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News Archive
Chamber Pulse (Newsletter) Archive
The HB Chamber publishes the Chamber Pulse - our Newsletter, eleven times per year.
Go to the Chamber Pulse Archive to download previous Chamber Pulse.
 Hawke'sDr Alan Bollard Breakfast - his speech
Dr Bollard was our breakfast speaker on July 14th. To a capacity audience at the Regional Economic Series breakfast he ‘surprisingly’ spoke about the economic recovery. To read his speech and the tables used in the PowerPoint presentation click here.
Hawke’s Bay Housing Stock
Quotable Values has released information on the pre and post year 2000 age of housing in Hawke’s Bay. This has a number of implications especially for the insulation options available from the government. Click here for the information.
The Minister for Small Business is calling for nominations to the (SBAG)
The Small Business Advisory Group (SBAG) was set up in October 2003 to give small businesses a greater voice in policy development. Over the past six years, it has done this by identifying issues impacting the growth and development of small businesses, suggesting priorities for action and exploring solutions, with a significant impact. Read more...
HB Airport successfylly corporatised
The Hawke’s Bay airport has been successfully corporatised on July 1. Two new directors have been appointed- Jim Scotland and Stuart Webster. Jim brings a number of strengths to the board including successful commercial experience of being involved in a council owned company at Port of Napier. Stuart has a useful legal background but also has been a former trustee of the HB Runway Trust which has been instrumental in keeping the runway extension in the forefront of people’s minds. Spare a thought and thanks to Stuart McKinley a former Chamber president who retires as long serving chairman of the Airport Authority. Click here to read Chamber letter to the editor
Prominent business leaders named in Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame
Food production pioneers featured in the inaugural Hawke’s Bay Business Hall of Fame induction last night. Sir James Wattie CBE, Graeme Lowe QSM, CNZM and James Nelson (JN) Williams are well known for their success in food processing and were joined by Robert Holt, the founder of Carter Holt in the Hawke’s Bay Chamber and Port of Napier initiative.
Read more...
Pandemic Advise to businesses
There are steps that businesses can take to minimize any risk and impact of an influenza pandemic on a business and your staff. The best advice we find is on the Department of Labour’s website or contact the Department of Labour on 0800 20 90 20 between 9.00am - 5:00pm.
New Chamber Board Members elected
The Hawke’s bay Chamber of Commerce at its AGM last night held its annual election for half its Board. Nine candidates vied for six positions. Read more...
New Free Trade Agreement
New Zealand and Malaysia have finalised a free trade agreement after negotiations in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is New Zealand's seventh largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth nearly $3 billion ($US 1.95 billion) annually. New Zealand exports to Malaysia were worth $1 billion last year and goods exports have been growing at 34 percent annually since 2005.
The FTA includes benefits beyond those already secured under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade (AANFTA) agreement. Added benefits include improved market access, and greater certainty for New Zealand exporters and investors. The final deal is expected to be signed later this year. More information on the NZT&E website.
Recent Hawke's Bay Economic Trends
The latest Chamber quarterly economic report commissioned from Economic Solutions Ltd is now available. It provides some sobering reading although this along with recent remarks from bank economists suggests that there are some medium term prospects emerging. The Tables and graphs are useful in understanding the current situation and to plan forward for Hawke’s Bay. Read more...
In addition the Napier City Council last week had a briefing on various economic trends affecting Napier City. It is a useful snapshot of the economic state of this city. Read more...
HBRC report Investment Portfolio Mix: Strategic Positioning Review
The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s LTCCP, made reference to a report the Council commissioned from McDermott Miller Ltd, entitled Investment Portfolio Mix: Strategic Positioning Review. In order to assist the Chamber understand what the Council was trying to do in some quite significant changes being promoted, we asked for a copy of this report. Click here to read the report.
Chamber calls for HBRC rethink on rates
The draft Long Term Council Plan for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is predicting an 18% rate increase this year and roughly 10% for each of the following few years. Read more...
Comments on the HBRC, Hastings and Napier LTCCP
The Chamber on behalf of the business community has submitted comments on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council LTCCP, the Hasting District Council LTCCP and the Napier City Council LTCCP. While there are matters to support and these are acknowledged, there are also some issues that affect the business community that need to be challenged and alternative offered. Other submission to councils will be uploaded as soon as they are submitted.
