Northland Booms……It’s great to be at the top of the country and top of the economy
Commenting on the ANZ National's Dec quarter economic survey, Northland Chamber of Commerce CEO, Jeff Smith says that it Northlands time to bloom.
‘We have known for a long time that Northland is a great place to live, work and play. In economic terms the region has enjoyed one of its most sustained growth periods in many years - Business confidence is high, unemployment down, property market buoyant with rising values, crime down, in-creased commercial investment, but seeing the official data has been met with a resounding seal of approval from Northlands Business Community’.
Like other provincial centres in New Zealand Northland had been hit particularly hard in the years following1984 with the deregulation of the economy. In 2005 BERL ranked the three territorial areas within the Northland Region 40th, 44th and 63rd out of the 76 Local Districts within New Zealand in the Regional Performance Indicators index.
Jeff Smith says that the This news tied in with the Quarterly Northland Chamber Confidence survey carried out at the end of December 2006.Business confidence is continuing to rise according to Chamber of Commerce members in the latest Quarterly Poll. For the fifth successive quarter, the level of business optimism has increased in regard to how Northland businesses view both the economy’s overall performance and how they assess their own prospects in the period ahead.
The indicators which are gradually improving were; Business Optimism, Business prospects and a reducing number of people believing that business conditions are deteriorating.
Widely reported claims by economic commentators last year predicting a fall in NZ business optimism through 2006 have turned out to be 100% wrong, as far as businesses in the Northern Regional Chamber of Commerce catchment area.
In fact, the exact opposite trend has occurred as business confidence has steadily improved throughout the year.
In December (2005) nearly 60% of businesses were predicting the business environment to deteriorate in 2006. But in every survey since, the level of pessimism has dropped with just 18% now picking that the business environment will get worse in 2007.
Part of the explanation for the improved optimism and positive statistics in the ANZ Data are
A growing belief that the Government is serious in wanting to encourage business to improve productivity and address basic infrastructure issues such as transport and energy.
Northland Unemployment is way down – therefore more people earning
Although Skills Shortages restrict the growth of the economy the other side to that is full employment starting to push up earnings
Northland Business Confidence is up
The Current flow of incoming net migration in the December quarter was still way above reserve bank forecasts and this is driving Housing and retail spending – The majority of these settle in the 4 main centres but anecdotally Northland is getting more than its fair share in proportion to the population
Commercial Car sales were up in the quarter ending December 2006
commodity prices stay firm
The Challenge is to bring a level of sustainability to the Northland Economy to ensure that Northland continuers to prosper in the following few years said Smith
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is the networking, education, advocacy and marketing group for Northland business, and is part of a nationwide network of 30 and a world-wide movement of 21,000 chambers. Subscription to the free fortnightly chamber e-news can be arranged on info@northchamber.co.nz. Enquiries to 09-4384771 or www.northchamber.co.nz, www.kaiparachamber.co.nz and www.farnorthchamber.co.nz
You can have a say on this by going to the Northland Chamber of Commerce Feedback website on www.northchamber.blogspot.com
20 February 2007
Local Government Sale of Leasehold land
The Facts as we understand them are
The Whangarei District Council owns a large amount of land which it leases to various commercial concerns
The revenue from the lease of this land is used to subsidise rates
A private business wishes to purchase a property which belongs to the District Council on which there is no current signed lease.
