger longer.

The opportunity to include sared space in a number of these streets is now being investigated. Streets are being assessed for suitability based on a number of factors including the level of current and likely future pedestrian use, traffic volume, surrounding area use and potential for transformation into a distinct city centre destination. Identified projects where shared space can potentially be introduced include:

• Fort Street area
• Elliot and Darby Streets
• Lorne Street (Library precinct)
• O’Connell Street

“The benefits of introducing shared space in Auckland’s city centre are significant”, say Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

“Not only does shared space give more priority to pedestrians, it also has been proven to slow vehicle speeds, reduce traffic, and opens the door for more diverse street activities and opportunities to better support business and retail activity.”

Connal Townsend, chair of the CBD Board, says the introduction of shared space would help enhance the city centre as a destination that people want to visit and spend time in, as well as attracting investment.

“Shared space has worked well overseas, and for Auckland’s city centre to compete with other international cities it’s vital we look at opportunities like this to provide an environment which is more pedestrian friendly and more attractive.”

Ludo Campbell Reid, Auckland City Council’s urban design champion, says that introducing the concept of shared space in Auckland would be another significant milestone in the urban design strategy and would demonstrate a clear statement of intent of the council’s increasing recognition of pedestrians within the ongoing transformation of the city centre.

“These are exciting times. Shared space looks at the psychology of how human behaviour and the design of our public spaces drives certain behaviours. It encourages a more democratic, safe and dignified use of the public space for a wider range of businesses and recreational users, and is the perfect fit to the New Zealand psyche.”

The streetscapes and open spaces upgrade programme is funded by the CBD targeted rate and is a key feature of the CBD into the Future strategy, which aims to transform Auckland’s city centre into an internationally successful business and cultural centre.

As there is a need to keep the work within the existing level of funding available for the remainder of the upgrades, it is proposed to defer the Victoria Street and Kitchener Street north projects from the 10 year programme.

The revised CBD streetscapes programme was endorsed by both the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee and CBD Board this month.

The shared space concept will now be presented to the council’s Transport Committee in June for consideration.

Public consultation on the draft concept designs for the Fort Street area upgrade, Elliott and Darby Streets and Lorne Street (Library precinct) will take place later this year.

Shared Space Images.ppt

Background on shared space concept

This approach, which was pioneered and promoted by Hans Monderman, is based on the observation that individuals' behaviour in traffic is more positively affected by the built environment of the public space than it is by conventional traffic control devices and regulations.

For more information, please watch the introduction to shared space

The remaining projects to be completed within the programme (2009-2014) are:

• Exchange Lane
• Khartoum Place stage two
• Kitchener Street south
• St Patrick’s Square
• Swanson Street stage two
• Fort Street area area (including lower Shortland Street, Jean Batten Place, Fort Street, Fort Lane, Commerce and Gore Street (between Customs and Fort Street)
• Elliott and Darby Street
• Lorne Street (Library precinct)
• Connell Street

NZCTA Awards

Taming the dragon – prestigious China Trade Awards opens for applications

7 May - Media Release - The 2009 Cathay Pacific NZCTA Trade Awards, which recognise New Zealanders who have achieved success in their business activities with China, are now open for applications.

Generous prizes are being offered by sponsors in several categories, with the overall Supreme Award winner  receiving : $10 000 in cash from NZCTA, two business class return tickets to China from Cathay Pacific and a business meeting with a senior executive in China arranged by HSBC. The Hong Kong NZ Business Association is also supporting the event by offering a sponsored prize.

Stuart Ferguson, Chairman of the New Zealand China Trade Association, said the awards were looking for entrepreneurial individuals and companies, who had been successful in their business ventures with China.

Amongst  an  audience of  experienced China hands and industry leaders , the successful  finalists will be  acknowledged for their commitment and contribution to strengthening New Zealand’s relationship with China.

The awards will be held on June 16th at the SkyCity convention centre and the Prime Minister has been invited to be the guest of honour.

Highly successful Award evenings were previously held in 2004 and 2007 and Ferguson is confident based on those experiences that an entertaining and informative evening can be guaranteed.

“We can celebrate the success of some of the companies, who have taken on the challenge of China and been successful,” said Mr Ferguson.

“ We urge companies who have achieved success in China to put in an application so their efforts can inspire others to have a go.”

Want to know more about the NZCTA Awards? - please click here.

Entries close on Friday May 29th at 5pm and application forms can be downloaded from the NZCTA website.

April consumer credit applications fall sharply

7 May - Consumer credit applications in April, including credit cards, personal loans and hire purchases, fell sharply on the same month last year according to Veda Advantage, New Zealand’s largest credit information provider.

Hire purchase applications in particular, experienced a large decrease of 32% on April 2008, continuing the downward trend from the previous month – a fall of 12% on March 2009.

