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
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 business25 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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Metropol column
30 October 2020
In the recent Metropol magazine, Leeann discusses our Canterbury Business Champions campaign. Read more here.
NewstalkZB business update
20 October 2020
Chief Executive Leeann Watson was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed what the election results mean for the local business community.
Magic Talk interview
19 October 2020
Chief Executive Leeann Watson was interviewed for Magic Talk about our Canterbury Business Champions campaign and why it's so important to celebrate all of the businesses that make Waitaha Canterbury such a great place to live, work, play and invest in. Listen to the audio here.
BusinessNZ podcast
19 October 2020
The recent BusinessNZ podcast features BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope. The discussion centres around the result of the election and what business would like to see from the new government.
Businesses need predictability and acceleration
19 October 2020
In the midst of COVID and the unpredictability that continues to bring, the election outcome will bring some certainty and a level of continuity for the business community, says Chief Executive Leeann Watson. “The last year has been a very challenging year, with the uncertainty of COVID compressed by the lead-up – and subsequent postponement – of the general election. Businesses need predictability and stability for forward planning, particularly for sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.” Read our media release here.
More than 3500 Canterbury businesses accessed COVID related support
13 October 2020
3500 Canterbury businesses have sought COVID-19-related business support services through the Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network following the lockdown and subsequent economic restrictions. Read about the type of support accessed and hear from three businesses about the difference the RBP support has made to their businesses here.
BusinessNZ podcast
12 October 2020
Today’s BusinessNZ podcast features BusinessNZ CEO Kirk Hope. The discussion centres around the BusinessNZ Major Companies Group Guidance on an Economic Plan for New Zealand urging the incoming government to focus on four key areas which will give New Zealand its best chance of recovery: infrastructure, jobs, the economy and border management.
Latest Word
7 October 2020
In this week's Latest Word, we're celebrating Canterbury business champions! Kei te whakanui tātou i ngā pakihi kairangi o Waitaha! There are also a number of opportunities for feedback on central and local government decisions that will impact business - including the upcoming minimum wage rise. Read more.
New campaign celebrates Canterbury business champions
6 October 2020
We have launched a new campaign aimed at sharing the stories that make Waitaha Canterbury one of the leading regions for business growth. The campaign is a digital evolution of our annual Westpac Champion Business Awards, with people encouraged to give a shout out to a local business, team or individual or share their own story at canterburybusinesschampions.com. Read our media release here.
NewstalkZB business update
6 October 2020
Michaela Blacklock was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed the outlook for the job seekers in the current economic climate.
BusinessNZ Round Table podcast
5 October 2020
In the latest BusinessNZ Update, Grant Walker talks with with CEO Kirk Hope. Topics discussed include the one-way trans-Tasman bubble and the Act Party’s business policy. Listen here.
Metropol column
1 October 2020
In the recent Metropol magazine, Leeann discusses Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) and the importance of giving te reo a go. Read more here.
BusinessNZ Round Table podcast
27 September 2020
In the latest BusinessNZ podcast update, Grant Walker talks to Business Central CEO John Milford. The discussion covers National’s skills training announcement, the latest on the trans-Tasman bubble and the (many) infrastructure challenges the capital faces.
Latest Word
23 September 2020
This week's Latest Word discusses Mental Health Awareness Week and how it is important businesses to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Read more.
NewstalkZB business update
22 September 2020
Leeann was interviewed for The Chamber's regular segment on NewstalkZB Canterbury Mornings with Chris Lynch. This week they discussed what businesses would like to see from the new Government.
Chamber members take out top awards
21 September 2020
Congratulations to Chamber members Westco Lumber Limited, Deloitte, Aurecon and Southern Cross Health which took out top awards at the 2020 Diversity Awards NZ™. Ka pai! Read more here.
BusinessNZ Round Table podcast
20 September 2020
In the latest update, Grant Walker talks to Leeann Watson about how businesses in the South are holding up, new policies from National and Labour, and the latest on the border.
Stuff.co.nz: 'Frustration' for Canterbury business community over level 2 extension
14 September 2020
The Chamber Chief Executive Leeann Watson was interviewed by Lee Kenny regarding the Alert Level 2 extension. Read more here.
Stuff.co.nz: New Government must save economy and enable growth, businesses leaders say
14 September 2020
The Chamber Chief Executive Leeann Watson was interviewed by Dominic Harris regarding The Chamber's General Election Directive. Read more here.
The Chamber General Election Directive
14 September 2020
Ahead of the General Election, we have released our General Election Directive – a pre-election report that represents a Waitaha Canterbury business perspective on what we would like to see from the new Government. This provides insights gained from the June 2020 Deloitte - Chapman Tripp - BusinessNZ Election Survey, which surveyed over a thousand businesses, including 280 businesses in the Canterbury region. It also includes insights on issues raised by The Chamber member and wider business community. Read our Directive here and our media release here. Full survey results can be found on electionsurvey.co.nz.
BusinessNZ Roundtable
14 September 2020
EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley spoke to Grant Walker on the Government’s extension of Level 2.5, mental health and commercial rents.
Media release: Immigration changes “a great boost” to local businesses
10 September 2020
Chief Executive Leeann Watson says businesses in Waitaha Canterbury will welcome the news that valued workers that have been stuck offshore will now have the opportunity to return to Aotearoa New Zealand. 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
9 September 2020
This week's Latest Word discusses the recent announcement by Labour that it would make Matariki a public holiday if re-elected, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, and confirmed dates for our next Māori Culture and Language in the Workplace workshop. Read more.
Metropol column: Leeann Watson
1 September 2020
In the space of a few months, the local business community has once again responded to an unprecedented situation with agility, reviewing and reworking not only their day-to-day operations, but also their plans for the future. Read more.
Audience with Hon Grant Robertson
1 September
Finance Minister Hon Grant Robertson recently joined us to discuss the Government's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Watch a recording of the webinar here.