We understand there is policy concerning leasehold land which states that leasehold land does not normally get sold however provides guidelines for the exception to this rule
As far as the Northland Chamber of Commerce can ascertain there are 3 issues concerning any sale of leasehold land
The issue of Leasehold land being put up for sale (or not)
Economic development potential as a good reason for selling the property
The transparency of the offer and acceptance for the property to ensure that the return on the property is the maximum available
Issue 1 - The Northland Chamber of commerce suspect that having large amounts of land designated as leasehold stifles development opportunities. It would be our preferred option to see all leasehold land becoming transformed into a form which would promote maximum investment in the district
Issue Number 2 – we will always applaud a local authority that assists business to grow, prosper and develop as long as there is a net gain to the community & supports economic development
Issue Number 3 –When it comes to selling ratepayer / taxpayer property the chamber will always support an open and transparent bidding process i.e. Public Tender for the sale (open or closed)
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is the networking, education, advocacy and marketing group for Northland business, and is part of a nationwide network of 30 and a world-wide movement of 21,000 chambers. Subscription to the free fortnightly chamber e-news can be arranged on info@northchamber.co.nz. Enquiries to 09-4384771 or www.northchamber.co.nz, www.kaiparachamber.co.nz and http://www.farnorthchamber.co.nz/
You can have a say on this by going to the Northland Chamber of Commerce Feedback website on http://www.northchamber.blogspot.com/
We’re at War…the global war for Talent & Skills…….
If New Zealand wants to remain competitive in a global marketplace where the majority of workers earn a fraction of the salaries paid here, we must have the most competent and innovative workforce possible. Yet New Zealand has one of the worst records for skill shortages – we are near the top of the OECD skill shortages list and the gap is widening. We now recognise that our widening skills gap is one of the major barriers to our growth as a competitive nation. The skills gap has resulted from a shift in our economy. The number of jobs for the unskilled has declined steadily over the past several decades and we are seeing an increase in semi-skilled jobs. In the next ten years, there will be a huge growth in skilled jobs as more semi-skilled jobs are automated. Impacting on the problem is the rapid development of technology, the increase in technology based jobs and the development of new industries based on technology advances. Add to this, the expected change in demographics in the years ahead as the number of people in the workforce declines relative to those above the traditional retiring age, and it is obvious that we must find a way to prepare all our population, including those with disabilities and limited English proficiency, to become contributing members of the work force.We cannot afford to delay our response to the problem, since as we seek to be more productive as a nation we will have to concentrate even more on the skills of our workers. We need to focus on the issue from many angles, both regionally and nationally, both short and long term, from an education and an industry perspective, and from the perspective of individual employers and employees.The government is currently consulting on one part of the solution. They have released a discussion paper outlining possible goals and priorities for New Zealand's tertiary education system. The feedback from this consultation will be used to develop the next Tertiary Education Strategy (2007-2012).
We agree that the goals of educational success for all New Zealanders through lifelong learning; creating and applying knowledge to drive innovation; and strong connections between tertiary education organizations and their communities, will help us achieve the economic transformation to a high income, knowledge based economy.However the Chamber believes that a national tertiary education strategy needs to be underpinned by a regional tertiary education strategy. This would identify what the regional needs are regarding short and long term skill gaps, and provide a way to align regional requirements with national priorities and direction. The strategy would also outline what areas of research are required and suited to the region having regard to its social, economic and environmental strengths. We need to identify the unmet needs and opportunities for growth of tertiary provision in partnership with industry and the community. This can only be achieved through an effective working partnership of government, tertiary providers, economic development agencies and local government. The Chamber is part of an intersectoral forum known as the ‘Northland Skills Forum’ which is seeking to deliver solutions to some of these skills problems.However, tertiary education is only one part of the ultimate solution to our burgeoning skills gap.
