Taranaki Business Review - Winter 2023

TARANAKI Business Review WINTER 2023

FROM THE CEO Arun Chaudhari CEO

KIA ORA TE WH NAU!

Salutations to us all, who live in this blessed land of the Long White Cloud!

Aotearoa is arguably the most beautiful country in the world and it is we, the people, who are the custodians. Custodians not just of the elements of nature, but also the social fabric and the present day culture of our beloved land.

Never before can I recall people being so divided in thought or having reached a new threshold of frustration about the way things are around them. Rising cost of living, rising home loan rates, rising crime, rising wait for medical treatment, the list is endless. Do I keep the wrong company? Or are you experiencing something similar? This situation is not just limited to New Zealand. Other countries have similar issues.

Just look at modern day America, or France, or Sudan or worse still, Russia and Ukraine.

When we look at things in perspective, we might realise that

actually New Zealand is still an amazing blessed country to live in, irrespective of our political leanings. By calling it home, we become guardians of the social norms, of the culture and of the quintessence of everything Kiwi.

How do we change the narrative? How do we change the conversations and our lives to focus on the positive? And why is that relevant to businesses?

By focusing on the brighter side of things, we achieve more in our day to day lives and in our businesses. We have to look at being part of the solution rather than being part of the problem.

My challenge to you today is to look for the positive aspect of every situation, see how you can be part of the solution and change the narrative!

Arohanui

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS • Andy Thompson Photography NZ

• Happy Recruitment

• Trackit Energy

• Avenue Roading

• Harvey Cameron

• Babylove NZ

• New Zealand Blood Service

• Wayne Benton Author - Friend of Chamber

• BeSafe Taranaki

• Pita Pit & Yoget New Plymouth

• Blue Petal

• Styled by M

• Fast Pace Solutions

• The Beauty Colab

• W t woman Writes Everything • WSP NZ

TARANAKI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 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 ADVOCACY & BARA MANAGER Michelle Brennan michelle@taranakichamber.co.nz I 021 710 950 OFFICE MANAGER Julia Collins julia@taranakichamber.co.nz

2

TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

ADMINISTRATOR Kirsty Gudopp

Rebecca Johnson – Centre City

EVENT MANAGER Jo Whyte jo@taranakichamber.co.nz I 021 533 300

James Cunningham – Novotel New Plymouth

YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME COORDINATOR Shelley Baldwin yes@taranakichamber.co.nz I 027 449 6314

FEATURE WRITER Virginia Winder - W t woman Writes Everything

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

Julie Beck - Auld Brewer Mazengarb & McEwen Jessica Parker – Taranaki Arts Festival Trust

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

CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS Chair – Daniel Fleming – King and Queen Hotel Suites Shane Devlin – Graphix Hayden Wano – Tui Ora Campbell Third – TSB Beatrice Chamberlain – Govett Quilliam Lawyers Grace Wesolowska – GW Consulting Ltd

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE Contact: admin@taranakichamber.co.nz

WINTER 2023

When visitors step into the new Spark Business Hub building in New Plymouth, they will be able to immerse themselves in cutting-edge technology.

Generally, people walk into the hub with any problem they have, like a mobile has stopped working. “We are educating customers with a new way of being served – instead of coming to us, we will come to you.”

This is all to help cut down the time people are away from their businesses or family.

L to R: Josh Ferries, Charanpreet Singh, Kerry Frank (Manawatu/Whanganui Site Lead).

“We are setting up two experience centres,” says Spark regional business owner Charan Singh.

“A lot of businesses need small conference rooms, so, rather than show them on paper, they can come here and experience it.”

The purpose-built hub at 194 Courtenay Street is all about engaging with small and medium enterprise (SME) businesses employing 1 to 100 people – and more.

“We would like to be technology partners with all the SMEs in the region.”

Josh Ferries, site lead at the hub, outlines what people will find in the experience centres.

“These will replicate conference rooms with Microsoft Team calls, using smart whiteboards, which feed into the group calls.”

Someone can be up writing on the board, but their body and hand won’t appear on screen; just what they are writing.

The rooms will also be equipped with IoT sensors, which can detect changes in an environment and collect data. “That’s from sensing if the room’s vacant right through to noise pollution, so people can experience and see the dashboard,” Josh says. “Everything that you experience or see through the hub, you can buy, except the furniture, of course.”

Or Spark staff can visit business customers with technology needs, Charan says.

WINTER 2023

But, of course, customers are welcomed at the hub, which employs four full-time people.

Charan owns all three of the Spark business hubs in the lower North Island region, covering Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawat , and Kapiti coast to Paraparaumu.

The Palmerston North hub has eight staff, and Whanganui has one staff member, who also visits H wera.

Sitting in the New Plymouth hub, Charan and Josh say engaging with the SMEs is vital so the Spark team can understand what a business does.

They can then advise them on their technology needs, providing options for everything from laptops to apps, broadband to landlines – and everything in between and beyond.

“We are not like a retail store,” Charan says.

The hub staff are problem solvers, helping to find technology solutions, both temporary and permanent.

“We don’t leave customers in the lurch or without a fix,” Josh says. “Our advice is free, and they know that we won’t over-sell a solution or sell something that does not work.”

And they have skilled help on the spot.

“We have IT experts sitting with us,” Charan says. “Our IT partners are local Taranaki people – James Robinson and Trent Riddick.”

The men from IT360, also an SME, are based at the hub.

Charan and his team champion local businesses who are Spark customers and use or recommend their services.

Half yearly, he closes the hub and takes the whole team to visit a local business.

This helps build understanding of a company’s operations and strengthens relationships.

“We are trusted technology advisers who give back to the community. We are linked to a big brand, but we are linked to a true regional New Zealand SME business with a local face,” Charan says.

“I always tell people that the face of my Taranaki site is this man here,” he says of the man he calls “Dr Josh”.

Josh was born in New Plymouth, who first met his wife at primary school, West End Te Kura M rere. After leaving Spotswood College, he worked as plumber for a few years, then moved to the ANZ Bank, and started work with Spark nine years ago.

Originally from Punjab in northern India, Charan studied in his home country and in New Zealand, gaining a certificate in automotive electrical engineering from Unitech. “I realised that getting under the hood of a car wasn’t me.”

The proud father of one daughter, comes from a business family back in India, so that seemed to be a natural direction to take.

“I started my career at Spark as a doorto-door salesman and moved all the way up through the departments to the business hub as a salesperson.”

He became an owner of the three Spark Business Hubs in February 2021.

“I give kudos to the people who have been my great mentors and to the people I met on the journey,” Charan says.

Contact the team on: 06 759 2647 or hubtaranaki@spark.co.nz TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

3

The perfect namount k. of bank. a Justr ask .

Canstar.

e Switch a tor 2023’s Bank of the Year for Home Loans.

TSB Home Loans DF2305152

DF2305152

Lending criteria, T&Cs and fees apply.

David MacLeod

National Party Candidate for New Plymouth Meeting the Business Community It’s been a busy few months since David MacLeod secured selection as the National Party candidate for the New Plymouth electorate.

suffer – by throwing more unproductive money into the economy, they are prolonging the pain for the average New Zealander.

While well-known by some due to his high-profile governance roles, such as Chair of the Regional Council, his priority was to get out amongst the business community to meet as many people as possible.

“National’s drive to bring discipline back to government spending and stop adding costs and red tape to businesses will go a long way to reducing the pain.”

“I’m out walking the streets of the CBD and going into shops and there’s a lot of stress out there. One lady I spoke to said she’d had to lay off three staff and move premises for lower rent. This just isn’t the country I want to see. And that was just one of the people I’ve spoken to. My aim is to meet as many business people across the electorate as I can.”

MacLeod says discussing how business is doing is just one part of the conversation.

“People are talking about the cost of going to the supermarket, or filling up the car, and that’s before they try to find hundreds of dollars more per week to cover rising mortgage repayments.

