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20 19 ISSUE 01
2019 BusinessExcellence Awards- entries now open
Get to know the members of
The Chamber Board
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E2
F R O M T H E G E N E R A L M A N A G E R
The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce is proud to help, connect, influence and support the business community with a
determined and focused vision for a successful local economy where buoyant, profitable enterprises make Marlborough a world-class destination. A place investors and visitors flock to and where our home-grown business talent wants to stay and thrive.
We have a collective duty to inform the outside world of our achievements, ambitions and goals; whether it’s an investment in your newest piece of machinery, an award your business or team member has received or a game-changing contract taking your organisation to the next level.
Some would say that as Kiwis it’s not in our nature to blow our own trumpets. I say, why on earth not! I’m extremely proud of each and every achievement we hear about at the Chamber. We need our members to share their good news via our
Again and again I am struck by the enthusiasm and ambition I feel for – and from – business in Marlborough. Throughout the region there are numerous organisations and people who are totally committed to achieving success and continuing to work hard to reach their goals.
CONTENTS
From the General Manager ..............................2
Upcoming Chamber Events .............................3
Business Feature : Banjo Brews .......................5
2019 Business Excellence Awards ....................6
The regions are where it’s at ............................9
Meet the Chamber Board ...............................10
ASB Theatre Marlborough ............................... 12
Companies - tax exemptions for gifts........ 13
Meet our members ............................................. 14
From the MP’s desk ............................................. 15
For all enquiries please contact: Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Level 1, 82 Seymour StreetPO Box 658, Blenheim 7240Phone: 03 577 9575 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mcoc.org.nz
MarlboroughCOC
marlbchamberofcommerce
Marlborough Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Board:President: Nita van Grinsven Board members: Anthony Barnes, Stephen Ryan, Fiona Fenwick, Khalid Suleiman, Pete Coldwell,Nate Bainbridge, Nicky Simpson, Natalie Christensen.Design: Vanilla Hayes LtdPrint: Blenheim Print
From the General Manager
Meet your Chamber
team
website, our e-newsletters, and our social media and, of course, in the Voice Magazine.
If we want to attract new trade, keep existing customers, bring in new talent and grow the region, it’s vital to show we mean business and demonstrate that by our actions. In the next few months you will see a strong programme of Chamber events, and a continued focus providing input into many of the key strategic economic activities in the region.
I would like to say a huge thank you to our team who work hard to deliver a strong programme of member engagement and support, allowing us to retain and attract businesses and grow the Chamber. Alice and Kathryn are a huge credit to the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce.
Hans Neilson
General Manager
L to R : Kathryn Stewart, Hans Neilson, Alice Parkinson
For more details on any of these events please contact Alice at [email protected] or visit mcoc.org.nz/events
Upcoming Chamber Events & Trainings
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E 3
U P C O M I N G C H A M B E R E V E N T S
We partner with clients to build tailored investment portfolios based on their needs.
KENT WINSTANLEY & FELIX VAVASOUR BLENHEIM BRANCH
And it all starts with a conversation.Kent Winstanley 03 577 [email protected] Vavasour 03 577 [email protected]
craigsip.com
Craigs Investment Partners Limited is a NZX Participant Firm. Kent Winstanley and Felix Vavasour are Investment Advisers at Craigs Investment Partners. Adviser Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge. Please visit craigsip.com
MAY 2019
Wednesday 1st MaySME Business Showcase in the foyer of the Marlborough Convention Centre
Thursday 2nd May Business Afternoon Tea – An Overview of Marlborough’s Economy with Mayor John Leggett and Brad Olsen, Senior Economist at Infometrics
Friday 3rd MayBusiness Excellence Awards 2019 Entries Open
Wednesday 8th May Building Blocks Workshop – Stand Out hosted by Fiona Fenwick from Fifteen Minutes
Wednesday 22nd May Business Excellence Awards 2019 Entrants Seminar
Friday 24th May Breakfast with Stuart Smith, Kaikoura MP at the Taylor Bar & Eatery
JUNE 2019
Tuesday 4th JuneMorning Tea with NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Wednesday 12th JuneBusiness Building Blocks Workshop hosted by Well & Good Health
Thursday 13th June An evening hosted by Hortus and the Graeme Dingle Foundation
Thursday 20th May - TBCWhat’s happening at Westwood Development Luncheon with guest speakers from Big Box Retail
Wednesday 26th May Business Excellence Awards 2019 Entrants Seminar
JULY 2019
Wednesday 3rd JulyBusiness Building Blocks Workshop hosted by Toastmasters
Friday 5th JulyVoice Magazine Issue #2 Release
Wednesday 17th JulyDinner with The Right Honourable James Brendan Bolger, ONZ at the Taylor Bar & Eatery Restaurant
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E4
No more gobbledegookFeeling bamboozled by your insurance options? We can help you with that. And your claims too.Your insurance sorted.
