Welcome to our latest Chamber newsletter
We all know that your staff are one of the most important resources in your business - but what are you doing to retain and replenish your workforce in years to come?
With the cost of living rising and a large percentage of workers moving overseas for better wages, we need to turn our heads to the next generation of workers, also known as Gen Z. This year, Gen Z will turn anywhere from 11 to 26 years old.
Join us this Friday 31 March with "Smart Waikato" - a charitable trust that partners with business, education and government agencies to deliver a range of practical, effective and innovative initiatives that better support rangatahi (youth) transitioning from education to employment.
Get Ahead with Gen Z Workshop
Join Smart Waikato for an interactive and informative workshop. If you employ younger people in your business, or looking to do so, this is for you! Wanting to become a clearer communicator with this generation? Look no further!
Workshop includes:
- 6 steps to successfully employing young people
- Effective inductions, inclusive workplaces
- Mentoring conversations to remember
- The four "R's" of retention
- Effective communication
- Learn how to successfully integrate young people into your workplace.
You still have time to register - click here.
|
|
In this update
- Varntige & Fresh Choice Te Awamutu finalists in 2023 Waipa Networks Business awards
- Welcome to our new member - Squillions
- Photo's from our recent event
- Heart-felt BA5 with the Te Awamutu Boxing Academy
- New Chamber Member Initiative
- Support Local Te Awamutu website
- Up coming Chamber events
- Useful information
- First Steps
|
|
We’re always keen on seeking feedback from our local business partners on what the Chamber can provide. If you’ve got any ideas, we’d love to hear from you – email ceo@teawamutuchamber.org.nz.
Thank you for your continued support of the Te Awamutu Business Chamber.
Chamber Team
|
|
Chamber Members Varntige & Fresh Choice Te Awamutu finalists in the 2023 Waipa Networks Business Awards
A huge congratulations goes out to Varntige and Fresh Choice Te Awamutu for making it through to the finals of the prestigious 2023 Waipa Networks Business Awards.
The awards will be presented on Friday 21 April at the 2023 Waipa Networks Business Awards Gala Dinner.
Varntige is a finalist in the "Excellence in Medium Business" and is up against Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park, Cambridge Raceway, Ignite Arts Academy, Resolution Retreats and Wraptrade.
Fresh Choice Te Awamutu is a finalist in the "Excellence in Large Business Award" and they are up against New World Cambridge and Treadlite NZ.
We would like to wish Varntige and Fresh Choice the best of luck, and that we are proud of them getting to the finals!
Get behind these two businesses by purchasing a ticket, or table to this prestigious event of the year! Individual and table tickets available. Check out www.waipabusinessawards.co.nz
|
|
|
Want to know more about Squillions?
Squillions provides expert consulting services in data and policy analysis for local and central government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.
|
|
Nigel Pinkerton is a data and policy expert who has worked extensively with these organisations to ensure decision makers have good data and sound advice.
He has advised local government as an independent consultant and has led projects for clients as diverse as housing and urban development (HUD), Inland Revenue, the Independent Children’s Monitor (ICM), and the not-for-profit sector.
He is fluent in several programming languages and is equally comfortable writing code, giving a presentation, or writing an in-depth report.
For more info check out www.squillions.co.nz
|
|
Photos from our recent event
Last Thursday we had the privilege of having our BA5 with the Te Awamutu Boxing Academy - a not for profit organisation that makes a huge difference in the lives of our rangatahi. Check out www.bgyf.org.nz
|
|
|
Heart-felt BA5 with the Te Awamutu Boxing Academy - Billy Graham Youth Foundation
Emotions were high and some tears were shed when Chris Graham, Head Coach of Te Awamutu Boxing Academy spoke candidly to the Chamber about the hardships he faced during his childhood.
With the Te Awamutu Boxing Academy, Chris returns to his own roots where boxing helped to transform the direction of his own family, starting with his older brother Billy (founder of Billy Graham Youth Foundation).
Chris has spent his life dedicated to working with youth around New Zealand both as a teacher and a youth worker. His passion for youth and developing them into proactive role models was evident.
He views boxing as a fantastic vehicle for achieving these results, but believes that it is "so much more than just boxing". The academy is a place of "belonging" - a safe-haven for some of his members that don't have one.
Watching a boxing class in action was one of the major highlights of the evening. It was clear that these kids wanted to be there and that they respected their coach, each other, but most importantly themselves.
As the class ended, they huddled together, recited the academies values and closed with a karakia (prayer). The ritual was completed by a series of smiles and "high-fives" - something the Chamber members found very touching and profound.
We would like to thank Chris and the team for being incredible hosts and for allowing us to see where the "magic" happens for many of our rangatahi.