Click here to read the Chamber submissions on the Hawkes Bay Regional Council.
Click here to read the Chamber submission on theHastings Dictrict Council.
Click here to read the Chamber submssion ont the Napier City Council.
Napier Life Publication
Every year the Napier city economic development unit has prepared and distributed a magazine which is used in the promotion of the city/region and its amenities. This year is a special edition which is linked to an innovative ‘Napier Life $avers’ campaign aimed to support and encourage businesses. There are many add ons for businesses to be involved in this 30,000 print run but the important part from the Chamber point of view is the promotional opportunity for businesses. Click here for more information. Click here for the rate card.
Maori Business Directory 2009 - 2010 FREE Business Registration
The Te Puna Pakihi Maori Business is a comprehensive guide listing Maori businesses in
Hawke’s Bay, Tararua and the Waiarapa. The Maori Business + Service Directory will be launched in late June 2009 and will cover Maori businesses and marae from Wairoa in the north to Cape Palliser in the south. This will assist Maori businesses to market their goods and services. Click here for more information.
Click here to list your company and download your FREE registration form.
Chamber concerned about Hawke's Bay labour market results
The March 2009 Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) just released has shown disquieting results for Hawke’s Bay. Nationally the labour market has weakened with both unemployment numbers and the rate rising and labour force participation and overall employment declining. Unemployment has nationally now reached 5%. Read more...
Changes to NZTE assistance programmes
The government has merged all NZTE grants into a single grant scheme with an emphasis on growing the global trade focus. Firms part way through a grant process are protected but all new applications will be undertaken on the new approach. Click here to read more.
Government job support scheme expanded
The government has expanded the Job Support Scheme to include businesses with 50-100 workers. The government also advises that for smaller firms than 50 staff there will be further announcements in due course. For further information click here.
Trading with China/Japan
The Chamber in association with Napier City Council has recently been involved in further work in searching markets in northern Japan and Beijing, Xuzhou and Lianyungang in China. Based on specific information from businesses in Hawke’s Bay, a number of leads have been confidently established for various products and professional services both import and export. These are being further refined for a selected group to go up to China in late July.
If here is any interest of members currently not involved in this initiative, please contact Murray Douglas (ph 06 876 5938) at the Chamber for a discussion relating to these access opportunities. At this stage the Chinese economy is still growing at just over 6% p.a. with Jiangsu province where the bulk of these contacts are, growing at 13%.
Committee for Hawke's Bay launched
"The 'Committee for Hawkes Bay' has been launched today by the HB Chamber of Commerce" says Chamber CEO, Murray Douglas. The committee will be responsible for assessing the key initiatives that will drive Hawkes Bay forward over the next 20 to 30 years. Read more...
Australia- A Guide to the Market 2009- just published
Our nearest neighbor is often a useful place to start in exporting goods and services. This 62 page publication prepared by the Australia Chamber of Commerce, provides key information and guidance for exporters seeking to export to Australia. Click here to open the guide.
Hawke’s Bay Business Hall of Fame
Last week the Hawke’s Bay Business Hall of Fame was launched at a meeting of about 100 members. The formalities were carried out by Jim Scotland, chairman of Port of Napier Limited. The Chamber would welcome advices from members of business people from Hawke’s Bay history who have made a contribution to enterprise in our area with any information that could be useful so our historian Michal Fowler can undertake the necessary research. Currently we have a ‘bit of a list’ but we would welcome more. Just contact the chamber.
LTCCP's drafts
| The Councils are now adopting their draft LTCCP’s for public consultation. As these are published we will show the rate and effects and debt levels to contrast with the economist predication for the economy. Read more... |
Welcome Home Loans- home loans for those on modest incomes
Welcome Home Loans are a government supported initiative to make access to home ownership finance easier for modest income New Zealanders. It is particularly useful for people who are outside standard lending criteria however can afford to repay a home loan even if they have trouble saving for a deposit. Housing New Zealand Corporation supports a panel of lenders by providing mortgage insurance.
This facility could be helpful to members’ staff- there are some eligibility criteria including income caps, credit record and any criteria of the lender. Click here for more information.
Key tax dates April to June 2009
Courtesy of Brown Webb Richardson, a list of key dates is available here and will be updated quarterly. We recommend you run off or save a copy for reference.
