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The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce put the following key priorities to mayoral candidates and the responses received, listed in alphabetical order, are reproduced for your consideration.
The Chamber thanks the candidates for their responses and thanks the members of the Chamber focus groups who helped the Chamber to identify and prioritise the key issues. The Chamber intends to work with the successful candidates to promote business vitality in the region and to achieve progress on the issues we have identified as critical to achieving that.
The Chamber priorities for 2010 Election
The Chamber of Commerce identified three key business priorities and asked Mayoral Candidates to respond:
1. Regional cohesion and economic development - what is the vision for the region, what is the Councils role in developing and implementing a regional economic development strategy and how will this be achieved?
2. Council investment in critical infrastructure. The Chamber believes it is vital for Council to invest in:
a. Roading – Rocks Road should be protected and enhanced as a recreational and tourism gateway that links the airport, beach, marina, a developed Rutherford Park, Trafalgar Park and the CBD. Suitable alternative access to Nelson City CBD, Port Nelson and SH6 Atawhai Drive, particularly for heavy transport is an urgent priority.
b. Conference Centre - how will you deliver on the establishment of a Conference /Convention Centre? Within what time frame and cost?
c. The Lee Valley Dam. This is vital to the economy of the Waimea Plains and the region as a whole. How will this be achieved and within what time frame and budget? Do you consider this project to be one of regional importance and how will you ensure council continues to support it?
3. Council support for tourism including a commitment to financially support Nelson Tasman Tourism in its role of promoting, destination marketing and events (including events strategy, off peak activities and a cycleway). How will you ensure Council continues to fund NTT at an appropriate level? What other support will you provide for NTT?
Mayoral Candidates Nelson
Mayoral Candidates Tasman
Click here to view www.incite.org.nz
Nelson Top shop
Budget 2010 – Plenty of Positives for Business
The cut in tax rates, better alignment of tax rates, and the greater incentives to invest in the productive sector rather than property will be welcomed by many businesses. These along with earlier announcements regarding investment in R&D show the government is serious about using the levers it has to encourage saving, encourage investment in the productive sector and support business growth and employment. The question will be – is it enough?
While fiscally neutral for the government, businesses will be faced with increased costs – including the rise in GST and the implementation of the ETS – and will need to look at ways they can tough out what is looking like another challenging year. If we are to achieve the desired step change in the economy – and to provide employment opportunities – then many businesses will be looking to the government to cut the costs of doing business.
Hon Peter Dunne, Minister of Revenue is the Chamber’s keynote speaker at the WHK Chamber Luncheon on 27 May and will guide business owners through some of the details of the Budget and what it will mean for businesses. All are welcome to the lunch – register under the Networking Functions to confirm your place.
To share your views on whether Budget 2010 will be good for your business, visit
http://nelson-tasman.commerceconnect.org.nz . You will need to register, log in and then post your views in the Discussion Forum on Budget 2010.
Making Conservation Pay? Local businesses to have their say - 22 March 2010
The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce announced today that the Chamber will be holding a forum on Tuesday 27 April so that local businesses get the opportunity to hear the issues and have their say on proposals regarding mining on conservation land.
“As a region blessed with three national parks it is vital that our region’s voice is heard” said Dot Kettle, Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce.
“The issue of mining on conservation land and of access to Conservation and other Crown land for mineral-related activities is significant locally. Over recent years the processes of mineral extraction and the impact of those processes on the environment have changed – as has the way we market our region and our country to the world. This forum will provide the chance for business people in our region to become fully informed on all points of view and to explore any advantages and disadvantages for our region.
“The forum will also help guide the development of the Chamber’s submission in response to the government’s proposals released today. Submissions are due by 4 May and this forum will help the Chamber ensure the voices of local business are heard.
“The speaker line up will include presentations from the mining perspective, the wider business perspective, tourism and environmental preservation sectors.
“This forum is the first of a series of “Blue Skies” forums being organised by the Chamber of Commerce aimed at facilitating businesses to look outside their day to day business operations. It provides a real chance to consider the impact of external developments on their business in the future. Mining in conservation land and changes to access arrangements to Conservation and other Crown land are appropriate topics for the first of these forums given the active consideration the government is giving this issue at this time.