Find a broker0800 276 624 | crombielockwood.co.nz
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V O I C E M A G A Z I N E 5
No more gobbledegookFeeling bamboozled by your insurance options? We can help you with that. And your claims too.Your insurance sorted.
Find a broker0800 276 624 | crombielockwood.co.nz
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The Banjo Brews story began in the kitchen at Ritual café in Blenheim early one morning. As co-owner of Ritual I had started brewing kombucha to offer to our customers as a low sugar, healthy alternative to other drinks on the market. It was an instant hit. I asked my friend and co-worker extraordinaire Sandie Judge if she’d like start a kombucha business, and the rest is hard work and history.
It was a steep learning curve for both of us. We had to find a place to brew (initially a converted shed at Sandie and Ben’s house in Seddon) and learn how to scale the
operation from the kitchen bench. There was also a lot time spent teaching people about kombucha, as at that time it was relatively unheard of.
In the middle of all of that the Kaikoura earthquake hit and we lost almost everything. We managed to save some of our precious cultures, but had to rebuild the brewery itself and start all over again.
We have since moved Banjo Brews from our tiny brewery in Blind River to Old Renwick Road. We were really struggling
with space and knew we had to move if we were to continue to grow. The new space is wonderful and we have a lot of room for expansion.
Starting a business in Marlborough has been great. Locals are loyal. The council has been great to deal with and we feel really lucky to have started here. The downside is that freight is really expensive for us and makes it hard to be competitively priced, especially in the Auckland market.
Kombucha is now a mainstream drink and of course that has really brought some big players into the arena; there are three big Australian brands dominating the shelves here. This has presented quite a challenge
for us and it’s been a real eye opener to see how competitive and ruthless companies can be. We are, however, committed to continue brewing an authentic kombucha that we can be proud of.
This summer we produced the first of our low alcohol, low sugar, unfiltered kombucha ciders. They are delicious and we have some great new flavours which will be released in the spring.
Banjo Brews
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E6
Celebrating Business Excellence and Innovation in our Community
Each year the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards are a highlight of the local business events calendar.
The Business Excellence Awards are a showcase of the region’s business talent and capability, and a platform for paying tribute to those building our economy and community. The Awards deliver real benefits to organisations entering, through self-assessment during the entry process, the exposure they receive, the boost in staff morale and the public recognition of the organisation’s achievements
KEY DATES
MONDAY 6 MAY ∙ Online entries open∙ Nominations open for Business and
Young Business Person of the Year
WEDNESDAY 22 MAY & WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE
∙ Business Excellence Awards entrant seminars - tips and advice for helping you prepare your entry
FRIDAY 23 AUGUST∙ Online entries close∙ Nominations close for Business and
Young Business Person of the Year
MONDAY 16 SEPTEMBER ∙ Business Excellence Awards entrants
announced∙ Finalists for Business Person and
Young Business Person of the Year announced, voting opens
FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER ∙ Online voting closes for Business
Person and Young Business Person of the Year finalists
FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER ∙ Business Excellence Awards evening
at the Marlborough Convention Centre
Entries now open visit mcoc.org.nz/awards
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E 7
“The interview with the judge prior to the awards opened my eyes to a couple of things in my business that I had overlooked & I found the judges opinions to be very helpful.I thought because I was a sole trader with a little business that I ran from home, I was out of my league entering the awards. When I saw the other entries I did have a moment of thinking, what am I doing! But I try to live by the saying that great things don’t come from living in comfort zonesTo win Emerging business was unexpected & a great boost for my self belief in having a niche hair studio without the glitzy high street salon.”
