Hatea River Crossing

In August of this year the Hatea Hub Group presented the council with an alternative harbour crossing option to that of the proposed bridge. This interest group consisting of business people, designers, engineers and ecologists proposed rather than spanning the upper harbour with a traditional bridge, a combination of a weir and drawbridge/lock was proposed to the council which they are considering and evaluating against the proposed bridge options.
This raised a number of questions that the Hatea Hub Group has responded to.
Will it have a significant detrimental effect on flooding of the CBD in extreme weather/rainfall?
• With the inclusion of several moveable “gates”, the lock being able to be open in extreme rainfall events and the design height of the weir (2.2m above Chart datum) calculations by engineers have shown there to be negligible impact.
Will the harbour silt up?
• The same amount of silt will come down regardless of the “lock”, the distribution will change and further modeling will be done. Most silt will come down in extreme rainfall events, and this is when the “gates” are open, however with the water above the weir being 2.2m above CD the (annual) task of dredging will be a lot easier in that area.
Will all the mangroves die?
• No, very unlikely with the 2.2m weir height a lot of the pneumatophores will be exposed at this level. What will happen is that they are less likely to spread further into the channels in the upper harbour.
Will it cost too much?
• Cost estimations done so far show increased costing compared with just the bridge, however the available budget may well be sufficient to cope with the suggested extensions. (Some estimations have shown this).
• If there is an extra $5-$8 million required for the lock/bridge /weir concept, the longer term significant economic returns will justify initial extra expenditure.
Will it work?
• Yes, the concept will leave a feeling of full tide in the upper harbour and allow greater access between land and water. There will still be some tidal movement from neap to spring above the weir with ranges from .3 to 1.1m.
Will the consenting take too long?
• Where there is a will, there is a way. RMA processes can be streamlined if projects are given priority. Politicians at local, regional and national level have committed to working towards resolving our current recession and cutting through red tape. This project creates infrastructure that will generate significant long term opportunities and benefits for our region.
How will it affect the yacht/boats travelling to and from Whangarei Town Basin?
• Approx 2 hours either side of high tide the lock can remain opened, so in that time period the yachts will have the same issue as with the “conventional” bridge/draw bridge. Times outside these periods they will go through the lock which is not very complicated. There will also be a period around peak vehicle traffic hours when the bridge would need to remain closed.
Water quality?
• With the “gates” and the tidal movement over the weir, coupled with the “ability” to allow full natural tidal movement when required, therefore the water quality should not be adversely affected. Indeed when we embrace this concept and spend more time on and around the water in Whangarei we will be far more “vigilant” regarding the quality of the water.


Weir is set at 2.2m above “Chart Datum” which means that there will still be a tidal flow in and out of the harbour, however it will not drop below level of weir maintaining a full tide feel in the town basin.
The twice daily tidal flow will assist in retaining the water quality which can also be manipulated through the gate system, thereby ensuring good water quality.


Benefits of the Proposal
The Northland Chamber of Commerce believe the proposal are reinforces the principles of the WDC 20/20+ vision and acts as a catalyst to achieve many of the objectives and actions of that strategy.
At a recent Tourism Trust meeting we defined Whangarei’s “Unique point of Difference”.
In essence this is “our relationship with the water”. Whangarei is a nautical city, meeting place of mariners, early Maori with waka, early traders, the harbour, the marine industry, the beaches, off shore Islands, Poor Knights, over a hundred beaches, sailing, fishing, paddling, diving, skiing, in short all our draw cards are focused around the theme of water.

The lock/bridge system would built on this and be the catalyst for a facelift of the city: “The city where the tide has turned”.


The benefits of this proposal are wide and varied. The Chamber believes the proposed weir / lock option will generate the following positive outcomes.

