“Our region has real natural strengths, business resilience and is a hot bed for innovation.  It is no surprise that our future prosperity will come more from working together to leverage off those strengths than from the initiatives in Budget 2012.

“The focus on strengthening economic performance is vital.  The Chamber recognises the government’s commitment in this area and supports the broad direction of Budget 2012.  Given the current tough economic climate, the Chamber sought an even bolder budget that backed business innovation and growth and removed the impediments to business vitality.

“On the face of it, there is little by way of direct support for the small and medium sized businesses who form the backbone of our region’s economy, as they do of the country as a whole. 

“There is little in this budget that addresses the two key impediments to business vitality, namely cutting the costs of doing business and freeing up capital to back business innovation.

“While the Chamber applauds the commitment to science and innovation in this years budget, even better would have been significant support for the small and medium sized sector to invest in research and development.   The significance of innovation at every level of business and within every business sector can not be underestimated and is a key reason the Chamber has secured Sir Ray Avery as the keynote speaker at its conference being held in Nelson on 31 May.  Sir Ray is renowned for his work in science and innovation.  His address is sure to inspire local business owners to integrate innovation into their everyday business operations as well as energising our leading research, science and innovation sectors.

“The Chamber supports investment in education and in particular in preparing young people for the employment possibilities of the future.  Preparing young people for work and alignment of industry needs with skills based training is of fundamental importance.  Even better would have been a commitment to educate young people about the important role of entrepreneurs and commercialisation of great ideas.  This is the theme of another of the Chamber’s conference speakers, the CEO of the Young Enterprise Trust, Terry Shubkin.

“The Chamber remains committed to advocating on behalf of our members and the wider business community for economic development and business vitality in the region. ” Dot Kettle said.

By Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce

1. 1.          Introduction

1.1    The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce (NTCC) represents over 500 businesses working throughout the region. This submission is made on behalf of its membership. There are various Groups that have made an input into the submission through discussion on the issues, and a draft was circulated to all members seeking comment on it.

1.2    NTCC has made many submissions on previous Annual Plans, the Long Term Council Community Plans (LTCCP’s), and several studies and Plans for the Central Area (Heart of Nelson), Regional Community facilities, Regional Recreation Facilities and the specific Reserve Management Plans for Rutherford and Trafalgar Parks. It has presented the same arguments throughout those for regional economic development and an integrated and positive approach to the development of facilities.

1. 2.          Comments on Key Points

2.1       Investing in Infrastructure: NTCC supports the Council’s significant role in investing in infrastructure.

2.2       Leadership on Issues of Regional Significance: NTCC supports the leadership role NCC has taken in the sustainability debate.  It is with some dismay that NCC proposes to step away from the clear leadership role taken to date regarding solar city initiatives. Nelson has a distinct natural advantage but we need to utilise it.  Positioning our region and this city as the leader in solar (and other environmentally sustainable technologies) is clearly positive for the ‘brand’ and identity of our region, business growth and investment, and community wellbeing (through affordable and sustainable energy use).   We urge NCC to reconsider its commitment in this area and to take up the opportunity to provide leadership in this space.

NTCC applauds the process used by NCC in developing the ‘Framing our Future’ work.  In our view the combination of thought leadership and widespread community engagement has proven to be a useful model for tackling ‘big issues’.

NTCC would support this approach being taken to the development of a regional brand.  It is our view that progress on this is a priority if we are to move ahead and create and retain economic opportunities and prosperity. 

A regional brand will provide focus for and the clear direction needed to boost and generate economic growth.

2.3       Rutherford and Trafalgar Park Development: NTCC has always supported an integrated development on Rutherford Park, for an events centre that can meet the conference and convention needs, as well as providing for the larger indoor entertainment events. It has presented concept plans for the development of the Park and riverside to Council in the past.

NTCC however has serious concerns about the current proposal. In particular any changes to the entrance and exit needs to preserve the alternative arterial route corridor.  To justify significant investment in Rutherford Park the Chamber would want to see that development identify ways it will lead to increased use of the current and future facilities and the economic return from such increased activity.

Members have mixed views on the proposed significant investment in the Trafalgar Centre.  Members are supportive of greater use being made of the Centre as a flat floor convention space and of ensuring that any conference room development is complimentary to, rather than in direct competition with, conference centre developments being funded by private enterprise. 

