Chamber Training

Registered with the Regional Business Partner Network (RBP).
To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact our local Regional Business Growth Advisor Sandra Crone - sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz
See upcoming dates here

What You’ll Learn
• The fundamentals of how generative AI works
• Privacy, security, and ethical considerations in using AI
• How to write better prompts to get quality results from AI tools
• Where AI can add value across business functions
• Practical use cases in marketing, HR, admin, finance, and innovation
• How to evaluate and choose AI tools fit for purpose
• Introduction to automation tools, AI knowledge hubs, and chatbots

The cost is $350+GST for Chamber members & $450+GST non members.
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

Create audience-focused content, improve visibility in AI-driven search and recommendations, and build momentum in your local market, while always focusing on maintaining quality, brand consistency, and responsible use of business data.

Learning Outcomes:

Implement repeatable AI workflows (prompts, templates, and a content calendar) to reduce time spent drafting and planning for marketing and communications tasks.
Align messaging to objectives, customer stages and channel fit using practical strategy frameworks
Use AI to produce content variants tailored to different customer segments and personalisation ideas without compromising brand consistency
Track and interpret marketing metrics to turn performance into decisions and next actions.

The cost is $350+GST for Chamber members & $450+GST non members. See more information and dates here
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

This is a practical, hands-on workshop for business owners, communicators, marketers, and professionals who want to understand where AI agents can create real value at work. We will explore the stages of an automation, and how to apply agentic AI safely, strategically, and effectively.

Learning Outcomes

how AI agents use tools in a loop to move from a goal to an outcome
the difference between prompt engineering and context engineering
how AI is evolving from chat-based assistants into agentic systems
how immediate and persistent memory affect the performance of an AI agent
where automation creates value, and where human leadership and judgment still matter most
practical ways to identify repetitive work that can be supported by agentic workflows

This course will teach you to understand the psychological needs of the buying client, and what is needed to meet those needs within the sales interaction process. Sales training expertise, anchored in the ‘real world’, & cover specific skills and techniques that will improve your sales processes and assist revenue growth.

- Understanding buyer psychology from the first interaction throughout the sales process

- How to gain insight into what the client really needs

- How to match that need with your business offering

- How to clearly articulate what sets your business apart

- Develop confidence in overcoming client objections and moving the sales process to a conclusion.

Gain practical tools to understand yourself and others, coach more effectively, and create a culture where people take ownership, follow through on commitments, and perform at their best.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain greater awareness of your leadership style and its impact on others

• Use practical coaching techniques to improve performance and engagement

• Create accountability through clear expectations and effective follow-up

• Navigate difficult conversations and workplace conflict with confidence

This course teaches you how to lead, motivate, and manage your sales team effectively. You'll gain practical tools to plan, implement, and track sales strategies that deliver results.

Key outcomes:

• Set clear goals and build strategies to win new clients and grow existing accounts

• Improve your team’s motivation, mindset, and overall culture

• Measure sales effectiveness and track key performance metrics

• Manage performance, forecast sales, and run focused sales meetings

An introduction to the role of a Health and Safety Representative under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its regulations.

Stage 1 provides Representatives with the foundation knowledge to enable them to exercise their duties and responsibilities as workplace Health and Safety Representatives.

The cost is $450+GST for Chamber members & $550+GST non members.
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

We will guide you in selecting the right platforms, establishing an effective posting frequency, creating visually appealing content using fundamental tools, crafting engaging captions, mastering the art of post scheduling, and understanding social media insights.

Topics Covered:

● Choosing the right platforms for your business.

● Optimising posting frequency.

● Creating eye-catching content.

● Crafting captivating captions.

● Mastering post scheduling.

● Understanding insights.

The cost is $350+GST for Chamber members & $450+GST non members.
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

This training equips leaders with the mindset and practical tools required to lead effectively in modern times. Participants explore four essential attributes of contemporary leadership: clarity of identity and intention, energy and aliveness, aligned action, and influence with courage. The session is designed to help leaders strengthen self-awareness, focus on what matters most, protect and regenerate their energy, and build the confidence to influence others with greater purpose and impact.

Learning Outcomes

· How to clarify their leadership identity, intention, and direction in modern contexts.

· Practical strategies to amplify, protect, and regenerate energy, including burnout prevention tools.

· How to focus on key priorities, identify needle-movers, and break outcomes into achievable actions.

· The foundations of influence, along with models and tools to activate courage and confidence in relationships.

