Taranaki Business Review - Summer 2022

TARANAKI Business Review

SUMMER 2022

And just like that, 2022 has almost come to an end!

It seems like only yesterday we were learning to deal with the devastating effects of COVID-19. That was actually close to three years ago. The years 2020 and 2021 took their tragic toll on lives and crippled many businesses. In 2022 the skills shortage has affected almost every sector of business.

Inflation has slammed us really hard. However, the steep rise in the cost of living should have been expected, given that most countries were printing money like it was going out of fashion.

And to make matters worse for the global economy, Putin declared war on Ukraine, which created a further shortage of fuel and essential food supplies. Inflation has galloped.

This year we have started to see some recovery with borders beginning to open up and hope looming on the horizon.

Spring and the coming summer sees the re-introduction of some amazing events to the region. The Centuria Garden Festival, Taranaki Arts Trail, Sustainable Backyards Trail, Spiegel Fest and so many more. While events give a temporary boost to the local economy, the real boost comes from building infrastructure and manufacturing.

A few hundred million dollars will be spent on infrastructure

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

• Arete Consulting

• Be Magical

• BFT New Plymouth

• Chris Lee - Friend of the Chamber

• Computer Sense

• Down to Earth Organics

• Energyworks

• Frank Po Ching - Friend of the Chamber

• Ground Up Solutions

• He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki

• Inhale Physio

• Mark Roads

• New Plymouth Community Patrol

projects in the region in the next few years on projects like:

• Project Maunga - Taranaki Base Hospital

• Yarrow Stadium

• State Highway 3

• Tuparikino – Wellness Hub

• Destination Play

• South Taranaki Industrial Park

• Stratford Park

SMEs need to stay well informed about upcoming business opportunities, so that they can maximise their potential.

Taranaki is collaborating admirably – iwi, business, councils, the education sector, unions, not for profits, the health sector and just about everybody else.

If your business needs any kind of assistance, make the Chamber your first point of call. We will point you in the right direction, if we are unable to help you directly.

On behalf of the entire board and team at the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, I wish you and your wh nau the very best for the festive season and to enjoy a glorious summer in our region like no other.

Arohanui

• PDX

• Piccolo Morso

• PSL Productions

• Revel

• RG Training & Development

• Salvation Army

• Sonja Barrett, SHARE

TARANAKI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

• Straight Flush New Plymouth

• Taranaki Rural Support Trust

• Werner Donke - Friend of the Chamber

• Wild Mustard Marketing

• YMCA Taranaki

Chamber House, 42 Egmont Street, PO Box 2, New Plymouth 4340 I PH: +64 6 759 9080 I E: admin@taranakichamber.co.nz I www.taranakichamber.co.nz

CEO

Arun Chaudhari

ceo@taranakichamber.co.nz I 027 279 5161

PARTNERSHIP MANAGER

Maura Young maura@taranakichamber.co.nz I 021 284 0062

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

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

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

COORDINATOR

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

EVENTS MANAGER

Jessica Parker jessica@taranakichamber.co.nz I 021 821 262

ADVOCACY & BARA MANAGER

Michelle Brennan michelle@taranakichamber.co.nz I 021 710 950

OFFICE MANAGER

Julia Collins julia@taranakichamber.co.nz

ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT Kirsty Gudopp

YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME COORDINATOR

Shelley Baldwin yes@taranakichamber.co.nz I 027 449 6314

PLACEMENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR Mary Sagen mary@taranakichamber.co.nz I 021 821 164

PLACEMENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR Melissa Keith melissa@taranakichamber.co.nz | 021 225 4531

CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS

Chair – Daniel Fleming – King and Queen Hotel Suites

Cameron Twigley – BTW Company Gaylene Findlay – BDO Taranaki

Shane Devlin – Graphix

Hayden Wano – Tui Ora

Campbell Third – TSB

Beatrice Chamberlain – Govett Quilliam Lawyers

Grace Wesolowska – GW Consulting Ltd

Bryan Vickery - Bryan Vickery Media Taranaki

Rebecca Johnson – Taranaki Arts Festival Trust

Julie Beck - Auld Brewer Mazengarb & McEwen

EDITOR

Gordon Brown - Get it write! www.writingservicesltd.co.nz

DESIGN & PRINT Graphix I www.graphix.co.nz

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE

Contact: admin@taranakichamber.co.nz

Arun Chaudhari CEO

our vulnerable families ‘Eat a Rainbow’ Help

Michelle Hartley and Momo Martin had a brainwave when Covid-19 struck.

The two were partners in a small catering company with big ambitions. With the lockdown giving them only 48 hours notice, their business was all but put out of action – at least temporarily.

What to do with all of the meals that were ready for distribution? That’s when they had their brainwave - “let’s give them away!’’

There was method in their madness, as Momo explains.

“The food we’d already prepared (in their commercial kitchen at Waiwhakaiho) for our catering company Theory Food, and Eat a Rainbow had to be distributed.

“Michelle and I reflected on just how much people were going to be struggling during Covid, so we reached out to Michelle Ramage from Roderique Hope Charitable Trust – she knew where the meals should go - we gave them 126 meals.’’

Word quickly spread and people responded in the best of Taranaki traditions and began to donate money so it could grow. Michelle and Momo made the most of it and were distributing 776 meals. They had a goal, to get to 1000 meals.

As support poured in, with Toi Foundation offering support, they exceeded their target and got to 1126 meals.

Then the second brainwave occurred. Eat a Rainbow became The Eat a Rainbow Foundation - a charitable trust.

Eat a Rainbow operates with two main charities, Roderique Hope, and Gabby’s Starlit Hope, who identify who the meals should go to.

“We learned a lot about what people go through in their lives,’’ recalls Momo. “There were children still getting chemo treatment during level four, and no-one could fly during Covid. They had to be driven to Auckland without stops. The Foundation provided meals for the parents because none were provided, or even available to buy - everything was shut - just one example.

Now Covid is (hopefully) over, Theory Food donates 10% of total corporate catering revenue to Eat a Rainbow Foundation.

ABOUT THE EAT A RAINBOW FOUNDATION

It helps vulnerable families by producing and delivering a range of nourishing meals, packed full of nature’s rainbow foods.

Why?

Their ready-made food packages contain nature’s rainbow foods, full of nutrients. The term ‘Eat a Rainbow’ refers to eating a range of naturally colourful food, with fruits and vegetables. They help vulnerable families by producing pre-made meals,

designed by professional chefs, in collaboration with nutritionists. Eat a Rainbow Foundation meals are packed with vegetables and quality meat cuts. They use environmentally conscious plant-based meal trays.