Concern has also been expressed around the suitability of the site for such significant further investment.

Members have concerns that the investment proposed far outweighs the benefits.   A far more modest sum could be justified to bring the kitchen up to standard, create a better entrance way and upgrade the Victory Room as a meeting room. 

Any additional investment needs to be backed by a robust business case that demonstrates the extent of the convention market.  NTCC currently remains unconvinced of a strong business case for the proposed investment.  Members are not supportive of further significant investment in what is essentially a sports facility solely in order to see this Centre ‘completed’ and we express concern that the venue may well be unavailable for convention use during at least three months of the off-season due to the Giants use of the facility.

2.4       Transport: NTCC places priority on the maintenance of the alternative arterial route corridor.  NTCC strongly supports the Councils determination that future planning protects the Southern Arterial route as a future transport corridor.  This planning protection needs to remain at the forefront of all strategic, spatial and development planning (including the proposed enhancements to Rutherford Park and Trafalgar Centre).

NTCC submits that a review of the forecasts underpinning the Arterial Route Study (for population growth etc) is made no later than 2016.  It is our view that the information upon which the decision not to progress with the alternative arterial route must be revisited and reconsidered and we submit that within five years is a reasonable timeframe for that to occur.

We confirm our submission to the Nelson Regional Land Transport Programme.  As a representative of the region’s business community (both present and future) the Chamber’s focus is on ensuring there is a reliable, efficient and safe transport infrastructure for the present and future so that there is no (or minimal) impediment for that business community in  conducting its business affairs within our region.

If our transport infrastructure is inadequate, inefficient and/or poorly maintained, the business community will face additional delays and costs which it can ill afford in today’s competitive business environment, and which would ultimately lead to those businesses closing or relocating to more “business friendly” regions to the detriment of our region and its residents.

NTCC have long supported the proposed “Southern Link” arterial route and members express grave concerns over the adequacy of the current Waimea Road and Rocks Road.  Both these corridors require urgent attention.  Our members have expressed concern that the current transport infrastructure showed itself to be woefully inadequate during the December extreme weather conditions.  The options include development of Rocks Road as a safe, effective corridor for heavy traffic and acting as the tourism gateway (with safe and attractive cycle and pedestrian access); development of Waimea Road as the State Highway and keeping the ‘southern link’ transport corridor preserved for future development. 

The Chamber’s preference for R funding is to support transport projects of significance to the region – regardless of where they fall within the region – rather than a mix of smaller (albeit worthy projects).

The NTCC submission on the Land Transport Programme did however support the following projects:

1.Waimea Road Enhancement Package including the Bishopdale to the Ridgeway shared path (which is currently part of the Walking, Cycling and Schools package) as (without the Southern Link) these intersections are being asked to carry far higher traffic volumes than they were designed for and hence serious (delaying) congestion results.

2. SH6 Whakatu Drive and Link Road Roundabouts as the current design seems inadequate for the current traffic volumes creating unnecessary congestion and delays.  We note however that work here needs to address congestion, not just move it to the next roundabout.

3. SH 6 Nelson to Blenheim and Richmond HPMV bridge strengthening to facilitate the higher capacity trucks to enable productivity gains and perhaps lower vehicle numbers.

4. Seismic Bridge strengthening to ensure the integrity of our key transport routes.

5.  SH6 Atawhai Drive intersections to overcome the current unsafe interaction between the State Highway traffic and the adjoining residential communities and to remove any calls to sacrifice traffic mobility on this key arterial route.

6. SH6 Whakatu Drive 4 laning northbound to ease traffic flow into the city.

7. Investigation of the best site for a stock effluent facility.

8. Cycleway projects (including Rocks Road) where they will help stimulate greater economic activity and generate more tourist income.  The upgrade along Rocks Road would assist with the promotion of the region to domestic and international visitors as the ‘Cycling Centre’ of New Zealand. Any further cycling infrastructure developed will enhance the existing regional product offering with the Dun Mountain Trail and Great Taste Trail.

NTCC does support the exploration of an efficient and affordable public transport system and believes on-going reviews of the current bus service between Richmond and Nelson should be scheduled to ensure a steady increase in use of the service. If this was not shown, the investment should be re-considered.

