FROM THE CEO
KIA ORA TE WH NAU!
People Get the Governments They Deserve
There seems to be growing dissatisfaction with local government in many regions of our country. The power lies with us to vote for those we see fit to govern. If we only did our homework properly, we might avoid the pitfalls of ineffective leadership and unaccountable decision-making.
Unacceptable delays in granting building consents, outdated bureaucratic processes, wasteful expenditure or lack of effective consultation are just a few reasons that should make us think how we can be more efficient in Taranaki.
Some questionable decisions, whatever your political or personal affiliations, point to a broader issue: civic disengagement. When we fail to examine the track records, values, and abilities of those who put their hands up to lead, we leave our future vulnerable to decisions made without sufficient scrutiny or vision.
Arun Chaudhari CEO
As a business community, our interests are directly affected by local governance decisions - be it infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, or community initiatives.
We know the value of leadership - clear thinking, accountability, and collaboration. Local government needs exactly these traits. Yet too often, voter turnout is low, and decisions about whom to vote for are based on name recognition rather than policy or performance.
The upcoming local elections will run between 9 September and 11 October and present an opportunity to shape the future of our region. It is imperative that we:
• Learn about the candidates. What do they stand for? How do they propose to tackle our region’s challenges?
• Ask the hard questions. Are they equipped to make informed, responsible, and courageous decisions?
Engage in dialogue to understand their visions and competencies.
• Encourage others to vote. Especially young people and first-time voters - they are our region’s future.
By doing so, we can ensure that our local government reflects the values and aspirations of our community. Let’s not leave our future to chance – this is our opportunity – not just to vote, but to lead by example.
If we want a local government that champions progress, supports enterprise, and reflects our region’s values, we must participate - fully and wisely.
Because yes, people get the governments they deserve. Let’s ensure that in Taranaki, we deserve the very best.
Once again, the Chamber will be facilitating an opportunity for businesses to get to know council candidates. We will be holding an event on Wednesday 27 August at the Plymouth International. Please check our website for details.
Arohanui
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
• Active+ Taranaki
• Armourguard Security
• Brandlab Doso
Dr Ritwik Kejriwai Entec Services Ltd
• FMG
• Frankie Scoular – Friend of the Chamber
HD Geo
• JC Consultancy
• Joshua Obiri – Friend of the Chamber
Juffermans Surveyors
Laura Monique
• Max Brough – Friend of the Chamber
• Melayna Anderson – Friend of the Chamber MoneyPlan.Coach
• New Leaf Health Clinic
• Ngāti Rāhiri Hapu
• Nonsuch Training
NZ Forestry Oceans By Drops
• Power Farming Taranaki
• Revital Group
• SLR Consulting
• Stones
Syed Ali – Friend of the Chamber
• TBI Health
• Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu The Breakthrough Company
• The Silo/Crop and Brew
• Trace Consulting
• Trusted Advisor
TARANAKI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Chamber House, 42 Egmont Street, PO Box 2, New Plymouth 4340 | PH: +64 6 759 9080 | E: admin@taranakichamber.co.nz I www.taranakichamber.co.nz
CEO
Arun Chaudhari ceo@taranakichamber.co.nz | 027 279 5161
PARTNERSHIP & PROJECTS MANAGER
Maura Young maura@taranakichamber.co.nz | 021 284 0062
ADVOCACY & COMMUNICATIONS
MANAGER
Michelle Brennan michelle@taranakichamber.co.nz | 021 710 950
EVENT MANAGER
Jo Whyte
jo@taranakichamber.co.nz | 021 533 300
OFFICE MANAGER
Julia Collins
julia@taranakichamber.co.nz
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
COORDINATOR
Nickelle Egan
nickelle@taranakichamber.co.nz | 027 327 8739
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
Rebecca Mende rebecca@taranakichamber.co.nz | 027 432 2293
ADMINISTRATOR
Fran Bateman fran@taranakichamber.co.nz
YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME COORDINATOR
Megan Lepper megan@taranakichamber.co.nz | 027 586 6558
PLACEMENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Melissa Keith melissa@taranakichamber.co.nz | 021 225 4531
ACCOUNTS
Jo Vincent accounts@taranakichamber.co.nz
CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS
Chair – Jessica Parker – Taranaki Arts Festival Trust
Shane Devlin – Graphix
Sam Tyson – Measle
Andrew Pepper – Pepper Construction
Priyaanka Khatri – Govett Quilliam Lawyers
Grace Wesolowska – GW Consulting Ltd
Rebecca Johnson – Venture Taranaki
Kerry Boielle – TSB Bank
Justin Peterson – Wells
Melissa Peters -BDO Taranaki
FEATURE WRITER
Virginia Winder – Wētāwoman Writes Everything
DESIGN & PRINT
Graphix | www.graphix.co.nz
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE
Contact: admin@taranakichamber.co.nz
FOOD AND ROOM FOOD AND ROOM WITH A VIEW WITH A VIEW
FOOD AND ROOM FOOD AND ROOM WITH A VIEW WITH A VIEW
The sun twinkles on the wild Tasman Sea as staff and guests sample the latest menu at Salt, the showcase restaurant at the Millennium Hotel on New Plymouth’s waterfront. This tasty gathering happens every six months when the menu is refreshed, bringing staff and a couple of invited foodies together for feedback, while fostering a united workplace and community engagement.
The sun twinkles on the wild Tasman Sea as staff and guests sample the latest menu at Salt, the showcase restaurant at the Millennium Hotel on New Plymouth’s waterfront. This tasty gathering happens every six months when the menu is refreshed, bringing staff and a couple of invited foodies together for feedback, while fostering a united workplace and community engagement.
Chef Senthil Jayaprakash and his kitchen team presented lunch and dinner offerings – entrees, mains, desserts and cocktails –for people to try, while looking out at a roaring sea and waving Wind Wand. Among the standout items were an entrée of freerange pork cheeks, cooked for eight hours; a vegetarian main featuring crispy spinach and onion bhajis on a rich spicy butter sauce; a crunchy mille-feuille with vanilla mascarpone, banana jam and salted caramel; and – ready for the garden festival season – a “flowerita” cocktail of mango, gin, sparkling wine and triple sec. And much more, all served by a staff of many smiles and cultures. The new menu was introduced on 4 June.
Chef Senthil Jayaprakash and his kitchen team presented lunch and dinner offerings – entrees, mains, desserts and cocktails –for people to try, while looking out at a roaring sea and waving Wind Wand. Among the standout items were an entrée of freerange pork cheeks, cooked for eight hours; a vegetarian main featuring crispy spinach and onion bhajis on a rich spicy butter sauce; a crunchy mille-feuille with vanilla mascarpone, banana jam and salted caramel; and – ready for the garden festival season – a “flowerita” cocktail of mango, gin, sparkling wine and triple sec. And much more, all served by a staff of many smiles and cultures. The new menu was introduced on 4 June.
