Ncoc Annual Report 2010 Yr

ANNUAL REPORT 2010 OF THE NORTHLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Contents

Value of Membership 3

Executive Board February 2010 to February 2011 4

Agenda AGM 5

Nominee profiles 9

Minutes of 107th AGM 15

Report: President Darren Mason 20

Report: Chief Executive Tony Collins 22

Report: Auditor Plus Audits 26

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Value of Membership

BUSINESS ADVICE & INFORMATION

Our toll free business advice line is available to all members - simply phone 0800-CHAMBER (0800 242 6237). Our business information service is an important first point of reference for those who want to know where to go for assistance or advice. Our trained staff can provide contacts and information on a diverse range of government and non-government services including funding. Visit our business information centre located at 113 Bank St, Whangarei, phone us on 09 438 4771 or free phone 0800- BIZCENTRE (0800 249 236)

EVENTS & NETWORKING

"Networking" in business is synonymous with opportunity; We host a range of events which offer members the opportunity to network, share knowledge and forge better relationships such as Business After 5's (BA5) and motivational/educational/special interest breakfasts and luncheons. You have access to over 30 Chambers in NZ and 20,000 Chambers internationally. Membership is communal which means anybody within your business can be involved in Chamber activities.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

One of the few certainties in a world full of change is that a business will always benefit from developing the skills of their workforce. As a member, the Chamber gives you access to courses that cover business related topics, focused on up skilling you and/or your team to improve the performance of your business. Access to mentoring services also provided.

A VOICE FOR BUSINESS

The Chamber represents the collective voice of its members to local and central government on business issues that can significantly influence the environment within which businesses can operate. The Chamber also represents individual members with concerns.

TARGETED MARKETING

Effective marketing is promoting the right people at the right time. The Chamber can help you market to the right people by facilitating your business promotions to those Chamber members who meet your targeted profile.

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES

Important for the export sector, the Chamber acts as a signing authority to assist with trade documentation, international contracts and trading opportunities such as Certificates of Origin and Letters of Introduction. Meet and learn from fellow exporters, share Export related services; obtain specific market information from actual exporters, benefit from networking with exporter members, skill build and share information, attend special interest seminars. (Letter of Introduction – This document opens doors with overseas members of the Chamber of Commerce when travelling abroad.)

BUSINESS SAVINGS

The Chamber has negotiated savings benefits for Members such as fuel, vehicles, office products and telecommunications on both a local and national level.

FOCUSSED TEAM

Your local Chamber team is focused on helping you "be the best that you can be in business". We do this by positively influencing the environment in which businesses operate and by providing "opportunities, products, and services" that will improve the success and vitality of business.

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Executive Board for 2010

The members of the executive as decided or confirmed at the 2010 AGM were.

Darren Mason President Tim Robinson Past President David Moss Vice President Dean Subritzky Treasurer Vince Cocurullo Board Member Sarah Boon Board Member Cr Greg Martin/Cr Merv Williams Board Member – WDC Council representative Cr Bill Rossiter/Cr Tony Davies-Colley Board Member – NRC Council representative Mark Smith Board Member Jeroen Jongejans Board Member Murray Broadbelt Board Member Lucas Remmerswaal Board Member Bill Kirkley Board Member Terry Sage Board Member Jaki George-Tunnicliffe Board member Ryan Welsh Board Member

Resignations during the year were Nil

Co-opted during the year Nil

Standing down for re-election Tim Robinson Lucas Remmerswaal Bill Kirkley David Moss

Standing down permanently Dean Subritzky

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AGM Agenda

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF NORTHLAND INC 108th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING To be held Wednesday 2nd March 2011 1735hrs at the ASB Lounge, Kensington Stadium, Whangarei (Quorum required - Fifteen Financial Members)

AGENDA

President Darren Mason will call for a minute‟s silence in respect for those effected by the Christchurch earthquake.

1. Apologies

Name Company Leah Peacock Sudburys Ltd Margaret Bishop Newman Engineering Ltd Daniel Taylor Kaitaia Business Association Trevor Griffiths Griffiths & Associates Ltd Heather Tomason Griffiths & Associates Ltd Jan Hewitt Northern Publishing Ltd Dr Mark Ewen NorthTec Brett Bell-Booth Bradley Nuttall North Ltd Sasha Webb Fix Creative Ltd Don & Ruth Austin Dresca Ltd t/a Fibrenew Brett Sawyers Crystal Communications Ltd t/a First Mobile McHenry Investments Ltd t/a Business Geoff Henry Solutions Northland Dr Bill Kirkley Massey University – School of Business

2. Obituaries The Northland Chamber wishes to note the passing of Don Lane and Ann Shaw 3. Minutes of the 107th Annual General Meeting 4. Matters Arising 5. President's Report 6. Chief Executive Officer‟s Report 7. Financial Statement 8. Appointment of Auditor Motion: “that Plus Audits be reappointed as Auditor” 9. Appointment of Honorary Solicitor Motion: “that Urlich McNab Kilpatrick be reappointed as Honorary Solicitors” 10. Election of Officers – Tony Collins, Returning Officer Opportunity for candidates to have a one minute speaking slot 11. General Business

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10. Election of Officers

Clause 6 of the constitution reads - 6. The officers of the Chamber shall consist of a President, a Vice President, An immediate Past President and a Treasurer. The President, Vice President, and Treasurer shall be elected at each Annual Meeting with nominations closing 21 days prior to the Annual Meeting.

