Aug 12, 2010
GETBA Business Showcase at Manukau Institute of Technology Tues 7 Sept
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) invites you to visit their modern North Campus and enjoy hospitality at the Palm Room Restaurant. Weather permitting, you will have the opportunity to tour facilities including the Faculty of Business after receiving an overview of how MIT is responding to student and industry needs with new courses, varied locations and flexible modes of delivery.
MIT was established 40 years ago and in that time has delivered training and education to tens of thousands of students in our region and is now one of the largest tertiary providers in New Zealand. This year, MIT partnered with schools across Counties Manukau to establish the School of Secondary-Tertiary Studies, New Zealand’s first ‘tertiary high school’. In the near future, MIT will be establishing an additional campus in Manukau city centre above the new rail station.
When: Tuesday 7 September 2010, 4.30 – 6.30pm Where: The Palm Room Restaurant, CHATS, Gate 14, Alexander Crescent, Otara (off Bairds Road) Parking: Plenty of parking is available on site – enter at Gate 14 Drinks and nibbles will be served from 4.30pm
Please RSVP before Friday 3 September
Aug 12, 2010
Prime Minister’s Breakfast at Telstraclear Pacific Event Centre 10th August 2010
This event, sponsored by Goodman Highbrook, was a truly glittering occasion with over 550 members and guests present to hear Prime Minister, the Honourable John Key, speak on the economy and the future of business in New Zealand. We were delighted to welcome so many business people from throughout greater East Tamaki as well as from the surrounding associations of Manukau Central, Penrose and Wiri.
The theme of the speech was: You can expect to see 3.5% growth in 2010 but you won’t necessarily feel it!
A relaxed John Key spoke off the cuff for 30 minutes, covering a wide spectrum of policy, economic indicators and the realities facing New Zealand in terms of the world situation. The size and importance of the China market was underlined by the anecdote that BMW has not got one Series 7 or Series 5 car to spare from this year’s production as China has taken the lot: in terms of New Zealand’s trade with China, the opportunities arising from the Free Trade Agreement are massive.
There is no doubt that we need to build on our strengths and strengthen our performance in our chosen markets and products: and the Government’s policy is intended to encourage and reward this by focusing on the things that will make a difference.
He answered a range of questions on supporting manufacturing exporters; policy such as a four-year electoral term; the place of private/public partnerships; and the Super City developments.
In thanking the Prime Minister, John Dakin, CEO Goodman, suggested that the Government might well care to flick on their fleet of “nearly new” BMWs to China but this seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Election of Officers: The following nominations for office have been received. Click on their names to read their candidacy information. Voting eligibility information below.
Jul 13, 2010
GETBA Annual General Meeting, 25 August 2010
The 2010 Annual General Meeting of the Greater East Tamaki Business Association Inc will be held on Wednesday 25 August 2010 at our regular breakfast meeting commencing 7.15am at Celsius Gastrobar.
As a business owner or property owner you are entitled to one vote at this meeting (see voting eligibility criteria below).
Prior to the AGM, you also have the opportunity to make a nomination for the GETBA Executive Committee. The elected positions are Chair, Secretary and Treasurer plus three Committee members. If you wish to make a nomination, please complete the nomination form and return it by 5.00pm on Thursday 22nd July.
The Returning Officer for the nomination form is Jane Tongatule, General Manager, GETBA
PO Box 58 260, Botany, Manukau 2163.
gm@getba.org.nz
Ph 273 6274, Fax 274 4452.
NB Voting Eligibility Criteria
If you own more than one property or business or are an owner occupier you may vote only once.
If you are not a sole trader you need to nominate the designated representative to exercise the vote on behalf of the business or property and notify GETBA of that person’s name.
If there are both a property owner and a separate business owner within the same rateable property then both the business and the property are eligible for a vote.
By 30 July information on the nominees and any notices of motion will be posted here along with the 2009-2010 GETBA Annual Report and the 2010-2011 GETBA Annual Plan and Budget.
Jun 24, 2010
GETBA Specialised Lighting Concepts Breakfast
75 members and guests in attendance.
Sponsor’s presentation: Mike Brunt, Director of Specialised Lighting Concepts, spoke about and demonstrated the latest lighting options which can be used with minimal environmental impact.
Speaker:The Hon John Banks, QSO, Mayor of Auckland City spoke of his vision for the future of Auckland as a Super City. He identified four key features as the way forward for Auckland and for New Zealand: Investment, growth, jobs and success.
The facts that Auckland is the generator of 40% of New Zealand’s wealth as well as being consistently rated the 4th best city in the world to live in, yet is only rated 44th for economic infrastructure, make the pulling together of the region under a single government with integrated transport and infrastructure development quite critical.
He also reassured GETBA businesses that he would ensure Business Improvement Districts would have representation on a policy platform at Town Hall level, regular liaison with a dedicated role holder in his office and adequate financial support.
Member’s Moment:
Rachael Sheehan, Community Relations Officer, South Auckland Health Foundation spoke about the Kidz First Investment Fund launched to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Kidz First Children’s Hospital, and to establish long term financial security for the future.
Updating Member Information: Please look out for a mailout from GETBA in mid July: We are checking and updating information on all members for our new website and Customer Relationship Management database. Please take the time to confirm or amend your details and return your form in the reply paid envelope to ensure your information is correct in the new GETBA Business Directory.
Upcoming Events:
Business Showcase networking event: Hosted by Bayleys Commercial and Industrial Real Estate, on Tuesday 6th July from 4.30-6.30pm. Get an update on the East Tamaki commercial and industrial real estate market from Bayleys Senior Research Analyst Ian Little, and make some valuable business contacts. No charge to attend though you do need to register.
Management Bites seminar series: The next session in this popular series is on 20 July at 7.30am and covers employment agreements, the 90 day trial period, and managing flexible working arrangements. Avoid expensive pitfalls by understanding your employment obligations. It ‘s run in partnership with Elephant HR & Training. Click here for more information or to register.
Breakfast with the Rt. Hon. John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, Tuesday 10th August at TelstraClear Pacific Event Centre. We look forward to showcasing what East Tamaki contributes to the New Zealand economy and to hearing the Government’s vision for industry in New Zealand. We acknowledge sponsorship from Goodman/ Highbrook Business Park and venue support from Manukau City Council. Click here for more information or to register.
Advance notice of the AGM, on Wednesday 25 August. Details to follow.
Jun 15, 2010
GETBA Breakfast with Prime Minister Hon John Key, August 10, Telstra Clear Event Centre
Book now for breakfast with Prime Minister Hon John Key Sponsor: Goodman/ Highbrook Business Park
We’re very pleased to give you the opportunity to hear from the Prime Minister just a month or two out from the Super City elections. We have asked him to speak to topical issues facing business, commercial industrial business in particular, outlining the government’s strategies to address them.
We also want to ensure that the Prime Minister is very aware of the sizeable contribution that is made by East Tamaki business to the Auckland and NZ economy.
Take this opportunity to host your clients and suppliers or reward valued staff and reserve a corporate table at this prestigious event. Corporate tables of 8 or 10 are available.
The Prime Minister has agreed to answer questions. These will be channelled through the Chair. Please submit a question here, and we will pose the 3 or 4 questions which are uppermost for East Tamaki businesses.
Tickets:$50 incl GST per person. Corporate table of 8: $400 incl GST.Corporate table of 10: $500 incl GST.Click here to reserve your seat / tables.
Date:Tuesday 10 August 2010 Time:7.15am-9.00am; guests to be seated by 7.30am. Venue:Telstra Clear Pacific Event Centre (parking is complimentary)
Venue support provided by Manukau City Council
Jun 14, 2010
GETBA Specialised Lighting Concepts Breakfast 23 June
On Wednesday 23 June GETBA members will hear Super City Mayoral candidate His Worship the Mayor of Auckland City, Hon John Banks QSO give his vision for the future of Auckland. This is also an opportunity to ensure he’s aware of the issues of importance to East Tamaki business, a significant contributor to the Auckland and New Zealand economy.
Specialised Lighting Concepts will be our sponsor. They are leading suppliers of innovative lighting systems.
Breakfast begins at 7.15 am and will be held at Celsius Gastrobar, Botany Junction, cnr Te Irirangi & Ormiston Roads, East Tamaki.
Jun 14, 2010
GETBA Business Showcase at Bayleys Tues 6 July
Bayleys Commercial and Industrial invite you to enjoy their hospitality, meet the team and get an overview of the East Tamaki Commercial and Industrial Real Estate market.
When: Tuesday 6 July 2010 at 4.30pm Where: The Bayleys Building, 1 Allens Road, East Tamaki (cnr Allens and Harris Roads) Parking: On site and across the road at 6 Allens Road Drinks and nibbles will be served from 4.30pm Please RSVP before Friday 2nd July
70 GETBA members enjoyed the generous hospitality of OfficeMax last Tuesday evening as they hosted the second of GETBA’s new Business Showcase events. A very informative tour given by staff of their National office and distribution centre illustrated the “green” approach incorporated into the planning and building of these very attractive premises.
As a result of the amount of interest shown, OfficeMax are offering GETBA members the opportunity to view live demonstrations of the latest innovations in telecommunication and security solutions. The Atlas Gentech ‘Innovation on Tour’ high-tech rolling showroom will be located at OfficeMax this Friday 11 June from 1.30pm- 4.30pm for GETBA members exclusively to spend as little or as much time as you like to view the range of products and ask any questions you may have.
Please RSVP to Richard Miles on email Richard.miles@officemax.co.nz or tel 259 7826
May 27, 2010
Breakfast Report 25 March 2010
120 members and guests in attendance.
Sponsor’s presentation: Peter Dufaur, General Manager Development for Goodman InternationalandHighbrook Development Ltd. Sir Noel Robinson, Chairman of Highbrook Development Ltd started Highbrook with an aim to make East Tamaki a desirable place to do business. This has already been achieved with each stage of the development. Recent developments include Schneider Electrical and Steel and Tube Ltd and work has started on IBM’s $80million data centre. The next stage of Highbrook will be the development of the Business Town that has always been at the heart of the plan. The Crossing is the Heart of Highbrook and its development will go a long way toward addressing the lack of quality public space in East Tamaki along with significant commercial and amenity retail development as well as a multi-storey hotel and conference facility. This development embodies the Highbrook aim of “above and beyond the norm”. It is interesting to note Highbrook Drive already carries 40,000 cars a day.
Speaker: Brian Gaynor, experienced economic, finance and investment analyst and commentator, covered his views on the Budget and insights into other financial issues of the day. Brian, Executive Director of Milford Asset Management, is well known for his weekly column in the NZ Herald, his blog and commentaries on radio and television.
The Budget has to be considered in the light of the world economic situation: the worst recession since the 1930s with the only OECD country not in recession being Australia. The cause of the recession is, as always, TOO MUCH DEBT: this time, being individual debt in the USA. Three areas of concern are: poor banking systems, especially the USA and UK; countries with a heavy manufacturing base, e.g. Japan; and high debt levels generally.
New Zealand has escaped to a degree although there is still far too much debt on a personal level. Government debt, at 29% of GDP, is quite moderate and sustainable when compared with Spain at 110% or Greece at 129% of GDP.
In terms of this Budget: it simply has to work, particularly in developing a greater equity base with which to invest in productive companies. A lively question time followed.
Members’ Moments
Stu Stubbs of kdtraining.com introduced his Heavy Transport Simulator training and members were encouraged to try out the simulator after the breakfast or at KD Traning.com on the corner of Accent Drive and East Tamaki Road.
Ben Goodger, Head Boy, Botany Downs Secondary College and team leader of the College’s Monetary Policy Challenge team told us briefly about the challenge which is run by the Reserve Bank and is to nominate the next OCR with documentation as to the reasons for the team’s assessment. We wish them well!
Upcoming Events
GETBA’s second Business Showcase networking event: Hosted by Office Max, on Tuesday 1st June from 4.30-6.30pm. Office Max are a great example of a Green Building and there will be a tour of the distribution centre. No charge to attend though you do need to RSVP by Fri 28 May.
Management Bites seminar series: This is on Managing People and is run in partnership with Elephant HR & Training. The first seminar was highly successful and excellent value. The second seminar: Managing the Disciplinary Process is on Tuesday 15th June at 7.30 am. Registration is necessary, $33.75 incl gst. Click here for more information.
Note these in your diary; email invitations to come
Wednesday 23rd June Breakfast: John Banks, Mayor of Auckland City
This is the last of our opportunities to hear from Mayoral candidates and to let them know of the issues that are important to GETBA businesses. Click here to book places: $10/head.
Tuesday 10th August: The Rt. Hon. John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand
This breakfast will be at TelstraClear Pacific Event Centre and is a wonderful opportunity to take a corporate table (or two) to showcase your business and reward your clients and suppliers. Click here to register your interest in corporate tables.
May 11, 2010
GETBA Business Showcase for June
OfficeMax, one of the leading office products companies in New Zealand, invites you to their purpose-built National Support Office and Northern Distribution Centre at Highbrook.
The organisation is committed to sustainable business and at OfficeMax Highbrook you will see a building and working environment constructed to very high “green” standards. You will have an opportunity to tour the distribution centre to see the modern technology OfficeMax has deployed to achieve cost savings, improve quality, efficiency and reduce energy consumption and waste.
When Tuesday 1 June 2010 at 4.30pm Where 30 Sir Woolf Fisher Drive, Highbrook Business Park Drinks and nibbles will be served from 4.30pm Please RSVP before Friday 28 May click here
May 11, 2010
Post Budget Breakfast 26 May
Join us for breakfast a week after the Budget announcement as Brian Gaynor, experienced economic, finance and investment analyst and commentator, gives us his views on the Budget and insights into other financial issues of the day. Brian, Executive Director of Milford Asset Management, is well known for his weekly column in the NZ Herald, his blog and commentaries on radio and television.
Sponsor: Goodman. Peter Dufaur, General Manager,Development will update us on developments at HighbrookBusinessPark.
7.30am, Wednesday 26 May Celsius Gastrobar, Botany Junction, cnr Te Irirangi & Ormiston Roads, East Tamaki $10 per person
Come along wearing your business card on your lapel to enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast with other East Tamaki business people.
RSVP: please reply to this email by Friday 21 May
Mar 31, 2010
NEW Event Series - Business Showcase
GETBA Business Showcase events are hosted by East Tamaki companies, usually on their own premises, giving them the opportunity to profile their products or services to fellow East Tamaki businesses.
Attendees have the opportunity to meet other local business people in a relaxed informal environment. The host company provides light refreshments throughout the evening and makes a brief presentation about their business.
Event Format:
4.30-5.30 Guests arrive
5.45 Introduction to, and 10-15 minute presentation by host company
6.30 Close
Hosting a Business Showcase is an ideal way to profile your business to potential clients. You may have a new product or service, new premises or new technology that you would like to showcase. Two or more organisations with synergies may wish to co-host a Business Showcase. GETBA organises and promotes the event by email and on the GETBA website. The host company covers the venue and catering costs.
Click here to contact us for more information about hosting a Business Showcase event
See and RSVP for our next Business Showcase event below
Mar 31, 2010
GETBA Business Showcase for April
Fisher House, Highbrook’s premier Cafe | Bistro | Bar and function establishment would like to invite you to sample their hospitality and elegant surroundings.
Located in the historic Ra Ora Stud homestead built by Sir Woolf Fisher; Fisher House has been completely refurbished in keeping with its proud heritage. The building incorporates elegant dining, bar, and garden terrace areas, plus several versatile function rooms that can be booked for cocktails, dinner parties, and meetings. There is also ample free parking available.
When Tuesday 20th April 2010 @ 4.30pm
Where 117 Kerwyn Ave, Highbrook, East Tamaki View map
Drinks and Canapés will be served from 4.30pm and guests will receive an exclusive look at Fisher House and its history
Mar 31, 2010
Management Bites seminars in partnership with Elephant HR and Training
A series of 8 practical people-management seminars, right on your doorstep, giving you tips and tools in bite sized chunks.
Address real people-management issues
Gain tips and tools to use immediately back in the workplace
Dates and Topics
Tues 18 May: Managing Poor Performance
The steps to handling poor performers
Thumbs down - techniques for giving negative feedback
Understanding why just pointing out mistakes may not change behaviour
The difference between poor performance and disciplinary issues
Tues 15 June: Managing the Disciplinary Process
When to warn and the levels of warnings
The steps to disciplining an employee
Dismissing an employee
Tues 20 July: Employment Issues Averted! Avoid expensive pitfalls by understanding your obligations.
Employment agreements
The 90 day trial period
Managing flexible working arrangements
Tues 17 August: Managing Leave
Dealing with annual leave and public holidays
Sick leave – including ways to minimise sick leave
Managing parental leave
Bereavement leave
Tues 14 Sept: Recruiting the Right Person
Writing job descriptions
How and where to advertise
Understanding Human Rights and Privacy legislative requirements
The interview process
Appropriate interview questions
Tues 12 October: Motivating and Rewarding Staff
Setting clear performance expectations and motivating staff to achieve them
Understand what motivates different people
How to praise, recognise and reward
Avoiding the motivation killers!
Tues 9 Nov: Conducting Performance Reviews that Work
Tailoring the review to the employee – newbies, solid performers, high performers
How to discuss goals and objectives in a review
How to get feedback from the employee
Development plans and coaching for improved performance
Tues 7 Dec: Managing a Restructure or Change to Employment Conditions
Employment options
Your legal obligations when introducing employment changes
Understanding reactions to change
The 8 steps to follow
Investment: $30.00 plus gst per session, includes light breakfast Time: 7.30 am start, away by 9.00am
Venue:upstairs Celsius Gastrobar, Botany Junction, cnr Te Irirangi & Ormiston Roads, East Tamaki To Register for one or more of these seminars: click here with company name and names of attendees. An invoice will be emailed to you confirming your place.
Mar 26, 2010
Breakfast Report 25 March 2010
Sixty-six members and guests in attendance.
Thanks to Matrix Security for providing car park security.
Sponsor’s presentation: AWF Manufacturing & Logistics, a NZ owned company providing planned and emergency skilled and semi skilled staffing solutions to the manufacturing, logistics and retail sectors, have been servicing South Auckland for over 20 years. East Tamaki Branch Manager, Chris Webb advised that when industry is gearing up to expand operations again, AWF is a logical partner in staff recruitment. A thoroughly professional organisation, AWF take care of the recruitment, vetting, training and preparation of staff for you: saving you a minimum of 14 hours for the recruitment process and ensuring that a new temporary staff member hits the ground running.
Speaker: Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust and the Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust, elected member and Deputy Chair of the Auckland Regional Council, and Chairman of the Auckland Region’s Economic Development Forum and Auckland Plus.
Michael addressed three areas: the current and projected business climate, the Super City reforms and the Rugby World Cup.
Business Climate: The Chamber’s recent survey of business opinion found that 92% of business owners considered that business would remain the same or improve over the next twelve months: an interesting result, indicating that the people who are at the crux of making business decisions are optimistic for the immediate future. Further, the number of employers who identified issues with hiring skilled employees rose from 8% to 14%, a percentage which the Chamber says will continue to rise steeply as the recovery takes hold.
Auckland Governance: The Super City reforms raise some concerns in terms of the lack of detail surrounding the establishment of Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs). In particular, Michael questions the apparent lack of clearly stated Auckland Council responsibility for CCOs. There is an urgent need to establish clarity of reporting.
The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is simply the biggest opportunity for business at every level that has ever happened in New Zealand. It will deliver over eighty thousand visitors for whom our challenge is to increase their STAY, their SPEND and their SPREAD.
For information on RWC commercial opportunities visit: www.auckland2011.com
General Business: 1. Members’ Moments: Denray Marine Services on the corner of Kerwyn Avenue and Neilpark Drive are a long-established Marine Services business who deliver First Aid training to their industry, and which they can now deliver to all workplaces. Email Ross Winterburn, Denray’s Training Manager to discuss training your staff:
BEST Waterblasters and Property Services, on the corner of Blackburn and Allens Roads offer commercial, industrial and residential cleaning of the highest quality at a keen price. Now is the time to get gutterings clear before winter. For a free quote phone Dave Hawke on 0508 932 532.
2. Events in April: note them in your diary!
Tuesday 13th April, 7.30am – 9.00am: Focus Group meeting at Fisher House.
Tuesday 20th April from 4.30-6.30pm: GETBA’s first Business Showcase networking event, hosted by Fisher House. No charge to attend though you do need to register (details for registration emailed to members soon).
Tuesday 27th April 7.30 a.m. to 9.00 a.m.: Managing Poor Performance: the first of the Management Bites seminar series on Managing People in partnership with Elephant HR & Training. Venue: Celsius GastroBar. Excellent value at $30 per session (details for registration emailed to members soon).
3. Travel patterns in East Tamaki. Thanks to all members who have returned details of shift times and workforce. This will be the start of a study leading to the first hard information on travel patterns in East Tamaki: watch this space!
Mar 4, 2010
Have Your Say!
We are holding a facilitated Focus Group to give you the opportunity to contribute your ideas as to potential additional services, activities or initiatives that we can offer you. These could include new ways to promote your business, or to access staff, and areas that you may wish to be kept informed about. There may be issues of common interest, such as transport planning or environmental compliance, that would warrant the formation of special interest groups. We’re also keen to get your feedback as to what you feel is working well, what you want more of/less of, and would like to drill down to detail around preferred formats, optimal timeframes etc.
If you are willing to give an hour or so of your time to invest in the future shape of GETBA please contact Jane Tongatule
Mar 4, 2010
EcoBiz and SBN 2010 Seminar Series
EcoBiz and SBN 2010 Seminar Series The 8 Auckland Councils are sponsoring an environmental programme for Auckland businesses. There is an initial ‘Introduction to Sustainability’ seminar on 11 March at the Auckland Town Hall. Read more or register for the seminar.
Note that these seminars are being held at venues across the region. Should there be demand from East Tamaki businesses we would consider arranging a similar series in conjunction with MIT. If a local interest group focused on sustainability/environmental issues would be of use to you please contact Jane Tongatule.
Feb 25, 2010
February Breakfast Minutes - 24th FEBRUARY 2010
Welcome: The Chair welcomed 93 members to the first breakfast of 2010, sponsored by long-time member Fraser Macandrew Ryan Insurance.
Matrix Security provided car park surveillance.
Sponsor’s presentation: Fraser Macandrew Ryan Insurance:
Fraser Macandrew or FMR Risk are New Zealand insurance brokers with global partners. Their Auckland East office is located on Ti Rakau Drive opposite the junction with Harris Road. Gavin Lord, Senior Broker, spoke of the emphasis the company puts on meeting individual company needs and tailoring insurance to each individual business client.
Key to their success is the ongoing relationship each broker develops with the companies they are insuring. Being a local company, FMR Risk has great knowledge and experience of local businesses, large and small; and they are driven by a culture of determination to make the relationship work.
Gavin generously sponsored a business card draw for a $100 food voucher to be redeemed at Celsius GastroBar.
Speaker: His Worship Mayor Len Brown, Mayor of Manukau City.
Len Brown was an instigator of this association over 16 years ago and has been a strong supporter of business in East Tamaki in general.
He began his presentation by picking up on the message from our sponsor: “Fix it!” It is vital, whatever your enterprise, that things work – and that is the critical message for the Auckland Council.
Len has been asked if he is planning to take South Auckland “to town” and the answer is a firm and proud YES, along with the North and the West as well!
GETBA businesses epitomise the spirit of south Auckland, demonstrating grit and determination to get through this difficult recessionary time. Unemployment has risen to 7.3% as it peaks at the back end of a recession but the worrying figure is the 25% of Manukau’s 15-24 year old who are unemployed.
Yet we can look down the road at Lion Breweries’ $25,000,000 investment in their East Tamaki plant: an example, along with the new Green Fields Development at 15 Kerwyn Avenue, of the triumph of hope and courage over adversity. And of the market that exists for companies prepared to build and produce up to a standard!
One of the hallmarks of Manukau has been the speed at which projects come on stream: the new Mangere Bridge (under time and under budget when it opens in June); the link from Manukau to the West again six months under time and also under budget. There is significant investment coming into Manukau with no discernible hiatus in this time of change.
Challenges for the Super City:
• Need to ensure that the city is prepared to act decisively on major regional issues.
• Structure: the model of six Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) needs to balance accountability
with the ability to deliver in a timely way.
• The Transport CCO is particularly critical. It has a need to deliver complex and costly developments in
a timely fashion but one that takes the people with it.
• Technology: seven computer systems need to be talking to each other come October.
• The biggest challenge is to establish the buy-in of the people from the whole region into one
Auckland Council:
o People are used to being able to see the Mayor and their elected representatives rather than a
business: they need to be assured that their concerns are taken on board.
o The need is to balance cohesive community development with an environmental focus and a
heart-pumping economy
o The role of the Mayor in being close to the whole city is absolutely critical: people need to know that
the person in charge “gives a damn”.
GENERAL BUSINESS: Member’s Moment: Senior Sergeant Mike Stopforth: traffic issues for East Tamaki businesses. Mike introduced the campaign 0800 stop4red being run jointly between MCC and NZ Police during March and April. He distributed pens and handy memo pads to be kept in the car to note details of offending vehicles which can be phoned through to the 0800 number later (not at the wheel!!) He also spoke of issues with container swapping and took a number of questions from the floor. Mike noted that street racers were largely under control in Manukau and encouraged members to call the police if they had any evidence of such activities. The wearing of seat belts and child restraints is an on-going concern. There was a request for more prominent speed limit signs and for some cohesion and rationality in the speed limits of rural roads.
News from the General Manager:
Website developments: The committee is working with three short-listed applicants to identify a partner in the website redevelopment. The work is likely to take 2-4 months to complete.
Focus Group: have your say! We are planning a Focus Group where you would have the opportunity to contribute your ideas as to potential additional services, activities or initiatives that may be offered by GETBA. These could include company profile opportunities such as Hosted After Five functions. There may also be issues facing East Tamaki businesses or areas of common interest, such as transport planning, that would warrant the formation of special interest groups. We’re also keen to get your feedback as to what you feel is working well, what you want more of/less of, and would like to drill down to detail around preferred formats, optimal timeframes etc.
If you are willing to give an hour or so of your time to invest in the future shape of GETBA please contact Jane Tongatule on gm@getba.org.nz
Mayoress’ Charity Ball: May 8th at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre: raising funds for Kidz First Children’s Hospital. A table is just $3k for ten places. Please contact Coralee for further details
South Auckland Health Foundation: Thursday March 25th Pakuranga Rotary is hosting a fundraising golf day to raise money to purchase much needed equipment for the benefit of men’s health in the Counties Manukau area. Please contact Coralee for further details
Next Meeting; Thursday 25th March: Speaker Michael Barnett
Please note change of DAY
Nov 26, 2009
RSM Prince GETBA Novenber Breakfast
Wednesday 25th November 2009 at Celsius GastroBar, Botany Junction
Over sixty members attended the breakfast and guests included His Worship Len Brown, Mayor of Manukau; John Maasland and Pam Tregonning, South Auckland Health Foundation; Liz Groenewegen and Steve Hayes, Partners in RSM Prince; Jane Tongatule, General Manager elect of GETBA.
Apologies were received from Cr. Maggie Burrill and Phil Clarke.
Carpark security was provided by Matrix Security.
His Worship spoke briefly at the start of the meeting, acknowledging what a tough year it had been for all in the city but that Manukau continued to perform ahead of the country in terms of Resource and Building Consents (up 2% over the last two years) and in the developments coming onstream, albeit more slowly than may have been the case earlier. He celebrated the sod turning for the Flat Bush Town Centre development and said that we could realistically have a tentative optimism for the year ahead. He spoke, as always, of the immense importance and value of the greater East Tamaki industrial area and the business people who drove its continued development
Sponsors: RSM Prince
In 1945 two brothers, Max and Jack Gunn after returning from the war decided to make a foray into the world of public practice accounting and in Auckland formed Gunn and Gunn Chartered Accountants which was initially located in the Campbell Building in Vulcan Lane. The Auckland office is now located in the Customhouse at 50 Anzac Avenue and is under the guidance of Grant, Colin, and Vincent. There are now 24 team members.
The company changed its name to Prince & Partners in 1986 and then for the final time to RSM Prince in 2008.
Steve Hayes and Liz Groenewegen joined RSM Prince in 2002 and became partners in 2007. The East Tamaki office is now located at 88 Highbrook Drive and provides a full accounting and advisory service to clients in East Tamaki and beyond.
The company has chosen South Auckland Health Foundation as their major sponsorship and we very much appreciate their sponsorship of this breakfast today which gives our businesses an opportunity to hear more of the tremendous work undertaken by the Foundation in the Counties Manukau region.
For more information click here or email: liz.groenewegen@rsmprince.co.nz
Speaker: John Maasland South Auckland Health Foundation
John was born in Te Awamutu of Dutch parents who had lived in the Dutch East Indies prior to World War Two. A lawyer, John Maasland’s commercial career has included executive and directorship roles at ICI, Morrison PIM Holdings and Wilson and Horton (now part of APN News and Media.) John is currently chairman of the New Zealand Radio Network. He is a director of APN News and Media Limited and of several other companies including Hellaby Holdings Limited and Delegats Group Limited. John’s strong involvement in the community sector included being chairman, until recently, of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. John has been a Manukau resident since 1975 and is passionate about giving something back to this community. He is the founding Chairman of South Auckland Health Foundation since 1999. John’s presentation is summarised below and the work of the Foundation is warmly commended to all GETBA members. As John said: the Foundation’s work impacts not only the individuals and families it helps but the whole community not only in Manukau but in New Zealand as a whole.
SOUTH AUCKLAND HEALTH FOUNDATION
Fundraising for a healthier community
The South Auckland Health Foundation is a registered charitable trust that supports and raises funds for the health services of Counties Manukau District Health Board.
Established in 1999, it works to supplement government support by raising funds for the extra features that help to enhance the health services delivered by the District Health Board to the community of Counties Manukau.
The Foundation supports both hospital and community-based initiatives with a special emphasis on projects that benefit children and families.
Vision:
That Counties Manukau’s people live in good health and are able to fulfil their potential.