NTCC submits that investment in public transport should be funded out of the general rate, not subsidised by the commercial ratepayers or parking funds. 

The declining revenue from parking funds should be used to ensure adequate provision of short term parking within the CBD and long term parking outside of the CBD ring road. 

2.5        Council’s role in economic development.  NTCC continues to support the EDA, Uniquely Nelson and Nelson Tasman Tourism.  NTCC recognises the role of the EDA in identifying future business sectors to attract to our region and working with other stakeholders, including NTCC in ensuring our environment is as busy friendly and pro-business and investment as possible. 

In the current economic climate NTCC strongly advocates for NCC to focus on cutting the costs to existing businesses.  The priority for economic development is to minimise the negative impact of policy, practices and regulations on business and to ensure that commercial rate payers are not paying a disproportionate or inequitable share of the total rate take.  This should be the NCC first priority.

NTCC would also support initiatives that are proven to be successful in encouraging growth and innovation in our region.  NTCC supports a focus on cluster development that is driven out of a shared regional ‘brand’ and shared vision for our region’s economic development and prosperity.  NTCC submits that this should be the first step and we support the adoption of a process similar to that undertaken for the “framing our future” exercise to ensure community engagement and ownership of our economic future focus.  This will provide clarity and certainty for business investment decisions.  It will also provide a framework for a collaborative and ‘joined up’ approach by local government, business, and educational interests so we can better advance our region.

It is the view of NTCC that lack of capital is currently a major impediment to business growth and NTCC support for a business incubator would be dependent on it being shown as the most effective way to raise the visibility of great business ideas and matching those with available capital investment.

2.6        Financial changes and charges. NTCC is calling for a review of the commercial contribution.  The previous increase from 22% to 25% should be reviewed and reassessed.  Given the current economic conditions, NTCC believes the scope of this review should be wide ranging and start with a reconsideration of the fairness of a commercial differential. 

NTCC commends NCC on the decision to leave the majority of resource consent and development fees unchanged.

2.7.   Lee Dam:  NTCC has submitted to the Tasman District Council that the proposed funding model for the dam needs to be reviewed and revised.  It is the view of our members that the current funding model is fatally flawed as the expected contribution from irrigators is unaffordable and unsustainable.  While the Chamber supports the development of the dam in principle, both central government and the total ratepayer base in the region need to contribute more if this project is to be viable.

2.8    Holding Company:  NTCC reiterates our view that there is merit in the establishment of a holding company and we urge NCC to investigate this option – including the full range of businesses and council activities that could be included. 

1. 3.           Opportunity to be heard

The Chamber requests the opportunity to be heard in support of its submission.

Dot Kettle

Chief Executive

16 May 2012

Banks / financial institutions pay interest to their Savers, and collect interest from their Borrowers – with the basic premise being that the differential between these 2 interest rates covers the running costs for the bank and returns a profit to the shareholders (just like any business!). Unfortunately, due to a historic lack of savings culture in New Zealand there is a savings imbalance in New Zealand. So BNZ (like other banks in New Zealand) relies on finding nearly 40% of the money it lends to homeowners and businesses from overseas savers to help keep New Zealand working. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (and the banks themselves) have recognised this reliance, which was bought to the fore during the Global Financial Crisis. Overseas savers that were willing to lend to New Zealand banks demanded a premium for doing so, which meant that there was a knock on impact of higher interest rates to New Zealanders with loans during this period. On the positive side Savers in New Zealand were rewarded more handsomely with attractive interest rates on Bank Term Deposits as banks encouraged New Zealanders to save more. Although the tide is turning with businesses and households deleveraging (paying off debt) i.e. household debt has reduced from 154% of GDP to 144% of GDP over the last 3 years, there is still a need for an increase in savings.

Why save?

Savings need to be an important part of everyday life because they allow businesses and households to accrue for unforeseen or emergency expenses, budget for large cash outflows (i.e. tax payments, family holidays, weddings), build the equity in your personal balance sheet or business, help contribute towards funding future projects (business expansion/home improvements), and provide a buffer or cushion to help you through the hard times. Ultimately savings are on-lent by banks to New Zealanders for new business ventures, expansions and hence contribute towards the growth of the New Zealand economy.

