STRONG — Spring 2025

STRONG Strong business. Strong community. Strong region.

SPRING 2025

Leader

Be A Climate Change

Q&A with Jon Lasenby on what it really means to lead the way on climate action in business p.08

INSIDE: Strengthening community ties | Reform on foreign investment Business Award applications close this month — are you a winner?

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What's Inside

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From the CEO

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Strengthening Community Ties

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Port Nelson

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Business Awards Applications

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Climate Leadership Q&A

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A Festival of Fun and Inspiration

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Change is on the Way

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NBS

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Your Shortcut Through the AI Clutter

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Nelson Spin-out Making Waves

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A New Chapter for Go Accounting

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Mitigate Security Threats

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Monopoly Bulk Deals

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What Are You Giving Them to Talk About?

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Spring Events

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Strong Community Symposium

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Bowater Hyundai

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YES

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Meet our Members

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Member Discounts

For all enquiries, please contact: Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology 322 Hardy Street, Nelson PO Box 1121, Nelson 7040 03 548 1363 | www.commerce.org.nz Chamber Board: Chair: Venus Guy Deputy Chair: Manoli Aerakis Board Members: Peter Pattullo, Sharon McGuire, Lee Wood, Alfredo Puche, Richard Butler, and Danielle Martel.

Editor: Britt Coker Publication Design: Tizza Design

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Jon Lasenby on climate leadership development

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The local spin-out making waves in ocean research

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The mid-year pitch for our youngest entrepreneurs

CORNERSTONE PARTNERS:

From the CEO

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dvocacy has been very much to the fore in recent months and certainly with the upcoming local body elections. We will be profiling Nelson and Tasman candidates, asking them the questions we know are important to small (and all) business owners.

for the Trafalgar Centre. On-licences are commonplace for large venues around the country.

They reduce uncertainty and event costs, and provide a clear framework of operation.

It is already getting traction with tour promoters for 2026.

A big win for the region is the announcement that following the disestablishment of Te Pukēnga, NMIT will once again become a stand-alone entity. In a practical sense, this means that education and training can be delivered that reflects a regional need and allow for a stronger focus on international students.

Looking ahead, I’m particularly excited about Nelson’s bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Craft. This isn’t just a badge of honour – it’s a chance to showcase our creativity to the world. Our region is already brimming with creative talent including artisan food producers and artists. Becoming part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network would connect us globally, open doors for collaboration, and give our small businesses a bigger stage.

A key focus for us over the next year continues to be ensuring that this is an ‘event friendly’ region. Concerts, festivals and community celebrations bring people through the doors of retailers, and fill hospitality and accommodation businesses. A recent win for events has been the granting of an on-licence

As you dive into this edition of STRONG, I encourage you to think about the role events play in your business

This isn't just a badge of honour — it's a chance to showcase our creativity to the world, connect us globally, open doors for collaboration, and give our businesses a bigger stage. "

journey, whether it's the buzz of a festival or the spark from a networking chat. These moments matter. They create resilience, connection, and opportunity — the very things that make Nelson Tasman a remarkable place to live, work, and do business.

Ali Boswijk

CHIEF EXECUTIVE Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce

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Strengthening community ties New airport sponsorship is making a big impact at the Tāhunanui Community Hub.

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new airport-funded support package is making a big impact at the Tāhunanui Community Hub, providing first-aid and security equipment, as well as volunteer training, while supporting the ongoing success of the highly-valued facility.

“We want our nearby communities to thrive, and supporting the hub is one way we can contribute to wellbeing and community connection in Tāhunanui. We’re amazed at the progress the team has made since reopening and the impact it's having already.”

The airport’s contribution has funded Hub manager Murray Leaning says a community defibrillator, security the partnership has provided benefits upgrades, installation of a new for the organisation above and rangehood for the community kai beyond its cash value. kitchen, as well as first aid We want our nearby training for volunteers.