Mission:
To work in partnership with Counties Manukau District Health Board to help provide the best healthcare for the people of its community.
“The needs in our community are many and varied ~ and the District Health Board are so grateful for the continued enthusiastic and positive support of the Foundation team to assist us meet those needs”.
Geraint Martin, CEO, Counties Manukau District Health Board.
Our Community
Young, vibrant, colourful and diverse – that’s the community of Counties Manukau. Home to more than 150 different ethnic groups, the region is proudly multi-cultural.
Over 465,000 people live in Counties Manukau and it has one of the fastest growing populations in New Zealand. Half of the community’s residents are under the age of 30, making it one of the most youthful populations in the country. Twelve percent of New Zealand’s children live within Counties Manukau.
Unfortunately the community suffers from some of the highest deprivation rates and lowest health status in New Zealand.
More than a third of the Counties Manukau population is very economically deprived. This contributes to a unique health environment where diseases linked to poverty and household overcrowding are prevalent.
Every day in Counties Manukau...
5 people die
3 people die under 75 years old, 2 of them from potentially preventable conditions
22 babies are born, 1 is low birth weight, 1 has a teenage mother and 4 of the babies will be admitted to hospital in their first year of life
Health Services
Working in this challenging health environment Counties Manukau District Health Board has developed unique ways to deliver health care to its population.
It has a strong focus on working with the community through health promotion and preventative care programmes.
This is having many positive outcomes, including an increase in people visiting their family doctor for early medical help and a significant growth in child immunisation rates. A community-based programme for adults with chronic diseases, organised in conjunction with GP’s, has helped to improve people’s quality of life and to reduce the need for ongoing hospital treatment.
Counties Manukau District Health Board’s hospital services are strongly integrated with its community-based health care.
Among its facilities are Middlemore Hospital and Kidz First Children’s Hospital. Together these provide 800 beds and have one of the busiest acute emergency facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
The District Health Board also provides some specialist regional and national health services, including the Auckland Spinal Unit, orthopaedics, plastics services and the National Burn Centre.
“The people of the Counties Manukau want and deserve excellent health services that are accessible for all ~ and this is what CMDHB aims to deliver. We are most appreciative of the support of the South Auckland Health Foundation to achieve this objective.”
Gregor Coster, Chairman, Counties Manukau District Health Board
Making a Difference
Thanks to its many supporters the South Auckland Health Foundation is making a tangible difference to the health services for the people of Counties Manukau.
Some of the Foundation’s achievements include:
Kidz First Children’s Hospital – helped to support the hospital’s family-centred environment through sponsorship of the playrooms, caregiver beds and family facilities.
Health Scholarship Programme – launched a scheme to sponsor local people to study and pursue careers in health.
Bone density scanner – gained sponsorship for a scanner that treats a range of patients.
Kidz First Neonatal Unit – raised funds to help establish a new unit for the care of premature and critically ill newborns, including support for family facilities.
Retinal screening equipment – funded a camera for the treatment of eye disease.
Mobile community services – gained sponsorship for vehicles that provide ear and dental testing services to children in kindergartens and primary schools across the region.
With your support the South Auckland Health Foundation could do so much more.
Join us in building a healthier community. Your contribution will benefit a great many people.
The Way We Work
The South Auckland Health Foundation is an independent organisation that works in close partnership with Counties Manukau District Health Board.
Its board of trustees is a committed group of people with a passion for the local community. Trustees include leading local business people and senior executives of Counties Manukau District Health Board.
Working in conjunction with corporates, trusts, community groups and individuals the Foundation raises funds through events, sponsorships and donations. It enjoys strong support from several long-term sponsors, along with groups and individuals within the Counties Manukau and greater New Zealand communities.
Like most charitable trusts, the Foundation incurs operating costs. It is a high priority to secure separate funding for these expenses. Thanks to a generous grant from The Lion Foundation, this has been achieved.
As a result, every cent of every donation directly funds the projects. Every contribution helps to build a healthier community.
"Having lived in Counties Manukau for almost 30 years, it is a privilege working with the Foundation to help improve the health of this community. I am extremely proud of the Foundation’s achievements in so many areas, but especially for its consistently low operating costs.
We have a commitment to keeping costs under 25% of income and have significantly bettered this each year, averaging 13.8% since 2001."
John Maasland, Chairman South Auckland Health Foundation
How You Can Help
There are so many ways you can support us. You may like to make a donation, sponsor a specific fundraising project, hold an event or become a South Auckland Health Foundation volunteer.
Or you may wish to leave a lasting legacy in a bequest. This is an invaluable way to contribute to the future of Counties Manukau’s health services.
All support is greatly appreciated – please contact us with your ideas.
How to reach us
South Auckland Health Foundation
Private Bag 93320, Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand
Ph 09 270 8808
Fax 09 270 4749
Email: sahfoundation@middlemore.co.nz
Members’ moments:
New Zealand Delicatessen Ltd, 22 Ra Ora Drive: Angela Sale spoke of the range of New Zealand ham and delicatessen products available to GETBA members at a good discount. Click Here or phone 917 3497
Alan Farrant – Armstrong Locksmiths 138 Harris Road,reminded us all to consider our security requirements before the traditionally busy time for burglars.contact him on 274 0999 or click herefor more information
General Business:
Transpower undergrounding: Transpower plans to underground the 220Kv power cable from Pakuranga substation to Penrose and has sought feedback from properties along the route. GETBA has notified all property owners and businesses for which it has contact details and is co-ordinating responses by Friday 27th November 2009.
Transpower Project: Pakuranga to Penrose Underground Cabling: Transpower has undertaken a consultation exercise to gauge public support for the various potential routes for undergrounding the 220Kv line from the Pakuranga Substation to the junction of Ti Rakau Drive and Reeves Road. We have contacted as many of the business and property owners as possible and have attended an information session with the Transpower engineers. Our submission is that the route for the cable should avoid Ti Rakau Drive entirely on the grounds of serious traffic and business disruption both to businesses on Ti Rakau Drive and those which use the route. Should the final decision be to use Ti Rakau Drive, we would work closely with Transpower to ensure serious mitigation measures are put in place. The construction period is due to commence in 2011 with commissioning of the cable in 2013.
For more information on this project please click here or call Transpower on 0800 33 88 66 or email: gridupdate@transpower.co.nz
Local Board/ Ward boundaries: Local Government Commission report on Auckland Governance Arrangements: Proposals for Wards, Local Boards and Boundaries for Auckland was published on Friday 20th November 2009.
It maintained the status quo in terms of the boundary between the current Botany and Otara Wards. It has been of no material concern to date that the GETBA Industrial Zone is split between two wards as all property rates have been levied by Manukau City Council as a whole rather than on a ward by ward basis.
Unfortunately, under the proposed new governance arrangement, the fact that the GETBA zone is split between two Local Boards may present difficulties in maintaining the integrity of the commercial/industrial area and its right to receive a unified targeted rate.
It is therefore recommended that GETBA make a formal submission to the Local Government Commission that the area zoned Business Five and currently within the Otara Local Board area be reassigned to the Botany Local Board area to maintain the integrity of the GETBA zone. Any submissions to the local Government Commission need to be submitted by 5.00 p.m. on Friday 11th December. GETBA will be making a global submission on behalf of properties and businesses in the area but it would be excellent for individual property owners and businesses to add their own voice on the matter.
Mail submissions to:
The Chief Executive Officer
Local Government Commission
PO Box 5362
WELLINGTON
Email to: info@lgc.govt.nz
Fax to: (04) 494 0501
Next Meeting: Wednesday 24th February 2010
Best wishes for a joyous Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!
Nov 3, 2009
Pakuranga to Penrose Underground Cabling
Is your business on Ti Rakau Drive between Burswood and the Pakuranga Plaza?
Important opportunity to have a say on the route through East Tamaki!!
Transpower is undertaking a project to install a new 220kV underground transmission cable circuit between Pakuranga and Penrose substations by mid-2013 and remove the existing 110kV overhead line.
They are now considering route options for the underground circuit.
While the start of the cabling from the Pakuranga substation to Burswood Drive and the route from Penrose substation to Ti Rakau Drive are already designated, the route through Pakuranga between Burswood Drive and the intersection of Ti Rakau and Reeves Road have two broad alternatives with three sub-options. There appears to be no clear route preference which is why transpower is seeking community input.
Transpower are holding information days at the Pakuranga Library, 7 Aylesbury St Pakuranga, and you are encouraged to attend one of these to find out what routes are being proposed and to take the opportunity to indicate your preferred route.
The information days are as follows:
18th November 12 noon to 8 p.m.
19th November 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Feedback needs to be made by 27th November 2009.
GETBA has been asked to respond on behalf of affected businesses but each of you is entitled to respond on your own behalf. Please let us know your preferred option.
Oct 27, 2009
October News
Job Advertisement:
As indicated in our Business Plan, GETBA is seeking to develop a two-person executive team and the new position is advertised both on our website and via our agency Randstad. If you know of anyone who may wish to apply please let them know. All enquiries to the recruitment company.
Website Rejuvenation: Request for Proposals:
Our website and underpinning database have served GETBA remarkably well for over eight years but the time is definitely here to undertake an update, not least because we now have many more member companies to showcase. We are seeking proposals from suitably qualified professionals to design the new website and database. Click here for full details of the RFP
Proposals should be submitted to chair@getba.org.nz by: 4.00 pm on Thursday 12th November 2009. To discuss further, please contact: chair@getba.org.nz
Local Government matters:
The Local Government Commission has been charged with producing the final shape of the Auckland Governance model. They will decide on the number of Local Boards (now possibly called Local Councils) and the specific responsibilities they will be delegated from the first tier Auckland Council.
GETBA has made a submission outlining our concern that the industrial area should be aligned with a single Local Board and that we should not be subject to rating targeted at projects based on purely residential outcomes. Link to our submission
Boundary Backflow Prevention Devices:
A member has drawn our attention to the fact that Manukau Water are approaching property owners to arrange to inspect premises for the purpose of determining whether they require the fitting of a Boundary Backflow Prevention Device. GETBA has summarised below information from the Health Act and from Manukau Water. LINK to summary Further information is on the Manukau Water website: www.manukauwater.co.nz
PORSE Family Fun Day:
One of our members has organised a community FREE Family Fun Day at Sir Barry Curtis Park, Flat Bush on Saturday 14th November 2009 between 11am and 3pm. You may consider taking a stall to promote your company particularly if you have products suitable for Christmas selling. For further info email Eileen Dayson eileen.dayson@porse.co.nz.
Manukau Institute of Technology: is hosting free drop in lunch sessions for anyone from business or the community with a computing challenge. The monthly sessions will cover Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Just email to say you are attending: Danelle.Coldicutt@manukau.ac.nz
Arrive any time over lunch and there will be friendly, experienced trainers on hand to help you.
The first session is on Friday 6 November, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Venue: HB102, 52 Highbrook Drive, East Tamaki
Focus this month: Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel
November Breakfast: A preliminary reminder to put Wednesday 25th November in you diary for our last GETBA Breakfast of the year. Sponsors are RSM Prince and the speaker is John Maasland, Chairman of the South Auckland Health Foundation and respected Auckland businessman.
Oct 2, 2009
EMA SalesSTAR Management Briefing
SalesStar, the EMA appointed sales trainer, are holding a management briefing for local business at the Celsius Gastrobar on 13 October 2009. This is an opportunity to look at your sales force with different eyes, to look objectively at those things that support your success and neutralise your strengths in being more sales effective and successful. It will give you tips how to hire sales stars, determine if your sales people are trainable and in the right seats, how to increase performance with sales process and how to be better at managing the sales force. All critical issues in today’s market environment. Click here for more details
Sep 25, 2009
GETBA Bayleys Real Estate Breakfast 23rd September 2009
Present: 50 members Thanks: to Matrix Security for providing car park security. Breakfast Sponsor:Bayleys Real Estate : Marty Roestenburg spoke of the commitment of Bayleys to East
Tamaki. As long-term GETBA members, Bayleys is delighted to sponsor this members’
breakfast and present the latest economic and property research report to our businesses.
Members’ Moments:
Roy O’Shanassy: Leadership Management Australia: LMA is a local training company and offers programmes designed to improve the productivity of your organisation by improving its people, making them better organised, better communicators, better equipped to resolve issues and therefore better managers and leaders. www.lma.biz
Dave Wylie: Experience on Tap: Dave is a long term, successful GETBA member. Experience On Tap quite literally provides “expertise you can turn on and off as you need it.” Business owners and executives all have opportunities and challenges. Often we put that idea onto our “to do list” and keep on putting it on our “to do list” because urgent things keep getting in the way! Maybe you have a project or an assignment that you need to address but you don’t have the time, the energy, the enthusiasm, or experience to get started. That’s where Experience on tap can step in and provide you with a free consultation to explore the benefits of turning your opportunity or challenge into an action plan. Do it now – it costs you nothing but time to talk to us. www.experienceontap.co.nz
Speaker: Ian Little, Bayleys Real Estate
Each month Bayleys produce a comprehensive analysis of economic and property trends and it was great to share this up-to-the-minute picture of the market place and how the overall situation is translated to East Tamaki in terms of both property owners and business tenants and what they can expect to be the prevailing environment if they are seeking to renegotiate terms and conditions.
Ian has a long and distinguished international career in professional analysis and management of commercial and industrial real estate. His analysis of the implications of the state of the economy on East Tamaki was not only fascinating but down-to-earth and thoroughly practical.
He gave a very comprehensive picture of the leasing market, local developmental trends, the regional and local drivers, and a back to basics on investment in the aftermath of international events of the past twelve months.
The presentation slides are in the attached pdf and we encourage readers to click on the link to view them. They are excellent!
General Business:
Congratulations to our businesses who were finalists and winners at the Westpac Manukau Excellence Awards on Friday night. As usual, GETBA were hugely represented.
Category Finalists were:
HTC Specialised Tooling Ltd
Kelly Services (NZ) Ltd
Connovation Limited
Astron Plastics Ltd
Vision Dannemora
Finest Food Products Limited
Downer EDI Works Limited
Winners were:
National Aluminium Limited (NALCO) located in Lady Ruby Drive, who scored an award hat-trick, winning the coveted 2009 Westpac Business of the Year Supreme Award, as well as the Excellence in Innovation & Strategy Award and the Excellence in Manufacturing Award.
Two of our local businesses were double award winners:
Challenge Trust, whose head office is located centrally on Ti Rakau Drive, won both the Employer of Choice Award and the Excellence in Governance Award. This award recognises effective corporate governance structures.
OfficeMax, situated on the hill at Highbrook are also double award winners, securing both the Excellence in Environmental Management Award and the Workplace Safety Award.
Of the two outstanding business people inducted into the Manukau Business Hall of Fame, one was Noel Holyoake, founder of what is now Holyoake Industries Limited, and yet another local businessman and long time member of GETBA.
Our congratulations to all finalists and winners!
Manukau Beautification Trust offers planting to local businesses: The Trust is looking to do some community projects in the Otara vicinity, planting against buildings that are visual from the road as a deterrent to taggers. If you have a building wall that would benefit from some plantings against it to limit access then please let Coralee know.
Mayoral Christmas Hamper Initiative: Mayor Len Brown has asked us to find out whether any of our business or property owners would have warehouse space available to store food items and pack Christmas Hampers for a community initiative organised by the Salvation Army. Full details from Coralee.
Temporary warehouse/shop space wanted: Hafele are looking for approx 1000-1500m2 to allow them to run a sale for approx 3-4 weeks of surplus/sale stock during November. If you are able to help please email Geoff.King@hafele.co.nz asap.
The Continuous Work of Giants: From mid October to early January this outdoor sculpture display is showing along Highbrook Drive.
Next meeting: Wednesday 25th November 2009
Aug 21, 2009
Minutes of the GETBA SGM/AGM, youth opportunities, employment opportunity & crime brief
The SGM/AGM was held at Celsius Gastro Bar, Wednesday 12th August 2009 at 7.30am
Present: Cr. Maggie Burrell, Cr. Mike Williams, Dyann Calverley (Chair Botany Community Board), Elspeth Mount (Chair of GETBA) and approximately 75 members. Welcome: Welcome from Elspeth and request that those who had not registered to vote as a GETBA member please do so for the AGM later in the meeting. Apologies: Received from Malcolm Meacham (Hynds).
Chairman’s Annual Report:
Elspeth spoke to her annual chairman’s report which is on the GETBA website www.getba.org.nz . Elspeth then referred to the need for the GETBA constitution to be changed to
provide for targeted rating and briefly summarised the changes; amendments to the committee structure and other amendments in line with Manukau City Council BID guidelines.
All have been posted on GETBA website for some time and emailed previously.
Moved Elspeth, seconded David Lindsay that the amendments to the constitution as tabled be accepted; carried unanimously.
Elspeth then asked David Lindsay to present his financial report.
Financial Report
David Lindsay presented the financial report to 30th of June 2009 being a period of 9 months as the balance date is to be amended to 30 June in line with our funding from Manukau City Council. As a result income is up, expenses are down and there is a $27,000.00 surplus. Accordingly the closing bank balance is $27,000.00 more then last year. No tax to pay. Overall very pleasing financial result. David asked for questions from the floor. One question: What is the income from Manukau City Grants in the future likely to be?
David said he would come later to that in the meeting.
Elspeth proposed three motions:
to move the financial year end to the 30th of June seconded Jane Dowdesell, carried unanimously
that the financial report as presented by David Lindsay be received subject to IRD permission to change balance date, seconded Liz Groenewegen; carried unanimously
that GETBA accounts be closed as at 30th June 2009 and the net balance of funds be placed in a Strategic Reserve Term deposit account, seconded David Lindsay, carried unanimously.
Any Other Business
There was no other business but David Lindsay did take the opportunity to answer a previous question by saying that Manukau City Council targeted rating would yield $220,000.00 plus a $30,000.00 grant making a total of $250,000.00. Elspeth proposed a fourth and final motion that the committee of GETBA resign on the appointment of the new GETBA committee, seconded Richard Poole carried unanimously.
The Special General Meeting was then declared closed.
Breakfast Speaker
Elspeth introduced Warren Jack the CEO of Habitat for Humanity. Warren pointed out that worldwide there are approximately 1.6 billion people unhoused. In New Zealand in particular South Auckland one of the main problems is overcrowding. Many garages in Otara have people sleeping in them. Habitat for Humanity started in 1976 and has so far housed 1.6 million people. They provide a hand up not a hand down. Each recipient must contribute a minimum of 500 hours sweat equity. Finance is provided at 2% per annum.
At the end of 10 years the recipient is expected to refinance as the equity has increased sufficient for them to do that. For many low income earners security of tenure is a huge problem. The fastest house built in the world for Habitat for Humanity was built by the New Zealand branch in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Warren then recounted some stories of
people who had been helped in the past and their successes particularly their children. Warren asked for products for Habitat for Humanity store, furniture etc anything else which could be sold or reused and left brochures on the table.
AGM
Warren was thanked for his address by Elspeth Mount who then handed the meeting over to Mr Jeremy Pellow (Jez) of Manukau City Council. Jez welcomed everyone to the Inaugural Annual General meeting of GETBA and asked for apologies. One tendered on behalf of Malcolm Meacham by Elspeth Mount.
Jez then declared that there was one valid nomination for the position of Chair and therefore declared that Elspeth Mount was elected. There was one valid nomination for Treasurer and that was David Lindsay and David was declared elected. There was one valid nomination for Secretary and that was Henry Jansen and he was declared elected.
Jeremy then handed the meeting back to Elspeth Mount who thanked the members and said it was an honour to be Chair. She had a huge enthusiasm for the East Tamaki area and hopes to be around for at least one more year to assist in its ongoing development.
Elspeth then reported that there had been four nominations for three committee positions. The four nominees were: Phil Clarke, Liz Groenewegen, Linden Johnson and Richard Poole. Elspeth invited each to speak for around a minute and then asked that all those present with voting papers please vote. Elspeth asked the scrutineers to collect all votes and they were counted while the meeting went on.
Elspeth then moved ratification of the strategic plan which was on the GETBA website and had been circulated previously, covering the period 2009 to 2014 seconded Henry, carried unanimously.
Elspeth moved that the Business Plan as available on the GETBA website containing work streams for the years 2009 to 2010 based on targeted rating income of $250,000.00 per year be ratified: seconded David Jensen, carried unanimously.
Elspeth then moved that we set a targeted rate for the next financial year 2010-2011 at 0% increase. In this time of the tough economic circumstances we do not wish to increasethe targeted rating, seconded Mike Johnson and Elspeth asked for questions. Sue Marshall from Council spoke to Elspeth’s motion indicating that the rate per property would depend on the number of properties in the area which may change and therefore the rate could change. Elspeth thanked her for her comments and put the motion to the meeting which was carried unanimously.
Elspeth received the results of the vote and declaredPhil Clarke, Linden Johnson and Richard Poole be returned as the elected committee members.
Elspeth then introduced the full committee including
Councillor Maggie Burrell,
(Chairman of the Botany Community Board) Dyann Calverley,
Jeremy Pellow (Manukau City Council Officer)
Henry Jansen, David Lindsay, Richard Poole, Linden Johnson, Phil Clarke.
As there was no other business Elspeth thanked everyone fo r their attendance and assured the meeting that she would attend to GETBA business after her next appointment in a few hours which was her hip operation!
Meeting declared closed 8.35am
Youth Opportunities – How Businesses Can Help- a letter Hon Wong
I am writing to you to let you know about the Youth Opportunities Package we announced recently (see the enclosed summary) and to invite businesses to work with the National-led Government to create work opportunities for young people.
The package includes a number of initiatives that aim to encourage businesses to create work opportunities for 16- to 24-year-olds. These include Job Ops and Industry Partnership.
The Job Ops initiative is designed to create 4000 new six-month work opportunities for young people in businesses over the next 18 months. As part of the initiative, we are asking businesses to work with young people to build their work skills, foster their confidence and, where appropriate, provide them with references for future work.
In return, the Government will provide a $5000 subsidy for each young person hired into an entry level position. The subsidy will consist of an upfront payment to employers of $3000, with a further $2000 when the young person has completed six months on the job.
Our focus is on businesses that are considering taking on a young employee, but are reluctant to do so in the current economic climate. We want to provide businesses with the encouragement you need to create a new opportunity for a young person.
The Industry Partnership initiative is designed to provide an extra 600 job-training placements for young people by reprioritising the Industry Partnership programme for young people.
National is making a commitment to our young people that we’ll back them. We need your help, so young people can make the most of these opportunities. I hope you will get on board.
If you would like more information about the initiatives in our Youth Opportunities Package, or you have a new work opportunity for a young person, please contact my office on 09 265 2121.
Alternatively, you can call Work and Income’s employer line on 0800 778 008,
Warmest Regards,
Hon Pansy Wong
National MP for Botany
Crime Brief
It is pleasing to note the amount of feedback we are recieving from members about suspicious activity in the area. The police have been particularly responsive to this information and I am sure the fact that the burglary rate currently in our commercial area is relatively low is not coincidental. Unfortunately the burglaries / thefts we are experiencing appear to be well planned and the results for the thieves are significant.
Do you have a great staff member that is no longer required?
A business owner in Stonedon Drive is looking for such a person:
"The type of person we seek is open. A practical person with some machinery experience, possibly some woodworking machinery exposure. Lifting of panels can be an issue occasionally. Could be either a young person keen to learn or an older person. There may be a factory experiencing problems keen to reduce numbers."
Please contact us if you have such a staff member and I will give you the contact details to look into this further. Tel 273 6274 or coralee@getba.org.nz
Aug 3, 2009
Constitution, Strat Plan, Business Plan AGM Agenda etc
In terms of our constitution we have placed on the website copies of the following draft documents:
The Management Accounts and Draft Constitution will be tabled at the Special General Meeting at 7.30am on Wednesday 12th August 2009.
The Draft Constitution, Draft Strategic Plan 2009-14 and Draft Business Plan and Budget 2009/10 will be presented for ratification at the Annual General Meeting to held on Wednesday 12th August at 8.00 am.
Jul 24, 2009
Questions answered
There have been a few questions as to the purpose of the recent mailout from GETBA. The mailout contained three sheets: an explanatory letter, a membership application form and a nomination form. We hope the following information helps!
The Letter: this explains that we are changing our Constitution (to encompass Targeted Rating), our balance date and AGM (to match Local Authority dates). The AGM will now be held at 8.00am on Wednesday 12th August. Please email coralee@getba.org.nz to confirm attendance. Existing GETBA members are of course invited to the Breakfast and SGM beforehand (Celsius GastroBar 7.30am sharp.)
The Nomination Form: This is to elect the Management Committee for GETBA. Please note that you need the signature of anyone you nominate and that only Members may nominate or stand (see next item.) We have been asked if current Committee members are standing and can confirm that this is so. More information is on the website. Click here to go there
Why do we need to fill out a Membership Application Form? Under the rules of Targeted Rating GETBA is required to maintain a Register of Members consisting in the first place of all those who were sent ballot papers for the Targeted Rating Poll. Rather than try to add the new property and business owners to our existing database (especially in view of recent changes to many PO Box addresses) we have written to ALL those who received a voting paper and have asked EVERYONE to check and resubmit their details in the stamped addressed envelope which was included. Thanks for your patience in this!!
What if I have more than one property? In terms of rating, each property is target rated. In terms of voting, the MCC rules are that only one vote may be cast no matter how many properties are owned.
What if I have more than one Business? The same rule applies: you may cast one vote.
Who gets to cast the vote? If your property or business is owned by other than a sole trader, you need to nominate the person who is eligible to vote on your behalf. An email to secretary@getba.org.nz and worded as follows should do the trick:This is to inform you that (name of business/property/entity), of (full street and postal address) has appointed (full name and address) as its Representative to act for it in all capacities as a Member of GETBA in accordance with Clause 5.7 of the Draft Rules of the Association. Please record this information on your Register of Members.Yours etc (name of person to whom the Membership Application was sent)
Please explain again what is Targeted Rating? A targeted rate is levied on all rateable properties within a designated and agreed geographical area. See Map. The targeted rate for East Tamaki is set at a global sum of $220,000 +GST. Council have informed us that their rating database for the East Tamaki area contains 1917 properties. This means that each property would be levied $114.76 +GST for the 2009/2010 year. With GST, this amounts to $129.11, which is approximately $2.48 per week per rateable property.
For those of you who have faithfully paid subscriptions of up to $400 a year, this new regime may be a significant saving. At any rate, it means that all businesses are paying rather than just some. It also enables your association to put its energies fully into supporting business, fighting crime and making East Tamaki greater than ever.
If you still have questions please email:
chair@getba.org.nz and Elspeth will happily respond.
Jun 26, 2009
Submission on the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill
We support the intent of this bill because the adoption of a unitary authority for the greater Auckland Region is far overdue. The creation of an Auckland Council will have the dual advantage of providing a unified approach to the vital development of Auckland as a region and economic entity while giving us a unified voice with Central Government.
Clause 8:Governing body of Auckland Council
Although we agree with the general intent of this clause, we feel that the councillors should ideally be elected on a full ward basis rather than a mix of ward and at large. The current electoral districts encompassed by the greater Auckland region total 20 (without the three Maori seats which overlap the region) and this would appear to give an appropriate population and community of interest-based representation to the elected members.
We have no specific comments on Maori representation.
Clause 10:Local Boards:
Although we agree with the general intent of this clause, we feel that a second layer of closer to the six administrative areas recommended by the Royal Commission is a preferable model to that of 20 to 30 local boards.
As a Business Association of 16 years’ experience representing the largest industrial and commercial area in New Zealand we have strong views as to the abilities of elected members at council and Community Board level to understand issues relating to industry and commerce. The consistent thread that runs through elected member deliberations and, more importantly, their decision-making is that they are elected by residential ratepayers and their focus is almost entirely upon them. In sixteen years of advocacy for the business community we have had only two councillors who have shown any interest in and understanding of the issues that affect business. We can quote numerous examples of Council rating and charging decisions which have adversely and unfairly affected business ratepayers but which have been extremely difficult to redress because the councillors recognise that business ratepayers are virtually unrepresented electorally in the wards where they do business.
The calibre of intellect and expertise among councillors leaves much to be desired in most instances. This both contributes to and stems from their community roots. They have a very simple measure for consideration of most issues: what decision here will best keep me sweet with my constituency.
This parochialism and lack of perspective is significantly compounded at Community Board level.
It is for this reason that we consider a second layer of closer to the six administrative areas recommended by the Royal Commission to be a preferable model to that of 20 to 30 local boards.
The Bill argues that the choice of many local boards is an attempt to deliver democracy to the 1.3 million citizens of Auckland. We would argue that a ward-based system for election of the councillors to the Auckland Council offers that democracy. Democracy is an interesting concept when applied to local authority politics. The turn-out for local authority elections is historically low, indicating a lack of concern and/or significance attached to the function of elected members. Most citizens accept that a local authority should exist to ensure the provision of safe water, sewerage, local roading, safe building and development regulations and cultural amenities at a cost which is intergenerationally and locally fair and affordable. The great benefit of this current legislation is that the region as a whole will be able to work under a single (hopefully best-practice) model leading to consistency and certainty for all.
What is required by the people of Auckland is a clear mechanism for accessing the administrative functions of the Auckland Council in a location and manner that is professional and cost-effective in terms of the infrastructure required. The location of six administrative centres would seem to meet the requirements of proximity and economies of scale, aggregating services at a sufficient level of expertise to deliver a “one-stop shop”.
Clause 24: Watercare Services to plan and manage integration of water supply and waste water services
While we recognise that water and waste water will need to be managed as a unitary service, we have serious concerns as to the method proposed in this Bill.
Of particular concern to our members is the potential for price increases in the short term as the ‘one tariff’ strategy is adopted, for the major industrial users situated within the Manukau Water Ltd ‘catchment’.
The proposed integration of the six water retailers and reticulators, with the wholesaler (Watercare Services Ltd), comes when our members are already concerned at water costs.
The integration of the Auckland water industry is regarded as having the potential to deliver beneficial results through economies of scale. However the one tariff structure will initially create cross subsidisation issues as the cheaper retailers (and their customers) may have to subsidise the higher cost retailers in the initial period before true economies can be achieved.
