Taranaki Business Review Magazine - Autumn 2024

FROM THE CEO

KIA ORA TE WH NAU!

Welcome to the autumn edition of the Taranaki Business Review Magazine.

We are blessed to be living in this beautiful part of the world, in an amazing province. Sure, the cost of living has reached new highs; homelessness, skills shortages and rising retail crime are an issue. But, travel to other parts of the world, and chances are that you will appreciate returning to Taranaki. You will be grateful for everything that our region has to offer.

The TSB Festival of Lights had the highest number of visitors ever, this summer.

Our regular iconic events like Americarna and WOMAD once again were spectacular. The vibrant Multi-Ethnic extravaganza and crowd pullers at the Bowl of Brooklands were just amazing. The summer also saw a record number of seven cruise liner visits to Port Taranaki.

Advocacy is a key activity undertaken by the Chamber to influence decisions within our political, economic and social institutions in order to improve the opportunity for business in Taranaki to flourish.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

• Age Concern Taranaki

• Ambrose Marketing

• Basketball Taranaki

• Charles Selk - Friend of Chamber

David MacLeod MP

• EBFA Limited Egmont Dixon

• Five-D

CEO

Arun Chaudhari CEO

We seek to ensure that Taranaki businesses have their voices heard on issues that are important to them. Your Chamber is there to defend and safeguard your rights, and have your views and wishes genuinely considered, when decisions are being made about issues that affect you.

• In New Plymouth, we advocated strongly for the Downtown Carpark to be strengthened to earthquake standards and restored to a functional and safe car park. The Council listened and repairs are now underway, with a projected completion date of December 2024.

• We represented businesses that were losing carparks because of new cycle lanes.

• We strongly urged Councils to look at their in-house expenses first before raising rates for businesses and homeowners. The results have been very positive for ratepayers.

We continue to campaign on procurement opportunities for local businesses and for improving national highway infrastructure in our province.

GasNZ

• German NZ - Chamber of Commerce Inc

• Height Project Management

House of Travel

• Jenny Flavell - Friend of Chamber

• Kairos

• Karin Nel - Friend of Chamber

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

Josh Borrell josh@taranakichamber.co.nz | 027 906 8789

2024 will be a year of change. The country has a new government. Peeling back many of the initiatives taken by the previous government requires great care and due diligence otherwise the collateral damage to the nation can set us back even further. The nation needs well thought-out long term policies with agreement across the political divide as changing direction drastically every 3-year term is detrimental to our nation.

It is a matter of pride to see one of our Taranaki Mayors, Neil Holdom, recently appointed as Chair of the Local Government Transport Forum. This forum is committed to working with Central Government constructively, to deliver resilient public infrastructure more efficiently to help grow our economy, and the standard of living for all Kiwis. Well done!

Thank you for your support of the Chamber. The Chamber is your business voice. Please do not hesitate to contact us to advocate on your behalf.

Arohanui

Netball Taranaki

• Plyguy Limited

Prestidge Electrical

• Programmed Property Services

Recharge Group

• Robert Coster - Friend of Chamber

Seguro Access Control

• Shaun Smith - Friend of Chamber

• Skin Synergy

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

Rebecca Mende rebecca@taranakichamber.co.nz | 021 778 621

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

PLACEMENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Mary Sagen mary@taranakichamber.co.nz | 021 821 164

ACCOUNTS

Sandra Powell accounts@taranakichamber.co.nz

Tautoko Tāne Taranaki

• Te Popo Gardens

Vizlink

• Western Coast MG

New Plymouth

• White Sail Gallery

CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS

Chair – Daniel Fleming – King and Queen Hotel Suites

Shane Devlin – Graphix

Hayden Wano – Tui Ora

Campbell Third – TSB

Priyaanka Khatri – Govett Quilliam Lawyers

Grace Wesolowska – GW Consulting Ltd

Rebecca Johnson – Centre City

Julie Beck – Auld Brewer Mazengarb & McEwen

James Cunningham – Novotel New Plymouth

Jessica Parker – Taranaki Arts Festival Trust

FEATURE WRITER

Virginia Winder – Wētāwoman Writes Everything

DESIGN & PRINT

Graphix | www.graphix.co.nz

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE

Contact: admin@taranakichamber.co.nz

NEED TO RECHARGE?

WHEN THEIR LIFESTYLE GOT OUT OF KILTER, HĀWERA COUPLE TESS AND BEN ANNABELL WERE INSPIRED TO MAKE MAJOR CHANGES – AND TAKE TIME TO RECHARGE.

That’s the name of their business, which is dedicated to supporting tradies, especially those in business or those wanting to move into their own operation.

The one-year-old business provides financial support from Tess, a chartered accountant with a solid background working in finance, and business advisory and mentoring support from Ben, who is a qualified plumber, successful business owner and Prekure health coach.

“We both love helping people and I think we have got something very valuable to offer tradies,” he says.

Tess and Ben run Recharge Group from their country home outside Hāwera, where they’re also raising their family – Ivy, 6, and Freddie, 3. However, many of their meetings with clients are held off site.

Recharge also runs four-day Wellness Retreats for Tradies facing burnout and fatigue or those who just want a break from their busy schedule and need a chance to rest and reset. The retreats are held on a 2500-acre (1011.7-hectare) farm at Whakamara, 20 minutes south of Hāwera.

There are also two-day team alignment retreats to get staff and business owners on the same page in terms of the company’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives. “We also work on company goals and personal goals and we identify how both the company and the employee can help each other achieve these goals,” says Ben.

