“Business Outlook in Rotorua More Positive”
The recent Rotorua business index and Chamber of Commerce business confidence survey both indicated that businesses in Rotorua were far more positive about the next twelve months than their counterparts in Tauranga, Auckland and Waikato. Despite the national trend of increased pessimism and decreased in confidence, the majority of Rotorua businesses expect local general business conditions to be far more positive.
According to the latest business confidence survey released by Destination Rotorua Economic Development shows the following positive indicators
- local general business conditions will remain constant over the next 12 months,
- personal income will go up,
- business profits will rise,
- business employment will increase,
- business investment will be at increased levels,
- promotional budgets will remain steady or increase.
- export volumes will increase,
- building construction levels will increase.
Destination Rotorua Economic Development’s General Manager, Mark Rawson, said that he was encouraged by the way Rotorua business are more confident than their national counterparts.
“These figures are still very encouraging for Rotorua. The provisional growth index shows that business activity in Rotorua has grown by 3.1 per cent for the year to October 2005 and is above the level of business activity in the national economy which was below 3 percent over the same time period. . The median real estate sales price also increased to record highs to reach $214,500 in December 2005.”
Roger Gordon, CEO of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce said, “This is a very positive indicator for business in our city. The next year will be a challenge and some organisations will find it a difficult environment in which to do business. However, maintaining a positive approach and looking at ways in which we can work cleverer, making the most of the opportunities that arise will help us get through this soft period.”
At a recent informal meeting of a number of Rotorua businessmen, discussion was focused on identifying the factors that is giving Rotorua such a relatively buoyant view of the future.
- High profile events being staged in the city such as:
- Forest Industries 2006
- Oceania & World Mountain Biking events
- The proposed airport development and the impact that this could have on the growth and efficiency for business.
The construction of the Rotorua Energy Events Centre positioning Rotorua as the only provincial New Zealand city with a developed high visitor potential convention industry.
- The strength of the New Zealand residential housing market. The steady but sure growth in property values in Rotorua verses the boom bust cycles of some other areas. The impact on individual’s personal wealth as they see the increase in the value of their main asset.
- The impact of the opening of the direct road to Tauranga through Ngongotaha. The ease and reduced time of travel to Travel is seeing commuter traffic between the two cities. Tauranga residents working in Rotorua; Rotorua residents working in Tauranga.
- The growth in supply of new residential sections and sub-divisions. Recent reports of close to 400 new sections in various area throughout the Rotorua area. Construction trades are seeing a longer window of available work, tempered with an increased challenge of getting trade staff.
- Challenges with infrastructure being experienced by neighbouring cities, such as traffic congestion, is influencing a consideration of Rotorua as a better life style option.
- The quality of leadership being shown by council is a strong factor. Council has developed an open door policy and has become considerably more accessible. The lead that has been taken through initiatives such as the BrightEconomy is providing strength of focus and direction for business. This attitude is being viewed by others outside of Rotorua as positive approach to attracting and welcoming investment in our city.
Phil Verry, Executive Chairman of Red Stag Timber identified the rationalization and reorganization of the forestry industry as a major positive factor. The key players are being more proactive and recognize the opportunities for growth and expansion. He commented, ”We would not be investing to increase our mill capacity by 50%, we did not think that we had a solid economic environment from which to operate from in Rotorua.” Mr Verry still considered that the exchange rate was an important issue but added that his concerns are being acknowledged by Wellington.
Bryce Heard, Chairman of the Rotorua BrightEconomy Advisory Board said that in his new role he was also heartened by the level of collegiality and leadership that had been displayed recently between the public and private sectors. The airport development and the energy events centre aligned with the serious levels of investment from organisations such as Skyline Skyrides, Te Puia and the Ibis Hotel would be a couple of good examples that spring to mind.
Deryck Shaw, Director APR Consulting was very positive about the level of development that is planned, both residential and commercial. “A number of local contractors are looking at a larger window with the commitment to a number of reasonably large scale projects. This has a considerable flow on to all sectors of business in the city.”