It’s not just if we’re saving; it’swhere we are saving…

Another useful lesson that savers have learned from the spate of finance company collapses in New Zealand is not just to save per se, but to research more carefully where they choose to save their money. Credit Ratings are one signal of the financial capability or creditworthiness of a bank / financial institution. These ratings demonstrate the capability of a bank /financial institute onto meet its financial obligations as they fall due, for example; when savers want to withdraw their money the bank / financial institution has sufficient loan repayments coming in from its borrowers and available liquid assets to ensure this can happen. The strength of a financial institution can be used to give an approximate likelihood of default,

and RBNZ’s ‘Know Your Credit Ratings’ paper illustrates this succinctly. An AA rated institution (i.e. comparable to BNZ’s AA – rating) has a probability of a 1 in 300chance of defaulting over a 5 year timeframe .Comparing this to a BBB rated institution increases the probability of default to a 1 in30 chance over the same 5 year time period.So, as a saver, you’d be wise to think carefully about the risk involved in where you actually choose to keep your savings.

How BN Z can help

BNZ continues to drive a savings culture in New Zealand by offering fee free savings accounts for businesses, PIE savings accounts and term deposits that are subject to lower tax rates (subject to income levels). Our Total Money offset account bank account has helped New Zealanders save $101m in interest charges over the last 5 years. Our website has a dedicated ‘Be Money Smart’ section and our Banking Advisors are available in-store to help with personal and small business customers savings goals. In addition to this my role in the BNZ Partners team is to foster relationships and provide very competitive deposit rates for larger cash investors. So, to discuss putting a savings plan into place, review your savings, or look at options for putting your hard earned cash to work for you in our competitive term deposits –call into your nearest BNZ and we’ll discuss how we can help you be better off.

Contact:

Sue Buparai
BNZ Partners
Nelson, Marlborough & West Coast
ddi 03 989 2740
mob 021 822 096
email sue_buparai@bnz.co.nz
Bank of New Zealand
Level 1, 226 Trafalgar Street, Nelson

“The Chamber’s new Employment Relations Advice Service provides Chamber members with 30 minutes free advice on specific employment relations issues.  This new service is part of the Chamber’s on-going commitment to deliver benefits to members and is in response to members request for access to quality, timely and affordable ER advice.   This is one of the key areas business owners identify at the Chamber’s free monthly “Where to Workshops” as an area they need expert advice on.   Business people attending these workshops consistently recognise the importance of the people in their business.

“Employment relations is an increasingly complex area and this service will assist employers in gaining clarity about their obligations in a particular situation. 

“Five Chamber members with a range of expertise and experience in different aspects of ER are taking part in the Chamber’s new service.  Members can contact any of these five directly to access 30 minutes free and confidential advice.  This service will be of huge benefit to small business owners who need timely advice on employment relations issues to ensure they are meeting their obligations as good employers.  Early advice can often assist business owners to deal with an issue in an appropriate way to avoid heading down the path to a lengthy and costly dispute.  It can also ensure that business owners act correctly right from the beginning to avoid any misunderstandings further down the employment track.

“The Chamber is delighted that members are prepared to offer this new free service to other Chamber members. There is an expert in every area, for every sector and every size of business.  Members will be able to choose to deal with the business that best meets their needs.

“The new service will be launched by  Chamber President Gerard Praat and Chamber CEO Dot Kettle at the AGM on 30 April at Melrose House.

“The businesses offering the free service to Chamber members from 1 May are Fanselow Bell, Chapman ER, Duncan Cotterill, Shine People Consulting, and Kimi HR” Dot Kettle said.

As a representative of the region’s business community (both present and future) the Chamber’s focus is on ensuring there is a reliable, efficient and safe transport infrastructure for the present and future so that there is no (or minimal) impediment for that business community in  conducting its business affairs within our region.

If our transport infrastructure is inadequate, inefficient and/or poorly maintained, the business community will face additional delays and costs which it can ill afford in today’s competitive business environment, and which would ultimately lead to those businesses closing or relocating to more “business friendly” regions to the detriment of our region and its residents.