Succession is one of the greatest challenges associated with running a family business. Transitioning leadership is a complex strategic process, and early planning is key. Now is the time to start having the conversation. This workshop delves into what is involved in succession planning, why it is vital and the key elements involved. You’ll leave with an understanding of where you are on your succession journey and a plan for next steps.

Attendees will learn how to;

Understand what Succession involves for families in business and why Succession Planning is vital for any size family business.
Focus on Succession Planning as an essential focus for the family, the business they operate and for owners.
Understand the elements to Succession in family business.
Be able to assess where they are on their Succession journey and plan further step

Governance is the structure, systems and processes that ensure a business’ overall direction, effectiveness, supervision and accountability. Having formal governance structures assists open communication, reduces internal conflicts, nurtures the next generation, and develops a shared family vision. This workshop will help you understand key elements of governance, identify your gaps and plan next steps towards sound governance in your family business.

Attendees will learn;

The Family-in-Business System
What is Family Governance?
The role of a Family Council
Different Governance Structures
The Role of a Board
Shareholders Agreement - what is the value?
Managing Family Communication

Thinking about becoming a director or trustee? Maybe you already are and want to brush up on your knowledge and skills? When is the right time to set up a governance board? How well are we doing in governance terms?

This half day course is for anyone considering becoming a director, about to join a board or those who have recently become a director.

The session is interactive and will provide practical exercises to enhance your governance skills and experience. A mock board meeting will give participants a hands on experience and attendees will be provided with a set of board templates that can be adapted for their own use.

The session covers:
• Governance vs Management
• Strategy vs Operations
• Board and CEO (or GM or MD) relationship
• Duties of a director including legislative and regulatory obligations
• Board papers – getting the information you need to make good decisions
• Assessing Risk
• Budget processes
• Managing conflicts of interest
• Good board practice – policies and procedures

This hands-on course helps business owners make sense of their numbers without the jargon. Instead of feeling unsure or guessing, you will learn how to read what your business is really telling you and use that to make better decisions.You will work through real examples, learn what to focus on in your reports, and leave with simple tools you can apply immediately in your own business.

Learning Outcomes

What to look for in your key financial reports and why it matters
The difference between profit and cash, and why both matter
Where money can quietly leak in a business and how to spot it early
The key numbers to track each month
The difference between cashflow and budgeting
Practical ways to stay on top of your financial position

The cost is $350+GST for Chamber members & $450+GST non members. Register your interest.
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

Employment Relation Skills for Small to Medium Businesses.
Develop your ability to communicate baseline expectations with new and existing team members. Managing poor performance and recognising high achievers.

Learning Outcomes:

Set clear expectations tailored to different work styles.
Foster teamwork through effective communication.
Implement feedback mechanisms for alignment.
Manage performance proactively, foster support.
Implement fair recognition.
Cultivate continuous improvement, readiness to address issues confidently

This four‑hour interactive workshop is designed for business owners, managers, and team leaders who want practical, evidence-based ways to strengthen workplace culture as the foundation for employee engagement, motivation, and retention.

Participants will explore the core elements of workplace culture, current research on what keeps people engaged at work, and the role of everyday agile leadership behaviours in shaping motivation and performance. The workshop places a strong emphasis on “team maintenance” - the ongoing actions leaders take to support trust, clarity, connection, and collaboration, particularly during periods of pressure and ongoing change.

The session combines research insights, practical tools, and facilitated discussion, with a clear focus on actions participants can implement immediately within their own organisations.

Learning Outcomes

Understand the key drivers of employee engagement and retention in today’s business environment
Identify the cultural and leadership factors that influence motivation, performance, and burnout risk
Strengthen workplace culture through practical, everyday management practices
Apply a team maintenance mindset to sustainably support staff wellbeing and productivity over time
Use simple tools and techniques to improve communication, trust, and clarity within teams
Recognise early warning signs of disengagement and take proactive steps to retain capability

In today's fast-paced business world, having a clear strategy is not just an advantage – it's a necessity. This course offers more than just theory; it provides practical, actionable insights that you can implement immediately to see tangible results in your business.

Course Highlights:

Goal Setting: Seamlessly integrate personal and business growth objectives.
Strategic Planning: Develop robust strategies to navigate market challenges and seize opportunities.
Competitive Analysis Techniques: Stay ahead of the curve by understanding your market position.
Target Setting and Action Planning: Learn to set ambitious yet achievable goals and create plans to reach them.