From the Chamber perspective, CEO Roger Gordon states, “If you keep telling everyone that it is bad and doom and gloom then they may just start to believe it, however Rotorua has a real opportunity to take advantage of this current discussion and turn it into a positive. Let’s keep it POSITIVE”
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Capital Value Rating
I thought I would use this opportunity to canvass some of the issues of a capital value based rating system for Rotorua district.
As part of a comprehensive funding review in 2004 Council considered the rating system based on the capital value system. At that time it was considered to have merit.
Council has now agreed to consider the capital value option further.
In January this year an informal consultation process was commenced to gain an understanding of community views of the principle of capital value rating. This first stage of consultation will be considered by Council on 14 February and a decision made as to whether to continue with the concept. If Council chooses to continue then it will be included in the Draft 2006/16 Ten Year Plan.
It should be remembered that land value rating based systems are not a charge for service, they are a tax, and that there is very little relationship between the value of a property and Council services provided by the property owner or tenant. Both the land value rating system and the capital value rating system are unfair, however, it is considered that the capital value rating system does have some more merit than the land value rating system.
To follow are some of the advantages and disadvantages that accrue from a capital value rating system. Frequently the disadvantages of the capital value rating system are the advantages of a land value rating system.
Advantages:
- Rating base increases without Council increasing rate in the $, complementing the projected population growth
- Three yearly revaluations are less extreme
- Better reflects benefits received
- Favours large rural property
- Reflects total investment of ratepayer and therefore result is closer to ability to pay than land value
Disadvantages:
- May discourage investment
- The change to capital values will shift the incidence of rates
- Vacant sections do not pay their fair share
Peter Guerin
Chief Executive
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Creating dynamic organisations
The Business Performance Survey, presented by Michael Barnett, CEO of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce towards the end of 2005, identified 14 areas that more than 1500 businesses regarded as critical to their continuation and success. People and Skills was rated the highest at 86%, and Leadership and Management second highest at 84%. This was followed by Workplace Culture (69%), Processes and Best Practices (68%), and Performance Management and Innovation (both at 64%).
It is apparent that the key to achieving extraordinary results in organisations lies in successfully aligning three key aspects: people, ideas and processes – in effect the heart, the mind and the hands of any business. According to Rosabeth Moss Kanter, President of Harvard College, “Managerial work is undergoing such enormous and rapid change that many managers are reinventing their profession as they go … with little precedent to guide them.”
From the survey, businesses determined that their greatest need was to have the right people with the right skills in order to increase productivity, which is often easier said than done. This in turn required people with the correct management and leadership skills. Too often, someone who is excellent at the operational side of their job is promoted into a managerial position with very little, if any, training in people and management or leadership skills. They fail miserably simply because they would rather be fixing motorcar engines than fixing problems with the mechanics in the workshop!
Each of our clients has come to us over the past few years because one aspect – people, ideas or processes – is missing. Most of the managers and leaders we encounter feel confident in at least one aspect, some in two aspects, but very few in all three. So what can you do if one aspect is not getting the attention and focus it needs for your organisation to be successful? What roles do people, ideas and processes play within your organisation? What gaps exist? And who feeds or nurtures the manager, leader, or CEO?
One solution is to expand your skills and knowledge base in those areas in which you are less confident. Conduct a performance audit of the organisation and identify the gaps that exist between your knowledge capital (people), innovative thinking (ideas and strategy), and operations (processes).
Another solution is to find a suitable mentor or coach who can serve as a sounding board and role model. Idea-focused leaders should partner with others who excel at people and process management; people-focused leaders should partner with others who excel at ideas and process management; and so forth. Understanding the value of each aspect (people, ideas and processes) creates motivation to work together.
A further solution is to energise the business by developing individual capability and competence, and then harnessing that knowledge. The best way to achieve this is through Professional Development Assessment Centres.
Ask yourself, are you simply employing an “8am to 5pm” body, or a dynamic person? Sit back and reflect on your business. Visit www.toschi.biz for more information.
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Be E-Safe
The forth in a series of articles offering an insight into the Internet and how it can work for you, Be E-Safe will discuss some of the basic security measures that you can adopt to protect yourself when working online.
With the ever increasing reliance on Information Technology in business the issue of e-security has never been so important. Along with the benefits that IT equipment brings also come the risks: viruses, hackers and spyware are common threats that your business must contend with.
