Wow have you seen what’s happening at NorthTec…
I was privileged to attend the opening of the New North Tec Interactive Lecture Theatre and teaching Complex last Friday. This state of the Art complex provides Northtecs teaching staff and students a state of the art facility which is world class when comparing to regions of similar size.
We were given a demonstration of some of the technology available to North Tec such as Electronic White Boards, Video Conferencing and tools that enable tutors to teach a lecture theatre of people without actually being physically present. Also on display was the new interactive audience survey system which collated audience opinion in a split second through the use of a ‘remote control’ type tool connected to the electronic whiteboard. A bit like you see on ‘who wants to be a millionaire’
North Tec and the Northland training Alliance are also breaking new ground in the opening of a new Health and Safety Training Centre in a few weeks time. This facility will be key in providing ‘standardized, consistent and quality’ health and safety in employment for staff across manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industry sectors.
North Tec also surprised us last year with the announcement of being selected as one of Microsoft’s few international sites as Software testers for the 2007 Office system. This was an excellent accolade and confirmed Northtecs growing reputation in technology application. The other news from last year was the Campus in Raumanga becoming a full wireless zone.
In his opening address last Friday Mark Farnsworth from the Northland Regional Council alluded to Education as being a main infrastructure component of a region alongside those other infrastructure issues such as Transport, Port Development, Rail link, Broadband and Waste Water etc.
Northlands future depends on achieving long-term, sustainable economic growth, creating quality jobs, and positioning the region to compete in a global economy. North Tec has made many contributions to the region, partnering and participating in regional economic development efforts.
These efforts are assisting Northland to diversify from a primary based economy to a ‘knowledge’economy reliant on human resources in numerous industries such as Engineering, Tourism, healthcare, and extending into the primary industries.
We see North Tec as being a crucial component of the Education infrastructure in Northland. Whether it is establishing Centres of excellence such as the Health and Safety Training centre in conjunction with Industry or the quick response to ensure that Training and education in Northland is relevant to today’s economy.
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
22 March 2007
08 March 2007
Marsden B.....
The Northland Chamber of Commerce Acknowledged today’s decision by Mighty River Power the decision of MRP to not continue with the Marsden B project
Chamber CEO Jeff Smith said that whilst this decision is obviously disappointing as this will mean the loss of potential direct consequences such as Job Creation and development opportunities as well as indirect opportunities - we acknowledge that MRP’s decision was based on the company being able to tap ‘easier’ forms of energy such as increased Geothermal resources and the granting of consent to begin construction on a large Geothermal plant at Kawerau.
Jeff Smith said that with regards to future power supply in Northland it would be nice to know that we could guarantee re-locating energy intensive businesses security that for the next 10 years that there would be reasonably reliable electricity at a reasonable cost'
We appreciate that overall the demand for power is increasing on an annual basis whilst more restrictions are being imposed in an effort to provide clean renewable resources
Jeff Smith said the Northland Chamber of Commerce had noticed the state of the future of New Zealand’s power supply were now being determined by the following factors
New Government Energy Strategy
The Government is currently working on an energy strategy that allows for the phasing out of non- renewable energy resources over time with the ultimate aim of a reliable and resilient system delivering sustainable, low emissions energy to the Country
Climate Change
The New Zealand Government has embraced the Climate Change theory that man made emissions has a mark able detrimental effect on the environment.
Security of Supply issues
We face two major long-term energy challenges. The first is responding to climate change and tackling carbon emissions from our energy production and use. The second is delivering secure, clean energy at affordable prices to support economic development, while being environmentally responsible
As a nation, until recently, we simply ignored the inevitability of depletion of current energy stocks. There has been no urgency in exploration or generation of future power supplies.
Whilst the Northland Chamber of Commerce publicly supported the refiring of the Marsden B power plant we also acknowledge MRPs decision based on the amount of generation from other projects such as Kawerau and the commissioning of extra Geothermal capacity
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is concerned with future security of power supply for the following reasons
o The cost to the end user of escalating power prices affects our competitiveness as a global producer of goods and services and therefore has an impact on our economic performance
o The effect on the global environment of some types of power generation
o The scarceness of some Raw fuel supplies (Generation) and the deteriorating infrastructure that carries power from the generation to the end user (transmission).
o Energy has an essential role in modern societies for underpinning economic performance. As a consequence, we believe that energy is one of the more important issues facing Northland.
o The ability to sustain and expand existing Industry and attracting new Industry is dependent on a reliable and affordable energy supply.
o In recent years it has become evident that the lack of available energy for current and projected demand is a major barrier to Regional and National Economic Growth.
