http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.waikatochamber.co.nz en-us Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:46:17 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/163045/april-ceo-thoughts/ Waikato leads economic bounce-back – ANZ data showsAfter a concerted campaign by economists and journalists to outdo each other with the headlines of doom, gloom and Armageddon we get some data that reflects what we have been seeing when talking to businesses, their accountants and suppliers. The ANZ Regional Spotlight report prepared by Dot Loves Data in partnership with ANZ, provides a comprehensive overview of Waikato’s economic trajectory, along with its key challenges and emerging ... Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:32:25 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post163045 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/161387/march-ceo-thoughts/ Unify the WaikatoLocal government is under the spotlight. Many councils are under pressure for poor performance.Given the recent damning reports on the Wellington and Hamilton City councils, the spotlight needs to intensify and make transparent all the allegations levelled by the reviews.Council squad tasked with finding answers to buried report | Waikato Times‘Poorly controlled’ and risky: Wellington City Council’s contract chaos | The Post It is hard to believe that local council bu... Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:49:54 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post161387 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/160184/welcome-to-the-chamber-michael-thomas/ Welcome to the team! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?I am the husband of Victoria (19 years) and we have 2 children; Te Aohinga (17) and Jacob (15). I was elected to the South Waikato District Council and I have been elected as the presiding member of the Tokoroa High School. I like to spend time with my Whanau and enjoy the outdoors, walking and camping. I also enjoy renovating my house.Tell us about your work history.I grew up in the family bakery in Porirua, doing an apprenticeshi... Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:30:31 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post160184 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/159828/ceo-thoughts-february-2026/ In This IssueA Rare GiftUnify the WaikatoTe Huia Patronage Fails in 2025 - Is it Terminal this Time?Economic Prediction Making and OptimismA Rare GiftIn times of crisis, communities pull together. Our coastal communities have had a blasting from rain, slips and lives lost. For most of us in the Waikato who are unaffected directly by the events there is little we can do while others grieve and struggle. What we can do is support by spending. Get to the Coromandel, Waihi Beach, Port Waik... Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:54:54 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post159828 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/158204/december-ceo-thoughts/ It is Time to Unify the WaikatoJust two thoughts for you this month, inspired by the Government’s announcement last week called “Simplifying Local Government – a draft proposal”.In the three decades since the last shakeup in 1989 some councillors have driven division and demarcation, masquerading as independence.It is time for vision to turn into action:To unite the WaikatoTo rub out the artificial council barriersTo eliminate the pencil lines on a map that cost ratepayers millionsT... Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:33:23 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post158204 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/158176/2025-waikato-business-awards-emerging-leader-of-the-year/ ... Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:45:47 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post158176 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/158175/2025-waikato-business-awards-ceo-of-the-year/ Fiona Michel, chief executive of Braemar Hospital, has been named Waikato's CEO of the Year for 2025 – a recognition that crowns her as one of the region’s most progressive and values-driven health leaders.Fiona’s leadership is guided by what she calls her “Shining Eyes” philosophy, a mindset shaped through years of seeking purpose and meaning at work. “I know I’ve done a great job when someone just sparks. The moment when they say, ‘I can do that, I can lead that, I can make tha... Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:37:28 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post158175 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/158174/2025-waikato-business-awards-supreme-winner/ RML Machinery took centre stage at the 2025 Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, earning both the Supreme Award and the Innovation Award for its advancements in automation technology.  Judges described RML as an exemplar of Waikato innovation, integrating technical excellence with substantial commercial results and a profound impact on the local community. Behind these achievements lies a vibrant, passionate team whose energy and determination were palpable at the awards. ... Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:30:42 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post158174 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/156222/november-ceo-thoughts/ Unification of the WaikatoWe call for the unification of Waikato councils.It is time for newly elected councillors to tighten their belts and deliver us a unified Waikato. One where rates are inflation plus a margin to fund growth. One where regulation and its interpretation are identical across the region. One where democracy flourishes and voter turnout exceeds 75%. One where efficiency and financial prudence triumphs over ideology and petty party politics.One Waikato. Not a collection of prin... Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post156222 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/post/155586/from-flat-whites-to-fast-growth-how-one-hamilton-cafe-owner-found-her-recipe-for-success/ Running a business is no easy task – especially in the fast-paced world of hospitality. But for Hamilton café owner Kendall Steele, the journey from manager to successful business owner has been one of learning, growth, and remarkable achievement – supported by the Icehouse Business Owner Programme, delivered in partnership with the Waikato Chamber of Commerce.Brewing Up a Dream at Café FrescaKendall purchased Café Fresca nearly three years ago, taking over one of Hamilton’s most loved ... Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:25:26 +1300 http://www.waikatochamber.co.nz/blog/#post155586