There is also an overnight offering, which is more like a work do where attendees go bush, enjoy claybird shooting and knife making.

The wellness retreats were inspired by one Ben attended in 2021. “Tess booked me on a retreat at Tairua up in the Coromandel and it was life changing.” At the time he was burnt out running their business Evergreen Plumbing, and struggling with a debilitating back injury.

In 2018, Ben tripped over on a cattle stop and tore and prolapsed a disc. “In 2020, I had a spinal fusion, which was a disaster. I guess, 18 months after my

surgery I was in that much pain and trying to run a business with 15 staff . . . it was super difficult. I hit near rock bottom with burnout and fatigue.”

The Tairua retreat got him back on track. “We had good conversations, learnt good strategies around dealing with how I was feeling . . . and more importantly made some good decisions while I was there and came to some conclusions or realisations that what I was doing was not sustainable.”

He also had a revelation. “I knew I had to come back here and recreate it (the retreat) because it was so powerful,” says Ben. “It’s not just me, Tess is in the background of these retreats doing a lot of helping out as well. The food on these is super important and Tess nails all of that, looks after me and the kids.”

Activities on the tradies’ retreats include going bush, motorbiking, clay shooting, making salamis and knife making. “We also learn about yoga, breathwork, meditation and ice baths. It’s all about lifestyle medicine, so it’s given me all those tools to help people get back on track.”

While the Wellness Retreats for Tradies are special offerings from Recharge, Tess’ main job is to provide support and advice on finance, and Ben’s role is as a business adviser, calling on his own background. Ben built up their business, Evergreen Plumbing, to be a highly successful operation employing 15 staff, bringing in shareholders and hitting record profits year after year.

“This was due to being systemised, well managed and having great staff in the right roles,” he says. “And from engaging my own business mentors and advisors over the years who I was able to learn from, to craft our business into a well-oiled machine.”

This successful experience has built the foundations of Recharge Group, where Ben can help other business owners through financial understanding, systems and productivity, sales, marketing, team management, leadership and planning.

In 2021, they sold Evergreen, and two years later Ben had a successful spinal fusion from an Auckland surgeon. Sometimes he still gets back pain, but has developed tools to help get through these tough patches.

Preparing for his business advisory role at Recharge, the 38-year-old spent 18

months writing six books, on: financial understanding, team management, systems and productivity, sales, marketing, and leadership and planning. “They have everything I would like to have known from day dot,” he says. “All of our clients get these books, along with a load of other resources from calculators, to charts and other very useful templates.”

Tess’ academic foundations began with the sea. At Victoria University, she gained a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, and then went overseas with Ben, first to Australia and then the UK. The 37-yearold’s interest in finance came when she landed a job with London investment company, Future Capital Partners, based in Mayfair.

Back in New Zealand, Tess began working as a receptionist for Hāwera accounting firm Peter Filbee and Associates and began studying accounting through Massey University. “Peter Filbee was an amazing support,” she says.

After gaining her degree, Tess worked towards becoming a chartered accountant, graduating in 2020. “Because of my accounting knowledge in general, and because we have owned a trades business, I know the information and I know how they need to understand their financials in order to run a successful trades business,” says Tess.

She and Ben meet new clients together to hear their needs and if Recharge can help people, including those who may be facing financial difficulties. “You don’t need to feel too embarrassed or proud to come to us – that’s literally what we are there for,” she says.

Next step is to choose one of three packages, which offer different levels of accounting and business advice and tools. “Seeing a healthy business and happy business owners – that’s what we aim for. If we achieve that, we have cracked it.”

Recharge has just become a supporting partner, with the Taranaki Health Foundation, of the Network of Trades, run by the Chamber. Get togethers are held on the second Tuesday of the month, alternating between North and South Taranaki.

David MacLeod MP for New Plymouth

March marks five months since the General Election and the end of our 100 Day Plan. It’s been all go setting up the electorate office, learning the ropes in Wellington, and getting on with the mahi our Coalition Government has committed to. 2024 will bring change as we begin rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, and delivering better outcomes in health and education.

My office is now open at 37 Gill Street. The team is available to provide information, advice and support, and to facilitate connections within the electorate. I am here to represent you and I look forward to strengthening relationships with our business community. If you have a project for consideration, or an issue you need help resolving, please get in touch.

On January 31st I delivered my maiden speech in which I reflected on my path to parliament and shared my priorities as an MP. I want to help drive pragmatic policy changes that will support businesses and primary industry, while encouraging responsible and sustainable business practices.

Already the Government has repealed the cumbersome Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Acts, committed to a reassessment of regulations affecting the primary sector, and put Labour’s ute tax into reverse. These are just some of the practical reforms that will improve the standard of living and reduce costs for all New Zealanders.

I am excited for the work ahead. I have taken on the responsibilities of Chair of the Environment Committee, and member of the Finance and Expenditure Committee which will keep me busy in Wellington. Of course, my priority is the New Plymouth electorate from Ōpunakē to Waitara, and when home I will be on the ground and amongst the action. I am also keen to invite colleagues to visit our corner of the country. So far this year I have welcomed Ministers Simeon Brown, Tama Potaka, and most recently Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith to open WOMAD.

To stay up to date on what I am doing and when I will be in your neighbourhood, follow me on Facebook or Instagram.

David.MacLeodMP@parliament.govt.nz • (06) 759 2580

37 Gill Street, New Plymouth, PO Box 8064

DavidMacleodMP national.org.nz/davidmacleod

IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN SOUTH TARANAKI!