Our local rates look like they’re heading north too. We can’t escape the fact that everything is becoming more expensive.”

A recession is inevitable – the question is how long the pain lasts, says MacLeod.

“The sad reality is, to get out of recession, we must go through pain as a society. The question is do we have prolonged pain - or short-term pain. The Government largely controls how long we

Contact David at david.macleod@national.org.nz to arrange a visit.

Authorised by D MacLeod, 37 Gill Street New Plymouth.

Crime is another concern. The robbery of the Michael Hill store in New Plymouth in May highlights the risks some businesses face.

“As if the economic pressures weren’t already enough!” he says.

“A National Government will crack down on serious repeat offending such as this by backing our police, introducing serious consequences and funding our grass roots community organisations to help break the cycle of offending.”

MacLeod commends the fantastic businesses in our region doing worldclass work.

“I would love to come to your business and talk about the issues important to you. It could be a catch-up to discuss the issues on your mind or a business visit and I can share the great work you’re doing on social media. I’d love to hear from you.”

The Orangery Flambe Restaurant is à la carte dining at its finest.

Check Tripdavisor Top 10 Restaurants New Plymouth.

We specialise in Flambé, cooked at your table over a live flame.

Celebrate your special occasion with us.

We are open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 6pm Reservations Essential.

Phone 06 759 9128

Brucei NZ

Pamper Package - $199 Bed & Breakfast with Prosecco on arrival or upgrade to a Luxury Suite - $299 06 759 9128 | 0800 800 597 reservations@plymouth.co.nz | www.plymouth.co.nz 220 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth 4312 New Zealand

EVENTS & ADVOCACY WITT TOP SHOP 2023

Our annual event continues to be a huge success with the business community and is well-supported by the public. This year’s awards evening sold out in a record six days!

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 BREAKFAST

In May we had a good turnout to hear Cameron Bagrie – Economist, and Gareth O’Connor from Harvey Cameron speak on Business Marketing Through Economic Uncertainty.

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.

April Business Connections was hosted by Primo, followed by BDO in May and then in June, was co-hosted by TAFT and the TSB Showplace. Coming up we will be at Port Taranaki in July, The Advice Hub in August and Govett Quilliam in September.

Bookings are already filling up fast for 2024 so if you are interested in hosting a Business Connections event at your business, please give us a call.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Our annual Business Showcase will be at the Plymouth International on Wednesday 9 August. Exhibiting at the Showcase gives you the ideal opportunity to promote your products and services to 350+ attendees. To register as an Exhibitor or for more information please go to the Events page on our website.

Jo Whyte Event Manager

jo@taranakichamber.co.nz

WINTER 2023

PARTNERED BY

B A R A BU S I N E S S & R ETAIL ASSOCIATION

ADVOCACY

We continue to advocate for our members on both local and national levels. A focus for us in the last few months has been on the disastrous condition of State Highway 3 to the north, retail crime, labour and skills shortages and CBD parking.

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

Blue Petal, Styled by M, Pita Pit & Yoget, Andy Thompson Photography, Babylove, McDonalds New Plymouth - 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 & BARA Manager

michelle@taranakichamber.co.nz

TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

7

AWARD WINNERS

2023

WITT SUPREME WINNER: Studio 18

NORTH TARANAKI REGIONAL WINNER

CENTRAL TARANAKI REGIONAL WINNER

SOUTH TARANAKI REGIONAL WINNER

WINNER Studio 18

WINNER The Baking Company

WINNER Hello You

Proudly sponsored by

Proudly sponsored by

Proudly sponsored by

HAIR & BEAUTY PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

WINNER Lola Hair Studio HIGHLY COMMENDED Mane Street Hair The Beauty Colab

HOME & FURNISHINGS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

WINNER Mee O Mi HIGHLY COMMENDED Belhams Interiors

LIFESTYLE, LEISURE & HEALTH PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

WINNER The Floatation Sanctuary HIGHLY COMMENDED Down to Earth Organics Poppies Bookshop

FOOD & BEVERAGE – EAT IN

FOOD & BEVERAGE – TAKE OUT

WINNER Festoon

WINNER The Baking Company

HIGHLY COMMENDED Kitchen Table

HIGHLY COMMENDED Surf n Turf Takeaways

SPECIALTY STORE

FASHION, FOOTWEAR & ACCESSORIES

SERVICE PERSON OF THE YEAR

WINNER Studio 18

B A R A

WINNER Brenda Jury – Acquisitions

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

BU S I N E S S & R ETAIL ASSOCIATION

WINNER Hello You WITT TOP SHOP IS PROUDLY PRESENTED BY:

EVENT PARTNERS:

ACCESSIBILITY

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

WINNER Vivian Pharmacy HIGHLY COMMENDED Specsavers

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

10 TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

WINTER 2023

Property Brokers has new high-profile premises custom-fitted to suit the needs of its 18 real estate agents, and growing, providing a welcoming place for clients to visit.

New Plymouth sales manager Beau Burmester says there’s also off-street parking for people beside the blue building with bright red logo at 37 Hobson St in the central city.

“With the name Property Brokers, many people might think we broker property, but we are a classic real estate company,” Beau says.

The real estate office out-grew its last building on Devon St East, so Beau and his team were on the lookout for suitable premises. Their search led Property Brokers to buy the Pack Centre. They then found a new home for the packing and cleaning solutions business on Courtenay St. Property Brokers has 91 offices around the country but stays out of the main centres. “It’s a very provincial real estate company – and very family orientated.

It’s one big family.”

Tim Mordaunt is the founder and principal of Property Brokers, and son Guy is managing director.

The New Plymouth branch opened two years ago and, while it’s fairly new, the staff aren’t.

Beau says a majority of the former TSB Realty team formed the New Plymouth branch of Property Brokers.

The owners of Property Brokers visited New Plymouth to meet with Beau and then he and the ex-TSB team visited the national headquarters in Palmerston North and were blown away.

WINTER 2023

“Just to see the behind-the-scenes processes and systems – the creative, IT and marketing – they are just so far advanced to what we had before,” he says.

“If someone wants to sell a property and they want to get it one the market in just a few days, we have got the systems to do that.”

Beau, who has spent 23 years working in real estate, says there are some extremely experienced staff on the team.

“We also have a lot of new, very talented ones who have just been in the business for a couple of years – they are people people and switched on to all the modern technology. They are extremely professional.”

Property Brokers in New Plymouth is divided into four divisions – residential and lifestyle, property management, commercial and rural.

Beau says it takes time for a new company to be recognised in New Plymouth. “But every month we are gaining traction. We certainly want to be a main player in town.”

As they go about their work, the team follows the Property Brokers’ principles printed on the back of their business cards: “Our whole team works for you.

When we shake your hand, we mean it.

We help and value our clients and each other. We do the little things that make a difference. We are passionate about our communities and want to see them thrive.”

Beau says the agents and admin staff are one big team, doing the best for clients.

Every week they gather in the meeting room to talk about what’s on the market.

“We can discuss things all as one.”

Around the country, the about 900 staff working for Property Brokers, also communicate. Sometimes the New Plymouth real estate agents will get referrals from out of town to look after a client – and vice versa.

The new building, which has a 400 square-metre footprint, was completely gutted and the interior rebuilt to meet real estate needs.

There is a large meeting room, big enough to host auctions, a boardroom, an office for the property managers and a dedicated administration space. There are also three phone booths, so agents can have private conversations with clients.

But the highlight is the large kitchen and social area, which is as flash as a café with comfy tables and chairs. “Having this area gives that separation – you can have a quiet cup of tea or lunch. Or we can celebrate a successful sale with a client at the end of the day,” Beau says.

TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

11

People // Process // Performance TA K I N G YO U R B U S I N E S S TO T H E N E X T S T E P

Invest in your future

2023 Training Dates

– develop good leaders and managers.