“It’s enabled us to generate communities to more revenue by providing a thrive, and supporting The Hub reopened in January safe space for other services to the hub is one way this year, and has been operate from. we can contribute creating more than 600 food to wellbeing and parcels and 400 cooked meals "For example, we turned the a month for the community, community connection back room into a consultation while offering a wide range of room for Nelson Bays Primary in Tāhunanui." services for Tāhunanui.

Health and Health NZ but BRENDAN COOK it was tucked away out of Nelson Airport chief executive sight and the clinicians were Brendan Cook says the hub is concerned for their safety. providing an incredibly valuable service for the We’ve used the airport grant to install a panic people of Tāhunanui, and the airport is proud alarm, siren and room occupancy light, which to support its revitalisation. has provided security and comfort for the staff

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working there and allowed us to make the most of that opportunity to earn some revenue from leasing the space.

"Similarly, we had lost some night class bookings because the carpark was poorly lit at night. We’ve now installed much better lighting, so we won’t lose those night bookings any more.”

Murray says the airport’s support is also providing other important but lesstangible benefits.

“It’s demonstrating to the wider business community that the airport believes in us and our services, and sees the difference we can make.

"That’s an important message we can share with others that might be considering providing some support - that we’re a great, trustworthy partner that will put that support to good use. We’re very grateful for the support.”

Image: Nelson Airport CEO Brendan Cook (right) with Tāhunanui Community Hub manager Murray Leaning (left).

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We're proud to facilitate regional prosperity and support our region's exporters through the Port Nelson Export Hub.

Find us onboard the Nelson Tasman edition of Monopoly!

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8 Vickerman Street 03 548 2099 | info@portnelson.co.nz | www.portnelson.co.nz |

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WANTED:

Category Entrants ? ?

Must like winning.

Entering the awards could be the best thing you do this year!

Applications for the 36th Business Awards are now open and close on the 30th September 2025.

If you're thinking about entering, read the Resources and FAQs, or get in touch to discuss the process.

AWARD CATEGORIES: • • • • • • •

Start-up Business Small Business Medium Business Large Business Young Business Leader Community Impact Innovative Business APPLY NOW STRONG MAGAZINE

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Investing in Climate Leadership Facilitator Jon Lasenby answers key questions about the development programme set to start 13 February.

Who specifically is the course for?

What makes this different from other sustainability workshops that businesses have attended in the past?

This is about how we respond to climate change as leaders within an organisation. This programme has been designed for leaders at The course is about climate responsiveness, all levels of the organisation. not sustainability. The specific challenges and needs of responding to climate change.

If you’re a sole operator, you won’t feel left out, It's a targeted approach that makes it easier to get over the line to take action. I'm currently this is for you too. doing a Climate Leadership doctorate, so this will be science-based, and up to the minute So what are people who attend going research-driven. to take away from the course?

As you accrue knowledge, you’ll have plenty of actions to implement within your organisation. A major theme in the research globally is that we need to take action locally, so this programme is tailored to Nelson, because this Cycles of action and reflection are an integral is where people will put it into action. As far as part of the course design. There will be group coaching and cohort support over the months. I know there's never been a climate leadership focused programme here.

Because it's change leadership - we can't keep doing what we've always done - everyone Why is it so important to be thinking is learning fast and making a meaningful about this from a leadership level? response to climate change as leaders. The Most businesses are operating on an outdated cohort effect will feel very real, and is a business model. We’ve been obsessed significant part of the process. with year on year growth as a definition of

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business success, but Earth is a finite resource which makes continued growth for profit a fundamental issue. This is a programme for leaders who acknowledge that and want to address it.

Our region took a hit in July with the heavy rain and there is going to be more of that. Let’s be proactive leaders, and residents, of this great region so we can look back and say we did everything that we could.

Practically, you might be exporting into markets that have got stricter trade conditions than internally in Aotearoa, or address the fundamentals of meeting criteria for business insurance or bank loans, where we’re seeing rules tighten up.

This is for people who recognise that there's significant risk and opportunity that comes with change. People who realise that the cost of not taking action is way bigger than the upfront costs.