Fresh ingredients, locally sourced Fresh ingredients are sourced locally, with the ready-made meals being delivered frozen to partner charities in environmentally friendly packaging.

Who we help support

Meals are provided to vulnerable families, carers supporting tamariki undergoing cancer treatment, families requiring emergency housing or those admitted to children’s wards outside of meal hours.

Quality and variety

The types of meals provided range from Bangers and Mash, Beef Lasagne and Mac Cheese, to Beef Stroganoff, Vegetarian Lasagne and Cottage Pie –all packed with vegetables and quality meat cuts.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Eat a Rainbow Foundation relies on donations from the community in order to provide free food packages to vulnerable families. Go to their website www.earf.org.nz if you would like to donate!

A DAY IN THE LIFE AT BOON

BY ERIN WESLEY AND ANNA HAMILTON

It’s 2.22pm in the BOON office. The team has returned from lunch, or a boxfit class. To the left of the studio, Daniel and Taine talk over technical interventions into the landscape. To the right Connor and David debate the most effective way to achieve a cladding detail for a new house. Murali moves in and out of the foyer adjourning a design team hui before going into his next client presentation. Computer clicks are coming from all other corners of the office and Gangs of Youths grace the sonos speakers. Our most recent additions to the BOON team, and Taranaki, Jane from Christchurch and Jason from South Africa, are fast becoming acquainted with design life operating in regional Aotearoa . It’s in this humble building, once a small corner shop dairy and now a bustling design studio, where projects of all scales from stadiums to sleep-outs come to life. Here, we design, formulate, test and deliver rigorous feasibility studies that achieve often long-held dreams – and, crucially, obtain the necessary building consent.

It takes a bit of work to get to code of compliance. Anyone who has embarked on a construction project will know the commitment and perseverance needed to get projects off the ground and see them through to the finish line. Recently, building and development projects across the country were impacted by logistic issues, resourcing and staff shortages, as well as a disrupted supply chain. That means celebrating achievements in the built environment is very important considering the dedication needed to make them a reality. Our team are but one part of the puzzle involved in this process. Together with our clients, consultants, and construction partners we are committed to place-making and forming connections with people and place. In our industry, celebrating ‘the good’ or the wins, so to speak, must be reinforced with reflection to figure out the why and the how of these achievements; it is this process which fulfils more good in our environment.

BOON studio

Green School site visit

Pōwhiri at BOON Parihaka visit

CONTRIBUTING TO A BETTER PLACE

TŪPARIKINO ACTIVE COMMUNITY HUB, NEW PLYMOUTH

MURIHIKU MARAE INVERCARGILL

Murihiku is a new 800m2 multipurpose marae complex at Waihopai, Invercargill. It is unique in the way it will bring together a multitude of services under one roof. Now 70 per cent of the way through construction and run to a condensed design programme, we’ve reflected on the achievement of this.

OWAE MARAE WHAREKAI WAITARA

Combining ambitious moves transforming traditional ways sport and recreation are governed and delivered in the region the Tūparikino Active Community Hub will be a catalyst to boost activity and wellbeing and equitable access to sport and recreation across Taranaki.

Our team is working through a highly collaborative co-design process to ensure this important place offers something special to all demographics of the community. The hub will be much more than a quality community sports facility. It will be a community space for all, supporting learning and health, celebrating mana whenua identity and upholding sensitive environmental principles. The first stage of this project begins construction in 2023.

We’ve highlighted that bringing a robust team to work together and forming trust in the process early, meant we were able to get key information on to the page quickly and expedite

Owae Marae at Manukorihi pā is vital to the health and well-being of the community as a place for connecting and learning. It hosts a vast amount of manuhiri for events of local and national significance. Manukorihi Pā Reserve Trust embarked on a master planning design exercise and construction of the first stage – a new wharekai is set for completion in 2023.

With some clever thinking, materials from the existing wharekai have been integrated into the new building, bringing the history and mana of all connected to the historical wharekai to this special new space.

The prominent Taranaki business, involved in the building and retail industries for nearly 50 years, showed it has more than kept up with the times when it dominated this year’s TSB Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards.

It was a night to remember for owner Stuart Jones, who started the business in 1974, as they also won the Large Business Excellence, the Employer of Choice Excellence and the Environmental Excellence awards.

Jones paid tribute to his teams at Jones & Sandford Mitre 10 MEGA & Mitre 10 St Aubyn Street.

“They have facilitated our success this year, working hard on improving our business, providing support during very challenging conditions including supply, staffing and regulatory requirements.

“I am personally humbled by the commitment of our management

and wider team’s commitment to our business.”

The judges were more than complimentary in their assessment of the company’s performance.

“We were impressed with management’s passion and deep understanding of the business. There is excellent integration and cooperation across what is a very complex business environment.

“The outstanding leadership, strong team culture of excellence and high level of performance make Jones & Sandford’s Mitre 10 a worthy winner of this year’s Supreme Award.”

TSB CEO Donna Cooper said the bank has been proud to sponsor this event for the last eight years because it highlights what the local business community contributes to Taranaki.

“A huge congratulations to all the award winners and entrants on behalf of the TSB wh nau.

“You should all feel incredibly proud of the impact you make in your work. Your businesses shape Taranaki’s thriving economy by providing opportunities and experiences for our people. Thank you for your hard mahi which helps make our region such a wonderful place to live.”

Chamber CEO Arun Chaudhari said that the awards process was a valuable tool to help businesses.

“Business keeps us all so busy that we can easily forget to stand back and assess how we are doing. Entrants receive external professional feedback, which helps them to do better business.

“It is important to recognise and celebrate success after what has been a tough couple of years for businesses everywhere.”

JONES & SANDFORD TIMBER & HARDWARE, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS MITRE 10, WAS NAMED TARANAKI’S TOP BUSINESS FOR 2022 AT THE AWARDS EVENING IN LATE NOVEMBER.

TARANAKI MAYORAL AWARD 2022

Alan gained his private pilot’s license 53 years ago. He has clocked up over 21,000 flying hours in his long and impressive career, where he has always had safety and commitment to his community at the forefront.

Over the years Beck Helicopters has grown from a spraying operation to a business delivering numerous types of agricultural, fire-fighting, utility and passenger transport operations throughout NZ, Australia and the USA.

Beck Helicopters also does maintenance on their own and many other helicopters at their Eltham base.

Beck led the national Down to the Wire campaign that has seen most of the overhead electric fence wires throughout NZ removed – saving lives of many helicopter pilots.

Beck Helicopters Ltd was (delete

the) also the first helicopter operator in New Zealand to be awarded the prestigious NZ Helicopter Association Gold Star Safety Award, followed up by receipt of the Platinum Safety Award.

