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Entries are now invited for the 2006 Westpac Rotorua Business Awards as the search begins to find Rotorua's top business. The first stage of the process has already been underway for the last two months with a call to the business community to nominate other successful businesses. This new phase of the Awards process has exceeded expectations and it is anticipated that in excess of 100 nominations will have been received by the end of April.
The Chamber has already received interest from business operators to compete for the various categories. “I believe that interest is at an all time high,” according to Roger Gordon, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. “Recognition of excellence as reflected in selection as a finalist has now become something an organisation strives for. It is great to see many of the winners and finalists featuring with pride their achievements on their marketing material.”
Entrants and finalists have consistently commented that participating in the awards preparation and judging process has had considerable benefit for their organisation. Reviewing business methods and systems to put together the entry and the subsequent feedback from the judges have prompted positive changes. This year, the entry format has been refined and is now based on a template document that steps through the process. Christa George, the convenor of the Judging panel in 2005, comments, “When the awards finished last year, we brought together a working group to review the judging process. The resulting template not only makes sure that the process is simpler and easy to follow, but that all entries are judged against common criteria. There is no need for fancy presentation of entry form; the judges need clear and concise information about each business. Two judges will visit each entrant. The time for creative presentations is when the finalists meet the whole judging panel.” The Convenor of Judges and the Judging Panel for the 2006 Westpac Business Excellence Awards will be announced at the beginning of May.
There have also been a number of other changes to the Awards. The website of the Chamber of Commerce has been developed as the portal for Awards information. The nomination form has been available during March and April, and the template for the awards entry is already available for those organisations that wish to get an early start on their entry. Separate templates have been developed for the Credit Union Lakeland Employee of The Year, the Waiariki Institute of Technology Apprentice of the Year and the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust Social Responsibility Award. These templates are also available as a download from the Chamber's website.
“The recognition of employees by nominating them for an Excellence Award is a great way to reward staff who make an outstanding contribution to your organisation,” says Roger Gordon. “It adds a personal dimension to these awards and acknowledges the tremendous value of a company's most important asset.”
The Chamber encourages all Rotorua Businesses to consider entering the Awards. “This annual celebration of excellence represents a great opportunity for your business” said Roger Gordon. Entry is open to any business or organisation. Last year, a new category, the Newstalk ZB Community Organisation Business Award, attracted the largest number of entries. The closing date for Award entries for 2006 is Friday 7 July.
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Trademark Act 2002
A trade mark may be your most valuable marketing tool. Consumers identify certain desired qualities and attributes with products and services bearing your trade mark. As a result they are willing to pay more.
If your trade mark has a good image and reputation it will provide you with a competitive edge over your competitors. If you are thinking about a new product or service and you want to create a distinctive image for it, you should think about how to protect that trade mark.
In New Zealand, protection is provided to registered trade marks through the Trade Marks Act 2002. A trade mark means "any sign capable of being represented graphically and distinguishing the goods or services of one person from those of another person".
A "sign" includes "a brand, colour, device, heading, label, letter, name, numeral, shape, signature, smell, sound, taste, ticket, or word; and any combination of signs," commonly known as a "logo", "brand" or "brand name".
Not all trade marks can be registered. These can include trade marks that:
1. have no distinctive character;
2. indicate the kind, quality, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, time of production of goods or of rendering services, or other characteristics of goods or services;
3. consist only of signs or indications that are commonly used in relation to products or services for which the mark is being used;
4. are likely to deceive or cause confusion;
5. whose use would be contrary to New Zealand law or would be disentitled to protection in any court;
6. would be likely to offend a significant section of the community, including Maori.
You are not required by law to register your trade mark to use it. However, a registered trade mark is an official record of your rights to a particular mark.
Trade mark registration also grants a statutory right under the Trade Marks Act to prevent others from using without your permission, your trade mark or a similar trade mark in the same or similar products or services in which your trade mark is registered.
Further, registration of a trade mark includes the exclusive right to use your trade mark. You can assign or licence your registered trade mark to other persons. Once your trade mark is registered, the initial registration lasts for a period of ten years from the date the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand receives your application. Unlike other forms of intellectual property such as patents and designs, trade mark registration can be renewed indefinitely. Trade marks registered under the Trade Marks Act 2002 can now be renewed for 10 year periods.
If you are unfamiliar with trade marks, but see the value in protecting possibly your most valuable business assets, it is recommended that you consult your lawyer or patent attorney.