Shona, from Implement, has an inherent faith in people. She is optimistic about the ability of people to be engaged and committed at work, despite the gloomy discussions that take place about attitudes within the workplace.

The key is to equip people to succeed by providing the resources they need to do their job well and with the least amount of stress and pressure.

One of the resources that organisations can provide is personal development. There are many ways this can be achieved.

Accessing external training adds to the mix of in-house training by creating a forum for participants to share ideas and learn from each other.

Implement has operated in the Taranaki region for nearly 20 years, developing and adapting options to suit local businesses and the ups and downs of operating in our region.

The Brown Bag series offers a cost-effective solution for small businesses, who are often time poor. The lunchtime workshops are a series of “bitesized” learning opportunities.

Participants can choose specific topics, or sign up for all ten to build a comprehensive

Team Leader Management Programme Eight weekly workshops 2 ½ hours each.

programme. The topics are useful for front-line staff or new team leaders.

July 18 to September 5 To be held at King and Queen, New Plymouth

The Team Leader Management Programme was launched on the Taranaki and Manawatū market in 2022 for new and aspiring team leaders from a range of organisations and industries. It builds on Shona’s long history in management and leadership roles and her skill as a facilitator, to draw out people’s strengths by inspiring them to develop their leadership skills and fill their management toolbox.

Brown Bag

The Customer Service workshop is based on tried-and-true customer service principles, and addresses the challenges of doing business in the current environment of stressed clients, increased work pressures and supply chain issues.

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

October 10 to December 12 To be held at the Chamber Hub, Corbett Rd

Customer Service One day, 9am to 4pm October 26

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

Equip your team with the skills to succeed and it will reap rewards for your business and for their well-being.

.

ha

a to see w

on Chat to Sh

s your need t e e m t s e t might b

Get in touch – Shona Glentworth 06 769 9500 // 0274 536 928 // shona@implement.co.nz implement.co.nz // implementonline.co.nz

PAVING PATHWAYS TO PROGRESS: THE AVENUE ROADING STORY WITNESSING A SURGE IN DEMAND FOR ROADING SERVICES, OPS PLUMBING AND PIPELINE, A PROMINENT ENTERPRISE IN BELL BLOCK, OPTED TO MEET THIS NEED AUTONOMOUSLY. Racheal and Jeremy Cottam spearhead the company, which strategically broadened its operations in October 2022. The company purchased Ireland Roading, which was subsequently rebranded as Avenue Roading.

Avenue Roading, located at the OPS office on Connett Rd West, Bell Block, is a key provider of smaller scale roading services. They’ve carved a niche for themselves by focusing on tasks that may seem modest but are nonetheless crucial to the communities they serve.

One of their primary offerings is driveway construction. Be it for residential or commercial premises, they meticulously construct driveways that are not only functional and long-lasting but also enhance the aesthetic value of the property. Their expertise extends to various materials, including asphalt and hot mix, enabling them to cater to diverse client preferences and driveway requirements.

Furthermore, Avenue Roading excels in the creation of laneways. These narrow paths or roads, often overlooked by larger contractors, are pivotal for the convenience and connectivity of smaller communities or residential complexes.

Avenue Roading’s dedication to quality ensures these laneways are constructed with the same care and attention to detail as any major roadway.

Additionally, they provide comprehensive solutions for car park construction and maintenance. Understanding the importance of well-constructed, clearly marked, and durably surfaced car parks for businesses, they deliver solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each client. This includes surface preparation, asphalt laying, line marking, and regular maintenance services.

Avenue Roading also extends its expertise to yards and street construction and repairs. Their skilled team is capable of managing all aspects of these projects, WINTER 2023

from surface preparation and laying to sealing and repairing.

While they consciously leave larger state highway projects to others, Avenue Roading takes pride in servicing these smaller, yet important areas of the community. By focusing on these underserved areas, they contribute significantly to local development and community safety.

In the past half-year, Racheal Cottam reveals they’ve been committed to executing the pledges Gary Ireland made to his clients before retiring. “All of Gary’s personnel seamlessly transitioned to us.

They are exceptional professionals who have merged effortlessly into our team.”

Most of Avenue Roading’s ventures so far have been focused on new subdivisions, client contracts and a council contract.

The driving force for this strategic acquisition primarily stemmed from the challenges OPS encountered in finding contractors that met their specific project requirements and quality standards. The situation was further compounded with Ireland Roading, a previously dependable option, no longer being available. This created a notable gap in the market for suitable contractors, spurring the company’s decision to venture into roading services themselves.

Presently, Avenue Roading has the capacity to execute necessary tasks inhouse as needed, significantly reducing reliance on external entities. Racheal provides an illustrative example, “We are no longer subject to delays in sealing our own projects or those of the council.

A prime instance of this was our latest pipeline project in Bell Block. Having Avenue on-site enabled us to carry out the water tie-in swiftly, followed by the immediate deployment of the roading crew for road reinstatement that very same night. This approach was incredibly

beneficial for both the project and the community, ensuring a fast, efficient tiein with minimal disruption. This capability allows us to address such needs promptly while simultaneously catering to the demands of other clients.”

Additionally, OPS was awarded a substantial water meter contract by the New Plymouth District Council, fostering a productive collaboration between the two businesses. Racheal remarks on the improved efficiency, “We can instantly address any sealing requirements for that contract, greatly improving our service delivery.”

Avenue Roading’s lean, five-person team complements the substantial 51-person workforce of OPS perfectly. Initially formed as a plumbing service provider to offshore stations, OPS Limited has now grown to become a leading provider of civil pipeline construction and management services.

Alongside this, they also provide plumbing, gas fitting, and drain laying to residential, commercial, and industrial markets. This shared client base positions Avenue Roading as the ideal next step for the company, as it can now fulfil surface requirements, with most requests coming through OPS’s clientele.

“We can better serve our valued customers, knowing the newly formed company adheres to the same ethos of excellence established by OPS,” Racheal says.

She further elaborates on their modus operandi. “Regardless of the project’s size, our tactic is straightforward: be flexible to adapt to client needs; be efficient as time directly corresponds to money; be professional by using our expertise for the client’s benefit; and consistently strive to surpass quality standards while ensuring safety, delivering top-notch results every time.”

022 192 5175 TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

13

EVENTS CALENDAR 2023 For more information go to www.taranakichamber.co.nz

JULY Daniel Nguyen Managing Director

+64 21 075 1715

Level 3, Devon building, 44 Liardet, New Plymouth, 4310 Email: info@happyrecruitment.co.nz Phone +64 6 215 0394 www.happyrecruitment.co.nz

10224 BNZ Standard BC 8.0.pdf

1

22/07/19

AUGUST Business Excellence

1

17 Awards –

1

2

18

2

3

Excel – 19 Microsoft Pivot Tables

3

Entries Open

4:24 PM

Andy Potter Partner - Commercial BNZ Taranaki

Strategies to Improve

4

Business Connections – Port Taranaki

20 HR Performance

4

5

Blanchard – Leading People Through Change

& Presenting 21 Speaking with Confidence

5

6

Business Excellence Awards Information Session

22

6

23

7

Recurring Revenue

Business Connections – The Advice Hub

Speaking & Presenting with Confidence

DDI. 06 759 4745 Free. 0800 273 916 M.021 229 7109 E. andy_potter@bnz.co.nz

7

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

10224 BNZ Standard BC 8.0.pdf

1

Marton Salisbury

22/07/19

Blanchard – The SLII Experience

8

24

8

9

25

9

10

26 Management

10

11 Network of Trades

27

Reo M ori 11 Te for Business

12

& Presenting 28 Speaking with Confidence

12

Festival of 13 Winter Lights - CBD

29

13

30

14

31

15

4:24 PM

Blanchard – Essentials

Partner - Business BNZ Taranaki DDI. 06 759 4735 Free. 0800 273 916 M.021 311 405 E. marton_salisbury@bnz.co.nz