We have long supported the proposed “Southern Link” arterial route and members express grave concerns over the adequacy of the current Waimea Road and Rocks Road.  Both these corridors require urgent attention.  Our members have expressed concern that the current transport infrastructure showed itself to be woefully inadequate during the December extreme weather conditions.  The options include development of Rocks Road as a safe, effective corridor for heavy traffic and acting as the tourism gateway; development of Waimea Road as the State Highway and keeping the ‘southern link’ transport corridor preserved for future development.  We accept that the construction of the southern link is outside the time line of this proposed programme which in turn has required a new focus on those other projects that could be brought forward to utilise the Nelson “R” funding balance up to 2015.

The Chamber’s preference would be to support a transport project of significance to the region rather than a mix of smaller (albeit worthy projects) – regardless of whether it falls with the Nelson City Council territory or in the wider region.  We are not however aware of any such project that has been identified and meets the cost benefit ratio required for R funding to be spent.

In these circumstances, and on the strict proviso that all necessary steps are taken to protect the Southern Link corridor, we would support the following projects;

1.Waimea Road Enhancement Package including the Bishopdale to the Ridgeway shared path (which is currently part of the Walking, Cycling and Schools package) as (without the Southern Link) these intersections are being asked to carry far higher traffic volumes than they were designed for and hence serious (delaying) congestion results.

2. SH6 Whakatu Drive and Link Road Roundabouts as the current design seems inadequate for the current traffic volumes creating unnecessary congestion and delays.  We note however that work here needs to address congestion, not just move it to the next roundabout.

3. SH 6 Nelson to Blenheim and Richmond HPMV bridge strengthening to facilitate the higher capacity trucks to enable productivity gains and perhaps lower vehicle numbers.

4. Seismic Bridge strengthening to ensure the integrity of our key transport routes.

5.  SH6 Atawhai Drive intersections to overcome the current unsafe interaction between the State Highway traffic and the adjoining residential communities and to remove any calls to sacrifice traffic mobility on this key arterial route.

6. SH6 Whakatu Drive 4 laning northbound to ease traffic flow into the city.

7. Investigation of the best site for a stock effluent facility.

8. Cycleway projects (including Rocks Road) where they will help stimulate greater economic activity and generate more tourist income.  The upgrade along Rocks Road would assist with the promotion of the region to domestic and international visitors as the ‘Cycling Centre’ of New Zealand. Any further cycling infrastructure developed  will enhance the existing regional product offering with the Dun Mountain Trail and Great Taste Trail.

We wish to be heard in support of our submission.  Thank you.

2 May 2012

SALMON FARM EXPANSION PLANS

Nelson leaders predict major growth for region

Nelson businesses, the Seafood processing union and the city’s mayor are firmly behind NZ King Salmon’s expansion plans saying they will result in increased downstream employment at a time when young people are leaving in droves.

Business owners also say the company is a responsible producer of high quality products wanted by the world and it is “not going to bastardise their own environment”.

City Mayor Aldo Miccio says Nelson backs winners and aquaculture is a new and exciting industry the region needs and wants.

“We back a lot of established industries in Nelson but aquaculture is relatively new and it has huge potential in terms of employment and growth for the region. We need companies such as NZ King Salmon to be successful for the overall economic wellbeing of our citizens.

“Strong cities have a broad base of commercial and cultural support and in my experience NZ King Salmon has certainly demonstrated an ethical and community-focused approach to business. Nelson supports its plans to grow the business,” Mr Miccio says.

Neville Donaldson, the assistant national secretary of the Service & Food Workers Union, says his organisation has a good working relationship with NZ King Salmon.

“The company is a sound employer and has proven experience around Salmon farming and processing in its plants and farms. The region needs additional employment and the union welcomes the company’s plans for expanding Employment opportunities in the Region,” Mr Donaldson says.

Titan Slicer CEO Sean Marr says it’s natural the expansion is good for his company but it also means increased outsourcing and more revenue for the Nelson area 

“Nelson is facing a tough time at the moment – fishing and pipfruit for example have taken a hit of late,” Mr Marr says. “The greatest export out of Nelson is our young people. This is an estimated loss in value of $200 million. If we don’t create jobs to retain them then future of industry in this region is bleak.

“NZ King Salmon is a very responsible operator – they’re not going to bastardise their own environment. Not only is it their own backyard, to do so would also degrade the quality of their product.

