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COMMERCE COMMENT AUTUMN 2022

CORNERSTONE PARTNERS:

AUTUMN ISSUE — FROM THE CEO

From the CEO Contents From the CEO ......................................................... 2 Westpac Smarts...................................................... 3 Business Award Winners ...................................... 4 Skills & Qualifications at NMIT .......................... 8 The Value of Information .................................... 9 Connecting with Nature ....................................10 Brand Guides: Confusion to Consistency...... 11 Launching Mission Zero ..................................... 12 Bowater Hyundai ...................................................13 YES Speed Coaches .............................................14 Bridging the Gap: Science & Industry............ 16 NBS ............................................................................. 17 Art/Work Spotlight: Claire French ................. 18 Three-Step Employer Accreditation............. 19 2022 Starting Blocks Workshops ................... 20 Forest Safety during Fire Season ................... 22 Upcoming Events ................................................ 23 Membership Deals .............................................. 24

For all enquiries please contact: Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Mahitahi Colab Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology 322 Hardy Street, Nelson PO Box 1121, Nelson 7040 Phone: 03 548 1363 Email: britt@commerce.org.nz Web: www.commerce.org.nz Chamber Board: President: Peter Pattullo Vice President: Manoli Aerakis Board Members: Chris McGeown, Nigel Andrews, Aaron Shields, Lees Seymour, Venus Guy, and Sharon McGuire. Design: Tizza Design

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n this edition you will see the winners of the Nelson Pine Industries Business Awards 2021. It was a long time coming, but on Friday 25th February, we were finally able to hold an event to celebrate this success. Congratulations to the winners and hats off to everyone who took the time to enter. It was also lovely to be in a room full of people dressed up for the evening and having a good time. And (possibly) even better to see a good number of people after the event enjoying the hospitality of our bars and restaurants in the CBD. I also want to acknowledge that 11 of the entrants and four of the winners had tapped into our Regional Business Partner Programme (RBP). Sandra Crone is here to help businesses innovate and grow. I am very pleased to announce that we have signed an agreement with Westpac to deliver a series of four business events this year. Westpac Smarts have been successful in other centres and it is great to be able to bring this series to our members here in Nelson Tasman. Due to the current Omicron outbreak, the first event in early April will be held on-line and will feature Satish Ranchhod, a senior economist with Wetspac. Future presentations will cover a variety of topics including leadership, health and well-being and the impact of climate change on the financial sector. The next large event on our calendar will be our annual conference, Aspire. The date is locked in for Friday 1st July and if the modelling is to be believed, we

are optimistic that by that time we will be through the worst of the Omicron outbreak. More details will be released as they are locked in but please make a note of the date so you don’t miss out. Good news was announced this week (yay!). By the time you read this the borders will be open to New Zealanders coming back from overseas without the need to go through MIQ or self-isolate. As a trading nation, and region, with a high reliance on exports, this will be welcomed by everyone who needs to get back into overseas markets. It’s very important to reconnect with customers and networks face-to-face. Not to mention people who have been separated from family members for the last two years. As co-chair of the Nelson Tasman Regional Skills Leadership Group, I am involved in developing the first draft Workforce Development Plan for Nelson Tasman. We will soon be approaching industry with the draft document to get feedback and make sure that the planning is on the right track. Please email me at ali@ commerce.org.nz if you would like to be included in this consultation. Ngā mihi,

AliBoswijk Chief Executive Chamber of Commerce

NTCC is proud to announce the first of our Westpac Smarts events, a fourpart speaker series. The Chamber and our new sponsor Westpac are working together to host speakers across key areas of business.

MAR

Westpac Smarts: Part 1 Presenter: Satish Ranchod, Westpac Economist When: 13:00 - 14:00 | Where: Online (Zoom) Join Satish as he gives an overview of the economy for the year ahead, with special focus on Nelson Tasman.

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B NE CN AT O RNYMW CU OS MI M US NSI CAAW T IAORND S P A—R T EE RG— I TI N N E R S

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

2021 Business Awards Winners

ALARON

CUTTING EDGE SIGNS

LARGE BUSINESS & SUPREME AWARDS WINNER

MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD WINNER

Alaron Products Limited is a GMP certified contract manufacturer. They specialise in custom manufacturing of dietary supplements, complementary medicines, functional foods, and personal care products.

Established in 1999, Cutting Edge Signs helps businesses stand out and grow by providing design solutions and by crafting and installing bespoke signage that is aesthetically striking and highly functional.

Alaron is proudly locally owned and operated. They have been in operation since 1993 and as a dedicated service provider, have continued to grow their manufacturing capabilities. They continue to invest in their people and grow their resources to ensure they are providing the right level of support to their team while servicing the needs of their valued customer base.