Salt is the shining star of the hotel, which opened as the Waterfront Hotel in 2003 and was sold and rebranded as the Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront in 2018. It is one of 18 Millennium hotels around New Zealand. The well-seasoned hospitality hub also provides boutique conferences in its Pepper Room and has 42 spacious rooms for inner-city getaways.
Operations manager Honeyfa says it’s also about giving back. “It’s part of the community engagement to support the local radio station,” says Honeyfa, who has helped co-host the show.
Operations manager Honeyfa says it’s also about giving back. “It’s part of the community engagement to support the local radio station,” says Honeyfa, who has helped co-host the show.
The hotel and restaurant also connect with the community in other ways. To support the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce’s home-grown Monopoly game featuring regional businesses, including the Millennium Hotel, it’s created its own Mr Monopoly cocktail. Also on the bill of fare are themed dinners, monthly high teas and cultural celebrations.
The hotel and restaurant also connect with the community in other ways. To support the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce’s home-grown Monopoly game featuring regional businesses, including the Millennium Hotel, it’s created its own Mr Monopoly cocktail. Also on the bill of fare are themed dinners, monthly high teas and cultural celebrations.
The team hosted a North Indian-style Diwali buffet in 2024, and it was a roaring success. “Salt had never done anything different like Diwali,” says Honeyfa. “Guess what – most of them were actually locals, you know, Kiwis who came in to enjoy the food,” she says.
Salt is the shining star of the hotel, which opened as the Waterfront Hotel in 2003 and was sold and rebranded as the Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront in 2018. It is one of 18 Millennium hotels around New Zealand. The well-seasoned hospitality hub also provides boutique conferences in its Pepper Room and has 42 spacious rooms for inner-city getaways.
Supporting the community is an important aspect of the business, says general manager Vivek Vadevelu. “The first thing we did this year was sign up as the main sponsor for Taranaki Foodies on the Most.”
Supporting the community is an important aspect of the business, says general manager Vivek Vadevelu. “The first thing we did this year was sign up as the main sponsor for Taranaki Foodies on the Most.”
This sponsorship supports a local radio show on 100.4 The Most FM celebrating regional food, foodies and hospitality. It runs from 4-5pm each Saturday with hosts Olena Williams and Warwick Foy. “It’s basically to create awareness for Salt restaurant and the amazing food and service we have here,” he says.
This sponsorship supports a local radio show on 100.4 The Most FM celebrating regional food, foodies and hospitality. It runs from 4-5pm each Saturday with hosts Olena Williams and Warwick Foy. “It’s basically to create awareness for Salt restaurant and the amazing food and service we have here,” he says.
In recent years, the hotel has been through a quiet transformation. The team has focused on lifting both the standard and visibility of the hotel and restaurant, improving food presentation and guest experiences, plus adding energy and events.
In recent years, the hotel has been through a quiet transformation. The team has focused on lifting both the standard and visibility of the hotel and restaurant, improving food presentation and guest experiences, plus adding energy and events.
But none of that happens without the team of about 30. “We have amazing staff,” says Vivek. “We try to always recognise what they do – we give out Employee of the Quarter, celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, special occasions, have staff meals. We look after them”.
But none of that happens without the team of about 30. “We have amazing staff,” says Vivek. “We try to always recognise what they do – we give out Employee of the Quarter, celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, special occasions, have staff meals. We look after them”.
The team hosted a North Indian-style Diwali buffet in 2024, and it was a roaring success. “Salt had never done anything different like Diwali,” says Honeyfa. “Guess what – most of them were actually locals, you know, Kiwis who came in to enjoy the food,” she says.
“It was really nice for us too because all our chefs have that culture, which they can showcase.” Vivek adds: “It was a full house –we actually had about 60 people.” This year, the Salt team is planning a South Indianstyle Diwali celebration on Monday, 20 October.
“It was really nice for us too because all our chefs have that culture, which they can showcase.” Vivek adds: “It was a full house –we actually had about 60 people.” This year, the Salt team is planning a South Indianstyle Diwali celebration on Monday, 20 October.
Salt has also partnered with the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce to host a popular business networking evening. These events give the chefs and front-of-house team, led by restaurant manager Manish Arora, a chance to shine. “There’s so much you can do here – we want people to see Salt as more than a restaurant,” Honeyfa says.
Salt has also partnered with the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce to host a popular business networking evening. These events give the chefs and front-of-house team, led by restaurant manager Manish Arora, a chance to shine. “There’s so much you can do here – we want people to see Salt as more than a restaurant,” Honeyfa says.
In the hotel itself, the Pepper Room is a boutique conference and function space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony overlooking the sea. It’s been used for intimate weddings, corporate meetings, and special occasions like milestone birthdays and family events. “We’ve done internal meetings, high teas, whisky tastings, and all kinds of functions in Pepper,” says Vivek.
In the hotel itself, the Pepper Room is a boutique conference and function space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony overlooking the sea. It’s been used for intimate weddings, corporate meetings, and special occasions like milestone birthdays and family events. “We’ve done internal meetings, high teas, whisky tastings, and all kinds of functions in Pepper,” says Vivek.
The hotel is also a magnet for guests – from far and near – especially during the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival (31 Oct –9 Nov, 2025), the busiest time of year for visitors.
The hotel is also a magnet for guests – from
That culture of caring filters through to the experience of guests, by providing hot towels and refreshing welcome drinks on arrival. “It’s about making people feel at home,” says Honeyfa. “We’re always looking for little ways to make it special.”
That culture of caring filters through to the experience of guests, by providing hot towels and refreshing welcome drinks on arrival. “It’s about making people feel at home,” says Honeyfa. “We’re always looking for little ways to make it special.”
Guests can also support the Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand - Save the Kiwi Partnership. Every time they choose the daily “no room servicing” option on a multi-night stay, the hotel chain donates a meal for one of the iconic birds at the Save the Kiwi crèche in Napier.
Guests can also support the Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand - Save the Kiwi Partnership. Every time they choose the daily “no room servicing” option on a multi-night stay, the hotel chain donates a
BUILT BACK BETTER
STADIUM TARANAKI 100% READY & FINISHED
The vision was ambitious: to create the best regional stadium in New Zealand. The journey to realise that vision began eight years ago and has involved massive repairs to the West Stand to meet earthquake safety standards and the demolition and then construction of a new East Stand. That journey is complete, and the people of Taranaki now have a premier sports venue available for the whole community: Stadium Taranaki.
Piles driven 38 metres into the ground, demolition of a whole stand, a new roof, eco-friendly lighting, a hybrid grass pitch, construction of a new stand – Stadium Taranaki’s redevelopment has been an enormous project from start to finish.
The repairs, upgrades and rebuilding work have all combined into the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Taranaki Regional Council.