Opponents to any of the nominated candidates listed above must notify the CEO Northland Chamber of Commerce in writing prior to the 25th February stating the candidate whose nomination they oppose and the nature of their opposition to that candidate for election to the Northland Chamber of Commerce Board.

10.1 Election for President

Motion – “That as per the nominations received prior to the February 8th, 2011 closure date, the following persons have been nominated for the position of President”

A vote by way of Secret Ballot will take place.

Vince Cocurullo Cocurullo‟s Ltd President

Mark Smith Magnetism Solutions President

10.2 Election for Vice President

“As per the nominations received prior to the February 8th, 2011 closure date, the following persons have been nominated for the position of Vice President”

Lucas Remmerswaal has withdrawn his nomination for the position of Vice President.

Motion – “That the following person be elected unopposed to the position of Vice President”

David Moss United Travel Whangarei Vice President

Lucas Remmerswaal Vice President

10.3 Election for Treasurer

Motion – “That as per the nominations received prior to the February 8th, 2011 closure date, the following person be elected unopposed to the position of Treasurer”

Daryl Small Gilmore Brown Treasurer

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10.4 Board of Directors Motion – “That as per the nominations received prior to the February 8th, 2011 closure date, the following persons have been nominated for the position of Board member”

A vote by way of Secret Ballot will take place.

The following current Board members will automatically keep their position on the Board as per the constitution.

Clause 7 (g) Board Members shall hold office for a period of 2 years at which time the board member shall automatically resign. At this time if the Board member wished to stay on the board they must be re-nominated by a financial member of the Chamber for re-election.

Sarah Boon C.H.A.R.T. NORTH Board of Directors

Murray Broadbelt Employer Services Ltd Board of Directors

Vince Cocurullo Cocurullo‟s Ltd Board of Directors

Jaki George-Tunnicliffe Fusion at Work Board of Directors

Jeroen Jongejans Dive!Tutukaka Board of Directors

Terry Sage Business Coaching New Zealand Board of Directors

Mark Smith Magnetism Solutions Board of Directors

Ryan Welsh Webb Ross Lawyers Board of Directors

FOUR of the following nominees will be elected onto the Board Steve Bennett Steve Bennett Associates Board of Directors

Thomas Biss Henderson Reeves Connell Rishworth Board of Directors

Mark Ewen NorthTec Board of Directors

Bill Kirkley Massey University - School of Business Board of Directors

Bernard Luiten GreenGables Landscape Board of Directors

David Moss United Travel Whangarei Board of Directors

Rod Parkinson Westpac Board of Directors

Lucas Remmerswaal Lucas Remmerswaal Board of Directors

Tim Robinson Gen-i/Telecom NZ Ltd Board of Directors

Jane Scripps Interfaces Ltd and Tai Chi That‟s For Me Board of Directors

Jeremy Tauri Plus Chartered Accountants Board of Directors

Sasha Webb Fix Creative Board of Directors

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11. General Business

11.1 Membership Subscriptions

As per constitution the Membership subscriptions will increase each year by the CPI.

An extra increase is proposed at the following levels, with an introduction of a new subscription for Retirees – 65+ Individual membership $50 per person, will be known as Associate Rate (these members will not have voting rights).

Motion – “That the new level of membership – 65+ Individual be accepted and ratified”

Proposed Membership Subscription Changes

Membership Level Current Proposed New Subscription Subscription Business Start-Up (in first year of trading) $115.00 $120.00 1 - 3 Employees $180.00 $185.00 4 - 6 Employees $270.00 $280.00 7 - 9 Employees $380.00 $390.00 10 - 50 Employees $550.00 $560.00 51+ $550 + $10 for each staff member up to $800.00 $820.00 maximum of $800 maximum maximum

Motion – “That the increase in membership subscriptions be accepted and ratified”

Conclusion of Formal Meeting.

Introduction of Guest Speaker – Tony Collins to introduce Monty Knight – 2010 Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame inductee.

This will be followed by nibbles and refreshments.

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Nominee Profiles

Nominations for new Board members

Rod Parkinson – Westpac Raised in Northland, married with 2 children aged 7 and 10.

After leaving school, I worked for 5 years in various roles with Westpac in Whangarei. I then left Northland and studied full time at Waikato University where I obtained a Bachelor in Management Studies (with 1st class honours and a double major in Economics and Marketing). On graduating, I returned to Westpac and worked in the Institutional Bank based in Auckland for a few years. However, with a young family I felt the pull to return to Northland and did this in late 2001. I returned to Whangarei as a Business Manager for Westpac and have worked for the past 9 years in a growing business. During this time, I have progressed to a Senior Business Manager and onto the current role of Area Manager for Business Banking. I have a strong passion for Northland and in particular seeing the region grow and develop, both economically and socially.

Key attributes: • Passion for Northland • Strong Commercial Background, in management roles and viewing businesses and business case viability. • High Levels of Financial Literacy. • Strategic Thinker • Energy and Enthusiasm.

Steve Bennett – Steve Bennett Associates Iwi - Te Arawa, Ngati Maniapoto

Professional Career: Steve is a Chartered Accountant based in Whangarei. His firm, Steve Bennett Associates, is a specialist niche provider of Insolvency and Turnaround Management Services to the Northland Business Community. Steve has been involved in the Turnaround and Investigation Industry since 1986, having been employed as an Auditor/Investigator by the IRD, SFO and PWC (International). Since his return to New Zealand in 1994 Steve has been a member of INSOL and TMA, both of which are International organisations. In addition to Recovery Projects Steve‟s firm is well known in Northland as a provider of Chartered Accountancy Services to the Maori Business Community. Steve has been a contractor to TPK since 2000. Steve has been a member of ICANZ since May 1991. (Chartered Accountants Institute) Steve established his own firm in 2001, having been a Partner in Sumpter Baughen since 1995. In addition to Insolvency and Recovery activity the firm has a dedicated audit division, with a separate division servicing the firm‟s Business Services clients. The firm has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since its inception in 2002.