Blanchard – The SLII Experience

Network of Trades – Tech Coatings Business Showcase – Plymouth International

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

14

NZDQS/MNZIQS

Public Holiday – Matariki Winter Festival of Lights - CBD

Festival of 15 Winter Lights - CBD Festival of 16 Winter Lights - CBD

14 TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

16 WINTER 2023

SEPTEMBER

Rebecca Mende

Membership Coordinator

Taranaki Chamber of Commerce

17

1

Te Reo M ori for Business

Te Reo M ori for Business

17

18 Business Excellence

2

19

3

19

20

4

Speaking & Presenting with Confidence

20

5

Business Connections – Govett Quilliam

Wellbeing 21 Conference – The Devon Hotel

of Waitangi 21 Treaty 101

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

Speaking & 18 Presenting with Confidence

Awards – Entries Close

+64 6 759 9080 | +64 21 778 621

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

22

6

22

Chamber House 42 Egmont Street PO Box 2, New Plymouth 4340 New Zealand

www.taranakichamber.co.nz

23

7

24

8

Reo M ori for 25 Te Business

9

23 Te Reo M ori for Business

Global brand that offers connectivity and representation

24

25

Jo Whyte

Events Manager

Taranaki Chamber of Commerce

26

10

26

27

& Presenting 11 Speaking 27 with Confidence

of Waitangi 28 Treaty 101

12 Network of Trades

28

29

– 13 Blanchard Building Trust

29

30

14

30

+64 6 759 9080 | +64 21 533 300

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

www.taranakichamber.co.nz

Global brand that offers connectivity and representation

Melissa Keith

Placement Support Coordinator Taranaki Chamber of Commerce

+64 6 759 9080 | +64 21 225 4531

melissa@taranakichamber.co.nz

31

15 16

Chamber Hub 10 Corbett Road, Bell Block PO Box 2, New Plymouth 4340 New Zealand

www.taranakichamber.co.nz

Global brand that offers connectivity and representation

WINTER 2023

TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

15

HERE’S HOW

BUDGET 2023 WILL HELP NEW PLYMOUTH

Helping with health costs by removing the $5 co-payment for prescription medicines. This will help an estimated three million Kiwis.

Permanently cutting the costs of public transport for young Kiwis. We’re providing free fares on buses, trains and ferries for kids aged 5 to 12 and half-price discounts for those aged 13 to 24.

Reducing the cost of early childhood education for parents by extending 20 hours free ECE to two-year-olds.

This will save families money and reduce barriers for working parents to take on more hours if they can.

Reducing power bills by making homes more energy efficient. We’re helping to reduce power bills by hundreds of dollars a year through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.

This practical cost of living package will help to make things a bit easier for households by reducing or removing some of the costs they currently face.

Millions of Kiwis will pay less as a result.

Glen Bennett

MP for New Plymouth 06 757 5662 glen.bennettmp@parliament.govt.nz

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Glen Bennett MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Jandal HR

©

People, Culture, Partnering

When human resource specialist Mary Johnston isn’t weaving plant fibres into kono and kete, she’s unravelling problems and seeking solutions to support and empower businesses.

From the bush-backed New Plymouth home she shares with artist husband John Hodgson, Mary is running Jandal HR. “Jandal HR is about demystifying human resources – you can slip on the jandal and walk on and do your own HR,” she says.

After many years as a high-flyer in the world of human resources, Mary is stepping back – just a little – to get weaving, spend time with family in Taranaki, but still support small through to large-sized businesses.

Mary says that growing up as the daughter of a chainsaw contractor in rural Waikato gave her a solid grounding.

“We were brought up in a practical no-nonsense way and that’s carried me through,” she says.

“I’m a problem solver with a business background.; I’m practical, have commercial acumen and I understand that organisations need to have an engaged and thriving workforce to be successful.”

When working with an organisation, Mary has a particular approach. “I want to meet the leaders, I want to understand the business, what’s going well, what’s not going well and what the business wants to achieve.”

Over time she has learnt many important lessons about the importance of providing supportive environments for all workers.

People need to know the purpose of their jobs, expectations of their roles, and the function of the company they work for. “Unless they understand the bigger picture, they aren’t going to have the same buy in.”

In her HR role, she helps leaders attract staff, develop them and keep them. “If people have bought in to the purpose of WINTER 2023

the organisation and are happy in their work, talent will stay.”

That’s what she’s learnt from experience.

Mary spent nine years as general manager of HR for civil infrastructure company Downer NZ, which has over 40 depots throughout the country. “I’m a person who likes to roll up their sleeves and implement strategy – get stuff done.”

Next, she had a big role with Unitec Institute of Technology in Mt Albert for four years. She spent a lot of time on change management and implementing new strategy and bringing Unitec back to commercial viability. Lifting staff engagement with a focus on valuesbased leadership was key to stabilising the organisation.

Mary has just finished a year’s contract at the Canterbury and West Coast District Health Boards to prepare them for the big health changes.

“A lot of my job is problem-solving and troubleshooting,” she says.

“I work with both mainstream and kaupapa M ori organisations, and I’m comfortable working in both.”

She started her working life as a primary school teacher, going on to be a principal and then a lecturer at Wellington College of Education.

Her next move was into project managing the marketing and selling of property.

“Then, when we went to the US for five years, I moved into human resource management, and I worked for Microsoft supporting Microsoft’s Research and Development Division including the Emerging Technologies and the Tablet PC teams.

“All my positions in civil engineering, information technology, education, health and in sales and property, involved building successful relationships with people.”

And the teaching element is still there – she often runs workshops on strategic and operational planning, building teams and developing leaders.

Another area of expertise is change management – supporting culture and structural change. “Cultural change is about ensuring there is a shared vision and purpose, a set of values and the workforce demonstrating these values on a daily basis. Structural change often needs to happen when businesses grow or need to downsize. This can sometimes be tough for individuals, so it is really important that this type of change is done professionally and respectfully,” she says.

“What I get a thrill out of is empowering people to lead with confidence; to lift their leadership capability.”

Since her time at Downer, Mary has been excited to see many of the young people she nurtured through key talent programmes go on to take up senior leadership positions across various companies throughout New Zealand. “And they are role modelling excellent leadership practices. The legacy is growing your own people in an organisation.”

Mary enjoys empowering businesses to do their own HR work – with initial guidance. “A lot of people can do this stuff themselves. A little bit of investment can pay back ten-fold.”

Then they can slip on that jandal and walk their own human resource journey.

Contact Mary at 027 284 6672 maryjohnstonnz@gmail.com TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

17

As the world continues its transition from hydrocarbons to renewable energy, Taranaki-based company Elemental Group is dedicated to delivering solutions, providing services and developing projects.

The Elemental team at 8 Young St, New Plymouth.

“Our mission statement is to provide better energy solutions,” says director Nick Jackson.

The company was founded in 2012, by Nick, directors Kate Bromfield, Brett Rogers and Andrew Revfeim, who had all been working in the oil and gas industry.

Nick and Brett are based in New Plymouth, Kate, who is chair of the Elemental board is in Auckland and Andrew is on sabbatical. The other director is Trevor Nash, who is also based in T maki Makaurau.

“A lot of the clients we worked with in oil and gas, we are now working with in renewables.”

While dedicated to changing the New Zealand renewable energy environment, especially through offshore wind – we’ll get to that – the company has been involved in many aid projects in the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and SouthEast Asia.

Brett says Elemental works to help island nations decarbonise, mostly changing diesel power systems to solar, along with some diesel-solar hybrids. “Now we are taking that 18 TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

knowledge and bringing it back to New Zealand.”

In Aotearoa, the company is an energy consultant for solar projects in Northland, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay and Otago, and wind projects in Otago, Southland and Wairarapa.

