On the economic front, it’s pretty much business as usual with the four main economic indicators forecast to remain stable for the remainder of 2018 and into 2019. There remains however a level of low business confidence, brought about by uncertainty around government policy and potential external risks as well as the effect of costs coming down the line from new government policies yet to come into effect. An example is the Zero Carbon Bill legislation due to come before Parliament in 2019.
At GETBA, we have been very busy representing your interests to Auckland Council. We made submissions on the Regional Fuel Tax, Regional Land Transport Plan and the Long Term Plan/10 Year Budget. We’re pleased to see the inclusion of funding specified for the long awaited Smales/Allens Road widening and intersection upgrade to address a major bottleneck in the precinct.
Crime prevention is an ongoing priority and while the year started well with a reduction in business burglaries, criminal activity has increased in the last couple of months.
Keep an eye out for our ‘What’s On’ in the training arena. There has been considerable demand for the St John First Aid courses that we’re subsiding for members this year, so much so that we are often wait-listing as soon as they are advertised. I have also had several staff attend People Essentials seminars, and as they are focused on practical tools to take away and apply in the workplace, as well as local, and a small group, they found them very worthwhile and great value for money.
We put GETBA Breakfasts on hold in the first half of the year with the Waipuna Conference Suites Highbrook being closed due to the Quest expansion, but it is scheduled to re-open in September so keep an eye out for the next GETBA Breakfast!
Richard Poole