Summary new SME tax changes post 1 April 2009
From April 1 2009, a number of changes were introduced as part of a tax assistance package to help cash flow and reduce compliance costs for small and medium-sized businesses. Click here to read the summary or go to the IRD dedicated pages accessible from the homepage.
b-Sustainable
The Chamber Board recently considered a report on how the Chamber can better assist members and business generally become more business sustainable. A small steering group led by HBCC is formed to drive ”b Sustainable” activities. Three workshops (on waste, energy and water) will be programmed for 2009. These workshops will be self sustaining via various sources and will support the STAR work and other initiatives.
Local businesses will be encouraged to join activities including registration for the Sustainable Business Network’s Get Sustainable Challenge process and the Chamber’s own Sustainable Business Award. This provides a regional, larger region (lower North Island) and national pathway for businesses who want to have their effort celebrated. The activities and advisories on b-Sustainable will shortly appear on the Chamber website and other communications channels. There are already plenty of local examples to celebrate.
Custom's Strategic Outlook to 2015
Customs has produced a Strategic Outlook publication to keep stakeholders aware of how Customs sees the future. This publication can be accessed on the Customs website .
Latest Napier Business Confidence Survey Report- by Napier City Council
This report provides the results of the early March 2009 formal survey of local enterprises on business confidence, performance and related issues in Napier City. Read more...
Further assistance to business
The Chamber has been promoting a series of special seminars to assist businesses think about business plans and processes to get through these tougher times. We can now offer some additional assistance with a free monthly confidential business advice clinic at the Accountancy and Business Advice Centre, 309 Avenue Rd E Hastings.
This service is open to all businesses- encompassing tax, finance, personal guarantees, administration, marketing, company law, systems, asset protection, debt collection, NZTE grants, business structures, accounting software, reporting, insolvency, internal control, HR, IT, payroll, bookkeeping and so on.
Please telephone: 06 878 8404 to ensure an appointment, click here to read more...
Hawke's Bay Economic Trends report - February update
Read the updated report for Hawke's Bay.
HB Economic Summit - UPDATED
Read the summary and presentations of the Hawke's Bay Economic Summit, held on March 6 2009 at the Hawke's Bay Opera House. Read more...
Government Employment and Tax law changes
From March 1, the new 90 day employment trail period commences. there are a number of important steps to consider when implementing this. ChamberPulse had a useful article in its February issue of the issues to be considered. Click here to read the article (page 5).
On April 1 the taxation (urgent measures and Annual rates ) Act come into force. This Act introduces changes to personal income tax, Kiwisaver and a new independent earner tax credit while repealing credits for R&D. For assistance in this go to www.ird.govt.nz and for the PAYE calculator for the changes over the next 3 years.
Regional Council Plan Change
The Chamber will be making a submission on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Plan Change 2- the one relating to the new Rules in regard to air quality.
A number of members have raised issued in regard to business concerns with this controversial proposed Plan Change and its related funding proposal that is part of the council’s spending plan in their yet to be announced 2009-10 Annual Plan. We would welcome any other comments in preparing for this submission which is due March 30th.
Government announcement regarding infrastructure
The Chamber has welcomed the government’s plans to accelerate infrastructure expenditure as part of its response to the economic crisis. It continues to provide a reduction of infrastructure deficit without jeopardising the government’s fiscal position in the longer terms.
The acceleration of the Matahoura Gorge project is particularly useful in the medium terms as it is both a key eastern coast route, but also a valuable economic route through forestry and tourism access.
More funding for state housing upgrades and new state houses will be of great assistance to the local construction industry. The Chamber will be watching to ensure that this is put into as many small work packages as possible to share the benefits and ensure we retain a viable house construction industry when the economy fully picks up. The Chamber has been working with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council who are co-ordinating submissions in respect to the second wave of infrastructure projects.
Government announcement regarding assistance to SME’s
Last week there was a flurry of government announcements in a package aimed at promoting growth and jobs as the government reacts to the international financial crisis and recession here. Read more
Chamber welcomes proposed RMA reforms
The Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the proposed Resource Management Act reforms announced by the government today. Read more...