Marketing of the Whangarei District
• Only place in NZ with lock/bridge concept
• Fantastic looking yacht harbour in city center
o The annual value of the international visiting yachts for Whangarei lies around$8 million per annum, improved and enhanced facilities will likely double this within a few years
• City with “canals” through center
• Strong people/water relationship/interaction
• Water themes throughout the city
• Attractive boulevards
Recreational opportunities
• Waka ama paddling
• General canoeing
• Dinghy sailing
• Rowing
• Model boat sailing
• Water recreation
Economic development
• Waterfront property development ( $100 Million in development over time)
o A mix of apartments, shops, café’s, art, hotels etc will significantly boost our economy
• Tourism growth
o With 4.3 million “visitors” driving to Whangarei, if we capture 10% and sell a coffee we increase turnover by $4 million, however if we have an attractive center with things to see and do, we may increase the daily expenditure to $100, giving a $40 million boost. An overnight experience sees an expenditure of $300, even if 5 % of the visitors decided on this it will add $60 million p/a, and this is year after year!
• Waterfront facilities
o Approx 4 k of waterfront with footpaths, cycle ways, jetties, wharfs etc will need to be designed and built
• Employment opportunities
o In tourism, retail, hotel/café, water sports etc
• Planning and design around water heart
o The creation of unique designed buildings, art work, people spaces etc
o Fitting in with vision 20/20
Maori development opportunities are significant
• Hihiaua cultural center
o A centre piece in the development surrounded by both the Hatea and Waiarohia rivers
• Waka trips
o With the higher tide level hourly trips to and from the town basin can be organized to fit in with other tourism product
• Carving/building school
• Voyage canoe history
o Most powerful display of navigation skills and traditional voyaging techniques


Walking/cycle ways development
• Around water heart
• Increase use of city environment
• Opportunities for community walks/events
• Ultimate living environment
Café/waterfront development (several $Million TO p/a)
• Entertainment hub
• Variety in options/choices
• Arts/crafts precinct
• Various sculptures around water center
Hotel
• A bustling center is an attractive option
• 4-5 star hotel will stack up from an economical point of view ($7 million plus p/a)
• Conference facilities
• Supported by variety of work/play options
• Buzzing center , aquatic heart, pumping place to be
• Only 1.5 hrs away from Auckland
Traffic
• Easing of traffic in inner city
• Easier access to Whangarei Heads etc
• Parking opportunities on Pohe Island when big events take place at Okara Park Stadium
Events
• Rowing races
• World championship Waka Ama
• Small boat sailing
• Dragon boat racing
• On water musical event
• Boat shows
• Annual pirate parades
• The economic value of these kind of events is significant (several million p/a)
• The marketing of Whangarei District will be greatly enhanced by this!
Celebrating a city with vision
• Inspiring place to be
• Great place to work
• Great place to invest
• Place to be proud of and going in a positive direction
All these benefits can be derived if we can overcome the challenges that come with doing something a little different. The key to the above has to be the lock/bridge concept. It is the catalyst that will enable a whole raft of opportunities. Without this we will remain a city without a point of difference.
Add up all the potential benefits, add up all the “risks”… can we afford not to take the next step?



Next week WDC will consider the various options before them based on the recommendations made by WDC engineers.

It is important to understand that the report has been very conservative in its approach regarding
• Construction costs
• Ecological and water quality issues
• Flooding effects
• Consenting and timing
• Sedimentation

Also the report has not addressed the economic, social and environmental benefits of the weir.
Regarding the economic benefits these are significant in particular regarding waterfront development, tourism opportunities, yachting facilities and numerous aquatic events that will both profile the city, deliver sustainable economic returns and will be lost if we do not go for the weir option.

If the extra cost was to be close to $8 million than this has to be balanced with the long term economic opportunity and these costs could be spread over 20 years and other avenues for raising this money are available.

The Whangarei District Council has shown vision and leadership in the past. They have been long been effective in procuring funds from Central Government for local infrastructure and should be applauded for this. Once again they have the chance to make a real and meaningful difference to Whangarei’s urban fabric. This proposal will be of great benefit either directly or indirectly to all rate payers and members of the community.

Here is a real opportunity to grow the Town Basin and to influence and inspire busness vitality in the Northland Region


Tony Collins

Stories and confessions from the Road.....


Between 20th April and 20th May the Northland Chamber of commerce hit the road with Enterprise Northland to deliver a short sharp thriving in a recession message. The message is all about managing six fundamental sides of your business. Our premise is that if managed well then your business will not only survive but thrive through and beyond adverse economic conditions.

The recession story that we are getting from Northland is a very mixed message. All Economic Indicators are in a state of decline including Employment, Interest Rates, Housing Prices, GDP, Consumer Spending and Commodity Prices; However – evidence from our travels shows that businesses can still thrive in these times and that the one attributable characteristic that we identify is ‘The Right Attitude’ within Business Leaders.

In General

• Retailers in the South of the Region are faring better than those in the Far North. Anecdotally due to the number of visitors from Auckland


• Contractors to the Agricultural & Primary industries are still finding it hard to keep up with Demand


• We have seen evidence of businesses doing exceptionally well as a result of changing the course of their businesses to fill gaps in the market created by ‘recessionary’ conditions.


