Tēnā koutou katoa,

As we head into winter, it's been another busy month for the Chamber.

Last month, I attended the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Conference in Rotorua. It was a great opportunity to hear from government, business and economic leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand businesses, and to ensure regional perspectives like Marlborough's are part of those conversations. You'll find a summary of the conference highlights further down in this newsletter.  During the conference I had an opportunity to talk with our Alliance Partners around maximising the benefits available to members. I encourage you to take a look and make sure you're making the most of what's on offer.  Get in contact with James if you need help downloading the Chamber Partners App.

On the advocacy front, we've been engaging with Air New Zealand regarding the recent schedule adjustments affecting Marlborough. While we understand these changes are linked to the current fuel supply issues, we've strongly advocated for a return to normal business-as-usual services once those constraints are resolved. Reliable regional connectivity remains critical for our businesses and community.

Looking ahead, we have a strong line-up of events, training and networking opportunities over the coming months. Check them out, as it’s a great time to be upskilling.

I hope to see many of you at an upcoming Chamber event soon.

Ngā mihi,

Kylie Cornelius

Executive Officer

kylie@mcoc.org.nz

Wednesday 10 June | 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Netwalking is a relaxed monthly walk where Chamber members can catch up, meet new people, and have a yarn while getting some fresh air.

Monday 15 June | 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Creating truly inclusive workplaces doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, learning, and a willingness to evolve.

This workshop is delivered by Pride Pledge and explores how businesses and organisations can take meaningful steps to better support rainbow staff, customers and communities.

Thursday 18 June | 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Brought to you by our sponsors Cloudland, this non-technical workshop helps make sense of how to best look after your business in an increasingly cyber focussed world.

Presented in plain language by Hazel Trethowen, Client Manager at Cloudland. 

Thursday 18 June | 5:00PM - 6:30PM

PlaceMakers Blenheim has been a trusted partner to Marlborough's building industry for many years, supplying quality building materials, trade solutions, and expert advice to builders, contractors, and homeowners across the region.
 
Join us at this Business After 5 to meet the PlaceMakers team, hear about this exciting new chapter for the business, and learn how PlaceMakers continues to support the growth and success of Marlborough's construction sector. 

Wednesday 24 June | 5:00PM - 6:30PM

Our next Young Chamber (<35) event is just around the corner, and we'd love to see you there.

This time, we're headed to Fidelio Cafe & Wine Bar for an evening of networking, nibbles, and a blind wine tasting challenge.

Tuesday 7 July | 8:30PM - 4:30PM
Step up to be the leader you are meant to be
Don’t supervise.... super-lead your team to breakthrough performance!

In this programme, you will smooth your transition from individual contributor to leader.

Last month, Chamber Chair Caro Gatley and Executive Officer Kylie Cornelius attended the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Conference in Rotorua, joining representatives from 26 chambers across the country.

A strong theme throughout the conference was productivity and what New Zealand businesses, organisations, and communities need to do to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging economic environment. Through presentations from government ministers, economists, industry leaders, and business organisations, delegates gained valuable insights into the issues shaping New Zealand's business environment, including the economic outlook, workforce challenges, business resilience, regional connectivity, and productivity.

Speakers explored the factors holding New Zealand back, from workforce constraints and regulatory burden through to the need for greater innovation, technology adoption, and investment in skills. The message was consistent: lifting productivity will be critical to improving business performance, raising living standards, and supporting long-term economic growth.

The conference also provided valuable opportunities to connect with chamber leaders, government agencies, and partner organisations from across New Zealand, ensuring Marlborough's business community remains connected to national conversations and emerging opportunities.

We returned with new ideas, useful connections, and practical insights that will help inform the Chamber's work and the support we provide to members over the coming year.

At the recent Chambers Conference, Kylie had the opportunity to connect with representatives from each of the National Alliance Partners.