- Kalita CresswellTwo Small Rooms Organic Hair Studio
Winner of Emerging Business Award 2018
Emerging Business Award*This is a business that has started trading within the last 2 years. The criteria has less emphasis on financials.
Small Business Award*This is a business that has an annual turnover of less than $1 million.
Medium Business Award*This is a business that has an annual turnover of between $1 million and $3.5 million.
Large Business Award*This is a business that has an annual turnover of over $3.5 million.
* Businesses entering the Emerging, Small, Medium and Large Business categories can only enter one of these categories. Businesses must demonstrate excellence in management and strategy, sales and marketing, sustainability, investing in people, customer experience, health and safety and overall success.
Community Impact AwardThis award recognises a programme, project, campaign or an overall business that has had, or continues to have, a positive impact on the Marlborough community in a way that inspires others and makes a difference.
Clever Business AwardThis award is for a business that demonstrates innovation and responds to change. This could be an innovative or inventive approach to people, products or processes. Entrants need to prove how their clever business story has contributed to the success of the Marlborough economy.
Business Person of the Year**This award celebrates an extraordinary business person who exhibits qualities that inspire our business community. This person must exhibit an excellent level of business standards and ethics, demonstrate leadership, vision and community involvement, have proven business achievement, and foster awareness of the Marlborough business community through their business dealings.
Young Business Person of the Year**This person must be aged 35 and under. This award celebrates an extraordinary young business person who exhibits qualities that inspire our business community.This person must exhibit an excellent level of business standards and ethics, have proven business achievement, and plans for future growth of the business.
** Entrants for Business Person and Young Business Person of the Year will be accepted by way of online nomination on the Chamber’s website, with voting of finalists open to the Marlborough community.
Hall of Fame Business AwardMarlborough Chamber of Commerce recognise that the efforts of individual business people are actually the fuel that keeps the economy running. Business people through their individual efforts risk capital, provide jobs, and oil the wheels of the economy. The Business Hall of Fame is therefore designed to recognise those who have, during their business career, demonstrated service both to their industry and to the greater Marlborough community.”
Supreme Business AwardAll entries into the Emerging, Small, Medium and Large Business Excellence Awards will be automatically entered into the Supreme Business Award. This is an overall winner that scores highly in all aspects of the judging criteria and has an x-factor that inspires the Marlborough business community.
Why enter?Capture your business planPast entrants say the entry process made them critically evaluate their business and consider their future plans. Past business entries have become working business plans that are still referred to today.
Exposure for your businessAll businesses who enter the awards gain valuable exposure, including coverage in the Chamber’s Voice magazine. Entrants also benefit from media coverage in the lead up to the event, and a profile in the Awards programme on the night. It’s also a great way of recognising your team’s achievements.
Award winner benefitsWinners will receive a trophy, as well as coverage in the Chamber’s communications channels and follow up media. Previous award winners regularly talk about how entering the Awards helped boost their business profile.
Award Categories
Our Business Excellence Awards are open to everyone in the Marlborough business Community
– you don’t have to be a Chamber member to enter!
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E8
DOC Partnership Manager, Matt Hippolite addressing
the gathering at the po-whiri for Project Moturoa.
What is your brain up to?
0800 788 391nmit.ac.nz/postgrad
Add to your CV with a skills focused postgraduate qualificationTake advantage of our 2019 $3,000 postgraduate study scholarship
NMIT is where I need to be NMIT ko reira au!
While the Reform of Vocational Education works its way through the Ministry of Education and Parliament, it is full steam ahead for Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology this year.
NMIT continues to flourish in 2019
NMIT’s financials, domestic student enrolments and graduate numbers are extremely healthy. NMIT Council Chair, Daryl Wehner, says the Government proposals are positive for NMIT in that it supports the important role tertiary institutions have in the regions. “We can see there are opportunities to build on our obvious national strengths in the region, such as viticulture, aquaculture, maritime and aviation engineering,” he says.
Daryl also highlighted the flexibility NMIT currently can employ “When regional employers’ needs change, community demographics change, or local opportunities arise that would benefit our students and Te Tau Ihu, we can move quickly and collaboratively.”