We encourage you to find out more by checking out www.bgyf.org.nz
|
|
|
Chamber members listening intently to Chris Graham's presentation in the boxing gym.
|
|
|
Photo right: Rebecca Burgess (Varntige & Chamber Board Member), Tracey Hancock (Life Coach), Vayle Hammond (First National) and Chris Graham (Te Awamutu Boxing Academy).
|
|
New Chamber Member Initiative
We’re excited to announce that we will be launching a new initiative that is FREE for our members!
It’s our new member system (called Hello Club) that you can access on your phone or computer, and you can enjoy all of the benefits the Chamber has to offer.
You will be able to:
1. Install the app on your phone for easy access.
2. Renew and pay for your membership via credit card or online.
3. View past transactions and download invoices and receipts.
4. Make contact with the Chamber.
5. Later on down the track, we’ll be adding other awesome features, such as our events calendar. At the touch of a button, you will be able to register to one or more of our events – how easy is that?
Over the next week, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your account. This email will be sent out to the email address we have on file for you.
If you have changed your email address recently, or if you don’t receive an email by the end of this week, please send us your up-to-date email address.
|
|
Support Local Te Awamutu website
List your business for FREE today! Support Local Te Awamutu is a business-to-consumer focused directory website promoting the best of Te Awamutu.
FREE for the first 6 months, then $50 per year for non-Chamber members and FREE for Chamber Members as part of your membership.
|
|
Workshop - Get Ahead with Gen Z
Friday 31 March @ 9.30am
If you employ younger people in your business or looking to do so, this is the workshop for you!
Learn how to successfully integrate young people into your workplace. To register click here.
|
|
|
BA5 with Findex & Fonterra
Thursday 27 April @ 5pm
Join us for a BA5 to hear from Fonterra Te Awamutu Operations Manager, Russell Muir, about corporate sustainability and recent investments made by Fonterra at the Te Awamutu site. To register click here.
|
|
|
BA5 with Te Awamutu Space Centre
Wednesday 10 May @ 5pm
Join us for a BA5 at the Te Awamutu Space Centre - a much loved icon of Kihikihi and Te Awamutu. Meet owner and space enthusiast Dave Owen and take a tour of this fantastic facility! To register click here.
|
|
|
Link Lunch with Angela Roberts
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday 24 May @ 12pm
Save the date for our Link Lunch with Angela Roberts - List MP. She will be presenting the 2023 Budget. Registrations open mid April.
|
|
|
Link Lunch with Barbara Kuriger
SAVE THE DATE: Friday 9 June @ 12pm
Save the date for our Link Lunch with Barbara Kuriger - MP for Taranaki-King Country. Barbara will be talking about her Conservation Spokespersons role and appointment on the Environment Select Committee.
|
|
|
Link Lunch with Soda Inc
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday 13 Sept @ 12pm
Save the date for our Link Lunch with Soda Inc - connecting businesses of all sizes, industries and stages to the right advice, support, resources and funding, to accelerate business growth and drive innovation.
|
|
|
Useful information
Keep up to date with the latest news and support our local business community
|
|
|
2023 Waipa Networks Business Awards Gala Dinner
Get your tickets for the most prestigious event of the Waipa business calendar! Individual and table tickets available. For more info or to purchase your tickets check out www.waipabusinessawards.co.nz
|
|
|
Sustainability education
An incredible resource for all of our businesses who are environmentally conscious! For more information about the series workshops, or to register check out www.sustainable.org.nz.
|
|
|
Life Education Trust Fundraiser
Saturday 6 May
Hamilton and Waipa-King Country Trust are holding their inaugural fundraising race day. For more info or to or book a table contact Kay Moir on 027 453 1093 or email wkmoir@xtra.co.nz.
|
|
|
First Steps
We know that business owners, managers and staff experience particular pressures that can begin to affect their ability to thrive and support others.
First Steps is a space to find resources, video content, news and articles; as well as connecting you with confidential support from approved professional wellbeing providers, to help you make sense of challenging situations, reduce overwhelm and make meaningful change toward a fulfilling and balanced life.
Interested in being a First Steps wellbeing provider?
Wellbeing providers will need to complete an online application form on the First Steps website.
You will be asked a series of questions including what you can offer:
- Therapy / Counselling
- In-person / Online courses
- Workshops / Programmes
- Online Tools
- Physical Training / Nutrition
- Coaching
For more info check out firststeps.nz/get-listed
|
|
First Steps
Be healthy, resilient and equipped to navigate challenges and uncertainty. Find the wellbeing support you need, in a way that works for you.
For more information check out the website www.firststeps.nz
|
|
|
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors
|
|
|
|
|