• Regardless of Location those businesses that are Hands on and pro-actively managing the 6 sides of their business that are advocated in the Road show presentation are doing well


• All provincial areas provided great turnouts from local businesses. Dargaville turned out en-force with record breaking numbers


• Additional Seminars were held as businesses who attended organised other businesses to get to special seminars.


• We have heard some amazing stories of businesses that have suffered downturn that are slowly positioning themselves by buying and acquiring former competitors, locations and product lines.


• There is more major redevelopment work to be carried out in towns like KeriKeri.Major corporate still see these places as good areas to invest in.


• We held Six road show events in the Far North, Five in Whangarei District and Two in the Kaipara District
  

Information from our road trip along with our latest Business Confidence Survey indicates to us that in Northland – Businesses are generally getting on with business and are still singing the praises of being in business as outlined in our publication from one year ago ‘10best reasons for doing business in Northland’ (available from http://www.northchamber.co.nz/ )

Pro-active Business owners who implement the six steps outlined in the seminar will not only survive but thrive. If you don’t believe us come and see for yourself. The last Road show session is to be held at Forum North on Wednesday 20th May 2009 at 5.30pm. The Presenters Ken Wilson and Jeff smith will be challenging attendees to attack and work on the Six Steps with renewed vigour. If as Northlanders we harness our collective energies to assist each other, then when the inevitable upturn comes we will be sure to emerge in a much stronger competitive position and THRIVE.

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 of Commerce…..Northland Economy no longer the land of Boom and Bust...good level of confidence

It has been really interesting talking to business and business people over the last few months about how well they are faring. There is a definite two sided story. Some businesses have definitely been affected in that the recession has affected their demand and they have felt the need to take measures to counter this. There are also a huge number of businesses that have been telling us a different story.

I have spoken to businesses lately in the primary industries that are still experiencing too much demand. Other small businesses are still trying to cope with workloads and time management as they work their way through backlogs. We also know that the Tourism Sector has had a very busy summer in fact some of our members are reporting turnover exceeding 2008 and 2007 figures.

It appears that the smaller businesses are able to adapt and change course more quickly and are doing a good job of keeping on top of the recession.

9 Interesting business confidence facts

• Fewer Businesses in Northland expect the General Deteriation to get worse over the next six months (53% compared to 58%)
• However, in terms of individual business prospects, 40% of Northland businesses consider their prospects will improve over the next six months compared with just 32% in Auckland, 34% in Rotorua, 39% in Tauranga and 32% in Hamilton.
• Business confidence hasn’t dropped further to what it was in the pre-Christmas period.
• Coupled with comments many respondents made about maintaining a wary attention to confirming sales, raising finance and getting paid, the survey findings suggest businesses generally have prepared themselves for a medium period of flat to no growth.
• At the same time, the mood among many businesses continues to be positive and reflect a strong self-belief that getting on with ‘doing the business’ continues to be rewarded with results.
• This is a good sign. On the one hand it is apparent that the strong impact the recession has had in other economies such as the United States and United Kingdom resulted in many businesses here putting up the shutters early.
• On the other hand, it is also apparent that many businesses now see that ‘sitting on hands’ is not an option, especially in Northland.
• Proportionately more Northland business than in other centres, including Auckland, are optimistic about their situation improving over the next months.
• The scope businesses see for further cuts in interest rates is also realistic and reflects a strong desire of business to grow.
  

In April and May the Chamber along with Enterprise Northland will be going on a road trip to 10 different districts in Northland to tell people how much assistance there is available for business especially small business.

The main message from these sessions is to let businesses know that there is help out there and here is no reason what so ever to be alone.

A couple of ways that businesses can help themselves improve performance, raise their marketing and turn around their businesses through the chamber are

1. Enter the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards – You get access to two lots of experts. Firstly a Business Coach (Who is in the Business of Business) will come out and review your operations and guide you in your awards journey. Once you have submitted your application a panel of experts in Judges will vist and also give you feedback. All this is free. The only requirement is your time. Can you afford not to enter the awards?

2. Any business serious about rapid improvement MUST enquire about our 90 day turnaround programme. This is an intensive 14 week, 10% learning and 90% Action orientated programme. The requirements to enter this programme are fourfold. You must be serious about moving your business up a level or turning your business around. 2. You must commit to attending the 14 weekly sessions / reviews and follow all actions agreed upon.3. You must be totally prepared to work with 12 other businesses that have the same drive as you.4. You must be prepared to invest financially in the programme. ($1900). If you are deadly serious about taking action to change

Call the Northland Chamber of Commerce now to enquire about these and other ways we can assist you prosper in business.

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 of Commerce looking for the Big Idea for Northland!

