Marlborough Chamber of Commerce

Sustainability, it’s the word that has worked its way in to our consciousness over the last few years. No matter what side of the fence you sit on climate change and the like, sustainability now has to have an influence on our investment decisions.

In a province like Marlborough which is heavily dependant on exporting what we produce on the land for maintaining our standard of living, our continued wealth is reliant on those we export to seeing Marlborough as a responsible part of the world leaving the land as no worse off than it was yesterday.

On May 14 I was among the 400 plus people who spent the day at the Avery’s property “Bonavaree” on Grassmere Rd, Seddon attending the Starborough Flaxbourne Soil Conservation Group Field Day, “Beyond Reasonable Drought”. This event showcased a terrific example of sustainability with Marlborough locals “thinking outside the square” to continue doing what they do best, yet leaving the land that is the foundation for what they do as healthy or better than it was yesterday. The Starborough Flaxbourne Soil Conservation Group is a living example of how we can work with nature, not against it and still add value for Marlborough. What’s this got to do with the Chamber? Well it’s all about wealth creation and growth of Marlborough; the stuff Chamber has a real interest in.

Business sustainability is under threat from a wide range of do good and interfering busy body types, including the growing (and looking for something to do) Wellington bureaucracy. There’s nothing new in that, but it seems that the areas where New Zealand does well and it could be argued has a world leading efficiencies in, are being seen in some areas of the community as evil and degrading. This is where the Chamber comes in; going in to bat for the commercial community and also helping the commercial community through our range of business training seminars, the MCOC ASB Inspiring Speaker Series and the annual Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

When I started with the Chamber I talked about my belief that to stand out from the crowd we (Marlborough) needed to take a more “Team Marlborough” approach to things and start branding everything that comes out of Marlborough as proudly Marlborough produced so that we stand out from the crowd and drive our own future, rather than being followers. I also believe that this means also that we must lift our game in range of areas so that to be seen as truly “sustainable” we are not only looking after our land, we’re also at the top of the game in a whole range of areas we haven’t given much thought to in relation to sustainability such as how we employ our staff and look after our visitors and customers. It might also include the services and amenities of our province.

At his speech to the MCOC ASB Inspiring Speaker Breakfast on May 13, Mayor Sowman discussed the demographic makeup of Marlborough and pointed out that Marlborough‘s median age is 42 and rising. Coincidentally with this in mind the Chamber has “stepped out” this year and supported the Marlborough District Council’s Draft Annual Plan proposals for spending, not only on the traditional roading and reticulation issues, but also Council’s proposals for assistance with the provinces social infrastructure such as the swimming pool and civic theatre projects.

Marlborough competes in an international market place for staff and although some people might be prepared to make a trade off for salary by shifting to New Zealand they do have 2008 era expectations about the place they live. Things like kerb side recycling and modern recreational facilities are a part of their lives. If we are to attract and recruit new workers to Marlborough as permanent new Marlburians we need to invest in the infrastructure and services they expect.

Having said that though the Chamber is conscious that this spending will impact rates and the business sector are large ratepayers. We have asked Council to lobby central government for more financial assistance with water and sewerage upgrades – after all it is central government standards that are driving many of these required upgrades – and have offered Chamber’s assistance with this lobbying. Council does not need to do this on its own, Councils and Chambers’ all around New Zealand have the same issue.

Chamber has what we believe a great line up of events and speakers coming up over the next few months. I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible.

Don’t forget though, this is your Chamber and don’t hesitate to contact the office at any time with an issue of concern or to book that Business After Five to introduce your business to the members.