Keep up to date with The Chamber's latest news and updates.

Media release: Accelerated border reopening and immigration changes welcomed
11 May 2022

The reopening of New Zealand’s border in full and long-anticipated immigration changes announced today will bolster economic growth in the Canterbury region and provide a boost for businesses that are desperate to find staff. Read our media release here.

Media release: Orange a boost for business ahead of long weekend
13 April 2022

Canterbury’s hospitality and retail sectors will be breathing a small sigh of relief today with the long-anticipated easing of COVID-19 restrictions, after the announcement of an announcement earlier this month. Read our media release here.

Media release: We're going back to the 1970s
5 April 2022
The passage of the first reading of the Fair Pay Agreements Bill is forcing New Zealand to return to the industrial relations landscape of the 1970s. Read our media release here.

Media release: It's time to turn the immigration tap on
31 March 2022

A new report released this morning by the BusinessNZ network has outlined the severity of the situation we face in the labour market – and reinforced why we need the tap turned on for immigration right now. Read our media release here.

Media release: A step closer to normalisation
23 March 2022

The announcement from the Government today outlining adjustments to the COVID-19 Protection Framework has been long-awaited and indicates a step in the right direction. Read our media release here.

Media release: We're ready and we've been waiting
17 March 2022

The government expediting their multi-stage border reopening provides long-awaited relief to Canterbury business. Read our media release here.

Media release: A small boost to manufacturing in Canterbury
14 March 2022

The manufacturing sector in Canterbury will have an opportunity to access additional workforce with the announcement of a border exception class for advanced manufacturing specialists this morning. Read our media release here.

Media release: Reduced self-isolation a win for small business
9 March 2022

The decision to reduce mandatory self-isolation periods by three days is a step in the right direction. Read our media release here.

Media release: Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce welcomes targeted financial support
21 February 2022

Today’s announcement of targeted financial support for those most affected is welcomed. Read our media release here.

Media release: Minimum wage increase a slap in the face to Canterbury Business
11 February 2022
Increasing the minimum wage by six percent with just seven weeks' notice is a slap in the face to Canterbury business. Read our media release here.

Media release: Razing of fortress New Zealand welcome news for Canterbury Business
3 February 2022
The Prime Minister’s announcement today of a phased border reopening is welcome news for Canterbury businesses. Read our media release here.

Important update
29 November 2021
Please note that all visitors to our premises at 57 Kilmore Street are required to:
• Present proof of vaccination via a COVID-19 Vaccine Pass (scanned upon entry), and sign/scan in using the COVID-19 tracer app.
• We ask that you please stay away if experiencing cold or flu like symptoms, or if a close contact or someone in your household has been exposed to COVID-19.
• Follow all applicable COVID-19 protocols and restrictions including social distancing, and mask wearing.

Media Release: Covid-19 Update
22 October 2021
Announcement provides further certainty for businesses and reinforces need to increase vaccination rates Read our media release here.

Media Release: AGM Board Announcement
22 October 2021
Forward focus for Canterbury Chamber, supported by new Board Read our media release here.

Media Release: Residency visa “a surprise – but a welcome one”
01 October 2021
Yesterday Minister of Immigration Kris Faafoi announced the 2021 Resident Visa – a one-off, simplified pathway to residence for around 165,000 migrants currently in New Zealand. Read our media release here.

Media Release: Immigration changes “a great boost” to local businesses”
10 September 2021
The announcement by Minister of Immigration Kris Faafoi will help new residents stuck offshore keep their residency status while COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in place. Read our media release here.

Latest Word
7 July 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss The Chamber's new ecommerce site and our recent advocacy. Read Latest Word here.

BusinessNZ Update
30 June 2021
In the latest BusinessNZ update, BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope discusses the recent COVID-19 scare in Wellington, mandatory scanning, what the Australian COVID outbreak means for New Zealand and more.

Media release: The impact of increased costs on Canterbury business
23 June 2021

The survey of 87 businesses spanning all sizes, conducted in June, shows big increases in electricity, gas and transport costs hitting them. As a founding member of the BusinessNZ Network, members of The Chamber contributed to the nationwide survey. Read our media release here.

Latest Word
23 June 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss recent key areas of advocacy. Read Latest Word here.