SCOTT WILLSON CAN’T WAIT TO SIT IN A GREEN SPACE IN CENTRAL ŌPUNAKĒ AND EAT CHICKEN AND CHIPS WITH HIS FAMILY.

The Business Development Manager at South Taranaki District Council says the coastal settlement where he lives with wife Monica and their two children is one of five towns with CBD revitalisation projects under way. The others are Waverley, Pātea, Eltham and Manaia.

In the long-term plan, the council has put away around $2 million for each town.

“Co-design groups have been formed in these towns and some designs will be put out for public consultation soon,” says Scott.

Design ideas the groups are considering include green spaces, recreation areas, wayfinding, safety improvements, art and local story telling. Business owners in each town are also encouraged to do up their shop fronts.

“If you have got beautiful town centres, that’s got to be good for liveability and for business,” he says.

Scott and his family moved from Wellington to Ōpunakē seven years ago for a lifestyle change. He and wife Monica owned their own business, Kete Aronui, an art gallery and online store in the coastal town. Meanwhile, Scott was working as a New Zealand Cricket marketing manager before landing the council role.

He started the job on the first day of the March 2020 covid lockdown. “It was the weirdest first day you could hope for.” His role was established so the South Taranaki District Council had one point of contact to be responsive and proactive towards the business community and work across council services and provide solutions.

“My role is to promote sustainable economic growth throughout the district.”

The business development team is involved in a raft of council endeavours to boost the South Taranaki district.

One project is the South Taranaki Business Park being developed on the northern outskirts of Hāwera to promote business growth in the district. Support for the park is in the council’s long-term plan and includes more than $15 million of infrastructure upgrades to the area around Kerry Lane and Fitzgerald Lane.

“It came off the back of feasibility work in 2019 – there was a lot of demand for business to expand or establish but not enough suitably zoned land or infrastructure,” says Scott. Through the district plan, 70 hectares of land is tagged for rezoning as commercial and industrial. Council is working with several local developers, including CJ Mahony, who bought land in 2020 and is creating a 30-lot commercial hub within the Business Park.

“We are building a high-quality area set up for business, with wide roads, high-speed internet, underground power and newly established stormwater and wastewater infrastructure adjacent to State Highway 3,” says Scott. “A major milestone was reached in February when the intersection upgrades and road sealing were completed on the extension of Fitzgerald Lane and Waihi Road.”

The next phase of construction, to upgrade the rest of Fitzgerald Lane, Little Waihi Road and Kerry Lane, began at the end of February and should take about 24 months. Nearby to the business park is a large master-planned residential subdivision called Longview, which has 259 sections.

Other projects on the horizon or already happening with council backing include renewable energy – wind (onshore and offshore), solar and hydrogen. In Hāwera, the first co-working space and enterprise hub in South Taranaki, Te W’anake The

Foundry, celebrated its first birthday after Waitangi Day this year. The revamped 1905 building on High St offers hot desks, dedicated desks, private offices and meeting spaces. It’s also the base for Bizlink Hāwera, the local business association, which aims to empower and connect local businesses, create vibrancy and drive growth in the town.

Across the road is Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, which will be home to the new library, cultural centre, information desk, art gallery and café. “That’s going to open later this year.”

The council also fully supports Branching Out, a Venture Taranaki-led programme focused on high-value ways of diversifying the use of land in the region, through food and fibre offerings. Scott, who is on the Branching Out governance group, says people are growing a variety of crops, including hops, hemp, medicinal herbs, ashwagandha (known as Indian ginseng), gin botanicals, and avocados.

The district has also seen a rise in tourism, particularly a substantial increase in international visitors. Many of those visitors are in the region for the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival (NZ’s favourite event for 2023), Taranaki Arts Trail, Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail and the Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival.

South Taranaki, especially Ōpunakē, is the perfect place for a classic Kiwi holiday by the sea, or a surfing trip around the coast to some of the best breaks in New Zealand – and the world. “Last year, Airbnb named South Taranaki as the secondmost hospitable district in New Zealand, according to reviews,” says Scott.

Contact Scott: scott.willson@stdc.govt.nz 021 265 4092

Farah, Scott and Avery Willson at Ōpunakē Beach. Scott at Ōpunakē Beach.

Infrastructure improvements in the South Taranaki Business Park West End Precinct.

Site blessing before infrastructure improvements begin on Little Waihi Road, Kerry Lane and Fitzgerald Lane, Hāwera.

Gemma Adams of Vizlink presenting a business workshop at Te W’anake The Foundry.

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220 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth 4312 New Zealand

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EVENTS & ADVOCACY

PARTNERED BY

WITT TOP SHOP AWARDS

Look out for our annual awards which recognise Customer Service Excellence. Nominations open on Saturday 13 April and close at 12 noon on Monday 6 May. There are three ways to nominate your favourite shop:

ONLINE – go to www.taranakitopshop.co.nz

QR CODE – on posters and signs in store. You can simply scan the code and complete the nomination on your phone.

PAPER FORM – nominations forms available in some stores

Anyone who makes a nomination will go in the draw to win a $150 Marbles restaurant voucher with The Devon Hotel. Winners will be announced at the Awards evening on Saturday 15 June at The Devon Hotel and tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 8 May.

We gratefully acknowledge 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.

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. If you would like to host a Business Connections event in 2025, please get in touch.

Our first event in February was hosted by Port Taranaki, followed by Mitre 10 MEGA in March. Coming up, our hosts are Taranaki Emergency Management Office (9 April), Office Furniture First in May and Implement in June.