On top of this, he has a long history with Search and Rescue operations, participating in over 500 rescues, not only people but cows as well!

In 1989 Alan received a Queens Service Medal for services to Search and Rescue and in 2021 - the NZ Order of Merit for services to agricultural aviation and aviation safety.

Alan is a founding member of the Eltham Lions Club and after 52 years is still an active member. He has also received numerous other awards and recognition from the Royal Humane Society, Lions International, Rotary

ABOUT THE TARANAKI MAYORAL AWARD

First awarded in 2002, it is supported by all four councils in the region; New Plymouth, Stratford and South Taranaki District Councils and the Taranaki Regional Council.

The award recognises sustained leadership and contribution to Taranaki by a leader in the business community. Their leadership creates growth and opportunities for all Taranaki businesses and promotes Taranaki as a region with outstanding capabilities – like no other!

BACK IN 1972 ALAN BECK FOUNDED THE FIRST TARANAKI BASED HELICOPTER OPERATION AND IS NOW THE LONGEST SERVING OPERATOR IN NEW ZEALAND.

From L-R: Neil Holdom, Charlotte Littlewood, AlanBeck,MargaretBeck,PhilNixon,NeilVolzke

and Life Membership of New Plymouth Old Boys Surf Lifesaving Club. Does this man ever sleep?

CATEGORY A

CATEGORY B

Large Business Excellence Award (OMV) Winner – Jones & Sandford Timber & Hardware (Mitre 10)

Small Business Excellence Award (Venture Taranaki) Winner – Theory Food

Medium Business Excellence Award (Velocite) Winner – Novotel New Plymouth

Service Excellence Award (Legal Solutions) Winner – Debt Free Ltd

Manufacturing, Engineering or Trades Excellence Award (WITT)

Winner – Tasman Trolleys & Medical Equipment

Technology Excellence Award (OurCloud) Winner – Yonder HQ

Visitor Experience Excellence Award (Air New Zealand) Winner – Novotel New Plymouth

Environmental Excellence Award (NPDC)

Winner – Jones & Sandford Timber & Hardware (Mitre 10)

Health and Safety Excellence Award (Port Taranaki) Winner – Methanex NZ

Brand and Marketing Excellence Award (tgm) Winner – Idyllic

Employer of Choice Excellence Award (STDC)

Winner – Jones & Sandford Timber & Hardware (Mitre 10)

Hospitality Excellence Award (PIHMS) Winner – Theory Food

Not for Profit Excellence Award (Toi Foundation) Winner – Taranaki Kiwi Trust

New and Emerging Business Excellence Award (MSD) Winner – The Promo Room

Innovation Excellence Award (Massey University) Winner – Debt Free Ltd

The perfect amount of excellence.

We admire the incredible mahi that goes on in the Taranaki business community - from the start-ups to the household names.

Backing the TSB Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards is just one way we can say ‘thanks’ to the community who has helped us grow –and helped make Taranaki an even better place to live.

Congratulations to all the businesses that entered and won this year.

The perfect amount of bank

STRONG GLOBAL INTEREST IN NEW ZEALAND DECARBONISATION CHALLENGE

In November, New Zealand’s future energy centre, Ara Ake, announced the winners of its Decarbonisation Challenge at its final pitch event in New Plymouth.

Taking the prize from a shortlist of six impressive finalists were New Zealandbased ANSA, and Australian-based companies Future Grid and Gridsight.

“This outstanding event was a first of its kind, and it was an opportunity to celebrate global collaboration in energy innovation,” says Ara Ake Chief Executive, Dr Cristiano Marantes.

“The winners were contending against some other brilliant energy innovations. Ultimately, the EDBs chose ANSA, Future Grid, and Gridsight to partner with,” says Dr Marantes.

The evening had a strong turnout, with almost 100 guests from across the energy sector. Finalists pitched their energy solutions to a panel of judges from the participating electricity distribution businesses (EDBs), including Aurora Energy, Counties Energy, Orion NZ, Powerco, The Lines Company, Unison Networks, Waipa Networks, and Wellington Electricity.

“The Decarbonisation Challenge is all about meaningful collaboration to solve energy-related challenges, as defined by our participating EDBs, and we’ve been really impressed by the strong international interest,” says Dr Marantes.

Minister for Energy and Resources, Dr Megan Woods, was impressed by the finalist pitches.

“There was no shortage of great energy solutions being pitched, and as expected, it was a tough decision for the judges to make. We look forward

to seeing where the innovators take their technologies from here whilst collaborating with the EDBs towards the pilot,” says Dr Woods.

and reliably manage electrification and DER adoption across their low voltage networks,” says Gridsight Co-Founder and CEO, Dr Brendan Banfield.

In September, Ara Ake, alongside USbased partner Elemental Excelerator, put out a call to energy innovators to present pilot-ready technologies that could assist EDBs with their decarbonisation challenges.

“We received nearly 40 entries from around the world. Five of the six finalists were from offshore. It’s really promising to see such strong international interest looking toward New Zealand.

“Ara Ake is committed to accelerating Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a low emissions energy future and this Challenge put that commitment front and centre,” says Dr Marantes.

The winning innovators will receive a combined of up to USD$250,000 in funding to pilot its technology with New Zealand’s participating EDBs, with the goal of scaling and commercialising it in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“We are grateful to be selected as a winner of the Ara Ake Decarbonisation Challenge and are excited to soon commence pilots with Orion and Waipa Networks, to safely

“It is rare for innovation challenges to result in immediate outcomes, so we’d like to thank Ara Ake for organising such a high calibre and high impact event,” says Dr Banfield.

It was through leveraging US-based Elemental Excelerator’s global network, Ara Ake was able to attract energy innovators from around the world.

“We applaud Ara Ake for using its platform to drive change in decarbonisation. The team has shown us they are here to invest in a better future, and driving to be part of global collaboration to create one,” Elemental Excelerator Head of Corporate Partnerships Saritha Peruri said.

“The New Zealand Decarbonisation Challenge is vital to jumpstart technology transfer, efficiently deploy critical solutions in the communities that need them the most and accelerate the pace at which change happens in New Zealand and beyond,” says Ms Peruri.

The work on the pilots is scheduled to commence in 2023.

To read more about the winners and finalists, visit www.araake.co.nz

EVENTS & ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY

TSB BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Our premier business event was held at the TSB Stadium on Saturday 19 November.

Our sincere thanks to; all the businesses that entered, our fabulous judges that give so much of their time to interview and write feedback for the entrants and the expert editing skills of our Feedback Facilitator Gordon Brown.

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 excellence in Taranaki.

We continue to advocate for our members on both local and national levels. 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.

