Simon Arcus -CE Business Centre New Zealand and Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Simon’s talk covered three areas of focus: Business conditions in the region from his
perspective; policy issues that could benefit from greater focus and Wellington city – our challenges and opportunities.
perspective; policy issues that could benefit from greater focus and Wellington city – our challenges and opportunities.
Simon heads up Business Central that covers the area between Gisborne and Nelson
representing 3700 businesses. He reports that business confidence is currently very low with
their quarterly survey showing that it has gone lower than previous historic lows. The war
for talent, interest rates and global conditions have all contributed but ironically many
entities report excellent growth. For example, 9% growth in manufacturing with this
expected to continue.
The good support provided by government is acknowledged but many companies have
struggled post Covid to refocus on the bigger, strategic picture. The pace of interest rate
rises caught many by surprise resulting in debt servicing challenges. High levels of
absenteeism – often between 30-40%, also contributes to business pessimism. Despite
these perceptions Simon considers the economy is healthy with Wellington’s public sector
cushioning some of the impact of lockdowns.
He went on to address some of the policy settings that impact on the region. Let’s Get
Wellington Moving has been divisive which he feels better quality consultation could
address. He would like to see projects prioritised so debt can be managed, preferring to see
a small number of projects with positive outcomes done well. He strongly encouraged us to
contribute to the expected rates review discussion as it will impact us all.
Finally, he expressed his optimism for Wellington’s future. He sees the city is still providing
what people look for in a modern city. We have an agile connected business community
where employees love their easy access to opportunities for recreation so close to their
workplaces. He suggests that it’s time to celebrate the positives and stop catastrophising
infrastructure fails. After all, most cities around the world experience burst water mains!
representing 3700 businesses. He reports that business confidence is currently very low with
their quarterly survey showing that it has gone lower than previous historic lows. The war
for talent, interest rates and global conditions have all contributed but ironically many
entities report excellent growth. For example, 9% growth in manufacturing with this
expected to continue.
The good support provided by government is acknowledged but many companies have
struggled post Covid to refocus on the bigger, strategic picture. The pace of interest rate
rises caught many by surprise resulting in debt servicing challenges. High levels of
absenteeism – often between 30-40%, also contributes to business pessimism. Despite
these perceptions Simon considers the economy is healthy with Wellington’s public sector
cushioning some of the impact of lockdowns.
He went on to address some of the policy settings that impact on the region. Let’s Get
Wellington Moving has been divisive which he feels better quality consultation could
address. He would like to see projects prioritised so debt can be managed, preferring to see
a small number of projects with positive outcomes done well. He strongly encouraged us to
contribute to the expected rates review discussion as it will impact us all.
Finally, he expressed his optimism for Wellington’s future. He sees the city is still providing
what people look for in a modern city. We have an agile connected business community
where employees love their easy access to opportunities for recreation so close to their
workplaces. He suggests that it’s time to celebrate the positives and stop catastrophising
infrastructure fails. After all, most cities around the world experience burst water mains!