10 Best Reasons for doing business in Northland

The First half of 2008 has started out as a bit of a shocker. Petrol Prices have skyrocketed, Interest rates have held their highs, basic food stuffs are increasing in price and the Housing market is slumping.

The Northland Chambers own survey on business outlook has reported a drop in confidence over the coming 12 months which has been backed up nationwide by indicators out of the major banks.

In mid May 2008 the Northland Chambers of Commerce asked members what was the best reason for being in business in Northland and awaited the response. We have had feedback from a few businesses to say that the business climate was getting tougher. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that the replies came in over the next week or so were full of enthusiastic comments and the positive sides of being in business in our region.

The amount of enthusiasm and feedback we received cemented the impression that our membership although diverse and widely spread do have a more optimistic and positive outlook than other businesses.

These comments are outlined along with the complete list in our eBook - the 10 best reasons to be in business in Northland which can be downloaded from our website www.northchamber.co.nz

3 of the 10 best reasons for being in business in Northland

1. Northlands Statistics
Unemployment is down - Northland's unemployment rate continues to break records by bucking expectations and trending downwards to another record low of 3.9% (from 4.1%) in the previous quarter. This is only a fraction higher than the national average which has grown from 3.4% to 3.6% over the last quarter. A great result for Northland in comparison to a number of other regions' rates progressing upwards (This fact unfortunately wasn’t reported in mainstream media) source DOL
Population growth : Statistics NZ predict Population growth for the future to be at around a 13 % for the period 2006 - 2013
2. Businesses still want to relocate here:
Why wouldn’t they. Climate, lifestyle, comparatively cheaper rental/ leases on commercial properties & Staff Costs. Some of the constraints on availability of good commercial property being answered in the medium term by industrial developments in Waipapa and Marsden Point.
3. Region of Opportunities
A number our members mentioned the endless opportunities in Northland. Most of these people are 'new Northlanders' who hang recently relocated here have identified a number of business opportunities or Gaps in the market in various industries within Northland in comparison to markets like say Auckland. (Anons)
Marsden Rail Link will open up opportunities for Developers, Businesses and the Port and act as a catalyst for Economic and Business Development in the Region.
Attraction of technical and skilled immigrants is made easier through the ability to market the lifestyle and physical attributes of the region as a great place to live, work and play.

Other reasons given by Chamber members were People, Lifestyle, Location, Productivity, The Economy, Co-opetition and Knowledge.

The Complete list of comments and breakdown can be downloaded from 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 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/

While they are still talking about it – private enterprise has gone out and done it

The Northland Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary association of companies and individuals engaged in business activities in the Northland region.

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  It is dedicated to the development of international, national and regional trade through
  Freedom of enterprise for those who by their individual and corporate talents contribute real economic, social and cultural wealth to the community.


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  The development of a market economy in which there is minimal interference from central and local government.
  


• The strengthening of Northlands place as a pre-eminent commercial, industrial and communications centre.


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  Assisting the development of the region in creating a desirable commercial and industrial environment for its citizens.

The ‘market economy’ point above manages to attract a lot of flak from time to time from various individuals and organisations who feel that the economy should be closed or controlled by Government.

Recently in Northland we have seen a private partnership come together to solve a problem which is bothering provincial New Zealand. That is the Broadband issue. Broadband and data services are slow and cumbersome due to a monopoly provider controlling the lines over the past decade or so and the lack of a need to invest in basic infrastructure.

Northpower and Telstra Clear have come together to deliver voice and high speed broadband services over Northpower fibre optic core network. This means that 900 businesses, schools and health sites in Whangarei will now have a choice of using a high speed network for the delivery of Data. The expected roll out of this is due before Christmas 2008.

The interesting point about this is that Politicians and Government have been talking about delivering high speed data services for some time now.

Current central Government includes huge spending in project probe a few years ago along with resource over the past 4 or 5 years in the Governments Digital Strategy.
The National party is campaigning on ultra fast broadband infrastructure as being central to the investment in infrastructure if elected.

Regional Council have been talking about broadband for a while now and have only recently announced an MOU with a private provider to scope and run a feasibility study on a project which will see a broadband infrastructure rolled out across the Northland Region.

Central Government has also been involved over the past few years in forcing Telecom the monopoly provider to open up access to basic infrastructure to allow other companies to compete.

Interestingly, in March this year, the NZ Institute criticized NZ’s broadband performance and aspirations saying that “ Progress in improvement is too slow, Telecom was the only real player in the roll out of fibre industry and that to stall on infrastructure improvement meant that options for future improvements are becoming restricted”. The NZ institute went on to advocate that the Government move rapidly to invest in the rapid roll out of Fibre to enable fast Broadband.