Employees and customers also want to be associated with a company being progressive on this issue.

Yes, absolutely.

CLIMATE LEADERSHIP

Is there a group discount? *Clients of our key partner, Gallagher's Insurance, are eligible for a 50% subsidised course fee.

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Climate Leadership Development Programme Designed for organisational leaders and teams who recognise the importance of climate change and want to strengthen their ability to lead strategic, climatealigned change.

Programme focus areas include Essential climate science for business leaders.

Assessing risk and opportunity.

Aligning organisational purpose and values with climate action.

Leading climate initiatives within your organisation.

Navigating the path from status quo to innovation to visionary.

Incremental vs. transformational change.

Climate leadership as change leadership.

License to operate, transparency, and greenwashing.

Developing and setting effective climate strategy.

Who should attend Research shows that effective climate leadership is distributed across an organisation.

We recommend attending as a climate leadership team, including one or two senior leaders and a couple of operational leaders who understand how to ‘get stuff done around here’.

Programme structure Six half-day in-person workshops, one per month running Feb ‘26 - July ’26.

Programme Investment Individual Ticket $1,500 + GST Group Rate (PP) $1,400 + GST Gallagher Client Ticket $750 + GST Programme Starts Friday 13th February 2026, 9am - 12pm

Learn More

Delivered in partnership with: STRONG MAGAZINE

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ENROL HERE FOR 2026

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Discover 100+ study options and student life with interactive workshops throughout the day!

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NMIT is a Business Division of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Hardy Street N

MAIN ENTRANCE

A festival of fun and inspiration

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NMIT welcomes you all to Open Day 2025 on Saturday 13 September to experience hands-on activities, live entertainment, and future-focused inspiration set against the backdrop of its vibrant Nelson campus.

Collingwood Street

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pen Day is designed for school leavers, career changers and the wider public, offering a chance to explore the campus, connect with tutors, or simply enjoy a day out in beautiful Nelson!

“We want people to feel the energy and excitement of learning here. This is your chance to explore our spaces, meet our tutors, and try out the tools of the trade, whether that’s a paintbrush, a computer, or a ship simulator,” she says.

Visitors can be creative with activities such as dismantling and rebuilding computers, designing a mini video game, printing personalised cards using letterpress techniques, or crafting desserts in the training kitchen. NMIT’s on-campus salons and clinics will showcase live hairdressing and beauty treatments, alongside professional skin analysis using advanced technology. Our students will even have a plant sale for you to top up on seedlings coming into spring.

The whole community is invited to enjoy the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with live music, food trucks, giveaways, and guided tours bringing the campus to life for visitors of all ages.

Come along with your whānau and try to change a car wheel, abseil down a building, and participate in sports activities on the turf - with a guest appearance from members of the Nelson Giants basketball team. Attendees can watch life raft demonstrations, explore student animation displays, tour the music suite and performance spaces, and engage with tutors from a wide range of study areas including business, winemaking, nursing, engineering, carpentry, and more.

Staff will be available throughout the day to answer questions and support anyone considering study options for 2026 and beyond.

For anyone dreaming of a new career, looking to upskill, or simply exploring what’s out there, NMIT’s Open Day is a great opportunity to see what your future could hold. Visit nmit.ac.nz to learn more about the event. nmit.ac.nz/open-day.

NMIT Executive Director, Olivia Hall, says Open Day is an opportunity for the community to explore, connect, and be inspired.

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Change is on the way

REFORM OF THE FOREIGN INVESTMENT REGIME

A new bill proposes significant reform to the Overseas Investment Act and is part of the government’s broader economic strategy to promote global trade and investment.

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he Government’s Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill (‘Bill’) proposes significant reform to the Overseas Investment Act 2005 (‘Act’) and is part of the Government’s broader economic strategy to promote global trade and investment.