Watercare Services Ltd is charged with ‘managing and planning the integration’ but it appears to be working on a takeover of the water retailer’s assets rather than integration. Watercare has increased wholesale water costs 6 per cent in the latest year and has a price increase target of between 6-13 per cent over a 10 year period. Driving this are capital expenditure projections that take a belt and braces approach to infrastructure investment, rather than a more pragmatic approach.
Against this background our supplier Manukau Water Ltd (MWL) has provided our members with excellent service and is a low cost provider with strong retail/customer focus. Its prices are the lowest on average for the Auckland Region and in some cases its prices are around 25 per cent lower than those of other local network operators.
The average price for water for the region in 2007/2008 period was $283.20 per Cubic Metre and $400.90 per Cubic Metre for wastewater.
By comparison Manukau Water Ltd water price was $239.80, some 15.3 per cent less and its fixed wastewater price was $350.00, some 12.3 per cent less than the regional average. The variable wastewater price in Manukau for our members is $2.68 per cubic metre, compared with, for example, $3.75 in Auckland City. Such a cost difference of 40% would be devastating on some of our members.
MWL is a large retailer and supplies the largest industrial area in New Zealand. We believe MWL is under recognised in respect of its performance and size/importance in a merger process, which appears likely to be controlled by the water wholesaler Watercare Services Ltd.
MWL appears to our members to have the potential to have significant input into the integration philosophy and implementation, and yet from what we understand, contact and participation in the Watercare Services Ltd process has been minimal.
The concern is that Watercare, which has never had more than the six water customers as ‘clients’, will operate the integration to the exclusion of the retail water companies, and that politics and personalities will dominate decision-making
We are concerned that there is potential for major losses of intellectual property if the integration process is run on a ‘top down’ basis.
Anticipated first year price rises for MWL industrial customers arising from the merger and the implementation of uniform regional charging, are our single biggest concern, especially given the Minister’s reported comments about ‘winners and losers’ outcome from the One Tariff proposal.
We believe considerable commercial damage could be done by the uniform pricing strategy to major users in Manukau and wish Central government to address this issue, and the integration structure, preferably before the Select Committee process.
We are also concerned that the infrastructure investment philosophy of Watercare Services is asset-based rather than customer-based, and this will lead to higher long-run costs than are necessary.
KEY QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS FOR THE SELECT COMMITTEE:
There is a lack of information and understanding of the merger process - especially as to decision-making and consultation opportunities - and our members would like to have this decision-making process clarified.
Will this be a merger or a takeover by the Watercare Services Ltd 'interests' and if so is the government conscious of the risk that the effective business models, management expertise and practices that have been adopted by the successful water retailers will be 'lost' in a takeover? Specifically we would like to understand why the organisation with only wholesale experience and no retail or customer focus is being tasked with the merger process. Can the government give some assurance that the retail experience within the water retailers in Auckland will be retained in an amalgamated company?
Will there be a new board of the merged water company and how will it be composed? We would suggest that the government move immediately to make sure that the board of Watercare Services is expanded to include the retail and customer-focused expertise that is currently lacking from it. An understanding of customers throughout the region is a key skill that is required on the board.
How and when/where can major users have input into the merger process especially as to the tariff model and pricing, before the 'die' is cast and prior to the Select Committee process. We suggest the government ensure that major users/participants have input into key political decisions related to the amalgamation before they are finalised, perhaps through a customer forum or similar group.
Is there recognition at government/minister level of potential price imbalances flowing from the one tariff plan where the cheaper suppliers and their customers will be required to pay a higher water and/or wastewater tariff and customers that have already carried separation costs in recent years will have to also carry amalgamation costs. We believe the amalgamation can take place without prices for any existing customer having to rise, so is the government prepared to make this a part of the Watercare merger undertaking. We would note that Watercare has abandoned its CPI-x pricing formula, so perhaps this needs to be reintroduced as part of the amalgamation.
Specifically Manukau major industrial water users will be impacted by the fact that at present their water and local wastewater is some 25 per cent cheaper than other regions due to the efficiencies that have already taken place, but this benefit will be transferred across all water users under the one tariff, creating considerable commercial disadvantage. Would the government agree to at least an interim pricing mechanism to acknowledge the regional differences?
The existing wholesale/retail model allows for a degree of "competition by comparison" across the region but this will be lost in an amalgamation. To what extent, if any, will the merger enable benchmarking for user costs? A way for the government to ensure this price tension remains would be to insist a merged company operate its retail division separately.
Is the government satisfied with the current merger structure and the current level of (minimal) consultation by the Watercare executives leading the process? To what extent will the government ensure there is a full consultation on any proposed tariff structure, along the lines of the tariff consultation we saw in Manukau when tariff changes were addressed here?
RECOMMENDATIONS: Economic Development Function in the Auckland Council:
This has been one of the most problematic areas of dysfunction in the greater Auckland area to date. Some Councils have spent many millions of dollars on Economic Development Agencies which have delivered little in the way of tangible support to business and which have arguably been more concerned with their own continued existence than any really useful function. Our organisation would encourage the Select Committee to give careful thought to identifying a regional organisation rather than perpetuating the patchy and competitive model of EDAs which exist now.
A particular concern is the wish expressed by some EDAs to take over the administration of targeted rating in retail and industrial areas. As a newly target rated area, but one where there is a Business Association of 16 years’ experience, East Tamaki would resist strongly the largely irrelevant and potentially incompetent meddling of an EDA in the administration of Targeted Rating. The model used by both Auckland City and Manukau City (where the overwhelming majority of Targeted Rated Zones are and where these areas have a direct relationship with the TLA) appears to be working particularly well. It would be eminently preferable to extend this model to the new administration rather than impose EDA intervention on a satisfactory model.
Jun 18, 2009
June GETBA Breakfast report
Breakfast Sponsor: Maurice Hinton of Compass Building Consultants long-term GETBA members Guest Speaker: Joe Flynn, Project Manager for Eden Park Redevelopment Board Police Guests:Inspector Jim Searle, Snr Sgt Pete Kaveney
Thanks to Matrix Security for carpark security this morning.
Targeted Rating Poll: 72% YES vote. We are working through the details of constitutional changes. There is likely to be a Special General Meeting called in the next month or so as the first step in this process.
Joe Flynn, Project Manager, Eden Park Redevelopment Board.
We are told there are tremendous opportunities for business through the Rugby World Cup. Auckland has the National Stadium for New Zealand and this event, the third biggest event in the world after the Olympics and the Football World Cup is centered right here. This event is worth over one quarter of a billion dollars for business.
For further information on business opportunities click here
Suggestions from Joe Flynn include:
• Identify the realistic size of your business opportunity
• Up skill and improve existing resources
• Address language barriers
• Understand completely the tender process
• Stay informed – bookmark relevant websites and peruse them regularly
Plans for the redevelopment of Eden Park are well on track, and “development is going really well”. The concourse planned will connect all stands with pedestrian access and there will be plaza entries on each corner. Sixty thousand people will initially be accommodated for the World Cup and then reduced to fifty thousand regularly able to be accommodated for ongoing events. The new South Stand is replacing 3 stands and will hold 22,000 of those people and includes 50 corporate boxes.
Ninety one percent of materials demolished have been able to be reused within the project. This project being based on volcanic rock has presented some challenges which include the requirement for 5.5 million tons of concrete.
This 44 day event will have the ability to showcase Auckland and up to 60,000 supporters are expected to be in Auckland over that period. Feel free to contact Joe Flynn on 09 845 7440. 021 570 599, or joe.flynn@eprb.co.nz
Making a submission on Auckland Governance – make an effort!
Bill 2 submissions are due Friday week, on June 26th, and address provision for the ongoing governance structure and the functions, roles and powers of the Auckland Council and local boards.
Submissions are made through a select committee and it would be most effective to indicate that you would like to be heard on your submission.
This bill:
• Decides how many councilors will be elected from across the region (at large) and how many from wards
(it currently recommends 8 councilors elected at large and 12 elected from wards)
• Provides for the establishment of 20 to 30 Local Boards and outlines their general functions
• Empowers the Local Government Commission to determine the boundaries of the wards of the
Auckland Council and the Local Boards, and the Boards and their membership; and
• Provides for the integration of Auckland’s water infrastructure under Watercare Services Limited.
The following urls have proven very useful to do a comparison of current status, Royal Commission recommendations and Govt outcomes, and how to make a submission and more background information on the changes recommended. click hereor here
Maurice Hinton established Compass in 1998 and now offers service to builders as part of a trio including Professional Building Consultants, and Manukau Building Consultants under the Manukau City Councils contestable building control model. This highly successful model is unique to Manukau City. Their main direction involves organising Commercial, Industrial & Residential Building Consents. They have been involved with many projects including the development of Renaissance Apartments, Dannemora and the new grandstand at Mt Smart. As fully experienced building consultants they process around 1200 consents per year.
Vinnie & Glenn from Allcorp supply cleaning products to local businesses.
They took this opportunity to show some of the latest hardware for minimising swine flu in the workplace. Contact them on 274 8185 or vincent@allcorp.co.nz.
Damian Hoorn from AA Service Centre – offered members a little questionnaire to find out what members really want from their local vehicle service centre. Contact Damian on 274 4776 or damianh@axpress.co.nz
Sustainability Matters: A number of members have raised issues concerned with sustainability and, with a resource such as the Packaging Council of New Zealand as an active GETBA member; we are looking to set up a forum to help with issues that impact on businesses. At a recent conference they had a excellent response to a presentation on Product Stewardship and this is suggested as a first seminar topic. The programme topics for the group would be driven by business concerns and interests. For further information contact Elspeth on 021 537 114, chair@getba.org.nz or Jane Tongatule DDI 09 968 8653 or Jane.Tongatule@manukau.ac.nz.
Reminder of the new graffiti number 0800 stop tags or 0800 786 782
Next meeting:Wednesday 19th August, same time, same place
Jun 3, 2009
Department of Labour offers small business support
The Department of Labour is offering you a Free Small Business Seminar to attend from 10am - 12 noon on the 10th June, to update businesses on law changes and types of support available including:
• Redundancy Support Services
• Taxation Assistance (Including Small Business tax relief package)
• Employment Law updates (including 90-day trial)
• Business Support Services
• Job Support Scheme (9 day working fortnight)
There will be representatives from Inland Revenue, the Department of Labour, Biz Information and the Ministry of Social Development to answer your questions.
Venue: Level 1, Department of Labour, 12 Lambie Drive, Manukau City To register please contact: Rose Radford, Department of Labour Phone: 09 909 3232
Email: rose.radford@dol.govt.nz
May 27, 2009
Thanks to all for your support
The poll which was declared on Friday afternoon returned a vote of 72% of respondents in favour of implementing targeted rating in East Tamaki.
The GETBA Committee thanks all current members for the faith shown in GETBA to work on behalf of business in East Tamaki. We assure both existing members and all property and business owners that we will continue the programmes already in place and will implement an enhanced service in a measured way.
Be assured that the current GETBA committee will keep you fully informed of activities and developments. Thank you again for your obvious support of GETBA and the implementation of sustainable funding for your organisation.
May 22, 2009
Clarification of tax deductions on business rates
At the LTCCP Hearing on Tuesday 19th May it was suggested that businesses were able to “claim their rates back” and that this justified a rating differential on the grounds that residential ratepayers were unable to avail themselves of this facility.
I’d like to clarify this both with regard to the rating formulas set out in the LTCCP and with their implications for ratepayers.
The rates set for 2009/10 in Manukau City (omitting rural rates as these are small in both number and impact) are:
Residential: $0.0357
Business: $0.0716
Thus the business rates are set at 200.56% of residential rates
On page 88 of Volume Two of the LTCCP Statement of Proposal the following relative contributions of rating categories are listed:
Residential: 56.6%
Business: 41.0%
When these proportions are related to the number of rateable properties we find:
Residential: 95,000 (approx)
Business: 7,000 (approx)
Thus around 7% of properties are contributing 41% of the rates income for the city while around 92% of the properties contribute 56.6% of the rates income.
A business can claim rates as a business expense on their tax return. The “saving” to that business on rates paid is at most 30% (the business tax rate).
The Council has charged a “premium” of over 100% against business rates: the business can claim a tax allowance of 30% so is still paying more than 70% premium on their rates bill for a very limited level of service and no assurance that the differential will be spent even partially in the area where it has been raised.
Adjunct put to Manukau City Councillors in writing yesterday
May 14, 2009
Submission on Manukau City Council LTCCP 2009/19
The following forms the framework for our submission hearing at 4.00pm on Tuesday 19th May in the Manukau Room, MCC . All welcome to attend.
FROM: Mrs Elspeth Mount
PO Box 58 260, Greenmount 2141, AUCKLAND
Phone: 021 537 114 (work) 575 7373 (home)
Email: chair@getba.org.nz or eemount@gmail.com
Organisation I represent:: Executive Chairman, Greater East Tamaki Business Association Inc
I wish to be heard by the Policy and Activities Committee
Greater East Tamaki Business Association Inc.Submission on Manukau City Council LTCCP 2009/19
GETBA wishes to make a submission on the following areas in the LTCCP.
Key Issues: living within our means
RATES:
We contest the fairness and equity of, especially, the rating factors.
We note with dismay that there is still no recognition of Local Government. Funding Report recommendations.
Specifically, the business differential has actually been increased for 2009/10. Business Differentials are in the nature of a free donation to Council from business ratepayers as there is no control over how the money is spent and certainly no requirement that the money be spent in the sector of ratepayers where it is raised.
This is in complete contravention of Principle 5 of the MCC Rating Policy: Differential rates may be applied where it is determined that one ratepayer sector is deriving a greater/lesser benefit than other ratepayer sectors.
TELSTRACLEAR PACIFIC EVENTS CENTRE STAGE TWO:
While this may be a laudable scheme it is inappropriate to fund it through rates. If it is a business proposition, let it be funded by business investors.
REGIONAL GOVERNANCE:
The response of the Council to this report and the Government changes to it have appeared self-serving and lacking in constructiveness. (details of submission to follow)
REGIONAL AMENITIES ACT 2008
Council response to this is one of the major reasons we are looking at regional governance.
Transport 2.1 Continued deferral of Preston/ET/Ormiston realignment (now 2011/13) Allens Road widening (deferred to 2015/17):
These have been constantly deferred over a period of at least ten years to date. It is beyond comprehension that this vital work, which could be justification for a business differential continues to be pushed out of the time frame.
Reserves Trees on Greenmount Reserve by the AA Centre:
These need to be felled at as they have already lost major limbs endangering adjacent buildings and people. They are shedding needles which block drains. We understand that this land has been designated as Maori Reserve land but this should surely not preclude that this is a safety issue and the trees would be well replaced by some native trees.
City Form and Environment 1.4 Council charges particularly Building Warrant of Fitness:
These continue to be out of step with and significantly higher than any charges levied in other cities.
City Form and Environment 1.7 Recyclable collection for business ratepayers:
We note with dismay that, again out of step with every other major city in the country, Manukau has no plans to roll out this facility to business ratepayers despite lobbying and a clear commitment from business to play their part in this important activity.
GETBA wishes to be heard on this submission.
May 13, 2009
GETBA May Breakfast held this morning
Thank you to Matrix Security for car park security this morning. Targeted Rating Poll: Voting papers have been distributed to all business owners and property owners in the designated East Tamaki Boundary. In the case of business members of GETBA the papers have been sent to our contact person who will either complete the voting paper themselves if appropriate or pass it on to the right person for completion.
If you are both business and property owner and have received two voting papers please complete only one voting paper and destroy the other.
Sponsor: Kelly Services
When we asked at a recent breakfast if anyone could help with some temporary work for GETBA, Michelle Bartlett, Manager of Kelly Services East Tamaki immediately volunteered and not only refused any payment but also put huge resources into the project to meet our difficult deadline. Michelle, this is a very public thank you to you and your team!
Kelly Services is one of the largest global recruitment companies with a very strong presence within New Zealand, specializing in temporary staff placements.
Andrew Huxford is the National Sales Manager and will speak on behalf of the Company. He has a General Management background in the Food Service Industry and has worked for New Zealand Dairy Foods (now Fonterra) at management level in both Sales and Trade Marketing. Andrew has also worked within the sales sector for global stationery supplier BIC. He is a member of the Institute of Directors and has a strong history in team sport, winning a National League Football medal and representation as a player in the New Zealand Football Championship. Click here for Kelly Services Economic Survival Tips offered to businesses to address the current economic climate.
Member’s Moment: Baden Pascoe TJ’s Carwash
Did you know we have in East Tamaki one of the most efficient and environmentally sound facilities for washing and cleaning vehicles. TJ’s carwash is open 24/7 and has a range of cleaning facilities for all vehicles from trucks to private cars. For company deals for fleet vehicles give Baden a call on 274 1417 or email him badenhp@xtra.co.nz . Remember that your company vehicles are one of the most widely seen advertisements for your business. Click here for details of an environmental award recently given to a GETBA member.
ACC: Employer Injury Management Team Cobus Kilian: Injury Management Consultant.
The Employer Injury Management Team's role in ACC is to support employers to better manage/mitigate the impact of injuries on their business. This is generally achieved by putting a few basic strategies in place, empowering the business managers to stay on top of the situation. ACC's Employer Injury Management Team has been going for a few years, mainly focusing efforts on larger businesses in main geographical areas. They are now expanding this service to Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The services are tailor-made to each organisation they work with to ensure that it actually works in their business. Factors such as the industry the business is involved in, whether it is multi-sited, unionised etc. all influence the strategies used to manage injury or illness related issues.
They also educate employers on their rights and responsibilities; clarify ACC processes, and implications of the Privacy Act and other employment related issues on their ability to manage injuries. This has obvious benefits to employers, and also enables ACC to provide better rehabilitation opportunities to their injured employees. Generally a win-win situation.
The services to SMEs are very different from the service to large businesses. SMEs are not treated as smaller versions of larger businesses, but given support appropriate to their needs. They recognise that SMEs are not likely to be interested in this service until the need for information exists. They are therefore looking for opportunities to raise awareness of this service and provide general information on Injury Management through newsletters, meetings/seminars and any other avenues open to us.
Individual assistance to an SME will be given where it is requested. Their service to employers is free of charge, but is reserved for employers who are keen on improving their current ability to support injured employees. For more information email Cobus at returntowork@acc.co.nz.
Targeted Rating Polling Papers:question and answer session: Sue Marshall, Jez Pellow, Elspeth and Coralee
There were no questions at the meeting but please feel free to email / phone us on 273 6274 with any that come to mind. Elspeth Chair@getba.org.nz or Coralee coralee@getba.org.nz .
A new free graffiti reporting number - 0800 stop tags or 0800 786 782 is now available. Please put this number in your phone and report any graffiti around our area as soon as it’s noticed.
Address by Rodney Hide. The Rotary Club of Pakuranga has confirmed an address by Rodney Hide during June. The address would be a Monday Night at the Waipuna Conference Centre. With the “Super city” reorganization and debate going on around us, this address may have appeal to GETBA members. There would be no charge for attendance but we would need an RSVP for seating arrangements. An email will be sent to GETBA members as soon as we have further details.
Packaging Council of NZ: Environmental Packaging Awards Opportunity
The 2009 Awards coincide with the final year of the New Zealand Packaging Accord and we want to showcase how industry is adapting to a resource constrained world by taking a complete supply chain approach to new product development to maximise transport efficiencies, minimise space and storage requirements and developing new technologies to make packaging lighter, stronger and more efficient to produce.
We also want to recognise the importance of education in minimising the environmental impact of packaging and also to recognise the, often unsung, heroes in many companies who have championed environmental initiatives and driven change.
Key Dates: 29th May 2009 Closing date for entries. 4th September 2009 Awards presentation dinner, Hilton Hotel, Auckland. For further information & entry forms go to: www.packaging.org.nz/awards
Next meeting:Wednesday 17th June, same time, same place
May 1, 2009
GETBA to address Targeted Rating Option
Over the past several months GETBA has been seeking to identify sustainable funding and your committee agreed in February to support the adoption of a targeted rate to be levied on all properties in the GETBA area.
You may have heard about this at our March Breakfast, read about it on the website and/or attended one of the Workshops on 22nd April where this was discussed.
You will be receiving over the next week a polling paper asking you to vote on the issue of targeted rating. This poll will be held for all businesses and all property owners in East Tamaki. Polling Day is 22nd May and we encourage you to vote as soon as possible.
Our Breakfast on 13th May will provide an opportunity to ask questions about the issue.
There is information on our website www.getba.org.nz and you are also welcome to email us to discuss this issue: chair@getba.org.nz (Elspeth Mount Executive Chairman)
coralee@getba.org.nz (Coralee Carr Executive Officer)
Effectively, a targeted rate would amount to approximately $120+gst per property per annum in the GETBA area. It would be a flat rate per property and is equivalent to the subscription that GETBA would be charging the smallest size of business in the next financial year should targeted rating not be adopted. That subscription would, of course, not support the level of business advocacy and assistance that a targeted rate would support as it would be levied on a very much smaller base than the targeted rate.
Your committee has come to this decision after many months of exhaustive research and urges members to vote YES at the upcoming poll.
The rationale is simple: East Tamaki is New Zealand's largest industrial business precinct and it needs sustainably funded professional support, advocacy and crime prevention work to continue.
GETBA has served East Tamaki for over 15 years. It has achieved significant results for all businesses in East Tamaki, not least the up to $2500 saved by each small business over four years of the reduction of waste water charges; the security and risk management information developed on our website; the website itself; our regular business breakfasts; and Coralee's email notification of security issues in the area.
Click here for an electronic copy of the information flyer being distributed with the voting papers. Please do contact us should you wish more information and please cast your vote by 21st May.
New Road opening
The new road which has become part of Bruce Roderick Drive and has entry and exit points in Crooks and Cryers Roads is now open.
Packaging Council Awards Opportunity
The Packaging Council of New Zealand is looking for entries for the 2009 Environmental Packaging Awards.
The 2009 Awards coincide with the final year of the New Zealand Packaging Accord and we want to showcase how industry is adapting to a resource constrained world by taking a complete supply chain approach to new product development to maximise transport efficiencies, minimise space and storage requirements and developing new technologies to make packaging lighter, stronger and more efficient to produce.
We also want to recognise the importance of education in minimising the environmental impact of packaging and also to recognise the, often unsung, heroes in many companies who have championed environmental initiatives and driven change.
Key Dates: 29th May 2009 Closing date for entries. 4th September 2009 Awards presentation dinner, Hilton Hotel, Auckland. For further information & entry forms go to: www.packaging.org.nz/awards
Apr 20, 2009
FREE Business Financial Check Ups offered to GETBA members
Following on from the success of GETBA Focus 09 WHK Gosling Chapman would like to offer GETBA members the opportunity to undergo a complimentary one-on-one Financial Check-Up. Performed by our senior accountant and business advisory team, the aim of the Check-Up will be to identify issues affecting the financial performance of your business as well as provide practical advice for improvement.
From reviewing your financial statements, our senior team will be able to confirm if your business is showing signs of distress, and answer key questions, including:
What are the warning signs?
How can you effectively increase prices and/or reduce costs?
What are the effects if the time to collect form their debtors increases or decreases?
How much debt can your business carry?
Have you correctly forecasted the impact of the “financial crisis” on your business?
What are your options for restructuring business finance?
What is the effect of discounting?
Book your appointment today
Our team will be in Botany and available for one hour appointments on the 4th and 5th of May 2009. Please be aware appointments are limited. To secure yours please email sarah.carter@whkgoslingchapman.com. We will then be in touch to set up a time and confirm your appointment.
To get the most out of your session you will be advised to submit your latest financial statements for review before the session.
Cost: No Fee. All appointments will be with WHK senior level accountants and business advisors (all CA qualified) valued at $350
About WHK Gosling Chapman
As a member of the WHK Group (www.whk.co.nz), one of Australasia’s leading accounting and advisory companies, WHK Gosling Chapman is based in Auckland and has a local and global network of advisors to take your business further.
For more information please contact:
Damian Bennett | Marketing Executive - Business Growth
WHK Business Growth | Business and Corporate Training Solutions | Level 6, 51-53 Shortland Street, Auckland, NZ 1010
Contact | P: +64 9 968 8545 | F: +64 9 914 7882 |
E: damian.bennett@whkgoslingchapman.com | W: www.whkbusinessgrowth.com
Mar 31, 2009
GETBA / SalesSTAR Breakfast 25th March 2009 held at Celsius Gastrobar
Elspeth began by welcoming The Hon. Pansy Wong, MP for Botany Electorate, Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Associate Minister for ACC, Associate Minister for Energy and Resources.
We have continually been approached by Hon Wong because as a rising National Party representative, she has been keen to talk to our members for several years. We have resisted this because we are so strictly apolitical. However when she phoned us recently after becoming elected we were absolutely delighted that she asked to meet with us as a government Minister to find out what our businesses really want and need from government.
From that meeting she indicated that she would love to have a few minutes at our next breakfast to talk. She has become increasingly aware of the work put in to the community by GETBA and in particular the collaborative efforts involved with the reduction in crime in our local business area.
This morning she talked about ways in which the government can practically support local businesses which included her bringing some information on a CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE 0800 42 49 46 set up for businesses to ask questions about any of their concerns eg IRD tax issues. Businesses will be able to complete an online health check on the state of their business. This service also includes free business mentoring. Another initiative by the government is to ensure that any businesses that are doing business with a government department will get paid as soon as the invoice for payment has been received.
She also reminded us that the government has also promised us 300 more local police by 2010.
She did invite any of our members to visit her at an appointed time in her local office at 735 Chapel Road, Dannemora. P | 09 265 2121 E | pansympbotany@xtra.co.nz www.pansywong.co.nz
Our thanks to Matrix Security for carpark security this morning.
Our next guest also warmly welcomed as a return visitor to GETBA was our Speaker and Sponsor for this breakfast Paul Petersen, Director of SalesSTAR. Paul was one of the speakers at our recent GETBA Focus 09 workshop. Feedback from the day showed that our members who attended, valued the information they were given on this day, however they did indicate more information from Paul would be useful to them.
Paul Petersen honed his approach to selling in sales positions over the last 25 years, his understanding of using a sales process to support accountability, coaching and drive success is very clear to him. And he makes it clear to others too.
“Ever wondered how you could really measure the value being created by your sales team or how successful your different sales strategies are?” (Why ever should you not?)
“Well, the answers are very close to home…
• Take charge of your salespeople and make them accountable
• Measure the effectiveness of your selling methods
• Make yourself accountable for coaching to achieve sales success”
Paul’s talk focused on the need for management to understand that each sale is a process not un-similar to coaching for a top sporting team. He likened it further to a game of baseball where each base is a step along the way.
I have included here the notes from his original seminar which illustrate his approach suitably:
Accountable Sales Staff
Typically Sales Managers do not make their sales staff accountable, however to do this, real measuring of activity is required and skills to manage from figures Coaching, Training, Mentoring and Motivating.
The process indicates the rules of the game. How can staff perform to the full without first understanding the rules or process.
Ask your managers to find out if sales people have desire and commitment. Without these key Sales DNA any training is wasted
Good systems are the pathway to finding the answers:
• Remove the barriers to selling • Get in front of more prospects more often
Need vs Real need - uncover the real need – dig till you fully understand it
Consider a sale as a 4 step process
1. Identifying a Suspect Have the right positioning statement that is focused on and ask the right questions to identify potential need – do your staff know what people to ask to position you to make an initial appointment?
2. Who then may become a Prospect
Do they need the product
What is their compelling reason to buy it
Qualify and quantify the problem - eliminate inappropriate quotes and proposals by properly qualifying the problem / need.
Know the difference between why and how questions and use them to dig to get the real need
What differential does your company offer
Know the process and timeline for the decision
Confirm the budget for decisions
3. Who will then be a Qualified Potential Client
Your solution solves their problem. They have confirmed their willingness to proceed and fix the problem. Ask for the order/Close
4. SALE COMPLETED
General Business / Notices
It’s flu season again and there are proven benefits from having your staff inoculated. We have more than one member of GETBA offering good deals at present and I encourage you to speak to them at this meeting to address this issue for your workplace. Members who approached us about this were invited to leave their details in front of the 80 members who attended this breakfast.
Rotary New Zealand runs a number of excellent programmes. Among them is RYLA a week-long leadership development programme aimed at 20-25 year olds. David Houghton of the ASB is seeking nominees. The course is excellent, it is free to participants: if you have a staff member who might be a contender, contact David or any local Rotarian known to you.
Holding the line: we are under real pressure from people and companies prospecting for business via GETBA. While we aim to be a conduit we also try to ensure that our communication with members is relevant and appropriate.
Business Needs Survey: If you have received your survey from Longdill & Assoc and have not already filled it in and returned it we would encourage you to as soon as possible if you would like to have your ideas included.
Targeted rating: Questions were asked of those present:
Q: How many local businesses belong to GETBA ? A: 630
Q: How many local businesses are in the Greater East Tamaki area? A: Approximately 2200
Q: How many businesses benefit from the work of GETBA eg significant reduction in wastewater charges, crime awareness etc? A: Approximately 2200
NOTE: Currently approximately 30% of you are paying for these wider benefits.
We have kept our subs the same cost for the full 15years we have been in operation and we are now faced with a significant shortfall.
Background:
Elspeth was engaged by the GETBA Executive in April 2008 to explore alternative income strains until September 2009.
We are faced with the need to double the minimum cost of joining GETBA from $50 to $100 +GST annually and with the economic downturn this may cause an issue with some of our existing members.
After a long hard look at the situation from all angles we have come to the conclusion that we need to go down the path of exploring the Targeted Rating regime. Something we have vigorously resisted for the past 5-6 years. When we originally discussed this with the committee, reaction was shock / horror, however when faced with other alternatives they now see no other way.
Advantages:
• All local businesses would share the cost equally
• The least / most any of you are likely to have to pay is $100 +GST per annum, per rate-able property and depending on how the rating is charged on your building; you may only be asked to share part of that cost. ( We understand there may be a cost of living increase built in annually) If we were to change/ increase the amount sought from business at any time for specific projects we would need to poll the businesses again.
