Business Central NZ

Changes to health and safety laws announced today will allow small businesses to focus on the most critical risks, says Business Central CEO Simon Arcus. "Safety is essential to every workplace, but our current health and safety laws don’t reflect levels of actual risk. "A retail shop or small office is a very different environment to a construction site, yet our current laws require small business to address their risks in similar ways. "Small businesses can easily be overwhelmed by the breadth of our health and safety laws, which add unnecessary complexity and cost. "This change will not only reduce costs to business - it will make low-risk environments safer by focusing on the most critical risks. "It also frees up the regulator, WorkSafe, to focus on areas where it can have the most impact on reducing harm. "Today’s announcement is the first in a series of changes designed to reduce red tape for business. "Reducing compliance for small, low risk businesses is a proportionate, sensible step."

🚨 Last chance to tune-in! 🚨 Tomorrow morning the Hon. Louise Upston will share her vision for the future of welfare and work at our first Beehive to Business event of the year. With key portfolios shaping business, tourism, and employment growth, this is your chance to connect with a Minister focused on delivering real outcomes for businesses across Aotearoa.   Join us via a free livestream thanks to series partner Allen + Clarke, and grab this opportunity to hear directly from the Minister for Social Development and Employment, Tourism and Hospitality, Disability Issues, and Deputy Leader of the House.   Register for free here: https://lnkd.in/gVRE_pGV #webinar #online #politics #government #welfare #economy #employers #nzpolitics #beehive #businessnz #business

Theft is theft. If an employer fails to pay a legitimately earned wage and this is proven to be intentional, with no excuse at all, then these are prudent safeguards on this legislation - although plenty of other remedies already exist. The CTU says theft is theft and we agree. So if an employee bunks off work due to fabricated and untrue illness, and is then spotted at the cricket or the beach on a sunny summer day...this must also be wage theft? https://lnkd.in/g2YVua2m Michael Collins Leeann Watson John Fraser-Mackenzie Katherine Rich

Business Central welcomes the Government’s progress on reforming the Resource Management Act (RMA). Today’s announcement sets out the next steps for phase 3 of the RMA reforms. The new legislation is intended to give property owners greater rights to develop their property, reduce the time and cost of consenting, and standardise planning rules across the country – while maintaining environmental protections. The RMA is a significant barrier to development in New Zealand, impacting everything from the infrastructure deficit to housing costs and energy prices. The Infrastructure Commission estimates the consenting process alone adds $1.29 billion in costs every year. Unlocking development of critical infrastructure is an important step towards boosting the New Zealand economy and building a brighter future for business. 

The next instalment of our Health and Safety series is coming next week, and it’s one you don’t want to miss! Join us at our new time of 1:00PM on Tuesday for an online lunchtime session with Jason Stapp from CentrePort Ltd. CentrePort is a top-notch case study for businesses wondering how to turn well-meaning health and safety concepts into positive change. After the worst-case scenario became reality, CentrePort now puts the mental and physical wellbeing of their people front and centre.   Jason has a wealth of knowledge on both how to implement change, and getting your team onside when change is needed. Make sure you're there on Tuesday to hear the cultural and financial benefits, which go far beyond the outcomes you would consider relevant to health and safety compliance.   Register for free here: https://lnkd.in/g-HnShbJ #event #health #safety #transformation #people #culture #workplacesafety #positiveworkplaces #change #growth #port #wellington #hr

Knowing our Government's vision for the economy can help business leaders make important decisions on investment, strategy, staff and more. That's why we invite you to breakfast with the Prime Minister on April 10. Join us and principal partner Woolworths New Zealand as we host the Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, where he'll share his vision for the future and the Government's plans to boost economic growth. Don't miss your chance to secure a seat before they're gone: https://lnkd.in/gNT562iS #politics #government #economy #inflation #newzealand #aotearoa #leadership #business #network #event #wellington

2025 is a local body election year, and social media such as LinkedIn will be busy. Business Central is a non-partisan entity, working with any person or organisation who wants to support local business and the future prosperity of our region. We do not endorse candidates, but will meet with anyone who requests a briefing on business. We kindly request that candidates do not use our social media channels for election campaigning. Inaccurate, misleading or overtly political statements will be removed. We encourage all candidates to engage with us on the business environment – and urge every commercial ratepayer in our regions to get out and vote later this year!

The ExportNZ All of New Zealand Govt Roadshow was in Wellington today. Led and emceed by Executive Director Joshua Tan, close to 200 exporters heard valuable updates from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, New Zealand Story Group, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, New Zealand Export Credit (NZEC) and asked thought-provoking questions. Fantastic session at BusinessNZ and Business Central NZ offices. Great leadership, Josh Tan!

Very pleased to have played our part with BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich in advocating for this. Late last year our Chief Executive Simon Arcus and Corporate Affairs lead Conor Whitten joined with Katherine to add our voice to the government about the need for rules that recognise the wider contribution of New Zealand businesses when they tender for government work.

How do you go from being in headlines for your health & safety to setting an example for businesses across NZ?   Jason Stapp from CentrePort Ltd in Wellington has navigated that difficult journey and wants to help other businesses ensure that isn’t their story too.    Join Jason online to hear this incredible story, and the practical steps the leaders of health & safety in your workplace can take to make impactful change that goes the distance.   Register for FREE by heading here: https://lnkd.in/g-HnShbJ   #event #wellington #healthandsafety #change #attitudes #workplace #accident #port #shipping #export #hr