Onehunga Business Association 29/10/12

In this issue

For Security Help

Onehunga Security Update

e

Suspected conman approaching businesses There is an older man with missing front teeth approaching business people trying to convince them to be part of a networking group or similar association — at the same time he is asking for free coffees and other supplies for himself. We strongly advise you to not engage with this man as his intentions do not seem to be legitimate. If you come across him, please contact us immediately and ask him to leave your premises.

enews

Graffiti bomb last weekend Onehunga centre was the target of a graffiti rampage over Labour Weekend. We’ve got photos and camera footage of the sites that were vandalized and are working with police to identify the culprits. Thanks to all retailers who reported the graffiti — it really helps to keep the town centre looking tidy and a desirable place to shop. We’ll keep you informed as to the outcome of the police investigation.

29 October, 2012

Ongoing issues with youth We’re aware there’s still some inappropriate behaviour going on behind the scenes that youth are involved in and we’re working with police to identify the offenders. If you have any concerns or feel threatened, please let us know.

call Onehunga Town Centre’s Security Guard

$100 counterfeit bill passed in Onehunga On Thursday October 18 an Onehunga retailer reported a counterfeit $100 bill had been passed in her shop. As we move into the busy Christmas period, please remember and inform your staff to double-check any bills that are passed in your business – look out for the distinctive strip that can’t be copied. Please contact us immediately if you come across any counterfeit bills so we can let other Onehunga businesses know via our text security alert.

Or contact the OBA office ph

Satia Sami

02 0401 13040 636 8535

Outside business hours, on Sundays & Public Holidays please call Police Dial 111

Introducing new staff member at OBA

Anne Dunlop started at Onehunga Business Association last week, replacing Debbie Harkness in the communications role. Anne lives in Mangere Bridge with her partner and energetic fox terrier puppy. Anne comes to the association from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and is enjoying the variety of the work as well as the chance to be involved in what’s happening in the community. She hopes to meet many of you in the upcoming weeks as she will be coming around to ensure you have given us your application form for the 2013 business directory — and if you do see her in the street, please do introduce yourself.

Join us for a Crime Prevention Workshop Issues surrounding shop front signage bylaws e Less than a month until Santa Parade & Party e Don’t miss out on your listing in the 2013 guide e Manage your taxes effectively e Boost your retail success e Diwali celebrations fun day out e Understand the law around annual leave e Onehunga Security Update e New Staff Member at OBA e Onehunga Event Calendar e Rubbish collections: Don’t put bins out Monday morning! e

Mon – Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 3pm

www.onehunga.net.nz www.facebook.com/onehunga

Join Us For A Crime Prevention Workshop Tuesday 6 November—5.45pm-7pm, Library Café

The Onehunga Business Association (OBA) invites you, in conjunction with Community Constable Don Allan, to attend a Crime Prevention Workshop that will help you to protect your biggest asset – your stock, and your money. You’ll also learn how to keep yourself and your staff safe in the workplace.

This is the first in a series of Crime Prevention Workshops. Through this workshop you will gain knowledge and practical experience in:         

Shop Theft Robbery How to survive – remember your life and safety is more important than money Cash Management Procedures Credit Card Fraud Cheque Fraud Refund Fraud Preventing Crime Through Environmental Design Employee Theft

This is a FREE event. Nibbles and refreshments will be provided.

Onehunga Event Calendar

See more events at www.onehunga.net.nz/events Tell us about your event!

Friday 2 November Steve Tulloch Band Tuesday 6 November Crime Prevention Workshop Saturday 24 November Santa Parade & Party Saturday 1 November Free Comic Book DayII

Rubbish collections

Red bins are emptied every Tuesday morning; Blue bins every 2nd Tuesday: NEXT on 30 October and 13 November. Please put your bins out ready for Tuesday collection on Monday nights after close of business and remove bins off the footpath and back onto your business property

first thing Tuesday morning!