They are the largest signage solutions provider and the only certified Carbon Positive sign company in the top of the south.

C CO OM MM M EE RR C C EE C CO OM MM M EE N N TT

They are also accredited by the Living Wage Aotearoa and Site Safe Gold certified.

BUSINESS AWA GTO R I NENLEERASF M I C R O G R E E N S AR RD DS S — E NCTARTAEN —Y TW RU

NELSON GIANTS

RURU HOMES

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD WINNER

START-UP BUSINESS AWARD WINNER

The Nelson Giants is an iconic Nelson sporting brand with a proud history: they are the only team to have competed in New Zealand’s top domestic basketball competition, the National Basketball League, every year since its inception in 1982. The Nelson Giants and the NBL jointly celebrated our 40th seasons this year. Off the court, the Nelson Giants’ focus is on growing basketball in our region. The “Giants in Schools” programme, delivered every year since 1990, sees Giants players providing primary school children with an introduction to basketball, while also promoting the benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Ruru Homes is a fast-growing company creating small homes, relocatable buildings, cabins, baches, on a high level for an affordable price. Different designs cater for a variety of clients and their personal circumstances. With replication of the designs, high end workmanship, top quality products and locally sourced materials, Ruru Homes aims to become a market leader for tiny homes in New Zealand whilst demonstrating that above living wage employment, affordable housing and business success can all be done at the same time.

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BUSINESS AWARDS — CATEGORY WINNERS

NELSON ENVIRONMENT CENTRE

NZ RED CROSS

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD WINNER

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD WINNER

The Nelson Environment Centre is proud to be the longest serving environment centre in New Zealand and has been proudly serving our community since 1976.

Pathways to Employment Nelson assist former refugees to find sustainable employment that uses their skills and abilities and is appropriate to their circumstances. Gaining employment is a key part in the resettlement process for people from refugee backgrounds. Once in employment, many people from refugee backgrounds feel empowered and can contribute to their new community and their new home in Aotearoa. The pathway often includes English training, volunteering, work experience and part time work as steps towards full time, sustainable employment.

They deliver three core programmes - ReUse Shops, Electronic Waste (E Waste) Recycling, and Kai Rescue. They are committed to providing ongoing education, information and advice to assist the community in taking positive action for the environment.

A special thank you to our award sponsors:

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C CO OM MM M EE R RC C EE C CO OM MM M EE N N TT

BUSINESS AWARDS — CATEGORY WINNERS

GOURMET CATERING

PIC PICOT & PAUL MORGAN

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS AWARD WINNER

NTCC BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Carol Shirley began her catering business in 2003, delivering corporate lunches around Nelson’s CBD. Two decades later, Gourmet Catering has grown into one of Nelson’s most popular catering suppliers, renowned for outstanding food and excellent customer service. When the 2020 Covid lockdown pandemic struck, all forward bookings for that year were cancelled or postponed. Carol began offering restaurant-quality meals delivered to the door through her website, keeping the elderly and vulnerable and wider Nelson community fed and her business very much alive.

Pic Picot: In 2005 Pic, an avid Peanut Butter fan, is disgusted by the level of sugar being added to the few PB brands on the market. Unhappy at the response to his concerns from the big producers, Pic buys some peanuts and starts roasting them in a concrete mixer. This starts him on a journey that 17 years later sees his peanut butter sold in Australia, China, SE Asia, UK, and USA. Pic’s Peanut Butter World draws crowds to the café and daily factory tours. He has also been instrumental in the construction of commercial kitchens at The Food Factory and his business supports a number of charities including The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary. What do unwelcome mice dine on when in the tunnels? Peanut butter, of course. Pāora Te Poa Karoro Morgan (Paul Morgan):

Paul has been on the board of Wakatū Incorporation since 1986 and Chair since 2001. His experience as a director and in governance roles spans multiple sectors including agribusiness, property, science, innovation, and start-ups. He was the Chief Executive of the Federation of Māori Authorities, New Zealand’s largest Māori business network, for over 15 years. He has spearheaded a number of national research projects, including the first Māori Economic Report. He also led a team into Māori communities to coach and support Māori in running inter-generational land trusts. Locally, Paul has had key involvement in the development and implementation of the Te Tauihu intergenerational Strategy. And in 2010 he was awarded a Queen’s Service Order, for services to Māori business and Māori in the New Years’ Honours.