In the past year, NMIT set up a predator trapping short course to help conservation businesses and groups involved with helping New Zealand reach the Predator Free 2050 target. A collaboration has also seen the launch of Project Moturoa earlier this year. It involves ten iwi-supported learners completing a modular conservation-based Level 4 with an emphasis on mātauranga Māori. It is intended to build capacity within iwi for expertise in conservation.
Other learning opportunities designed to meet regional employers’ needs are: online programmes, including video production and graphic design for branding and identity with flexible
starting dates. The next intake for the Masters in Applied Management is in July. The Masters includes courses such as Managing in a Digital World, Critical Issues in Management and Finance for Managers.
nmit.ac.nz
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E 9
The regions are where it’s at
It’s official. The regions are the place to be at the moment, looking far more upbeat and just as economically vibrant as our traditional growth engine of Auckland.
This rose by six days to 57, the highest since February 2009.
Meanwhile, many of our regions are booming. Confidence is very strong across Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Hawkes Bay, Nelson/Marlborough and also at the bottom of the South Island, to name a few.
The unemployment rate declined in most regional areas during 2018, most notably in Taranaki, while in contrast it increased slightly in Auckland. Similarly, the biggest rises in retail sales during the last quarter came from Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Nelson.
I haven’t needed to wait for any of these data releases or surveys to tell me any of this. I have the privilege of travelling all around our great nation most weeks speaking to investors and clients, so I’ve seen it first-hand.
Nelson and Marlborough feel very buoyant, Tauranga and Whakatane are humming, while half of Auckland seems to have moved to Hawke’s Bay this past year.
The good people of Ashburton had nothing but positive business stories to
recount last week, while a fortnight ago there wasn’t a single room available in all of Invercargill. That was on a Tuesday, by the way.
While Auckland house prices are two per cent lower than a year ago, prices are up more than 15 per cent in Dunedin, Invercargill, Palmerston North, Rotorua and Hastings. There’s a steady stream of people moving to the regions, prompting businesses to open and forcing big companies to get more open-minded about staff working remotely.
There’s also a positive export story happening, from kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty to apples in Hawke’s Bay to wine in Blenheim. Dairy prices are up 26 per cent since November, which should offset some of the impact of recent dry weather on some of our dairying regions.
For New Zealand to prosper, we need the Auckland economy to be strong. Our biggest city will always be a powerhouse because of the sheer number of people it is home to, but for now it’s great to see regional New Zealand picking up some of Auckland’s slack.
Disclaimer: Kent Winstanley and Felix Vavasour are Investment Advisers at Craigs Investment Partners. Their disclosure statements are available free of charge under their profiles on craigsip.com. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific investment advice.
The biggest city in New Zealand certainly isn’t in bad shape, but its suffering in the wake of a housing boom that’s over, waning migration
and all sorts of infrastructure challenges.This dynamic came through loud and
clear in the latest Westpac-McDermott Miller Regional Economic Confidence report. Of the eleven regions covered, Auckland was by far the most pessimistic. It was the only one in negative territory, and it saw the sharpest decline from three months ago (having already been the most downbeat then too).
The end of the house price party is likely to be a big factor. Many Auckanders will have got very accustomed to seeing steady double-digit annual gains in their biggest asset, and with prices now slipping some homeowners will be feeling slightly uncomfortable. If they’re looking across the Tasman, they’ll be downright nervous.
One telling indicator from the Real Estate Institute housing report last month was the number of days to sell for Auckland properties, for which a rising trend is often a precursor to further declines in prices.
DOC Partnership Manager, Matt Hippolite addressing
the gathering at the po-whiri for Project Moturoa.
What is your brain up to?
0800 788 391nmit.ac.nz/postgrad
Add to your CV with a skills focused postgraduate qualificationTake advantage of our 2019 $3,000 postgraduate study scholarship
NMIT is where I need to be NMIT ko reira au!
While the Reform of Vocational Education works its way through the Ministry of Education and Parliament, it is full steam ahead for Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology this year.