Let’s handle each in turn. It is essential that you have a mechanism for protecting your PC against viruses. A malicious virus can have a serious impact on your business in terms of data loss or simple downtime of an essential PC. Antivirus software is an essential tool for intercepting viruses from Internet sites, emails and even physical media such as data CDs. If you do not have it installed on your PCs, I suggest you attend to the issue immediately. The two biggest names in Anti-Virus are Norton (www.symantec.co.nz) and McAfee (www.mcafee.co.nz) and their products are a relatively small investment considering the level of protection they provide. Grisoft (www.grisoft.com) is another noteworthy company. They even offer a free version of their software for home use. The free version is a little ‘elusive’ on their web site, but can be downloaded from http://free.grisoft.com. Whatever anti-virus solution you choose to employ, make sure it updates itself regularly. Also, only run one anti-virus solution. Conflicting programs trying to do the same job can cause issues, doing more harm than good.
Almost as dangerous as leaving your system open to viruses is leaving your system open to unauthorised access. A PC freely connected to the web is open to ‘hacking’ attempts. Statistically, the average time it takes for an unprotected broadband connected PC to be compromised is 12 – 14 minutes (source: www.netsafe.co.nz). There are a lot of people out there who would love to pry around the information on your PC. If you want to keep them out, you will have to install a firewall (software and hardware versions exist). A firewall is a barrier between your PC and the Internet which carefully controls the information passing through it. If it recognises an ‘intrusion’, it will block access to your PC. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (XP SP2) has a firewall solution incorporated into the product. If you wish to use the Microsoft firewall, make sure it is turned on (it is by default). You can easy check if XP SP2 is installed. Just right click My Computer and click properties. It should mention Service Pack 2 in the summary. There are also many specialist firewall solutions offered by other manufacturers. Norton offers a commercial firewall (www.symantec.co.nz) as do ZoneAlarm (www.zonelabs.com). ZoneAlarm also has a free version for home use, downloadable from the web site.
Spyware is a silent menace. Statistics from www.netsafe.co.nz suggest that the average PC user has around 2 dozen hidden spyware programs running in the background on their PCs, while they work. Spyware is a piece of software that runs on your computer and monitors your activities. Some ‘flavours’ of spyware are relatively benign and may just record the number of visits to a specific web site. The more malicious forms of spyware snoop on your activities, even going as far as recording your key strokes to try and obtain passwords and other private info before sending the information back over the net to it’s originating source. In short, spyware is an intrusion into your privacy. Tools are available to combat the problem. Again Norton and McAfee offer commercial solutions, though you may wish to try the excellent SpyBot 1.4 (http://www.tucows.com/preview/310138) and AdAware (www.lavasoftusa.com).
More information on Internet security can be found on www.netsafe.org.nz. If you are uneasy with tackling any of these issues yourself, simply contact a reputable computer technician. There are a number in Rotorua. If you operate more than a couple of PCs on a larger network in your business, you are no doubt already served by a competent technician, though there is no harm in reviewing the effectiveness of the systems you have in place.
This is the forth in a series of articles. Royston Bartholomew is the Principal of ThisIsMe Web Solutions (www.thisisme.co.nz), a 2005 Westpac Business Awards finalist with six years experience of developing high-end database driven web applications as well as dedicating a portion of his working week to delivering web development courses at the Waiariki Institute of Technology. Royston would appreciate feedback, comments and suggestions for future articles at design@thisisme.co.nz or 021 299 3803.
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The Forest Industries On Show In Rotorua
Somewhere between 15,000-20,000 visitors and over 200 exhibiting companies from all over New Zealand and around the world will be descending on Rotorua next month for the New Zealand Forest Industries Exhibition (FI2006), the biggest exhibition of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere
The three-day New Zealand Forest Industries Exhibition (FI2006) runs from 9-11 March at the Rotorua Racecourse, and features every conceivable aspect of the industry. A week of forestry-focussed activity will make Rotorua an exciting place to be for forestry folk, reaffirming the industry’s important role in the regional and national economy.