Media release: Canterbury business awards back on calendar
14 June 2021

Westpac NZ and the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce have today launched the 2021 Westpac Business Champion Awards programme, celebrating the local businesses that make Waitaha Canterbury one of the leading regions for business growth. Read our media release here.

BusinessNZ Update
9 June 2021
In the latest BusinessNZ update Chief Executive Kirk Hope discusses his thoughts on the Climate Change Commission's final report including discussion around transport emissions, the role of gas and agriculture.

Latest Word
6 June 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss climate change with the Climate Change Commission's final advice to the Government announced this morning. Read Latest Word here.

Latest Word
26 May 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss the Budget 2021 and the Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Bill. Read Latest Word here.

Metropol | The Influencers: Leeann Watson

24 May 2021
A new style of leadership. The speed and scope of the pandemic crisis has presented an extraordinary challenge – and opportunity – for today’s business leaders.
Almost overnight businesses had to quickly adapt to a very challenging operating landscape that, even now more than a year on, continues to evolve. Read more.

Christchurch is hiring
24 May 2021

The Chamber is pleased to support a new ChristchurchNZ campaign launched on Monday 24 May aimed at attracting skilled workers to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Over the next 15 years Christchurch needs an additional 70,000 workers to fill vacancies created by an aging population – and that’s just to maintain the current rate of economic growth. It will take more if the city wishes to grow.
Christchurch is Hiring aims to raise awareness of the job opportunities in the city across a broad range of skill levels and sectors including engineering, tech, health, food and fibre, agritech and manufacturing.

BusinessNZ Advocacy Update
21 May 2021

Read this week's Advocacy Update - an update on recent activity and advocacy by the BusinessNZ Network.

BusinessNZ Policy Update - Budget Edition
21 May 2021

In the latest BusinessNZ update, Chief Executive Kirk Hope discusses his thoughts on Budget 2021, the proposed unemployment insurance scheme, Covid-19 vaccines, tourism, immigration, and BusinessNZ's position on Fair Pay Agreements.

Media release: Business "largely overlooked" in Budget – Canterbury Chamber
20 May 2021

Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) Chief Executive Leeann Watson says today’s Budget 2021 announcement has largely overlooked the role of business in the country’s economic recovery. Read our media release here.

Latest Word
12 May 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss the latest announcements from Government around tourism sector support, Fair Pay Agreements and immigration. Read Latest Word here .

Media release: FPAs have no place in modern workplace – Canterbury Chamber
7 May 2021

Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) Chief Executive Leeann Watson says there is no place for Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) in the modern workplace, following today’s announcement detailing the introduction of FPAs and a plan to implement them. Read our media release here.

Media release: "Lifeline" tourism package welcomed by business
6 May 2021

Today’s announcement regarding additional support for the tourism sector has been eagerly awaited by the business community, according to Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) Chief Executive Leeann Watson.
Minister Stuart Nash today announced a $200 million Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan focused on what has been described as the most vulnerable South Island regions, including Fiordland, South Westland, Queenstown Lakes, Mackenzie District and Kaikōura. Read our media release here.

Metropol | The Influencers: Leeann Watson

3 May 2021
The recently announced trans-Tasman travel bubble has come as welcome relief. Prior to COVID-19, Australia was our largest international visitor market, accounting for almost half of all international visitor arrivals, and spending approximately $2.7 billion. So as we head into the colder months, an influx of visitors from Australia will have a significant positive impact on many businesses, particularly in hospitality and tourism. Read more.

Latest Word
28 April 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss the Apprenticeship Boost scheme and what the quarantine-free travel with Australia means for employers. Read Latest Word here.

The Chamber Submission on CCC Long Term Plan

19 April 2021
This is a submission from The Chamber on the Christchurch City Council Draft Long Term Plan 2021-31. Read here.

Latest Word
14 April 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss the trans-Tasman travel bubble and what this will look like for business. Read Latest Word here.

NewstalkZB Business Update
13 April 2021
Leeann Watson was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed how the city is faring and quarantine-free travel with Australia.

Media release: Trans-Tasman bubble “a welcome relief” for Canterbury businesses
6 April 2021

Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Leeann Watson says businesses have been eagerly awaiting today’s announcement regarding the trans-Tasman travel bubble.
The Prime Minister today announced that Cabinet has approved a proposal for quarantine-free trans-Tasman travel, set to come into effect on April 19.. Read our media release here.