Cheers

Amanda, Anne & Briar NEW OBA Committee (2012/13 year) Peter Gibson, President (Parkinson & Bouskill) - 636 3300 Debbie Leaver (The Library Café & Function Venue) - 636 7292 Elizabeth Bedford (Changes) - 634 1913 Gaylene Powell (Dress Smart) - 622 2400 Louise Bain (NutritionZone) - 021 967530 Rob Gallagher (Westpac) - 634 8555 Ross Mudafar (Onehunga Family Pharmacy) - 622 2865 Ross Reid (Daniel Overton & Goulding) Bridget Graham (Deputy Chairperson, Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board) - 301 0101 This e-news is sent to you by Onehunga Business Association, because you are either a member, or you have an interest in the organisation or the area. If you do not wish to receive these communications, please let us know by phoning 636 8535.

Please note: If your business lies within the Onehunga business precinct you are automatically a member of Onehunga Business Association - paying a part of your rates to fund the OBA.

Onehunga Business Association Amanda Kinzett, Manager Briar Millar, Events Anne Dunlop, Communications 212A Onehunga Mall (upstairs) P: 09 636 8535 F: 09 636 8542 E: business@onehunga.net.nz W: www.onehunga.net.nz Onehunga Onehunga1

Registration is essential — complete the registration form here: http:// www.onehunga.net.nz/uncategorized/crime-prevention-workshop/ and fax to 636 8542, email events@onehunga.net.nz or phone us with your details on 636 8535.

Issues surrounding shop front signage bylaws Clarification from Auckland Council sought

A large number of retailers have expressed their concerns in regards to the signage bylaws that have been enforced by Auckland Council recently. Retailers have received a letter which states that no shop owners are permitted to display any signage on the footpath as Onehunga is recognised as a special character area. This came about because Auckland Council received a complaint by a member of the public who sent through photos showing the clutter caused by excess signage and the potential risk to elderly and disabled people this may cause.

However, this bylaw that the Council wishes to enforce relates back to a centre plan for Onehunga in 1996 which has never been adhered to. The most recent bylaw review for signage a few years ago permitted Onehunga businesses to display one sign per business on the curb side and products one meter out from your street premises front.

Understandably, this is frustrating for retailers and we are currently working with Auckland Council to get clarification on this and also for the many discrepancies that have arisen. We will keep you informed and let you know when we hear something further from the Council.

Less than a month until Santa Parade & Party Saturday 24 November, 11.30am to 2.00pm

The much-anticipated Onehunga Annual Santa Parade & Party on Saturday 24 November is fast approaching – register your interest to take part in this fun-filled event today.

It’s set to be fantastic day out for all ages with the parade commencing at 11.30am, and entertainment and a mini fair to follow from 12pm to 2pm.

PLUS, we’ve just confirmed Chicane, one of New Zealand’s most professional magicians will be a star entertainer.

Be part of the excitement – register your interest to take part on foot or on a float here: http://

www.onehunga.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-Onehunga-Santa-ParadeRegistration-Form.pdf

Don’t miss out on your listing in the 2013 Guide Fill in your application form and get to us immediately

If you haven’t got your form back to us, you will miss out on your FREE listing!— we are finalising our listings and we need your application form TODAY! OBA members get a FREE listing BUT we still need confirmation of your address and contact details! Anne will be coming around to check you’ve got them in — so if you don’t see Anne and you haven’t got your form into us — don’t expect to be in the 2013 directory.

Application forms have been distributed widely including in the August Onehunga Community News.

If you’ve lost yours please download another at http://www.onehunga.net.nz/featured/2013-

onehunga-guide/ 17,000 copies of the 2013 Onehunga Guide will be published in January and distributed to all local businesses and residents. In addition the Onehunga Guide is included as an online publication on www.onehunga.net.nz where it’s very well used (+3,900 views in 7 months!).

1. Business Listings = Business name + address + phone number. Listings are FREE for OBA members. f you’re not an OBA member, a listing costs only $60 +GST. A listing in the Guide also gets your business a listing on www.onehunga.net.nz.