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COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER — NMIT

Build professional skills and gain qualifications at NMIT

he last couple of years have given many people the opportunity to reflect on their careers, upskill, or chase their passions. As the region’s leading tertiary provider, NMIT offers personalised tutor support, modern facilities across four campuses, and programmes that can be studied online, on-campus or a combination of both. We provide our students with the hands-on practical skills and experience within industry that employers want from graduates. The close relationships with local industry also enable NMIT to offer students work placements, apprenticeships, and industry-specific scholarships. In 2020 the NMIT Board approved a $1.18 million investment in the refurbishment of K-Block on the Nelson Campus to modernise the building and improve the internal configuration to suit the needs of the users. Two additional spaces were especially created for our Applied Business students. These were fitted with new video conferencing systems, which deliver full motion HD video, high-quality audio and real-time digital whiteboards which makes for a more interactive experience for our learners in Marlborough attending the lectures. Later in 2022 the final stage of this project will be completed with the introduction of virtual classrooms allowing learners to have a classroom experience from anywhere across Aotearoa from their homes or workplaces. This year students also have the advantage of a new programme, the Graduate Certificate in Management. This programme is perfect for professionals who want to step up to a managerial role. Learners can incorporate study around their existing work and gain a qualification before the end of the year. 8

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Making the most of the strong community and industry connections in Te Tauihu, NMIT offers learners the flexibility to study without compromising their lifestyle and work commitments. Another programme designed for professionals is the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Management. This enables students to enhance their applied management skills and knowledge by focussing on more specific and in-depth aspects of management. The postgraduate programme is available fully online or on-campus over nine months and offers students the option of applying for Recognition of Academic Credit (RAC). This identifies any prior postgraduate study, or work experience, which may mean learners can skip courses where they already hold the appropriate level of skills and knowledge. Both the certificate and diploma programmes have flexible classes and an application extension for classes starting in February, or apply and join us in July. Recent research (from AUT) has

found organisations that incorporate te reo Māori, terminology and tikanga Māori in their workplaces benefit from increased job satisfaction and enhanced workplace mindfulness. Also data analysed by Ngāi Tahu’s innovation lab, Tokona te Raki (Māori Futures Collective) showed Nelson had the highest rise in Aotearoa in jobs seeking te reo Māori speakers at 800 percent. NMIT has Mātauranga Māori classes to support every learner’s journey, including two, weekly lunchtime programmes, Te Reo Māori me ngā tikanga o Te Tauihu and Te Tiriti o Waitangi ki Te Tauihu. Now is a good time to build understanding of te reo Māori and tikanga and how to make it part of your workplace, and with your whānau. So, bring your lunch and do the mahi. Applications are open until late March.

Not sure how to start your study journey? Our student advisors can talk you through your options. Book your free chat here.

COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER — BLUEBERRYIT

The value of information

any of us remember New Year’s Eve 1999 – for those that don’t there was an event named Y2K or the millennium bug which was built around limitations of calendar dates formatted with only the final two digits. While there was significant potential for large scale disruption to computer systems and applications, there were very few actual incidents and the reality is that business would have continued largely uninterrupted as were in the early days of computers entering mainstream business. In fact, in 2000 there were only 361 million internet users globally with Oceania/Australia only representing 7.6 million of that number.

Two decades on...

Today those number respectively are 4.95 billion and 22.31 million and we now have mobile phones, cloud services, applications on subscription and the fully developed information worker. Ask yourself this: regardless of the location of your data, what would it mean to you and your business if that data was

either lost of compromised? What is the cost of having to recreate that data?

Some data such as specific emails has an intangible cost, where others such as Marketing, which might include video or multi-media content creation has a much greater value and very tangible cost associated with recreation What is the impact on productivity?

When an Information Worker has no Information, what do they do? You still pay for their time and associated overhead, and yet work has essentially stopped. What is the impact on business reputation and the potential loss or breach of confidently information and how does that reflect on your brand and client loyalty?

all care is taken to not only protect and preserve their own data, but to be good custodians of their clients personally identifiable information. While cyber insurance provides riskmitigation in terms of costs, it is only part of the overall risk management of digital information with a key component of the policy wording often including regular back-ups of all data regardless of location. • • • •

Do you know if your digital information is backed-up? Do you know what the retention policies of that back-up are? Do you have regulatory or compliance obligations in relation to data retention? Do you need help understanding your current position?

Talk to one of the BlueBerry Team today and we can help you to protect one of your key business assets.

Data or information loss is not always from a malicious act and it is the responsibility of business owners, directors and shareholders to ensure that COMMERCE COMMENT

COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER — NELMAC KŪMĀNU

Connecting with nature Rachael Williams-Gaul Environmental Mgmt Leader Nelmac Kūmānu www.kumanuenviro.co.nz

ocal community organisations and local nature projects that make a difference are very important to Nelmac Kūmānu. The Kea Conservation Trust and the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary are two signature projects that we have been supporting since 2019. We recently received the great news that six Kea chicks are believed to have been successfully fledged from this last breeding season, compared to only one the previous. The endangered Kea, a unique problem-solving parrot, is one of the most intelligent birds in the world. The population in the Nelson Lakes was found to have seriously declined in the early 2000s, most likely due to predation. Nelmac Kūmānu have been a supporting partner of The Kea Conservation Trust since 2019, focused on helping to remove lead and replacing it with nontoxic alternatives from Department of Conservation huts and other buildings in the Nelson Lakes region. Our Conservation team have undertaken working at heights training so they can provide a greater variety of in-kind support. Lead poisoning is a serious threat to this inquisitive and cheeky mountain parrot. Unfortunately, it is attracted to the sweet tasting but toxic metal, commonly used in building materials prior to the 1990s. Blood testing of hundreds of Kea has shown many have concerning levels of lead, which accumulates over time and can affect their behaviour and cause them to become sick and die. The beautiful Brook Waimārama Sanctuary burgeoning with flora and fauna, the largest fenced sanctuary in the South Island, is a project that Nelmac Kūmānu is proud to be engaged with. Nelmac has provided in-kind general

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Image: Kūmānu team clearing pest plants. conservation support over the past years such as scrub cutting and weed control but more recently our focus has shifted to specialist work that volunteers are unable to do. Our Conservation team’s skilled arborists have been carrying out in-kind specialist tree work. This work helps to protect the pest-proof fencing that surrounds the 40-hectare sanctuary, slow or halt wilding weed tree species and protect the public from dangerous trees on tracks throughout the Sanctuary. It doesn’t end there. Nelmac is a key leader in Project Mahitahi Kaimahi for Nature, a five year Jobs for Nature collaboration project that involves the

planting of 125,000 trees, the restoration of 1.3 hectares of wetlands, and pest plant control throughout the Maitai/Mahitahi and Brook Waimārama catchment (10,000 hectares). Over the past year, the Mahitahi team have been trapping pests and planting tens of thousands of trees. In this unprecedented time shrouded in the unknown, connection to nature becomes increasingly important. Our teams are finding conservation work to be really rewarding and good for the soul.

COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER — DOWNING CREATIVE MARKETING

BRAND GUIDES:

Go from confusion to consistency Tony Downing Owner and Director Downing Creative Marketing www.downing.nz

‘I

nconsistent branding’ is an oxymoron. For branding to be branding it must be consistent. Branding is a system of applying your brand across all the points of your organisation that a customer connects with. In a busy, noisy world with so many distractions, it’s the consistent brands that stand out. If your branding is messy and inconsistent, it just adds to the confusion. As the owner of a brand, do you spend time working with your team and suppliers to keep all your branding consistent? Does it annoy you when your logo is reproduced incorrectly, off colour or squished? Does it bug you to see your team misrepresent your brand in social media, writing in the wrong tone or in a personality that is different from your brand? Brochures, signs, advertising and websites can all represent your brand in different ways. Keeping tabs can be a nightmare. Never fear there is an answer –The Brand Guide Book.

What is a Brand Guide Book?

Brand Guides clearly outline how your brand assets should be used in the real world. They include all the elements

of a company’s identity such as logos, colours, fonts and taglines, and simple instructions on how to apply them to all your marketing material. Think of Brand Guides as a tool kit that team members and suppliers access when they need to build your marketing items. Why do you need brand guides? 1. Consistency

Consistent use of your brand assets builds a strong picture in your customers mind over time. It makes your brand easy to remember. 2. Clarity

Brand Guides will help you communicate your brand standards to your team with clarity. This in turn enables your team to communicate your brand story with clarity to your customers and suppliers.

way. If your business is less complex, smaller or with fewer branded items, then a simpler set of guidelines can be created. Here are some of the assets that could be included in your brand guide book: • • • • • • • • • •

3. Excellence

Brand Guides set your standard of quality and excellence and leave little room for compromise and low-quality outputs. What should be included?

The size and depth of your brand guides depends on how you will use them in your business. If you need to have high levels of control over every point that a customer engages with your business, then you may want to have more guidelines that are specified in a deeper

• • •

Vision, mission, values Company logo, any sub-brand logos Brand in text — how your company name and product names are written Company slogan Colour palette Main fonts and supporting fonts Stationery — letterhead and envelopes Marketing tools — business cards, profiles, and brochures Photography style and image library Tone of voice - the tone of written communications should reflect how you want to be perceived by your customers. Do you want to be seen as fun and exciting, trusted and reliable or welcoming and professional? Signwriting examples Merchandise examples Advertising templates

For a more in-depth article with examples visit downing.nz/branding-services/ brand-guidelines/

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COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER —MISSION ZERO

usinesses for Climate Action is excited to announce the launch of MISSION ZERO, a new initiative based right here in Te Tauihu to support businesses to reduce emissions and strengthen our regional economy.