• The Council would be the conduit only for this funding and it would be passed in full directly to GETBA. GETBA would need to produce an annual budget to show use of this funding.
• GETBA would no longer spend extra time on invoicing and chasing membership and could focus on the real business of supporting local business
Disadvantages: None to those current GETBA members!
Points to keep in mind
We are the only known business association that has not joined the Targeted Rating scheme in Auckland.
The Commission on local government funding is basing its findings on those from the Royal Commission who recommended that the business rating differential is removed by 2012 and targeted rating is implemented. This will work towards local levies being spent locally. Not necessarily the case at present.
We do not intend to spend your money on security contracts, marketing or celebrity speakers.
We will however be determining locally focused projects eg Travel Planning. Our focus will be determined from the results of the recent survey and our already gained knowledge from our ongoing communication with our current members.
Process Currently we are updating our database including postal & email addresses of as many businesses as possible in the GETBA area. This is to ensure the business voter poll reaches all local businesses involved along with MCC’s property owner database. Currently we have voluntary help from our GETBA member Kelly Services who are doing a sterling job filling in our gaps (of which there were many).
The focus of the poll will be to Industrial and Commercial businesses and will be posted to both business owners and property owners.
Under Council regulations only one vote per property or business owner. The poll will be sent by an independent election services company in May. Prior to that we will hold a series of workshops for interested parties to find out any further information they may need before they feel they can vote knowledgeably on this matter.
Further General Business
We may have the need to engage extra help over the next few days / weeks. If any of you have staff/family who are able to help us with this project in the next two weeks. Please contact me Coralee@GETBA.org.nz as soon as possible.
Fundraising requests: Coralee has received two emails from GETBA members who are doing a fun run for charity and they seek members support financially.
Details following:
To celebrate the Mini’s 50th birthday Murray Grant (Aquacut) and Andrew Clapham (Celsius) will be participating in a charity fun run over Easter weekend (9-14 April) to raise money for Starship Foundation by traveling from Kaitia to Invercargill in a Mini retracing the route of the infamous New Zealand film, Good Bye Pork Pie .
All costs, fuel/accommodation etc will be covered by each of the drivers out of their own pocket, all monies donated will go directly to this worthy cause.
If you are able to help by means of a donation or goods that can be auctioned in Invercargill on the last night please click on either or both of the links below:
Next meeting: Wednesday 20th May, same time, same place although there will be a number of opportunities to meet and discuss both the Business Needs Survey and the Targeted Rating opportunity. Please keep an eye on the website and check out emails from Coralee.
Feb 21, 2009
Home and Garden Show & Leadership Seminar
GETBA members are offered an opportunity to promote their products at the Jade Promotions upcoming Home and Garden show held at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre Click here for details
They are also invited to an EXTREMIS seminar lead by Colonel Tom Kolditz to share insights proven in crisis conditions, by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Click Here for more details on this and other seminars offered to GETBA members by the Chamber
Feb 20, 2009
GETBA FOCUS 09 - seminar details
GETBA members are invited to attend GETBA FOCUS ’09: a day of five one hour seminars packed with tips and tools to make the best of your existing resources in the current faltering economy.
Date & Venue: Thursday 12 March, MIT Highbrook, 52 Highbrook Drive
We have secured a number of expert speakers who will encourage you and offer practical options for small and medium businesses.
Seminar topics include:
Building Resilience in a Faltering Economy: Presenter: Richard Poole, MD, Mitek NZ Ltd
Get focused on your business objectives for 2009
Get motivated - take your team with you
Get organised - do the basics better: relentless execution
Maximise Your People Resources: Presenter: Richard Wagstaff, Vice President, CTU
Retain and leverage talent using flexible working arrangements
Creative alternatives to layoffs
Get IT Working For You: Presenters: Annette Bannon, Manager, MIT Computing Short Courses and Matthew Roscoe, Foundation Software LtdClick here for feedback from an attendee
Useful computing shortcuts
Make the most of Outlook
Database management tips
Make the most of your website
Get Your Professional Advisors Working For You: Presenters: Mike Atkinson, Associate Principal, WHK Gosling Ltd and Penny Jones, Partner, Wynyard Wood
Managing cashflow in an economic downturn
Options for restructuring business finance
Making the best use of your legal advisers
Get Selling: Presenter: Paul Peterson, Director, SalesStar Ltd
Remove the barriers to selling
Get in front of more prospects more often
You are welcome to book for the full day or for individual sessions. Click herefor Feedback from an attendee
Investment: $35 (for full day or an individual session.)
Refreshments provided. Networking opportunities throughout the day.
More details to follow but feel free to contact Coralee Carr with any queries on email coralee@getba.org.nz
Feb 13, 2009
Manukau Southbound changes
Manukau City Council have advised us that the new Redoubt Road On-ramp to Southbound State Highway 1 will open at 5.00am Monday 16 February as part of the construction of the SH20 - SH1 Manukau Extension motorway.
The southbound on-ramp from Redoubt Road to SH1 will replace the existing on-ramp that loops round and beneath Redoubt Road bridge. For more detailed information click here
Feb 11, 2009
GETBA February Breakfast Minutes
Around 70 members were welcomed to the Netinsites Getba breakfast. Introductory remarks included:
* Thanks to Matrix Security for providing security for the carpark.
* New Highbrook bus service – there have been significant changes to Botany local and Manukau cross town buses including new timetables, and a new route 575 linking Botany Town Centre, Highbrook Business Park and Otara / MIT. Full details available on www.maxx.co.nz
* Advance notice of a seminar day on Thursday 12th March at the MIT Centre for Business Development (CBD) Highbrook. The seminar is titled GETBA focus 2009 building resilience in a faltering economy / practical tools to maximise value within your existing resources. Investment $35 for all or part of the day. Full details soon.
talked about 7 ways that online marketing can help your business in a recession. For details of this presentation and Alex’s seminar Internet Trends and How You Can Profit From Them Feedback from businesses and organisations who have used this company is that Alex not only listens to the customer and tailors websites to your real needs, but that he is right at the forefront of optimising websites for brilliant online marketing.
Members Moments Chrissi Bollard MIT Careers Development Centre, Chrissy is developing a resource for business and recruitment agencies to access quality graduates from MIT at every level: trades, technicial, & professional graduates. She is keen to hear from members, both of their past experience with MIT graduates and how they would wish to use such a service. Please contact her on chrissi.bollard@manukau.ac.nz
Joy Holdsworth Woottons Auto Accessories cnr Trugood and Ti Rakau Drive. For anything to do with accessorising or customising your vehicle Woottons have provided the professional option for many years. Call in and see them or visit their website www.woottons.co.nz
Speaker HWM of Manukau Len Brown – JUST DO IT!
While this is best known as a Nike tag, it epitomises Len’s philosophy for Manukau and for East Tamaki. When he and Henry Jansen opened Wynyard Wood’s East Tamaki Branch, in 1992 it was in the middle of an economic downturn. But like many of the over 700 new businesses which are expected to open in Manukau this year, they thrived and were probably the better for having taken a punt in difficult times.
He assured us that his discussions with Prime Minister John Key indicate that the NZ government is very much on the front foot and that today they would be announcing a $500m infrastructure package. Just before Christmas the Mayor met with John Key and they discussed 30 significant issues in Manukau.
Highlights include:
• A national focus on Manukau which has fired NZ out of recession before and can do this time.
• AMETI: Strong encouragement to take this major project into the govt roading network as local authorities do not have the resources for a timely implementation.
• Rail link to the airport: creating a spur from Onehunga to the airport and on to Manukau city centre.
• Private investment eg Lion Nathan which will be adding 200 new jobs in East Tamaki
• The second runway which is on track
Last but not least –
• the huge challenges facing our young people in Manukau. In terms of this the governments job summit is being held at the TelstraClear Pacific Events centre at the end of this month which neatly underlines Manukau’s place in leading NZ forward.
Next Breakfast march 25th – check our website for details
Nov 26, 2008
AGM Breakfast 26th October 2008 - MINUTES
Around 100 members were welcomed to the Company Health Services GETBA Breakfast and AGM for 2007/8. It was great to walk in to the strains of the Manukau City Symphony Orchestra playing selections from the Sleeping Beauty Suite…
Introductory remarks included
Thanks to Matrix Security for providing car park patrols during our meeting.
Note of the leaflet about a Rotary programme called Step Up: a leadership programme for business people aged 28-45. Contact Dave Wylie Ph 534 4844 for more information.
Survey Form (attached to these minutes) seeking feedback on possible initiatives for next year: Please do take the time to complete and email it to us – your thoughts and concerns are valued! As we try to comprehend the impact of the global financial and economic crisis, there is value in identifying what we can do here and now to face those issues that we can actually address: this is the worst global crisis for 80 years but the worst thing we can do is to roll in a ball and hope it goes away. So here’s a question: Are there key issues you would like to see addressed in the next 12 months? What are they?
Sponsor’s presentation:Karen Heffey of Corporate Health Services spoke of the value of businesses forming a relationship with a health provider who can help keep the health of the workforce up to standard. Issues such as
Hiring: - Do consider letting applicants know that a drug test is part of the process – it may knock out two out of ten applicants!
Testing for physical ability to perform specific tasks (lifting, balance, strength etc)
Fitness for the job in ageing workforce (addressing diabetes likelihood etc)
Company Health Services your one stop solution for Health, Safety and Wellness
Pre & Post Employment Medicals
Post injury management (rehabilitation)
Drug and Alcohol testing
Ergonomics
Health & Safety System reviews including Health & Safety Manuals
For immediate assistance throughout New Zealand call 0800 435 231 or +64 9 438 3636. For more information, please check their website: www.chsl.co.nz
Guest Speaker:Noel Robinson, DCNZM, businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist was our guest speaker and brought us up to date with the developments at Telstra Pacific Event Centre including the magnificent Manukau City Symphony Orchestra.
It is worth noting the achievements of this great supporter of Manukau City and of East Tamaki where his business interests have been based for so long. Noel is Chairman of the Woolf Fisher Trust, Chairman PAHL as well as:
Awarded the Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DCNZM) in 2006 for his work in Manukau City
Chairman and Managing Director of Highbrook Business Park, a world class development designed by Peter Walker (“2003 Analysis and planning Honour Award” from the American Society of Landscape Architects)
Chairman of Counties Manukau Pacific Trust, owner and operator of the Telstra Clear Pacific Event Centre that won a number of prestigious architectural awards
Chairman of the Airport Noise Community Consultative Group for the Auckland International Airport
Founder of Robinson Industries in 1970 and Managing Director and Chairman until his retirement in 1999
Noel spoke of the progressive and forward-thinking community of Manukau City and the development of the Telstra Pacific Event Centre. Notable in that this is the only community Event Centre that actually pays its way. While MCC does give it a $385 000 grant each year, this is fully expended in providing free community concerts and events rather than to support the commercial activities of the centre.
He introduced Terry Spragg MNZM, Chairperson of the Manukau City Symphony Orchestra and violin soloist Loata Mahe who played Spring from Vivaldi’s Four seasons. The orchestra performs regularly at Telstra Pacific Event Centre and is a wonderful expression of the spirit of Manukau City.
Businesses are asked to become a benefactor of the orchestra and to encourage their staff to attend the performances at the Genesis Theatre. We encourage you to visit: manukausymphony@orcon.net.nz and their website www.manukausymphony.org.nz
Sponsorships start as low as $200 and are a very worthwhile contribution to the life of our community.
Appointment of Auditors (no auditor to be appointed)
Election of Management Committee:
Elspeth Mount (Chair), Henry Jansen (Secretary), David Lindsay (Treasurer), Tere Brunton, Phil Clarke, Alex Garden, Aaron Hynds, Linden Johnson, Richard Poole
Motions to be put to the AGM (that the Committee as nominated be appointed)
Any Other Business (nil)
General Business:
1. Thanks to Company Health
2. Thanks to Noel Robinson and MCSO
3. Any other business
Next Meeting: 11th February at 7.30am
Oct 13, 2008
Swan Dive or Belly Flop
At this time of unprecedented turmoil in the world and New Zealand economies, two of our brightest minds have produced a draft paper encouraging a bipartisan approach aimed at ensuring the NZ economy lands with a swan dive rather than a belly flop.
The call for a bipartisan approach is refreshing and, we believe, critical.
The solutions offered by Mark Weldon and David Skilling are worthy of serious consideration.
They are seeking feedback. We encourage you to provide this directly (see excerpt from their report below- full report attached) but would appreciate a copy of your response.
"7 Feedback and Next Steps This paper is being released in draft form. The intention is to stimulate a constructive conversation
about the best way forward. In that spirit, feedback is welcomed from all. NZX is launching a blog
where comments can be posted and there is online space for public comment and discussion
(www.blog.nzx.com). The New Zealand Institute (feedback@nzinstitute.org) and NZX
(strategy.feedback@nzx.com) are also happy to receive private e-mail feedback. The NZX and the New
Zealand Institute are happy to discuss these proposals with interested parties.
Our intention is to listen carefully to feedback, and to use that feedback to improve this document over
the coming weeks. Once this process has been completed, we would like to release a document that
reflects broad views, and that can be viewed as a truly national, bi-partisan, implementable policy
document - one that voters and politicians, regardless of their affiliation, can support."
Oct 9, 2008
Horton Media GETBA Members’ Breakfast 8th October 2008 Minutes
Introduction: Attended by 75 members who were welcomed by Chairman Elspeth Mount. Matrix Security were thanked for their car park surveillance.
Sponsor’s presentation:Matthew Horton
The Horton name has been synonymous with publishing in New Zealand since the 19th Century. And we are delighted that Horton Media has chosen to be a significant business within East Tamaki. In the fine tradition of the family, Horton Media very much plays its part in our community.
Mathew’s message was that when times get hard, all expenditure is closely examined and this often starts with the marketing budget. In the end the one feature of marketing that is going to increase your chances of making a sale is frequency. He encouraged members to consider their marketing spend carefully and to look at perhaps a cheaper format used more often.
Snr Sgt Pete Kaveney spoke about current issues in policing in East Tamaki. He was able to announce that we are likely to get a central police “hub” in East Tamaki which should rationalize the service to this area.
He noted that while nationwide there are 60 murders a year, there are 400 road deaths a year, so statistically you are rather more likely to be killed or maimed in a road traffic accident than in an act of personal violence.
He warned about bag snatchers likely to be more prevalent up to Christmas and spoke of the new East Tamaki Community Constable Garry Boles starting shortly.
Member’s Moment:Rob Grimsey of Hi Tech Supplies spoke of the range of cost effective options he can offer businesses for their telephone systems. He works with all providers. The winner of his draw was Brett Watson of Goodman. Check out www.hitechsupplies.co.nz. Phone Rob on 274 3556 or email him rob@hitechsupplies.co.nz.
Chairman Elspeth Mount outlined many of the services and advantages of GETBA membership. GETBA has always emphasized internet based communication with and among members. With close to 650 members currently, this is cost effective and instantly available to all. The fact that a Google enquiry for the words East Tamaki, brings up the GETBA website as a first port of call is proof of the value of this approach. In terms of external enquiries, eg journalists, government ministries, regional and local government agencies and commercial enquiries your presence on the GETBA website means a high profile for your business. GETBA averages over 8000 visits per month and as a member you benefit. If you identify on your own website that you are a GETBA member, then the advantage multiplies again. To do this, if you have not already done so, follow this link http://www.getba.org.nz/join.html and then copy the code below the website logo appropriately. If you have any questions about this please email Alex@netinsites.com.
Member’s moment:Interior Resources Ltd – Clint Sorby: Robust steel tube commercial furniture is made locally and is available through many retail outlets, however as a GETBA member you may contact Clint Sorby or Peter Shaw at IRL directly for your furniture requirements (commercial, office, sporting etc) Tel 274 8968 or email clintsorby@irl-nz.co.nz
General Business
Members were asked to contact GETBA with any issues about Building Warrant of Fitness charges as MCC is currently charging more than any Council in NZ for issuing these.
Feedback on collection of recyclables from the industrial area is sought from members: currently MCC is the only City Council in greater Auckland NOT collecting recyclables from business and we consider they may be in breach of the new Waste Minimisation legislation should they not extend this service to us.
Anyone interested in sponsorship and/or members’ moments, please email Coralee@getba.org.nz
The Ormiston Bridge opens Saturday 11th October
Manukau City Councillor Maggie Burrill announced that members need to be aware that the Long Term Council Community Plan is in the pipeline and that submissions will be required from us. She will advise us closer to the date.
Next Meeting: Annual General Meeting Wednesday 26th November at 7.30am
Sep 26, 2008
GETBA Invoices, Member Clearance Sale, Events Invitations, Storage Available,
Annual Subscriptions
It’s that time of year again when subscriptions are due. This year we have decided to email invoices to members as so many of you already pay by internet banking and because of the cost of postage.
You should receive your invoice in your inbox next week. Note new bank details below. We will send an email after they are sent to check that you have received yours.
The executive of GETBA would like to thank you for your continuing support of the Greater East Tamaki Business Association.
Some Highlights of 2007/8
Waste Water Charges: Over the past year we have achieved a major change to policy at Manukau City Council, one which has saved many hundreds of dollars for most members. This is the move, albeit over four years, to largely volumetric charging for waste water. In real terms this means that for most small and medium businesses there will be a stepped reduction from the former charge of over $1100 to $600 this year and approximately $270 plus wastewater usage in 2012.
Crime Reduction Strategy: As a member you can now access the toolbox we have developed and are regularly updating to help you review your security procedures and make informed unbiased decisions for choosing security products and services that will be effective for your business. Go to our website (www.getba.org.nz) and use the password CRS123 in the Security Info box to access this information. We are keen to hear feedback and suggestions on this.
Networking Breakfasts: We have held six breakfasts with excellent sponsors and speakers. Between 80 and 110 members attend breakfast.
Advocacy: We have assisted members with advocacy with Council on numerous infrastructure and policy issues.
We appreciate your past support and very much need your support again this year. We are New Zealand’s largest and most active independent Business Association – help us help you!
NB We now bank with the ASB. Please ensure you have the correct details in your system for direct payments; ASB account: 12-3233-0382170-00. Please also put your invoice number in the reference field for direct bank payments.
Local Manufacturer’s Clearance Sale
KARCHER is holding a manufacturers clearance sale with water blasters and vacuums from only $69.
• Damaged box machines
• Ex demo and display
• End of line
• Consumer & Commercial
Thurs & Fri 9am -5pm; Sat 9am – 3pm at 12 Ron Driver Place East Tamaki.
Invitation to Networking Event at MIT CBD
Investment in People and Infrastructure Delivers Results - by Stuart Baird, General Manager, Tyco Flow Control New Zealand
Stuart has championed business improvement initiatives via strong functional and business unit integration, including a ‘Future Leaders’ programme. The results of these efforts have positively impacted on:
• positioning the company for growth
• leadership development within the company
• improved operational capability to meet and exceed customer expectations
• staff retention
Manukau Institute of Technology invites you to experience the Tyco Story first hand at our Highbrook facility over a glass of wine and nibbles. This is the first of a series of informative networking events.
Date: Thursday, 9 October 2008
Time: 5:30, for 6.00pm presentation, till 7:00pm
Venue: MIT Centre for Business Development, Ground Floor, Colliers House, 52 Highbrook Drive, Highbrook Business Park, East Tamaki Parking available
To confirm your attendance, please RSVP to Wayne Abel by Friday 26 September Phone: 09-968 8658 Mobile: 027 568 7733
Email: wayne.abel@manukau.ac.nz
Storage / Logistics space available
The space available is 1120 sq.ft or 104 m2. Subaru are able to offer a storage only facility or a complete logistics solution with inwards and outgoing freight. The space is available immediately and the minimum contract will be for 6 months.
Contact Ben Neal, After Sales Manager, Subaru of New Zealand
Tel 272 7726 mob 021 864 822 |
Economic Transformation in a Carbon Constrained World – Breakfast Invitation
The Packaging Council is ready to launch its exciting breakfast seminar series at Foodtech Packtech 2008. Their theme is Economic Transformation in a Carbon Constrained World – Innovation, Collaboration, Regulation. They’ve brought together a suite of experts and thought-leaders in the fields of business, economics, research, environmental policy and law to explore how New Zealand business’ can integrate innovation, sustainability and the requirements of the new environmental legislation as a complete business model for competitive advantage. This will be held on the 21st - 23rd October
For more information contact Paul Curtis Executive Director Packaging Council of New Zealand Tel 271 4044 Mob 0274 286718
Aug 26, 2008
Combined efforts by local security staff help reduce crime in business area
"A top security firm has given Botany Town Centre the thumbs up as a safe place to shop. The retail centre has been awarded the ISS First Security award for top performing security site internationally for the second year running. Judging takes into account the performance of security personnel, apprehension of offenders and feedback from police.
The centre’s head of security Victor Mune says their success can be attributed to investment in technology, as well as teamwork and communication. There is constant sharing of information between police, Botany Crime Watch Patrols and First Security." (Howick & Pakuranga Times)
And recent efforts by Chubb security staff in locating two drug users parked in our area with the type of equipment used in making drugs stashed under their car, then quickly getting the police to deal with them, all contribute to the reduction in crime the police statistics are reflecting.
Inspector Jim Searle told the Community Partners group today that scrap metal being stolen is still causing huge problems within both commercial and residential areas. The prices being offered for copper in particular make this a very sought after commodity by the criminal fraternity. Inspector Searle also said that after a reasonably quiet period for handbag snatching the incidences of this are beginning to increase again but over all with the combined efforts of security companies, police and the information gained and passed on through business neighbourhood support, crime is again reducing in the Greater East Tamaki area.
Aug 22, 2008
Access Immigration GETBA Members’ Breakfast and Special General Meeting 20th August 2008
100 members were welcomed to the Access Immigration GETBA Breakfast and SGM for August 2008. Thanks were expressed to Matrix Security for providing car park security.
We had a busy programme including a short SGM, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding agreed with Manukau Institute of Technology, a presentation from Access Immigration our valued sponsors of this breakfast, and our speakers from Auckland Regional Transport Authority and Manukau City Council on the issue of Travel Planning for industry.
The Special General Meeting was called to ratify a change of name for the association and an updating of the constitution. Both the name change and the revised constitution had been circulated as required.
Specific changes:
1. Name change to Greater East Tamaki Business Association Inc.
2. Update objects of association e.g. removing third crossing of Tamaki River as that is now complete
3. Power given to Committee to set subscriptions
4. Power given to Committee to create different classes of membership
5. Removal of tight geographical boundaries
6. Ability to purchase insurance for officers of Society by way of indemnity.
Two motions were put to the meeting:
1. That: the name of our association be ratified as The Greater East Tamaki Business Association Inc (GETBA) Agreed unanimously
2. That: the Constitution of the Greater East Tamaki Business Association as amended and notified to members be ratified. Agreed unanimously
Sponsor’s presentation: Bill Milnes of Access Immigration (service to employers)
Two key points were discussed:
* Why Access Immigration is different and uniquely successful.
The phone call asked, “Can you please help us. Our applications for work permits for our staff are being declined and our agent says he can’t help any more”. The enquirer was a substantial tourist agent working in the upper end of the Japanese market who needed to bring Japanese people to NZ to act as tour guides and interpreters. But Immigration NZ considered that there were plenty of kiwi students of Japanese who could do the work. What did we do?
* Legislation changes which will change how employers and HR consultants have to handle advice to non-NZ employees
Employers are responsible to ensure a potential employee has the right to work. An IRD number is not sufficient. Penalties of up to $100,000
Employers and HR personnel may not provide any immigration advice unless licensed. Similar penalties apply
Memorandum of Understanding between GETBA and MIT
Since the inception of GETBA, Manukau Institute of Technology has been a strongly supportive member of the association. Late last year they approached the committee with a proposal to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to ratify and promote the collaborative opportunities for the two organisations to work for the benefit of businesses in East Tamaki.
There are already a number of ways in which together both organisations offer services to members. Jane Tongatule, Manager Business Development at MIT as the official representative to GETBA is always keen to offer assistance in accessing services to members from MIT. You may contact Jane by email Jane.Tongatule@manukau.ac.nz or DDI 09 968 8653, Mobile 027 568 7647
Last year, senior lecturer Jim Barnes undertook a research paper on the skills and qualities sought by employers of entry level staff. A number of companies took part in this and their input has been published and used to shape the way in which such potential employees are prepared for the workforce. Tina Rose is happy to talk with employers about these programmes and their use to you. She can be contacted by email tina.rose@manukau.ac.nz or DDI 9688628.
Dr Stuart Middleton, Executive Director External Relations of MIT spoke about the relationship and about the ways in which MIT supports business and industry in East Tamaki and Manukau City as a whole. Address by Stuart on website shortly.
Keynote Address - Travel Planning for Industry
While it is critical to develop the road and rail infrastructure of Auckland region, this alone will not ensure that goods and services will continue to move in a timely and effective way. Overseas there have been exciting developments in the implementation of travel planning for communities and industrial areas. We all know from personal experience that when schools and educational institutions are on holiday, traffic loading on our roads is reduced by forty percent. If we apply the concept of travel planning to all work places and districts then overseas experience suggests we can cut much of the clutter on our roads to a point where the vital industrial traffic and the free access of customers to our businesses can move much more freely. A simple example would be a large local manufacturer which has to provide car parking for over 300 vehicles. This represents a 50% redundancy factor to cope with arrivals and departures at shift change times. Surely it is worth at least investigating where those workers come from, and identifying whether appropriate bus services could move a reasonable percentage of those people safely and efficiently thus allowing that company to use the former car parking land for more productive purposes. This is the beginning of travel planning.
Steve Patton of Manukau City Council spoke about the Highbrook area travel plan and how that is progressing. Angie Crafer from Flow Transportation Specialists spoke about the implementation of travel planning at Smales Farm and North Harbour Industrial Estate.
The North Harbour Industrial Estate is one of the key industrial areas in North Shore City. The area has grown over the last 15 years from apple orchards to an area where 5,000 to 7,000 people work each day. Currently, significant traffic congestion affects vehicular movements to and from the area, particularly those exiting during the evening commuter period. Click here for more information.on how this was addressed.
Tom Morton from Resolve Consultants spoke about the experience/success of travel management associations overseas, particularly in the US where they have been running for some time and there is a good body of experience plus success stories.
The Auckland Regional Transport Authority distributed a discussion document on new local bus routes. They would very much appreciate feedback on this from our members. The survey is available on line at www.arta.co.nz. Or call 366 6500 and request copies of the consultation document. Its title is “Better Local and Crosstown Bus Services, Botany Howick and Manukau”.
No items of general business.
Next Meeting: Wednesday 8th October at 7.30 am at the Celsius Gastrobar, Botany Junction
Aug 8, 2008
Sponsorship opportunities for GETBA Businesses
Targa Rally At labour weekend the Targa Rally is beginning at Manukau City Centre. Manukau City Council is promoting this as a Free Fun Family Day. We have been working with MCC and the Targa organisers to find business opportunities for our members.
Opportunities for businesses include:
* participation in a "trade show" on Hayman Park or council carpark on Saturday and/or Sunday. Location and cost details to be confirmed.
In March there is a possibility of a smaller Targa Rally which may be around the Flat Bush / East Tamaki Area. This may also have opportunities for our local businesses. If you would like to be kept abreast of any of these motorsport opportunities may email me to ensure you get any information I have.
Asian Xpo On Saturday 27th September 2008, the Eastern Area of Counties Manukau Police, in co-operation with the Asian Council of Reducing Crime (ACRC) and the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, are conducting a Community Safety Day to promote safety and understanding in the Asian Community. The aim of this event is to communicate, liaise and build partnerships with the Asian Community in general. Sponsors are required on all levels eg providing balloons and fun things for kids etc. If you are keen to be involved please email me ASAP. The Xpo is FREE to all who attend. GETBA will be there to promote Business Neighborhood Support.
Westpac Business Awards Congratulations to all finalists in the Westpac Business Excellence Awards. GETBA members Grange Lodge have been finalists several times over the past few years and have won awards in several categories. This year they feature again in the Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality category. GETBA members Metalman, Liquid Health and Vision Dannemora, all are also finalists this year. If you are interested in knowing more about how to get selected for these awards please email me for details for next year.
Jul 22, 2008
GETBA August Breakfast Invitation for all East Tamaki Businesses
You are invited to join us at 7.30 am on Wednesday 20th August at Celsius Gastrobar, Botany Junction for the usual delicious Celsius breakfast. We have interesting guest speakers talking on a very topical issue. A few minutes will also be spent formalising the update of our constitution. And the Memorandum of Understanding developed with Manukau Institute of Technology will be signed and introduced.
Guest Speaker: Auckland regional Transport Authority
Some days it is easy to believe that a perfect storm has hit Auckland in terms of our roading, transport and travel.
We are faced with crippling petrol costs, serious congestion on the roads, and the imminent prospect of having to accommodate and transport tens of thousands for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and all this against a backdrop of underinvestment, inaction, infighting, lack of planning in terms of residential development and forty years of delay in the development of the roading network.
So what are the options for East Tamaki? And where should we as business people be putting our energies in terms of creating a sustainable travel and transport plan for our goods and for our people?
There are major roading developments, rail and public transport plans and, through the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), some real efforts to address travel planning for business areas such as East Tamaki.
Do come and hear what is happening and how you can be involved in raising the game in East Tamaki.
Notice of Special General Meeting
GETBA executives have been working on updating the current constitution. Several changes have been made including changing the name from Greenmount East Tamaki Business Association to Greater East Tamaki Business Association. A full copy of the constitution is available for your perusal. Click Here
To ensure Celsius can accommodate us all, please RSVP to me by August 15th. As usual GETBA Members FREE and non members $15
If you would like to join GETBA either contact Coralee beforehand on 273 6274 or email her. You can also bring your completed enrolment form with you and breakfast will be free.