“I travel to the Northern Hemisphere a lot and NZ King Salmon product is held in very high esteem – the problem is that people can’t get enough of it. We are behind the planned expansion 100 per cent and will do whatever we can to support it.”

Ansco Engineering managing director Dave Hockey says “it is a pain in the butt (that NZ King Salmon) has to jump through so many hoops” for planning permission.

“People only have to look at what NZ King Salmon has done historically to see how sustainable its operations are and the benefits it brings to the region – they’ve got a strong legacy of good management,” Mr Hockey says.

Paul Sturrock from Sturrock & Greenwood says the salmon company’s expansion would provide the opportunity to train more apprentices, employ more staff and increase trade-based skills.

“I firmly believe NZ King Salmon should have the support of our country in their attempt to increase their ability to be a global food supplier. The rest of the world may not buy manufactured goods from us but they will buy good food products and we need to be aware of the potential strength NZ King Salmon has in the global market.

“The things we will learn from working with them will mean we can grow our experience and provide a better service to our other manufacturing clients,” Mr Sturrock says.

Timaru-based Independent Forklift general manager Merv Dore says his company’s relationship with NZ King Salmon has helped it employ people and maintain a presence in the Nelson-Marlborough area.

“We think this expansion is a great thing – especially in this day and age in the current economic climate,” Mr Dore says. “Being able to employ more people and bring in more revenue to New Zealand is not only good news for our company and NZ King Salmon, but also for the Nelson region and the country generally.”

NZ King Salmon CEO Grant Rosewarne says by the mid-2020s more than 1,600 additional jobs will be sustained in the Nelson Marlborough region if his company’s plans come to fruition.

A report submitted with the company’s application to the Environmental Protection Authority also estimates the proposed expansion will generate an additional $119m of value added commercial activity in the regional economy. The figures assume salmon production levels anticipated by the expansion are achieved.

Nationally, the company is expected to sustain $178 million^[1] of total value added annually in the New Zealand economy by 2016 and $194¹ million every year from 2021. The expanded salmon production and processing, and associated flow on activities, will sustain an additional 1,510 jobs in total by 2016 and more than 1,600 by 2021.

By comparison, in 2010 the company’s activities contributed some $71 million in total value added in the New Zealand economy, sustaining 1,050 jobs in total including current staff of more than 450.

The report^[2] was commissioned by the company and prepared in 2011 by Auckland consultancy Market Economics Ltd (M.E.) and takes into account the New Zealand King Salmon farming and processing operations themselves as well as their flow-on effects through the economy.

About New Zealand King Salmon

New Zealand King Salmon (NZKS) sustainably farms King salmon from five sea farms in the cool, deep waters of the South Island’s Marlborough Sounds.  NZKS invests heavily in research and development and is recognised worldwide for its best in class King salmon farming practises. It is firmly committed to the sustainability and viability of a renewable resource with its success centred on maintaining the purity of the waters in which the salmon are farmed. King salmon has the highest natural content of healthy long-chain Omega-3 oils important for life and good health and which can help to maintain a healthy heart.

NZ King Salmon:

• Is NZ’s largest fin fish aquaculture producer employing more than 455 skilled workers in New Zealand and a further 10 in Australia, the US and Japan.
• Currently produces 8,500 metric tonnes of King salmon annually accounting for 70 per cent of New Zealand’s salmon production.
• Is the world’s biggest farmer and supplier of the King salmon variety with 55 per cent of the global market and earns around NZ$60 million a year in foreign exchange.
• Has clear market advantages including great tasting salmon from a sustainable, disease-free, chemical-free, clean growing environment, fresh-to-market distribution, vertical integration and supply chain product traceability.

NZKS brands Regal and Southern Ocean are available nationwide from supermarkets (NZ only), fish suppliers and good delicatessens. For recipes and serving suggestions visit www.regalsalmon.co.nz. For more information about NZ King Salmon visit www.kingsalmon.co.nz.

Ends

Issued for New Zealand King Salmon by Pead PR

Contacts:

Deborah Pead, Pead PR, Tel: 0-9-918 5550, Mob: 021 612 919, email: deborah@peadpr.co.nz

Parveen Chiba, Pead PR, Tel: 0-9-918 5583, Mob: 021 162 5704, parveen@peadpr.co.nz

Cliff Fuller is the key note speaker at the Chamber’s Exporter Breakfast being held at Port Nelson this Wednesday 2 May from 7.15am – 9am.