As owner of the venue formerly known as Yarrow Stadium through the Taranaki Stadium Trust, it was the Council which has overseen the repairs and rebuilding work, which began in 2019 after the stadium’s East and West stands were found to be earthquake-prone.
Council Chair Craig Williamson says the completed project is a first-class facility and he is delighted with the finished stadium.
“Our mission when we kicked off the redevelopment in 2019 was to build the best regional stadium in the country. We’ve now achieved that with a fantastic facility that the people of Taranaki can be rightly proud of,” says Mr Williamson.
“We’re delighted to have created a multi-purpose facility capable of hosting local, regional and international sport and entertainment events and a venue that can be used by the whole community.”
Before any of the repairs or building work could begin, we wanted to know what our community wanted so we carried out an extensive community conversation in 2019 with the public getting a say on the various redevelopment options. Taking into account this feedback, a $50m budget was approved for the repairs. This consultation followed on from similar exercises and outcomes undertaken in 1999/2000 and 2013/2014.
For the West Stand work, the seats and bleachers (tiers which the seats sit on) were removed, stabilisation piles driven 38m in the south end and 12m towards the north end and then to future-proof the stand, a new roof has been added.
The repaired stand reopened its doors on 3 September 2022 and has been in use ever since including a memorable afternoon in October 2023 when the stadium sold out as the Yarrows
While this work was taking place, the Main Field was made fit for purpose. This pitch previously experienced drainage problems and needed overhauling to enable it to be used as much as possible for different sports and events.
We’ve now installed the hybrid GrassMaster turf – the same turf that’s used on premier sports grounds around the globe. This is artificial fibres with grass grown through it and is more resilient, giving it shorter recovery times between games.
The lighting has also been upgraded with new LED lights which not only provide 50% more illumination but are more energy efficient, reducing power usage by 30%.
Plan B was needed when work started on the East Stand. The original plan had been to repair the building but the ground conditions were found to be unsuitable, so the stand had to be demolished and a new stand built in its place.
Once the stand was demolished (back in November 2021), Taranaki firm Clelands Construction (which also did the West Stand repairs) started foundation work with steel piles put in as deep as 30m while hundreds of cubic metres of concrete was used as well.
The stand is double sided so fans can watch two pitches at once, has fantastic changing rooms and
Taranaki Bulls won the Bunnings NPC Championship.
hospitality facilities and has flexible and scalable seating to cater for events and fixtures at all levels, including major international sporting events.
We’ve also worked closely with Ngāti Te Whiti on the design of the East Stand and users can see this through its many cultural design elements. This has reconfirmed the strong links the Stadium has with the hapū.
In terms of budget, having to rebuild instead of repair and inflationary pressures after the Covid lockdown, led to a rise in the budget from $50m to around $79.7m. However, the total contribution of ratepayers remains at $50m thanks to $30m in funding from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group Fund.
To mark the completion, we held an Extravaganza on 4 May where around 2,000 people came along to enjoy games and sport on the Main Field and a look around the East Stand with those attending giving the project a huge ‘thumbs up’.
Now the stadium is ready for the whole community to use and enjoy.
“Stadium Taranaki is an iconic venue which has seen so many great matches and events that live long in the memory like All Blacks games. We’re now ready to make new memories with the venue 100% open for big games, community events and entertainment,” adds Mr Williamson.
From top to bottom:
The amazing view from the new East Stand, including Taranaki Maunga. A view of the new stand from the centre of the West Stand. Visitors to the East Stand during the Extravaganza on 4 May.
AN EXTRA SPECIAL DAY
There was a fantastic turnout for the Stadium Taranaki Extravaganza on 4 May with around 2,000 Taranaki folk coming along to see the finished venue. Here are some of favourite photos from a special day at your stadium.
THE EAST STAND STORY
See back page
EVENTS & ADVOCACY
BUSINESS LUNCH WITH HON. CHRISTOPHER LUXON
TARANAKI TOP SHOP
We were fortunate to host the Prime Minister at a well-attended Business Lunch on Wednesday 16 April. His key messaging was on the current state of the economy, plans for growth and tariffs. This was followed by Q&A from the audience.
Unfortunately due to print deadlines we are unable to announce our 2025 winners. Look out for our Spring edition for results and lots of photos from the awards evening. We gratefully acknowledge all our wonderful sponsors and event partners who support us, not just financially, but with encouragement and assistance to ensure we are able to recognise and celebrate service excellence in Taranaki.
CHAMBER BUSINESS SHOWCASE
Our annual Business Showcase will be at the Plymouth International on Wednesday 13 August. Exhibiting at the Showcase gives you the ideal opportunity to promote your products and services to 350+ attendees. To register as an Exhibitor or for more information please go to the Business Showcase page on our website.
TSB BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Thinking about entering the 2025 awards? We will be holding a one hour information session for potential entrants to talk through the process, what is required as part of the entry and answer any questions. There will be two sessions held at Chamber House on Wednesday 2 July – one at 7.30am and one at 12.00pm. Please register your interest in attending a session on our website.
WELLBEING CONFERENCE
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear from outstanding keynote speakers covering various aspects of wellbeing. There will also be plenty of opportunity for questions from attendees, along with expo stands from wellbeing providers. This full day event is on Thursday 25 September at the Devon Hotel. For more information and to register go to the Chamber website.
BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
These monthly events are more popular than ever! Held on the first Tuesday of most months, these networking events are an ideal opportunity for you to promote your business and showcase your operations, facilities, staff, products and services and to meet potential customers. It is the perfect platform to strengthen and grow business contacts and interact with the Chamber network.
Jo Whyte Event Manager
April Business Connections was hosted by Age Concern Taranaki, followed by Novotel New Plymouth in May and Access Radio Taranaki in June. July’s host will be TGM and The Promo Room, followed by India Today in August and then in September - NP Event Venues at Stadium Taranaki.
BARA
ADVOCACY
We continue to advocate for our members on both local and national levels. A particular recent focus has been on the issues faced by businesses with homelessness and lawlessness in our retail areas.
An initial forum for businesses was hosted by NPDC on 9 April where we heard from the Mayor and Council CEO along with MP David MacLeod. This was followed up with a second meeting on 5 May where we brought together a panel to answer further questions and discuss ideas with the attendees. The panel was Gloria Campbell (MSD), Andrew Fabish (NZ Police), Jamie Allen (Taranaki Retreat), Gareth Green (NPDC) and David MacLeod (MP for New Plymouth).
We are continuing to collaborate with these, and other organisations, to find some solutions and good progress is being made.
We have two columns in the Taranaki Daily News each month – Chamber Chat and Business Voice. If you have an issue that concerns you and your business, we want to hear from you. Just contact Michelle or email admin@taranakichamber.co.nz and put Business Voice in the subject line.
WE WELCOME OUR NEW BARA MEMBERS –The Silo/Crop and Brew, TBI Health, HD Geo - Thanks for your support!