Jul 8, 2008
Manukau City Council Fitness Centre Activities - GET MOVING STAY HEALTHY
Community Gyms offer corporate rates to workplaces that have 10 or more people interested in a fitness membership throughout the Manukau Region for just $9.00 per week at any or all of their seven fitness centres. These gyms are located in Papatoetoe, Mangere, Otara, Manurewa, Pakuranga, Howick and Beachlands and have the latest equipment and facilities
A membership with Community Gyms offers you:
Access to any of the 7 Fitness centres
Free use of Spa and Sauna Facilities
Free use of most group exercise classes including Aqua Aerobics where available
A Face2Face 6 week starter plan which includes 5 personalised consultations
Half price joining fee
* Due to an extension for an additional 300 members being carried out at Lloyd Elsmore fitness centre (Pakuranga) Corporate membership will be suspended at the centre until 1st September 08
Get a group together now and call Michelle Olds on 262 5960 x 8818 / 027 495 1933 or email communitygyms@manukauleisure.co.nz. Michelle will be happy to come and talk to your team and arrange tours of any of the facilites at a time to suit all.
Jun 18, 2008
Fully funded business training, cost effective entry into Australian market, Ports of AK offer
Seventy members were welcomed to the WHK Gosling Chapman GETBA Breakfast for June 2008:
Waste Water charges: We are pleased to confirm that the unprecedented level and quality of submissions from business led by Dirk Hudig and Howick Water Group as well as GETBA has resulted in MCC agreeing to implement the four year programme of reducing the UAC for waste water while charging waste water on a volumetric basis. Small businesses (the majority of current account holders) stand to gain substantially from this decision. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR FIRST BILL AFTER JULY PLEASE CONTACT Elspeth WHO NOW FEELS SHE KNOWS MORE ABOUT WASTE WATER THAN SHE EVER WANTED TO KNOW!
Sponsor’s presentation: WHK Gosling Chapman, provider of award winning “one on one” business support, is offering fully funded (free to you) business training and coaching to GETBA members. This has been made possible through Government funding.
To view some of the training titles available in July and August please click here.
Catriona, John and the WHK Business Growth team look forward to working with GETBA and developing training programmes specifically for you, our members. As they say: Training changes everything! More information
Member’s Moment:John Lawrence Communication Management Services: “Record all your telephone calls with the leader in cost effective true digital call recording and improve your productivity, security and customer satisfaction”.
This is just one of John’s state of the art products. For more information visit: www.usbcallrecord.com
Guest Speaker:Rod Giles and Chris Edwards: BEACHHEAD LOGISTICS – a cost-effective answer to the question of entry to the Australian market. Rod is well-known for his ability to combine an excellent and progressive business with a strong commitment to training and development of people in the logistics industry.
Rod’s business model offers a convenient and low-risk entry to the Australian market for businesses looking to start exporting across the ditch. As a long time GETBA member, Rod has a good understanding of doing business here and also a challenging offer for expanding horizons and markets in these difficult times.
The presentation combined a wealth of detailed information distilled from 30 years of working between New Zealand and Australia with down-to-earth tips on the best car-hire firms to use. You can access Beachhead Logistics via any of the three partner companies:
Rod's travel costs over these past years have been carefully monitored and he has included some tips to make them cost effective. Full version of his talk available here.
Member’s moment:John Heaven: Professional Trade Services – specialists in facilitating offshore manufacturing, providing the total solution from design and engineering through to offshore manufacturing and production, quality compliance and all aspects of commercial management for the procurement, importation and distribution of products and components.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Neighbourhood Support and Security Update: Coralee:
While this year has generally shown fewer burglaries, this month has had a spate of incidents and increased incidence of bag-snatching. Please refer to the recent email from the police for a security self-check for business.
Check your alarms - test them. This includes making sure there is a battery backup. Offenders have disabled whole systems by turning the building power off thereby disarming systems without battery backups. Your systems must have a battery backup.
Safes and CCTV control systems should NOT be openly visible. Hide them and lock them away. Safes can be breached and CCTV recorders and hard drives stolen. Ensure they are secured.
CCTV Cameras, if fitted, should be protected or shielded in some way to prevent them being torn from the rook. If this is not possible then put them as far out of reach as possible.
Police urge business owners not to keep significant sums of money in their safes - they are a short term semi-secure storage. Use your bank to hold large amounts of cash. One victim has lost over $400,000 in foreign currency from a safe.
Challenge people and record details if people come into your business looking at cameras and behind your counters. If they aren't looking at your stock, they may very well be checking out your security measures.
Ports of Auckland Inland Ports - Bringing intermodal solutions to your doorstep
Ports of Auckland operates two inland ports, one at Wiri on Wiri Station Road and the other at East Tamaki on Zelanian Drive
Importers advise in advance of their incoming containers and they are shuttled at night from the seaport. The inland ports are security fenced and MAF and Customs bonded. Containers remain in the control of the port, and can be released when the statutory and shipping line clearances are in place.
Exporters pre-advise the details of export containers and deliver to the inland port as soon as they are ready and they are shuttled into the seaport at night in time for the vessel cut-off.
The value in using these hubs lies in the supply chain efficiencies that will be gained from:
Transparency of information – status and position of containers available via our web site
Reliability – container moves can be planned to unpack requirements and with shorter lead times
Capital investment in land to store containers can be minimised/deferred
Demurrage is out of the equation
Carbon emissions are minimised by running efficient truck journeys in low traffic time zones
Close in proximity to South Auckland import and export businesses
The sites is security fenced and patrolled
Customs bonded and MAF Approved Transitional Facility
24 x 7 access available
Further options include:
a fully integrated service providing transport to door, either from the seaport and/or from the Inland Port
EDI information exchange. A direct interface with customers’ IT systems reporting on all events and status changes pertaining to a container, as they happen
Empty returns can be dehired or staged for dehire at seaport (Line operator dependent)
To discuss your particular business and supply chain requirements please contact.
Yvonne Theuerkauf - Logistics Manager, Axis Intermodal - A Division of Ports of Auckland Limited DDI: 309 1369 email: theuerkaufy@poal.co.nz
Thanks to WHK Gosling, Rod Giles and Chris Edwards
Anyone interested in sponsorship and or members’ moments, please see Coralee or me.
Notice of Special General Meeting to update constitution
Len Brown update: Len continues to make excellent progress but will not be back on deck for maybe three months. We join in wishing him and his family well as he recovers.
Next Meeting:Wednesday 20th August 7.30 am
Jun 12, 2008
Spraycans will no longer to be sold to under 18s
Manukau City Council CEO Leigh Auton advises GETBA members:
that, following royal assent, the Manukau City Council (Control of Graffiti) Act 2008 (the Act) came into force on 23 April 2008 except for section 6 of the Act;
that section 6 of the Act (spraycans in shops to be secured) will come into force three months later on 23 July 2008.
The purpose of the Act is to control the sale of spray paint and control graffiti in Manukau City.
In particular the new legislation:
requires spraycans in shops to be secured
prohibits the sale of spraycans to people under 18
requires the display of a notice in a prominent position and containing the following words:
"IT IS GENERALLY UNLAWFUL TO SELL SPRAYCANS TO PERSONS UNDER 18. PERSONS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE EVIDENCE OF AGE WHEN PURCHASING SPRAYCANS"
Jun 12, 2008
Copy of press release sent when new pricing regimen announced
Sir
The Greenmount East Tamaki Business Association notes with considerable relief and approval the decision of Manukau City Council to amend the waste water tariff regime for business.
It is salutary to note the process by which Council has arrived at this decision and even more salutary to identify the process by which Council was over-charging small business by over $5million annually.
When Manukau Water was established in July 2006, its waste water tariff structure was devised by Council officers to replace the previous Uniform Annual Charge.
The new tariff was immediately subject to protest from small householders and small business: each group was concerned that the tariff charges were grossly greater than their usage would justify. In the case of small business the charges were a fixed annual charge of $1040 up to 400m3 when most small businesses used 50-100m3 at most.
Manukau Water’s comprehensive review of the tariff in December 2007 recommended that all consumer groups move to a standard fixed annual charge of $215 plus a variable volumetric charge based on usage.
Manukau Water recommended phasing this in over a four year period. Some City Councillors proposed a phase-in period of ten years and others wanted to keep the status quo.
Business associations, particularly Howick Water Users Group and GETBA, campaigned vigorously to Council on the serious injustice of the current tariff regime. Submissions to the Annual Plan process were numerous and well-argued. The Mayor, Len Brown, met twice with us to ascertain the full import of the various options under consideration. Individual Councillors were lobbied and encouraged to read the Manukau Water documentation carefully and understand the issues.
The final decision of Council to implement the four year conversion to Manukau Water’s recommendation at least for business is strongly applauded by the business community. It is a triumph of reason over ideology. It is good for the community and embodies the values of fairness and equity across the customer base, conservation and sustainability of water and it is transparent.
Well done, Manukau Water for addressing a major tariff issue! Thank you Mayor Brown for leading the deliberations of Council to arrive at an equitable decision! Keep up the good work!
Elspeth Mount
Executive Chairman
GETBA
May 1, 2008
Annual Plan Submission
Over recent weeks an enormous amount of time and energy has been devoted to submissions on behalf of GETBA members. The bulk of the research and the shaping of these submissions has been prepared by our Chairman, Elspeth Mount. She has worked tirelessly to research the issues around these submissions to ensure our input will give a true representation of the situation and outcomes expected will be realised.
After the Manukau City council submisison yesterday Elspeth was congratulated by more than one Councillor on the calibre of our submission. Click here to read her full submission.
Added to the draft submission to the Annual Plan, Elspeth has been working on the submission to the Royal Commission on New Zealand Governance. Our recommendation would be the concept of a three-city model with local community boards and a regional oversight of infrastructure and regional assets could seem to be a workable and acceptable option. To read this in full click here
As always we welcome feedback from our members and will continue to work to ensure pertinent issues are raised and our businesses are represented at both Local and Central government..
Apr 24, 2008
Minutes for the Eastern Courier GETBA Members’ Breakfast 16th April 2008
Welcome: 90 members and guests attended our first breakfast at Celsius Gastro Bar. Proprietor, Andrew Clapham, has been a member of GETBA for some time now and we are delighted to be able to meet here. Thank you Andrew!
SPEAKER: John Walley MEA introduced by one of our members, Scott Yates, Managing Director of Plankwall Merchandising Systems in Stonedon Drive. Scott is a long-time activist and tireless campaigner at all levels of Government and Government agencies on behalf of Manufacturing and Exporting. Scott encouraged members to listen to John’s message and to join the Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
Essentially his message is that there is no silver bullet to “fix” the exporting environment but that the only real money we create is that generated by exports so we need to be constantly striving to encourage exporters and exporting. There are around 4,000 companies (less than 2% of all NZ companies that have an export element of any kind) exporting in New Zealand: of these most are exporting $0.5 million or less. In other words, exporting is not just a game for the big players.
To improve the climate for exporting we all badly need:
Our speaker in June is one of our members, Rod Giles, who is doing great work on assisting companies into the Australian market so we are continuing to pursue the whole issue of exporting as a critical concern for business in East Tamaki.
SPONSOR: Eastern Courier: 675,000 people or 67.7% of all Aucklanders 15+ read a Suburban Newspaper's title on a typical day. Because the Eastern Courier is a local newspaper in every sense it offers advertisers a powerful and effective way of reaching the local market. The Eastern Courier actively promotes all the advantages of local shopping and local business. This includes local recruitment advertising. There are distinct advantages of hiring locally. Local staff are unaffected by traffic, have reduced travel time, less stress and enjoy a better lifestyle. This translates into greater energy, productivity and performance in the workplace.
"Work Local" Dedicated Page for Local Businesses The Eastern Courier alongside GETBA have formulated a campaign specifically for your business and staff acquisition. From here we can move into more feature pages that are targeted towards growing your business. People that work in East Tamaki tend to live within a 10 minute radius of their workplace. We have designed a page/s to be placed before our classifieds section that will be available to GETBA members to advertise situations vacant For more information about this contact: Catherine McGoram on DDI 272-5891 catherine.mcgoram@snl.co.nz or Simon Carter DDI 272-5892 simon.carter@snl.co.nz Members Moment: MIT CBD - Call Annette Bannon to take advantage of the benefits of local training, free parking etc for your staff. No travel downtime. On the spot targeted and personalized local training available for all. This facility is great for any training you or your staff may need.
Members Moment: Best Waterblasters: - local provider of Exterior cleaning services including:
Mould/lichen removal and protection
All domestic chemical softwash procedures
Gutter/spouting cleaning
High pressure work, i.e. concrete, roofs, brick walls
Commercial cleaning of factory and industrial units
Pre-paint cleaning of domestic dwellings
Cleaning of decks, driveways, paths, fences, buildings.
Please contact Dave Hawke on 021 366 615 or dave@bestwaterblasters.co.nz for a special quote for GETBA members.
Waste Water Submissions: Update from Elspeth This is a critical issue to all who do business in East Tamaki and in Manukau as a whole. We have emailed all members with information on the consultation being undertaken by Manukau City Council on the changes to the tariffs for waste water. At a meeting with the Mayor on Monday, I was told that business rarely actually makes representation on matters directly to Council May I urge you that, if ever there was an opportunity and imperative for you to make each of your voices heard individually, this is it. When Manukau Water was established, it was given a waste water tariff structure devised by Council officers. We knew from the start and now have proof from Manukau Water itself that this structure was deeply flawed and appallingly onerous on business especially small business which has ended up subsidising residential waste water by close to 25%. Given that Manukau Water identifies 6000 business customers and 95000 residential customers, the imbalance is very severe. You are each encouraged to send in to Council a submission (prepared by GETBA if you choose to use it). Two things: please send in a submission (copies available here and we’ll re-email the original request which can simply be emailed to MCC) and please ask to be heard in support of your submission. If you cannot spare the time to appear, we are happy to do so on your behalf. See Coralee or me at the end of the meeting for more information.
General Business:
Thanks to Eastern Courier
Thanks to the Manufacturing and Exporters Association
Anyone interested in sponsorship and or members’ moments, please see Coralee or me.
Update on submission to draft annual plan etc
Please complete and send a submission on waste water tariffs.
Next Meeting Wednesday 18th June
Apr 3, 2008
Submission to MCC Draft Annual Plan process on Manukau Water Waste Water tariff structure:
Until July 2006 waste water was charged as a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) as part of your rates bill and was determined by a UAGC charge of $313.00 per annum plus “a factor” times land value. Under this tariff structure, some businesses were unduly penalised, e.g. large warehouses, but others paid less than they should. Under Manukau Water, tariffs were set at a fixed cost of $950 per annum plus a volumetric charge for those using above 400m3 per annum. This fixed charge has risen to $1040 per annum in this current financial year.
Manukau Water has reviewed its waste water tariff structure and Council is seeking approval to amend the tariff structure to:
Promote conservation and sustainability (by introducing a part-volumetric charge i.e. user pays)
Be equitable and affordable across all customers (by removing cross-subsidies between categories of user)
Correctly recover costs of operation
Preserve the company’s cashflow
Be easy to implement and collect (by being transparent and accountable so that customers understand that the tariff equates to usage and actual costs of provision)
There are four categories of customer: residential, community, businesses, businesses that are trade waste customers of Watercare Services Ltd.
The recommended tariff structure is a hybrid, two-part fixed and variable wastewater tariff structure for all customers, implemented over a four year period. The fixed annual charge will end up as $215 for all categories of customer. The variable charge will be levied on all waste water and will (in 2008 figures) end up as $1.35m³ for residential customers at 75% of intake, $2.60m³ for community customers, $2.60m³ for businesses, $1.35m³ for trade waste businesses.
The current consultation being undertaken by Manukau City Council (the sole shareholder of Manukau Water) is to gain community feedback on the proposed tariff structure and whether a four-year or ten-year implementation period should be used.
As a business, you are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Annual Plan Hearings.
This is the first time that a full analysis of the pricing regime has been made with regard to the five principles identified above. The analysis has identified that 6,000 business clients are subsidising 95,000 residential clients by 24% as well as subsidising the community and trade waste clients. The pricing regime was set by Manukau City Council as they set up Manukau Water and has been shown in the report to be based on inadequate and flawed information.
The current tariff structure was implemented overnight and business has paid this huge impost for the entire time since Manukau Water was set up. To rectify the error at a single stroke (i.e. immediate rather than staged implementation of the new tariff) would add approximately $0.08 (yes, eight cents) daily to the average residential user.
The Inquiry into Local Authority Funding which reported back to the Government in August 2007 contained 96 recommendations for future funding of Local Authority activities in New Zealand. It had specific recommendations which inform the decision-making process for setting waste water charges in Manukau: that waste water charges be charged by volumetric charging (recommendation 7); that rating differentials be removed from the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 (recommendation 8);that actual and reasonable cost recovery for water supply and waste water on a volumetric basis be encouraged (recommendation 30).
Suggested basic text of submission to Annual Plan process:
As a business consumer of water and waste water services in Manukau City I submit that, of the published options included in the Draft Annual Plan 2008/9, Council choose Option Two for the charging of waste water services.
It is noted that, even so, small business continues to subsidise for four years all other consumers of waste water services. This is an unacceptable impost upon small business in the city.
It is submitted that Council move immediately to a UAC of $215 and a volumetric charge of $2.60m3 for all non-residential users.
(Please add any further points you wish to make on your own analysis of the issues.)
For more information contact:
Dirk Hudig: Howick Water Users Group hudigfam@xtra.co.nz,
Elspeth Mount: GETBA elspeth.mount@gmail.com or phone 021 537 114
Coralee Carr Coralee@GETBA.org.nz for form to email your submission
The number of submissions is just as important as what we say – please encourage all businesses to make their own submission. You do not need to be the ratepayer to make the submission, tenants have the right to submit.
Closing date for submissions is: 4.45 pm 18th April 2008
Address for submissions is:
Annual Plan Coordinator
Freepost 102192
Private Bag 76917
Manukau City
or fax: 09 262 5737 or email: councilplan@manukau.govt.nz
Feb 14, 2008
GETBA February Breakfast Minutes
Thanks to Matrix Security for patrolling the car park during breakfast. They have since rung our office to say that there was a suspicious character looking to break a car window at one stage. They chased him but did not apprehend. However, it was noted that a number of cars had wallets, laptops and other valuables left in clear view - a grand invitation to the thieves of this world!!
Welcome: 126 members including representatives from Councillors Maggie Burrill and Dick Quax (MCC), Bill Burrill (ARC), Senior Sergeant Mike Stopforth and Sergeant Mike Wharepouri from the NZ Police.
Speaker: Len Brown, Mayor of Manukau. Len Brown represents the first new Mayor of Manukau in the business life of many of us, as his predecessor was in office for 24 years. Len grew up in Manukau from the age of seven and has devoted much of his adult life to the city as a lawyer and partner in Wynyard Wood’s East Tamaki office, as a City Councillor and as an advocate for youth development. What we asked Len to address this morning was his vision for the city and in particular for the business and industrial ratepayers of Manukau.
His Worship acknowledged the many people in the room who were active in East Tamaki and looked back to 1991 when he convinced his fellow partners in his city law firm to open a branch in East Tamaki. At the time, the area was in deep recession but the vision was based on the demographic promise of the area, especially the proximity of a potential workforce at all levels of operations: this was an area in which there were fortunes to be made! And since then the area has grown exponentially, most recently with the development of Highbrook. But there are issues and a major one is the skills gap and the need for education especially technical education. Ten to 15% of New Zealand’s GDP comes from East Tamaki and this warrants major investment.
There are also social issues: in council surveys, it is identified that a negative view of South Auckland can dissuade business from locating here. Graffiti is a visible sign of anti-social behaviour and elements: this needs to be a focus and, under the chairmanship of Cr. Dick Quax, is being well-addressed. Business needs to be part of the solution and buy into a commitment to remove any graffiti within 24 hours. The example of New York has real application in New Zealand. The bill currently before Parliament and further nationwide legislation will be critical tools in dealing with this issue.
Some of the issues members have sought action on from Council are: 1. The Smales Road upgrade: this is currently underway and while the current work is not as extensive as sought, it is a start.
2. The Highbrook Connector is a brilliant piece of engineering and is currently carrying 35000 vehicles per day of a projected potential of 70,000 (when all the adjoining infrastructure is in place.)
3. Water/waste water charges are under review and a consultation document will be issued next month for reporting in April and action in May. The issues for the few large water users are complex and not easy to resolve.
4. Building Warrants of Fitness and Consents: it is acknowledged that MCC charges are at the high end of local charges and that compliance times are not yet up to speed: MCC is “not quite there” yet. These areas are all under review.
Questions from the floor asked the mayor to comment on literacy issues, youth involvement in drugs and gangs, the sealing of residential roads with rough chip and the issue of collecting recyclables from the business community as well as from residential properties.
On the issue of youth problems, Len spoke of the huge hope the youth of our city present. Ninety nine per cent of them are not in trouble and responsibility for the behaviour of young people needs to be dealt with in our own neighbourhoods and homes: in the Brown household, there is a rule “Not in this house!” Most successful families employ a variant of this rule which sets clear and understood boundaries for family behaviours: the great need is to get this message into failing families and change their culture.
Since this address, the GETBA office has received several calls from members saying how impressed they were with the mayor’s address and his grasp of issues and openness to feedback. GETBA is keen to take up his offer to return next year and tell us further of progress that has been made.
Sponsor: Peter Dufaur General Manager Development of Goodman – developers and managers of the Highbrook Business Park. When GETBA was incorporated in 1994, the development of a third crossing of the Tamaki Estuary at Highbrook was one of our founding aims and objectives. The development of the Waiouru Peninsula was, and is still, seen as a great thing for East Tamaki as a whole. We have followed the development of Highbrook with great interest over the years and have been keenly involved in supporting the management whenever the opportunity arose. We have a growing number of members in the Business Park and today are delighted that one of those members, Goodman, agreed to sponsor this meeting. Peter outlined the development to date with progress running several years ahead of projected levels and a completion date of around 7-8 years from now.
Major international companies are locating to Highbrook with a far higher than anticipated emphasis on suburban office locations. The quality of the environment and the sustainable building practices are further reasons for Highbrook’s popularity. The three sets of power transmission lines are due for undergrounding (two) or resiting on monopoles (one) by April of this year – a major visual improvement for the area. The original vision of a “business town” is nearing realization with the development of service and shopping precincts.
As always for a presentation from Highbrook, there was real interest in the development. Members are welcome to visit the Goodman team at their management office on Business Precinct South at The Crossings.
Members Moment: Foundation Business Software- Matthew Roscoe: This small local company specializes in developing company-specific software solutions for clients from all around New Zealand and in Australia. Software is always expensive so customized software, although expensive, may well be the critical competitive edge that makes your business shine. Take the example of the America’s Cup where all the teams race in ostensibly similar yachts but will spend tens of millions to create a small area of advantage: your software solutions may well be the way in which your company can create that advantage over your competitors. Obligation-free consultations available.
Coralee: Neighbourhood Support and Security Update: We’ve had some notable security successes via our email network since Christmas but Coralee’s computer is feeling its age and we need to purchase a new laptop for her. We would welcome any approach from members to sponsor this purchase. Please contact Coralee or Elspeth if you can help.
Member’s Moment: Highbrook Office Supplies – Melanie Hancock Sales Representative: Situated on Allens Road, Highbrook Office Supplies is a small independent operator which can offer personalized service and good prices to business clients. The company has been in business for two years and has a growing client base in East Tamaki (including the GETBA Office). We will source product for you.
General business:
1. Thanks to Select Industrial for their super water bottles.
2. Anyone interested in sponsorship and or members’ moments, please contact Coralee or Elspeth.
3. There are profile opportunities from (in order of receipt) The Eastern Courier, The New Zealand Herald and The Times Group: watch this space for details.
4. If your business is interested in recycling plastic and glass bottles, cans and newspapers etc please drop Coralee or Elspeth an email (follow-up to a question to the mayor).
Next Meeting: Wednesday 16th April at Headin’ Home Bar and Grill 7.30 am
Nov 16, 2007
Members Breakfast Minutes from 14th November 2007
Present were approximately 100 members and visitors.
Thanks to Matrix Security for security in the car park this morning and to Headin’ Home Bar and Grill where a new chef produced an excellent breakfast.
Apology: Phil Clarke
Guests: John Walley CEO Manufacturing Exporters’ Association, Sergeant Mike Wharepouri, MCC Councillor Maggie Burrill, ARC Councillor Bill Burrill
Remembering Neil: Councillor Neil Morrison who was a great supporter of GETBA and who attended virtually every one of our breakfasts, died suddenly last month. We honour his memory and convey our sympathy to his wife and family.
Retiring Treasurer: A presentation was made to Ian Papworth, GETBA Treasurer for his contribution to GETBA over the past 11 years. Our new Treasurer David Lindsay of Lindsay and Associates was introduced and welcomed.
The Chairman Elspeth Mount presented the Annual Report. Click here to view (Word Document).
The Treasurer Ian Papworth presented the Financial Report
The Secretary Henry Jansen conducted the Election of Officers: there was no requirement for an election as all committee members were available for re-election apart from the Treasurer and there was just one nomination for that role, David Lindsay, who was duly elected. It was agreed not to appoint an Auditor for the next financial year.
Sponsor: Bullet Freight - Dean Ruscoe CEO dean@bulletfreight.co.nz or 271 4030 Dean Ruscoe and his team at Bullet Freight provide a professional high-end nation-wide freight service specializing in movement of bulk freight. They provide a fast and reliable service right throughout New Zealand. Now a multi million company based in Trugood Drive, East Tamaki they focus on shipping palletised freight and multiple cartons only. But check out their website www.bulletfreight.co.nz to get an overview of the services Bullet Freight provide and see why they have gained an enviable reputation as a high service provider. Clients become business partners who are assisted to grow their businesses by receiving an excellent freight service which is all about getting the basics right, delivering freight on time and in good condition. And with Bullet's impressive KPI's for successful deliveries and extremely low damages, they certainly live up to their reputation in the market
Feature Speaker: Laurie Margrain Criterion Furniture Laurie spoke with 20 years of CEO, Director and Chairman experience and years prior to that in sales and marketing: all with manufacturing exporters including Masport, Skellerup, NZ Insulators, A&G Price, Criterion and others. You can click here to view the whole presentation (Word Document). Here are some points that the 100 or so members present found challenging:
• Conditions for doing business today are better than they have been at any time in the past 20 years.
• We cannot have a strong economy and a weak dollar – get used to it!
• If we do not export we will never raise the standard of living in NZ.
• We need to create competitive advantage: sourcing is getting easier but the route to market is still one area where we can excel.
• In the end we are the ones in business and we can and do control our own destiny
• If you’re not having fun, give it away!
Member’s moment – Xtreme Marketing - Daryl and Andy Donaldson specialise in gifts for small to medium businesses with no minimum orders on products. We were all able to experience the superb quality of product by the delicious chocolate left in front of us at the breakfast. Check their website www.xtrememarketing.co.nz or phone them on 271 4817.
Crime update: Coralee Carr Coralee began by thanking the committee for their hard work during the year and a special thanks to Elspeth Mount for her contribution. Although this time of the year is traditionally busy for thieves, our crime statistics over the past few weeks appear to be a wee bit lower than they have been over past months. There is an ongoing need to remind your staff to ensure they approach everyone they see onsite with a pleasant “can I help you” approach to ensure those who shouldn’t be there know they have been noticed. The information we are receiving is passed on to the police, security managers and other members where appropriate, so please keep this information coming in.
Members moment – Mach 8 Leasing – Richard Watling offers IT Business Integration and equipment leasing solutions. Mach8 is an innovative computer leasing and networking company based locally, whose team of highly trained professionals can respond quickly to your requirements and can put together a competitive deal on almost any item or brand of computer, network, or electronic office equipment. Call Richard on 272 4616 or email info@mach8.co.nz to design a cost effective solution that meets your business needs for one low monthly rental. Website www.mach8.co.nz
Notices: The Botany Crime watch Patrol group of volunteers have recently moved into an office at Botany Town Centre and while they are extremely grateful for donations from the Police, Microsoft and others, they urgently require computer equipment and a few pieces of office furniture to get them up and going more efficiently. If you have anything that might be useful for them please contact Dick Marshall dmarshall@woosh.co.nz or 021 289 5131.
Next GETBA Breakfast Meeting will be held on Wednesday 13th February 2008 and His Worship the Mayor, Len Brown will be our feature speaker.
Oct 25, 2007
October Newsletter
Waste water: Manukau Water is asking users to let them know how they feel about charges including waste water charges... please take the time to log on to the Manukau Water website, read the review information and respond to Manukau Water. GETBA has already done so but the responses of over 600 businesses individually as well would be a powerful message: www.manukauwater.co.nz/News%20Updates/tariff_review.htm
Container transfers: the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit (CVIU) and local police have been active recently in issuing infringement notices to trucks illegally transferring containers on the road. The fines are substantial and the police have indicated that they are keeping a watch on this activity in our area. If you are affected by this practice, you may email Coralee (Coralee@GETBA.org.nz ) to get a fax form which can be filled in and faxed directly to the police to notify them of activity you consider dangerous.
AMETI: the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative is at an active consultation stage. All properties directly affected by the developments on Ti Rakau Drive, Trugood Drive and Cryers Road have been contacted by Opus Consultants but any business in East Tamaki is welcome to make a submission on the proposal. The following is a link to a summary of the current status of the project: http://www.ameti.co.nz/author/darren
GETBA AGM: will be held at our breakfast on November 14th. The breakfast is sponsored by Bullet Freight and has Laurie Margrain of Criterion Furniture as guest speaker. The AGM part of the meeting is generally not onerous.
If you wish to stand for the committee of nine members, please forward a nomination to Henry Jansen, Secretary (Secretary@GETBA.org.nz) at least two weeks prior to the AGM.
WANT an IT student to work in your business on a project: Web development; Programming; User support; Network support
Need help in any of the above areas? Don’t want to take on someone full time just yet? Would consider giving a student from your local polytechnic a chance to do some part time work while completing their studies?
MIT have students wanting to work for you to help you over your IT shortage. The students are at various levels, from just started to nearly finished, and would be available for 10 to 20 hours per week, more during the holidays. Interested? Contact Michael Thompson on 968 8765 ext 7463 or michael.thompson@manukau.ac.nz
Crime Reduction Strategy final stage: this project is due for completion in January and we are concentrating on developing the final areas of documentation for inclusion on the website. To see what is already there, log on to: www.getba.org.nz and enter CRS123 in the security info tag at the top left of the home page screen.