Advocacy for business this year included:

• Commercial Waste Collection

• CBD Recycling Station

• New Plymouth District Council Business Funding Package

• SOS Campaign

• Webinars for business wellbeing – Striving & Thriving Post Covid-19 and Beyond

• Fair Pay Agreements Bill

• Meetings with Members of Parliament from Labour, National and Act

• Waka Kotahi – state of Taranaki roads

• Successful outcome following submission to NPDC for repair of Downtown Carpark

• Business focused questions to Local Body Election candidates

• Immigration Quotas – skills shortages

• Covid-19 Protection Framework (alert levels) – relaxation of isolation periods for asymptomatic people

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.

In October we were hosted by Atlas Professionals at Juno Gin on a beautiful sunny evening. Ara Ake was the host on Melbourne Cup Day followed by our Christmas Business Connections at the stunning offices of Legal Solutions. Our charity this year was Operation Blue Santa.

Our first Business Connections for 2023 is on Tuesday 7 February at WITT with Taranaki Solar in March and Primo in April. We are now fully booked for hosting in 2023. Please give us a call if you are interested in having a Business Connections event at your business or would like more information.

WE WELCOME OUR NEW BARA MEMBERS

Inhale Physio, RG Training & Development, The Floatation Sanctuary, Kowhai Homes, Employsure NZ, The State HotelThanks 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 to discuss BARA membership. Follow BARA on – New Plymouth CBD Alive

Jessica Parker Events Manager

Michelle Brennan Advocacy & BARA Manager

jessica@taranakichamber.co.nz

michelle@taranakichamber.co.nz

Everybody wants to make positive adjustments and changes in their lives, but inevitably we all need a helping hand from time to time. That’s why people like Annie Baigent-Ritchie are at your service! Annie has worked at Tui Ora as a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) for around a year and a half now and we thought we’d take the opportunity to sit down with her and chat about her mahi.

So, what does a Health Improvement Practitioner do exactly?

“The idea behind our role is essentially to support anyone who wants to make an improvement to their health. This could be their physical health, mental health, or even spiritual health. It’s all about tapping into a person’s knowledge around what is most important to them, rather than telling them what to do, based around the things they know they want to do already. ”

These things usually cause a “domino effect”, says Annie. “People will often be proud of themselves for making that first change. The success and satisfaction from that compounds into the next few steps. It may for example, be that someone gets referred to her by the doctor for one thing, maybe dietary concerns, but the person actually wants to talk about something completely different, maybe their relationship with their partner or colleagues. ”

“I think that’s why this role appeals to me so much, it’s a behavioural health service, meaning that we can have a big impact on mental health. You don’t need to have acute mental distress to get support, but if you need something different to counselling provided, that’s where our service can come in.”

Focus for HIPS was initially based around access to demographics that are underserved, particularly young people and Maori. “Our Māori whānau seem to feel very comfortable here”, Annie says.

ENTERPRISE SCHEME

The YES Taranaki Regional Awards Night was held at the Plymouth International on 27 October, where many prizes were awarded by our generous and supportive local sponsors.

The five finalist teams pitched to the judges in front of a large audienceEzSoil, Glass Glider and SandyAlex, all from New Plymouth Boys’ High School together with Ora Cards and Whakaora both from New Plymouth Girls’ High School.

A huge congratulations to EzSoil for being named the 2022 Taranaki Regional Winner. EzSoil, is a company run by Jayden Clarke and Ashkan Azarkish. Their digital plant monitor, called Sprout, enables you to keep track of your pot plant’s moisture, sunlight, temperature

REGIONAL AWARD WINNERS:

and humidity requirements via an app on your phone.

Congratulations also to SandyAlex for being named as the 2022 Runner-Up. SandyAlex, is run by Apirana Fruean who has created a bathroom perfume from essential oils and natural ingredients.

This year four of our YES teachers were nominated by their students for the Sir James Fletcher Award for Most Inspiring Teacher; Hemi Coates from New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Pascale Joines from Francis Douglas Memorial College, Leigh Laurence from New Plymouth Girls’ High School and Olivia Reade from Waitara High School. On the evening Leigh Laurence was announced as the Runner-Up for this prestigious National Award.

The Runner-Up of the National Excellence Award for Sales and Marketing was won by The Plank™ from H wera High School which handcrafts large chopping boards.

A programme like YES would not be possible in our region without the generous support of our sponsors. A special thanks to this years’ joint key partners Massey University and WITT and to our key funder - Toi Foundation.

• Massey University & WITT Regional Company of the Year: EzSoil, New Plymouth Boys’ High School

• Spark Digital Regional Runner-Up:SandyAlex, New Plymouth Boys’ High School

• BDO Annual Review Award: EzSoil, New Plymouth Boys’ High School

• Graphix Business Card Award: The Cookie Dough Company, Sacred Heart Girls’ College

• South Taranaki District Council Business Innovation Award: EzSoil, New Plymouth Boys’ High School

• Speaking Made Easy Business Presentation Award: SandyAlex, New Plymouth Boys’ High School

• Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase Award: The Plank™, H wera High School

• Implement Customer Service Award: Ahi Tote, Spotswood College

• Barbara Kuriger MP Enhancing Rural Communities: Ahi Tote, Spotswood College

• BDO Financial Management Award: Ora Cards, New Plymouth Girls’ High School

• WITT Ideation Validation Award: Ahi Tote, Spotswood College & Ora Cards, New Plymouth Girls’ High School

• Office Furniture First Rangatahi Award: Whakaora, New Plymouth Girls’ High School

• BARA Retail Award: SandyAlex, New Plymouth Boys’ High School

•

TGM Social Media & Marketing Award: EzSoil, New Plymouth Boys’ High School

• Taranaki Regional Council Sustainable Business Award: Ahi Tote, Spotswood College

• The Seaside Market Trade Fair Award, M ramatanga, New Plymouth Girls’ High School

Shelley Baldwin Taranaki Regional Coordinator

yes@taranakichamber.co.nz

WITT becomes Te Pūkenga

WITT has joined the remainder of New Zealand’s Institutes of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) network and most Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) and becomes a business division of Te Pūkenga – the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

“Following our recent celebration of providing training and education to the people of Taranaki for 50 years, this is an exciting step forward in how we upskill, train and educate the people of the region for the next 50 years,” says WITT Te Pūkenga Chief Executive John Snook.

WITT, formerly known as Taranaki Polytechnic, opened its doors on 1 February 1972 and became the 13th technical institute in New Zealand. Now, 50 years on WITT offers more than 65 courses, including three bachelor degree programmes and a postgraduate diploma.