BECOME A BARA MEMBER
We have a special membership rate for existing Chamber members with 1-5 staff. For just an additional $35.00+GST you can be a member of BARA as well and you don’t have to be based in the CBD! For businesses with six or more staff, BARA membership is only an additional $150.00+GST.
If you are passionate about the city you live in and have a genuine interest in supporting local business, then we want you to be part of an organisation that has the same philosophy, passion and drive. By working together we can make a difference.
Please contact Michelle or Rebecca to discuss BARA membership. Follow BARA on – New Plymouth CBD Alive
Michelle Brennan Advocacy & Communications Manager
michelle@taranakichamber.co.nz
PASSION FOR FREEDOM
When Val O’Neill started with Freedom 24 years ago, she never imagined that one day she would own the New Plymouth furniture and homeware store.
Back then, the store was known as Freedom@Levene, and she worked four days a week in the wallpaper section for franchise owners Bruce and Tanya Major.
“I never, ever thought I would do it,” says Val, now in her third year of owning the store on Molesworth St. “I’ve just got a passion for Freedom. I just love it.”
During her years with Freedom, she has worked in nearly every role – from wallpaper and curtains to regional manager for stores in Palmerston North, Taupō, Rotorua and New Plymouth.
“They gave me the opportunities to grow… to get where I am today.”
When the chance came to buy the New Plymouth store, she was hesitant. “I ummed and aahed, and I thought, I can do this. Let’s give it a go,” she says.
Former owner Paul Trewavas made it possible. “He made it doable for me.”
She also pays tribute to husband Michael O’Neill, who has been very supportive.
While Freedom is a national brand, the New Plymouth store is proudly local – owned and operated by someone who knows every aspect of the business. “Some people don’t realise that we’re locally owned,” says Val. “They think it’s just a big corporate.”
That personal ownership flows through to how the store runs and is embraced by her all-important team, which includes Pauline Malcolm, Michele Birkett, Jenny Laing, Dee Batchelor, Brenda Bradley, Helen Hobbs, and student assistants Mila Kohlhase and Tama James.
Pauline is Val’s “number one support”, while Jenny is known for her curtain and blind expertise – and her infectious laugh. “We have fun,” says Pauline. “We have a really good time.”
“We support each other,” adds Michele, in sales. “And we have some beautiful customers.” “They make your day when you can have a laugh,” says Jenny.
Team culture is at the core of the store’s success. “I can be away and trust my staff to be on their top game,” says Val.
“I think what makes us unique from anybody else is we treat everyone like family who walks in the door,” says Pauline. “And the rapport that every team member has with their customers is unique.”
Customers return often, furnishing their homes piece by piece with help from the Freedom team.
“It’s really great,” says Michele. “They want some help with some ideas… what rug, what couch, lamp, picture – the whole thing.”
The store offers everything from sofas, beds and bookcases to lamps, dinnerware and seasonal homewares. Custom-made curtains and blinds are sewn locally by Nella Stewart and Dawn Clayton.
Renee Laing, Jenny’s daughter, also plays a role behind the scenes, often coming in after hours to rework displays. “She’s like a little god fairy,” says Pauline. “She fluffs and tidies cushions, resets tables – we always know when Renee’s been.”
Val is also offering work experience to a couple of Te Kura students interested in interior decorating. She’s prepared colour packs for the students, and they’ll soon be styling room sets and learning how to talk to customers about their needs.
Freedom has also hosted community events, including the launch of Mood magazine’s 13th issue in May this year and an Airbnb styling evening last year. At both, there were drinks, nibbles and discounts for people buying on the night. During the Airbnb event, attendees were shown how to dress a bed with flair.
“I really want to get into a few more of those and do at least six a year,” says Val, who encourages people to approach her about holding an event in the store.
Always focused on people, Freedom New Plymouth consistently ranks in the top 10 for customer service across the country. “Our scores are always great. They’re always in the tens – like ten out of ten,” she says.
Freedom New Plymouth has also been repeatedly recognised in the annual Taranaki Top Shop Awards, which celebrate customer service excellence and are run by the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce.
In 2018, the store won its category, and in 2021, it was highly commended. It’s a finalist again this year.
Along with the Absolutely Everything on Sale annual offering, the store also has the myFREEDOM loyalty programme, which offers a $50 voucher for every $1500 spent. There are also trade accounts available.
Business has been tough in the past 12 months, but Val says teamwork has helped the business get through. “The support from my team is just out the gate,” she says.
They opened a pop-up clearance store in Hāwera, tried new advertising and worked with BDO to map out business goals. “To avoid layoffs, I reduced everyone’s hours. It was either everyone do that, or one person completely loses – or two people lose –their job,” she says.
“We’re in it together,” says Val. “It’s our shop.”
(06) 758 1755
Open Campus
MEMBERSHIP
At the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, one of the things we value the most is the strength of our relationships. This year, we’re proud to acknowledge and celebrate a group of incredible businesses who have been a part of the Chamber whānau for over 20 years.
Twenty years is no small feat. It reflects not only a commitment to growth and connection, but also a strong dedication to supporting local. These long-standing members have stood with us through change, challenge, and celebration, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
In the next few issues, we’ll be acknowledging these members. Thank you for your loyalty, support, and continued involvement and here’s to many more years of working together, growing stronger, and celebrating success.
24/7 Security Solutions • ABMM • Adastra Financial Services • Advantage Tyre Solutions • Air New Zealand
• Alpha Customs Services • Altherm Taranaki • ANZ
• Aon NZ • Arxada NZ • Atawhai Industries • Aviagen
• AWF • Baker Tilly Staples Rodway • Balance Chartered Accountants • BDO Taranaki • Beca • Beccard Motors
• Bland & Jackson Surveyors • BNZ • BOON • Cape
Shipping Services • CBRE • Centre City • Centuria
• Clegg’s Furniture • Clelands Timber • Corteva
Agriscience • Craigs Investment Partners
• Dalgleish Diamonds
rebecca@taranakichamber.co.nz
THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER | 8:30AM - 5PM
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Taranaki Chamber of Commerce and principal sponsor Beach Energy bring you the Wellbeing Conference 2025.
Visit the website to discover the full speaker lineup, browse the programme, secure your tickets, and more.
taranakichamber.co.nz/wellbeingconference2025
Rebecca Mende Membership Coordinator
MARKETING IN TARANAKI
A lot of businesses are built the oldschool way through reputation and word of mouth. But the thing with word of mouth is, you can’t control how much business it brings in or how fast you grow.
We chat with the leading marketing expert Shay from Idyllic to see where businesses should begin if they want to see results.
Let’s say a business is new to marketing. Where should they start?
SHAY: Billboards are a common first move, but they’re not the best if you’re aiming for real growth. They work well for brand awareness but not for sales.
A better place to start? Video.