Hawke's Bay Business Hall of Fame
The Chamber Board at its meeting last week approved a proposal to further promote the spirit of enterprise by establishing a regional Business Hall of Fame. Each year a small number of business people who have made outstanding contributions to business in Hawke’s Bay over the last 150 years will be recognised and inducted into the Hall of Fame. In this manner the Chamber wishes to record people who have made outstanding contributions to business vitality our great Hawke’s Bay community. The first inductees are expected to be named in the first half of this year.
Chamber Economic Commentary - Recent HB Economic Trends - January 2009
This is the second of a quarterly series of economic trend studies and commentaries on the Hawke’s Bay area and appropriately starts the New Year. Read the Media Release or Read the report...
Bay Economic Trends report - February update
Read the updated report for Hawke's Bay.
HB Economic Summit - UPDATED
Read the summary and presentations of the Hawke's Bay Economic Summit, held on March 6 2009 at the Hawke's Bay Opera House. Read more...
Government Employment and Tax law changes
From March 1, the new 90 day employment trail period commences. there are a number of important steps to consider when implementing this. ChamberPulse had a useful article in its February issue of the issues to be considered. Click here to read the article (page 5).
On April 1 the taxation (urgent measures and Annual rates ) Act come into force. This Act introduces changes to personal income tax, Kiwisaver and a new independent earner tax credit while repealing credits for R&D. For assistance in this go to www.ird.govt.nz and for the PAYE calculator for the changes over the next 3 years.
Regional Council Plan Change
The Chamber will be making a submission on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Plan Change 2- the one relating to the new Rules in regard to air quality.
A number of members have raised issued in regard to business concerns with this controversial proposed Plan Change and its related funding proposal that is part of the council’s spending plan in their yet to be announced 2009-10 Annual Plan. We would welcome any other comments in preparing for this submission which is due March 30th.
Government announcement regarding infrastructure
The Chamber has welcomed the government’s plans to accelerate infrastructure expenditure as part of its response to the economic crisis. It continues to provide a reduction of infrastructure deficit without jeopardising the government’s fiscal position in the longer terms.
The acceleration of the Matahoura Gorge project is particularly useful in the medium terms as it is both a key eastern coast route, but also a valuable economic route through forestry and tourism access.
More funding for state housing upgrades and new state houses will be of great assistance to the local construction industry. The Chamber will be watching to ensure that this is put into as many small work packages as possible to share the benefits and ensure we retain a viable house construction industry when the economy fully picks up. The Chamber has been working with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council who are co-ordinating submissions in respect to the second wave of infrastructure projects.
Government announcement regarding assistance to SME’s
Last week there was a flurry of government announcements in a package aimed at promoting growth and jobs as the government reacts to the international financial crisis and recession here. Read more
Chamber welcomes proposed RMA reforms
The Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the proposed Resource Management Act reforms announced by the government today. Read more...
Hawke's Bay Business Hall of Fame
The Chamber Board at its meeting last week approved a proposal to further promote the spirit of enterprise by establishing a regional Business Hall of Fame. Each year a small number of business people who have made outstanding contributions to business in Hawke’s Bay over the last 150 years will be recognised and inducted into the Hall of Fame. In this manner the Chamber wishes to record people who have made outstanding contributions to business vitality our great Hawke’s Bay community. The first inductees are expected to be named in the first half of this year.
Chamber Economic Commentary - Recent HB Economic Trends - January 2009
This is the second of a quarterly series of economic trend studies and commentaries on the Hawke’s Bay area and appropriately starts the New Year. Read the Media Release or Read the report...
Do you need Administration or Customer Service Staff?
The Chamber has a new group of people who have recently completed a Straight 2 Work course seeking employment in entry-level administration and customer service roles. If you are looking for staff, please contact Lynne Gibson on 06 8343533 or email the Chamber .
This is a free placement service with ongoing in-work support.
Advertising in the Chinese Market
Cr Kevin Watkins of Hastings District Council is coordinating a sister city ‘Chinese Wedding’ which will be broadcast on Chinese TV to an estimated 300M audience. There are segments of commercial advertising space (7 minutes @ $1000NZ per minute) still available for Hawke’s Bay operators. The crew is expected to be filming from 17th to 27th September.
If you have an interest contact Kevin.
Migrant Job Skills booklet launched
Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott officially launched the booklet, developed by Settlement Support and the Napier City Council at a Chamber of Commerce function on August 12. Read more...
