<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Business Central and Wellington Chamber]]></title><description><![CDATA[Business Central and Wellington Chamber]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/news-insights</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:46:27 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 13 April 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand welcomes the announcements by the United States and Iran over the past few hours - as we welcome all efforts to bring an end to this conflict. “While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire. “We are grateful for the work of Pakistan, and others such as Turkiye and Egypt, to seek to find a solution to...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-13-april-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d83d2f4e4fe2e3f72b65a6</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:00:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 30 March 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: The latest data on fuel stocks shows New Zealand continues to hold healthy levels of petrol, diesel and jet fuel, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.“ As at midnight on Sunday 15 March, combined petrol, diesel and jet fuel stocks equated to about 49 days of cover nationwide, including fuel held onshore in storage terminals and fuel already on ships bound for New Zealand,” Ms Willis says. “It’s...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-30-march-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d6e6630b7119100dff2d09</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hawke’s Bay Export Awards launch for 2026 with ABB announced as new Platinum Sponsor]]></title><description><![CDATA[The ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards  are now open for 2026, celebrating the exporters and individuals driving the region’s international success. This year marks an exciting milestone for the awards, with ABB announced as Platinum Sponsor. ABB steps into the role following its recognition as the 2025 Hawke’s Bay ASB Exporter of the Year - a full-circle moment that highlights its continued commitment to the region’s export community. Business Central CEO Hayley Horan  says the awards...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/hawke-s-bay-export-awards-launch-for-2026-with-abb-announced-as-new-platinum-sponsor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d6e763a51db32c14c0f4a6</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_6f39f31d931446e0b4507bb59b17481d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_628,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 23 March 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: The Government has released a new national strategy to support the future development of geothermal energy. From the Ground Up – A strategy to unlock New Zealand’s geothermal potential sets out how geothermal energy can play a larger role in New Zealand’s energy system, regional economies and industrial growth. The strategy includes an ambition to double geothermal energy use by 2040. Geothermal already provides around one-fifth of New...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-23-march-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d6eb2f0b7119100dff3945</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 16 March 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: A much-anticipated Bill to ensure employees are paid correctly when taking time off work has just passed its first reading at Parliament, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. The Employment Leave Bill seeks to replace the Holidays Act 2003 and offers a simple, workable framework that gives businesses certainty, reduces potential error, and fixes what matters for employers and workers. “The Holidays...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-16-march-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d6eb72a51db32c14c0ff1f</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wellington Chamber Business Confidence Survey shows improving sentiment, but challenges remain]]></title><description><![CDATA[Business confidence in Wellington lifted noticeably in the last quarter of last year, with many firms entering 2026 feeling more optimistic about their prospects, Wellington Chamber CEO Hayley Horan says. “What we’re hearing from Wellington businesses is realistic optimism. While the broader economic backdrop remains challenging, firms have built resilience and are beginning to see more possibility on the horizon.” The most striking change is in how businesses view their own performance. Half...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/wellington-chamber-business-confidence-survey-shows-improving-sentiment-but-challenges-remain</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d56c44b75c5d30582619b8</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2e889e_0872350d408d4453a7e97cce3d4b48b6~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Business confidence lifts as firms shift from caution to preparation for growth]]></title><description><![CDATA[Business confidence across central New Zealand is firming, with Business Central’s latest Business Confidence Survey showing businesses slowly moving out of defensive mode and preparing for recovery. Business Central Chief Executive Hayley Horan says the results from the final quarter of 2025 point to a clear shift in mood. “Businesses are still realistic about the challenges ahead, but the tone is different. Confidence in the national economy has jumped, and that’s meaningful. This also...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/business-confidence-lifts-as-firms-shift-from-caution-to-preparation-for-growth</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b38cbbd558374c818e8197</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2e889e_4aefdfa0deb5412eba7f49c7052150f5~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_870,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 9 March 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: New Zealand’s latest international trade statistics show robust performance across global markets, reflecting the skill, innovation, and resilience of Kiwi exporters who continue to rank among the best in the world, Trade and Investment Minister Hon Todd McClay says. Exports rose to $29.2 billion for the December quarter, up $2.2 billion on the same period last year, reinforcing the vital role trade plays in supporting the New Zealand...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-9-march-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b38ea6d0cd2535b527b74c</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 2 March 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: The government is leveraging public sector energy demand to drive new energy projects and grow our national supply, Energy Minister Simon Watts says. “As part of the government’s energy package, we are pursuing possible long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) across the public service starting with our three largest energy users: Health New Zealand, the New Zealand Defence Force, and the Department of Corrections,” Mr Watts says. “We...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-2-march-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b38fadd558374c818e881b</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Simplifying Local Government – A Draft Proposal]]></title><description><![CDATA[About Business Central  Business Central is a 170 year old not-for-profit (NFP) business advocacy membership organisation that represents 3500 employers and exporters across the lower North Island, providing advice, training, support and advocating for policies that reflect the interests of the business community. It also includes the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.  1. Introduction Business Central, incorporating the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, welcomes the opportunity to submit on the...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/simplifying-local-government-a-draft-proposal</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b478286f1601b218247c13</guid><category><![CDATA[Submissions]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2e889e_9db8bb2196104030aebe5d3219db4b56~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_815,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 23 February 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: The Employment Relations Amendment Bill has passed its third reading, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says.