Nick says Elemental, with partner Helix, is now working on the decommissioning of the Tui subsea wells.

“We help projects come to fruition. We are a consultancy but we are looking at becoming a developer. We have clients, but there are some projects that we are instigating ourselves to get into development.”

Kate says in 2018, when the New Zealand Government announced the ban on oil and gas exploration, the Elemental directors made the strategic decision to gain most, if not all revenue, through renewable energy projects.”

Over the past five years that has been the company’s strategic intent, which has been highly successful and Kate’s proud of the team for their efforts.

“We have just done our strategic planning review . . . we want to continue

promoting renewable energy but we also want to now move into being a developer,” she says.

“Now, we don’t just want to tell people how to deliver better energy, we want to deliver better energy options for people.”

Nick says that for society to wean off hydrocarbons there must be options and one of the big ones is offshore wind. The two places being scoped for projects are off the coast of Waikato and South Taranaki.

There is already a wind farm onshore in South Taranaki. “When there’s no wind on shore, there will nearly always be wind offshore.”

Elemental is working with Spanish company BlueFloat Energy to develop their offshore wind projects, which is likely to be about eight years away from fruition because there is a great deal of research, lobbying, advocacy and consultation to do be done.

“We want to assist with the transition from oil and gas to renewable energy,” Nick says.

“The Government’s aim is that New Zealand will be net zero from an WINTER 2023

A Belize solar farm, a project managed by Elemental to provide the school and houses in the background access to electricity.

emissions standpoint across the energy system by 2050.”

World Bank on the electrification of rural Myanmar.

partnering to get more out of these projects.”

On your average day, over 90% of New Zealand’s electricity is produced by renewable energy sources. “We need to add 500mw of renewable energy generation to the system every year for the next 30 years – that’s to maintain the status quo and does not account for any growth.”

“I thought that was the most challenging and most exciting project that I have personally been involved in,” she says.

“The opportunity to work with the people of Myanmar and to be part of their precoup intent to turn the lights on for those communities that have always been dark – they’ve never had electricity – that’s part of that purposeful work we do at Elemental.”

Another planet-saving project began at Elemental.

Nick says New Zealand will need gas in its energy system all the way through the transition years. “Gas provides the backup that enables us to continue building renewables.”

Another aim is to eliminate energy poverty.

That was the goal behind the project Kate is most proud of – working with the

Sitting in the renewable energy hub where Elemental is flanked by Ara Ake and Hiringa, Brett talks about the importance of consultation. “When we do work locally with M ori and internationally with indigenous people our work is always premised on

Kate is CEO of HazEL, a start-up that aims to reduce chemical harm. In 2020 it became incorporated to be entirely its own company.

“I’ve been motivated by the United Nations recently declaring chemical pollution the ‘third great planetary emergency’,” she says on the HazEL website. www.elementalgroup.com

A solar installation on Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands, a project led by Elemental.

Thank you to our in-kind donors

A huge thank you to our in-kind donors A huge thank you to our in-kind donors who donated their services to help add who donated their services to help add some stunning finishing touches to the some stunning finishing touches to the Renal Unit at Taranaki Base Hospital.

Renal Unit at Taranaki Base Hospital.

Dennis Wheeler Earthmoving and Dennis Wheeler Earthmoving and Westown Haulage provided services Westown Haulage provided services that helped create the stunning gardens. that helped create the stunning gardens.

Rivet donated the metal sheet work Rivet donated the metal sheet work that decorates the outside of the that decorates the outside of the beautiful new building. beautiful new building.

Financial donations are always appreciated, Financial donations are always appreciated, but in-kind donations are just as valuable. but in-kind donations are just as valuable.

If you believe Taranaki deserves the best If you believe Taranaki deserves the best healthcare and think your business would be healthcare and think your business would be able to help, talk to one of our team today. able to help, talk to one of our team today.

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

Fundraising for Fundraising for

Scan to contact us Scan to contact us

The appointment of two Richards as new partners at Govett Quilliam is a clear signal the firm is dedicated to succession planning, say GQ leaders.

From June 1, family law lead Richard Lyttelton and Stratford team manager Richard Williams moved from being senior associates to partners at the longrunning law firm.

CEO Sophie Braggins and Partner Alice Tocher say GQ has always planned for the future, which is how and why the firm has been successfully operating since 1880.

“Having that continuity is so important,” says Alice. “Succession is absolutely vital and the only way a business can thrive.”

Sophie says succession also ensures those in the leadership team have a diversity of skills, backgrounds and expertise. “That brings a diversity of thinking to a partnership that a modern business needs.”

Richard Lyttelton stepped up to lead the family law team when GQ partner Alex Laurenson was appointed a district court judge.

“In that process, he earned our trust and confidence and it’s really exciting now seeing him come to the leadership group,” says Alice. “He’s got a great background and has continued to build on that in New Plymouth and in a short time has gained the respect of the family law community and, of course, our team.”

Alice and Sophie also have high praise for Richard Williams.

“Again, he’s a highly motivated valuesdriven individual,” Sophie says. “He’s also very client driven through his desire to help people.”

Originally from the UK, Richard Williams has lived in Taranaki for 13 years and become engaged in the social fabric of the community by supporting surf

lifesaving, the Taranaki Retreat and, as an athlete, helped set up a running group to support people struggling with addiction and mental distress.

Richard Williams is humbled and excited to be in the GQ partnership team. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me.”

He studied in Cardiff and Nottingham, becoming a qualified lawyer while working in London for a huge corporate law firm.

In 2008, he emigrated to New Zealand, had a short stint of big city living, before settling in New Plymouth. He then worked for other prominent Taranaki law firms, joining GQ to run the Stratford office, which has a team of 12.

GQ acquired Rod Gordon’s Stratford law practice in April 2022 and needed someone to take over the management role. “It was this amazing, gift-wrapped opportunity to take on a leadership role.”

Richard Williams is enjoying getting to know the people of central Taranaki, but the Welshman with an English accent does have an inroad. “My wife was born and raised in Stratford.”

He met Michelle Mason in 2008 on a far-flung continent. “We were both separately travelling around Africa and met at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.”

Together, they have 12-year-old son Zac. “I’m extremely values driven and, for me, it drives everything; being kind to yourself and others.” He also lives by a simple rule. “Do what you say you’re going to do.”

When he needs time out, he hits the streets or leafy trails. “Running is my form of meditation, my way of destressing.”

thelawyers.nz |

(06) 768 3700 |

Richard Lyttelton is also a man of action.

After showing his leadership skills running the family law team, he was rapt to be shoulder-tapped to become a partner.

“It now means I’m involved in the direction of the firm and bring my knowledge, expertise and ideas to the partners’ table and contribute in a meaningful way to the progression of the business.”

The Christchurch man completed his law degree at the University of Otago in Dunedin. A natural problem solver, Richard Lyttelton took a particular interest in family law. “I wanted to work for every-day New Zealanders and advocate for them.”

In 2013, four days after his last law exam, he started work at a large Auckland legal firm, where he worked in family law. Next, he worked in London, before moving to Taranaki in 2021.

Richard Lyttelton sees family law as a dynamic and complex area of the legal industry. “I enjoy interacting with people on a personal level and enjoy dealing with children.”

He is a court-appointed Lawyer for Child.

“The role of the law is very important; it’s what holds us all to account, ultimately.

It’s also where people can find justice for grievances.”

When he’s not in court or in the office, he enjoys tramping and skiing with partner Lily. “It’s very important for stress relief and for physical and mental health.”

And, according to his colleagues, Richard Lyttelton is a fine musician, who plays the guitar and sings.

email@gqlaw.nz

New Plymouth 25 Dawson St | Inglewood 92 Rata St | Stratford Cnr Broadway and Fenton St WINTER 2023

TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

21

Upskill or retrain while you work For more than 50 years WITT has been helping the people of Taranaki to upskill, retrain and get work ready.