Community Service: Community Organisations which Steve has been involved with include: • Northland Rugby Union, 6 years as a Director • Northland Polytechnic, 4 years a counsellor • Northland Chamber of commerce, 3 years as a Board Member • Whangarei Lions Club, 14 years • Hora Hora Rugby Club, Treasurer 4 years • ICANZ, Northland Board, 2 years Board Member

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Bernard Luiten – GreenGables Landscape Bernard is the Manager of GreenGables Landscape. He has held this position for 17 years during which time the Company has grown into a very successful local business due to Bernard‟s commitment to his customers, the environment and Northland. Most of Bernard‟s staff have been with him at GGL for some years, which is testament to his character showing fairness, respect and support. Bernard also has a commitment to his business procedures and policies including Health & Safety for which he has achieved ACC Secondary Level in Workplace Safety Management and won the 2004 “Excellence in Professional Services” awards and in 2006 Highly Commended in the same award. On a personal level, he is a family man; married for 19 years to Carol. Together they have three sons, who are all heavily involved in local soccer with Bernard being President of the Onerahi Soccer Club.

Jeremy Tauri – Plus Chartered Accountants Kia ora koutou, my name is Jeremy Tauri and I am an Associate at Plus Chartered Accountants located in Dairy house building Whangarei. I‟m 33 years old of Ngapuhi descent and I grew up in Kaikohe attending Northland College. I studied at Northland Polytechnic while working in the accountancy field in public practice, and have been living in Whangarei for the last 14 years. I have been self employed for the last 4 years and my current role at Plus includes practice management, tax compliance, planning and management support for business owners. I would like my nomination considered for board member of the chamber, as Plus CA is currently the Auditor I cannot apply for treasurer. I bring with me, a commitment to positive business practice and an enthusiasm for working with like minded people to achieve success, experience with small to medium size business and in identifying the needs of business owners (being one myself). I have been involved in two other business groups including Business networking international and Te Waka o Umanga o Whangarei. For me personally being a Northland Chamber Board member is another step forward in my professional development, Northland born, Northland grown with a Northland Business Focus.

Sasha Webb – Fix Creative Sasha‟s background is in marketing and communication. She owns Fix Creative, a small creative agency, with her partner Aaron Moore. Fix specialises in branding, public relations and event management. They work with clients across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Sasha is also really passionate about youth development and has co-ordinated the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme in Northland for five years. This programme allows secondary students to setup and run a small business for a year. This year, Sasha has been seconded to a new role with the Northland Youth Development Trust. The trust, which was launched last year, will be continuing the Young Enterprise Scheme, and will work to create leadership programmes and community partnerships. The trust‟s vision is „to enable Northland youth to maximise their full potential‟.

Jane Scripps – Interfaces Ltd and Tai Chi That’s For Me A 3rd generation retailer on completion of hospitality training I hit the ground running at Marks and Spencer Ltd in store management finishing at the No 2 store Brent Cross before emigrating to New Zealand and re-entering the hotel industry as well as teaching at AUT, a national training role brought me to Whangarei and here we stayed establishing Scripps Electronics and 3 new Northlanders. Various teaching and project leadership roles at NorthTec were rounded up with Adult Community Education covering Northland and Rodney districts. I have a Bachelor of Education and part of a Post-Graduate diploma. I am a face to face and on-line facilitator. Interfaces provide project design and implementation services, clearly understanding that at the core of a successful project are networks of healthy and successful relationships. Tai Chi That‟s For Me provides tailored Tai Chi and Qi Qong sets of exercises and standing meditations to increase people‟s ability to work and recreate creatively and effectively, they are available both publically and privately for social and corporate groups. I have been involved with a range of community organisations including Whangarei Youth Theatre, SkillEx and most recently Dress for Success Northland.

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Dr Mark Ewen – NorthTec “Mark is Business Director of the Commerce area at NorthTec and part of the Senior Management Team. He completed his PhD on Sustainable Development and researched international examples in this area. Mark travelled and worked extensively overseas for 15 years in both the private and public sector. Instead of returning to the South Island when they arrived back in 2009, Mark and Wendy decided to settle permanently in Whangarei. Their son was born here last year. Mark‟s role at NorthTec involves preparing the commerce area and its graduates for the future. As Northland‟s largest tertiary provider, NorthTec and its graduates have a vital role to play in the future development and growth of business in our region. Mark is keen to contribute in preparing students for local industry, and local industry for changing national and international contexts.”

Thomas Biss – Henderson Reeves Connell Rishworth I have been a lawyer for over 15 years, the last 6 in Whangarei. Previously I have worked in leading law firms in Auckland and the UK. I am a director and shareholder of Henderson Reeves Connell Rishworth, one of Northland‟s leading law firms. Henderson Reeves is both an advisor to Northland business and a member of the business community. We employ around 30 staff. Henderson Reeves was awarded the Northland Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Professional Service Award in 2009. As a professional advisor and a business owner I am committed to Northland business. I am an active member of BNI, and currently president of a local chapter. I am a strong believer in buying local and think that Whangarei has an excellent range of businesses. I look forward to helping the Chamber publicise the great businesses we have in Whangarei. I am married with 4 young children.