“Taking the time to look at the bigger picture and having influence over decisions of this nature is important to all businesses and this Chamber forum is one way businesses can achieve that” said Dot Kettle
WHK Chamber Luncheon – Launch of the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards
Sir Eion Edgar, member of the selection panel, and past winner Andrew Hamilton CEO of Icehouse launched the Awards at the WHK Chamber luncheon on 4 March.
In his address Sir Eion (recently awarded the inaugural 2010 Senior New Zealander of the Year and chair of Forsyth Barr) shared his tips on appointing and supporting business leaders and being successful in business.
When making key appointments:
1. Make bold selections
2. Research the field for potential candidates
3. Back the person you appoint to build teams, be innovative and keep control of the costs
To be successful in business:
1. Choose a career you are passionate about and enjoy
2. Go straight to the top
3. Remember – the harder you work, the luckier you get
4. Make sure every decision you make you would be happy to read about it in the front page of the local paper
5. Smile
6. Say thank you
Andrew Hamilton, past winner of the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leaders Award shared his experience and encouraged entries into the Awards. The process of entering provides an opportunity for self-reflection which is critical to your personal and professional development. Just being nominated was a clear highlight for Andrew.
The Chamber was delighted to host the launch of the Awards in our region and encourages nominations from the region. We have talented young leaders and it would be great for them to get the recognition being nominated for such an Award will bring.
Nominations close 25 April 2010. To find out more about the Awards visit http://www.sirpeterblaketrust.org/leadership/awards/
Chair of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Board in Nelson
Jon Mayson, Chair of the Board of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is the guest speaker at the first of a series of breakfasts aimed at providing opportunities for exporters in our region to build connections with each other and maximize opportunities.
The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Port of Nelson have combined to host this breakfast series with the support of the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency.
The first breakfast is being held at the Village Hall, Monaco from 7.30am on Tuesday 9 March.
While subsequent breakfasts will focus on particular sectors or areas (including potential in both China and USA) this first breakfast provides an opportunity to hear about the government’s plans in the export area.
Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Dot Kettle said “The Government recognises just how important the export sector is to New Zealand’s economic future. The Prime Minister in his recent Statement to Parliament said that the government’s economic policies are aimed at shifting the economy more towards exports and productive investment. Businesses in our region are keen to hear the government’s plans to achieve that and how we as a region can make the most of our potential.
“We are delighted that the head of the agency in New Zealand charged with leading our country’s export efforts has agreed to speak at the first of the Exporters Breakfasts.
“Our region’s current and future prosperity relies on a strong export sector. Port Nelson and the regional office of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise have played a significant and positive role in developing our export base and the Chamber is delighted to have the support of the Port and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in hosting these breakfasts.
“Leading business people Martin Bryne, Paul Steere and John McCliskie will provide a local perspective on the challenges and opportunities exporters face.
“This breakfast provides the ideal opportunity for all business people – whether currently exporting or not – to hear from both the top and grassroots on what the future may hold.
“All are welcome to attend the breakfast and hear how our region can play its part in achieving what this government has called a ‘step change in the New Zealand economy” said Dot Kettle.
To register online for the breakfast visit www.commerce.org.nz (cost $10+GST pp).
ENDS
Contact Dot Kettle Chief Executive Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce 03 548 1363; 021 719447 or a/h 03 5433809
Chamber Applauds Nelson Tasman Business Trust - 24 February 2010
Dot Kettle, Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce has hailed the success of the Nelson Tasman Business Trust, recognised as the best Mentors Service in New Zealand. Dot Kettle said today “The Mentors Service provided by the Nelson Tasman Business Trust is simply outstanding and this recognition is well deserved. Mentors can provide invaluable ongoing support and assistance to a business – regardless of what stage the business is at. Mentors are able to guide new business owners and provide the wisdom of an ‘outside eye’ to more experienced business people as well. The quality of the service provided by the Nelson Tasman Business Trust has been recognised as the best and businesses in our region have benefited from that. Congratulations to the dedicated staff, trustees and the mentors involved.”
Click here for more information.