From micro-credentials and short courses to degrees and post-grad diplomas, you can learn while you work or study full-time without leaving the region!

Stay local and enjoy WITT’s dedicated, industry-experienced tutors, small class sizes and modern learning environments.

witt.ac.nz | 0800 WITT NZ

TRAINING

WORKING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER BUSINESS Looking to upskill? Then, upskill with us through the wide range of training opportunities we facilitate at the Chamber. From the art of adaptation to Pivot Tables, improving HR performance to public presentation, leadership, management and coaching – we currently have on offer 15+ workshops covering all these topics and more.

Meeting the needs of attendees to develop and grow their knowledge, confidence and career is the aim we share with each of the trainers we work with. Hence, we are always excited to receive feedback that is testament to achieving this objective.

Here’s a snippet of some of the feedback we’ve received to date: • “such a great session” • “so glad I enrolled” • “the presenters were great and kept us all engaged” • “the best I have ever encountered” • “the training provider is fantastic”

YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME

Over the past few weeks, our YES teams have been busy setting up their YES Companies and bank accounts, entering the Graphix - sponsored Business Card competition, applying for seed funding and submitting their reports for Challenge One – Validation.

There were 16 high scoring Challenge One submissions this year which is a real credit to our YES teachers. After much deliberation, the team judged as having the best Challenge One submission was Winnow from Francis Douglas Memorial College.

This team is working on a detachable water filtering system for common sized bottles which will allow easy access to filtered water e.g., ideal for campers and hikers.

This submission has been forwarded to YES National office to be considered for the top three submissions nationally.

WITT Te P kenga sponsors the Ideation Validation Award which goes to its choice of best business concept for 2023. This year’s winner goes to M ramatanga from New Plymouth Girls’ High School for their beautiful journals in support of mental health.

WINTER 2023

• “made a real difference to my efficiency at work!”

Seeing and hearing results like these keep us seeking new and valuable workshops to deliver, with highquality training providers. Our latest workshop series success has been Xero Foundations delivered by BDO Taranaki.

Upskilling in the area of accounts helps business owner-operators to spend more time on the core work they love.

Staff who improve this skill offer greater efficiency to business operations.

Please visit our website for full details on these upcoming workshops: • WITT | Te P kenga - Small Business Adaptation, Te Reo M ori for Business • Excel Training Taranaki - Microsoft Excel: Pivot Tables • Peak Coaching - Strategies to Improve HR Performance, Recurring Revenue

Barbara Kuriger MP sponsors the Enhancing Rural Communities Award.

Each year she selects up to six YES Companies whose business idea benefits the rural community in some way. The chosen teams who attended a mini expo and presented their product/prototype to Barbara and other dignitaries were: • Ahi Tote from Spotswood College who produce Manuka smoked salt • Kaitiake Kitchen from Green School who are creating healthy lunch snacks • Bizzare Box from NPGHS who are selling oddly shaped fruit for less

• Speaking Made Easy - Speaking and Presenting with Confidence • Blanchard New Zealand - Leading People Through Change, Management Essentials, The SLII Experience, Team Leadership, Coaching Essentials • Maranga T ngata Tiriti - Treaty of Waitangi 101 We are always looking to extend the variety of workshops available to the business community. If you are interested in delivering workshops or training – please get in touch to discuss opportunities.

Julia Collins Office Manager

julia@taranakichamber.co.nz

good contenders for this award, the following teams were also recognised and awarded Highly Commended: • Glass Glider from NPBHS • M ramatanga from NPGHS • The Plank from Te Paepae o Aotea for their high-quality chopping boards and accessories It’s been a great start for the 41 YES teams. I look forward to watching their YES businesses develop and seeing their products get to market over the coming months. A huge thank you to our sponsors who make this programme possible.

• Glass Glider from NPBHS with a great invention to take the strain when moving heavy blue glass recycle bins • PossomRebourne from NPBHS who exterminate possums and sell the carcasses for conversion to pet food and the fur for clothing • FinFert from NPBHS who are creating fertilizer from excess fish considered waste at local fisheries.

Shelley Baldwin Taranaki Regional Coordinator

yes@taranakichamber.co.nz

Taranaki Regional Council sponsors the Sustainable Business Award. This year’s winning team was FinFert from NPBHS. This team has effectively embedded the principles of sustainability into their business. Due to there being so many TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW 23

Joining people and agencies as new advisor Nuala Donnelly is turning her

work brokering skills to a new job, as Employment Liaison Advisor (ELA) with Connected. She will still be based in MSD’s New Plymouth site in Dawson House, but with a different kaupapa.

Connected is coordinated by MSD, however it represents 17 other government agencies, and the role of the ELA is to connect all New Zealanders to government support for employment, education and training.

Nuala started at MSD as work broker two years ago and prior to that had a career in hospitality as well as tutoring students at WITT. She takes over from Sean Markham and will continue many of the same relationships.

“Being a work broker has given me an in-depth knowledge of the services we can provide as well as the opportunities that are out there for clients and employers.”

She’s cut her teeth in a range of programmes including working alongside WITT-Te Pūkenga and Project Maunga (the Taranaki hospital redevelopment) to help 19 MSD clients gain a Level 3 Trades Assist qualification specialising in construction.

She also set up training for clients through provider Axiom enabling them to gain Class 2 truck driving licences and other industryrecognised certificates – so she’s shown herself to be an ideas person who understands where skills and further education is needed.

Nuala Donnelly

Nuala’s role has a wider focus, outside of one ministry.

Connected is for all NZers and people don’t need to be on a benefit to use its services or be connected to employment, education and training.

Nuala.Donnelly002@msd.govt.nz

Ryan Hill “collected” a few jobs

before becoming a Ministry of Social Development (MSD) work broker based in the Hāwera and Stratford offices – so he has a fair idea of how people and workplaces operate.

Work brokers are a link between MSD clients and employers, ensuring people can get jobs with the right programme, subsides, training and follow-up support wrapped around them.

One of his first jobs was as a policeman in New Plymouth before he bought, managed and sold a swim school and then spent a year backpacking overseas.

Living in Auckland from 2018-2020 he was the Operations Manager for Salvation Army in East and South Auckland and then returned to his home province of Taranaki, lured by affordable house prices and a need to be closer to family and friends.

Back in the region he worked part time as a host at Taranaki Call our Employer Line on 0800 778 008 to be connected with our regional team

Ryan Hill

Retreat, the residential suicide prevention facility in Omata.

By then says Ryan: “I had collected a lot of jobs and degrees, but I wanted a values-based job that included career development and stability.”

His previous jobs across different sectors mean he has experience in understanding people and building relationships.

For example, in his police work and at the Salvation Army, it was about “breaking destructive cycles and developing opportunities for positive renewal.” At the retreat, Visit workandincome.govt.nz/employers to find out more.

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

he helped people on a path to wellness.

Ryan started at MSD in September 2021 as a case manager before becoming a work broker in September 2022.

His qualifications which include a bachelors degree and postgraduate qualification in HR are helpful, and the job was a natural progression from his former role as a case manager.

As one of a team of Taranaki work brokers Ryan networks with industries and businesses to determine where vacancies are, to match clients with opportunities and help people understand MSD’s range of employment services.

“I’m here to help solve employment issues that the company might be having. If you need extra staff, or training and upskilling that’s what we can help with.”

Ryan.Hill017@msd.govt.nz

6635CLA - May 2023

Job with values connecting clients and employers

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.

Chamber Hub is working in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development to provide employment services for people referred to us by Work and Income and by self-referrals. Activities to assist our candidates to find employment include an initial candidate meeting, creating a plan of action, providing job ready resources and employment strategies, preparing CVs and cover letters, rebuilding their confidence, job interview preparations, reflecting and following up with their progress fortnightly, which will lead to sustainable employment. Being supported and encouraged has made a difference to our

candidates being successful in finding employment.