Areas of Expertise Business Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Succession Planning, Negotiating Contracts, Asset Protection, Insolvency

Nominations for current Board members

Tim Robinson – Gen–i Tim has spent his working life in the telecommunications & ICT industry locally here in Whangarei. He brings to the Chamber Board a sound understanding of business, relationship management, information technology and sales, plus a real affinity for the uniqueness of doing business in the regional environment. Tim Robinson has spent the last 16 years in an account management role for Telecom Solution Sales in Northland, now rebranded as Gen-I, having commenced his working life as a trainee linesman with the then New Zealand Post Office (this is a giveaway of his age!!). This has entailed Tim working as the frontline with a range of companies, from small medium enterprise businesses to large local based corporates, partnering with them to develop and implement innovative solutions to enhance their business performance. In the midst of this Tim also co-owned a hairdressing salon in Whangarei for 3 ½ years which provided him with an invaluable insight into the issues surrounding small business, in particular compliance. As a local lad he has undertaken to develop long-term relationships with his customers who have taught him the unique way of doing business in Northland and helped him build-up significant contacts and networks that span the wide variety of industry and business size. On a personal level he was raised in Whangarei and attended Whangarei Boys High School. He is married to Sandy, a primary school teacher, has three 3 boys and is a self-professed lover of all sports involving water. Skiing, fishing, boogie-boarding, sailing and just basically getting wet fills his family leisure time. Tim is currently the secretary of the Kai Iwi Lakes Water-ski Club and is on the Board of Trustees for Whangarei Boys High School. Tim has been a serving board member of the Chamber for the past 8 years, as Vice President for 6 years and President in 2009 & as immediate past president this last year.. As well as bringing valuable industry knowledge, Tim also provides continuity of board development.

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David Moss – United Travel Whangarei (Current Vice President of the Northland Chamber of Commerce Board) David Moss is the Sales Manager of Roseman & Warren Travel, trading as United Travel Whangarei. David has over 26 years experience in the retail travel industry, 15 years of which were in management roles. Over the last 10 years David has picked up various industry awards in the United Travel group, including Manager of the year (twice), Marketer of the year, the chains highly coveted “Ian Clews award - for outstanding contribution to the chain”. David also served as a director on the United Travel National board for 7 years. David joined the Northland Chamber of Commerce board in March 2009, and since then has been an active campaigner for solutions to CBD issues, including forming the “Vitalise Whangarei!” CDB action group. The group‟s main focus is to increase retail activity within the CBD area by tackling CBD issues within the three areas of: SAFETY, ATTRACTION, ACCESSIBILITY. “Vitalise Whangarei!” is a cornerstone contributor to the Whangarei “City Safe” project, as well as being instrumental to the development of the “W.O.W! – What‟s on Whangarei” event guide. Ongoing projects that the group will tackle this year will include: Parking, CBD Event coordination, Retail/Hospitality/Arts coordination, Covered all-weather areas within the CBD, & A unique symbol to represent the city.

Dr Bill Kirkley – Massey University – School of Business Albany B.A.; M.A./LLM (Hons); PhD PGDip. Bus.Mgt.; PGDip. Labour Law; MIPM; MANZAM; MASTD Bill Kirkley is a professional Business Development consultant and Managing Director of Future Dynamics, a specialist practice focusing on Small Business development and growth. Bill also lectures at Massey University Albany in the areas of Strategy and Governance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Small Business Management and Change Management. A sought after public speaker and author of several articles on business transformation, strategy and innovation, Bill has extensive senior executive and management consulting experience in the chemical, construction, education and manufacturing sectors of industry. Over the past several years he has acted as a judge for Enterprise North Shore and the Northland Chamber of Commerce Business awards. Bill is passionate about small business growth and conducts a series of public short course programmes through the Employers and Manufacturers Association in Auckland, Unitec‟s Business Development Unit, Massey University‟s business incubation unit – the E-centre, and through a number of professional development institutions.

Lucas Remmerswaal Remmerswaal what sort of a name is that? Another Dutch man for sure, but Kiwi by choice for the past 39 years! Lucas was educated in Rotorua, and Sacred Heart College in Auckland. Noela and Lucas have six kids and “Due to his passion to help young children make the most of their lives, has founded the success for student‟s charitable trust, together with Colin Ashton” Lucas is a regular on the golf course at Northland and Whangarei, and helps out with the Junior Pennants in Northland. Lucas wrote a series for the Northern Advocate on KiwiSaver, and who you would you ask for investment advice? An economics professor? Your accountant? Or would you surf the internet or visit your local library to study the philosophy of American investor Warren Buffett. His estimated net worth is US$46 billion and he is ranked as the world‟s richest person by US publishing and media company, Forbes. Look for the NEW series called “BUFFETTing the NZX” to be published in the National Business Review. Lucas has also recently written a book about Warren Buffett. Lucas Remmerswaal is an insurance broker and investment adviser, a disclosure statement is available, on request and free of charge. E mail: [email protected]

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Nominations for President

Mark Smith – Magnetism Solutions Originally from Auckland, Mark has been living and working in Whangarei for the past 4 years. Mark is a director and CEO of national software Development Company, Magnetism, as well as a founder of the New Zealand Dynamics CRM and xRM User Group and past vice president of the Whangarei chapter of BNI. He has been an active member and supporter of the Northland Chamber of Commerce since 2007 and Chamber board member since 2010. Although Magnetism‟s focus is in the Information Technology sector, Mark also has a diverse background in training, sales and marketing including social media. Mark has the ability to motivate and captivate his audience both in a team environment and when speaking professionally. Mark is an energetic and inspiring character who consistently demonstrates passion and drive to get things done. My aim is to see the Chamber increase its influence on matters of business and economics in our region, while representing the best interests of our members to local government and New Zealand. I believe that 2011 is a year of action, to build on the success and leadership of past years and produce results that benefit all members of the Chamber, to be a voice of Advocacy for all business in our region and play our part in stimulating economic grow in Northland. It is time for us to mature into a region that our children would be proud to live in.