Video tells a story and stories stick. It connects faster and says more than a static ad. For a similar cost, a video campaign works harder. It lives on your website, across social media and LinkedIn, and digital ads.
What advice do you have for businesses when it comes to marketing?
SHAY: Simple. Stop making it all about you. Your audience doesn’t care how long you’ve been around, they care about what you can do for them. Speak to their problems, their goals, and how you solve them better than anyone else. Too many ads just say “we exist.” Your audience is smarter than that. They don’t just need to know you’re out there, they need to know why you’re the better choice.
Do you think all Taranaki businesses really need marketing?
SHAY: If you’re swamped with work, not chasing growth, and all your clients are your dream clients, then no, you probably don’t need marketing (heck, stop reading this article and go give yourself a pat on the back!)
— STILL RELYING ON BILLBOARDS? THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
But, if you’re chasing new opportunities, there’s a heap of untapped potential here in Taranaki. We work with clients around the world, and it’s one of the few places where it’s so easy to get noticed because few are doing marketing well.
So what would you tell someone who’s feeling overwhelmed?
SHAY: Don’t overthink it. We offer affordable one hour brainstorm sessions where we scope out the oppourtunities you have in the market, so you can see what’s possible for your business.
Interested in finding out more? You can find Idyllic at idyllic.co.nz or at 220 Devon Street East, New Plymouth.
You can also catch more of Shay at One Bite Better: monthly one-hour AI workshops designed to help businesses stay sharp and ahead of the game.
FOR PURPOSE PARTNERSHIP
Theflowandreciprocationofgoodwillandsupportcreatedthroughgenerousgiving purpose-ledbusiness.
Planning for change - because it will happen
As shown in the photograph below, horses dominated American society in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In fact, it is estimated that by 1870 every family in the United States was directly or indirectly dependent on the horse. Cities and industries relied on horses – in 1900 in New York 6,000 horses hauled New York trolleys generating massive employment.
However, in 1903 Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company. Just a decade later, in 1913, Ford flipped the switch on the first assembly line, cutting the time it took to build a car from 12 hours to 2 ½ hours. That year, the number of cars produced in the United States mushroomed to 3.6 million and in 1917 the horse-pulled trolley took its last trip. By the early 1920s horses had disappeared from city streets.
The resulting decline in the horse population cut demand for horse feed and contributed to an agricultural depression in the 1920s, but there were upsides. New York’s 120,000 horses had been depositing a pungent 60,000 gallons of urine and 2.5 million pounds of manure every day on the city’s streets. New industries were also spawned, not least the transformation of advertising. Seen by passengers travelling in a car at a speed of 30 miles per hour or more, a sign had to be grasped instantly, or it wouldn’t be grasped at all, giving birth to the creation of corporate logos that could be recognised immediately wherever they appeared.
When he was asked about the decision to launch the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford famously commented, “If I’d asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses”.
So how is this relevant for not-for-profits in Taranaki in 2025? It reminds us that no matter how stable our sector or our organisation may feel, change might be just around the corner. We may not be able to control that, so we should always be looking forward and planning how we might adjust. Waiting to react to change led by others is not always the best strategy, sometimes it is better to be bold and lead the change ourselves. It also re-emphasises that change will be unsettling but may not always be a bad thing. Change can create new opportunities that would not occur if we stayed the same.
Simon Cayley – BAF (Bishops Action Foundation)
LOOK OUT FOR OUR CIRCULATE EVENTS
The Chamber is working with BAF, to run events which give community groups the opportunity to share, network, learn from each other, discuss ideas opportunities and potential ways of collaborating.
It’s always good to be in a room where people understand where you are coming from and the struggles and pressures that you face. Often answers are in our hands and come from the ideas of those who share a likeminded passion to help their community.
Other times there is so much value in the challenge of someone looking in from the outside with a fresh lens. As the insightful old saying says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”. Let’s come together to contribute to the encouragement and empowerment of generous people making an impact in the world around them.
Maura Young Partnership & Projects Manager
maura@taranakichamber.co.nz
New York circa 1900
New York circa 1920
Rebecca Mende
Membership Coordinator
Taranaki Chamber of Commerce
+64 6 759 9080 | +64 27 432 2293 rebecca@taranakichamber.co.nz
Chamber House
42 Egmont Street PO Box 2, New Plymouth 4340 New Zealand www.taranakichamber.co.nz
Global brand that offers connectivity and representation
Nickelle Egan
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Taranaki Chamber of Commerce
+64 6 759 9080 | +64 27 906 8789 nickelle@taranakichamber.co.nz
Chamber House
42 Egmont Street PO Box 2, New Plymouth 4340 New Zealand www.taranakichamber.co.nz
Global brand that offers connectivity and representation
Jo Whyte Events Manager
Taranaki Chamber of Commerce
+64 6 759 9080 | +64 21 533 300 jo@taranakichamber.co.nz
Chamber House
42 Egmont Street PO Box 2, New Plymouth 4340 New Zealand www.taranakichamber.co.nz
Melissa Keith
Placement Support Coordinator
Taranaki Chamber of Commerce
+64 6 759 9080 | +64 21 225 4531 melissa@taranakichamber.co.nz
Chamber Hub 10 Corbett
759 9080 | +64 21 0228 8893 julia@taranakichamber.co.nz Chamber
A polished trade career
A hands-on welding programme was just the ticket for Taranaki’s Darrion Bruce, who’d always aspired to complete a trade’s apprenticeship.
The production engineer was one of six jobseekers who completed the training course funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Eltham last October.
“It came at the right time,” says Darrion (aged 30) who’d been job hunting for a year after work in the carpet laying industry slowed down.
Through the six-week course he secured work experience at DTS (Dairy Technology Services) Engineering in Normanby near Hāwera.
His attitude, practical skills and potential encouraged the company to take him on in January 2025.
“He’s a sponge for learning,” says Mike Doyle, engineering and production manager (pictured with Darrion, in the DTS site). “The next step is looking at Darrion taking on an apprenticeship.”
Darrion is part of a 29-strong workforce in South Taranaki that produces large stainless steel vats for farms and other industries such as the food and beverage and winegrowing sectors.
Darrion enjoys every part of the work, even the physically demanding but satisfying role of polishing the metal. “It’s all different and new to me. I’m learning things every day.”
Having a job provides financial security and mental stability – plus his family is proud of him. “My kids like it because I can make random things for them.”
His next steps are to “get qualified and move through the trade as far as I can.”
Despite his long route to get where he wanted to be, Darrion encourages others to stick with it.
“Just try every avenue you can to find what you want to do. Apply for jobs and get qualified.”
Darrion was one of six jobseeker clients who passed the MSD funded welding programme held in September and October 2024. The group - one female and five males – blended work experience with on-site learning from training provider Materials and Testing Laboratories (MTL) at an Eltham site owned by engineering firm Carac. Since completing the course, all of the trainees have gone into full time work.