NMIT continues to flourish in 2019
NMIT’s financials, domestic student enrolments and graduate numbers are extremely healthy. NMIT Council Chair, Daryl Wehner, says the Government proposals are positive for NMIT in that it supports the important role tertiary institutions have in the regions. “We can see there are opportunities to build on our obvious national strengths in the region, such as viticulture, aquaculture, maritime and aviation engineering,” he says.
Daryl also highlighted the flexibility NMIT currently can employ “When regional employers’ needs change, community demographics change, or local opportunities arise that would benefit our students and Te Tau Ihu, we can move quickly and collaboratively.”
In the past year, NMIT set up a predator trapping short course to help conservation businesses and groups involved with helping New Zealand reach the Predator Free 2050 target. A collaboration has also seen the launch of Project Moturoa earlier this year. It involves ten iwi-supported learners completing a modular conservation-based Level 4 with an emphasis on mātauranga Māori. It is intended to build capacity within iwi for expertise in conservation.
Other learning opportunities designed to meet regional employers’ needs are: online programmes, including video production and graphic design for branding and identity with flexible
starting dates. The next intake for the Masters in Applied Management is in July. The Masters includes courses such as Managing in a Digital World, Critical Issues in Management and Finance for Managers.
nmit.ac.nz
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E10
M E E T T H E C H A M B E R B O A R D
When the Kaikoura earthquake rattled the region, Marlborough’s business community was forced into a shake up of its own.
Nita, general manager Hans Neilson and the wider Chamber of Commerce board have been busy working on new ways to strengthen Marlborough businesses in a fast paced and digital-centric landscape, providing them with tools and support they need to thrive.
“We are really working on trying to help drive initiatives to help build up that vibrancy in the business community and make it easier for people to do business and unlock opportunities,” Nita says.
This month, we got to know some of our board members a little better:
Marlborough Chamber of Commerce president Nita van Grinsven says the closure of state highway one for one year, one month and one day
following the quake on November 14, 2016 caused many local organisations to rethink their approach to business.
“Everybody was thinking about what they could do once that road closed. There’s a vibrancy in town now, a great buzz that is really just starting to grow in town and it’s great to be a part of that with the chamber,” she says.
Nita van GrinsvenFinance Manager, Marisco VineyardsPresident of Chamber Board
Pete ColdwellCommercial Real Estate Agent, Bayleys Marlborough
Nate BainbridgeOwner Operator, Bainbridge Building and Roofing
We exist to unlock business
vitality
What do you do and how long have you been doing so in Marlborough?
NITA I’ve worked in finance for the wine industry for the last 10 years and am currently the Finance Manager for Marisco Vineyards.
PETE I’m a commercial real estate agent for Bayleys. I’ve been in Marlborough since 2007 primarily in the wine industry, running Seresin and then as managing director Highfield TerraVin where I’m still a shareholder.
NATE I’m a builder by trade, and am the owner operator of Bainbridge Building and Roofing. We have been operating in Marlborough for eight years.
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E 11
M E E T T H E C H A M B E R B O A R D
Why is having a strong business community in Marlborough important to you?
NITA I enjoy being part of a vibrant and thriving community.
PETE We all need a strong business community to ensure that the region prospers and that young business people see the region as one they would love to live and work in or to relocate to.
NATE It’s important to us to supporting locals and create growth.
How long have you been a member of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce and why did you decide to become a board member?
NITA I joined the chamber four years ago wanting to be more involved with the wider business community of Marlborough and meet more people in other industries and have really loved the challenge of being the president for the chamber in the last three years.
PETE I’ve been a member for years and decided to stand for the board to try and help make a difference in driving business of the region forward.
NATE I’ve only been a member a short duration; I wanted to push myself and be involved in something outside of construction.
What is your view of the current business landscape in Marlborough and how do you think it is going to look in the future?
NITA We are fortunate to have a few strong industries supporting the Marlborough economy: wine, tourism, aquaculture and forestry. The retail industry supporting the Marlborough community is working hard to maintain the competitive edge against e-commerce but still provide some vibrancy to the CBD and town.
PETE Overall it’s in good health, with job growth in a range of sectors, but the growth rates still lag behind many other regions and that needs to be improved.
NATE Very positive, I think it will level out.
How would you like the business landscape to look in the future?
