3 minute read
FROM THE CEO
Greetings to our Chamber family and welcome to our Autumn edition.
Gabrielle And World Events
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The first quarter of 2023 has been very eventful within Aotearoa and on the global arena. Events near and far affect us all. The devastating effects of the severe tropical storm cyclone Gabrielle, which took at least 11 lives, will live with those directly affected forever. It will also require a multi-billion dollar spend on recovery and rebuild. This means a diversion of government funding towards where the need is the greatest. A number of people from Taranaki are involved with rescue, recovery and rebuild in the eastern part of our nation. We are proud of them.
Compounded with the year-long war on Ukraine, the high cost of living, rising crime and the collapse of large financial institutions, the challenges for businesses are looking greater than before. But the world has been through far worse – world wars, the great depression, pandemics . . . and bounced back! And will do so every time.
Upbeat Taranaki
The first quarter of 2023 has brought back many regular events to our region after the pandemic hiatus including the TSB Festival of Lights, Americarna and WOMAD. These events bring in thousands of visitors, who go back and tell others about our fantastic region. Add other events like the Oxfam Trailwalker, ITU Triathlon and
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS VIA THE CHAMBER NETWORK
For our businesses to grow significantly, we have to look outside our region and beyond our shores. It is heartening to see many of our members making inroads into neighbouring regions via the Chamber of Commerce networks and expanding their footprint. Your Chamber continues to expand its sphere of influence around the country and around the world through NZ Trade and Enterprise, Chambers of Commerce and overseas embassies. Your Chamber is connected to 30 other Chambers within New Zealand and internationally to a network of over six million businesses through Chambers of Commerce in over 100 countries. Please contact us for a k rero if you are looking to expand your business overseas.
ADVOCACY
In recent weeks we have been advocating for improvement of road conditions on State Highway 3, prevention of crime against Taranaki retailers and parking in the New Plymouth CBD. We are here to advocate on your behalf and to help business thrive in Taranaki. Please do not hesitate to contact us in this regard.
Arohanui