“Forestry is a global industry and every four years the Forest Industries Exhibition in Rotorua plays a vital role in bringing the latest international – and home-grown –technology and knowledge to the New Zealand industry,” says FI2006 general manager Dell Bawden. “It has become a recognised feature on the international forestry calendar since its inception in 1990, not only attracting forest industry people from all over New Zealand, but also significant numbers of overseas exhibitors and visitors from Australia, the Pacific, Asia, North and South America, Europe and South Africa.
“As well as well-known international brands from North America and Europe, FI2006 is an important showcase for New Zealand designed and manufactured technology and specialist expertise, which evolved to meet the needs of the local plantation-grown radiata pine resource and is now attracting a lot of interest overseas,” says Bawden.
Despite recent challenges, forest products are still New Zealand’s third biggest export earner, and Rotorua is the hub of an industry earning more than $3 billion annually for the country and directly employing over 23,400 people in forestry and first stage processing alone.
The industry is confident it will meet ambitious growth targets that will see those figures grow by 2025 to exports of $14 billion – leaping up the league table to become the country’s largest exporter - and directly employing 60,000 people.
Today’s forest industries utilise highly sophisticated technology and skills at every stage - from advanced tree breeding techniques and forest management software through to highly mechanised harvesting systems, computerised scanning and optimising systems and integrated machine centres that enable sawmillers and wood processors to extract maximum value from the forest resource.
Exports of innovative New Zealand technology, R&D and professional services are also growing in volume, and value. In 2004 home-grown supporting technologies were valued at around $100 million… by 2025 it is expected these will top $1 billion.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Wood, Building, and Interior Sector director Peter Ryan says FI2006 provides a unique opportunity not only to promote New Zealand wood products, particularly to Asia-Pacific buyers, but also to promote the New Zealand industry’s technology and research capabilities to a global audience.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is a strategic partner to FI2006, and has been promoting the event through its offices in key markets to attract potential international buyers and overseas media to the event. Visitors confirmed so far include North and South American, European (including a group coming courtesy of the Basque government in Spain), Asian and of course Australian interests.
Their programme during the week will include visits to Scion, to local engineering and manufacturing companies, as well as Rotorua-based harvesting operations, mills and processing plants. NZTE will also host an Enterprise Forum Series breakfast to bring exporters and potential buyers together.
“New Zealand companies we are working with via the Woodtech Group are succesfully exporting innovative technology ranging from energy systems, saws and timber drying kilns to specialised information and process control systems, engineering, tree breeding and acoustic, optical and microwave based tools that measure important wood qualities,” says New Zealand Trade and Enterprise regional manager Lionel Crawley. “New Zealanders have proved they can compete on the world stage in terms of innovation and technology – look at Waratah, for example, which from its Tokoroa base has become a truly global brand in the international industry.”
The Rotorua District Council is also supporting FI2006 in recognition of the event’s – and forestry’s - contribution to the local economy, and is encouraging the hospitality sector, retailers and other local businesses to help make visitors to the events feel welcome to the city.
“We want to show the world that Rotorua is truly proud to be the heartland of New Zealand’s forest industries,” says RDC events manager Steve Gibling. “Through Rotorua District Council's Destination Rotorua Economic Development Unit (DREDU) we want visitors to recognise the business opportunities Rotorua can offer as the centre of New Zealand’s forest research and the science, technology and engineering capability of our local companies.
“That’s why the DREDU has agreed to be the major sponsor for a Lake Rotorua dinner cruise organised by the industry’s Hoo Hoo Club, as for us this represents a vital networking opportunity.
“Plus of course we also want our visitors to enjoy their stay when the day’s business is done – to experience Rotorua’s scenic attractions, restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment – and above all, Rotorua’s friendly people.”
The week’s activities get off to a flying start with Inwood magazine’s Global Vision 2006, the international wood conference that organisers claim will change the way the industry thinks! This conference aims to bring a new sense of energy and different perspectives to the way the New Zealand wood industry tackles the challenges and opportunities of the future, with a line-up of thought-provoking international and New Zealand speakers. Ensis is the principal partner to the conference, which is also be supported by the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry as a Silver Sponsor, as well as Rotorua-based PF Olsen and Co, Pentarch Foprest Products and Koppers Arch Wood Protection.