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Staff at Lakes DHB have spent three weeks recently pushing themselves to increase the amount of exercise they fit into their working day, as part of an activity challenge called Step it Up.
The DHB has joined other organisations (mostly in the Waikato) in the three-week challenge as part of its commitment to healthy eating and healthy action.
Some 14 teams of 10 staff from across the DHB's sites in Rotorua and Taupo got themselves into teams, purchased pedometers and then worked to increase their number of steps a day.
What began as a bit of a laugh mostly became an increased level of awareness about activity, and how easy it is to fit more physical activity into the day.
Lakes DHB's Health and Safety Consultant Joyce Wilkinson says even a small thing like encouraging staff to take the stairs instead of the lift can have huge health benefits.
And she says once staff realised that taking the stairs would add to their steps tally, more began to tread the stairwells.
Joyce Wilkinson says the emphasis was on fun for the three weeks, and a bit of light hearted rivalry between the teams. She says a few areas with teams decided on a quick lunchtime walk instead of spending all their lunchbreak in the cafeteria, and she's hoping this trend will carry on.
As part of the Step it Up programme organised by the Waikato University Recreation Centre, staff could purchase pedometers at a reasonable price ($23).
“There were lots of conversations based on the steps tally, with people building a lot of awareness on what they had or hadn't been able to do in the way of steps. And we've found the benefits can extend to others at home, with family members wanting to support the increased level of activity,” she added.
While the Step it Up programme is a structured one, Joyce Wilkinson says the same approach can be used for much smaller workplaces, and it doesn't even require people to have pedometers. She says all that's really required is a pair of good walking shoes, a drink bottle and some time.
“It's easy enough for a couple of workmates to decide on a shorter sit down to each lunch, followed by a walk before going back to work. Getting out of the workplace is just such a good thing for people to do, and will make people feel fresher for the rest of the day.”
There are all sorts of online resources through SPARC, the Heart Foundation, Sport Bay of Plenty, etc. Amy Richardson is the Active Living Co-ordinator for Sport Bay of Plenty, based in Rotorua.
If you have questions or need advice on walking or walking group activities, email Amy at amyr@sportbop.co.nz
Websites that might also help
www.sparc.co.nz
www.sportbop.co.nz
www.moh.govt.nz/healthyeatinghealthyaction
http://www.intoactive.co.nz/
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New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, with the support of six leading New Zealand wood companies, has officially opened the New Zealand Wood Innovation Centre in Shanghai.
The Centre has attracted a lot of attention amongst Shanghai's wood and building industry, and it was filled to capacity for the opening.
The six companies supporting the centre, including local Rotorua company Red Stag Timber, and Carter Holt Harvey Wood Products, Pan Pac Forest Products, Weyerhaeuser New Zealand, TDC Sawmills, and Gunns New Zealand have jointly formed New Zealand Wood Innovations Asia Incorporated and Chairman from Rotorua, Phil Verry, says interest in New Zealand Pine is strong.
“Now, through the Centre, the Chinese can see first hand how New Zealand Pine can be used for cutting-edge furniture, apartment fitouts, appearance applications, and residential housing construction; as well as the use of treated pine for landscaping projects and other outdoor uses.
“Chinese people are very innovative, and I am sure the Centre will challenge and inspire them in their use of New Zealand Pine,” he said.
Caption: Phil Verry Chairman of New Zealand Wood Innovations Asia and Rotorua's Red Stag, Madam Zhang Vice-Director of the Shanghai Municipal Economic Relations Commission, Jim Sutton Minister of State, Merv Stark NZTE's Regional Director for North Asia, and NZ's Ambassador Tony Browne pulling the ribbons at the opening.
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Brendan O'Donovan, Chief Economist for Westpac Economics
2006 isn't going to be a rosy year by comparison to those just passed. GDP growth will drop towards 1%, having peaked at over 4% in 2004. Households have led the economy forward in recent years through a willingness to borrow to spend on both consumer items and houses. The combination of a tight labour market (resulting in annual wage growth now running at over 5%) and an extended period of house price inflation, both paved the way for robust private consumption. But higher interest rates and debt levels are starting to take their toll. The only sector largely immune from slower times is the Government.
This is a story we have been foretelling for some time - but we are now seeing firm confirmation it is occurring. Some time ago we emphasized that the lags from tighter monetary policy and other influences such as waning inward migration would take time to impact: factors such as increased prevalence of fixed-rate lending and foreign exchange hedging were merely delaying the day of reckoning. It wasn't until mid-2005 that the slowdown was likely to become noticeable.