The Bill aims to reduce compliance costs and to streamline decision-making processes, while ensuring that the government retains discretion and has the

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processing, the discretionary nature of the test may cause uncertainty for more sensitive investments. There is also scope for political The scope of investment which requires consent ambiguity as the significant ministerial discretion will enable the government of remains largely unamended, however the Bill the day flexibility to determine investments proposes to target screening towards more sensitive transactions, while applications which which may present a risk to New Zealand. This approach aligns with overseas jurisdictions are considered low risk are to be processed such as Australia, where ministers have quickly via a new national interest test. broad power to scrutinise and determine applications on a case-by-case basis.

Summary of Key Changes tools necessary to safeguard New Zealand’s national interest.

• Amendment to the purpose statement in the Act to expressly recognise the role of overseas investment in economic opportunity while retaining the core principle that is a privilege to invest in sensitive New Zealand assets.

• Consolidation of the current national interest, benefit to New Zealand and investor tests into a single, three stage national interest test, will be applied to all asset classes other than farmland, residential land and fishing quota, which will continue to be assessed under the existing pathways.

• Faster screening for applications (other than for farmland, residential land and fishing quota) which are considered low risk. The proposed amendments require the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) to grant consent within 15 working days unless there are reasonable grounds to consider that a risk to national interest exists, in which case a full national interest assessment is required.

• Providing that only the relevant minister can decline an application for investment if the transaction is considered contrary to the national interest. The power to decline cannot be delegated to the OIO.

In practice, we anticipate that the effectiveness of the proposed reforms will be largely determined by ancillary documents, such as supporting regulations, ministerial directives and guidance provided by the OIO itself.

We also note that the current application process is administratively taxing, with extensive supporting documentation required to be submitted with applications. It is not clear whether the current information requirements will remain or also be streamlined or reduced.

The Bill is currently before the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee, and public submissions have now closed. The Bill is expected to be passed into law by the end of 2025, with the new regime to be implemented by early 2026.

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.

Beth McAuley Associate Pitt & Moore

While the shift to a single national interest test is likely to result in more streamlined

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NBS Business Redraw Loan

Flexible finance that works for you.

Running a business means staying agile — and your finance should too. The NBS Business Redraw loan gives you the flexibility to manage repayments your way, with the freedom to access funds when you need them.

Key features and benefits: Flexible repayment options: • Choose from 6, 12 or 24 month fixed rates and repay weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Pay more, save more: • Make extra repayments, helping you reduce your loan balance and interest faster.

Redraw funds when needed: • Access extra repayments with up to two withdrawals per month (minimum $1,000), perfect for covering unexpected costs or cash flow gaps.

Take a break: • Payment breaks may be available if your business hits a rough patch.

Long-term flexibility: • Loan terms of up to 20 years to suit your business goals.

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Why the NBS Business Redraw Loan works for your business: • Stay in control of your cash flow.

• Reduce interest by paying more when you can.

• Access funds without reapplying for a new loan.

• Ideal for managing tax, bills or equipment purchases.

How NBS can back your business: • Flexible products and great rates to meet your business needs.

• Experienced people who get the local landscape.

• Direct access to local decision makers in your neighbourhood.

• Exceptional service you’ll want to tell your friends about.

Darren Friend, NZ Packaging

with Richmond Branch Manager Brent Williams

Ready to take control of your business finance?

Visit nbs.co.nz/business or call 0800 101 700 to talk to your local branch manager.

NBS is not a registered bank. NBS lending criteria and specific terms and conditions apply.

Fees may apply to some additional repayments – talk to your lender. Interest will accrue during repayment holidays and criteria applies. Visit nbs.co.nz or see us in branch for more information.

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BRANDED SEARCHES:

Your shortcut through the AI clutter If your brand is absent from the digital conversation, you're invisible to the AI model."

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In an era dominated by AI-generated content, your brand is more essential than ever. Here's the shortcut to making your brand omnipresent.

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earch results are increasingly flooded with generic, AIgenerated pages that bury your site, often pushing you to page 2 or beyond.

The solution? Build a strong brand. When prospective customers search your brand name, they bypass the noise entirely.