“As a key exporting region, the Chamber’s Exporter Breakfast series provides an easy way for businesses in our region to stay abreast of developments in off shore markets and to informally network with each other.  Cliff Fuller, the key note speaker at the breakfast on 2 May will share his insights on the trends and developments in India and the potential for businesses in our region to benefit from those. 

“New Zealand’s exports to India are currently worth over $900million per year and the government’s commitment is to see India as a core trade, economic and political partner of New Zealand by 2015.  Cliff’s presentation will highlight why India is an important and growing market, the opportunities available, key business culture differences and outline the NZ Inc India Strategy.

“The breakfast will also showcase a Case Study: Jacob Mannothra – “Exports to India from Picton- A Real story”.  Jacob will share how his company developed the Indian market from scratch to New Zealand’s third largest forestry product market. Zindia won the Best Exporter to India for 2008 and 2009 and  was selected to represent the forestry sector in the Prime Minister John Key’s India delegation in 2011.

“The exporters breakfast is open to all business people in the region and costs $10 + GST to cover the light breakfast.  Registration at commerce.org.nz is essential for catering purposes.”

As a representative of the region’s business community (both present and future) our focus is on ensuring there is a reliable, efficient and safe transport infrastructure for the present and future so that there is no (or minimal) impediment for that business community in  conducting its business affairs within our region.

If our transport infrastructure is inadequate, inefficient and/or poorly maintained, the business community will face additional delays and costs which it can ill afford in today’s competitive business environment, and which would ultimately lead to those businesses closing or relocating to more “business friendly” regions to the detriment of our region and its residents.

We have long supported the proposed “Southern Link” arterial route but accept that its construction is outside the time line of this proposed programme which in turn has required a new focus on those other projects that could be brought forward to utilise the Nelson “R” funding balance up to 2015. In these circumstances, and on the strict proviso that all necessary steps are taken to protect the Southern Link corridor, we would support the following projects;

1. Waimea Road Enhancement Package including the Bishopdale to the Ridgeway shared path (which is currently part of the Walking, Cycling and Schools package) as (without the Southern Link) these intersections are being asked to carry far higher traffic volumes than they were designed for and hence serious (delaying) congestion results.
2. SH6 Whakatu Drive and Link Road Roundabouts as the current design seems inadequate for the current traffic volumes creating unnecessary congestion and delays.
3. SH 6 Nelson to Blenheim and Richmond HPMV bridge strengthening to facilitate the higher capacity trucks to enable productivity gains and perhaps lower vehicle numbers.
4. Seismic Bridge strengthening to ensure the integrity of our key transport routes.
5. SH6 Atawhai Drive intersections to overcome the current unsafe interaction between the State Highway traffic and the adjoining residential communities and to remove any calls to sacrifice traffic mobility on this key arterial route.
6. SH6 Whakatu Drive 4 laning northbound to ease traffic flow into the city.
7. Stock effluent facility

We might also be persuaded to support some of the suggested cycleway projects (including Rocks Road) if we were convinced in their business case ( generating more tourist income) rather than their purely recreational benefits. 

ENDS

If you have any feedback or comments please email Trina Zimmerman info@commerce.org.nz by 3pm Tuesday 2 May.

“The Chamber saw real benefits for our region in amalgamation so we are disappointed that the proposal did not find favour with the majority of those who voted in both Nelson and Tasman” Dot Kettle, CEO of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce said today.  

“The fact that so many people exercised their vote is a great result as it shows an increased level of engagement in local government and bodes extremely well for our future.  The challenge now is to ensure the two councils don’t think this is a vote for ‘business as usual’ and retreat back to their start positions.  A number of areas have been identified where shared services and a more joined up approach for the region is possible without an amalgamated council and it is now incumbent on both Nelson and Tasman to make good on those areas and ensure a united approach and improved outcomes for the region.  We need to harness the high levels of engagement and ensure we continue to involve all our communities in the future of the region.

“Thank you to Aldo for giving the region the opportunity to have their say on the structure for local government in our region” Dot said.