Personal loan applications in April this year also dropped – down 19% on April 2008, and 18% from the preceding month of March. Although credit card applications experienced the least decline from April 2008, a fall of 13%, comparisons with March 2009 show a drop of 17%.

Veda Advantage New Zealand Managing Director John Roberts says, “The consistently downward trend across all credit categories points to a continued lack of confidence among consumers, and little appetite for borrowing that may expose households to unnecessary risk. Clearly, most New Zealanders believe the recession has yet to bottom out.”

April

• Influenza Pandemic Business Planning
• Evaluating employment during the recession
• Renewed interest in housing market
• Your chance to help plan city’s future
• Design A Gift PromotionalWorld Wins Double Gold 

Influenza Pandemic Business Planning

27 April 2009 - This material, drafted by the Department of Labour, is designed to help employers prepare and respond to the health and business risks created by an influenza pandemic and provide a series of practical suggestions and options for prompt planning by individual businesses.

As part of the plan, a company and its employees can develop and agree on safety steps that will reduce the risk of infection spreading through your business. Some safety steps can be introduced immediately, others can be put in place if the pandemic hits. The greatest risk for spreading the flu is close contact between people, so the safety steps focus on reducing person-to-person contact.

Please click the following links for business planning in the event of an Influenza Pandemic.

This material was created in response to the Avian flu, and all information is relevant to the recent Swine Flu also.

http://www.med.govt.nz/upload/27552/planning-guide.pdf
http://www.dol.govt.nz/PDFs/pandemic-practical-quide.pdfhttp://www.dol.govt.nz/initiatives/workplace/pandemic/scenarios.asp

Evaluating employment during the recession

22 April, Media Release - There’s no doubt that the way businesses recruit staff is changing rapidly in today’s environment.  At a time when it is crucial for businesses to make the best use of their resources, convenience has become the key to successful recruitment.

According to Penny Smith, manager of the Chamber of Commerce’s Employment Division, This is the reason for the increasing popularity of the Chamber’s recruitment and employment services, which are offered at no cost.

“We find more and more businesses are eager to take advantage of our employment services,” she says. “This is because they enjoy the convenience of being able to instantly construct their own shortlist from a variety of quality candidates.  I believe its also valuable that we offer such a variety of quality candidates many of whom are flexible in their work requirements.”

“Our New Kiwis website (www.newkiwis.co.nz) links employers to highly qualified, migrant job seekers ready to start immediately, at no cost,” Penny explains. “Recently, four to five candidates a week are offered employment through this site. We are delighted with these results and the feedback.”

Glenn Styles, Managing Director of Doorman Besam and new advocate for the site says: “I have recently recruited a candidate from the New Kiwis website into a senior role within my company. I found this free service very helpful; so much so that I will definitely utilise it for my future staffing needs.”

Due to the sheer number of candidates searching for employment, Penny believes finding good staff is even more difficult when economic times are turbulent.

“By using the Chamber’s services employers can access quality candidates, available now saving time and money.”

For more information please visit www.newkiwis.co.nz  or call 0800 18 23 23.

Sharing the sweet story of Comvita

17 April - Scott Coulter, sales and marketing manager at Comvita will spill the sweet secrets of how a backyard bee business grew to be the world’s largest player in the Manuka honey market at the Chamber’s first Business Club event for 2009.

Scott will explain the “buzz” surrounding strategic marketing and share Comvita’s plans for the future.

As NZTE Biotechnology Exporter of the Year, Comvita is one of New Zealand’s iconic international success stories. They have experienced huge offshore growth in recent years and now sell their natural health products in over 20 countries worldwide.

A successful global marketing and sales strategy has put the NZX listed company on track to reach its target of $100 million in sales by 2010.

Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, the complimentary event will be held on May 14th at the Ellerslie Convention Centre.

This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to get the inside tips and tricks from the expert on how to “bee” successful internationally.

To register email: events@chamber.co.nz or call 09 309 6100.

Renewed interest in housing market

8 April - March mortgage applications hit a 16 month high, underlining cashed-up baby boomers are taking advantage of perceived bargains. 

Mortgage applications in March 2009 were up 38% compared to the same month last year, and were the highest monthly total since November 2007, according to Veda Advantage, New Zealand’s largest credit information provider.

Baby boomers (44-62 years old) in particular appear to be showing a disproportionate interest in the housing market with a 45% increase in mortgage applications on March 2008. Generation X (28-43 years old) experienced a 34% increase, while Generation Y (less than 28 years old) had the smallest growth with a 16% increase on March last year.

Veda Advantage New Zealand Managing Director, John Roberts, says “The March statistics show a growing surge of renewed interest in the housing market during the first quarter of 2009. February grew by 37% on January, with momentum continuing into March with a further jump of 29% over the preceding month. Today we are experiencing a level of activity in mortgage applications that we have not seen since house prices began falling in late 2007. This activity reflects the lower interest rates stimulating demand, and shows the market going to fixed terms to lock in these rates.”