2. Display Ads. Various sized display ads are available. Contact Sheryn Werner on 021 975 002 or see www.onehunga.net.nz/featured/2013-onehunga-guide for details.

Manage your taxes effectively

Follow these ten top tax tips from Inland Revenue : 1. Print out a list of your due dates by going to Inland Revenue website at http:// www.ird.govt.nz/ and using the ―Tax due date calculator‖ under Work it out/Important dates.

http://www.ird.govt.nz/calculators/keyword/

2. Make sure your bookkeeping system suits your business activities and is easy to use.

3. Manage your cashflow carefully – do budgets, review your credit policy, make sure your chargeout rate covers your costs.

4. Keep records of all your business transactions and do your bookkeeping regularly.

5. Save time and file your tax returns electronically.

6. Not sure what’s taxable? Not sure what to claim? Visit our website and check out the links under Businesses. http://www.ird.govt.nz/businesses/ 7. Open a special tax account with your bank and put money aside regularly, so you can be ready for your tax payments.

8. File your returns, even if you can’t pay the tax owing.

9. If you find tax difficult, get a tax agent (accountant) to help you – their fees are generally tax deductible.

10. Call Inland Revenue on 0800 377 774 to inform about important changes to your business – for example: a new address, a change in business activity, or finishing up as an employer.

Check the link below if you would want to attend free seminars and workshops being run by Inland Revenue: http://www.ird.govt.nz/contact-us/seminars/

Boost your retail success!

Attend the New Zealand Retailers Association lunch seminar this week Gain vital information to boost your bottom line and customer service at the New Zealand Retailers Association lunch seminar on Tuesday 30 October 2012 at the SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland.

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear some of the latest thinking in retail, from some of the greatest speakers in retail, including the team from Monash University (AUS) who will kick-off the seminar with an insight into their key retail insights briefing. Martin Butler (UK) will arm you with innovative thinking around putting the customer first and how that can translate into improving the way that you do business.

PLUS, you’ll enjoy lunch, while networking with colleagues from the retail sector, as well as suppliers and partners closely involved in retail.

Cost: $175 plus GST for NZRA members and $225 plus GST for non-members. Tickets include all presentations, lunch and light refreshments.

For further information visit:

http://www.retail.org.nz/getintheknowwithmonashuniversityandmartinbutler.html or contact Sarena on sarena@retail.org.nz or 04 805 0842.

Diwali celebrations fun day out

Great turn-out from the community at Saturday’s event It was great to see such a wide range of people enjoying the activities and performances at this Saturday’s Diwali celebrations. The programme of events was well received, the food was delicious and the kids had a great time doing crafts and activities.

A big thank you goes to Brownson's Jewellers, Curry Leaf Restaurant, Yogiji's Foodmart and Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust for their support of this event. Next year, we’re looking at taking the event outside to allow for more options and flexibility.

Understand the law around annual leave Read employer and employee rights here

With the Christmas holiday period upon us once again we summarise the main points in this area of employment law.

An employee is entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks' paid annual holidays once they have completed 12 months' of service with an employer. However, many employers allow their employees to take annual leave during their first year of employment, usually on the basis of how much they have accrued to date.

Employees must be given the opportunity to take at least 2 weeks of their annual holiday entitlement within 12 months of becoming entitled to the leave. If the employee chooses, the employer must allow the employee to take at least 2 of their 4 weeks' annual leave in a continuous period. Some agreements may provide for one or more ―additional‖ weeks of holidays on top of the statutory requirement.

Leave can be taken at any time agreed between the employer and employee. The employer must not unreasonably withhold consent to an employee's request to take annual holidays.

However, consent can be subject to the operational requirements of the employer's business.

If both parties cannot reach an agreement then the employer can direct an employee to take their annual holidays, as long as they give the employee 14 days’ notice.

Employees can ask to take leave in advance of earning their entitlement. Approval is at the discretion of the employer.

As of April 2011, employees are able to ask their employer to pay out in cash up to one week of their minimum entitlement to annual holidays per year.