Launching Mission Zero 12

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By joining Mission Zero, you are joining together with other local businesses on the journey to decarbonise the economy, generating both long-term financial and social value for our region. Visit missionzero.nz to find out how to start, how we can help and how taking action now can benefit your business and our community.

JOIN NOW

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SPEED COACHES NEEDED Inspire students. Unleash leaders. Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) aims to inspire young people to discover their potential in business and in life. Students from local Nelson and Marlborough colleges participate in this valuable programme. An important aspect of YES is to provide student participants with advice and help from people in the business community. This is where you come in!! We need local businesspeople for this 1.5 hour session to assist us by being a ‘speed coach’ for students. This session will be online and YES student companies will be allotted several coaches each to act as sounding boards and give feedback on their initial business ideas.

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Last year’s volunteers — THANK YOU! Steven Caunter

ANZ

Mack Delany

Nelson AI Institute

Marcus Erdmann

Archery Park

Ali Boswijk

Chamber of Commerce

Nigel Watson

ASB

Sandra Crone

Chamber of Commerce

Chris Hall

Ascentium

Stephen Broad-Paul

Chamber of Commerce

Nita Craig

BI Mechanics

Trina Zimmerman

Chamber of Commerce

Allan Willoughby

BlueberryIT

Kirsten Norfield

NMIT

Kamni Raju-Russell

Bras and Briefs Expert

Mark Wilson

NMIT

Chris Williams

Burger Culture

Wendy Olsen

NMIT

Mark Lucas

Business Trust Marl.

Matthew Pttinger

One Giant Leap

Nic John

Change Maker

Natalia Kolebaeva

Pareto Business Solutions

Arko Biswas

Cutting Edge Signs

Sushant Srivastava

Pareto Business Solutions

Daniel Swank

Daniel Levi Swank

Yulia Emokhonova

Pareto Business Solutions

Tracy Johnston

Dayvinleigh Limited

James Samuel

Ping Insights

Tim Hunt

DiddleySquatt.com

Peter Ogilvie

Plus4 Insurance Solutions

Kirsten Hopkins

Employsure

Liz Webb

Practics

Andrew Strang

E’Stel Water

Chris Walbran

Prime Strategies Group

Alex McNamara

Findex

Craig Wilson

Quality Tourism Development

Louise Combrinck

Findex

Tony Katavich

Retired

Yolande Tzinavos

Findex

Helen Pauley

Sidekick Accountants

Brad Tilby

FSL Foods

Megan Cameron

Sidekick Accountants

Sean Marr

Future Food Systems

Hellena Briasco

Stevens Orchard Lawyers

Robyn Patterson

Hort NZ

Paul Rosanowski

Storage World NZ

Frank Witowski

Hybrid Bikes

Amy Montgomery

Studio Montgomery

Myles Montgomery

Studio Montgomery

Nishantha Weerasinghe ICLICK Online Thilan Pathirage

ICLICK Online

Gerard Woods

Switch Lighting

Ashlin Redpath

IPiphany

Tom Evison

Tecads

Lorna Harrison

Kaiteriteri Rec. Reserve

Sue Gallagher

Tempz Personell

Paul Miller

Kernohan Engineering

Toni Gillan

The Forum Company

Heinz Woodman

Learning Spaces Global

Ian Williams

The Vic Brew Bar

Alex Barton

Leslie O’Donnell Acc.

Richard Percy

TNL International

John Baird

Marl. Business Mentor

Bill Agnew

Top of the South Community Found.

Tracy Atkin

Marlborough Capital

John Hawke

Ultimate Roofing

Simon Farrar

Maxx Marketing

Greg Chapman

Virdian Glass

Pip Jamieson

MBIE

Angelia Stafford

Wain & Naysmith Lawyers

Sarah Derecourt

Mediaworks

Jenna Seabrook

WK Advisors & Acct.

Nick Dalgety

MPI

Ian Musson

Young Enterprise Scheme

Hannes Hillie

Nelson AI Institute

Lucy Wymer

CYoung O M M EEnterprise R C E C O MScheme MENT

COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER — CAWTHRON INSTITUTE

Bridging the gap between science and industry To ensure Cawthron Institute continues to make a difference through relevant, impactful research, the organisation has appointed a new Chief Science Officer to bring a fresh perspective to its research priorities.

r Cath McLeod has taken up the new role, and will bring a fresh perspective to Cawthron’s research priorities. The role was created by Chief Executive Volker Kuntzsch to ensure a greater focus on strategic areas of Cawthron’s research, focusing on opportunities where the organisation can bridge the gap between science and industry and bring new opportunities to life. Dr McLeod has held diverse roles within the regulatory, scientific and food industry sectors, and her recent positions include Director of the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, where she was pivotal in increasing collaboration on food safety issues across Aotearoa, and Director of the consultancy company Seafood Safety Assessment Ltd, where she focused on providing food safety and market access advice to primary producing industries, retailers and government. Dr McLeod was also the Leader of the Seafood Safety and Market Access Group within the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) from 2008 to 2013 and was a Senior Science Advisor within the Ministry for Primary Industries from 2000 to 2007. Kuntzsch said he was looking forward to working with Dr McLeod on the issues that matter most, and will have the biggest impact. “Cath will be an exceptional Chief Science Officer, bringing both scientific excellence and 16

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rigour to this new role, as well as strong commercial acumen.

newly established role of Chief Science Capability Officer.