Branded search isn’t just about visibility; it’s about conversion. Branded searches convert 2 to 3 times better than non-branded queries, offering a clearer path from awareness to purchase. Plus, these searches often face less competition and lower costper-click, making them both efficient and effective.

Moreover, AI systems don’t just crawl links; they analyse context. Brand mentions across blogs, news sites, social media, and even unlinked references boost your credibility in the eyes of algorithms. If your brand is absent, AI-driven search could skip over you.

So how do you encourage brand-first searches? First, build a distinctive identity, memorable names, vivid colour branding, clear messaging, and a compelling value proposition are critical.

Ensure everyone sees your brand as the answer to their problem before they resort to generic keywords.

This means your brand has to exist outside of a Google Search. To do

this make sure your brand is connecting in all the places where your customers are doing life e.g. email, social apps and influencers, events, traditional media, and outdoor advertising.

Next, make your brand omnipresent. Optimise your website, blog, and social profiles with your brand name, especially title tags, landing pages, and internal links. This strengthens how search engines display your brand and controls the narrative around your name.

Track your impact using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console. Watch branded versus generic search traffic separately - branded queries may be fewer, but they deliver stronger results.

Automated dashboards and reporting can help you monitor trends and react quickly.

In short: In a world of AIdriven content overload, brand searches are your beacon.

Make your brand the go-to visible solution, and your audience will come to you.

Tony Downing Owner Downing

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Nelson spin-out making waves Cawthron Institute has reached a historic milestone, with its first commercial spin-out company, Ocean Intelligence, named a finalist in the 2025 KiwiNet Awards — Breakthrough Project category.

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he platform, developed from over 20 years of aquaculture and ocean research, transforms how marine farmers operate by bringing together realtime ocean data into one platform, providing aquaculture businesses with tools and information to make informed decisions about their operations.

Ocean Intelligence is a powerful validation of Nelson Tasman's growing reputation as a hub for blue economy innovation."

Lead. “Ocean Intelligence technology now brings that information to their desktop, enabling farmers to manage their aquaculture farms remotely.”

Founded in collaboration with technology partner Oceanum, Ocean Intelligence helps marine farmers reduce risk and improve productivity by indicating threats like harmful algal blooms, spat survival rates and impacts Instead of licensing its science, Cawthron from storm events. took the bold step of developing its own modular SaaS platform to serve as a global Ocean Intelligence is already being trialled gateway for aquaculture innovation and by mussel and oyster farms across New data-driven technologies. Supported by Zealand. International expansion into markets early-stage investment from the Ocean like Australia and Chile is on the horizon, Impact Organisation (Australia), this demonstrating its global potential. approach helped to accelerate the platform’s development and prepare it for scale.

“Up until now, marine farmers have essentially been farming in the dark, with Ocean Intelligence is a powerful validation limited information available about their of Cawthron’s growing capability in crop or on-farm conditions unless they blue technology, and Nelson Tasman’s physically visit the site,” says Dr Chris growing reputation as a hub for blue Cornelisen, Cawthron’s Head of Strategic economy innovation. From smart sensors Relationships and Blue Technology to autonomous marine systems, Cawthron is developing next-generation ocean technologies that support industry growth while protecting marine environments more accurately, efficiently and sustainably.

The KiwiNet Awards celebrate projects that successfully translate research into commercial impact. For Cawthron – and Nelson Tasman – Ocean Intelligence is a shining example of how homegrown innovation can fuel both regional and global prosperity and sustainability.

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A New Chapter for

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o Accounting has opened the doors to its brand new, purpose-built office in Richmond — a space that captures the firm’s belief that accounting should be as much about people and ideas as it is about numbers.

Designed to feel open, collaborative, and welcoming, it’s a place where conversations can spark fresh thinking and where both clients and the team feel at home.

The new office reflects a vision that goes well beyond desks and meeting rooms. Two standout features highlight what makes it different.