Latest Word

31 March 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss the Minimum Wage increase on 1 April 2021 and other business-focused legislation changes. Read Latest Word here.

NewstalkZB Business Update
30 March 2021
Leeann Watson was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed travel bubbles and the rising costs for business, particularly small business, with all of the new legislation. Listen here.

Latest Word

17 March 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss the return to Alert Level 1 and the COVID vaccine rollout. Read Latest Word here.

NewstalkZB Business Update
16 March 2021
Joris de Vocht was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed Digital Boost , a Government initiative to assist businesses in the adoption of digital tools.

Metropol | The Influencers: Leeann Watson

4 March 2021
The last few weeks have intensified the spotlight on Covid-19. We have seen changes in Alert Levels, which have again caused disruption in our community. However this time we were all better prepared, with systems and practices in place to be able to respond. Read more.

Latest Word

3 March 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss the recent rise in Alert Levels and how this effects business. Read Latest Word here.

NewstalkZB Business Update
2 March 2021
Leeann Watson was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed the move to Alert Level 2, and what we can all be doing to help keep each other safe.

BusinessNZ Update
1 March 2021
In the latest BusinessNZ update Chief Executive Kirk Hope discusses the latest shift in Alert Levels and what support is available for business.

Latest Word

17 February 2021
In this weeks Latest Word we discuss the new Resurgence Support Payment following the recent drop in Alert Levels and more. Read Latest Word here.

NewstalkZB Business Update
16 February 2021
Leeann Watson was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed COVID developments.

Media release: Vaccine announcement “very positive news”
12 February 2021

The Prime Minister’s announcement today regarding the arrival of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine and subsequent rollout is “very positive news” for the business community. The vaccine will arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand next week with vaccinations for border workers to start from Saturday of next week. Household contacts of those workers will be the next group, followed by healthcare and essential workers, the elderly and vulnerable. The remainder of the population is expected to be vaccinated from the start of the second half of the year. Read our media release here.

Lost in translation - giving and receiving feedback across cultures
Column by Chamber Business Advisor Lisa Burdes

4 February 2021
Constructive and valuable feedback is crucial but what about when the feedback is taken in the wrong way to which it was intended, or even worse, not understood at all? Many employers are not aware of the different ways that various cultures provide and receive feedback in the workplace. For those managers or even workmates who need to communicate effectively with those from other cultures, it can be useful to put some thought and research into feedback styles. This article by our SkillsConnect Canterbury Business Advisor, Lisa Burdes, offers some useful advice here.

Latest Word

3 February 2021
In our first Latest Word of 2021, we discuss key developments over summer, including the release of the Climate Change Commission report. Read Latest Word here.

NewstalkZB Business Update

2 February 2021
Leeann Watson was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed the year ahead.

BusinessNZ Policy Update

1 February 2021
Here is the first episode of BusinessNZ Policy Update for 2021. This week, Chief Executive Kirk Hope reflects on the Climate Change Commission's recommendations for reaching net zero emissions by 2050. He also discusses sick leave entitlements, supply chain disruption and the potential addition of the UK to the CPTPP.

NewstalkZB Business Update

19 January 2021
Joris de Vocht was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed Waitaha Canterbury businesses and innovation.

COVID-19 Update

21 December 2020
In our last COVID-19 Update of the year, we look at the Digital Boost programme, visa changes, and the country's resurgence plan.

Media release: Digital Boost initiative important to support small business sector

21 December 2020
Today’s launch of the first initiative of the Government-funded Digital Boost programme will significantly benefit small businesses across the economy. The skills training and support initiative, available from today, is the first initiative to be launched from the Digital Boost programme, which is a partnership between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the private sector to support thousands of small businesses in realising the benefits of using digital tools and technologies in their business. Read our media release here.

Latest Word

18 December 2020
In today's Latest Word we discuss the proposed travel bubble with Australia, vaccinations, and UC's graduation ceremonies.

Upcoming Training and Events 2021

15 December 2020
With 2021 just around the corner we've been busy planning for the year ahead which will include a comprehensive training and events programme.
Whether you are wanting to keep up to date with the latest business insights and news, hone your professional skills or work on your personal development, The Chambers 2021 programme of training and events offers plenty of opportunities.