The Northland Chamber of Commerce is looking for the big idea to put forward the Northland Jobs Summit next week.

Please enter your 'Big Idea' by clicking the comments link below

Northland Chamber of Commerce in good hands for 2009...

Following form this weeks AGM the Northland Chamber of Commerce board has three new board members to replace the five standing down.

Once again there was a good mix of people standing for the board that reflects confidence in Northland and the business community. We now have a mix of small to large business represented along with representatives of the Tourism Industry, CBD, Infrastructure Services, financial and small business

2009 is shaping up top be a very busy year with a full agenda of networking events, business expo, Hall of Fame awards, business excellence awards along with the opportunity to welcome our first Chinese Business delegation to the city in a long time. We also expect our business advisory services to steadily increase following last years record breaking 508 businesses assisted by the Northland Chamber of Commerce.

The Five outgoing board members are Andrew Bourke, Andrew Neshausen, Heather Tomasen, Alan Wilkinson and Outgoing President Tony Savage. These board members contributed enthusiastically in 2008 and there hard work is much appreciated said Jeff Smith CEO of the Northland Chamber of Commerce.

The Three new board members are Bill Kirkley from Massey University, Lucas Remmerswaal – Financial Advisor and David Moss from United Travel. We are looking forward to the input from these new members and working with them to strengthen and sustain our local economy and business in Northland.

A Wider Northland perspective still remains with a separate Far North Chamber board to keep us informed of developments and issues in the Far North Region. In 2009 we expect to also have a Kaipara Board and Chamber of Commerce underway.

The Northland Chamber of Commerce Board for 2009 is.....

Tim Robinson - President: Geni

Darren Mason - Vice President: Northpower

Dean Subritzky - Treasurer: Sudburys

Vice Cocurullo - Cocurullos: Board

Richard Engdahl - Organisational Imagineering: Board

Jeroen Jonegans - Dive Tutukaka: Board

Murray Broadbelt - Employer Services Limited: Board

Nat Davis - Identity Developments: Board

Bill Kirkley - Massey School of Business: Board

Lucas Remerswaal - Financial Services: Board

David Moss - United Travel: Board

Cr Greg Martin - Whangarei District Council Rep

Cr Bill Rossitter - Northland Regional Council Rep

The Far North Board is

Bill Fenton - Access Comercial

Sally Macauley

Keith Adern - HowarthPoutsma Adern

Peter Juricish - Kwan Nurseries

Mark Evans

Steve Mcnally - Mcnally Valuations

Cliff Whitelaw - Whitelaw Webber

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

Small to Medium Sized Businesses now have option of 90-day trial

From 1 March employers in small to medium sized businesses will have the option of taking on new staff on a trial period for up to 90 days. This will allow employers to test a new employee’s suitability for permanent employment, without the risk of legal proceedings for unjustified dismissal if employment is terminated.

Employers that employ 19 or fewer workers can use the new trial provisions. You may employee part time, full time and casual workers as long as the total number not does exceed 19 workers.

Only new workers can be put on a trial period. If a worker has previously worked for you, they can’t be put on a trial period. For example, a worker who has worked for you for 6 months in 2006 and then applies for a position with you in 2009 can’t be put on a trial period.

When a worker agrees to a trial period it must be recorded in writing in the employment agreement. A trial period that is not recorded in writing is invalid.

The trial provision in the employment agreement needs to cover;

• that the worker is serving a trial period for a specified time starting at the beginning of the worker’s employment (no longer than 90 days); and
• that the employer may dismiss the worker during the trial period; and
• if the worker is dismissed he or she cannot bring a personal grievance or other legal proceedings in respect of the dismissal

If a worker is unsuccessful during the trial period and employment is terminated, you are under no obligation to provide a reason for the dismissal. Nor will the dismissed worker be able take a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal; however, a personal grievance may be taken if issues of discrimination such as racial or sexual harassment arise.

A worker cannot raise a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal if he/she is dismissed during the trial period. This rule applies even if the notice of the dismissal is given before the end of the trial period and the worker’s last day of work is after the end of the trial period.

Employers must abide by the notice provisions in the employment agreement.
If the employment agreement does not have a notice period, you must give reasonable notice of the dismissal.

For further information go to www.dol.govt.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 Business SME Relief Package – A Useful Start


The Small Business Relief Package is a welcome investment in the small-business (SME) sector, said Northland Chamber of Commerce head Jeff Smith

The Northland Chamber of Commerce today applauded the Government sponsored list of initiatives for small businesses saying that It was a good start and encouraged businesses to take a long term ‘ beyond the recession’ approach.