This course will empower small to medium sized businesses to expedite their marketing initiatives. By establishing a solid foundation, businesses can ensure they allocate their time and resources effectively, especially when lacking the capital for a comprehensive one-on-one marketing strategy with a professional strategist.

The course will contribute significantly to the long-term success of participation businesses by laying the groundwork for informed and strategic marketing decisions.

Topics Covered

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis for the brand.
Identification of the ideal customer (s)
Development of the brand voice
Crafting the brand story.

During this full-day business planning course, with up to 15 other local businesses, you will have our expert business coaches facilitating discussions and activities, to help you formulate a concise, one-page Business Plan that will act as your guiding map to success.

Learning outcomes;

- Learn how to set realistic and measurable goals.
- Create clear strategies to achieve your goals.
- Develop a one page Business Plan which will act as a roadmap.
- Craft actionable strategies to achieve your goals.
- How to identify resources needed to support goal attainment.
- How to establish realistic timeframes for achieving objectives.
- How to distinguish short-term wins from long-term vital projects.
- Develop a template for reviewing actual performance against targets.
- Learn how to formulate a platform for financial forecasting. - Know how to set individual goals and targets for team members.

The cost is $495+GST for Chamber members & $595+GST non members. See more information and dates here
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

The purpose of this one-day course is to give you the oversight you need to ensure your business health and safety systems and processes reflect a best-practice approach. Each session comes with practical templates for you to use in your business to comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015. It also supports your understanding of the core elements of a health and safety system.

The service description:

This course is suitable for people who own a small business and want to ensure they comply with health and safety best practice requirements. It is also good for those businesses without a health and safety committee and anyone who is required to be involved in health and safety in a small business.

Learning outcomes

Understand the core elements of a health and safety system.
Understand the key duty holders and their respective duties under the Act.
Understand essential health and safety components and how they relate to your legal duties.
Understand practical ways to increase the effectiveness of your health and safety system.

The cost is $450+GST for Chamber members & $550+GST non members. See more information and dates here
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

This two-day instructor led course has been designed to introduce the concepts of Project Management to help ensure a common understanding – regardless of whether you are a project manager, sponsor, team member or coordinator. The course covers the unique language, principles and tools of project management and builds a case for their application back at the workplace. This course will ensure you are equipped to manage your projects efficiently and successfully.

Ideal for individuals who have no previous experience with project management, or those looking for a refresher. Also ideal for those wishing to develop an understanding of project management as they progress into Project Administration and/or Project Coordination.

The cost is $1590 +GST. See more information and dates here
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

This professional development series helps you build your people management skills to deal with the human aspect of business success.

The series consists of 7 x 2 hour group sessions, including a final session to reflect, adopt and plan. This immersive process, with post-session action planning, and progress-checkpoint calls, allows you to put theory into practice. Expert facilitators will guide your discussions, identify common pain points and provide insights that you can take away and use with your team to overcome day-to-day management challenges you face.

Limited to only 12 participants, this small group format is designed to encourage valuable connections with other managers. You’ll support one another and share ideas along your journey to become better people leaders.

Click here to see series overview

The cost is $1290 +GST for Chamber members & $1490+GST non members. See more information and dates here
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

The aim of the Nelson Tasman Leadership Academy is to provide leaders and aspiring leaders with the opportunity to build capability through personal development and by learning from the experience of others. The Leadership Academy is for people who want to develop their leadership experience, people who have their sights set on senior management positions and governance roles.

On completion of the six sessions attendees will have a good understanding of what is required to be an effective leader in their own organisation and the wider business community. Each two-hour session is led by a senior executive from a significant Nelson Tasman-based organisation. Participants will benefit from the opportunity to interact with the presenter and build connections with other people on the programme.

Click here to see series overview

The cost is $1500+GST for Chamber members & $1700+GST non members. Register your interest.
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz

Learning outcomes:

Gain a clear understanding of the essentials of climate science and what they mean for business decision-making.
Identify and assess the climate-related risks and opportunities facing your organisation and sector.
Connect your organisation’s purpose and values to credible climate action.
Lead climate initiatives that deliver results within your team and across your organisation.
Move your organisation from the status quo toward innovation and ultimately visionary leadership.
Recognise when incremental improvements are enough, and when transformational change is required.
Apply the principles of change leadership to drive effective climate action.
Strengthen your organisation’s license to operate by building transparency and avoiding greenwashing.
Develop and implement a climate strategy that creates business value and measurable impact.

The cost is $1500+GST Register your interest.
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor : sandra.crone@nelsontasman.nz