First, an on-site gym, created with the simple idea that wellbeing fuels performance. It’s a space for the team to recharge, reset, and keep health front of mind — a reminder that balance underpins success. Alongside it sits a purpose-built podcast studio, designed for content creation. Here, Go Accounting can share insights, highlight local business stories, and give clients a platform of their own to tell their stories. Both spaces speak to an approach that values innovation, wellbeing, and connection as much as technical expertise.

The design draws inspiration from the local landscape, reflecting Go Accounting’s deep commitment to Nelson Tasman.

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What began as two small firms has grown into one of the region’s most progressive and trusted practices — proud of its roots and ambitious for the future.

The move to Richmond represents more than a change of address. It’s a milestone that brings a vision to life: creating an environment where clients feel supported, where the team can thrive, and where innovation and wellbeing sit at the heart of the firm’s work.

“We believe the right environment fuels better thinking, stronger collaboration, and greater outcomes. With this office, we’ve created a space that inspires both our team and our clients — and we’re excited to share it with the community.”

– Michael Parker, Managing Director Go Accounting’s new home is a statement of intent: business can be progressive, peoplecentred, and proudly local, all at once.

We believe the right environment fuels better thinking, stronger collaboration, and greater outcomes."

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IT SUPPORT_

SECURITY_

Mitigate security threats and AI bots at the gate.

CommArc has a managed detection and response solution to scale to any sized New Zealand business. Small business to mid-market products incorporates a full 24/7 Security Operations Centre and Security Information and Event Management service. This service covers not only your endpoints but all your hybrid cloud services and Microsoft 365 deployments.

Let’s chat about a perfect solution for you_ Contact_

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Christchurch

Auckland

Blenheim

Dunedin

Nelson

Queenstown

Buy Up Large!

"Our guests come to us because they already love this region. Being able to carry a little reminder of it home with them in a fun format they can share with friends and family has made it a delightful and popular gift choice.

We're glad we bulked up!"

- Debbie Armatage Marketing Manager Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park

BULK BUYS FOR STAFF, CLIENTS & GUESTS Contact the Chamber team about discount details for bulk orders of multiple hours of fun!

BUY NOW STRONG MAGAZINE

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What are you giving them to talk about?

Hattie Millard of Keetrax talks the new Meta update and how to use AI to hone your social ads for best results.

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et’s be honest, running Meta ads has always felt like trying to tame a complicated beast. Just when you’ve mastered the algorithm, a new update rolls in and you’re back to square one. Surprise!

The game has changed again, but this time it’s good news.

Now, the smartest brain in your account isn’t you (no offence), it’s AI, and it wants creatives, not commands.

This isn’t just a random update, it’s a direct response to how we’re using social media. We’re not scrolling to be sold to, we’re looking to be entertained or find a connection. That polished perfection that once worked for ads? Now it stands out, and not in a good way.

Meta’s new AI knows this. This supercharged ad picker is so intuitive, it doesn’t just know you like sourdough; it knows you buy Big Score sourdough with Neudorf Black garlic butter every Saturday at the market. Creepy?

Possibly. But this means the ads that you’re seeing draw you in, not make you scroll.

is in one big bucket. Before, you’d split that bucket into new at the top, window shoppers in the middle, and those ready to spend at the bottom, creating specific ads for each.

Now, Meta has tossed out the dividers and AI is responsible for picking the right creatives, no matter what part of the journey So, how does this work? Imagine your audience the customer is in. Your job is to fill that

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game so many times before. But the proof is in the profits.

Here’s what happened when we started filling the creative buckets for our clients:

bucket with variety and volume. Why? Because AI and the ad are doing the targeting, and they’re focused on mindsets, not just demographics. This sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

Now’s the time to let go of the ‘perfect’ and embrace the ‘real’.

You don’t need a bigger budget; you need to figure out what type of content gets your customer going and get creative. The ads that are winning right now don’t look like ads at all. They feel authentic and familiar, like a screenshot from your Notes app or an incoming call.

• A sales campaign for a Kiwi camping store delivered a remarkable 24x Return on Ad Spend (ROAS). That’s $24 back for every $1 spent.