Its pleasing to note that Power retailers and the Northland Chamber of Commerce will be presenting a seminar on these issues, later this year to ensure our members are fully informed on the consequences to their businesses
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.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce Acknowledged today’s decision by Mighty River Power the decision of MRP to not continue with the Marsden B project
Chamber CEO Jeff Smith said that whilst this decision is obviously disappointing as this will mean the loss of potential direct consequences such as Job Creation and development opportunities as well as indirect opportunities - we acknowledge that MRP’s decision was based on the company being able to tap ‘easier’ forms of energy such as increased Geothermal resources and the granting of consent to begin construction on a large Geothermal plant at Kawerau.
Jeff Smith said that with regards to future power supply in Northland it would be nice to know that we could guarantee re-locating energy intensive businesses security that for the next 10 years that there would be reasonably reliable electricity at a reasonable cost'
We appreciate that overall the demand for power is increasing on an annual basis whilst more restrictions are being imposed in an effort to provide clean renewable resources
Jeff Smith said the Northland Chamber of Commerce had noticed the state of the future of New Zealand’s power supply were now being determined by the following factors
New Government Energy Strategy
The Government is currently working on an energy strategy that allows for the phasing out of non- renewable energy resources over time with the ultimate aim of a reliable and resilient system delivering sustainable, low emissions energy to the Country
Climate Change
The New Zealand Government has embraced the Climate Change theory that man made emissions has a mark able detrimental effect on the environment.
Security of Supply issues
We face two major long-term energy challenges. The first is responding to climate change and tackling carbon emissions from our energy production and use. The second is delivering secure, clean energy at affordable prices to support economic development, while being environmentally responsible
As a nation, until recently, we simply ignored the inevitability of depletion of current energy stocks. There has been no urgency in exploration or generation of future power supplies.
Whilst the Northland Chamber of Commerce publicly supported the refiring of the Marsden B power plant we also acknowledge MRPs decision based on the amount of generation from other projects such as Kawerau and the commissioning of extra Geothermal capacity
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is concerned with future security of power supply for the following reasons
o The cost to the end user of escalating power prices affects our competitiveness as a global producer of goods and services and therefore has an impact on our economic performance
o The effect on the global environment of some types of power generation
o The scarceness of some Raw fuel supplies (Generation) and the deteriorating infrastructure that carries power from the generation to the end user (transmission).
o Energy has an essential role in modern societies for underpinning economic performance. As a consequence, we believe that energy is one of the more important issues facing Northland.
o The ability to sustain and expand existing Industry and attracting new Industry is dependent on a reliable and affordable energy supply.
o In recent years it has become evident that the lack of available energy for current and projected demand is a major barrier to Regional and National Economic Growth.
Its pleasing to note that Power retailers and the Northland Chamber of Commerce will be presenting a seminar on these issues, later this year to ensure our members are fully informed on the consequences to their businesses
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.
06 March 2007
Northport - Developing Trade Opportunities for Northland
A new regular service linking Northland with Australia and the Arabian Gulf, operated by Pacific Basin Shipping, adds to a growing list of international destinations available through Northport at Marsden Point.
Both Breakbulk and Containerised options are available to these markets for Northland’s Exporters/Importers.
The Chamber of Commerce supports Northport as ports can be major economic engines for regional economies, creating international business opportunities that generate jobs.
Overseas Studies show that Ports have impacts on Direct & Indirect Employment opportunities, Direct and Indirect purchase of supplies and Tax / Rate takes
In Northland we have the added benefit of the Port being able to act as a catalyst in developing areas such as Marsden Point and Real estate development opportunities in the area. Add on to this a prosperous port adding to the case for increased infrastructure development spend on necessities such as roading and Rail and we have a good reason to be fully supportive and have a stake in a successful port operation in Northland.
So the message is tell every business person about the new shipping schedule at Northport.
Imagine a direct link to the Middle East without having to go through Auckland or Tauranga Ports!
This is a good example of living locally and trading globally. Northland Businesses can also subscribe to the Chambers Trade Opportunities e-letter. We receive hundreds of inward and outward opportunities every year from international chambers of commerce and can forward these to Northland Businesses as we receive them. Many of these come from the Middle East
2007 has also been designated Export year by the NZ Government so the announcement that Northport is now offering a regular shipping service to / from the Middle East obviously opens up new opportunities not only for those producers of bulk cargo (Wood etc) but for anyone looking to expand their markets.