And, much of the news out late in 2005 such as anemic GDP growth and crumbling sentiment has certainly confirmed that the second half of last year became much tougher on the growth front. Business profits are now feeling the squeeze as demand has been slowing (particularly for exporters), and costs have been rising (particularly wages and energy). The spill-over effect of that will be less of an inclination to hire additional staff and spend on capital equipment. Consumers are showing signs of being more circumspect even before any serious threats to job security and softening house price growth really affect the psyche. Collectively we have been on a merry dance of debt-driven spending. But eventually the piper needs to be paid, and the economy has just been presented with the bill.
The problem in these days of instant gratification is that it takes time for things to happen in the economy. Although the exchange rate will continue its slide (we are picking it to eventually reach the low 50s against the USD), it will take at least a year before that really benefits the productive side of the economy.
And when house prices stop rising, the wealth effect or equity withdrawal that has been feeding the consumer (adding around $4billion to consumer expenditure last year) will be shut off. This is exactly what is required for the necessary rebalancing in the economy, but the next year shapes up as a painful transition period.
Is it going to be a protracted slowdown? No, we hope. Global liquidity remains high, so NZ will still be able to tap into funds without trouble and globally long-term borrowing rates will remain relatively depressed. Moreover, business balance sheets are in relatively good shape and investment expenditure will at least hold up even if it does stop growing for a period.
The labour market is expected to remain robust, albeit with significantly slower growth in jobs. Thus, household incomes should be under less threat when compared to previous economic downturns. Furthermore, we expect that the RBNZ will be pushing interest rates down from the 3rd quarter of this year onward, softening the fall. To boot, the exchange rate will be dropping like a stone.
In all, 2006 will be a year of trepidation and belt tightening.
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On top of recently reduced broadband pricing, Xtra have announced a new promotional set-up offer for business customers.
For the first time, business customers can take advantage of a free connection (a wiring charge may apply) and a free modem (normally from $99.95) offer, when they sign up to Xtra Broadband throughout April and until 21 May.
The new plans, which offer the same prices for both business and residential customers, will represent a saving of up to 80 percent for some existing business customers, and the special set up offer will save up to a further $259.
There has never been a better time for businesses to benefit from broadband, said head of Xtra Chris Thompson.
“Across a wide range of industries, businesses are seeing the advantage broadband can provide in efficiency, productivity, customer service and business development,” said Mr Thompson.
Broadband offers an always-on connection removing the need to dial-up every time a user needs to access the Internet or e-mail. It also enables people to enjoy the Internet at the same time they are on the phone or fax unlike a dial-up connection.
“The benefits of Broadband can be as simple as being able to take customer calls while you do your banking on-line or as advanced as running your entire business over the Internet,” said Mr Thompson.
“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 that need high speed access and large data amounts every month.”
The Wired Network Kit, included in the promotion for those who sign up on the Pro, Pro Advanced and Pro Ultra plans, is the ideal solution for customers wanting to connect up to four computers to broadband. A Single PC Self Install Kit is offered with the remaining broadband plans. The free connection is for a standard connection and does not include wiring or technician install options.
For further information on broadband and the new plans from Xtra visit xtra.co.nz/businessbroadband
Important information: Offer ends 21 May 2006. Includes either Single PC Self-Install Kit worth $99.95 or Wired Network Kit worth $159.95 and Telecom's standard connection only. Available to new Xtra Broadband customers only.
For media enquiries please contact:
Lenska Papich
Xtra PR
09 359 5804
027 488 5142
lenska.papich@telecom.co.nz
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Pic 2 Caption: An artists impression of a room inside the new Energy Events Centre
Doctors, young farmers and building officials from all over New Zealand are amongst groups announced this week as heading to Rotorua next year for major events at the city's new Energy Events Centre.
Construction of the events complex is currently underway in the city's central Government Gardens.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners announced recently that they expect more than 500 delegates from New Zealand and overseas to descend on Rotorua when they stage their annual gathering at the Energy Events Centre in 2007. The college's Chief Executive, Karen Thomas, said her organisation had outgrown the Rotorua Convention Centre where it had successfully held their 2002 conference. She said the development of the new Energy Events Centre meant Rotorua was now able cater for their growing needs.