Management Regional Champion recognised
Paul Hursthouse, EIT's Business Relationship Manager was recognised as the Management Focus Regional Champion at a Chamber of Commerce evening. Read More....
Stuart McLaughlan elected new Vice President
At a Special General Meeting held on Tuesday 12 th August, Stuart McLauchlan was elected Vice President. He is taking the place of Peter Holley who resigned due to work reasons.
Privacy Awarness Week 24 - 30 August 2008
The Privacy Commissioner will launch a new employment book entitled Privacy at Work- A guide to the Privacy Act for employers and employees. This offers guidelines about applying the Privacy Act in the workplace. This is an area that has increasingly become awkward for employers, such as monitoring internet usage, staff e-mail use and personal information before and after recruitment. The booklet will be available through www.privacy.org.nz after the 25th August or from the Chamber’s office.
HB HB first to hear from Chief Negotiator
The Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce was the first to get a speech from New Zealand’s Chief negotiator Dr David Walker on August 1st. The FTA will come into force on October 1st. By 2019 most of the tariffs will have been lifted for New Zealand. NZ is the first OECD country to sign a FTA with China. Read more...
NZ Productivity is too low, gap with Australia only gets wider
New Zealand is losing its ground in the OECD because our productivity is too low, according to Roger Kerr, Executive Director of the NZ Business Roundtable. Read more...
HB Chamber signs Cooperation deal with two Chinese cities
Organised by the Napier City Council, HB Chamber CEO Murray Douglas was part of a ‘reconnaissance’ trade mission. Read more...
Positive results from China Trade Research Mission
Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott has expressed optimism of more intensive trade links between Napier and Lianyungang, its Chinese sister city. Read more...
Chamber made strong submission to Napier and Hastings
The Chamber made a strong submission to both Napier City and Hastings District Councils in regard to more shared services approaches. Read more...
Injury Management Consultants
ACC in Hawke's Bay has 2 injury management consultants (IMC's) available to assist you in the areas of injury management & return to work (rehabilitation). Read more...
HB Chamber congratulates PORSE- Jenny Yule
During the Bloom Her Business Conference held in Auckland (25 & 26 June) Jenny Yule was awarded Most Outstanding Business Leader and Business Woman of the Year 2008.
Read more...
New President and Board members
A new President was elected at the AGM meeting held on June 11 2008.
Read more...
New Board Rules accepted
A new set of rules has been accepted by the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce at the AGM held on June 11.
Read more...
Retail sales in Hastings buck national trend – again!
Figures released by Statistics NZ clearly indicate that Hastings continues to buck the national trend when it comes to retail spending.
Read more...
Chamber urges more Government support for SME’s
The Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce is looking to Government to increase its support of small and medium businesses.
Read more...
Young Enterprise Scheme well underway
The Young Enterprise Scheme is well underway.
Read more...
New notice for used cars – 1 July 2008
From 1 July, all motor vehicle traders will need to complete and display the new Consumer Information Notice (CIN) when they are selling a used motor vehicle, unless that sale is to another motor vehicle trader.
Read more...
Clarification of Charitable Donations
Tax rebates for charitable donations are available irrespective of whether the organisation receiving the donation is registered with the Charities Commission or not.
Read more...
Limited Partnerships
The Limited Partnerships Act 2008 (‘the Act’) came in on 2 May 2008 creating a new form of legal entity – the Limited Partnership.
Read more...
New rules considered for HB Chamber
A new set of rules will be considered at the Hawke’s Bay Chamber AGM on June 11.
Read more...
Chamber urges more council 'Shared Services'
Media release June 3 2008
In the Chamber submissions to the Napier and Hastings draft Annual Plans... Read more...
Government helps small businesses start, manage or grow their businesses
Media release June 3 2008
The Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting the launch of a new, government publication, Start, manage and grow your business... Read more...
Chamber supports fibre network policy
Media release April 23 2008
The Chamber supports the recent announcement by the National Party for major investment into high speed broadband... Read more...
Chamber welcomes China FTA
Media release April 7 2008
The signing of a free trade agreement with China will provide substantial opportunities...
Read more...
HDC rate increase too high
Media release March 25 2008
The Chamber is deeply concerned that Hastings District is recommending rate increases substantially higher... Read more
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