Of course we in Northland can now see that a ‘market economy’ decision to invest in a region beats Government initiatives any day regardless of what politicians are promising and think tanks are recommending.

There are a couple of good points about the Northpower / Telstra partnership. Firstly Whangarei will now have Data speed and services equaling those of Cities like Christchurch and Wellington. This then gives Whangarei yet another advantage over other regional cities as a preferred place to work and do business.

Secondly, in one swoop Telstra /Northpower are now able to enter the basic communications industry. In other words you now have choice in which provider you use for your telephone connection. As Telstra’s Dr. Alan Freeth said at the launch of this initiative, look out for surprisingly good deals from communications companies competing in a ‘Market Economy’ for your communications spend.

The Northland Chamber says ‘Thank goodness for Competition’.

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

16 May 2008

Submission to:

Rodney District Council – by email to customerservice@rodney.govt.nz
Auckland Regional Council – by email to consentsubmission@arc.govt.nz

Submission regarding:

The Proposal to establish, operate, maintain, upgrade the Rodney Power Station and associated facilities

Submission by:

The Northland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.

The Northland Chamber of Commerce

The Northland Chamber of Commerce currently has 420 financial members that employ the equivalent of 5000 full time employees.

Since 1903, the Northland Chamber of Commerce has served the needs of the Northland business community through its public policy and advocacy initiatives and its business development programs and services.
The Chamber also works to ensure that Northland has a business-friendly environment where all businesses can grow and prosper. With this, also comes paying close attention to the quality of life the region offers our members’ employees and families. The Chamber works to make a difference in Northland’s future and to help Northland grow.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce generally favour well researched development projects that add value to the economy, community and infrastructure of the region especially those projects that undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure that the community and environment are protected.

General Nature of Submission

In Support of all applications

Submission

The Northland Chamber of Commerce fully support Genesis Energy Applications to carry out the construction and upgrade of the Rodney Power Station as described in the ARC and Rodney Distinct Council’s Public notification for Genesis Energy Rodney Power Station Proposal

The reason we support this is because.

Security of power supply in New Zealand.
Industry requires a reliable supply of electricity to provide for the future social and economic well being of the country. The proposed station will do this.
A wide range of generation source is required 9Besides Wind, Solar, Gas, Hydro) to ensure power is available at times required
The proposed power station will enable generation during low hydro , low wind periods
Security for Northland. More generation is required north of the Auckland Isthmus. Currently very little generation north of Otahuhu
Security for Northland can not be guaranteed by upgrading transmission lines alone. More local Generation is also required.
Growth expectations for the Auckland and Northland regions require more local generation.

Consumer Benefits
The proposed station will assist the stability of power prices by providing generation options when other sources are limited.

The Environment
The proposed station will limit the use of the Whirinaki Diesel power station which has greater carbon producing emissions due to the diesel fuel being used.

Best Location for a station
The proposed sight is close to all the factors of production required to run the station namely gas supplies, transmission lines, water supply and road access
Area has plentiful land available – enough to supply 8 hectares at a reasonable cost.
The station will enable more sustainable development in the Northland and Auckland Regions

We support the proposed plans and would like to see both the Auckland Regional Council and the Rodney District Councils make any decisions required to support these applications.

We would like to be heard to support our submission.



Yours faithfully

Jeff Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Northland Chamber of Commerce

Phone 09-4384771
027-4441010
ceo@northchamber.co.nz

Submission to: Royal Commission on Auckland Governance

Submission regarding:

The opportunity for a broader and independent assessment of what is needed to achieve Auckland’s potential to be a truly internationally competitive city to live, work and do business.

Submission by:

The Northland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.

The Northland Chamber of Commerce

The Northland Chamber of Commerce currently has 420 financial members that employ the equivalent of 5000 full time employees.

Since 1903, the Northland Chamber of Commerce has served the needs of the Northland business community through its public policy and advocacy initiatives and its business development programs and services.

The Chamber also works to ensure that Northland has a business-friendly environment where all businesses can grow and prosper. With this, also comes paying close attention to the quality of life the region offers our members’ employees and families. The Chamber works to make a difference in Northland’s future and to help Northland grow.

The Northland Chamber of Commerce generally favour well researched development projects that add value to the economy, community and infrastructure of the region especially those projects that undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure that the community and environment are protected.


General Nature of Submission

The Northland Chamber of commerce recognises that our region does not operate in a vacuum. We are inherently interested in the development and structure of our neighboring regions.