Jo Whyte Event Manager

ADVOCACY

We continue to advocate for our members on both local and national levels. We are pleased to see that work has commenced to fix the Downtown Carpark, with re-opening planned in December. Over the next few months one focus will be on our Councils’ and their Long Term Plans.

Along with Chamber Chat in the Taranaki Daily News each month, we also run a Business Voice column fortnightly in the North Taranaki Midweek. 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

–Flexiroof, House of Travel, David MacLeod MP - 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

michelle@taranakichamber.co.nz

Why should people work with us...?

While growing Graphix we have always tried to keep the small business feel. What matters to us is building relationships, listening to and learning from you, our clients, and giving you the best products and services we can.

What's New/Happening Soon?

We have had our new multifunction printer now for a couple of months, and are loving it, we can now print with gold and silver toner, and a vibrant white to print on dark paper and card. As well as being able to print oversized up to 700mm in length (2 x A4’s end on end) and on heavy-weight stocks up to 360gsm.

Over the next 3-4 months we will be working on our new workflow system, this will streamline every production process, from the first point of client contact through to the dispatch of a product. Print IQ is a dedicated print software that will create a smoother pathway making things easier for our team and improving the overall customer experience.

What we've have been up to...

The Mountain

Piki Films (JoJo Rabbit, Hunt for the Wilderpeople) and Sandy Lane Productions (Bad Behaviour, Juniper) have brought the film ‘The Mountain’ to Taranaki.

Graphix was fortunate to be involved in such a prestigious production, Piki Lane was looking for a reliable local printer that could guarantee the fast turn-around of a large variety of props that the film required almost daily. We built a strong relationship over the weeks of filming, and it was fun to be producing many unusual projects that required so much attention to detail, and working with the stunning artwork that showcased our Maunga.

From production to the local marketing of the film saw us apply window signage to Venture Taranaki and the Devon Street entrance to Event Cinema. Along with 50 metres of eyeleted banners covering the temporary fencing and bunting for the film premiere at the TSB Showplace.

For more tips and specials and to receive a $50 Welcome Voucher scan the QR code below or go to our website and sign-up for our monthly newsletter. *$50 voucher redeemable on your first order with us, and not redeemable with any other offer.

When we were planning our premiere in Taranaki, we knew we needed someone local who could deliver the assets we needed on tight turnarounds. Graphix delivered and then some, going above and beyond to take site visits and provide quick thinking solutions for our print needs. It was super helpful to have that local knowledge with us being based up in Tāmaki. We would recommend them for anyone with print needs!

ANDREW COZENS MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT NZ

FOR PURPOSE PARTNERSHIP Circulate

Theflowandreciprocationofgoodwillandsupportcreatedthroughgenerousgivingpurpose-led business.

CIRCULATE IS OUR PARTNERSHIP PROJECT, CREATED TO HELP SUPPORT TARANAKI’S FOR PURPOSE ORGANISATIONS.

We recognise that community groups and businesses both have such a vital role to play in the success of this community. It takes us all and we are all involved.

Through Circulate, we promote our For Purpose organisations. We like to profile who they are, what they do and what their values are.

Where possible, we connect businesses with community organisations which are involved in activities, and have the values and ethos, that they themselves wish to align with.

By profiling a project opportunity, a need, or a fundraiser, it gives individuals and businesses alike, opportunities to be involved in what matters to them. To give back in ways that are meaningful to them.

A business can get involved with For Purpose groups in a variety of ways. This could be through an ongoing partnership relationship, giving donations, in kind service, supporting fundraisers, offering payroll giving for employees, and giving employees volunteering hours.

Many businesses involve themselves in some form of giving to several ‘different’ types of groups that represent the concerns that matter to their employees. These could be a mixture of areas, for example, children’s charities, mental health, suicide prevention, environmental and sports groups. We can help you find groups that support the causes important to you and your staff.

Businesses who offer in kind services and discounts to community groups can promote these through us. We love to

make connections that benefit all parties. Let us help you by letting us know if you have a service or discount, which you offer to For Purpose organisations.

Through Circulate, we host events that provide opportunities for community groups to connect with each other and to find out not only what each other is involved in, and what their successes and difficulties may be, but also potential ways to collaborate. This could be through the sharing of resources, ideas and general support.

Let us know what topics you would like discussed, and areas that you would like help with.

Our annual Chamber Business Showcase is a significant way that For Purpose organisations can display what they do and connect with businesses and individuals. Save the date, 14 August at the Plymouth International, and prepare to be a part of this event.

Currently we are working towards a volunteer platform that seamlessly connects people with skills and time to give to For Purpose organisations. This may be anything from volunteering as a trustee, marketing, strategic development, policy writing or general help – whether through a business and the volunteer hours given to employees, or an individual’s own time. If you have a skill that you would like to offer, please let us know, we would love to connect you.

If you are a For Purpose community group let us know if you have anything that you would like us to promote, tell us what is coming up for you this year.

If you are a business looking for a group that you could connect with, we would love to help you find that fit that is right for you.

Welcome to our new For Purpose members:

• Aged Concern Taranaki

• Basketball Taranaki

Tautoko Tāne Taranaki

Taranaki Singer Songwriters

Netball Taranaki

Welcome to Jo Weise who is the new General Manager of The Wheelhouse, a capacity building organisation for community groups – see wheelhouse.org.nz

Opportunities – Can You Help?