“The much larger increase in the number of baby boomers applying for mortgages, compared to younger age groups, suggests that they are more cashed up and in a better position to snap up perceived bargains in the housing market. The fact that applications

From Generation Y have increased only marginally over March 2008, may be a result of the tighter rules by lenders regarding minimum deposits.”

About Veda Advantage – www.vedaadvantage.com

Veda Advantage facilitates credit reference checks for New Zealand’s major banks and lenders, and underpins the ability of consumers to exercise choice in relation to consumer credit products. Veda Advantage holds files on around 97.5% of the individual credit-active population and 100% of the commercial credit-active population in New Zealand.

You can apply for a copy of your credit file at www.mycreditfile.co.nz or by calling 0800 692 733. A $23 express delivery service fee is payable if the file is needed urgently, or otherwise the file will be available within 10 working days.

Your chance to help plan city’s future

6 April - Auckland City Council Media release - Auckland City Council is asking residents of the Auckland isthmus for feedback on plans showing how their area could look in the future, including the use of land and how and where development should occur. 

In an innovative planning approach, plans for ten areas of the isthmus, sitting beneath an over-arching citywide spatial plan, have been developed for feedback, as part of a future planning framework.

The framework will be used as the basis for a revised isthmus district plan, due for review in 2010.

“Rather than simply amend the existing district plan we’ve decided to develop a new plan from the bottom up – one that better reflects the changes of a growing, evolving city, including changes in sustainability and urban design, legislation, and community expectations,” said Councillor Graeme Mulholland, deputy chairperson of the city development committee and chairperson of the framework’s political working party.

“The framework is the first step in that process.  It sets out what we think different areas of the isthmus could look like by 2030.  Therefore it’s of huge importance to all residents, businesses and property owners as it may affect their lives in deciding where they want to live, and work, and impact on future property values. That’s why we’re embarking on a major community engagement programme to capture feedback.”

Months of research and input from the community and key stakeholders have already contributed to the plans, which were monitored by a political working party and endorsed by the city development committee.

The community engagement programme includes touch screen displays at major shopping malls and public libraries, print and on-line media advertising, bus stop advertising, and an interactive website, www.itsmybackyard.co.nz

The website gives in-depth information on the framework, poses a ‘”question of the week” online discussion, and will receive feedback until 8 May. 

“It is the most significant exercise in city planning we have undertaken and it’s essential we hear from residents, businesses and people who visit and use the city, as to whether we’re on the right track,” said Mr Mulholland.

He said: “While changes to regional governance appear likely, the information gained in this planning process will have long term value in recognising the specific character and potential of local communities.  These plans, along with those of other councils, would play an important part in informing regional governance for some time.”

Design A Gift PromotionalWorld Wins Double Gold 

1 April - Design A Gift PromotionalWorld wins two gold awards at the 2009 Sydney APPA Awards. The two awards for promotional excellence are the only gold awards to be received by a New Zealand promotional company at the prestigious 2009 APPA awards in Sydney last week with one Auckland based promotional distributor winning silver and bronze.

Design A Gift PromotionalWorld designed an umbrella for an Auckland customer, Fowlers Machinery Ltd, that would not only distinctly present the large amount of information but also fit the customers budget. This goal was going to take printing the umbrella in a way rarely seen.

This is what the judges said:

• Technically the printing on the umbrella and the detail is exceptional
• Four Panels that are completely individualised including detailed
• replicas of the machinery, and is still subtle with so many logos to represent
• The manipulation of the artwork and quality of the product is high for it’s cost
• A highly creative solution to a difficult & vague brief
• The success is even greater because many non-member promotional companies told the client their brief could not be accomplished

March

• OCR reduced to 3 percent
• Lights out for Earth Hour
• Veda Advantage survey - small businesses bracing for a turbulent 2009
• AUT seeking mentorship

OCR reduced to 3 percent

12 March - The Reserve Bank today reduced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points to 3 percent.

Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard said: "The world economy deteriorated very rapidly late last year, amid ongoing losses and extreme volatility in international financial markets. While monetary and fiscal policy responses in many countries have been substantial we still expect the adverse economic forces generated by the crisis to remain dominant throughout 2009. The timing and extent of global recovery remain highly uncertain.

"In New Zealand, the impact of difficult trading conditions is showing through clearly in reduced export revenues, weak business sentiment, and sharply curtailed investment and employment. Further house price falls and increased precautionary saving by households are driving a weakness in spending. Inflation pressure is abating rapidly as a result.