“I believe we need to operate with a necessary sense of urgency to deliver research that will help address some of the great pressures our world is facing. Cawthron has the potential to help Aotearoa lead the way in how we manage our freshwater and marine ecosystems to help address climate change-related issues,” said Kuntzsch.

This role will work alongside the Chief Science Officer to ensure Cawthron’s science capability is aligned to and working on Cawthron’s scientific priorities. Dr Cornelisen also assumes responsibility for Cawthron’s cuttingedge laboratories and the growing opportunities in data-driven technologies.

Dr McLeod’s qualifications include an MSc (hons) on marine biotoxins in shellfish and a PhD on foodborne viruses from Victoria University of Wellington, giving her an overarching perspective on two major human food safety issues. She has worked collaboratively with Cawthron Institute since 1998 on a wide variety of research projects, many of which have resulted in significant advances in human health and animal welfare. “I am really excited to join Cawthron – it’s a research organisation I’ve always held in the highest esteem, and part of the reason I deliberately chose to be positioned in Nelson in my former role. I’m looking forward to supporting Cawthron’s science community to continue to deliver science that makes a difference in the real world, underpins the health of our people and environment, and contributes to a thriving blue economy,” said McLeod. In addition, Cawthron has also appointed Dr Chris Cornelisen to the

Dr Cornelisen is no stranger to Cawthron, having worked for the Institute for the past 16 years, most recently as the Group Manager for coastal and ocean sciences. He is passionate about collaboration across public and private sectors and is actively engaged in leadership roles in the Sustainable Seas and Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenges. “I’m very excited to be working alongside Cath and across our science disciplines to forge new ways of creating impact and value through science. Cawthron is home to a huge and diverse group of bright minds that serve a common purpose and care deeply about the difference they make. Our passion for delivering impact through science will undoubtedly contribute toward a better future for our region and the world,” said Dr Cornelisen.

Crystal Gaiger, Marketing/Administration Coordinator (left) with Howie Timms, NBS GM Commercial & Marketing, Patsy Berriman Swim School Administrator (right) and Kori the Penguin.

More children given the chance to learn to swim for free NBS is thrilled to support Richmond Aquatic Centre’s SwimMagic sponsored lessons to school age children who would not normally be able to afford them. Swimming lessons are vital for teaching water safety to Kiwi kids. The lessons help build selfconfidence in those who are nervous around water and educate those who may be a bit too confident and unaware of the dangers. As the main sponsor, NBS has made the commitment for 2022 in supporting up to 200 children with free swimming lessons. Richmond Aquatic Centre’s Marketing/Administration Coordinator Crystal Gaiger says there are some heart-breaking stories. “In some cases, children have moved schools several times in a single year due to difficult circumstances. The lessons provide them with fun and stability, as well as really important safety skills around water,” she says. If your child or someone you know could benefit from this support, visit: www.clmnz.co.nz/richmond for more information.

#zerotolerancedrowning COMMERCE COMMENT 17 Nelson Building Society | PO Box 62, Nelson 7040 | 0800 101 700 | www.nbs.co.nz | NBS is not a registered bank

BUSINESS AWARDS ENTRANT — TASMAN ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST

INTRODUCING ART/WORK’S

Claire French O

ne of our ART/WORK clients plays with fire and your team could too.

Get your team to use their left and right brain hemispheres as they master new circus skills. Or try ecstatic dance or gathering the team for a talking circle. Claire French from Wonder-Full, is one of Art/Work’s Golden Bay clients and is someone who takes an unusual approach to making a difference in people’s lives. Claire has been a client of Art/Work since its inception, and she has worked tirelessly to create a unique suite of offerings that can be styled to suit an organisation’s requirements, creating extraordinary events. Claire contributes Art/Work to being a critical supporting mechanism as she navigates the world of a start-up business. This is what Claire says about being a client of Art/Work and how it has helped her and her business. “Working alongside the Chamber’s exceptionally experienced Stephen