The Taranaki Retreat has the following needs. Would you like to partner in some way?

Power Waimanako - it costs us $15,000.00 per annum to power up the facilities at Waimanako.

• Power our Lodge - it costs us $7,500.00 per annum to power up our site at Hurford Road.

• Help us spread the word - can you contribute to our $16,000.00 advertising costs?

We commend the admirable work of community groups that make this a better place to live and work. We look forward to promoting the opportunities these groups offer. We recognise and appreciate the tremendous generosity of this region through the giving of time, finances, and skills.

Maura Young Partnership & Projects Manager maura@taranakichamber.co.nz

APRIL MAY

YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME

In December last year, the Regional Winner – Forte from Francis Douglas Memorial College – did the region proud with a fantastic final pitch at the National Awards Night in Wellington. Another great achievement was Te Paepae o Aotea team, The Plank, receiving second place nationally for their Sales and Marketing.

The annual Kickstart event was held earlier in the month, and it was awesome to see the students get inspired for the year ahead and receive valuable feedback on their businesses during the speed-coaching sessions. A huge thank you to those from the local business community who helped out with this.

I am pleased to announce that this year we are welcoming new school Te Kura to the YES whanau. We also have the following schools participating again in 2024 – Francis Douglas Memorial College, Te Paepae o Aotea, New Plymouth Girls’ High School, New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Spotswood College, Green School New Zealand, Taranaki Diocesan School for Girls’ and Waitara High School. It’s incredible to see so many of our region’s schools recognise the value of this programme for their students.

As we said farewell to Young Enterprise’s CEO of 13 years Terry Shubkin, we are excited to welcome new CEO, Alexandra Bullot, who officially started the role in January. If you are keen to hear more and volunteer with YES, please get in touch – I am always on the lookout for mentors. I can’t wait to see what this year brings for our budding young entrepreneurs!

Megan Lepper Taranaki Regional Coordinator

megan@taranakichamber.co.nz

Buying A Home? Need Help?

Chanelle Wilson gets a big buzz from helping people through the process of securing a mortgage and buying a house.

“I love helping people help themselves to achieve goals and see them move into their own home.”

Two years ago, the New Plymouth woman went out as a mortgage advisor and a year ago launched Chanelle Wilson Mortgages to provide a free advisory service to people seeking to buy their first home, their next house or an investment property. Her focus is residential buyers.

As a mortgage advisor, Chanelle is accredited to work with 20-plus banks and non-bank lenders. “So, I have options to find the best deal for their financial position and that may be going back to their own bank.”

Chanelle, a woman of great energy, enthusiasm and determination, has been named as one of the Elite Women 2024. Supported by NZ Adviser, the award honours 40 of New Zealand’s most inspiring women in the finance industry.

“It’s recognition of what I do – it’s really cool, but I think I can do better.”

Always pushing herself, Chanelle’s website has multiple blogs about topical subjects, including “Top tips for preparing for the end of the financial year”, “Is 2024 the year you’ll save your house deposit?” and “what does mindful spending look like?”

Her knowledge comes from eight years working in the finance industry. When she left school, Chanelle studied interior design and drafting, but found it hard to find a job in Taranaki, so became a teller at the TSB. She then went overseas, visiting 32 countries in Europe on a Topdeck tour, and kept travelling.

Back in Taranaki she worked for a mortgage advisor, assisting her with all aspects of the business, plus running charity events to support the Roderique Hope Trust, which provides emergency housing for people in need. To raise money for the charitable trust, Chanelle organised a golf day and a dinner each year, bringing in up to $23,000 per event.

Then she crossed the ditch. “I did a bit of a stint, pre-covid, doing asset and finance work in Sydney. That was in the secondtier lending space – non bank lenders.” As the pandemic ramped up, Chanelle returned to Taranaki “and got stuck here”.

She returned to the TSB as a lender, bought her own house and decided to fly solo. “I realised I wanted to work for myself, and with having experience as a lender at the TSB bank more recently, I took the leap of faith and went out on my own,” she says.

If people are considering buying a home, they can meet with Chanelle – and it usually won’t cost them anything for her help. “Anyone can come to me as long as you want a mortgage. I love to help the first home buyers or people wanting that next home. It’s a long-term relationship with me – I’m here to help you with the process.”

Five-star Google reviews from clients show Chanelle’s mortgage advice process is working. “I found Chanelle to be absolutely professional, friendly, fully engaged with brilliant communication keeping me informed during every step of the process,” said one.

Another client said: “I can’t thank Chanelle enough for securing us lending

on our dream home. She was kind and professional at a stressful time for us, trying to buy and sell whilst overseas . . . she got us a dream result!”

Along with supporting clients, she would like to mentor younger mortgage advisors, providing the support she would have liked to have had herself.

Chanelle also deals with relationship separations. “There’s a lot of emotions with those.”

These situations can involve a lot of legal work, so Chanelle says she refers people to lawyers, who are the experts. She also encourages her clients to seek professional advice from banks, real estate agents, maybe accountants and sometimes a registered valuer. She connects with clients by phone, video calls or in person.

Right now, Chanelle is living in a caravan with her partner, Brad Still of Urban Prefab, while their house is being built, so she meets clients at cafes and other places they feel comfortable. She loves the flexibility of working her own hours, but has a routine around going to the BFT gym in New Plymouth most days.

Chanelle admits she’s a risk taker, hungry for more challenges and passionate about doing her absolute best to help people buy homes. “I absolutely love what I do and the freedom it gives you and the rewards you get seeing people reach their goals.”