Rotorua's national profile will also be boosted next year when the Energy Events Centre features live on national television to a large audience. The complex has been chosen as the venue for the prestigious 2007 National Bank Young Farmer Contest to be broadcast on TV One in July.
Young Farmers event organiser Steve Hines said Rotorua's Energy Events Centre will not only provide the capacity and flexibility his organisation needs to stage the National Bank Young Farmer Contest, but equally important is that the complex has been designed with the very specialist needs of modern television productions in mind. “Well done, Rotorua. Ours is a big production by any standards, with a range of sub-events taking place over several days including a seated audience of more than a thousand for the televised event, and a major banquet.”
Building officials from around the country are yet another group that has announced they have chosen Rotorua's Energy Events Centre as the venue for their major conference next year. The 2007 Building Officials Institute of New Zealand annual conference is expected to attract more that 300 delegates to the city in April next year.
Event Venues general manager Peter McLeod says there is still more good news on the horizon with a number of other national organisations already confirming they have selected the Energy Events Centre for future events. “We are working with them on bookings as far out as 2011.”
“It's not easy selling a venue that hasn't even got a roof on yet. But the decision to produce a hi-tech virtual tour presentation on CD for potential clients has certainly helped clinch a number of bookings. The meetings industry's response has been fantastic.”
Rotorua's Energy Events Centre is currently under construction adjacent to the city's iconic Museum of Art and History in the picturesque Government Gardens precinct. It is just minutes walk from the existing Rotorua Convention Centre and building is expected to be complete by the end of this year with the complex open for business early in 2007.
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Say goodbye to the rat race and bring on the laughs. Auckland and Wellington aren't the only places to find the best of comedy this festival season.
Five of the finest New Zealand and international comedians are leaving the big smoke behind and taking to the highway for a madcap road trip to Rotorua and other parts of the country. All in the name of a good laugh, the convoy travels to six cities for one night shows.
The Comedy Convoy features Rhod Gilbert (Wales), Charlie Pickering (Australia), Te Radar (NZ), Sam Wills (2005 ODDFELLOWS Billy T Award Winner), with accomplished comedy wrangler and host Jeremy Corbett.
Event Venues’ Rotorua's sales and marketing manager Diana Moore says the ODDFELLOWS Comedy Convoy stampedes through Rotorua to the Soundshell on 30 May for just one show. “It's a great opportunity to reward staff, entertain clients, or for social club functions,” she says.
Group table bookings of 6 or 10 are available at $55 per person (plus booking fees) and include food platters. Tickets are available on the Balcony at $30 per person (plus booking fees). All bookings are through Ticketek on 07 350 2244.
For more information contact:
Diana Moore
Sales & Marketing Manager
Event Venues Rotorua
DDI 07 350 1741
Email Diana.moore@rdc.govt.nz
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(Tourism Rendezvous Expo New Zealand)
Construction of Event Venues’ new $25m Energy Events Centre complex is proceeding at pace with major parts of the structural steel in place, and cladding and roofing work well underway. Event Venues' sales and marketing manager Diana Moore says the project is on target to open the doors for business early in the new year.
Diana says Tourism Industry Association New Zealand's recent announcement that the Energy Events Centre has been chosen as the venue for TRENZ in 2007, provides a unique opportunity to showcase the complex and to demonstrate its real capacity and flexibility. “It will certainly enhance Rotorua's reputation as one of
the country's pre-eminent events destinations.”
The announcement has created a new flurry of interest in the Events Centre and in Event Venues' other established venues, such as the Rotorua Convention Centre. “We've been run off our feet with enquiries and conference bookings are way ahead of forecasts. Organisations such as General Practitioners, Building Officials, and Young Farmers have already announced they are bringing their main events to the Energy Events Centre next year, and a number of other major conferences and exhibitions are still to be announced.”
The Energy Events Centre is located alongside Lake Rotorua in the city's picturesque Government Gardens, and just a few minutes walk from the Convention Centre, hotels and downtown restaurants and cafes.
For more information contact
Diana Moore
Sales & Marketing Manager
Event Venues Rotorua
Ph 07 350 1741 Mob 027 249 8677,
Email diana.moore@rdc.govt.nz
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The 10th of March presented us with a gorgeous day to get out and swing the clubs at the 5th Annual Newstalk ZB Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament.
Each year this tournament grows in popularity and this time around we had over 100 players.
A big thanks to the sponsors who provided `provisions' at the holes, which were welcomed by all teams and for some may have helped with better golf?
