Mackenzie District Economic Update
(Source: Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor Mackenzie June 2019) 
View Full Report, commencing with Overview of Mackenzie District.
GDP Highlights for Mackenzie District:

• GDP (provisional) in Mackenzie District was up 3.5% for the year to June 2019 compared to a year earlier. Growth was higher than in New Zealand (2.5%).
• GDP (provisional) was $278 million in Mackenzie District for the year to June 2019 (2010 prices)

GDP National Overview: Provisional estimates from Infometrics show economic growth was steady in June, with the economy expanding by 2.5%pa over the 12 months to June 2019, although the future looks less positive. Growth expectations continue to soften as businesses and consumers show signs of lower spending and investment as global and domestic concerns increase.

Business Resources
Skills Match Concession exclusive to Mackenzie District employers: this significant change of policy by Ministry of Social Development was implemented in November 2018, streamlining the Labour Market Test process assuring a Skills Match Report will be issued within 24 hours. Mackenzie District is the only geographical area to receive this concession.  Details here  

South Canterbury Regional Website

Operated by SC Chamber of Commerce, www.southcanterbury.org.nz regional website is the portal to South Canterbury for visitors, business, locals and new residents and events across Timaru, Mackenzie and Waimate districts.  FREE Event calendar & planning tools – Know what’s on, promote your Mackenzie event.  FREE Images & Resources

News

Immigration NZ policy changes
have been announced by the Minister of Immigration. We’re pleased that these changes will benefit rural businesses and provide some certainty and confidence to employers suffering skill shortages in our regions.  The changes look to make things easier for both migrants and employers with a reduction in the categories of temporary work visas. There will be a new employer-led visa application process that will involve an employer, job, and worker check, sector agreements and a now simpler remuneration threshold aligned to the median wage.  INZ Employing migrant workers – what is changing
 
‘Immigration NZ New Policies Roadshow ’ 13^th November in Timaru. Secure your space.
Refer SC Chamber Events Details and registration open soon.

Proposed Business tax changes
Investing in assets will be more affordable for businesses under new tax rules being introduced in time for the next financial year, the Government says. On Monday Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Minister for Small Business and Revenue Stuart Nash announced the removal of two barriers to expansion faced by businesses.

Chamber Services:
Mackenzie District – our objective is to help facilitate and support smart sustainable economic and business development in the Mackenzie District, contributing to the well-being and prosperity of the community through individual business, regional and national growth. Economic Development & Business Support Services agreement with Mackenzie District Council Details here

Training:
A wide range of training is available to all.  Register directly online.
Oct/Nov 2019: Cyber security, Employment Law Update, Health & Safety Stage 3 Creating your own Business plan   View full training directory – 2020 workshops added soon

Events:
Immigration NZ New Policies Roadshow 13^th November, Landing Services conference centre, Timaru. 10.30-midday.  Details and registration open soon SC Chamber Events.  Hear from the experts about policy changes and ask questions.Queries to Fiona Stevens fiona@scchamber.org.nz 

Advocacy:
Government, both local and national often proposes legislative changes which will have a dramatic effect on how we operate as a business sector. It is our job to represent the views of our business community in formal submissions, whenever it is called for and is appropriate.
 
Plan Change 7 submission 13^th September 2019
Within the context of a regional plan change such as that being promulgated by Environment Canterbury (ECan), the SCCC is cognisant of, and respects the diversity of its members views on the Proposal.  The SCCC has encouraged its members to consider and submit individually on matters that specifically affect their business interests and aspirations.
 The SCCC has, therefore, confined this submission on PC7 to higher level matters, including in particular:
The adequacy of the economic assessment completed for PC7; and the extent to which PC7 would provide for the social, economic and cultural well-being of the businesses and communities in the OTOP sub-region. Read submission