Contact Chanelle:

chanelle@chanellewilsonmortgages.co.nz 027 288 3333

The collaborative actions of partners, sponsors, employers, not-for-profits, schools, government agencies, and individuals help us to connect people and business through employment and training. Recent restructures and redundancies are resulting in rising unemployment. Our first-hand experience as Placement Support Coordinators points to a growing number of available, qualified and work ready candidates. What do we do at Chamber Hub to support jobseekers and how can business owners help?

Ultimately, we keep our focus (and theirs) on what we can control. We discuss and identify ongoing actions candidates can take to keep up their motivation during the job seeking process. Giving special attention to planning and critically analysing the job search strategy helps to overcome low motivation resulting from a narrow focus. Yes, scrolling job boards is part of it but there is great value in research, networking, upskilling, retraining and much more.

We support the preparation of documents including job applications, CVs, cover letters, online profiles, and thank you letters. Being a fresh pair of eyes often prompts questions about why a candidate chose to add or omit certain detail(s). We point out grammar and spelling mistakes and the tools to use to avoid them. We ask how they want to develop and promote their personal brand.

Additionally, significant time is spent practicing answers to common and behaviour based interview questions. We break off into pairs during our work ready roundtables to work on our sales pitch and open-ended questions such as, “tell me about yourself”. We consider what our body language is communicating and what control we have over making a positive first impression.

Importantly, we look at persevering through the challenge of finding work when often we feel it should be more straightforward than it is. We look to control our thoughts and feelings and

acknowledge the self-doubt that creeps in, thank it, then press on with the job ahead of finding employment.

Taranaki business owners can help us help our candidates by communicating all available vacancies, current and forecasted, with us. Our fully funded service means we can amplify your needs free of charge.

Melissa Keith Placement Support Coordinator

melissa@taranakichamber.co.nz

Mary Sagen Placement Support Coordinator

mary@taranakichamber.co.nz

Helping people succeed in job interviews

Helping people succeed in job interviews

Nuala Donnelly has interviewed a few people in her time as an employer and Ministry of Social Development (MSD) employment team member. She remembers one person showing up and when asked what position they were there for, they replied ‘I don’t know –I was just told to come here for an interview.’”

Nuala Donnelly has interviewed a few people in her time as an employer and Ministry of Social Development (MSD) employment team member. She remembers one person showing up and when asked what position they were there for, they replied ‘I don’t know –I was just told to come here for an interview.’”

Not a good way to start, notes Nuala who is keen to help people nail that vital time they get in front of a prospective employer.

coordinated by MSD, however it represents 17 other government agencies and the role of the ELA is to connect all New to support for employment, education and training. People don’t need to be on a benefit to use its services.

coordinated by MSD, however it represents 17 other government agencies and the role of the ELA is to connect all New Zealanders to support for employment, education and training. People don’t need to be on a benefit to use its services.

As well as working in Connected, Nuala has been a work broker at MSD, run her own business (Burgess House wedding function centre) and taught in the hospitality sector.

Not a good way to start, notes Nuala who is keen to help people nail that vital time they get in front of a prospective employer.

“Employers and agencies say one of the biggest barriers for people is not just updating CVs or transport but it’s what to do when they get an interview.”

“Employers and agencies say one of the biggest barriers for people is not just updating CVs or transport but it’s what to do when they get an interview.”

Nuala is the Employment Liaison Advisor (ELA) with Connected in New Plymouth. Connected is

it very practical, break down anxiety and build confidence.

“At the end of each session we will see who needs extra help and we will get them that support.”

it very practical, anxiety and “At the end see who needs will get them

The workshops will take place around Taranaki at different sites and they are open to anyone of any age, looking to get a job.

They will cover:

As well as working in Connected, Nuala has been a work broker at MSD, run her own business (Burgess House wedding function centre) and taught in the hospitality sector.

In the coming months, she will run Interview Skills Workshops with support from organisations such as the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs team in Hāwera.

Nuala is the Employment Liaison Advisor (ELA) with Connected in New Plymouth. Connected is

The workshops around Taranaki and they are age, looking They will

• Communication – Verbal and non-verbal

• Interview preparation

• How to dress

In the coming months, she will run Interview Skills Workshops with support from organisations such as the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs team in Hāwera.

“We are focusing on interview skills which include communication, how to dress, what questions to ask; we’ll make

• Asking questions during an interview

• Mock interviews

• Confidence building

• Communication and

• Interview

• How

• Asking an interview

• Mock

• Confidence

“We are focusing on interview skills which include communication, how to dress, what questions to ask; we’ll make

To find out more email:

To find out

Nuala.Donnelly002@msd.govt.nz

Nuala.Donnelly002@msd.govt.nz

Not a uniform approach in career expo

Not a uniform approach in career expo

Talking to people in careersnotable for the way they all dress - was the subject of a mini expo in Waitara on 21 February.

Talking to people in careersnotable for the way they all dress - was the subject of a mini expo in Waitara on 21 February.

The Careers in Uniform event aimed to give jobseekers and students insight into the Defence Force, Fire and Emergency Service, NZ Police and health service, Te Whatu Ora, as well as tertiary education programmes at Te Pukenga WITT. It’s one of a series of employmentrelated events happening in Taranaki. Women in Trades expo is on March 19 in Inglewood while Connect 2024 happens on 6 April in Waitara.