NITA The current landscape is looking positive in Marlborough and it would be great for this to continue with some further developments in infrastructure with the port, airport and innovative housing solutions to support this.
PETE One where more young business people see it as a region to relocate to and set up businesses in.
NATE Continue to grow.
What do you see as being the most valuable aspect of being a member of the Chamber of Commerce for local businesses?
NITA A great way to connect with other members in different industries from the Marlborough Business community that you would not normally meet in your normal business operations.
PETE It gives you a real connection with businesses throughout the region and a much better understanding of the various challenges facing those businesses and the opportunity to help make business stronger in the region.
NATE Networking and advice from people in other sectors.
What do you love most about Marlborough and what it has to offer as a region?
NITA Very relaxed place to live and work, beautiful countryside that most would be envious of living in that has opportunities to work in a few different industries.
PETE It’s a stunning region to bring kids up in, just so many opportunities for them to carry out such a wide range of sports and activities. With great facilities such as Stadium 2000 and the ASB Theatre.
NATE The landscape and what it has to offer.
Describe yourself in less than five words:
NITA Approachable, focused, flexible, spontaneous and tall!
PETE Personable and driven family man.
NATE Driven, Motivated, Passionate.
Favourite Marlborough activity:
NITA Walking in the Wither Hills.
PETE Skiing up at Rainbow with family and friends.
NATE Outdoors hunting fishing and diving.
Tell us something we may not know about you?!
NITA I’m an open book and a down to earth talker, so there is not much that all don’t know about me!
PETE I have four kids and I’m the chair of Springlands School Board of Trustees.
NATE I can’t play tennis but can play the sax.
Our ‘meet the board’ series continues in our next issues of Voice Magazine with with Fiona Fenwick (Vice President), Khalid Suleiman, Natalie Christensen, Anthony Barnes (Vice President), Nicky Simpson and Stephen Ryan
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E12
A S B T H E AT R E M A R L B O R O U G H
The newly completed Anderson Theatre within the ASB Theatre Marlborough complex is the final piece in the capital building project for the Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust, the owners of the building.
The technical term for this space is a Studio Theatre. What this means is that it is a very flexible space which is designed to host smaller events, for
example smaller theatre shows, cabarets and concerts which will attract smaller audiences. It has no set stage or seating area and can be set up to the requirements of each event.
More importantly, the Anderson Theatre provides another space for use for other functions and events. Whether it is for a dinner, cocktail function, board meeting or seminar.
What this space does do is add to the capacity to deliver higher value events to the Marlborough Conferencing landscape
as another breakout space for larger conferences. This was recently witnessed with the National Rural Health Conference, which saw over 400 delegates attend a three-day conference in the region and utilised all of the spaces within the ASB Theatre Marlborough, Marlborough Convention Centre and the Main Hall at the Clubs of Marlborough.
So, if you are in need of a unique space which is very flexible and adaptable, or you are looking at bringing a larger conference to our wonderful region, give Andrew Scott, General Manager of ASB Theatre Marlborough and Marlborough Light & Sound a call.
ASB Theatre Marlborough, The Final Piece…
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E 13
FBT is not payable. The employee is not required to treat the $1,200 as income, so not taxed on this (this can be a good alternative to wages). If you would like to follow this, it is best to: 1. Register the company for FBT
2. File quarterly returns (IR427), and claim the maximum exemption per quarter
3. Keep tax receipts of the gifts or benefits
4. Ensure the gifts / benefits meet the general principle for deductibility expenditure
Please be aware that if the value of benefits for an employee goes over $300 in a quarter, the company will be liable for FBT on the full value for that employee for the quarter.
If you are unsure about anything, your Accountant should be able to help you with this process.
If you operate through a company and are looking for ways to benefit employees without them being liable to pay income tax on the benefit, and with the company being able to claim a deduction for the expense, this may be the answer. This benefit can be given to employees, including Shareholder-employees.
Companies who provide benefits to employees are subject to Fringe Benefit tax (FBT), being a tax on the benefit at the FBT rate of up
to 49%. However, if the benefit is a gift, prize, subsidised or discounted good or service, there is a $300 FBT exemption per employee per quarter, being $1,200 per year.