"The OCR has now been reduced 525 basis points in little more than six months, taking interest rates to very stimulatory levels. Further falls in the lending rates faced by households and businesses are in the pipeline. While credit growth is easing in line with the weak economy, we expect financial institutions to continue lending on sound business propositions, to support the recovery.

"In addition to the substantial change in monetary policy settings, there has been a large amount of stimulus from fiscal policy. These policy changes, together with the sizeable exchange rate depreciation, will act to support the New Zealand economy: therefore, we expect to see activity troughing in the middle of this year and then gradually picking up thereafter. However, the scale of the global financial crisis is such that there is great uncertainty about future economic developments and there is a risk that the recovery may occur later and be more protracted than we anticipate.

"As economic activity troughs, we expect the rapid easing of monetary policy to slow. Any future cuts will be much smaller than observed recently. We do not expect to see in New Zealand the near-zero policy rates of some countries. New Zealand needs to retain competitiveness in the international capital markets. We will assess the need for further cuts in the OCR against emerging developments in the global and domestic economies and the responses to policy changes already in place."

You can read the Monetary Policy Statement at the following link www.rbnz.govt.nz

Lights out for Earth Hour

11 March - Auckland City Council is urging residents and business to join them in showing support for Earth Hour and climate change, by turning out their lights on Saturday, 28 March from 8.30pm – 9.30pm.

Earth Hour, a worldwide lights out initiative run by WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature), began in Sydney in 2007 as a one-city environmental statement against climate change. It has since evolved into a global event that has captured the attention of individuals, communities and businesses across the world. In 2009, Earth Hour aims to reach out to 1 billion people in 1,000 cities.

Landmarks around Auckland that will be switching off for Earth Hour include the Skytower, Mission Bay Fountain, Tamaki Drive pohutakawa uplighting, Jellicoe Park fountain, Auckland Domain fountain, Auckland Museum and more.

With less than a month before Earth Hour, now is the time to start planning a fun memorable event for friends and family.

What can you do?

• Switch off your lights at 8:30pm on the night of Earth Hour
• Turn off any unnecessary appliances
• Spread the word to neighbours, friends, family and colleagues
• If you live in a tall apartment building, you are even more visible. Let your neighbours in other apartments know about Earth Hour and see if your building can have the fewest lights on. Talk to the property manager about turning off any ornamental lighting that is not needed for security reasons.

For more information on Earth Hour and what you can do to show support please visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/environment/earthhour/ or www.earthhour.org.nz

Veda Advantage survey reveals small businesses are bracing themselves for a turbulent 2009

11 March 2009 – Small businesses are yet to feel any significant impact from the economic downturn, but are expecting a much tougher time over the next six months, according to Veda Advantage’s latest Small Business Economic Impact survey.

Veda Advantage’s Small Business Economic Impact survey samples SMEs across a broad range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, trade, hospitality and primary industries. The findings reveal the extent to which the sample group, representing the core of New Zealand’s economy, feel the economic downturn has affected them.

1. 22% of SMEs anticipate making redundancies in the next 6 months
2. 45% of SMEs are finding debtors slower to settle accounts than a year ago
3. 63% believe that current economic conditions have negatively impacted their business, compared with 65% of those surveyed 6 months ago
4. 78% have concerns about the effect the economy will have on them in the next year, compared with 73% of those 6 months ago
5. 81% believe the change of government will have a positive effect on business, compared with 62% of those surveyed six months ago
6. 3% feel that a National-led government would have a negative impact on the economy

AUT seeking mentorship

5 March - AUT's top business students are seeking mentorship from New Zealand’s best business leaders.

Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE AUT) develop projects for community groups to improve – and sometimes save – lives.

Past projects have included a successful pilot blood donation campaign targeting 18-25-year-olds; mentoring low income families on how to gain wealth through health; and providing work skill seminars and support for young mothers seeking to return to the workforce.

SIFE AUT president and Masters of Business student Clare George says by supporting the students, business mentors will be supporting some of New Zealand’s most deserving communities.

“Our thirst for knowledge is fuelled by New Zealand’s best business professionals’ desire to share it,” she says. “In 2009, we intend to build a strong army of national advisors to ensure we give Kiwi community groups the best support possible.”

George adds that in recessionary times businesses are financially strained but this is an opportunity for them to help without reaching into wallets.

“Corporate social responsibility is increasingly important and we hope that asking for business professionals to lend us their time that the end result is creating a better New Zealand from the ground up.”

SIFE AUT is seeking advisors from all business disciplines and work experience, “from those fresh in the workforce, to CEOs,” adds George.

SIFE AUT represented New Zealand at the SIFE World Cup the past three years in a row and were placed in the top 16 teams in the world from 1800 institutions.

For more information and to sign up as a business mentor, please contact Clare George, SIFE AUT President email sifepres@aut.ac.nz or visit www.sifeaut.org.nz