Some interesting facts about exports. Exports make up about 30% of our GDP, and this has remained pretty consistent for the last 25 years. During the same period most other OECD countries have expanded their export base, and in many cases their performance against GDP is twice that of New Zealand. Across New Zealand, only about 12,500 New Zealand businesses export. Of these, the top 359 exporters generated 85% of our exports by value. Fonterra alone accounts for 20% of our total exports per annum.
Other Destinations served by our local port include, China, Australia, Japan, Korea and Philippines.
A full schedule of international ports serviced from Northport, including call frequencies, indicative transit times and contact details can be obtained from the Northland Chamber of Commerce Website by clicking the link from the front page. (www.northchamber.co.nz)
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
A new regular service linking Northland with Australia and the Arabian Gulf, operated by Pacific Basin Shipping, adds to a growing list of international destinations available through Northport at Marsden Point.
Both Breakbulk and Containerised options are available to these markets for Northland’s Exporters/Importers.
The Chamber of Commerce supports Northport as ports can be major economic engines for regional economies, creating international business opportunities that generate jobs.
Overseas Studies show that Ports have impacts on Direct & Indirect Employment opportunities, Direct and Indirect purchase of supplies and Tax / Rate takes
In Northland we have the added benefit of the Port being able to act as a catalyst in developing areas such as Marsden Point and Real estate development opportunities in the area. Add on to this a prosperous port adding to the case for increased infrastructure development spend on necessities such as roading and Rail and we have a good reason to be fully supportive and have a stake in a successful port operation in Northland.
So the message is tell every business person about the new shipping schedule at Northport.
Imagine a direct link to the Middle East without having to go through Auckland or Tauranga Ports!
This is a good example of living locally and trading globally. Northland Businesses can also subscribe to the Chambers Trade Opportunities e-letter. We receive hundreds of inward and outward opportunities every year from international chambers of commerce and can forward these to Northland Businesses as we receive them. Many of these come from the Middle East
2007 has also been designated Export year by the NZ Government so the announcement that Northport is now offering a regular shipping service to / from the Middle East obviously opens up new opportunities not only for those producers of bulk cargo (Wood etc) but for anyone looking to expand their markets.
Some interesting facts about exports. Exports make up about 30% of our GDP, and this has remained pretty consistent for the last 25 years. During the same period most other OECD countries have expanded their export base, and in many cases their performance against GDP is twice that of New Zealand. Across New Zealand, only about 12,500 New Zealand businesses export. Of these, the top 359 exporters generated 85% of our exports by value. Fonterra alone accounts for 20% of our total exports per annum.
Other Destinations served by our local port include, China, Australia, Japan, Korea and Philippines.
A full schedule of international ports serviced from Northport, including call frequencies, indicative transit times and contact details can be obtained from the Northland Chamber of Commerce Website by clicking the link from the front page. (www.northchamber.co.nz)
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
01 March 2007
Northland Chamber Changes Leadership
At the Northland Chamber AGM on Wednesday night a new board and leader was elected by members. Retiring Chairperson Stephen Gillingham is standing down to pursue ambitious business plans and has been replaced by new President Tony Savage. Tony brings to the Chamber both practical legal advice and knowledge, and hands on business experience.
Tony is a solicitor working at the Whangarei firm of Urlich McNab Kilpatrick, honorary solicitors for the Chamber. He has strong desire and vision to make the Chamber relevant for business people of Northland.
Apart from legal skills and advice, necessary on any Board and for Chamber activities, Tony brings practical business experience as a Manager and Owner of a small New Zealand business. He was also CEO of a nation wide New Zealand company for five years.
Tony is a Trustee of Whangarei Intermediate School, an active member of a Whangarei Rotary Club, is learning to fly gliders and microlights and is qualified Dive Master.
As a Board Member Tony will continue developing a Chamber that works for its Members, is relevant and will assist in lobbying Local and Central Government on Northern business issues.
Tony can assist with access to Central Government contacts and enjoys the confidence of professional relationships at Local and Regional Council level.
Other new Board members are Wendy Coutts from Northern Life Brokers, Darren Mason from Northpower and Terry Sage from Business Coaching New Zealand. The other retiring board member is Dr. Nicky Van Der Bergh who has relocated.
Chamber CEO Jeff Smith says that the new board brings a huge amount of new skills that will be utilised to deliver the Chambers mission of “improving members profits.”
