northland chamber

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