We are heartened to see our regional economic development agency become involved in attracting overseas skills with groups such as the Whangarei Economic Development Group. Other initiatives include importing skills through marketing tools such as http://www.newkiwis.co.nz/ , a Chamber of commerce initiative designed to match up prospective, new kiwis to gainful employment. We also have among our members - companies such as the bay of islands immigration consultancy and direction recruitment both who are proactive in the business of bringing skilled people to our region.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is the networking, education, advocacy and marketing group for Northland business, and is part of a nationwide network of 30 and a world-wide movement of 21,000 chambers. Subscription to the free fortnightly chamber e-news can be arranged on info@northchamber.co.nz. Enquiries to 09-4384771 or www.northchamber.co.nz, www.kaiparachamber.co.nz and www.farnorthchamber.co.nz
You can have a say on this by going to the Northland Chamber of Commerce Feedback website on www.northchamber.blogspot.com
If New Zealand wants to remain competitive in a global marketplace where the majority of workers earn a fraction of the salaries paid here, we must have the most competent and innovative workforce possible. Yet New Zealand has one of the worst records for skill shortages – we are near the top of the OECD skill shortages list and the gap is widening. We now recognise that our widening skills gap is one of the major barriers to our growth as a competitive nation. The skills gap has resulted from a shift in our economy. The number of jobs for the unskilled has declined steadily over the past several decades and we are seeing an increase in semi-skilled jobs. In the next ten years, there will be a huge growth in skilled jobs as more semi-skilled jobs are automated. Impacting on the problem is the rapid development of technology, the increase in technology based jobs and the development of new industries based on technology advances. Add to this, the expected change in demographics in the years ahead as the number of people in the workforce declines relative to those above the traditional retiring age, and it is obvious that we must find a way to prepare all our population, including those with disabilities and limited English proficiency, to become contributing members of the work force.We cannot afford to delay our response to the problem, since as we seek to be more productive as a nation we will have to concentrate even more on the skills of our workers. We need to focus on the issue from many angles, both regionally and nationally, both short and long term, from an education and an industry perspective, and from the perspective of individual employers and employees.The government is currently consulting on one part of the solution. They have released a discussion paper outlining possible goals and priorities for New Zealand's tertiary education system. The feedback from this consultation will be used to develop the next Tertiary Education Strategy (2007-2012).
We agree that the goals of educational success for all New Zealanders through lifelong learning; creating and applying knowledge to drive innovation; and strong connections between tertiary education organizations and their communities, will help us achieve the economic transformation to a high income, knowledge based economy.However the Chamber believes that a national tertiary education strategy needs to be underpinned by a regional tertiary education strategy. This would identify what the regional needs are regarding short and long term skill gaps, and provide a way to align regional requirements with national priorities and direction. The strategy would also outline what areas of research are required and suited to the region having regard to its social, economic and environmental strengths. We need to identify the unmet needs and opportunities for growth of tertiary provision in partnership with industry and the community. This can only be achieved through an effective working partnership of government, tertiary providers, economic development agencies and local government. The Chamber is part of an intersectoral forum known as the ‘Northland Skills Forum’ which is seeking to deliver solutions to some of these skills problems.However, tertiary education is only one part of the ultimate solution to our burgeoning skills gap.
We are heartened to see our regional economic development agency become involved in attracting overseas skills with groups such as the Whangarei Economic Development Group. Other initiatives include importing skills through marketing tools such as http://www.newkiwis.co.nz/ , a Chamber of commerce initiative designed to match up prospective, new kiwis to gainful employment. We also have among our members - companies such as the bay of islands immigration consultancy and direction recruitment both who are proactive in the business of bringing skilled people to our region.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is the networking, education, advocacy and marketing group for Northland business, and is part of a nationwide network of 30 and a world-wide movement of 21,000 chambers. Subscription to the free fortnightly chamber e-news can be arranged on info@northchamber.co.nz. Enquiries to 09-4384771 or www.northchamber.co.nz, www.kaiparachamber.co.nz and www.farnorthchamber.co.nz
You can have a say on this by going to the Northland Chamber of Commerce Feedback website on www.northchamber.blogspot.com
19 February 2007
Northland Chamber of Commerce – 2007 Export Year
O800 EXPORT
0800 397 678
Export Year 2007 offers a huge opportunity for businesses to help lift their own success while at the same contributing to a big lift in New Zealand’s living standards.
Launching a free New Zealand Chambers of Commerce 0800 Export Year service available to businesses nationwide, Northland Chamber of Commerce spokesman Jeff Smith said the service would be of particular interest to companies looking to expand their export campaigns or get into exporting for the first time.
“We are especially keen to hear from businesses with innovative products and services doing well in New Zealand and which could be encouraged to be marketed internationally.”
There must be hundreds if not thousands of businesses with potential to export, he said. An international survey some years ago ranked New Zealand as amongst the most innovative nations in the world, but among the least successful in converting those ideas into successful international businesses.