For ākonga (learners) and kaimahi (staff) there is no day-to-day change. All kaimahi will be employed by Te Pūkenga with no changes to roles, reporting lines or terms and conditions. Ākonga will remain enrolled in their qualification and will continue to learn in the same way, in the same place, with the same people.

Over time, Te Pūkenga will offer a unified approach to workbased, campus based and online learning to provide a comprehensive network of studying opportunities for ākonga.

“It’s an exciting time for both ākonga and kaimahi as the benefits of being one network, sharing and working collaboratively are realised,” says Snook.

While the unification offers efficiencies and flexibility for learners, the importance of ensuring a regional voice has been retained.

Minister Hipkins says: “Regional representatives are empowered to make decisions about delivery and operations that are informed by local relationships and to make decisions that meet the needs of their communities.”

WITT is one of the final polytechnics in New Zealand to transition to Te Pūkenga.

“The decision to move on 1 November allows us to complete the transition process before the demands of the end of the year events and the Christmas closedown period and receive the benefits of being able to learn from those who have completed the transition ahead of us,” says Snook.

Support in tight labour market

In 2019 Adam Hubbard was an employer working in Auckland –now he’s heading up the Employment Services team at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Taranaki. It’s the first time the former engineering manager has worked in the public service, and he knows the struggles businesses go through.

“I have been in that management role where I have had the responsibility and understand an employer’s frustration with staff. “I also understand why you need to take a different approach to onboarding people because what has worked in the past doesn’t work now.”

He’s talking in the context of a tight labour market with MBIE’s Monthly Labour Market Fact Sheet for October 2022 noting: “Labour shortages continue to be a primary constraint….”

Adam says strong demand for labour means employers are encouraged to be flexible and consider their onboarding processes.

Adam Hubbard MSD Manager Regional Employment

For example, it could mean ensuring people have a good support network in place to keep employment sustainable and ensuring they have someone else - other than their line manager - to turn to when issues arise.

Flexibility could come in the way shifts are organised: Two part-time shifts to make up a full-time shift which may work better for those with families or in a sole parent situation.

The Ministry can help businesses recruit staff, support new employees to ensure they can keep a job once they have it, provide subsidies and work alongside industries to develop training programmes that plug skills gaps.

“Flexi-wage in particular is there to reduce the risk and provide additional support for any on the job training required,” says Adam.

“It takes the pressure off employers and means they don’t have to carry the costs of training on their own.”

He also encourages businesses to reach out to the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce for support. Meanwhile, working directly with Work and Income clients are providers such as APM. This organisation is one of dozens of providers in Taranaki who hold work employment preparation and placement contracts with MSD.

“It takes one person to believe in you and I want to be that person for our clients,” says Sarah-Kate Thompson, an APM senior employment consultant who helps clients with significant barriers secure work. One person she recently supported hadn’t worked for 10 years.

“They’d lost a lot of confidence, but they had an awesome attitude.”

Being part of a group session at New Plymouth’s Work and Income office ensured a number of agencies worked together to support this person.

“At APM we worked with them to get a dynamic CV, to get a driver’s licence, talked about other support available and visited the Waimanako Café (in central New Plymouth) because it’s welcoming, kind, and the food is reasonably priced.

“Slowly when they were ready, we went through interview techniques.”

As a result, the person who’d been out of work a decade, has now found part time work after having the confidence to contact employers on their own.

“They’re really pleased and thankful and so appreciative.”

In group sessions with others, they’re supportive and able to pass on suggestions,” says Sarah-Kate, who adds that employment needs to be sustainable to be a long-term option.

It’s a sentiment shared by Adam and the Employment Services team at MSD in Taranaki. “Reach out – we’re here to help,” he says.

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

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

Sarah-Kate Thompson APM Senior Employment Consultant

Rebecca Mende

Membership Coordinator

Taranaki Chamber of Commerce

+64 6 759 9080 | +64 21 778 621 rebecca@taranakichamber.co.nz

Chamber House 42 Egmont Street PO Box 2, New Plymouth 4340 New Zealand www.taranakichamber.co.nz

Jessica Parker Events Manager

Taranaki Chamber of Commerce +64 6 759 9080 | +64 21 821 262 jessica@taranakichamber.co.nz

Chamber House 42 Egmont Street PO Box 2, New Plymouth 4340 New Zealand www.taranakichamber.co.nz

Partner - Business BNZ Taranaki DDI. 06 759 4735 Free. 0800 273 916 M.021 311

E. marton_salisbury@bnz.co.nz

New Plymouth Partners Centre, Level 1, 13-15 Devon Street East, New Plymouth, 4310

Maura Young

Partnership Manager

Taranaki Chamber of Commerce

+64 6 759 9080 | +64 21 284 0062 maura@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

10224 BNZ Standard BC 8.0.pdf 1 22/07/19 4:24 PM

Andy Potter

Partner - Commercial BNZ Taranaki

DDI. 06 759 4745 Free. 0800 273 916 M.021 229 7109 E. andy_potter@bnz.co.nz New Plymouth Partners Centre, Level 1, 13-15 Devon Street East, New Plymouth, 4310

Michelle Brennan

Advocacy & BARA Manager

Taranaki Chamber of Commerce +64 6 759 9080 | +64 21 710 950 michelle@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

Josh Borrell

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Taranaki Chamber of Commerce

+64 6 759 9080 | +64 27 906 8789 josh@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

Chamber Hub is half way into its third, fully funded contract year with the Ministry of Social Development to provide employment services. Currently, we receive Work and Income referrals to support long term unemployed job seekers.

Additionally, we engage with selfreferrals who reach us through social channels or by word of mouth. The wide variety of job seekers keeps us on our toes and our fingers nimbly stroking the key pads of our computers!

At Chamber Hub, each day is about engaging, connecting, collaborating, supporting and sharing. A highlight for us is organising or participating in events.

This year Chamber Hub in collaboration with WITT Te P kenga, held a Women in Trades forum discussion. Over 70 participants listened to our panelists discuss challenges and barriers for women in trades and explored ways we might encourage more women onto the tools or into the industry.

Participants voted on what events they would like to have to increase visibility of women in trades. These included:

• Project Maunga Tour of Taranaki Base Hospital rebuild

• A hands-on and practical Women on the Tools public event, highlighting construction industry pathways and civil construction projects

• Employer workshops supporting women to succeed in trades

• National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) members meeting

Other suggestions include having a mentor evening, period management in construction and removing the taboo, courses for women on basic construction skills, and taking the women in trades forum to the secondary schools in Taranaki. So watch this space in 2023!

we have a unique connection with the Taranaki business community, providing a continuous flow of employment and training opportunities.

Support is critical for job seekers so if you know someone looking for employment please encourage them to register with us. If you need staff now, or have a project coming up, please get in touch to discuss what you need. We offer an individualised, appropriate and solutions focused service. Did we mention it’s free with no obligations?