Our focus is a concentrated effort to help our members fill job vacancies within their organisations. Additionally, we engage with job-seekers who reach us through word of mouth, the Chamber website and through social media channels including Facebook and LinkedIN. 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 Chamber, we have a unique connection with the Taranaki business community, providing a continuous flow of employment and training opportunities.

Since 1 July 2022 we have supported 77 candidates into full time and part

time employment. We work closely with employers to meet their labour demands and with training providers to assist with employment opportunities and work experience placements. In April, three students that attended a Residential Care micro-credential course at Avatar Institute of Learning, found full time employment. Chamber Hub also continues to support the Axiom Training Employability Programme.

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.

Remember, the service is free and post placement support is also offered.

Melissa Keith Placement Support Coordinator

melissa@taranakichamber.co.nz

A FORUM FOR TRADES AND TRADES-BASED BUSINESSES Supported by Chamber Hub Our April Network of Trades (NOTs) event was held at the Taranaki Emergency Management Office (TEMO) where we were learned about the importance of developing and implementing Business Continuity Plans. A big thank you to our host Todd Velvin and his team.

In May, we were at All Things Automotive in H wera The team showed us the recent extension, including a wheel alignment bay and a light truck bay.

Thank you to Tim Johnson and his team for the great welcome.

Axiom Training in Bell Block was our host in June. Attendees were shown how they conduct the “Forklift, Heights,

Confined Spaces” training and were also given the opportunity to have a hands on experience with the heavy machinery onsite.

Hosting a NOTs event is a great way to profile your business to industry peers.

If you are interested in hosting an event, please contact us for more information.

TAKE THE PLEDGE AND JOIN OUR NETWORK OF BUDDIES AND MENTORS Contact Christina Lorth – help@buildingwellness.co.nz – 027 322 0606 WINTER 2023

TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW 25

FOCUS ON YOUR BUSINESS

WE'LL MANAGE THE TECH

Year round tech support, discounted appointments, free health and security check and so much more!

geeksonwheels.co.nz/geekplus

Join Today!

0800 424 335

the home of Flying Pig Bacon 67 Egmont Street Patea 06 273 8634 fresh, local, delicious

best quality meat and smallgoods home kill processing deliveries pateabutchery.com 26 TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW

WINTER 2023

Ci rculate

NOT FOR PROFIT PARTNERSHIP The flow and reciprocation of goodwill and support created through generous giving purpose-led business.

SUCCESS AND SOCIAL IMPACT – A HARD FOUGHT JOURNEY The potential of a social enterprise to make a difference to social issues is arguably much greater than a for-profit business because social or environmental outcomes are embedded at the core of the organisation. Social enterprises often demonstrate high efficiency and innovation rates too. Yet, despite these positive facts, social entrepreneurs continue to report that starting social enterprises is incredibly hard.

For social entrepreneurs a commitment to ethics can make everything more expensive and much more timeconsuming, margins are smaller and a lot of routes to funding are closed. Many social enterprises are established as a company limited by guarantee so the business may be excluded from applying for a grant because it is not a registered charity.

A key question for social entrepreneurs continues to be where do you draw the line between success and social impact?

Finding the balance between social purpose and commercial viability is not an uncommon situation for social entrepreneurs to find themselves in. According to figures from UnLtd, a foundation for social entrepreneurs, over 70% struggle to make a living from a social venture. The same proportion struggle to find sustainable revenue streams and 60% find it difficult to access the right kind of finance.

Yet, despite the challenges, research confirms that one in four people who want to start a business want to create a social enterprise. Social Enterprise UK estimates the startup rate is three times that of mainstream SMEs. Peter Holbrook, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, says many social enterprise businesses are also exemplary organisations . “These are businesses that are outperforming traditional SMEs on turnover and innovation, and they are leading the way when it comes to diversity and fair pay, as well as creating jobs and opportunities in the communities where they are needed most.”

Demand from the market is fueling this boom. UnLtd found 73% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that put purpose before profit. Among those under 35, it is 81%.

REDUCING ENERGY HARDSHIP CONFERENCE What is energy hardship? Energy hardship is when people choose between what they eat and what they heat.

At the recent Reducing Energy Hardship Conference, we learnt about the innovative and transformational work that many Not-for-Profit organisations are doing in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

We also heard what is happening from a global perspective.

It was heartening to hear of the innovation, the success stories and the many opportunities ahead. How can, and should we do, more? A resounding challenge was who better than the community to know and be part of the solution for their community. That is where technology is half the answer, community is the other half and there is a tension to keep that gap closed to achieve optimum results.

Within the projects there is such power in collaboration with the organisations involved, industry, local and central government and between funders. This is the best way to drive local energy planning and to bring change.

We heard how important data collecting and analysis are to inform the big picture of where energy hardship exists. These also assist to develop education and bring change.

Challenges are what kind of technical and community investment are required? The disruptive thinking of why not pay Not-for-Profits for their expertise just as you would any company you engage for service? Particularly, as they are being a force for good to empower communities.

A significant takeaway was we do not object to foodbanks giving away surplus or donated food. In fact, we detest waste while people go hungry. Yet we have unused electricity that cannot be given away while others are in energy hardship.

Ara Ake is working with the electricity authority to change the rules so that people who have excess electricity through their solar panels can then share it.

Currently two companies, Empower Energy and Nau Mai Ra already have systems in place to help people to reduce energy hardship. With new and future innovation, we will potentially see more opportunities to gift energy to those who need it.

This will have far-reaching positive consequences.

It was great to have this successful conference of national reach held here in Taranaki.

Given that social enterprises are effective organisations trading sustainably to tackle societal issues, are we doing enough to streamline pathways to success for our emerging social entrepreneurs?

Simon Cayley CEO, Bishops Action Foundation

Maura Young

maura@taranakichamber.co.nz WINTER 2023

TARANAKI BUSINESS REVIEW 27

MEMBERSHIP C AT E G O R Y PA R T N E R S

The Chamber has a range of fantastic These people, they are very open to meeting POWERING THE LION FOUNDATION BUSINESS EDUCATION & few tips might help: COMMUNITY WELLBEING EVENTS & PROGRAMMES BUSINESS EXCELLENCE YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME DEVELOPMENT events and networking opportunities you. Every time you step toward a new • Think of a list of questions that throughout the year and we would person, you’re checking off one of can get you through the first few love for you to join us. Keep an eye out your five. Once you hit five, you can go minutes of meeting someone. Learn for our Business Showcase, Wellbeing if you want to. But don’t be surprised about what work they do, and ask Conference and Business Excellence your success with those five makes BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES NETWORK OF TRADES BARA CIRCULATEifNOT-FOR-PROFIT them about some things you may Awards. These are all fantastic you stay because you’re having a already K E Yknow R E Gabout I O N Atheir L PAbusiness.

RTNERS opportunities to engage with different great time.

This provides an opportunity for businesses and gain some valuable And don’t forget – the Chamber team stories, which is a great way to find information at the same time. will be there to support you all the way! common interests.

Networking can seem a little daunting if & COMMUNITY VOLUNTARY • Showing an interest in what people REAL ESTATE ARCHITECTS ENERGY INNOVATION AUDIT, TAX & ADVISORY SECTOR you haven’t done it a lot before or feel do, rather than just what they can a little shy, but it can really open doors. do for you, is a great way to make The purpose of professional networking friends in business. Take advantage Rebecca Mende is not only forging mutually beneficial of others’ expertise – they will LAND DEVELOPMENT Membership ACCOMMODATION, relationships with other people in business, that you respect CONFERENCE & EVENT VENUE REST HOME PROFESSIONALS PROPERTY INVESTMENTappreciate the fact MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER Coordinator but also about sharing knowledge and their opinion. expertise. But that doesn’t mean that it is • Set a goal to meet five people. something that comes naturally, a lot of Three if you’re really shy. People go people find it challenging. rebecca@taranakichamber.co.nz to networking events to meet new TECHNOLOGY DEVLOPMENT & IT

INFORMATION SERVICES

PRINTERS

KIWISAVER

LEGAL SERVICES

DIGITAL MEDIA

FOOD MANUFACTURING & EXPORT

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION

PEOPLE & CULTURE

SHE T METAL & ENGINE RING

TRAINING

PARTNERSHIP LOW EMISSIONS FUEL

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

PIPELINE & WELL SERVICES

We are proud to have our Key Regional energy loss, but they have also been Ara Ake, WISE Charitable Trust, Partners involved in this important work. involved in remediating houses.