The programme is an example of the way MSD can partner with industry, employers and contracted providers throughout the region.
If people need industry specific skills for a job, MSD may be able to offer funding and support to help with short-term pre-employment or inwork training.
MSD’s skills for industry teams work with employers to develop the best approach. The programmes are designed to be short, cost effective, address skill and labour shortages and provide assistance with in-work support.
An MSD training programme enabled Darrion Bruce to get a head start in the local engineering sector. He’s pictured above, at front, with Mike Doyle of DTS (Dairy Technology Services) in Normanby.
The collaborative actions of partners, sponsors, employers, for purpose, schools, government agencies, and individuals help us to connect people and business through employment and training.
We’re now in our 5th year supporting fulltime employment placements for jobseekers in Taranaki, both referred to us by Work and Income, and selfreferrals that have joined us as Friends of the Chamber.
Previously the average time from our initial engagement with jobseekers to their full-time employment was 12 weeks but in the first few months of this year it has reduced to 7.6 weeks. How did those candidates do it or what helped them to beat the increased competition?
After examining these successful outcomes certain patterns emerge. A focused effort or targeting those roles where they are strong candidates, has helped greatly. Being engaged, motivated, active and persistent has paid off and showing flexibility is also a noticeable factor. Several of our candidates applied
for roles outside Taranaki. Additionally, candidates were willing to increase the range of roles they applied for and try out new positions, even opting for two part-time roles.
We also saw our employment introductions result in job offers for several people. We started the year with the aim of increasing our outreach to Chamber members and this is helping. Let’s keep the momentum going! For any business owners reading this, please consider sharing your job leads with us. Where we think someone is a suitable candidate for your vacancy, we will make an introduction on their behalf. After all, we are here to sustain the jobseeker through what is not always a straightforward or quick process, and to connect people and business through employment and training.
melissa@taranakichamber.co.nz
Supporting employees after injury to recover at work
When an employee gets injured, it can have a significant impact on them, their workmates, and their workplace.
In fact, ACC data shows that over 18 million workdays were lost in New Zealand due to injury last year. And the longer an injured person is away from work, the less likely they are to return to their job. This can have a significant negative impact on both the worker and your business.
Recovery at work
Evidence shows that integrating work as an active part of an employees’ recovery and rehabilitation, known as recovery at work, can help them to get better, sooner. This can have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing and your workplace.
With just some temporary adjustments, most injured people with non-complex injuries, like a sprain or strain, can recover safely at work.
For employers, involvement in an employee’s recovery means retaining vital skills and knowledge. It also fosters a positive work environment, as well as helping to maintain a skilled and stable workforce.
To do it successfully takes a real team effort – including the injured person, their employer and their health provider, as well as the support of whānau, friends, workmates, and ACC.
To help employers make recovery at work a success in their workplace, ACC has resources and tools available on its website.
Visit: acc.co.nz/raw-employerresources
Melissa Keith Placement Support Coordinator
Tracey Soffe is on a mission to enhance workplace culture, empower leaders and turn the meaning of HR on its head. “I have this big wild vision and it’s to improve our world one workplace at a time.”
The Taranaki woman is doing just that. After 13 years working for others in human resources (HR), Tracey felt inspired to start her own business, Trace Consulting, focusing on building culture, unlocking leadership potential and creating true connection in teams.
“I’m asking people to be incredibly vulnerable… and I can’t do that under anyone else’s brand but my own,” she says. “Through my time as an HR consultant, I really fell in love with leadership development and organisational culture; I’d go as far as to say that this is my life's purpose. I love what I do, I love my job, and I want to empower people to do the same.”
She also has a different way of viewing HR. “The term Human Resources has never sat well with me. Humans shouldn’t be seen as resources; it’s quite the opposite. To me, it’s about resourcing humans. How do we resource our humans with the skills, knowledge and environment to succeed?”
Her workshops and leadership coaching focus on the people she works with –who they are, their mindset and strengths. “I get to help leaders and business owners focus on the human aspect of their organisation. The people. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.”
coaching, leadership and helping business owners to see their people as ‘whole’.”
That philosophy stems from her learnings, her whakapapa – Ngāti Mutunga and Ngāti Tama – and a growing connection to te ao Māori. “These are practices that show up in how I facilitate; how I hold the space for people.”
As Tracey talks of improving workplaces, the word “culture” comes up repeatedly. “Culture has eight times more impact on performance than strategy alone. You can’t outperform a poor culture.”
Trace Consulting offers leadership programmes, team effectiveness workshops, coaching and values-based sessions tailored to each client - “I meet people where they’re at and I take them on the journey that they need to go on.”
A big part of that journey is understanding the individual. “Leadership… comes down to the ability to step into who you are.”
She starts by helping people define their values. “For some people it’s the first time they’re sitting down to figure out what matters most, and this is often when breakthroughs happen.”
When team members think and operate differently, conflict can arise. By bringing teams together to understand these differences, they can move through the conflict and become a more effective and functional team.
Tracey coaches senior leaders, business owners and executives one-on-one, helping them to think differently and embrace growth.
When people engage in coaching, they're ultimately saying, ‘How can I do things differently? How can I be better?’ "Success looks different for everyone, but a recurring theme I see is that when people invest in their professional growth, it leads to positive changes in their personal lives, and for me, this is the ultimate measure of success.
Tracey's approach to uplifting leaders and workplaces is fuelled by passion, backed by expert knowledge and a drive to keep learning. She’s forever reading, listening to podcasts and seeking fresh information about her field.
Tracey’s approach to leadership is holistic, based on empathy, self-awareness and shared understanding. “Holistic in my view means taking a whole person approach to
Doing this, one business leader discovered a conflict between her two core values: family and career. “Identifying and naming these values gave her the permission that she can have both… for her, creating strong boundaries was the only way she was going to be able to meet those needs.”
Tracey uses practical but powerful tools, including the Team Management Profile to help groups find strengths and understand each other’s preferences, which can transform the dynamics of a workplace.
This year, she will be offering bite-sized leadership workshops and a new cohortbased Leadership Development Programme launching this July. The latter includes six full-day workshops, three one-on-one coaching sessions and a personalised selfassessment to identify leadership strengths and working styles.
Tracey is on a mission to help leaders and workplaces thrive. “I just want people to live in joy, and my goal is to help people achieve this at work.”
Contact Tracey 027 635 4448 or hello@traceconsulting.co.nz
People // Process // Performance
TAKING YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT STEP
Investing in Your People Is Key to Business Growth
In a fast-moving business world, culture isn’t just a buzzword— it’s a competitive edge. For businesses in Taranaki, where community and relationships are everything, fostering a positive, people-first culture can make all the difference.