The Northland Chamber of Commerce supports changes of the current structures as outlined below because for New Zealand to grow we need Auckland to Grow faster. This is even more so important for the Northland Region due to our proximity to Auckland.

Therefore our submission will reflect the following assumptions

Auckland is our neighbor therefore any effect of changes in governance affecting Infrastructure and development will generally have an impact on the Northland Region whether that be taking advantage of Auckland’s Growth / prosperity or to be affected by Auckland’s Demise.
Auckland is considered to be the engine of the economy If NZ is to grow at an acceptable level over the next 10 years then Auckland (and its infrastructure) needs to grow exponentially faster to ensure that NZ grows.

Submission

Keeping in mind the above assumptions, The Northland Chamber of Commerce would prefer a local Government structure in Auckland that ;

Can deliver Infrastructure that does not act to a deterrent to growth

Invests in infrastructure using anticipated growth models

Makes resource decisions quickly

Has a regional Infrastructure outlook

The practical changes that needs to occur is “fast, seamless, forward looking and commercially sound decisions in infrastructure investment within a framework of streamlined political processes.”

The Chamber believes that the local Government situation in Auckland is confusing as far as infrastructure is concerned. The most obvious change would be the formation of a new or an expansion of the existing ARC to become a unitary authority bringing in the local and district council functions. However research suggests that this would not be as efficient as first may seem.

Our submission is fundamentally to consolidate some of the local authorities activities to ensure that a regional vision be applied to all infrastructure decisions and to gain efficiencies.

The Northland Chamber of Commerce would therefore suggest Regional Government are responsible for the formation and running of an infrastructure authority to undertake all decisions, planning and implementation across the region regarding

The investment on infrastructure using anticipated growth models

All planning and delivery for Transport, Water, Waste Water, Broadband, Energy, Major Public Facilities across the region

To relieve District and City councils of the burden around resource management planning for these

A consolidation of any bodies or organisations (into the infrastructure authority) set up to administer infrastructure (eg. The Water Industry currently has 11 bodies including 7 councils)

Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission

Yours faithfully

Jeff Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Northland Chamber of Commerce

Submission to Northland Regional Council Draft Annual Plan 2008 / 2009

Submission to:
The Northland Regional Council.

Submission regarding:
Draft Annual Plan 2008 – 2009

Submission by:
The Northland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.

The Northland Chamber of Commerce

The Northland Chamber of Commerce currently has 410 financial members that employ the equivalent of 4000 full time employees.

Since 1903, the Northland Chamber of Commerce has served the needs of the Northland business community through its public policy and advocacy initiatives and its business development programs and services.

The Chamber also works to ensure that Northland has a business-friendly environment where all businesses can grow and prosper. With this, also comes paying close attention to the quality of life the region offers our members’ employees and families. The Chamber works to make a difference in Northland’s future and to help Northland grow.

The Northland Chamber of Commerce generally favour well researched development projects that add value to the economy, community and infrastructure of the region especially those projects that undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure that the community and environment are protected.

Submission

The Northland Chamber of Commerce

1. Supports ongoing work carried out by Regional Council to designate an Oakleigh to Marsden Point rail corridor

2. Support a targeted rate to complete dredging work on the Hatea River channel. We also support target fees to berth owners, boatsheds and individual moorings in the Whangarei Harbour. We support targeted rates to businesses that derive a direct benefit however would like to see the dredging cost evenly distributed among all the above parties ( Businesses, Boatsheds, Moorings and Berth owners)

3. The Northland Chamber of Commerce supports any Regional Development spend to be allocated to an economic development agency with a regional focus.

We would welcome the opportunity to be heard on this application


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 22000 globally.

Jeff Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Northland Chamber of Commerce
3-5 Hunt Street
Whangarei
09-4384771
info@northchamber.co.nz

Submission to Whangarei District Council Draft Annual Plan 2008 / 9



8th May 2008
The Whangarei District Council
Whangarei.

Submission to:
The Whangarei District Council

Submission regarding:
2008 – 2009 Draft Annual Plan

Submission by:
The Northland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.

General Nature of Submission
Suggestions for council to consider in Annual Plan and support for specific proposals

Decision sought

To consider selling non – strategic assets
To reconsider the culture of minimising rates increases at all costs and by deferring planned work or cutting services.
To review all rating differentials on general rate takes to a more equitable manner and in particular those penalising the commercial sector
Immigration support
Proactively seek out inwards investment opportunities in collaboration with Industry and business associations
Scope the formation of a Holdings Company with a private and public board mix to maximise return from assets
To continue supporting a regional EDA with funding and staffing. We recommend not bringing these roles in-house as synergies and communication are even more enhanced by working with a regional body.
To scope out and work towards a ‘one stop shop’ approach with Regional Council in any regulatory or compliance type services.
To gain a professional opinion on the option submitted by the Northland Chamber of Commerce to the CBD Flood management consultation regarding a ‘dyke’ to solve stormwater, flooding, traffic congestion and visitor industry issues.
Tourism – Clear, well branded signage designed to get visitors into Whangarei to spend more and stay longer.