This is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. We recommend you contact a lawyer at Recordon Dower for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Less than a month until Santa Parade & Party Saturday 24 November, 11.30am to 2.00pm

The much-anticipated Onehunga Annual Santa Parade & Party on Saturday 24 November is fast approaching – register your interest to take part in this fun-filled event today.

It’s set to be fantastic day out for all ages with the parade commencing at 11.30am, and entertainment and a mini fair to follow from 12pm to 2pm.

PLUS, we’ve just confirmed Chicane, one of New Zealand’s most professional magicians will be a star entertainer.

Be part of the excitement – register your interest to take part on foot or on a float here: http://

www.onehunga.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-Onehunga-Santa-ParadeRegistration-Form.pdf

Don’t miss out on your listing in the 2013 Guide Fill in your application form and get to us immediately

If you haven’t got your form back to us, you will miss out on your FREE listing!— we are finalising our listings and we need your application form TODAY! OBA members get a FREE listing BUT we still need confirmation of your address and contact details! Anne will be coming around to check you’ve got them in — so if you don’t see Anne and you haven’t got your form into us — don’t expect to be in the 2013 directory.

Application forms have been distributed widely including in the August Onehunga Community News.

If you’ve lost yours please download another at http://www.onehunga.net.nz/featured/2013-

onehunga-guide/ 17,000 copies of the 2013 Onehunga Guide will be published in January and distributed to all local businesses and residents. In addition the Onehunga Guide is included as an online publication on www.onehunga.net.nz where it’s very well used (+3,900 views in 7 months!).

1. Business Listings = Business name + address + phone number. Listings are FREE for OBA members. f you’re not an OBA member, a listing costs only $60 +GST. A listing in the Guide also gets your business a listing on www.onehunga.net.nz.

2. Display Ads. Various sized display ads are available. Contact Sheryn Werner on 021 975 002 or see www.onehunga.net.nz/featured/2013-onehunga-guide for details.

Manage your taxes effectively

Follow these ten top tax tips from Inland Revenue : 1. Print out a list of your due dates by going to Inland Revenue website at http:// www.ird.govt.nz/ and using the ―Tax due date calculator‖ under Work it out/Important dates.

http://www.ird.govt.nz/calculators/keyword/

2. Make sure your bookkeeping system suits your business activities and is easy to use.

3. Manage your cashflow carefully – do budgets, review your credit policy, make sure your chargeout rate covers your costs.

4. Keep records of all your business transactions and do your bookkeeping regularly.

5. Save time and file your tax returns electronically.

6. Not sure what’s taxable? Not sure what to claim? Visit our website and check out the links under Businesses. http://www.ird.govt.nz/businesses/ 7. Open a special tax account with your bank and put money aside regularly, so you can be ready for your tax payments.

8. File your returns, even if you can’t pay the tax owing.

9. If you find tax difficult, get a tax agent (accountant) to help you – their fees are generally tax deductible.

10. Call Inland Revenue on 0800 377 774 to inform about important changes to your business – for example: a new address, a change in business activity, or finishing up as an employer.

Check the link below if you would want to attend free seminars and workshops being run by Inland Revenue: http://www.ird.govt.nz/contact-us/seminars/

Boost your retail success!

Attend the New Zealand Retailers Association lunch seminar this week Gain vital information to boost your bottom line and customer service at the New Zealand Retailers Association lunch seminar on Tuesday 30 October 2012 at the SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland.

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear some of the latest thinking in retail, from some of the greatest speakers in retail, including the team from Monash University (AUS) who will kick-off the seminar with an insight into their key retail insights briefing. Martin Butler (UK) will arm you with innovative thinking around putting the customer first and how that can translate into improving the way that you do business.

PLUS, you’ll enjoy lunch, while networking with colleagues from the retail sector, as well as suppliers and partners closely involved in retail.

Cost: $175 plus GST for NZRA members and $225 plus GST for non-members. Tickets include all presentations, lunch and light refreshments.

For further information visit:

http://www.retail.org.nz/getintheknowwithmonashuniversityandmartinbutler.html or contact Sarena on sarena@retail.org.nz or 04 805 0842.