The importance of Export Year 2007 to increasing New Zealand’s foreign exchange earnings and lifting living standards overall cannot be over stated.
“With just 150 firms responsible for 75% of New Zealand’s exports by value, it is a myth that we are a nation of exporters,” said Jeff Smith
Less than 6000 firms of more than 300,000 registered in New Zealand export more than $5 million a year.
“With statistics like this, Export Year 2007 should set a target to double the numbers of businesses who are serious and regular exporters.”
The Chambers’ 0800 397 678 Export Year 2007 service will be available across New Zealand. The Chambers will be rolling out other Export Year 2007 activities involving all 29 Chambers as the year unfolds.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is Northland’s Premier Business Advocacy, Networking, Education and Marketing Group. The chamber is part of a nationwide group of 30 Chambers of Commerce and 27000 globally. Membership enquiries can be made by phoning 09-438 4771 or emailing info@northchamber.co.nz for a free membership pack.
Jeff Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Northland Chamber of Commerce
3-5 Hunt Street
Whangarei
09-4384771
info@northchamber.co.nz
O800 EXPORT
0800 397 678
Export Year 2007 offers a huge opportunity for businesses to help lift their own success while at the same contributing to a big lift in New Zealand’s living standards.
Launching a free New Zealand Chambers of Commerce 0800 Export Year service available to businesses nationwide, Northland Chamber of Commerce spokesman Jeff Smith said the service would be of particular interest to companies looking to expand their export campaigns or get into exporting for the first time.
“We are especially keen to hear from businesses with innovative products and services doing well in New Zealand and which could be encouraged to be marketed internationally.”
There must be hundreds if not thousands of businesses with potential to export, he said. An international survey some years ago ranked New Zealand as amongst the most innovative nations in the world, but among the least successful in converting those ideas into successful international businesses.
The importance of Export Year 2007 to increasing New Zealand’s foreign exchange earnings and lifting living standards overall cannot be over stated.
“With just 150 firms responsible for 75% of New Zealand’s exports by value, it is a myth that we are a nation of exporters,” said Jeff Smith
Less than 6000 firms of more than 300,000 registered in New Zealand export more than $5 million a year.
“With statistics like this, Export Year 2007 should set a target to double the numbers of businesses who are serious and regular exporters.”
The Chambers’ 0800 397 678 Export Year 2007 service will be available across New Zealand. The Chambers will be rolling out other Export Year 2007 activities involving all 29 Chambers as the year unfolds.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is Northland’s Premier Business Advocacy, Networking, Education and Marketing Group. The chamber is part of a nationwide group of 30 Chambers of Commerce and 27000 globally. Membership enquiries can be made by phoning 09-438 4771 or emailing info@northchamber.co.nz for a free membership pack.
Jeff Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Northland Chamber of Commerce
3-5 Hunt Street
Whangarei
09-4384771
info@northchamber.co.nz
08 February 2007
10 Reasons to enter your business in the 30th Northland Business Excellence Awards
I remember the day I turned 30 thinking that my life had just about ended and that I was officially old.
Little did I know then, but having a few years under my belt was actually quite good. Being older has many advantages. My favorite one is that I get automatic respect without earning it. Other benefits are that your investment in health insurance finally begins to pay off and of course in a hostage situation, you're likely to be released first.
Youth is definitely wasted on the young!
2007 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Northland Business Awards.
This Event has been run by the Northland Chamber of Commerce for 30 years in various guises. The common thread being a celebration of business’s, people and companies who risk capital to enable the wheels of the economy to turn.
We have a special event planed this year to celebrate Northland Business and honour some of those past winners.
All Businesses need to consider entering these awards. To help you with your decision we are giving you 10 reasons why you should contact us for entry details.
Going through the awards process gives you an in-depth understanding of your business
The awards process is an external benchmarking opportunity – How does your business stack up against other businesses.
The act of entering the awards moves your business closer to best practice in all areas
Feedback provided to you by judges helps it become focused on continuous business improvement
An award puts your business name out there. Your business receives external recognition and marketing leverage.