Newstalk ZB's (noon-4pm) Talk Back Host, Danny Watson, was the guest speaker and lent a hand to present the well deserved prizes. His words were thought provoking and gave a timely reminder of the importance of the things outside our workplace that make life worthwhile and should be treasured, especially in this busy old thing we call life that whizzes by all too fast.
General Manager for The Radio Network Lyn-Marie McFadden successfully took away the award for “Most Golf” a prize that Roger Gordon, should he have been 100%, may has just been a worthy contender!
There was good golf played and there was golf that has been played better, but all in all a fabulous day was had by all and golfers walked away with some really good prizes.
A big thank-you again to all the sponsors, players, Newstalk ZB and the Chamber of Commerce for another successful golf tournament. We look forward to seeing you again next year.
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Do You …
- Work For Yourself
- Work In A Business
- Manage A Business
- Want To Start A Business
- Want To Upskill Your Team
- Want To Network Effectively
Then This Day Is For You
“Focus on Women and Business” will be held in Taupo at the Wairakei Resort on 12 May 2006.
“Focus on Women and Business” is a forum where women can educate themselves on how to be successful in business. Learn how to make money and keep it, how not to waste money, how to plan for success, how to hire and fire and how to remain sane through it all.
Speakers have been invited from around the region and include Debra Bell, well known internationl speaker who will give a dynamic and informative presentation, based on her own proven success, on how to create opportunities though networking and Tina Toschi on the very topical issue of how to manage conflict.
If you work for yourself, work in a business, manage a business, want to start a business, want to upskill your team or want to network effectively then this day is for you.
SPEAKERS’ PROFILES
Debra Bell: Debra Bell was New Zealand’s “Her Business” Networker of the Year in 2004. She has been acknowledged for her community contributions with a Paul Harris Fellowship. Debra is a renowned public speaker, Facilitator and Business Coach. Her specialty is connecting people in both the business and community sectors, creating “co-opertition” and effective networking.
Greg Haycock: Greg Haycock has been involved in media for nearly 20 years only leaving the industry for a period to run his own retail outlet. Having been on both sides of the advertising equation as a sales executive and a client, Greg is able to point out the strengths and weaknesses that are associated with advertising and marketing.
Tina Toschi: Tina Toschi is the Executive Director of Toschi International, a company specialising in management development and professional development centres throughout New Zealand. She has been
a facilitator, coach and trainer in communication and people management from senior management to supervisory level for 15 years.
Terri Foley: Terri is the Managing Director of Jabiru Enterprises Limited. Her particular expertise is the ability to evaluate a business from an operational perspective analysing the “big picture”. She has considerable experience in managing businesses.
Alison Bowman: Alison Bowman has worked for the past 15 years in sales and marketing. Alison has held positions as both Sales and Marketing Manager and General Manager and has more recently been employed on short term contracts as a “trouble shooter” focusing on companies’ sales and marketing strategies and their implementation.
Louise Foley: Louise Foley has been practicing law since 1999 with Le Pine & Co and specialises in employment law and court work. Raised locally, she enjoys the challenges of helping small employers.
Donald Fuller: Donald Fuller “retired” to Taupo from a successful Wellington practice. He found the lure of the law too strong and returned to practice in Taupo two years ago specialising in relationship property. His strong commercial background means he can provide advice on how to protect your assets through mechanisms such as trusts and relationship property agreements.
Cecile Hoods: Cecile Hoods has tutored at Waiariki Institute of Technology since February 2001. Having joined the School of Business and Computing, she rapidly established herself as a leading proponent of modern business practice in an economic framework. Since mid-2004 she has assisted in developing new business engagement initiatives for the School.
Angela Clark: Angela Clark is a partner in DPA & Associates, and has 18 years accounting experience, acting for both national and international clients including farming businesses and trusts. Angela’s expertise includes business and tax advice, and planning and administration for trusts and estates. She is also an expert at arbitrations and in providing litigation support.
Registration forms are available from Waiariki Institute of Technology and Radio Network in Taupo and Rotorua, Le Pine & Co and Harveys Real Estate in Taupo or contact Carole at cparker@taupo.govt.nz
Terri Foley
For Focus on Women and Business
tfoley@jabiru.co.nz
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)
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New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand government's national economic development agency.
NZTE is a global organisation committed to improving the international competitiveness and sustained profitability of New Zealand businesses.