Diwali celebrations fun day out

Great turn-out from the community at Saturday’s event It was great to see such a wide range of people enjoying the activities and performances at this Saturday’s Diwali celebrations. The programme of events was well received, the food was delicious and the kids had a great time doing crafts and activities.

A big thank you goes to Brownson's Jewellers, Curry Leaf Restaurant, Yogiji's Foodmart and Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust for their support of this event. Next year, we’re looking at taking the event outside to allow for more options and flexibility.

Understand the law around annual leave Read employer and employee rights here

With the Christmas holiday period upon us once again we summarise the main points in this area of employment law.

An employee is entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks' paid annual holidays once they have completed 12 months' of service with an employer. However, many employers allow their employees to take annual leave during their first year of employment, usually on the basis of how much they have accrued to date.

Employees must be given the opportunity to take at least 2 weeks of their annual holiday entitlement within 12 months of becoming entitled to the leave. If the employee chooses, the employer must allow the employee to take at least 2 of their 4 weeks' annual leave in a continuous period. Some agreements may provide for one or more ―additional‖ weeks of holidays on top of the statutory requirement.

Leave can be taken at any time agreed between the employer and employee. The employer must not unreasonably withhold consent to an employee's request to take annual holidays.

However, consent can be subject to the operational requirements of the employer's business.

If both parties cannot reach an agreement then the employer can direct an employee to take their annual holidays, as long as they give the employee 14 days’ notice.

Employees can ask to take leave in advance of earning their entitlement. Approval is at the discretion of the employer.

As of April 2011, employees are able to ask their employer to pay out in cash up to one week of their minimum entitlement to annual holidays per year.

This is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. We recommend you contact a lawyer at Recordon Dower for specific advice tailored to your situation.

In this issue

For Security Help

Onehunga Security Update

e

Suspected conman approaching businesses There is an older man with missing front teeth approaching business people trying to convince them to be part of a networking group or similar association — at the same time he is asking for free coffees and other supplies for himself. We strongly advise you to not engage with this man as his intentions do not seem to be legitimate. If you come across him, please contact us immediately and ask him to leave your premises.

enews

Graffiti bomb last weekend Onehunga centre was the target of a graffiti rampage over Labour Weekend. We’ve got photos and camera footage of the sites that were vandalized and are working with police to identify the culprits. Thanks to all retailers who reported the graffiti — it really helps to keep the town centre looking tidy and a desirable place to shop. We’ll keep you informed as to the outcome of the police investigation.

29 October, 2012

Ongoing issues with youth We’re aware there’s still some inappropriate behaviour going on behind the scenes that youth are involved in and we’re working with police to identify the offenders. If you have any concerns or feel threatened, please let us know.

call Onehunga Town Centre’s Security Guard

$100 counterfeit bill passed in Onehunga On Thursday October 18 an Onehunga retailer reported a counterfeit $100 bill had been passed in her shop. As we move into the busy Christmas period, please remember and inform your staff to double-check any bills that are passed in your business – look out for the distinctive strip that can’t be copied. Please contact us immediately if you come across any counterfeit bills so we can let other Onehunga businesses know via our text security alert.

Or contact the OBA office ph

Satia Sami

02 0401 13040 636 8535

Outside business hours, on Sundays & Public Holidays please call Police Dial 111

Introducing new staff member at OBA

Anne Dunlop started at Onehunga Business Association last week, replacing Debbie Harkness in the communications role. Anne lives in Mangere Bridge with her partner and energetic fox terrier puppy. Anne comes to the association from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and is enjoying the variety of the work as well as the chance to be involved in what’s happening in the community. She hopes to meet many of you in the upcoming weeks as she will be coming around to ensure you have given us your application form for the 2013 business directory — and if you do see her in the street, please do introduce yourself.