The Careers in Uniform event aimed to give jobseekers and students insight into the Defence Force, Fire and Emergency Service, NZ Police and health service, Te Whatu Ora, as well as tertiary education programmes at Te Pukenga WITT. It’s one of a series of employmentrelated events happening in Taranaki. Women in Trades expo is on March 19 in Inglewood while Connect 2024 happens on 6 April in Waitara.

Defence Force recruiter Staff Sergeant Melissa Lusty says it’s great to educate people about what the Army, Navy and Air Force have to offer, with 110 different roles offered between the three services.

The former Waitara High School student says people often think of overseas deployment but so much happens in our ‘backyard’ such as working alongside our Pacific neighbours or support during and after natural disasters.

Defence Force recruiter Staff Sergeant Melissa Lusty says it’s great to educate people about what the Army, Navy and Air Force have to offer, with 110 different roles offered between the three services.

The former Waitara High School student says people often think of overseas deployment but so much happens in our ‘backyard’ such as working alongside our Pacific neighbours or support during and after natural disasters.

Janette Thompson, recruitment advisor at Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora in Taranaki, says mention health and people think of doctors and nurses but “there’s so much more intertwined behind

the scenes of a hospital that people don’t see.”

the scenes don’t see.”

Starting as a healthcare assistant is one place to begin but there’s also roles in everything from admin, bookings and referral to engineering, IT and stores.

Janette Thompson, recruitment advisor at Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora in Taranaki, says mention health and people think of doctors and nurses but “there’s so much more intertwined behind

Look at jobs online and start applying she suggests. For more see the Te Whatu Ora website.

To find out about Connect 2024

Nuala.Donnelly002@msd.govt.nz

Starting as is one place also roles admin, bookings engineering, Look at jobs applying she the Te Whatu To find out Nuala.Donnelly002@msd.govt.nz

Call our Employer Line on 0800 778 008 to be connected with our regional team

Call our Employer Line on 0800 778 008 to be connected with our regional team

Visit workandincome.govt.nz/employers to find out more.

Visit workandincome.govt.nz/employers to find out more.

Email our Taranaki work brokers | Mahi_Taranaki@msd.govt.nz

Email our Taranaki work brokers | Mahi_Taranaki@msd.govt.nz

Melissa (left) with Lance Corporal Rangi Trinder and MSD Programme

Melissa (left) with Lance Corporal Rangi Trinder and MSD Programme Coordinator Brenda Cliffe.

People // Process // Performance

TAKING YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT STEP

Navigating 2024 and Beyond

A lot of what Implement does helps frontline staff and team leaders navigate the ever changing world of work.

In recent years we have had our fair share of challenges related to changes beyond our control, and sometimes it can get a bit much. Much of what Implement has been delivering to clients over the past 20 years, is based on the skills, attitudes and attributes that will help everyone to navigate those challenges.

The “Brown Bag” series of lunchtime workshops beginning at the end of April, were initially designed as short, sharp, cost-effective workshops to help small business owners and their teams with essential practices for a smooth-running team. Over the six years they have been running they have proven to be effective for a wide range of organisation sizes and types, and for both leaders and team members.

We are seeing differences in the world of work –remote work, a stronger (and long overdue) emphasis on wellbeing, and the use of AI (to name a few), as well as ever changing demands of new generations in the workplace. There are many opportunities and positive outcomes from embracing these changes, though they can be challenging for many. The Brown Bag workshops are one positive step businesses can take to empower their teams to succeed.

Get in touch with Shona or go to implement.co.nz to find out more and register for the series.

Ngā mihi nui, Shona

PS Implement is 20 years old this year! Save the date for a Business Connections to celebrate on June 4.

2024 Training Dates

Brown Bag

10 workshops, come to one or all, 1 hour at lunchtime.

Understanding Yourself and Others

New Plymouth, April 30 | Hāwera, May 1

Stress and Wellbeing

New Plymouth, May 7 | Hāwera, May 8

Resilience in a Changing World

New Plymouth, May 14 | Hāwera, May 15

Getting the most out of the time you have

New Plymouth, May 21 | Hāwera, May 22

Problem Solving for Improvement

New Plymouth, May 28 | Hāwera, May 29

Building Great Working Relationships

New Plymouth, June 4 | Hāwera, June 5

Communication

New Plymouth, June 11 | Hāwera, June 12

Leading Teams

New Plymouth, June 18 | Hāwera June 19

Managing Conflict

New Plymouth, June 25 | Hāwera, June 26

Managing Change

New Plymouth, July 2 | Hāwera, July 3

TRAINING

The Ricoh Room at Chamber House

Working together to support and empower business

Jam-packed and more to come – the lineup of training for 2024 is fresh, varied and well underway. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce three new trainers as well as four proven providers.

We are excited to provide a Writing Winning Tenders workshop that assists with how to plan, manage, respond and write successful tenders. Many businesses in the Taranaki community that operate through tender-based contracting would benefit from this course. Delivered by Height PM, this workshop caters for all those involved in working on tender submissions for any industry and sector. Here’s your opportunity to secure that next big tender!

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

New to the Taranaki network and as a training provider with the Taranaki Chamber is Productivity People. Their workshop, The Aeroplane Game©, is a

Local Social Media whizz, Olena Williams, has come onboard with a poignant range of Social Media workshops covering a multitude of skills. Topics include rules of engagement, branding, security, video content, events management and the power of groups. Multi-booking discount options are available, so check out our website and the full list of monthly workshops!

Back onboard and offering highly relevant workshops in today’s business market are BDO, Blanchard® New Zealand, Excel Training Taranaki and Maranga Tāngata Tiriti.