Youth crime and graffiti: the recent holidays and the longer evenings have seen an increase in petty crime and graffiti. Please do report all graffiti to MCC (contactus@manukau.govt.nz) or directly to barbara.carney@mbct.org.nz. The Manukau Beautification Trust does an excellent and prompt job of painting out graffiti: you provide the paint so it matches existing paintwork, they catalogue the tag (important for catching and charging the miscreants) and paint it out.
Elections –voting: Now the dust has settled and we have new mayors in four of the seven greater Auckland jurisdictions, it’s worth your while to consider registering for a vote as a ratepayer in East Tamaki as well as your residential vote. With well over 1000 properties in East Tamaki there is a real opportunity to have the voice of business heard in the electoral process. Email Coralee@GETBA.org.nz for details.
New Mayor: Len Brown grew up in Otara, lives in Manukau and until recently was a partner in the local office of Lawyers and Notaries Wynyard Wood. He has been a supporter of business and community organisations over many years. We wish him well and look forward to hearing what he has to offer us from Council. Calling All Exporters: If you are involved in exporting we’d like to list “EXPORTER” as one of the key words in your entry on the GETBA Website. Please email Coralee to update your entry (it’s a good idea to check your entry and update it anyway!)
One of our members has asked us to let interested members know of an important meeting for those involved in (or considering) exporting:
The New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (MEA) invites you to a presentation and discussion at 4pm on Tuesday 13 November at Criterion Furniture 18/21 Ron Driver Place, East Tamaki, Auckland .
John Walley, CEO of the MEA will present the background on the establishment of the MEA and why it is important for people in New Zealand to work hard and defend the tradable export sector. The MEA is a new (but old) independent and authentic voice for manufacturers and exporters. Only by increasing the complexity and diversity of our exports will New Zealand retain a place in the developed world. With support from exporters, manufacturers, unions, and individuals nationwide, the MEA will serve as the authentic and independent voice of manufacturers and exporters.
If you would like to attend this session please RSVP to trudydiggs@mea.org.nz by Wednesday 7 November, this will help us to finalise catering.
We look forward to seeing you. You will have links with other concerned manufacturers / exporters so please extend the invitation to them and ensure they RSVP.
Sep 28, 2007
Recent GETBA / MIT CBD Breakfast
Members Breakfast meeting Sept 19th 2007 held at Headin Home Bar and Grill
Apologies: Phil Clark, Linden Johnson Henry Jansen
Guests: Sergeant Mike Wharepouri Dirk Hudig, Howick Businesses Waste Water Users Group Marlon Bridge and Mark Reynolds
Sponsor: Manukau Institute of Technology, Centre for Business Development, (MIT CBD) cnr Highbrook Drive & Business Parade South, Highbrook.
Guest Speaker Address Dr Stuart Middleton, Jane Tongatule, Graeme McLennan, Ruth Peterson, Brian Benison and Jackie Read, from the Manukau Institute of Technology Centre for Business Development addressed the group explaining MIT CBD is now making its way to you in their new location at the CBD offices at The Crossing (corner of Highbrook Drive and Business Parade South) in the new Highbrook Business Park.
MIT is one of Manukau’s larger employers with over 1,000 staff. They are foundation members of GETBA and while they have always had a strong industry focus, the additional development of a Highbrook Business Centre and a Greenmount Drive Mechatronics Centre has made them even more accessible to our members.
Manukau Institute of Technology is “New Zealand’s largest Polytechnic that wants to be a Polytechnic “ and in addition to its three Otara campuses and East Tamaki facilities, has a motor sport facility at Pukekohe and nine class rooms around the Manukau region for teaching computer skills. In conjunction with AUT and Manukau City Council, MIT is developing a new tertiary campus at MCC centre. Click here for details on what they offer in their new CBD offices in Highbrook.
Members Moments: Royal Wolf Containers are offered to businesses to either buy or leaseThey can be used as chillers, freezers, archive storage, temporary storage for extra stock up till Christmas. Special offer to GETBA members that includes a lock box and heavy duty padlock with every container. Contact Lionel Flashman on 966 0362 to discuss your needs
Launchpad Heather Trought – develops, trains, and supplies young people between 16 and 19 years of age to work in the businesses administration area of commercial companies. Advantage to businesses is that these young people may be trained at MIT through a business scholarship for one year at Level 3. We encourage you to visit their website for more information www.launchpad.org.nz
DAW Ltd – Dave Wylie Business Consultancy and mentoring – talked about “Experience on tap”. Dave has a wealth of experience and tremendous success in helping businesses to move up a gear. Contact him on…534 4844
Neighbourhood Support and Security Update – Coralee Carr presented an overview on crime statistics comparing the past 5 years to the year to date. Good news and bad news but coming up to Xmas we need to be really vigilant in revisiting our security systems and planning over the period up to Christmas. We invite you to check out the security section of our website for information and advice on security issues. Password CRS123. We welcome feedback from you on the usefulness of the information already there and any ideas on more information you would find useful.
We are continuing with the Crime Reduction Strategy project over the next 4 or 5 months. It is our aim to ensure our members are fully informed purchasers, understanding the risks involved with their own business, in order to ensure the services they purchase will fully cover their requirements.
It is our intention to provide our members with guidelines on this with the ability to include measurable performance indicators. We will also put effort into producing guidelines that will assist with decision making and performance monitoring.
Notices
·Thanks to Matrix security for providing security in the car park during our meeting.
A big welcome to new members
Information on tables from Highbrook Office Supplies at Astill Hawke Business Centre on Allens Road. Good selection of 2008 diaries now available
Business network golf on Thursday mornings – contact Coralee if interested
Vacant unit for immediate lease in Newark Place. If interested call Theo on 021 58 8886
The Manukau City Council call centre welcomes your queries about lighting problems, broken footpaths, graffiti etc by email on contactus@manukau.govt.nz. They will acknowledge your email with a case number. If you find that you are not getting the action required, please don’t hesitate to forward their acknowledgement with your original request to Coralee@getba.org.nz and we will follow it up on your behalf.
Manukau Water Waste water charges address – Marlon Bridge and Mark Reynolds
Questions asked included:
1.Can you guarantee that your consultation program will be treated separately from the LCCTP? Answer – There will be a special consultation
2.How are you addressing the fact that most councillors spoken to by business owners about the waste water charges do not appear to be fully informed of the situation as it is. Answer – Councillors were offered training in July and the new Councillors elected in October will be given up to date training
3.Wouldn’t it be of greater advantage to consumers to only have one body looking over all the Auckland’s water requirements? Answer – not really because Manukau is one of the lower charging bodies and is run more efficiently than their counterparts and Manukau, as the newest body with the youngest assets, may well subsidise the rest of Auckland
4.How can you justify charging approx $1,000 per year for units that are 1 -2 person operations. This is not any encouragement to small businesses in Manukau. Answer – Manukau Water acknowledges that some smaller business owners are up to $350 per year worse off than they were under the previous regime, but many are now much better off .
5.What is the ration for incoming water against waste water in a business Answer – I cubic meter water to .6 cu metre waste water
6.How much water is utilised compared to the amount charged for waste water? Answer – It is a ratio of 4 :1 but the costs are much higher to collect and treat waste water. Incoming water is gravity fed but wastewater is heavier and therefore needs to be pumped along.
7.Would metering the waste water be more cost effective for all? Answer – initially there would be added cost to set up the meters, but it is one of the options being considered at present.
8.Do schools pay for their water Answer – they receive rebates on their water
9.Who paid for the CEO’s trip to the Cook Islands Answer – Cook Islands Government.
Marlon and Mark offered to answer any further questions given to them through GETBA by email and would stay around to answer one to one after the breakfast. If you have questions about waste water charges, please forward them to Coralee@GETBA.org.nz.
Next GETBA meeting is our AGM on Wednesday 14th November.
Sep 5, 2007
Emirates Projects and Tenders Notification Service
An opportunity to keep abreast with the latest information on tenders and projects in the United Arab Emirates.
The time spent searching for a new business opportunity is limited to the time it takes to go through the extensive Emirates Tenders real time projects & tenders database.
Member Benefits:
Complete access to our detailed real time database on all projects, tenders and enquiries in the United Arab Emirates which are updated on a daily basis. (Details provided are: Project Number, Project Name, Territory, Client, Client Address, Description, Invitation Date, Post Date, Closing Date, Tender Cost, Budget, Contractors, Consultants, Tender Categories, Status, Remarks) where applicable.
A powerful search engine designed to facilitate easy retrieval of information in accordance with yourspecific requirement(s). (New keyword search tool introduced.)
Contact details for Clients, Consultants, Contractors, MEP’s, Architects, etc available for ongoing projects.
E-mail notification on preferred areas of business.
Create your own Industry & Country project Report and export to Excel.
Territory and Category-wise weekly downloadable & printablArchive of more then 17,500 projects and tenders from United Arab Emirates.
In-depth coverage and information about projects and tenders are available from various countries in the following packages: Country Website Annual Fees: United Arab Emirates www.EmiratesTenders.com 500 USD; Entire Middle East (14 countries) www.MiddleeastTenders.com 1000 USD
More information can be found at. support@middleeasttenders.com , Tel: +971 2 - 6348495 or Fax: +971 2 - 6316465
Aug 24, 2007
August members' Newsletter
Welcome to our newsletter for August. As we go to press, the Kiwi dollar has fallen somewhat, bringing relief to exporters and concern to importers and consumers.
The long-serving Mayor of Manukau, Sir Barry Curtis, has announced he is not standing in the upcoming elections. Sir Barry has a formidable grasp of local authority issues and has been a supporter of GETBA and the business community of East Tamaki. We wish him well for the future (it’s hard to think it will be a retirement!)
Container Swapping: This is an ongoing issue for businesses in East Tamaki, both those who need to get containers in and out of their own premises and those whose safe use of the roads is impeded by on-street transfers. Freight companies struggle daily with arranging the safe transfer of containers within the law.
The law is quite clear: transfers should take place on the premises of the company they are being transferred to or from. When a consent is issued for a commercial or industrial building the consent process includes a requirement for such activities to be provided for on site.
For whatever reason, there are significant numbers of transfers taking place on the street, generally causing disruption and concern to businesses adjacent to the transfer site. GETBA has been involved in trying to solve these situations over the past 18 months or so and the Police have been helpful in explaining the legal situation to all concerned.
Our latest recommendation from the Otara police is this:If you are a business which is inconvenienced by an illegal street transfer of a container outside your premises and
-your driveway is blocked
-traffic is impeded in using the road
-you feel threatened in any way by the driver of a truck
THEN IMMEDIATELY PHONE 111 AND REPORT THE INCIDENT. Information required includes the address and time, the registration and company name of the truck, a photo of the transfer if possible.
While the police may not be able to respond immediately, they will log the call and will dispatch a car if one is available.
GETBA will continue to seek the provision of sites for the legal transfer of containers within East Tamaki.
Council charges - a letter from a member: We have received a copy of a letter to the CEO of MCC from a member, Malcolm Anderson. Malcolm identifies some of the more onerous and insupportable imposts on small business in Manukau. He has given us permission to reprint his letter in full. Feedback is welcome! (Note: the letter will be added to the website separately from this newsletter)
MCC Contact Centre: While the GETBA Office is happy to pursue matters on behalf of members, it is often more satisfactory and resolution is more immediate if members call the MCC Contact Centre and log their concern directly with them. Street signs missing, potholes, road-cleaning requests, street light outages, abandoned cars, graffiti, stray dogs : these are all matters which the Call Centre deals with efficiently and promptly. Call 262 5104 (24 hours)
Networking Golf Mornings: The first Thursday of every month at 8.30am you are welcome to join a growing group of enthusiastic amateurs at the Firmount Golf Club for a nine-hole round with a chat and tips from Jan Higgins, Club Professional to start and a cup of coffee to conclude. Just turn up at 8.30: cost $20 and clubs are available for rent if you don’t have your own.
Rates: those of you who own your business premises will have received your rates demand for 2007/8. If you have any concerns on this and/or feel it fails to reflect the removal of waste water charges from the general rates demand GETBA is keen to hear from you. What we need in order to make representation on your behalf is: a photocopy of the rates demand for last year and this year so a comparison can be made. If you don’t wish to do this as a separate communication, our subscription renewal form asks for you to note your rates bill on it so we can collate data on the level of rates in East Tamaki – just take a moment to complete that section as you renew your subscription!
Research project: *What employers are looking for….* You may receive in the mail over the next week a request to take part in a survey of what employers are seeking in entry level employees. It is an excellent down-to-earth project and GETBA supports it in terms of the opportunity it offers for your views to be presented in a wider forum. The researcher is Jim Barnes of Manukau Institute of Technology (jim.barnes@manukau.ac.nz ).
Recyclables in business areas: One of our members has contacted GETBA asking why MCC does not collect recyclables such as milk bottles from the commercial ratepayers of Manukau City. On investigation, we find that Auckland City does collect from business ratepayers and that it is planned to combine recycling between ACC and MCC from next July. We see no reason to expect business ratepayers to be any less responsible recyclers than residential ratepayers – after all we are most of us in both categories! Any feedback?
September Meeting: Another of the new businesses in Highbrook, the Centre for Business Development at Manukau Institute of Technology is sponsoring our September Breakfast. Come and hear what they plan for this new venture. All the usual extras: Members’ Moments, News – and of course a great breakfast and the opportunity to network with fellow members.
Survey: At our last breakfast you had the opportunity to prioritise the services of GETBA that you found most useful. Briefly the Members’ Breakfasts, information via the Website, meetings and emails, representing businesses at local and regional level, the website for general information and as a local directory, networking opportunities and security information, advice and support all rated very highly.
Voting in the Local Body Elections: please be aware that business ratepayers are entitled to a vote in the Local Body Elections in October. To qualify for a vote you need to enrol as a “ratepayer elector”. GETBA has forms and is happy to assist with this process. The turnout for elections in Manukau are notoriously low and this means that even 600 ratepayer votes from East Tamaki could be significant in the overall results. It’s your right – make it your responsibility!
Waste Water Review Working Party: Manukau Water is convening a review panel to meet at the end of August to review the waste water charges in Manukau. GETBA is part of this as are other business groups which have been campaigning for the urgent downward review of base level charges for business accounts. We’ll keep you posted on results.
MEMBERS NOTICES Company looking for space: Heirloom International Ltd is looking for 2000 to 3000 sq ft of long term storage space in the Ra Ora Drive area. The products to be stored will be full pallets up to 2 meters high. For further information please contact John on 274 4443.
Chinese language course for business people: Manukau Institute of Technology runs these courses locally. The next one starts September 5th and runs for 10 Wednesday evenings. Phone 0800 11 10 30
Pacific Migrants Quota programme from Department of Labour: Name: John Hellesoe Phone: 09 9703907 "Greetings, could you please bring to the attention of your members, who may be looking for hardworking suitable staff, about the Pacific Migrant quota whereby a NZ employer can recruit directly from Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Kiribati for workers. I will be more than happy to discuss this fully with interested employers."
Warehouse vacancy:This position is a full time role in a Warehouse situation. Hours are 8 – 5.30pm. Forklift licence desirable but not essential. Previous warehouse experience preferred. Free on and offsite parking is available. Hourly rate may be negotiable for the ‘right’ person. Friendly team environment and uniform provided.
For more information please contact Angela on 274 3340.
Aug 2, 2007
2007 Westpac Manukau Business Award Category Nominees
An online bookseller, a growing scrap metal business and the council’s dog control contractors all feature in this year’s line up of finalists in the 2007 Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards. Local winners are highlighted. Excellence in Customer Services
Catch Restaurant/Guada Fiesta Bar
DSS Animal Management
Grange Lodge
Ray White – Manurewa
EMA Excellence in Manufacturing & Services
IBEX Group
Jakaar Industries
Metalman New Zealand
Wiri Licensing Trust Best Emerging Business
International Travel College of New Zealand
Liquid Health
Excellence in Small Business
Grange Lodge
Ray White – Manurewa
South Pacific Loans
Excellence in Exporting
Fishpond.co.nz
IBEX Group
Jakaar Industries
Cogita Excellence in Innovation & Strategy
Catch Restaurant/Guada Fiesta Bar
DSS Animal Management
Fishpond.co.nz
Works Infrastructure
Auckland International Airport Excellence in Tourism - Visitor Services
Grange Lodge
International Travel College of New Zealand
Prenzel of Whitford
Brookfield Lawyers Employer of Choice
Catch Restaurant/Guada Fiesta Bar
DSS Animal Management
International Travel College of New Zealand
Ray White – Manurewa
Solomon Group
Works Infrastructure Ltd
ACC Workplace Safety Award
Linfox Logistics (NZ)
Manukau Community Foundation Business Contribution to Community Nominees
Tina Taylor – Digital & Printing Solutions
Evan Wheeler – Rainbow’s End Theme Park
Kimberly-Clark New Zealand
Allan, Diane and Andrew Wallace – Firmount Golf Park
Jul 23, 2007
Some key points from Jack Hayes, Risk Assessment Manager
Some key points from Jack Hayes, Risk Assessment Manager
Many purchasing decisions are being made emotively, not based on risk assessment.
Risk based on likely frequency of your being burgled and the impact of this to your business should be determined by you, and then discussed with your insurance broker, to gain the best result.
Appropriate measures can be installed over a period of years in a layered approach, making adjustments as appropriate.
The higher the risk the more layers you will require to lengthen the amount of time it takes to remove property from your premises. Eg lightweight high value products should be made harder to access
Burglar alarms would be most effective if integrated with lights and CCTV. They can be used for more things, such as monitoring cameras, refrigeration, air conditioning, hot processes, switchboards, smoke detection etc.
There are equally good reasons for using either integrated or separate, installers and patrol companies. Consider carefully which one would suit you best.
Consider carefully the real value of regular patrols. Good reasons for these are: if you need your property secured at end of night shift or particularly high value goods on your premises need protection; consider securing them out of sight.
Check the expected response time and test it from time to time, then work out the amount of goods that could be removed from your premises in that time, then decide if that is acceptable.
Consider carefully what benefit there is in giving a security company keys to your premises. In many instances if the alarm is sounded then the guard checking out then contacting you to attend could be the best and safest result.
CCTV cameras will only ever be a record of past happenings; they will not halt a burglary. If visible, they may deter.
Performance management is key! (GETBA CRS is currently working on ways to support local business in the management performance area)
Jul 20, 2007
Relevant laws from Snr Sgt Andrew Berry
5.3(5)a of the LTNZ Guide to heavy vehicle management states:
Loading facilities: Appropriately sized off-road facilities should be provided for loading and unloading heavy vehicles, particularly large trucks (and trailers). Adequate loading/unloading docks or space for forklifts or cranes to operate should be installed clear of general highway or road traffic (including cyclists and pedestrians). This is particularly important if the site is a generator of light vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian traffic. Reference can be made to AS 2890.2–2002 Parking facilities part 2: Off-street commercial vehicle facilities.
It is an offence to park or stop where you obstruct or block traffic. This includes double parking where other vehicles have to cross the centre line to pass your vehicle.
It is also an offence to stop or park your vehicle where it blocks a driveway, or where it's placement is considered 'dangerous' or 'inconsiderate' to any other road users.
Offences range from double parking ($60) or inconsiderate parking ($150) through to inconsiderate use of a motor vehicle which carries a Court appearance and a maximum $3000 fine - the Court can also order a disqualification should it deem the issue. There is also avenue for Police to prosecute for dangerous driving which carries a mandatory disqualification if repeat offending by drivers was observed.
Fork Hoists cannot be used on the footpath, or road unless the operator carries an 'F' endorsement, and the forkhoist is registered and up to warrant of fitness standard. Both the Land Transport Act 1998 and Occupational Health and Safety have means to prosecute for this offence.
Section 66 of the Crimes Act 1961 makes it an offence for:
anyone to aid/abet/incite or be a party to an offence, so
if one was to container swap - then both would be considered committing the offence and would be ticketable.
Jun 27, 2007
June 2007 GETBA Newsletter
Next Breakfast Meeting: do make a note in your diary that our next breakfast meeting is Wednesday 18th July at 7.30 am at Headin’ Home Bar and Grill. Our guest speaker is Jack Hayes, Risk Management Consultant and ex-SAS man. Jack is speaking on the topic: What are you buying and how do you know it works – an evaluation of external security services.
Thanks to Icon Security for providing the carpark security for this meeting.
Container swapping: We continue to have members notify us of dangerous and illegal on-street container swapping operations. While we can speak to the drivers and the companies they are delivering to or picking up from, this doesn’t seem to deter the hardcore offenders. If you observe a container swapping operation on the street your best bet is to call the Otara Police 272 0901 and ask for Constable Andrew Readings who is the Traffic Constable for East Tamaki. As it is primarily a traffic offence rather than an offence against Council By-laws, this is your best move.
Waste Water charges: this is an issue which is being scrutinized at national, regional and local level. Clearly the furore over Metrowater waste water charges in Auckland City has attracted the attention of a Select Committee of Parliament and the notification by the regional Watercare Services of serious hikes in charges is also of grave concern. In Manukau, the City Council has voted to raise the already iniquitous basic charge of $950 per business unit to $1040 per business unit despite Manukau Water having presented a range of alternative pricing regimes which align charges much more closely to usage and have a starting point of between $268 and $475 for business customers. Council have agreed to a working party bringing down a recommendation by December on the overall structure of charges for waste water in Manukau. GETBA have been notified that we are to be part of this working party.
KiwiSaver:www.sorted.org.nz has a section of its website for employers where you are given good, unbiased advice.
AMETI: The Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative is the proposed outcome of years of discussion on transport in the area. It specifically addresses the Glen Innes to Botany and beyond to the Manukau CBD areas. There are a number of quite major measures to improve traffic flows in the Ti Rakau Drive, South Eastern Highway, Pakuranga Highway areas. Visit www.ameti.co.nz or phone 0800 4 AMETI if you have a question about the project or the consultation process.
Building Warrants of Fitness: Manukau City Council continue to rack up the charges for these. GETBA is concerned that the Council charges effectively duplicate those paid by individual businesses for the actual inspection undertaken by professional IQPs. While there may have been justification for a higher charge in year one to set up the system to record the data, there is no justification to charge the same high rate (currently proposed as $26 base fee plus $37 for each item checked) in subsequent years. Contact Elspeth at GETBA (phone 021 537 114 or email chair@getba.org.nz ) if you have concerns about this.
Opportunity for sponsorship???: just testing the water here – if you would be interested in sponsoring the bi-monthly newsletter or if you hold strong views either way on the issue of sponsorship, please contact Elspeth chair@getba.org.nz
Casual on-call staff available: with winter ills you may be interested in an offer from a local office administrator who is available on Mondays or Tuesdays. Phone Charmaine Cole 09 534 2504
All the best from the GETBA team – and GO Team NZ!!!!
May 16, 2007
May Breakfast Minutes
MINUTES OF GETBA MEMBERS BREAKFAST 9th May 2007
Chairman Elspeth Mount welcomed around 90 attendees and guests and thanked Matrix security for their carpark security during the breakfast and Headin’ Home Bar and Grill for the venue and breakfast.
GETBA Breakfast meetings are a two-monthly opportunity for members to meet and network: to meet other manufacturers and commercial colleagues in the East Tamaki Industrial area and to keep abreast of issues of interest to the manufacturing community. The association seeks to present speakers on a range of issues: local, regional and national issues are canvassed over the year and each breakfast we report on the activities of the Infrastructure and Crime Reduction committees and projects as well as reporting on the monthly Committee meetings.
Apologies: Robyn McCulloch Director Organisational Performance MCC
Guests: Rick Walden (Director Economic Development for MCC)
Please note that the MCC Directors have expressed interest in attending our breakfast meetings and are keen to develop a close relationship with GETBA. Ian Maxwell, Director Community, will attend our July meeting.
Programme:
Bruce Harland: Manager Design and Development Flatbush Town Centre developmentFlatbush is a bold greenfields development which is planned to add 40000 new people to the population of Manukau by 2015.
Bruce has been involved in the whole concept pretty much from the beginning. With the development so visible now it seemed appropriate to ask Bruce to speak to us about where it is all going and when….
The concept began in 1997 and incorporated best practice elements of town planning and city design. The integrated development of commercial centre, arts and leisure focus, schools as a community focus and resource, leisure (both passive and active) as available to all: all these elements are combined with a housing plan that emphasizes both high and medium density areas, proximity of regional centres within five minutes walking distance from home, cycleways and walking paths along with transport and vehicle systems that are people-friendly.
Green space and revegetation are critical to the development with a great focus on Barry Curtis Park, currently in year three of a ten year development plan which integrates options for safe outdoor activities with high density living and proximity to the commercial centre of town.
Entry to Flatbush is from Ormiston Road via a major four lane bridge which brings a sense of place and pride to the development. This is scheduled for completion in March 2008.
Member’s Moment: Smart Office Solutions Ltd. 169/7B Harris Road: This local company provides a total service and support package for your office equipment. Johnny Babajan offers a really keen price on new printers and excellent after-sales service on all equipment. Email jbabajan@smartoffice.co.nz or phone 273 4001.
Bill Sole, Head of Manufacturing Department of Manukau Institute of Technology : Upcoming Managers’ Breakfast sponsored by Maintenance and Reliability Centre, MITTraining is often seen as a cost rather than an investment, rarely more so than when it involves training frontline staff in a manufacturing environment. The transformation of industry over the past twenty years has left most companies with a significant skills deficit in their staff: few have a dedicated maintenance section, few have formal apprenticeship and tradesperson programmes in place and in many cases management is at a significant remove from the production facility (either geographically or in terms of shared expertise and understanding of the operation.) Most industries require operational staff to monitor quality systems and notify management of potential problems in the production process. Yet those same staff members have rarely been trained to recognize problems or troubleshoot production issues. They are rarely au fait with quality systems or preventative maintenance techniques. Despite this, such staff are generally keen to do a good job and are eager to take on responsibility for the first-line management of the production process. There are excellent ground level training and development programmes in maintenance and reliability – an opportunity to check these out and hear how your business can run better is being offered at MIT on Friday 1st June at CHATS Restaurant on campus at Gate 13 or 14 Alexandra Crescent Otara. To see the invite please click here. Members are most welcome to attend (contact: sarah.santry@manukau.ac.nz or phone.Sarah on 968 8652 to register.) The aim of the breakfast is to encourage managers who may not specifically be engineers to check out the programmes available to make their production more efficient and effective. See also www.manukau.ac.nz/shortcourses
Member’s moment: Icon Signs Icon Signs from Neil Park Drive have recently won two significant awards for their work. They can design a company look and produce every element of company signage for you. Contact them on sales@icon.co.nz or phone 274 6100 and ask for Michael Jackson-Potter.
Notices:
1. Draft Annual Plan submissions were made on a range of topics (see website for details)
2. Waste Water charges: volumetric tariffs have been proposed which may provide a significantly fairer tariff regime for business and residential users alike. Discussions continue.
3. Infrastructure: Smales Road: Work should commence this winter on the realignment of the Firths Corner.
4. AMETI information day: The development of the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) Has an excellent solution to the Trugood Cryers intersection: only problem is that it is currently scheduled for late in the development. See www.ameti.co.nz for details
5. Manukau Matters: MCC is now using this newsletter as its primary vehicle for informing ratepayers of council decisions, activities, projects and events. If you are not getting a copy of this twice a month either in your PO Box or at home if you are a resident as well as an industrial ratepayer, then you are missing out on vital information. Please check that whoever clears your PO Box brings Manukau Matters back to your desk. MCC has been alerted to issues of non-receipt and is seeking to improve the situation. In the meantime, GETBA has arranged to be emailed a copy and will place a link on the website whenever we receive it.
Member’s moment – Sovrano (Touch of Italy). Phil and Anne Clarke have been importing great Mediterranean fare at very keen prices for many years. Now they have opened a dedicated retail Supermercato at 239A Burswood Avenue where you can not only buy their full range of groceries and wine but also dine at their delightful Café. Ten percent discount on all purchases (except shop specials and café) till the end of May. Email: phil@touchofitaly.co.nz or phone271 5969
Coralee: Security UpdateCoralee broadly outlined the project to date and the direction for the rest of the year. Fundamentally, Coralee’s role has been redefined as Executive Officer Business Crime Support. She will continue to be the first line of contact for any information/queries about security issues, suspicious behaviours, burglaries etc.
She will work closely with the Police to follow up any criminal activity in the East Tamaki industrial area, specifically visiting businesses who have been victims of crime and evaluating elements of security preparedness which may assist them to be less vulnerable. She is also building a confidential database of criminal activity which will assist us to pinpoint vulnerabilities in terms of timing and type of criminal activity in the area.
This may be the best place to clarify the role of the Executive Chair, Elspeth Mount. She will be working 2.5 days per week and will focus on infrastructure issues and general council liaison. Contact details are: chair@getba.org.nz or phone 021 537 114.
Next Meeting: Wednesday 18th July at Headin’ Home Bar and Grill 7.30 am Remember, all members are welcome and the breakfast is still free to financial members. Just respond to the email closer to the date. Visitors welcome, cost $10.00 each.
Feb 26, 2007
February Members' Meeting Minutes
Check out the new GETBA Website - MEMBERS ZONE.
It contains a security checklist, designed to assist our members to ensure they consider all aspects of their security and is supported by practical information which we aim to develop further to help businesses take a cohesive approach to their security solutions.
This will be a continual work in progress and we welcome feedback and suggestions.
Login with the password (from your member email) and let us know if there is anything further you would find useful.
GETBA MEMBERS BREAKFAST 21st February 2007
Minutes
Chairman Elspeth Mount welcomed 65 attendees and guests and thanked committee members and all members for taking such great care of the organization in her recent absence.
Linton King: Entrepreneur, Encourager, Businessman
The death of Linton King on 20th January was noted with deep regret and sympathy to his wife and family. Linton was a foundation member and Committee Member, businessman, encourager and friend to very many in our area, showed a constant interest in and deep knowledge of infrastructure and transport issues in our area and was a vigilant and knowledgeable watchdog on local authority activities. The meeting stood in silence to acknowledge Linton’s death and recall with deep appreciation his life.