Join us for a Crime Prevention Workshop Issues surrounding shop front signage bylaws e Less than a month until Santa Parade & Party e Don’t miss out on your listing in the 2013 guide e Manage your taxes effectively e Boost your retail success e Diwali celebrations fun day out e Understand the law around annual leave e Onehunga Security Update e New Staff Member at OBA e Onehunga Event Calendar e Rubbish collections: Don’t put bins out Monday morning! e

Mon – Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 3pm

www.onehunga.net.nz www.facebook.com/onehunga

Join Us For A Crime Prevention Workshop Tuesday 6 November—5.45pm-7pm, Library Café

The Onehunga Business Association (OBA) invites you, in conjunction with Community Constable Don Allan, to attend a Crime Prevention Workshop that will help you to protect your biggest asset – your stock, and your money. You’ll also learn how to keep yourself and your staff safe in the workplace.

This is the first in a series of Crime Prevention Workshops. Through this workshop you will gain knowledge and practical experience in:         

Shop Theft Robbery How to survive – remember your life and safety is more important than money Cash Management Procedures Credit Card Fraud Cheque Fraud Refund Fraud Preventing Crime Through Environmental Design Employee Theft

This is a FREE event. Nibbles and refreshments will be provided.

Onehunga Event Calendar

See more events at www.onehunga.net.nz/events Tell us about your event!

Friday 2 November Steve Tulloch Band Tuesday 6 November Crime Prevention Workshop Saturday 24 November Santa Parade & Party Saturday 1 November Free Comic Book DayII

Rubbish collections

Red bins are emptied every Tuesday morning; Blue bins every 2nd Tuesday: NEXT on 30 October and 13 November. Please put your bins out ready for Tuesday collection on Monday nights after close of business and remove bins off the footpath and back onto your business property

first thing Tuesday morning!

Cheers

Amanda, Anne & Briar NEW OBA Committee (2012/13 year) Peter Gibson, President (Parkinson & Bouskill) - 636 3300 Debbie Leaver (The Library Café & Function Venue) - 636 7292 Elizabeth Bedford (Changes) - 634 1913 Gaylene Powell (Dress Smart) - 622 2400 Louise Bain (NutritionZone) - 021 967530 Rob Gallagher (Westpac) - 634 8555 Ross Mudafar (Onehunga Family Pharmacy) - 622 2865 Ross Reid (Daniel Overton & Goulding) Bridget Graham (Deputy Chairperson, Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board) - 301 0101 This e-news is sent to you by Onehunga Business Association, because you are either a member, or you have an interest in the organisation or the area. If you do not wish to receive these communications, please let us know by phoning 636 8535.

Please note: If your business lies within the Onehunga business precinct you are automatically a member of Onehunga Business Association - paying a part of your rates to fund the OBA.

Onehunga Business Association Amanda Kinzett, Manager Briar Millar, Events Anne Dunlop, Communications 212A Onehunga Mall (upstairs) P: 09 636 8535 F: 09 636 8542 E: business@onehunga.net.nz W: www.onehunga.net.nz Onehunga Onehunga1

Registration is essential — complete the registration form here: http:// www.onehunga.net.nz/uncategorized/crime-prevention-workshop/ and fax to 636 8542, email events@onehunga.net.nz or phone us with your details on 636 8535.

Issues surrounding shop front signage bylaws Clarification from Auckland Council sought

A large number of retailers have expressed their concerns in regards to the signage bylaws that have been enforced by Auckland Council recently. Retailers have received a letter which states that no shop owners are permitted to display any signage on the footpath as Onehunga is recognised as a special character area. This came about because Auckland Council received a complaint by a member of the public who sent through photos showing the clutter caused by excess signage and the potential risk to elderly and disabled people this may cause.

However, this bylaw that the Council wishes to enforce relates back to a centre plan for Onehunga in 1996 which has never been adhered to. The most recent bylaw review for signage a few years ago permitted Onehunga businesses to display one sign per business on the curb side and products one meter out from your street premises front.

Understandably, this is frustrating for retailers and we are currently working with Auckland Council to get clarification on this and also for the many discrepancies that have arisen. We will keep you informed and let you know when we hear something further from the Council.