More than ever, employees are looking for more than just money (although that is very important). They want to feel valued, heard, and supported. Businesses that prioritise personal development and leadership growth see real benefits: improved team morale, stronger communication, and higher staff retention.
That’s where Implement’s personal development training comes in. By developing confident, self-aware leaders at every level, you create a ripple effect throughout your business. Teams feel more connected. Managers handle challenges with greater emotional intelligence. Staff are empowered to grow—both professionally and personally. And when people grow, so does your business.
We know that in Taranaki businesses are often built on trust and closeknit teams, and culture matters even more. You don’t need to be a big business to have a strong people strategy. Whatever size your business is, you can lead the way in creating workplaces where people thrive.
Personal development training helps you build that foundation. It’s not just about skills—it’s about mindset, confidence, and creating leaders who bring out the best in others.
Whether you’re a local trade business looking to upskill your team leaders, a growing office team needing better communication, or a manager wanting to feel more empowered— investing in your people is an investment in your future.
Your culture is your brand. Make it one that attracts and retains great people.
Ready to strengthen your culture through confident leadership?
In-house Training
Book in your in-house training from August to boost your team’s skill and knowledge in:
• Leadership
• Employee engagement
• High performing teams
• Time Management
• Customer Service
Team Leader Management Programme
A public team leader programme is scheduled to being on July 24. Thursday 9.30 to 12 noon for eight weeks (ending September 11).
TRAINING
The Ricoh Room at Chamber House gives you access to a state of the art communications hub in a self-contained conference room. For bookings or to view contact admin@taranakichamber.co.nz or 06 759 9080
With 22 workshops delivered and 30 more scheduled, training is abuzz here at the Chamber. We are receiving an influx of enquiries from individuals and businesses, workshops are booking out with additional ones being scheduled to meet demand. This is a reflection that employers are committed to investing in their most important asset – the team.
Here is some feedback from our recent Delegation Done Right workshop, delivered by Dani Ferrier of Lead Like a Legend:
“Really good experience. Group was engaging and I’ve found this really helpful”
“Excellent delivery. Plenty of time and good instructions”
“Great presentation, good engagement. Thank you”
Ricoh Room
mothers. Her workshops are ideal for businesses who aim to foster a more inclusive community and increase retention of skilled staff often lost through parental commitments.
First time on offer and exactly what our overloaded lives need, Isabella Jansen, from Trusted Advisors Network, is delivering Time Management for Busy Business Owners. This is a high-impact workshop for business owners ready to scale up operations with more freedom, focus, and clarity.
Also new on the list is The Cost of Not Implementing, delivered by Janet Charteris of JC Consultancy. This workshop is a wake-up call for teams stuck in ‘almost’ - almost ready, almost started, almost finished. It is ideal for business leaders, change agents, and team managers ready to turn strategy into traction.
Please visit our website training page for full details on these upcoming workshops:
BDO
Xero Foundations
Blanchard New Zealand
Blanchard® Management Essentials
• Excel Training Taranaki
o Microsoft Excel Basics/Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced
• Speaking Made Easy
o Speaking & Presenting with Confidence
• Trusted Advisor Network
o Time Management for Busy Business Owners
• HEIGHT Project Management -
o Writing Winning Tenders
• Amelie Moncel Coaching & Consulting
o Thriving as a Working Mum
o Discover Your Values & Desires to Live Life with Purpose
o Finding the Career You Love
• JC Consultancy
o The Cost of Not Implementing
• Maranga Tāngata Tiriti
Ricoh Room
Digital Conference Suite
The SLII® Experience Building Trust
Digital Conference Suite
Social Media School
Social Media Marketing Strategy
Social Media Practical Tricks & Hacks
Our Digital Conference Suite is available for hire. Facilities include a Touchboard SmartScreen, which enables presentations, video conferencing, electronic whiteboard, and laptop connection. All this and more is available at
The Ricoh Room at Chamber House gives you access to a state of the art communications hub in a self-contained conference room.
o Te Tiriti o Waitangi 101 Julia Collins Office Manager julia@taranakichamber.co.nz
The Ricoh Room at Chamber House gives you access to a state of the art communications hub in a self-contained conference room.
For bookings or to view contact admin@taranakichamber.co.nz or 06 759 9080
For bookings or to view contact admin@taranakichamber.co.nz or 06 759 9080
It is only through a strong, growing economy that we can create jobs, deal with the cost of living, and invest in the frontline services like schools, hospitals, roads and Police that Kiwis deserve.
Establishing the Investment Boost tax incentive to encourage businesses to invest, grow and lift wages. The policy allows for 20 per cent of the cost of new assets to be deducted immediately from taxable income (on top of normal depreciation).
Allocating $200 million for a Crown equity stake in new natural gas fields to ensure secure and affordable energy supply. It responds to current supply constraints and sends a clear signal to investors that the Crown is committed to supporting the development of natural gas as part of a balanced and reliable energy future.
Expanding rates relief to support up to 66,000 additional SuperGold Cardholders by lifting the income abatement threshold from $31,510 to $45,000— aligning it with the typical income of a superannuitant couple. From 1 July, eligible households will also benefit from an increased maximum rebate, rising from $790 to $805.
Strengthening Education provision with $1.5 billion over the forecast period to improve student achievement, including an historic investment in learning support for children with additional physical, learning and behavioural needs and over $700 million to deliver new schools and classrooms.
Strengthening Health services through a $7 billion operating funding uplift over the forecast period, including for services provided by Health NZ, targeted funding to support better GP and after-hours care and funding for additional cancer treatments and other medicines. As part of this, Ōpunake has been identified as one of more than 70 rural and remote communities set to benefit from improved access to care.
YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME
We’ve had an exciting start to Term Two in the Young Enterprise Scheme programme, and our young entrepreneurs are already blowing us away with their creativity and drive! This year's student teams have come up with some very innovative and clever ideas, including healthy treats for dogs, mesh bait bags for fishing, wellbeing kits, protein powder with dehydrated kawakawa, blister prevention socks, backstraps for sandals and even a sports refereeing app.
This term, the focus has been on Challenge Two, which is their business pitch. We were thrilled with the massive turnout this year, with 54 Taranaki YES teams stepping up to present their business ideas to our panel of judges. Each team was assessed not only on their presentation skills but also on key areas such as innovation, production, marketing strategy, sales potential, and financial management. To deliver a great pitch, teams needed to have a deep understanding of their business - from the problem their product solves to how it’s positioned in the market.
It was a highly competitive and inspiring couple of days and a special congratulations goes to GameTime Solutions from New Plymouth Boys’ High School and Māiatanga from Stratford High School, who were named the top two teams. Thank you to our incredible judges for providing such great feedback to the students, Huia Lambie (Toi Foundation), Rebecca Johnson (Centre City) and Campbell Third (TSB Bank) and to PIHMS for hosting the event. And a massive thank you to GRAPHIX for generously providing free business cards to all our YES teams which they were very happy to receive at the pitches!