Vince Cocurullo – Cocurullo’s Ltd Vince Cocurullo from Cocurullo‟s Ltd, where Computer Technical Support is at your doorstep when you need it. I have lived and worked in Whangarei‟s thriving community for the past 30+ years with service being forefront in everything I do, and Whangarei is still a place that my wife and I call home. As a business owner and operator, I believe in Northland and its potential to have the best business community in New Zealand. I believe in both supporting and networking, when dealing with businesses and their growth, that‟s why I am best suited for the position of President of the Chamber of Commerce. As a past Whangarei District Council Councillor, I still have a close working relationship with the various local authorities, and with the upcoming challenges that each of the Councils will be putting onto the businesses, I am determined to make sure that our members will be looked after. Qualities that I would bring to the Board are; enthusiasm, local authority knowledge, Computer and Engineering knowledge and the ability to think outside the square, great listening skills, good reasoning/understanding skills, honesty and an encouraging and inclusive leadership style.

Nominations for Vice President

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Nominations for Treasurer

Daryl Small – Gilmore Brown Background I have worked in the accountancy profession for over 11 years in a variety of positions including audit, business advisory and management accounting, and became a Chartered Accountant in 2003. I was raised in Whangarei and attended Whangarei Boys‟ High School. I currently live in Kamo, with my wife Shiree and two young sons. I enjoy jogging, surfing, golf and spending time with my family.

Skills and other attributes Currently I am a Business Services Manager at Gilmore Brown Limited with a staff of 10. The role involves working with business owners from a wide range of Northland business sectors including; • farming and agriculture, • construction, • retailing and wholesaling, • professional sectors, • private investors.

Dealing with diverse issues including; • financial performance, • financial position/ cashflow/budgeting, • business structures, • tax compliance. I have a special interest in taxation and am a member of Gilmore Brown Limited‟s specialist taxation team.

Other experience relevant to a treasury position includes; • assessment of internal controls, • compliance to financial reporting standards, • management reporting skills including budgeting, forecasting, analysis of cashflow and report writing to relevant financial statement users highlighting Key Performance Indicators.

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Minutes of 107th AGM

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF NORTHLAND (INC)

Minutes of the 107th Annual General Meeting

Held at the ASB Lounge, Kensington Stadium, Kensington, Whangarei

Wednesday March 3th 2010 at 5.30 pm ______

Tim welcomed members of the Chamber to the 107th AGM, and thanked everyone for their attendance.

Present Ken Wilson (Advantage Business), Mark and Julie Feldman (Arts at Fairhaven Ltd Clever Kiwi Arts n Crafts), Mitch Weimer (BizBuilders Ltd), Shirley Weimer (BizBuilders Ltd), Terry Sage (Business Coaching New Zealand), Vince Cocurullo (Cocurullo's Ltd), Richard Wilkinson (Demolition Supermarket), Jeroen Jongejans (Dive! Tutukaka), Dean Subritzky (elevateCA), Murray Broadbelt (Employer Services Limited), Jo Douglas (Enterprise Northland), Chris Parry (First Mobile/Crystal Communications Ltd), Jaki George-Tunnicliffe (Fusion Interactive Training Ltd), Tim Robinson (Gen-i), Andrea Johnson (HB Architecture), Stephen Johnson (HB Architecture), Gwendolyn Needham (Highwise Training), Steven Kelly (Kellys Business Consultants), Lucas Remmerswaal , Lauren Corcoran (Magnetism Solutions Ltd), Nathan Eccles (Magnetism Solutions Ltd), Paul Nieuwelaar (Magnetism Solutions Ltd), Simon Phillips (Magnetism Solutions Ltd), Mark Smith (Magnetism Solutions Ltd), Marshall Taylor , Heather Wellington (North Haven Hospice Society Inc), Bill Kirkley (Massey University - School of Business), Tony Collins (Northland Chamber of Commerce), Janette Dobbs (Northland Chamber of Commerce), Shelley Nissen (Northland Chamber of Commerce), Darren Mason (Northpower), Major Roberta Wilkinson (NZ Army, A Company Akld (Nthld Regiment)), Adam Isa (Paper Plus Whangarei), Kim Tan (Paper Plus Whangarei), Don Low (Plan B Wealth Management Ltd), Maria Biggelaar aka Theresa Sjoquist (Writer) , David Moss (United Travel Whangarei), Tony Savage (Urlich McNab Kilpatrick), Ryan Welsh (Webb Ross Lawyers), Cr Greg Martin (Whangarei District Council) , Diane Martin. (41)

Apologies Jude Thompson(Whangarei District Council), Stephen Gillingham(Stephen Gillingham House of Travel), Ray Shand(Shand Accounting), Linda Wallis(Assist You), Rosemary Roberts(Northern Advocate), Lynn Render(Logo Mojo), Mike Jeeves(Logo Mojo).

Resolved "that the apologies be accepted"

Moved: Tim Robinson / Mark Smith All in favour/CARRIED

Obituaries

There were no obituaries.