• The campaign return for an Aussie cookie company improved by 19.43% in the first month compared to the old one.

• A recent campaign for our Aussie motorcycle clients delivered a massive 111.79% ROAS thanks to a 42.9% drop in cost per click.

But what do these numbers actually prove?

When you let go of the manual controls and feed the machine creatives that appeal to your customer’s mindset - not just where they are on the journey - you get epic results.

So, stop asking, “Who am I talking to?” and start asking, “What am I giving them to talk about?”

Hattie Millard Copywriter Keetrax

Not convinced? We get it. It’s hard to trust a new strategy when Meta has changed the

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SPRING

September

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GENERATIVE AI FOR BUSINESS 9:00am - 1:00pm SOLD OUT!

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KNOWLEDGE @ NOON: PITT & MOORE

WELLBEING WEDNESDAYS: MANAGING PRESSURE

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DEVELOPING NELSON TASMAN: BRIEFING 5:00pm -O 7:30pm SOLD UT!

Mahitahi Colab

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8:00am - 9:00am Mahitahi Colab

12:00pm - 1:00pm Māpua Community Hall

Mahitahi Colab

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WESTPAC SMARTS: TIM KING, TASMAN MAYOR

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FINDEX BA5: KERNOHAN ENGINEERING

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SPEAKER SERIES: HON BROOKE VAN VELDEN

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WELLBEING WEDNESDAYS: TAKE BACK YOUR TIME

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HEALTH & SAFETY REPS: STAGE 1

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ACHIEVING CASHFLOW FREEDOM

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10:45am - 12:00pm Tides Hotel, 66 Trafalgar St

12:00pm - 1:00pm Mahitahi Colab

9:30am - 5:00pm Mahitahi Colab

9:30am - 10:30am Mahitahi Colab

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5:00pm - 7:00pm 121 Vickerman Street

8:00am - 9:00am Mahitahi Colab

October

07

BARE KIWI SOCIAL MEDIA MASTERCLASS

07

RETAIL CRIME: HAVE YOUR SAY

08

WELLBEING WEDNESDAYS: EMOTIONAL AWARENESS

09

BUSINESS BLUEPRINT: STRATEGIC PLANNING

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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

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WELLBEING WEDNESDAYS: WORK HAPPY

10:00am - 2:30pm NMIT Lecture Theatre A211

5:00pm - 7:00pm Mahitahi Colab

8:00am - 9:00am Mahitahi Colab

9:30am - 3:30pm GoAccounting, 6 Cube Court

9:30am - 4:30pm Mahitahi Colab

8:00am - 9:00am Mahitahi Colab

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GENERATIVE AI FOR BUSINESS

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SALES STRATEGY AND ENGAGEMENT ESSENTIALS

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NBS STRONG COMMUNITY SYMPOSIUM

9:00am - 1:00pm Mahitahi Colab Tasman

9:30am - 1:30pm Mahitahi Colab

8:30am - 3:30pm Māpua Community Hall

November

05

PROJECT MANAGEMENT 101

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BUSINESS GROWTH: PLANNING & STRATEGY

5 Nov - 6 Nov Mahitahi Colab

9:30am - 1:30pm Mahitahi Colab

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STRONG COMMUNITY 31 Oct Māpua Hall

Get Tickets Delivered by:

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Supported by:

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The mid-year

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H C PIT Last month, the YES judging panel listened to 40 teams from secondary schools across Te Tauihu pitch their business ideas and progress.

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t was a massive task and we are very grateful for our local judges' valuable, expert feedback and effort assisting us to grow young entrepreneurs in the region.

Thank you to Lester Binns, Nikki Neate, Justine Kennard of Business Studio Innovators, Jenn Quinn, and Jason Stossel and Rameez Khan of OneForty One New Zealand.

Huge thanks to our Top of the South YES sponsors OneForty One New Zealand, Business Studio Innovators and NMIT - we couldn’t do it without you!