The SME sector – making up over 95% of all businesses and the largest employer group overall – is the most vulnerable sector in Northland. We must invest in them and the people they employ.

The tax package will assist cash flow which right now is king for business,” he said. We are heartened by the number of businesses in Northland adopting an attitude of lets improve our practices as opposed to iving on the dire predictions they are hearing from many quarters.

The other good initiative is around the health check package announced today. Businesses can now go online, complete a short business assessment and receive resources and assistance in those areas they require the most assistance with. The health check can be accessed through the Northland Chamber of Commerce and Far North Chamber of Commerce Websites

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

Are you going to be at the Northland Business Expo?

In these times of uncertainty, increasing marketing costs, the winners in business especially in the small and medium sized business sector will be those that adapt and try new marketing tactics and strategies.

The first Northland Business Expo is being held in April 2009. The Expo provides an opportunity for a number of businesses to slash their marketing costs, gather new business leads and to test and measure the effectiveness of their expo investment. Organised by Biz Builders, the two-day expo for business owners brings together every kind of product and service required by a business owner or manager.

The event has already attracted national business brands through to local service providers. It’s all in one place at one time for the time-poor business owner or manager.

The intention of the Northland Business Expo is to put yourself in front of hundreds of other businesses and business people. Attendees can check out the latest business products and services on the market; renew, set up or benchmark existing contracts from telecommunications to office stationery; find a business mentor; get free advice on issues ranging from taxation to human resources issues and network with hundreds of other business owners.

There will be a range of exhibitors across all sectors most probably including your sector, along with displays, people, agencies and companies offering specialized business advice. A Dozen free & informative business talks and seminars will be held throughout the duration of the expo.

If you are in Business it would be a great investment of your time and money to get yourself in front of hundreds of other businesses and start that all important relationship building. For more information click on the Expo link on the Northland Chamber of Commerce front page.

See you there in April.

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 of Commerce 2009 Wish List


The Northland Chamber of Commerce is all about business vitality. There has been a lot of crystal ball gazing and comment about recessions and financial crisis for the next 12 months. Our wish list for 2009 is;

1. A steady rise in business strength and confidence throughout 2009 on the back of the many underlying strengths of the New Zealand economy, and the fiscal stimulus measures enacted by our and other countries

2. That we all don’t get caught up by the doom and gloom headlines. The downturn affects every business differently (positively and negatively) and the pervasive media assumption that a slowdown is bad for everybody simply isn’t true

3. The New Zealand dollar remains at a reasonably low and stable level so that our economic growth can be export, rather than import driven

4. Global credit conditions return to reasonable levels and New Zealand’s banking industry becomes less cautious

5. More business owners and managers to be genuinely proactive in relation to the current conditions, and to seek out and create opportunities to improve their business

6. The Northland Regional, Whangarei District, Far North and Kaipara Councils don’t overreact and cut infrastructure and other vital expenditure which impacts on the business community.

7. All organisations, big and small, as well as the general public BUY LOCAL. We all need to support our local community and keep our money circulating in our region

8. The Reserve Bank continues to make good decisions in relation to the fiscal balancing act between controlling inflation and stimulating the economy

9. John Key makes a big dent in eliminating non-productive government expenditure

10. The new government keeps its promises on planning and funding infrastructure both locally and nationally – especially in Northland.

11. All local and central government employees develop a ‘can do’ attitude, and not hide behind their compliance and regulation regimes. It’s important they start to gain a real insight into the significant costs their actions impose on businesses, particularly the SME sector

12. Our local economy matures and consolidates faster both through company mergers and organic growth. We need many more big businesses

13. Personal and company tax rates continue to decline

14. The very positive statements by the new Government in relation to growing productivity be translated into action and commitment, as this is one of our biggest long term economic challenges

15. The intention for government to invest in broadband infrastructure translates into more homes and businesses having fast cost-effective internet access

16. The two Resource Management Act reviews planned for this year result in more speed and certainty for developers and infrastructure managers

17. The strong relationship between Business, Northtec and Massey University continue to strengthen local tertiary education and Business opportunities

18. For us all to say, well before the end of the year, “Ok we had a recession, but what was all the fuss about? I wish I had invested more in my business instead of cutting back.”

19. Our members take on an attitude of Growth and pro-actively use their membership to grow customer base, revenue, network and bottom line profitability.

Our challenge to Northland Business is to control and change those aspects of your business that you can. Download documents like the ‘6s for success’ from the Northland Chamber of Commerce website at www.northchamber.co.nz to discover simple, fast tips on keeping your business competitive and thriving.

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