Scion CEO Dr Tom Richardson will talk about the important role innovation and in particular how new directions is wood and materials science are helping develop new options and potential markets for the industry. Scion’s Fran Maplesden and Susan Bates will examine future trends in consumer attitudes to wood products and housing. (For more information on the Global Vision visit www.inwoodevents.com.)
Overseas speakers include Charles Trevor, MD of the UK wood. for good [sic] campaign, Lynn Scott, MD of Australian and New Zealand franchise group Creative by Design, Jim Girvan, executive directive of the Truck Loggers Association in British Columbia, Chris Howe, Sydney-based director of Bossley Howe Architects and Filip De Jaeger, secretary of CEI-Bois, the European federation of over 140,000 wood processing companies.
The Exhibition opens its gates to the industry on Thursday, with two trade-only days on 9-10 March and the public also able to attend on Saturday 11 March.
Highlights during the exhibition include free seminars and FIEA/FICA clinics on Thursday and Friday.
A series of free half-hour seminars at the Exhibition will cover topics ranging from directions in forest research through to bioenergy, the Kyoto Protocol, farm forestry issues, safety, training and timber preservation. Other seminars offsite include wood technology clinics and workshops for harvesting contractors.
“As well as people already working in the industry and associated service sectors, we are expecting a lot of interest from rural landowners, potential investors, and from people looking for career opportunities,” says Bawden.
With the forest industries just one of many sectors competing for people in a market desperately short of skilled workers, FI2006 will provide the perfect overview of the diverse careers the forest industries offer. Forest Industries Training (FIT), as well as specialist training and education providers such as the University of Canterbury’s School of Forestry, will be on hand to answer questions and discuss courses. Forest Industries Training’s Rotorua-based Hamish Gunn is hoping for a strong turnout of local school students and parents at his special careers seminars on the Friday and Saturday.
On the more active side, the ever-popular loggers’ sports, sawing and woodchopping competitions and chainsaw carving will again be an attraction for everyone, reminding us of the skills - and fitness - of the men and women working in our forests.
New Zealand’s leading chainsaw carvers will compete over the Thursday and Friday, with judging will take place at around 3.30pm on Friday, followed by the celebrity auction for charity at 4pm. All chainsaw carvings will be auctioned, with proceeds going to the St John’s Ambulance.
This year’s woodchopping and sawing competitions will also act as trials for the New Zealand Under 21 team, featuring axemen and sawyers from all over New Zealand. The schools challenge will see teams from Taranaki to Waiuku competing, and Jason Wynyard, six time Stihl Timbersports Champion, will attempt to break New Zealand records in demonstrations at Rotorua’s City Focus and at the Exhibition.
A new event at FI2006 will be fire fighting demonstrations and Wajax pump competitions.
All these events demand huge skill and commitment from the participants so make sure you’re there to cheer them on!
For more information about FI2006 visit www.forestevents.co.nz.
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2006 Westpac Business Excellence Awards
Changes to make the Awards even BETTER
The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce has announced a number of exciting changes to the entry format of the 2006 Westpac Business Excellence Awards.
“We are wanting to make the Awards as accessible and as simple to enter as we can,” states Roger Gordon CEO of the Chamber. “The key change is the introduction of an additional entry format. For the first time, any business can nominate another business or organisation they feel should be acknowledged for their business performance.”
A nomination form has been released by the Chamber and will allow any business the opportunity to nominate up to three organisations in any of the six business categories: Retail; Hospitality and Attractions; Manufacturing and Trade Service Provider; Community Organisation; and Emerging Business.
Nominations will be received at the Chamber’s offices by mail, fax or email until 30 April. Those companies that receive the highest number of nominations by their peers will be approached by the Chamber to submit a formal entry. Organisations will also be able to submit an entry for their organisation as they have in previous years.
The entry process will commence on 1 May and close on 7 July giving nine weeks for the preparation of entries. The entry process has also been simplified and will be available in electronic format on the Chamber’s website.
“Business people are busy, and time is a very scarce resource. The new format will remove the need to spend a lot of time on presentation. Entries will be judged on their content, and not on time-consuming and expensive designer-layouts” says Roger Gordon.