A common method of taking advantage of this exemption is to give each employee a $300 supermarket voucher each quarter. For a full year, the employee receives $1,200 of vouchers. The $1,200 is a deductible expense for the company each year, and
C O R N E R S T O N E P A R T N E R F E A T U R E — W A L L A C E D I A C K
For more informationplease contact:Wallace Diack03 578 7389
Companies – tax exemption for gifts
Meet our members Every issue we profile some of our Chamber members
Kowhai Business Services LimitedDealing with your bookkeeping, administration and payroll can be a daunting and time consuming task, especially when you are concentrating on running your business. Business owners can get more time to concentrate on their business by outsourcing their bookkeeping, administration and payroll to Kowhai Business Services Limited. We guarantee you peace of mind, leaving you more time to spend in your business and doing what you enjoy.
Kowhai Business Services Limited provides efficient, flexible, friendly and reliable bookkeeping, administration and payroll services. Kowhai Business Services Limited provides their services remotely from their own premises, however we can visit your premises whenever you like.
We have experience in accounting software such as Xero, MYOB, Quickbooks and Quantum.
We are a Certified Green Badge Member of the Institute of Certified New Zealand Bookkeepers.
If you want someone to take control of your bookkeeping, administration and payroll contact Kowhai Business Services Limited now.
T: 021 109 7655
W: kowhaibusinessservices.co.nz
SWE – Southern Water Engineering
helloworld Travel Blenheim helloworld Travel Blenheim is an award-winning dedicated team of travel professionals, with close to 50 years combined industry experience.
In today’s digital society we understand you have a choice when booking travel, which is why our friendly team enjoy building relationships with our clients making it easier to find the perfect recommendations to suit your needs, to create quality travel experiences and working together to deliver your dream holiday.
As your trusted travel providers we pride ourselves on attention to detail, optimizing holiday investments & we aim to make the process exciting & stress-free. We also understand things don’t always go to plan, so our commitment is we’re with you from the moment you book with us, until returning home.
Ready to be whisked away? You can book with us with confidence. Give us a call or drop in and see our team today, 98 Market Street.
For the Month of May, we are donating $5 from every new booking made, to our Pink Ribbon Breakfast with the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation (01-31 May 2019 only)
T: 03 578 8575
W: helloworld.co.nz/Blenheim
FB: helloworldblenheim
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E14
M E E T O U R M E M B E R S
Scott Construction Marlborough We are an established, award winning main contractor with a strong reputation in Marlborough. Our size, experience, team and relationships across the wider Scott Group, make us a dynamic force within the industry. We are Registered Master Builders, Licensed Building Practitioners and Site Safe Members.
From renovations & alterations to new builds, we cover all residential work, no matter the size of the project. We can work with you to advise on initial costings for your ideas, be it a bathroom or kitchen upgrade or a new deck, and manage through to completion.
We have a proven track record of delivering complex commercial and industrial projects on time and on budget. We can get involved at the earliest planning stages of your project, assisting with the design and consent process, spotting opportunities to improve buildability and reduce costs. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by our continued success at the Master Builders Commercial Project Awards.
T: 027 288 0155
W: scottconstructionmarlborough.co.nz
FB: ScottConstructionMarlborough
LI: company/scott-construction-marlborough
Electricity and water don’t generally mix – except at SWE!
Since 2007 SWE has continuously grown and is now one of the foremost water engineering providers in the top of the South. Two years ago, in response to client demand, we developed our business further to include a full-service electrical, security and system integration division.
We have a dedicated team of electricians taking care of anything in the industrial electrical services spectrum - from design, commissioning, fault-finding and diagnostics, through to maintenance and service. Specialised, experienced security staff also offer integrated security systems and a comprehensive range of security products and services.
From simple through to complex integrated systems, with smart automation. All with remote access, real-time connection and reporting functions, fully complemented by back-up and proactive maintenance schedules.
CHAMBER MEMBER OFFER Free security or electrical consultation in May
T: 03 579 3420
W: swe.co.nz
FB: southernwaterengineering
LI: company/southern-water-engineering
Mag & Turbo CREW Blenheim “Wheels & Tyres…. It’s what we do” used to be the catch phrase for Mag & Turbo Tyre & Service Centre but has since evolved into a one stop automotive shop offering many services under one roof. The 100% locally owned franchise operation has fast become one of the province’s most popular destinations for consumers looking for advice on anything automotive.