Another highlight is the requests we receive from local training providers to support work experience placements. To date, these have been in infrastructure, driver training and coming soon, health care.

Chamber Hub realises the importance of education and training as a practical work component and we will continue to offer our support in this area. As part of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce,

mary@taranakichamber.co.nz

melissa@taranakichamber.co.nz

Mary Sagen Placement Support Coordinator

Melissa Keith Placement Support Coordinator

The Taranaki Chamber of Commerce was delighted to launch First Steps in Taranaki on Thursday 24 November.

Coping is about having the right behaviours, and over the last six months

First Steps have listened to over 70,000 business owners and leaders who have shared how they respond to pressure and then have converted their experiences into useful tools for positive wellbeing.

This self-directed platform will take you from being under pressure to being under control.

First Steps is a space to find a range of resources, video content, podcasts, and tools to help you make sense of challenging situations, reduce pressure, and make meaningful change toward a fulfilling and balanced life. In additional to self-directed resources, First Steps provides access to confidential support from approved professional wellbeing providers.

First Steps, providing mental health and wellbeing support to people in business across New Zealand.

Presented by Michael Barnett former CE of Auckland Business Chamber and Project Director for the First Steps initiative.

In September the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce organised the second Wellbeing Conference for the Taranaki region. The conference continues the work and focus the Chamber has on the wellbeing of the people in our community.

As the economic environment and ripple effect from COVID-19 continues to impact heavily on our lives, it is important to reassess and evaluate where we are as individuals, employers and employees. To ensure we are well equipped to assist one another where needed, to keep all boats floating.

The focus for this year’s full day conference was Resilience, with the core areas being:

• Mental Wellbeing

• Financial Wellbeing

• Physical/Nutritional Wellbeing

• General Workplace Wellbeing

These factors have the greatest impact on how a person or a business functions.

Journalist and mental health advocate Jehan Casinader started off the day and explained how each of us can take

control back and find the good news. He helped us to build a more positive view of the world around us, without the constant negativity.

Mary Holm offered some top financial tips and advice in a very simple and straightforward manner. She gave some insight into how making some good sense decisions, will assist in relieving financial pressures. This therefore assists with stress levels and overall wellbeing.

Our nutrition is incredibly hard to balance – we try to be good and then feel guilty if we indulge. Michelle Yandle is a health and nutrition advisor based right here in Taranaki. Through years of having a difficult relationship with food, Michelle has created the Empowered Eating Centre. She taught us how to regain health without rules and exercise regimes, giving ourselves a break and being kind to our bodies. Again a good

lesson in how to relieve pressure from our daily lives . . . feel great and eat cake!

Mike Sandle outlined the importance of leadership, when navigating your team through difficult and unprecedented circumstances. His vast experience with challenging situations and various personalities helped us understand that listening and being present, ensures you can build trust and resilience with your working environment.

The conference also covered the importance of physical wellbeing with Dr Steven Childs, Chief Medical Officer for Southern Cross. Dr Steven highlighted the need for a health WOF for us all, to monitor where we are and ensure we catch health problems earlier.

The conference included presentations from local organisations – Building

Wellness Taranaki, the Rural Support Trust and the Taranaki Retreat. We are incredibly fortunate to have these resources here in our region. Here to guide, support and assist in our path to better wellbeing and resilience.

With the support of our Principal sponsor Beach Energy, the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce is committed to the wellbeing of our region and will continue to advocate its importance for us all.

He aha te mea nui o te ao

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata

A huge thanks also to our category sponsors BDO, Tui Ora and TSB for their continued support for the Wellbeing of our people.

As we reflect on this year’s Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Wellbeing Conference, the common thread linking both events is the dedicated resolve the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce has shown in supporting local business, and the wider community.

Together we understand that the challenges presented by the modern working environment are complex, not always apparent, and not easily resolved. We simply don’t know what we don’t know. The Chamber’s foresight in bringing together relevant experts in this field, and to share their knowledge across the wellbeing arena, is undoubtedly fulfilling a very real and growing community need.

Contemporary businesses are confronted by an ever-changing work environment. Many people are now working from home and the balance between work and home life is increasingly difficult and demanding. The need for greater flexibility increases, reduced physical interaction with stakeholders is apparent, and heightened digital interaction has become commonplace. All of which is driving social change in the way we work.

It was heartening to see the delegates genuine interest in the speakers’ presentations on mental, financial,

nutritional, and physical aspects of wellbeing. Of note was Jehan Casinader’s presentation – “How the news is presented can influence our wellbeing” - and the degree of manipulation we are exposed to, without our awareness. It was reassuring to understand how a few simple adaptations could be applied to help manage this and restore the balance.

At Beach we recognise that strength in wellbeing and strength in business go hand in hand, and Beach is delighted to partner with the Chamber to bring together pioneering speakers with fresh perspectives and different techniques. They offer up new ideas that challenge our thinking and make us look beyond the norm to innovation solutions.

Paul Rangiwahia’s work is testament to that originality, changing perspectives with his “Art and Minds philosophy”. He is developing his art as a map with sage guidance and tips. Paul makes us stop and contemplate a different pathway through those turbulent moments when, as his artwork depicts; “Tangaroa will send a storm so you can find your way to peace”.

As well, Beach is pleased to convey our support of the First Steps Ng

Hikoi Tuatahi programme. Presented by Michael Barnett, former CEO of Auckland Business Chamber, the programme is designed to lighten the load. It is a platform providing mental health and wellbeing support to people in business across New Zealand.

We understand that there is no one size fits all, and everyone’s journey is unique. It is our vision that our partnership with the Chamber on the First Steps Programme will see local business better placed to access wellbeing support and that we will see a positive transition from “Under Pressure to Under Control”. Kia Kaha

Mat Quinn Country Manager NZ General Manager Operations

Vicki Meijer Community Relations Manager NZ

Announced: New shipping route between Nelson and New Plymouth

The Government has committed to $30 million of funding for coastal shipping through the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) to improve domestic shipping services, reduce emissions, improve efficiency and upgrade our maritime infrastructure.

As part of this investment, a new multi-million dollar shipping route will be established between Nelson and New Plymouth.

This is great news as the only shipping option currently available for moving trucks between

Glen Bennett MP for New Plymouth

the North and South Islands operates between Wellington and Picton.

This new drive-on, drive-off service is expected to set sail in 2023, taking vehicles off the road and saving 2000 tons of carbon emissions a year.

As a committee member of the Seafarers Welfare Board for New Zealand, it’s good to know that these changes are happening alongside continued support for workers!

