By the time you receive this KiwiSaver will be a reality for all of us.  Those who informed themselves and are prepared, well done!   At this stage or in the near future, some of you may have questions about your basic requirement for compliance with KiwiSaver.   As far as providers go because there is no historical information to base a comparable recommendation on, it will be a bit hit and miss for some people.  Not all fund managers are equal.  So if you need help – where can you go?  IRD KiwiSaver Hotline is one, also talk to you Accountant or Financial Advisor if you have one or log onto the KiwiSaver website where you will find valuable information and FAQ’s.   If you get stuck, call Chamber of Commerce and we will guide you in the right direction.    

As you may be aware Wanganui Inc have now come under the Wanganui District Council structure, as WINC are the day to day service provider for Chamber of Commerce we had to make a decision whether they should retain the contract.  Chamber of Commerce are very conscious of continuing to be the independent voice of business, could we truly remain that while being administered by what is essentially WDC?   In the end, and several meetings later we decided there is a framework and a set of competencies that Chamber required, so in the meantime WINC will continue to be our service provider.   WINC and in particular Sasha has an existing knowledge of Chamber, we are delighted that Sasha will continue to be our point of contact and face of Chamber for members in her present capacity.  Sue Robertson who has provided so much assistance to Chamber over the past five years will no longer continue in a role for us.  I would personally like to acknowledge Sue in this Viewpoint, her professionalism and efficient work ethic has been exemplary.  Sue we wish you the best!

The blast of winter has made its presence felt throughout the country.   As the chill hits, it’s a natural reaction to want to hibernate but just up the road is our regions winter playground and it’s a time of celebration with the promise of another brilliant ski season.   Ruapehu Alpine Lifts are investing $60million into mountain and ski facilities, priming Ruapehu as a number one ski destination.  With such an investment comes flow on financial benefits to Wanganui.  Other business economic activity primed for Wanganui is a new $32million facility at Good Health Wanganui, $20million for the new UCOL Campus, not to mention the economic investment role Wanganui District Council are contributing with the Waste Water Project, Splash Centre and River Bank Walkway.  Two new motels are being built in the CBD offering up-market accommodation in the city.  Other good news, as I write this it looks there may be a positive outcome for Allied Pine.

When a business enterprise faces circumstances that threatens closure it is never an event that suddenly happens.  In the background there has already been a lot of alternatives discussed and maybe tried, a lot of agonizing and what could be done differently.  Staff often the last ones to know a problem exists are in shock when told they are facing redundancy.  Any business when asked what is your greatest asset?  Will almost always answer ‘my staff’, while this answer may be genuine, our biggest asset may also be part of the answer to solving the problem.   For a labour intensive business, staff buy-in or stake holdings in the business can inject much needed capital and a renewed sense of pride and purpose in the business.  Production will be increased and wastage minimized, because people who have shares in the business, work in the business and the staff shareholders will want to succeed as much as you do.  New ideas will be debated among the employees as everyone will look at more effective and efficient ways to work.  Absenteeism will be less and moral will be up.  For computer data based businesses, in this age of technology there is absolutely no reason why people must go to an office each day to work.   Internationally more and more businesses are looking at employees working from home, cutting down on office overheads and corporate structures.  People become more productive and less stressed when they can work their own hours, for some employees this may be 9 to 5 for others, staggered hours between day and night.  Either way the company saves money when staff is able to work from home.  Never close the doors on your business without looking towards alternatives. 

People often talk to me about the importance of buying local.  I agree 100% and make every effort to support local business and service providers.   Recently there have been some negative comments made to me about local attitudes and job costing.   Businesses can afford to be selective about estimates and what jobs they choose to take on in a buoyant market – but what happens if and when work slows down or the demand isn’t so great?  Recently a colleague told me of quotes he sourced that varied 40% between two local suppliers and ‘one out of town’ guess who is likely to get the job.   Small variances is acceptable, most people will choose buy local if the difference is slightly marginal but beware of over pricing yourself in the favour of out of town suppliers.

I would like to see added benefits to Wanganui Chamber members by ‘Members supporting Members in Business’.   My thoughts are, participating business members being listed on the Chamber website with either discounts or bonuses available as an incentive for members to purchase your products and services over non-Chamber businesses.  Any suggestions how you would like to see this work are welcomed by emailing me to bronwyn@wanganui-security.co.nz    I am also endeavouring to visit and meet two Chamber members each week, its important I get to know you and be in touch with your business triumphs or concerns, so if I knock on your door sometime soon, just a few minutes of your time will be appreciated.    

Have a great month!
Bronwyn Paul