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Minutes of the previous AGM

Resolved "that the minutes of the 106th AGM on 4th March 2009 be confirmed as a true and correct record”.

Moved: Tim Robinson / Jeroen Jongejans All in favour/CARRIED

Matters Arising

No Matters Arising

President's Report Tim Robinson spoke to his report. Giving highlights:-

He stands by his comments when he came into the role in 2008 that it would be a good year looking forward. Mentioned Jeff Smith (previous CEO) stating that he left during the year and was doing very well in Wellington. That due to the infrastructure already in place that the period where there was no CEO the Chamber managed to carry with business as usual. Acknowledged , Janette Dobbs and Shelley Nissen for their part in this transition period. Thanked those involved in looking for a CEO and was delighted with how Tony Collins had been received. Tim said that over the last eight years the CEOs had each taken the Chamber to a new level and didn’t doubt that Tony would also raise the bar. Profile of Chamber has grown through media – Chamber is an Advocate of Business. Number of BA5 events have grown and been extremely successful. Only negative has been for Tim personally was that Chamber was unable to influence the Councils to go ahead with the weir project. Chamber will take the positive spin, which engaged us closer with Councils and look forward to ways of making Whangarei attractive to tourists and encouraging them to stay in Northland.

Resolved "that the Presidents report be received”

Moved: Tim Robinson / Murray Broadbelt All in favour/CARRIED

CEO's Report Tony Collins spoke to his report. Giving highlights:-

Has been a year of challenges and opportunities and in a year like this shows benefits of Chamber membership. Highlighted Chamber involved events Roadshow, Northland Business Expo, Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards. Voice of Business – well supported by Northland media, helping Chamber get word out to the public. Advocacy team has a great action plan going forward for the next 12 months. The Chamber has a voice and its role is to have a positive voice, there is too much negitaviity out there and Tony see the Chamber needs to be positive and proactive out there for the way forward to benefit Chamber members and the region.

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Membership Organisation: Without members this organisation would not exist, and Chamber is keen to look after its existing members and provide benefits and services that will encourage them to go out to other businesses to recruit new members on our behalf. Big thanks to National Sponsors (appreciate the support of larger Chambers who form sponsorship relationships) Thanks you to Westpac as main Awards sponsor (who also sponsor awards throughout the provinces) plus to all other Awards sponsors/ entrants and judges who make the event a success. The Chamber is financially still strong, although it has been a hard year. Tony will work with the Board to find new income streams which will create more benefits to members.

Tony finished by saying that the Board has been fantastic in its role of leadership and governance and thanked the Board and staff for their support. He also thanks the Board for their support of the staff in the interim period while the Chamber was without a CEO. He hoped that the Chamber can become more inclusive and approachable over the next year so we can support our members and be a force in the business environment.

Resolved "that the CEO's report be received"

Moved: Tony Collins / Tim Robinson All in favour/CARRIED

Financial Report The Treasurer, Dean Subritzky spoke to the Financial Report, highlighting pages 23-24 of the Annual report:

Chamber loss $10K compared with a profit $14K – which equals a cash loss of $7K after depreciation. Dean noted that it was signaled at the 2008 AGM that 2009 would be a hard year and that the Chamber and its members could find it difficult. o Expenses only increased by $2K, it was the downturn in income that increased the loss. o Awards down $6K o Membership down – Dean noted that it was level with 2007. Reduction in subs due to members employing less staff. o Productivity project – not in 2009 year but will be more in 2010 o Crime Survey – not carried out in 2009 o Roadshow brought in income of $7K o Business mentors NZ contract taken on in Oct 2009 o Biz information contract to finish June 2010 – no news of a replacement model as yet.

Resolved "that the financial statements be approved"

Moved: Dean Subritzky / Darren Mason All in favour/CARRIED

Appointment of Auditor

Motion: “to appoint an Auditor.

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Resolved "that an Auditor be appointed for 2010”

Moved: Dean Subritzky / Tim Robinson All in favour/CARRIED

Appointment of Honorary Solicitors

Motion: “that Urlich McNab Kilpatrick be appointed as Honorary Solicitors”

Resolved "that Urlich, McNab, Kilpatrick be appointed Honorary Solicitors for 2009"

Moved: Tim Robinson / Nat Davis All in favour/ CARRIED

Election of Board

10.1 Motion – “That as per the nominations received prior to the February 10, 2010 closure date, the following persons be elected unopposed to the following Board positions”

Sarah Boon Arts Promotion Trust Board of Directors Mark Smith Magnetism Solutions Board of Directors Terry Sage Business Coaching New Zealand Board of Directors Ryan Welsh Webb Ross Lawyers Board of Directors Jaki George- Tunnicliffe Fusion at Work Board of Directors Jeroen Jongejans Dive!Tutukaka Board of Directors Murray Broadbelt Employer Services Ltd Board of Directors Vince Cocurullo Cocurullo’s Ltd Board of Directors

Tony advised that automatically staying on Board for their second year will be:

Bill Kirkley Massey – School of Business Board of Directors Lucas Remmerswaal Board of Directors

Moved: Tony Collins / Jeroen Jongejans All in favour / CARRIED

Election of Officers

10.2 Election for President

Motion that as per the nominations received prior to the February 10th, 2010 closure date, the following person be elected unopposed to the following Board position

Darren Mason Northpower President

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Moved: Tony Collins / Tim Robinson All in favour/ CARRIED

10.3 Election for Vice President

Motion – “That as per the nominations received prior to the February 10th, 2010 closure date, the following person be elected unopposed to the following Board position”

David Moss United Travel Whangarei Vice President

Moved: Tony Collins / Lucas Remmerswaal All in favour/ CARRIED

10.4 Election for Treasurer

Motion – “That as per the nominations received prior to the February 10th, 2010 closure date, the following person be elected unopposed to the following Board position”

Dean Subritzky elevateCA Treasurer

Moved: Tony Collins / Jaki George-Tunnicliffe All in favour/ CARRIED

Tim advised that he had the option of handing over to the incoming President if he would like to take the Chair.