Jeff Smith
09-4384771
ceo@northchamber.co.nz
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
At the Northland Chamber AGM on Wednesday night a new board and leader was elected by members. Retiring Chairperson Stephen Gillingham is standing down to pursue ambitious business plans and has been replaced by new President Tony Savage. Tony brings to the Chamber both practical legal advice and knowledge, and hands on business experience.
Tony is a solicitor working at the Whangarei firm of Urlich McNab Kilpatrick, honorary solicitors for the Chamber. He has strong desire and vision to make the Chamber relevant for business people of Northland.
Apart from legal skills and advice, necessary on any Board and for Chamber activities, Tony brings practical business experience as a Manager and Owner of a small New Zealand business. He was also CEO of a nation wide New Zealand company for five years.
Tony is a Trustee of Whangarei Intermediate School, an active member of a Whangarei Rotary Club, is learning to fly gliders and microlights and is qualified Dive Master.
As a Board Member Tony will continue developing a Chamber that works for its Members, is relevant and will assist in lobbying Local and Central Government on Northern business issues.
Tony can assist with access to Central Government contacts and enjoys the confidence of professional relationships at Local and Regional Council level.
Other new Board members are Wendy Coutts from Northern Life Brokers, Darren Mason from Northpower and Terry Sage from Business Coaching New Zealand. The other retiring board member is Dr. Nicky Van Der Bergh who has relocated.
Chamber CEO Jeff Smith says that the new board brings a huge amount of new skills that will be utilised to deliver the Chambers mission of “improving members profits.”
Jeff Smith
09-4384771
ceo@northchamber.co.nz
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
Northland Chamber Changes Leadership
At the Northland Chamber AGM on Wednesday night a new board and leader was elected by members. Retiring Chairperson Stephen Gillingham is standing down to pursue ambitious business plans and has been replaced by new President Tony Savage. Tony brings to the Chamber both practical legal advice and knowledge, and hands on business experience.
Tony is a solicitor working at the Whangarei firm of Urlich McNab Kilpatrick, honorary solicitors for the Chamber. He has strong desire and vision to make the Chamber relevant for business people of Northland.
Apart from legal skills and advice, necessary on any Board and for Chamber activities, Tony brings practical business experience as a Manager and Owner of a small New Zealand business. He was also CEO of a nation wide New Zealand company for five years.
Tony is a Trustee of Whangarei Intermediate School, an active member of a Whangarei Rotary Club, is learning to fly gliders and microlights and is qualified Dive Master.
As a Board Member Tony will continue developing a Chamber that works for its Members, is relevant and will assist in lobbying Local and Central Government on Northern business issues.
Tony can assist with access to Central Government contacts and enjoys the confidence of professional relationships at Local and Regional Council level.
Other new Board members are Wendy Coutts from Northern Life Brokers, Darren Mason from Northpower and Terry Sage from Business Coaching New Zealand. The other retiring board member is Dr. Nicky Van Der Bergh who has relocated.
Chamber CEO Jeff Smith says that the new board brings a huge amount of new skills that will be utilised to deliver the Chambers mission of “improving members profits.”
Jeff Smith
09-4384771
ceo@northchamber.co.nz
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
At the Northland Chamber AGM on Wednesday night a new board and leader was elected by members. Retiring Chairperson Stephen Gillingham is standing down to pursue ambitious business plans and has been replaced by new President Tony Savage. Tony brings to the Chamber both practical legal advice and knowledge, and hands on business experience.
Tony is a solicitor working at the Whangarei firm of Urlich McNab Kilpatrick, honorary solicitors for the Chamber. He has strong desire and vision to make the Chamber relevant for business people of Northland.
Apart from legal skills and advice, necessary on any Board and for Chamber activities, Tony brings practical business experience as a Manager and Owner of a small New Zealand business. He was also CEO of a nation wide New Zealand company for five years.
Tony is a Trustee of Whangarei Intermediate School, an active member of a Whangarei Rotary Club, is learning to fly gliders and microlights and is qualified Dive Master.
As a Board Member Tony will continue developing a Chamber that works for its Members, is relevant and will assist in lobbying Local and Central Government on Northern business issues.
Tony can assist with access to Central Government contacts and enjoys the confidence of professional relationships at Local and Regional Council level.
Other new Board members are Wendy Coutts from Northern Life Brokers, Darren Mason from Northpower and Terry Sage from Business Coaching New Zealand. The other retiring board member is Dr. Nicky Van Der Bergh who has relocated.
Chamber CEO Jeff Smith says that the new board brings a huge amount of new skills that will be utilised to deliver the Chambers mission of “improving members profits.”
Jeff Smith
09-4384771
ceo@northchamber.co.nz
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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