Wellbeing Conference 2022

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.

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

He aha te mea nui o te ao

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata

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