The role of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is to support the Government's objective of raising the average income of New Zealanders in line with countries in the top half of the OECD. Given the small size of the domestic economy, a greater proportion of New Zealand's wealth needs to be generated from exports.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is a crown entity with a Board predominantly appointed from the private sector.
We work with sectors
NZTE's focus is on industries and sectors in which New Zealand has a long-term sustainable advantage and on businesses with high-growth potential. NZTE aims to achieve this by:
• helping business to build business capability
• improving New Zealand's business environment for enterprise and growth
• increasing the international connectedness of New Zealand businesses.
We work with businesses
NZTE offers a wide range of services and programmes applicable throughout the lifecycle of firms from start-ups to established groups of exporters. These include training programmes, market information and funding assistance. NZTE facilitates networking and partnering opportunities for qualifying companies. Not all services are provided directly by NZTE and some are provided through external organisations funded by NZTE.
We also work alongside the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology which runs a range of schemes to help businesses build capability in research and development and/or exploit research
and development opportunities (www.frst.govt.nz/business).
We work globally
Through our global network of offices, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise aims to grow New Zealand's economy by building the capability of businesses and regions and facilitating their sustained and profitable participation in overseas markets.
It also helps firms build alliances and develop strategic commercial relationships internationally that can provide investment in New Zealand businesses and access to international distribution networks, new markets, skills and technology.
It facilitates these connections by using its network of offshore staff to identify and develop relevant market and investment opportunities. In New Zealand NZTE staff work closely with capable New Zealand businesses to take advantage of these opportunities.
NZTE's focus is on significant international commercial opportunities that offer a minimum $25 million in profits and wages to contribute to the New Zealand economy within five years.
We work with regions
NZTE also has a regional network within New Zealand and works closely with local government, economic development agencies and other regional allies to grow their regional economic base, to identify and address barriers to growth, and to stimulate and develop new business opportunities. The regional partnership programme provides support for regions to undertake major projects that builds on their competitive advantages.
We support investment
Investment New Zealand, a specialist unit within New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, works to attract investment into New Zealand which will provide wider benefits to the New Zealand economy.
We support New Zealand enterprise
NZTE runs a business and enterprise culture programme that aims to encourage New Zealanders to value entrepreneurship, business success and to better understand the connection between economic health and affording the living standards to which New Zealanders aspire. It has also launched a brand overseas, New Zealand New Thinking, which positions New Zealand as creative, innovative and technologically advanced.
Services overview
Our services cover specific aspects of trade and enterprise:
• Services for businesses starting up and at an early stage of development
• Services for businesses seeking to grow and internationalise: including new exporters, high growth businesses and other exporters
• Investment services: We have a specialised service for investors, providing New Zealand business information as well as extensive networks for investors seeking existing and start-up New Zealand-based ventures with excellent future potential.
• Business partnerships: Supporting companies working together in export networks and regional and national clusters to achieve higher growth.
• Regional development: Working with and funding regions to grow by encouraging them to focus on their regional advantages.
• Industrial Capability Network: Providing access to government markets through a low cost, one port of call service.
• Fostering an enterprise culture: encouraging New Zealanders to have a positive attitude towards business success.
More information on the services offered by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise can be found in the Business Development, Export Services, Sector Development, Regional Development and NZ Success sections on www.nzte.govt.nz
Use of Information
NZTE will treat commercially sensitive material supplied when applying for funding or services with care, discretion, and appropriate regard. It should be noted, however, that NZTE is bound by the Official Information Act and may be required to provide information about its activities to Ministers, parliamentary committees, individual members of Parliament, and the Controller and Auditor-General or his agents.
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Photo: Pim Borren
I have been in Rotorua just over two months. There are a lot of wonderful things to be said about Rotorua. The people are wonderful! Genuinely friendly, not like bigger cities. The lakes are stunning. The business community is energised and active. The Chamber of Commerce's BA5 and local breakfast SWAP meetings are both well supported. The community is socially conscious. Iwi are listened to. Maori are respected and integrated. Other cultures are welcomed. The museum is amazing!
Why then is Rotorua underperforming economically? Why is its population growth stagnant?
I have worked as an economist in Christchurch for many years as an active member of the business community and for several years on the Board of the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce.
I have arrived here recently to take up the role of Chief Executive at Waiariki Institute of Technology.
Like Rotorua itself Waiariki is boxing well below its weight. Together we need to take a hard look at ourselves. Waiariki after all is an Institute of Technology. It specialises in change and business opportunity. Its focus is on lifting skills and productivity.