Apologies and Guests:
There were approximately 18 formal apologies.
Guests included:
• New Zealand Police
Senior Sergeant Karyn Malphus Tactical Coordinator Eastern Area;
• Sergeant Mike Stopforth Youth and Community Services Otara;
• O/C Intell. Howick Karl McCabe
Cr. Dick Quax
Guest Speaker: Doug Scott Knowledge Management Consultant
Notices:1. Waste Water charges: an indicative response was sought from membership as to any concerns:
a. Those whose charges have:
i. Increased (15 out of 65)
ii. Remained the same (4 out of 65)
iii. Decreased (2 out of 65)
b. Those who have contacted Manukau Water to discuss any concerns: two members
c. Those who are keen to use GETBA assistance in this matter: seven members
2. A Security Perception Survey, previously emailed, was circulated in hard copy to be completed and returned to MCC.
3. Vonney Johnston JP, GETBA Member is available for JP duties. Her contact details are: Superior Personnel Ltd, phone 274 1094
Administrative changes at GETBA:Coralee’s Role: (funded to early 2007 from CRS budget) is now Executive Officer Business Crime Education and Support. This will acknowledge the tremendous job Coralee is doing in the neighbourhood support, security co-ordination and business education area. Coralee’s contact details remain the same.
Elspeth Mount’s role: Elspeth will resume duties as Chairman, and over the next few months spend time on Infrastructure and Development as she is retiring from MIT and will take up a part time role with GETBA. Immediate issues include Waste Water charges, traffic and roading issues. Her details are on the website – please feel free to contact her to discuss concerns. Phone 021 537 114 (mobile), 537 8558 (home); email: chair@getba.org.nz
Website Portal Launch: MEMBERS ZONE. Alex Garden, GETBA webmaster demonstrated the new member zone on the website. It is security orientated and contains: a security checklist, important security information for all businesses, links to websites for further information, up-to-date security alerts … and much more.
To access this part of the website, login with the password from your Member email.Our thanks to Coralee, Alex and Netinsites for this great addition to our already comprehensive website.
Guest speaker: Doug Scott on Knowledge Management:
What you know is very likely the most important asset you have in business. While 20% of knowledge in a business is often protected through trademarks, patents and other formal means, there is likely to be 80% of each business that is not protected nor kept in any formal and replicable way. It is critical to establish just what is unique to your way of doing business, identify the key personnel (who), where the information is kept and is to be applied, when it is to be used to best effect and why this is critical to your business. Doug has strong practical and theoretical background in business in our region. In depth article on Doug's Website.
Next Meeting: Wednesday 28th March at Headin Home Bar and Grill 7.30 am
Feb 22, 2007
WHAT YOU KNOW, CONTROLS YOUR BUSINESSES DESTINY – would you like to know how to manage it?
…………. although the art and science of Knowledge Management Planning (KMP) is not well known, it is a fundamental strategic planning process, using what we know, to differentiate our businesses. With it we can accelerate our businesses profits to far greater heights than our contemporaries, and put our business beyond the reach of any competitor in the marketplace.
It is most often thought of as just explicit Knowledge like registered designs, patents, franchises, licenses, copyrights, trademarks, service marks and brands that can allow you clear space in the marketplace.
KMP improves service and operations; these are inextricably linked to Knowledge Management Planning.
Service and operations cannot be separated from ‘how’ they are performed and it is the acts of doing that KMP covers.
Dec 6, 2006
Leigh Autons speech and questions delivered to him prior
At the GETBA AGM Breakfast held on November 15th 2006, our guest speaker was the Chief Executive Officer of Manukau City Council, Leigh Auton.
The committee prepared some questions for him to answer in his address and they are as follows:
Wastewater Charges
Council has undergone significant restructuring recently under your stewardship and it appears that consultation with business has not been a high priority. A good example is the Manukau Wastewater charging changes that have been imposed.
Can you advise how you intend to rectify this in the future? Why, if it is necessary to have a contract with Manukau Water, have they not mailed out new contracts to all business users? In the case of other utility providers where there is not a monopoly situation, you can choose to take a contract which will only incur a penalty if you change providers but will keep a cap on the private provider portion of the charges. EG: electricity, if you choose Mercury you may sign a min 24month contract to ensure the Mercury part of your charges is capped, but they have no control over Vector’s charges.
Building Warrant of Fitness How are Manukau’s fees determined and why are they so much higher than other Councils across New Zealand?
Our understanding of the current situation is that Manukau City Council charges more for the administration of their BWOF fees than the Independent Qualified Providers (IQP), who visit each site and physically check all compliances, then submit the form to the specific council for their comparing and recording.
Our own findings indicate that the costs applied by nine local bodies across the main cities in New Zealand are wide and varied and Manukau City charge the highest administration fee (minimum $210). The next highest charge is in Hamilton at $155, but this includes an annual audit onsite visit. ($65 is applied to admin). The next in this group is Wellington City which charges $115. The remaining six of the nine councils charge either nothing or less than $100.
Cost Plus ApproachMany business owners have shown concern about the bureaucracy and the resultant costs involved in many council processes. On one hand they feel that businesses are increasingly being targeted with a cost differential in every way possible. On the other they feel that it is difficult to get information from Council to plan their approach to either upgrading their buildings or building new ones.
How is this giving the message to both new and existing businesses that they are welcome in and to Manukau City as often publicised by Sir Barry Curtis.
Questions from the floor
The following questions were put to Leigh Auton after his address to members at the AGM.
Question Not clear on direction of Council , appear to involved with property development, shareholdings, and appear to be more involved in becoming a corporate than what has been considered as Councils core business, therefore not sure on the direction council is going.
Answer
The Council has been involved in property, and the ownership of Auckland International Airport shares for a long time. The challenge is how to arrange the management of these portfolios in the most efficient and effective means. The Council has determined that corporate style structures such as Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) are appropriate vehicles. It is Council’s view that such corporate approaches are appropriate for certain activities of Council such as airport shares.
Question Frustrations were voiced by small unit holders at the lack of response from Manukau Water when he tried to get some explanation of why he should be charged $950 for both of his units when one was used mainly for storage. Although he was previously charged $600 – 700 and now $950, his usage is only about $30 for incoming water.
Answer Some issues have been pointed out to Council, however while nothing will change for this year, there is the opportunity for Council and the community to consider them further in the forthcoming Annual Plan consultation.
Question Businessman has the belief that Mr Auton is misinformed regarding the administration process for BWOF and therefore his explanation of the reason for charging the amount stipulated is flawed. Mr Auton stated that each item on Form 12 has to be checked against the Building Act. This is not the understanding of the business owner concerned. This has been done previously by the IQP and the admin side is only comparing existing council records with each form 12 submitted. Unless building changes have been carried out, this would only be a very short process. If building changes have been carried out, a different process would be adopted.
Answer
The Council has applied a cost recovery approach to fees. Our fees reflect our cost of doing business, balanced against our responsibility to protect the wider interests of the community. Leigh Auton notes that Manukau City Council has a low exposure to ‘leaky homes’ because of its precautionary approach to its legal responsibilities.
Question The suggestion was that a business representative be placed on Council to ensure that Council reflected the needs of businesses as is the process with the Maori standing committee.
Answer
The Council has a number of political representatives who are business people. As well, corporate entities are being established where appropriate in order to utilise commercial and business skills to run some activities of Council.
LEIGH AUTON"S ADDRESS
Regional GovernanceAs a region, Auckland is at a crossroads.
• You will be aware of the regional governance debate which has been going on over the last couple of months. All of the councils in the region are currently working together to identify the best ways to make local government more effective and efficient.
• Three models for change have been presented to councils for their feedback, which will in turn be used to develop a proposal for subsequent consideration by the councils.
• Councils will need to formally resolve their position on a proposal by the end of November. A proposal needs to be with the government in December, to enable any necessary legislation to be drafted, consulted on and passed prior to the October 2007 local body elections.
• All the councils have committed to exploring options to deliver better decision making and more efficient delivery of services. This could include looking at transport and other infrastructure issues.
Economic Development• In Manukau we’ve had between four and five hundred businesses set up in the city or expand, in each of the past three years.
• To attract businesses to Manukau, the council has developed the Economic Development Strategy, Employment Strategy, Education Strategy, SmartManukau Strategy, The Foreign Direct Investment Action Plan, and have engaged Enterprising Manukau as Councils Service Delivery agency.
• We also have the Town Centre Strategy and the Business Improvement District Policy which assists business in Manukau. And an Investor Champion assists businesses, investors and developers in the city.
• We also work very closely with government agencies such as the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Investment New Zealand, and other bodies such as Auckland Chamber of Commerce, E&MA, ASEAN NZ Business Council, AMCHAM, New Zealand Pacific Business Council, to attract businesses into the city.
• Council also facilitates the growing of the current manufacturing base by assisting businesses in exporting, as is evident in the 3 recent trade delegation to the Cook Islands, Samoa and latterly into French Polynesia
• Council has over the years been fully supportive of what GETBA is doing in East Tamaki and have been supported financially by both Community and Economic as follows:
• $7500 towards getting the Web site up and running
• $20,000 for the development of a Strategic Plan
• $30,000 for a pilot security control
• $10,000 for a crime prevention action plan
• $19,000 for the employment of a Coordinator
• $150,000 in asset development for signage around the area has been allocated. This is not going to GETBA but it will improve the area by way of better street signage.
• And through Community Development a GETBA crime reduction action plan of $30,000 was approved, for payments in the 2005/06 year of $15,000 and the same for the 2006/07 year.
• Also this unit was able to obtain from the Crime Prevention Unit of the Ministry of Justice a further $168,200 for this two year project. GETBA received a total of $198,200 by way of direct funding between MCC and the CPU; and Police and GETBA provided the project an additional amount of $36,020 by way of 'in kind' (services offered) funding, making a total of $225,700.
Transport
The council is committed to providing the infrastructure needed to ensure the city prospers. But we recognise there are serious weaknesses in the regional transport links, especially the roading system.
The region’s now in catch-up mode but progress is being made.
• Planning for the western ring route’s underway, to provide a motorway connection all the way from Albany via state highway 20 to the southern motorway at Manukau City Centre.
• A major element is the second Manukau Harbour Crossing, due for completion by 2011.
• We’re also improving access via Papatoetoe, by re-engineering Cavendish Drive, to give better flow, and cut the journey time to the east, and the southern motorway.
Highbrook
Next April, the new road from the southern motorway to Highbrook Business Park in East Tamaki will be completed, and opened.
You’ll be able to drive straight off the motorway beside the Otara power station, and across to the East Tamaki business area which, as you know, is already the largest business zone in the region, and set to get even bigger.
Highbrook Drive will provide access to Highbrook Business Park - the most advanced business park of its kind in Australasia, and a billion dollar investment in the city’s future.
It’ll attract the kinds of businesses we’ve never seen in Manukau. And with them, a workforce of knowledge workers.
The ideal place for them to live will be in Flat Bush, the first cyber community in New Zealand which, within five years, will house an extra forty thousand people at least.
GrowthManukau is the fastest growing city in the country, and a magnet for businesses, for many reasons. One being the availability of land, especially large parcels of land.
But not for much longer. We’re fast running out of land zoned for business. So we’re seeking to have more land freed up for development.
We want areas currently zoned rural land to be re-zoned for business. To do that we need to extend the MUL, or metropolitan urban limits.
If the limits are not altered, we will see more development heading south to where there is available land – in the North Waikato.
I don’t believe that’s in the best interests of Manukau or the Auckland region.
BWOFPrior to coming today I was asked about Building Warrant of Fitness costs.
On 31 March 2005 a new Building Act (2004) came into force, replacing the Building Act 1991. This new Act sets higher standards than the previous law in order to ensure the safety of building and people. As a consequence, the functions and services that territorial authorities are required to perform have changed and they may now impose fees or charges for performing those functions and services.
• The cost is a reflection of the true costs to council for doing the WOF checks
• Now the person getting the Building WOF pays, rather than the ratepayer
• Each item has to be checked against the Building Act which takes a lot of time
• There can be between 3 and 30 checks required per WOF so it is fairer to charge per item because it reflects the cost of doing the work
• A flat fee would see smaller businesses paying more and subsidising those WOFs which require more checks
Council-controlled organisations (CCOs)• Council has approved the formation of Manukau Leisure as a Council-controlled organisation from 1 July.
o Provides Leisure with more opportunities to extend the services it provides to the community – quicker response to customer requirements, more reactive to trends in a dynamic industry
• Manukau Building Consultants becoming a CCTO from 1 July
o Extremely important asset to Council
o CCTO structure will help MBC be more responsive to its customers – more flexible, able to expand its services and customer base.
o Core service to the general community remains a priority
• Tomorrow’s Manukau Properties Limited - new subsidiary
o Hearings have been held
o Being considered at Strategic Directions committee Thursday night
o A normal commercial structure to hold the Flat Bush Town Centre land
o TMPL formed to ensure Council’s vision for Flat Bush and its town centre’s public space is carried out
• Waste Disposal Services: a joint venture with Trans Pacific Industries New Zealand Limited to operate the Whitford Landfill
• Manukau City Investments Limited: which holds the City's Airport shares.
• Manukau Water Limited.
• Watercare Services Limited: in which we own 25% with the other Auckland Councils.
Benefits of CCOsThe Council has realised substantial benefits from its CCOs over the years by bringing in experienced commercial directors to work with the existing staff:
These include:
• Sound long run financial performance.
• Gains in the quality of services provided.
We expect the primary focus with Manukau Leisure Services Limited to be improvements in the range of services offered and in the impact that these can have on the health and wellbeing of the Manukau Community in addition to reinforcing the prudence of their financial operations.
For Manukau Building Consultants our intention is to place the Council's operations on the same footing as our competitors and to secure improvements in financial and operational performance.
The establishment of CCOs allows our business units to develop cultures and business processes specifically tailored to the needs of the markets in which they operate.
Wastewater chargesI was advised there was interest today in Manukau Water and its wastewater charges.
• For wastewater, both small businesses and residential properties are on a fixed tariff. The business fixed charge is higher as the capacity of pipes is greater. Even though some businesses place only small demands on the system, they are designed to accommodate a higher volume as the properties use can change over time.
• In relation to water ,everyone pays (including both small businesses and residential consumers) $1.143 per cubic metre. For very large users prices may be negotiated.
$950 Flat Charge for Small Businesses (up to 400 cubic metres per annum)
• The $950 wastewater flat charge for small to medium businesses was agreed after consultation, as part of the Council's Long Term Council Community Plan 2006-2016. In addition, all non residential customers were sent a letter prior to the billing round, advising them of new charges.
• The tariff was set at $950 for those who use less than 400 cubic metres per annum, compared with the uniform annual rate plus a rate in the dollar based on land value charged previously.
• Approximately 2850 business properties are charged only the $950 amount. For more than 1850 properties, this is a reduction on what they have paid in the past.
• Of the remaining 1000 or so properties paying only the fixed $950 per annum, almost half have seen an increase of less than $200 and only 18 have seen an increase of more than $500 compared to the 2005/06 rate. The largest increase equates to an increase of $11 per week.
• While the amount some properties are paying is more than they previously paid, the new system is considered to provide greater equity overall.
• The majority of costs associated with wastewater disposal are fixed, meaning the changes in the volume of effluent discharged does not significantly affect the total cost.
• Further, the cost of laying the necessary pipework and associated facilities in business areas is substantially greater than for residential areas, due to the requirement for larger pipe sizes and greater pumping capacity to meet peak demands. The fixed component of the tariff has been set at a higher amount for business than for residential in recognition of these additional costs.
Medium Sized Businesses (over 400 cubic metres per annum but less than 25,000 cubic metres)
• $2.38 per cubic metre.
Large Businesses (over 25,000 cubic metres per annum)
• By negotiation.
Wastewater Audit• Large water users who do not believe that all of the water supplied to them is returned to the waste water system can apply for a waste water audit to establish what proportion of water is consumed in industrial processes.
____________________________________________________
Some interesting questions have been raised from this talk. If you have any further questions for Council, please forward them to Coralee and she will submit them MCC to find an answer to them.
Nov 16, 2006
Annual Report 2006
This year has been particularly challenging for your association with the focus being on consolidation of what had been introduced over the last couple of years.
• We mark twelve years of existence, 622 current members
• Excellent progress has been made on the construction of the Waiouru interchange, enabling us to achieve one of our founding objectives, the third crossing of the Tamaki Estuary.
• We have continued with our Crime Reduction Strategy, seminars, information onto our website. Keen to hear feedback and will listen to any requests from members about what else would be useful for them.
Membership
It is time to acknowledge the wonderful support we receive from you, our members, the more than 600 businesses in the Greenmount East Tamaki business area. Without your membership we would be unable to provide the support we can.
Members’ Meetings:
6 breakfasts per year, attendance around the 80 - 90 mark each meeting; speakers this year have included Murray Barclay from Macquarie Goodman, explaining the cutting edge technology along with striking design concepts being implemented in Highbrook. Only months away from opening the new arterial Highbrook Drive in March 2007.
With the emphasis on the GETBA Crime Reduction Strategy this year our other speakers Chris Lawton, Security Consultant, Sgt Mike Stopforth, Dr Frank Stoks, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Consultant, have all worked with us to support our members in the education and dissemination of knowledge to address the rising crime rate among local businesses.
Sponsors at these breakfasts included: Drake Overload, Times Newspapers and Honda Cars all adding lively flavour to our meetings. We urge you to regularly check our website to support them and any of our members who may be able to offer you the cost effective convenience of local services.
Members Moments: Business to Business, Hospitality House, Business Online Services, Netinsites Industry Management Services, Doortech, Kelly Services, and Programmed Maintenance Services
This morning we are trialing a new sound system. We are looking to either hire or buy the system once we have trialled it.
www.getba.org.nz:
We are really proud of our GETBA website which continually undergoes upgrades both on the exterior to ensure we keep you well informed and also our very clever, behind the scenes database of members and related accounting system for our subscriptions.
Currently, as part of the Crime Reduction Strategy we are establishing a secure area on the site for members use only. Initially this will contain information on Security solutions being developed as mentioned earlier. We will be working with you to ensure this encompasses the most practical approach to offer you as much assistance as possible.
Submissions to the Annual Plan and other MCC related activities:
Your committee has made submissions to the Annual Plan process yet again this year – on the issues of our requirements for the complete widening of Smales and Allens Roads, excessive Building Warrant of Fitness Administration charges, changes in the Rating system, our resistance to targeted rates, the need for Council to reduce their debt levels and our recommendation for the Uniform Annual General Charge. Details of our submission are on our website.
Along with the LTCCP we also put in a submission to the Graffiti Bill being addressed earlier this year.
We continue to liaise with many areas of Council, including community development, business development, safety and graffiti-cleanup sections of the council on a regular basis. Issues faced by members are regularly followed up by us with council and feedback received shows that it is an integral part of the Association’s duties.
Cost of Compliance to Local Business
As well as putting in our submission to Council for the LTCCP, we have been addressing the myriad of increasing costs faced by businesses to comply with the requirements of Council.
This includes the Building Warrant of Fitness administration charges the Council have been able to apply over the past two years. While our businesses accept there must be a cost associated with all services offered by the Council, there are concerns regarding the level of costs being applied to businesses. This also includes the new approach to charging wastewater fees through the new Council Controlled Organisation Manukau Water.
Many of our members feel the move to annual value rating has indicated an unrealistic value being attached to their property, from which some of these charges apply.
Safety on our RoadsWe have been working with the Traffic Departments of both the Police and Manukau City Council along with trucking company management, Auckland Road Transport Association and Opus, to find ways to resolve the problems caused by trucks coming into the area to deliver goods to our members and in the course of their duties, causing hazards to traffic on our roads. We are aware of at least two instances in recent months where injuries have been caused by truck crashes in our area. Many more near misses are reported to us on a regular basis. We continue to work with these bodies to resolve what is likely to become even more of a problem with more businesses importing goods. We are mindful of the fact that our members rely on being able to receive deliveries, therefore we are looking at many ways to solve this problem.
Neighbourhood SupportWe take this opportunity to encourage you to get to know your neighbours and keep each other informed of anything that you notice which seems unusual. We are currently addressing ways to assist you further in developing more local groups.
This year we have formed two new Neighbourhood Support groups: one at Botany Junction and one at Bishopgate Centre.
It was gratifying to receive an email shortly after a Stonedon Drive meeting from one of the attendees to say that when a water blasting contractor accidentally set off his alarm, several of his neighbours came over to check that all was OK. Without knowing each other, this quite likely would not have happened.
Security Managers Meetings
These are continuing regularly after the police invited us to the Howick station to meet with their Intell section earlier this year. A bit of a lull in meetings followed in the middle of the year, but there was a requirement from the group to keep these going and over recent months we have had several meetings with various senior police personnel attending and working with this group.
Current Crime Rate – Operation TroyThe police really concerned about rise in our crime rate (its nearly as high as when we began Neighbourhood Support four years ago) and staged Operation Troy in October utilising Botany Crimewatch patrols and local security company personell to work together to address this situation.
Review of the Matrix Street Patrols
Matrix have provided free of charge street patrols at all breakfast meetings this year including today’s. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for this because since they have been doing this we are happy to say there have been no further vehicle break-ins at these breakfasts.
You will be aware that we have recently taken a survey of your experience of these street patrols. Because of the rise in crime, we feel we need to address all aspects of how we as a body are approaching this problem and we are working with them and members of the Security Managers group to address this. Over recent months the Matrix street patrols have been providing a daily list of all vehicles seen in the area out of hours to us and the police. This is proving a most useful tool.
SignsThe signs promised to us by Council to denote Harris, Springs, & East Tamaki Roads and side roads to them, are now expected early next year. There have been one or two regulatory hold ups, hence the delay.
New Business Focused Local NewspaperTimes newspapers appear to be experiencing delays in launching their new Greenmount East Tamaki Business focussed newspaper.
Businesses selected for Annual Awards
Congratulations to award winners: IBEX group, Grange Lodge, Times Newspapers, Garland Builders & Grant McIntosh, McIntosh Timber Laminates
Committee Members:With the retirement of two long time committee members last year, Alois Schatzdorfer and Ron Amodeo, and the introduction of our two new committee members Linden Johnson and Mark Stratton, your committee continue to work very well together.
Both Linton King and our Chairman Elspeth Mount have been unwell for much of the year, and we take this opportunity to wish them both a speedy recovery.
I record my thanks for all committee members’ enthusiasm, assistance and encouragement. Coralee has had an extremely busy year, juggling the roles of Project Manager for the CRS program, Neighbourhood Support Coordinator and Membership Representative. We are currently addressing this and looking to free her time to spend more of it in the field, in increasing membership and liaising with current members. We take this opportunity of expressing sincere thanks for the many marvellous roles that Coralee plays.
Thank you all on behalf of the membership. May I wish you all a joyous Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Henry Jansen
Secretary
On behalf of Elspeth Mount, Chairman
Greenmount-East Tamaki Business Association Inc
Oct 19, 2006
Awards won for GETBA members
Congratulations to award winners of the 2006 Westpac Manukau Business Awards which include GETBA members: the IBEX group, Grange Lodge, and the Times Newspapers.
Grange Lodge were finalists last year in the 2005 Westpac Awards, but this year won "Excellence in Customer Service".
When the Auckland Regional House of the Year awards were held at Sky City, GETBA member, Garland Builders had two homes entered.
Congratulations to Murray Garland and his team for this excellent achievement for winning a Silver Award for a home in the $350,000 to $450,000 category and a Gold Award for a home in the $600,000.00 to $1millon category.
Their Gold Award winning home is also in the top 9 homes in New Zealand in category and will now progress to the national finals.
Sep 26, 2006
Minutes of September Breakfast Meeting held on 20 September 2006 at Headin Home Bar & Grill
Welcome from Acting Chairman, Tere Brunton to our guests Sgt Mike Stopforth & Chris Lawton and Councilors Dick Quax & Neil Morrison
Elspeth has been unwell for some time but we understand she is on the mend and hope it wont be too long before we see her back at the helm. We sent her a gorgeous gift basket recently on behalf of you all to remind her how much we miss her and as our Chairman, her valuable contribution to GETBA.
Thanks to Matrix Security for volunteering their car park security during this meeting. GETBA has been receiving excellent reporting over this past month on what is happening in our area overnight. They have supplied us with more than 140 vehicle descriptions in September alone. This is passed on to the police for their knowledge.
Tere also thanked all of our members who sent us information on their shift work details, this will enable the police to get a very clear picture of who should be legitimately in the area out of business hours.
Sponsor: Honda Cars – Sinikka Boshoff and her team from Honda NZ showed GETBA members two recent awards won by them, including a business ethics award, and the JD Power award for customer satisfaction. Selling & leasing new and used vehicles, they are also a fully operational service centre including repairs, panel, paint, tyres etc.
Honda are very aware of the problems caused by vehicle emission in our atmosphere and have introduced their Civic Hybrid. The use of this vehicle for a week was the draw prize & won by Jane Spiers of Action Workforce.
If you would like to take a test drive of the Hybrid Civic or any other new Honda vehicle, please contact Sinikka on 529 3342 Mobile 021 61 66 20
Members Moments – Kelly Services Lisa Rhind Cooper has been offering H R solutions for local businesses since 1997. Tel 273 5576 Programmed Maintenance Services Phil Murray and Tim Daker handed out stress balls to remind you that you don’t need extra stress in maintaining your building. Call them to set a regular maintenance program. Tel 571 0610
Baskets By Design Adele & Liane handed out fruit cake to members to encourage them to choose their product when thinking corporate gifts. Tel 2929121Both Plummer Pneumatics and Baskets by design were requested to delay their MM till the next meeting because time ran out.
GETBA CRS Seminars Wrap UpMike Stopforth and Chris Lawton both reiterated the need for businesses to have a closer look at the security arrangements they have made or are about to make to ensure they understand completely the quality of goods and services that may be available to them. Chris explained that our initial two Crime Reduction Seminars were aimed at providing a Audit Checklist for businesses which includes some questions to ask when choosing security products but particularly Security services.
The audit checklist and the questions mentioned above will be available on the GETBA website in the near future. As this is a pilot project and will be a work in progress, this will be available to GETBA members only at this point.
Problems being experienced in the cost of doing business in Manukau
Coralee led a brief discussion & Straw Poll taken to determine the extent of the problem faced by our members on the recently increased costs of doing business in Manukau City (Wastewater charges, BWOF admin charges etc)
The issue we face today is to establish our businesses concerns and how can GETBA best support our members.
Firstly we need to define your concerns. Secondly find out the degree of concern, then we need a mandate from you on how you would like us to support you.
Issues that have been brought to her attention include:
BWOF Charges IQPThe different approach taken by the Council from the update of the Building Act in 2004 where previously many of our businesses were able to submit their own paperwork for the annual BWOF at no cost to them.
The council have now requested that an Independent Qualified Provider be responsible for the physical inspection. Charges from the IQP appear to start at around $200. This includes his inspecting the premises, then completing the paperwork required and submitting the info to Council.
BWOF Charges Administrative The next new cost is the administration fee that Council charges to compare these documents with their existing records and then update and file appropriately. The principle of this is that for each set of documents received there is a $25 charge and for every compliance tick that is on the document (minimum of 5) there is a $35 charge, resulting in a $200 minimum charge. We have queried whether these charges are an initial charge to ensure Councils records are up to date, then only changes required would be when your building was altered. However this is not the case. We have also supplied council with surrounding Councils charges for this same job where they all appear to charge a flat rate of no more than $100.
Although she has been made graphically aware of this situation by a few businessmen who both own their building and run their business from them, most members she asks if they are affected by these increases are not aware of them.
ARC rate increases Manukau Businesses are currently experiencing an average of $200 more per year increase in their ARC rates than any other business or residential sector of Auckland.
Waste Water ChargesMany of the smaller users of waste water are concerned because of the minimum cost of water they use, but the fact is that they are all being charged a flat rate for up to 400 cubic metres.
Many of the larger water users such as Food Manufacturers, Bottling plants, Metal Anodisers etc use a large amount of water and although there is no real objection to the user pays approach, when one local manufacturer who has been paying around $160,000 pa for their white water, waste water and waste recycling, was suddenly faced with an overall increase to around $400,000 per year, a 250% increase, with no warning, they began to feel alarmed.
Its fair to say that Coralee has spent a good deal of time trying to define the number of high user businesses, who would be concerned with large increases and they have not been forthcoming.
Coralee also mentioned she had also received a few calls from members who have experienced a welcome decrease in utility fees once they have received their rates and waste water accounts, then compared them to last years rates.
GETBA has:
Written to the council asking them to justify their BWOF Admin Charges, citing examples of our neighbouring councils charges and asking them to justify their charging process. We have had an initial response but we have gone back to them asking them to provide detail on how the fees were set. Council refers to “a ‘public process’ after which these fees were set.” So we have asked them to please forward details of this consultation, to be able to inform our members accordingly. We have not had a reply from them on this.
Emailed the CEO of Manukau Water to find out exactly how the wastewater charges are charged and alert them to the fact that many of our businesses will face huge increases.
In talking to some of our members we have found that it appears that under some circumstances waste water charges may well be adjusted by Manukau Water. She has a meeting scheduled with the CEO Raveen Jaduram and Jan Corrick to address this situation.
Contacted ARC to find the reason for their overall increase. They have sent some information by way of explanation which I had put on the website then they have requested that we hold it for a day or two as they would like to edit it further.
Coralee invited both Dick Quax and Neil Morrison to add anything useful. They both declined.
Suggestions to date:
we set up a forum of businesspeople in the area who have been affected by the waste water rates increase in particular to discuss how to achieve the best possible charge rate from Manukau Water.
GETBA to hire a Consultant to look at other Councils and how they charge and compare the cost of utilities services to find out how Manukau compares across the board.
Show of hands – How many concerned about BWOF admin costs = 16
Show of hands – How many concerned about the increase in ARC rates = 25
Show of hands – how many concerned about the waste water charges.