Last term the students completed Challenge One - which was validating their business ideas through real feedback from their target market. It was fantastic to see students out in the community testing their prototypes and being able to use that research as evidence in their pitch. Coming up, the students will hopefully be well into the production phase of their business and getting ready for the
This Mortal Coil
by Alana Ruakere
selling opportunities that we will be providing for them in July and August at The Seaside Market and Centre City.
A programme like YES simply wouldn’t be possible without the backing of our incredible sponsors. Thank you to everyone who supports this initiative, especially our key funder Toi Foundation.
megan@taranakichamber.co.nz
After a successful research fundraising exhibition, ‘This Mortal Coil’, there are still some artworks from the collection available for sale.
Alana Ruakere, CEO of Tui ORA , is a 2025 recipient of a prestigious Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship award supporting her overseas research into innovative multi-generational elder care
She will be visiting ground-breaking dementia and elder care villages based in the United Kingdom and Australia, learning about how these models could work in Aotearoa
Proceeds from the sales of the artworks will supplement the funds received from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to enable her to foster connections and garner knowledge f rom across the globe
Artworks for sale can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram @AlanaRuakereArt
To purchase one of these bold and vibrant paintings, please email alana ruakere@tuiora co nz
Megan Lepper Taranaki Regional Coordinator
Local businesses dramatically boost Hāwera hospital’s water supply
Every month at the Network of Trades events, we love seeing businesses come together and make connections. Recently, we have experienced the power of these connections for ourselves.
It was at one of these events that Taranaki Health Foundation General Manager, Adrian Sole made a passing comment to Ben Annbell from Recharge about the aging potable water system at Hāwera Hospital. For some time, the hospital had been relying on a single 6,000-litre tank for its potable water, well short of the 10,000 litres required daily for essential operations.
It didn’t take long for Ben to use his connections from his background in plumbing to muster up a team of local tradies and suppliers to provide the work and materials needed to install two 25,000-litre water tanks on site, upping the capacity to 56,000-litres. The result is not only a significantly larger water reserve that now circulates throughout the hospital, but also additional emergency resilience. The new system includes a fire hose connection, offering added support to the fire service if needed.
“This project had a real community feel about it,” Ben Annabell says. “Hāwera Hospital is such a vital asset for South Taranaki, everyone involved was more than happy to do what they could to help.”
Through the connections made at Network of Trades, we have managed to reduce what was originally a $45,000 job to below $5,000. A fantastic example of local businesses coming together and making a difference where it matters most.
Local businesses have come together to provide Hāwera Hospital with an additional 50,000-litres of potable water.
A message from re/charge
We are really pleased to have linked up with Taranaki Health Foundation and the Chamber to support the Network of Trades events. Being able to support this project at Hāwera Hospital has been incredibly rewarding. We have a deep passion for helping trades business owners in all aspects of their business and we are getting some amazing results which we are really proud of.
As well as our trades related accounting and advisory, we offer Men’s Wellness Retreats. These are a fantastic way to unwind, take a breather and just reset the mind and body over four days. There are some really helpful and practical activities, including knifemaking, hunting, gathering, meditation/yoga, breathwork, cooking and so much more.
We are always available for a chat, and the coffees are on us!
Phone Ben 027 900 9064 or Tess 027 343 3003
Thanks to our hosts in April – Vertical Horizonz, followed by Cambie Architectural Design in May and Global Metal Solutions in June. Coming up for July our hosts will be GT Engineering, HEL Rimu in August and Fonterra Whareroa in September.
PARTNERSHIP
TAFT
How privileged we are to have an organisation of the calibre of Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT) that celebrates creativity and adds layers of colour and culture to our region. Celebrating its fifth season, the four night Right Royal Cabaret Festival, with all its ‘razzle dazzle’, we can say “TAFT has done it again”.
STEPHANIE MURRAY MORTGAGES
KEY REGIONAL PARTNERS
Congratulations to Stephanie and her team. They have always combined a reliable mortgage brokerage business that represents years of experience providing exceptional service, and at the same time, providing a model of community engagement.
We now look forward to Reimagine in October followed by the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival providing displays of literal colour and true beauty. From 31 October – 9 November we get to explore and enjoy the diversity of grand country estates, sub-tropical inner-city retreats, sustainable food forests, and peaceful native sanctuaries. A vibrant celebration to feed the soul not just for us but also for all those it brings into our region.
GQ SEMINARS
Govett Quilliam and Chamber co-hosted seminars have always created interest as they have delved into numerous different topics often alongside a collaboration of skills and expertise from other partners as well. Whether this is about cyber security from our IT expert Simon Singh, (Innovation HQ) together with the legal aspect of “where do you legally stand when security is breached and how can you prevent this?” offered by GQ experts. Or a combination of expertise from BDO giving an accounting perspective on succession planning, Taranaki Foundation presenting about Wills and how to leave a legacy, and GQ adding the legal side.
There is strength for our business community when partners provide this type of opportunity for members to gain insight from their combined experience.
Our last seminar presented by Troy Wano and Varnell Clay was on the latest employment law topics. It’s always good to have updates on new and upcoming legislation that affects both employer and employee.
If there is a topic that you would like more information on let us know and there may be an opportunity to create a seminar around that.
Recently the SMM Charity Golf Tournament raised $28,206.17 for Roderique Hope Trust. To date this takes the total raised by SMM for this organisation to over $200,000 - a wonderful and generous achievement. Both are focused on getting people into houses and are deeply connected through shared values and relationship.
Coming up on 11 October is their seventh annual Noir Blanc progressive dinner, also raising money for Roderique Hope Trust. It will be held at three popular New Plymouth restaurants; The Hour Glass, Arborio and Shining Peak Brewing. Don’t miss getting your tickets for this enjoyable evening, while at the same time helping an incredibly worthwhile community organisation.
maura@taranakichamber.co.nz
Projects Manager
PARTNERS
THE NEW EAST STAND
The redeveloped Stadium Taranaki includes the construction of a new flexible, scalable and double-sided stand. The old TSB Stand was originally scheduled to be repaired but this wasn’t possible because of poor ground conditions. Instead it was demolished and a fantastic new facility has been built.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The needs of the venue’s sports users are accommodated under one roof with the completion of the East Stand.
Work under way on the foundations of the new facility in March 2023.
Visitors to the 4 May Extravaganza enjoying a special day out on the concourse of the new East Stand.
Ngāti Te Whiti hosted a blessing of the new stand in April 2025.
An aerial shot showing the completed roof in December 2024.
The steel frame of the rear of the East Stand.
Steel construction of the East Stand began in early 2023 after extensive groundworks which included driving steel piles 30 metres into the ground.
Some 400m3 of concrete was used in the construction of the foundations.
The demolition of the East Stand in late 2021. The lead contractor was Clelands Construction and many contractors were locally based.