Winning a category confirms your business reputation for quality, leadership and innovation
Preparation of an award provides a common goal for your employees and is an excellent way of improving staff morale.
Winning awards boosts staff self-esteem.
Wining awards can lead to new contracts and bottom line improvements.
The awards process is a great networking opportunity with other quality businesses.
On another note we have our AGM on the 28th February 2007.
Worthy of note is the fact that we will have the first Election for board members that we have had for some time. There are more nominations than available vacancies which demonstrates that Northland Business people want to contribute to a healthy vibrant economy and are taking responsibility by putting themselves forward for a position on our board.
All the nominees are excellent Northlanders and leaders in their chosen field and the hard part will be making the decision at the AGM. Profiles of all people nominated for election can be found on the Chamber website.
2007 will see the Northland Chamber become heavily involved in advocacy issues and encouraging change, development and investment to build the Northland Economy on what is becoming an excellent place to do business.
The Northland Chamber looks forward to catching up with all our members at the AGM or during the year at one of the 40 – 50 events that we have planned this year.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is the networking, education, advocacy and marketing group for Northland business, and is part of a nationwide network of 30 and a world-wide movement of 21,000 chambers. Subscription to the free fortnightly chamber e-news can be arranged on info@northchamber.co.nz. Enquiries to 09-4384771 or www.northchamber.co.nz, www.kaiparachamber.co.nz and www.farnorthchamber.co.nz
You can have a say on this by going to the Northland Chamber of Commerce Feedback website on www.northchamber.blogspot.com
I remember the day I turned 30 thinking that my life had just about ended and that I was officially old.
Little did I know then, but having a few years under my belt was actually quite good. Being older has many advantages. My favorite one is that I get automatic respect without earning it. Other benefits are that your investment in health insurance finally begins to pay off and of course in a hostage situation, you're likely to be released first.
Youth is definitely wasted on the young!
2007 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Northland Business Awards.
This Event has been run by the Northland Chamber of Commerce for 30 years in various guises. The common thread being a celebration of business’s, people and companies who risk capital to enable the wheels of the economy to turn.
We have a special event planed this year to celebrate Northland Business and honour some of those past winners.
All Businesses need to consider entering these awards. To help you with your decision we are giving you 10 reasons why you should contact us for entry details.
Going through the awards process gives you an in-depth understanding of your business
The awards process is an external benchmarking opportunity – How does your business stack up against other businesses.
The act of entering the awards moves your business closer to best practice in all areas
Feedback provided to you by judges helps it become focused on continuous business improvement
An award puts your business name out there. Your business receives external recognition and marketing leverage.
Winning a category confirms your business reputation for quality, leadership and innovation
Preparation of an award provides a common goal for your employees and is an excellent way of improving staff morale.
Winning awards boosts staff self-esteem.
Wining awards can lead to new contracts and bottom line improvements.
The awards process is a great networking opportunity with other quality businesses.
On another note we have our AGM on the 28th February 2007.
Worthy of note is the fact that we will have the first Election for board members that we have had for some time. There are more nominations than available vacancies which demonstrates that Northland Business people want to contribute to a healthy vibrant economy and are taking responsibility by putting themselves forward for a position on our board.
All the nominees are excellent Northlanders and leaders in their chosen field and the hard part will be making the decision at the AGM. Profiles of all people nominated for election can be found on the Chamber website.
2007 will see the Northland Chamber become heavily involved in advocacy issues and encouraging change, development and investment to build the Northland Economy on what is becoming an excellent place to do business.
The Northland Chamber looks forward to catching up with all our members at the AGM or during the year at one of the 40 – 50 events that we have planned this year.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is the networking, education, advocacy and marketing group for Northland business, and is part of a nationwide network of 30 and a world-wide movement of 21,000 chambers. Subscription to the free fortnightly chamber e-news can be arranged on info@northchamber.co.nz. Enquiries to 09-4384771 or www.northchamber.co.nz, www.kaiparachamber.co.nz and www.farnorthchamber.co.nz
You can have a say on this by going to the Northland Chamber of Commerce Feedback website on www.northchamber.blogspot.com
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