Click here to see upcoming training in 2021
Click here to see some exciting new events in 2021

Media release: New regulatory review role welcomed by advocate for small business

14 December 2020
The Chamber welcomes the Government’s focus on lifting small business performance, including the establishment of a specialist regulatory review unit. Small Business Minister Stuart Nash has said that a specialist unit has been set up inside the Ministry of Business to scrutinise new and existing regulations to ensure they are relevant and effective and do not unnecessarily hinder small firms. As a member of the Small Business Council, this was one of the recommendations made and we have advocated for such a role to be set up within central Government. Read our media release here.

NewstalkZB Business Update

14 December 2020
Leeann Watson was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed what's in store for businesses in 2021.

Latest Word

2 December 2020
In this week's Latest Word , we discuss a number of recent developments, including the new Privacy Act, extension of the business debt relief, and the Government's $6 million into farmer-led projects.

New Chamber President

1 December 2020
Last week, The Chamber had our first Board meeting following our AGM. At this meeting, the Board voted in Paul Deavoll as the new President, and Jenni Callaghan and Benjamin Badger as Vice-Presidents. Mr Deavoll says: "It’s a privilege to serve on The Chamber which represents the voice of Canterbury business. I’m certainly looking forward to working with the Board, Leeann and her team to continue to serve our membership and to support and create opportunities for the wider Canterbury business sector." We also welcomed new Board members Mark Allan and Jo Pennycuick.

NewstalkZB Business Update

1 December 2020
Leeann Watson was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed retail spending and the summer events line-up.

Metropol column

30 November 2020
In our recent Metropol column, Leeann Watson wraps up our Canterbury Business Champions campaign, where we heard some amazing stories of innovation, nimbleness, determination, collaboration and kindness, and together celebrated what it is that makes our business community so unique.

Q&A with Hon Stuart Nash: What's he doing for business

25 November 2020
Last week, the Auckland Business Chamber, as part of the BusinessNZ Network, streamed a conversation with Hon Stuart Nash , Minister of Economic & Regional Development, Forestry, Small Business and Tourism. The Q&A covered what Minister Nash intends to do for small and medium businesses over the coming three years.

Media release: New funding recognises rural sector’s strong focus on sustainability

20 November 2020
The Government’s investment of more than $6 million into farmer-led projects to improve water health in Canterbury and Otago reinforces the important sustainability work already undertaken by the rural sector.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has announced that the funding will be spent on helping farmers improve the health of rivers, wetlands, and habitat biodiversity in the two regions, as well as improving long-term land management practices. Read our media release here.

Latest Word

18 November 2020
In our recent Latest Word we discuss the changes to the Small Business Cashflow Scheme, Westpac's Economic Overview for November and our current refer a friend campaign.

NewstalkZB business update

17 November 2020
Michaela Blacklock was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed skill shortages hitting Canterbury businesses.

BusinessNZ podcast

15 November 2020
The latest BusinessNZ update with Kirk Hope covers a range of topics including the BusinessNZ PSI/PMI, the wind-up of the wage subsidy, LVR restrictions and mandatory mask wearing.

Prioritisation of small business support “very positive”

6 November 2020
We welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that small business support will be the new Labour Government’s top economic priority before Christmas . This includes extension of the Small Business Loan scheme out to three years and the interest free period to two years and initiating the roll out of the Flexi-Wage job support programme. The Prime Minister also confirmed that more infrastructure projects will go through the RMA fast-track process, and there will be a focus on options to boost exports. Read our media release here.

New Board for The Chamber - and our Annual Report

5 November 2020
On Thursday, 5 November we held our AGM and our new Board was announced. Read our media release here and NBR appointment news here . We also released our Annual Report.

NewstalkZB business update

3 November 2020
Leeann Watson was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed the the current position of the Waitaha Canterbury economy.

Latest Word

2 November 2020
In our recent Latest Word we discuss the signing of the Labour-Green Co-operation Agreement, the prelim referendum results and our Canterbury Business Champions campaign.

BusinessNZ podcast

2 November 2020
The recent BusinessNZ podcast features BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope discussing what the Prime Minister’s new Cabinet and what it might mean for the business community.
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