The Chamber supports

Investigating a ring road option for Whangarei
Any work or effort to reproritise and drawdown funding for roading work to our main arterial routes in the district in conjunction with Transit NZ.
Investment into Tourism

The Northland Chamber of Commerce

The Northland Chamber of Commerce currently has 420 financial members that employ the equivalent of 5000 full time employees.

Since 1903, the Northland Chamber of Commerce has served the needs of the Northland business community through its public policy and advocacy initiatives and its business development programs and services.
The Chamber also works to ensure that Northland has a business-friendly environment where all businesses can grow and prosper. With this, also comes paying close attention to the quality of life the region offers our members’ employees and families. The Chamber works to make a difference in Northland’s future and to help Northland grow.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce generally favour well researched development projects that add value to the economy, community and infrastructure of the region especially those projects that undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure that the community and environment are protected

We would like to talk to 2 or 3 points in more detail on our submission a total of 15 minutes if possible

Yours faithfully

Jeff Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Northland Chamber of Commerce

Carbon....... is the new nuclear!

Climate Change - What position should the Chamber take on behalf of Northland Business?
	Strongly Support all measures to eliminate Emissions at any cost
	Support measures to eliminate emissions considering the economic cost
	No Position - not enough information
	Support in principle but dont support any measures that result in more tax and compliance on business
	Stongly advocate against any measures as the whole issue is a crock.
Free polls from Pollhost.com

2013 is looming…..

I had the pleasure to attend the young farmers regional competition on Saturday Night in Whangarei. It was great to see an example of the talent represented by the 8 finalists. The finalists came from different parts of the rural economy. From farmers in the traditional sense to those servicing the farming sector.

It was interesting to note the optimism in this sector. A local rural real estate agent told me that sales and enquiries were still bouncing along at a busy pace and that the sector seemed to be prospering nicely. The Banks of course are still keen to do business with the rural sector unlike their urban counterparts in the property development game who have found recently that the banks are treading a little bit more cautiously when securing funds against property.

12 years ago after selling my last business I purchased a 10 acre lifestyle block just out of Wanganui. My neighbour was a beef and cropping farmer. In my conversations with him I learnt about the cycles and the toughness of the farming. Back then he was looking at dairy conversion as the way to go. I couldn’t believe the resilience and toughness of this 3^rd Generation farmer. Year after Year he would roll with the punches – refinancing when necessary, bringing on consultants onto his land once a quarter and taking on board advice and assistance to assist him through the tough times. When I last spoke to him 6 or 7 years ago things had definitely changed for the better. He was purchasing new farms, leasing more land and maximising the most of his opportunities.

Farming and Primary production like any other part of the economy goes through cycles.

With the downturn the economy is facing, it is quite clear that historical service centre towns like Whangarei and Dargaville still owe a lot to the flow on effect of a good rural economy.

Whilst the economy is cyclical there are a number of issues on the Horizon that farming bodies and associations should quite rightly be worried about.

In 2013 the Agricultural Sector in New Zealand will be subject to the emissions and trading scenarios following suite of the electricity industry in 2012 and transport fuels from next year onwards.

In February this year the Northland Chamber of Commerce made a submission to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee regarding the Emissions trading and renewable preference bill currently before the select committee. In this we identified that to support the bill in the current format that some 1630 jobs in Northland would disappear.

We also supported in principle actions to reduce global emissions of Greenhouse Gases but we argued that the Government should not be imposing restrictive measures upon New Zealand businesses ahead of other countries.

In 2013 when the Agricultural industry has to operate under these conditions no –other country in the world will be imposing these on their agricultural sector.

We need to question why? Agriculture & primary production is still the backbone of the NZ economy. Why add another complication to an already uneven playing field. Remember – we are a long way from most of our markets so we have to be productive enough to supply produce competitively to start with.

The Northland Chamber has supported a sensible approach regarding emissions trading. The main discrepancy as far as the Chamber is concerned is why jump in and assist our economy to become uncompetitive. The NZEIR has itself put figures on loss of GDP and Job losses that are in the billions of dollars and thousands of jobs.

In the meantime don’t forget that the rural economy is still a big earner for Northland and directly responsible for some of the commercial activity going on in our towns and centres today.

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