“This Bill is about backing business to hire with increased confidence. ”The Act will: Clarify contractor vs employee status with a four part ‘gateway test’ to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement. Ensure accountability for serious misconduct and...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-23-february-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b479ead1b1d9cdf213ec54</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards open for 2026, returning to Wellington with expanded reach]]></title><description><![CDATA[The ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards are now open for 2026, returning to Wellington and expanding to include exporters from the Nelson Tasman region for the first time. Building on the success of last year’s sold-out Central Region awards, the 2026 event will be held in Wellington at Parliament’s iconic banquet hall on the 11 th  of June - continuing the alternating hosting arrangement between Wellington and Palmerston North and highlighting Wellington’s importance to New Zealand’s...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/exportnz-asb-central-region-export-awards-open-for-2026-returning-to-wellington-with-expanded-reach</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b47a6e96363eb43d377784</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2e889e_2a1d49d88a8341eca5cf6e417ea78466~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_870,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Submission on the Crimes Act Amendment Bill 2025]]></title><description><![CDATA[We support the intent of this Bill as it relates to amending the monetary thresholds and penalties for theft. In our view, it takes necessary and overdue steps to restore consequences for shoplifting and related offending, and better recognise the harm caused by aggressive shoplifting.]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/submission-on-the-crimes-act-amendment-bill-2025</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d56da1d3b1a3633e6db099</guid><category><![CDATA[Submissions]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2e889e_0872350d408d4453a7e97cce3d4b48b6~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 16 February]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: The government will contract to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility in a critical step to strengthen New Zealand’s energy security and support economic growth, Energy Minister Simon Watts says. The decision follows extensive analysis and the first stage of procurement. “New Zealand is experiencing a renewable electricity boom, but a rapidly declining gas supply has left our electricity sector exposed during dry years,...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-16-february</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b47ae696363eb43d37789a</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chamber Welcomes Pro-Business Direction as Mayor Signals New Momentum for Wellington]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Mayor Andrew Little’s commitment to reduce Wellington’s commercial rates differential and to pursue sector-specific advisory councils, describing the announcements made yesterday at a sold-out Chamber event, as a significant pro-business signal from the new Mayor.   Wellington Chamber CEO Hayley Horan says this represents a pivotal moment for Wellington’s business community.   "For years we have urged a fairer commercial rates structure and more...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/chamber-welcomes-pro-business-direction-as-mayor-signals-new-momentum-for-wellington</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d56e9f5a8b03e147235cd9</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_652795ef76b74335b2a4c3a2dcc665e0~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 9 February]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: WorkSafe has updated its enforcement policies and processes to give businesses more clarity about how it makes enforcement decisions and allow them to address and remedy safety issues faster, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden announced.  “On my health and safety roadshow I heard concerns about WorkSafe’s approach to enforcement. In particular that WorkSafe can be heavy-handed in punishment when something does...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-9-february</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b47b816f1601b21824843a</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 2 February]]></title><description><![CDATA[Total exports were valued at $80.7 billion in the year ended December 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ. “This is the first time that annual exports have reached $80 billion,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said. The value of total exports in the year ended December 2025 increased by $9.9 billion (14 percent), compared with December 2024. In today’s Bulletin: Employer successfully appeals finding of constructive dismissal Issuing trespass notice falls short of...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-2-february</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b47be7c0bc1d0b8ea00765</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Employer Bulletin | 26 January]]></title><description><![CDATA[Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced that the 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday 7 November. “Continuing the recent tradition of announcing the election date early in the year ensures New Zealanders have certainty,” Mr Luxon says. “Kiwis can also have certainty that our government will continue governing throughout the year to deliver on our plan to fix the basics and build the future." “When we took office, the country was going in the wrong direction, and it’s taken a...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/employer-bulletin-26-january</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b47c53c0bc1d0b8ea00851</guid><category><![CDATA[Employer Bulletins]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_33c5ac7ae99e43eebc54539b3a0bfb42~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Let’s finally get Wellington moving!]]></title><description><![CDATA[After a tough few years, Wellington has a golden opportunity to receive billions in Government infrastructure spending to improve our roading network. New tunnels at Mt Victoria and the Terrace along with Basin Reserve improvements and four-lanes on sections of SH1 have been desperately needed for decades. These chokepoints were never built to handle our current population and clog our city, economy and neighbourhoods. So what are the benefits to Wellington from NZTA’s proposals? Quicker...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/let-s-finally-get-wellington-moving</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d56f2f10427b2b314a349a</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/94bdd9_a37b62e8c84b4e9c9970d5e6a825945f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_600,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Business Central Incorporated Full Year Results]]></title><description><![CDATA[Following a comprehensive financial review and audit, Business Central has released its annual results for the 12 months ending 30 June 2025.The review for the year just concluded, included prior-period adjustments for the previous financial year, to ensure accuracy and transparency. One key adjustment involved reclassifying $800,000 of international trading revenue that had previously been recognised in FY23/24. This change followed expert advice and a review of revenue recognition...]]></description><link>https://www.businesscentral.org.nz/post/business-central-incorporated-full-year-results</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b47c9e96363eb43d377ccc</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2e889e_5ac4fea37b834146b5fee141501557e9~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_870,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>buisnesscentral</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>