It was a great reminder of the value our members can receive from these partners:

Bunnings

Did you know….. that if you already have a PowerPass you can link your account to the Chamber Offer (in most cases providing more discounts on a larger range of products) NZ Chamber of Commerce & Bunnings

2degrees

Did you know….. For Business mobile you can receive 3 months FREE + get 15% off for the life of your plan.  For Business Fibre Internet you can get a $300 joining credit +10% off the life of your plan on a 24-month term. Or for Business Wireless Internet a $150 joining credit +10% off the life of your plan on a 12-month term.  Get in touch: 2degrees.nz/business/nz-chamber

Noel Leeming

Did you know….. last year Chamber members saved over $642k – make sure you are getting your share, and remember to show your membership on the Business Chamber Partners App each time you shop at Noel Leeming.

Z Energy

Did you know….. that you can link your Air NZ Airpoints card to your Z Energy Card for discount at the pump AND Airpoints!

Air New Zealand

Did you know…… Airpoints™ for Business is a programme that rewards small to medium businesses for travel and business expenses. Airpoints for Business rewards you twice when you travel for work - you or your employee earns Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points, and your business earns a bonus of 20% additional Airpoints Dollars*.  Join here: https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/koru/airpoints-for-business  

Office Max

Did you know… that by linking NZ Chambers to your Office Max account you can receive larger discounts.  Just email Bridget to have your account linked to member pricing.

Less than 1 week until Future of Work!

With over 80 exhibitors, we are super grateful to all the workplaces participating and supporting youth in our region to understand future employment opportunities.

Future of Work is a free 1-day expo designed to help young people learn about the pathways into university, trades, and local industries. Whether they have a clear plan or no idea what’s next, this is a chance to get informed, ask questions, and feel inspired. The Chamber is working alongside MDC, MGC and MBC to deliver the event next Wednesday 10 June at the Marlborough Events Centre.

Please share this flyer in your workplace - encouraging all families to come with their rangatahi (youth) between 3pm and 6pm on the day to discover the range of opportunities within Marlborough and the many training pathways that are available. 

Free entry, great burgers and prizes up for grabs! 

A new Government-backed initiative is helping Te Tauihu businesses build resilience and prepare for change.

The ‘’Adapting to Change’’ series of fully funded workshops is being delivered as part of the Regional Business Partner Network’s new business resilience programme.

Are you an SME, business owner, founder, senior manager or know someone who could benefit? These practical & interactive sessions will give you the tools to strengthen continuity planning, respond to uncertainty and build ‘people’ and ‘business’ resiliency for the future. Experienced facilitator and business coach, Katrina Kidson, will facilitate these sessions so join other like-minded businesses to learn practical tools to future-proof your business.

As we witness more frequent business shocks, whether it’s COVID or natural disasters or geopolitical issues or the recent fuel crisis, this workshop series will help give you the skills to navigate change in an uncertain world.

Join the Marlborough workshop (located in Marlborough Chamber offices) on Tuesday 16 June, 2pm – 5pm. Or join the Online workshop on Thursday 18 June, 2pm – 5pm. 

Spaces are limited.

Monday 1 June - Tuesday 30 June

Organisations across Te Tauihu will be able to apply for funding supporting projects that strengthen our communities, environment and wellbeing. This year’s combined grant round includes several community funding streams, including funding distributed locally on behalf of The Tindall Foundation.

*Applications close 30 June 2026.

Wednesday June 10 | 12:00PM - 2:00PM

Volunteers Week recognises the millions of people across Aotearoa New Zealand who contribute their time, skills and leadership to strengthen communities. 

In the lead up to this important week, the Institute of Directors Nelson Marlborough Branch invites you to join Nicki Stretch CMInstD and Sharon McGuire CMInstD for a thought-provoking conversation on governance and leadership through volunteering. 

Gender at Work is proud to share their new free toolkit for organisations, Safe & Respectful Workplaces: Preventing Sexual Harassment Together.

Alongside guidance on understanding, preventing, and responding to sexual harassment at work, the toolkit includes nine downloadable handouts and tools for employers.

EOIs are open until Monday 29 June 2026

AGMARDT have opened their 2026 Agribusiness Innovation Grant round: 2026 Agribusiness Innovation Grant Round - AGMARDT

In plain terms:

This is funding to help move good ideas forward in the ag space - particularly where there’s something new, practical, and scalable.

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