Authorised by Glen Bennett MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Rachel Boyack MP for Nelson, and I celebrating with our shipping mugs.

Thank you, Methanex

Taranaki Health Foundation is very pleased to welcome Methanex as the Major Partner for the Methanex Neonatal Unit at Taranaki Base Hospital. The new unit will provide state-of-the-art care for our region’s most vulnerable babies, and enable better support for whānau.

With a shared vision for improved healthcare in Taranaki, we look forward to our long-term partnership.

Could your business make the difference to healthcare outcomes for our community today and for generations to come?

To find out more, visit thf.org.nz.

TRAINING

A big shout out to our committed training providers for 2022. Together we faced the challenge of delivering workshops at the beginning of the year, during the peak of COVID-19 and Alert Level restrictions. From there, programmes and courses steadily increased, to achieve an overwhelming success and a boom in workshop registrations for the second half of 2022.

Our training providers continue to offer value-packed courses that enrich the Taranaki business community. Learning new skills, refining and further developing current ones, and reinforcing best practices all contribute to an enhanced team, workplace and business.

Supporting business, providing opportunities for business prosperity and celebrating their success is at the heart of what the Chamber stands for. Education plays a major role in contributing to these outcomes. We value the opportunities offered to our community to upskill and we would love to see these foster and grow in 2023.

Are you looking to educate the community on the services, you provide? Sharing your skill-set through seminars and workshops is an excellent way to profile your business. Contact us to discuss workshops and seminars you can provide through the Chamber.

Manager

julia@taranakichamber.co.nz

2022 TRAINING PROVIDERS AND WORKSHOP TOPICS

Julia Collins Office

TE REO MAORI FOR BUSINESS CUSTOMER SERVICE & LEADERSHIP MICROSOFT OFFICE & EXCEL

BDO WELLBEING PERFORM NOV

just as they did in our May 2022 results, are contributing to negative wellbeing among New Zealand’s business leaders, and it was discouraging to see the WHO-5 wellbeing score significantly decrease in our October 2022 results.

We are proud to release the second edition of the BDO Wellbeing and Business Performance Index –BDO Te Rangahau o ngā hauora pai

The BDO Wellbeing & Business Performance Index is a biannual study which uses the World Health Organisation’s internationally recognised WHO-5 wellbeing index methodology to monitor mental wellbeing, as well as business performance, among NZ business leaders

The November 2022 report canvasses the views of 514 business leaders (during October) and highlights that their wellbeing has reduced from 69 points out of 100 in the May 2022 WHO-5 results to just 62 out of 100 in this latest survey

To start the conversation, we invited in a panel of experts to explore the topic and share insights for the business community. Scan to find out more.

It’s been six months since we conducted our last wave of research into the state of wellbeing and business performance among New Zealand’s business community. Since that time, positively, the impacts of COVID-19 appear to be lessening, something that is borne out in the survey, with far fewer people saying that the effects of the pandemic on their business are causing them stress. However, inflation has begun to bite both here in Aotearoa and across the globe, while geopolitical conditions continue to be unstable.

WHERE TO GO FOR FURTHER SUPPORT

We are proud to release the second edition of the BDO Wellbeing and Business Performance Index –BDO Te Rangahau o ngā hauora pai.

It’s never too soon or too late to reach out for help. Please lean on your trusted team - whānau, friends, colleagues and professional advisers - for the support you need in managing your wellbeing and business. You’ll find details of useful contacts below

First Steps – mental health resources specifically designed for NZ business leaders Xero Assistance Programme (XAP) - available to Xero small businesses 1737 org nz – National mental health helpline

10 Young Street New Plymouth

This is all having an impact on business financials, which just as they did in our May 2022 results, are contributing to negative wellbeing among New Zealand’s business leaders, and it was discouraging to see the WHO-5 wellbeing score significantly decrease in our October 2022 results.

P: 06 759 9034

To start the conversation, we invited in a panel of experts to explore the topic and share insights for the business community Scan to find out more

E: taranaki@bdo.co.nz www.bdo.co.nz/taranaki

The BDO Wellbeing & Business Performance Index is a biannual study which uses the World Health Organisation’s internationally recognised WHO-5 wellbeing index methodology to monitor mental wellbeing, as well as business performance, among NZ business leaders. The November 2022 report canvasses the views of 514 business leaders (during October) and highlights that their wellbeing has reduced from 69 points out of 100 in the May 2022 WHO-5 results to just 62 out

People // Process // Performance

TAKING YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT STEP

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I hope, like me, you are looking forward to the summer and all that it brings for you. It would be very easy to talk about the challenging few years we have had – but when is business not challenging? There have been definite bright spots in Taranaki over the past 12 months as we rally together and enjoy each other’s company again. Let us look forward with optimism to the coming year.

Thank you to the businesses who have worked with me this year. I have re-introduced the “Brown Bag” series of lunchtime seminars and launched new Customer service and Team Leader Programmes in 2022. These have been well supported as businesses look to local, flexible, and timely, costeffective ways to develop their teams.

Staffing continues to be the biggest issue facing businesses, with staff shortages and absences

putting pressure on people as they endeavour to meet their customer needs. Developing strategies and people practices enabling resilience in the business, and in teams, continues to be vitally important. Implement exists to help businesses to deliver on their strategy by having a good team, working in a positive environment, to deliver what clients expect. Most of the training programmes are delivered in short bursts, making it easier to release staff for training. Inhouse programmes can be further adapted to meet tight time frames. When doing nothing isn’t an option, I can work with you to make it work for your business.

Check out the Implement website for details about 2023 public programmes or get in touch to have a chat about in-house options customised to you.

Ngā mihi nui Shona

2023 Training Dates Team Leader Management Programme

Eight weekly workshops, 2 ½ hours each.

February 14 to April 4

July 18 to September 5

Brown Bag

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

May 2 to July 4

October 10 to December 12

Customer Service

One day, 9 to 4pm May 4 and October 26

All of these programmes, and more, can be delivered to your team inhouse and customised to meet your needs.

Wishing you all a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year

TARANAKI COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

The Wheelhouse is the regional delivery partner for Mentoring Foundation of New Zealand's Community Leadership Programme with over 30 community leaders participating in the programme since 2021

O U R P U R P O S E

At The Wheelhouse our purpose is to develop strong sustainable community organisations through improved governance and leadership

H O W W E D O T H A T

To achieve this, we are a hub for trusts, clubs, societies and community organisations to access:

impartial support and advice opportunities for learning, training, education and upskilling access to recent and relevant information, resources and research

impartial support and advice opportunities for learning, training, education and upskilling access to recent and relevant information, resources and research.

