northland chamber

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