The entry format, in a Word document, will be available on the Chamber’s website www.rotchamber.co.nz from the end of February. The entry form can able to be submitted in hard copy or electronically. As with previous years, all entrants will be visited by a pair of experienced judges with the finalists being announced on Monday, 4 September.
“We are really pleased with the changes we have made this year.” concludes Roger Gordon. “The awards will now be accessible to all businesses large or small, and the pre-entry nomination process will involve the whole business community in the recognition of excellence.”
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Gala Dinner Date Confirmed
The Chamber of Commerce has confirmed the date of this year’s Gala Eveening for the presentation of the Westpac Business Excellence Awards. It is to be held on Friday 6 October 2006 and will be in the Southern Trust Sports Drome.
“This gala evening has really become the highlight of the business calendar for Rotorua. The available 600 tickets sold out quickly last year and we are expecting the same demand this year,” explains Chamber of Commerce CEO, Roger Gordon. “The evening really has that ‘WOW’ factor. The effort that is made by the event management team, Event Impressions, Audio Visual Techniques and Grand Tiara Hotel is incredible. It is a wonderful window to showcase the capabilities of the Rotorua Convention infrastructure. It indicates that Rotorua is well prepared to support the new Rotorua Energy Events Centre when it opens at the end of the year.”
The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce had hoped to be able to host the Gala Evening in the new events centre. “We were willing to delay the evening for a little while, but the revised opening date of December is a little too late for us. Event Venues have been great in working with us and supporting the Awards. I am sure that the event management team will once again come up with a mind blowing theme that will exceed the growing expectations of the business community.”
The Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards recognize outstanding performance of the Rotorua organisations in their business practices and achievements. The Awards are contested over six business categories: Retail, Service, Hospitality and Attractions; Trade and Industry, Community Organisations; and Emerging Business. An overall winner is selected from the winners of those six categories. The overall winner last year, being crowned Westpac Rotorua Business of the Year was forestry services company PF Olsen Co Ltd.
“The excellence of the Gala Presentation Evening is a truly appropriate event to recognized and applaud the high achievers of our business community,” says Roger Gordon.
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Income – Making It, Sharing It, Protecting It
Making It
In recent weeks we have all been warned that the economy is in for a bit of a tough time this year. Therefore businesses are going to have to be ‘on their toes’ to improve their income. The start of the New Year – what better time than to do some thinking and planning.
The writer recently saw an article on ‘How to Sell a Pudding’. How many times have you dined out and observed the way your waiter or waitress tries to sell you a sweet course.
- ‘Are you full?’ – Indicates the waiter is not anxious to sell you another course.
- ‘Have you had enough or do you want to see the menu again?’ – Tends to invite a no answer.
- ‘Are you ready for deserts?’ – A no answer invites the waiter to respond ‘OK, I’ll come back later’.
Other oversights include: -
- Forgetting to ask if you would like some garlic bread as a taste teaser.
- Forgetting to ask if you would like vegetables or salad when they are separate from the main course – a common fault.
Imagine how much profit is thrown away by failing to ask the questions. How to overcome it – in a word, training. Like McDonalds, use a script and say the same words every time. (You can hear their words now – ‘Would you like fries with that’).
You can keep track of add-on sales with computer software, measure employee performance, report regularly to them and reward as appropriate.
You are probably in a different business. However the principles remain the same, so have a think about some new ideas to improve your income, involve your team and make it happen.
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Sharing It
If you lend money to another person for investment, so the interest can be taxed at a lower rate than it would be in your own hands, you are assigning your income. This is not permitted.
You can do several things: -
1. If you are the bread-winner, get all your income paid into a joint account. This now becomes family money. When invested the income belongs to both partners and can be split equally between the two tax returns. Half a cake is better than no cake.
2. You can enter into a matrimonial settlement. You agree certain of your assets will, in future, belong to you jointly and in this way you can share the income. This choice could be useful if you own rental properties and you want the rent to be shared.
3. You could sell your investments to a family trust. Your spouse could be a beneficiary and all the income could be allocated just as you want it.