Managing the accounts in any business is crucial to success. BDO offer two followon workshops on the accounting software Xero. This software, both workshops and the ongoing support offered by BDO are a time-saving opportunity for managing any business accounts.

Blanchard® continues to offer diverse workshops that provide managers, leaders and team members with the tools to create engaged, productive

teams and drive greater results for your organization.

Excel Training Taranaki has a full lineup of valuable, popular workshops. The skills gained apply to all aspects of business and the follow-up support offered by the trainer is first class.

The Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi 101 workshop provides insight and understanding of the historic and current treaty issues.

Please visit our website for full details on all upcoming workshops.

julia@taranakichamber.co.nz

Ricoh Room Digital Conference Suite

Ricoh Room Digital Conference Suite

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.

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

Julia Collins Office Manager

Meet your new Network of Trades Partners

The Chamber’s Network of Trades welcomes two new partners dedicated to supporting the well-being and success of tradies: Taranaki Health Foundation and Recharge.

“We are excited to partner with Network of Trades because we have a strong desire to help people, and we know that we can bring huge value to not only the business but the individual themselves”, says Ben Annabell, Director of Recharge. Taranaki Health Foundation’s General Manager, Adrian Sole, echoes Ben’s sentiment. “We are dedicated to fundraising for healthcare enhancements in Taranaki. The Network of Trades is a great opportunity for us to speak to the trade industry and our in-kind opportunities allows tradies to give back while using their valuable skills.”

Taranaki Health Foundation is the region’s leading healthcare charity and offers opportunities to support vital healthcare enhancements. As a non-profit dedicated to the area, you can be sure that 100% of all donations to the Taranaki Health Foundation are spent on healthcare enhancements in Taranaki. With the development of the New East Wing Building and the Taranaki Cancer Care Centre at Taranaki Base Hospital, these enhancements are more crucial than ever. Investing in upgraded equipment at this stage will exponentially impact future healthcare services.

Recharge offers accounting services, a business advisory, and a mentoring programme that strongly focuses on mental fitness and well-being. Having come from a tradie background, Ben and

Tess have been through the highs and lows of business and understand first-hand how a trade business works and what it takes to make it work successfully. They also offer Tradie Wellness Retreats where you not only relax, reset and recharge, but get stuck into fantastic activities such as hunting, knife making, clay shooting, yoga, ice baths, cooking, and more.

We look forward to seeing you at the Network of trades over the coming months!

Thanks to our hosts - Chamber Hub & WITT Te Pūkenga in February and in March - Grays Painting Contractors in Hāwera. Coming up in April our hosts will be Fowler Homes, followed in May by Taranaki Offshore Partnership in Hāwera and Rivet in June.

MEMBERSHIP

Now we are well into the New Year, it is important to remember to use all the resources available to you to strengthen and grow your business and connections. As a Chamber member, you have a wide range of benefits and opportunities available at your fingertips.

From networking events and workshops to advocacy and promotional opportunities, the Chamber provides a platform for businesses of all sizes to grow. By actively participating in Chamber activities, you not only expand your professional network but also gain access to resources and insights that can help your business.

Why not also encourage other business to be part of this great network? New members help energise our Chamber with their fresh contacts.

As a valued member of the Chamber, you can take an active role by sharing your experience and spreading the word. You can help to shape and contribute to the vitality of our business

community and you will also be encouraging the continued success of another business, by introducing them to a wider network of business connections.

Let’s work together to support and help each other’s business to thrive and grow.

Rebecca Mende Membership Coordinator

rebecca@taranakichamber.co.nz

PARTNERSHIP

A big welcome to our new Category Partner and supporter of Network of Trades - Taranaki Health Foundation Trust and Recharge. Both bring something fresh to Network of Trades, as they each share opportunities and provide wrap around support for the trades sector. Bring your tradie friends.

Welcome to Kerry Boielle, the new CEO of TSB. Kerry is new to the region and comes with a depth of experience, a passion for developing people and a focus on business growth. With a strong executive team, Kerry will lead the bank at this exciting time as it moves ahead in digital customer experience and the products offered.

This time of the year is definitely a time to give TAFT (Taranaki Arts Festival Trust) a ‘shout out’ having brought WOMAD to us for the 21st year. As we all agree, it’s a successful event that not only is something for us as locals to have in our backyard to enjoy, but gives thousands of visitors a glimpse of what this amazing and culturally rich region offers. Pulling it all together is the hardworking team led by CEO Suzanne Porter.

The Nice Hotel continues to be a unique and iconic venue for our monthly Partners Connect hosted by Terry Parkes. There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying time with friends, colleagues and meeting new people on the beautiful tropical garden deck. The shared platters display just a portion of the fine cuisine to be experienced here. Thank you Terry. Consider the Nice for your next celebration or simply a great evening out.

Govett Brewster, our law partners, are set to deliver Chamber co-hosted seminars again this year. The first will be a continuance of the Post-Election Seminar we held in November 2023.

In September, ‘Wills Month’, we will be joining with Taranaki Foundation and Govett Brewster to co-host a seminar on this topic.

What would you like to hear about? It could be information on employment law or buying a house. Let us know what interests you.

Boon, our key regional partners as ‘architects,’ are this year celebrating their 50th year. As with any creative company, this will not go by without the flair we have come to associate them with. Keep a watch for what is coming up.

Projects Manager

maura@taranakichamber.co.nz

More flex from us, less bending over backwards from you.

The perfect amount of bank.