Community Energy Network and Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Implement our ‘People and Culture’ In 2021, the hospital referred some of together co-hosted the Reducing Partner continues with the Brown Bag the sickest children with respiratory COUNCIL Energy Hardship Conference.

ITSeries SERVICESof & SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION PLYMOUTH HOSPITALITY REGIONAL AIRPORT one-hour sessions from 12-1pm issues who had hadNEW repeat visits to the The Conference brought together through until December. Topics such as Emergency Department. Toi Foundation national and international experts funded a pilot project where WISE through Communication, Understanding Yourself to raise awareness about energy and Others, Stress and Wellbeing, their HHA and WHIPIT worked with the hardship and establish a common Resilience in a Changing World, Problem families to improve the children’s living COUNCIL HEALTH & SAFETY AND MEDICAL PHOTOCOPIERS & BUSINESS understanding of how to address PORT SOUTH TARANAKI TRAININGconditions. They assessed SOLUTIONS Solving for Improvement,CONNECTIVITY, ManagingMOBILES & IOT the needs in it. It focused on community energy Conflict are all covered. There are also the homes and carried out the necessary projects and their potential. further options: customized programmes remediation work and related education for the Leadership Development and to parents. The result being, that none of Ara Ake launched its ‘Community Personal Development programmes, were referred, returned Energy How to Guide’. This aims to assist the children who HEALTH, FUNDRAISING & NOT MORTGAGE EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT REGIONAL GOVERNMENT FOR PROFIT plus some online courses. To CHAMBER view allHUB to hospital the following winter. communities in BROKER setting up their own these courses and options visit www. electricity network, which will reduce the These relatively simple solutions have implement.co.nz cost of electricity. This being one of the had a massive health and wellbeing drivers of energy hardship. Visit www. benefit. We are incredibly grateful to araake.co.nz to view this.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT have this organisation working so hard ENERGY IN THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES BANKING AGENCY across our Taranaki region.

WISE Charitable Trust spoke about their Healthy Homes Initiative (HHI), Todd Energy spoke at the conference Maura Young Healthy Homes Assessment (HPA) and about the community work that they Partnership Warmer Homes and Illness Prevention are involved in.

They support a number Manager HEALTHY HOMES Installation TeamINITIATIVES Project& (WHIPIT).

RESOURCE RECOVERY of community organisations in a variety of ways. Some of these are St Johns, This work is creating transformational M A R K E T I N G & M E D I A PA R T N E R S Big Brothers Big Sisters, WISE, On the change in the lives of our local maura@taranakichamber.co.nz House, Taranaki Retreat and Taranaki community. Not only have they been Rescue Squad. insulating houses for 20 years to reduce

MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA & NEWS

E VENTS

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

SOUND

Let’s do better business, together.

INFORMATION SERVICES

PRINTERS

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

SHEET METAL & ENGINEERING

MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA & NEWS

EVENTS

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

SOUND

N AT I O N A L PA R T N E R S

CAT E G O RY PART N E RS

C AT E G O R Y PA R T N E R S

BUSINESS EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

INFORMATION SERVICES

NETWORK OF TRADES

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

REAL ESTATE

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY SECTOR

LAND DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS

KIWISAVER

KIWISAVER

DIGITAL MEDIA

FOOD MANUFACTURING & EXPORT

DIGITAL MEDIA

CONSTRUCTION

HEALTH & SAFETY AND MEDICAL TRAINING

E VENTS

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ENERGY IN THE COMMUNITY AGENCY

HEALTHY HOMES INITIATIVES & CIRCULATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT RESOURCE RECOVERY

LEGAL SERVICES

SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION

PEOPLE & CULTURE

PEOPLE & CULTURE

LOW EMISSIONS FUEL

HOME HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLIES

LOW EMISSIONS FUEL

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

PIPELINE & WELL SERVICES

COUNCIL NEW PLYMOUTH

IT SERVICES & SUPPORT

CIRCULATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES EDUCATION

COUNCIL SOUTH TARANAKI

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

ENERGY IN THE COMMUNITY

INSTRUMENTATION, ELECTRICAL BANKING & AUTOMATION

PHOTOCOPIERS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT

HEALTH, FUNDRAISING & NOT FOR PROFIT

CHAMBER HUB

TECHNOLOGY DEVLOPMENT & IT TRAINING

FOOD MANUFACTURING & EXPORT

PHILANTHROPY

EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT

ARCHITECTS

MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER

PHOTOCOPIERS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

MORTGAGE BROKER

CONNECTIVITY, MOBILES & IOT

ARCHITECTS

ACCOMMODATION, CONFERENCE & EVENT VENUE

HEALTH & SAFETY AND MEDICAL TRAINING

PORT

SHE T METAL & ENGINE RING

REST HOME

COUNCIL NEW PLYMOUTH

HOSPITALITY

REGIONAL AIRPORT

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

OFFSHORE WIND

HOSPITALITY

REGIONAL AIRPORT

PIPELINE & WELL SERVICES

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

ACCOMMODATION, CONFERENCE & EVENT VENUE

SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION

LEGAL SERVICES

TECHNOLOGY DEVLOPMENT & IT TRAINING

AUDIT, TAX & ADVISORY

REST HOME

PROPERTY INVESTMENT

MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER

AUDIT, TAX & ADVISORY

REAL ESTATE

PROPERTY INVESTMENT

LAND DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS

MORTGAGE BROKER

PRINTERS

CIRCULATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT

CIRCULATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT K E Y RE G I OBARA N AL PART N E RS

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY SECTOR

ENERGY INNOVATION

MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA & NEWS

BARA

K E Y R E G I O N A L PA R T N E R S

ENERGY INNOVATION

PORT

POWERING THE LION FOUNDATION YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME

EVENTS & PROGRAMMES

NETWORK OF TRADES

BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

KEY REGIONAL SPONSOR WITT TE PŪKENGA

EVENTS & PROGRAMMES

BUSINESS EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT BANKING

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

HEALTHY HOMES AGENCYINITIATIVES & RESOURCE RECOVERY

IT SERVICES & SUPPORT

CONSTRUCTION COUNCIL SOUTH TARANAKI

CONNECTIVITY, MOBILES & IOT HEALTH, FUNDRAISING & NOT FOR PROFIT

SOUND

CHAMBER HUB HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES

EDUCATION

L ebetter t ’s d o b e t t e rtogether.

Let’s do business, b u s i n e s s , to g e the r.

MAARRKKEET M T I NI N GG& &MME E D IDAI APAPART R T N ENRES RS

INFORMATION SERVICES

INFORMATION SERVICES

MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA & NEWS

MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA & NEWS

PRINTERS

PRINTERS

EVENTS

EVENTS

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

SHEET METAL & ENGINEERING

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

SOUND

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

SHEET METAL & ENGINEERING

SOUND

David MacLeod

Committed to delivering for New Plymouth It’s my mission to meet as many people as I can, get in touch and let me know what matters most to you david.macleod@national.org.nz national.org.nz/davidmacleod DavidMacLeodforNewPlymouth 06 758 2919

National Party Candidate for New Plymouth Authorised by D MacLeod, 37 Gill Street, New Plymouth