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Broad-Paul for the last 12 months, I have collaborated to create unique and different corporate team-building day, she says. “With my creativity and Stephen’s knowledge of the industry we have created a service that is different, dynamic, creative and pushes the participants’ boundaries. “Each session is tailored to the individual business, and with Stephen’s foresight and experience, it fills in all the needs and gaps in the current market whilst enlisting my unique talents and international acclaim to produce something truly memorable and impressive. “The offerings aim to promote working together, leadership skills, awareness, support, focus and stress management to name but a few and this all happens within a fun and exciting setting. My bubbly personality leaves a lasting impression on attendees and the substantial international professional experience ensures top quality delivery

— without Art/Work’s support I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Claire has over 25 years of international event production, performance, and entertainment experience, and describes herself as a change embracer and a multi-potentialite. Claire says, “There’s always been a spark within to ignite my fire and with a drive to continually change, evolve and refine, I’ve been provided with a fresh and enlivened outlook on life. Travelling overseas extensively for my work, I have used my zest for life as a vehicle for my constant transformation.” For more information, visit www.wonder-full.co.nz Disclaimer: NTCC can not be held responsible for any employees who run away to join the circus.

COMMUNICATION PARTNER — PIT T & MOORE

Getting ready for Three-Step Accredited Employer Work Visas Nick Mason Partner Pitt & Moore www.pittandmoore.co.nz

mployers looking to employ migrant workers will be impacted by this year’s introduction of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – a new temporary work visa that opens to applications from employers on 9 May 2022 and to applications from migrants on 4 July 2022. This change will impact many employers, in particular those in key industries such as agriculture, hospitality, construction and tourism, which rely on migrant labour to fill shortages. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is replacing the Essential Skills Work Visa, the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa with the AEWV. Although there are benefits, the visa will also introduce more red tape for employers, who will have to deal directly with INZ and go through the accreditation process before advertising jobs. The process is more complex and bureaucratic than before, and we recommend employers be aware of the requirements and get ahead of the game. In short, INZ is introducing a threecheck process to manage applications and ensure that employers and migrants fit the new requirements. The three checks are: 1. 2. 3.

Employer accreditation Job check Migrant check

Employer accreditation

The first step sees employers able to apply from 9 May 2022 to ensure they can get accreditation before migrant applications open on 4 July. Employers don’t need to be accredited until they want to start employing migrants, but a delay in obtaining accreditation means delay in an employer’s ability to support a migrant’s application. Standard accreditation is required for up to five migrant workers on AEWV, and high-volume accreditation is for those employing six or more migrant workers on AEWV. The requirements for standard accreditation include being IRD registered and holding a New Zealand Business Number, having no recent history of regulatory non-compliance, having appropriate employment documentation, and taking steps to minimise the risk of exploitation. Job check

The second check INZ will carry out is a job check or labour market test to ensure that, for any job offered through the AEWV scheme, the employer holds accreditation, the employment is acceptable, and no New Zealanders are available. The labour market test requirements vary for jobs paying above and below the median wage and depend on whether the job is located in a city or a region. There are also specific job advertising requirements to ascertain availability of New Zealanders to do the job. A Labour Market Test is not required under certain circumstances.

requirements. This is done through online applications, available from 4 July 2022, and ensures that the applicant is suitably qualified and meets requirements in terms of health, character and bona fide credentials. A migrant will not be able to submit their application unless the employer is already accredited and the job has passed the job check stage. What’s next?

It is not yet known how long it will take INZ to process an accreditation application or to complete the threecheck process. As a result, we recommend that employers don’t leave applying for accreditation to the last minute. We also don’t know if employers will have review or appeal rights where negative decisions are made. We expect further information from INZ to come. Initially, this system change will undoubtedly increase costs, time and red tape, and support for navigating the processes involved will be needed. Talk to us

Once in the system as an accredited employer things should become more streamlined. In the meantime, our immigration specialists at Pitt & Moore are already helping employers prepare for the process. We offer an initial 15-minute free consultation to all new clients. Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.

Migrant check

The final step is the migrant check, ensuring the applicant meets the visa

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SO TA K SP A WROTR O PTSN L I N T E R N A T I O N A L C MRMTUI N NG I CB AL TO I OCN NKESRH—

Starting Blocks Workshops The purpose of this series is to provide the foundations for a healthy functioning business. Meet two of the workshop series presenters who have come on board to help our businesses improve their business capability.

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STARTING BLOCKS WORKSHOPS

Business Planning Learn the three most powerful tools for business success and how to use them:

Grow Your Brand with Social Media Workshop Overview: •

1. Business Plan 2. Annual Forecast 3. Ongoing reporting and accountability Richard also holds variance governance roles including being the Chair of the Accountants and Tax Agents Institute of NZ. He is a Professional Tax and Business Advisor (ATAINZ), Chartered Member of IOD and Member of the NZ Trustees Association. He specialises in assisting businesses to grow through business development, advice and coaching.