Darren Mason said he would just like to say a few words. Thanked Tim Robinson for his role as President in which has been a difficult year, and for a time took on the role as CEO until a replacement had been found, he acknowledged the effort that Tim put in and that he has been on the Board for a long time.

He encouraged feedback from the members, saying that the Board is only as good as our members and the voice that we have. Chamber will be taking the position of being clear on any stand we are taking, and furthering the relationships with the local authorities. On behalf of the new Board coming in, it is going to be an exciting time ahead.

General Business

Lucas requested a chance to speak to the AGM. He advised that he had concerns regarding the $10K loss, and would not like to see it continue. He wanted to encourage the members put forward ideas on how to prevent such a loss in the year to come.

Tim thanked Lucas for his comment, saying that this issue would be taken to the incoming Board.

The meeting closed at 6.05 p.m.

Tim Robinson then welcomed the guest speaker Michael Barnett CEO Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

The evening concluded with a few drinks, nibbles and networking.

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President’s Report for 2010

It is my pleasure to report to members at this 108th Annual General Meeting.

Firstly, I would like say how privileged I feel to have been appointed President of the Northland Chamber of Commerce in February of 2010. Having been a Board member for three years and experienced firsthand some of the challenges facing the organisation, it was an honour to be charged with helping to lead the organisation for the past year.

I am pleased to report that the Chamber has a very strong Board. I want to personally thank the entire Board who has work cohesively and effectively throughout the year. The current Board comes from a wide range and depth of experience and I am delighted to have been given the pleasure of working with such a diverse and knowledgeable group of people.

Board members chair committees who meet on a regular basis:

Committee Chair Finance Dean Subritzky Governance Bill Kirkley Vitalise Whangarei David Moss Membership & Funds Growth Jaki George-Tunnicliffe Advocacy / Communication Vince Cocurullo Events Management Mark Smith

It has been another challenging year for businesses and the Chamber itself is no exception. Over the last few years we have worked hard to maintain costs and for an organisation that relies on membership we have done pretty well.

As a Board we continue to provide countless hours of effort and persistence into chamber activities and there were a number of positives during the year.

We made a clear stand on projects such as the weir and helped produce an economic impact study that indicated that this had real potential for Whangarei and warranted our support. Whatever the outcome we put our best foot forward.

Vitalise Whangarei has gained some ground in a range of areas and is done on the dedication of David Moss our Vice President.

Our BA5‟s continue to be highly sought after and very well supported. We have launched the Speakers Luncheons, these have also been well attended.

We demonstrated our support for local initiatives and held the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards at the Northland Event Centre during the year. The event was once again a sell out and shows the support we have from the business community of which we are grateful. It remains our key event and as with all projects we gain experience and learn from our efforts each year. We remain committed to making this something to be proud of and we will be focusing our efforts to ensure this.

As a Board we are making a committed focus on improving our relationships with local businesses and Councils. We have established regular meetings with Councils and are

Page 20 of 33 ANNUAL REPORT 2010 OF THE NORTHLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE forging very good communication channels and a deeper understanding of each of our respective organisations.

I would also like to thank both Janette and Shelley who not only do a sterling job in the administration of the Chamber juggling a wide range of tasks but also for their concentrated focus and achievement this year on our account receivables which no doubt has been a real focus for all in business.

I wish to thank our CEO who continues to grow into the role and is now very much a well known local identity. His building of credible and constructive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders is a great asset to the organisation and I‟m sure will keep the ship steady for the years to come.

Finally I acknowledge our many sponsors, supporters, media, and all other Northland businesses that make the Chamber what it is. Without you we would not exist and I would also encourage you to continue to make the most of the numerous opportunities Chamber membership offers you, both in Northland and further afield.

I step aside this year to focus on ambitious business growth activities and I know with the talent on the board and the leadership by our CEO the Chamber can continue its momentum to be an enabler and the voice of business in 2011.

Darren Mason

President

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Chief Executive’s Report for 2010

INTRODUCTION It has been another challenging year for Northland business and the Chamber. With the economy beginning to show signs of returning to positive growth, it is a time to be innovative, to be fit, to be heard and to be ahead of the game. This is when the benefits of Chamber membership can be most evident. The Northland Chamber of Commerce continues to maintain a profile and reputation as the positive voice for Northland businesses and the regional economy.

We have continued to develop our internal capability and provide relevance to our membership base. Some of the highlights for the Northland Chamber in 2010 were: . Small Business Update Seminar. . Northland Business Expo. . Business Mentors New Zealand. . Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards. . A full calendar of BA5 events. . Vitalise Whangarei. . RWC2011 Northland Road Show. . Speakers Luncheons.

This year the Chamber undertook a record number of events for Northland business people. Their support of these events is testament to the Chamber‟s role within the business community and the importance of the networking opportunities provided by the Chamber.

A VOICE FOR BUSINESS The Chamber is a brand and reliant on its reputation to deliver real and meaningful benefits to its members. The support of the Chamber's media partners has been considerable and this relationship continues to grow and strengthen. Regular contributions to print and electronic media have enabled the Chamber to comment on business opinion and concerns over a wide range of issues. Their support and accessibility is deeply appreciated.