We are also purposeful in our intent to collaborate with others for the benefit of the sector, which could be co-delivery, partnership, sharing information and sign posting to services

We are also purposeful in our intent to collaborate with others for the benefit of the sector, which could be co-delivery, partnership, sharing information and sign posting to services

P A R T N E R S & F U N D E R S

We could not achieve what we do without the support of our eight partner organisations These are:

Bishop's Action Foundation

New Plymouth District Council Stratford District Council South Taranaki District Council Sport Taranaki Tui Ora

Te Puni Kōkiri

Te Tare Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs

Te Puni Kōkiri Te Tare Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs

Since October 2016 there have been: 2731 attendances at 202 workshops from 1534 individuals representing 668 Taranaki organisations

Since October 2016 there have been: 2731 attendances at 202 workshops from 1534 individuals representing 668 Taranaki organisations

Our three external funders are TOI Foundation, Taranaki Electricity Trust and J R McKenzie Trust. We thank them for enabling us to do what we do for our community

Our three external funders are TOI Foundation, Taranaki Electricity Trust and J R McKenzie Trust. We thank them for enabling us to do what we do for our community.

Circulate

THE FLOW AND RECIPROCATION OF GOODWILL AND SUPPORT CREATED THROUGH GENEROUS GIVING PURPOSE-LED BUSINESS

PURPOSE LED BUSINESS

MBIE recently published The Future of Business for Aotearoa New Zealand report, which concluded that one of the main trends that will drive the shape of business across the next decade is purpose-led business.

This marks a significant shift because no longer will purpose be an optional thing to consider, nor will it be something only explored by social or impact enterprise. Purpose has become a core focus for all business. The report concludes that: “Growth will be driven by increasing pressure from employees, investors and consumers (particularly young people) for businesses to be more socially and environmentally responsible.”

Of particular interest to Circulate is the further conclusion from the report that in the future there will be much less delineation between business, community and government, because the issues we face are complex and require a collective and agile response:

“The growth of purpose-led business may lead to a broader range of business models, as the roles of business, government and community become more intertwined.”

It is no longer possible for businesses to focus on profit as their only priority. Every business, large or small, needs to explore how its activities can contribute to purpose based outcomes that positively impact the communities around it and the planet within which it operates.

By Simon Cayley – CEO (Bishops Action Foundation)

THROUGH CIRCULATE

The Chamber can introduce you to a notfor-profit organisation that is the right fit for you. Your business can be involved in targeted and meaningful giving that can make a significant difference to our community.

Whether this be with an organisation that looks after children and their needs, families, youth, suicide prevention, wellbeing, mentoring, environmental issues or education, to name a few, it can help you to become a ‘purpose-led’ business.

A NEW CIRCULATE PROJECTCIRCULATE POWERED BY JOBHOP

Recognising that there are different ways that businesses can support not-forprofits, Circulate working with our new Partner Jobhop, is developing a volunteer platform.

Many businesses give their employees an opportunity to be involved in some form of volunteer work. This may take the form of a day where the company may all engage in some community volunteer activity, for example a beach clean.

Alternatively, they may encourage their employees to volunteer their time on trusts or with a specific skill that they may have. This may be writing policies, graphic design, communications and marketing, leadership development, accounting and financial advice etc.

This platform will enable not-for-profit organisations to post their volunteer roles or projects, on the platform at no cost. Businesses and individuals can connect to the specific volunteering

opportunities that line up with the skills they have to offer.

In the same way, a business or corporate organisation can upload their profile, outlining the volunteer work that they want to be involved in and when. Not-forprofit organisations can then view and connect to suit.

To add to this, an individual can post his or her own profile and the skills they are offering. Not-for-profit organisations can connect with the person who is offering what they need.

In these ways, we endeavour to match volunteers with appropriate skills to specific needs and to utilise the specific skills that people have to contribute.

Circulate will provide a go-to platform in Taranaki for not-for-profits to list their volunteer roles and for businesses to release their employees in line with social responsibilities. It becomes part of a business’s CSR (corporate social responsibility).

Visit Circulate on the Chamber website for more information, and how to sign up.

Maura Young maura@taranakichamber.co.nz

MEMBERSHIP

HAVE YOU SEEN SOME OF OUR LATEST BILLBOARDS OR VIDEOS?

If not keep an eye out for them – we have more coming out soon!

Our networking events start again in February 2023. Look out for our Chamber Connect fortnightly newsletter or check out our website and book them in your diary - we would love to see you.

Now is the time for family and friends. We wish you a happy and safe holiday season with lots of sunshine and some much needed rest and relaxation.

Do you know someone that would benefit from being a member of the Chamber? Please let me know and I would be happy to chat with them about what we do to support business in Taranaki.

Mende Membership Coordinator

PARTNERSHIP

WELCOME TO OUR NEW PARTNERS.

KEY REGIONAL PARTNERS

Taranaki Foundation is a charitable foundation established for Taranaki, and the causes that are important to us. The Foundation’s vision is to nurture and build the prosperity of our region through community giving, partnerships and philanthropy. In this way, together we can build a stronger community, forever.

Destination Play at K waroa is an exciting initiative led by Taranaki Foundation and an example of New Plymouth people coming together to create something transformational. It is a play and learning place that will gather our community and celebrate our region’s rich culture, heritage, and ecology. Find out how you can get involved and be part of delivering this world-class new play and learning space. Visit www.taranakifoundation.org.nz/ destination-play/ or contact Josh at josh@taranakifoundation.org.nz

Mitre 10 is a store that we all like to visit for something, or in many cases lots of different things. Home hardware, DIY or building supplies, there is something for everyone. We look forward to the engagement of this locally owned business.

CIRCULATE PARTNERS

Jobhop – ‘Get work get workers’. A mobile workforce. Jobhop has created an easy way to connect business with people that includes automated payment and tax filing.

For the workers, this enables signing up for casual or fulltime work and means payment that day, work to suit and no tax worries. For employers, Jobhop connects the employer with local people looking for work. It takes only a few minutes to post your job and accept a matched applicant. As an employer, you then have the benefit of all transactions processed securely and all workers previously verified. For more information, see jobhop.co.nz/how-it-work.

MediaWorks

The MediaWorks Foundation is a registered charity that supports national and community charities here in Taranaki dedicated to significantly improving the lives of New Zealanders. It identifies and addresses some of the key issues that people care about, and partners with organisations that address these issues to help create positive change.

The MediaWorks Foundation is an arm of MediaWorks New Zealand. Hundreds of community-based charities have been supported. We look forward to working with MediaWorks with our not-for-profit organisatons.

Maura Young Partnership Manager

maura@taranakichamber.co.nz

Rebecca

rebecca@taranakichamber.co.nz