Chamber applauds Cycleway plan - 14 February 2010
The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce applauds the inclusion of our region in the government’s cycleway plans as it recognises the potential economic benefits cycle ways can bring. “Our tourism industry and the wider business community have much to gain from a well developed tourist cycle way that meets the needs of local, national and international visitors” Dot Kettle, Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce said today.
Click here for more information.
Minimum wage increase not the answer to economic recovery - 27 January 2010
As New Zealand heads out of the recession and challenges of 2009 it is vital that businesses are able to create the wealth needed to put New Zealand on a sustainable economic growth pathway.
Click here for more information.
Council decides not to proceed with the proposal for the Performing Arts and Conference Centre - 10 December 2009
The urgency for the development of a Conference Centre remains despite the decision by the Nelson City Council not to proceed with the proposal for the development of a Performing Arts and Conference Centre" Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Dot Kettle said today.
Click here for more information.
Chamber encourages business to make own risk assessments- 7 December 2009
Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Dot Kettle attended the launch of the Cawthron Report on the Effects of Climate Change on the Nelson Tasman Region on 7 December 2009.
Click here for more.
Shoplifters beware- 2 December 2009
Nelson retailers shared top tips on reducing theft at a workshop hosted by the NelsonTasman Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday night.
Click here for more.
Chamber disappointed at government lack of progress on R&D incentives- 1 December 2009
The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce today called on the government to focus on changes to the tax scheme that will deliver real benefit for businesses. Dot Kettle, Chief Executive said today “Businesses are the wealth creators and critical to New Zealand’s economic recovery.
Click here for more
Chamber supports Staff Recognition Programme- 30 November 2009
"Local businesses are up to the challenge" Dot Kettle, Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce said today in response to the Nelson Centre of Service Excellence Staff Recognition Programme.
Click here for more.
Good Business Group - Brainstorming Opera in the Park - 13 October 2009
Nearly 40 local business people attended the first open meeting yesterday to explore possibilities for Nelson and Tasman businesses to get involved around this summer’s Nelson Opera in the Park. Click here for more.
Click here to see meeting notes
Chamber Backs Convention Centre
Further to The Nelson Mail brief item today regarding the Council decision to consult over the performing arts centre please see a press release from the Chamber in support – we understand that the consultation will include the Performing Arts Centre and Convention Centre.
Long Lunch 9 September
Volunteering to help at the long lunch - click here
Contact Pat Curry on 03 546 3014
Chamber update July 2009
Chamber South 2009 - click here
14 August 2009
Business Leaders Back Rugby World Cup Bid - click here
13 August 2009
Long Lunch is a sell out! - click here
29 July 2009
Review of Local Government Arrangements - click here
2 July 2009
- Last Week for Top Shop Nominations - Motueka - click here
- George Hickton, CEO Tourism New Zealand to visit Nelson & Motueka 14 July - click here
- Nelson's Rugby World Cup Planning underway - click here
| Last Week for Top Shop Nominations - Nelson - click here |
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16 June 2009
Top Shop Launched today in Motueka - click here
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15 May 2009
Resilience, Flexibility and Innovation - click here
15 April 2009
Chamber gives Cycleway full support - click here
15 April 2009
The Chamber proudly supports the Upcoming Economic Summit - click here to register your interest
7 April 2009
Chamber agrees Rugby World Cup will provide a huge boost to the region - click here
6 April 2009
Latest Figures Show Healthy Spend in Nelson - click here
30 March 2009
SME's Encouraged to Seek Advice - click here
17 March 2009
Chamber welcomes boost for tourism promotion in Australia - click here
13 March 2009
Chamber set to develop Nelson’s Business Opportunities; Guide to the Rugby World Cup - click here
12 March 2009
Congratulations Nelson - Rugby World Cup - click here
20 February 2009
Chamber Support Solar City Pilot - click here
Job Summit Update - 27th February 2009
Businesses in the Nelson Tasman region were asked to submit ideas to the Chamber on how best to grow and retain jobs in the current economic climate. Thank you to all the businesses who made a submission. To view our submission to the Prime Ministers Job Summit Click here.
20 February 2009
Chamber calls for Input into the Prime Minister's Job Summit. Click here for more.