High users = 4
Low users = in excess of 80
Points raised from the floor
• Not all members will have received their increased expenses from their landlords
• Not all businesses experience the BWOF increases because many do not have a BWOF
• Issues with whether waste water is charged per meter or per title? Clarification still being sought from Manukau Water.
• What would happen if businesses put their own tank on their roof?
• Member paid $45 for last years waste water. This year paid 46 days at $3 per day
• Would an email to members be a way of finding out the issues. Previous efforts have resulted in only one response.
• Should we list the problem costs in another email, then members tick if experiencing the problem.
• Councilor Morrison suggested that we invite CEO Leigh Auton and staff to a breakfast to further discuss these charges and what can be done about them.
GETBA asked:
Forum - NO INTEREST SHOWN
Consultant - NO
MIT Jane Tongatule In a follow on from her talk to members at the MIT sponsored Breakfast last year, Jane informed members that MIT are planning a new Training and Business centre at Highbrook and the survey you will receive next week will give you a unique opportunity to have your requirements heard on what you would like to see available to you and your staff for future training opportunities. She urges you to take the opportunity to answer a few very short question to give them the feedback they require to ensure our businesses will get their training and business service needs met.
Next Meeting: GETBA AGM sponsored by Kiwi Bank on Wednesday November 15
Points made by Manukau Water from Meeting held with CEO & Customer Services Manager, & Coralee 20/9/06
1. The new charges do not yield an increase in Waste Water income.
2. There is a slight increase in white water, but unrelated to wastewater
3. The changes are in how the pie is distributed
4. Prices are set by Council, not Manukau Water
5. No one is facing a higher annual min charge cost than $574.00
6. The previous charges were determined by:
A UAG charge of $313.00 per year + “a Factor” X land value which highlighted the fact that large warehouses with low water usage paid high waste water charges
7. Current charges are determined by:
Fixed + volume charge for those above
8. If a leak is found, while Manukau Water will not rebate for water that comes in excessively due to the leak, they will rebate on the calculated waste water charge related to it, on receipt of invoice showing leak has been repaired. The reason white water is no longer refunded is because MW still have to pay for that water themselves.
9. Billing is now done 3 monthly instead of 6 monthly so if any leaks noticed, then less time before they are identified if not obvious water leak.
10. 1 Cu Mtr of water costing $2.38 is equal to 1333 bottles of water at around $2 per bottle.
11. Costs are not to be compared with the cost of compliance, it’s a service offered by Manukau Water.
12. If we were to put pressure on Leigh Auton, we would need to think carefully about what we would be seeking as Council has determined an amount of income required by them.
13. Within 3 weeks MW will have some communication by way of explanation and information to feed to our members by email and website
14. Raveen Jaduram CEO and Jan Corrick, Manager of Customer Services, have offered to attend a meeting of members to hear their concerns (breakfast or otherwise)
15. The Management of Manukau Water request that if problems are being experienced with their charges by business, could they please be directed to either Jan Corrick or Raveen Jaduram. Their staff should not be subject to either written or spoken abuse.
Manukau City Council Director Strategy Grant Taylor comments:
Manukau Water Limited, as a council controlled organisation, now charges consumers directly for their water and waste water services. Water is charged for according to the amount consumed. This has always been the case. The wastewater tariff for non-residential customers has been set at $950 for those using less than 400 cubic metres a year, compared with the uniform annual rate plus a rate in the dollar based on land value charged previously.
Around 2800 business properties are charged the $950 amount. For about 1000 of these, the $950 is an increase of up to $574. For the remaining properties the charge is a decrease on what they paid for wastewater last year.
The new system is considered to provide greater equity overall. The majority of costs associated with wastewater disposal are fixed, while the cost of the pipework for business areas are greater than residential, because larger pipes and greater pumping capacity is required to meet peak demand.
The above article is printed by courtesy of Eastern Courier.
Sep 18, 2006
ARC Rates average increase
In response to a request from GETBA to ARC about the average increase in ARC Rates, GM Finance, Brian Monk replies:
The Auckland Regional Council set this year's rate based on an overall 4.9 per cent increase, and has projected budgets over the next 10 years based on the same level of moderate increase.
Based on submissions from the public, this Council believes that this average level of rate increase is the highest that ratepayers will find acceptable. The increase is needed to fund the increasing demands of vital operational and capital expenditure over the next 10 years, especially for transport. We have significantly increased spending on public transport, up from $35.7 million in 2001/02 to a proposed $145 million for 2006/07.
The ARC Group continues to make good progress developing the passenger transport network. We are proposing to invest $1.6 billion in public transport and related activities over the next 10 years, made up of $1.076 billion of operating funding and $545.6 million of capital funding. This will deliver enhanced bus, train and ferry services across the region and will also allow the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) to invest in more trains, better stations, ferry terminals and other bus facilities, along with integrated ticketing and real-time passenger information systems.
The average ARC rates payable by business properties over the last two years in Auckland, Manukau and North Shore cities are as follows:
Auckland City North Shore City Manukau City
05/06: $1,193 05/06: $902 05/06: $1,084
06/07: $1,262 06/07: $985 06/07: $1,372
Change +$69 Change +$82 Change +$288
Why have rates gone up?
Two factors have caused an increase in rates this year:
1. Estimates of Projected Valuation differentials (EPV)
The ARC introduced EPV last year to address the swings in the rating burden from the different revaluation cycles of the seven local councils. What has tended to happen in the past is that when an area is revalued, ratepayers in that area have experienced increases substantially above the regional average. While this cannot always be avoided, EPV provides some mitigation of this.
The EPV factor applied to Manukau businesses in 2005/06 was lower than that for businesses in either Auckland City or North Shore City, and the rates in the dollar for Manukau businesses were lower in that year. In 2006/07 the rates for all three areas’ properties are the same or very similar to each other, as properties have all been revalued for this rating year. This means there will be a higher level of increase or ‘catch up’ for Manukau businesses this year, because of the lower level of rates they paid last year.
2. Revaluation
Last year’s revaluation of Manukau showed business properties have increased in value by more than those in Auckland City or North Shore City. In Manukau the average increase in value is well over 70%, while increases in Auckland City and North Shore City properties in the three years since they were last revalued were less than 60%.
Manukau also has proportionally more large industrial properties than either Auckland City or North Shore City. These types of properties tend to pay higher rates than other property types and have had very strong valuation growth, which has affected the average business rates.
It should be noted that the Auckland Regional Council has no control over property valuations.
Botany Crime Watch Patrols is a member of Community Patrols of New Zealand and adheres and supports the Memorandum of Understanding between CPNZ and the New Zealand Police. This is an important partnership for the Patrols, the NZ Police and for every community in New Zealand.
Dick Marshall, Manager of the Botany Crimewatch Patrols told the GETBA Security Managers Group at their July monthly meeting that at a recent national training seminar held in Rotorua the representatives of the NZ wide patrols were privileged to hear this relationship and contract again reemphasised by the new NZ Police Commissioner Howard Broad. Commissioner Broad congratulated and encouraged all the members of the eighty odd affiliated patrols spread throughout New Zealand.
"In Manukau City we are fortunate to have seven patrols (six affiliated with CPNZ) with approximately 300 active patrollers. Delegates from these patrols are working together to develop a Strategic Plan for the district which we believe will lead to more effective patrols with more capability and capacity. This is all good news if we can gain the solid ongoing support of all the leadership and community elements in our city and build some certainty into our resourcing needs so that we are able to continue to grow patrols that have a connection to their communities and exhibit a high standard of performance and behaviour".
If you are interested in supporting or joining Crime Watch Patrols in Botany (or any other patrol in Manukau City) please respond by calling Dick Marshall on 0212895131 or emailing him on: dmarshall@clear.net.nz.
Jul 24, 2006
Minutes of the July Breakfast Meeting
Minutes of the GETBA Breakfast Meeting held on 19th July at Headin Home, East Tamaki
In the absence of Elspeth, Coralee welcomed members attending, and tendered apologies from Elspeth (who is unwell) and then introduced the following guests:
Inspector Searle – has worked locally at different times over his career in the force
Sgt Mike Stopforth – Crime Reduction Strategy Steering Group Member
Chris Lawton Security Consultant for C4 who I have been working with since the beginning of our projects with Security Providers to ensure our members get the best service available
Coralee thanked Angerie Van Wyk & the team from Times Newspapers for sponsoring this breakfast and Matrix Security for patrolling the car park.
General Business While membership continues to grow steadily, Coralee has been checking through financial members, and has found there are a number of outstanding subscriptions to be paid. While change in staffing is often a factor, some members may question the value of GETBA membership to them; therefore we have listed a few examples of the projects we are currently working on, on behalf of local business:
Inquiry into the admin fee charged by MCC for the Building Warrant of Fitness
Promoting the complete widening of Allens and Smales Roads
Upgrading Crooks Road where there are concrete blocks sitting on the edge
Intersection of Ti Rakau & Trugood traffic lights & general phasing of traffic lights
Ongoing Container Swapping problems
The ongoing availability and future provision of power for our growing area
Working with Matrix Security at re defining the street patrols and how they are carried out.
Ongoing upgrades and new developments with the website, including our new security updates format for emails and the new security alerts page.
Angerie Van Wyk Marketing Manager for BMP / Times Newspapers announced the launch of the new East Tamaki Business focused newspaper called GET News (GET is short for Greenmount East Tamaki) The first edition will be launched within two months and it will be hand delivered to all businesses in this area. She is happy to receive any local stories for publishing in this paper. The Times will fund the first few papers but it will be eventually funded through advertising. Contact details are: Angerie Van Wyk, Marketing Manager, DDI: 09 271 8019, Fax: 09 271 8070, Email: angerie@times.co.nz
Doug Scott, Industry Management Systems informed members about his new training facilities at his premises in Cryers Road. They are available to members for product launches, small seminars etc. He is a Specialist Industry Trainer targeting industrial needs and trains in Industrial First Aid and Occupational Health and Safety. If you would like to make use of Doug’s premises or find out more about IMS then, please contact him on Tel 274 6812 or email: doug@industrymanagement.co.nz, or mobile: 0274 326 770
Crime Reduction Seminars Coralee gave a brief background about why we are about to run our Crime Reduction Seminars using the findings from last year’s survey sent to 1000 businesses.
The survey shows that from the sector of businesses that replied, more than 70% of these business owners have had their businesses either burgled, vandalized, or had vehicles either broken into or stolen.
Less than 20% felt they were at very low risk regarding having goods which would likely attract criminals.
Approximately 30% felt they needed to do a bit of upgrading to ensure their premises are secure.
Less than 30% of responders have heard of Crime Prevention through environmental Design. (CPTED)
Businesses in this survey experienced a similar number of criminal incidents in the years 2002 and up till end of September 2005; however in 2002 it shows that only 11% did not report them to the police, but up to end of August 2005 it shows a significant percentage increase (29.85%) in proportion of crime not reported to the police
The survey shows that there was a steady increase in vehicle related theft from 2002 which showed 26 vehicles either broken into or stolen. In 2003 the number detailed increased to 32, then steadily increased in 2004 to 39 and then in this part of 2005 (Jan – Sept) there are already 45. We were not able to gauge from these results whether they had reported all of these incidents.
The results indicated that the seminar topics of most interest to responders are:
How to audit your property
Independent info on usefulness / pitfalls of security products
Simple design / layout of businesses to minimize crime
Responders preferred half day seminars over full day seminars. However if there are any topics you think would be useful, please let us know and we can consider them for inclusion.
With this in mind we have been working on assessing this area and gauging local issues. We have a couple of assessment projects on the burner and our seminars and tools we are shaping for you are about to begin. We would like to mention our heartfelt thanks to the local Police and in particular Inspector Searle and Sgt Stopforth, Karl & the team in Howick Intel, who have wholeheartedly supported our efforts and I must mention at this point that without the funding from the Crime Prevention Unit, the seminars we are about to offer you for a nominal fee would cost in the region of $500 per attendee.
Inspector Searle talked about current local crime trends stating that despite the stats given by Coralee, our business area is the envy of other business areas because of the success we are experiencing in reducing burglaries.
He said the worst problem currently is bag snatching and in particular targeting Asian women as they are known to be attractive targets, often carrying large amounts of cash. The local police have recently been quite successful in the theft from cars, which often results in laptops being stolen. These laptops are often de programmed, reprogrammed and sold.
He pointed out that the police do not support any particular security focused organisation but fully support the seminars in concept. He urges members to gain as much knowledge as possible to help them be less vulnerable to crime.
He discussed the three key factors in this as being Profit, Risk and Capability in the context of what profit will a burglar get breaking into your premises, what risks would he have to take and how easy is it to gain entry. He stated that criminal minds pick their premises with this in mind. He said he had recently been told that 15% of the community are totally honest, another 15% of the community are true criminals and the remaining 70% are opportunists. It would be very useful if we could eliminate the things that make it easier for them in our area.
These are the areas that will be addressed in the seminars. Inspector Searle encourages members to assess their profitability and capability of their own premises and by attending the seminars business owners should gain real benefit in this area in particular.
Chris Lawton introduced the concept of Security Management Seminars saying that we are all aware Police resources are not available to support in all areas where ideally we might expect them to. There is a pyramid shape which shows the police at the top but the bottom is filled with responsible communities. These responsible communities will assist the police to work more effectively, gaining better value for their time input.
As an ex policeman with 20 years experience, his travels have shown him that New Zealand has the very best Police force in the world.
A couple of years ago Chris ran similar seminars for business owners. These seminars were deemed very valuable by those who attended (including Coralee), therefore he urges business owners to take advantage of this limited opportunity to attend this initial seminar at a very nominal cost and learn how to ask the right questions in determining security requirements, deal with security companies competently, gain the ability to understand pitfalls in choosing the right security for your business.
As an Independent Consultant Chris has hands-on knowledge of how things can go very wrong because of choices made, lack of policy and planning by companies. Police at national HQ are very keen to see how this progresses as they would like to promote it to all business districts. There are always new problem areas developing and the problems associated with P are causing concern at present.
If you would like to book into the next seminar, it will be held on Thursday 17th August and includes breakfast. Please contact Coralee for more details.
Terry Dartnall of Doortech talked about the myriad of problems caused by doors. As a registered Independent Qualified Provider, Doortech is able to ensure your doors comply with the BWOF requirements. They can also work with you to make your doors more secure. If you would like to know more about this then please contact Terry directly on tel 273 5700, mob 021 474 080 or email terry@doortech.co.nz.
Draw for Magnum of Champagne by Cassandra Heke of HeadrushDesign won by Jan from Workstore.
Next Meeting Date: Wednesday September 20th
Meeting closed: 8.35am
Jun 6, 2006
Special Interest Group for Immigrant Engineers (SIGIE)
We are all aware of the problems many industries have in finding skilled workers. For some years, NZ has had a policy of encouraging skilled workers from overseas to come and settle here. Once these immigrants arrive, their biggest hurdle is to find employment, a strange situation considering the shortages in their fields of expertise.
The Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand (IPENZ) has been doing what it can to assist migrant engineers through various initiatives. In 2003, SIGIE was formed as a special group within IPENZ with its own elected committee based in Auckland. This enthusiastic group of volunteers (including three senior kiwi born engineers) organise a range of activities to assist immigrant engineers get appropriate professional work, which includes a database with CVs, frequent workshops, training courses and networking with different organisations.
The need is to find employers who are prepared to give these colleagues a chance. They bring a wealth of skills for the benefit of NZ and are usually fast learners, with the drive to succeed. SIGIE has a significant reservoir of knowledge and expertise available now, just waiting for the right employer. We will be happy to provide suggestions and CVs to employers looking for new staff.
May 26, 2006
HSBC Business Person of the Year – Grant McIntosh, McIntosh Timber Laminates
As Managing Director for this local company, the Howick resident continues a family business started by his grandfather in the 1930s.
He has led the company in many successes in both technical innovation and its Glue Laminated Timber (Glulam) market, the company experiencing impressive design and export sales.
Among the international projects featuring its Glulam are the Ritz Carlton and the Grand Hyatt hotels in Dubai, Morrison Printing Inks in Wellington, Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club and Fale Pasifika.
Mr McIntosh paid tribute to his staff, some of whom he had worked with for more than 20 years. “Without them it would be impossible to do what we do.
“In many cases we are like family and many of our staff live in this community.”
Article reprinted with permission from The Times Newspapers.
Container Swapping Issues - Sgt Kylie Newton Recently a meeting was held to which Transport Owners, MCC Traffic, Police Traffic, Opus, GETBA and NZRTA were invited. The issue of on-road transfer of containers has been raised by members of the association whose own business and safety are compromised by illegal on-road transfer. There has been a recent case of an accident caused by an on-road transfer blocking the roadway. It was decided to report on the issue to the Breakfast meeting and to seek wider consultation.
Sgt Newton outlined the issue of container swapping for industry and gave a clear statement of the legal position:
• Each business property is given resource consent on the basis that all transfer activities must be provided for on their premises. (It is clear that the space allocated for this activity may currently be used for parking or for storage etc)
• The company receiving the container(s) is responsible for ensuring that transfer takes place on their property.
• There are powers in the law to prosecute all parties for illegal transfer on the public roadway.
A number of solutions were canvassed. The Association would like to involve all affected parties in seeking a solution and therefore is seeking to contact all business owners in the Greenmount East Tamaki area who receive containers for export or import of goods.
For this to be effective, we need your input. Please email me by return if you or your neighbour (we may not have their contact details) is affected by this. We will then arrange a meeting and send you an invitation.
May 12, 2006
LTCCP points made in GETBA's Submission
The GETBA Executive have made a submission to Manukau City Council's draft version of the Long Term Council Community Plan. We have listed below the specific points addressed in our submission.
Building Warrant of Fitness Register It is accepted by business that a fee must be charged to ensure all Council records are accurate. We are informed however by Council officers that the cost of renewal in the second and subsequent years of operation of the register will be the same as in the set up year.
While Council must cover its costs, we question whether the real cost has been amortised over a number of years or whether this is an example of Council charging at a high rate for the set up year and failing to adjust downwards for subsequent years. This is an example of the concerns expressed by our members at the cost of doing business in Manukau.
Rating System: Land Value, Capital Value or Annual Value? Council officers appear to be either unwilling, or have been unable to give us information on which we could base an informed response. (Many requests have been made to Council for examples of comparison of current and proposed rates for selected businesses without success).
The associated but separate issue of waste water charges is a clear instance of where there appears to be a severe impost on business in that the fixed annual charge to business is effectively 3 times the residential rate, despite the fact that up to 85% of businesses are small and arguably use less water than a large residential property. Where is the equity and fairness in this proposal?
Allens Road / Smales Road four-laning: While GETBA applauds and commends Council for its efforts in securing a third crossing of the Tamaki River which will provide a direct motorway link to our area, we take the opportunity to express some major concerns.
In his foreword to the Draft LTCCP, the Mayor refers to transport infrastructure being a priority. He refers to a “well planned transport network” being essential for development. He refers specifically to Highbrook Drive to link State Highway One and East Tamaki.
Despite this priority and roading being essential, the new four lane Highbrook Drive will funnel traffic into two lanes along Allens Road to Harris/Springs Road. This will create a major traffic snarl-up.
Obviously transport is not a priority as otherwise Allens Road would be widened all the way to Harris / Springs Road and such widening should be definitely included in this 10 year plan.
It is ridiculous to spend huge amounts of money on a new four lane highway and then have it reduce to two lanes only for a few hundred metres before the Harris / Springs Road Intersection.
We commend Council for immediately undertaking the reshaping of the Firth corner on Smales Road. We understand that this is scheduled for the current year’s program and trust that the work will be completed in time to avoid any further serious accidents.
We note the four laning of Smales Road is included in the Draft LTCCP but delayed to the 2010/2012. This too is unacceptable. Surely a Council with vision and trumpeting transport infrastructure as a priority should see the sense of completing a four lane road from Te Irirangi Drive through to a new motorway interchange.
There is a need for a footpath to enable people to walk safely down Allens Road.
Targeted Rates While it appears Council is determined to bring in targeted rates, we state again for the record, our unequivocal rejection of this concept given that business differentials already existing and repeated under the new proposed rating system through separate wastewater charges constitute a targeted rate by another name.
Debt Levels The ever growing debt burden is of major concern. MCC must reduce expenditure in areas where it can without compromising the priority of economic growth and transport infrastructure from which all ratepayers benefit equally e.g. user pays for swimming pools
UAGC UAGC should be set at the maximum permissible limit to more evenly spread the rates burden across the city and ensure we all pay a minimum amount equally to the city.
May 5, 2006
Photo facility will soon be available
Check out our website 'Security News' on the left side of this home page. From today we will be putting a copy of all GETBA members security email alerts in this section. I have inserted April's alerts as info still current. We will soon have the capability for inserting photographs where appropriate.
May 2, 2006
Candice needs funds to represent NZ in Taekwon-Do
"As people in business we talk about promoting the positive. We talk about getting behind youth and supporting and promoting young achievers.
I would like to introduce Candice Millar a young lady who has achieved and is now attempting to compete at the highest level in her sport of Taekwon-Do.
She has been chosen as a member of the New Zealand team to represent our country at The ITF Junior World Championships in Honduras in July of this year.
Only three people in the whole of Manukau/counties area have had the honor to be selected for the national team. How often in a life time are you picked to represent New Zealand in such an event?
She needs help financially to get to this world championship and represent New Zealand.
This is a great opportunity for local business to support a local young achiever and to assist her to strive for the top."
If you can help could you please contact Dennis Grantham email Dennis@acedoors.co.nz or phone him on 273 4970 or 0274 813 450
May 2, 2006
FREE Tourism Workshops
Enterprising Manukau is running a series of training workshops for small businesses in the tourism sector in April/May this year as part of the work they do on business development and mentoring businesses in our area.
The programme is delivered by specialist training providers and offers a range of training for managing a business, complemented by follow-up coaching designed to enable you to implement what you have learnt.
The benefits of attending include: gaining knowledge in a specific area of business management, increasing motivation, boosting confidence and reaffirming business strategies and processes.
Focus this year on this three stage programme will be on “taking your business to market”. Stage one is an individual assessment session to identify the businesses immediate and most crucial need, stage two includes two workshops around the identified areas and stage three includes individual follow-up coaching.
If you would like to know more about this series, please email or telephone Angerie ASAP on 273 4613 or angerie.vanwyk@em.org.nz.
May 1, 2006
Invitation to the Small Business Expo
Adams Design Studio are delighted to offer you the chance to attend the upcoming Small Business Expo as their guest. They had a stand last year and will be there again this year, and can fully recommend that it is well worth your while attending, and if you apply on-line for your ticket by clicking on the link below you will save the $20 admission fee.
Bringing quality business support products and services under one roof, the Small Business Expo is proudly sponsored by Microsoft, Vodafone, Vero, EMA, the NZ Herald and NewstalkZB and brought to you by Small Business Expo Ltd and Sarah Trotman, a leading Small Business Sector Specialist.
Described in the NZ Herald as providing “Inspiration from the best of the best”, the Small Business Expo is being held for business owners who want to ensure their businesses are managed most effectively with maximised profits and employee satisfaction and reduced stress.
What: The Small Business Expo, Where: Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane When: 9am-4pm Wednesday 10th & Friday 12th May & Thursday 11th, 9am – 8pm
Join other business owners and take a day, or half a day out to visit this three-day event designed to meet the needs of business owners and you will find;
Three large halls of exhibitors, all of whom have a quality offering and a good understanding of the needs of business,
Business mentoring, courtesy of Vodafone New Zealand,
Networking opportunities
Hot show-only prices on the very best of products and services offered to the small business sector,
A healthy dose of inspiration,
Free seminars on a topics from tax to HR and IT to marketing, held at the Microsoft Seminar Series,
The Vero Business Support Zone and
YourBiz Cyber Café
Adam Design’s stand is 302a so please do drop by and meet the team.
Apr 11, 2006
FREE Training / Workshops offered to local Business
Enterprising Manukau is running a series of training workshops for small businesses within the tourism sector in April/May this year.
Because their role involves offering support in the development and mentoring of businsses, it is offered free to all the Manukau businesses who are either involved in, or who benefit from tourism.
This three stage programme commencing in April 2006 is complemented by follow-up coaching designed to enable you to implement what you have learnt.
Focus this year will be on “taking your business to market”.
If you would like to know more please contact ANGERIE VAN WYK on 09 262 2244, or 0274 733 788 or email: angerie.vanwyk@em.org.nz. She has a short questionaire for you to fill in to enable E.M. to determine how they can best assist you.
Apr 3, 2006
MIT STUDENTS - work experience
The Department of Business Services at Manukau Institute of Technology have students available for work experience during the next semester break beginning Tuesday 18 April and ending on Friday 28 April. (Coincides with school holidays).
Work experience is an integral part of the students' studies, helping them to gain a better appreciation of the role they are working toward.
The students are studying a level 4 in the Certificate in Business Administration and understand that this work is unpaid and they are there to observe and undertake suitable jobs which will give them a taste of business practices. The course aims at general office duties, however there are some students specialising in finance or medical dministration who could be suitable for businesses in these fields. The students are required to sign a confidentiality form and are instructed not to interfere with the normal day to day operations of the business.
MIT would be very grateful to any businesses able to work with them to ensure their students have good work practice experience when they complete their course. There may be opportunities for paid part time on-going work during the term if the student is found to be suitable and you have that requirement.
If you are able to help with this please either email Susan McKinnon susan.mckinnon@manukau.ac.nz; or phone her on 968-8000, ext 7408
Mar 24, 2006
Turn Your Life Around Program
TYLA stands for TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND and provides the opportunity and empowerment for youth ‘at risk of serious offending’ to choose the right path. The TYLA programme is a long term early intervention programme supported by Police, Community, Business, Government and Schools aiming to turn around the lives of our young people and assist them into the workplace.
Supported by New Zealand Police, TYLA is a Charitable Trust Youth Development programme,that aims to be nationwide and accepts referred young people (by Youth Aid) in year 7 (Form 1) as part of early intervention.
These young people are mentored and supported with police and social workers right through to entering the workforce or further education - Year 11 – 13. TYLA helps prevent youth ‘at risk of serious offending’ from making wrong choices; making them responsible for their actions and provides young people with skills and opportunities to “TURN THEIR LIVES AROUND”.
The TYLA programme supports young people ‘at risk of serious offending’ to align their potential with their performance in all environments and encourages young people to achieve their own personal goals.
WHY TYLA WORKS TYLA is developed through community networks and with the ‘buy in’ of the community. Personnel involved in TYLA are ‘local people’ with a ‘local commitment’. TYLA has a long term commitment to each young person and TYLA works with the child and their family in their family environment. TYLA intervenes before young people get into serious trouble.
Students are referred by Police and have previous minor offences with all the social indicators pointing to a life of serious crime. TYLA equips young people with the skills and confidence to make the right choices. TYLA is integrated into the school programme and its success has been evaluated by the Crime Prevention Unit and independently by Massey University. TYLA approaches the problem holistically and provides the extra social support these young people need.
If you would like to know more about how you can help make this Charitable Trust more effective, please contact Constable Sarah Su Tel 295 0200
Mar 3, 2006
Pacific Trade Xpo
The New Zealand Pacific Business Council is determined that the inaugural Pacific Trade Expo at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau on March 13 and 14, will provide a major catalyst to the development of trade in the region.
The expo is the first major initiative of the NZPBC, which was established last year with the primary objective of promoting and facilitating two-way trade with the nations of the Pacific.
Supporting sponsors of the expo are the Manukau, Waitakere and Auckland City Councils and the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission.
New Zealand’s merchandised trade with Pacific countries – at $1.1 billion – is clearly not insignificant and that figure does not take account invisibles – such as consultancy and services . But according to NZPBC chair Gilbert Ullrich, the potential for further growth is substantial.
“That New Zealand needs to boost its returns from the export sector is well understood,” Mr Ullrich says. But what is often not appreciated is the opportunities to increase export sales which exist in what might be described as our ‘backyard.’ ’”
The markets of the Pacific region, are, individually, relatively small. But viewed collectively, they are amongst New Zealand’s top six export destinations.
The Pacific is resource rich. There is timber, minerals and fish in abundance. And the vast Pacific seabed is the world’s richest.
Significantly, Asian nations - among them China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Japan – are showing increased interest in the strategic potential of the Pacific region. China recently established an embassy in Suva and that country’s commercial profile is becoming increasingly prominent in many other countries across the region.
The Expo has the strong endorsement of the Prime Minister Helen Clark and of Winnie Laban, Associate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs and Associate Minister for Economic Development.
Tim Gibson, Chief Executive of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, says the Expo provides New Zealand companies not presently selling offshore, with the opportunity to explore export opportunities “on their own doorstop” at a reasonable cost.
“One of this economy’s most urgent needs is to get more of our small-to-medium enterprises into exporting."
“While the prospect of trying to gain a market foothold in Asia, Europe or the United States for instance, might well seem too daunting for many companies, taking that first step into one or more of the smaller markets of the Pacific would be much less intimidating,” Mr Gibson says.
Concurrent with the Expo, there will be seminars on business topics, organised by the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission and the domestic based Pacific Business Trust.
Contacts: Gilbert Ullrich 09 262 6262 Richard Maugueret 09 262 6262 extn. 855 or 0211 866 233 Nevillle Martin 04 4793 684 or 021 1243559 www.nzpbc.co.nz
Mar 3, 2006
2006 Manukau Annual Economic Summit
Enterprising Manukau organises the Annual Manukau Economic Summit to keep Manukau Business informed and to provide a national perspective of the economic climate and its impact on local business.
The 2006 Summit will be held on the 8th of March at the Genesis Energy Theatre in the TelstraClear Pacific Event Centre, Manukau City.
Manukau business owners and leaders are invited to attend the 2006 event to hear what the speakers see the year has in store for business.
“Business has a responsibility to increase productivity levels, because productive businesses create a productive economy”. This was the message from Phil O’Reilly in November last year when he addressed the Auckland Rotary Club about business confidence in New Zealand.
The concentration of business in Manukau City makes it New Zealand’s hub of manufacturing and export, with a huge influence on business confidence in the whole of the country.
Speakers include:
Mr Brendan O’Donovan, Chief Economist of Westpac Bank,
Mr. Phil O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Business NZ,