Although Mag & Turbo still remain very much committed to their origins, offering New Zealand’s largest range of wheel & tyre products in a ‘bricks and mortar’ retail store, they are also the team to see for servicing, brakes, suspension and many automotive accessories. The workshop is equipped with leading edge equipment including state of the art 3D Camera Wheel Alignment facilities.
Agents for Lockon Towbars, Cruz Roof Racks, EFS 4x4 Suspension & Accessories and AltTune ECU Remapping to name a few, they have the brands and the people to sort your motoring needs.
27 Grove Road, Blenheim (behind Coupland’s Bakeries)
T: 03 579 1645
W: magandturbo.com
FB: magandturboblenheim
IG: magandturboblenheim
The CREW! Mark and Susie Witehira had always wanted to start their own business and when friends purchased a similar business in Nelson with their encouragement they opened CREW in October 2016. The overall aim of CREW was to fill a gap in Marlborough’s retail, offering good quality mid priced clothes and accessories for men and women from world leading surf brands.
Join the CREW! Last year CREW introduced a Loyalty programme where customers were rewarded with Loyalty Dollars that can be spent on their next purchase or saved up for a special purchase. This has been extremely popular with over 2,000 customers signing up for rewards.
Visit the CREW! If you are in the market for some new clothes, shoes or accessories at great prices from labels such as Roxy, Hurley, Quiksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl or boutique brands such as Charlo or Augustine pop in and see them today at 75 Market Street.
T: 03 577 5980
W: crewblenheim.co.nz
FB: crewblenheim
IG: crewblenheim
Stuart SmithKaikoura MP
V O I C E M A G A Z I N E 15
The traffic issues in and around Blenheim are, in my view, in need of review. While many have been calling for State Highway 1 to bypass town altogether, it is unlikely that this will happen in the near future. A bypass of any
description would have to be economic and sensible.While there are benefits to diverting traffic, in particular
heavy vehicles, away from Blenheim, there are many other factors that must be carefully considered, such as the economic impact on Blenheim, and of course the cost of the bypass itself. It’s also worth noting who is using the current stretch of highway in question.
When I wrote a column on this issue in 2016, car counting data clearly showed the vast majority of vehicles using the Grove Rd bridge were those of locals coming to and from Blenheim, not visitors travelling further afield. Given this data, it was clear at that time that money was better spent on improving the narrow, century-old Grove Rd bridge, which is now well underway.
All this is not to say a bypass will never happen, but in the meantime, perhaps we should be looking at the design of our internal road network, and consider how we could divert local traffic away from the highway.
Does all the traffic that passes through the current areas of congestion – with particular mention of the complex roundabout between Main St, Sinclair St, Redwood St and the railway – have to necessarily do so? Is there a way of diverting traffic destined for central Blenheim in a more direct route? And would that ultimately bring a better result to our local businesses even when a bypass is built?
Looking at what we currently have, it appears the road network has evolved with the growth of the town, rather than been planned to accommodate that growth. And while the Grove Rd bridge upgrade is welcomed, and essential, it does mean traffic will now flow more freely to the choke points we are currently experiencing.
Another area that needs attention is, in my view, the state of some of Blenheim’s rail crossings. Some of these are very rough, and we would do well to improve these which would, in turn, improve traffic flow and safety.
What we want is a safe and efficient traffic system that benefits those who pass through here as much as it does our local drivers and our businesses. Looking at what we have in place already and how we can make it better may be a more worthwhile starting point in the long run, rather than removing Blenheim from New Zealand’s main highway entirely.
Anyone who regularly uses areas of State Highway 1 through Blenheim, and has sat waiting in a line of traffic at one of the roundabouts, knows there is an increasing level of congestion at these intersections.
From the MP’s desk
Wallace Diack Chartered Accountants LtdLevel 2, Youell House, 1 Hutcheson Street, Blenheim 7201T: 03 578 7389 | E: [email protected] | www.wallacediack.co.nz
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