Date: Time: Venue:

Wednesday 23rd March 9:30pm - 11:30am Mahitahi Colab, NMIT A Block 322 Hardy Street, Nelson Presenter: Richard Abel Accounting & Taxation Centre

•

Grow your online community and convert followers to brand advocates Set up your social media profiles for success with profile optimization, content creation, planning, streamlining software, engagement, branding, strategies for growth and conversions

Alice has several years of experience working in digital marketing and managing multiple social media brands. She is now offering both Social Media Management and Strategy & Coaching services for those wanting to take control of their own social media.

Date: Time: Venue:

Wednesday 30th March 9:30am - 11:30am Mahitahi Colab, NMIT A Block 322 Hardy Street, Nelson Presenter: Alice Hazlett Socialised by Keetrax

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COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER — ONEFORTYONE

Forest companies support safety during fire season

op of the South forestry companies and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have taken a new step in their longstanding collaboration to make our communities safer from vegetation fires this summer.

of all rural fire services in Nelson Tasman that had previously been contracted to the Rural Fire Network Ltd (RFN). Now RFN is working with the forestry companies and supporting the implementation of the new agreement.

The forestry companies OneFortyOne New Zealand, Tasman Pine Forests and PF Olsen Ltd have signed an agreement allocating funding, people resources, training and equipment to manage fire risk in the Nelson Tasman region.

Based at the Tapawera Fire Store, Manager of Rural Fire Network Ian Reade said there are 50 fire-trained forestry contractors available to assist in the event of a fire.

Fire and Emergency District Manager Grant Haywood said the new agreement with forestry companies formalised and extended local arrangements that have existed for several years. “Forestry companies are valued partners in fighting rural fires all around New Zealand, and it’s no exception in our District,” he said. “They bring valuable skills and knowledge in tackling forests and vegetation fires, and we appreciate being able to call on forestry crews to work alongside our firefighters. From November last year, Fire and Emergency took over the management

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“Along with their knowledge of local terrain and forests, the forestry contractors are hill fit, meaning if there is a prolonged fire event in rugged terrain they can keep fighting fires safely day after day without excessive fatigue. Forestry company employees could also fill roles in an Incident Management Team if needed during an extended fire response. “Roles such as GIS fire mapping, machinery and operations management, technical fire behaviour, planning and logistical functions are all skills that closely relate to a forester’s day to day work.” Ian said. Another agreement between the forestry

companies and Fire and Emergency New Zealand allows for the continued operation of the Richmond Hill Lookout for the 2021/22 fire season. Local Lookout Attendant Robbie Campbell is based at the lookout full time during the fire season. His job doesn’t just focus on watching for fires. He also acts as a local communications hub for firefighters, forestry personnel and the public. Richmond Hill is one of a network of four lookouts that are still in place, maintained and sometimes used in very high fire danger situations. Grant Haywood said in spite of the recent wet weather, rural fires remained a constant risk over summer and the relationship with forestry companies was an important part of building resilience in the community. “Our firefighters have been working alongside forestry crews for many years. We know we can rely on each other and that’s important for our region.”

COMMUNICATION PARTNER — BLUEBERRYIT

Upcoming Events Save the date in your calendars for our variety of events.

MAR

09 MAR

MAR

Accredited Employer Work Visa Process When: 09:30 - 10:30 Where: Mahitahi Colab

Selling Your Value by Malloch McClean When: 09:00 - 10:00 Where: Mahitahi Colab

YES Speed Coach Session Marlborough 2022 When: 09:30 - 11:00 Where: Online

YES Speed Coach Session Nelson 2022 When: 09:30 - 11:00 Where: Online

TEDxNelson 2021: Global Citizenship When: 13:00 - 16:00 Where: Online

Starting Blocks: Business Planning When: 09:30 - 11:30 Where: Mahitahi Colab

MAR

25 MAR

28 APR

APR

20 MAY

18 JUNE

Health & Safety: From a Management Perspective When: 10:30 - 13:30 Where: Mahitahi Colab

Westpac Smarts: Satish Ranchod, Economist When: 13:00 - 14:00 Where: Online

Starting Blocks: Pricing for Profit When: 15:00 - 17:00 Where: Mahitahi Colab

Leadership Lessons by Malloch McClean When: 09:00 - 10:00 Where: Mahitahi Colab

Starting Blocks: Website Marketing & Traffic When: 09:30 - 11:30 Where: Mahitahi Colab

Starting Blocks: Sales When: 15:00 - 17:00 Where: Mahitahi Colab

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Are you making the most of your membership? You and your staff can access big savings with our national partners.

There are plenty of special member-to-member offers from local businesses too!

Don’t forget about the Stocard app! The Chamber has now gone digital. With just a few simple steps, your membership card can be loaded into Stocard and taken with you, or your staff, anywhere.

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