4. There are several other ways of achieving the desired result, such as having a company owned unevenly.
Your decision should not be tax motivated. For example, if you transfer your wealth to a family trust your reason might be one or more of those listed under ‘Protecting it’ below.
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Protecting It
Having done the hard yards to create wealth for you and your family you need to ensure you have an appropriate business structure to protect it. Here is a list of reasons why you might want a family trust: -
- To protect personal wealth i.e. to set aside personal assets that may be at risk in the case of business failure.
- To protect your partner if you need long-term care. Your assets could be sold to pay for this.
- To protect your children from the financial consequences of a bad relationship.
- In case the government reintroduces estate duty.
- To allocate income to family members who are on low tax rates.
Chamber Moves into new offices
In December last year, the Chamber moved into its new offices. Now situated in The Business Hub at 1209 Hinemaru Street the new location provides greater visibility and accessibility for members. The building was known for many years at the Sportsman’s Hotel or Jessie’s Bar until it was purchased by Principal Holdings Limited and completely refurbished. It now houses a suite of serviced offices downstairs with APR Consultants and Power Solutions Ltd on the first floor. The Chamber has been fortunate to secure the two front offices that provide excellent street frontage and window display.
Yet to have formal signage erected, the building will be known as ‘The Business Hub’ to reflect the purpose of the centre to offer a ‘One Stop Shop’ for business support services.
Other tenants joining the Chamber, APR Consultants and Power Solutions Ltd in the Business Hub are Destination Rotorua Economic Development, and Bottom Line, Business Consultants. The Chamber represents BIZ Information and Destination Rotorua represents Export NZ, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Business Mentors New Zealand, and Sustainable Business Network. There are only a couple of offices still available for organisations looking for serviced office accommodation.
Make a note of the new Address:
The Business Hub
1209 Hinemaru Street
What broadband can do for your business
New broadband plans available from Xtra from April will result in fast Internet at lower prices. Telecom’s Bay of Plenty Area Manager Jamie Brock explains the advantage broadband can bring to your business.
Rotorua businesses will be able to access the Internet at high speed for as little as $29.95 a month from April.
Xtra’s new plans provide a great range of affordable broadband choices, designed to cover the varying needs of business users. They include attractively-priced plans for businesses who need high speed access to download large data amounts every month, while also catering for light Internet user or those new to the internet with a new ‘dollar a day’ broadband plan.
Across a wide range of industries, businesses large and small are seeing the advantage broadband is giving them – in efficiency and productivity, customer service and for development and business planning.
Broadband lets you browse web pages and download email files at super-fast speed and your connection is always on. This means you don’t have to dial and wait each time you want to access the web or use your email, and you can use your telephone while you’re online.
Unlike dial-up, you don’t pay for the time you’re online – plans and pricing differ according to your connection speed and data usage.
Here’s what this means for your business:
Cutting costs
Email via broadband gives you the option to send large documents, images and audio and video files electronically to anywhere in the world, cutting down on courier costs, postage and printing.
Your phone costs may also come down because with broadband there is no need for a second phone line for Internet access.
More efficiency and productivity
The speed of broadband means all your email and online work can be completed efficiently – there’s no more waiting for pages and emails to download. You and your staff can also be more productive because several of you can be working online at the same time. You don’t have to wait to use the phone or fax either because broadband allows you to do both.
The Internet always being “on” means you can chat to your customers or suppliers on the phone while you look up their emails, files or reference information from the Internet - at high speed!
More responsive customer service
Email is a quick and easy way to communicate with your customers and get their feedback. It is also an opportunity for you to market your new ideas, services and products to them, let them know about sales, holiday hours and invoicing dates.
Access to the latest market information for business planning
The Internet is an almost unlimited resource for market information and trends, often updated and usually easy to find. You can access information about what’s happening overseas in your market, network with business mentors and peers all over the world, and explore new business opportunities.
More time to work on your business
Most importantly, broadband can free you up from daily “tasks” to devote more times to thinking about and working on your business. To stay ahead of the competition or simply stay in the race your business needs to be forward thinking and adaptable. The time you have saved by switching to broadband frees you up to make future plans.
Visit www.xtra.co.nz/broadband to find out more about Telecom’s new broadband plans.
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