The Chamber continues to disseminate its messages in a positive and constructive manner that is beneficial to local business. The advocacy KRA team has developed a communication strategy to ensure this take place in a coordinated manner.

The Chamber advocates on behalf of individual businesses and the collective business community. As well as this, the Chamber made comment on / made submissions to or were involved in many issues including:-

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Broadband, Local Body Elections, Confidence Survey, Easter Trading, Immigration, Employment, Hatea Hub and Lower Hatea River Crossing, Workplace Productivity, Marsden Rail Link, Rates Differential , Economic Development Strategy, Retail CBD, Safer Whangarei, Roading – Transit NZ, RWC2011, Local Government Reform.

The participation in surveys, submissions and petitions has been exceptional this year. The contribution the membership makes to a consensus of opinion strengthens the voice of the Chamber. I would like to acknowledge and thank all those members that have made comment or given support and encouragement to this important role of the Chamber.

MEMBERS The Chamber membership numbers have decreased over the last 12 month and given the tough times many of our members have experienced, this is somewhat to be expected. Generally those who have left have done so for reasons relating to their business no longer being in a position to sustain membership rather than seeing a lack of relevance in what the Chamber has done for them.

The continuing challenge for any membership organisation is ensuring that it can clearly articulate the benefits of membership to its members and to engage with them regularly in a meaningfully way. So while future growth of members is a valid goal for the Chamber, we must first make sure we continue to value and support our existing membership base.

It is the aim of the Northland Chamber of Commerce to facilitate business opportunities and enable economic development at a regional level. To do this the Chamber must become more regionally focused and develop a membership profile that reflects this. I would urge those members who genuinely believe this is the direction for the Chamber to take, to expound the benefits of membership to others in Northland‟s business community. We need all people involved in the Chamber to be champions for the value of membership.

The Chamber relies not only on the quality of the services it provides but on the value of the benefits to its membership. Through the support of our membership and sponsors, members are able to take advantage of benefits offered by our national sponsors Ford NZ, Vodafone, Shell, Liquor King and OfficeMax along with those offered by various regional members ranging from web services, accommodation, health services etc.

OUR SPONSORS It has been a difficult 12 months for all businesses and the continued support of our national and local sponsors is deeply appreciated. Their support enables the Chamber to offer the scope and level of

Page 23 of 33 ANNUAL REPORT 2010 OF THE NORTHLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE service that it does. These businesses and organisations support the Chamber in so many ways and can provide real savings to our members.

BEING CONNECTED The Chambers flagship networking event is the Business After 5. These events continue to grow in popularity with record numbers in attendance this year. Both hosts and attendees saw them as an effective forum to develop strong business contacts. I have personally enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the members and receive feedback from them on the Chamber‟s performance at these events. I look forward to the following year‟s calendar which already, has only a few dates available.

This year in conjunction with NorthTec and Radio Live, we introduced speaker‟s lunches to complement the BA5 events and offer yet another opportunity for members to mix and exchange ideas, skills and knowledge. The feedback from these was positive and we will continue the program this year.

The Chamber‟s relationship with all the councils within the region has continued to strengthen. We value this relationship and the support the region‟s councils provide to Northland‟s business communities.

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN BUSINESS The 2010 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards once again provided the opportunity for Northland to acknowledge the 'Best in Business'. A separate report on the Awards is included in this Annual Report. This year‟s awards received a record number of entrants and the judges noticed a marked improvement in the overall level of business processes of those entrants. The Entrant‟s workshops introduced this year were a great success and general feedback from entrants was that this was of great assistance to them. We will run these workshops again for 2011 Awards Entrants.

FINANCIAL POSITION Although a loss was recorded this year, the financial position of the Chamber is still strong. This provides a platform which the Chamber can use to build its capability and level of service to the membership.

POSITIVE LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE The Chamber‟s achievements this year have been the result of a team effort by the board and staff. In particular I would like to acknowledge the commitment and contribution of Janette and Shelley both of whom are the main point of contact for many of our members. They provide a consistently high quality of service and their assistance in promoting the Chamber should not be underestimated.

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Good governance is critical; for all organisations. Over the past two years we have seen the contribution good governance makes to the sustainability of businesses of all scales. The relationship between the Executive Board and the CEO has continued to be positive and productive. The entire board has contributed through their commitment to achieving the goals that we set for the organisation at the beginning of the year.

Their ability to avoid conflict of interest and to work together towards greater good of Northland business is appreciated. This sometimes difficult differentiate between governance and operational matters but the board has managed to do this.

Chairmanship of the Executive this year has been provided by Darren Mason. Darren is standing down this year due to the increased work commitments that his role in Northpower‟s fibre roll-out will place on him. I would personally like to thank him for the assistance he has given this year. I am pleased that Darren has chosen to stay on as immediate past president and look forward to his continuing contribution to the Board.

THE FUTURE It has been an enjoyable and rewarding year. As with last year there have been some wonderful achievements and some major challenges to overcome. We are now entering a phase of the rebuilding of our economy during which the business community will continue to face difficulties. There will be opportunities for the Northland business to become more robust and resilient. In other words more sustainable. I look forward to the Chamber playing their part in supporting these opportunities.

Thank you to all of those people who have supported me and have supported the Chamber this year. A special thanks to all our members, for the Chamber is nothing more than a membership organisation and our primary objective is to benefit our member‟s businesses.