Prize winning teams were WordFrame from Marlborough Boys, ZenSha from Nelson College, Felted Freshies from Nelson College for Girls and StrapXtreme from Marlborough Girls.

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Meet our

Members

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I am Dale O'Connor, an Insurance Adviser at Nelson Insurance and Mortgage Services.

I take pride in providing clear, reliable personal risk insurance solutions tailored to individual needs. Trust and transparency are at the core of my approach. I believe in helping clients make informed decisions that protect their financial future. I’m eager to build lasting partnerships within our community, ensuring that businesses and families have the right coverage to thrive.

Nelson Solar, part of the Think Solar group, are your local specialists in premium solar and battery solutions for homes and businesses across Nelson Tasman. Locally owned and South Island wide, our group delivered 14% of all solar installs in the South Island last year. We design custom systems tailored to each site and customer, helping homes and businesses reduce energy costs, manage rising prices, and improve sustainability with reliable, future-proof technology.

dale@nims.co.nz 027 315 0330 | hbmi.co.nz

toby@nelson-solar.co.nz 027 406 0462 | nelson-solar.co.nz

Rzoska is an electrical company specialising in complex marine and industrial systems. Our team delivers reliable, high-quality solutions across New Zealand and internationally, supporting vessel turnarounds, mobilisation projects, and critical operations. We are trusted for our technical expertise, practical approach, and consistent performance in demanding environments. Working with leading global manufacturers, we provide dependable results across every stage of a project.

If you’re separating or starting a new relationship, you’ll need to sort your home, business and finances. That’s where we come in. We’re Nelson’s only specialist relationship law firm, offering practical, down-to-earth legal support tailored to what you need. We cap our client intake so we can focus on you, with responsive service, clear advice and fast turnaround times. Whether you want full guidance or just help with the legal bits, we’re here to make things easier.

steve@rzoska.co.nz 021 088 13009 | rzoska.co.nz

lindsey@cleanbreak.co.nz 03 539 1030 | cleanbreak.co.nz

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At Pro Karts, Nelson Fun Park, and Oceanside Oasis, we create fun, safe, and memorable experiences for families, schools, and corporate groups. As a locally owned husband-and-wife team, we are passionate about bringing people together through adventure and relaxation. Whether it is racing on the track, enjoying a splash in summer, or unwinding in our private spa pools, we love providing spaces where people can connect, recharge, and create lasting memories.

For over 30 years I’ve been helping businesses streamline operations, cut waste, and build a culture of continuous improvement. With senior experience at SA Partners and the Kaizen Institute, I now work independently with local businesses to deliver practical Lean and supply chain solutions that stick. Whether you want to reduce costs, improve efficiency, or strengthen your supply chain, I can help your team work smarter—not harder.

021 663 342 | prokarts.co.nz

bookings@prokarts.co.nz

richard.steel@richardsteel.co.nz 027 451 5298 | richardsteel.co.nz

The team at Can You Dig It is deeply enamoured with the world of plants, especially native flora. Nestled in the scenic beauty of Nelson Tasman, we are a premier specialist garden design and maintenance firm dedicated to transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary backyards. Our expertise lies in the artful finesse of soft landscape design, where we meticulously design, implement, and maintain landscapes that are textural, inviting, colourful and fun.

Proudly New Zealand-owned and part of Advanced Group, we’re Aotearoa’s largest electronic security integrator. Committed to keeping people and businesses safe every day, we design, implement, and maintain worldleading physical security solutions. With access control systems, intruder detection, CCTV, intercoms, visitor management, speed styles, gates, barrier arms, ID cards, and customisable security solutions, we help businesses protect what they value most.

claireromanos@yahoo.com 021 024 87860 | canyoudigit.nz

willm@asgl.co.nz 0508 000 080 | advancedgroup.co.nz

25 June

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Get access to your discounts on the go!

Unlock big nationwide discounts with your digital Chamber membership card.

Download the Stocard app here: Plus lots of great local discounts with member-to-member offers, including:

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