Like SIT in Southland we need to commit to each other. If business supports Waiariki's vocational training then by definition Waiariki will support local business growth. For only a small investment by you we could make this city buzz.
So what are the negatives I've noticed in my two months here? First, for a centre of tourism and hospitality Rotorua has quite poor customer service. I would have expected much better. Mostly our retail shops are disappointing too. I understand many Rotorua people themselves go shopping for clothes in Tauranga! What about the tourist spend in our shops? And I have never had so many bad coffees (I am a latte addict). There is almost no night life here (the lack of taxis prove that) and nothing for young people to do. No wonder we export all our school leavers. The centre of town looks tired.
We need a bar “strip”. Or a casino? Both have woken Christchurch up. And Christchurch used to be very dull and sleepy (and dare I say middleclass and monocultural).
Most of all young people give cities vitality. They challenge us all. Sometimes they drink too much. Sometimes they think they know everything. They keep us on our toes and they keep us awake. Rotorua needs many more young people. Waiariki could help but right now we have the lowest number of school leavers in the sector (less than 8% of our students).
My wife and I and our children are so thrilled to be living in this beautiful part of New Zealand. Everyday I tell my daughter we're in paradise. But Rotorua appears complacent. If its not careful international tourists will go elsewhere. Like domestic tourists, Tauranga and Taupo will leave us behind. Even Tirau has much cooler cafes!
So please employers, work with us at Waiariki. Wake us up and we'll shake you up, through your staff!
Pim Borren, PhD
(Rotorua New Boy and Chief Executive of
Waiariki Institute of Technology.)
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The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce is governed by an Executive Board of 13 members drawn from across all sectors of the Rotorua business community. The Board consists of the President, Immediate Past President, the CEO, and 10 Executive members, eight of whom are elected, and the other two co-opted to enable balance of representation or skills. Elections are held annually at the AGM and this year will be held on Wednesday, 28 June at the Grand Tiara Hotel and Conference Centre.
Dr Margriet Theron will be stepping down as President after having given two years of excellent leadership to the organisation. Margriet will be continuing on the Executive as Immediate Past-President. Current members of the Executive who have already indicated their intention of standing for re-election are Christa George, Director of Support Services, Waiariki Institute of Technology; Rebecca Johnson, General Manager of RadioWorks; Mark Rawson, General Manager of Destination Rotorua Economic Development; Mike Johnson, Owner Operator of Nicara Lakeside Lodge; and Steve Pinder, Area Manager SME, Westpac. At this stage Christa has also indicated her intention of standing for President.
It is likely that there will be the opportunity for FOUR new members to be added to the Executive Board. The Chamber seeks to have a representation on the Executive that covers as many industry sectors as possible. It would be an advantage if nominations were to come from the manufacturing sector, from the trades sector, from health service providers, from professional and service organisations, and from forestry and primary industry. Nominees preferably should have a strong background in business or commerce.
The Chamber has grown considerably over the last twelve months and has increased activity in the core functions of increasing business capability and building a positive business environment. It has developed cooperative relationships with most of the other key agencies in Rotorua.
Rotorua as a thriving business community needs a strong and active Chamber of Commerce. The strength of the Chamber is generated by the commitment and governance of a cross-sector representative Executive Board that is clearly focused on business development. Clear and defined strategic plans are in place to guide the Chamber through the next three years. There is a strong operational team with plans to develop the capability of the Chamber and provide additional services to the business community.
So…. what are the advantages to being a member of the Executive?
• Playing an active role in the business development of our city
• Having a voice on the Executive to determine the direction of the Chamber.
• Participating in the advocacy role of the Chamber as the voice of Rotorua business.
• Having the opportunity to participate in Chamber executive meetings with other key agencies, expressing opinions and influencing outcomes.
• Experiencing a sense of achievement in having played a positive part in making Rotorua a better place for business.
The time commitment is moderate. Executive meetings are held monthly, except for January. The work of the Executive
is through a committee structure. These committees cover:
Membership/Networking; Advocacy/Information;
Training /Development;
RMA/Planning;
Governance /Management; and
Finance.
Executive members can choose to be a member of as many, or as few, committees as they wish. Committees meet once a month.
Members interested in learning more about standing for the Executive Board are invited to contact CEO Roger Gordon on 349 8365 or President Margriet Theron on 347 7211.
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